Bible Reflections I 01.10.2022 - SATURDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time - Week 26

Readings 

            I - Is. 66: 10-14

           II - Mt. 18: 1-5

ST. THERESA OF CHILD JESUS, VIRGIN, DOCTOR OF THE CHURCH

Today the Church celebrates the feast of St. Theresa of Child Jesus who responded to the love of God with all her heart, mind and strength in her own little way. Theresa was born on 2nd January, 1873in Alencon, France. She lost her mother when she was four. She was the youngest and the “little princess” to her dad. In a papal audience during her pilgrimage to Rome, she asked for and obtained special permission from Pope Leo XIII to enter the Carmelite monastery at the age of fifteen. She did not do anything extraordinary within the four walls there, but little deeds with great love for Jesus. She often used to say, “Our Lord does not look so much at the greatness of our actions, or even at their difficulty, as at the love with which we do them”. Every one of her step, move, gesture and activity was an expression of her love for Jesus. She endured everything, suffering, sickness and misunderstanding with great love and patience.  

Saint Theresa of Child Jesus was a Cloistered Carmelite Nun confined to the convent yet she is the Patroness of missionary, Patroness of France and above all the Doctor of the Church. She is a great saint because of her child like childlike simplicity and humility. In today’s Gospel passage Jesus says that one who wishes to be great in the kingdom of God should become humble and simple like the little children. Take up St. Theresa of Child Jesus as model and follow her ‘little way’ to become great in the kingdom of God. Let our mind and heart resonate with the prayer: “St. Theresa of Child Jesus, Pray for us”.

Bible Reflections I 30.09.2022 - FRIDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time - Week 26

Readings 

            I - Job. 38: 1, 12-21; 40: 3-5

           II - Lk. 10: 13-16

ST. JEROME, DOCTOR OF THE CHURCH (Memorial)

               

In today’s Gospel passage Jesus condemns the cities that failed to repent even after witnessing the mighty works of Jesus. On the roads of Chorazin, Bethsaida and Capernaum Jesus performed so many miracles and alas! The people in their stubbornness of heart they never relented to repent. The ruins found today bears testimony to the words of Jesus. Had these miracles been done in the pagan cities of Tyre, Sidon and Sodom, they would have turned from their wickedness, yielded to repentance and consequently to conversion of heart.  

Today the Church celebrates the fest of St. Jerome, the doctor of the Church.  He was the student of Saint Gregory of Nazianzen.  His contribution to the Latin translation of the Bible the Vulgate from Greek is a great gift to the Church.  His works on biblical, ascetical, monastic and theological influenced the early Middle Ages.  He devoted his time to reading the scripture, writing commentaries and teaching scripture. St. Jerome used to say, “Good, better, best.  Never let it rest. Until your good is better and your better is best”.  Be not stubborn like the people of Chorazin, Bethsaida and Capernaum, instead, be open to the voice of God that comes especially through the Scripture.  Let our mind and heart resonate with the prayer: “St. Jerome, Pray for us”.

Bible Reflections I 29.09.2022 - THURSDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time - Week 26

Readings 

            I - Deu. 7: 9-10, 13-14

           II - Jn. 1: 47-51

FEAST OF ST. MICHAEL, ST. GABRIEL AND ST. RAPHAEL, ARCHANGELS 

               

Today the Church celebrates the feast of the Archangels St. Michael, St. Gabriel and St. Raphael. They are the divine messengers of God with some special divine mission on the earth. Michael means ‘who is like God?’ His mission was to defeat Satan and its rebellious activities. Gabriel means ‘Strength of God. His mission was to bring the good news to the world. He announced about the birth of John the Baptist and that of the Messiah to Zachariah and Blessed Virgin Mary respectively. Raphael means ‘medicine of God’. He was the guardian of the wayfarers and healer of the sick. He accompanied Tobias and healed Tobit. The archangels in short reflected God and took people closer to God.

In today’s Gospel passage Philip takes or rather leads Nathanael to Jesus. He helped Nathanael to discover the Messiah for himself in Jesus. We are called to be the messengers of God in protecting or guarding people like Michael, heal people with our words and deeds like Raphael and become good news to people around us. May the celebration of the fest help us to imbibe the spirit of the archangels so that we become sign and expression of God’s love to all people. Let our mind and heart resonate with the prayer: “Sts. Michael, Gabriel and Raphael, Pray for us”.

Bible Reflections I 28.09.2022 - WEDNESDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time - Week 26

Readings 

            I - Job. 9: 1-12, 14-16

           II - Lk. 9: 57-62

THE ESSENTIALS OF DISCIPLESHIP

                  

In today’s Gospel passage Jesus highlights the essentials of discipleship. To someone who requested to follow Jesus wherever he goes, Jesus that the foxes have holes and the birds of the air nest while he did not have one. Meaning to say that those who wish to follow Jesus should come out of their comfort zone to follow him. To others when he himself extended an invitation to follow him; one wanted to bid farewell to his parents and another wanted to bury his parents. Jesus said, “No one who puts his hand to plough and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God”. Determination without any distraction is another requisite of discipleship. 

The one wishes to follow should be ready to give up his/her comfort zone in order to follow him and must be able to do it with absolute determination with no further ado. We Christians are called to follow Jesus at all times and in all ways. Dare to follow him leaving or even risking comfort zones and with a firm determination.

Bible Reflections I 27.09.2022 - TUESDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time - Week 26

Readings 

            I - Job. 3: 1-3, 11-17, 20-23

           II - Lk. 9: 51-56

BE FOCUSED AND ‘LET GO’

                  

Jesus was intent and focused about his mission and ministry; and therefore set his face to go to Jerusalem when the days drew near for him to be taken up. Jesus and his disciples were on their way to Jerusalem through Samaria, the shortcut to Jerusalem. The Samaritans did not receive him into their city because Jesus set his face to go to Jerusalem. The Jews considered the Samaritans as outcasts and never associated with them. The disciples of Jesus, James and John in their anger wanted Jesus to command them to bring down fire from heave to destroy the Samaritans. To the Lord of life they were discussing about the destruction of people. But Jesus rebuked his disciples and went through another village to Jerusalem. 

We can draw two lessons from the Gospel passage of the day: one, to be focused like Jesus who never wished to get distracted with small rejection comparatively that he is about to endure in Jerusalem and two, to forgive and ‘let go’. We can easily get distracted with insignificant matters if we are not focused. Be focused about the Christian identity that we bear and intent in practicing the values of Christ that would fetch us an eternal life. Have a generous heart to ‘let go’ of certain things without getting agitated by going beyond ego and selfishness. Let our mind and heart resonate with the prayer: “Lord Jesus, help me to be focused in practicing my Christian values”.

Bible Reflections I 26.09.2022 - MONDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time - Week 26

Readings 

            I - Job 1: 6-22

           II - Lk. 16: 19-31

                  

 Greatness in the worldly standards consists in richness, wealth, power, position, pomp and glory. In short, greatness vests in the status quo that a person maintains in the society based on family, money and influence. The Gospel standards put the right side up saying that the greatness consists in welcoming the least, the insignificant and the little for the sake of Christ and his kingdom. The life of Jesus is the benchmark for our Christina living based on his teaching. In the Jewish society, it was demeaning for the rabbis to associate with women, Jesus had women friends and followers. The Jews never associated with the sinners and outcasts, Jesus welcomed them as children of God and was also a guest in their homes. The children had no face in the society, Jesus blessed them and set them as model for many virtues. Jesus strived to put the right side up in the society.  

The Gospel passage is a challenge to all Christians in particular. In the light of this Gospel passage let us examine ourselves, our behavior with our subjects. Do we make at least a comfortable space for them to live and express their feelings, ideas and grievances? Generous love manifests itself in its magnanimity. A magnanimous heart is required to embrace everyone into our circle of love. As God for this grace so that we might contribute our own mite in the blossoming up of the Kingdom of God. May our mind and heart resonate with the prayer: “Lord Jesus, bless us with a generous and magnanimous heart to embrace everyone in love”

Bible Reflections I 26.09.2022 - SUNDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time - Week 26

Readings 

            I - Amos 6: 1, 4-7

           II - 1 Tim. 6: 11-16

          III - Lk. 16: 19-31

                  

CARE FOR THE POOR

                  

All three readings of the day focus on caution and consolation at the same time: caution to the rich, affluent and the wealthy and; consolation to the poor, helpless and hopeless. In the first reading, Prophet Amos condemns and curses those prosperous people of Zion and Samaria who basked in riches, wealth and affluence but neglected the poor. In the second reading, St. Paul encourages the Christians to pursue righteousness, faith, love, steadfastness and gentleness to take hold of the eternal life to which we are called. The Gospel reading is about the parable of the rich man and Lazarus. The greatest sin that the rich man committed was that he willfully neglected the poor man seated at his gate. Hence the rich man inherited eternal condemnation and the poor man, at Abraham’s side. The suffering of the poor and suffering, for sure would secure for them a place in the paradise. 

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Wealth and riches can be turned into blessing if they are shared with the less fortunate. If not, we will be the poorest and unfitting to enter into the gates of the eternal kingdom in heaven. Share and care for a happy life in Christ here and in the life to come.

Bible Reflections I 24.09.2022 - SATURDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time - Week 25

Readings 

           I - Ecc. 11: 9-12:8

           II - Lk. 9: 43-45

                  

SUFFERING HAVE SALVIFIC MEANING

                  

In today’s Gospel passage we read that the crowds and the disciples were amazed and astounded at the works and wonders Jesus accomplished. Jesus was not elated by this instead, he enlightened them about the reality of his rejection, suffering, passion and death that he had to endure. The disciples were afraid to ask anything about this because they were unwilling to accept the reality: the suffering destined for the salvation of humankind.

Human mind refuses to accept when encountered with reality that is true. All wish for happiness, peace, satisfaction and success in life. Sufferings do have salvific meaning inherent in it. Instead of accepting the suffering because we stand up for greater principles, we are prone for otherwise. Let us pick of the courage that sufferings do have a salvific meaning.

Bible Reflections I 23.09.2022 - FRIDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time - Week 25

Readings 

            I - Ecc. 3: 1-11

           II - Lk. 9: 18-22

                  

PADRE PIO (Memorial)

                  

In today’s Gospel passage, to the question Jesus asked, “But who do you say that I am?” the disciples responded saying, “The Christ of God”. Jesus from there proceeds to explain to them about the suffering and rejection that he has to endure on account of the same. The persons of God are destined for suffering because they go against the values of the world replacing with the values of the kingdom.

The Church celebrates the feast of St. Pio of Pietrelcina, popularly known as “Padre Pio”. He was born in Italy in the year 1887. He was ordained a priest in 1910. Because of his tuberculosis disease, he was at home for six years. His devotion during the celebration of the holy Eucharist was enormous. He spent hours in the confession solely to bring people back to God. He breathed his last saying, “Jesus, Mary”. He was a mystic. He got the sacred stigmata in his body in the year 1918 on account of which he had to endure physical, psychological and social suffering. People flocked to him out of curiosity and confusion about his stigmata, the reporters for the media wrote in volume mocking the same, his own fellow priests were hesitant to believe and accept. Padre Pio endured all for the sake of the Lord. As Christians when we are accosted with suffering, face it courageously with and in the Lord. Let our mind and heart resonate with the prayer: “Padre Pio, Pray for us”.

Bible Reflections I 22.09.2022 - THURSDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time - Week 25

Readings 

            I - Ecc. 1: 2-11

           II - Lk. 9: 7-9

                  

JESUS IS OUR ALL IN ALL

                  

The Wise man of the first reading and the Tetrarch in the Gospel passage are desperate with hopelessness and confusion. The former failed to look beyond and the latter failed to accept the truth. Both were unable to see the presence of God because they listed to all things, people and happenings but to God.  

We are often not better than the Wise man and Tetrarch. We get frustrated and abandoned looking at the realities of life that is made so duplicate. This precisely because we too often fail to listen God who speaks in the nature, through the persons and events. Jesus says, “I am the way, the truth and the life”. Try to discover him at every turn and tide of life and we will be happy persons filled with joy and hopefulness.

Bible Reflections I 21.09.2022 - WEDNESDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time - Week 25

Readings 

            I - Eph. 4: 1-7, 11-13

           II - Mt. 9: 9-13

                  

ST. MATTHEW, APOSTLE, EVANGELIST (Feast)

                  

Today the Church celebrates the feast of St. Matthew, the apostle of Jesus.  Matthew, the evangelist was a tax collector and therefore he was considered as a traitor.  The tax collectors were hated and considered as outcast by their own people because they collected tax more than that was levied by the Romans; and hence there were financially rich.  The Jews seldom associated with them. To such a person came the invitation from Jesus “Follow me”.  The intent look and the powerful invitation of Jesus, pierced the eyes and conquered the heart of Matthew that he gave up his profiteering profession as tax collector to gain life eternal with the Lord.  

The guilt of sin often prevents a person from approaching the throne of God.  Today’s Gospel passage is a consolation and an encouragement, for Jesus says, “I have come to call not the righteous but the sinners”.  From the life of Matthew we can hope for a new beginning and a new life in Jesus.  Matthew was shrewd to capture the look of Jesus and smart to respond to the appeal of Jesus.  Jesus had come to call the sinners not the righteous (Mt. 9:13).  The Lord knows our fragility and weakness. Just allow and yield unto the grace of God for a transformation and a new life in Jesus Christ our Lord.  Let our mind and heart resonate with the prayer: “Saint Matthew, the evangelist, Pray for us”.

Bible Reflections I 20.09.2022 - TUESDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time - Week 25

Readings 

           I - Prov. 21: 1-6, 10-13

          II - Lk. 8: 19-21

RELATIONSHIP IS THE ESSENCE OF CHRISTIAN LIFE

                  

Today’s Gospel passage is about the mother and brothers of Jesus, trying to meet Jesus. In this Gospel passage, Jesus is not trying to deny relationship but demonstrates a higher level of relationship with God and fellow human beings. God is personification of forgiveness, gentleness, compassion, kindness, mercy, benevolence and in short He is love Himself. He tries to relate with us in love, through the Scripture, sacraments, events, nature and persons inviting us to extend this love to our fellow beings. If we wish to relate with God we are called to exercise this essence of Christian life in our relationship: love, compassion, mercy, kindness, compassion and gentleness with our fellow beings, in our families and in the society at large giving way to the blossoming up of the kingdom of God.   

Human beings are basically social beings and therefore cannot exist without relationship. The supremacy consists in living out our Christian identity in all our relationships: a benevolent love with no ‘if’s and ‘but’s. If we wish to be the mother/brother/sister of Jesus, we are called to love him in the genuine love for the other. Let us take up the challenge to become the kith and kin of Jesus.

Bible Reflections I 19.09.2022 - MONDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time - Week 25

Readings 

I - Prov. 3: 27-34

           II - Lk. 8: 16-18

                  

LET YOUR LIGHT SHINE

Today’s Gospel passage is an appeal to let our light shine. As the Gospel passage says, no one lights a lamp and puts it under a bed rather place it on the stand for a better lighting. We as Christians are bestowed with various gifts of the Holy Spirit (Rom. 12: 68) utilizing which we are called to bear fruit in this world for the glory of the Lord for we are accountable to the gifts given. We are called to lift our lights high so as to lift the world to its original order and this is what the Kingdom of God is. 

 

Let Jesus, our Master be our role model. He utilised all his power and energy in doing all good to others. He strove to lift up the world head up as children of God as an example to follow. Failing to use God’s gifts to serve each other is failing to be an ardent follower of Christ. May our mind and heart resonate with the prayer: “Lord Jesus, help me to resemble you best in the world”.

Bible Reflections I 18.09.2022 - SUNDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time - Week 24

Readings 

           I - Amos. 8: 4-7

          II - Lk. 16: 1-13

BE A SHREWD DISCIPLE

                  

The ‘children of the world’ are smarter than the ‘children of light’. The children of the world are shrewd to make themselves befitting to the world they are in. Today’s Gospel passage is about the parable of the shrewd manager who acted smart when he knew that he would be dismissed from his work for his dishonesty. He quickly wrote off considerably that the debt each debtor held. A strategic planning for an honoured sustenance even after his dismissal by the rich man!

 

 Our life here on the earth is but a shadow that swiftly passes away. But we spend our time and energy striving hard for a decent and an honoured living. We are meticulous in planning for our education, employment, career opportunities and career development. Seldom do we concentrate on our happy living for an eternity with the Lord, in that paradise. Let the Gospel passage of the day inspire us to reflect how prepared are we when the Lord comes to call us off this earth. May our mind and heart resonate with the prayer: “Lord Jesus, Help me to become a shrewd follower of yours”. 

Bible Reflections I 17.09.2022 - SATURDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time - Week 24

Readings 

            I - 1Cor. 15: 35-37, 42-49

           II - Lk. 8: 4-15

           

THE SOWER AND THE SEED

Today’s Gospel passage is about the parable of the sower and the seed. It’s about the seed and the yield that depends on the receptiveness of the soil it fell upon. Though the sower and the seed were identical yet the yield varied with the conduciveness of the soil. Some fell on the path, while some on the rock, still others amidst the thorns and thistles and the seed that fell on the good soil produced a hundred fold.

Based on the parable, people can be divided into four types: the hearers, the impetuous, the opportunists and the doers. Hearers can be compared to the seed that fell on the path. This type of people just hear the Word of God and just leave it in the air without giving a second thought. They can be easily distracted. The impetuous are quick to respond but without standing steadfast in the same. These people can give up easily. The opportunists understand well but waver in their steadfastness. These people pick up what is pleasing and give up all that is demanding. They follow the Word at their own convenience. The doers accomplish every Word of the Lord and bear witness to Him at all times. They yield a hundred fold giving glory to the Lord. To which category to do belong? Let us stand by the Word of God and bear witness to the same thereby making our life resolute, meaningful, and purposeful.

Bible Reflections I 16.09.2022 - FRIDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time - Week 24

Readings 

            I - 1 Cor. 15: 12-20

           II - Lk. 8: 1-3

                    

BE GENEROUS IN THE FOLLOWING OF THE LORD

We shall focus on two points based on the Gospel passage of the day: One, on the universality of the mission and two, on the generosity of the disciples. The ministry of Jesus was not the privilege of the few, rather was extended to everyone surpassing all odds: gender, region and religion. Jesus had women disciples unlike the Rabbis of that time. This was indeed a great risk to his spirituality because association of a Rabbi with any woman undermined his spirituality. Jesus took a great leap to prove that the equality he preached in the kingdom of God was already existing in his team of disciples. The disciples provided for the ministry from their personal possession. They were generous to give up anything to partake in the ministry and mission of Jesus, who gave up his divinity to save and restore our relationship with God.

Jesus strove to establish the kingdom of God that subsisted equality, freedom, fraternity and justice. The Gospel passage is an invitation to reflect on the equality that Jesus preached and practiced. Be convinced that no one is great or small before God. All of us are his children. Be generous to serve God in others not only with money and material but also with our skill, talents and time. This generosity in love will prove our credibility as Christians. Let our mind and heart resonate with the prayer: “Lord Jesus, help us to be credible Christians”.

Bible Reflections I 15.09.2022 - THURSDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Readings 

            I - Heb. 5: 7-9

           II - Lk. 19: 25-27

                    

OUR LADY OF SORROWS

Obedience is an act of love. Yesterday we celebrated the feast of the exaltation of the Holy Cross that highlights the obedience of Jesus who willingly embraced the cross out of his love for the Father. Today we celebrate the feast of the Sorrowful Virgin Mary that again highlights the obedience of Mother Mary consenting to submit herself unreservedly with utmost love, to the master plan of God for the salvation of the humankind. The obedience of Jesus did cost him so much that as we read in the first reading, “Jesus offered up prayers and supplications with loud cries and tears, to him who was able to save him from death”. The suffering of mother Mary too was great that are evident from the seven sorrows of her life (the Prophecy of Simeon, the Flight into Egypt, the Loss of the Child Jesus in the Temple, the Meeting of Jesus on his way to Calvary, the Crucifixion of Jesus on Mount Calvary, Jesus is Taken Down from the Cross and the Burial of Jesus), yill remained in fidelity to her words, “Behold the handmaid of the Lord” (Lk. 1:38) till the end of her life her on the earth. The obedience of Mother Mary and her Son Jesus in love brought salvation to the humankind.    

Obedience is going against our will. It is submitting ourselves unto the will of the Father. It is suffering yet it is an expression of our supreme love for the Lord. Disobedience can give us temporary happiness, success, glory, victory and popularity but will never fetch us life eternal. Though it is costing, it is worth yielding ourselves unto the plan of God. May our mother Mary help us to be obedient children of God modeled after her own example. Let our mind and heart resonate with the prayer: “Mother Mary, teach me to be obedient like you”.

Bible Reflections I 14.09.2022 - WEDNESDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Readings 

            I - Num. 21: 4-9

           II - Jn. 3: 13-17

                    

EXALTATION OF THE HOLY CROSS (Feast)

The Israelites sinned by speaking against the Lord and against Moses His servant; and so God sent poisonous serpents to punish them.  Many of the Israelites died bitten by the serpents.  Moses, prayed and pleaded for the people and hence the sign of punishment and death - the serpent, was turned to sign of forgiveness and life. Everyone bitten by the serpent looked upon the serpent set on a pole and was saved.  Similarly, to save the mankind from sin and death, God sent His only son in form of a human being to save the mankind.  The fall of humanity with the sin of Adam was rectified and restored by the death of the New Adam - Jesus Christ on the cross.  Today the Church celebrates the feast of the Holy Cross.  Cross was the sign of punishment, defeat, death and shame but Jesus with his death on the cross turned the cross into a sign of redemption, victory, life and glory.  By one man, Adam, death entered into the world and the death of one man, Jesus, the New Adam, the entire world is saved and restored. 

Jesus out of his great love for us, carried the cross cheerfully though it costed him much: humiliation, condemnation, accusations, mockery and jeering from the elite and the learned of the Law and the Scripture.  But Jesus endured it to free us from all enslavement.  Let us take some time today to thank the lord for his benevolent love towards us as we look up to the Cross and in the silence of our heart keep repeating: “Lord Jesus thank you for your love and sacrifice on the cross”.

Bible Reflections I 13.09.2022 - TUESDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time - Week 24

Readings 

            I - 1 Cor. 12: 12-14, 27-31

           II - Lk. 7: 11-17

                    

HE WIPES AWAY EVERY TEAR FROM OUR EYES

Today’s Gospel passage is about Jesus, raising the dead son of the widow at Nain. He was the only son of the widow and the anguish of losing that only son moved Jesus to compassion and he voluntarily went to work a miracle for her. The empathy of Jesus enthused him to give the widow her son back alive. 

Empathy moves to compassion and compassionate heart works wonders. The bible says, “He will wipe all tears from their eyes” (Rev. 21: 4). Our God wishes for happiness, peace and happiness to everyone even unasked. Let us trust and hope with faith and this will be done to us. Though delayed, it will for sure not denied. Take heart. Trust in the Lord.

Bible Reflections I 12.09.2022 - MONDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time - Week 24

Readings 

            I - 1 Cor. 11: 17-26, 33

           II - Lk. 7: 1-10

                    

HEAL THE WORLD

The centurion was not a Jewish but by his profession commanded a hundred soldiers and had power and authority over them. The centurions were loyal to the Romans and were hence enemies to the Jews. The centurion the Gospel passage of the day was compassionate and considerate. He had a synagogue built for the Jews. He was kind to the slave who was sick and at the point of death. He sent some Jewish elders to Jesus pleading for a healing. When Jesus went with them to heal him, he sent his friends to tell Jesus that he was unworthy to behold him but to heal the slave with a word. A tremendous expression of faith that astounded Jesus himself to point of appreciation to the centurion and healing to the slave.

The humanity and kindness of the centurion towards his slave, his undaunted faith in the Jewish Rabbi, Jesus and the pleading and recommendation of the Jewish elders brought healing to the centurion’s slave. In the light of the Gospel passage of the day let us resolve to be human in our approach towards our neighbours, intercede for each other to God in faith and intend to do good to others with the vested power with us so that we might be persons of healing in the wounded world of today. May our mind and heart resonate with the prayer: “Lord Jesus, Give me a sensitive hearth to empathise with others”.

Bible Reflections I 11.09.2022 - SUNDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time - Week 24

Readings 

            I - Ex. 32: 7-11, 13-14

           II - 1 Tim. 1: 12-17

          III - Lk. 15: 1-32

                    

GATHER WITH JESUS

In the first reading, God searches for his people through Moses when they were likely to be lost in their idol worship forgetting the God who liberated them and made a covenant with them that they are his people and he is their God. In the Gospel reading, through the three parables: the parable of the lost sheep, the lost coin and the lost sheep, Jesus, the Son of God projects the love of Father for whom everyone is individually important. Jesus gathered everyone, the sinners, the beggars, the prostitutes, the tax collectors, the Samaritans and the Romans. Neither did he impute any guilt on the Scribes, the Pharisees, the elders and the chief priests individually though they were egoist, proud, self-righteous and accused people. Jesus came so that each of us have life and life in abundance (Jn. 10: 10). In the second reading St. Paul, thanks God for choosing him, though he was a blasphemer, persecutor and insolent opponent. The will of God for each one of is that we are saved for a life here with him and in the life to come.

Jesus was the absolute reflection of his Father’s love to whomever he met. We as Christians are called to reflect our loving Master Jesus Christ who loved everyone. We are through the three readings of the day are invited to sympathise with the weak and the suffering and commit to raise them up through our love, understanding and kindness; instead of mocking or jeering at them. Let us too strive our best to gather with Jesus and never disregard anyone. May our mind and heart resonate with the prayer: “Lord Jesus, help me to love everyone and never condemn anyone”.

Bible Reflections I 10.09.2022 - SATURDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time - Week 23

Readings 

            I - 1Cor. 10: 14-22

           II - Lk. 6: 43-49

                  

GOOD TREE OR A BAD TREE?

The Gospel passage describes the quality and the nature of the good and the evil people in comparison with the good tree and the bad tree. No good tree yields bad fruit and vice versa. The good people are those who hear the word of God and act on them. They are sturdy like the house built on the rock, come what may. The good persons out of the good treasures of the heart perform good deeds as hallmark of their rootedness in God. On the other hand, the mere hearers of the word resemble the house built on the ground that shatters with some batters. The evil persons out of the evil treasures of the heart act evil, evincing that they are weakly rooted in the Lord.  

In the light of the Gospel passage of the day, examine every one of your act and test for yourself whether you are a good tree or a bad tree. If your thoughts, words and deeds align with the teachings and life of the Lord, then you are the good tree and the house built upon your faith in Lord. If not, realise, rectify and try to yield good fruits in the Lord. Let our mind and heart resonate with the prayer: “Lord Jesus, Help me to be a credible witness of your word and deed”.

Bible Reflections I 09.09.2022 - FRIDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time - Week 23

Readings 

            I - 1Cor. 9: 16-19, 22-27

           II - Lk. 6: 39-42

                  

CAN THE BLIND LEAD THE BLIND? 

Practice what you preach is the crux of the Gospel passage of the day.  Preaching what we cannot practice is like blind leading the blind.  Trying to rectify and overcoming our own mistakes and shortcomings, will enlighten us about the way to help others in overcoming similar defects in them. Otherwise it will be like as Jesus says, “‘friend, let me take out the speck in your eye’ while you have the log in your eye”.  

Correct your own mistakes only then will you be worthy of pointing your fingers towards the other. This is what Jesus has said the angry crowd while the adulterous woman was dragged before him for punishment, “He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her”.  It is easy to judge, condemn, accuse and reproach others.  But before such rash activity introspect on your own righteousness so that we might empathise with others and together journey on the right path. May our mind and heart resonate with the prayer, “Lord Jesus, lead me on the right path that is eternal”.

Bible Reflections I 08.09.2022 - THURSDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time - Week 23

Readings 

            I - Micah 5: 2-5

           II - Mt. 1: 1-16, 18-23

                    

NATIVITY OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY 

We behold the birthday of our dear and near ones with joy and jubilation for unto us was that day was given a gift so great, gorgeous and gracious. Today the Church celebrates the Birthday of the Blessed Mary, the mother of the Lord and the mother of all humankind. The Church solemnises the birthday of three persons only: John the Baptist, the forerunner of the Messiah, the Blessed Virgin Mary, the mother of Jesus and Jesus, the long awaited Messiah, the promised One of God.    

Mother Mary is the queen of the heaven and of the earth yet, she is the mother of us all, the sinful and the sorrowful; the weak and the lowly. Mother’s love is so supreme that it surpasses and supersedes all love here on earth. Her merciful look, kind words, compassionate heart, loving deeds, helping hands, hurrying feet to the needy children and her life of sacrifice are knows no bounds. Every mother is the personification of Gods’ love to her children and the mother of Jesus, given to us as our mother is the perfect reflection of the heart of her Son and our Lord Jesus Christ. In all her apparitions, Mother Mary exhorts people to pray so that they may align their lives unto the ways of God that leads to Heaven, the ultimate destination of all humankind.  

We in Tamil Nadu in particular solemnise this day celebrating the feast of our Lady of Velankanni. A day dear to all the devotees of Our Lady of Good Health who flock to her church on foot with a mixture of emotions; joy, gratitude, sorrow, pain, suffering, hope, love, anxiety and faith. Let us intensify our prayers for all the devotees that they may be blessed by our Blessed Mother and their intentions fulfilled for the greater glory of God. May our mind and heart resonate with the prayer: “Mother Mary, our Lady of Velankanni, Pray for us”.

Bible Reflections I 07.09.2022 - WEDNESDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time - Week 23

Readings 

           I - 1 Cor. 7: 25-31

           II - Lk. 6: 20-26

CARE AND SHARE, BECOME ‘BLESSED’

Today’s Gospel passage comprises of four ‘blessed’ and four ‘woe’. It is a consolation to the unfortunate; and a caution to the fortunate as per the worldly standards. Jesus calls the poor, the hungry, the sorrowful and the rejected as ‘blessed’ and says ‘woe’ to the rich, the wealthy, the happy and the elite. Jesus says ‘woe’ to these people not because they are rich, wealthy and revered but because they slighted and neglected the poor and the less privileged; and failed to care for and share with them. 

The concept of the kingdom of God is that we are the children of the Father in heaven and therefore we are brothers and sisters called to support, care and encourage one another as we would with our own kith and kin. Strive to become ‘blessed’ by caring for others and sharing with other what we have, not only the money and material but our time, skill and energy. Let our mind and heart resonate with the prayer: “Lord Jesus, help me to become a ‘blessed’ in your sight”.

Bible Reflections I 06.09.2022 - TUESDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time - Week 23

Readings 

            I - 1 Cor. 6: 1-11

           II - Lk. 6: 12-19

PRAY AND BE BLESSED

The hotline connect between God and humanity is prayer. It is prayer that makes a person vibrant and effective. The powerful preaching, authoritative teaching and the command over the nature, sin, sickness and demons vested in the prayer life of Jesus. In today’s Gospel passage, Jesus spends the whole night in prayer and the next day selects his team of twelve from a band of followers. People flocked to Jesus, to hear, get healed and even just to touch him in order to receive his power of blessing.  

The power of Jesus subsisted in the prayer life of Jesus. In the light of the day’s Gospel let us examine our prayer life. Do we always make God as our point of reference in all our actions and decisions in life or only when we need him desperately? Turn to God at all moments of life: Joy, sorrow, sadness, sickness, exuberance, confusion, misunderstanding, helplessness, failures and rejection making his presence powerful in our life. Stay prayerful and stay blessed. Let our mind and heart resonate with the prayer: “Lord Jesus help us to be connected with you always in prayer”.

Bible Reflections I 05.09.2022 - MONDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time - Week 23

Readings 

           I - Wis. 9: 13-18

           II - Phil. 9-10, 12-17

FEAST OF SAINT THERESA OF KOLKATA

Today the Church joyfully and proudly celebrates the feast of Mother and Saint Theresa of Kolkata. Mother Theresa was a generous soul, served as the messenger of God and ambassador of His love to lighten and brighten up the lives of so many poor, neglected and the abandoned of the Kolkata streets. She was a simple person with tremendous faith in God and passionate in the works of Charity as an expression of her love ardent love for the Lord. When an American Journalist who had come for an interview found her cleansing the wounds of the leper and bandaging the same remarked, “I wouldn’t touch that man for a million dollars”. Mother Theresa lovingly said, “For a million dollars, I wouldn’t touch him either. I would do it for Jesus”. 

Anjeze Gonxhe Bojaxhiu, the original name of Mother Theresa, was born in 1910 in Albania. She joined the Loreto sisters when she was eighteen years. She came to Darjeeling, India in 1929 to complete her novitiate. She took the religious name Theresa in honour of St. Theresa of Child Jesus. She was serving as headmistress of a school in Kolkata. Moved by the poverty and plight of the poor and the abandoned, she left the Loreto and started serving the destitute becoming a poor among the poor. She brought light and sunshine in the lives of people who dwelled in dark, abandoned by all in the world. 

Mother Theresa, the champion of the humanist was awarded with a Nobel Prize in 1979 for her untiring work in the alleviation of poverty and the plight of the humanity especially the neglected sections of the society. She refused the honour banquet and requested the expenditure for the same $ 1,92,000 to be used for the poor in India. She founded her congregation ‘The order of the Missionaries of Charity” in 1948, to carry on her work of charity all over in India and in the world. In the crazy world of money, power, pomp and glory, let us dare to turn to Mother Theresa for a simplicity of heart and profound love for God in our simple works of charity done in great faith. May our mind and heart resonate with the prayer, “St. Theresa, Pray for us”.

Today in India, we also celebrate the Teachers’ Day. Revere teachers for their selfless sacrifice and utmost dedication in the task of forming young minds for a better society by empowering them through education. Remember all your teachers, thank God for them and offer special prayers for them for in their services vests the future of the nation.

Bible Reflections I 04.09.2022 - SUNDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time - Week 23

Readings 

            I - Wis. 9: 13-18

           II - Phil. 9-10, 12-17

          III - Lk. 14: 25-33

‘GIVE UP’, ‘TAKE UP’ AND FOLLOW JESUS 

Choosing the eternal and the everlasting is wisdom though it is costing, is the crux of all the three readings of the day. In today’s Gospel, Jesus speaks about the ‘giving up and the ‘taking up’ required for the radical following of Christ. Giving up our worldly ideas, emotional bonding, unnecessary attachments and escalated ego can only enable a person in taking up the daily cross that encounters in following the Lord. But it is worth enduring though as the first reading says, it seems to be worthless to the reasoning of the mortals. As Jesus says, a persons who builds a tower sits down and counts the cost and a king when encounters another stronger than him in a war, makes peace with him, in following the Lord, as Christians we are called to follow the life and teachings of Christ in ‘giving up’ and ‘taking up’ and that decision and choice is purely ours. 

To run in parallel with the trends of the world is easy but not eternal; to swim with the current is cool but to go across demands courage; to ‘give up’ in order to ‘take up’ is costing but merits a blissful life with the Lord in the paradise. The decision is ours and the choice destines our life after our earthly existence. Determination to live for the Lord is wisdom and that destines our eternal life as well. Make right choices and make life meaningful and worthwhile. Let our mind and heart resonate with the prayer: “Lord Jesus, give me the wisdom and courage to make right choices in life”.

Bible Reflections I 03.09.2022 - SATURDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time - Week 22

Readings 

            I - 1 Cor. 4: 6-15

           II - Lk. 6: 1-5

LOVE IS BETTER THAN THE LAW

Love was the essence of the Ten Commandments given by God. But the Scribes and the Pharisees diluted the essence; multiplied rules and rituals; and complicated the observance of the commandments making them strict and stringent. Humanity takes precedence over any rule. The disciples of Jesus would had been hungry or just plucked some corn and ate them without any other second thought. There was no violation of humanity in their act but violation of Sabbath and that was no big deal. Here again Jesus quotes the incident of David and justified his disciples.

Today some of us too hold on to the rules and rituals while compromising humanity in the bargain. God takes no delight in our observance of rules and regulations but in the promotion of love, mercy and justice. Let us not be scrupulous in the observance of the rules and rituals but become stupendous in practicing love, mercy, compassion and justice. May our mind and heart resonate with the prayer: “Lord Jesus, help me to be more human in my dealings”.

Bible Reflections I 02.09.2022 - FRIDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time - Week 22

Readings 

            I - 1 Cor. 4: 1-5

           II - Lk. 5: 33-39

BE RECEPTIVE TO THE TRUTH

The Pharisees and the Sadducees accused the disciples of Jesus for not fasting like their disciples and that of John the Baptist’s. In fasting, the disciples of the Pharisees and John awaited the arrival of the Messiah. Jesus defends his disciples saying that the bridegroom’s guest do not fast when the bridegroom is with them. The disciples of Jesus need not fast because the bridegroom, the messiah was already with them. The purpose of fasting achieved, the prophecies fulfilled and the promised one was with them. But the Pharisees and the Sadducees failed to recognise the messiah in Jesus because they willfully neglected the truth and hence, could not perceive, beyond seeing and could not listen, beyond hearing.  

Perceiving and listening leads to the discovery of the truth present before us. Perceiving and listening primarily requires an openness of mind and heart to accept the truth. Rid prejudice, personal interest, ego, self- righteousness and selfishness that would foster openness of mind and heart to behold the truth even when it hurts us. Let our mind and heart resonate with the prayer: “Lord Jesus, help me to be open to the truth”