Bible Reflections I 01.03.2023 - WEDNESDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Season of Lent: Week 1

Readings 

           I - Jonah 3: 1-10

          II - Lk. 11: 29-32

                          

LISTEN, DISCERN AND LIVE

In today’s Gospel passage Jesus says that the people of Israel would not be given any sign except the sign of Jonah and the Queen of Sheba to believe in Jesus.   Jonah was merely a messenger of God and the people of Nineveh adhered and turned their hearts towards God in repentance.  The Queen of Sheba had to travel so far to listen to the witness the wisdom of King Solomon.  Jesus was greater than Jonah because he was message himself and greater than Solomon because he was the Word made flesh - the Divine Word Himself.  Still, the people of Israel asked Jesus for a sign in their stubbornness of heart though they heard his authoritative teaching, preaching; and witnessed so many miracles and wonders taking place.

We too like those people of Israel even if we happen to bear testimony to goodness of God in our lives, we wait for miracles, signs and wonders.  This is the sign of lack of love for and faith in God.  We too like those people of Israel, look but do not perceive and; hear and do not listen.  Let us today ask God for the gift of faith so that we be able to recognise Him even in the smallest happening in our lives.  May our mind and hear resonate with the prayer: “Lord Jesus, strength our faith in you.”      .

Bible Reflections I 28.02.2023 -TUESDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Season of Lent: Week 1

Readings 

           I - Is. 55: 10-11

          II - Mt. 6: 7-15

                          

RESOLVE TO FORGIVE

In the Gospel passage of the day, Jesus asks the disciples not to heap words while praying like that of the hypocrites and gives them the pattern of all prayers. Praying is not heaping up empty phrases for the Father knows about our needs and so Jesus gives the famous prayer, “Our Father” as the pattern of all prayers. Besides praising the name of the Lord and wishing for the blossoming of his kingdom and accomplishment of His will, the prayer contains three main petitions on: Providence, Forgiveness and Protection. Daily bread from his bounty, His forgiveness based on our forgiveness and a pleading to deliver and protect us from all that is evil.  

Bread nourishes and gives energy to move on with a healthy body; forgiveness fills our heart with peace and help us move on with healthy a mind; and we can tread steadily towards God with healthy mind and body if we are protected from trials and temptation. The three are essential and one alone is conditional. We pray God to forgive us as we forgive others. Meaning that if we don’t forgive we should not be forgiven either. Examine the number of times we make mistake and implore God’s forgiveness. But, do we forgive our offenders even when they plead for forgiveness. During this season of lent, make forgiveness a habit to project and testify to the love of God. May our mind and heart resonate with the prayer ‘Our Father…” and ask for God’s grace to forgive our offenders as did Jesus his executioners.

Bible Reflections I 27.02.2023 - MONDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Season of Lent: Week 1

Readings 

           I - Lev. 19: 1-2, 11-18

          II - Mt. 25: 31-46

                          

GOD IS LOVE

Today’s Gospel passage is about the last judgment.  There are so many divisions among the humankind today based on caste, creed, race, power and status but at the end of time during the last judgment when the Lord comes in all His glory, there will only be only two divisions based on the performance of the charitable deeds: the blessed and the accursed.  The Blessed will inherit the eternal life and the accursed, the eternal damnation. Simple acts of charity like, feeding the poor, giving a drink, clothing the naked, sheltering the homeless, visiting the sick and the prisoners, all done in love has a great power to make us blessed in order to merit eternal bliss.   

“Trifles make perfection, and perfection is no trifle” says Michelangelo.  We need not perform great acts and penance as an expression of our love and devotion to the Lord.  It is enough that we attend to our needy brethren with all love and concern and this is true devotion, the type of worship the Lord desires. Let us not miss any act of charity for it all needs much of our attention and a bit of love. May our mind and heart resonate with the prayer: “Lord Jesus, help us to see your image in others.”

Bible Reflections I 26.02.2023 - SUNDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Season of Lent: Week 1

Readings 

           I - Gen. 2: 7-9; 3: 1-7

          II - Rom. 5: 12-19

         III - Lk. 4: 1-11

                          

RESIST TEMTATIONS TO GLORIFY GOD

Two incidents are vital in the life of Jesus before he could begin his public ministry: One, the Baptism and two, the temptations.  In the baptism, God affirms that Jesus is His beloved Son and in temptations, Jesus affirms his son ship resolving to stand by the will of his Father.  Today’s Gospel passage is on the temptations of Jesus upon which we shall place our reflection.

In the first temptation, the devil says Jesus to change the stones into bread and satisfy his hunger. It might seem a quite normal proposition. But hereby the evil one tempts Jesus to use His power upon himself that is supposed to be utilised to accomplish the will of God viz. empowering, uplifting, liberating and saving the humankind. We too are bestowed with various gifts and talents by God for a purpose.  Often times we are tempted to utilise them only for personal benefits and gratification without even having a second thought about the needy brethren about whom God is very much concerned. 

In the second temptation, Satan promised to give Jesus the authority and power if only he worships him.  To the one whom belongs all authority, glory, honour and power the devil tries to deceive promising to entrust his authority.  Will the beloved one in whom the Father is well pleased be taken up by such a deceit!  Today people are ready to do anything to gain power, popularity and fame.  Everyone wishes and wants to be trending, famous and popular - the amount of videos regularly posted on the social media, the publicity created for a very small act of charity and the number of false statements made to people will testify to this fact.  We always take delight in projecting ourselves as someone great and important, a temptation so difficult to resist. 

In the third temptation, the devil tempts Jesus to fall from the pinnacle of the temple so that God might command His angels to bear him up so that he doesn’t get hurt.  Jesus does not yield to the evil one for he knows well the Father and therefore no test is required.  For anything and everything we either ask sign from God or condition Him to accomplish for us, an evincing sign of our ‘no trust’ and thereby yielding to the temptation of testing God.   

Temptations are quite common and natural but how are we to resist or overcome them depends on our trust in God.  Jesus refutes all temptations with the Word of God.  The Word of God is power.  It strengthens, saves and uplifts.  During this season of lent, let us take some time every day to read the Word of God with the sole intention of searching and accomplishing the will of God.  May our mind and hear resonate with the prayer: “Lord Jesus, give us the grace to be victorious in all temptations like you”.

Bible Reflections I 25.02.2023 - SATURDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Saturday after Ash Wednesday

Readings 

           I - Is. 58: 9-14

          II - Lk. 5: 27-32

                            

CAPTURE GOD’S VOICE 

Today’s Gospel passage is on the call of Levi - Jesus calls the tax collector at the tax booth to follow him. The tax collectors were loyal to the Romans and greedy in charging more to earn for themselves and therefore they were intent and resolute in their collection from the common people. This is why the people of Israel criticised and considered them as sinners and outcasts. From among all noise, yelling and confusion at the tax office, Matthew rightly captures the call of Jesus and gets captivated to the extent of leaving everything and following him with no compromises.

The gentle voice of the Lord comes, comes and ever comes through various persons and different means to us as well despite the state we are in, all in love and full of compassion. How attentive and disposed are we to capture that voice? May our devotions and practices during this season of lent help us to adhere to the voice of God and return to Him. Let our mind and heart resonate with the prayer: “Lord Jesus, help us to listen to your voice.”

Bible Reflections I 24.02.2023 - FRIDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Friday after Ash Wednesday

Readings 

           I - Is. 58: 1-9

          II - Mt. 9: 14-15

                            

LENT IS A TIME OF BLESSING

Fasting is sign of mourning.  It is unfitting for anyone to mourn in the presence of Jesus.  This is why in today’s Gospel passage Jesus says to the disciples of John the Baptist who enquired why his disciples do not fast, “Can the wedding guests mourn as long as the bridegroom is with them?  The days will come when the bridegroom is taken away from them and then they will fast”.  Jesus, the saviour wishes and wills to be always with us.  With our own limitations and deliberate actions we try to eliminate, alienate and evade his presence in our life. 

Lent is the grace full season, a season of blessing and beckoning to return back to the Lord through prayer, fasting and almsgiving.  St.  Pope John Paul II says, “Jesus himself has shown us by his own example that prayer and fasting are the first and most effective weapons against the forces of evil”. May our fasting, prayer, abstinence and acts of charity draw us towards the heart of Jesus in love and self-giving.  At the end of the day during our examination let us take some time to reflect: with all the practices and efforts whether we were able to be drawn towards the heart of Jesus that loves us unconditionally and unreservedly.

Bible Reflections I 23.02.2023 - THURSDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Thursday after Ash Wednesday

Readings 

           I - Deu. 30: 15-20

          II - Lk. 9: 22-25

                            

CARRY YOUR CROSSES CHEERFULLY

Any campaign, canvass, promotion and recruitment would advocate the advantages, merits, benefits, profit and gains. Jesus in today’s Gospel passage cautions of denial, suffering, crosses and rejection including loss of life here on the earth on account of following him and an assurance of eternal life with him in Paradise after our earthly existence, the absolute advantage of following him here on the earth.  

Jesus says, “My yoke is easy and my burden is light” (Mt. 11:30). With Jesus no cross is heavy to carry. In following Jesus alone vests happiness, comfort, consolation, sense of purpose and peace of mind and heart despite the challenges and the trials we may happen to encounter. Dare to tread on the road travelled by Jesus and his valiant followers. May the traditional practices of the lent: Prayer, Penance and charity help us to blow of the ashes and keep alive the fervor of following the Lord with courage and determination. Let our mind and heart resonate with the prayer: “Lord Jesus, give us the courage to carry our crosses cheerfully and for your glory”.

Bible Reflections I 22.02.2023 - WEDNESDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ash Wednesday

Readings 

           I - Joel. 2: 12-18

          II - 2 Cor. 5: 20-6:2

          II - Mt. 6: 1-6, 16-18

                            

“RISE, AND DO NOT BE AFRAID”

Lent is a time of repentance for offending the loving God, a time of renewal of our covenant with God and a time of return to the Lord for we belong to God. We begin our forty days of fast from today focusing on the three ways given in the Gospel passage of the day: Prayer, Fasting and Almsgiving. Basing his Lenten message 2023 on the passage of transfiguration of Jesus, Pope Francis proposes two paths in order to ascend the mountain with Jesus and, with him to the attain Easter glory. They are:

1. To obey the command of God addressed to the disciples on Mount Tabor, “Listen to him.” The first proposal, then, is very clear: we need to listen to Jesus. Lent is a time of grace to the extent that we listen to him as he speaks to us. 

2. On hearing the Father’s voice, the disciples “fell prostrate and were very much afraid. But Jesus came and touched them, saying, ‘Rise, and do not be afraid.’ And when the disciples raised their eyes, they saw no one else but Jesus alone” (Mt 17:6-8). Here is the second proposal for this Lent: do not take refuge in a religiosity made up of extraordinary events and dramatic experiences, out of fear of facing reality and its daily struggles, its hardships and contradictions. The light that Jesus shows the disciples is an anticipation of Easter glory, and that must be the goal of our own journey, as we follow “him alone”.   

Lenten penance is a commitment, sustained by grace, to overcoming our lack of faith and our resistance to following Jesus on the way of the cross. Adhere to the voice of God in every effort saying, “Rise, and do not be afraid.” May the Holy Spirit inspire and sustain us this Lent in our ascent with Jesus, so that we may experience his divine splendour and thus, confirmed in faith, persevere in our journey together with him, glory of his people and light of the nations.

Bible Reflections I 21.02.2023 - TUESDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time - Week 7

Readings 

           I - Sir. 2: 1-11

          II - Mk. 9: 30-37

                                    

SERVICE IS THE HALLMARK OF DISCIPLESHIP

In solitude and seriousness Jesus teaches his disciples about his paschal mystery of suffering, death and resurrection to his disciples. The disciples neither understood nor grasped of what he was speaking and all the more they were frightened to ask him as well. But were engrossed in discussing about who is the greatest among them. In no way are we different from the disciples. We too often are engrossed in our life, thoughts and attitudes that we fail to either grasp or adhere to the words of Jesus.  

Service determines the greatness of the person is the crux of the later part of the Gospel passage today. Service to the little, small, weak and the fragile: the poor, the marginalised, the less privileged, the unfortunate and the needy brethren. In serving this section of the society, we serve God Himself. Discipleship calls for adhering to the voice of God and service in humility and self-giving.

Bible Reflections I 20.02.2023 - MONDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time - Week 7

Readings 

           I - Sir. 1: 1-10

          II - Mk. 9: 14-29

                                    

BELIEF IS THE QUALITY TEST OF OUR PRAYER

Today’s Gospel passage has got two parts: one, Jesus casting out the demon and two, Jesus enlightens the disciples on the importance of prayer. The disciples were unable to cast out the demon from the possessed man. He was therefore brought by the crowd to Jesus. Jesus heals him with a command and the boy was freed. To the query of the disciples why they were unable to cast out, Jesus that it is possible only with prayer and not by anything else.  

There is a beautiful prayer in the Gospel passage of the day. When Jesus asked the possessed man’s father, “Do you believe?” he answered, “I believe; help my unbelief.” This what our condition today. We do pray a lot but can we say we believe in our prayers? We often pray with ‘if’s and ‘but’s. Belief is the quality test of our prayer. If the prayer is qualitative, we are qualitative as well. Let our mind and heart resonate with the prayer: “Lord I believe; help my unbelief.”

Bible Reflections I 19.02.2023 - SUNDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time - Week 7

Readings 

           I - Lev. 19: 1-2, 17-18

          II - 1 Cor. 3: 16-23

         III - Mt. 5: 38-48

                                    

BE PERFECT CHILDREN OF GOD

The Code of Hammurabi was the most prevalent law followed by the people of that time before the Law of Moses. It focused on the criminal and civil laws and insisted on harsh, cruel and brutal punishments for the offenders. The Law of Moses was religiously oriented. It emphasised the spiritual dimension based on the words of Yahweh, “be holy for I am holy” (Lev. 11: 45). But the Law of Jesus surpassed the Law of Moses for it was rooted in the Law of Love that exhorted forgiveness and asserted good for evil. At the time of Jesus Israel was under the rule of the Romans. The Roman soldiers when angered slapped the Jews on their left as a sign of degrading and mockery. Jesus asks not to retaliate but to aver justice amicably in forgiveness by showing their left cheek. The Romans usually took away the tunic of the Jews against their wish, Jesus encourages them to give willingly with their inner garments as well. The Romans ordered the Jews to carry weights for them, Jesus commands to walk extra miles helping them. In short, through today’s Gospel passage Jesus teaches them on love and not retaliation; forgiveness and not vengeance; and on brotherhood and never enmity. In practicing them we become perfect children of God. 

The preaching of Jesus is challenging but possible. In the Russian - Ukrainian war, a Russian soldier was caught for shooting an unarmed man in the battlefield. He was brought to the court along with the lady who lost her husband. The sixty three year old Russian lady was asked punish the soldier who shot her unarmed husband. She offered him forgiveness and urged the Russian Government to release four Ukrainian solders instead. Forgiveness is possible even today if we have the heart of love and intention to repay evil with good. Let our mind and heart resonate with the prayer: “Lord Jesus, give us the courage to forgive others.”

Bible Reflections I 18.02.2023 - SATURDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time - Week 6

Readings 

           I - Heb. 11: 1-7

          II - Mk. 9: 2-13

                                    

BECOME THE BELOVED OF GOD

The transfiguration of Jesus was the manifestation of who Jesus was, the revelation of his identity. Peter, James and John saw Moses and Elijah taking to Jesus. The former was the Law giver and the latter, a great Prophet and the vision evinced that Jesus was the fulfillment of the Law and the Prophesy, the Promised One of God with the assurance of the Father’s voice, “This is my Son, the Beloved listen to him.” Peter was trying to decide for Jesus convincing him saying, “Rabbi, it is good for us to be here; let us make three dwellings, one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah.” But the Father’s voice instead exhorted them to listen to Him. Jesus was the beloved of the Father because Jesus listened to His Father and always obeyed His plan even to the point of emptying himself for the salvation of the humankind. The Father exhorts in disciples each of us his followers as well to obey him.  

Today the Church celebrates the feast of St. Kuriakose Elias Chavara, the first male saint of Indian origin. He was born in Kerala, belonged to the Syro-Malabar Church, an Eastern Catholic Church. St. Kuriakose was the co-founder and the first prior general of the Congregation of the Carmelites of Mary Immaculate. The main work of their congregation was education that result in the personal and societal transformation. St. Kuriakose was a man of prayer and overcame all hurdles with his devotion to the Eucharist and our Blessed mother. He used to say, “Since you belong to God, you have to give yourself back to God.” Giving back ourselves in obedience to his will is perfect discipleship that would make us the beloved of God. Let our mind and heart resonate with the prayer: “Lord Jesus, help us to listen and obey God’s holy will.”

Bible Reflections I 17.02.2023 - FRIDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time - Week 6

Readings 

           I - Gen. 11: 1-9

          II - Mk. 8:34-9:1

                                    

FOLLOW ME...

Jesus had given three conditions to whoever wishes to come after him: one, deny oneself, two, take up his crosses and finally to follow him.  These conditions are basic requisites of the discipleship.  They are challenging because the pomp of the world allures, glory of the earth entraps into vanity and the pride of self prevents from following Jesus.  Jesus also says in today’s Gospel passage, “What profit is there for one to gain the whole world and forfeit his life?”  These words have topsy turvied the lives of many saints.  

Today the Church celebrate the feat of the seven holy founders of the Order of Servites. These seven men were from Florence, Italy.  They lived as hermits on Monte Senario, Italy.  They had great devotion to our Blessed Mother Mary.  In the year 1240, these hermits had the vision of Mother Mary, dressed in black habit and an angel besides her with a scroll reading “Servants of Mary.”  The Blessed Virgin spoke to them, “You will found a new order, and you will be my witnesses throughout the world. This is your name: Servants of Mary. This is your rule: that of Saint Augustine. And here is your distinctive sign: the black scapular, in memory of my sufferings.”  The seven founded the Order of the Servites that obtained the approval of the Holy See in the year 1304.  All the seven were beautified by Pope Clement XI on December 1, 1717 and were canonised in the year 1887 by Pope Leo XIII.  Let the lives of these hermits and all those who have committed to follow the Lord inspire us to adhere to the words of Jesus in the Gospel passage of the day as our mind and heart resonate with the prayer: “Lord Jesus give me the courage to follow you with all my heart.”

Bible Reflections I 16.02.2023 - THURSDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time - Week 6

Readings 

           I - Gen. 9: 1-13

          II - Mk. 8:27-33

                                    

SURRENDER UNTO THE WILL OF GOD

In today’s Gospel passage, Peter gives the right answer to the question of Jesus, “Who do people say that I am?”; “You are the Messiah”.  Thereafter Jesus teaches about his suffering, rejection, death and resurrection.  Peter rebukes Jesus and obstructs him from accomplishing the will God.  Peter was right in recognising Jesus but was wrong in preventing Jesus from obliging to the Plan of God. 

We too do have the knowledge and experience of the merciful, loving, caring and compassionate God.  But hesitate to accept His will.  We try to impose our plan upon God and wish that God acts upon the same.  The one that truly recognises God and resigns to his will is the true disciple of Jesus.  Submitting to the will of God is the hallmark of one’s faith, hope and love for God.  Let our mind and heart resonate with the prayer, “Help me to surrender to your will O Lord.”

Bible Reflections I 15.02.2023 - WEDNESDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time - Week 6

Readings 

           I - Gen. 8: 6-13, 20-22

          II - Mk. 8:22-26

                                    

PRAY AND YIELD TO GOD’S WILL

Jesus had his own style of working out miracles for the people. He healed some with his words and others with a deed viz. a touch or a look. For some others the working of the miracle was a process as in the Gospel passage of the day. People who brought the blind man, begged Jesus to touch him for a healing. Instead of touching, Jesus executes a process in two phases for healing the blind man. In the first phase, he takes the man out of the village, puts saliva on his eyes and lays his hands on him but still the man was not able to see clearly. In the second phase, he lays his hands on his eyes, looks intently and his sight was restored.

We often fall into the temptation of dictating to the Lord, “Do this, do that…”. Instead, the Gospel passage of the day instructs us to pray and be patient, waiting in hope. God can and will work miracle for us in His own ways and in His own time. Trust, commit to the Lord and remain calm, the rest God will take care. May our mind and heart resonate with the prayer, “Lord Jesus, teach me to yield myself unto thy will”.

Bible Reflections I 14.02.2023 - TUESDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time - Week 6

Readings 

           I - Gen. 6: 5-8; 7: 1-5, 10

          II - Mk. 8:14-21

                                    

FOLLOW THE LAW OF THE LORD: LOVE

In today’s Gospel passage, Jesus cautions his disciples to be careful about the leaven of the Pharisees and the leaven of Herod. The leaven of the Pharisees and Herod made human living cumbersome and tiring. The leaven of the Pharisees was, the manipulated Law and the leaven of Herod was, the manipulated living. The Pharisees multiplied the law and weighed it upon simple people, leaving out its essence: Love. Herod was so cunning that Jesus himself called him a “Fox” (Lk. 13: 32). If the people were not shrewd they would fall a prey to the deceiving promulgations of Herod. Both made the simple living a complex and a complicated one.

The function of leaven is fermentation. If we are not careful it will spoil the entire dish. Today’s Gospel passage is a caution and an invitation to each one of us as well. A caution to be away from all that divides, confuses, corrupts and destroys and an invitation to keep aglow and alight the Law of the Lord: Love. Today the Church celebrates the feast of two brothers, St. Cyril and St. Methodius. They were Byzantine theologians and missionaries. They took the Gospel to the Slavs in their own slav vernaculars developing the alphabets and translating the Bible and the liturgical books. Ardent and convinced evangelizsers who proclaimed Christ against all odds. May these saints intercede us as our mind and heart resonate with the prayer: “Lord Jesus, give me the grace to be the witness of your love”

Bible Reflections I 13.02.2023 - MONDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time - Week 6

Readings 

           I - Gen. 4: 1-15, 25

          II - Mk. 8:11-13

                                    

SEEK NO SIGN BUT BELIEVE 

In today’s Gospel passage, the Pharisees seek Jesus for a sign from heaven to test him. Jesus sighed in his spirit at the wilful neglect and rebellious attitude of the Pharisees, despite witnessing wonders and miracles that he had worked among them until then. Hence Jesus declined the Pharisees’ request, got into the boat and went to the other side.

We are in no way better than the Pharisees. We all would have experienced and can vouch for God’s miraculous hands in our very lives even in the minutest details. Still, when time comes, we too do demand for a sign from God. A heart that loves and trusts never asks for sign. Conviction asserts faith against all doubts and disbelief. Conviction scores off all disbelief and doubts. Be convinced of God’s love that kindle trust and hope in Him at all times and in all circumstances.

Bible Reflections I 12.02.2023 - SUNDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time: Week 6

Readings 

          I - Sir. 15: 15-20

  II - 1 Cor. 2: 6-10

        III - Mt. 5: 17-37

       

THE LAW AND THE PROPHETS 

Israel was chosen to walk by the law and wait for the promised one in prophesy. Jesus, the long awaited Messiah came as the fulfillment of the law and the prophets but in the stubbornness of their heart, the Scribes and the Pharisees refused to behold the promised one in Jesus. They were adamant in holding on to the difficult and multiplied version of the law than to accept its simplified and condensed version given by Jesus to love God and to love one’s neighbor as oneself. Jesus through his love and life proved that this commandment is possible to observe and through today’s Gospel passage invites us to observe and exhorts us to help others to in observing the same. 

The secrets of the Kingdom are revealed to mere children and are hidden from the learned and the clever (Mt. 11:25). If we wish to be great in the Kingdom of God we have to just feed the hungry, give a drink to the thirsty, welcome the stranger, cloth the naked, care for the sick and visit those in the prison (Mt. 25:35-40) and the observer of the law chooses good and that give life as prescribed in the book of Sirach in the first reading and this is wisdom of God as said in the second reading. In this way we certainly outdo not only the Scribes and the Pharisees but also the hypocrites of our time as well. For whatever we do the least of our brethren we do unto God Himself (Mt.25: 40). Let us in the simple acts of kindness and charity try to become great in the kingdom of God.

Bible Reflections I 11.02.2023 - SATURDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time - Week 5

Readings 

           I - Gen. 3: 9-24

          II - Mk. 8: 1-10

     

OUR LADY OF LOURDES

Today the Church celebrates the feast of Our Lady of Lourdes. The apparition at Lourdes, France took place in 1858, after the declaration of the dogma of the Immaculate Conception of Mother Mary. The little girl Bernadette Sourbiroux was told to ask the name of the Lady who appeared to her and the Lady responded saying, “I am the Immaculate Conception”. The apparition indeed was an affirmation on the dogma of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Mother, ever virgin. Mother Mary had appeared eighteen times to this little girl insisting on, “Pray to God for the conversion of sinners.” On this day, resolve to amend your ways that do not align with that of God and pray for those who are far away from the love of God. Pray through the intercession of Mother Mary that they may realise and return to him.

This day is celebrated as the World Day of the Sick. St. Pope John Paul II declared this day as the ‘World Day of the Sick’, that serves as a purpose of reminding the healing ministry of the Church. The day is also dedicated to gratefully remember all who strive to restore the health of the sick: the doctors, nurses, care takers, health workers… Today’s Gospel passage is about the multiplication of loaves. Jesus multiplies out of his compassion for the crowd and the multiplication happens with what was offered to him. To the Lord of Compassion offer little sacrifices and acts of charity pleading for the healing of our suffering brethren of all kind to be healed and comforted. As we are celebrating the ‘World Day of the Sick’ let us bring all our sick brethren through the intercession our Blessed Mother, Our Lady of Lourdes, unto the compassion and mercy for God for their comfort, healing and restoration. May our mind and heart resonate with the prayer: “Mother Mary, Our Lady of Lourdes, Pray for us”.

Bible Reflections I 10.02.2023 - FRIDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time - Week 5

Readings 

           I - Gen. 3: 1-8

          II - Mk. 7: 31-37

     

SAINT SCHOLASTICA

Today the Church celebrates the feast of St. Scholastica, the sister of St. Benedict. She consecrated her life to God from her earliest youth. She founded and governed a monastery of nuns at Plombariola, about five miles from that of the monastery of St. Benedict. St. Benedict directed his sister and the nuns of the monastery. Scholastica visited her brother once a year, and as she was not allowed to enter his monastery, she met him accompanied by his brothers at a house some distance away. The visits were spent in discussing together on spiritual matters. On one occasion they had passed the time as usual in prayer and spiritual conversation and in the evening they sat down to take their reflection, it became very late. Hence St. Scholastica requested her brother to remain with her until the next day but St. Benedict refused to oblige her request. She prayed to the Lord and suddenly there was a furious thunderstorm that allowed neither St. Benedict nor any of his companions to return home. St. Scholastica and his brother spent the night in discussing about the spiritual matters. The next morning they parted to meet no more on earth. Three days later St. Scholastica died, and her holy brother St. Benedict beheld her soul in a vision as it ascended into heaven. He sent his brothers of the monastery to bring her body and laid it in the tomb he had prepared for himself. 

Today’s Gospel passage is about the healing of the hearing and speech impaired man. The people who brought him to Jesus pleaded to lay his hand on him for healing. The faith of those people brought healing to the person. We are impaired spiritually due to various reasons, pray that the Lord may lay his hands and rise us for a credible living like St. Scholastica whom we remember today. May the saint intercede for us as we keep repeating in the silence of our hearts: “St. Scholastica, Pray for us.”

Bible Reflections I 09.02.2023 - THURSDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time - Week 5

MEMORIA : ST APOLLONIA OF ALEXANDRIA 

Readings 

           I - Gen. 2: 18-25

          II - Mk. 7: 24-30

     

LET GO OF THE EGO

The Church keeps the memory of the St. Apollonia of Alexandria. 

Saint Apollonia, an aged virgin, was the most famous among the martyrs, honoured for her virtue and modesty. Her teeth were beaten out, and she was led outside the city, where a huge fire was kindled. She was told she must deny Christ, or else be burned alive. She was silent for a moment, and then, moved by a special inspiration of the Holy Ghost, she walked into the fire and died in its flames. May she intercede for us for the greace of firm faith in Jesus Christ our Lord.

Patience, perseverance and purpose backed by faith and humility gets a miracle done is one of the takeaways of the Gospel passage of the day. It demands letting go of the ego. The Syrophoenician woman, a gentile, approaches Jesus for a miracle, the healing for her daughter.  Jesus tests her patience to the extent of calling her a ‘dog’ but the mother never gave up.  She was purposeful, that her daughter be relived from the clutches of the unclean spirit, for she has heard about Jesus.  The mother of the little daughter had great faith and tremendous trust in the Lord that she finally heard from Jesus: “…you may go your way; the demon has left your daughter”. 

Ask with patience, seek with purpose and knock with perseverance all backed up in faith in the Lord and a bit of humility as well and the miracle will be obtained. Give up ego, be focused and get the purpose achieved. Let our mind and heart resonate with the prayer: “Lord Jesus, help me to be humble.”

Bible Reflections I 08.02.2023 - WEDNESDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time - Week 5

Readings 

           I - Gen. 2: 4-9, 15-17

          II - Mk. 7: 14-23

    

ST. JOSEPHINE BAKHITA

Today the Church honours St. Josephine Bakhita, a Sudanese woman from Darfur region of Africa. She was kidnapped by slave traders and was sold for five times in slave markets. She was brutally beaten and physically scarred, bearing this excruciating experience of the crime in her body, soul, mind and heart. She was finally sold to an Italian diplomat, who was affectionate towards her and introduced the Master, par excellence, Jesus Christ to her. She was so much captivated by this Master, Jesus Christ who was flogged, abused, mocked and crucified as a ransom for the salvation of the humankind. Against all odds, she received baptism, and entered the religious congregation of the Canossian Sisters. Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI thus described her vocation, “The hope born in her she could not keep to herself; this hope had to reach many, to reach everybody”. St. Josephine Bakhita did not do any great thing but small things with great love. She joyfully carried out the call of Christ in all the least important menial tasks that were assigned to her, but with great and utmost love. Every child who entered the campus to be educated by the Canossian Sisters, experienced the warmth of the love of St. Josephine Bakhita. She was simple, humble, noble and magnanimous in accomplishing all for Jesus. She was declared as the patron saint of human trafficking.

In today’s Gospel passage, Jesus says that what comes from men defiles and that not what goes inside, meaning to say that all creation of God is clean and good. Allow the goodness within us to overflow so that the world will be filled with happiness, love, peace and joy. Saint Theresa of Calcutta says, “In this life, we cannot do great things. We can only do small things with great love”. Adhering to the command of God and after the example St. Josephine Bakhita, accomplish even the smallest thing with great love and this is sanctity. May our mind and heart resonate with the prayer: “Lord Jesus, fill my heart with your love”.

Bible Reflections I 07.02.2023 - TUESDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time - Week 5

Readings 

           I - 2 Cor. 6: 4-10

          II - Mat. 10: 17-22

                       

ST. GONZALO GARCIA 

Saint Gonsalo Garcia is the first canonised saint from India. He was born in the western coastal town of Vasai, Bombay, he preached from the Bassein fort during the time the town was under Portuguese colonial rule. Gonsalo Gracia longed to be a Jesuit but could not. He moved on to Manila, Philippines as a lay missionary. There he was influenced by a Franciscan priest and joined the Seraphic Order as a lay brother. After working with the leprosy patients there he was ordained as a Franciscan, Friars Minor at Manila.  

In 1592, the Spanish governor in the Philippines sent Gonsalo on a diplomatic mission to Japan along with Fr. Baptista. After working for four years, the Japanese shogun suspected the missionaries of treason and so he placed them under house arrest in their monastery in Miaco, Kyoto in December 1596. A few days afterwards, when they were in prayers, they were arrested, enchained and immured. After torture and persecution, Garcia was crucified on Nagasaki Hills with twenty six of his companions. Fr. Gonsalo, was the first to arrive, went straight to one of the crosses and asked the persecutioners, "Is this mine?" They replied "It is not" and took him to another cross, where he knelt down and embraced it. His other companions, one after another, started doing the same. Garcia and his fellow martyrs were declared as Venerable by Pope Urban VIII in 1627. Garcia was declared a saint by Pope Pius IX in 1862. 

In today’s Gospel passage, Jesus speaks about the persecution to be endured on account of his name and assures of the presence of God with them at the moment of their trial. We are not the first to face this, our saints and followers of Christ have left us examples in their lives. Have them as model and strive to live a Christian life. May St. Gonsalo Gracia help us in this effort as we keep invoking him in the silence of our hearts saying, “St. Gonsalo Gracia, Pray for us.”

Bible Reflections I 06.02.2023 - MONDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time - Week 5

Readings 

           I - Gen. 1: 1-19

          II - Mk. 6: 53-56

                       

TRUST IN THE LORD

In today’s Gospel passage, when Jesus and his disciples came to the land of Gennesaret, the people ran about the whole region bringing sick people for healing. Wherever he went, even in the market places, they brought sick people and implored that they may touch even the fringe of his garment. People flocked to Jesus like bees to honey because his goodness attracted them, his kindness kindled them, his compassion concurred them and his concern fascinated them, his teachings enlightened them and life style captivated them. They had such a tremendous faith and trust in his power. 

We are of course fascinated by the life of Jesus but in the light of the Gospel passage of the day, examine the quality of faith we have in him. Can we say that we invoke his power with an absolute trust? Don’t we have a slight doubt in the corner of our hearts with an ‘if’ or a ‘but’? Ask for the gift of faith and the simplicity of heart to approach the Lord at all times with trust and confidence.

Bible Reflections I 05.02.2023 - SUNDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time - Week 5

Readings 

           I - Is. 58: 7-10

          II - 1 Cor. 2: 1-5

         III - Mt. 5: 13-16

                         

BE SALT AND LIGHT

Today’s Gospel passage about the parable of the salt and the light. The Quality of the salt is the saltiness that preserves, purifies and above all savours. If salt loses this quality, it is but mere sand to be thrown out and trampled.  Light dispels darkness.  It brightens up the path so that people don’t tumble in darkness but walk aright steadily with confidence.  When salt and light loses their purpose they become useless and a waste. The ways of being salt and light is charted out in the first reading of the day viz. the humanitarian acts of charity.  The model for such a life is St. Paul himself as he rightly writes to the Christians at Corinth.

Jesus invites us to be salt and light in the world of darkness, doubt, sin and shame.  As Christians we are called to savour the lives of the other with our qualities of love, kindness, meekness, gentleness, humility, uprightness, generosity, simplicity, courage, equanimity, serenity and forgiveness.  As Christians we are also invited for an exemplary living for the people around us.  We are called to influence people for an incredible living in Christ, treading on the path patterned not by the world but by Jesus Christ, our Lord.  May our life shine and savour the lives of all around us.  Let our mind and heart resonate with the prayer: “Lord Jesus, help me to aspire for a credible Christian living”

Bible Reflections I 04.02.2023 - SATURDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time - Week 4

Readings 

           I - 1Cor 9: 19-27

          II - Jn. 12: 20-32

        

ST. JOHN DE BRITTO (Feast)

Today the Church celebrates the Feast of St. John de Britto, an a ardent ambassador of Christ. He was born in Lisbon, Portugal. When he was small, he was struck with severe illness. He prayed to St. Francis Xavier. When he recovered, his mother clothed him in tunic, worn by Jesuit fathers for a year. From then on, John de Britto was passionate to follow Jesus in the footsteps of St. Francis Xavier, the apostle of India. Against his parents’ opposition, he joined with twenty seven Jesuits and left for India declaring zealously, “God, who called me from the world into religious life, now calls me from Portugal to India”.

He worked in Madura, the Jesuit mission, proclaiming Christ and baptizing people. He took care of those affected by natural disasters and those migrated because of wars. He was plotted for his goodness and charitable activities among the poor and the needy. And finally he was beheaded. John de Britto at the order of the king knelt before the execution block. But the executioner hesitated to kill him. To him John the Britto said, “My friend, I have prayed to God. On my part, I have done what I should do. Now you do your part”. Tremendous courage to lay down his life for the Gospel! In today’s Gospel passage we read, “Unless a grain of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit”. A Martyr turns the heart of multitude towards Christ as has been witnessed by the Church from the time of Jesus, his apostles, early Christians and those Christians of our times as well. Dare to risk life for Christ and it is a courageous witness mark of true Christian. May our mind and heart resonate with the prayer: “Lord Jesus, give me the courage to risk all for you.”

Bible Reflections I 03.02.2023 - FRIDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time: Week 4

Readings 

            I - Heb. 13: 1-8

           II - Mk. 6: 14-29

HAVE COURAGE TO FACE THE TRUTH

                  

In today’s Gospel passage, Herod was confused about the identity of Jesus who accomplished great things in Galilee on account of which a large crowd was always after him.  The life and teaching of John the Baptist was a stumbling block to his sinful living, because the truth of John the Baptist hurt him and therefore under the pretext of keeping his promise, he had him beheaded.  The life of Jesus disturbed him so much by reminding the life of John the Baptist that he wished to see him; and towards the end, he also had his part in the crucifixion of Jesus.

Right to live is the basic human right of every individual.  Therefore allow everyone to live their life to the full and never trample or violate because of the stereo mindset or sheer jealousy. Accept, admit, respect, revere and allow the unique life style and life pattern of the other to make this earth a heaven and a pleasant land for all children of God to live. It takes a lot of courage to accept and admit the truth.  If we have the courage the stand for and to accept the truth, then we are Christians bearing witness to the Truth, Jesus Christ.

Bible Reflections I 02.02.2023 - THURSDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time - Week 4

Readings 

           I - Mal. 3: 1-4

          II - Heb. 2: 14-18

         III - Lk. 2: 22-40

                            

PRESENTATION OF THE LORD (Feast)

Today the Church celebrates the feast of the Presentation of the Lord by his parents in the temple fulfilling the law of Moses. This feast of celebrated after forty days of Christmas. As Jesus was brought into the temple, Simeon recognised him though Jesus was brought into the temple by a simple and insignificant parents. He recognised the Messiah in the little babe because of the spirit of the Lord was upon him and he was a righteous, devout and was patiently waiting for the Lord trusting in His promise.  

Tagore says, “Every moment and every age, every day and every night he comes, comes and ever comes”. Jesus comes to visit us every day, every hour, every moment and in every event, it is up to us to recognise him. If we allow the spirit of the Lord to take precedence over us and be obedient and submissive to his promptings we will definitely be like Simeon able to recognise him as he comes. The day of the presentation of the Lord is also celebrated as the World Religious Day. Let us intensify our prayers for them that they may discover the Lord in the persons they serve, meet and in every event and moment of their lives as he comes. May our mind and heart resonate with the prayer: “Help us Lord to yield unto the promptings of the Holy Spirit.