Bible Reflections I 01.09.2023 - FRIDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time: Week 21

Readings 

            I - 1Thess. 4: 1-8

           II - Mt. 25: 1-13

REMAIN EVER READY AND EVER PREPARED

The Gospel passage is about the ten bridesmaids awaiting for the arrival of the bridegroom. Five were wise and five were foolish.  The wise five were proactive and vigilant in carrying a flask of oil with them so that they may be ready even if the bridegroom arrived late.  They were resolute and purposeful; and entered the wedding hall with the bridegroom.  The foolish five were negligent and careless that they failed to carry a flask of oil with them so they were unprepared to welcome the bridegroom at his arrival.  They were irresolute and lost the purpose; and missed entering the wedding hall with the bridegroom.  

Preparedness, with prudence and perseverance rewards achieving the purpose of entering into that wedding banquet of the Lord.  Those who are agile and aright aligning their ways unto the way of the Lord enter the banquet with the Him at the end of their life here on earth.  We have been gifted with the light of Christ at the time of our baptism representing our transition from death to life in Christ.  It is our bounden duty to keep it alight until the day of Lord.  Persistence in living the Gospel values of life and prudence in remaining in the same, with utmost steadfastness; unperturbed by the allurements of the world can keep one ever ready for that all important moment of seeing the Lord face to face; walking hand in hand with him into that royal wedding banquet of the Lord prepared all in love for us.

Bible Reflections I 31.08.2023 - THURSDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time: Week 21

Readings 

            I - 1Thess. 3: 7-13

           II - Mt. 24: 42-51

SO WE LIVE SO WE DIE

According to the Gospel passage today there are two groups of people who are doomed to inherit the eternal damnation viz. the unready and the hypocrites. Because both are concerned about everything other than the essential, the love of God and the love of neighbour. Preparedness and vigilance is essential to behold the Master as He comes. We die the way we live.

The trending wellness concept of the day is “mindfulness”. Mindfulness is being fully present to oneself and to the happenings around. When were are present to ourselves, persons and happenings around, centered on God, we can live our life healthier, better, fruitful and satisfied. This is the simple technique yet highly magical in leading us towards a sacrosanct living that inherits eternal bliss. Mindfulness paves way to meet the Lord with preparedness and vigilance.

Bible Reflections I 30.08.2023 - WEDNESDAY I INDRAYA MANNA

Ordinary Time: Week 21

Readings 

           I - I Thess. 2: 9-13

           II - Mt. 23: 27-32

ST. EUPHRASIA ELUVATHINGAL

Lives of saints show us the way they stepped to reach the heart of God. Today the Church celebrates the feast of Euphrasia Eluvathingal, an Indian Carmelite nun of the Syro-Malabar Church.  Euphrasia was born on 17 October, 1877 in the family of Eluvathingal Cherpukaran Anthony and Kunjethy in the Kattur village of Edathuruthy parish. Her father was well known, wealthy man of determination and power.  Rosa fully inherited the parental virtues. She was extremely calm and composed with a deep spirit of prayer and great devotion to the Mother of God. She was called as Rosa at home.  When she was a child she asked her mother about the meaning of ‘Queen of Angels’.  The mother told her then about Mother Mary and the angels and also added that they angels always adored the Lord.  The very night our Blessed Mother appeared to Rosa in her dream and made her adore the Lord along with the Choirs of Angels. This happened for continuous three days.  She also had the vision of the Holy Family” Jesus, Mary and Joseph.  St. Euphrasia Eluvathingal lived every moment of her life loving and worshipping God and serving Him in her fellow creatures, her suffering brothers and sisters. She was canonised as a saint by Pope Francis on 23 November 2014 in Vatican City. Mother 

The life of saints encourage, motivate and spur us to grow in sanctity or the perfection.  May the wonderful and exemplary life of St. Euphrasia Eluvathingal help us to yield ourselves unto the will of the Lord. Don not be like the Pharisees and the Sadducees of the Gospel passage of the day who appeared to be spiritual but not. Let our credibility shine through our words and deeds.

Bible Reflections I 29.08.2023 - TUESDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time: Week 21

Readings 

           I - Jer. 1: 17-19

           II - Mk. 6: 17-29

BEHEADING OF ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST

The Church today remembers the martyrdom of St. John the Baptist, the last prophet of the Old Testament and the forerunner of the Messiah, Jesus Christ. St. John the Baptist was simple, that he had no pomp and glory in his living; straightforward in pointing the pointing the mistakes of the people be it even a king and steadfast in preparing the way of the Lord through his baptism of conversion. He was beheaded because he was outright in pointing the mistake of the Herod that it was not right for Herod to live with his brother’s wife. This truth hurt Herodias badly and she waited for a chance to outlet her vengeance and rightly utilised also the opportunity in instigating her daughter. Though Herod knew that St. John the Baptist was right and holy man, he gave in to his ego and cowardice. Herodias’ daughter also had her share in this beheading, her failure to discern and decide about her gift. 

We can draw four lessons from the beheading of St. John the Baptist: one, the courage of St. John the Baptist to stand for the truth come what may, even if it cost our life; two, never let vengeance flag at the cost of the destruction of the other; three, have courage to stand for the truth subduing our ego and finally, make discernment at every juncture of life.

Bible Reflections I 28.08.2023 - MONDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time: Week 21

Readings 

            I - I Thess. 1: 1-5, 8-10

           II - Mt. 23: 13-22

ST. AUGUSTINE, BISHOP AND DOCTOR

Not all saints start out saintly. The complete conversion of St Augustine of Hippo has been an inspiration to many who desire to turn back to God. Today the Church celebrates the feast of St. Augistine of Hippo, the Doctor of the Church.  He is the patron saint of brewers because of his conversion from a former life that included entertainment, parties and worldly ambitions.  Augustine was born in Tagaste in the year 354. His father, Patricius, was a Roman official, a pagan and his mother, Monica was a pious Christian lady. Monica prayed often that her family would be Christians. Patricius converted to Christianity just before his death. Augustine took so many years for conversion of heart still Monica never gave up her faith in the conversion of Augustine and prayed for him fervently with tears that he might one day be touched by Christ.   Augustine followed his own religious explorations as a Manichean and later a Platonist. Augustine became a professor of the liberal arts and befriended his contemporary, St. Jerome. The restless intellectual was convinced by the sermon of St. Ambrose on Easter and was baptised by him in 387. His autobiography ‘Confessions’ contains the story of his conversion. 

Love of God and love of neighbour are the axis upon which revolves the whole of law and the prophecy.   Under the pretext of being faithful to the law of the Lord to its minutest details, the Scribes and the Pharisees have multiplied and made the observance of the law more difficult, cumbersome, tiring, impossible and disgusting.  The essence of the law was diluted to mere ritual and a hypocrisy. In today’s Gospel passage, Jesus reprimands such pharisaic attitude of hypocrisy and insists on the importance of the indispensable higher value of life grounded on love. May the saint of the day help us to be credible Christians with conviction.

Bible Reflections I 27.08.2023 - SUNDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time: Week 21

Readings 

           I - Is. 22: 19-23

           II - Rom. 11: 33-36

          III - Mt. 18: 13-20

GOD CHOOSES WHOMEVER HE WANTS

In the second reading of the day, St. Paul in his letter to the Romans says that unsearchable are God’s judgments and inscrutable are his ways. He chooses whomever he wants for accomplishing His mission. None can complain or contradict or counsel Him. He enthrones as well as dethrones. None can question or argue with Him. In the first reading, God chooses Eliakim to be the king of Jerusalem. To Him would He entrust the key of the house of David. In the Gospel passage, Jesus chooses Simon Peter, the impetuous fisherman to lead the New Israel, the People of God handing him the keys of the Kingdom of Heaven. God does not call the qualified rather He calls and qualifies. Qualification befitting to the mission entrusted: to lead his little flock.   

We are called by God for a purpose. He has not created us in vain. All we need to do is to wait for Him and to discern His will with diligence. Pray in a special way today for all our church leaders and the leaders of the nation as well that they may lead the Church and the latter the nation according to the Plan of God.

Bible Reflections I 26.08.2023 - SATURDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time: Week 20

Readings 

            I - Ruth 2: 1, 1-3, 8-11, 4: 13-17

           II - Mt. 23: 1-12

BECOME HUMBLE AND MEEK 

As subordinates, submit to the authority and as superiors, serve like a slave is the crux of the Gospel passage today.  Jesus instructs both, the subordinates and the superiors.  He exhorts the people to abide by the teachings of the Scribes and the Pharisees as they are delegated with the authority from God Himself and insists that the greatness of the leaders vest in their service to the flock that is entrusted. A leader should be a servant of all.  

To submit and to serve is possible to the one who is humble.  It takes courage and conviction to remain humble ignoring pride, honour, glory, pomp, fame and popularity. Humble persons are always aglow in spirit that attracts the attention and admiration of all, inspiring and inviting them to imitate the same.  May the grace of God wrap us with humility, simplicity and meekness to submit and to serve, solely for the glory of God.

Bible Reflections I 25.08.2023 - FRIDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time: Week 20

Readings 

            I - Ruth 1: 1, 3-6, 14-16, 22

           II - Mt. 22: 34-40

STAY HUMBLE

in today’s Gospel passage the Pharisees and the Sadducees plan to trick Jesus and a lawyer approaches Jesus with a question solely with the intention of testing him, “Teacher, which commandment in the law is the greatest?”  This projects the self-righteousness and the ‘all knowing’ attitude of the religious leaders comprising the upper hierarchy of the Jewish society. Pride and arrogance are the byproducts of self-righteousness which was the greatest obstacle for the so called ‘all knowing’ religious leaders to identify and accept Jesus as the Promised Messiah. 

Self-righteousness and pride obstructs from accepting the truth, arrogance alleviates the power of understanding and above all self-righteousness makes one to willfully miss the mark barricading the truth that is God Himself.  Jesus is the Gospel, the Good News that can only be beheld with simplicity, humility and openness of heart.  Let us give up self-righteousness, the premier enemy of the Gospel to discover the ‘all powerful, all loving, all knowing and all merciful” God.

Bible Reflections I 24.08.2023 - THURSDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time: Week 20

Readings 

           I - Rev. 21: 9-14

           II - Jn. 1: 45-51

 ST. BARTHOLOMEW, APOSTLE 

The Church celebrates the feast of St. Bartholomew also known as Nathaniel mentioned in the Gospel passage today. Nathaniel had a similar prejudiced attitude like any other Jew, “Can anything good come from Nazareth”. But still, with the simplicity of heart, forthright mind and openness to the truth adhered to Phillip’s, “Come and see”. This is why Jesus commented at Nathaniel saying, “Here truly is an Israelite in whom there is no deceit”. Nathaniel went, saw, spoke to Jesus and was convinced that Jesus was the Messiah, the Son of God and thereafter followed him.  

Most of us have an opinionated outlook about someone or something. Every mind is prejudiced about every other person because of here say, experiences, encounters, rumours and gossips. We are often adamant to amend our ideas, notions and thought patterns; and estimate people form the place they come, to the family the belong, the caste and creed of the person, educational background, their lifestyle and their affluence and status in the society. In this bargain, we may miss Jesus present in the other person. May the feast of St. Bartholomew, help us to give up our prejudice and discover Jesus, the Truth in every person and event.

Bible Reflections I 23.08.2023 - WEDNESDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time: Week 20

Readings 

            I - Judg. 9: 6-15

           II - Mt. 20: 1-16

SAINT ROSA OF LEEMA

STRIVE TO INHERIT LIFE ETERNAL

In today’s Gospel passage Jesus speaks about the reward of those who strive for the Kingdom of God. Towards the end of the Gospel passage Jesus says, “The last will be first and the first will be last”. He speaks of the absolute equity and equality in the kingdom of heaven. There are some who are saints right from their birth, there are others who take a U-turn towards God at one point of their life time and while there are still others who gain paradise at the last breathe of their life. Yet all partake in the glory of the bliss to the full with no distinction, for God shows no difference nor is He partial.

The voice of the Lord beckons to set our life on the right track that leads to life eternal. To adhere to the Lord’s voice, return to him, amending our ways unto His, usher bliss of paradise, the heritage of all human being created in the image and likeness of God. Some listen to His voice, others neglect while still some other slight the same. When we conduct our life in vain after money, power, possession, pleasure and wealth, the voice of the Lord would definitely interrupt, inviting us for a greater purpose of attaining heaven, the blissful eternal life.

Bible Reflections I 22.08.2023 - TUESDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time: Week 20

Readings 

            I - Is. 9: 2-7

           II - Lk. 1: 26-38

QUEENSHIP OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY 

Today the Church celebrates the feast of the Queenship of Mother Mary.  Pope Pius XII instituted this feast in 1954.  The celebration has its roots in the Scripture.  At the annunciation, the angel Gabriel, as we have heard it read in the Gospel reading, says, “The Lord will give to him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end”.  In the first reading Prophet Isiah titles him as ‘Prince of Peace’ and prophesy that his kingdom would have no end.  Mary’s Queenship is a share in the kingship of her son Jesus.  Pope Pius XII in his encyclical “To the Queen of Heaven” Justify her title as ‘Queen’ emphasizing that she was the Mother of God and the Mother of King and that she was closely associated with the redemptive work of her son. 

In the litany of the Rosary invoke the intercession of mother Mary, calling her as ‘Queen’.  She is queen of heaven and of the earth because she had been faithful to her ‘fiat’ meaning ‘let it be done’ until her assumption into Heaven. Mary served the Lord in humility and obedience even in the most trying situations, all with faith and in faithfulness. Let us implore Mother Mary’s intercession, assistance, support and guidance in our fidelity and commitment to the Lord as His beloved children. Let our mind and heart resonate with the prayer: “Mother Mary, Queen of heaven and of the earth, Pray for us.

Bible Reflections I 21.08.2023 - MONDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time: Week 20

Readings 

            I - Judges 2:11-19

           II - Mt. 19: 16-22

GO AND SELL

Christian living is giving. Giving all that we have and all that we are, to ennoble, enrich and empower the poor, the downtrodden, the less privileged, the less fortunate and those in misery. Observance of commandments may help to inherit eternal life but perfection vests in parting away with the possession for the poor is the crux of the Gospel passage today. The man who wanted to be perfect and approached Jesus for the same observed all laws right from his childhood but he was unable to sell his riches and give to poor because it hurt him. It might hurt his security, status, dignity and pride. Therefore the rich man went away sorrowful not having a heart to part with riches.   

Spending our energy, time, skill, money, material, wealth; and power surpassing all time constraint, power constraint, dignity constraint, status constraint and prestige constraint even at the cost of name, fame, pride, dignity, ego and reputation, just to uplift the poor and those in the periphery, is emptying. This is the way to perfection.

Bible Reflections I 20.08.3023 - SUNDAY I INDRAYA MANNA

Ordinary Time: Week 20

Readings 

           I - Is. 56: 1, 6-7

          II - Rom. 11: 13-15, 29-32

         III - Mt. 13: 21-28

                  

PRAY WITHOUT CEASING 

The Canaanites were outcasts and therefore the Jews abstained themselves from associating with the Canaanites. In today’s Gospel passage, the Canaanite woman comes before the Lord requesting for the healing of her daughter tortured by demon. Jesus tries to send her away reminding of her status: “it is not fair to take the children’s’ food and throw it to the dogs”. The outcasts were also considered as dogs. But she was persistent in persuading Jesus for the healing and finally Jesus did heal her daughter and appreciates her faith saying, “Woman great is your faith! Let it be done for you as you wish”.

The three essential elements for prayer are: courage, faith and perseverance. Courage to face the Lord with the conviction that we are the children of God. Jesus says that faith can move even mountains (Mt. 17: 20-21). We should never become tired of praying (Col. 4: 2) but keep persevering with faith. If prayer requests are unanswered, examine your courage to stand before the Lord, faith and perseverance. Remember at all times that we are the children of God redeemed by the precious blood of Jesus Christ.

Bible Reflections I 19.08.2023 - SATURDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time: Week 19

Readings 

           I - Joshua 24: 14-29

          II - Mt. 19:13-15

LITTLE ARE GREAT 

Highlighting the marginalised, exalting the lowly, leading the last to the forefront and making the insignificant the prominent is the unique and unbeatable style of Jesus.  In the society that considered women and children as ‘no persons’, Jesus commands his disciples to let the little children come to him, blesses them and calls them the greatest and the protagonist in the Kingdom of heaven. 

The innocence, fragility, dependence, forgiveness, guilelessness, trust, reliance, simplicity, openness, sense of wonder, candidness and honesty make the little children the predilects of the kingdom of heaven.  Jesus affirms saying, “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven” (Mt. 18:3).  Jesus exhorts us to have an attitudinal change giving up our ego, anger, pride, hatred, jealousy, arrogance, vain glory, revenge, falsehood and pretensions, to imbibe the characteristics of little children in order to become great in the kingdom of heaven.  Let us with the grace of God become worthy children of God giving up our old and rugged living and inherit the kingdom prepared for us.

Bible Reflections I 18.08.2023 - FRIDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time: Week 19

Readings 

          I - Joshua 24: 1-13

         II - Mt. 19:3-12

ST. HELEN - Memory 

In today’s Gospel passage as a response to the question posed by the Pharisees, “Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife for any cause?”, Jesus highlights the supremacy of marriage, in which man and woman become one flesh, a union inseparable and willed by God Himself. Marriage is a covenantal relationship characterised by unity and indissolubility rooted in fidelity and faithfulness to one another. It is the replica of the relationship between Christ and the Church (Eph. 5: 22-23) and hence it is a sacrament. It is a lifelong commitment to one another all in mutual love, understanding, forbearance, flexibility, adaptability, humility and patience.  

Despite marriage being a sacrament, break ups too are not uncommon today. Couples get separated for silly and capricious reasons. The sacrament of matrimony gets shattered in each one’s striving for false freedom, carefree living, autonomy grounded in utter selfishness and egotism, intolerance at the success of the other, considering the other not as their life partner but as their rival, self-righteousness and pride. A family that prays together stays together. Prayer strengths the nuptial bond and family relationship building bridges beyond barriers turning hatred into love, discord into harmony, non-acceptance into acceptance, egotism into altruism, rivalry into companionship and pride into humility. Habituate family prayer and nurture fruitful living making family a church in its miniature. In the silence of our hearts let us keep repeating: “Lord Jesus, Bless our family”.

Bible Reflections I 17.08.2023 - THURSDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time: Week 19

Readings 

            I - Joshua 3: 7-10, 11, 13-17

           II - Mt. 18:21-19:1

TO FORGIVE IS DIVINE

Forgiveness is the hallmark of Christian living. In the Gospel reading today Jesus answers Peter’s query by exhorting him to forgive the offender seventy times seven, which means a complete forgiveness. In the prayer taught by Jesus, we invoke God praying, “forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us” (Mt. 6:12), a conditional forgiveness. Therefore to be forgiven, one has to forgive. Forgiveness favours a bonding relationship that fosters fraternity, unity and communion thus realising the dream of Jesus: the kingdom of God.  

Jesus says, “And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive them, so that you father in heaven may forgive your sins” (Mk. 11:25). We need to forgive, if we need to obtain forgiveness from God. Jesus had forgiven the torturers and the executioners who tortured and nailed him to the cross and had left us an example to walk his way. Let us follow the way of the Shepherd and set example to the world, as sterling Christians after the heart of Jesus Christ our Lord.

Bible Reflections I 16.08.2023 - WEDNESDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time: Week 19

Readings 

           I - Deu. 34: 1-12

          II - Mt. 18: 15-10

In today’s Gospel passage Jesus prescribes a formula for mending relationships.  If someone sins against us, we have to go and tell him about it when he is alone.  If he doesn’t listen to us, we have to take two or three witnesses and speak to him.  If he again refuses to listen, we have to tell it to the Church.  If he refuses to listen even to the Church, then he can be treated like a gentile and the tax collector. 

Through the Gospel passage of the day, Jesus invites us to try all the means to bring an erred brother back to the relationship. God wishes for a change of heart and new beginnings.  He does wish that anyone perish.  Follow the formula of Jesus and try to mend relationships for the disciple of Jesus, like Jesus, searches for and brings back the strayed sheep.

Bible Reflections I 15.08.2023 - TUESDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Readings 

            I - Jud. 13: 18-20; 14: 9

           II - Gal. 5: 13-17

          III - Lk. 1: 46-55

ASSUMPTION OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY 

INDIA’S INDEPENDENCE DAY

“My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior” is the song of every Christian today and every India Christian in particular.  This day is a great and gorgeous day in deed. As Christians, we are joyful at the assumption of our Blessed Mother into Heaven and grateful for the prefiguration of our destination in this mystery of assumption; As Indians we are joyful in recalling the day of freedom and grateful for the sacrifices of people were responsible for getting us freedom.  Both the feasts synchronize at one concept that is freedom. Freedom is responsibility. The celebrations invite us to introspect our life as responsible Christians and responsible Citizens of India.  As Christians our freedom consists in conducting our life by the Spirit and as Citizens of the nation, it is in conducting our life diligently by doing all our best in preserving the wonderful and unique heritage of our nation, ‘Unity in Diversity’, with the Spirit of “Indian”. 

The dogma of faith on the assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary was declared on 1st November, 1950 by Pope Pius XII: “The most Blessed Virgin Mary, when the course of her earthly life was completed, was taken body and soul into the glory of heaven, where she shares in the glory of her Son’s resurrection, anticipating the resurrection of all members of his body”.  Assumption of Mary is the prefiguration of the destiny of every member of the universal church.  Mother Mary was privileged to assume into heaven because, primarily she was faithful to her call, to be the mother of God and secondly, she sought and accomplished the will the God at all time in her life. It was possible for Mother Mary because she walked by the Spirit. The feast of assumption therefore becomes an invitation and inspiration for each of us to remain faithful to the state of life to which we have been called which is possible as St. Paul in the second reading exhorts we have to walk by the Spirit .  However challenging, trying or tearing, learn to take delight in seeking and accomplishing the will of God.  These two resolutions can help us combat the constant struggle between the good and evil making us victors, conquering the evil as did our Blessed Mother Mary. May our Blessed Mother help us too to be modelled after her as we solemnize this her feast day today. 

India celebrates the seventy seventh independence day today.  As we hoist the national flag commemorating the same, entrust India under the protection and help of Mother Mary that she may help all of us to live in unity, charity, prosperity, justice, equality and brotherhood.  Let us make the prayer of Tagore our own as we celebrate the Independence Day today by constantly repeating: “Into that heaven of freedom, my Father, let my country awake”.

Bible Reflections I 14.08.2023 - MONDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time: Week 19

Readings 

            I - Due. 10: 12-22

           II - Mt. 17: 22-27

SAINT MAXIMILIAN MARY KOLBE

Maximilian Mary Kolbe, the Martyr of Charity, was a Polish Conventual Franciscan friar born in Poland in 1894. Maximilian Kolbe was very active in promoting the devotion to the Immaculate Virgin Mary. He is known as the Apostle of Consecration to Mary. At about the age of ten he had a vision of the Virgin Mary. She offered him a white crown and a red crown, representing purity and martyrdom. He chose both, a foreshadowing of his life to come. He was Ordained at 24. Maximilian saw religious indifference as the deadliest poison of his time and he decided to combat it. He founded the Militia of the Immaculata, whose aim was to fight evil with the witness of the good life, work, prayer and suffering. He also started Knight of the Immaculata, a religious magazine under Mary’s protection to preach the Good News to all nations. For the work of publication he established a “City of the Immaculata” that sheltered 700 of his Franciscan brothers. He later founded another one in Nagasaki, Japan. Both the Militia and the magazine ultimately reached the one-million mark in members and subscribers. His love of God was daily filtered through devotion to Mary. In 1939 City of Immaculata was bombed.  Kolbe and the friars were arrested and were released on the feast of Immaculate Conception. In 1941 Fr. Maximilian Mary Kolbe was arrested again and they eventually imprisoned Kolbe in the Auschwitz death camp, where in 1941 he offered to take the place of a man condemned to die in retaliation for an escaped prisoner. His offer was accepted and he died two weeks later on August 14 on the vigil of Mary’s Assumption. Pope Paul VI beatified Maximilian Mary Kolbe in 1971. In 1982, St. Pope John Paul II canonized him as a “martyr of charity,” calling him “patron of our difficult century.” He is the patron saint of journalists, media communications, the family and the chemically addicted.

Today’s Gospel passage is about the payment of temple tax by Jesus.  Jesus was never a scandal to anyone. St. Maximilian Mary Kolbe was clear about his identity as Christian and as a priest.  He witnessed to the love of the Lord by selflessly giving up in the place of the person who had wife and children.  May the life of the saint inspire us to live up to our Christian identity.

Bible Reflections I 13.08.2023 - SUNDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time: Week 19

Readings 

           I - I Kings. 19: 9, 11-13

          II - Rom. 9: 1-5

         III - Mt. 14: 22-33

                  

FAITH FINDS GOD

Today’s Gospel passage is about Jesus walking on the water. With darkness around, the rough sea roaring and the strong wind battering, the disciples were able to row the boat only about three or four miles with great difficulty to sail safely. They were so much gripped in their problems that they were not able to identify their master who came towards them walking on the water but were terrified. Recognising Jesus, Peter took courage to walk on the water but with the little faith he began to drown. With Jesus the boat and the disciples sailed safe on the shore.

In our life too when are faced with challenges, difficulties, anxieties, worries and problems we seem to strain ourselves in all ways to come out of the same forgetting the presence of the Master our Lord Jesus Christ in our lives. With Jesus burdens become light (Mt. 11: 30). We often forget this and toil hard to sail safe from all that bother us. Instead recognise the presence of the Lord and experience everyday miracles happening in our lives.

Bible Reflections I 12.08.2023 - SATURDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time: Week 18

Readings 

           I - Deu. 6: 4-13

           II - Mt. 17: 14-20

ST. JANE FRANCES DE CHANTAL

Today the Church celebrates the feast of St. Jane Frances de Chantal, the founder of the Congregation of the Visitation of Our Lady. Jane was born in Dijon, France, in 1572. When she was married into a royal family. They had six children, two of whom died at a young age. Jane was welcomed the poor who came to the castle door looking for food. Jane lost her husband in a hunting accident. She was heartbroken and could not forgive the man who had caused the accident. She turned away from all the persons and things she loved. Even prayer did not help her to overcome her sadness. The effective sermon of Bishop, St. Francis de Sales on God’s love opened her heart again and she forgave the man who was the cause of her husband’s death. Jane persuaded Bishop Francis de Sales to be her Spiritual Guide. Bishop de Sales told Jane about his dream to establish an order of religious sisters who would live and work among the people they served. His dream became Jane’s dream and she founded the Congregation of the Visitation of Our Lady. St. Jane Frances de Chantal is invoked as the patron of widows and parents who are separated from their children.

In today’s Gospel passage Jesus speaks about the power of faith that can make even the impossible, a possible one. It was the faith of the saint of the day that made her to forgive that was impossible to her, it was faith that made her commit herself in realising the dream of St. Francis de Sales. If as Jesus says have a little of faith we too can becomes great in the sight of God.

Bible Reflections I 11.08.2023 - FRIDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time: Week 18

Readings 

           I - Deu. 4: 32-40

           II - Mt. 16: 24-28

ST. CLARE OF ASSISI 

Today the Church celebrates the feast of St. Clare of Assisi, the founder of the Order of St. Clair. She is also the patroness of eye disease, laundry and goldsmiths. St. Clare of Assisi was born in Assisi on July 16, 1194. She was the eldest daughter from a wealthy and noble family. As a young girl, Clare dedicated herself to prayer and pious activities. At the age of eighteen, she heard St. Francis of Assisi preach during a Lenten service in the church of San Giorgio and asked him to help her live according to the Gospel. She became a Franciscan nun. In order to give her the greater solitude she desired, Francis sent Clare to another Benedictine nuns monastery. St. Clair along with the ladies who joined them to devote themselves to the Lord formed together "Poor Ladies of San Damiano." They all lived a simple life of austerity, seclusion from the world, and poverty, according to a Rule which Francis gave them as a Second Order. St. Clare and her sisters wore no shoes, ate no meat, lived in a poor house, and kept silent most of the time. Their lives consisted of work and prayer. They committed themselves to radical poverty. The Order of Poor Ladies was officially changed to the Order of Saint Clare in 1263 by Pope Urban IV.

In 1224, an army of rough soldiers from Frederick II came to attack Assisi. Although very sick, Clare went out to meet them with the Blessed Sacrament on her hands. She had the Blessed Sacrament placed at the wall where the enemies could see it. Then on her knees, she begged God to save the Sisters. "O Lord, protect these Sisters whom I cannot protect now," she prayed. A voice seemed to answer: "I will keep them always in My care." In that moment, a sudden fright struck the attackers and they fled as fast as they could without harming anyone in Assisi. This is why St. Clare is often pictured carrying a monstrance or pyx, to commemorate the time she warded off the soldiers at the gates of her convent with the Blessed Sacrament.

St. Clare became sick and suffered great pains for many years, but she expressed that no pain could trouble her. In today’s Gospel passage, Jesus says that if anyone wishes to follow him should deny themselves, take up the cross and follow him. St. Clair did it and has left us an example that the one who possess God possesses everything as she often used to say, "They say that we are too poor, but can a heart which possesses the infinite God be truly called poor?"

Bible Reflections I 10.08.2023 - THURSDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time: Week 18

Readings 

           I - 2 Cor. 9: 6-10

           II - Jn. 12: 24-26

ST. LAWRENCE, DEACON 

The Church today celebrates the fest of St. Lawrence, the first of the seven deacons of Rome, appointed by St. Pope Sixtus II. St. Lawrence was known as the Archdeacon of Rome. He was trusted so much by the Pope that he entrusted the treasures of the Church and the concern of the poor in Rome to St. Lawrence. It was the time of persecution under the emperor Valerian. Many ministers of the Church, the bishops, priests and deacons were executed and martyred. Pope Sixtus II too was one among them to be martyred. Aware of the threat that awaited the Church, St. Lawrence distributed the wealth and property of the Church to all the poor and needy there. When the Roman authorities enquired for the wealth of the Church, St. Lawrence presented the poor people before the authorities. Infuriated authorities, tortured him putting him on a hot gridiron, heated with a blazing furnace and martyred him. St. Lawrence joyfully endured for the sake of his faith in the Lord and Master Jesus Christ. 

St. Lawrence gave himself up completely in faith, for the sake of the Lord joyfully and generously, gaining the glory of the heavenly bliss. In today’s Gospel passage Jesus says, “Unless a wheat of grain falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit”. The martyrdom of St. Lawrence is an inspiration and model to us. Following Christ may cause many setbacks and sufferings but on enduring, we gain eternal life and other pick up inspiration and example.

Bible Reflections I 09.08.2023 - WEDNESDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time: Week 18

Readings 

            I - Num. 13:1-2, 25-14:1, 26-29, 34-35

           II - Mt. 15: 21-28

ST. TERESA BENEDICTA OF THE CROSS 

In today’s Gospel Jesus referring the Canaanite woman a dog reverses the stereo mindset of the Jews raising her to the standard of the people of God as did the Jews.  Because the Jews took pride in parading themselves as people of God.  The Canaanites were considered as enemies, sinners and outcasts. The Canaanite woman with such a helpless background but with a great courage in her heart goes amidst the chosen crowd to seek Jesus with a tremendous faith that Jesus would definitely heal her daughter and persistently pervaded the mindset of the Jews without getting offended. Jesus uses the courage, persistence and the faith of the Canaanite woman to instruct the Jews and include everyone under the umbrella of the Children of God.   

Prayer persevering in faith, shatters the shackles, reaches the royal realm of God and gets request rewarded.  Jacob wrestled with God and got the name Israel (Gen. 32:22-32), the walls of Jerico fell with the prayers and praises of God (Jos. 6: 1-27), Holofernes the giant was beheaded at the hand of a woman with the back up of prayer (judith13), blind beggars effort and calling out of Jesus with faith obtained sight for him (Mk. 10: 46-52), woman with the hemorrhage, touching the hem of the garment of Jesus in faith was healed instantaneously (Mt. 9: 20-22), the centurion obtained healing for his servant even in the off-physical presence of Jesus with an utmost faith in him (Mt. 8:5-13).  Jesus says, “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find, knock and the door will be opened to you” (Mt. 7:7).  St. Paul in his first letter to the Thessalonians says, “Pray without ceasing” (1Thess. 5:16).  Do not get easily discouraged rather pray the Lord persistently, with great courage and tremendous trust, for courage conquers, persistence pays and faith favours as it did with the Canaanite woman who pleaded Jesus.

Bible Reflections I 08.08.2023 - TUESDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time: Week 18

Readings  

            I - Num. 12: 1-13

           II - Mt. 15: 1-2, 10-14 

ST. DOMINIC

Today the Church celebrates the feast of St. Dominic, the founder of the order of the Dominicans. Saint Dominic was born in Caleruega, Spain in 1170to the parents of Spanish nobility related to the ruling family. His mother was a holy woman and according to a legend his mother dreamt of a dog leaping from her womb with a torch in its mouth. The dog seemed to set the earth on fire. Hence, when Dominic was born his parents named him Dominic meaning the Lord's dog in Latin. Dominic was excelling in his theological studies and arts. In 1191, a famine struck Spain and left many people desolate and homeless. Dominic sold everything he had, including his furniture and clothes and fed for the poor. He even sold his manuscripts, required for study, saying, "Would you have me study from these dead skins when people are dying of hunger?" Dominic even attempted to sell himself into slavery to the Moors for the freedom of others. He fought the good fight for the Lord refuting the then prevailing Albigensian heresy that considered all material creation as evil. Dominic lived a discipline life of extreme charity, prayer and penance. St. Dominic was known for his austerity and poverty. He was a leader par-excellence of his time especially in defending the Church and attending to the poor.  

In today’s Gospel passage Jesus calls the Scribes and the Pharisees ‘blind guides’ because they twisted and turned the simple Law of the Lord in binding and burdening the ordinary people. They diluted the essence of the Law but were focused on all that was least important. Even today we find such people who speak a lot about religion but failing to live religion that exhorts nothing but the love of God and love of neighbour.

Bible Reflections I 07.08.2023 - MONDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time: Week 18

Readings:  

            I - Num. 11: 4-15

           II - Mt. 14: 13-21

SHARING WORKS MIRACLE

Five loaves and two fish to five thousand men besides women and children with twelve baskets remnant is unimaginable, ungraspable and unfathomable. With man this is impossible but with God all things are possible (Mt. 19:26). In Today’s gospel we read Jesus telling his disciples, “give them something to eat yourselves”. To Jesus were brought all that they had: five loaves and two fish. Jesus blesses that too little into a more than enough for the multitude, as the gospel says, “They all ate as much as they wanted”. Not ‘each one, eat one bread’ but as much as each one wanted. 

God sees the heart, the intention and the generosity with which we give and never what or how much we give. With God’s blessing, minimum is maximum, slight is surmounting, small is great, insignificant is embossing and mite is might. Any act of love has its own random effect that foster multiplication. Every kind act, daring deed, generous giving of money, means, energy, time and talent, courageous stand against injustice and inhuman act has its own impact on the new world order based on freedom, fraternity and justice. Let us share for a supremo world order of love, peace and joy.

Bible Reflections I 06.08.2023 - SUNDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time: Week 18

Readings 

            I - Dan. 7: 9-10, 13-14

           II - 2 Pt. 1: 16-19

          III - Mt. 17: 1-9

TRANSFIGURATION OF THE LORD

Today the Church celebrates the feast of the transfiguration of the Lord. In the Gospel passage we read, Peter, James and John witnessing the transfiguration of the Lord in all his glory, glowing in dazzling white. There Elijah and Moses appeared to him and Jesus was talking to them. Elijah is a great prophet and also associated with the arrival of the Messiah: “Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the great and awesome day of the Lord” (Mal. 4:5). Moses is the liberator and the Law giver. Appearance of Moses and Elijah with Jesus symbolize that Jesus is the compendium of Law and Prophesy and this is affirmed by the overshadowing of the cloud that symbolize the presence of God. “In the past God spoke to our forefathers through the prophets at many times and in various ways, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom he made the universe” (Heb. 1:1). Peter, James and John were given such a privilege of witnessing the transfiguration of the Lord with the mission embedded in the voice of the Father, “This my Son, the Beloved; listen to him”. To listen to Jesus, the prophet par excellence, the liberator from our sin, slavery and suffering and the Neo Law giver.  

Listening to Jesus tantamount to living the Neo Law of Jesus. The Neo Law of Jesus is the New Commandment based on Love: love of God and love of neighbour. One cannot exist without the other. They are the two sides of the same coin. One cannot say “I love God and hate my neighbour” or vice versa. The feast of transfiguration invites us to transcend from all our selfishness, ego, pride, jealousy, hatred, envy, greed, avarice etc… and transform into persons of love, peace, joy, happiness, tenderness, compassion, empathy, gentleness, care, concern etc… so as to be transfigured restoring the image and likeness of God in which we were created.

Bible Reflections I 05.08.2023 - SATURDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time: Week 17

Readings:  

       I - Lev. 25: 1, 8-17,

      II - Mt. 14: 1-12

DEDICATION OF THE BASILICA OF ST. MARY MAJOR IN ROME

In the Gospel passage today, John the Baptist courageously admonishes the unlawful act of King Herod, living with his brother’s wife. His words were powerful, piercing, disturbing and deterring both Herod and Herodias. Herodias plotted so well that she had the head of John the Baptist on the platter through her daughter. Have courage to stand up for what is right. If God chooses us to be His mouth piece, let us courageously do so with no fear of people who can kill the body but are unable to kill the soul (Mat. 10:28), like St. John the Baptist who dared to point the unlawful act of the king

Today the Church remembers the dedication of St. Mary Major Church, Rome, a great and gigantic church built in honour of Mother Mary. The site for the Church was chosen by the Blessed Mother herself through the miraculous snow fall at that site as she promised. The purpose of every church besides being a place of worship, glory, honour and praise to God, binds brothers and sisters in fraternity, unity and equality. St. Paul in his first letter to the Corinthians says, “Do you not know that your body is a temple of Holy Spirit within you” (1Cor. 6:19). We are the temple of God, called to be the sign of fraternity, unity and equality reflecting the presence of God. In this our living we become the worship, honour, glory and praise to God. This may inherit the wrath of the world upon us and the people of this world may hate, haul and hurt us but they can never prevail over us.

Bible Reflections I 04.08.2023 - FRIDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time: Week 17

Readings:  

       I - Lev. 23: 1, 4-11, 15-16, 27, 34-37

       II - Mt. 13: 54-58

  

ST. JOHN MARY VIANNEY

Today’s Gospel passage is about the rejection of Jesus by the people of his own hometown. Prejudice prevented the people of Nazareth from accepting the wisdom of Jesus and his deeds of divine power. A deliberate rejection just because Jesus was a carpenter’s son and Mary, his mother was a simple and insignificant woman of Nazareth. They did not have a great or a renowned background. Therefore the people deliberately rejected the truth. Pride became their pitfall of faith and truth. Their unbelief prevented Jesus from performing many deeds of power with them. In their prejudice and pride they became the losers. Faith is acceptance and acceptance with faith works wonders. 

Today the Church celebrates the feast St. John Mary Vianney, the humble parish priest of Ars, a remote parish in France that contained only two hundred and thirty people. He took it as a holy will of God and through his life and example brought all people closer to God. Pope Benedict XVI, in his letter proclaiming the year of the priest have said, “In his time the Curé of Ars was able to transform the hearts and the lives of so many people because he enabled them to experience the Lord’s merciful love”. St. John Mary Vianney accomplish all in love, aligning himself to the will of God. The feast of St. John Mary Vianney is also celebrated as the feast of the parish priests. St. John Mary Vianney used to say, “The priesthood is the love of the heart of Jesus”. Let us today pray for all priests and for our parish priests in particular.

Bible Reflections I 03.08.2023 - THURSDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time: Week 17

Readings  

           I - Ex. 40: 16-21, 34-38

          II - Mt. 13: 47-53

BE PREPARED TO BE COUNTED 

The Gospel passage of the day contains a comparison and an obligation.  The kingdom of heaven is compared to a net that is thrown into the sea.  It collects both the good and the bad fish.  The good ones are stored in the container and the bad ones are thrown away.  Similarly, on that final day of judgment, the humanity will be judged on the basis of love and those who are worthy would inherit the kingdom of God. Every scribe who considered himself to be the custodian of law is supposed to match the old and new and make the rules easy for people to follow for the crux of the old and new law is love. Instead they complicated the law and made the lives of ordinary people weighing and tiring.  

We are trained in so many ways to practice the preaching of the Gospel: love, through bible reading, sermons, preaching, retreat, prayer and spiritual and corporal practices.  Examine whether all these help us to be more humane and loving so that others too copy and aspire for a life based on love. Introspect if we will be found good at end of our time.

Bible Reflections I 02.08.2023 - WEDNESDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time: Week 17

Readings

           I - Ex. 34: 29-35

          II - Mt. 13: 44-46

ST. EUSEBIUS - MEMORY 

GIVING UP GAINS

In today’s Gospel passage, Jesus compares the Kingdom of God with the treasure and the pearls.  The man finding the treasure and the merchant finding the precious pearls sold ‘all that they had’ to possess the treasure and the pearls respectively.  They were ready to give up all that they had to gain something great and more precious than all that they had.  

The Kingdom of God is indeed more precious compared to the worldly possessions we hold on to.  If we discover this truth we will be ready and willing to give up our name, fame, pride, ego, grudges, enmity, hatred…and will also be ready to love, respect, give up, forgive, submit…all for the sake of the Kingdom of God.  Give up willingly and voluntarily in order to gain all that is precious and permanent