Bible Reflections I 20.08.2021 - Friday I Indraya Manna I

Ordinary Time - Week 20

Readings 

        I - Ruth 1: 1, 3-6,   

                      14-16, 22

      II - Mt. 22: 34-40

SELF-RIGHTEOUSNESS: PREMIER ENEMY OF THE GOSPEL

Discussions are for arriving at a consensus, dialogues are for nurturing a compromise, queries are for obtaining clarity and the arguments are for augmenting the truth.  But 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. 

“Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall” (Prov. 16:18).  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 says, “I am the way, the truth and the life” (Jh. 14:6).  

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. May our mind and heart resonate with this prayer: “Jesus, meek and humble of heart, make my heart like yours”

நாம் தேர்ந்து கொள்ளப்பட்டவர்களா? I 19.08.2021 - Thursday I Rev. Fr. Arok...

Bible Reflections I 19.08.2021 - Thursday I Indraya Manna I

Ordinary Time - Week 20

Readings 

            I - Judg. 11: 29-39

           II - Mt. 22: 1-14

LET YOUR LIFESTYLE DELINEATE LIFE ETERNAL

In the parable of the wedding banquet Jesus projects the stubborn and hard hearted people of Israel who refused to return to the Lord. They deafened their ears to the invitation of God that came through kings, judges, prophets and finally His own son Jesus Christ. “The more they were called, the more they went away” (Hos. 11:2). The people of Israel took delight and pride in calling themselves as the chosen people of God but failed to adhere to the voice of God that beckoned to align their ways unto the ways of God. The Son of God was sent to His own people Israel but they willfully neglected to either accept him or give heed to him. This is why Jesus tells them, “Truly I tell you, the tax collectors and the prostitutes are going into the kingdom of God ahead of you ‘(Mt. 21: 32).  

Towards the end of the Gospel passage today Jesus says, “Many are called, but few are chosen”. All of us, as children of God are called to inherit the kingdom of God but only the ones who make themselves befitting to that kingdom will inherit it. If we are attentive in adhering to the voice of God that comes in prayer, from our conscience and through our dear ones, friends, colleagues, neighbours or even strangers for that matter, our lifestyle would definitely be delineating the life eternal throbbing with peace, serenity, happiness, joy and cheerfulness. As loving children of God let us obey and commit ourselves unto his ways befitting to inherit life eternal thus making our life purposeful here on earth. In the silence of our hearts let us keep repeating: “Lord Jesus help us to listen to you”.

Bible Reflections I 18.08.2021 - Wednesday I Indraya Manna I

Ordinary Time - Week 20

Readings 

            I - Judg. 9: 6-15

           II - Mt. 20: 1-16

DISCERN AND DECIDE TO INHERIT LIFE ETERNAL

In today’s Gospel passage Jesus speaks about the reward of those who strive for the Kingdom of God, aligning their ways unto the ways 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. St. Dominic Savio was a saint right from the beginning with the motto, “Death rather than sin”, St. Augustine when he discovered God, he said, “Late have I loved you, O Beauty, so ancient and so new, late have I loved you! You called, and you cried out to me and broke open my deafness; you shone forth upon me and you scattered my blindness” and the criminal on the cross who said to Jesus, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom” (Lk. 23:42). Still 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 beset 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. Let every hour remind us, “See, now is the acceptable time, see, now is the day of salvation!” (2 Cor. 6: 2) for, “O that today you would listen to his voice! Do not harden your hearts” (Ps. 95: 7-8). Let our mind and heart resonate with the prayer: “Lord Jesus, help me to hear you”.

இயேசு செல்வரை வெறுக்கிறாரா? Does Jesus hate the Rich ? 17.08.2021 Tuesda...

Bible Reflections I 17.08.2021 - Tuesday I Indraya Manna I

Ordinary Time - Week 20

Readings 

            I - Judges 6:11-24

           II - Mt. 19: 23-30

GIVE UP ALL TO POSSESS ALL

The Gospel passage invites to fix our gaze on God, that rewards life eternal. If the focus is on wealth and riches, the vision and the purpose of our existence on the earth gets distorted and goes a waste besides making the inheritance of eternal life an impossible one. Renunciation for the sake of the love of God and love of neighbour reverts the blessings of God in abundance as Jesus says, hundred times over along with the inheritance of eternal life.  

The incidents that took place during this pandemic would be best example to this passage. When the pandemic was in its hike during the second wave leaving the hospitals overcrowded, making the availability of medical help an arduous one, we happened to witness people with varied attitude testifying to this passage. Some gave away their vehicles to be used for quarantine purpose, small children shared their little savings towards relief measures, drivers making transportation for the patients free of charges, volunteers at the rescue of the affected at the cost of their life, some even sold their property to help those affected and the like…. On the other hand, we have also witnessed a very sad reality of people making money out of this pandemic. Transportation with even four times above the normal cost, mounted cost on medicines, rise in the price of food stuff, vegetables, provisions and other necessities, very high medical expenses at the private hospitals…in short we have also witnessed heart rending incidents during this pandemic. When the focus is on amazing wealth, humanness vanishes and vice versa. It is the people who belong to the latter category that Jesus reprimands.  

It is the grace of God and the openness of human heart to the same can give up anything to possess God. May the grace of God help us to give up all to possess all that is ultimate, God and life eternal. Let our mind and heart resonate with this prayer: “Lord Jesus, help me to fix my gaze upon you”.

பகிராமை நம்மிடம் உள்ள குறைபாடு I 16.08.2021 - Monday I Rev. Fr. Arokia D...

Bible Reflections I 16.08.2021 - Monday I Indraya Manna I

Ordinary Time - Week 20

Readings 

             I - Judges 2:11-19

           II - Mt. 19: 16-22

EMPTYING IS PERFECT CHRISTIAN LIVING

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.  Empting oneself for the love of God and love of neighbour is ‘kenosis’ modelled after the example of Jesus and this is perfect Christian living: “though he was in the form of God, did not regard equality with God as something to be exploited, but emptied himself, taking the form of a slave, being born in human likeness” (Phil. 2: 6-7). 

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.  The pandemic of the time is a great opportunity to actualise this Gospel passage in our lives.  Let us give, live and let live, all with love, for in loosing we gain, this is the Christian logic of perfection.

The Assumption I விண்ணேற்பு பெரு விழா I 15.08.2021- Sunday I Rev. Fr. Ar...

Bible Reflections I 15.08.2021 - Sunday I Indraya Manna I

Ordinary Time - Week 20

Readings 

     I - Rev. 11: 9, 12:1-6, 10

   II - I Cor. 15: 20-27

 III - Lk. 1: 39-56

ASSUMPTION OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY (Solemnity)

INDIA’S INDEPENDENCE DAY

Today the Church solemnises the assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, body and soul into Heaven. 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.  

Mary bore Jesus in her womb and we receive Jesus in our hearts.  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 times of her life.  The feast of assumption therefore becomes an invitation and motivation for each of us to remain faithful to the state of life to which we have been called.  And, however challenging, trying or wearing, 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 and be victors conquering the evil as did our Blessed Mother Mary.  Mary was simple and insignificant Lady of Nazareth, it was for these two reasons God chose her and exalted to the very heights of glory.  May our Blessed Mother help us too to be modelled after her as we solemnize this her feast day today.  

India celebrates the seventy fourth independence day today.  Let us entrust India under the protection and help of Mother Mary that she may help all 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 14.08.2021 - Saturday I Indraya Manna I

Ordinary Time - Week 19

Readings 

            I - Joshua 24: 14-29

           II - Mt. 19:13-15

LITTLE ARE THE 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 passage reminds me of a hymn that is so familiar and stirring:

“The secret of the kingdom is power to the children

And that’s the Father’s style.

The greatest in the kingdom are those who enter in

But the keys are in the hands of a child” 

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.

கடவுள் இணைத்ததை பிரிப்பது எது? I 13.08.2021 - Friday I Rev. Fr. Arokia D...

Bible Reflections I 13.08.2021 - Friday I Indraya Manna

Ordinary Time - Week 19

Readings 

            I - Joshua 24: 1-13

           II - Mt. 19:3-12

CHRISTIAN MARRIAGE: A SACRAMENT  

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”.

உங்களால் மன்னிக்க முடியும், மறக்க முடியுமா? I 12.08.2021 - Thursday I Re...

Bible Reflections I 12.08.2021 - Thursday I Indraya Manna I

Ordinary Time - Week 19

Readings 

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

II - Mt. 18:21-19:1

FORGIVENESS IS THE HALLMARK OF CHRISTIAN LIVING  

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.  

“I can never forgive such and such a person”, “It is since so long that I spoke to him/her”, “Let me teach him/her a lesson by retaining my anger”, “He/she deserves to be punished” - these are some of the oft heard statements of the time that portray vengeance, arrogance, hatred, self-righteousness, pride and egotism of a person.  Instead of extrospection if we introspect, then will we understand that we are offenders in need of God’s mercy and forgiveness.  The bible says, “If You O Lord should mark our guilt, who will survive (Ps. 130:3). The world revolves in God’s love, mercy and forgiveness.  Who are we then to magnify the mistakes of the other?  When we are inclined to retain forgiveness and are prone to withhold forgiveness,  let remind ourselves of the question asked by Jesus to the bloodthirsty crowd that brought the woman caught in the very act of committing adultery, “Let anyone among you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her” (Jh. 8:7).  

 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. Let our mind and heart resonate with this prayer: “Lord Jesus, help me to forgive”.

புனித கிளாரா I St. Claire I 11. 08. 2021 - Wednesday I Rev. Fr. Arokia D...

Bible Reflections I 11.08.2021 - Wednesday I Indraya Manna I

Ordinary Time - Week 19

Readings 

         I - Deu. 34: 1-12

        II - Mt. 18: 15-10

St. Clare of Assisi (Memoria)

WE ARE ONE IN CHRIST JESUS OUR LORD   

“We must grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by every ligament with which it is equipped, as each part is working properly, promotes the body’s growth in building itself up in love” (Eph. 4: 15-16). Every member constitutes the body of the Church (1Cor. 12:12). Even if one member of the Church deviates from the rhythm of the Church, the whole body suffers. For in the Church is the presence of Christ and every member is vital to the body of the Church. Therefore in today’s Gospel Jesus necessitates the importance of bringing back the drifting member into the rhythm of the Church by suggesting all possible efforts and means in putting him back on the track with all love, kindness and utmost charity. “For in one spirit we were all baptized into one body” (I Cor. 12:13) therefore with one mind, one heart and one spirit we form one body, the Church and become powerful, effecting God’s grace on one mission of love entrusted with one vision of the Kingdom of God.  

From the Gospel passage today each of us can resolve to bring back the people who have deviated from God’s way with utmost love, care and empathy and with zero condemnation. When we go through the pages of the Holy Scripture, it is evident that whenever the faithful congregation invoked in the name of the Lord, for any particular grace with single mind and heart, it was done for them. 

Trusting in the words of Jesus as in today’s Gospel he says, “If two of you agree on earth about anything you ask, it will be done for you by my Father in heaven” (Mt. 18:19). Let us as the members of the Church with one heart and in the powerful name of Jesus, evoke the mercy of the Lord to wash away the dreadful Corona Virus form the face of the earth. May the love of the Lord vanquish the waves of Corona from the wonderful world that He had gifted us. May our mind and heart resonate with this prayer, “Lord Jesus, in your mercy heal the world”

பிறருக்கு தடையாய் இருப்பதை தவிர்ப்போம் I 09.08.2021 - Monday I Rev. Fr. ...

Bible Reflections I 09.08.2021- Monday I Indraya Manna I

Ordinary Time - Week 19

Readings 

         I - Due. 10: 12-22

        II - Mt. 17: 22-27

INFLUENCE PEOPLE IGNORING INFLUENCE   

Jesus besides being an obedient Son of God (Phil. 2:8), an obedient son to his parents (Lk. 2:51) was an obedient and responsible citizen paying the temple tax as we read in the Gospel passage today.  Nowhere in the Bible can we find Jesus speaking up for himself or defending himself from the charges made against him.  Jesus was revered by the people as a radical preacher with authority, a great prophet, wonder worker and a miracle healer while was truly the Son of God.  Jesus would have very well used all these influence for evading the payment of tax.  But he used his influence to influence the people for a new world order of freedom, fraternity, equality and justice.  

‘Influence’ is the greatest magical word of the time.  Influence can accomplish almost all things on the earth.  Impossible becomes possible with influence.  Under the pretext of influence people tend to shirk responsibilities, evade commitments and assign errands on anyone available at their beck and call.  

Dr. A.P.J Abdul Kalam, a legendary scientist and our former President never used his influence for personal gain or glory but he had influenced millions of young and elders alike by choosing him as their role model to carry on his legacy.  Parents, teachers, children, social leaders, church leaders, country leaders and world leaders all have influence pertaining to their level of life.  Let all influence be sublimated to a higher level of influencing people for greater living instead of focusing on self-utility and personal fulfillment and accomplishments.

வாழ்வில் முணுமுணுப்பது சரியா? I 08.08.2021 - Sunday I Rev. Fr.. Arokia D...

Bible Reflections I 08.08.2021- Sunday I Indraya Manna I

Ordinary Time - Week 19

Readings 

             I - I Kings. 19: 4-8

           II - Eph. 4: 30-5:2

          III - Jh. 6: 41-51

IN THE EUCHARIST IS THE LIFE ETERNAL  

In the first reading, God refreshes and rejuvenates the disheartened prophet Elijah by feeding him through an angel to pursue his journey to Horeb, the mount of God.  The prophet stood for the truth courageously but fled in fear to save his life.  In the second reading, St. Paul exhorts the Christians to be kind to one another, tender hearted, forgiving one another as Christ has forgiven, in a nutshell to be imitators of God, as his beloved children. In this way one becomes a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.  This is a daring and dauntless venture that demands absolute effort and resoluteness to live by the divine values that is difficult and demanding.  Hence, to refresh and rejuvenate the Christian living, God gives His only Son, Jesus Christ our Lord and Saviour as food and drink with the assurance of life eternal as we read in the Gospel passage today. 

St. Paul in his letter to the Romans says, “do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind’ (Rom. 12:2).  This is the challenge of the Eucharist as well, as Jesus says, “I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you” (Jh. 13:15).  

Being imitators of Christ demands love to hatred, peace to discord, unity to disunity, generosity to avarice, selflessness to selfishness and kindness to arrogance. It for this that we are marked with the seal of the Holy Spirit (Eph. 4:30). Whenever we stand for what is right, noble and truthful, we stand for God earning the vengeance and hatred of the world.  As an understanding and empathetic friend, Jesus comes to as food and drink to strengthen, heal, support, encourage, revive and renew our assiduous effort, striving spirit and vanning strength until we reach our home with him in heaven.

Bible Reflections I 07.08.2021 - Saturday I Indraya Manna I

Ordinary Time - Week 18

Readings 

        I - Deu. 6: 4-13

       II - Mt. 17: 14-20

FLAVOUR BY FAITH

Today’s Gospel passage is about Jesus curing a boy with a demon.  Absence of faith in both, the man who brought the boy and the disciples made the miracle an impossible one.  It is in this context Jesus says, “If you have faith the size of a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘move from here to there’, and it will move, nothing will be impossible for you”.  Faith as mustard seed can flavour life and favour all things.  

With the two waves of covid, the economy has slashed radically, leaving the people under poverty, unemployment and misery. Common people are caught up into the clutches of depression, discouragement, despair, helplessness and hopelessness.  There are people who are unable to get even one square meal in a day, inability to cope up with the educational expenses have left many children as dropouts from the school this year, students who have completed their higher education with great struggle remain jobless with shattered dreams and vanning hope, some people are with guilt feeling of losing their dear ones because of their inability to afford to their medical treatment and some are mourning at the sudden demise of their dear ones.  

Covid has adversely affected the social, economical and psychological dimensions of the people.  Amidst all these adversaries there are still opportunities and possibilities for the one who nurtures his spiritual dimension in faith.  Yes, faith can topsy turvey all setbacks into success, failure into accomplishment, adversity into prosperity and defeat into victory. Let our mind and heart resonate with this prayer: “Jesus Lord, increase my faith”.

Transfiguration of the Lord I 06.08.2021 - Friday I Rev. Fr. Arokia Doss...

Bible Reflections I 06.08.2021 - Friday I Indraya Manna I

Ordinary Time - Week 18

Readings 

         I - Dan. 7: 9-10, 13-14

       II - 2Pt. 1: 16-19

      III - Mk. 9: 2-10

Transfiguration of the Lord (Feast)

TRANSCEND, TRANSFOM AND TRANSFIGURE

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.  

The first reading is about the vision of Daniel, in which he sees God sitting in his throne with all dominion, glory and kingship. The vision of God usually beheld the mission of the Prophet among the people viz. repentance of heart and restoration of the covenantal relationship with Him. Hence it is a call for a commission and an invitation for rejuvenation and restoration of retarded relationship.     

 

“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. Let our mind and heart resonate with this prayer during this day: “Lord Jesus, help me to transform, transcend and transfigure for your greater glory”

தூய பனிமய மாதா I Our Lady of the Snow I 05.08.2021 - Thursday I Rev. Fr....

Bible Reflections I 05.08.2021 - Thursday I Indraya Manna I

Ordinary Time - Week 18

Readings 

I - Num. 20:1-13 

           II - Mt. 16: 13-23

Dedication of St. Mary Major (Optional Memoria)

   

CHOSEN TO BE THE CHURCH OF GOD

In today’s Gospel passage Jesus calls Peter ‘blessed’ and ‘Satan’ simultaneously under two different contexts.  Jesus praises Peter when his answer aligned with the plan of the Father in Heaven and calls him ‘Blessed’ and rebukes him calling ‘Satan’ when he becomes a stumbling block to the plan of God.  Jesus choses that ‘Blessed’ Peter as ‘Rock’ and establishes his Church upon the leadership of that ‘Rock’, Peter.  From then up till now the Church has been victorious over all heresies and havoc caused to it, true to the words of Jesus, “the gates of hades will not prevail against it”.  With and upon the weak being is build the great, divine, holy and mighty Church of God as the bible says, “built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the corner stone” (Eph. 2:20).  

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.  With the blessings and grace of God let us try to project the presence of God in us to the people around as we keep repeating: “Lord Jesus, help me to project your presence in my life”

Bible Reflections I 04.08.2021 - Wednesday I Indraya Manna

Ordinary Time - Week 18

Readings 

   I - Num. 13:1-2,25 - 

         14: 1,26-29,34-35

 II - Mt. 15: 21-28

COURAGE CONQUERS, PERSISTENCE PAYS AND FAITH FAVOURS

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 with utmost 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). Let us 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.

துணிவோடிருங்கள் ! அஞ்சாதீர்கள் ! I 03.08.2021 - Tuesday I Rev. Fr. Aroki...

Bible Reflections I 03.08.2021 - Tuesday I Indraya Manna

Ordinary Time - Week 18

Readings

        I - Num. 12: 1-13

      II - Mt. 14: 22-36

FIX FOCUS ON GOD

Today’s Gospel passage is about Jesus walking on water and bidding Peter to do the same when he asked for it. To the surprise and amazement of the disciples, Peter did walk on the water. But gripped in fright with the force of wind, as Peter began to sink in water, he cried out to the Lord for help, “Lord! Save me!”. Jesus put out his hand, held him and asked him just one question, “Why did you doubt?”. Peter despite witnessing multiple deeds of marvelous miracles and stunning healings, was weighed down with trembling fear all because he fixed his focus upon the wind and not on Jesus. 

Don’t we too often reflect Peter in our lives? We should have been witnessing umpteen number of amazing works of God in our lives, still, when we are overwhelmed with worries, troubled with turmoil, engulfed in fear and surged in sorrows, where do we fix our focus? Don’t we tend to fix our focus either on ourselves or on the problems? Let us learn to fix our gaze at Jesus like Peter saying, “Lord! Save me!” so that we might be conquerors in all things through Christ Jesus our Lord (Rom. 8:37). May our mind resonate with this prayer as we keep repeating: “Lord Jesus, help me to fix my focus on you”.

இயேசு மக்கள் மீது பரிவு கொண்டார் I 02.08.2021 - Monday I Rev. Fr. Arokia...

Bible Reflections I 02.08.2021 - Monday I Indraya Manna I

Ordinary Time - Week 18

Readings:  

         I - Num. 11: 4-15

     II - Mt. 14: 13-21

SHARED IS MULTIPLIED

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. 

St. Paul in his second letter to the Corinthians says, “Give from your heart…for God loves a cheerful giver” (2Cor. 9:7).  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.

பசித்திருபோம் என்றும் பகிர்தலுக்காய் I 01.08.2021 - ஞாயிறு I Rev.Fr. Aro...

Bible Reflections I 01.08.2021 - Sunday I Indraya Manna I

Ordinary Time - Week 18

Readings:  

         I - Ex. 16: 2-4, 12-15

      II - Eph. 4: 17, 20-24

     III - Mk. 6: 24-35

GIVE US THIS DAY OUR DAILY BREAD

In the first reading, through Moses the liberator, God feeds the people of Israel with manna, the earthly bread from heaven, who were on their journey to the promised land. Through Jesus, the New Moses, the liberator from sin and slavery, God feeds the people of New Israel with the Word of God and the Word made flesh, the heavenly bread form heaven to strengthen them on their journey to the paradise. Therefore as St. Paul exhorts in the second reading, we have to give up the old way of life and put on the new self in God’s way, in the goodness and holiness of truth.  

There are two types of people with two types of hunger. One, eat to satisfy their stomach hunger and the other to satisfy their mouth hunger with variety of textures and tastes. There are also two types of people with two types of spiritual hunger. One, wish to satisfy their mere emotional requirements and the other wish to satisfy their real spiritual requirements in order to become worthy children of God befitting the Kingdom of God in all goodness, truth and holiness. In the ‘Our Father’ Jesus has taught us to pray, “Give us this day our daily bread”. In ‘daily bread’ Jesus connotes the bread to satisfy basic stomach hunger; and the Word of God and the Ecucharist that satisfy our spiritual hunger. Sound mind in a sound body. 

When we are physically strong, we can also strive strongly nourished by the Word of God and the Eucharist in the process of becoming Christ like that is the ultimate goal of every baptised Christian so that along with St. Paul we too can courageously one day say, “I no longer live, but Christ lives in me” (Gal. 2:20). Let us in the silence of our mind and heart keep repeating this prayer: “Lord, give us this day our daily bread”.

புனித இஞ்ஞாசியார் லொயோலா I 31.07.2021 - Saturday I Rev. Fr. Arokia Doss ...

Bible Reflections I 31.07.2021 - Saturday I Indraya Manna I

Ordinary Time - Week 17

Readings:  

       I - Lev. 25: 1, 8-17,

      II - Mt. 13: 54-58

St. Ignatius of Loyola (Memoria)

ATTENTIVE LISTENER AND ACTIVE ACCOMPLISHER 

God chooses his predilects, empowers them with His words, and commissions them for a purpose, “I have put my words in your mouth. See, today I appoint you over nations and over kingdoms, to pluck up and to pull down, to destroy and to overthrow, to build and to plant” (Jer. 1:9-10), with an assurance of His support and accompaniment “Fear not I am with you” (Is. 41:10). Therefore His chosen ones cannot but speak the truth as we read in Jeremiah, “I say, ‘I will not mention Him, or speak anymore in His name……..I am weary with holding it in, and I cannot’”. 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.  

We are children of God who wishes that all of us be saved. Whenever we are astray, God calls us back on the right the right track through the Scripture, conscience, persons, signs and events. His voice is never compromising or appealing or pacifying but disturbing, contradicting, challenging and conquering. We have only two options before us, either to give heed and align our ways and inherit eternal life or rationalize and reject his words and impend for eternal destruction. Today we remember St. Ignatius of Loyola, the great soldier who disturbed by the word of God, gave up everything to become the servant of the King of Kings. 

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 and St. Ignatius of Loyola who shattered the worldly dreams of St. Francis Xavier with, “For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, but lose his soul?” Let us be both attentive listeners and active accomplishers of the Word of God.

முற்சார்பு எண்ணங்கள் தவிர்ப்போம் I 30.07.2021 - Friday I Rev. Fr. Arokia...

Bible Reflections I 30.07.2021 - 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

   

INCLUDE ALL, EXCLUDE NONE 

Today’s Gospel passage is about the rejection of Jesus at Nazareth, his 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 willfully refused to reckon to the truth. Pride became their pitfall of faith and truth. Ultimately, their unbelief prevented Jesus from performing many deeds of power with them. In their prejudice and pride they became the losers.  

Prejudice pollutes, pride prevents, anger avenges, jealousy jeopardises from accepting and rejoicing at the talents, goodness and the gifts of the other. With these attitudes we may tend to evaluate the background and eliminate, analyse the status and avoid, mount with criticism and marginalise and in the end hunt for reasons to reject and discard people. In this bargain we become the losers like those people of Nazareth who willfully missed Jesus, the Messiah for whom they so long waited.

 We have to go beyond our likes and dislikes to behold the persons as they are and to savour the blessings that each one bring with them. Let us surpass all stereo typed settings in our mind and with a magnanimity of mind and heart accept persons as they are and all for the glory of God. Keep repeating this prayer as often as possible in the silence of heart praying: “Lord Jesus, help to accept everyone”

நானும் என் குடும்பத்தாரும் I 29.07.2021 - Thursday I Rev. Fr. Arokia Dos...

Bible Reflections I 29.07.2021- Thursday I Indraya Manna I

Ordinary Time - Week 17

Readings:  

        I - Ex. 40: 16-21, 34-38

    II - Jn. 11: 19-27

St. Martha (Memoria)

JESUS, A FRIEND FOREVER 

“Faithful friends are beyond price; no amount can balance their worth” (Sir. 6: 15) and “whoever finds one finds a treasure” (Sir. 6:14b).  Everyone tends to seek their friend at all times of their life viz. ups and downs, fear and anxiety, happiness and sorrow, joy and pain.  Today the Church remembers St. Martha, the friend of Jesus and sister of Mary and Lazarus.  Jesus, as their friend, besides being a guest, sharing their hospitality, love and joy goes to Bethany to share the suffering of the bereaved friends at the loss of their brother Lazarus. Martha and Mary would have definitely thought of Jesus as we read in the Gospel passage today, as Martha says, “Lord if you had been here, my brother would not have died” and affirms her trust saying, “But even now I know that God will give you whatever you ask of Him” and so was it done to her.         

Loyalty, fidelity and faithfulness are the vaning concepts of the current consumeristic reality. Almost all relationship today are either utility based or highly self-centered. In the trending world of change and impermanency God’s love alone is strong and constant as the Scripture says, “I have loved you with an everlasting love” (Jer. 31:3).  Jesus is the all-time friend forever as the lyrics of Joseph Scriven’s hymn, “what friend we have in Jesus” goes. 

All we need to do is to get connected with Jesus through our prayer.  In times of grief, pain, trials, temptations, discouragement, betrayal, sorrows and weakness, turn to Jesus, an understanding friend closer to us than the very air we breathe. Let us resolve to accept the forever friendship of Jesus as we celebrate the feast day of his friend Martha who served him with much love and care.

துன்புறுவோரின் பாதுகாவலி அன்னை அல்போன்சா I St. Alphonsa I Rev. Fr. Aroki...

Bible Reflections I 28.07.2021 - Wednesday I Indraya Manna I

Ordinary Time - Week 17

Readings: I - Ex. 34: 29-35

                II - Mt. 13: 44-46

St. Alphonsa (Memoria)

   

ENCOUNTER TO EXCELL  

Jesus is the way, the truth and the life (Jh. 16:4), is the treasure and the precious pearl of which the Gospel passage portrays today. The one who discovers Jesus will be ready to rid anything and everything for Him and Him alone. Matthew, the tax collector, with a look and the encounter of Jesus, “Follow me” (Mt. 9:9), gave up everything and followed Jesus. Zacchaeus, the chief tax collector, and the greedy fellow after befriending Jesus, was ready to give up half of his possession to the poor and to pay back four times to the persons whomever he had defrauded (Lk. 19:1-10). The Samaritan woman dared not to look at people, so she choose the noon time when none would be present, to fetch the water from the well. After the long self-revealing conversation of Jesus, she left her water jar at the well and ran with joy into the city to announce to the people about the Messiah (Jh. 4: 4-42). The adulterous woman caught in the very act of committing adultery was so much taken up by the compassion, mercy and gentleness of Jesus in his words, “Neither do I condemn you”. She was so much captivated by Jesus, that she gave up her sinful living and followed him courageously till the cross (Jh. 8: 1-11). Saul, the fanatic Jew, became Paul after his encounter with Jesus was transformed (Acts. 9:1-19) to be a vehement preacher and faithful follower of Jesus and the pillar of the Church that he once persecuted.  

St. Francis of Assisi, the rich noble young man gave up all his wealth to the extent of stripping himself off and to be a mendicant, all to possess Jesus and Jesus alone. St. Ignatius of Loyola, the one time the womanizer, gambler and the great soldier, when injured was given the book titled ‘The life of Christ’ that gave a complete U-turn in his life. He discovered Jesus there, gave up everything even his old way of living and became a saint and a servant to the King of kings. St. Francis Xavier who went to pursue his university studies at the college of Sainte-Barbe, Paris was captivated so much by the words of St. Ignatius from the Bible, “What will it profit a man to gain the whole world and forfeit their life” (Mk. 8:36) that he committed himself to promote Jesus the great treasure and a priceless peal to the poor souls that knew not Christ.  

We celebrate the feast of St. Alphonsa, of the Franciscan Clarist Congregation and the first India woman saint who was ready to give up anything to follow Christ, even her beauty and burnt her one leg in the fire pit. She joyfully endured all her suffering for the love of the Lord because she had discovered the great treasure and the priceless pearl in the person of Jesus Christ.

In the light of the life of these personalities let us examine our lives: Have I encountered the Lord in my life? What have I given up to possess this great treasure and the precious pearl? Am I on the right track that the Lord has left for me, the path of love, unity, fraternity and justice? May our mind and heart resonate with this prayer: “Lord Jesus, help me to seek you as the greatest treasure and the precious pearl”

ஏன்? சினத்தை விட பொறுமை நல்லது I 27.07.2021 - Tuesday I Rev. Fr. Arokia ...

Bible Reflections I 27.07.2021 - Tuesday I Indraya Manna I

Ordinary Time - Week 17

Readings:  

  I - Ex. 33: 1-11, 34: 5-9,28 II - Mt. 13: 36-42 

STAY CONNECTED, STAY SAVED  

In the Gospel passage today, Jesus explains the parable of the wheat and the weeds to his disciples. God sows the good seeds, the wheat and the evil one sows the weeds. One becomes good or bad in the choice he/she makes. At the end of time, the good will be gathered for the blissful life eternal and the evil ones with be gathered and thrown into the fiery furnace.

Take a glass of coloured water and keep filling with good water into it. At one point all colour water vanishes with the overflowing, leaving the glass filled with clear good water. Similarly allow the grace of God to overflow even in the most insignificant choices. This calls for discernment. Discernment is making the right choice between the two, the good and the evil, the wheat and the weed. To distinguish and discern rightly, stay connected with God as did Moses in the second reading. We read, “The Lord used to speak to speak to Moses face to face, as one speaks to a friend” (Ex. 36: 11). It may or may not be so with us. But He does speak to us gently but powerfully through our conscience and the Word of God; in prayer and through persons. Let us attune ourselves to listen to His voice and courageously keep choosing the good again and again, combating and conquering the evil that constantly creep in. It is a continuous struggle or rather a continuous warfare until our last breath. We can definitely be victorious and be saved for life eternal if we stay connected with God in prayer. May our mind and heart resonate with this prayer: “Lord, help me to stay connected with you”.

முதியோர், நம் குடும்பங்களின் ஆசீர்வாதங்கள் I 26.07.2021 - Monday I Rev. ...

Bible Reflections I 26.07.2021 - Monday I Indraya Manna I

Ordinary Time - Week 17

Readings:  

         I - Sir. 44: 1,8,10-15

     II - Mt. 13: 16-17

St. Joachim and St. Anne (Memoria)

Grandparents’ Day

CELEBRATE YOUR GRANDPARENTS  

According to the first reading of the day, some ancestors are hailed and honoured because they were godly men and women filled with wisdom and surpassed in their righteous deeds. They leave behind their faithfulness to God and righteousness as their inheritance to their descendants.  Today the Church gratefully remembers and celebrates St. Joachim and St. Anne, the parents of our Blessed Mother Mary and the grandparents of our Lord Jesus Christ. It is also celebrated as Grandparents’ Day.  St. Joachim and St. Anne in their faithfulness to God and through their righteous deeds were chosen to be the parents of the Mother of God.  If Mother Mary is blessed among all women, blessed too should have been the parents who brought her up to the extent of finding favour in the eyes of the Lord befitting to bring forth the long awaited Messiah into the world.

We are living in a painful reality of children discarding their own parents in old age homes or abandoning them to the caretakers confining them within the four walls of a room in the house or still to the worse, some are so cruel that they chase them out of their homes without giving a second thought of their sustenance or maintenance at that age.  If the plight of the parents themselves are such, then it becomes even unthinkable of the grandparents who are old and dependents.  The wealth, honour, glory and pride that are beheld are the inheritance from their ancestors; and this can neither be denied nor argued against.     

There are still others in the world who are grateful to their parents, treat them with dignity and respect; and revere their grandparents in kindness and love.  Honouring the parents begets the blessings of the Lord (Ex. 20:12) for the Scripture exhorts and promises, “Honour your father and your mother, as the Lord your God commanded you, so that your days may be long and that it may go well with you in the land that the Lord your God is giving you (Deu 5:16).  Respecting parents therefore is the command of the Lord (Lev. 19:3) that ultimately results in respecting the grandparents as well.

  

No one is going to remain young forever.  Aging is the natural norm of existence. So we sow so we reap.  So we treat our parents and grandparents so we’ll also be treated by our children and children’s children.  “Grandparents have the crowning glory of life: grandchildren. And it’s only proper for children to take pride in their parents” (Pro. 17:6). May this Grandparents’ Day help us to examine: Am the crowning glory of my grandparents? Let us in a special way today, express our love and affection towards our grandparents through our acts of kindness and gestures of love.

Bible Reflections I 25.07.2021- Sunday I Indraya Manna I

Ordinary Time - Week 17

Readings:  

            I - 2 Kings 4: 42-44

        II - Eph. 4: 1-6

       III - Jn. 6: 1-15

FROM EMPATHY TO EMANCIPATION 

There are two categories of people, one, empathise and evade and the second, empathise and emancipate.  The first category of people will sense, grasp and understand the situation but evade concretely responding to the situation.  The second category of people not only sense, grasp and understand the situation but involve and act responsibly to combat and conquer the situation.  Prophet Elijah in the first reading and Jesus the Prophet par excellence in the second reading belong to the second category of people.  The crowds neither expressed their hunger not asked for bread.  Moved with compassion and with the grace of God they were able to share twenty loaves and; five loaves and two fish respectively to their crowds with some left over as well.  Elijah and Jesus never stopped with being compassionate, they moved from mere empathy to emancipation, relieving the crowds from their hunger, solely because of the awareness of the truth that they are the children of one God and the Father.

 

In the second reading, St. Paul in his letter to the Church at Ephesus exhorts the Christians to lead a life worthy of calling, holding fast to one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all.  We affirm this in our loving, caring, understanding, sharing and forbearing that results in compassion and empathy. God blesses every one of our step and effort towards liberation of the suffering humanity and sides us in emancipating the victim of suffering. Let us dare to fall into the second category of people though it is demanding, for that is the way of the Lord.  When we go beyond empathy and try to emancipate the other we too become Prophet Elijah and Lord Jesus in the midst of the suffering humanity. May our mind resonate with the prayer: “Lord Jesus lead me from mere empathy to emancipation”.

தீமையின் நடுவே நன்மை செய்ய பழகு.I 24.07.2021 - Saturday I Rev. Fr. Aroki...

Bible Reflections I 24.07.2021 - Saturday I Indraya Manna I

Ordinary Time - Week 16

Readings:  I - Ex. 24: 3-8

                II - Mt. 13: 24-30

CHOOSE LIFE, CHOOSE BLESSINGS 

The Gospel passage in on the parable of the weeds among the wheat.  God sows the wheat, the values befitting the Kingdom and the evil one sows the weeds, the vices that lead to destruction.  God allows both the wheat and the weeds to grow together until the day of harvest and at the time of harvest, the weeds are bundled and burnt; and the wheat is gathered in the barn. 

We are free children of God.  He does not impose anything upon us but gives us the choice with an instruction, “I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses.  Choose life so that you and your descendants may live (Deu. 30: 19). God sows the seeds of values of the Kingdom viz. the fear of God, love, peace, joy, happiness, kindness, gentleness, forbearance, tolerance, unity and forgiveness.  The evil one sows the seeds of vices viz. hatred, jealousy, division, arrogance, avarice, selfishness, pride, anger, greed and envy. If we choose the values of the Kingdom we will be gathered for life eternal or otherwise we will be doomed to be eternally destroyed.  

The Scripture says, “The word is very near to you; it is in your mouth and in your heart for you to observe” (Deu. 30:14).  Let us base our lives upon the Word of God that come to us in various ways and through various persons and above all instructs and inspires from within our hearts.  May our point of reference ever be the Word of God.  God is patience for He is “The Lord, the Lord, a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness” (Ex. 34:6). As the epistle of St. Peter connote may we “think of our Lord’s patience as an opportunity for us to be saved” (2 Peter 3:15) and strive hard to align our lives unto the Law of the Lord. Choosing to behold a bliss or otherwise is our choice.  Let us choose life and choose God’s blessings.

Bible Reflections I 23.07.2021 - Friday I Indraya Manna I

Ordinary Time - Week 16

Readings:  

              I - Ex. 20: 1-17

           II - Mt. 13: 18-33

CONVICTION ENSURES CREDIBILITY 

Today’s Gospel passage delves on the parable of the sower. Jesus explains the parable of the sower to the crowds that followed him. After the explanation of Jesus, the receivers of the Word of God can be categorised under 4Cs viz. the Careless, the Cowardly, the Conceited and the Convinced. Those seeds that fell on the road side can be compared to the Careless people. They are quick to listen to the Word of God and quick too to forget without any understanding. Those seeds that fell on the rocky ground can be compared to the cowardly people. They listen and understand the Word of God but on account of any inconvenience or trouble or persecution, they give up actualising the same. 

 The seeds that fell among the thorns can be compared to the conceited people. They listen and understand the Word of God but are easily lured by the wealth, fame and name that belong to the world. Finally, those seeds that fell on the good soil can be compared to the convinced people, who listen, understand and align their life according to the Word of God. They are the credible witness of Jesus and they, united in the Lord, bear fruit in abundance (Jh. 15:5). Who am I among the 4Cs?

Bible Reflections I 22.07.2021 - Thursday I Indraya Manna

Ordinary Time - Week 16

Readings:  

       I - Song of Songs 3: 1-4

     II - Jn. 20:1-2, 11-18.

LOVE THAT ENCOUNTERS, ENCOURAGES AND EMPOWERS 

(Feast of St. Mary Magdalene)

Today the Church celebrates the feast of St. Mary Magdalene, the passionate follower and ardent disciple of Jesus and the one time adulteress woman. In the feast of St. Mary Magdalene we celebrate the caring and credible love of Jesus that is so powerful, benevolent and emancipating. The three E’s that transformed the life of Mary of Magdala are: Encounter, Encouragement and Empowerment. Jesus Encounters Mary Magdalene when the drudgerous crowd drags her to Jesus for punishment. Jesus saves her from the clutches of the self-righteous menfolk saying, “Let anyone among you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her”. When everyone leaves without stoning, Jesus Encourages her saying, “Neither do I condemn you. Go your way, and from now on do not sin again” (Jh. 8:11) and thereby infuses in her the life assuring hope and an absolute feeling of being forgiven. Finally Jesus Empowers her making her the witness of his resurrection. Witness of women wear out to be no witness at all in the male dominated patriarchal society of the Jews. Jesus counteracts this culture and appears first to Mary Magdalene and makes her the witness of his resurrection for great was her love for Jesus, her Lord, Master and Teacher. In the Gospel passage today, Jesus just calls her “Mary” and instantly she responds saying “Rabbouni” unlike his disciples who had long conversation with Jesus on their way to Emmaus and yet failed to recognise Jesus until he broke the bread with them (Lk. 24: 13-35).   

In the world of today, where love is downsized to mere utility and payback policy, we as Christians, are called to reflect this love of Jesus that is liberating, empowering, enriching, encouraging, healing and forgiving. In this way we can like Jesus touch and transform the lives of people around us. With our little acts of charity we can win the whole world for Jesus. May the Feast of Mary Magdalene make us like her the witnesses of the love of Jesus allowing ourselves to be encountered, encouraged and empowered by the love of Jesus our Lord and our Master. In the silence of our hearts let us keep repeating, “Lord Jesus, make me a witness of your love”.

Bible Reflections I 21.07.2021 - Wednesday I Indraya Manna

Ordinary Time - Week 16

Readings:  

         I - Ex. 16: 1-5, 9-15

      II - Mt. 13: 1-9

  

LISTEN TO LIVE

Today’s Gospel passage is on the parable of the sower. Great crowd gathered to listen to Jesus and he told them this parable to provoke them to check their disposition of mind and heart in giving heed to the Word of God. The seeds that fell on the path were eaten up by the bird, those that fell on the rocky ground withered with the sun, those that fell among the thorns were chocked and those that fell on the good soil brought forth grains. 

There are four types of disposition of mind in listening to the Word of God. They can also be called as 4Ws viz. Wondering mind, Wavering mind, Wearied mind and Willful mind. The seeds fell on the path can be compared to the wondering mind that just wonder at the Word of God and the preaching of the same and forget thereafter about it. The rocky ground can be compared to the wavering mind that listens to the Word of God, tries to practice but fails with some distractions. The thorny bush can be compared to the weary mind that is exhausted and too full to listen to the Word of God and to actualize the same. The good soil can be compared to the willful mind that listens intently to the Word of God with the resolve to stand by it come what may and become authentic followers of Jesus and credible Christians. Let us not listen to leave but listen to live the Word of God. In the silence of hearts keep repeating: “Lord Jesus, give me a wilful heart to stand by your Words”

Bible Reflections I 19.07.2021- Monday I Indraya Manna I

Ordinary Time - Week 16

Readings: I - Ex. 14: 5-18

                II - Mt. 12: 38-42

OPEN UP TO THE GRACE OF GOD

In the letter to the Hebrews we read, “Long ago God spoke to our ancestors in many and various ways by the prophets, but in these last days he has spoken to us by a Son” (Heb. 1:1-2). The Scribes and the Pharisees refused to accept Jesus as the Son of God though all prophesies were fulfilled in His coming. It was a willful neglect and they asked for a sign to believe in Him. Jesus gave no sign to them instead said that on the day of judgment people of Nineveh and the queen of Sheba would rise up and condemn them. The people of Nineveh believed in the prophesy of Prophet Jonah; and the people of Nineveh and the animals alike fasted and covered themselves with ashes as a sign of repentance and turned from their evil ways. The queen of Sheba came from afar to testify and to listen to the Wisdom of Solomon. Jesus was the Son of God and Wisdom himself, but in their pride and arrogance of heart, the Scribes and Pharisees refused to behold, recognise, acknowledge and accept Jesus.  

Jesus praises the openness of mind and heart of the people of Nineveh and the Queen of Sheba unlike the learned and the clever religious leaders of his time. A bottle cannot be filled in two cases viz. when it is closed tight with the lid and when the bottle is already too full. When we neglect to seek God we neglect to recognise His graces and blessings as well. Similarly, when we are too full of ourselves with self-righteousness, pride, selfishness, ego and arrogance the grace of God can not touch and transform us. Let us today ask God to help us to be open to His graces and blessings as His beloved children in our Lord Jesus Christ for a transformed witnessing life.

Bible Reflections I 18.07.2021 - Sunday I Indraya Manna

Ordinary Time - Week 16

Readings:  I - Jer. 23:1-6

        II - Eph. 2:13-18

        III - Mk. 6: 30-34

BE A SHEPHERD

Jesus is the Good Shepherd par excellence sent by the Father to establish peace and to gather the scattered flock, unlike the ruthless, reckless and selfish shepherds, is the central theme of the three readings.  The Gospel passage of the day evince the care, concern and compassion of Jesus towards his sheep, the specialty traits of the Good Shepherd. Jesus out of his care and concern, takes his tired and wearied disciples just returned from the ministry and were surrounded by the people and had no leisure even to eat, to the other side of the lake by a boat. The great crowd followed them on their foot and reached the other side for healing and hearing their preaching.  Jesus was moved with compassion for they were like sheep without shepherd and he resumed his work with them.

Each of us are called to be a shepherd in our ways.  Shepherds of our suffering and needy neighbour.  According to Jesus anyone who is in need of our love, care, concern, support, help and understanding is our neighbour (Lk. 10:25-37).  When we possess a heart that moves in compassion towards the helpless and the suffering, rejoices at the success and joys of the other, defends the rights and dignity of others, cares for comfort and consolation of others and concerns for the well-being and well-living of others, instead of being cold, indifferent, apathetic and negligent, then we are truly shepherds modelled after the heart of Jesus.  In this way, we gather and do not scatter, we establish peace and thereby become credible Christians too making a difference in the society that is so cold, selfish and corrupt.      

     

அன்பே ஆகச் சிறந்த ஆயுதம் I 17.07.2021 - Saturday I Rev. Fr. Arokia Doss ...

Bible Reflections I 17.07.2021 - Saturday I Indraya Manna

Ordinary Time - Week 15

Readings: I - Ex. 12: 37-42

                 II - Mt. 12: 14-21

BE A SIGN OF HOPE 

Jesus healed the sick, forgave sinners, cleansed the leaper, raised the dead, befriended the tax collectors, associated with the Samaritans, women and children, chased the demons, upbraided the pharisaic attitude of the religious leaders and kept alive the essence of the law that restored and fostered life. In nutshell, Jesus was the Good News and a sign of hope to all the poor, downtrodden, depressed, oppressed, neglected, and the marginalised of the society, fulfilling the prophesy of prophet Isaiah (Is. 42:1-4) mentioned in today’s Gospel passage. “Jesus went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with him” (Acts. 10:38). He was unlike the Pharisees, Sadducees, and the scribes who were merely hypocrites. The life of Jesus was a constant disturbance and sign of contradiction to their religious belief and customary practices. It was solely for this reason that the Pharisees conspired against him and plotted ways and means to get rid of him.

Flipping through the pages of History, it is evident that those who stand up for what is right, just and humane, following the footsteps of Jesus are neglected, ostracised, tortured, persecuted and are finally martyred. The voice of the voiceless is silenced, the acts of the ambassadors of Christ is falsely accused, followers of gospel are fooled and the messengers of the Master par excellence, Jesus are martyred, still as Bishop Oscar Romero says, “If they kill me I will rise again in the people of El Salvador. A Bishop will die, but the Church of God, which is the people, will never perish”. Led by the Holy Spirit many too will rise in the name of Jesus until equality, freedom, fraternity and justice is established here on earth.

After the Gospel passage today, we as Christians have just two options before us: One, to courageously stand for the values of Jesus, come what may and the second, to withhold from conspiring against who bravely accomplish the task of Christ on the earth. In short, either to fight the battle ourselves or at least restrain from pulling down the spirit of these courageous warriors of Jesus through our false rumours, calumny, defamation, slander, misrepresentation and denigration. In either case, led by the spirit we will but reflect to be the children of God the Father and resolute followers of Jesus our Lord, remaining the sign of hope to the helpless. Let us in the silence of our heart today keep praying: “Lord Jesus, make me too a sign of hope like you”.

வாழ்வின் சுமைகளை குறைப்பது எப்படி? I 15.07.2021 - THURSDAY I Rev. Fr. Ar...

Bible Reflections I 14.07.2021 - Wednesday I Indraya Manna

Ordinary Time - Week 15Readings: I - Ex. 3: 1-6, 9-12 II - Mt. 11: 25-27 BEHOLD THE TRUTH WITH THE OPENNESS OF HEART The learned, the intellectuals and the elite of Jesus’ time were the Pharisees, the Sadducees, the Chief Priest and the Scribes. They were familiar with the law and the prophecy and were fanatic in the practice of the religion. They were considered to be the custodians of their religion and were men of high repute and standing. Still in their stubbornness of heart, self-righteousness, pride and prejudice they refused to accept Jesus as Messiah, the Promised one prophesied by the prophets. Women and infants were considered as ‘no persons’ at all. Infant in the Gospel reading today, means ‘no person’. These ‘no persons’ - the sinners, tax collectors, women, children, the poor, the disabled, the prostitutes and the Samaritans were drawn to Jesus and accepted Him to be their Messiah in their openness, simplicity and humility of heart. 

 Jesus glorifies and thanks the Father for His goodness, mercy and magnanimity in choosing these ‘no persons’ to reveal Jesus His Son as their Messiah which is the gracious will of the Father. The Gospel passage today does not condemn the learned, the intelligent or the persons of repute instead Jesus highlights on the disposition and openness of the heart in beholding the truth as it comes. In the ordinary walk of life, people wish for the truth that is appealing, pleasing, and convenient but never contradicting, combating or conflicting their perspectives and ideologies. People never desire for the truth that hurts and disturbs. Only those people who are open to the truth with the simplicity and humility of heart can be drawn by the gracious will of God to be His instruments, all for His greater glory. Let us yield ourselves unto to the truth as we encounter, for God is Truth.

நம் நிறை வாழ்வே, இறை சித்தம்.I 13.07.2021 - செவ்வாய் I Rev. Fr. Arokia D...

Bible Reflections I 13.07.2021 - Tuesday I Indraya Manna

Ordinary Time - Week 15

Readings: I - Ex. 2: 1-15a

                 II - Mt. 11: 20-24

COUNT YOUR BLESSINGS

In the Gospel passage today, Jesus reproaches Chorazin, Bethsaida and Capernaum because they failed to recognise the Messiah in their midst in spite of his healing, preaching, raising of the dead, deriving of he demons and forgiving the sinners. They had eyes but they did not see and they had ears but they did not hear (Mk. 8:18). Their hearts were hardened and they refused to recognise and resisted to repent, though their eyes beheld the Messiah unlike the cities viz. Tyre, Sidon and Sodom.   

Often times we are similar to the cities Chorazin, Bethsaida and Capernaum. We are blessed with countless blessing. We had bee victorious in so many struggles, we can testify to a number of miracles we experienced in our lives, we can vouch for His presence that preserved, prevented and protected us from despair, depression, fear, discouragement, worries and anxieties, still at the crucial time of testing are we not tempted to cry out, “God where are you?”. Let us try to count our blessings at those moments just raise our hearts in thanksgiving confident that our God is “Immanuel” - God with us.