Bible Reflections I 15.09.2021 - Wednesday I Indraya Manna I

Ordinary Time - Week 24

Readings 

           I - 1Tim. 3: 14-16

           II - Lk. 7: 31-35

Mary, Mother of Sorrows (Memoria)

                  

YIELDING UNTO THE WILL OF GOD IS WISDOM

In today’s Gospel passage we read, God's wisdom, however, is shown to be true by all who accept it (Lk. 7:35). To yield ourselves unto the will of God, turning deaf to the comments, remarks, allegations, appreciations and criticism of all around is wisdom. Neither John the Baptist not Jesus Christ was affected by the accusations of the Scribes and the Pharisees because they fixed their focus on the will of God and were passionate in accomplishing the same. Hence they became so prominent and vital in the history of salvation of mankind. Mother of Sorrows, our Blessed Mother is not an exception to the same. The sorrows endured on account of her Son is the Master Plan of God in the history of salvation. Not once but seven times her heart was pierced with swords:  

1. The Prophecy of Simeon. 

2. The Flight into Egypt.

3. The Loss of the Child Jesus in the Temple.

4. The Meeting of Jesus on his way to Calvary

5. The Crucifixion of Jesus on Mount Calvary.

6. Jesus is Taken Down from the Cross.

7. The Burial of Jesus.

Never once did Mother Mary complain about her suffering to God. She endured with faith and with great wisdom placing all her trust in the Lord who is all and always good. We are so prone to seek appreciation and praises from the lips of the people around us. None of us wish to risk our good name or reputation. We are ready to do anything on this account. This is utter foolishness and wasting of our life in vain. Our happiness must come from God alone and this is possible only when we resolve to live by the will of God. As we fondly remember our blessed mother today, let us invoke her to intercede for us to take delight in yielding ourselves unto the will of God.

The Exaltation of the Holy Cross I 14.09.2021 - Tuesday I Rev. Fr. Aroki...

Bible Reflections I 14.09.2021- Tuesday I Indraya Manna I

Ordinary Time - Week 24

Readings 

            I - Num. 21: 4-9

           II - Jn. 3: 13-17

                    

EXALTATION OF THE HOLY CROSS (Feast)

All things are possible for God as the Holy Bible says, “…with God all things are possible” (Jer. 32:17, Mt. 19:26).  He humbles and He exalts, He strikes and He heals, He scatters and He gathers, for the sake of His benevolent love for His people.  God can turn punishment into forgiveness, suffering into joy, curse into blessing, mourning into dancing and weeping into joy for the sake of His infinite mercy upon us.  

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

Today the Church celebrates the feast of the exaltation of the Holy Cross.  In St. Paul’s letter to the Philippians we read, “…He humbled Himself and became obedient to death, even death on a cross.  Therefor God exalted Him to the highest place and gave Him the name above all names, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father” (Phil. 2: 8-10).  “For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing but to us who are being saved it is the power of God” (1Cor. 1:18).  Yielding our life unto the will of the Father at all times and in all situations like Jesus, will definitely rise us up one day even if it is costing here and now. Let us learn to endure carrying our daily cross (Lk. 9 :23) as they come on our way with all love so that one day we too may be exalted for glorifying God the Father with our life here on earth.

ஒரு வார்த்தை போதும் இயேசுவே... I 13.09.2021 - Monday I Rev. Fr. Arokia D...

Bible Reflections I 13.09.2021 - Monday I Indraya Manna I

Ordinary Time - Week 24

Readings 

I - Tim. 2: 1-7

           II - Lk. 7: 1-10

                    

THE WORDS OF JESUS ARE CREDIBLE AND POWERFUL

Today’s Gospel passage is about Jesus, healing the salve of a centurion.  We can take three learning lessons from this Gospel passage. One from Jesus and two from the centurion.  The credibility in the words of Jesus and from the centurion, his regard for his slave, the Bible says that he valued him highly; and the faith of the centurion in the words of Jesus evinced in his saying, “But only speak the word, and let my servant be healed” and it happened.   

The word of God is powerful but do we have faith in the same when the time demands?  We see people flocking to this person and that person for good and encouraging words when the promising words are propelling and are ample in the Bible.  Some go a step beyond to predict the future having recourse to palmistry, numerology, medium and the like.  Place the trust in the Lord who holds the future and the master of our lives.  Flock to Him for all things are possible with Him and for Him.  Unlike the centurion, we have received the gift of faith in our Lord Jesus Christ right from the day of our Baptism, let that light of faith neither flicker not wear out rather keep alive oiling it with the life giving and  credible words of Jesus.  

Like the centurion, may we too have regard for our subordinates.  Value them, consider their suffering and setbacks as your own with an attitude of love and empathy; and try your best to alleviate their pain and sorrow. Enwrap yourselves with humanness so as to empathise with them and by this people may know that we are Christians following the Lord who is love itself. Let our mind and heart resonate with the prayer: “Lord Jesus, help me to seek you at all times”.             

தன்னலம் துறந்து, சிலுவையை பற்றி கொண்டு, என்னை .. I 12.09.2021 - Sunday I...

இறைவார்த்தை நம்மில் வாழ்வாகட்டும் I 11.09.2021 - Saturday I Rev. Fr. Aro...

Bible Reflections I 11.09.2021 - Saturday I Indraya Manna I

Ordinary Time - Week 23

Readings 

            I - Tim. 1: 15-17

           II - Lk. 6: 43-49

                    

A GOOD TREE YIELDS GOOD FRUIT

A grandfather was teaching his grandson about life.  He said, “A terrible fight between two wolves is going on inside me.  One is evil and the other is good.  The evil is: anger, jealousy, hatred, greed, arrogance, resentment, ego and pride.  The good is: love, peace, joy, compassion, mercy, faith, hope, empathy, kindness, humility, forgiveness and benevolence.  The same fight is going on inside you and every other person as well”.  The grandson thought for a while and asked his grandfather, “Which wolf will win?” The grandfather replied, “The one you feed”.  In today’s Gospel passage Jesus says that a good tree bears good fruit and the bad tree bad fruit.  People do no pick figs from thorns nor gather grapes from brambles.  A man’s words flow words flow out of what fills his heart.   

Jesus exhorts his followers not to be mere hearers of his word but doers of the same.  A person captivated by God’s words cannot but obey his words and stand by them at all times.  Spikenard when crushed fills the ambient and the hand that crushes with its pleasant aroma.  So too are the doers of the word of God.  They prove their faith more fervently at the testing times as did Job in the Bible.  These are the people who build their house on the rock that stands firm even with the flood.  These are the good trees that yield good fruits, in season and out of season.  These are the people who feed their soul constantly with the word of God and reap it in good deeds proving their authenticity.  In this light let us examine our life whether we are mere hearers of the word or doers of the word as well yielding good fruit glorifying the Lord. May our mind and heart resonate with this prayer: “Lord Jesus, give me the courage to stand by your word”.

நம்மை மாற்றுவோம், உலகம் தானாய் மாறும் I 10.09.2021 - Friday I Rev. Fr. ...

Bible Reflections I 10.09.2021 - Friday I Indraya Manna I

Ordinary Time - Week 23

Readings 

       I - Tim. 1: 1-2, 12-14

     II - Lk. 6: 39-42

                    

ONE BLIND CANNOT LEAD THE OTHER BLIND

In today’s Gospel passage Jesus speaks of a parable about the blind leading the blind which is quite impossible for both of them will fall into a pit. A person cannot point the mistake of the other when he/she is into the same mistake. We become so stringent in our accusation towards the faults of the other while we are so liberal and have a long margin for the similar accusation that we make towards the other. We are so often worried about the splinter in the other person’s eye while there is a plank in our own eyes. One blind cannot lead the other. Only the righteous one has the authority and power to judge at the faults of the other. God alone is righteous and he patience and never rash in his judgment.

When the woman caught in the very act of committing adultery was brought to Jesus, he said, “He that is without sin among you, let him cast the first stone at her” (Jn. 8:7). While we are prone to judge others, let us pose the same verse upon us so that we may not fall a prey to the temptation of judging others. With the realisation that all of us are sinners in need of God’s mercy, let us walk hand in hand with each other in all understanding, sympathy, forgiveness, empathy and love. May our mind and heart resonate with the prayer: “Lord Jesus, lead me not into the temptation of judging others”

மகிழ்வும் மனநிறைவும் பெறுவது எப்படி? I 09.09.2021 - Thursday I Rev. Fr. ...

ஏற்புடையோர் மாட்சிமை பெறுவர் I 08.09.2021 - Wednesday I Rev. Fr. Arokia ...

Bible Reflections I 08.09.2021 - Wednesday I Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary I Indraya Manna I

Ordinary Time - Week 23

Readings  

        I - Micah 5: 2-5

       II - Mt. 1: 1-16, 18-23

                    

NATIVITY OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY 

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

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

We in Tamil Nadu in particular solemnise this day celebrating the feast of our Lady of Velankanni.  A day dear to all the devotees of Our Lady of Good Health who flock to her church on foot with a mixture of emotions; joy, gratitude, sorrow, pain, suffering, hope, love, anxiety and faith.  Unfortunately they must be confining themselves in their own places with the great nostalgia for the Basilica of our Blessed Mother, Our Lady of Velankanni, due this pandemic.  Let us pray for all the devotees of Mother Mary and all humankind as well.  Let us invoke our Blessed Mother to wipe away Covid and restore the face of the earth.  May our mind and heart resonate with the prayer: “Mother Mary, our Lady of Velankanni, Pray for us”.

வாழ்கையில் சரியான முடிவுகள் எடுப்பது எப்படி? I 07.09.2021 - Tuesday I Re...

Bible Reflections I 07.09.2021 - Tuesday I Indraya Manna I

Ordinary Time - Week 23

Readings 

            I - Col. 2: 6-15

           II - Lk. 6: 12-19

                    

ACTUALISE PRAYER IN THE ORDINARY LIVING

The hotline connection of Jesus with the Father in Prayer was reflected in his ordinary yet effective living among the people. All his ministry: preaching, healing, cleansing, performing miracles and decision making, was backed up in perfect union with God in prayer. His life of prayer geared his mission among the people despite, rejection, misunderstanding, fault finding, accusations and allegations of the religious fanatics in particular, the Scribes and the Pharisees. Therefore Jesus was able to do good wherever he went (Acts. 10:38).

Prayer is surrender. Surrender of our will, pride, ego and self-interest so that we may be able to discern what actually God wants of us. If the life of prayer betrays our ordinary living with the people then it is hypocrisy. We many spend hours and hours in prayer but if that prayer does not help us or rather lead us to forgive, help, care, share, empathise and above all to love others as ourselves, then it is duplicity and double standard living that the Lord detests. Like Jesus, our prayer should lead us to an integrated living that is powerful and witnessing. Let us ask God for this grace as we keep repeating: “Lord Jesus, help us for an integrated living”.

மதங்களை தாண்டிய மனிதநேயம் 06.09.2021 - Monday I Rev. Fr. Arokia Doss SDB...

Bible Reflections I 06.09.2021 - Monday I Indraya Manna I

Ordinary Time - Week 23R

Readings 

I - Col. 1: 24-2:3

           II - Lk. 6: 6-11

DARE TO STAND UP FOR WHAT IS RIGHT 

Today’s Gospel passage is about Jesus healing a man with the weathered hand on a Sabbath day.  Jesus knew that the Pharisees were watching whether he would heal him so that they can find some reason to accuse him.  The man with the weathered hand did not ask for a healing but Jesus on his own initiated the healing with the intention of refuting the Pharisees about their hypocrisy in observing the Sabbath.  Jesus indeed knew that this act would definitely earn the wrath of the Pharisees, still he stood up for what was right: to do good and to save life on the Sabbath; and this is lawful, noble, human and religious.  

Often times we do know what is right and truthful but still we hesitate to side the same because of the fear of losing relationship, reputation, name, fame, power and position.  We remain so inhuman in willfully denying to stand by what is just and truth despite seeing the other helpless and suffering. It is heartrending, sinful and sorrowing for the Lord says, “Do what is just and right. Rescue from the hand of the oppressor the one who has been robbed. Do no wrong or violence to the foreigner, the fatherless or the widow, and do not shed innocent blood in this place” (Jer. 22:3).  Let us dare to stand up for what is right after the example of Jesus our Lord and Master.  May our mind and hear resonate with this prayer: “Lord Jesus, give us the courage to stand up for what is right”      

‘

ஆண்டவர் உங்களுக்காக போராட வருகிறார் I 05.09.2021 - Sunday I Rev. Fr. Aro...

Bible Reflections I 05.09.2021- Sunday I Indraya Manna I

Ordinary Time - Week 23

Readings 

            I - Is. 35: 4-7

           II - Jas. 2: 1-5

          III - Mk. 7: 31-37

          

WITH OPEN MIND AND HEART, ACCEPT ALL AS CHILDREN OF GOD 

The first reading is about the day of the Messiah, prophesy foretold by Prophet Isaiah and the Gospel reading comes as the fulfillment of that prophesy in Christ Jesus our Lord, in the healing of the deaf and the speech impaired person. The second reading is an exhortation to the Christians to build their life upon Christian love that shows no favouritism to anyone based on riches and laurels of the world; and this is the messianic era modeled after the life of the Messiah where freedom, equality, fraternity and justice reign. 

St. Paul in his letter to the Galatians says, “There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female’ for you are all one in Christ Jesus (Gal. 3:38). Do we Christians conduct our life this way? Don’t we too favour people based on wealth, riches, power, influence, caste, status and the place they come from? If so, then we are closed up to the life and teaching of our Master Jesus Christ that is based on love, forgiveness, mercy, kindness, generosity, understanding, empathy and gentleness. Let us today invite the Lord to open up our mind and heart to accept everyone as children of God, created in the image and likeness of God. May the ‘Ephphatha’ of Jesus be said unto us so that we become exemplary Christians living an edifying life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

அனைத்திலும் நிறைவையே காண்போம் I 04.09.2021 - Saturday I Rev. Fr. Arokia ...

மனப்பக்குவம் அடைவது எப்படி? I 03.09.2021 - Friday I Rev. Fr. Arokia Doss...

Bible Reflections I 04.09.2021 - Saturday I Indraya Manna I

Ordinary Time - Week 22

Readings 

           I - Col. 1: 21-23

           II - Lk. 6: 1-5

          

LIVE BY THE ESSENCE OF THE LAW OF THE LORD: LOVE 

Sabbath, the day of rest, was merely diluted to a day of ‘don’t dos’. Abstinence from all work and availability to the Lord was the crux of the observance of Sabbath. In today’s Gospel passage, Jesus defends his disciples saying, “The Son of man is the Lord of Sabbath”. The disciples were walking with Jesus, in total availability to the Lord and that is Sabbath. Hence the disciples were perfect in observing the Sabbath. Jesus by defending his disciples, clarifies the vision of the religious leaders to fix focus on the spirit of Law rather than burdening and oppressing people under the pretext of the observance of the Law.  

One does not become a religious by mere observance of its rules and rituals. Prayer, fasting, penance, abstinence and all acts of piety should help the person to be available to the Lords and His demands of love, otherwise they are self-gratification and hypocrisy that the Lord detests. Let us live by the essence of the law of the Lord than focusing on rituals and rules of the religion.

Bible Reflections I 03.09.2021 - Friday I Indraya Manna I

Ordinary Time - Week 22

Readings 

            I - Col. 1: 15-20

           II - Lk. 5: 33-39

    

LIVE A LIFE OF CELEBRATION WITH GOD 

The arrival of the bridegroom is beheld with great joy and jubilation for it connotes a grand celebration. People do not fast during celebrations. The presence of Jesus, the long awaited Messiah is a celebration as the scripture describes: “….neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, not pain anymore, for the former things have passed away” (Rev. 21:4) and hence there is no necessity for fasting, weeping or sorrowing. The Pharisees adamantly refused to accept Jesus as the Promised One, the fulfillment of the prophecy and continued with their fasting and prayer awaiting the arrival of the Messiah while he was still amidst them.  

Jesus is ‘Immanuel’ - ‘God with us’. We are often perturbed by petty problems as though we have no God to turn to. We must have been crossing so many barriers with God in the past but when time comes, we forget and keep mourning, sorrowing and sighing. Dare to fight the battle and face life as it comes for we have a mighty God and a great warrior in Christ Jesus, our Lord. Realising the presence of Jesus in our life is celebration of life itself. Let us live a life of celebration with God. May our mind and heart resonate as we keep repeating: “Lord Jesus, you are Immanuel - God with us”.

உங்கள் உதவிக்கு யாரை தேடுகிறீர்கள்? I 02.09.2021 - Thursday I Rev. Fr. A...

Bible Reflections I 02.09.2021 - Thursday I Indraya Manna

Ordinary Time - Week 22

Readings 

       I - Col. 1: 9-14

     II - Lk. 5: 1-11

OBLIGE TO THE WORD OF GOD 

Peter was a professional fisherman.  To him Jesus said, “Put out into the deep water and let down your nets for a catch”.  Peter instantaneously obliged saying, “Master, we have worked all night long but have caught nothing.  Yet if you say so I will let down the nets”.  This evinces the trust of Peter in the words of Jesus for he had witnessed the healing of his mother-in-law with his rebuke on fever.  Tremendous trust of Peter in the words of Jesus, turns out the miracle of the might catch. 

The word of God has the power to perform and accomplish; touch and transform life; and toggle and topsy turvy plans and predictions.  The word of God can infuse hope, enthuse spirit, refresh minds, renew hearts, shed light, cast fear, calm agitation, give courage, instil purpose and strengthen to stand steadfast in the Lord.  I have seen most of the families reading the bible during their family prayer, children reading the bible during their rising and before going to rest, adults reading the bible at the time of decision making, confusions, problems, anxieties and worries, elderly people praying all the time with the bible.  I appreciate and encourage. But are we the doers of the Word as well, as did Peter?  If we are able to actualise the demands of the word of God: to love, to forgive, to care, to share, to give up, to accept, to defend the hopeless, helpless and the poor then can we expect a great miracle as did Peter, love, joy, hope, trust, serenity, health, strength, prosperity and peace enveloping our life, making it meaningful and purposeful.

விமர்சனங்களை தாண்டிய நற்செயல்கள் I 01.09.2021 - Wednesday I Rev. Fr. Aro...

Bible Reflections I 01.09.2021 - Wednesday I Indraya Manna I

Ordinary Time - Week 22

Readings 

         I – Col. 1: 1-8

       II - Lk. 4: 38-44

         

WITH JESUS WE ARE VICTORIUS 

In today’s Gospel passage, Jesus after teaching in the synagogue, cures peter’s mother-in-law in particular and heals the sick, the ailing and the possessed, that were brought to him thereafter.  Let us take up the healing of Peter’s mother-in-law for our reflection today.  Jesus entered into peter’s house, stood over his mother-in-law and rebuked the fever and instantly she was healed and began to serve him.

All of us encounter so many problems in our day-to-day life. The personal, physical, mental, moral, psychological, financial and social problems may overwhelm and weigh us down.  May our heart learn to recognise the powerful presence of Jesus amidst them and intercede with him to heal, to eradicate, to help, to accept and to face the same with him.  Overcoming all these problems with Jesus, strive to serve him with all our heart, mind, strength and will.  In the silence of our heat let us keep repeating: “Lord Jesus, help us to face our life with you”.

Bible Reflections I 31.08.2021 - Tuesday I Indraya Manna

Ordinary Time - Week 22

Readings 

            I - 1 Thess. 5: 1-6, 9-11

           II - Lk. 4: 31-37

          

DOCILE HEART DISCOVERS THE TRUTH

The people of Capernaum was astounded at the teaching of Jesus because of the authority with which he spoke.  They were amazed at the power of his command over the unclean spirits. Even the demons recognised that Jesus as the Holy One of God, but his own people in the stubbornness of their hearts recognised him not.  They were rigid, adamant, hard headed and stiff necked people unwilling to accept the truth. About these stubborn people Prophet Jeremiah says, “This evil people, that refuse to hear my words, that walk in the stubbornness of their heart” (Jer. 13:10).  

There is a famous proverb, “You can lead a horse to water, but you can’t make it drink”.  Though the life of Jesus, his preaching and the miracles he worked testified to the fulfillment of the Law and Prophecy in him, they were stubborn to accept a “carpenter’s son” as the “Son of God”.  Stubbornness blind the eyes, deafens the ears and hardens the heart from being docile to the truth, true to the words of Jesus, “Though seeing, they do not see; though hearing, they do not hear” (Mt. 13:13).  May this Gospel passage of the day help us to examine our lives.  Stubbornness darkens our understanding and excludes us from God (Eph. 4:18) and His people. Let us be docile to the truth even if it hurts and disturbs us for that is God Himself.  In the silence of our heart let us keep praying: “Lord Jesus help me to be docile to discover the truth”.

ஆண்டவருடைய ஆவி என்மேல் உள்ளது.I 30.08.2021 - Monday I Rev. Fr. Arokia Do...

Bible Reflections I 30.08.2021 - Monday I Indraya Manna I

Ordinary Time - Week 22

Readings 

        I - 1 Thess. 4: 13-18

      II - Lk. 4: 16-30

          

FAITH FAVOURS

Today’s Gospel passage is on the manifesto of the public ministry of Jesus. As Jesus finished reading the passage of Prophet Isaiah, all eyes in the synagogue were fixed on him, he won the approval of all and they were astonished by the gracious words that came from his lips. But still the bias of the people that Jesus was a carpenter’s son prevented them to go beyond to trust him. Therefore as the bible says, “He did not do many miracles there because of their lack of faith” (Mt. 13:58). He came to his own and his own accepted him not (Jn. 1:11).

Each person is unique. Everyone have their own role to play in this world. Judging from the background, we too are sometimes prone to miss people for what they are. Trusting in the word of God, the widow at Zarephath did what Prophet Elijah commanded and baked the first bread for him and found her jar of flour never used up and the jug of oil never ran dry all through the days of drought. Naaman the leper trusted in the words of Prophet Elisha and was cleansed. 

 Faith favours. Let us accept everyone in the name of the Lord, going beyond our prejudice, likes and dislikes. There are still prophets and persons of God amidst us. May we behold them with faith in order to behold the blessings of the Lord they bring, as we keep repeating this prayer: “Lord Jesus, increase my faith”.

Bible Reflections I 29.08.2021 - Sunday I Indraya Manna I

Ordinary Time - Week 22

Readings 

   I - Deu. 4: 1-2, 6-8

 II - Jas. 1:17-18, 21-22,27   

III - Mk. 7: 1-8

Beheading of John the Baptist (Memoria)

ALIGN YOUR LIFE UNTO THE COMMANDMENT OF GOD

The simple two dimensional law viz. the love of God and the love of neighbour was complicated by the observance of 613 laws, fabricated by the religious leaders, made the life of a Jew difficult and burdensome. The Scribes and the Pharisees thus “preserved” the law but diluted the essence of the law, the one commanded by God: Love. Anything against the love of God and love of neighbour is impure in the sight of God. They considered themselves as the ‘people of God’, a race after God’s choice and never associated especially with the outcast. Whenever they went out, after their return they would wash their hands so that they remain pure untarnished by their association with the outcast. An inhuman act indeed! And a great abomination in the sight of God because the love of neighbour is jeopardised in the bargain.      

In today’s Gospel passage, the Scribes and the Pharisees accuses the disciples of Jesus for not washing their hands. Jesus admonishes their hypocrisy because they were putting aside the commandment of God and were clinging on to human traditions that hurt and neglected one section of the society on the whole. Nothing that goes into a man from outside can make him unclean but the evil that comes from within viz. theft, murder, adultery, avarice, pride, folly… make him unclean. The first reading speaks about the importance of keeping the word of the Lord, as people of God and in the second reading, St. James exhorts the Christians to be the ‘doers of the Word’ that has the power to save souls. Aligning oneself according to the Word of the Lord therefore is purity and that is religion.

There are people who go on a pilgrimage to holy places, fast for days together, perform all rituals under the pretext of ‘devotion’, parade themselves to be religious people but never give a cup of water to the thirsty, feed the hungry, care for the widow and the orphaned, help the poor or defend the voiceless. Through today’s Gospel passage Jesus rebukes these type of people for their hypocrisy and invites them to concentrate on the higher values of life. Let us not fall into this category of hypocrites but become doers of God and this is of course purity, and pleasing in the sight of God. Today the Church remembers the beheading of St. John the Baptist, voice in the desert that demanded everyone to live by the word of the Lord. May St. John the Baptist give us the courage to stand by God’s Word at all circumstances with courage and conviction.

St. Augustine & புனித ஆகஸ்டின் I 28.08.2021 - Saturday I Rev. Fr. Arokia...

St. Monica & புனித மோனிக்கா I 27.08.2021 - Friday I Rev. Fr. Arokia Doss...

நம்பிக்கைக்கு உரியவரா நீங்கள்? I 26.08.2021 - Thursday I Rev. Fr. Arokia...

Bible Reflections I 27.08.2021- Friday I Indraya Manna I

Ordinary Time - Week 21

Readings 

          I - 1Thess. 4: 1-8

        II - Mt. 25: 1-13

BE PREPARED FOR WHAT GOD HAS PREPARED FOR YOU

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 26.08.2021 - Thursday I Indraya Manna I

Ordinary Time - Week 21

Readings 

          I - 1Thess. 3: 7-13

        II - Mt. 24: 42-51

THE MAGIC OF MINDFUL LIVING

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.

Once the boys were playing in the ground. St. Don Bosco encountered them and asked, “What would you do if suddenly God calls you?”  Immediately St. Dominic Savio said, “I would still continue playing”.  Preparedness spurs fearlessness in facing the day of the Lord.  St. Mary Mazzarello gives an easy and simple formula to sanctity, “Sanctity consists in doing the right thing at the right moment, solely for the Love of God”. 

 

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.

நெஞ்சத்தில் தூய்மை உண்டோ? I 25.08.2021 - Wednesday I Rev. Fr. Arokia Dos...

Bible Reflections I 25.08.2021 - Wednesday I Indraya Manna I

Ordinary Time - Week 21

Readings 

          I - 1Thess. 2: 9-13

        II - Mt. 23: 27-32

LIFE IS A GIFT, LIVE IT TO THE FULL  

In today’s Gospel passage, Jesus upbraids the Scribes and the Pharisees for their duplicate, double standard and deceitful life.  Jesus calls these guardians of the Law and the custodians of the prophecy as lawless people and the hypocrites.  The Scribes and the Pharisees covered up their arrogance in their conceiting appearance, commending themselves to be respectable, honourable and faithful religious leaders.  Jesus was of course harsh in calling them “white washed sepulchers” but he was right in calling them so, for their actions testified to the same.   

All fake, duplicate and imitations are attractive, capturing, awesome and alluring.  But they are temporary and never long lasting.  It is all disgusting, discouraging and heart rending to see the showy, flattery, deceitful and the cunning people thriving, honoured and adored. Such hypocrisy is an abomination and aversion in the sight of God and he detests these type of people and calls them, “white washed sepulchers”.  Plain living is powerful living for life is a gift, given to us to live and not for any fake performances with the same.  The Lord knows even our inmost thought. We can neither deceive Him nor trick Him. Being true to God and true to humanity is living the life to the full. May we have this joy of living our life to the full in loving, caring, empathizing, sharing, appreciating, acknowledging and encouraging one another for such life is an aroma pleasing to the Lord.  Let our mind and heart resonate with the prayer: “Lord Jesus, help me to live my life to the full pleasing you alone”

புனித பர்த்தலமேயு & St. Bartholomew.I 24.08.2021 - Tuesday I Rev. Fr. Ar...

Bible Reflections I 24.08.2021 - Tuesday I Indraya Manna I

Ordinary Time - Week 21

Readings 

            I - Rev. 21: 9-14

           II - Jn. 1: 45-51

St. Bartholomew, Apostle (Feast) 

GIVE UP PREJUDICE AND DISCOVER THE TRUTH 

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.  In the silence of our heart let us keep repeating, “Lord Jesus lead me to the Truth”

இயேசு உங்களை நேசிக்க எளிய வழிகள்..I 23.08.2021 - Monday I Rev. Fr. Aroki...

Bible Reflections I 23.08.2021- Monday I Indraya Manna I

Ordinary Time - Week 21

Readings 

       I - I Thess. 1: 1-5, 8-10

     II - Mt. 23: 13-22

LOVE OF GOD AND LOVE OF NEIGHBOUR: THE AXIS OF DIVINE LIVING 

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. 

The ‘way of life’ exclusively based on love marked out by Jesus, attracted, inspired and encouraged the sinners, the tax collectors, the oppressed, the hopeless, the outcasts and the discouraged of the society imbuing them to prefer the path of the Lord with joy, gratitude, enthusiasm and zeal.  From the heart of love springs forth, compassion, mercy, empathy, understanding, forgiveness, hope and encouragement, enveloping everyone to choose and live for God and His people. Saint Augustine says, “What does love look like? It has hands to help others. It has feet to hasten to the poor and the needy.  It has eyes to see misery and want.  It has the ears to hear the sighs and sorrows of men”. Instead of criticizing the Scribes and the Pharisees, let us analyses our lives for a witnessing Christian living in Christ Jesus our Lord.  Love makes the life of the one and the other encountered, happy, easy, simple, comfortable, compatible, colourful, purposeful and meaningful.

Bible Reflections I 22.08.2021- Sunday I Indraya Manna I

Ordinary Time - Week 21

Readings 

       I - Joshua 24: 1-2, 

                      15-17, 18 

     II - Eph. 5: 21-32 

   III - Jh. 6: 53, 60-69

Blessed Virgin Mary, Queen and Mother (Memoria)

COVENANTAL RELATIONSHIP CALLS FOR CONVICTION AND COMMITMENT

In the first reading, Joshua chooses to serve the Lord saying, “As for me and my household, we will serve the Lord” (Joshua 24:15).  In the Gospel reading, the twelve disciples chooses to follow Jesus, as Peter represents them answering, “Lord, to whom can we go? You have the words of eternal life.  We have come to believe and know that you are the Holy one of God” (Jn. 6:68).  As per the second reading, the choice of accepting the Lord and following His commandments, commensurate in the covenantal relationship that exhorts fidelity and faithfulness.  Joshua and his household chooses to serve the Lord, after witnessing the mighty, marvelous and miraculous deeds of the Lord.  Peter and the disciples chose to follow the Lord with utmost faith, understating, reason and trust that He is the Holy One of God.  Joshua and the twelve disciples of Jesus, remained steadfast in their choice with inordinate conviction, commitment and fidelity.

In the light of this reflection, let us introspect interrogating:  Why am I a Christian?  Is it because that our parents baptised when I was a babe and I remain a Christian?  Have I accepted the Christ with conviction that He is the Lord and the Holy One of God who gave up his life to save and redeem me? Does my action remain in congruence with the set example of Christ?  Covenantal relationship calls for conviction and commitment in the observance of the commandments of the Lord:  Primarily to love God and secondly, to love others as oneself.  We had been discussing about these two commandants quite often these days.  Observance of the commandments qualify the covenantal relationship with God while the failure in the observance of the commandments lead to the violation of the covenantal relationship with God.

We fondly remember today, the Blessed Virgin Mary, Queen and Mother.  She had been faithful to her ‘fiat’ meaning ‘let it be done’ until her assumption into Heaven and this is why she is queen and mother.  Let us implore Mother Mary’s intercession, assistance, support and guidance in our fidelity and commitment to the Lord, as we affirm and keep repeating the words of Joshua: “As for me and my household, we will serve the Lord”.

பேசாதீர்கள், வாழ்ந்துகாட்டுங்கள் I 21.08.2021 - Saturday I Rev. Fr.Aroki...

Bible Reflections I 21.08.2021 - Saturday I Indraya Manna I

Ordinary Time - Week 20

Readings 

     I - Ruth 2: 1, 1-3, 

            8-11, 4: 13-17

    II - Mt. 22: 34-40

SUBMIT TO SUPERIORS; SUPERIORS TO SERVE 

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.  

Jesus submitted himself to the authority: He constantly sought the will of the Father, “My food is to do the will of Him who sent me” (Jh. 4:34), obeyed his parents, “Jesus went back to Nazareth with his parents and obeyed them” (Lk. 2:51) and followed the law of the nation by paying the temple tax (Mt. 17:25).  Jesus, the Lord and master; the messiah and the saviour and God and man, washed the feet of his disciples like a slave and thereby had left us an example to imitate him (Jn. 13: 14-17). 

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. Let us in the silence of our mind and heart keep praying: 'Lord Jesus, meek and humble of heart, make my heart like yours'.

தங்க விதி = இறையன்பு + பிறரன்பு I St. BERNARD I 20.08.2021 - Friday I Re...

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”.