Bible Reflections I 16.10.2021 - Saturday I Indraya Manna I

Ordinary Time - Week 28

Readings 

            I - Rom. 4: 13, 16-18

           II - Lk. 12: 8-12

St. Margaret Mary Alacoque, Virgin, Religious (Optional Memorial)

RECOGNISE TO BE RECOGNISED IN THE PARADISE

                  

Through today’s Gospel passage Jesus encourages for a witnessing Christian living with the support of the Holy Spirit, the Advocate, our inspirer and defender. We ought to recognise Jesus in order to be recognised by him in the paradise. Often times Christians try to conceal their identity for the fear of losing favour and privileges; and suffering and persecutions. There is joy in suffering for Christ who came to the earth and died for us out of his unfathomable love for us. We need not fear before authorities for as our Lord has promised the Holy Spirit would give us the right word to speak, courage to endure, strength to suffer and tactfulness to tackle.  

Dare to acknowledge Jesus before others, for the joy that we are about to behold on this account worth enduring the suffering, pain, false accusations and persecution. Stand up for the truth, voice for the voiceless, side with justice, support the helpless and defend the righteous. This may cost isolation, neglect, defamation, separation and suffering, but they are the proof of our love and recognition for Jesus Christ to whom we belong. Today the Church celebrates the feast of St. Margaret Mary Alacoque, a religious nun to whom Jesus has appeared several times and revealed His loving Sacred Heart that suffers coldness, ingratitude and neglect of the human beings towards his benevolent love. St. Margaret Mary Alacoque says, “One cannot love without suffering”; “Crosses, contempt, sorrows and afflictions are the real treasures of the lovers of Jesus Christ crucified”. May the Holy Spirit give us the courage to endure everything for the great love of the Lord; loved in return for his supreme love.

St. Theresa of Avila I 15.10.2021 - Friday I Rev. Fr. Arokia Doss SDB I...

Bible Reflections I 15.10.2021- Friday I Indraya Manna I

Ordinary Time - Week 28

Readings 

            I - Rom. 4: 1-8

           II - Lk. 12: 1-7

St. Theresa of Avila, Virgin, Doctor (Memorial)

GOD CARETH FOR YOU

                  

Jesus cautions his disciples against the yeast of the Pharisees - their hypocrisy.  He instructs them not to follow anyone in fear for they can only kill the body and nothing more afterwards. Instead, to fear God who has the authority to cast into hell.  He goes on to speak about the care, concern and providence of God.  Five sparrows for two pennies means an insignificant value of the sparrow, still, not even one of them is forgotten by God.  Human beings are much more valuable to God that even their hairs of the head are counted.

We are created in the likeness and image of God (Gen. 1: 27).  We contain God’s breadth in our being (Gen. 2:7).   We are made like God but less than a God (Ps. 8:5).  We are crowned with God’s glory and honour (Ps. 8:5).  We are precious in the eyes of God, honoured and loved by Him (Is. 43:4).  Still, we fled in fear, delve in diffidence, wane in worry and live in anxiety.  Today the Church celebrates the feast of St. Theresa of Avila who says, “Let nothing disturb you, Let nothing frighten you, though all things pass, God does not change. He lacks nothing who possesses God; For God alone suffices”.  Yes, cast all your worries and anxieties on Him as the Bible says, for God cares for you (1Pt. 5:7).  May our mind and heart resonate with the prayer, “Jesus, I trust in you”.

அறச்சினம் பழகு... I 14.10.2021 - Thursday I Rev. Fr. Arokia Doss SDB I I...

Bible Reflections I 14.10.2021 - Thursday I Indraya Manna I

Ordinary Time - Week 28

Readings 

            I - Rom. 3: 21-30

           II - Lk. 11: 47-54

WE ARE THE CHILDREN OF GOD CALLED TO BE BLESSED                  

In today’s Gospel passage, Jesus reprimands the Pharisees, the Scribes and the lawyers for their hypocrisy.  They built monuments for the prophets whom their ancestors killed, falsely projecting that they would have listened to those prophets if they had been then and that they did it as an atonement for killing the prophets.  They reproved the act of their ancestors while in reality they were not better than them at all. The Scribes and the Lawyers were the official interpreters of the Scripture.  Their interpretation was difficult and distorted that the people were discouraged, disoriented and distanced themselves from the religion. This is why Jesus upbraids the Pharisees, Scribes and the Lawyers for their superficial religion, self-righteousness, self-glory, absolute influence, greedy hearts, false accusations, rejection of truth and above all for their hypocrisy and double standard living.

God created us, His children to be simple, happy, caring, sharing, helping and making life for one another easy, enthusiastic, happy and interesting.  If we conduct our lives unto God’s ways we can hear God saying “Blessed are you”.  Let us conduct our lives befitting to our calling as the ‘Children of God’.  May be ever remain original, real and simple; God’s blessings too will be ever upon us.

Bible Reflections I 13.10.2021 - Wednesday I Indraya Manna I

Ordinary Time - Week 28

Readings 

            I - Rom. 2: 1-11

           II - Lk. 11: 42-46

ALL FOR GOD OR VAINGLORY?

                  

The Scribes and the Pharisees faithfully followed and passionately promulgated the rigorous rules and ratifying rituals to the minutest detail. This created in them an attitude of pride, self-righteousness and self-glorification. They were so keen in observing the ‘Shema Israel’ - “Here O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one...You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart…” (Deu. 6: 4) but failed in charity, love and brotherhood. Under the pretext preserving the rituals and traditions of the law, they diluted the spirit of the law. In this way they made the life of the common, simple and ordinary people, a difficult, cumbersome and a tiring one. It was this religious fanaticism of the Scribes and the Pharisees that Jesus reprimanded.

In today’s context too, people are ready to do anything, all that they can for God. Donation for the church work, undertaking a pilgrimage as an expression of their love and devotion, offerings to God with unlimited pride and parade, observance of all externals as an expression of piety and faith…Everything is sometimes done under the pretext of love for God but purely to pamper one’s pride, ego, self-righteousness and vain glory. For these are an abomination to God. Seek for justice, peace, love, peace, brotherhood and charity, for such sacrifices are sweet aroma to the Lord and are pleasing in the sight of the Lord. Let us love the Lord in our neighbour, then shall we become credible witnesses of Christ Jesus, our Lord.

உள்ளத்தூய்மை தா இறைவா I 12.10.202 - Tuesday I Rev. Fr. Arokia Doss SDB I...

Bible Reflections I 12.10.2021 - Tuesday I Indraya Manna I

Ordinary Time - Week 28

Readings 

            I - Rom. 1: 16-25

           II - Lk. 11: 37-41

LORD CREATE IN ME A CLEAN HEART

                  

Today’s Gospel passage is all about an action, a reaction and a lesson.  An action - Jesus purposely took his place at the table without washing his hands; a reaction - the Pharisee who had invited Jesus to dine with him was amazed at the action of Jesus because a Jew cannot do this and all the more Jesus was considered to be a great Rabbi and; a lesson - Jesus took this opportunity to enlighten that the Pharisee worried so much about the cleanliness of the exterior while he was full of greed and wickedness inside.  The rituals diluted the rubrics of the religion that gave so much of importance to the purity of heart and mind.  

Even today people stress so much about the rituals that they forget to retain the love charity behind all rituals.  It’s true that we too worry too much about exterior cleanliness but fail to care for our mind and heart.  Some do get psychologically affected by constantly worrying about the exterior cleanliness while they are full of greed, wickedness, anger, jealousy, hatred, rancor and rivalry.  It is this that actually makes a person unclean making the lives of other too miserable.  Let us be concerned about conducting our interior life with the fear of the lord, love for him and the humanity with purity of mind and heart, then can we claim ourselves to be people of God.  May our mind and heart resonate with the prayer: “Lord Jesus, create in me a clean heart”.

Bible Reflections I 11.10.2021 - Monday I Indraya Manna I

Ordinary Time - Week 28

Readings 

            I - Rom. 1: 1-7

           II - Lk. 11: 29-32

St. Jonh XXIII, Pope (Memorial)

BEHOLD THE TRUTH WITH THE OPENNESS OF HEART

                  

When Jonah, the prophet proclaimed God’s warning to the people of Nineveh, they accepted, repented and were saved.  The Queen of Sheeba came all the way from the ends of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon.  The Ninevites and the Queen of Sheeba were gentiles, non-Jews.  Still, the former accepted and repented; and the later took up a tedious journey.  Jesus was not merely a prophet but the Son of God, long awaited Messiah, the Promised One.  Jesus’ Words and actions testified to his identity as Messiah but then, as Scripture says, “he came to his own and his own received him not” (Jh. 1:11).  It is not that the Jewish religious leaders needed a sign, it is the stubbornness of their hearts that refused to accept Jesus as the Messiah because Jesus did not fit into the frame they had set in their minds for the Messiah.  The humble origin, simple lifestyle, the multitude of sinners, outcasts, women, children and tax collectors around him and his way of making religion easy for people made the religious fanatics to get away with Jesus in their willful neglect.    

In the light of the Gospel passage today, let us examine our own lives.  We are prone to accept and adhere to people who are similar to us in our though patterns, life style, view point and wave length.  Even if the other is going to slightly differ we are not able to accept.  If we continue conducting our life this way, we too like the Israelites, God’s own people, may miss the messengers of God and the wisdom of truth in our stubbornness, pride, self-righteousness and arrogance.  Let us pray that the Lord may give us the simplicity of heart, openness of mind and humility in life to accept God’s people and God’s Word to yield thirty, sixty and hundredfold (Mt. 13:8) as Jesus says in the parable of the sower.  

Today the Church fondly and gratefully remembers St. John XXIII, a simple yet a revolutionary pope in the history of the Catholic Church.  It was his openness to the reality that brought great reformation in the Church.  In his first public address he expressed his concern for the reunion of the separated Christians and for world peace. Less than three months after his election as a pope, he announced for a diocesan synod for Rome, the first one in the history of Rome, to convoke an ecumenical council for the Universal Church and the pontifical commission to revise the Code of Canon Law.  He daringly convoked the Vatican Council II in 1962 that brought a drastic change in the Catholic Church making it more relevant responding rightly to the signs of the times.  Through the intercession of such a simple yet a great saint let us implore for an openness of heart to behold the truth in the reality as we keep praying: “Lord Jesus, give me the openness of heart and mind to accept the truth”

Wealth or Life Eternal? I 10.10.2021 - Sunday I Rev. Fr. Arokia Doss SDB...

Bible Reflections I 10.10.2021 - Sunday I Indraya Manna I

Ordinary Time - Week 28

Readings 

            I - Wis. 7: 7-11

           II - Heb. 4: 12-13

          III - Mk. 10: 17-30

WISDOM IS THE WORD OF GOD

                  

The spirit of wisdom worth more than a priceless pearl, gold, health and beauty. The radiance of the light of wisdom never wanes. The Word of God is alive and active. It has the power to pervade the entire being to judge the intentions of heart. The Word of God is light to the minds and warmth to the hearts. It is a lamp to our feet and a light to our path (Ps. 119:105). Wisdom comes with the willingness to adhere to the Word of God. In the Gospel passage today, Jesus exhorts the man who asked Jesus for the way to eternal life, to sell away his riches and give to the poor so as to inherit eternal life. The Word of God came as wisdom to sell all so as to receive all, give up all so as to get back all, lose all so as to gain all and to part with all so as to part take in the eternal glory of the Lord forever. But the man in his richness rejected the wisdom that came with the words of Jesus and went away in shock and sadness. 

To live by the Word of God is wisdom. It is the way to life eternal. It contains the pattern for a blissful life that challenges our trending life style. Some start the day with the Word of God and end the day also with the Word God, print and circulate the Word of God, take pride in memorizing the Word of God, carry the Word of God with them in their pocked, read, listen and view the reflections based on the Word of God and some of them fill their homes with posters, pictures and hangings containing the Word of God; but let us examine: Do we allow the Word of God to touch and transform our lives? Mere reading will not make any difference; make it a life style. Let us in all wisdom yield ourselves unto the Word of God in order to inherit life eternal. May our mind and heart resonate with the prayer: “Lord Jesus, help us to adhere to you words”

தாய்மை என்னும் இறைமை I 09.10.2021 - Saturday I Rev. Fr. Arokia Doss SDB ...

Bible Reflections I 09.10.2021 - Saturday I Indraya Manna I

Ordinary Time - Week 27

Readings 

          I - Joel 3: 12-21

        II - Lk. 11: 27-28

WANNA TO BE CALLED THE BLESSED?

                 

Listening to the words of Jesus and witnessing the miracles performed by him, a woman in the crowd blessed the mother of Jesus, on his accord.  Jesus lifted up the spirit of the crowd around him saying, “Blessed rather are those who hear the Word of God and obey it”.  Mary besides being the mother of Jesus, was a humble handmaid of God, who submitted herself to the will of God at all times.  It was her obedience to the Word of God through the angel Gabriel that brought the Saviour to the World and salvation to the mankind.  And so she became the “Blessed of all women” (Lk. 1:42) as said by the angel Gabriel.

Normally people tend to befriend especially those who are propelling in popularity and glowing in glory among people and take pride in calling them their friends.  It is quite natural and normal.  How much pride should we have if we are to be recognised as friends of God? It is challenging and demanding.  Challenging because we should dare to go against the principles of the existing world order and demanding because in the bargain to live up to the standards set by God we may have to give up ego and will.  If we are ready to take up the challenge and dare to live by the demands of the Word of God, then we too shall become the friends and the ‘blessed’ of God.  May our mind and heart resonate with the prayer: “Lord Jesus, teach us to live by your Word”.

Bible Reflections I 08.10.2021 - Friday I Indraya Manna I

Ordinary Time - Week 27

Readings 

           I - Joel 1: 13-15, 2: 1-2

           II - Lk. 11: 15-26

RESPOND RIGHTLY TO REACTIONS  

       

A possessed and dumb man was brought to Jesus.  Jesus casted out the demon and the man began to speak.  This action of Jesus created two different reactions among the people who witnessed.  One group was amazed, astounded and astonished and the other group argued, accused and unapproved Jesus.  Jesus, the Son of God was misrepresented and was unjustly associated with Beelzebul, the ruler of the demons.  Some even asked for sign from heaven to testify to his credibility even though Jesus was performing miracles after miracles among them.  Jesus neither justified himself nor argued with them.  He only enlightened and inspired them to think; and left them to conclude for themselves.  

Sir Newton’s third laws says, “For every action in nature there is an equal opposite reaction”.  The Son of God was associated with Beelzebul, the ruler of the demons but still he was never perturbed or disturbed.  He never got struck up anywhere at the cutting comments of the people.  He just moved on minding his work like a river causing newness, happiness, life, hope, love and joy wherever he went.  There serenity came from the self-awareness and the conviction that he is the Son of God; and the clarity of his purpose and mission drove him to forge ahead in his mission and ministry responding rightly and tackling tactfully all reactions of all types of people.  Let us too forge ahead focusing on God with constant reference to our conscience.  May the Holy Spirit help us to respond rightly to the reactions of people around us as did Jesus our Master.

Our Lady of Rosary I 07.10.2021 - Thursday I Rev. Fr. Arokia Doss SDB I ...

Bible Reflections I 07.10.2021 - Thursday I Indraya Manna I

Ordinary Time - Week 27

Readings 

             I - Mal. 3: 13 - 4:2

           II - Lk. 11: 5-13

Our Lady of the Rosary (Memorial)

PRAYER IS A-S-K ACCOMPANIED BY CHARITY, FAITH AND HOPE  

                  

Prayer is all about A.S.K. (Ask-search-knock) incorporated with the theological virtues and in persistence. Ask with charity, search with faith and knock with hope and it shall be done. Ask God in love: love for God, self and neighbour so that we be selfless and right in addressing our petitions, invocations and intercessions to the Lord. Search for God with utmost faith even when all around is dark for the Bible says, “Even the darkness is not dark to you; the night is bright as the day, for darkness is as light with you” (Ps. 139:12) so that we find him so closer to us than our very breath (Ps. 46: 1). Knock at the door of the paradise with a hope of a child towards his father and will be opened. Never cease to ASK with Charity, Faith and Hope and it will be done all for the good of the person and for the glory of God.

Today we celebrate the Feast of Our Lady of Rosary, a feast promulgated by Pope Pius V as a gratitude to God for the victory of the Christians that was wrought by praying the Rosary during the battle against the Turks at Lepanto. Mother Mary in almost all her apparitions have insisted and exhorted the humanity to pray and pray. May our Blessed Mother, our model and our guide teach us to turn to God in prayer with charity, faith and hope in our ASK. Let us today pray the rosary, calling out her name tenderly and lovingly to assist us, her children to persevere in prayer and in loving relationship with the Lord.

இறைவா உம் சித்தமே எம் சித்தமாக... I 06.10.2021 - Wednesday I Rev. Fr. A...

Bible Reflections I 06.10.2021- Wednesday I Indraya Manna I

Ordinary Time - Week 27

Readings 

            I - Jonah 4: 1-11

           II - Lk. 11: 1-4

MAKE PRAYER MERGE WITH LIFE  

                  

From the Gospel passage today we infer that every rabbi taught his disciples to pray. Inspired by the prayer life of Jesus, the disciples insisted Jesus to teach them too to pray. May be because they realised that the power of his words and the passion for his mission was the fruit of his prayer life. The life was Jesus was a life of integrity. The credibility of the life of Jesus made the disciples to desire for learning how to pray.  

Prayer is the well spring and life stream of a happy, contented, joyful, peaceful and fruitful living. The happiness and contentment come from humble acceptance submission to the will of God in prayer. Prayer paves a hotline connect with God helping us courageously face all things is life with the serenity and tranquility. Having learnt the pattern of prayer from Jesus himself, let us in line with the prayer ‘Our Father’ take delight in seeking and accomplishing the will of the Father as did Jesus instead of making our prayer a repetition of ‘give me this and give me that’. Merge the life of prayer with the life of action and make living an integrated and a credible one like Jesus our Lord and Master. May our mind and heart resonate with the prayer: “Lord Jesus, bless me with a life of integrity”.

Bible Reflections I 05.10.2021 - Tuesday I Indraya Manna I

Ordinary Time - Week 27

Readings 

            I - Jonah 3: 1-10

           II - Lk. 10: 38-42

St. Faustina Kowlaska, Virgin (Optional Memorial)

          

LOVE THE LORD WITH AN UNDIVIDED HEART  

                

Martha welcomed Jesus into her home.  The two sisters chose their own roles in expressing their hospitality and love to their beloved guest, Jesus: Martha, to serve the Lord and her sister Mary, to sit at the feet of the Lord and to listen to him.  Mary was considered to have chosen the better part because she was totally present to the Lord in listening to him that she was neither distracted nor disturbed by anything or anyone.  On the other hand, Martha was working for the Lord but she was worried about many things that she began to blame Mary and accuse Jesus for not caring about her when she was alone doing all works.  Which is better?  To choose and to be committed or to choose and to be distracted? Mary was committed in listening to the Lord, the lot that she chose therefore Mary had chosen the better part. 

In our expression of love and devotion to the Lord we do often compare and contrast ourselves with others.  The expression and devotion to the Lord could be in our prayer life, in our listening to the Word of God, in helping the poor, in serving the needy, in rescuing the suffering, in relieving the oppressed and in loving the least in the society.  In this process one need not compare and get distracted but to accomplish with utmost devotion, love, care and reverence.  Otherwise all our works and efforts would go a waste in vain.  Let us choose the better part like Mary in loving and serving the Lord with love.  Today the Church celebrates the feast of St. Faustina Kowlaska to whom Jesus appeared as the King of Divine Mercy and insisted that ,”Humanity will not find peace until it turns trustfully to divine mercy”.  Let us turn trustfully towards the Lord imploring for His grace in choosing the right part and be committed it till the end like Mary as we keep repeating in the silence of our heart: “Christ Jesus, I trust in you”.

St. Francis of Assisi I 04.10.2021 - Monday I Rev. Fr. Arokia Doss SDB I...

Bible Reflections I 04.10.2021 - Monday I Indraya Manna I

Ordinary Time - Week 27

Readings 

           I - Jonah 1: 1-2 - 2: 1, 10

           II - Lk. 10: 25-37

St. Francis of Assisi, Religious (Memorial)

          

LOVE OF GOD VESTS IN LOVE OF NEIGHBOUR  

                  

The image and likeness of God dwells in every person and in the entire humanity.  Therefore no one can love God and hate the other and vice versa.  Whenever we read the parable of the Good Samaritan, our reason would definitely accuse the Priest and the Levite for their duplicity and debauchery.  We are prone to praise, hail, exalt and appreciate the kindness of the Samaritan, an outcast to the Jews.  Instead of pointing in accusation at the Priest and the Levite, put yourself in their place and examine your reaction and response in a similar situation.  

People tend to walk away from the weeping person, slip away cautiously from the suffering, deliberately detest needy and remain adamantly deaf to the truth and silent to the atrocities done to others.  Having done all these, sit in silence before the Lord in praise, prayer and worship.  Isn’t this pharisaic?  Moved by a loving heart and in all kindness when we render a helping hand to the needy, then can we claim that we love God.  

Today the Church celebrates the feast of St. Francis of Assisi.  Francis of Assisi was from a Nobel wealthy family.  He was the son of a cloth merchant.  Enamored by the love of God, he emptied everything and embraced poverty to the extent of stripping himself off his clothes. From love of God to love of neighbour, St. Francis of Assisi went a step ahead to embrace the entire creation of God in love and friendship to the extent of calling God’s creation as brothers and sisters viz. Mother earth, brother sun, sister moon, brother fire and sister water in his ‘Canticle of creature’. 

 Let us invoke the intercession of St. Francis of Assisi, to help us love God in every person so that we may be right in our loving relationship with the Lord.

Bible Reflections I 03.10.2021 - Sunday I Indraya Manna I

Ordinary Time - Week 27

Readings 

            I - Gen. 2: 18-24

           II - Heb. 2: 9-11

          III - Mk. 10: 2-16

MARRIAGE IS A COVENANT AND NOT A CONTRACT

                  

In the first reading today, when God brought the woman He had made from the rib of Adam, he said, “This is at last is bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh”.  In the Gospel passage Jesus says, “…and the two shall become one flesh”.  These verses get consummated in the Sacrament of Marriage.  The sacrament of marriage binds a man and a woman into a covenantal relationship making them but one soul, one flesh and one spirit.  Marriage is not a contract but a covenant.  Contract is an agreement for the accomplishment of a specific task within the specified time and it ends with the completion of the task.  On the other hand marriage is a covenant and therefore it is a lifelong commitment to one another in love, fidelity and faithfulness.  Marriage is the replica of the covenant established between God and His people Israel; and between Jesus and His Church.  According to the Canon Law, unity and indissolubility are the essential properties of marriage.

In the current scenario, relationships are based on the value of utility diluting to the level of the things that are used.  In almost all things we look for updates, new version, revised editions and new models paving way to the ‘use and throw’ culture.  This is reflected in the marital life too, failing to keep the promise that constitute the covenant of marriage, “…I promise to be true to you in good times and in bad, in sickness and in health, I will love you and honour you all the days of my life”.  Mutual Love, forgiveness, caring, sharing, forbearing, sacrifice but above all daily prayers together can preserve marriage from breach and break up thereby preserving and persevering in the promise made at marriage.  Let us every day set aside some time for family prayer because ‘the family that prays together, stays together'.

I The Holy Guardian Angels I 02.10.2021 - Saturday I Rev. Fr. Arokia Dos...

Bible Reflections I 02.10.2021 - Saturday I Indraya Manna I

Ordinary Time - Week 26

Readings 

         I - Bar. 4: 5-12, 27-29

       II - Lk. 10: 17-24

The Holy Guardian Angels (Memorial)

WE ARE EMPOWERED TO EMPOWER

                  

The seventy two sent on a mission by Jesus returned to him with the joy of performing and accomplishing the wondrous deeds in the name of Jesus.  Jesus enkindled their flame of fervor and enthusiasm enlightening about the power granted to them to tread and trample down all evil powers; and gave them the reason to rejoice that their names were written in heaven.  Jesus gave thanks and blessed the Father on their accord for choosing mere children to reveal His power.

We are weak and fragile being containing the power of God within us as St. Paul would say, “But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us” (2 Cor. 4:7). Hence we can do all things in Christ who strengthen us (Phil. 4:13).  Our talent, glory, honour and riches come from God and therefore “let the one who boasts boast in the Lord” (1 Cor. 1:31).  Allow not pride to overpower instead praise aloud in joy and thanksgiving to the Lord for we have found favour in the eyes of the Lord.  

We are lit by God to  light the lives of many.  We are empowered by God to empower the underprivileged, the abandoned, the oppressed, the neglected, the poor and the marginalised.  Today the Church celebrates the feast of the Guardian Angels, entrusted by God with the task of assisting and accompanying us constantly aligning our ways unto the ways of God till we enter into that life eternal.  May the timely support and guidance of our guardian angels help us to become one like them to others in our striving to make this earth a heaven.

St. Theresa of Lisieux I 01.10.2021 - Friday I Rev. Fr. Arokia Doss SDB ...

Bible Reflections I 01.10.2021 - Friday I Indraya Manna I

Ordinary Time - Week 26

Readings 

            I - Bar. 1: 15-22

           II - Lk. 10: 13-16

St. Theresa of Child Jesus, 

Virgin, Doctor of the Church

LISTEN AND LIVE BY THE WORD OF GOD

                  

Jesus sent out the seventy two with great trust, on his behalf and in his name with a message and necessary tutoring.  Today’s Gospel passage is about the havoc that would be brought upon the people by themselves because of their willful neglect of the Word of God. Rejection of the Word of God is rejection of Jesus and hence rejection of God Himself.  

Today the Church celebrates the feast of St. Theresa of Child Jesus who responded to the love of God with all her heart, mind and strength in her own little way.  She did not do anything extraordinary but little deeds with great love for Jesus.  Every one of her step, move, gesture and activity was an expression of her love for Jesus.  She was a Cloistered Carmelite Nun confined to the convent yet she is the Patroness of missionary, Patroness of France and above all the Doctor of the Church.  Mindfulness about Jesus made her to be obsessed by the love for Jesus. She has promised to help those who choose to love Jesus and adhere to live by his word.  Let us invoke her intercession to help us to be mindful in listening to the Word of God and live by the same for the love of God and as an expression of our love for God.  May our heart and mind resonate with the prayer: “St. Theresa of Child Jesus, teach us to love God in your ‘little way’”.

St. Jerome I புனித ஜெரோம் I 30.09.2021 - Thursday I Rev. Fr. Arokia Doss...

Bible Reflections I 30.09.2021 - Thursday I Indraya Manna I

Ordinary Time - Week 26

Readings 

             I - Neh. 8: 1-12

           II - Lk. 10: 1-12

St. Jerome (Priest, Doctor of the Church)

BE PURPOSE FILLED FOR GOD CARES

                  

Today’s Gospel passage is about the trust and tutoring of Jesus.  With great trust in the seventy two, Jesus sends them ahead of him to all the towns and places he himself was to visit.  To them he entrusts the mission of preaching about the Kingdom of God; and healing and curing of the sick.  He does not send them just like that.   He tutors them with instructions on their focus about the mission and provision for their livelihood.  He gave them a purpose to their life and cared for their provisions as well.  

We have a purpose in our life as Christians, to love all and to reflect Christ in all that we do and say.   We strive for life sustenance, education, health, wealth and happiness.  This is quite normal and natural. Do we strive to be become one like Christ in our loving, caring, speaking, listening, associating and accompanying?  We are gifted with a Christian vocation with much love and trust that we be present where Christ himself wishes to be present.  The Holy Spirit and the Holy Bible tutors constantly as to how to put on Christ.  Do we adhere?  Let us be determined and be focused on our Christian living and the caring God will shower His blessings upon even the minute and meticulous things as the Scripture says, “Seek first the Kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you” (Mt. 6: 33).  May we be purpose filled for God cares.

Feast of the Arc Angeles Michael, Gabriel and Raphael I 29.09.2021 - Wed...

Bible Reflections I 29.09.2021 - Wednesday I Indraya Manna I

Ordinary Time - Week 26

Readings 

        I - Deu. 7: 9-10, 13-14

       II - Jn. 1: 47-51

St. Michael, St. Gabriel and St. Raphael

(Archangels – Feast )

SIMPLICITY AND OPENNESS OF HEART BEHOLDS TRUTH

                  

When Philip spoke about Jesus to Nathanael, in all his simplicity he asked, “Can anything good come from Nazareth?” (Jn. 1: 46) and still with the openness of heart he went with Philip to verify for himself if Jesus was the Messiah and he indeed beheld the truth after meeting Jesus, the Messiah.  We complicate our life that is so simple, create confusion to conceal reality, and willfully reject to accept the truth.  Openness of heart can overtake prejudice, simplicity can surpass stubbornness and pave way to peruse all that is true, real and lasting. Let us with simplicity and openness of heart dare to behold the truth as it comes.  

Today the Church celebrates the feast of the Archangels St. Michael, St. Gabriel and St. Raphael.  The work of St. Michael is to defeat Satan and its rebellious activities, that of St. Raphael is to be the guardian of the wayfarers and finally that of St. Gabriel is to be the messenger of God.  May St. Michael help us to conquer the constant battle between the good and the evil in us defeating all that is not of/for God; St. Gabriel make us like himself the messenger of the Good News wherever we are and St. Raphael be our constant companion in our life journey until we reach our final destination, a blissful eternal life with God. Let us in the silence of our heart keep repeating this prayer: “St. Michael, St. Gabriel and St. Raphael bless us and pray for us”

How to handle Rejection by others ? I 28.09.2021 - Tuesday I Indraya Man...

Bible Reflections I 28.09.2021 - Tuesday I Indraya Manna I

Ordinary Time - Week 26

Readings 

           I - Zech. 8: 20-23

           II - Lk. 9: 51-56

OUR GOD IS GOD OF GENTLENESS

                  

Jesus was focused about his mission and ministry; and therefore set his face to go to Jerusalem when the days drew near for him to be taken up.  Jesus and his disciples were on their way to Jerusalem through Samaria, the shortcut to Jerusalem.  Though Jesus was already renowned and hailed by people as teacher, preacher and healer, the Samaritans did not receive him into their city because of the constant conflict between the Jews and the Samaritans.  The Jews considered the Samaritans as outcasts and never associated with them.  But to go to Jerusalem they always chose the shortcut through Samaria and this caused prejudice in the minds of the Samaritans and hence they refused to receive Jesus too into their city.  The disciples of Jesus, James and John wanted Jesus to command them to bring down fire from heave to destroy them.  But Jesus rebuked his disciples and went through another village to Jerusalem.  

We can draw two lessons from the Gospel passage of the day.  First, the Samaritans in their prejudice received not Jesus, the promised one of God and the restorer (Deu. 18:15) whom they believed in and waited for.  And Secondly, Jesus was so gentle and understanding enough to respect the freedom and feelings of the Samaritans that he went through another village to Jerusalem.  Everyone has their own reason for their reaction.  When we choose to go beyond and to respond, we will be sure to cease the chances, opportunities, prospects and possibilities ahead unlike the Samaritans. Let us also like Jesus, be gentle and respect the freedom of others than violating, coercing and trampling. May our heart and mind resonate with the prayer: “Gentle Jesus, teach me to be like you”.

St. Vincent de Paul I 27.09.2021 - Monday I Rev..Fr.. Arokia Doss SDB I ...

கிறிஸ்துவின் சாயலை அணிந்துகொள்ளுங்கள்.I 26.09.2021 - Sunday I Rev. Fr. A...

குடும்பமே புனிதத்தின் பாதையில்...I 25.09.2021- Saturday I Rev. Fr. Arok...

Bible Reflections I 27.09.2021 - Monday I Indraya Manna I

Ordinary Time - Week 26

Readings 

            I - Zech. 8: 1-8

           II - Lk. 9: 46-50

THE LEAST IS THE GREATEST

                  

The life and teachings of Jesus topsy turvy the standard set by the world. The preaching of Jesus counteract and contradict the principles of the world order turning it upside down. In today’s Gospel passage, Jesus says that anyone who welcomes a little child in His name, welcomes in the name of the Father and such a person is great in the Kingdom of Heaven. In the Jewish society, children were considered insignificant, least and were unrecognized. In reaching out to such little child lies the greatness of the person.  

‘Little child’ connotes, the helpless, the hopeless, the marginalised, the poor, the downtrodden, the oppressed, the weak and the vulnerable. In short, the neglected section of the society. St. Theresa of Calcutta is a concrete example of our time. She is great because she served the neglected, rejected and the abandoned section of the society in the name of Jesus. Greatness consists in becoming small by befriending and serving the least in the name and for the sake of Jesus. Let us take the model of Jesus, who emptied himself in the incarnation for our sake and who stooped down like a servant to wash the feet of his disciples and set an example for us to be followed. We become great in serving the least. May our mind and heart resonate with this prayer: “Jesus, meek and humble of heart, make my heart like yours”.

Bible Reflections I 26.09.2021 - Sunday I Indraya Manna I

Ordinary Time - Week 26

Readings 

       I - Num. 11: 25-29

      II - Jas. 5: 1-6

    III - Mk. 9: 38: 43, 

                     45, 47-48

World Day of Migrants and Refugees

THE GIFTS WE ARE GIVEN ARE GIFTS TO BE SHARED

                  

God’s favour is not the privilege of few.  He bestows His gifts upon people for a purpose.  The reading of the day invites us to acknowledge and accept the gift of God conferred on others with openness of heart than to be envious and suspicious as did Joshua, the assistant of Moses in the first reading and John, the beloved disciple of Jesus in the Gospel reading. The Spirit we have received is the spirit of unity as St. Paul in his letter to the Ephesians would say, “Be diligent to preserve the unity of the spirit in the bond of peace” (Eph. 4: 3).  In the first reading the Spirit anoints Eldad and Medad for prophesying in the camp.  ‘Someone’ in the Gospel passage drove out demon in the name of Jesus.  One in the spirit and for the common good.  

The gifts given by God is not the private possession but they are to be given away and shared for human welfare and up building; precisely for the glory of God.  If we realise this we will be able to appreciate and rejoice at the gifts of others rather than feeling envy, jealousy, greedy and resentment.  As children of God we are called to be grateful for our own gifts and talents and; are invited to glorify and praise God for the gifts He has bestowed on others all for his honour and for the good of the humankind.  

September 26 is celebrated as the World Day of Migrants and Refugees.  Let us intensify our prayers for them and try to share our gifts and blessings with them for they too are children of God like us, created in the image of God.  May our heart and mind resound with the prayer: “Lord Jesus, Help us to rejoice at the gifts of others”

Bible Reflections I 25.09.2021 - Saturday I Indraya Manna I

Ordinary Time - Week 25

Readings 

            I - Zec. 2: 1-5, 10-11

           II - Lk. 9: 43 - 45

DELIGHT IN DOING GOD’S WILL 

                 

Fame, name, pomp, glory, honour, praise or popularity can never disturb or disorient a determined, convinced, focused and highly goal oriented person. In today’s Gospel passage we read that people were astounded at the greatness of God and were amazed at all that Jesus was doing.  The disciples would have been definitely dwelling in the heights of happiness and peak of pride about their master. Jesus in a way distracts and disrupts them by reminding them of the reality about his mission viz. suffering, passion, death and resurrection.  Confidence in God, Clarity about his mission, focus on the goal and his great passion to accomplish the will of the Father, persuaded Jesus to proceed ahead in his ministry and mission remaining neutral to all circumstances.  

Almost all people in the world are mesmerized, delighted, influenced, enthralled, fascinated and captivated by praise, pride, applause, glory and honour.  They are ready to do anything to attain the same.  Christian living contradicts this and on the contrary calls for a commitment to God’s will.  It exhorts us to change our focus from the transitory to fix our gaze on the transcendent. When we position our life centering around God, we can actualise the words of St. Paul in our own life, “…through glory and dishonor, bad report and good report; genuine, yet regarded as impostors; known, yet regarded as unknown; dying, and yet we live on; beaten, and yet not killed; sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; poor, yet making many rich; having nothing, and yet possessing everything” (2 Cor. 6: 8-10).  Then, can we hear the voice of God calling us as “Beloved son/daughter”.

உங்களுக்கு இயேசு என்பவர் யார்? I 24.09.2021 - Friday I Rev. Fr. Arokia D...

Bible Reflections I 24.09.2021 - Friday I Indraya Manna I

Ordinary Time - Week 25

Readings 

            I - Haggai 2: 1-9

           II - Lk. 9: 18 - 22

LIVE A PURPOSE DRIVEN LIFE 

                  

Everyone comes into the world with an identity and a purpose.  John the Baptist came as the forerunner to prepare the way of the Lord, the Messiah.  Prophet Elijah destroyed the false prophets and turned the hearts of people towards Yahweh.  All prophets were chosen by God for a purpose viz. to uproot, tear down, destroy, overthrow, build and to plant (Jer. 1:10) so as to turn the hearts of people towards God.  To the question Jesus asked his disciples, “But who do you say that I am?” Peter answered, “The Messiah of God”.  And thereafter, Jesus explains to them about his suffering, rejection, death and resurrection - the purpose of the incarnation of the Son of God.  He came to save all through his passion and death; and to restore the world to its original standard through His resurrection on the third day.  He was clear about his identity and was focused about his mission.

We are the children of God and this is our identity but about our purpose, let us go back to our catechism class where we have learnt that God created us to know him, to love him, to serve him and to be happy with him forever.  The knowledge of God and our love for Him will definitely drive us to serve Him.  Serving God is serving the brothers and sisters around us, for the bible says, “Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me” (Mt. 25: 40). All three will result in the ultimate objective of remaining with Him forever in perfect happiness, peace and joy. Let us in the silence of our heart and mind keep repeating this prayer: “Lord Jesus, help me to know you, to love you, to serve you and to be happy with you forever”.

புனித பியோ I Saint Pio I 23.09.2021 - Thursday I Rev. Fr. Arokia Doss SD...

Bible Reflections I 23.09.2021 - Thursday I Indraya Manna I

Ordinary Time - Week 25

Readings 

         I - Haggai 1: 1-8

        II - Lk. 9: 7 - 9

LIVE AND LET LIVE

                 

An exemplary living has an extraordinary impact on the lives of people living around.  Those influenced positively, set them as their role models and aspire for a transformed living.  Instead, their life become a threat to some because of sheer jealousy, hatred and rivalry. Those who consider them as their rivals are always obsessed by their thought that they plan to get rid of them at any cost.  Possible strategy to accomplish their purpose could be spreading rumours, false accusations, propagating gossips and finally extinguish them from the face of the earth when the vengeance reach to its extremity.    

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

Right to live is the basic human right of every individual.  Therefore allow everyone to live their life to the full and never trample or violate because of the stereo mindset or sheer jealousy. Accept, admit, respect, revere and allow the unique life style and life pattern of the other to make this earth a heaven and a pleasant land for all children of God to live.

அன்பும் தாழ்ச்சியுமே புதிய ஆயுதமாய் I 22.09.2021 - Wednesday I Rev. Fr. ...

Bible Reflections I 22.09.2021- Wednesday I Indraya Manna I

Ordinary Time - Week 25

Readings 

            I - Ezra 9: 5-9

           II - Lk. 9: 1 - 6

SEEK FIRST THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN             

The Gospel passage of the day is on Jesus assigning the ministry of driving away the demons, curing of diseases, proclamation of the Kingdom of God and healing the sick.  Jesus entrusted the ministry to the twelve and suggested them about their means of living as well.  The Gospel passage enlivens the preaching of Jesus, “But seek first the Kingdom and His righteousness and all these things will be given to you as well” (Mt. 6:33); “Look at the birds of the air, for they neither sow nor reap nor gather into the barns; yet your heavenly Father feeds them.  Are you not more valuable” (Mt. 6:26).  Hence, Jesus exhorts his disciples to concentrate on the mission than on the means of living.  

Each of us as Christians are entrusted with the same mission of preaching, proclaiming and healing.  To preach through words is easy to everyone but to preach through life is witnessing, demanding and credible.  Dare to proclaim the Good News to the sick, depressed, discourages, distressed and the downtrodden that our God is ‘Immanuel’ - God with us.  Let us commit to heal the world with our smile, kindness, cheerfulness, compassion, mercy, love, forgiveness and gentleness.  In doing all these we become credible Christians and faithful followers of Jesus Christ, our Lord.  Keep focused on the ministry and mission entrusted, and true to the promises of the Lord, the rest will fall in line, one blessing after another, all for the glory of the Lord.  May our mind and heart resonate with the prayer: “Lord Jesus, make me your instrument of love, peace and joy”.

திருத்தூதர் மத்தேயு I St. Matthew the Apostle I 21.09.2021 - Tuesday I R...

Bible Reflections I 21.09.2021 - Tuesday I Indraya Manna I

Ordinary Time - Week 25

Readings 

I - Eph. 4: 1 - 7, 11-13

           II - Mt. 9: 9 - 13

ST. MATTHEW, APOSTLE, EVANGELIST (Feast)

                  

The Gospel passage of the day is on the call of Matthew, for, the Church celebrates the Church celebrates of St. Matthew, the apostle of Jesus and the evangelist. Matthew was the tax collector for the Romans and therefore he was as a traitor. The tax collectors always earned the hatred of the common people at their credit because they always collected more than that was levied by the Romans and hence there were financially rich. The tax collectors were considered as sinners, outcasts and scum of the Jewish society. The Jews seldom associated with them. To such a person came the invitation from Jesus “Follow me”. The intent look and the powerful invitation of Jesus, pierced the eyes and conquered the heart of Matthew that he gave up his profiteering profession as tax collector to gain life eternal with the Lord. To the criticism of Pharisees, the self-righteous people Jesus responded saying, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick……For I have come to call not the righteous but sinners”.  

 

The guilt feeling that arises on account of sin is the powerful weapon of the evil one that prevents us from approaching the throne of God. Today’s Gospel passage is a consolation and an encouragement, for Jesus says, “I have come to call not the righteous but the sinners”. From the life of Matthew we can hope for a new beginning and a new life in Jesus. Matthew was shrewd to capture the set look of Jesus and smart to respond to the appealing words of Jesus. Jesus had come to call the sinners not the righteous (Mt. 9:13). He is the Good Shepherd that leaves the ninety nine in search of the one that is lost (Lk. 15: 1-7). “God does not see as mortals see; they look on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart” (1 Sam. 16:7). The Lord knows that we are weak and fragile. Let us allow and yield ourselves unto the grace of God for a transformation and a new life in Jesus Christ our Lord. No more feeling of guilt or unworthiness but repentance and a will to change. May St. Matthew help us for repentance and transformation to capture the gaze and the words of Jesus.    

 

Let your light Shine I உங்கள் ஒளி ஒளிர்வதாக I 20.09.2021 - Monday I Rev....

Bible Reflections I 20.09.2021 - Monday I Indraya Manna

Ordinary Time - Week 25

Readings 

          I - Ezra 1: 1 - 6

        II - Lk. 8: 16 - 18

                  

LET YOUR LIGHT SHINE

The three verses of the Gospel passage today carries three lessons for life: an exhortation, a caution and a condition.  

An exhortation: Each of us are bestowed with varied gifts and talents not for personal purpose but to colour the world with our charism and thereby glorify the creator.  “We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your  faith;  if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach;   if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead,  do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully” (Rom. 12: 6-8).  In the letter of St. Peter we read, “As good stewards of the manifold grace of God, each of you should use whatever gift he has received to serve others” (1 Pt. 4:10).  Therefore Jesus exhorts us to lift our lights high to lift the world to its original order.

A caution:  Jesus in today’s Gospel passage says that nothing will be hidden and that everything will be disclosed.  One cannot dwell in duplicate living, for one day the mask of duplicity will be torn and the real self will be revealed.  Let us beware of conducting a double standard living for, “whatever you have said in the dark shall be heard in the light, and what you have whispered in private rooms shall be proclaimed on the housetops” (Lk. 13:3)   

A condition: In the parable of the talent (Mt. 25: 14-30) we read that the servant who kept his one talent idle had to forego for having not utilised the same.  If we fail to utilise the gifts of God that had been showered on us will automatically be lost. Failing to use God’s gifts to serve each other is failing to be a good steward.  The condition here is to work to more with what we have in order to have our gifts and talents multiplied.

HUMILITY THAT CAN SAVE THE WORLD I 19.09.2021 - Sunday I Rev. Fr. Arokia...

Bible Reflections I 19.09.2021 - Sunday I Indraya Manna I

Ordinary Time - Week 25

Readings 

         I - Wis. 2: 12, 17-20

        II - Jas. 3: 16 - 4:3

       III - Mk. 9: 30 -37

                 

THE TREE THAT BEARS FRUIT WILL BE STONED

The righteous and the upright life of people is often considered as a sign of contradiction and therefore is always an inconvenience and a great threat to the ‘people of this world’ (Lk. 16:8).  Their envy and selfish attitude shun them from associating freely and spontaneously with the ‘people of light’ (Lk. 16:8).  Therefore the people of darkness, those who belong to this world, torment and torture the people of light under the pretext of examining their endurance and credibility and in the end they erase them from the face of the earth itself.  This is the crux of all three readings today.  The two readings culminate in the Gospel passage today in which Jesus explains about his suffering, death and resurrection to his disciples.  Jesus did good wherever he went (Acts. 10:38) but still he was a threat to the Pharisees because they thought that the whole world was after him (Jh. 12:19).  It was merely because of sheer jealousy and unwillingness to accept the good in Jesus.       

There is a famous saying, “The tree that bears fruit will be stoned”.  Virtuous and good people are always a stumbling block by their very life to the people who live anyhow and any way. They will be dreaded and derided for no reason. If we suffer because we live by Gospel values, let us caution and encourage ourselves with the word of Jesus - "If the world hates you, be aware that it hated me before it hated you……..If it persecuted me, they will persecute you” (Jh. 15: 18-21); “Rejoice and be glad; for great is your reward in heaven” (Mt. 5:12).  Let us live as St. Paul exhorts, “Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind” (Rom. 12:2).  Dare to follow the preaching and life of Jesus who has conquered this world (Jh. 16:33), for he says, “I will be with you always even until the end of the world” (Mt28:20).  With Jesus we can overcome all things and all people, at all times.

Kutty Story - 1 I குட்டி கதைகள் I Indraya Manna I

இறைவார்த்தை உன்னில் வாழ்கிறதா ? அல்லது வீழ்கிறதா ?18.09.2021 - Saturday ...

Bible Reflections I 18.09.2021 - Saturday I Indraya Manna I

Ordinary Time - Week 24

Readings 

         I - 1Tim. 6: 13-16

        II - Lk. 8: 4-14         

BECOME DOERS OF THE WORD OF GOD

Today’s Gospel passage is about the parable of the sower and the seed. It’s about the seed and the yield, highlighting the receptiveness of the soil it fell upon. Same sower and the same seed but the yield varied with the place where they were sowed. Some fell on the path, while some on the rock, still others amidst the thorns and thistles and the seed that fell on the good soil produced a hundred fold.  

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

Shining Women Discipleship I 17.09.2021- Friday I Rev. Fr. Arokia Doss ...

Bible Reflections I 17.09.2021 - Friday I Indraya Manna I

Ordinary Time - Week 24

Readings 

            I - 1Tim. 6: 2-12

           II - Lk. 8: 1-3

                 

WE ARE ALL ONE IN CHRIST JESUS OUR LORD

Jesus came to restore the relationship with God reflected in the establishment of an egalitarian society where, freedom, fraternity, equality and justice reign and this is the Kingdom of God. Jesus taught on the streets and the lanes, preached in the synagogue and on the shores, healed the deformed and the disabled, cured of evil spirits and infirmities as a sign of the blossoming of the Kingdom of God that was so immanent. Jesus gave a giant leap in the composition of his team that consisted of women as well, as we read in the Gospel passage today. The rabbis in Israel, holding on to the law, tradition and practices withdrew themselves from associating with women and valued them as ‘no persons’, secondary citizens and inferior to men. Unlike the Jewish rabbis, Jesus befriended women and had them too to be in the team of followers. He gave them a fitting place in his team and made them the partakers of his mission as well. This is the greatest sign of equality that reign in the Kingdom of God for: “There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus” (Gal. 3:28).  

There are innumerable groups of activists who protest and fight for gender equality. Men and women are never equals they are complimentary. One gets completed in the other and also one cannot exist without the other. And hence, equality in dignity has to be insisted. We are the loving children of God the Father, created in His own likeness and image and hence there is no distinction in the dignity. Violating the dignity of the other is violating oneself. Trampling the other is tampering oneself. Let us imitate the legendry life of Jesus to restore the respect and human dignity of women keeping in mind that one cannot exist without the other and that one compliments the other, for we are all one in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Forgiveness : Love without Frontiers I Rev. Fr. Arokia Doss SDB I Indray...

Bible Reflections I 16.09.2021 - Thursday I Indraya Manna I

Ordinary Time - Week 24

Readings 

            I - 1Tim. 4: 12-16

           II - Lk. 7: 36-50

                

Forgiveness : LOVE WITHOUT FRONTIER 

Love surpasses all frontiers, hurdles, difficulties and hitches. Love spotlights the loved one amidst all odds. Geared by an abounding love, because of the mercy, compassion, gentleness, affection and above all by the love of the Lord Jesus, the woman, the disgust and the scum of the society dared to enter the house of the Pharisee and anointed the feet of the Lord. Jesus was as usual accused but he took up for the woman, defended and praised her act, an expression of her love that bothered nothing and none.  

A bit of love can set all things right. For the sake of love one is ready to give up anything. For the love of mankind, Jesus gave up his divine nature and took up the form of the human person. For the sake of the love of God, Mary consented to be the mother of Jesus. For the sake of the love for the triune God, many had endured persecution. For the sake of following Christ, many still sacrifice all that they can, in order to bear witness to the love of the Lord. Love is giving. Let us shun our mind and heart to ‘what others will think/say” and begin to love God and neighbour without any restriction as our Lord Jesus had taught and exhorted us. By our act of love, that has neither restriction nor reservation, let people know that we are Christians after the heart of Christ. May our mind and heart resonate with the prayer: “Lord Jesus, fill our heart with your love”

Our Lady of Sorrows I 15.09.2021 - Wednesday I Rev. Fr. Arokia Doss SDB ...

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. ...