Bible Reflections I 17.07.2022 - SUNDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time: Week 16

Readings 

           I - Gen. 18: 10

          II - Col. 1: 24-28

          II - Lk. 10: 38-42 

                           

SERVE THE LORD IN GLADNESS

Service is the unique expression of a supreme love. The nobility of this service is that it counts no cost but is concerned about the benefit of the other. The service can be in any form tailoring to the needs of one to whom it is rendered. The streamline of all three readings today is ‘service’. In the first reading Abram identifies the holy men in the three persons and runs to offer them rest and refreshment before they could proceed from him. In the second reading it is evident that St. Paul was willing to suffer any amount on account of his service in proclaiming Christ so that he might present everyone mature in Christ. In the Gospel reading two women serve Jesus with two different services. Martha prepares meal and Mary sits at Jesus’ feet to listen to him. Martha was preoccupied with the thought that Mary was sitting at the feet of Jesus without rendering her a helping hand. Jesus says, “Mary has chosen the good portion” because she was acute in listening without any other preoccupation. Had Martha not complained about Mary, Jesus might have said, “Martha too has chosen the good portion”.

Service demands an undivided attention for its fruitfulness befitting the capacity and the caliber of the person who renders. God does not ask us to do anything beyond our strength but within our reach and all in love like Abram, Sarah, St. Paul and Mary. No comparison and compromises but a whole hearted service all in love is what God desires and that is the best portion. Let us do all we can with love and care. Let our mind and heart resonate with the prayer: “Lord Jesus, fill my heart with your love”.

Bible Reflections I 15.07.2022 - FRIDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time: Week 15

Readings 

           I - Is. 38: 1-6, 21-22, 7-8

          II - Mt. 12: 1 - 8 

                           

GOD DESIRES MERCY AND NOT SACRIFICE

In today’s Gospel passage, the hungry disciples pluck ears of corn to eat and this was accused by the Pharisees as violation of Sabbath. Jesus defends his disciples quoting the violation done by David and his companions; and the priests in the temple. Jesus picks up this opportunity to enlighten the Pharisees on the truth about Temple, Sabbath and Sacrifice. Temple signifies the presence of God and the purpose of Sabbath was to abstain from work so as to be present to the Lord in prayer and worship. The Pharisees made Sabbath a burden with so many rules and thereby making the life of the common man difficult and cumbersome. Jesus intervenes and educates that the best offering in which God delights is mercy and compassion. 

We are no different from the Pharisees. We wish to be meticulous in our rituals, rubrics, rules and traditions. Days of fasting, pilgrimage, penance and offering take precedence in our life than mercy, compassion and concern for the suffering neighbour. Today’s Gospel passage is an invitation to examine our acts of piety whether they are backed by concern for humanity, if not, convert your practices unto the demands of the teachings of the Gospel. Let our mind and heart resonate with the prayer: “Lord Jesus, help us to be compassionate and kind towards our needy brethren”.

Bible Reflections I 14.07.2022 - THURSDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time: Week 15

Readings 

           I - Is. 26: 7-9, 12, 16-19

          II - Mt. 11: 28 - 30 

                           

BECOME MEEK AND GENTLE

As followers of Christ, in carrying out his command of love: “love one another as I have loved you” (Jn. 13: 34) one may have to experience and endure sufferings, pain, tortures, isolations, misunderstanding, persecutions and setbacks. This is the yoke and the heavy burden encountered on account of Jesus. But there is always joy in this suffering because it is an expression of our love for Jesus who loved us to the point of giving his life for us. Anything done in and out of love is a burden that is light and easy. In today’s Gospel passage Jesus invites these his people to come and rest in his love that is comforting and consoling.   

Jesus was a sign of contradiction to the upper class society. All good accomplished by him were undermined as violation of law. He was purposely underestimated in all his mighty works. But Jesus was unperturbed and went about doing good because he was gentle and humble. We will also be able to bear the burden on account of him and bear witness to his love, only if we are humble and gentle. Let us pray for this grace as we keep repeating this prayer throughout the day: “Gentle Jesus, meek and humble of heart, make my heart like yours”

Bible Reflections I 13.07.2022 - WEDNESDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time: Week 15

Readings 

           I - Is. 10: 5-7, 13-16

          II - Mt. 11: 25 - 27 

                           

BECOME LITTLE CHILDREN OF JESUS

In today’s Gospel passage Jesus blesses the Father for revealing the salvation in Jesus to mere children. The children here refers to the sinners, tax collectors, the crowd, the women, the Samaritans and the ordinary people. These people were able to discover the Promised Messiah in Jesus because of their simplicity and humility of heart as that of little children. The learned and the clever viz. the Scribes, the Pharisees, the Sadducees, the Chief Priests and the elders, in their pride and prejudice missed the Messiah in Jesus.  

Simplicity submits to the truth. Humility accepts the truth. Pride and prejudice obstacles the truth. We often tend to judge and condemn people because of our focus upon ourselves. Let go ‘ego’ in order to become humble, simple and pleasing children of God to appreciate and accept all things as they come. May our mind and heart resonate with the prayer: “Lord Jesus, help me to give up my ego in order to gain the truth”

Bible Reflections I 12.07.2022 - TUESDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time: Week 15

Readings 

           I - Is. 7: 1-9

          II - Mt. 11: 20 - 24 

                           

READ, RECOGNISE AND REVERE

In today’s Gospel passage Jesus denounces the cities that failed to repent even after witnessing most of his mighty works. The bible says that God scatters the proud hearted (Lk. 1: 51). On the roads of Chorazin, Bethsaida and Capernaum Jesus performed so many miracles and alas! In their proud of heart they never relented to repent. The ruins found today bears testimony to the words of Jesus. Had these miracles been done in the pagan cities of Tyre, Sidon and Sodom, they would have turned from their wickedness and yielded to repentance.  

A grateful heart counts the blessings of God in almost all things while the proud heart takes everything for granted. In this light let us examine our lives. We know how God had been so gracious towards us even at our crucial moments still when the time comes requiring our faith and trust in him we fail like Chorazin, Bethsaida and Capernaum. Read every moment of our lives, Recognise God’s mighty presence even in the very insignificant thing and Revere Him for His benevolence and mercy. Let our mind and heart resonate with the prayer: “Thank you Jesus”.

Bible Reflections I 11.07.2022 - MONDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time: Week 15

Readings 

           I - Is. 1: 10-17

          II - Mt. 10: 34 - 11:1 

                           

THREE R’S INVOLVED IN FOLLOWING THE LORD

According to the Gospel passage of the day, the three R’s involved in following the Lord are: Risk in following, Resoluteness in the following and Reward in the following. The risk in following is that we might have to conflict our own family members on account of the Gospel values; and become a foe to our own father and mother for whom we are so dear. We must be resolute in our following even at the cost of losing our parents in order to become worthy of Christ’s followers. But the reward to such following worth losing anything on this earth. Because the Gospel reading of the day says that even the one the offers a cup of cold water to the follower of Christ receives a righteous person’s reward and much more to the one who follows: a hundredfold here and eternal life in the next (Mk. 10: 30).

Following the Lord is a risk, a risk of losing everything and everyone on this earth. But dare to be resolute in the following because the reward is greater in heaven. Let our mind and heart resonate with the prayer: “Lord Jesus, give me the courage to stand for the Gospel values”.

Bible Reflections I 10.07.2022 - SUNDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time: Week 15

Readings 

           I - Deu. 30: 10-14

          II - Col. 1: 15-20 

         III - Lk. 10: 25-37 

                           

LOVE GOD IN THE NEIGHBOUR 

In the first reading Moses exhorts the people to obey God in the observance of His commandments viz. to love the Lord God with the mind, heart, soul and strength. The people of Israel talked about the law when they sat home, talking while walking along the road, they were reminded when they sat down or got up, had them as symbols on their hands and bound them on their foreheads (Deu. 6: 8). Therefore as Moses says they need not go far off nor beyond the sea to hear his commands.  

Jesus is the Word made flesh and as St. Paul says in the second reading, Jesus is the image of the unseen God. Jesus the Son of God adds one more quoting from Leviticus, “You shall love your neighbour as yourself” (Lev. 19:18), the crux of the Ten Commandments: Love of God and Love of Neighbour and marks as methodology to inherit eternal life. Jesus in the Gospel passage of the day explains the lawyer about who is our neighbour. Our neighbour is the one in need of our help. Today we are prone to help only whom we know and do not want to risk ourselves helping others as did the Samaritan in the Gospel. We either concentrate more on clicking ‘selfies’ and making them viral or crave for creating publicity in extending our helping hand. Jesus today exhorts us to love God in our neighbours for inheriting eternal life.

Bible Reflections I 09.07.2022 - SATURDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time: Week 14

Readings 

           I - Is. 6: 1-8 

          II - Mt. 10: 24-33 

                           

STAND UP FOR WHAT IS RIGHT

In today’s Gospel passage Jesus equips the disciples with every detail of the consequences of following him. He predicts the possibilities of disheartening and desolate moments that they have to encounter. He also encourages them with his own life example of how he is being branded though he was the Son of God and was going about doing only good. Jesus highlights their preciousness, worth and assured protection of God saying: “even the hairs of your head are all numbers” and invites them to dare to be his followers in their words and deeds.

We are the followers of Jesus Christ our Lord. I know quite a number of Christians who endure the pain of branding, isolation, harassment, tortures and troubles because they are honest, truthful, loving, kind and upright; and shun from being carried away by the current. Yet, are joyful and convinced of values that they stand for. Take courage! The sufferings on account of Christ will merit serenity and peace in this life and an eternal joy and glory in the life to come. For those Christians who are prone to the flow of current let the Gospel passage inspire to reposition their life to align as per the Gospel requirement. Let our mind and heart resonate with the prayer: “Lord Jesus, give us the courage to stand for your values”.

Bible Reflections I 08.07.2022 - FRIDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time: Week 14

Readings 

           I - Hos. 14: 1-9 

          II - Mt. 10: 16-23 

                           

THE GOSPEL IS A SIGN OF CONTRADICTION

There is always a steadfast strife between good and bad, virtue and vices, and light and darkness. One always trying to overpower the other. In today’s Gospel passage Jesus gives a terrible metaphor to portray the sufferings that a disciple has to undergo on account of proclaiming the Gospel message of freedom, fraternity and Justice amidst the world of selfishness, slavery and injustice: “Behold, I am sending you out as sheep in the midst of wolves”. Jesus cautions the disciples about the challenges and the risks that they had to endure even from their family members on account of the apostolic endeavour. But Jesus encourages and enthuses them with the assurance of the presence of the Holy Spirit with them to assist and guide them. 

The Good News is the sign of contradiction for it says: to love the neighbour as oneself (Mt. 22:39), to love the enemies (Mt. 5: 44), to pray for those who persecute (5: 44), to be peace makers (Mt. 5:9)... The Christian living should reflect the selfless life of Christ that is incongruent and incompatible with the selfish driven world. Therefore credible Christian living inherits persecutions and sufferings for its followers. Stand sturdy for the Spirit of the Lord is with us to assist and guide us. Let our mind and heart resonate with the prayer: “Lord Jesus, give me the courage to follow you with a resolute mind and heart”

Bible Reflections I 07.07.2022 - THURSDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time: Week 14

Readings 

           I - Hos. 11: 1-4, 8-9 

          II - Mt. 10: 7-15 

                           

THE PPT OF DISCIPLESHIP

In today’s Gospel passage Jesus speaks about the PPT of discipleship: Proclaiming the Good News, Performing miracles and Trusting in the Providence.  After choosing the disciples Jesus commissions them to go and proclaim that the Kingdom of God was at hand.  He gives them power to perform miracles: to heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse the lepers and to cast out demons. Jesus exhorts them for an utmost trust in the Providence than concentrating on even the basic requirements viz. bag, tunics, sandals or a staff.

Only those who trust in the Lord will be able to focus on God and his work than on themselves.  Don Bosco accommodated countless boys as they entered his oratory, Mother Theresa embraced so many destitute of Calcutta and the huge Christian Medical College was a humble beginning of Ida Scudder.  These disciples of Jesus placed their trust not on themselves but on God and through their lives proclaimed the Gospel effectively loud and clear.  If we trust in the Lord and abandon unto Him, our lives would become a powerful proclamation of the Gospel, making miracles in the lives of many.  Let our mind and heart resonate with the prayer: “Lord Jesus, I trust in you”

Bible Reflections I 06.07.2022 - WEDNESDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time: Week 14

Readings 

           I - Hos. 10: 1-3, 7-8, 12 

          II - Mt. 10: 1-7 

                           

CHOSEN WITH A COMMISSION

The Gospel according to St. Mark says, “Jesus went up on a mountainside and called to him those he wanted, and they came to him” (Mk. 3: 13). The disciples were purely of the choice of Jesus. These disciples might not have been the best choice to be counted for the ultimate core group but Jesus chooses these people. To the chosen twelve Jesus with the delegation of authority summons them to cast out unclean spirits, cure the disease and to heal the sick. But the appeared to be unworthy choice of disciples, after the resurrection of Jesus dared to proclaim about him even at the cost of their lives. 

We are specially chosen by Jesus through our Baptism with the commission to become the messengers of the Good News viz. love, peace and joy. Can we say that in our presence there is always love, peace and joy? Pray for the grace of God to help us become credible Christians and the followers of our Lord Jesus Christ. Let our mind and heart resonate with the prayer: “Lord Jesus, help us to become the effective messengers of the Good News”.

Bible Reflections I 05.07.2022 - TUESDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time: Week 14

Readings 

           I - Hos. 8: 4-7, 11-13 

          II - Mt. 9: 32-38 

                           

FOCUS ON DOING GOOD

Today’s Gospel passage is about two types of reactions towards the healing of a demoniac who was also mute, The crowds were amazed and said, “Never has anything like this been seen in Israel” but the Pharisees said, “By the ruler of demons he casts out demons”. Jesus was neutral to both the comments and was concerned about his mission and ministry. His focus was always in doing good to the people. He had great compassion on the crowds that was harassed and helpless and asked the people to pray to God for many more people to be sent to work for them.  

We are very particular at the remarks made at us. We do not wish to be negatively commented. We desire for positive and elating comments. Our focus often is on name, fame, popularity and publicity. Through this Gospel passage Jesus inspires us to seek reward from above and not from the people around us by fixing our focus on accomplishing all that God wants of us. Let our mind and heart resonate with the prayer: “Lord Jesus, help me to be focused on things from above”.

Bible Reflections I 04.07.2022 - MONDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time: Week 14

Readings 

           I - Hos. 2: 16-18, 21-22 

          II - Mt. 9: 18-26 

                           

FAITH AND POSITIVITY MAKE MIRACLE HAPPEN

Faith and positivity are intertwined. Where there is faith there will also be positivity and vice versa. Positivity and faith make miracles happen. In today’s Gospel passage, both the leader of the synagogue and the woman suffering from hemorrhages for twelve years had firm faith and were positively determined that the miracle would happen: “My daughter will live” and “I will be made well”. Miracle did happen. The girl was raised to life and the woman was made well. 

In the letter of St. James we read, “You must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the see, blown and tossed by the wind” (Jas. 1:6). When the prayers are not answered, examine the quality of belief that the request will be granted. In the silence of our hearts let us repeat the prayer of the man who brought the possessed boy to Jesus for healing as often as possible: “Lord I believe, help my unbelief” (Mk. 9: 24)

Bible Reflections I 03.07.2022 - SUNDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time: Week 14

Readings 

           I - Is. 66: 10-14 

          II - Gal. 6: 14-18 

         III - Lk. 10: 1-12, 17-20

                  

ST. THOMAS THE APOSTLE

Today the Church celebrates the fest of St. Thomas, the ardent apostle of Jesus and the apostle of India, Who walked on the shores of Kerala and Chennai proclaiming the good news. He belonged to simple fishers’ folk from Galilee and was called by Jesus to follow him. That he did whole heartedly and showed even greater courage and generosity than the other eleven.

 

When Jesus told, “Let us go to Judea”, Thomas solemnly stated “Let us go too and die with him”. The doubting disciple was not one to say that he had understood when in fact he had not. When Jesus said. “You know the way to the place where I am going”, Thomas retorted saying “Lord we do not know where you are going, so how can we know the way”.  

The straight forward reaction of St. Thomas to the testimony of his companions regarding the resurrection of the Lord, “unless I see the holes that the nails made in his hands and put my finger into the holes they made and unless I can put my hand into his side, I refuse to believe”. When finally Jesus appeared to St. Thomas, he confirmed his faith saying, “My Lord and my God”. The feast enlighten on the fact that the slow surrender of St. Thomas is more comforting and strengthening to our faith than the ready acceptance of the believing apostles. From a doubter of the Lord and from a feeble faith, God had transformed the faith of St. Thomas into one that was firm and true, to the point that he was even ready to lay down his life for the sake of the Lord and standing true to his faith. May we pick up inspirations from St. Thomas, the apostle to transcend from our human frailties with utmost acceptance, for a greater transformation.

Bible Reflections I 02.07.2022 - SATURDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time: Week 13

Readings 

           I - Amos 9: 11-15

          II - Mt. 9: 14-17

                  

BE OPEN TO THE TRUTH

The Gospel passage of the day is about the disciples of John the Baptist questioning Jesus why his disciples do not fast while the disciples of the Pharisees and John the Baptist fast. Self-righteousness and close-mindedness prevented the disciples of John the Baptist from discovering the long awaited Messiah in Jesus. In their self-righteousness, they focused on fasting than on the reality that was happening. They were close-minded that they failed to discover the Messiah in Jesus though they witnessed the deaf hear, dumb speak, lame walk and the dead being raised to life. 

If we fail to read the reality with an open mind and heart, holding fast to self-righteousness, we will like the disciples of John the Baptist will certainly end up in missing the truth. Being first Saturday, we remember our Blessed Mother Mary today. She was the humble handmaid of the Lord, yielding herself unto God’s will with an open mind and heart. In her humility and pliability brought forth the saviour to world. May mother Mary help us to be humble and adaptable to accept the truth as it come.

Bible Reflections I 01.07.2022 - FRIDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time: Week 13

Readings 

           I - Amos 8: 4-6, 9-12

          II - Mt. 9: 9-13

                  

EMBRACE EVERYONE IN LOVE

Only an architect can see a marvelous statue in the mass of a stone, only an architect can see an awesome art in the collage of colors, and only a potter can see his magnificent masterpiece in the mere clay. The invisible is visible to these persons because they are passionate about their interests and visionaries of their profession. Today’s Gospel passage is about the call of Matthew the tax collector. To the eyes of the people around Matthew was a tax collector and a sinner. But Jesus saw a disciple in the person of Matthew. He invites him to be his follower, goes to dine with him, befriends him with his love and acceptance, and where after Matthew becomes Jesus’ disciple and an evangelist.  

Branding and labeling people are not uncommon these days. We are rash in our judgment of people and are quick in branding them negatively. This might curb the personalities and doom them to destruction. Like Jesus our Master, promote and foster life. Understand, accept, encourage, motivate and appreciate others so that they can actualise their potential and grow up to be someone in alignment with the Plan of God. For this we need a loving heart like Jesus, our Lord, Being the first Friday, let us as Jesus, to give us a large heart like him to embrace all and exclude none. Let our mind and heart resonate with the prayer: “Jesus, meek and humble of heart, make my heart like yours”.

Bible Reflections I 30.06.2022 - THURSDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time: Week 13

Readings 

           I - Acts 7: 10-17

          II - Mt. 9: 1-8

                  

TO APPRECIATE IS TO GLORIFY GOD

There are various ways of responding to the good accomplished. Self-righteous people find fault, proud people ignore, and simple people esteem. In today’s Gospel passage, Jesus makes the paralytic walk - a miracle indeed. The jealousy of the proud and self-righteous scribes prevented them from looking beyond to appreciate Jesus. At the same time, the crowd around, the simple people, glorified God for such a miraculous act of Jesus.  

Often we are unable to appreciate others because of our pride, jealousy, selfishness, ego, and the attitude of self-righteousness. Through these attitudes of ours, we make life difficult for ourselves and others. This is why Jesus says, “Unless you become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven” (Mt. 18:3). Appreciating is not only value addition to others but we add value to ourselves and glorify God as well. Let the Gospel passage help us to enlighten us to appreciate the good in others. May our mind and heart resonate with the prayer: “Lord Jesus, give me a great heart to go beyond myself and value others”.

Bible Reflections I 29.06.2022 - WEDNESDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time: Week 13

Readings 

           I - Acts 12: 1-11

          II - 2 Tim. 4: 6-8, 17-18

         III - Mt. 16: 13-19

                  

PETER AND PAUL, Apostles (Solemnity)

Today the Church solemnises the feast of St. Peter and St. Paul, the pillars of the Church. Peter was a fisherman and Paul was a Jewish fanatic. Peter did not have much for his credential while Paul was a learned Jew hailing from a sophisticated family. God chose both of them with a special mission for each of them: Peter to be the leader of the Church and the apostle to the Jews and Paul to be the apostle of the Gentiles. But both of them were ardent apostles, vehement preachers of the Good News, and above all courageous martyrs for Christ. They proclaimed Christ convincingly that it infuriated the religious leaders who instigated the government officials to get away with them. As a result, St. Peter was crucified upside down and St. Paul was beheaded. Both of them endured all hardships with a hope of an eternal crown of glory that awaited them in Paradise.  

Peter convincingly says, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life” (Jn. 6:68). Paul daringly declares, “Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ” (1 Cor. 11:1). Let the celebration of the feast help us to stand by the Word of the Lord and live by the example of the legendry Christian living of St. Paul. The day is also celebrated as Pope’s Day. Offer generous prayers for our Holy Father Pope Francis and the Church as well. May our mind and heart resonate with the prayer, “Lord Jesus, bless our Church and bless our Pope”.

Bible Reflections I 28.06.2022 - TUESDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time: Week 13

Readings 

           I - Amos 3: 1-8, 4: 11-12

          II - Mt. 8: 23-27

                  

PROVE YOUR FAITH 

Today’s Gospel passage is about Jesus calming the sea. The windstorm that arose on the sea besides battering the boat shattered the faith of the disciples as well. With the wonder worker and the miracle maker in their boat they would have neither feared nor worried, but woke up the Lord of life saying, “Lord save us! We are perishing”. This is why Jesus calls them“People of little faith”.

God strengthens us with the assurance of “I am with you” statements throughout the Scripture. Perhaps we have even experienced the amazing presence of God amidst us at all times of trials and difficulties. Still when we encounter any problem we are prone to give up our faith yielding ourselves into the grip fear. Stop being agitated and anxious, stand sturdy in the Lord and prove your faith in him for we are his loving children and never will he let us to be perished. May our mind and heart resonate with the prayer, “Lord Jesus give us the gift of faith”

Bible Reflections I 27.06.2022 - MONDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time: Week 13

Readings 

           I - Amos 2: 6-10, 13-16

          II - Mt. 8: 18-22

                  

FOLLOW THE LORD... 

Today’s Gospel reading is about following the Lord with utmost availability and undivided heart. The Scribe wishes to follow Jesus and Jesus, instead of responding him with a ‘yes’ or ‘no’, explains the uncertainty of the availability of even the basic needs, meaning to express the hardship involved in following him. To the other one who consented to follow him after burying his parents, Jesus says, “leave the dead to bury their own dead”, meaning to say that the discipleship demands for an undivided heart that has no other focus but the life, teaching and the mission of Jesus.    

As Christians we are called to be the disciples of Jesus following him in his life and teaching. This demands singleness and seriousness of purpose. Singleness of purpose is to live like him despite all risks and sufferings. Seriousness of purpose is to be concerned about living the teachings of the Lord. Let us be ready to take up any risk concerning to live by the teachings of our Lord Jesus Christ. May our mind and heart resonate with the prayer: “Lord Jesus give me the courage to follow you at all times”.

Bible Reflections I 25.06.2022 - SATURDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time: Week 12

Readings 

           I - Lam. 2: 2, 10-14, 18-19

          II - Lk. 2: 41-51

                  

IMMACULATE HEART OF MARY (Memorial)

The feast of the immaculate heart of Mary follows the feast of the solemnity of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Jesus is the perfect reflection of God’s love and Mother Mary, the perfect reflection of the Heart of her son Jesus. Her heart was always aglow with the fire of love for God and for the humankind. When Simeon said, “And a sword will pierce your very soul” (Lk. 2: 35) and when the boy Jesus at the temple said, “Why did you seek me? Did you not know that I must be about my Father’s business?”, Mary neither made any resistance nor did she show any reaction but kept all these things in her heart and pondering, unreservedly yielding to the will of the Father in Heaven. Her focus was on God and her concern was in accomplishing God’s will. Her love for fellow human beings is admirable and appreciable. At the wedding feast of Cana, Mary sensed about the shortage of wine and unassumingly sorted and solved the problem through her son Jesus (Jn. 2: 1-12). Mary was present in the upper room with the fearful and hopeless disciples after the death of Jesus, with her powerful and supporting presence (Acts. 1:14). Mary is the perfect model for love of God and love of neighbour that kept her immaculate in her concern for God and his people.     

May the celebration of the feast help us to examine where and what have we fixed our hearts upon. If on God and his people, like mother Mary, then we are on the right track witnessing the love of God, if not, pray that our blessed mother help us in keeping our heart aglow with love for God and His people. Let our mind and heart resonate with the prayer: Let our mind and heart resonate with the prayer: “Immaculate heart of Mary, Make us pure in love for God and his people”.

Bible Reflections I 24.06.2022 - FRIDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time: Week 12

Readings 

           I - Ezk. 34: 1-6

          II - Rom. 5: 5-11

         III - Lk. 15: 3-7

                  

SACRED HEART OF JESUS (Solemnity)

The solemnity of the Sacred Heart of Jesus is the epitome of the absolute love of God for the humankind. The heart of Jesus especially beats for the lost, the injured, the strayed and the weak as we read in the first reading and as we read in the Gospel reading that he goes to their recue with an ardent love and anxiety like that of a Good Shepherd in manifesting the love of God for His people. The despised, like the tax collectors; the abandoned, like the lepers who lived in the gallows; the oppressed, like the women and the children; the sinners, like the woman caught in adultery; the outcast, like the Samaritans; the traitor, like Judas; the betrayer, like Peter; the religious fanatic, like Saul and everyone are individually precious to Jesus. As the second reading says, perhaps for a good person one would dare to die, but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners.

In response to the unfathomable love of God, let the celebration of the feast of the Sacred Heart of Jesus inflame our hearts with love and devotion. Jesus was the manifestation of God’s love for us, resolve as Christians, to manifest the love of Jesus in our thoughts, words, activities and dealings. Become a channel of God’s love to all who come in contact with us so that, “By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another” (Jn. 13: 35) be witnessed through our Christian living. May our mind and heart resonate with the prayer: “Sacred Heart of Jesus, make my heart like yours”

Bible Reflections I 23.06.2022 - THURSDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time: Week 12

Readings 

           I - 2 Kings. 24: 8-17

          II - Mt. 7: 21-29

                           

STOP BUILDING CASTLES IN THE AIR

Today’s Gospel passage is about who will enter the kingdom of heaven. Jesus says that not all who call “Lord, Lord” but the one who does that will of God alone will enter the kingdom of heaven. Calling on the name of the Lord, working wonders and spending the time in prayer alone tantamount to building a house on sand. On the other hand, adhering to the Word of God and accomplishing the same in life is like a man who built his house on the rock. The former presumes himself to be a religious while in reality he is not and the hope he had built up based on his works of religiosity would vain and vanish when he is before the Lord on his final encounter. The latter who lives by God’s word, with an utmost trust accomplishing his will in his life would for sure inherit the eternal kingdom of God.

In the light of this passage, let us examine our lives. If we believe that our days of fasting, hours of praying and the amount of giving will make us righteous before God, it will be like building castles in the air leaving us helpless and hopeless on our judgment day before the Lord. On the other hand, come what may, courageously commit to His Words and submit to His will we will appear righteous before the Lord inheriting His eternal kingdom. May our mind and heart resonate with the prayer: “Lord Jesus, give me the courage to surrender to your will”.

Bible Reflections I 22.06.2022 - WEDNESDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time - Sunday: Week 12

Readings 

           I - 2 Kings 22: 8-13, 23: 1-3

          II - Mt. 7: 6, 12-14

                  

A TREE IS KNOWN BY ITS FRUIT

A tree is identified by the fruit it bears is the crux of the Gospel passage of the day. A good tree bears good fruit and the bad tree bears bad fruit. Thoughts and attitudes define deeds and vibes of a person. If a person is full of God and Godly stuff, he will do only those things that pleases God. If otherwise, he will be carried away like a twig in the wind by the current of the counter values of the world.  

One can never pretend to be good for everything will be revealed in the long run. But how to identify that we are good trees? It’s simple. The values of love, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control (Gal. 5: 22-23) present in us would testify that we are good tress bearing good fruit for the glory of God. Let our mind and heart resonate with the prayer: “Holy Spirit Lord, fill us with your gifts, give us the courage to co-operate with your grace with determination so as to yield your fruits in our daily life”

Bible Reflections I 21.06.2022 - TUESDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time: Week 12

Readings 

           I - 2 Kings 19: 9-11, 14-21, 31-36

          II - Mt. 7: 6, 12-14

                  

CHOOSE THE NARROW GATE

The gate is wide and the road is easy that leads to destruction while the gate is narrow and the road is hard that leads to life. Many choose the broad gate because it is easy and cozy; and only few do choose the narrow gate because it is demanding, difficult, tiring and costing. The path proposed by Jesus is not easy because his teaching based on the Law of Love contradicts the values proposed by the world. The choice is ours.  

Everyone desires for a happy-go-lucky living. Merriment and enjoyment is all that one craves for as long as they are here on the earth forgetting that there is life that is real and eternal based on our conduct of our life here. Don’t get deceived by the mirage of false happiness that results in destruction. Though we might have to endure suffering on account of choosing the right path, we will still find peace and consolation, the peace of the Lord that this world cannot give, in treading the same. Choose narrow gate and choose life for a happy and peaceful living here and in the eternal world next.

Bible Reflections I 20.06.2022 - MONDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time: Week 12

Readings 

           I - 2 Kings 17: 5-8, 13-15, 18

          II - Mt. 7: 1-5

                  

LOVE OTHERS AS YOURSELF

“Love your neighbour as yourself” (Mt. 22: 39) is the crux of the Gospel passage today. Though we are weak and culpable, we least desire to be judged by anybody. But we are often rash in our criticism, calculations and judgment towards others. In today’s Gospel passage Jesus says, “For with the judgment you make you will be judged”. When we are prone to judge others let us apply the strategy Jesus followed in the case of the woman caught in adultery was brought to him by those men who wanted to stone her to death: “He that is without sin among you, let him cast a stone at her” (Jn. 8: 7).

We are liberal to ourselves but very strict towards others like those Scribes and the Pharisees. If anyone wish to exceed in righteous than that of the Scribes and the Pharisees, stop judging others and start judging yourself. Correct your mistakes first than correcting others. This is Christian living.  

Task: whenever we are tempted to criticise or judge others, let us hold and examine ourselves projecting those criticism or accusations upon us.

Prayer: “Lord Jesus, help me to love my neighbour as myself”

Bible Reflections I 19.06.2022 - SUNDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time - Sunday: Week 12

Readings 

           I - Gen. 14: 18-20

          II - 1 Cor. 11: 23-26

         III - Lk. 9: 11-17

         

THE BODY AND BLOOD OF CHRIST (Solemnity)

Today the Church solemnises the feast of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Jesus Christ - Corpus Christi. The solemnity highlights the real presence of Jesus in the Eucharist. The feast also signifies the continual presence of Jesus with us whenever we celebrate the Eucharist until he comes again in His glory.

The first reading is about Melchizedek, priest of God most high, offering bread and wine to Abram and the Gospel passage is about Jesus feeding the multitude. Jesus, considered a priest in the order of Melchizedek (Heb. 7: 17), feeding the multitude is the prefiguration of giving himself to his people as food and drink. Material food besides nourishing the person, becomes part of that person who consumes it. It restores energy and gives strength to pursue the earthly journey. The Eucharist, the body and blood of Christ, on the other hand nourishes both body and soul in the pursuit of our heavenward journey besides making us another Christ in this world.

The solemnity of the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ is a call to continual conversion to holiness. The Eucharist gives us the power to combat all that is not of God in us so as to become another Christ in the world to lead all around us to God in and through Jesus Christ. Let this solemnity inspire us to receive the body and blood of the Lord consciously so as to pursue our Christian living with credibility. May our mind and heart resonate with the prayer: “Thank you Lord Jesus for the gift of your body and blood to us”.

Bible Reflections I 18.05.2022 - SATURDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time - Week 11

Readings 

           I - 2 Chro. 24: 17-25

          II - Mt. 6: 24-34

         

HAVE FAITH, CHOOSE GOD

In today’s Gospel passage Jesus proposes two masters: Wealth and God; and invites us to make our choice between the two because no one can serve two masters simultaneously. People of faith choose God and people of ‘little faith’ choose wealth.  

People slog to accumulate wealth for security reasons or status quo purposes forgetting their identity as children of God. If only they had faith in the Father, they would trust in His Providence, take pride in their status as ‘Children of God’ and strive to maintain the same. Focusing on wealth leads to individualism and selfishness resulting in disparity, inequality and inhumanity.

The people who choose God, strive for his values so that everyone come under the banner as Children of God. When so many were on the streets of Calcutta left abandoned, Mother Theresa decided to show God’s love to them, Graham Staines, the Australian Missionary embraced the ostracised lepers to tell them that God cares for them; Gladys Staines forgave the murderers in the name of Jesus who forgave his executioners and there are even today so many people treading the path that our Saviour had marked out as a result of their love and tremendous trust in him. The untiring effort and service of these people of God would result in freedom, fraternity and justice leading to the blossoming of the Kingdom of God, the ultimate dream and the desire of Jesus. 

Task: In this Gospel light examine your choice: “What have I chosen: God or wealth?”

Prayer: “Lord Jesus, in this world of trials and temptations, give me the grace and courage to choose you alone again and again”

Bible Reflections I 17.06.2022 - FRIDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time - Week 11

Readings 

           I - 2 Kings 11: 1-4, 9-18, 20

          II - Mt. 6: 19-23

         

THE EYE IS THE LAMP OF THE BODY

Today we base our reflection on the second part of the Gospel passage of the day: “The eye is the lamp of the body”. If the eye is healthy the whole body will be full of light and if the eye is unhealthy, the whole body will be full of darkness. The eye sees and perceives; controls the mind and conducts life based on what is perceived. 

With what we fill our eyes determine what we would one day become. The one who fills his/her eyes with all that is Good and Beautiful would naturally be a positive person bubbling with energy to accomplish all that is good. The one who fills his/her mind with filth spoils his/her mind and heart bringing down havoc upon himself/herself, the family and the society at large to which he/she belongs. Today let us take some time to examine the quality of our seeing and the look. Implore God to give us the courage to close our eyes from seeing all that is not of God. May our mind and heart resonate with the prayer: “Lord Jesus, fill my eyes with your light”

Bible Reflections I 16.06.2022 - THURSDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time - Week 11

Readings 

           I - Sir 48: 1-14

          II - Mt. 6: 7-15

         

FORGIVE US OUR SINS AS WE FORGIVE…

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

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

Bible Reflections I 15.06.2022 - WEDNESDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time - Week 11

Readings 

           I - 2 Kings 2: 1, 6-14

          II - Mt. 6: 1-6, 16-18

         

DO NOT PUBLISH YOUR DEEDS

In today’s Gospel passage Jesus instructs how to practice piety, perform prayer and fasting: unnoticed by others but known only to the Father in Heaven. While practicing piety, let the left hand know not what the right hand does; when praying, go into the room and shut the door and; when fasting, groom and look fresh. Otherwise we would lose our reward in heaven to the praises of the people around. 

In the light of day’s Gospel passage, let us examine the quality of our charity, prayer and fasting. We are living in an era of publicity that dominates and overtakes humanness in the humanity. People are ready to do anything that would gain publicity. In this scenario, the Gospel passage is a challenge to seek for the reward from God overcoming the temptation of publicity. Let our mind and heart resonate with the prayer: “Lord Jesus, give me the grace to strive for a hidden life of goodness and love”.

Bible Reflections I 14.06.2022 - TUESDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time - Week 11

Readings 

           I - 1 Kings 21: 17-29

          II - Mt. 5: 43-48

         

LOVE IS THE HALLMARK OF CHRISTIAN LIVING

Love is the hallmark of Christian living. A love that embraces everyone: rich and poor; high and low and; friend and foe equally without any distinction like Our Father in Heaven who make the sun shine on the evil and the good; and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous without any distinction. If we were to love and greet only those who love and greet us, we are then no better than the Scribes, the Pharisees and the gentiles.

Revenge is not the remedy. Vengeance is vile. Love all and hate none. Is this a practical and possible preaching and teaching? It is. Jesus did not merely preach but he had taught us by forgiving the fault finders and the executioners; and by praying for the betrayer and for all those who had their lot in his crucifixion. For us the followers of Christ, Jesus is the Master and the Model. Take courage, be convinced that forgiving is strength. Pray to the Lord and try to practice Christian charity at all times and with everyone. Let our mind and heart resonate with the prayer: “Lord Jesus, make me a channel of your love”

Bible Reflections I 13.06.2022 - MONDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time - Week 11

Readings 

           I - 1 Kings 21: 1-16

          II - Mt. 5: 38-42

St. Anthony of Padua (Memorial)

                         

BE GENEROUS IN GIVING AND FORGIVING

One of the Law of Moses, “an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth” is a perfect teaching of tit for tat. This seemed to right because it was mainly to prevent huge losses including life to the opponent. Jesus replaces this tit for tat law with the law of love. Jesus invites the people to be generous in forgiveness, an act that springs froth from a heart of love.  

In the light of this Gospel passage, examine the generosity of our giving and forgiving. The Church today remembers St. Anthony of Padua, an Augustinian monk, the perfect model of generosity. He was born in Lisbon, Portugal. He hailed from a noble family. Still he gave up everything including his wealth and riches for the sake of Christ and his Gospel. He was just thirty five years old when he died. He was canonised in less than a year. His tongue is not corrupt and still exhibited in St. Anthony’s Church, Padua. His teach was so perfect and his life exemplified Christian living as a monk. St. Anthony is also considered as patron for finding of the lost things. Let us pray to St. Anthony, the finder of lost things, to help us discover the qualities of Jesus in us so that we too may embrace an exemplary life in Christ. May our mind and heart resonate with the prayer, “St. Anthony, Pray for us”.

Bible Reflections I 12.06.2022 - SUNDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time - Week 11

Readings 

           I - Prov. 8: 22-31

          II -  Rom. 5: 1-5

         III - Jn. 16: 12-15

                         

THE MOST HOLY TRINITY (Solemnity)

The Church today solemnises the feast the Most Holy Trinity - one of the fundamental doctrine of Christianity and the mystery of faith.  In the Catechism of the Catholic Church we read, “There is one God, who has three Persons, Father, Son and Holy Spirit.  Each Person is God, yet there is still only one God” (CCC Nos. 234, 253, 256).  The Father created the world, the Son redeemed the world and the Holy Spirit sanctifies the world is the crux of the three readings today.  Three persons but one God: a perfect unity in all activity right from creation to redemption and sanctification as well. In the Catholic Church we begin and end all thing in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.  

One of the lesson that we can draw from the celebration of this feast for our Christian living is that the unity that exists between the Father, Son and the Spirit should be replicated in our Christian relationships.  Our families should be modeled after the unity of the triune God witnessing to the truth: three person one God.  May the Holy Spirit lead us to this truth.  Let our mind and heart resonate with the prayer: “Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, Amen”

Bible Reflections I 10.06.2022 - FRIDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time - Week 10

Readings 

           I - 1Kings. 19: 9, 11-16

          II - Mt. 5: 27-32

                         

TAKE CARE IN LITTLE THINGS

The Gospel passage of the day is the continuation of yesterday’s Gospel passage. It’s about exceeding in the righteous of the Scribes and the Pharisees in order to enter into the Kingdom of Heaven. The scribes and the Pharisees had conditioned them not to commit adultery. But Jesus says that even lustful look tantamount to committing adultery. Therefore he says to pluck those eyes that lead to sin instead of having committing a grave sin. With the certificate of divorce, the married man and the woman can go separated but Jesus that divorce and remarriage too is adultery and that a man cannot divorce his wife except on the ground of immorality.

Prevention is better than cure. Lustful look leads to adultery and hence Jesus invites to correct here itself than for a great fall. Effect can be avoided by controlling the cause. Perfection is made of trifles but perfection is not a trifle. Jesus through today’s Gospel passage invites us to avoid or amend our paths that lead to sin. He exhorts us to be careful in little things that would lead to a great fall. May our mind and heart resonate with the prayer: “Lord Jesus give me delicacy of mind and heart even in little things”

Bible Reflections I 09.06.2022 - THURSDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time - Week 10

Readings 

           I - 1Kings. 18: 41-46

          II - Mt. 5: 20-26

                       

IN GOD, LOVE ALL

In today’s Gospel passage Jesus says that the righteousness of his disciples should exceed that of the Scribes and the Pharisees so as to enter the Kingdom of Heaven. According to their teaching the murderers were liable to judgment but according to Jesus even the ones who get angry on their neighbour or even use terms such as “fool” shall be liable to judgment. Jesus topsy turvy the teaching of the Scribes and the Pharisees saying, “If you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother or sister has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to them; then come and offer your gift” - a teaching that supersedes all teachings! 

The teaching invites us to be delicate in all our dealings towards the other. This is possible only if there is basically love in our hearts. A genuine love that cares only for the good and the benefit of the other. A benevolent love that flows from our love for God. Our love for God should drive us to be compassionate and loving towards our neighbour. If so, we are Christians modelled after the magnanimous heart of our Master, Jesus Christ. May our mind and heart resonate with the prayer: “Lord Jesus help me to love you in our neighbours”.

Bible Reflections I 08.06.2022 - WEDNESDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time - Week 10

Readings 

           I - 1 Kings. 18: 20-39

          II - Mt. 5: 17-19

                         

WITNESSES OF LOVE

Jesus was considered by the Scribes, Pharisees and the elders as a law breaker but in today’s Gospel passage Jesus says that he had not come to abolish the Law or the Prophets but to fulfil them. He also says that not even a iota or a dot will pass from them until all is accomplished. Jesus was the fulfillment of all Law and Prophecy. The Law of love was diluted to mere rules by the so called safe guarders of the Law and Jesus insisted on the essence of the Law than on the rules. He respected and restored the humanness in all his endeavours revealing the face of the God of Love.

The Gospel passage is an invitation to imitate Jesus in the observance of all our law and rules. Jesus invites us to influence people though our love for God and for others. Jesus insists us, his people to induce others to be humane in all dealings, to give priority to humanity than to unnecessary conditions and rules that weigh heavy on the shoulders of men and women. Let love be the rule of our lives failing to do this we become counter witnessing to Christ. May our mind and heart resonate with the prayer: “Lord Jesus, lead us on the path of love”.

Bible Reflections I 07.06.2022 - TUESDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time - Week 10

Readings 

           I - 1 Kings. 17: 7-16

          II - Mt. 5: 13-16

                       

BE SALT AND LIGHT

Today’s Gospel passage about the parable of the salt and the light. The Quality of the salt is the saltiness that preserves, purifies and above all savours. If salt loses this quality, it is but mere sand to be thrown out and trampled. Light dispels darkness. It brightens up the path so that people don’t tumble in darkness but walk aright steadily with confidence. When salt and light loses their purpose they become useless and a waste.

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

Bible Reflections I 06.06.2022 - MONDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Readings 

           I - Acts 3: 9-15, 20

          II - Jn. 19: 25-34

MARY, MOTHER OF THE CHURCH (Feast)

Because of one woman, sin entered the world and because of one woman, salvation came to the World. Because of Eve, the Paradise was lost and because of Mary, the Paradise was regained. The feast of Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of the Church is celebrated on the Monday after the Pentecost. It was established by Pope Francis in 2018. Mary conceived Jesus by the Power of the Holy Spirit and the Church was born by the Power of the Holy Spirit when Mother Mary was with the disciples in the upper room. Mary, full of Holy Spirit is involved in both: the birth of Jesus and the birth of the Church. Therefore it is befitting that Mary, the Mother of God is also celebrated as ‘Mother of the Church’ on the day after the Pentecost, the birthday of the Church.

In the Gospel passage we read that Jesus on the cross gives Mother Mary as ‘Mother’ to John. John under the foot of the cross represents the Church and through John Jesus entrusts the entire Church, the mystical body of Christ into the motherhood of Mary. Today let us thank God for the gift of Mother Mary as ‘Mother of the Church’ and pray for the Church that she may battle against all odds in defending her supremacy in this corrupt world. Pray for also every Christian called to be the Church of God that they may be courageous in bearing witness to the Gospel vales of Christ. Mary our mind and heart resonate with the prayer: “Mary, Mother of Church, Pray for us”.

Bible Reflections I 05.06.2022 - SUNDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Readings 

           I - Acts 2: 1-11

          II - 1Cor. 12: 3-7, 12-13

         III - Jn. 20: 19-23

PENTECOST (Solemnity)

Today the Church solemnises the descent of the Holy Spirit: the Pentecost. It is also considered to be the birthday of the Catholic Church. In the Gospel passage, we read that the disciples locked themselves into the house for the fear of the Jews. With the descent of the Holy Spirit as we read in the first reading these coward disciples become courageous ambassadors of Christ proclaiming boldly about God’s deeds of power. They fearlessly ventured into this pursuit come what may even to the extent of giving themselves up to be killed as martyrs for Christ because of the conviction, "Jesus is Lord” caused by the Holy Spirit.

In the second reading we read that there are varieties of gifts but one Spirit that empowers everyone for common good. Each of us are bestowed with some gift of the Holy Spirit for a purpose viz. to build up the human community in faith, freedom, fraternity and Justice. Let us use the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit: wisdom, understanding, counsel, fortitude, knowledge, piety and fear of the Lord to reap the fruits of the Holy Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control thereby bearing witness to our Christian identity.  

Task

     • Intensify the prayers for the Catholic Church as it is the birthday of the Church.

     • Take some quite moments to reflect on the gift of God given to us, thank God for the same and examine how we have made use of that gift in building up the human community.

Prayer

“Lord help me to surrender to the promptings of the Holy Spirit”

Bible Reflections I 04.06.2022 - SATURDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Easter Week 7

Readings 

           I - Acts 28: 16-20, 30-31

          II - Jn. 21: 20-25

LIFE IS GIFT 

We often look up to others for reference or for comparison of our life with them. In today’s Gospel passage, after Jesus predicts the martyrdom of Peter, Peter enquires Jesus about the life of John, the beloved of Jesus. Jesus bluntly says, “…What is that to you? You follow me”. The response means that Peter has to be concerned about his following the Lord instead of being curious about the other namely, John. 

Life is a gift and a miracle. The life plan of every individual is unique, meticulously planned and willed by God with great love, care and concern. Instead of loving, living and cherishing our life, we make it a mess and miserable by comparing with the others. Take life as it comes and start relishing the same by making it more beautiful and envious. Stop complaining and comparing, start enjoying and enriching for this is the will and wish of God for us. May our mind and heart resonate with the prayer: “Lord Jesus, thank you for the gift of my life”

Bible Reflections I 03.06.2022 - FRIDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Easter Week 7

Readings 

           I - Acts 25: 13-21

          II - Jn. 21: 15-19

In today’s Gospel passage Peter affirms his love for the Lord three times that sans his betrayal and ensuring constancy, credibility and steadfastness of his love for the Lord. Love is responsibility. To this love of Peter Jesus entrusts the mission of leading, feeding and tending his little flock after his heart. Jesus also predicts the martyrdom that Peter has to endure on account of his love for the Lord.

Love is healing and hurting; joy and suffering and; soothing and annoying at the same time. To love the Lord is to suffer for the Lord as well. Loving the Lord involves following his footsteps that is demanding yet worth treading. Stand for the Lord, suffer on his account and prove through life instead of just telling, “I love you Lord”. Today being first Friday, a day dedicated to the Heart of Jesus, let us resolve to make our life an unending hymn of our love for the Lord. May our mind and heart resonate with the prayer: “Jesus give me the courage to love you through my life”

Bible Reflections I 02.06.2022 - THURSDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Easter Week 7

Readings 

           I - Acts 22: 30; 23: 6-11

          II - Jn. 17: 20-26

SEEK FOR UNITY IN LOVE

The prayer of Jesus for his disciples is an inclusive one that applies to all the believers of the Word, you and me as well. Jesus prays to his Father for unity and intercedes for eternal glory with him in the Paradise. The unity he prays for is our unity with God and with our neighbours. Union with God results in harmonious living with the other because the God with whom we are united in love dwells in every person we come in contact with. The harmonious living brings forth the Paradise here on earth and makes us partakers of God’s glory in the life to come.   

Jesus wished and prayed for the unity of his people with himself and with other fellow being. But today, the Christians too are divided in the name of region, caste and colour. There exist many divisive forces among us making us counter witness to the God of love who embraces everyone: saints, sinners, rich, poor, elite and the downtrodden. Loving all in God is the hallmark of Christian charity. Let us seek for unity in love and bear witness to our Christian identity and discipleship. May our mind and heart resonate with the prayer: “Lord Jesus, help me to love everyone in God”

Bible Reflections I 01.06.2022 - WEDNESDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Easter Week 7

Readings 

           I - Acts 20: 28-38

          II - Jn. 17: 11-19

JESUS CARES

Each of us are chosen by God, sanctified by His Word and are sent into the world to turn every heart toward God. We are in the world but we are not of the world and so would naturally be hated by the world as it was with our Master Jesus Christ. Today’s Gospel passage is about the prayer of Jesus for his disciples. His prays to the Father for His protection over them and for unity among them witnessing the unity of the Triune God.  

The prayer of Jesus for his disciples is an encouragement that enthuse Christian living. Today the Church remembers St. Justin who was martyred for the sake of Christ and his truth. Truth often hurts but we are the witnesses of the truth and therefore need to courageously stand up for what is right and truth as did Jesus. Our hearts may faint in frailty, let the prayer of Jesus uphold us to stand sturdy for his values and walk steadily in his path come what may for Jesus is with us, cares for us and he prays for us. May our mind and heart resonate with the prayer: “Thank you Jesus”.

Bible Reflections I 31.05.2022 - TUESDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Easter Week 7

Readings 

           I - Zeph. 3: 14-18

          II - Is. 12: 2-6

         III - Lk. 1: 39-56

VISITATION OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY (Feast)

Today the Church celebrates the feast of the visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary - the merging moment of the Old and the New Testament. The meeting of the two women: one, the mother of the Proclaimer of Salvation and two, the mother of the Promised One of Salvation. Mary hastens to help her cousin and Elizabeth receives the Mother of the Lord with great honour. Filled with grace and Holy Spirit, one identifies the role of the other, marvels at the work of the Lord and Mary gives expression to their joy in singing out the Magnificat. 

The visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary becomes an occasion of greeting, praising, exulting, thanking and magnifying the mighty works of the Lord. The visitation also becomes a blessing to Elizabeth and humble service to Mother Mary. In this light let us reflect upon our visitations to our beloved friends, neighbours, kith and kin. If such visits turn out to be moments of joy, love and sharing, thank the Lord and praise him. If not, pray the Lord to make them a moment of blessing to each other. May our Blessed Mother turn all our meetings to be moments of God’s favour, grace and blessings. Let our mind and heart resonate with the prayer: “Mother Mary, Pray for us”.