Bible Reflections I 21.02.2023 - TUESDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time - Week 7

Readings 

           I - Sir. 2: 1-11

          II - Mk. 9: 30-37

                                    

SERVICE IS THE HALLMARK OF DISCIPLESHIP

In solitude and seriousness Jesus teaches his disciples about his paschal mystery of suffering, death and resurrection to his disciples. The disciples neither understood nor grasped of what he was speaking and all the more they were frightened to ask him as well. But were engrossed in discussing about who is the greatest among them. In no way are we different from the disciples. We too often are engrossed in our life, thoughts and attitudes that we fail to either grasp or adhere to the words of Jesus.  

Service determines the greatness of the person is the crux of the later part of the Gospel passage today. Service to the little, small, weak and the fragile: the poor, the marginalised, the less privileged, the unfortunate and the needy brethren. In serving this section of the society, we serve God Himself. Discipleship calls for adhering to the voice of God and service in humility and self-giving.

Bible Reflections I 20.02.2023 - MONDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time - Week 7

Readings 

           I - Sir. 1: 1-10

          II - Mk. 9: 14-29

                                    

BELIEF IS THE QUALITY TEST OF OUR PRAYER

Today’s Gospel passage has got two parts: one, Jesus casting out the demon and two, Jesus enlightens the disciples on the importance of prayer. The disciples were unable to cast out the demon from the possessed man. He was therefore brought by the crowd to Jesus. Jesus heals him with a command and the boy was freed. To the query of the disciples why they were unable to cast out, Jesus that it is possible only with prayer and not by anything else.  

There is a beautiful prayer in the Gospel passage of the day. When Jesus asked the possessed man’s father, “Do you believe?” he answered, “I believe; help my unbelief.” This what our condition today. We do pray a lot but can we say we believe in our prayers? We often pray with ‘if’s and ‘but’s. Belief is the quality test of our prayer. If the prayer is qualitative, we are qualitative as well. Let our mind and heart resonate with the prayer: “Lord I believe; help my unbelief.”

Bible Reflections I 19.02.2023 - SUNDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time - Week 7

Readings 

           I - Lev. 19: 1-2, 17-18

          II - 1 Cor. 3: 16-23

         III - Mt. 5: 38-48

                                    

BE PERFECT CHILDREN OF GOD

The Code of Hammurabi was the most prevalent law followed by the people of that time before the Law of Moses. It focused on the criminal and civil laws and insisted on harsh, cruel and brutal punishments for the offenders. The Law of Moses was religiously oriented. It emphasised the spiritual dimension based on the words of Yahweh, “be holy for I am holy” (Lev. 11: 45). But the Law of Jesus surpassed the Law of Moses for it was rooted in the Law of Love that exhorted forgiveness and asserted good for evil. At the time of Jesus Israel was under the rule of the Romans. The Roman soldiers when angered slapped the Jews on their left as a sign of degrading and mockery. Jesus asks not to retaliate but to aver justice amicably in forgiveness by showing their left cheek. The Romans usually took away the tunic of the Jews against their wish, Jesus encourages them to give willingly with their inner garments as well. The Romans ordered the Jews to carry weights for them, Jesus commands to walk extra miles helping them. In short, through today’s Gospel passage Jesus teaches them on love and not retaliation; forgiveness and not vengeance; and on brotherhood and never enmity. In practicing them we become perfect children of God. 

The preaching of Jesus is challenging but possible. In the Russian - Ukrainian war, a Russian soldier was caught for shooting an unarmed man in the battlefield. He was brought to the court along with the lady who lost her husband. The sixty three year old Russian lady was asked punish the soldier who shot her unarmed husband. She offered him forgiveness and urged the Russian Government to release four Ukrainian solders instead. Forgiveness is possible even today if we have the heart of love and intention to repay evil with good. Let our mind and heart resonate with the prayer: “Lord Jesus, give us the courage to forgive others.”

Bible Reflections I 18.02.2023 - SATURDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time - Week 6

Readings 

           I - Heb. 11: 1-7

          II - Mk. 9: 2-13

                                    

BECOME THE BELOVED OF GOD

The transfiguration of Jesus was the manifestation of who Jesus was, the revelation of his identity. Peter, James and John saw Moses and Elijah taking to Jesus. The former was the Law giver and the latter, a great Prophet and the vision evinced that Jesus was the fulfillment of the Law and the Prophesy, the Promised One of God with the assurance of the Father’s voice, “This is my Son, the Beloved listen to him.” Peter was trying to decide for Jesus convincing him saying, “Rabbi, it is good for us to be here; let us make three dwellings, one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah.” But the Father’s voice instead exhorted them to listen to Him. Jesus was the beloved of the Father because Jesus listened to His Father and always obeyed His plan even to the point of emptying himself for the salvation of the humankind. The Father exhorts in disciples each of us his followers as well to obey him.  

Today the Church celebrates the feast of St. Kuriakose Elias Chavara, the first male saint of Indian origin. He was born in Kerala, belonged to the Syro-Malabar Church, an Eastern Catholic Church. St. Kuriakose was the co-founder and the first prior general of the Congregation of the Carmelites of Mary Immaculate. The main work of their congregation was education that result in the personal and societal transformation. St. Kuriakose was a man of prayer and overcame all hurdles with his devotion to the Eucharist and our Blessed mother. He used to say, “Since you belong to God, you have to give yourself back to God.” Giving back ourselves in obedience to his will is perfect discipleship that would make us the beloved of God. Let our mind and heart resonate with the prayer: “Lord Jesus, help us to listen and obey God’s holy will.”

Bible Reflections I 17.02.2023 - FRIDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time - Week 6

Readings 

           I - Gen. 11: 1-9

          II - Mk. 8:34-9:1

                                    

FOLLOW ME...

Jesus had given three conditions to whoever wishes to come after him: one, deny oneself, two, take up his crosses and finally to follow him.  These conditions are basic requisites of the discipleship.  They are challenging because the pomp of the world allures, glory of the earth entraps into vanity and the pride of self prevents from following Jesus.  Jesus also says in today’s Gospel passage, “What profit is there for one to gain the whole world and forfeit his life?”  These words have topsy turvied the lives of many saints.  

Today the Church celebrate the feat of the seven holy founders of the Order of Servites. These seven men were from Florence, Italy.  They lived as hermits on Monte Senario, Italy.  They had great devotion to our Blessed Mother Mary.  In the year 1240, these hermits had the vision of Mother Mary, dressed in black habit and an angel besides her with a scroll reading “Servants of Mary.”  The Blessed Virgin spoke to them, “You will found a new order, and you will be my witnesses throughout the world. This is your name: Servants of Mary. This is your rule: that of Saint Augustine. And here is your distinctive sign: the black scapular, in memory of my sufferings.”  The seven founded the Order of the Servites that obtained the approval of the Holy See in the year 1304.  All the seven were beautified by Pope Clement XI on December 1, 1717 and were canonised in the year 1887 by Pope Leo XIII.  Let the lives of these hermits and all those who have committed to follow the Lord inspire us to adhere to the words of Jesus in the Gospel passage of the day as our mind and heart resonate with the prayer: “Lord Jesus give me the courage to follow you with all my heart.”

Bible Reflections I 16.02.2023 - THURSDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time - Week 6

Readings 

           I - Gen. 9: 1-13

          II - Mk. 8:27-33

                                    

SURRENDER UNTO THE WILL OF GOD

In today’s Gospel passage, Peter gives the right answer to the question of Jesus, “Who do people say that I am?”; “You are the Messiah”.  Thereafter Jesus teaches about his suffering, rejection, death and resurrection.  Peter rebukes Jesus and obstructs him from accomplishing the will God.  Peter was right in recognising Jesus but was wrong in preventing Jesus from obliging to the Plan of God. 

We too do have the knowledge and experience of the merciful, loving, caring and compassionate God.  But hesitate to accept His will.  We try to impose our plan upon God and wish that God acts upon the same.  The one that truly recognises God and resigns to his will is the true disciple of Jesus.  Submitting to the will of God is the hallmark of one’s faith, hope and love for God.  Let our mind and heart resonate with the prayer, “Help me to surrender to your will O Lord.”

Bible Reflections I 15.02.2023 - WEDNESDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time - Week 6

Readings 

           I - Gen. 8: 6-13, 20-22

          II - Mk. 8:22-26

                                    

PRAY AND YIELD TO GOD’S WILL

Jesus had his own style of working out miracles for the people. He healed some with his words and others with a deed viz. a touch or a look. For some others the working of the miracle was a process as in the Gospel passage of the day. People who brought the blind man, begged Jesus to touch him for a healing. Instead of touching, Jesus executes a process in two phases for healing the blind man. In the first phase, he takes the man out of the village, puts saliva on his eyes and lays his hands on him but still the man was not able to see clearly. In the second phase, he lays his hands on his eyes, looks intently and his sight was restored.

We often fall into the temptation of dictating to the Lord, “Do this, do that…”. Instead, the Gospel passage of the day instructs us to pray and be patient, waiting in hope. God can and will work miracle for us in His own ways and in His own time. Trust, commit to the Lord and remain calm, the rest God will take care. May our mind and heart resonate with the prayer, “Lord Jesus, teach me to yield myself unto thy will”.

Bible Reflections I 14.02.2023 - TUESDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time - Week 6

Readings 

           I - Gen. 6: 5-8; 7: 1-5, 10

          II - Mk. 8:14-21

                                    

FOLLOW THE LAW OF THE LORD: LOVE

In today’s Gospel passage, Jesus cautions his disciples to be careful about the leaven of the Pharisees and the leaven of Herod. The leaven of the Pharisees and Herod made human living cumbersome and tiring. The leaven of the Pharisees was, the manipulated Law and the leaven of Herod was, the manipulated living. The Pharisees multiplied the law and weighed it upon simple people, leaving out its essence: Love. Herod was so cunning that Jesus himself called him a “Fox” (Lk. 13: 32). If the people were not shrewd they would fall a prey to the deceiving promulgations of Herod. Both made the simple living a complex and a complicated one.

The function of leaven is fermentation. If we are not careful it will spoil the entire dish. Today’s Gospel passage is a caution and an invitation to each one of us as well. A caution to be away from all that divides, confuses, corrupts and destroys and an invitation to keep aglow and alight the Law of the Lord: Love. Today the Church celebrates the feast of two brothers, St. Cyril and St. Methodius. They were Byzantine theologians and missionaries. They took the Gospel to the Slavs in their own slav vernaculars developing the alphabets and translating the Bible and the liturgical books. Ardent and convinced evangelizsers who proclaimed Christ against all odds. May these saints intercede us as our mind and heart resonate with the prayer: “Lord Jesus, give me the grace to be the witness of your love”

Bible Reflections I 13.02.2023 - MONDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time - Week 6

Readings 

           I - Gen. 4: 1-15, 25

          II - Mk. 8:11-13

                                    

SEEK NO SIGN BUT BELIEVE 

In today’s Gospel passage, the Pharisees seek Jesus for a sign from heaven to test him. Jesus sighed in his spirit at the wilful neglect and rebellious attitude of the Pharisees, despite witnessing wonders and miracles that he had worked among them until then. Hence Jesus declined the Pharisees’ request, got into the boat and went to the other side.

We are in no way better than the Pharisees. We all would have experienced and can vouch for God’s miraculous hands in our very lives even in the minutest details. Still, when time comes, we too do demand for a sign from God. A heart that loves and trusts never asks for sign. Conviction asserts faith against all doubts and disbelief. Conviction scores off all disbelief and doubts. Be convinced of God’s love that kindle trust and hope in Him at all times and in all circumstances.

Bible Reflections I 12.02.2023 - SUNDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time: Week 6

Readings 

          I - Sir. 15: 15-20

  II - 1 Cor. 2: 6-10

        III - Mt. 5: 17-37

       

THE LAW AND THE PROPHETS 

Israel was chosen to walk by the law and wait for the promised one in prophesy. Jesus, the long awaited Messiah came as the fulfillment of the law and the prophets but in the stubbornness of their heart, the Scribes and the Pharisees refused to behold the promised one in Jesus. They were adamant in holding on to the difficult and multiplied version of the law than to accept its simplified and condensed version given by Jesus to love God and to love one’s neighbor as oneself. Jesus through his love and life proved that this commandment is possible to observe and through today’s Gospel passage invites us to observe and exhorts us to help others to in observing the same. 

The secrets of the Kingdom are revealed to mere children and are hidden from the learned and the clever (Mt. 11:25). If we wish to be great in the Kingdom of God we have to just feed the hungry, give a drink to the thirsty, welcome the stranger, cloth the naked, care for the sick and visit those in the prison (Mt. 25:35-40) and the observer of the law chooses good and that give life as prescribed in the book of Sirach in the first reading and this is wisdom of God as said in the second reading. In this way we certainly outdo not only the Scribes and the Pharisees but also the hypocrites of our time as well. For whatever we do the least of our brethren we do unto God Himself (Mt.25: 40). Let us in the simple acts of kindness and charity try to become great in the kingdom of God.

Bible Reflections I 11.02.2023 - SATURDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time - Week 5

Readings 

           I - Gen. 3: 9-24

          II - Mk. 8: 1-10

     

OUR LADY OF LOURDES

Today the Church celebrates the feast of Our Lady of Lourdes. The apparition at Lourdes, France took place in 1858, after the declaration of the dogma of the Immaculate Conception of Mother Mary. The little girl Bernadette Sourbiroux was told to ask the name of the Lady who appeared to her and the Lady responded saying, “I am the Immaculate Conception”. The apparition indeed was an affirmation on the dogma of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Mother, ever virgin. Mother Mary had appeared eighteen times to this little girl insisting on, “Pray to God for the conversion of sinners.” On this day, resolve to amend your ways that do not align with that of God and pray for those who are far away from the love of God. Pray through the intercession of Mother Mary that they may realise and return to him.

This day is celebrated as the World Day of the Sick. St. Pope John Paul II declared this day as the ‘World Day of the Sick’, that serves as a purpose of reminding the healing ministry of the Church. The day is also dedicated to gratefully remember all who strive to restore the health of the sick: the doctors, nurses, care takers, health workers… Today’s Gospel passage is about the multiplication of loaves. Jesus multiplies out of his compassion for the crowd and the multiplication happens with what was offered to him. To the Lord of Compassion offer little sacrifices and acts of charity pleading for the healing of our suffering brethren of all kind to be healed and comforted. As we are celebrating the ‘World Day of the Sick’ let us bring all our sick brethren through the intercession our Blessed Mother, Our Lady of Lourdes, unto the compassion and mercy for God for their comfort, healing and restoration. May our mind and heart resonate with the prayer: “Mother Mary, Our Lady of Lourdes, Pray for us”.

Bible Reflections I 10.02.2023 - FRIDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time - Week 5

Readings 

           I - Gen. 3: 1-8

          II - Mk. 7: 31-37

     

SAINT SCHOLASTICA

Today the Church celebrates the feast of St. Scholastica, the sister of St. Benedict. She consecrated her life to God from her earliest youth. She founded and governed a monastery of nuns at Plombariola, about five miles from that of the monastery of St. Benedict. St. Benedict directed his sister and the nuns of the monastery. Scholastica visited her brother once a year, and as she was not allowed to enter his monastery, she met him accompanied by his brothers at a house some distance away. The visits were spent in discussing together on spiritual matters. On one occasion they had passed the time as usual in prayer and spiritual conversation and in the evening they sat down to take their reflection, it became very late. Hence St. Scholastica requested her brother to remain with her until the next day but St. Benedict refused to oblige her request. She prayed to the Lord and suddenly there was a furious thunderstorm that allowed neither St. Benedict nor any of his companions to return home. St. Scholastica and his brother spent the night in discussing about the spiritual matters. The next morning they parted to meet no more on earth. Three days later St. Scholastica died, and her holy brother St. Benedict beheld her soul in a vision as it ascended into heaven. He sent his brothers of the monastery to bring her body and laid it in the tomb he had prepared for himself. 

Today’s Gospel passage is about the healing of the hearing and speech impaired man. The people who brought him to Jesus pleaded to lay his hand on him for healing. The faith of those people brought healing to the person. We are impaired spiritually due to various reasons, pray that the Lord may lay his hands and rise us for a credible living like St. Scholastica whom we remember today. May the saint intercede for us as we keep repeating in the silence of our hearts: “St. Scholastica, Pray for us.”

Bible Reflections I 09.02.2023 - THURSDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time - Week 5

MEMORIA : ST APOLLONIA OF ALEXANDRIA 

Readings 

           I - Gen. 2: 18-25

          II - Mk. 7: 24-30

     

LET GO OF THE EGO

The Church keeps the memory of the St. Apollonia of Alexandria. 

Saint Apollonia, an aged virgin, was the most famous among the martyrs, honoured for her virtue and modesty. Her teeth were beaten out, and she was led outside the city, where a huge fire was kindled. She was told she must deny Christ, or else be burned alive. She was silent for a moment, and then, moved by a special inspiration of the Holy Ghost, she walked into the fire and died in its flames. May she intercede for us for the greace of firm faith in Jesus Christ our Lord.

Patience, perseverance and purpose backed by faith and humility gets a miracle done is one of the takeaways of the Gospel passage of the day. It demands letting go of the ego. The Syrophoenician woman, a gentile, approaches Jesus for a miracle, the healing for her daughter.  Jesus tests her patience to the extent of calling her a ‘dog’ but the mother never gave up.  She was purposeful, that her daughter be relived from the clutches of the unclean spirit, for she has heard about Jesus.  The mother of the little daughter had great faith and tremendous trust in the Lord that she finally heard from Jesus: “…you may go your way; the demon has left your daughter”. 

Ask with patience, seek with purpose and knock with perseverance all backed up in faith in the Lord and a bit of humility as well and the miracle will be obtained. Give up ego, be focused and get the purpose achieved. Let our mind and heart resonate with the prayer: “Lord Jesus, help me to be humble.”

Bible Reflections I 08.02.2023 - WEDNESDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time - Week 5

Readings 

           I - Gen. 2: 4-9, 15-17

          II - Mk. 7: 14-23

    

ST. JOSEPHINE BAKHITA

Today the Church honours St. Josephine Bakhita, a Sudanese woman from Darfur region of Africa. She was kidnapped by slave traders and was sold for five times in slave markets. She was brutally beaten and physically scarred, bearing this excruciating experience of the crime in her body, soul, mind and heart. She was finally sold to an Italian diplomat, who was affectionate towards her and introduced the Master, par excellence, Jesus Christ to her. She was so much captivated by this Master, Jesus Christ who was flogged, abused, mocked and crucified as a ransom for the salvation of the humankind. Against all odds, she received baptism, and entered the religious congregation of the Canossian Sisters. Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI thus described her vocation, “The hope born in her she could not keep to herself; this hope had to reach many, to reach everybody”. St. Josephine Bakhita did not do any great thing but small things with great love. She joyfully carried out the call of Christ in all the least important menial tasks that were assigned to her, but with great and utmost love. Every child who entered the campus to be educated by the Canossian Sisters, experienced the warmth of the love of St. Josephine Bakhita. She was simple, humble, noble and magnanimous in accomplishing all for Jesus. She was declared as the patron saint of human trafficking.

In today’s Gospel passage, Jesus says that what comes from men defiles and that not what goes inside, meaning to say that all creation of God is clean and good. Allow the goodness within us to overflow so that the world will be filled with happiness, love, peace and joy. Saint Theresa of Calcutta says, “In this life, we cannot do great things. We can only do small things with great love”. Adhering to the command of God and after the example St. Josephine Bakhita, accomplish even the smallest thing with great love and this is sanctity. May our mind and heart resonate with the prayer: “Lord Jesus, fill my heart with your love”.

Bible Reflections I 07.02.2023 - TUESDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time - Week 5

Readings 

           I - 2 Cor. 6: 4-10

          II - Mat. 10: 17-22

                       

ST. GONZALO GARCIA 

Saint Gonsalo Garcia is the first canonised saint from India. He was born in the western coastal town of Vasai, Bombay, he preached from the Bassein fort during the time the town was under Portuguese colonial rule. Gonsalo Gracia longed to be a Jesuit but could not. He moved on to Manila, Philippines as a lay missionary. There he was influenced by a Franciscan priest and joined the Seraphic Order as a lay brother. After working with the leprosy patients there he was ordained as a Franciscan, Friars Minor at Manila.  

In 1592, the Spanish governor in the Philippines sent Gonsalo on a diplomatic mission to Japan along with Fr. Baptista. After working for four years, the Japanese shogun suspected the missionaries of treason and so he placed them under house arrest in their monastery in Miaco, Kyoto in December 1596. A few days afterwards, when they were in prayers, they were arrested, enchained and immured. After torture and persecution, Garcia was crucified on Nagasaki Hills with twenty six of his companions. Fr. Gonsalo, was the first to arrive, went straight to one of the crosses and asked the persecutioners, "Is this mine?" They replied "It is not" and took him to another cross, where he knelt down and embraced it. His other companions, one after another, started doing the same. Garcia and his fellow martyrs were declared as Venerable by Pope Urban VIII in 1627. Garcia was declared a saint by Pope Pius IX in 1862. 

In today’s Gospel passage, Jesus speaks about the persecution to be endured on account of his name and assures of the presence of God with them at the moment of their trial. We are not the first to face this, our saints and followers of Christ have left us examples in their lives. Have them as model and strive to live a Christian life. May St. Gonsalo Gracia help us in this effort as we keep invoking him in the silence of our hearts saying, “St. Gonsalo Gracia, Pray for us.”

Bible Reflections I 06.02.2023 - MONDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time - Week 5

Readings 

           I - Gen. 1: 1-19

          II - Mk. 6: 53-56

                       

TRUST IN THE LORD

In today’s Gospel passage, when Jesus and his disciples came to the land of Gennesaret, the people ran about the whole region bringing sick people for healing. Wherever he went, even in the market places, they brought sick people and implored that they may touch even the fringe of his garment. People flocked to Jesus like bees to honey because his goodness attracted them, his kindness kindled them, his compassion concurred them and his concern fascinated them, his teachings enlightened them and life style captivated them. They had such a tremendous faith and trust in his power. 

We are of course fascinated by the life of Jesus but in the light of the Gospel passage of the day, examine the quality of faith we have in him. Can we say that we invoke his power with an absolute trust? Don’t we have a slight doubt in the corner of our hearts with an ‘if’ or a ‘but’? Ask for the gift of faith and the simplicity of heart to approach the Lord at all times with trust and confidence.

Bible Reflections I 05.02.2023 - SUNDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time - Week 5

Readings 

           I - Is. 58: 7-10

          II - 1 Cor. 2: 1-5

         III - 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. The ways of being salt and light is charted out in the first reading of the day viz. the humanitarian acts of charity.  The model for such a life is St. Paul himself as he rightly writes to the Christians at Corinth.

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 04.02.2023 - SATURDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time - Week 4

Readings 

           I - 1Cor 9: 19-27

          II - Jn. 12: 20-32

        

ST. JOHN DE BRITTO (Feast)

Today the Church celebrates the Feast of St. John de Britto, an a ardent ambassador of Christ. He was born in Lisbon, Portugal. When he was small, he was struck with severe illness. He prayed to St. Francis Xavier. When he recovered, his mother clothed him in tunic, worn by Jesuit fathers for a year. From then on, John de Britto was passionate to follow Jesus in the footsteps of St. Francis Xavier, the apostle of India. Against his parents’ opposition, he joined with twenty seven Jesuits and left for India declaring zealously, “God, who called me from the world into religious life, now calls me from Portugal to India”.

He worked in Madura, the Jesuit mission, proclaiming Christ and baptizing people. He took care of those affected by natural disasters and those migrated because of wars. He was plotted for his goodness and charitable activities among the poor and the needy. And finally he was beheaded. John de Britto at the order of the king knelt before the execution block. But the executioner hesitated to kill him. To him John the Britto said, “My friend, I have prayed to God. On my part, I have done what I should do. Now you do your part”. Tremendous courage to lay down his life for the Gospel! In today’s Gospel passage we read, “Unless a grain of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit”. A Martyr turns the heart of multitude towards Christ as has been witnessed by the Church from the time of Jesus, his apostles, early Christians and those Christians of our times as well. Dare to risk life for Christ and it is a courageous witness mark of true Christian. May our mind and heart resonate with the prayer: “Lord Jesus, give me the courage to risk all for you.”

Bible Reflections I 03.02.2023 - FRIDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time: Week 4

Readings 

            I - Heb. 13: 1-8

           II - Mk. 6: 14-29

HAVE COURAGE TO FACE THE TRUTH

                  

In today’s Gospel passage, Herod was confused about the identity 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, because the truth of John the Baptist hurt him and therefore under the pretext of keeping his promise, he had him beheaded.  The life of Jesus disturbed him so much by reminding the life of John the Baptist 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. It takes a lot of courage to accept and admit the truth.  If we have the courage the stand for and to accept the truth, then we are Christians bearing witness to the Truth, Jesus Christ.

Bible Reflections I 02.02.2023 - THURSDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time - Week 4

Readings 

           I - Mal. 3: 1-4

          II - Heb. 2: 14-18

         III - Lk. 2: 22-40

                            

PRESENTATION OF THE LORD (Feast)

Today the Church celebrates the feast of the Presentation of the Lord by his parents in the temple fulfilling the law of Moses. This feast of celebrated after forty days of Christmas. As Jesus was brought into the temple, Simeon recognised him though Jesus was brought into the temple by a simple and insignificant parents. He recognised the Messiah in the little babe because of the spirit of the Lord was upon him and he was a righteous, devout and was patiently waiting for the Lord trusting in His promise.  

Tagore says, “Every moment and every age, every day and every night he comes, comes and ever comes”. Jesus comes to visit us every day, every hour, every moment and in every event, it is up to us to recognise him. If we allow the spirit of the Lord to take precedence over us and be obedient and submissive to his promptings we will definitely be like Simeon able to recognise him as he comes. The day of the presentation of the Lord is also celebrated as the World Religious Day. Let us intensify our prayers for them that they may discover the Lord in the persons they serve, meet and in every event and moment of their lives as he comes. May our mind and heart resonate with the prayer: “Help us Lord to yield unto the promptings of the Holy Spirit.

Bible Reflections I 01.02.2023 - WEDNESDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time - Week 4

Readings 

           I - Heb. 12: 4-7. 11-15

          II - Mk. 6: 1-6

                  

BE OPEN TO THE TRUTH

Today’s Gospel passage is about the rejection of Jesus in his hometown. Prejudice prevented the people of Nazareth from accepting the wisdom of Jesus and his deeds of divine power. A deliberate rejection just because Jesus was a carpenter’s son and Mary, his mother was a simple and insignificant woman of Nazareth who did not have a great or a renowned background. Therefore the people willfully refused to reckon to the truth. Their prejudice and pride prevented them from being open to the truth and finally they were the losers because of their disbelief Jesus could not do any mighty work there.  

Prejudice pollutes, pride prevents, anger avenges, jealousy jeopardises from accepting and rejoicing at the talents, goodness and the gifts of the other. We may tend to evaluate the background and eliminate, analyse the status and avoid, mount with criticism and marginalise and in the end hunt for reasons to reject and discard people. In this bargain we become the losers like those people of Nazareth who willfully missed Jesus, the Messiah for whom they so long waited. We have to go beyond our likes and dislikes to behold the persons as they are and to savour the blessings that each one bring with them. Have courage to surpass all stereo typed settings in our mind and with a magnanimity of mind and heart accept the persons as they are and all for the glory of God. Keep repeating this prayer as often as possible in the silence of heart praying: “Lord Jesus, give me the courage to accept the truth.”

Bible Reflections I 31.01.2023 - TUESDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time - Week 4

Readings 

           I - Heb. 12: 1-4

          II - Mk. 5: 21-43

                               

FEAST OF DON BOSCO

The Church today celebrates the feast of St. John Bosco, the Educator, the Father and the Friend of the youth. He was born in a poor family in Becchi, Italy. He lost his father when he was two and half years old and had witnessed the struggle of his mother in bringing up the children. Because he was fatherless he knew the tussles of the fatherless children and chose to become a priest and be a father to the fatherless children. He loved the youth and was passionate about their holiness. He used to say, “It is enough that you are young, for me to love you” and would also often say, “I am ready to drag my tongue from Valdocco to Superga (a hill in Italy) to save the soul of even one boy”. His educational methodology and formula of sanctity holds good and applicable for all time. His educational system was a matter of heart primarily and it consisted in reason, religion and loving kindness. His formula for holiness is simple and practicable - “Cheerfulness”. This is why he used to say to his boys, “Run, jump, play but do not sin”. He founded the Salesian congregation with St. Francis de Sales as its Patron Saint. He was so much inspired and taken up by the gentleness and kindness of St. Francis de Sales. He had tremendous trust in Mary, Help of Christians that so much so she is called as Don Bosco’s Madonna. Right from his dream of seven wherein Jesus appeared and gave Mother Mary as his teacher; from then on he trusted the Madonna and accomplished astonishing works and towards the end of his life he said proudly with the profound love and utmost piety, “Mary did it all”.  

The Gospel passage of the day is about healing of the woman who suffered from severe hemorrhage and the rising of Jairus daughter. Both were in a way dead: only socially dead and the other physically dead. The woman in hemorrhage experienced a social death because she was considered to be unclean and was in a way ostracised from associating with others. Because of faith, one was restored back to health and the other, Jairus daughter was raised to life. When problems, worries and fears seem to grip us up in to depression, stress and setbacks, take the woman and Jairus as models and seek the Lord. Don Bosco was a man of faith and so he was able to work and witness many miracles for the glory of the Lord. May saint help us to stand steadfast in faith as we invoke his intercession praying, “Saint Don Bosco, Pray for us.”

Bible Reflections I 30.01.2023 - MONDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time - Week 4

Readings 

           I - Heb. 11: 32-40

          II - Mk. 5: 1-20

                           

JESUS IS MERCIFUL

In today’s Gospel passage Jesus casts the legion into the pigs and liberates the man from the legion. The man whom Jesus chased the legion, dwelt day and night among the tombs, on the mountains he was always crying and hurting himself with the stones, in short he was tortured and troubled by the possession. Jesus casted the legion and cured the man from its possession. The man desired to be with Jesus wherever he went but Jesus sent him back home and told him to proclaim the mercy of the Lord. The people of the city were not so happy because the cared much for the pigs than for the man who was cured. They pleaded Jesus to depart from their city. 

We can from the Gospel passage of the day, draw two lessons for our life: one, Jesus is merciful and ha is powerful to deliver us from all our sufferings and setbacks as he did with the possessed man; and two, sometimes we are used to our sinful style of living that we don’t wish to be delivered from the same as did the people of the city who wanted Jesus to get away from their city. Today the church remember St. Bathilde, wife of Clovis II, king of France. She was a slave in the service of wife of Erchinoald, mayor of the palace of Neustria. Bathilde astounded the mayor so much with her unusual qualities and virtues that he desired to marry her after the death of her wife. Bathilde fled from him and returned back after he got married. King Clovis II met her in the mayor’s palace and impressed by her grace and virtue, freed her and got her married. She was thus raised from a slave to the status of queen. With the elevation her virtues did not diminish rather gave them a new lustre. God has the power to do anything, we only need to have faith in him and trust in his mercy.

Bible Reflections I 29.01.2023 - SUNDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time: Week 4

Readings

       I - Zeph. 2: 3; 3: 12-13

            II - 1 Cor. 1: 26-31

           III - Mt. 5: 1-12

            

THE BEATTITUDES

The world considers the rich and the well of as ‘blessed’ or ‘happy’ people. In today’s Gospel, Jesus calls those labelled and branded by the world as ‘cursed’, ‘ill-fated’ and a ‘threat’ because they choose to live by high ideals of life, as ‘Blessed’. He encourages and consoles them with the reward that awaits them. With the Sermon on the Mount Jesus sets the parameter for Gospel living, the sufferings on its account and the reward for enduring false accusations and sufferings inflicted on this accord. 

Whenever we are pushed to tight corner because of our choices, dare to choose God again and again and suffer for the same, we may hear in the silence of our hearts God calling us ‘Blessed’ and filling us with His peace and joy; and this is heaven. Heaven is not a place but a state. The world runs after pleasure that is perishable mistaking it to be happiness but as Christians are supposed to strive for Gospel and its values and that is happiness and peace. Start living by the way of the Lord and make the place where you are a heaven.

Bible Reflections I 28.01.2023 - SATURDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time - Week 3

Readings 

           I - Heb. 11: 1-2, 8-19

          II - Mk. 4: 35-41

                           

ST. THOMAS AQUINAS, DOCTOR OF THE CHURCH (Memorial)

Thomas Aquinas was born near Aquino, around the year 1225, was the youngest of at least nine children. He was born of a wealthy family. Thomas began his education at Monte Cassino and because of the conflict between Emperor Frederick II and Pope Gregory IX reached the abbey, he was enrolled in napels for his studies. He met John of St. Julian, a Dominican preacher, who influenced him to join the founded Dominican Order. At the university, Thomas was introduced to his philosophical influences viz. Aristotle, Averroes and Maimonides. Thomas was quiet and seldom spoke at the university, that made other students presume that he was dull headed, but Mangus prophetically said, "You call him the dumb ox, but in his teaching, he will one day produce such a bellowing that it will be heard throughout the world." While teaching at the university, Thomas wrote his most famous work, Summa theologiae (summary of Theology), written in 1266-1273, is a compendium of all the approved teachings of the Catholic Church. It was instructional guide for teachers and novices. During this prayer, Christ is said to have told him, "You have written well of me, Thomas. What reward would you have for your labor?" Thomas replied, "Nothing but you, Lord." Following this apparition, Thomas never wrote or spoke of it. He abandoned his routine. When he was begged to return to work, he replied, "I cannot, because all that I have written seems like straw to me." After receiving his last rites, he prayed, "I receive Thee, ransom of my soul. For love of Thee have I studied and kept vigil, toiled, preached and taught..." He was canonised by Pope John XXII on July 18, 1323. When Pope Pius V declared Saint Thomas a doctor of the church, he said, Thomas was "the most brilliant light of the Church."

In today’s Gospel passage Jesus calms the sea. With great windstorm and breaking waves, the disciples were terrified and would’ve definitely felt helpless and drowning in spirit. The chaos in the sea confused the disciples, shattering their faith and trust in Jesus, in spite of witnessing all wonderful and miraculous acts performed by Him. This is why, to the Lord of Life, they cried out saying, “Teacher do you not care that we are perishing?” because they saw Jesus, sleeping in peace, unperturbed in the boat. The saint of the day is a great example for faith. His great works were after his great faith. When troubles interrupt we tend to waver in faith. May the saint of the day help us stand steadfast in our faith as we invoke him praying: “St. Thomas Aquinas, pray for us.”

Bible Reflections I 27.01.2023 - FRIDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time - Week 3

Readings 

           I - Heb. 10: 32-39

          II - Mk. 4: 26-34

                           

LITTLE IS GREAT

A spark can set a great fire aflame. Turbulent river originate from an insignificant spring of water. A pinch of yeast ferments the dough of container. In today’s Gospel passage Jesus compares the Kingdom of Heaven to a tiny mustard seed from which emerges a great and gigantic tree. Random acts of kindness, love, forgiveness, peace and gentleness can cause a ripple effect around paving way to unity, freedom, fraternity and justice, actualising the Kingdom of god around us.    

A right word, an inspiring act, an understanding gesture, a little thoughtfulness, an attitude of let go, a bit of tolerance, a node of sympathy and a gentle tap of appreciation has the great power to turn the world upside down. Jesus compares faith and the Kingdom of God to a mustard seed. Our little acts with great faith can make our earth a heaven. Strive to contribute thay little towards the dream of Jesus, the Kingdom of God with all faith and trust in him. May our mind and heart resonate with the prayer: “Lord make me an instrument of your love, peace and joy.”

Bible Reflections I 26.01.2023 - THURSDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time - Week 3

Readings 

           I - 2Tim. 1: 1-8

          II - Lk. 10: 1-9

                           

ST. TIMOTHY AND ST. TITUS (Memorial)

The Church celebrates the feast of St. Timothy and St. Titus today, the apostles of St. Paul whose feast we celebrated yesterday. St. Timothy was a bishop of Ephesus and St. Titus was a bishop of Crete. St. Timothy was converted by St. Paul (Acts. 16:3) and was very dear to him like a son to his father (1Tim. 1:2). St. Titus was with Paul during the vehement council of Jerusalem that put an end to circumcision, the Jewish law. Timothy served as a messenger of St. Paul, to the Corinthians when he was unable to go there. They were with Paul during his three missionary journeys and imbibed his teaching on Christ and Church. Both of these saints were vehement preachers and protectors of the Church feared no one but God alone. St. Timothy dragged on the streets and was stoned to death and St. Titus died of fever.

The life of saints is an inspiration for us to check our lives and march ahead with vigour and credibility. We belong to the Church, where the persons of God feared neither tortures nor death for Christ’s sake. They we convinced about their faith and belief; and dared to live by the same, come what may. In this light, let us examine our own faith. Do we have the courage to proclaim through our lives that we belong to Christ and that the way of Christ is our way of life - love? May the saints give us the grace and courage to live up for the Christian faith despite all trouble and problems. Let our mind and heart resonate with the prayer: “Lord Jesus, Give us the courage to bear witness to you.”

Bible Reflections I 25.01.2023 - WEDNESDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time - Week 3

Readings 

           I - Acts. 22: 3-16

          II - Mk. 16: 15-18

                       

CONVERSION OF ST. PAUL (Feast)

The Church celebrates the birth or death of people as feast days but only St. Paul’s conversion is celebrated as feast day. Today the Church celebrates the feast of conversion of St. Paul, a giant of Christianity and the pillar of the Church. Paul before his conversion was Saul, a Jew, born in Tarsus, Cilicia belonging to the tribe of Benjamin. He was Roman citizen by birth. He was educated under Gamaliel, the great Rabi of the time. He was fluent in both Greek and Hebrew languages. He learnt the Jewish law thoroughly. He was loyal to the law and Zealous for the traditions of his ancestors (Gal. 1:14) and so he persecuted the Christians. On his way to Damascus as given in the first reading, had a supernatural experience that made Paul a passionate proclaimer and convinced believer of Christ Jesus, our Lord. Saul hated Jesus for no reason, tortured Christians because he believed that salvation is through the Law. With conversion, Paul was convinced that only faith in Jesus can bring salvation. Paul after his conversion undertook three missionary expeditions in the Eastern Mediterranean region. He had written thirteen epistles to build and strengthen the life of faith of the Christians. Paul considered all his advantages as disadvantages in comparison with the supreme value of knowing Christ the Lord (Phil. 3: 8). To love is to suffer. On account of his love for the Lord and his Gospel, Paul endured suffering enough and more even to the point of giving himself up to martyrdom. He was beheaded for his tremendous and undaunted faith in the Lord.  

He took delight in calling himself as an apostle of Jesus. As an apostle of Jesus, he bore a perfect witness to the Gospel passage of the day. He proclaimed vehemently about Christ not only in words but also in deeds, this is why he was able to say, “Imitate me, just as I imitate Christ” (1Cor. 11:1). As we read in the Gospel passage of the day, St. Paul was not harmed by the viper that rounded his hand (Acts. 28: 3); he spoke in tongues (1Cor 14:18) and he did cast out demons (Acts. 16:18). This is credible Christian living. Let us too like St. Paul bear witness to the Lord by actualising his words in our lives. May our mind and heart resonate with the prayer: “Lord Jesus, give me the grace to live a credible witnessing life of Christian" as we strive for our own personal conversion.

Bible Reflections I 24.01.2023 - TUESDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time: Week 3

Readings 

           I - Heb. 9: 15, 24-28

          II - Mk. 3: 22-30

       

ST. FRANCIS DE SALES, BISHOP, DOCTOR (Memorial)

Today the Church celebrates the feast of St. Francis de Sales. He is one of the patron saint of Salesian Institute. The model from whom Don Bosco imbibed his spirituality. St. Francis de Sales was a priest who courageously followed God’s way - the way of perfect charity; a daring bishop who organised diocesan synods, reorganized administrative structures and initiated the practice of parish visitations; dynamic founder of the congregation of Visitation sisters along with St. Jane de Chantal; He was a prolific writer, ardent spiritual director who had written over 10,000 letters of spiritual direction; Doctor of the Church and a legend, still a meek and gentle saint. His life of love and gentleness was a model of spirituality to many legendary saints. His way of life like honey to the flies attracted the lives of many.  

Today’s Gospel passage is about the mother and brothers of Jesus, trying to meet Jesus. In this Gospel passage, Jesus is not trying to deny relationship but demonstrates a higher level of relationship with God that is built on obedience to his will. Secondly, Jesus affirms his relationship because they were accomplishing the will of God in their lives. St. Francis de sales says: “Be who you are and be that well”. Modelled after the saints, walk with conviction on the path of sanctity accomplishing the will of God in our lives. May St. Francis De Sales intercede for us as we keep praying in the silence of our hearts: “St. Francis De Sales; Pray for us.”

Bible Reflections I 23.01.2023 - MONDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time: Week 3

Readings 

           I - Heb. 9: 15, 24-28

          II - Mt. 3: 22-30

RID OF FALSE ACCUSATIONS 

In today’s Gospel passage Jesus is accused of being possessed by Beelzebul.  Jesus called the Scribes who accused him and spoke to them in a parable saying there can never be one devil against another devil and pointed the mistake in their accusation.  Towards the end of the passage Jesus says that those who blasphemes against the Holy Spirit would never be forgiven. Jesus was full of the Holy Spirit (Lk. 4: 1) while the Scribes willfully ignored the fact in their stubbornness of heart.

We come across so many people who go about quietly doing good irrespective of any name, fame or popularity.  We also come across people who blame, brand, label and accuse these people hurting, hinting and not allowing them to accomplish even the little good that they can.  Such type of people who hinder others from accomplishing God’s will or who put an obstacle for the good activities through blasphemes could never be forgiven by the Holy Spirit. If you can, do some good, if not, remain calm and allow others to go on doing good.  Let our mind and heart resonate with the prayer: “Lord Jesus, give me the magnanimous heart to encourage people when they are busy doing good."

Bible Reflections I 22.01.2023 - SUNDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time - Week 3

Readings 

           I - Is. 9: 1-3, 11-14

          II - 1 Cor. 1: 10-13, 17

         III - Mt. 4: 12-23

               

FOLLOW THE LORD

The Gospel passage of the day is the fulfillment of the Prophecy of Isaiah in the first reading. Jesus is the Promised Light to the people of Israel. In the Gospel passage, Jesus calls the people for repentance and conversion; and he also calls his disciple to follow him in order to take the Gospel to all nations and work miracles in his name. Peter, Andrew and the sons of Zebedee followed Jesus instantly when they heard Jesus saying, ‘Follow me” and they in deed followed him to the point of their death in preaching, healing and proclaiming.

In the second reading, St. Paul says that he had been sent to preach the Gospel, the cross of Christ. We have been baptised in Christ for the same purpose: to preach and proclaim in his name, to cure and heal others at his command. This is possible only to the one who is ardent in following. As Christians we are called to preach him through our life, proclaim in our deeds and cure and heal other with our faith. Imbibe the spirit of the Gospel in order to be the effective followers and proclaimers of Christ. Let our mind and heart resonate with the prayer: “Lord Jesus, make me a witness of the Gospel”

Bible Reflections I 21.01.2023 - SATURDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time - Week 2

Readings 

           I - Heb. 9: 2-3, 11-14

          II - Mk. 3: 20-21

St. Agnes, Virgin, Martyr (Memorial)

               

GO BUSY DOING GOOD

The Gospel passage of the day is just two verses and from this we can draw two points: one, Jesus was so busy about God’s work and accomplishing all good for the people that he and his disciples did not even find time to have their food; and two, Jesus’ family, hearing the criticism that he has gone insane goes to fetch him back home.  

Criticisms are common and remarks are irresistible. All good words spoken and noble deeds done could be misinterpreted and misrepresented. Do not lose heart and get discouraged. With Jesus as model, go on and forge ahead accomplishing all good untiringly, with great courage because the reward would be great in heaven. Today the Church celebrates the feast of St. Agnes, who died as a martyr at the age of twelve. She desired ardently to belong to Jesus and hence she refused to marry the son of the Governor because of this she was killed. May the saint intercede for us to live up to our Christian vocation as credible followers of Christ as we in the silence of our heart invoke her intercession praying: “St. Agnes, Pray for us.”

Bible Reflections I 20.01.2023 - FRIDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time: Week 2

Readings 

           I - Heb. 8: 6-13

          II - Mk. 3: 13-19

                       

WE ARE THE CHOSEN

Today’s Gospel passage is about Jesus choosing the disciples after the desire of his heart. Out of so many that followed, Jesus specifically chose the twelve whom he also called ‘Apostles’ for two purposes: one, to be with him and two, to be sent out on his mission of proclaiming and healing. He chose whomever he wanted and the composition consisted of fishermen, the zealots, tax collector, traitor and people belonging to ordinary walk of life. These twelve but Judas, took the Gospel far and wide across the world, even at the cost of their lives for the spirit and the power of the Lord was with them.  

We are chosen to be the apostles of Jesus through our Baptism. We might be weak and fragile but we are God’s choice. The spirit and the power of the Lord will rest upon us and lead us to be daring witnesses of the Gospel if only we trust him and remain with him in faith and prayer for Jesus says, “If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing” (Jh. 15: 5). Let our mind and heart resonate with the prayer: “Lord Jesus, give us the grace to remain in your love.”

Bible Reflections I 19.01.2023 - THURSDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time: Week 2

Readings 

           I: Heb. 7: 25-8: 6

          II: Mk. 3: 7-12

                                

STICK ON TO THE ESSENTIAL

In the Gospel passage of the day, we read that a great crowd from Galilee followed Jesus and in great numbers from Judea, Jerusalem, Idumea, beyond the region of Jordan, Tyre and Sidon gathered round him to listen to him and to be healed from their sin, sorrow and sickness. The passage evince that Jesus was a trending rabbi or a prophet of that time, gaining popularity and fame among the people. Never in the Gospel, ever could we read that Jesus took delight gleaming in such glory, but always slipped from the crowd focusing his attention on His mission: the salvation of the world. 

Most of the people are addicted to appreciation, fame, praises and glory, and are ready to do anything to attain the same. This deviates from the purpose of our life and existence that God has intended for us. This is in a way, a temptation that takes us away from the way of the Lord. Jesus is our Master and Model: do all good only for the glory of God and just move on, ignoring all personal glory and gain. May our mind and heart resonate with the prayer: “Lord, lead us not into the temptation of vain glory and false pride.”

Bible Reflections I 18.01.2023 - WEDNESDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time: Week 2

Readings 

           I: Heb. 7: 1-3, 15-17

          II: Mk. 3: 1-6

                

HUMANNESS IS GODLINESS

Today’s Gospel passage is about Jesus healing a weathered man in the synagogue on a Sabbath day. The Pharisees waited to accuse him if he healed on the Sabbath day. Jesus heals and teaches them the lesson that humanity is supreme above all rules and regulations. Two emotions of Jesus against the reaction of the Pharisees were: anger and grief. He was angry at their attitude and grieved over the hardness of their hearts.  

Whenever rules takes prudence over humanity God gets angry and grieves over the hardness of heart. The people of today are no different from the days of Jesus. We have so many rules, do’s and don’ts for days, times and religious observances. The healing of Jesus invites us to free ourselves from these unnecessary bondages for a happy living that comes in helping our neighbour. Strive to be human and that is the revelation of Godliness in us. Let our mind and heart resonate with the prayer: “Lord Jesus, liberate us from our own false ideas and bindings.”

Bible Reflections I 17.01.2023 - TUESDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time: Week 2

Readings 

           I: Heb. 6: 10-20

          II: Mk. 2: 23-28

St. Anthony the Abbot (Memorial)

                                

LAW IS MADE FOR MAN

Sabbath is a day of rest and the day of the Lord. A day of nominal work so as to spend substantial time with the Lord in prayer. But the people of Israel emphasised more on what ‘should not be done’ on Sabbath in the work context. Jesus makes two pints clear through the Gospel passage of the day: one, Sabbath was made for humankind and not humankind for Sabbath; and two, the Son of Man, Jesus is the Lord even of Sabbath. Any law, rule or regulation should foster, protect and promote ‘the culture of life’ and no law can violate the ‘right to life’. Thus the act of the apostles was justified quoting the incident of David from the Old Testament who broke the law of eating the bread left at the presence of the Lord, to be eaten only by the priests as he was hungry. Secondly, the apostles were indeed spending their time with the Lord of the Sabbath, Jesus, the Messiah.

Law is made for man and not man for the law. We often times do stick on to the practices of religion but the practice of the essence of religion itself. Today’s Gospel passage is an invitation to get on the right track than lingering on our idea of religion. Love, kindness, charity and humanness takes precedence over any external act of the practice of religion viz fasting, pilgrimage, abstinence…The Church today remembers St. Anthony, the abbot and a man of God. He was ascetic and lived a life of solitude. He has said, “A time is coming when men will go mad, and when see someone who is not mad, they will attack him, saying, ‘you are not mad; you are not like us”. We need not follow the world order but pray through the intercession of this saint to make our living a relevant one in the light of the ways of God marked by love as we keep repeating the prayer: “St. Antony, Pray for us.”

Bible Reflections I 16.01.2023 - MONDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time: Week 2

Readings 

           I: Heb. 5: 1-10

          II: Mk. 2: 18-22            

                

RIGHT THING AT THE RIGHT TIME

There is time for everything. Time for fasting and time for feasting; time to rejoice and time to mourn; and time to work and time to pray.  We cannot mess up and miss the meaningful living.  It is not fitting to mourn at the celebration and rejoice at the funeral. In today’s Gospel passage, the people accuses the disciples of Jesus for not fasting like the disciples of John the Baptist and the disciples of the Pharisees. Jesus defends his disciples and justifies them saying that they need not fast as long as the bridegroom was with them; for Jesus, the Son of God and the Promised One was with them.  

We have to catch up to the time and conduct our lives suiting the same.   We have to make our life relevant and befitting by discerning the signs of the time rightly otherwise our lives will be life like new wine in the old wineskin where both will be getting spoiled.  Listen the signs of the times; discern right in the light of faith and live a relevant and meaningful life. Learn to do the right thing at the right time instead of blaming others and the time.

Bible Reflections I 15.01.2023 - SUNDAY I INDRAYA MANNA

Ordinary Time: Sunday Week 2

Readings 

           I: Is. 49: 3, 5-6

          II: 1 Cor. 1: 1-3

         III: Jn. 1: 29-34

                       

WHO AM I? FOR WHOM AM I? 

The three readings of the day invites us to reflect on two questions: “Who am I?” and “For whom am I?” In the first reading of the day, Isaiah is convinced that he is the servant of the Lord and honoured in his eyes and; he was light to the tribes of Israel; the raise the tribes of Jacob and bring back the preserved of Israel. In the second reading St. Paul writes convincingly to the Corinthians that he was called by God to be an apostle of Christ Jesus. In the Gospel passage John the Baptist introduces Jesus as the Lamb of God who had come to save the humankind. In this light reflect on your own lives. We are the children of God through our baptism and partakers in the mission of Christ Jesus our Lord. As the first and the second reading says we are called to be light to all around us leading them to God and to be saints, as saint Paul says. May the Lord help us to live our lives as lights among the people who we live with and bear witness being saints.

Today in Tamil Nadu we celebrate the Harvest Day, Pongal, a day of thanksgiving to God for the fruits of the earth and the gift of nature that nurture and sustain our wellbeing. On this day we also gratefully remember the farmers who produce our food and remain unassuming amidst struggles and challenges. They are often also underestimated and neglected. On this precious day, as we thank God for the harvest, take some time to thank the famers if you happen to meet them and offer our prayers for them. Resolve also to protect and preserve nature that provides and protects us. Happy Pongal to one and all!

Bible Reflections I 14.01.2023 - SATURDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time - Week 1

Readings 

           I - Heb. 4: 12-26

          II - Mk. 2: 13-17

                       

SAINT DEVASAHAYAM 

Today the Church celebrates the feast of St. Devasahayam, an Indian layman and the martyr of the Catholic Church.  Neelakandan Pillai was born in an affluent Hindu family on April 23, 1917 in Nattalam village in Kanyakumari District, Tamil Nadu.  When he was put in charge of State affair, he came in contact with Captain Eustachius De Lannoy, the Dutch Naval Commander, who awakened his interest in Christian Faith.  He and his family members were baptised in 1745 and Neelakandan took the name ‘Devasahayam’.  “His conversion did not go well with the heads of his native religion. False charges of treason and espionage were brought against him and he was divested of his post in the royal administration,” the Vatican said in a note in February 2020. According to the Vatican, “while preaching, he particularly insisted on the equality of all people, despite caste differences”, which “aroused the hatred of the higher classes, and he was arrested in 1749”.  On January 14, 1752, Devasahayam was shot dead in and was martyred in the Aralvaimozhy forest. His mortal remains were interred in Saint Francis Xavier’s Cathedral, Kottar, Nagercoil. He was canonised on May 15, 2022 by Pope Francis.  

The Gospel passage of the day is about the call of Matthew the Tax collector, considered as sinner by his own people.  At the call of Jesus, slighting the comments and the criticism of the people, Matthew left the tax office and followed him till the end of his life. We are chosen and called to be his followers through our baptism.  Do we have the courage like the saint of the day and Matthew to give up all in the process of following him? May the feast we celebrate enkindle our faith and desire to bear witness to the Lord in every one of our word and deed. Let our mind and heart resonate with the prayer: “St. Devasahayam, Pray for us.”

Bible Reflections I 13.01.2022 - FRIDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time: Week 1

Readings 

           I - Heb. 4: 1-5, 11

          II - Mk. 2: 1-12

                       

STRIVE TO DO GOOD 

We come across two sets of people in the Gospel passage of the day. The Gospel passage is about the healing of the paralytic. The four men who carried the paralytic were striving to good namely, to bring healing to the paralytic. They were relentless in finding the way to bring the paralytic to Jesus for healing. They removed the roof, made an opening and let down the bed near Jesus and finally Jesus heals the paralytic on account of their faith. The scribes seated there were trying to find fault, questioning the authority of Jesus to forgive sins.  

Whenever we read this passage we are prone to appreciate the four who took much effort in bringing healing to the paralytic and criticise the scribes for their fault finding attitude. Examine your own actions in this light. In our hatred and jealousy on people, we too sometimes do criticise and cause problems to the one who strives for good. We often also turn blind to look at the good accomplished and appreciate people around us. Do good to others and also resolve to encourage people to try their best to do good to others. Let our mind and heart resonate with the prayer: “Lord Jesus, give us a magnanimous heart to appreciate others”