Bible Reflections I 03.04.2023 - MONDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Monday of the Holy Week

Readings 

           I - Is. 42: 1-7

          II - Jn. 12: 1-11

         

LOVE, LISTEN AND SERVE THE LORD 

Jesus was under the constant surveillance of the Scribes, the Pharisees and the Chief Priests. Every word, act and move of Jesus was noted for plotting against him. Psychology records that constant surveillance leads to heightened levels of fatigue, stress and anxiety.  Jesus like any other human being would have sought for a place where he could be of himself: loved, accepted, understood and attended.  So Jesus goes to Bethany, the home of Lazarus and his two sisters, Martha and Mary where he was sure to get acceptance, comfort, consolation and affection before he could take up the painful and humiliating journey from Jerusalem to Calvary.  And indeed in this house, as the Gospel passage records, Martha served, Lazarus was reclining with him at table and Mary was anointing his feet with a fragrant perfume that was expensive - perfect expression of their love and affection.        

We are in the holy week of the Lenten season meditating on the passion, death and resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ.  A time to realise and respond to the love of Jesus who suffered humiliation, passion and death for our sake. Like, Lazarus, Mary and Martha let us try to respond to God’s love in our own way through various expressions of our love for God and our neighbour.  May our mind and heart resonate with the prayer: “Lord Jesus, give me the grace to respond to your love.”

Bible Reflections I 02.04.2023 - SUNDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Season of Lent: Week 6

Readings 

           I - Is. 50: 4-7

          II - Phil. 2: 6-11

         III - Mt. 26: 14-27:66

 

PALM SUNDAY

Today we recall and celebrate the triumphal entry of Jesus into Jerusalem, the Holy City of God. On this day let us base our reflection on three groups of people who either witnessed or participated in the great and remarkable entry of Jesus into Jerusalem: the common crowd that welcomed Jesus, the temple authorities that plotted against Jesus and the group of twelve disciples that had the pride of being Jesus’ followers.

The common crowd welcomed Jesus shouting aloud to the top of their voices “Hosanna! Blessed is the One who comes in the name of the Lord”. These people recognised and accepted Jesus to be their Messiah, the Promised One of God from all his teaching, preaching, healing and from his very life for that matter. But the same crowd would in about a week’s time would cry out with their might, “Crucify him”. The crowd that gets easily influenced by power and authority!

The temple authorities viz. the Pharisees, the Scribes and the high priest were suspicious from the beginning about the identity of Jesus plotted to put away with him. On looking at this procession they would have been provoked all the more for an immediate act of putting an end to his life. The authorities that gets infuriated at the very presence of Jesus! 

The dear disciples of Jesus who were following the triumphal entry would have taken pride to belong to such a great Master and would have resolved to be with him forever. These people in a week’s time would give up their master by betraying, denying and running away from him. The disciples that abandoned their Master!

Jesus - the suffering servant of the Yahweh as foretold by prophet Isaiah and the one who emptied himself to the will of the Father, would take up this glorious welcome of a King and at the same time the journey of his cross to Calvary in utmost obedience to the Father and with a great trust in Him. The “Crucify him” (Lk. 23: 21) of the crowd, “We have no king but Caesar” (Jn. 19: 15) of the temple authorities and the “I don’t know him” (Lk. 22: 57) of the Rock would have definitely pained Jesus but never prevented him from fixing his focus on the Father’s will. He went on and on seeking and accomplishing the will of the Father until “It is finished” (Jh. 19:30). May we too as we remember the triumphant entry of Jesus into Jerusalem, ask God to give us a strong courage and conviction to seek and accomplish God’s will in our lives come what may! Let our mind and heart resonate with the prayer, “Lord Jesus, help and teach me to be like you.” 

Bible Reflections I 01.04.2023 - SATURDAY I INDRAYA MANNA

Season of Lent: Week 5

Readings 

           I - Ezk. 37: 21-28

          II - Jn. 11: 45-57 

APPRECIATE THE DIFFERENCE

In today’s Gospel passage, the Pharisees and the Chief priests conspire to kill Jesus because he appeared to be a scandalous Rabbi of the time:  he gave preference to love over their law, humanity over Sabbath, holiness over profanity.  He was different in his dealings, practical in his approach, simple was his law - love and all inclusive was spirituality: the sinners, tax collectors, Samaritans, woman and the children. In a nutshell, in Jesus was happening a paradigm shift in their concept of God, Law and Religion. So, under the pretext of saving his people, they wanted to do away with Jesus.

Difference is beautiful. We can never expect everyone to fit into our mindset or the set rules that are baseless.  Failure to accept and analyse the difference in Jesus, led the Pharisees and the chief priests to the extent of crucifying him on the cross.  Do not hate or ostracise someone because they are different.  Analyse the truth in them, accept the difference and appreciate their presence with us.   In this way we become like those Jews who went with Mary discovering him to be the Messiah and if otherwise, we will end up like those other Jews who went and joined the Pharisees for plotting against Jesus. Let our mind and heart resonate with the prayer: “Lord Jesus, lead me to the truth.”

Bible Reflections I 31.03.2023 - FRIDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Season of Lent: Week 5

Readings 

           I - Jer. 20: 10-13

          II - Jn. 10: 31-42

                          

ACCEPT THE TRUTH

The stubbornness of the Scribes, Pharisees, Sadducees and the Jews shut their hearts, minds and eyes to the teaching, preaching, healing and the very life of Jesus. On the other hand, the openness of the common people across River Jordan where John the Baptist had baptized, allowed them to discover that everything that John the Baptizer had said about Jesus being fulfilled in him. They believed Jesus as the ‘Messiah’, the Promised one of God. The arrogant, proud and stubborn heart can always block a person from accepting or discovering the truth. But the simple and open heart discovers and accepts the truth. Jesus himself became so helpless to the accusations of these stubborn people.  

It is easy to accuse people unjustly and to hide the truth that is in them. Learn to endure with Jesus and one day truth will triumph. In our turn let us not be rash in our words and actions but take time to discover the truth even if it is going to hurt us for God is truth Himself. Let our mind and heart resonate with the prayer: “Lord Jesus give me the grace to be open to the truth"

Bible Reflections I 30.03.2023 - THURSDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Season of Lent: Week 5

Readings 

           I - Gen. 17: 3-9

          II - Jn. 8: 51-59

TRUST IN THE LORD

In the first reading, God gives a new identity to Abram by changing his name as Abraham, meaning ‘the father of many nation’.  God enters into a covenant with Abraham and promises to make him into nations from whom all kings would come, a race set apart to behold the Messiah.  The genealogy of Jesus begins from Abraham. Abraham trusted and everything was done to him.  In the Gospel passage Jesus promises eternal life to humankind and the Jews wouldn’t believe but call Jesus as ‘possessed’.  The Jews considered Abraham their forefather as someone great and argued that Abraham too had to die.  In spite of the explicit explanation of Jesus, the Jews adamantly refused to trust in Jesus and in his promise about eternal life. 

Abraham trusted in the words of God and so was everything done to him.  The Jews had placed their trust in the God of their own ideology, principles and mindset. Therefore they refused to trust in Jesus and hence they had to miss the Messiah for whom they waited so long even for generation after generation. In this light let us examine our lives to find out where we have placed our trust: ideology, power, wealth, position, status, people and strength or are we open to the promised of the Lord in the Scripture, from the people and through the events. Let our mind and heart resonate with the prayer: “Lord Jesus, I trust in you.”

Bible Reflections I 29.03.2023 - WEDNESDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Season of Lent: Week 5

Readings 

           I - Dan. 3: 14-20, 24, 91-92, 95

          II - Jn. 8: 31-42

                          

ACCEPT THE TRUTH WITH CONVICTION

In the first reading, Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, the faithful people of God were brought before the king for trial because they did not worship the golden statue set up by the king.  Nebuchadnezzar, the king commanded them to be thrown into the blazing furnace said, “Who is the God that will deliver you out of my hands?” To such a challenging question of the king the three holy men replied with a resolute determination, "If our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the furnace of blazing fire and out of you hand, O king, let him deliver us.  But if not be it know to your king that we will not serve your gods and we will not worship the golden statue that you have set us”.  The infuriated king threw them into the furnace heated up seven times more than was customary.  Finally God did save them in the blazing furnace.

The three men worshipped the Lord their God with great conviction that He alone was their God and to Him alone belongs all worship, adoration, glory, honour and power.  They were ready to give up even their life in the furnace than to bow down before an idol! They had tremendous trust in the Lord but never did they take up the challenge of Nebuchadnezzar to test the saving power of the Lord their God.  So many Christians today conceal their identity for a reward, favour, benefit and for the pleasures of the world.  Easily give up Christ our Saviour for the sake of persons, fear of persecution and social acceptance. Be convinced in faith to accept the truth that Jesus is the Messiah unlike the Pharisees who wilfully neglected the truth.  Let our mind and heart resonate with the prayer: “Lord Jesus, help me to accept and worship you with courage and conviction”.

Bible Reflections I 28.03.2023 - TUESDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Season of Lent: Week 5

Readings 

           I - Num. 21: 4-9

          II - Jn. 8: 21-30

           

BE OPEN TO THE TRUTH

In today’s Gospel passage, the Scribes and the Pharisees were so much fixated in their idea about Jesus that they never wanted to understand him at all. This is why Jesus would quote Prophet Isaiah to them and say, “Seeing they shall see and not see, and hearing they shall hear and they shall not understand” (Mk. 4: 12).  In their stubbornness and hardness of heart, the Scribes and the Pharisees missed the Messiah in Jesus.  This is why they also plotted to put him away to death.    

Trying to understand others from their perspective would help us to appreciate and savour the blessings in the other instead of blaming, finding fault, gossiping, accusing and condemning.  This needs openness of mind and heart to accept the truth.  The Scribes and the Pharisees missed Jesus because they were not open to receive Jesus.  Each one of us is unique and different.  Each one is also sent into the world with some purpose that God has for them. Hence all cannot be the same. In finding fault and neglecting to understand others we miss the originality, possibilities, potentialities, goodness and the worth of the other.  May the Lord bless us with the magnanimity of heart to go beyond ourselves in discovering and understanding the truth in the other. Let our mind and heart resonate with the prayer, “Lord Jesus, give me a magnanimous heart to understand and appreciate the other.”

Bible Reflections I 27.03.2023 - MONDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Season of Lent - Week 5

Readings 

           I - Dan. 13: 1-9, 15-17, 19-30, 33-62

          II - Jh. 8: 1-11

                            

THE LORD CARES 

The Scribes and the Pharisees brought a woman caught in adultery to entrap Jesus with the Law of Moses that commanded to stone such a woman. For both 'yes' and 'no' of Jesus they would've had their accusations against Jesus. But Jesus gave a different response saying, "let him who is without sin among you be the first to throw a stone at her." An unexpected response indeed! As for the woman left in shame and helpless, Jesus gives hope for a new life saying, "neither do I condemn you, go, and from now on sin no more."

Jesus saves. Jesus is extremely kind, loving and gentle towards sinners. Jesus forgives us to say in his own words, seventy times seven and gives opportunities for repentance and conversion again and again. He extends his open arms to embrace in love. All we have to so is pick up courage to return to him. Let our mind and heart resonate with the prayer, "Lord Jesus, give me the grace to return to you and remain with you."

Bible Reflections I 26.03.2022 - SUNDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Season of Lent - Week 5

Readings 

           I - Ezk. 37: 12-14

          II - Rom. 8: 8-11

        III - Jh. 11: 1-45

                            

THE LORD RAISES 

The Lord renews, raises and restores is the crux of the three readings today. But all we need to have is trust and belief in Him. Today's Gospel passage is about raising the dead Lazarus to life. He was laid in the tomb for four days. This is why when Jesus asked the tomb to be opened Martha interrupts saying that there would be an odour. Jesus said to Martha, "Did I not tell you that if you believed you would see the glory of God" and raised Lazarus to life.

The weight if weakness and our frailties can make us dead to ourselves and to others too some times. All we have to do is open ourselves to the Lord without any fear but with utmost trust and belief in him that the Lord can raise us again to anew. As we are in the season of lent, let God touch the hidden and the dark spaces of life and be born again in him for a new life with a new beginning. With the Lord it is never too late and there is also another chance.

Bible Reflections I 25.03.2023 - SATURDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Season of Lent - Week 4

Readings 

           I - Is. 7: 10-14; 8: 10

          II - Heb. 10: 4-10

        III - Lk. 1: 26-38

                            

ANNUNCIATION OF THE LORD (Solemnity)

Today the Church solemnises the annunciation of the angel Gabriel to the Blessed Virgin Mary, the chosen one of God from among all women that she would conceive and bear the Son of God.  The feast engulfs two dimensions viz. Christological and Marian: the incarnation of Jesus in perfect obedience to the salvation plan of God and Mary's 'yes' to the same.  Jesus humbled himself in becoming one of us. Mary humbled herself in her absolute surrender to the Lord saying. "Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word." The feast marks and magnifies the two marvellous virtues of the Mother and the Son; obedience and humility.

The feast challenges as well as encourages us to submit ourselves to the plan of God in obedience and humility. Thus surrendering ourselves to God in faith we become the messengers of the Good News to the poor, weak, marginalised, helpless and the hopeless. May our blessed mother help us in this process as we keep praying: "Blessed Virgin Mary, our mother, pray for us."

Bible Reflections I 24.03.2023 - FRIDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Season of Lent - Week 4

Readings 

           I - Wis. 2: 1, 12-22

          II - Jn. 7: 1-2, 10, 25-30

ST. CATHERINE OF SWEDEN 

                            

GIVE UP PREJUDICE 

The temple authorities in their willful neglect confirmed that Jesus was not the messiah. The common folk in their insufficiency of knowledge were confused and were hesitant to accept him as the Messiah: "but we know where this man comes from." The false judgment and the wrong predictions plotted for the death of the long awaited messiah, Jesus. 

With our judgemental attitude backed by prejudice often times we fail to discover and appreciate the sparkling qualities in others.  It must also be because either we are too proud or too self-righteous. May the season of lent help us to appreciate others without any bias or prejudice.

Bible Reflections I 23.03.2023 - THURSDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Season of Lent - Week 4

Readings 

           I - Ex. 32: 7-14

          II - Jn. 5: 31-47

                            

BEAR WITNESS AS CHILDREN OF GOD 

In today's Gospel passage Jesus speaks of four witnesses that testify him as the Son of God, the Promised one of God, the Messiah. The testimony of John the Baptist anout Jesus, 'the Lamb of God', the voice of the Father that affirmed the sonship of Jesus on mount Tabor and at Baptism, the works of Jesus that his Father has commissioned him to accomplish and finally the Scripture to which the Jews turned for eternal life pointed Jesus as the Messiah. The Jews failed to recognise Jesus as the promised one because of their pride, prejudice, self righteousness and jealousy. Because his teaching, preaching and living contradicted their vain hope and false belief system. Jesus was a sign of contradiction in deed. 

In the light of the Gospel passage of the day, we are called to analyse our life as Christians, whether it is a life of contradiction or a life of compromises. When we live by the teachings of Jesus we automatically become a sign of contradiction to the world that proposes a value system opposed to the Gospel. Have courage to stand sturdy in the Gospel way, only then can we become the children of God and brothers and sisters of Jesus Christ.

Bible Reflections I 22.03.2023 - WEDNESDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Season of Lent - Week 4

Readings 

           I - Is. 49: 8-15

          II - Jn. 5: 17-30

ST. NICHOLAS OWEN

                            

LIVE BY THE WILL OF GOD 

In today's Gospel passage the Jews were unable to accept Jesus because he was breaking the Sabbath and all the more he was claiming himself to be the Son of God. Despite Jesus speaking about his unity with the Father as an obedient son the Jews were stubborn to accept him because he was not fitting into their set frame of mind. Jesus went beyond and accomplished beyond the man made rules seeking only the will of the Father. 

We too like Jesus may have to face hatred and the anger of people around us because we don't fit into the frame of their set mind. That does not matter. Against all odds we need to assert our identity as Christian's then only we will be the witnesses of Jesus who feared on one in fulfilling the will of the Father. During this season of lent resolve to walk on the way of the Lord daringly and courageously come what may.

Bible Reflections I 21.03.2023 - TUESDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Season of Lent: Week 4

Readings 

           I - Ezk. 47: 1-9, 12

          II - Jn. 5: 1-16

                          

BE COMPASSIONATE

Today’s Gospel passage is about the healing of the invalid man at Bethzatha. The man had been there for thirty years. Neither did anyone notice nor did someone bother to put him into the pool when the water was stirred up so that he might be healed. Jesus moved with compassion, said to him, “Stand up, take your mat and walk”. It would had been a great miracle for everyone to see an invalid man walking after thirty eight long years. The Jews slighted the “stand-up” and stressed on the violation of the Sabbath, “take up your mat and walk”. The purpose of any law is to protect and enhance life. But it was made as a pressing yoke and a great burden that weighed down common men, vanquished their hope and left them disheartened. Jesus willfully broke the law on the Sabbath to enlighten and empower the Jews that love and humanity takes precedence over any law. Jesus asserted on the essence of the law.

In our society too we live like those Jews bound by superstitious belief system, caste system and meaningless restrictions and dividing rules. Make love alone the yardstick of any rule so that we can take delight in calling ourselves as the followers of Christ - Christians. Love, appreciate, encourage, side up for the helpless, live and let live. May our mind and heart resonate with the prayer: “Lord Jesus, let your love and compassion fill my heart”.

Bible Reflections I 20.03.2023 - MONDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Season of Lent: Week 4

Readings 

           I - 2 Sam. 7: 4-5, 12-14, 16

          II - Rom. 4: 13, 16-18, 22

         III - Mt. 1: 16, 18-21, 24

                          

ST. JOSEPH, HUSBAND OF MARY

Today the Church solemnises the feast of St. Joseph, the husband of the Blessed Virgin Mary and foster father of Jesus Christ, the redeemer. St. Joseph is described in the Gospel as just and righteous person. He was gentle and upright. Never lost his patience but endured everything in silence: When he found Mother Mary to be with a child, he was disturbed but as the Gospel says he was unwilling to put her to shame and resolved to send her away quietly. After it was revealed to him in his dream that the child was God’s own Son and that the Promised one Israel, he yielded himself completely to the plan of God. He instantaneously obeyed the Lord without any inhibition either when it was told to him, “Go to Egypt” (Mt. 2: 13) with the babe or to “Go to the land of Israel” (Mt. 2:20). Even today it takes almost a day’s travel by vehicle from Israel to Egypt, imagine then the tedious travel at an animal’s back from Israel to Egypt and from Egypt to Israel! Joseph neither questioned nor grumbled but obeyed God! Nowhere in the Gospel passages can we find anywhere St. Joseph spoke a word but obliged God in taking care and providing for his Holy Family. He proved himself to be a model of husband, father and head of the family. He assisted Mother Mary, brought up Jesus with care and concern, though not his own son and cared for and supported the family with his hard work.  

St. Joseph is a model for all men in his patience, gentleness, care, concern, obedience, hard work and righteousness. He is the patron saint of the Universal Church, fathers, expectant mothers, families, travelers, immigrants, craftsmen and all workers. Today as we celebrate the feat of St. Joseph, let us resolve to imitate his virtues and pray for all families especially for the migrants and immigrants. May our mind and heart resonate with the prayer: “St. Joseph, Pray for all families especially the immigrant and the suffering families”   

Bible Reflections I 18.03.2023 - SATURDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Season of Lent: Week 3

Readings 

           I - Hos. 6: 1-6

          II - Lk. 18: 9-14

ST. CYRIL OF JERUSALEM 

                          

BE NOT A PHARISEE

Today’s Gospel passage is on the parable of the Pharisee and the Publican. Both went to pray. One exalted himself before God and the other humbled himself before God. The Pharisee justified himself and slighted the mercy of God while the Publican acknowledged himself that he was a sinner and begged for the mercy of God. The self-righteous Pharisee thwarted God’s mercy and goodness while the Publican pleaded for God’s mercy and forgiveness. From the parable Jesus concludes saying that those who exalt themselves will be humbled and that those who humble themselves will be exalted.  

Only the empty container can be filled and never the overflowing one. Only the one who is aware of his sin and shortcoming can improve his or her quality of living. Only when one realise that he or she is a sinner and weak being in need of God’s mercy can savour, appreciate and remain grateful to the goodness, forgiveness, mercy and the benevolence of God. May this season of lent help us become aware and acknowledge that we are weak beings in need of God’s mercy and forgiveness. Humble before the Lord and He will exalt us in His own time (Jas. 4: 10). Let our mind and heart resonate with the prayer: “Lord Jesus, Son of David, Have mercy on us.”

Bible Reflections I 17.03.2023 - FRIDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Season of Lent: Week 3

ST. PATRICK - MEMORY 

Readings 

           I - Hos. 14: 1-9

          II - Mk. 12: 28-34

                          

LOVE IS THE GREATEST COMMANDMENT

In today’s Gospel we read one last question posed by one of the Scribe followed by the Chief priests, the Elders, the Sadducees and the other Scribes to Jesus, “which commandment is the most important of all?” As a faithful Jew Jesus responded saying, to love the Lord God above all else, and to it he added the second, to love the neighbours as oneself.

In the context of our world today we are faced with wickedness, plotting, fault finding, injustice, corruption, misunderstanding, hatred, rash conclusions and violence. The Gospel passage invites us to become aware of our own identity as Children of God and to be always united with God in prayer as did Jesus so as to combat the current context with prudence and wisdom. Jesus has walked the way, as faithful followers we shall follow him. He has said, “Behold I’m with you until the end of time”. Let us hold fast to the hands of Jesus and tread our path courageously facing everyone and everything in love. May our mind and heart resonate with the prayer, “Lord Jesus, fill our heart with your love.”   

      

Bible Reflections I 16.03.2023 - THURSDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Season of Lent: Week 3

Readings 

           I - Jer. 7: 23-28

          II - Lk. 11: 14-23  

BE UNITED WITH GOD IN PRAYER

There are two types of criticism: one is constructive and the other is destructive.  In today’s Gospel passage, some people witnessing the mute speak after the demon being cast out criticize Jesus telling, “he casts out demons by Beelzebul” while the others ask Jesus for a sign from heaven. Jesus was unperturbed by their destructive criticism and reaction to the healing he performed. One usually either responds or reacts to criticism.  Jesus responds tactically and traps them with two thought provoking questions: “if Satan is divided against himself, how will his kingdom stand?” and “if I cast out demons by Beelzebul, by whom do your sons cast them out?” He never performed a miracle too at that moment to prove himself.   

Jesus remained calm, serene and responded rightly even at the face of criticism because he was fully aware who he was and was always connected to God, his Father in prayer.  Only a person who is aware of himself/herself can remain calm without reacting to any cutting remarks or curtailing criticisms.  Let us be united with the Lord in prayer and prudently stay balanced at all circumstances. May our mind and heart resonate with the prayer: “Lord Jesus, teach us to be united with the Father like you in prayer and overcome all criticism and setbacks”.     

      

Bible Reflections I 15.03.2023 - WEDNESDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Season of Lent: Week 3

Readings: 

I - Deu. 4:1, 5-9

           II - Mt. 5:17-19

            

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). 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). During this season of lent, let us in the simple acts of kindness and charity try to become great in the kingdom of God.

Bible Reflections I 14.03.2023 - TUESDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Season of Lent: Week 3

Readings 

           I - Dan. 3: 25, 34-43

          II - Mt. 18: 21-35

                          

THE CHILD OF GOD FORGIVES

Forgive and you will be forgiven is the crux of the Gospel passage of the day.  Peter asks Jesus how many time to forgive the other.  Jesus answers – seventy times seven and goes on to explain through the parable of the unforgiving debtor who was forgiven by his master for the amount quite higher than the that he had lent to his servant yet he failed to forgive; beat his up and put him in the prison despite his pleading.

In his prayer taught to his disciples Jesus lays a condition for forgiveness: “forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us” (Mt. 6: 12).  Jesus also says, “Be merciful just as your Father is merciful” (Lk. 6: 36).  To those who brought the women caught in the very act of committing adultery, to be stoned to death Jesus said, “he that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her” (Jh. 8: 7).  Only when we become aware that we too are sinners needing God’s mercy can we be able to be merciful and forgive others faults and failings.  May our mind and heart resonate with the prayer: “Lord Jesus, give us a humbled contrite heart and help us to accept and forgive others”.

Bible Reflections I 13.03.2023 - MONDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Season of Lent - Week 3

Readings 

           I - 2 Kings 5: 1-15

          II - Lk. 4: 24-30

    

                       

ACCEPT ALL IN LOVE

In the Gospel according to St. John we read, “He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him” (Jn. 1:11).  Today’s Gospel passage is about suspicion and reluctance of people in accepting Jesus as the promised one - the chosen race trying to reject their own Messiah from their point of view.  It was because he was merely a carpenter’s son.  Jesus concludes quoting the two incidents: one, Prophet Elijah was sent to the widow in Zarephath and two, the healing of Naaman by Prophet Elisha and; saying, “no prophet is acceptable in his home town”.  

Truth is beyond all mindset, human computation and calculation. Only a broad mind and an open heart are prone to behold the truth without much criticism.  We too like those people of Israel try to avoid and eliminate people in the name of family background, caste, creed, power, prestige, popularity, fame and name.  If we are habituated in analysing all these we will be missing the messiah as he comes to meet us every day and in every event like those people of Israel. Go beyond to accept all without any prejudice. This is possible only to the person who loves as Jesus has commanded.  Let us in a special way pray to the Lord to fill our hearts with love so that it might be possible to love all without any prejudice and analysis. May our mind and heart resonate with the prayer: “Lord Jesus, fill my heart with your love”.

Bible Reflections I 12.03.2023 - SUNDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Season of Lent: Week 3

Readings 

           I - Hos. 6: 1-6

          II - Rom. 5: 1-2, 5-8 

         III - Jn. 4: 5-42

                          

JESUS IS THE LIVING WATER

Water is vital for all life. Dry land becomes fertile with water, plants remain fresh with supply of water and the thirsty throat gets satiated with a glass of water. In the first reading of the day, the Israelites grumbled against Moses for want of water and God did quench their thirst. In the Gospel passage the Samaritan woman came to the well to fetch water. Jesus through the long conversation with the Samaritan woman makes her to discover for herself the living water in Jesus Christ. Nowhere in the Gospel passage had Jesus revealed himself as Messiah except to this woman. The Jews considered themselves elite because they were chosen by God and never associated with the Samaritans. All the more Jesus was the rabbi and in talking to the woman he was risking his spirituality. He never cared about anything but in the salvation of the Samaritan woman.

Today people run after money, power, position, name, fame, titles and the like because they crave for these things that would and can never satisfy them. The emptiness they feel within them drives them to find fulfillment in the things that are temporary. The Psalmist says, “As the deer longs for running streams, so my soul longs for you, O God. My soul thirsts for God, the living God (Ps. 42: 1).” Only God can fill all our emptiness and quench us from all our thirsts. Our response to the responsorial psalm today is, “O that today you would listen to his voice! Harden not your voice.” Be open to the voice of God as we partake in the Sunday Eucharistic celebration and implore his grace to capture his voice and submit ourselves to the same so that we too can joyfully like the Samaritan woman proclaim to the world that there is joy only in discovering the Lord. Let our mind and heart resonate with the prayer: “Lord Jesus, help me listen to you voice.”

Bible Reflections I 11.03.2023 - SATURDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Season

of Lent: Week 2

Readings 

           I - Mic. 7: 14-15, 18-20

          II - Lk. 15: 1-3, 11-32

                          

RETURN TO THE LORD

The Gospel passage is about the joy of the father in the returning of the lost son, the prodigal son. The Pharisees and the Scribes grumbled when the tax collectors and the sinners were drawing near to Jesus. Jesus through the parable of the Prodigal son tried to enlighten them on the importance of every child to the father and his happiness in getting them back especially the lost one. The elder son, with the father signified the scribes and the Pharisees while the younger son signified the sinners and the tax collectors. Like the father in the parable, God too rejoices over the repentance and return of the sinners and the tax collectors who are away from the Father’s love because of their ignorance, sinfulness, fear, guilt and shame. Jesus incites an inclusive connotation to ‘people of God’ - men, women, children, sinners, righteous, tax collectors, rich, poor, great and the least. God waits for the return of the lost, marks them from afar, hopes with patience, runs with great joy when they return and takes them back home with great joy and festivity. 

This grace filled season is an opportunity to reflect, repent and return to the Lord. An opportune time to put on Christ. An apt moment to be reconciled to Christ. May all our prayer, fasting and works of charity help us for a reunion with the Lord. Let our mind and heart resonate with the prayer: “Lord Jesus, give me the grace to repent and return to you”.

Bible Reflections I 10.03.2023 - FRIDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Season of Lent: Week 2

Readings 

           I - Gen. 37: 3-4, 12-13, 17-28

          II - Mt. 21: 33-43, 45-46

                           

SEARCH FOR THE TRUTH

Today’s Gospel passage is about the parable of the wicked tenants that beat up the servants and finally kill the son of the owner too who were sent by the owner to collect the produce from his vineyard. This parable infuriated the chief priests and Pharisees because the parable of Jesus pointed at them directly. Though these people claimed themselves to be ‘the people of God’ and yet rebelled against almost all messengers of God whenever the message was not appealing to them. The same thing happened to Jesus too. They were not ready to listen to Jesus, the Messiah for whom they awaited so long years because they were too proud and were not open to the truth that Jesus was the Messiah. Instead, the sinners, the tax collectors and the prostitutes accepted Jesus and his teaching making the concept of People of God, a universal one.   

We are not different from the Chief Priests and the Pharisees. We too are often ready to accept only the truth that are in line with our thought pattern and mind set. Instead today’s Gospel passage is an invitation to search for and accept the truth as it comes despite from whom or where it comes. The Bible says, “O that today you would listen to His voice, harden not your hearts” (Ps. 95:7). Let us with an open mind and heart be simple enough to accept and appreciate the truth as it comes to us through the Word of God, our conscience, friend and people around us. May our mind and heart resonate with the prayer “Lord Jesus, give me the grace to search for and accept the truth”.

Bible Reflections I 09.03.2023 - THURSDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Season of Lent: Week 2

Readings 

           I - Jer. 17: 5-10

          II - Lk. 16: 19-31

                          

NEGLECT NOT THE NEEDY

The Gospel passage of the day is on the parable of the rich man and Lazarus. The rich man was least bothered about Lazarus, the poor man at his gate. He enjoyed his life in his riches and luxury while Lazarus suffered in his sickness and misery. Lazarus appeared to be so invisible and insignificant to the rich man that he was absolutely indifferent and ignored him completely during his luxurious life time here on the earth. But in the life after his death and departure from this world, Lazarus seated beside Abraham, appeared prominent so to him that he began pleading for himself and his brothers. Abraham refuses and rejects his requests. In the parables of Jesus we find no name given to any person except Lazarus. The name Lazarus is Latinised version of Eliezer meaning “God is my helper”. In the Jewish tradition name signified the character of that person. Jesus would have purposely given this name because, the poor man Lazarus had no helper but God alone. The parable is not against riches and wealth but about what the rich man lacked viz. care, concern and compassion for Lazarus and therefore failed to lend him in charity. 

Everyone is blessed with some gifts by God solely for the purpose of sharing them with the ‘no person’ like Lazarus viz. the poor, the marginalised, the oppressed and the suffering humanity. Being indifferent towards the problems and sufferings of the other is a grave sin and this would follow us even after our earthly existence here. Charity covers a multitude of sin (1Pt. 4:8). During this season of lent in particular, let us lift our eyes to look upon the needy brethren to lend our hands and means in charity with the intention of lifting them up from their poverty, hunger, pain, suffering and misery. May our mind and heart resonate with the prayer: “Lord Jesus, give us a generous heart to share all we have with the poor and the needy”

Bible Reflections I 08.03.2023 - WEDNESDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Season of Lent: Week 2

Readings 

           I - Jer. 18: 18-20

          II - Mt. 20: 17-28

                          

INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY

We celebrate the International Women’s Day today. A day when the world recall the values, capacity, capabilities, importance and dignity of women with appreciation and affirmation. There will be a number of organised programmes highlighting the qualities of woman right from her life to death; the wishes, poems, shorts, video clippings and the animated images the social media carry, simply be inflating the glory of women! If this celebration inspire and induces one to respect the role and dignity of woman, then the celebration has achieved its purpose. If not, it is going to be a mere hypocrisy.  

In today’s Gospel passage Jesus tries to explain about his rejection, suffering, crucifixion, death and resurrection to his disciples while the mother of the sons of Zebedee asks for the seats for his sons, one on the right and one on the left of the Son of Man. Being women’s day let us base our reflection on this verse from the Gospel passage. Like the mother of the sons of Zebedee, most of the women folk spend their lives wishing and accomplishing the best for others, forgetting themselves. They are selfless and sacrificing. A day like this is a reminder to strive for gender equality and justice especially to women. Resolve to bring the status of women to the fore, relieving them from all her bindings of slavery. May our mind and heart resonate with the prayer: “Lord Jesus, Bless all women.”

Bible Reflections I 07.03.2023 - TUESDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Season of Lent: Week 2

Readings 

           I - Is. 1: 10, 16-20

          II - Mt. 23: 1 - 12

                          

THE HUMBLE IS EXALTED

In todays Gospel passage Jesus instructs on what to follow and what to disregard.  To follow whatever the scribes and the Pharisees taught as they were taking the seat of Moses and to disregard their hypocrisy and vain glory.  Jesus replaces the weighing law of the scribes and the Pharisees with just two commandments restoring the original commandment of God: love of God and love of neighbour.  His preaching was substantiated with the personal example of washing the feet of his disciples:  You call me Master and Lord and rightly so, for that is what I am.  Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet you also should wash one anothers feet (Jh. 13: 13-14).  This is Christian charity and Christian living.

The Lord detests the proud (Prov. 3: 34) and scatters the proud hearted in the thoughts of their heart (Lk. 1:51).  Most of us like those Pharisees wish to be greeted, esteemed, honoured and revered.  Only the personal knowledge of oneself, in other words, personal awareness can help a person to ignore all these and keep focused in his/her going.  Jesus knew that he was the Son of God, the Promised One and the Messiah and therefore he was able remain serene at all circumstances: when the people hailed him to be their king or abandoned by all, hanging on the cross.  We are children of God and let this awareness help us to ignore all earthly desires and longings and trigger us to be focused in conducting ourselves as the children of God. May our mind and heart resonate with the prayer: “Lord Jesus, help me to live by the Law of Love”

Bible Reflections I 06.03.2023 - MONDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Season of Lent: Week 2

Readings 

           I - Dan. 9: 4-10

          II - Lk. 6: 36-38

                          

DO NOT JUDGE

A forgiving heart neither condemns not judges but is empathetic and merciful.  The two aspects of forgiveness are: one, it is a grace and two, it is conditional.  Forgiveness is grace because human beings are fragile and prone to get offended easily.  It is the grace of God that empowers one to be empathetic and magnanimous in forgiving the other.  Forgiveness is conditional because in his prayer Jesus has taught us: “forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us”.  Only in our generous forgiveness can we obtain the forgiveness of God for ourselves.  

The self-righteous and the rude, judges, the proud and the arrogant, condemns but the child of God is merciful and forgives. Forgiveness is the predominant quality of Christian living.  We have a path set out by our Master Jesus Christ, who forgave even his offenders and the murderers.  During this season of lent as we reflect on the passion of our Lord Jesus Christ, let us ask God to give us the courage to tread that path of love, mercy and forgiveness.  May our mind and heart resonate with the prayer: “Lord Jesus, give me the grace to forgive our offenders.”

Bible Reflections I 05.03.2023 - SUNDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Season of Lent: Week 2

Readings 

           I - Gen. 12: 1-4

          II - 2 Tim. 1: 8-10

         III - Mt. 17: 1-9

                          

FOLLOWERS OF THE CROSS OF CHRIST

Today’s Gospel passage is about the transfiguration of Jesus. The apostles Peter, James and John, witnessed, heard and testified to this fact in their lives. The three apostles witnessed Jesus on the mount glowing in the glory of God along with Moses and Elijah, the two giants of God whom they revered great, one as the law giver and the other as the messenger of God who turned the hearts of people towards God. They heard a voice from the cloud saying, “This is my Son, My Chosen One; listen to him!” And they testified to this fact that Jesus was the Son of God through their effective life of teaching, preaching and healing like their Master and finally, with boldness and courage gave up their lives too as a testimony to the Truth.

We as Christians are called to follow the foot prints of the apostles chalked out by Jesus our Lord. If we dare to tread on the path of Jesus adhering to his words we become a blessing like Abraham in the first reading. We also become partakers in the holiness of God through our Lord Jesus Christ as the second reading says. As the Holy Father Pope Francis says in his Lenten message, let us ascent to Jesus on the mountain in prayer and come down to reveal God’s face to His people through our act of kindness, charity and love. Lent is a time to align our lives unto the ways of God. May the season of Lent help us to be the effective witnesses of our Lord Jesus Christ. Let our mind and heart resonate with the prayer, “Lord Jesus, make me an authentic followers of yours.”

Bible Reflections I 04.03.2023 - SATURDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Season of Lent: Week 1

Readings 

           I - Deu. 26: 16-19

          II - Mt. 5: 43-48

                          

LOVE YOUR ENEMIES

The tax collectors and gentiles were considered as sinners and outcasts and never as children of God. Jesus picks up their idea and gives a different connotation, an inclusive one as to who the children of God are. He inspires them to imbibe the quality of the impartial Father who make sun rise on the evil and the good and sends rain on the just and unjust, in their love towards their neighbours. He reverts the existing law, “Love your neighbour and hate your enemies” to love, greet and above all pray for the enemies.  

In practicing this new teaching of Jesus anybody can become the children of God. Loving, greeting and praying for enemies is a challenge and it takes a lot of courage. Only the grace of God can give us the courage to love all and hate none. To love all and hate none though difficult, it is not impossible. St. Pope John Paul II forgave the one who shot him, Bld. Rani Maria’s family accepted the murderer as one of their family member offering him their forgiveness. May the lives of valiant saints inspire us to love all and hate none bearing witness to Christian charity. Let our mind and heart resonate with the prayer: “Lord Jesus, give me the courage to love all and hate none”.

Bible Reflections I 03.03.2023 - FRIDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Season of Lent: Week 1

Readings 

           I - Ezk. 18:  21-28

          II - Mt. 5: 20-26

                          

BLESSED ARE THE PEACEMAKERS

Merely killing a person alone is not murder.  Words and gestures too can mutilate and murder a person.  This why in today’s Gospel passage Jesus teaches that not only those who murder are liable to judgment but those who are angry with others, those who insult and those who call others a fool.  Jesus conditions to come with a reconciled heart while making an offering to the Lord.  Reconciliation not that when we have offended someone but when we realise that someone has something against us - a supreme teaching that superseded the teaching of the Scribes and the Pharisees.  Jesus invites us to take initiative for peace and reconciliation.

Anger is the reflection of one’s pride and arrogance while reconciliation is a sign of acceptance and humility.  Love uproots pride, upholds humility of heart and aspires for reconciliation and peace. Jesus says, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God” (Mt. 5:9). The best example for the passage is Jesus’ forgiveness on the cross even to the people who crucified him. It was the people who had something against him that they crucified him though innocent was he but Jesus as the beloved of the Father, the Son of God, forgave them (Lk. 23:34).  As we are in the season of lent, let us pray for a humble heart to imitate Jesus in his love and forgiveness and testify to the fact that we are the children of God. May our mind and heart resonate with the prayer: “Jesus meek and humble of heart, make my heart like yours.”

Bible Reflections I 02.03.2023 - THURSDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Season of Lent: Week 1

Readings 

           I - Esther 4: 17

          II - Mt. 7: 7-12

                          

LOVE OTHERS AS YOURSELF 

In today’s Gospel passage Jesus says to his disciples “Whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets”, a simple formula for mutual wellbeing, peace, serenity and prosperity. It’s a sort of invitation for introspection. All of us do wish from others: love, forgiveness, kindness, respect, cordiality, amicability, esteem, faithfulness, uprightness and loyalty. But do we do the same to others? Don’t we gossip, underestimate, humiliate, brand and label persons thus projecting ourselves as someone righteous? If we go by what Jesus says, the Kingdom of God is already here on the earth spreading the fragrance of equality, fraternity, justice and liberation.

Love others as yourself is the precondition before we could ask, seek or knock for anything to God. In our love for our neighbour as oneself, will we be able to ask, seek or knock in and with charity. Anything asked in and for charity will be instantly done to us for in loving others do we become acceptable and worthy children of God. May our mind and heart resonate with the prayer: “Lord Jesus, give us the grace to accept and love others as ourselves”.

Bible Reflections I 01.03.2023 - WEDNESDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Season of Lent: Week 1

Readings 

           I - Jonah 3: 1-10

          II - Lk. 11: 29-32

                          

LISTEN, DISCERN AND LIVE

In today’s Gospel passage Jesus says that the people of Israel would not be given any sign except the sign of Jonah and the Queen of Sheba to believe in Jesus.   Jonah was merely a messenger of God and the people of Nineveh adhered and turned their hearts towards God in repentance.  The Queen of Sheba had to travel so far to listen to the witness the wisdom of King Solomon.  Jesus was greater than Jonah because he was message himself and greater than Solomon because he was the Word made flesh - the Divine Word Himself.  Still, the people of Israel asked Jesus for a sign in their stubbornness of heart though they heard his authoritative teaching, preaching; and witnessed so many miracles and wonders taking place.

We too like those people of Israel even if we happen to bear testimony to goodness of God in our lives, we wait for miracles, signs and wonders.  This is the sign of lack of love for and faith in God.  We too like those people of Israel, look but do not perceive and; hear and do not listen.  Let us today ask God for the gift of faith so that we be able to recognise Him even in the smallest happening in our lives.  May our mind and hear resonate with the prayer: “Lord Jesus, strength our faith in you.”      .

Bible Reflections I 28.02.2023 -TUESDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Season of Lent: Week 1

Readings 

           I - Is. 55: 10-11

          II - Mt. 6: 7-15

                          

RESOLVE TO FORGIVE

In the Gospel passage of the day, Jesus asks the disciples not to heap words while praying like that of the hypocrites and gives them the pattern of all prayers. 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. During this season of lent, make forgiveness a habit to project and testify to the love of God. May our mind and heart resonate with the prayer ‘Our Father…” and ask for God’s grace to forgive our offenders as did Jesus his executioners.

Bible Reflections I 27.02.2023 - MONDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Season of Lent: Week 1

Readings 

           I - Lev. 19: 1-2, 11-18

          II - Mt. 25: 31-46

                          

GOD IS LOVE

Today’s Gospel passage is about the last judgment.  There are so many divisions among the humankind today based on caste, creed, race, power and status but at the end of time during the last judgment when the Lord comes in all His glory, there will only be only two divisions based on the performance of the charitable deeds: the blessed and the accursed.  The Blessed will inherit the eternal life and the accursed, the eternal damnation. Simple acts of charity like, feeding the poor, giving a drink, clothing the naked, sheltering the homeless, visiting the sick and the prisoners, all done in love has a great power to make us blessed in order to merit eternal bliss.   

“Trifles make perfection, and perfection is no trifle” says Michelangelo.  We need not perform great acts and penance as an expression of our love and devotion to the Lord.  It is enough that we attend to our needy brethren with all love and concern and this is true devotion, the type of worship the Lord desires. Let us not miss any act of charity for it all needs much of our attention and a bit of love. May our mind and heart resonate with the prayer: “Lord Jesus, help us to see your image in others.”

Bible Reflections I 26.02.2023 - SUNDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Season of Lent: Week 1

Readings 

           I - Gen. 2: 7-9; 3: 1-7

          II - Rom. 5: 12-19

         III - Lk. 4: 1-11

                          

RESIST TEMTATIONS TO GLORIFY GOD

Two incidents are vital in the life of Jesus before he could begin his public ministry: One, the Baptism and two, the temptations.  In the baptism, God affirms that Jesus is His beloved Son and in temptations, Jesus affirms his son ship resolving to stand by the will of his Father.  Today’s Gospel passage is on the temptations of Jesus upon which we shall place our reflection.

In the first temptation, the devil says Jesus to change the stones into bread and satisfy his hunger. It might seem a quite normal proposition. But hereby the evil one tempts Jesus to use His power upon himself that is supposed to be utilised to accomplish the will of God viz. empowering, uplifting, liberating and saving the humankind. We too are bestowed with various gifts and talents by God for a purpose.  Often times we are tempted to utilise them only for personal benefits and gratification without even having a second thought about the needy brethren about whom God is very much concerned. 

In the second temptation, Satan promised to give Jesus the authority and power if only he worships him.  To the one whom belongs all authority, glory, honour and power the devil tries to deceive promising to entrust his authority.  Will the beloved one in whom the Father is well pleased be taken up by such a deceit!  Today people are ready to do anything to gain power, popularity and fame.  Everyone wishes and wants to be trending, famous and popular - the amount of videos regularly posted on the social media, the publicity created for a very small act of charity and the number of false statements made to people will testify to this fact.  We always take delight in projecting ourselves as someone great and important, a temptation so difficult to resist. 

In the third temptation, the devil tempts Jesus to fall from the pinnacle of the temple so that God might command His angels to bear him up so that he doesn’t get hurt.  Jesus does not yield to the evil one for he knows well the Father and therefore no test is required.  For anything and everything we either ask sign from God or condition Him to accomplish for us, an evincing sign of our ‘no trust’ and thereby yielding to the temptation of testing God.   

Temptations are quite common and natural but how are we to resist or overcome them depends on our trust in God.  Jesus refutes all temptations with the Word of God.  The Word of God is power.  It strengthens, saves and uplifts.  During this season of lent, let us take some time every day to read the Word of God with the sole intention of searching and accomplishing the will of God.  May our mind and hear resonate with the prayer: “Lord Jesus, give us the grace to be victorious in all temptations like you”.

Bible Reflections I 25.02.2023 - SATURDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Saturday after Ash Wednesday

Readings 

           I - Is. 58: 9-14

          II - Lk. 5: 27-32

                            

CAPTURE GOD’S VOICE 

Today’s Gospel passage is on the call of Levi - Jesus calls the tax collector at the tax booth to follow him. The tax collectors were loyal to the Romans and greedy in charging more to earn for themselves and therefore they were intent and resolute in their collection from the common people. This is why the people of Israel criticised and considered them as sinners and outcasts. From among all noise, yelling and confusion at the tax office, Matthew rightly captures the call of Jesus and gets captivated to the extent of leaving everything and following him with no compromises.

The gentle voice of the Lord comes, comes and ever comes through various persons and different means to us as well despite the state we are in, all in love and full of compassion. How attentive and disposed are we to capture that voice? May our devotions and practices during this season of lent help us to adhere to the voice of God and return to Him. Let our mind and heart resonate with the prayer: “Lord Jesus, help us to listen to your voice.”

Bible Reflections I 24.02.2023 - FRIDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Friday after Ash Wednesday

Readings 

           I - Is. 58: 1-9

          II - Mt. 9: 14-15

                            

LENT IS A TIME OF BLESSING

Fasting is sign of mourning.  It is unfitting for anyone to mourn in the presence of Jesus.  This is why in today’s Gospel passage Jesus says to the disciples of John the Baptist who enquired why his disciples do not fast, “Can the wedding guests mourn as long as the bridegroom is with them?  The days will come when the bridegroom is taken away from them and then they will fast”.  Jesus, the saviour wishes and wills to be always with us.  With our own limitations and deliberate actions we try to eliminate, alienate and evade his presence in our life. 

Lent is the grace full season, a season of blessing and beckoning to return back to the Lord through prayer, fasting and almsgiving.  St.  Pope John Paul II says, “Jesus himself has shown us by his own example that prayer and fasting are the first and most effective weapons against the forces of evil”. May our fasting, prayer, abstinence and acts of charity draw us towards the heart of Jesus in love and self-giving.  At the end of the day during our examination let us take some time to reflect: with all the practices and efforts whether we were able to be drawn towards the heart of Jesus that loves us unconditionally and unreservedly.

Bible Reflections I 23.02.2023 - THURSDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Thursday after Ash Wednesday

Readings 

           I - Deu. 30: 15-20

          II - Lk. 9: 22-25

                            

CARRY YOUR CROSSES CHEERFULLY

Any campaign, canvass, promotion and recruitment would advocate the advantages, merits, benefits, profit and gains. Jesus in today’s Gospel passage cautions of denial, suffering, crosses and rejection including loss of life here on the earth on account of following him and an assurance of eternal life with him in Paradise after our earthly existence, the absolute advantage of following him here on the earth.  

Jesus says, “My yoke is easy and my burden is light” (Mt. 11:30). With Jesus no cross is heavy to carry. In following Jesus alone vests happiness, comfort, consolation, sense of purpose and peace of mind and heart despite the challenges and the trials we may happen to encounter. Dare to tread on the road travelled by Jesus and his valiant followers. May the traditional practices of the lent: Prayer, Penance and charity help us to blow of the ashes and keep alive the fervor of following the Lord with courage and determination. Let our mind and heart resonate with the prayer: “Lord Jesus, give us the courage to carry our crosses cheerfully and for your glory”.

Bible Reflections I 22.02.2023 - WEDNESDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ash Wednesday

Readings 

           I - Joel. 2: 12-18

          II - 2 Cor. 5: 20-6:2

          II - Mt. 6: 1-6, 16-18

                            

“RISE, AND DO NOT BE AFRAID”

Lent is a time of repentance for offending the loving God, a time of renewal of our covenant with God and a time of return to the Lord for we belong to God. We begin our forty days of fast from today focusing on the three ways given in the Gospel passage of the day: Prayer, Fasting and Almsgiving. Basing his Lenten message 2023 on the passage of transfiguration of Jesus, Pope Francis proposes two paths in order to ascend the mountain with Jesus and, with him to the attain Easter glory. They are:

1. To obey the command of God addressed to the disciples on Mount Tabor, “Listen to him.” The first proposal, then, is very clear: we need to listen to Jesus. Lent is a time of grace to the extent that we listen to him as he speaks to us. 

2. On hearing the Father’s voice, the disciples “fell prostrate and were very much afraid. But Jesus came and touched them, saying, ‘Rise, and do not be afraid.’ And when the disciples raised their eyes, they saw no one else but Jesus alone” (Mt 17:6-8). Here is the second proposal for this Lent: do not take refuge in a religiosity made up of extraordinary events and dramatic experiences, out of fear of facing reality and its daily struggles, its hardships and contradictions. The light that Jesus shows the disciples is an anticipation of Easter glory, and that must be the goal of our own journey, as we follow “him alone”.   

Lenten penance is a commitment, sustained by grace, to overcoming our lack of faith and our resistance to following Jesus on the way of the cross. Adhere to the voice of God in every effort saying, “Rise, and do not be afraid.” May the Holy Spirit inspire and sustain us this Lent in our ascent with Jesus, so that we may experience his divine splendour and thus, confirmed in faith, persevere in our journey together with him, glory of his people and light of the nations.

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.