Bible Reflections I 24.06.2023 - SATURDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time: Week 11

Readings:  

              I - Is. 49: 1-6

     II - Acts. 13: 22-26

    III - Lk. 1: 57-66; 80             

NATIVITY OF JOHN THE BAPTIST 

The Church celebrates only three birthdays: the birthday of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the birthday of St. John the Baptist and the nativity of our Lord Jesus Christ.  It is because the three had a significant and specific role in the history of Salvation.  Blessed Virgin Mary, to be the mother of our Lord Jesus Christ, St. John the Baptist to be the forerunner of Jesus Christ and Jesus Christ the redeemer of the world.   Today we celebrate the feast of the solemnity of the nativity of St. John the Baptist. God calls us by name even before we were formed in the mother’s womb and sets us apart for a particular purpose with the promise of this assured assistance and predominant protection is the main stream of all three readings today. Zachariah’s son is named as ‘John’, a name given by God Himself. He comes to the world with the mission of preparing the way of the Lord, the Messiah and the promised one.  His life will be tough but as in the first reading, he would reap his reward from the God who sent him with a purpose.  

God has a master and mighty plan for every child right from its knitting in the mother’s womb (Ps. 139:13).  He calls and choses us even before we were formed in the mother’s womb (Jer. 1:5) for a specific purpose. And this purpose is very, unique, different and original for every person. The purpose might be challenging, for to live for God is to live in the hatred of the people of the world. If we analyse in the light of the lives of the legends in the Bible, the saints and the people of our time who had opted to live as per the teachings of the Lord, have left us with one common message: to serve the Lord is to suffer for the Lord.  Take Courage. Dare to live and suffer for the Lord because we have the assurance of the Lord with us, “Behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age” (Mt. 28:20).

Bible Reflections I 23.06.2023 - FRIDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time: Week 11

Readings

            I - 2 Cor. 11:18, 21-30

            II - Mt. 6: 19-23

                

SOUND EYE FOR THE SOUND MIND

Jesus in today’s Gospel says that the eye is the lamp of the body. Eye is the most powerful input and output organ of the body system comparatively. What enters the eye, fill our body, mind and heart and we conduct ourselves accordingly. When the eye is filled with all that is true, noble, right, pure, lovely and admirable (Phil. 4:8), we will be aglow, transmitting the grace, mercy, love and compassion of God and help all around us to walk in our light leading them to the light of God. For example, when Jesus looked up (Lk. 19:5) the sycamore tree to look into the eyes of Zacchaeus, the life of Zacchaeus, the tax collector was transformed. It is better to guard our eyes than to let our whole life go a waste and disgrace.   

Constant trimming and kindling is required for a lamp to shine bright. Similarly, if we wish to be sparkling with the grace and spirit of God, we must be vigilant about what we see and perceive. What we see defines and describes our life. Therefore, be vigilant and on the guard to carry the light of God in our eyes to radiate the lives of people around us.

Bible Reflections I 22.06.2023 - THURSDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time: Week 11

Readings 

            I - 2 Cor. 11:1-11

            II - Mt. 6: 7-15

                

THE PRAYER OF JESUS

Jesus subverts the relationship between God and the people of Israel “we are your people and you are our God” to a relationship of sonship by calling God, “Our Father”. A paradigm shift from ‘God’ to ‘Father’. Through His prayer “Our Father” Jesus teaches us how to be God’s responsible children in realising the Kingdom of God here on earth. “Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need” (Mt. 6:33) is the central theme of the Gospel passage today.

To understand the prayer better let us reflect on the last three invocations of the prayer. The first of the last three is about forgiveness. There is no choice but to forgive if we wish to be forgiven. Forgiveness liberates. With forgiveness we become free children of God. As free children of God we are called to choose between the good and apparently good, the worldly values and the Gospel values. In the second invocation, Jesus teach us to pray to the Father not to lead us to this temptation but to stand steadfast in His values of love, peace, generosity, humility, honesty, hope, joy and foster fraternity. In every temptation we have three choices viz. to compromise, to yield to the world and to yield to God. In the last invocation we plead for God’s grace to resist these temptations and yield to God alone so that there reigns justice and order in the world. Our striving for freedom, fraternity and justice can actualize the dream of Jesus, the Kingdom of God, where His name is honoured and His will prioritized. This is a warfare for which we are strengthened and supported by God’s the Word of God, the daily bread that sustains in our daily journey and we plead to God for this bread to fight the battle in bringing up God’s reign here on earth.

Bible Reflections I 21.06.2023 - WEDNESDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time: Week 11

Readings

              I - 2Cor. 9:6-11

             II - Mt. 6: 1-6, 16-18

                

ST. ALOYSIUS GONZAGA 

Through today’s Gospel passage Jesus tries to alter the human focus from earthly reward to heavenly reward in the matters pertaining to the acts of piety. Since these acts of piety viz. almsgiving, prayer and fasting are attributed to God, they must be accomplished with an undivided attention and utmost concentration solely with the intention of pleasing God alone unlike the hypocrites and the Pharisees who sort for human appreciation and applause.

When once St. John of the Cross was praying, Jesus asked him, “What would you like to have from me for all you have done and all you have suffered?” John replied, “Lord, to suffer and be despised for you”. Today the Church remembers St. Aloysius Gonzaga who says, “It is better to be the child of God than king of the whole world”. Like these saints, dare to have courage to forego the praises, glory and honour of this world and seek after the glory of the Lord. This is the wisdom of heart and grace of God. May the Lord give us the grace to choose God in all our thoughts, words and deeds and prove ourselves to be the children of God.

Bible Reflections I 20.06.2023 - TUESDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time: Week 11

Readings: 

           I - 2 Cor. 8:1-9

           II - Mt. 5:43-48

                

PRAY FOR YOUR ENEMIES

  

The paradoxical yet practical preaching of Jesus proposes to love our enemies and pray for those who persecute us. Is it possible to love and pray for those who offend, scoff, revile, falsely accuse, spread rumors, gossip and drag our name in vain to the point of making our life difficult and disastrous? Jesus is our model par excellence in this regard who forgave even His executioners. 

We do have exemplary people even in this era following this teaching to inspire and encourage besides being a witness to Christian living. It is easy to hate those who hate us but challenging to love and pray for them. Hate for hate can by practiced by anyone but it is in loving everyone beyond our likes and dislikes, friends and foes, whims and fancies can we imitate our Father in Heaven and claim ourselves to be children of God the Father. In the silence of our hearts let us pray: “Lord Jesus fill my heart with your love”.

Bible Reflections I 19.06.2023 - MONDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time: Week 11

Readings

            I - 2 Cor. 6:1-10

           II -  Mt. 5:38-42

               

CONQUER EVIL WITH GOOD

According to the Law of Moses, evil inflicted has to be paid back with the same density of evil viz. an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.  But Jesus, the New Moses gives a new law reversing and replacing the one that existed.  Not to retaliate but to resist the evil doer with our good deeds. Jesus instructs us to conquer evil with goodness.  

If we try to walk by the Gospel passage we might be ridiculed and labelled as foolish and coward.  If we dare to be Christians we should also dare to abide by the teachings of Jesus that calls us to challenge the existing world order.  Forgiving the one offended, walking an extra mile for the good of one that manipulates, wishing the good of the one that inflicts evil is of course a challenge and a risk.  The Bible says “Jesus went about doing good (Acts 10:38)”. With the grace of God let us aspire to go about doing good modelled after our Master and Lord Jesus Christ.

Bible Reflections I 18.06.2023 - SUNDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time: Week 11

Readings 

           I - Ex. 19: 2-6

          II - Rom. 5: 6-11

         III - Mt. 9: 36-10: 8

                  

GOD IS COMPASSIONTE

The three readings of the day speak about God’s work of salvation and his commission to them. The first reading is on God’s compassion and concern for his people. He saved them from the hands of the Egyptians and brought them to Himself. He commissions them to obey His voice and keep His covenant so that they remain always as God’s own. In the second reading Paul in his letter to the Romans writes that though we were sinners, still Christ was willing to give his life as a ransom for our salvation. In the Gospel passage, Jesus feels compassionate for the people around who were like sheep without a shepherd. He wished to save the suffering people and so he commissions his apostles to carry on his work among people until he comes again in glory. 

We are Christians with a great mission of healing, preaching and proclaiming. We need not raise the dead the dead, heal the sick….but with our words and gestures, and bring healing to the minds and hearts of people. We need not go to the street corners or search for pulpits to preach the Word of God but can effectively be done through our own life style. Not our mouths alone, let our entire being proclaim the glory of God. Become sensitive to the needs and sufferings of others and reflect Jesus amidst them through our lives.

Bible Reflections I 17.06.2023 - SATURDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time: Week 10

Readings 

           I - 2 Cor. 5: 41-21

          II - Lk. 2: 41-51

                  

IMMACULATE HEART OF MARY

Today the Church celebrates the feast of the Immaculate Heart of the Blessed Virgin Mary. In celebrating the feast of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, we celebrate her constant ‘Yes’ to the Lord that she once said to the angel Gabriel, the messenger of God at the time of annunciation: “Let ‘it’ be done according to your word.” That ‘it’ made her accept all things as the will of God: the accusations and allegations from people around, childbirth in the manger, flight to Egypt with the new born baby Jesus, the twelve years boy Jesus being lost in the Jerusalem temple, supporting and encouraging accompaniment of his son on his journey towards Calvary, suffering under the cross, acceptance of the humanity as her own children, the death of his dear son on the cross, to be with the apostles in the upper room at the Pentecost. And finally, that obedience to God all through her life fetched her assumption into heaven and the glory of incarnation as queen of heaven and earth.  

Yielding to the will of God is not easy it demands courage, conviction and daily commitment. Mary is an absolute model for our everyday living by surrendering ourselves unto the plan of God. We may have to suffer on account of our obedience to God but have courage and hope that we will like Mary partake in the glory of God if we submit ourselves unreservedly to Plan of God. May the Blessed Virgin Mary Bless all of us her children and give us the courage to walk by the way of the Lord.

Bible Reflections I 16.06.2023 - FRIDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time: Week 10

Readings 

           I - Deu. 7: 6-11

          II - 1 Jn. 4: 7-16

         III - Mt. 11: 25-30

                  

SACRED HEART OF JESUS 

The solemnity of the Sacred Heart of Jesus is the epitome of the absolute love of God for the humankind.  The heart of Jesus especially beats for the lost, the injured, the strayed and the weak; and he goes to their recue with an ardent love and anxiety like that of a Good Shepherd in manifesting the love of God for His people.  The despised, like the tax collectors; the abandoned, like the lepers who lived in the gallows; the oppressed, like the women and the children; the sinners, like the woman caught in adultery; the outcast, like the Samaritans; the traitor, like Judas; the betrayer, like Peter; the religious fanatic, like Saul and everyone are individually precious to Jesus. As the first reading says, we are God’s treasured possession.

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

Bible Reflections I 15.06.2023 - THURSDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time: Week 10

Readings

               I - 2Cor. 3:15-4:1,3-6

               II - Mt. 5:20-26

             

FORGIVENESS SURPASSES ALL THINGS 

The offenders and murders are liable for judgment. But, in today’s Gospel Jesus says that the one who is angry with his or her brother or sister is liable to judgment. He goes a step even further and insists to leave the offering at the altar and go to reconcile with the person who has something against him or her. Through this powerful sermon Jesus enlightens the humanity that love of God and love of neighbour are inseparable and that they are two sides of the same coin. Forgiveness is supreme and that lack of forgiveness nullifies any offering or other expressions of devotion. 

Insults inflicted and words spoken in anger can incapacitate, mutate and invalidate persons to the point of leaving them dead while they are still alive. Hence anger tantamount to murder. Jesus proposes reconciliation as a rudiment to quench anger and foster peaceful living. Reconciliation is to be resorted not only when we hurt others in our anger but also when we realise that others have something towards us. This requires humility. Jesus says, “Learn from me for I am meek and humble of heart” (Mt. 11:29). May the Lord Jesus teach us to be humble so that hatred, anger, rancor, resentment and violence can be resolved in reconciliation and peace restored. Jesus says, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God”. Getting angry is our weakness but feeling sorry for the same is Godliness. Let us repent, reconcile and recourse to peaceful living for we are children of God.

Bible Reflections I 14.06.2023 - WEDNESDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time: Week 10

Readings

              I  - 2 Cor. 3:4-11

             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.  If we wish to be great in the Kingdom of God we have to 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).  In the simple acts of kindness and charity, try to become great in the kingdom of God.

Bible Reflections I 13.06.2023 - TUESDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time - Week 10

Readings 

                 I  - 2Cor. 1:18-22

    II -  Mt. 5:13-16

St. Antony of Padua (Memorial)

           

WE ARE SALT AND LIGHT TO THE EARTH

In today’s Gospel, Jesus invites us to make the marooned life colourful and meaningless life purposeful by being a light and the salt of the earth.  As Christians we have the responsibility to testify to the world that it is in sharing and not accumulating; it is in giving and not in receiving; it is in synergy and not in success; and it is in solidarity and not in aloofness, can we make our life colourful and purposeful.  It takes a lot of courage to go against the current carrying the light of Christ to savour the lives of the people living in darkness and despair. 

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

Bible Reflections I 12.06.2023 - MONDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time: Week 10

Readings: 

           I - 2Cor. 1:1-7

           II - Mt. 5:1-12

            

YOUR ARE BLESSED 

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’, 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 in our choices, may we dare to choose God again and again and suffer for the same so that we may hear in the silence of our hearts God calling us ‘Blessed’ and filling us with His peace and joy. In our striving to live for God we may have to suffer but let us remember that we have Christ with us to standby, understand, help and support, for the Scripture says, “since he himself has gone through suffering and testing, he is able to help us as we are being tested” (Heb. 2:18) and prove ourselves as Christians and the followers of Jesus.

Bible Reflections I 11.06.2023 - SUNDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time: Week 10

Readings: 

            I - Deu. 8: 2-3, 14-16

            II - 1 Cor. 10: 18-17

           III - Jn. 6: 51-58

MOST HOLY BODY AND BLOOD OF CHRIST 

The Solemnity of the Body and Blood of Christ signifies the gradual transition of the Old Covenant of God with His people Israel through Moses - "You are my people and I will be your God” to the New Covenant with us, the New Israel through Jesus, the New Moses as “Children of God”, confirmed in the blood of Jesus. The first reading of the day is about how God took care of Israel in their journey from Egypt to the Promised Land, from slavery into the land of freedom, providing them with manna and water that refreshed and strengthened them on their journey. In the Gospel passage Jesus says that he is the bread of life and anyone who eats his flesh and drinks his blood is assured of eternal life with him. We are the New Israel, redeemed by the precious blood of the Lamb of God. We are fed by the body and blood of Christ that strengthens and sustains us in our journey towards eternal life and eternal bliss. 

The Holy Eucharist that assures us of His continual presence with us forever until the end our time. After the Institution of the Holy Eucharist, Jesus says, “Truly I tell you, I will never again drink of the fruit of the vine until the day when I drink it new in the Kingdom of God”. An expression of His commission in building up a new world order. Thus Eucharist become a sign and symbol of His presence and mission. Become not wearied of the discouragement and the setbacks that the world gives instead have courage because we are journeying with and in the presence of the Lord. Fight all battle in this world with Jesus, hoping to raise our cup joyously with Him at the celebration of our eternal life with Him.

Bible Reflections I 10.06.2023 - SATURDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time: Week 9

Readings: 

            I - Tobit 12:1,5-15,20

           II - Mk. 12:38-44

SHUN PUBLICITY AND STRIVE FOR HUMANITY

The Gospel passage of the day proposes two models of personality viz., the Scribes, noble and respectable persons but mere preachers and a widow, poor and insignificant but practitioner of the law. The former is the model of hypocrisy and the latter is the model of spirituality. One took delight in vain glory the other in the generous giving as the scripture says, giving up all that she had to live on, the two copper coins. It is the attitude that takes precedence over our actions.  

We are living in the reality that is so much influenced by the ‘culture of publicity’. There are so many corporates, consultants and agencies besides the SNS platform that are working for the same cause. Scientific and technological developments have made publicity a click away. Still we do find people like the poor widow, going about doing good out of their way noticed by none but God alone. For instance, during this pandemic we did find ordinary common people helping the affected out of humanity and not publicity by providing physical, moral and spiritual support by contributing their mite. Some have also volunteered to help even at the cost of rising their lives by offering frontline services or by providing a decent burial to the deceased. May God be glorified in their generosity. As Christians we are called to imitate our Lord Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ shunned publicity either while performing the miracles or while preaching to the public. Let us follow our master and Lord Jesus Christ and live our lives challenging existing culture of publicity.

Bible Reflections I 09.06.2023 - FRIDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time: Week 9

Readings: 

           I - Tobit 11:5-15

           II - Mk. 12:35-37

BE OPEN TO THE TRUTH

In today’s Gospel we read Jesus quoting the Scripture to prove that He is not merely David’s Son but God’s own Son. The prophecy about the Promised One, the long await Messiah was already fulfilling in the person of Jesus. But in their stubbornness of heart, the Scribes, the Pharisees, the Chief Priests and the elders refused to accept this truth because of sheer jealousy, pride and prejudice. For in them was fulfilled the prophecy of Prophet Isaiah, “you will be ever hearing but never understanding; you will be ever seeing but never perceiving” (Isaiah 6:9).

We are not very much different from those hypocritical people. We too wish to hear only what is pleasing and see what is satisfying. We even try to shun from our family and friends, dear and beloved ones because their truth hurt us. We pamper our inflated ego, obstinate pride and obsessive prejudice to hate people who are different from us and bypass the hurting truth that come from them. May the Lord grace us with an open mind and heart to understand what we hear and to perceive what we see accepting the uniqueness and difference in every person in our search for truth.

Bible Reflections I 08.06.2023 - THURSDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time: Week 9

Readings: 

            I - Tobit 6:10-12;7:1,9-12, 15-1; 8:1, 4-9

           II - Mk. 12:28-34

KNOW WHO YOU ARE

 

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 first 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.

The whole week we had been reading about Jesus answering one question after another, about his authority, payment of tax to Caesar, resurrection of the dead and about the first commandment, with utmost wisdom and prudence. It was possible because he was aware of His identity as the Son of the Father and he was always united with His Father in prayer. 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 passages of the week invite 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. 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

Bible Reflections I 07.06.2023 - THURSDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time: Week 9

Readings

             I - Tobit 3:1-11, 16-17

     II - Mk. 12:18-27

APPEARANCE IS DECEPTIVE

 

The Sadducees were ‘liberals’ while the Pharisees were ‘conservatives’ comparatively. Still the Sadducees insisted that the doctrines be grounded in scriptural foundation while the Pharisees were content that they be based on their tradition. In today’s Gospel the Sadducees question Jesus about resurrection, life after death, the doctrine in which they actually did not believe expecting to embarrass Jesus, the carpenter’s son and assert their premise on resurrection. To their surprise Jesus quotes the scripture and evince them that there is life after death and that our God is God of the living and not of the dead. He astounds the Sadducees quoting from the Book of Moses, in the story about the bush, how God said to him, “I am the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac and the God of Jacob?” He is God of the living and not of the dead and that they are wrong in their belief.  

Appearance is deceptive. We have our own set mold categorizing people in our mind as cleaver, foolish, intellectual, illiterate, virtuous, wicked, good and bad based on the place they come from, family they belong to, their caste and their tribe. The rough jack contains sweet fruits, the lovely ripe fig often contains dead bugs, precious gold is mixed in mud and in charcoal do we find exquisite diamonds. Therefore go beyond appearances and prejudice to discover the truth in everything, every happening and every person. Give up prejudice against persons under the pretext of their appearances and hailing and explore the truth, goodness and beauty present in them.

Bible Reflections I 06.06.2023 - TUESDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time: Week 9

Readings

            I - Tobit 2:9-14

           II - Mk. 12:13-17

DO YOU SERVE GOD OR MAN

 

In today’s Gospel some Pharisees and Herodians precisely try to trap Jesus asking, “Is it lawful to pay taxes to the emperor or not?” If he says ‘yes’ he would be against the religion and if ‘no’ he would be against the Romans and their nation. In either cases he would be a traitor. The simple fact is that they wanted to get rid of Jesus though they were convinced that He was sincere, impartial and showed difference to no one. They wanted to get rid of Jesus precisely because He was not fitting into the frame that they had for nation, religion and people. 

It so happens in our lives too that we discriminate and estrange people when they don’t fit into our mental frame that is set already. In our pride, arrogance, anger, hatred and jealousy we suppress, neglect or evade others. We wish to get rid of those people no matter how good they are by false branding, negative comments, misrepresentation, untrue accusations, delusive remarks and fabricated gossips. May our emotions towards Jesus, Pharisees and Herodians in this passage help us to examine and align our lives in the path of truth and transformation.

Bible Reflections I 05.06.2023 - MONDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time: Week 9

Readings 

           I - Tobit 1: 3, 2: 1-8

          II - Mk. 12: 1-12

                         

STAND WITH AND FOR THE MASTER

Today’s Gospel passage is about the parable of the wicked tenants who refused to give the fruits to the master.  They beat the servants who were sent to collect the fruits and finally beat and killed the son of the owner of the vineyard. An unfair, unjust and wicked act indeed!  By doing this they inherited not the vineyard but the wrath of the Master who destroyed them and gave the vineyard to others.  The same thing happened to Jesus too. The Scribes and the Pharisees were not ready to listen to Jesus, the Messiah for whom they awaited so long years because they rejected him when he came to redeem them. Instead, the sinners, the tax collectors and the prostitutes accepted Jesus and his teaching making the concept of People of God, a universal one.   

Today the Church remembers St. Boniface, a Benedictine monk and martyr who was martyred because he was turning the hearts of people towards God.  He is known for Christian orthodoxy and fidelity to the Pope.  He tried to reform the German Church as instructed by the Holy Father. In the Frankish kingdom, he had to meet the problem of lay interference in the election of bishops, the worldly attitude of the clergy and lack of papal control.  During his final mission to the Frisians, Boniface, along with his 53 companions were massacred while he was preparing the converts for their confirmation.  St. Boniface used to say, “Let us continue the fight on the day of the Lord. If God so wills, let us die for the holy laws of our fathers, so that we may deserve to obtain an eternal inheritance with them.”  In the light of the parable and the life of the saint let us resolve to be like the servants of the Master who has commissioned to turn all hearts towards God.  Resolve to live for the Lord.

Bible Reflections I 04.06.2023 - SUNDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time: Week 9

Readings 

           I - Ex. 34: 4-6, 8-9

          II - 2 Cor. 13: 11-14

         III - Jn. 3: 16-18

                         

THE MOST HOLY TRINITY (Solemnity)

In the first reading the Lord our God proclaims about himself that he is merciful, gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness.  This proclamation is affirmed in the Gospel passage that God so loved the world that he sent his only Son to save the world and that anyone who believes in him will be saved.  God created the world, the Son saved the world and the Holy Spirit sanctifies the world.  The Church today solemnises the feast of the Holy Trinity, a mystery and the identity of our God: three persons yet one God, the truth that cannot be comprehended but to be trusted in faith.  

God loved the world that he gave His only Son to save the world, Jesus so loved the world that he gave up his life as ransom to save us from sin and death, the Holy Spirit that proceeds from the love of the Father and the Son loves us so much that he accompanies us until we reach our goal ‘the paradise’.  Love is the crux and culmination of our Christian religion.  The feast invites us to love God and in God to love one another.  One of the lesson that we can draw from the celebration of this feast for our Christian living is that the love and unity that exists between the Father, Son and the Spirit should be replicated in our Christian relationships.  Our families should be modelled after the unity and love of the triune God. As St. Paul says in the second reading, the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with us all as our mind and heart resonate with the prayer with the prayer: “Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, Amen.”

Bible Reflections I 03.06.2023 - SATURDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time: Week 8

Readings

            I - Sir. 51:12 - 20

            II - Mk. 11:27-33

TRUTH ALWAYS HURTS

In today’s Gospel the chief priests, the scribes and the elders interrogate about the authority of Jesus asking, “By what authority are you doing these things?” ‘These things’ here means the cleansing of the temple in particular. Jesus consents to answer posing a conditional query to them, “I will ask you one question; answer me, and I will tell you by what authority I do these things. Did the baptism of John come from heaven, or was it of human origin? Answer me”. Jesus counter questioned them because he was not speaking to the ordinary people but to the chosen and the privileged, the learned and the cleaver; and the elite and the spiritual who were on their finger tips about the law and the prophets. They were of course waiting for the fulfillment of the prophesy in the coming of the Messiah, “See I am sending my messenger to prepare the way before me, and the Lord whom you seek will suddenly come to His temple. The messenger of the covenant in whom you delight - in deed, he is coming” (Mal. 3:1). The sick and the sinners; the poor and the marginalized; and the lost and the least were able to discover the Messiah in Jesus while the so called spirituals were stubborn to accept the truth that they were already in the days of the long awaited Messiah because he was not compromising rather he was a sign of conflict and contradiction to them. It was also because of the prejudice, jealousy and hatred they had towards Him - “Is not this the carpenter’s son? Is not his mother called Mary? And are not his brothers James and Joseph and Simon and Judas? And are not all his sisters with us? Where then did this man get all this?” (Mt. 13: 55-56).    

Even today truth is accepted only when it is convincing to our whims and fancies, compromising to our thought patterns and not contradicting our life style. Let us not discriminate, alienate or exclude people and search for the truth only in the people appealing to us. Truth can be hidden anywhere and in any person. Let no preconceived ideas or sordid mind prevent us from discovering it. Let us with an open mind and courage go beyond, walk an extra mile to discover the truth even if it hurts us for God is truth. Those who discover truth discover God Himself.

Bible Reflections I 02.06.2023 - FRIDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time - Week 8

Readings 

            I - Sir. 44: 1, 9-13

           II - Mk. 11: 11-25

LET LIVES BE PURPOSEFUL

                  

Today’s Gospel says that Jesus in the distance sees a ‘fig tree in leaf’ which means that the fig tree is fruitful.  But to the disappointment of Jesus he found no fruit at all in the tree.  So he curses the fig tree and goes to the temple.  The temple is a place of prayer and worship.  But it was made a business centre and a place of money making. The fruitless fig tree and the temple that targeted business provoked the anger of Jesus because they were deceptive and lost their purpose.  They appeared to be what they were not.  

We are the temple of God and are called to chant the praises and glory of God and this of course is a purposeful and fruitful living.  Often times we appear to be fruitful in our deceiving gestures, impressing words, pretention and falsehood forgetting that we are the temple of God.  We can easily deceive people but never God who knows even the most secret thoughts of our hearts.  We sadden and disappoint God with our dishonest and disintegrated living.  Let us take up our lives as it comes and live to the best trusting in the grace and mercy of God.  Let us resolve to be sincere with ourselves, to God and to our neighbours so that God may be pleased to have a residence in our hearts and that our lives may become purposeful and fruitful glorifying the Lord.

Bible Reflections I 01.06.2023 - THURSDAY I INDRAYA I MANNA I

Ordinary Time - Week 8

Readings 

           I - Sir. 42: 15-25

           II - Mk. 10: 46-52

JUSTIN, THE MARTYR

                  

Today’s Gospel passage is about the healing of the blind beggar on the road near Jericho.  Three lessons can be drawn for life from this passage.  One, though the beggar was blind, he was attentive and keen in capturing what was happening around him.  When he realised that Jesus was passing by, he began to shout out saying, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me”. Two, the crowds commanded him to be quite. The more they ordered the shouted even more louder calling out the name of Jesus for his healing. And, three, the gratefulness of the blind beggar.  Regaining his sight the blind beggar followed Jesus, glorifying God. At all moments in our life, be attentive to capture the presence of God; call to him at the time of trouble without giving in to despair and discouragement and finally thank God at all times for all his marvels in our life.

Today the Church remembers St. Justin who gave up his life for Christ.  Justin as a young man was principally attracted to the school of Plato but he later found that the Christian faith and religion answered his questions about life and existence better than the philosophers.  Therefore he became a Christian and his writing defended the Christians.  Justin combined religion and philosophy. He went from place to place trying to convert the learned and the clever by philosophical argument. He opened a school of Christian philosophy at Rome, where he and some of his disciples were finally martyred under Marcus Aurelius. Justin the martyr gave up his life for his faith and conviction in the Christian religion.  We are Christians only when we have faith like the blind beggar and the saint of the day who was willing to give up his life for his conviction.

Bible Reflections I 31.05.2023 - WEDNESDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Readings 

           I - Zeph. 3: 14-18

          II - Lk. 1: 39-56

VISITATION OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY 

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

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

Bible Reflections I 30.05.2023 - TUESDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time: Week 8

Readings 

           I - Sir. 35: 1-12

          II - Mk. 10: 28-31

                         

JOAN OF ARC

In Today’s Gospel passage Jesus assures his disciples who have left everything to follow him of three Ps: Prosperity, Persecution and Perpetual life. The followers of Jesus will be blessed with hundredfold prosperity on this earth; on account of his name his disciples should also endure persecutions like sufferings, setbacks and sorrows; but as a reward they will inherit perpetual life with him in the paradise. Even if we are considered least here on this earth on account of Jesus, we might be the first to inherit eternal life.

Today the Church remembers St. Joan of Arc, a pious peasant girl of France, yet a valiant warrior who even at the age of 13, fought for his nation against the English and achieved a stunning victory in crowing King Charles VII. At the age of 16, when her father insisted her to get married she shirked saying that she has taken the vow of chastity and that she should not be forced to get married. Joan of Arc had locutions that involved hearing divine voices of St. Michael, St. Catherine of Alexandria and St. Margaret of Antioch. She was accused of witchcraft and sorcery by enemy forces and was burnt alive at the age of 19. Joan of Arc was considered one of history’s greatest martyrs, and the patron saint of France. Joan of Arc was declared a saint by Pope Benedict XV. On account of adhering to the Lord, Joan endured to the point of being burnt alive with false accusations. She is now a saint enjoying the eternal bliss. May the saint intercede for us to stand steadfast in our Christian faith with conviction as we keep praying, “St. Joan of Arc, Pray for us”

Bible Reflections I 29.05.2023 - MONDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Readings 

           I - Gen. 3: 9-15, 20

          II - Jn. 19: 25-34

MARY, MOTHER OF THE CHURCH 

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

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

Bible Reflections I 28.05.2023 - SUNDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Readings 

           I - Acts 2: 1-11

          II - 1Cor. 12: 3-7, 12-13

         III - Jn. 20: 19-23

PENTECOST 

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

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

Bible Reflections I 27.05.2023 - SATURDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Easter Week 7

Readings 

           I - Acts 28: 16-20, 30-31

          II - Jn. 21: 20-25

LIFE IS THE GREATEST GIFT OF GOD

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

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

Bible Reflections I 26.05.2023 - FRIDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Easter Week 7

I Reading: Acts 25: 13-21

Gospel: Jh. 21: 15-19

St. Philip Neri (memorial)

LOVE GOD SERVE NEIGHBOUR 

Today the Chirch celebrates the feast of St. Phillip Neri an ardent priest who dedicated his life for the poor and the youth. Don Bosco picked up the spirituality of Phillip Neri in his work among the young in their salvation of souls. He wished to come to India as a missionary but through a dream he was directed to stay in Rome. He cared so much for the youth, found safe place for them and was particularly concerned in securing a place for them in heaven. Pope Gregory XIV tried to make him a cardinal but Philip Neri declined and dedicated himself for the cause of the poor poor people. He sat at the confessional for hours bringing down God's forgiveness on the people. 

In today's Gosple passage Jesus asks Peter whether he loves him three times and every time time when Peter said that he loved Jesus, he was entrusting to him the mission of tending taking care of his people. The one who loves God ought to reflect the same in his love for his neighbour. St. Phillip Neri too had done it. Let us too do the same and witness our love for the Lord in our acts of live for our neighbour.

Bible Reflections I 25.05.2023 - THURSDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Easter Week 7

Readings 

           I - Acts 22: 30; 23: 6-11

          II - Jn. 17: 20-26

SEEK FOR UNITY IN LOVE

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

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

Bible Reflections I 24.05.2023 - WEDNESDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Easter Week 7

Readings 

           I - Acts 20: 28-38

          II - Jn. 17: 11-19

FEAST OF MARY HELP OF CHRISTANS

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

Today we celebrate the feast of Mary, Help of Christians, a devotion so dear to the heart of Don Bosco. In his biography Don Bosco writes the Salesian Congregation, “The principal objective is to promote veneration of the Blessed Sacrament and devotion to Mary, Help of Christians”. Mary is invoked under this title because she had given victory to the Church from its oppressors. Let us intercede with this heavenly queen to teach us to live by the promptings of the Holy Spirit in docility, trust and love as she did so that we are effective disciples of his son and our Lord Jesus Christ. Let us keep repeating the prayer as often as possible in the silence of our hearts for our various intentions and that of the Church: “Mary, Help of Christians, Pray for us”.

Bible Reflections I 23.05.2023 - TUESDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Easter Week 7

Readings 

           I - Acts 20: 17-27

          II - Jn. 17: 1-11

GLORIFY THE LORD

The Gospel passage of the day, the prayer of Jesus consists of two parts: in the first part Jesus expresses about is communion with the Father and in the second part Jesus prays for his disciples who believed in him because of the words of Jesus that was from his Father. Jesus all through his life glorified his Father in all his words and works. His prime concern was this and Jesus wanted that his disciples too be like him giving glory to the Father in Heaven and this is why he prays not for all but for his disciples because the disciples are called to imitate their masters.

In the light of the Gospel passage of day, let us examine our lives. In all that we do and say we are called to bear witness to the Lord and this is glorification to the Father. May our life of witness bring many more people to God our Father.

Bible Reflections I 22.05.2023 - MONDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Easter Week 7

Readings 

           I - Acts 19: 1-8

          II - Jn. 16: 29-33

IN JESUS IS OUR VICTORY

Today’s Gospel passage is about the consolation and courage given by Jesus to his disciples. Though fear prevents from standing for Jesus, Jesus encourages to stand up for the truth that will fill the heart which the world can never give. Jesus says that in the world there is tribulation but in Jesus there will always be peace and victory because he has conquered the world of darkness. 

At the face of trials and sufferings we are prone to loose heart and get trapped in fear and discouragement. Take heart Jesus has conquered the world of injustice, violence, hatred, selfishness and falsehood. Stand up for what is right and the Lord will be at our side to give us his strength to stand up and victory in the battle against all that is not of G0d.

Bible Reflections I 2105.2023 - SUNDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Easter Week 7

Readings 

           I - Acts 1: 1-11

          II - Eph. 1: 17-23

         III - Mt. 28: 16-20

 ASCENSION OF THE LORD

Today the Church solemnises the ascension of the Lord that assures us of our hope in the resurrection and the life eternal. The streamline of the three readings of the day is about the promise of the Father: the Holy Spirit.  The first reading says that the Holy Spirit will come upon the disciples and make them witnesses beginning from Jerusalem to the ends of the earth.  In the second reading, St. Paul says that the Holy Spirit, the Spirit of Wisdom would enlighten our hearts in the hope that we are sharers in the glory of Christ and the glorious inheritance among the saints through faith in Jesus Christ.  Through our witnessing life as Jesus says in the Gospel passage we are called to make everyone the disciples of Jesus through our words, deed and very life itself.

The feast of the ascension of Jesus is celebrated as World Communication Day, established by Pope Paul VI in the year 1967.  This was solely to encourage the Church to use the means of social communication for the proclamation of the Gospel message.  Thank God for the availability of channels and all other social networks that constantly keep taking the message of Christ to the world.  Let us also on this day allow ourselves to be enamored, enriched and empowered by the Holy Spirit so that our life itself becomes a medium of communication in the proclamation of the Gospel message: Jesus Christ.  May our mind and heart resonate with the prayer: “Lord Jesus, fill me with your Spirit so that I become an effective messenger of the Good News”

Bible Reflections I 20.05.2023 - SATURDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Easter Week 6

Readings 

           I - Acts 18: 23-28

          II - Jn. 16: 23-28

JESUS IS THE LORD

The first reading of the day is about a Jew named Apollos, native of Alexandria. He spoke boldly in the synagogue and powerfully refuted the Jews showing by the Scriptures that the Messiah is Jesus. He spoke with great conviction and burning enthusiasm though he knew only about the baptism of John. Many were convinced with the preaching of Apollos and accepted Christ as the Messiah.

 

Personal conviction leads to public proclamation. We are Christians baptised with the conviction that Jesus is the Lord. This conviction should be evinced by our commitment to proclaim Christ through our witnessing life for action speaks louder than words. Proclaim Christ not merely through words but by credible Christian living. May our mind and heart resonate with the prayer: “Lord Jesus, help us to proclaim you to others more by our credible living”

Bible Reflections I 19.05.2023 - FRIDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Easter Week 6

Readings 

           I - Acts 18: 9-18

          II - Jn. 16: 20-23

YOUR SORROW WILL TURN INTO JOY

“Your sorrow will turn into joy” is the crux of the Gospel passage of the day. With the birth of the child the pangs of the mother is gone. She forgets the anguish in the joy of bringing forth a life into this world. Sufferings endured for a cause are forgotten with the achievement of that cause. In the letter to the Hebrews we read, “Jesus endured the cross for the joy set before him, scorning its shame” (Heb. 12: 12). Jesus endured suffering and shame for the sake of our salvation. St. Paul in his letter to Timothy says, “I endure all things for the sake of those chosen by God, that they too may obtain salvation in Christ Jesus and its eternal glory” (2 Tim. 2: 10).   

To acquire a place in the Kingdom of God we have to align our lives unto the life and teachings of the Lord. In aligning our lives unto the ways of Christ we become aliens to the values of the world and we have to but endure suffering. Jesus promises, “Your sorrow will turn into joy”. Therefore let us dare to love not hate, forgive in the place of revenge, be selfless amidst the selfish world, choose to be humble instead of being proud and arrogant, share instead of accumulating and be considerate in all things, with all persons and at all times in imitating Christ our model. May our mind and heart resonate with the prayer: “Lord Jesus, thank you for your encouraging promises”.

Bible Reflections I 17.03.2023 - THURSDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Readings 

           I - Acts 18: 1-8

          II - Jn. 16: 16-20

 BE AN EFFECTIVE MESSENGERS OF GOD

John the evangelist says, “He came to His own and those who were His own did not receive Him” (Jn. 1: 11). In the first reading, Paul, at Corinth proclaimed the Word of God and testified to the Jews that Jesus was the Messiah. In their stubbornness of heart they opposed and reviled him. Therefore he left them and went to the Gentiles at Corinth. Many believed and got baptised. 

St. Paul inspire us to bear witness to Christ through our credible Christian living. He preached from and through their life. In the light of his lives let us examine our word and deeds to find out if they bore witness to the Jesus we believe and proclaim. St. Paul lived what he preached. If we were to be like him, we can inspire and turn many people towards God. Let us not be stubborn like the Jews of Corinth but be open to the truth around us. May our mind and heart resonate with the prayer: “Lord Jesus, help me to be your powerful messenger in my words and actions”.

Bible Reflections I 17.05.2023 - WEDNESDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Easter Week 6

Readings 

           I - Acts 17: 15, 22-18: 1

          II - Jn. 16: 12-15

                  

BE LED BY THE SPIRIT

St. Paul was a vehement preacher, convinced Christian, passionate apostle and an ardent missionary. He toiled hard to take the Gospel to the ends of the earth. He grabbed every opportunity to preach and announce the Good News. In today’s first reading, we read how Paul introduced Christ to the people of Athens. When Paul saw the altar with an inscription, “To the unknown God”, he convinced them that ‘the unknown God’ was Christ Jesus, the Lord and in him we live and move and have our being, and insisted them on repentance and conversion.  

In the light of the reading let us examine our lives. Though we have ample opportunities to proclaim Christ, we often fail to do so for various reasons. Take some quite moments today to examine why we are hesitant in proclaiming Christ to others. ‘Action speak louder than words’ - It would be more effective if we proclaim Christ through our credible Christian living. May our mind and heart resonate with the prayer: “Lord Jesus, help us to be your authentic apostle”

Bible Reflections I 16.05.2023 - TUESDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Easter Week 6

Readings 

           I - Acts 16: 22-34

          II - Jn. 16: 5-11

                  

ALLOW TO BE LED BY THE SPIRIT

The Holy Spirit is God, the Sanctifier and His work is to make us all holy. It is for this reason that he convicts on: sin, righteousness and judgment; concerning God’s love, God’s truth and conviction to stand before the judgment of God. They are simple and interrelated.  

When we become aware of God’s love we become aware of our sinfulness leading to repentance and conversion to stand by the truth of God. This will lead us to face the judgment of God that is truth. Surrender to the Holy Spirit, turn away from sinfulness, tread on the way of the Lord and face the judgment of the Lord with courage and conviction.

Bible Reflections I 15.05.2023 - MONDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Easter Week 6

Readings 

           I - Acts 16: 11-15

          II - Jn. 15: 26 - 16: 4

THE HOLY SPIRIT IS OUR HELPER

In today’s Gospel passage, Jesus alerts us of the persecution and suffering we have to endure on account of him. Killing the people of God as ‘Service to God’ existed even before Christ, with Christ and that will follow even after Christ. We need not worry or despair because he would not leave us orphans but would give us a helper, the Holy Spirit who will lead us to the truth and help us bear witness to the same.  

Do not be panicked place all your trust in the great promise of the Lord: the Holy Spirit, the advocate, guide, counsellor and helper close at hand. He will fill us with his courage and help us bear witness to the life and teaching of the Christ through our lives. Let our mind and heart resonate with the prayer: “Thank you Lord for the gift of the Holy Spirit”.

Bible Reflections I 14.05.2023 - SUNDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Easter Week 6

Readings 

           I - Acts 8: 3-8, 14-17

          II - I Pt. 3: 15-18

         III - Jh. 14: 15-21

         

GOD IS OUR FATHER

Today’s Gospel passage is a prelude to the ascension of the Lord we are about to celebrate in a week’s time. He assures the disciples of a place with him in the Father’s place. Meanwhile he insists that we keep his commandments until he comes again in glory to take us all back. Jesus also promises for a helper, the Holy Spirit who will guide us in this pursuit. Jesus has not abandoned us with his ascension but has given us the Holy Spirit in his place to accompany us in our journey towards him.

God plans so meticulously for us as a Father to his children. He knows are strength, weakness, ups, downs, abilities and potentials. If our vision and ambition align with his plan for us he would definitely bring it to perfection. When we fail in our pursuit, trust God more and when we succeed thank God more because we are His children. Let our mind and heart resonate with the prayer, “Father, help us to trust you at all times”.

Bible Reflections I 13.05.2023 - SATURDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Easter Week 5

Readings 

           I - Acts 15: 22-31

          II - Jh. 15: 12-17

         FEAST OF OUR LADY OF FATHIMA 

In today’s Gospel passage Jesus says, “You are my friends if you do what I command you” and his commandment is this, “Love one another as I have loved you”. The love of Jesus for us is the benchmark for our love towards our neighbour. Jesus loved everyone, the sinners, the fault finders, the conspirators and executioners. His was never discriminant in his love.  

We know who we are. We are sinful, weak, wretched and fragile, still we experience that God loves us unconditionally. Jesus wants us to exercise this love towards our neighbour. In this way we become witnesses of God’s love to everyone around us. May our mind and heart resonate with the prayer: “Lord Jesus, give us the grace to be the witnesses of your love”

Bible Reflections I 11.05.2023 - FRIDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Easter Week 5

Readings 

           I - Acts 15: 22-31

          II - Jh. 15: 12-17

                  

WITNESSES OF GOD’S LOVE

In today’s Gospel passage Jesus says, “You are my friends if you do what I command you” and his commandment is this, “Love one another as I have loved you”.  The love of Jesus for us is the benchmark for our love towards our neighbour.  Jesus loved everyone, the sinners, the fault finders, the conspirators and executioners.  His was never discriminant in his love.  

We know who we are.  We are sinful, weak, wretched and fragile, still we experience that God loves us unconditionally.  Jesus wants us to exercise this love towards our neighbour.  In this way we become witnesses of God’s love to everyone around us.  May our mind and heart resonate with the prayer: “Lord Jesus, give us the grace to be the witnesses of your love to our neighbours”

Bible Reflections I 11.05.2023 - THURSDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Easter Week 5

Readings 

           I - Acts 15: 7-21

          II - Jh. 15: 9-11

         

REMAIN IN GOD’S LOVE

In yesterday’s Gospel passage Jesus invited us to remain in his love and in today’s Gospel passage Jesus prescribes the methodology to be united in his love viz., to abide in his love. Abiding in God’s love is keeping his commandments: love of God and love of neighbour for one cannot exist without the other.

People take upon themselves round the clock prayer practices, pilgrimage, fasting and abstinences to prove their love for God but deliberately neglect to help the needy neighbour in the next door. One who says that he/she loves God and does not love the neighbour is a liar (1Jn. 4: 20). Therefore in loving our neighbour we love God and vice versa and this is what is abiding in God’s love. May our mind heart resonate with the prayer, “Lord Jesus, give us the grace to abide in your love”