Bible Reflections I 24.08.2023 - THURSDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time: Week 20

Readings 

           I - Rev. 21: 9-14

           II - Jn. 1: 45-51

 ST. BARTHOLOMEW, APOSTLE 

The Church celebrates the feast of St. Bartholomew also known as Nathaniel mentioned in the Gospel passage today. Nathaniel had a similar prejudiced attitude like any other Jew, “Can anything good come from Nazareth”. But still, with the simplicity of heart, forthright mind and openness to the truth adhered to Phillip’s, “Come and see”. This is why Jesus commented at Nathaniel saying, “Here truly is an Israelite in whom there is no deceit”. Nathaniel went, saw, spoke to Jesus and was convinced that Jesus was the Messiah, the Son of God and thereafter followed him.  

Most of us have an opinionated outlook about someone or something. Every mind is prejudiced about every other person because of here say, experiences, encounters, rumours and gossips. We are often adamant to amend our ideas, notions and thought patterns; and estimate people form the place they come, to the family the belong, the caste and creed of the person, educational background, their lifestyle and their affluence and status in the society. In this bargain, we may miss Jesus present in the other person. May the feast of St. Bartholomew, help us to give up our prejudice and discover Jesus, the Truth in every person and event.

Bible Reflections I 23.08.2023 - WEDNESDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time: Week 20

Readings 

            I - Judg. 9: 6-15

           II - Mt. 20: 1-16

SAINT ROSA OF LEEMA

STRIVE TO INHERIT LIFE ETERNAL

In today’s Gospel passage Jesus speaks about the reward of those who strive for the Kingdom of God. Towards the end of the Gospel passage Jesus says, “The last will be first and the first will be last”. He speaks of the absolute equity and equality in the kingdom of heaven. There are some who are saints right from their birth, there are others who take a U-turn towards God at one point of their life time and while there are still others who gain paradise at the last breathe of their life. Yet all partake in the glory of the bliss to the full with no distinction, for God shows no difference nor is He partial.

The voice of the Lord beckons to set our life on the right track that leads to life eternal. To adhere to the Lord’s voice, return to him, amending our ways unto His, usher bliss of paradise, the heritage of all human being created in the image and likeness of God. Some listen to His voice, others neglect while still some other slight the same. When we conduct our life in vain after money, power, possession, pleasure and wealth, the voice of the Lord would definitely interrupt, inviting us for a greater purpose of attaining heaven, the blissful eternal life.

Bible Reflections I 22.08.2023 - TUESDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time: Week 20

Readings 

            I - Is. 9: 2-7

           II - Lk. 1: 26-38

QUEENSHIP OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY 

Today the Church celebrates the feast of the Queenship of Mother Mary.  Pope Pius XII instituted this feast in 1954.  The celebration has its roots in the Scripture.  At the annunciation, the angel Gabriel, as we have heard it read in the Gospel reading, says, “The Lord will give to him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end”.  In the first reading Prophet Isiah titles him as ‘Prince of Peace’ and prophesy that his kingdom would have no end.  Mary’s Queenship is a share in the kingship of her son Jesus.  Pope Pius XII in his encyclical “To the Queen of Heaven” Justify her title as ‘Queen’ emphasizing that she was the Mother of God and the Mother of King and that she was closely associated with the redemptive work of her son. 

In the litany of the Rosary invoke the intercession of mother Mary, calling her as ‘Queen’.  She is queen of heaven and of the earth because she had been faithful to her ‘fiat’ meaning ‘let it be done’ until her assumption into Heaven. Mary served the Lord in humility and obedience even in the most trying situations, all with faith and in faithfulness. Let us implore Mother Mary’s intercession, assistance, support and guidance in our fidelity and commitment to the Lord as His beloved children. Let our mind and heart resonate with the prayer: “Mother Mary, Queen of heaven and of the earth, Pray for us.

Bible Reflections I 21.08.2023 - MONDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time: Week 20

Readings 

            I - Judges 2:11-19

           II - Mt. 19: 16-22

GO AND SELL

Christian living is giving. Giving all that we have and all that we are, to ennoble, enrich and empower the poor, the downtrodden, the less privileged, the less fortunate and those in misery. Observance of commandments may help to inherit eternal life but perfection vests in parting away with the possession for the poor is the crux of the Gospel passage today. The man who wanted to be perfect and approached Jesus for the same observed all laws right from his childhood but he was unable to sell his riches and give to poor because it hurt him. It might hurt his security, status, dignity and pride. Therefore the rich man went away sorrowful not having a heart to part with riches.   

Spending our energy, time, skill, money, material, wealth; and power surpassing all time constraint, power constraint, dignity constraint, status constraint and prestige constraint even at the cost of name, fame, pride, dignity, ego and reputation, just to uplift the poor and those in the periphery, is emptying. This is the way to perfection.

Bible Reflections I 20.08.3023 - SUNDAY I INDRAYA MANNA

Ordinary Time: Week 20

Readings 

           I - Is. 56: 1, 6-7

          II - Rom. 11: 13-15, 29-32

         III - Mt. 13: 21-28

                  

PRAY WITHOUT CEASING 

The Canaanites were outcasts and therefore the Jews abstained themselves from associating with the Canaanites. In today’s Gospel passage, the Canaanite woman comes before the Lord requesting for the healing of her daughter tortured by demon. Jesus tries to send her away reminding of her status: “it is not fair to take the children’s’ food and throw it to the dogs”. The outcasts were also considered as dogs. But she was persistent in persuading Jesus for the healing and finally Jesus did heal her daughter and appreciates her faith saying, “Woman great is your faith! Let it be done for you as you wish”.

The three essential elements for prayer are: courage, faith and perseverance. Courage to face the Lord with the conviction that we are the children of God. Jesus says that faith can move even mountains (Mt. 17: 20-21). We should never become tired of praying (Col. 4: 2) but keep persevering with faith. If prayer requests are unanswered, examine your courage to stand before the Lord, faith and perseverance. Remember at all times that we are the children of God redeemed by the precious blood of Jesus Christ.

Bible Reflections I 19.08.2023 - SATURDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time: Week 19

Readings 

           I - Joshua 24: 14-29

          II - Mt. 19:13-15

LITTLE ARE GREAT 

Highlighting the marginalised, exalting the lowly, leading the last to the forefront and making the insignificant the prominent is the unique and unbeatable style of Jesus.  In the society that considered women and children as ‘no persons’, Jesus commands his disciples to let the little children come to him, blesses them and calls them the greatest and the protagonist in the Kingdom of heaven. 

The innocence, fragility, dependence, forgiveness, guilelessness, trust, reliance, simplicity, openness, sense of wonder, candidness and honesty make the little children the predilects of the kingdom of heaven.  Jesus affirms saying, “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven” (Mt. 18:3).  Jesus exhorts us to have an attitudinal change giving up our ego, anger, pride, hatred, jealousy, arrogance, vain glory, revenge, falsehood and pretensions, to imbibe the characteristics of little children in order to become great in the kingdom of heaven.  Let us with the grace of God become worthy children of God giving up our old and rugged living and inherit the kingdom prepared for us.

Bible Reflections I 18.08.2023 - FRIDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time: Week 19

Readings 

          I - Joshua 24: 1-13

         II - Mt. 19:3-12

ST. HELEN - Memory 

In today’s Gospel passage as a response to the question posed by the Pharisees, “Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife for any cause?”, Jesus highlights the supremacy of marriage, in which man and woman become one flesh, a union inseparable and willed by God Himself. Marriage is a covenantal relationship characterised by unity and indissolubility rooted in fidelity and faithfulness to one another. It is the replica of the relationship between Christ and the Church (Eph. 5: 22-23) and hence it is a sacrament. It is a lifelong commitment to one another all in mutual love, understanding, forbearance, flexibility, adaptability, humility and patience.  

Despite marriage being a sacrament, break ups too are not uncommon today. Couples get separated for silly and capricious reasons. The sacrament of matrimony gets shattered in each one’s striving for false freedom, carefree living, autonomy grounded in utter selfishness and egotism, intolerance at the success of the other, considering the other not as their life partner but as their rival, self-righteousness and pride. A family that prays together stays together. Prayer strengths the nuptial bond and family relationship building bridges beyond barriers turning hatred into love, discord into harmony, non-acceptance into acceptance, egotism into altruism, rivalry into companionship and pride into humility. Habituate family prayer and nurture fruitful living making family a church in its miniature. In the silence of our hearts let us keep repeating: “Lord Jesus, Bless our family”.

Bible Reflections I 17.08.2023 - THURSDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time: Week 19

Readings 

            I - Joshua 3: 7-10, 11, 13-17

           II - Mt. 18:21-19:1

TO FORGIVE IS DIVINE

Forgiveness is the hallmark of Christian living. In the Gospel reading today Jesus answers Peter’s query by exhorting him to forgive the offender seventy times seven, which means a complete forgiveness. In the prayer taught by Jesus, we invoke God praying, “forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us” (Mt. 6:12), a conditional forgiveness. Therefore to be forgiven, one has to forgive. Forgiveness favours a bonding relationship that fosters fraternity, unity and communion thus realising the dream of Jesus: the kingdom of God.  

Jesus says, “And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive them, so that you father in heaven may forgive your sins” (Mk. 11:25). We need to forgive, if we need to obtain forgiveness from God. Jesus had forgiven the torturers and the executioners who tortured and nailed him to the cross and had left us an example to walk his way. Let us follow the way of the Shepherd and set example to the world, as sterling Christians after the heart of Jesus Christ our Lord.

Bible Reflections I 16.08.2023 - WEDNESDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time: Week 19

Readings 

           I - Deu. 34: 1-12

          II - Mt. 18: 15-10

In today’s Gospel passage Jesus prescribes a formula for mending relationships.  If someone sins against us, we have to go and tell him about it when he is alone.  If he doesn’t listen to us, we have to take two or three witnesses and speak to him.  If he again refuses to listen, we have to tell it to the Church.  If he refuses to listen even to the Church, then he can be treated like a gentile and the tax collector. 

Through the Gospel passage of the day, Jesus invites us to try all the means to bring an erred brother back to the relationship. God wishes for a change of heart and new beginnings.  He does wish that anyone perish.  Follow the formula of Jesus and try to mend relationships for the disciple of Jesus, like Jesus, searches for and brings back the strayed sheep.

Bible Reflections I 15.08.2023 - TUESDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Readings 

            I - Jud. 13: 18-20; 14: 9

           II - Gal. 5: 13-17

          III - Lk. 1: 46-55

ASSUMPTION OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY 

INDIA’S INDEPENDENCE DAY

“My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior” is the song of every Christian today and every India Christian in particular.  This day is a great and gorgeous day in deed. As Christians, we are joyful at the assumption of our Blessed Mother into Heaven and grateful for the prefiguration of our destination in this mystery of assumption; As Indians we are joyful in recalling the day of freedom and grateful for the sacrifices of people were responsible for getting us freedom.  Both the feasts synchronize at one concept that is freedom. Freedom is responsibility. The celebrations invite us to introspect our life as responsible Christians and responsible Citizens of India.  As Christians our freedom consists in conducting our life by the Spirit and as Citizens of the nation, it is in conducting our life diligently by doing all our best in preserving the wonderful and unique heritage of our nation, ‘Unity in Diversity’, with the Spirit of “Indian”. 

The dogma of faith on the assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary was declared on 1st November, 1950 by Pope Pius XII: “The most Blessed Virgin Mary, when the course of her earthly life was completed, was taken body and soul into the glory of heaven, where she shares in the glory of her Son’s resurrection, anticipating the resurrection of all members of his body”.  Assumption of Mary is the prefiguration of the destiny of every member of the universal church.  Mother Mary was privileged to assume into heaven because, primarily she was faithful to her call, to be the mother of God and secondly, she sought and accomplished the will the God at all time in her life. It was possible for Mother Mary because she walked by the Spirit. The feast of assumption therefore becomes an invitation and inspiration for each of us to remain faithful to the state of life to which we have been called which is possible as St. Paul in the second reading exhorts we have to walk by the Spirit .  However challenging, trying or tearing, learn to take delight in seeking and accomplishing the will of God.  These two resolutions can help us combat the constant struggle between the good and evil making us victors, conquering the evil as did our Blessed Mother Mary. May our Blessed Mother help us too to be modelled after her as we solemnize this her feast day today. 

India celebrates the seventy seventh independence day today.  As we hoist the national flag commemorating the same, entrust India under the protection and help of Mother Mary that she may help all of us to live in unity, charity, prosperity, justice, equality and brotherhood.  Let us make the prayer of Tagore our own as we celebrate the Independence Day today by constantly repeating: “Into that heaven of freedom, my Father, let my country awake”.

Bible Reflections I 14.08.2023 - MONDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time: Week 19

Readings 

            I - Due. 10: 12-22

           II - Mt. 17: 22-27

SAINT MAXIMILIAN MARY KOLBE

Maximilian Mary Kolbe, the Martyr of Charity, was a Polish Conventual Franciscan friar born in Poland in 1894. Maximilian Kolbe was very active in promoting the devotion to the Immaculate Virgin Mary. He is known as the Apostle of Consecration to Mary. At about the age of ten he had a vision of the Virgin Mary. She offered him a white crown and a red crown, representing purity and martyrdom. He chose both, a foreshadowing of his life to come. He was Ordained at 24. Maximilian saw religious indifference as the deadliest poison of his time and he decided to combat it. He founded the Militia of the Immaculata, whose aim was to fight evil with the witness of the good life, work, prayer and suffering. He also started Knight of the Immaculata, a religious magazine under Mary’s protection to preach the Good News to all nations. For the work of publication he established a “City of the Immaculata” that sheltered 700 of his Franciscan brothers. He later founded another one in Nagasaki, Japan. Both the Militia and the magazine ultimately reached the one-million mark in members and subscribers. His love of God was daily filtered through devotion to Mary. In 1939 City of Immaculata was bombed.  Kolbe and the friars were arrested and were released on the feast of Immaculate Conception. In 1941 Fr. Maximilian Mary Kolbe was arrested again and they eventually imprisoned Kolbe in the Auschwitz death camp, where in 1941 he offered to take the place of a man condemned to die in retaliation for an escaped prisoner. His offer was accepted and he died two weeks later on August 14 on the vigil of Mary’s Assumption. Pope Paul VI beatified Maximilian Mary Kolbe in 1971. In 1982, St. Pope John Paul II canonized him as a “martyr of charity,” calling him “patron of our difficult century.” He is the patron saint of journalists, media communications, the family and the chemically addicted.

Today’s Gospel passage is about the payment of temple tax by Jesus.  Jesus was never a scandal to anyone. St. Maximilian Mary Kolbe was clear about his identity as Christian and as a priest.  He witnessed to the love of the Lord by selflessly giving up in the place of the person who had wife and children.  May the life of the saint inspire us to live up to our Christian identity.

Bible Reflections I 13.08.2023 - SUNDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time: Week 19

Readings 

           I - I Kings. 19: 9, 11-13

          II - Rom. 9: 1-5

         III - Mt. 14: 22-33

                  

FAITH FINDS GOD

Today’s Gospel passage is about Jesus walking on the water. With darkness around, the rough sea roaring and the strong wind battering, the disciples were able to row the boat only about three or four miles with great difficulty to sail safely. They were so much gripped in their problems that they were not able to identify their master who came towards them walking on the water but were terrified. Recognising Jesus, Peter took courage to walk on the water but with the little faith he began to drown. With Jesus the boat and the disciples sailed safe on the shore.

In our life too when are faced with challenges, difficulties, anxieties, worries and problems we seem to strain ourselves in all ways to come out of the same forgetting the presence of the Master our Lord Jesus Christ in our lives. With Jesus burdens become light (Mt. 11: 30). We often forget this and toil hard to sail safe from all that bother us. Instead recognise the presence of the Lord and experience everyday miracles happening in our lives.

Bible Reflections I 12.08.2023 - SATURDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time: Week 18

Readings 

           I - Deu. 6: 4-13

           II - Mt. 17: 14-20

ST. JANE FRANCES DE CHANTAL

Today the Church celebrates the feast of St. Jane Frances de Chantal, the founder of the Congregation of the Visitation of Our Lady. Jane was born in Dijon, France, in 1572. When she was married into a royal family. They had six children, two of whom died at a young age. Jane was welcomed the poor who came to the castle door looking for food. Jane lost her husband in a hunting accident. She was heartbroken and could not forgive the man who had caused the accident. She turned away from all the persons and things she loved. Even prayer did not help her to overcome her sadness. The effective sermon of Bishop, St. Francis de Sales on God’s love opened her heart again and she forgave the man who was the cause of her husband’s death. Jane persuaded Bishop Francis de Sales to be her Spiritual Guide. Bishop de Sales told Jane about his dream to establish an order of religious sisters who would live and work among the people they served. His dream became Jane’s dream and she founded the Congregation of the Visitation of Our Lady. St. Jane Frances de Chantal is invoked as the patron of widows and parents who are separated from their children.

In today’s Gospel passage Jesus speaks about the power of faith that can make even the impossible, a possible one. It was the faith of the saint of the day that made her to forgive that was impossible to her, it was faith that made her commit herself in realising the dream of St. Francis de Sales. If as Jesus says have a little of faith we too can becomes great in the sight of God.

Bible Reflections I 11.08.2023 - FRIDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time: Week 18

Readings 

           I - Deu. 4: 32-40

           II - Mt. 16: 24-28

ST. CLARE OF ASSISI 

Today the Church celebrates the feast of St. Clare of Assisi, the founder of the Order of St. Clair. She is also the patroness of eye disease, laundry and goldsmiths. St. Clare of Assisi was born in Assisi on July 16, 1194. She was the eldest daughter from a wealthy and noble family. As a young girl, Clare dedicated herself to prayer and pious activities. At the age of eighteen, she heard St. Francis of Assisi preach during a Lenten service in the church of San Giorgio and asked him to help her live according to the Gospel. She became a Franciscan nun. In order to give her the greater solitude she desired, Francis sent Clare to another Benedictine nuns monastery. St. Clair along with the ladies who joined them to devote themselves to the Lord formed together "Poor Ladies of San Damiano." They all lived a simple life of austerity, seclusion from the world, and poverty, according to a Rule which Francis gave them as a Second Order. St. Clare and her sisters wore no shoes, ate no meat, lived in a poor house, and kept silent most of the time. Their lives consisted of work and prayer. They committed themselves to radical poverty. The Order of Poor Ladies was officially changed to the Order of Saint Clare in 1263 by Pope Urban IV.

In 1224, an army of rough soldiers from Frederick II came to attack Assisi. Although very sick, Clare went out to meet them with the Blessed Sacrament on her hands. She had the Blessed Sacrament placed at the wall where the enemies could see it. Then on her knees, she begged God to save the Sisters. "O Lord, protect these Sisters whom I cannot protect now," she prayed. A voice seemed to answer: "I will keep them always in My care." In that moment, a sudden fright struck the attackers and they fled as fast as they could without harming anyone in Assisi. This is why St. Clare is often pictured carrying a monstrance or pyx, to commemorate the time she warded off the soldiers at the gates of her convent with the Blessed Sacrament.

St. Clare became sick and suffered great pains for many years, but she expressed that no pain could trouble her. In today’s Gospel passage, Jesus says that if anyone wishes to follow him should deny themselves, take up the cross and follow him. St. Clair did it and has left us an example that the one who possess God possesses everything as she often used to say, "They say that we are too poor, but can a heart which possesses the infinite God be truly called poor?"

Bible Reflections I 10.08.2023 - THURSDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time: Week 18

Readings 

           I - 2 Cor. 9: 6-10

           II - Jn. 12: 24-26

ST. LAWRENCE, DEACON 

The Church today celebrates the fest of St. Lawrence, the first of the seven deacons of Rome, appointed by St. Pope Sixtus II. St. Lawrence was known as the Archdeacon of Rome. He was trusted so much by the Pope that he entrusted the treasures of the Church and the concern of the poor in Rome to St. Lawrence. It was the time of persecution under the emperor Valerian. Many ministers of the Church, the bishops, priests and deacons were executed and martyred. Pope Sixtus II too was one among them to be martyred. Aware of the threat that awaited the Church, St. Lawrence distributed the wealth and property of the Church to all the poor and needy there. When the Roman authorities enquired for the wealth of the Church, St. Lawrence presented the poor people before the authorities. Infuriated authorities, tortured him putting him on a hot gridiron, heated with a blazing furnace and martyred him. St. Lawrence joyfully endured for the sake of his faith in the Lord and Master Jesus Christ. 

St. Lawrence gave himself up completely in faith, for the sake of the Lord joyfully and generously, gaining the glory of the heavenly bliss. In today’s Gospel passage Jesus says, “Unless a wheat of grain falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit”. The martyrdom of St. Lawrence is an inspiration and model to us. Following Christ may cause many setbacks and sufferings but on enduring, we gain eternal life and other pick up inspiration and example.

Bible Reflections I 09.08.2023 - WEDNESDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time: Week 18

Readings 

            I - Num. 13:1-2, 25-14:1, 26-29, 34-35

           II - Mt. 15: 21-28

ST. TERESA BENEDICTA OF THE CROSS 

In today’s Gospel Jesus referring the Canaanite woman a dog reverses the stereo mindset of the Jews raising her to the standard of the people of God as did the Jews.  Because the Jews took pride in parading themselves as people of God.  The Canaanites were considered as enemies, sinners and outcasts. The Canaanite woman with such a helpless background but with a great courage in her heart goes amidst the chosen crowd to seek Jesus with a tremendous faith that Jesus would definitely heal her daughter and persistently pervaded the mindset of the Jews without getting offended. Jesus uses the courage, persistence and the faith of the Canaanite woman to instruct the Jews and include everyone under the umbrella of the Children of God.   

Prayer persevering in faith, shatters the shackles, reaches the royal realm of God and gets request rewarded.  Jacob wrestled with God and got the name Israel (Gen. 32:22-32), the walls of Jerico fell with the prayers and praises of God (Jos. 6: 1-27), Holofernes the giant was beheaded at the hand of a woman with the back up of prayer (judith13), blind beggars effort and calling out of Jesus with faith obtained sight for him (Mk. 10: 46-52), woman with the hemorrhage, touching the hem of the garment of Jesus in faith was healed instantaneously (Mt. 9: 20-22), the centurion obtained healing for his servant even in the off-physical presence of Jesus with an utmost faith in him (Mt. 8:5-13).  Jesus says, “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find, knock and the door will be opened to you” (Mt. 7:7).  St. Paul in his first letter to the Thessalonians says, “Pray without ceasing” (1Thess. 5:16).  Do not get easily discouraged rather pray the Lord persistently, with great courage and tremendous trust, for courage conquers, persistence pays and faith favours as it did with the Canaanite woman who pleaded Jesus.

Bible Reflections I 08.08.2023 - TUESDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time: Week 18

Readings  

            I - Num. 12: 1-13

           II - Mt. 15: 1-2, 10-14 

ST. DOMINIC

Today the Church celebrates the feast of St. Dominic, the founder of the order of the Dominicans. Saint Dominic was born in Caleruega, Spain in 1170to the parents of Spanish nobility related to the ruling family. His mother was a holy woman and according to a legend his mother dreamt of a dog leaping from her womb with a torch in its mouth. The dog seemed to set the earth on fire. Hence, when Dominic was born his parents named him Dominic meaning the Lord's dog in Latin. Dominic was excelling in his theological studies and arts. In 1191, a famine struck Spain and left many people desolate and homeless. Dominic sold everything he had, including his furniture and clothes and fed for the poor. He even sold his manuscripts, required for study, saying, "Would you have me study from these dead skins when people are dying of hunger?" Dominic even attempted to sell himself into slavery to the Moors for the freedom of others. He fought the good fight for the Lord refuting the then prevailing Albigensian heresy that considered all material creation as evil. Dominic lived a discipline life of extreme charity, prayer and penance. St. Dominic was known for his austerity and poverty. He was a leader par-excellence of his time especially in defending the Church and attending to the poor.  

In today’s Gospel passage Jesus calls the Scribes and the Pharisees ‘blind guides’ because they twisted and turned the simple Law of the Lord in binding and burdening the ordinary people. They diluted the essence of the Law but were focused on all that was least important. Even today we find such people who speak a lot about religion but failing to live religion that exhorts nothing but the love of God and love of neighbour.

Bible Reflections I 07.08.2023 - MONDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time: Week 18

Readings:  

            I - Num. 11: 4-15

           II - Mt. 14: 13-21

SHARING WORKS MIRACLE

Five loaves and two fish to five thousand men besides women and children with twelve baskets remnant is unimaginable, ungraspable and unfathomable. With man this is impossible but with God all things are possible (Mt. 19:26). In Today’s gospel we read Jesus telling his disciples, “give them something to eat yourselves”. To Jesus were brought all that they had: five loaves and two fish. Jesus blesses that too little into a more than enough for the multitude, as the gospel says, “They all ate as much as they wanted”. Not ‘each one, eat one bread’ but as much as each one wanted. 

God sees the heart, the intention and the generosity with which we give and never what or how much we give. With God’s blessing, minimum is maximum, slight is surmounting, small is great, insignificant is embossing and mite is might. Any act of love has its own random effect that foster multiplication. Every kind act, daring deed, generous giving of money, means, energy, time and talent, courageous stand against injustice and inhuman act has its own impact on the new world order based on freedom, fraternity and justice. Let us share for a supremo world order of love, peace and joy.

Bible Reflections I 06.08.2023 - SUNDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time: Week 18

Readings 

            I - Dan. 7: 9-10, 13-14

           II - 2 Pt. 1: 16-19

          III - Mt. 17: 1-9

TRANSFIGURATION OF THE LORD

Today the Church celebrates the feast of the transfiguration of the Lord. In the Gospel passage we read, Peter, James and John witnessing the transfiguration of the Lord in all his glory, glowing in dazzling white. There Elijah and Moses appeared to him and Jesus was talking to them. Elijah is a great prophet and also associated with the arrival of the Messiah: “Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the great and awesome day of the Lord” (Mal. 4:5). Moses is the liberator and the Law giver. Appearance of Moses and Elijah with Jesus symbolize that Jesus is the compendium of Law and Prophesy and this is affirmed by the overshadowing of the cloud that symbolize the presence of God. “In the past God spoke to our forefathers through the prophets at many times and in various ways, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom he made the universe” (Heb. 1:1). Peter, James and John were given such a privilege of witnessing the transfiguration of the Lord with the mission embedded in the voice of the Father, “This my Son, the Beloved; listen to him”. To listen to Jesus, the prophet par excellence, the liberator from our sin, slavery and suffering and the Neo Law giver.  

Listening to Jesus tantamount to living the Neo Law of Jesus. The Neo Law of Jesus is the New Commandment based on Love: love of God and love of neighbour. One cannot exist without the other. They are the two sides of the same coin. One cannot say “I love God and hate my neighbour” or vice versa. The feast of transfiguration invites us to transcend from all our selfishness, ego, pride, jealousy, hatred, envy, greed, avarice etc… and transform into persons of love, peace, joy, happiness, tenderness, compassion, empathy, gentleness, care, concern etc… so as to be transfigured restoring the image and likeness of God in which we were created.

Bible Reflections I 05.08.2023 - SATURDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time: Week 17

Readings:  

       I - Lev. 25: 1, 8-17,

      II - Mt. 14: 1-12

DEDICATION OF THE BASILICA OF ST. MARY MAJOR IN ROME

In the Gospel passage today, John the Baptist courageously admonishes the unlawful act of King Herod, living with his brother’s wife. His words were powerful, piercing, disturbing and deterring both Herod and Herodias. Herodias plotted so well that she had the head of John the Baptist on the platter through her daughter. Have courage to stand up for what is right. If God chooses us to be His mouth piece, let us courageously do so with no fear of people who can kill the body but are unable to kill the soul (Mat. 10:28), like St. John the Baptist who dared to point the unlawful act of the king

Today the Church remembers the dedication of St. Mary Major Church, Rome, a great and gigantic church built in honour of Mother Mary. The site for the Church was chosen by the Blessed Mother herself through the miraculous snow fall at that site as she promised. The purpose of every church besides being a place of worship, glory, honour and praise to God, binds brothers and sisters in fraternity, unity and equality. St. Paul in his first letter to the Corinthians says, “Do you not know that your body is a temple of Holy Spirit within you” (1Cor. 6:19). We are the temple of God, called to be the sign of fraternity, unity and equality reflecting the presence of God. In this our living we become the worship, honour, glory and praise to God. This may inherit the wrath of the world upon us and the people of this world may hate, haul and hurt us but they can never prevail over us.

Bible Reflections I 04.08.2023 - FRIDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time: Week 17

Readings:  

       I - Lev. 23: 1, 4-11, 15-16, 27, 34-37

       II - Mt. 13: 54-58

  

ST. JOHN MARY VIANNEY

Today’s Gospel passage is about the rejection of Jesus by the people of his own hometown. Prejudice prevented the people of Nazareth from accepting the wisdom of Jesus and his deeds of divine power. A deliberate rejection just because Jesus was a carpenter’s son and Mary, his mother was a simple and insignificant woman of Nazareth. They did not have a great or a renowned background. Therefore the people deliberately rejected the truth. Pride became their pitfall of faith and truth. Their unbelief prevented Jesus from performing many deeds of power with them. In their prejudice and pride they became the losers. Faith is acceptance and acceptance with faith works wonders. 

Today the Church celebrates the feast St. John Mary Vianney, the humble parish priest of Ars, a remote parish in France that contained only two hundred and thirty people. He took it as a holy will of God and through his life and example brought all people closer to God. Pope Benedict XVI, in his letter proclaiming the year of the priest have said, “In his time the Curé of Ars was able to transform the hearts and the lives of so many people because he enabled them to experience the Lord’s merciful love”. St. John Mary Vianney accomplish all in love, aligning himself to the will of God. The feast of St. John Mary Vianney is also celebrated as the feast of the parish priests. St. John Mary Vianney used to say, “The priesthood is the love of the heart of Jesus”. Let us today pray for all priests and for our parish priests in particular.

Bible Reflections I 03.08.2023 - THURSDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time: Week 17

Readings  

           I - Ex. 40: 16-21, 34-38

          II - Mt. 13: 47-53

BE PREPARED TO BE COUNTED 

The Gospel passage of the day contains a comparison and an obligation.  The kingdom of heaven is compared to a net that is thrown into the sea.  It collects both the good and the bad fish.  The good ones are stored in the container and the bad ones are thrown away.  Similarly, on that final day of judgment, the humanity will be judged on the basis of love and those who are worthy would inherit the kingdom of God. Every scribe who considered himself to be the custodian of law is supposed to match the old and new and make the rules easy for people to follow for the crux of the old and new law is love. Instead they complicated the law and made the lives of ordinary people weighing and tiring.  

We are trained in so many ways to practice the preaching of the Gospel: love, through bible reading, sermons, preaching, retreat, prayer and spiritual and corporal practices.  Examine whether all these help us to be more humane and loving so that others too copy and aspire for a life based on love. Introspect if we will be found good at end of our time.

Bible Reflections I 02.08.2023 - WEDNESDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time: Week 17

Readings

           I - Ex. 34: 29-35

          II - Mt. 13: 44-46

ST. EUSEBIUS - MEMORY 

GIVING UP GAINS

In today’s Gospel passage, Jesus compares the Kingdom of God with the treasure and the pearls.  The man finding the treasure and the merchant finding the precious pearls sold ‘all that they had’ to possess the treasure and the pearls respectively.  They were ready to give up all that they had to gain something great and more precious than all that they had.  

The Kingdom of God is indeed more precious compared to the worldly possessions we hold on to.  If we discover this truth we will be ready and willing to give up our name, fame, pride, ego, grudges, enmity, hatred…and will also be ready to love, respect, give up, forgive, submit…all for the sake of the Kingdom of God.  Give up willingly and voluntarily in order to gain all that is precious and permanent

Bible Reflections I 01.08.2023 - TUESDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time: Week 17

Readings

           I - Ex. 33: 7-11, 34: 5-9, 28

          II - Mt. 13: 36-4

   

SAINT ALPHONSUS MARIA DE LIGUORI

Today the Church celebrates the feast of t Alphonsus Maria de Liguori, the Doctor of the Church. He was the founder of the Congregation of the Redemptorists. St Alphonsus Maria de Liguori was the firstborn in his family. His poor eyesight and asthma prevented him from pursuing a military career and so his father decided that pursued a legal career. He was educated at the University of Naples and at the age of 16, he graduated with doctorates in civil and canon law. He started practicing law and became very successful. But in his heart, he heard a consistent interior voice that kept telling him, “Leave the world, and give yourself to me.” Adhering to this voice he decided to join the Congregation of the Oratory of Saint Philip Neri and was ordained a priest at the age of thirty. St Alphonsus spent his initial priestly years preaching and taking care of the marginalized and homeless youths of Naples. His preaching was simple and plain that attracted many congregants. In 1732, Alphonsus founded the Redemptorists Congregation with the aim of teaching and preaching to the poor in slums and poor countryside. St. Alphonsus had great devotion to the Blessed Sacrament and to our Blessed Mother. At one time in the interior town of Foggia, Alphonsus saw the vision of the Blessed Virgin Mary as a young teenage girl wearing a veil. He had books, articles and sermons about the devotion to the Blessed Sacrament and the Blessed Virgin Mary. St Alphonsus Liguori had written 111 works on spirituality and theology. There are 21,500 editions of these works which have been translated into 72 languages.

In the Gospel passage today, Jesus explains the parable of the wheat and the weeds to his disciples. God sows the good seeds, the wheat and the evil one sows the weeds. Out actions determine who we are whether seeds or weeds. Become like the saint of the day good seeds yielding hundredfold in all our words and actions bearing witness to the truth that we are the children of God.

Bible Reflections I 31.07.2023 - MONDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time: Week 17

Readings

          I - Ex. 32: 15-24, 30-34

         II - Mt. 13: 31-35

SAINT IGNATIUS OF LOYOLA

Today the church celebrates the feast of St. Ignatius of Loyola. Inigo was the youngest of 13 children of a noble and wealthy family.At the age of 16, Inigo left his home to serve as a page for Juan Velazques, treasurer of the kingdom of Castile. He was frequently at court and developed a taste for the material world.  He served as an officer in the Spanish army. On May 20, at the battle of Pamplona, his leg was broken by a cannon ball and he was bedridden for the next year.  During his difficult recovery, Inigo asked for books and he was given the life of Christ and biographies of the saints, topics which he found unexpectedly fascinating. St. Ignatius, as soldier had always dreamed of imitating heroes, but now, the heroes had names like Francis of Assisi and Catherine of Siena. Ignatius also noticed something strange happening to him. He realized that God was working within him, prompting, guiding and inviting.

He lived in a cave outside the town of Manresa. Ignatius began writing about the emotions that took hold of him, feelings of gratitude, anguish, consolation and sadness, while encountering the Sacred Scripture and compiled them under the title ‘The Spiritual Exercises’.  The Spiritual Exercises is a series of compilations on meditations, prayers, and other contemplative practices, meant to be used like a handbook, especially for spiritual directors who accompany and guide people through the process of reflection and prayer.  

Ignatius pursued his education at the University of Paris. While studying at the University of Paris, Ignatius boarded with two saintly men, St. Francis Xavier and St. Peter Faber who would not only join him in forming the Society of Jesus but would also be canonized as saints. Ignatius and six others (including Francis Xavier and Peter Faber) pronounce vows of poverty, chastity and obedience and form the Society of Jesus. Ignatius was joined by six companions when the Society of Jesus started as a religious order, which brought the number of total Jesuits in 1540 to 7.  On September 27, 1540, Pope Paul III made the Society of Jesus an official religious order in the Catholic Church. Its members unanimously elected Ignatius as the first Father General.    

In today’s Gospel passage Jesus speaks of the mustard seed that is tiny and small but grows so huge that the birds of the air came and made their nests in its branches.  From seven men at the beginning, the Society of Jesus has grown so much that they are spread over the world serving the humanity.  Little becomes huge. An encouraging nod, an appreciating word, a compassionate look, a gentle pat, silent presence, a kind gesture and above all a loving heart has a great power to touch and transform the world paving way for the heaven on earth. As people of God let us trust Lord, touch the life of the people and transform the world for the better.

Bible Reflections I 30.07.2023 - SUNDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time: Week 17

Readings:  

          I - I Kings 3: 5, 7-12

         II - Rom. 8: 28-30

        III - Mt. 13: 44-52

LIFE IS ALL ABOUT CHOICES

Life is all about the choices we make is the crux of all the readings of the day. The second reading says that we are God’s choice: foreknown, predestined, called and justified for glorification. The glorification depends on the choice we make. In the first reading King Solomon chose wisdom and; God glorified him to the extent that there had been none before or after, like the wise King Solomon. In the Gospel passage a man after finding the treasure in the field, sells all that he had so as to possess the treasure. Similarly the merchant on discovering the priceless pearl sells all things to buy the pearl.  

In our ordinary walk of life as followers of the Lord, are called to inflate our Christian identity at all times and by all means. We may have to suffer but that suffering worth to fetch us the glorification after our life here on the earth. We would be separated like the fish caught in the net in the Gospel reading for an inheritance with Lord, the glorification, Choose God, Choose glorification to which Christ Jesus has called us.

Bible Reflections I 29.07.2023 - SATURDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time: Week 16

Readings:  

          I - Jh. 4: 7-16

         II - Jn. 11: 19-27

MARTHA, MARY AND LAZARUS, DISCIPLES OF THE LORD

Today the Church remembers St. Martha, the friend of Jesus and sister of Mary and Lazarus.  Jesus as the friend, besides being a guest, sharing their hospitality, love and joy, goes to Bethany to share in the suffering of the Martha and Mary at the loss of their brother Lazarus. Martha beholding the Master on the way confidently says, “Lord if you had been here, my brother would not have died” and affirms her trust saying, “But even now I know that God will give you whatever you ask of Him” and so was it done to her.        

In the trending world of change and impermanency God’s love alone is strong and constant as the Scripture says, “I have loved you with an everlasting love” (Jer. 31:3).  All we need to do is to get connected with Jesus through our prayer.  In times of grief, pain, trials, temptations, discouragement, betrayal, sorrows and weakness, turn to Jesus, an understanding friend closer to us than the very air we breathe. Let us resolve to accept the forever friendship of Jesus as we celebrate the feast day of his friend Martha who served him with much love and care.

Bible Reflections I 28.07.2023 - FRIDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time: Week 16

Readings  

           I - Ex. 20: 1-17

          II - Mt. 13: 18-23

St. Alphonsa (Memorial)

LIVE BY THE WORD OF THE LORD

The receivers of the Word of God can be categorised under 4Cs viz. the Careless, the Cowardly, the Conceited and the Convinced.  Those seeds that fell on the road side can be compared to the Careless people.  They are quick to listen to the Word of God and quick too to forget without any understanding.  Those seeds that fell on the rocky ground can be compared to the cowardly people.   They listen and understand the Word of God but on account of any inconvenience or trouble or persecution, they give up actualising the same.  The seeds that fell among the thorns can be compared to the conceited people. They listen and understand the Word of God but are easily lured by the wealth, fame and name that belong to the world. Finally, those seeds that fell on the good soil can be compared to the convinced people, who listen, understand and align their life according to the Word of God.  

We celebrate the feast of St. Alphonsa, of the Franciscan Clarist Congregation and the first India woman saint who was ready to give up anything to follow Christ, even her beauty and burnt her one leg in the fire pit.  She joyfully endured all her suffering for the love of the Lord because she had discovered the great treasure and the priceless pearl in the person of Jesus Christ.  Let St. Alphonsa inspire to live a life based on love in faith and with conviction.

Bible Reflections I 27.07.2023 - THURSDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time: Week 16

Readings:  

           I - Ex. 19: 1-2, 9-11, 16-20

           II - Mt. 13: 10-17

  

PRIVILEGED PEOPLE OF GOD

In today’s Gospel passage Jesus explains to his disciples how privileged they are to see what they see and hear what they hear. Though this privilege was also extended to the Scribes, the Pharisees and the learned of the time, they refused to perceive and understand because they were self-righteous, stubborn and too proud. The disciples and the marginalised were able to perceive and understand because they were simple, humble and were open to the truth.

In our time we are privileged to have the presence of the Eucharist and availability of the Sacraments readily to strengthen and support us. Every day we read the word of God and receive Jesus daily but we have got to analyse whether we feel his presence and allow him to transform our life. If so, we too are privileged followers of the Lord as did his disciples.

Bible Reflections I 26.07.2023 - WEDNESDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time: Week 16

Readings  

           I - Ex. 16: 1-5, 9-15

           II - Mt. 13: 1-9

St. Joachim and St. Anne, Parents of the Virgin Mary (Memorial)

  

GRANDPARENTS DAY

Today the Church gratefully and joyfully remembers and celebrates St. Joachim and St. Anne, the parents of our Blessed Mother Mary and the grandparents of our Lord Jesus Christ. The feast is celebrated as World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly, from last year as introduced by Pope Francis in January, 2021. St. Joachim and St. Anne in their faithfulness to God and through their righteous deeds were chosen to be the parents of the Mother of God. If Mother Mary is blessed among all women, blessed too should have been the parents who brought her up to the extent of finding favour in the eyes of the Lord befitting to bring forth the long awaited Messiah, the Saviour into the world.

We are living in a painful reality of children discarding their own parents in old age homes or abandoning them to the caretakers, confining them to the four walls of a room in the house or still to the worse, some who are so cruel to chase them out of their homes without a second thought of their sustenance or maintenance at their age of helplessness. The wealth, honour, glory and pride that is beheld are inheritance from the ancestors; and this can neither be denied nor argued against. On the other hand there are children who them with dignity, kindness and love. Honouring the parents begets the blessings of the Lord (Ex. 20:12) for the Scripture exhorts and promises, “Honour your father and your mother, as the Lord your God commanded you, so that your days may be long and that it may go well with you in the land that the Lord your God is giving you (Deu 5:16). Respecting parents therefore is the command of the Lord (Lev. 19:3) that ultimately results in respecting the grandparents as well.

Bible Reflections I 25.07.2023 - TUESDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time: Week 16

Readings 

           I - 2 Cor. 4: 7-15

          II - Mt. 20: 20-28

                                    

FEAST OF ST. JAMES, THE APOSTLE

In the Gospel reading of the day, the mother of James and John asks Jesus to make her son sit at the right and left side of the Master in his kingdom. To the disciples Jesus about his style of ‘servant leadership’ and instructs that their greatness is in serving. The first reading of the day describes about the role of discipleship and the difficulties to be endured on this accord. Disciples are like a clay jar containing the treasure of the Gospel. They are called to manifest the life of Jesus in their mortal flesh. Because of which they have to endure affliction, persecution and destruction but they can neither be struck down nor destroyed, standing study in bearing witness to the life of Jesus in them.  

Today the Church celebrates the feast of St. James, the apostle. James and John were the first disciples called by Jesus to follow him when they were in a boat with their father Zebedee, preparing their nets (Mt. 4: 21-22, Mk. 1: 19-20). They were nicknamed as ‘Sons of thunder’ (Mt. 3: 17) for their fiery temper. James was one among the three (Peter and John) to be present during the important moments of Jesus: his transfiguration (Mt. 17: 1-13) and raising of Jairus daughter (Mk. 5: 21-43). He was the first bishop of Jerusalem. He was an important spokesperson at the council of Jerusalem regarding Paul’s mission to the Gentiles (Acts. 15: 13). In his epistle, he has stressed about precepts pertaining to faith and good works, true wisdom is from God, control over tongue and about the anointing of the sick. James went as a missionary to Spain and preached the Gospel there. When he returned from Spain to Jerusalem, he was captured and beheaded by the sword. He was the first apostle to die as a martyr. His remains were taken to Compostela in Northern Spain and a chapel was constructed above the same. The new cathedral was built in the 12th century. St. James is the patron saint of Spain. May the life of the saint inspire us to aspire for a credible Christian living witnessing to the life of Christ as the readings of the day exhorts. Let our mind and heart resonate with the prayer: “St. James, Pray for us”.

Bible Reflections I 24.07.2023 - MONDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time: Week 16

Readings

            I - Ex. 14: 5-18

           II - Mt. 12: 38-42

BE OPEN TO THE GRACE OF GOD

The Scribes and the Pharisees refused to accept Jesus as the Son of God though all prophesies were fulfilled in His coming.  It was a willful neglect and they asked for a sign to believe in Him. Jesus gave no sign to them instead said that on the day of judgment people of Nineveh and the queen of Sheba would rise up and condemn them.   The people of Nineveh believed in the prophesy of Prophet Jonah; and the people of Nineveh and the animals alike fasted and covered themselves with ashes as a sign of repentance and turned from their evil ways.  The queen of Sheba came from afar to testify and to listen to the Wisdom of Solomon. Jesus was the Son of God and Wisdom himself, but in their pride and arrogance of heart, the Scribes and Pharisees refused to behold, recognise, acknowledge and accept Jesus.  

Jesus praises the openness of mind and heart of the people of Nineveh and the Queen of Sheba unlike the learned and the clever religious leaders of his time.  A bottle cannot be filled in two cases viz. when it is closed tight with the lid and when the bottle is already too full.  When we neglect to seek God we neglect to recognise His graces and blessings as well.  Similarly, when we are too full of self-righteousness, pride, selfishness, egoistic and arrogance the grace of God can not touch and transform us. Let us today ask God to help us to be open to His graces and blessings as His beloved children in our Lord Jesus Christ for a transformed witnessing life.

Bible Reflections I 23.07.2023 - SUNDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time: Week 16

Readings

             I - Wis. 12: 13, 16-19

            II - Rom. 8: 26-27

           III - Mt. 13: 24-43

CHOOSE LIFE, CHOOSE BLESSINGS 

The Gospel passage in on the parable of the weeds among the wheat.  God sows the wheat, the values befitting the Kingdom and the evil one sows the weeds, the vices that lead to destruction.  God allows both the wheat and the weeds to grow together until the day of harvest and at the time of harvest, the weeds are bundled and burnt; and the wheat is gathered in the barn. 

We are free children of God.  He does not impose anything upon us but gives us the choice with an instruction, “I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses.  Choose life so that you and your descendants may live (Deu. 30: 19). God sows the seeds of values of the Kingdom viz. the fear of God, love, peace, joy, happiness, kindness, gentleness, forbearance, tolerance, unity and forgiveness.  The evil one sows the seeds of vices viz. hatred, jealousy, division, arrogance, avarice, selfishness, pride, anger, greed and envy. If we choose the values of the Kingdom we will be gathered for life eternal or otherwise we will be doomed to be eternally destroyed.  Choose life and choose God’s blessings.

Bible Reflections I 22.07.2023 - SATURDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time: Week 15

Readings

            I - Song of Songs 3: 1-4

           II - Jn. 20:1-2, 11-18.

  

MARY MAGDALENE, DISCIPLE OF THE LORD (Feast)

Today the Church celebrates the feast of St. Mary Magdalene, the passionate follower and ardent disciple of Jesus and the one time adulteress woman. In the feast of St. Mary Magdalene we celebrate the caring and credible love of Jesus that is so powerful, benevolent and emancipating. The three E’s that transformed the life of Mary of Magdala are: Encounter, Encouragement and Empowerment. Jesus Encounters Mary Magdalene when the drudgerous crowd drags her to Jesus for punishment. Jesus saves her from the clutches of the self-righteous menfolk saying, “Let anyone among you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her”. When everyone leaves without stoning, Jesus encourages her saying, “Neither do I condemn you. Go your way, and from now on do not sin again” (Jh. 8:11) and thereby infuses in her the life assuring hope and an absolute feeling of being forgiven. Finally Jesus empowers her making her the witness of his resurrection. Witness of women wear out to be no witness at all in the male dominated patriarchal society of the Jews. Jesus counteracts this culture and appears first to Mary Magdalene and makes her the witness of his resurrection for great was her love for Jesus, her Lord, Master and Teacher. In the Gospel passage today, Jesus just calls her “Mary” and instantly she responds saying “Rabbouni” unlike his disciples who had long conversation with Jesus on their way to Emmaus and yet failed to recognise Jesus until he broke the bread with them (Lk. 24: 13-35).

In the world of today, where love is downsized to mere utility and payback policy, we as Christians, are called to reflect this love of Jesus that is liberating, empowering, enriching, encouraging, healing and forgiving. In this way we can like Jesus touch and transform the lives of people around us. With our little acts of charity we can win the whole world for Jesus. Let the Feast of Mary Magdalene make us like her the witnesses of the love of Jesus allowing ourselves to be encountered, encouraged and empowered by the love of Jesus our Lord and our Master.

Bible Reflections I 21.07.2023 - FRIDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time: Week 15

Readings 

           I - Ex. 11: 10-12:14

          II - Mt. 12: 1 - 8 

 ST. LAWRENCE OF BRINDISI

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

We are no different from the Pharisees. We wish to be meticulous in our rituals, rubrics, rules and traditions. Days of fasting, pilgrimage, penance and offering take precedence in our life than mercy, compassion and concern for the suffering neighbour. Today’s Gospel passage is an invitation to examine our acts of piety whether they are backed by concern for humanity, if not, convert your practices unto the demands of the teachings of the Gospel.

Bible Reflections I 20.07.2023 - THURSDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time: Week 15

Readings  

           I - Ex. 3: 13-20

          II - Mt. 11: 28-30

SAINT APOLLINARIUS

The In today’s Gospel passage Jesus uses four verbs viz., come, give, take and learn.  Jesus invites all who are heavily burdened to come him in order to give them the rest that he alone can give. He exhorts to take upon his yoke which is nothing but faith in him.  Jesus poses himself as model and encourages to learn from him, his gentleness and humility.      

Apollinaris was born in Antioch, in modern-day Turkey. It’s possible that while in Antioch, Apollinaris was converted to the faith by Saint Peter, or even earlier by Jesus Himself, being one of the seventy-two sent out on mission by Jesus. Regardless, tradition states that Saint Peter ordained Apollinaris as a bishop and sent him to Ravenna to serve as that city’s first bishop.  When Bishop Apollinaris arrived in Ravenna and began to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ, many perceived Christianity as a direct threat to their way of life and beliefs. People who opposed him beat him and drove him out of the city. Tradition holds that he was found close to death on the seashore, where fellow Christians rescued and hid him.  Despite this persecution and determined to complete his mission, Bishop Apollinaris returned to Ravenna. This time, he was captured, forced to walk on burning coals, and expelled from the city once again. Undeterred from converting the people of Ravenna, Bishop Apollinaris returned for a third time, only to face great resistance again. This time, it is said that he was cut with knives and had scalding water poured on his wounds. After his persistent preaching of the Gospel, his abusers silenced him by beating his mouth with rocks. After several days chained in a dungeon, he was not only ejected from the city again, but also placed on a ship to Greece, effectively ridding the citizens of Ravenna of him. After being dragged out of the city a fourth time, Apollinaris was beaten in Classis, just south of Ravenna, and again left for dead. May the life of St. Apollinaris inspire us to imbibe the exhortations of Jesus in the Gospel passage of the day.

Bible Reflections I 19.07.2023 - WEDNESDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time: Week 15

Readings  

           I - Ex. 3: 1-6, 9-12

          II - Mt. 11: 25-27

ST. MACRINA memory 

BE SIMPLE AND BECOME BLESSED 

The Pharisees, the Sadducees, the Chief Priest and the Scribes were familiar with the law and the prophecy; and were fanatic in the practice of the religion. They were considered to be the custodians of their religion and were men of high repute and standing. Still in their stubbornness of heart, self-righteousness, pride and prejudice they refused to accept Jesus as Messiah, the Promised one prophesied by the prophets.

The Gospel passage today does not condemn the learned, the intelligent or the persons of repute instead Jesus highlights on the disposition and openness of the heart in beholding the truth as it comes. In the ordinary walk of life, people wish for the truth that is appealing, pleasing, and convenient but never contradicting, combating or conflicting their perspectives and ideologies. People never desire for the truth that hurts and disturbs. Only those people who are open to the truth with the simplicity and humility of heart can be drawn by the gracious will of God to be His instruments, all for His greater glory. Let us yield ourselves unto to the truth as we encounter, for God is Truth.

Bible Reflections I 18.07.2023 - TUESDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time: Week 15

Readings

            I - Ex. 2: 1-15a

           II - Mt. 11: 20-24

COUNT YOUR BLESSINGS

In the Gospel passage today, Jesus reproaches Chorazin, Bethsaida and Capernaum because they failed to recognise the Messiah in their midst in spite of his healing, preaching, raising of the dead, deriving of he demons and forgiving the sinners. They had eyes but they did not see and they had ears but they did not hear (Mk. 8:18). Their hearts were hardened and they refused to recognise and resisted to repent, though their eyes beheld the Messiah unlike the cities viz. Tyre, Sidon and Sodom.   

Often times we are similar to the cities Chorazin, Bethsaida and Capernaum. We are blessed with countless blessing. We had bee victorious in so many struggles, we can testify to a number of miracles we experienced in our lives, we can vouch for His presence that preserved, prevented and protected us from despair, depression, fear, discouragement, worries and anxieties, still at the crucial time of testing we are tempted to cry out, “God where are you?”. Try to count the blessings at those moments raising the hearts in thanksgiving.

Bible Reflections I 17.07.2023 - MONDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time: Week 15

Readings

            I - Ex. 1:8-14, 22

           II - Mt. 10: 34-11:1

CHOOSE LIFE ETERNAL

Siding for one is siding against the other. Since the life and Teaching of Jesus counters and contradicts the principles of the World there is always tension, division and strife in the world because of Jesus and it would be continued even in the lives of those who wish to follow him.  In this pursuit, the disciple of Jesus may have to be against their own parents, friends and beloved ones and lose their relationship.  The one who endures this loss for the sake of Jesus is a worthy disciple and his/her reward will be great in heaven.

We have only two options before us: First, to lead our lives according to the standards set by the world and the second, to align our lives as per the teachings of Jesus. Choosing the first option, we may be hailed by this world but lose life eternal that is bliss.  Choosing the second option, we may be abandoned, hated and marginalised by all but gain life eternal that is bliss. The choice is ours.

Bible Reflections I 16.07.2023 - SUNDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time: Week 15

Readings 

            I - Is. 55: 10-11

           II - Rom. 8: 18-23

          III - Mt. 13: 1-23                  

THE SOWER AND THE SEED

Today’s Gospel passage is about the parable of the sower and the seed. It’s about the seed and the yield that depends on the receptiveness of the soil it fell upon. Though the sower and the seed were identical yet the yield varied with the conduciveness of the soil. Some fell on the path, while some on the rock, still others amidst the thorns and thistles and the seed that fell on the good soil produced a hundred fold.

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