Friday, March 4, 2022

Bible Reflections I 05.03.2022 - Saturday I Indraya Manna I

Saturday after Ash Wednesday

Readings 
           I - Is. 58: 9-14
          II - Lk. 5: 27-32
                            
LISTEN TO HIS VOICE

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

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

Thursday, March 3, 2022

Bible Reflections I 04.03.2022 - Friday I Indraya Manna I

Friday after Ash Wednesday

Readings 
           I - Is. 58: 1-9
          II - Mt. 9: 14-1
                            
COME BACK TO THE LORD

Fasting is sign of mourning.  It is unfitting for anyone to mourn in the presence of Jesus.  This is why in today’s Gospel passage Jesus says to the disciples of John the Baptist who enquired why his disciples do not fast, “Can the wedding guests mourn as long as the bridegroom is with them?  The days will come when the bridegroom is taken away from them and then they will fast”.  Jesus, the saviour wishes and wills to be always with us.  But with our anger, jealousy, hatred, pride, ego, selfishness and greed we try to eliminate, alienate and evade his presence in our life.  Lent is the grace full season, a season of blessing and beckoning to return back to the Lord through prayer, fasting and almsgiving.  

St.  Pope John Paul II says, “Jesus himself has shown us by his own example that prayer and fasting are the first and most effective weapons against the forces of evil”. May our fasting, prayer, abstinence and acts of charity draw us towards the heart of Jesus in love and self-giving.  At the end of the day take some time to reflect with all the practices and efforts whether we were able to be drawn towards the heart of Jesus that loves us unconditionally and unreservedly.  May our mind and heart resonate with the prayer: “Draw me close to your love Lord”

Wednesday, March 2, 2022

Bible Reflections I 03.03.2022 - Thursday I Indraya Manna I

Thursday after Ash Wednesday

Readings 
           I - Deu. 30: 15-20
          II - Lk. 9: 22-25
                          
CARRY YOUR CROSSES CHEERFULLY

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

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

Tuesday, March 1, 2022

Bible Reflections I 02.03.2022 - Wednesday I Indraya Manna I

Ash Wednesday

Readings 
           I - Joel. 2: 12-18
          II - 2 Cor. 5: 20-6:2
          II - Mt. 6: 1-6, 16-18
                        
RETURN TO THE LORD

Lent is a time of repentance for offending the loving God, a time of renewal of our covenant with God and a time of return to the Lord for we belong to God.  We begin our forty days of fast from today focusing on the three ways given in the Gospel passage of the day: Prayer, Fasting and Alms giving. Pope Francis has based his message for lent 2022 on the verses from St. Paul’s letter to the Galatians, “Let us not grow tired of doing good, for in due time we shall reap our harvest, if we do not give up.  So then, while we have the opportunity, let us do good to all” (6:9-10) and connects to the traditional Lenten practices:

• “Let us not grow tired of praying” - realising we need God and others.
• “Let us not grow tired of uprooting evil from our lives” - embracing fasting to fortify ourselves from the battle against sin
• “Let us not grow tired of doing good” - giving joyfully and generously to those in need.

The methodology is prescribed by Jesus: all in patience, silence and secrecy without much publicity unlike the hypocrites, known and noticed only by the Father in Heaven and be rewarded by Him alone.  Let us all through the lent remember the words of Pope Francis in order to yield hundredfold, “the soil is prepared by fasting, watered by prayer and enriched by charity”.  May our mind and heart resonate with the prayer: “Lord help me never grow tired of praying, uprooting evil from my life and doing good to others”

Monday, February 28, 2022

Bible Reflections I 01.03.2022 - Tuesday I Indraya Manna I

Ordinary Time - Week 8

Readings 
           I - 1Pt. 1: 10-16
          II - Mk. 10: 28-31
                          
GIVE UP ALL TO GAIN ALL

Profit, benefit, reward and return are all the normal expectations of anyone who wishes to part with anything for a purpose or a cause. The ‘one thing necessary’ – 'to sell’ or to give up, of Jesus to the rich young man would have stirred up the mind of impetuous Peter so much that he says spontaneously, “See, we have left everything and followed you” which means, “what would be our reward?”. Jesus assures of a twin reward to all who follow him leaving everyone and giving up everything for the sake of the Kingdom of God: hundredfold of all blessings here on this earth and assurance of eternal bliss in the life to come.

There are also two ways of giving: one, in all cheerfulness with love and two, sulkily with some reservations. To which category do we belong? Are we ready to give up anything and everyone for Christ or with some reservation and huge expectations? The Scripture says that God loves a cheerful giver. Give cheerfully all for the love of God and merit the Kingdom of God prepared all in love for us through Jesus our Lord. May our mind and heart resonate with the prayer: “Lord Jesus part with anything for the sake of your love for us”.

Sunday, February 27, 2022

Bible Reflections I 28.02.2022 - Monday I Indraya Manna I

Ordinary Time - Week 8

Readings 
           I - 1Pt. 1: 3-9
          II - Mk. 10: 17-27
                             
GO AND SELL

The Gospel passage of the day is an invitation to give up individual prosperity for the sake of social responsibility in order to gain eternal life. Observance of all other commandments without practicing charity towards the poor shall be that ‘one thing lacking’ for an eternal life of bliss. Savings and investments secure our life here on the earth. Right from sharing the little we have to giving away from the abundance we possess all in love would be the powerful investment for our life eternal.  

It is not that Jesus mentions material riches alone when he says, “Go and sell” to the young man. It could be our pride, ego, glory, skill and knowledge, anything that would merit the wellbeing of the poor, the neglected, the downtrodden, the marginalised and the oppressed. It is for gaining that we are called to lose, to give away in order to get back and to deny in order to attain. May our mind and heart resonate with the prayer, “Lord Jesus, give me the courage to lose all so as to gain all”.

Saturday, February 26, 2022

Bible Reflections I 27.02.2022 - SUNDAY I Indraya Manna I

Ordinary Time - Week 8

Readings 
           I - Sir. 27: 4-7
          II - 1Cor. 15: 54-58
          II - Lk. 6: 39-45
                             
THE TREE IS KNOWN BY ITS FRUIT

In the Gospel passage of the day Jesus says that no good tree bears bad fruit and vice versa. Similarly, we cannot expect good from the evil minded person and any evil from a good hearted persons. The first reading also says that a person’s speech discloses the cultivation of one’s mind. As Jesus says, “out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks”. 

The words that come from the mouth could be a blessing, curse, praise, anger, hurting, loving, healing, comforting and soothing depending on the disposition of mind and heart nurtured by the person. We can examine ourselves whether we are good tree or bad tree from the way we speak and the way accomplish our deeds. Therefore train your mind, guard your thoughts, watch over your mouth and excel in your words and deed, all for the glory of God. May our mind and heart resonate with the prayer: “Lord Jesus, make me a good tree yielding good fruit all for your greater glory”.

Friday, February 25, 2022

Bible Reflections I 26.02.2022 - SATURDAY I INDRAYA MANNA

Ordinary Time - Week 7

Readings 
           I - Jas. 5: 13-20
          II - Mk. 10: 13-16
                           
POWER TO THE CHILDREN

The Gospel passage of the day recalls to my mind the following lines of the hymn “Jesus gave a nice surprise…”

“The secret of the kingdom is power to the children
And that’s the Father’s style.
The greatest in the kingdom are those who enter in
But the keys are in the hands of a child”

The women and the children in the Jewish society had neither recognition nor any identity.  This is why when people brought the little children to be blessed by Jesus, the disciples rebuked them.  Jesus highlights the greatness of the little children by presenting them as models to be imitated in order to enter into the Kingdom of Heaven.  

The great qualities in the little children worth befitting the kingdom of heaven: to be just natural without pretention, love all without bias, easily forgive without revenge, forget without grudge, innocent without any guile, accept all without distinction, simple without complication and the internal freedom that they enjoy without fear. If we imbibe these qualities of the little children we are sure to be great to inherit the eternal life.  May our mind and heart resonate with the prayer: “Lord Jesus, transform my heart unto that of a little child”.

Thursday, February 24, 2022

Bible Reflections I 25.02.2022 - Friday I Indraya Manna I

Ordinary Time - Week 7

Readings 
           I - Jas. 5: 9-12
          II - Mk. 10: 1-12

Bl. Rani Maria Vattalil (Memorial) 
                                   
MARRIAGE IS WILLED BY GOD

Matrimony is one of the seven sacraments of the Church. Marriage is willed and blessed by God for the purpose of companionship, procreation and family building in mutual love, sincerity and self-giving. In the trending world of the global reality, the holy matrimony is belittled to a mere contract, live in and break ups for silly or no reasons out of sheer ego, misunderstanding, suspicion, pride and autonomy. In today’s Gospel passage when Jesus was trapped with the question on divorce, he sides with Moses, upbraiding the hard heartedness of men, highlighting the importance and the purpose of marriage. 

A bit of love can patch all relationships together fostering endurance, patience, sacrifice, non-judgmental attitude and mutual give and take. The martial bond strengthens the family living that brings forth caring and responsible children. Today the Church celebrates the feast of Sr. Rani Maria, a missionary from Kerala who served the tribals and the dalits of Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh, India. She instructed the village labourers in Madhya Pradesh about the Government schemes and procedure for availing loans from the Government institutions. This infuriated the money lenders and she was stabbed to death by Samandar on her way from Udainagar to Indore. The family forgave Samadar and got parole too for him thrice - an act of Christian charity and forgiveness - an epitome of the family that is found on the Christian Gospel values. Marital bond favours such upbringing of the children. Family that prayer together, stays together. Make daily prayer a part of daily program for a dedicated family living. May our mind and hear resonate with the prayer: “Lord Jesus, bless our families”.

Wednesday, February 23, 2022

Bible Reflections I 24.02.2022 - THURSDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time - Week 7

Readings 
           I - Jas. 5: 1-6
          II - Mk. 9: 41-50
                                 
LIVE FOR THE LORD 

Today’s Gospel passage speaks of the reward of giving and the reward of losing for the sake of the Lord. Even the most insignificant good deed done to the other in the Lord’s name will definitely be rewarded. Whoever is ready to lose anything to save his/her soul will be rewarded with life eternal. It is better to lose the part of the body that does not follow us up after our life here on this earth than to lose the eternal bliss that awaits for those who live for the Lord. Surgical amputations are done to save the life of the person. Jesus exhorts to get away with that part of the body that induce to indulge in sinful activities for an authentic Christian living as children of God.  

When we help others for the sake of the Lord and excel in Godly values we will be like salt that savors, pointing and giving the foretaste of the Kingdom of God and this is deed is a credible Christian living. Let people look at us and set standards; and never become a scandal to others causing destruction. May our mind and heart resonate with the prayer: “Lord Jesus, give me the courage to live for your values”.

Tuesday, February 22, 2022

Bible Reflections I 23.02.2022 - Wednesday I Indraya Manna I

Ordinary Time - Week 7

Readings 
           I - Jas. 4: 13-17
          II - Mk. 9: 38-40

St. Polycarp, Bishop, Martyr (Memorial)

STAND FOR THE LORD

There are two ways of following Christ: One, explicit following and two, implicit following. It is obvious that the disciples were following Jesus explicitly, accompanying him wherever he went and accomplishing all that he commanded. But the ‘someone’ in the Gospel passage of the day was not accompanying Jesus all the time but was accomplishing the command of Jesus in His name. Therefore he must have been very much for Jesus as he has said. 

In India, the percentage of Christian population comparatively is very low but quite majority of them do accept Jesus and; their testimonies, witnesses and demonstrations on the social network media can vouch for the same. Today the Church celebrates the feast of St. Polycarp. He was the disciple of St. John, bishop of Smyrna and a great defender of faith. He was martyred for his faith in Jesus Christ. May this saint bless us to stand sturdy in our faith at all times fearing no one and nothing. Let our mind and heart resonate with the prayer: “Lord Jesus give us the courage to follow you in all circumstances”

Monday, February 21, 2022

Bible Reflections I 22.02.2022 - Tuesday I Indraya Manna I

Ordinary Time - Week 7

Readings 
           I - I Pt. 5: 1-4
          II - Mt. 16: 13-19
                                    
CHAIR OF PETER (Feast)

The concept of “Chair” signifies the authority, power and position. All through the Holy Scriptures, the authority to the persons of God was bestowed for the purpose of teaching, tending and turning people towards the path of God. Moses, the Lawgiver took his seat to judge his people, while the people stood around him from morning till evening (Ex. 18: 13). The Scribes and the Pharisees occupied the ‘Chair of Moses’ and interpreted the Law of Moses with ability and authority. This why Jesus cautions the people to do everything that the Scribes and the Pharisees teach from that authority but not to do what they do because the authority of Moses was from God. In the New Testament, Jesus, the New Moses, who had come to fulfill the Law (Mt. 5: 17), empowers Peter with the authority over the Church of God, entrusting keys of the Kingdom of Heaven and saying, “whatever you bind on earth shall be considered bound in heaven; whatever you loose on earth shall be considered loosed in heaven” The Petrine authority in apostolic succession comes to all the Popes of the Catholic Church.  

The celebration of this feast reminds us of a twin responsibility the people of God - the Church: One to submit ourselves in obedience to the teachings of the Church and two as St. Peter in today’s first reading writes, authority besides being power is greatly a responsibility therefore, take care of all who are entrusted into our care with utmost love and interest. Let us on this day intensify our prayers for our Holy Father, Pope Francis for his good health, wisdom, strength and for all his intentions as well. May we also remember to pray for the college of bishops and all the pastors of the Church.

Friday, February 18, 2022

Bible Reflections I 19.02.2022 - Saturday I Indraya Manna I

Ordinary Time - Week 6

Readings 
           I - Jas. 3: 1-10
          II - Mk. 9:2-13
                                   
LISTEN TO JESUS

The transfiguration of Jesus was the manifestation of who Jesus was, the revelation of his identity.  Peter, James and John saw Moses and Elijah taking to Jesus.  The former was the Law giver and the latter, a great Prophet and the vision evinced that Jesus was the fulfillment of the Law and the Prophesy, the Promised One of God with the assurance of the Father’s voice, “This is my Son, the Beloved listen to him”.  Peter was trying to decide for Jesus convincing him saying, “Rabbi, it is good for us to be here; let us make three dwellings, one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah”.  But the Father’s voice instead exhorted them to listen to Him

Jesus was the beloved of the Father because Jesus listened to His Father and always obeyed His plan even to the point of emptying himself for the salvation of the humankind.  The Father exhorts in disciples each of us his followers as well to obey him.  If we obey the commandments of Jesus we too will definitely be addressed as ‘Beloved’ by the Father.  May our mind and heart resonate with the prayer: “Lord Jesus, help me to listen to you”.

Thursday, February 17, 2022

Bible Reflections I 18.02.2022 - Friday I Indraya Manna I

Ordinary Time - Week 6

Readings 
           I - Jas. 2: 14-24, 26
          II - Mk. 8:34-9:1

St. Kuriakose Elias Chavara
                                 
DENY YOUR SELF AND FOLLOW THE LORD

Jesus has given three conditions to whoever wishes to come after him: one, deny oneself, two, take up his crosses and finally to follow him.  One refuses or ceases to commit to these conditions because the pomp of the world allures, glory of the earth entraps into vanity and the pride of self prevents from following Jesus.  Jesus also says in today’s Gospel passage, “What profit is there for one to gain the whole world and forfeit his life?”  These words have topsy turvied the lives of many saints.  For the pomp, glory and the pride that cannot follow us after our life here on this earth that is transient, why should we give up following Christ that ensures life eternal? 

Today the Church celebrates the feast of St. Kuriakose Elias Chavara, the first male saint of Indian origin.  He was born in Kerala, belonged to the Syro-Malabar Church, an Eastern Catholic Church. St. Kuriakose was the co-founder and the first prior general of the Congregation of the Carmelites of Mary Immaculate.  The main work of their congregation was education that result in the personal and societal transformation.  St. Kuriakose was a man of prayer and overcame all hurdles with his devotion to the Eucharist and our Blessed mother.  He used to say, “Since you belong to God, you have to give yourself back to God”. Let us also like the saint of the day, dare to live for the Lord instead of giving into our pride, pomp and glory that are not eternal.  May our mind and heart resonate with the prayer: “Lord Jesus, give me the courage to follow you carrying our crosses cheerfully”

Wednesday, February 16, 2022

Bible Reflections I 17.02.2022 - Thursday I Indraya Manna I

Ordinary Time - Week 6

Readings 
           I - Jas. 2: 1-9
          II - Mk. 8:27-33
                                  
YIELD UNTO THE WILL OF GOD

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

We too do have the knowledge and experience of the merciful, loving, caring and compassionate God.  But hesitate to yield unto His will.  We try to impose our plan upon God and wish that God acts upon the same.  The one that truly recognises God, resigns to his will as well and this is the hallmark of one’s faith, hope and love for God.  May our mind and heart resonate with the prayer, “Help me to yield unto Thy will O Lord”.

Tuesday, February 15, 2022

Bible Reflections I 16.02.2022 - Wednesday I Indraya Manna I

Ordinary Time - Week 6

Readings 
           I - Jas. 1: 19-27
          II - Mk. 8:22-26
                                    
PRAY AND BE PATIENT 

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

The Bible says, “Who has known the mind of the Lord? Or who has been His counselor” (Rom. 11: 34). We often fall into the temptation of dictating to the Lord, “Do this, do that…”. Instead, the Gospel passage of the day instructs us to pray and be patient, waiting in hope. God can and will work miracle for us in His own ways and in His own time. Trust, commit to the Lord and remain calm, the rest God will take care. May our mind and heart resonate with the prayer, “Lord Jesus, teach me to yield myself unto thy will”.

Monday, February 14, 2022

Bible Reflections I 15.02.2022 - Tuesday I Indraya Manna I

Ordinary Time - Week 6

Readings 
           I - Jas. 1: 12-18
          II - Mk. 8:14-21
                                
KEEP AGLOW AND ALIGHT IN LOVE 

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

The function of leaven is fermentation. If we are not careful it will spoil the entire pie. Today’s Gospel passage is a caution and an invitation to each one of us as well. A caution to be away from all that divides, confuses, corrupts and destroys and an invitation to keep aglow and alight the Law of the Lord: Love. Let our mind and heart resonate with the prayer: “Lord Jesus, give me the wisdom to distinguish and discern the truth”.

Sunday, February 13, 2022

Bible Reflections I 14.02.2022 - Monday I Indraya Manna I

Ordinary Time - Week 6

Readings 
           I - Jas. 1: 1-11
          II - Mk. 8:11-13

Sts. Cyril and Methodius (Memorial)

ASK NO SIGN BUT BELIEVE 

In today’s Gospel passage, the Pharisees seek Jesus for a sign from heaven to test him.  Jesus sighs at the willful neglect and rebellious attitude of the Pharisees despite witnessing wonders and miracles that he had worked among them until then.  Therefore Jesus declines the Pharisees’ request, get into the boat and goes to the other side.

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

Today the Church celebrates the feast of two brothers, St. Cyril and St. Methodius. They were Byzantine theologians and missionaries.  They took the Gospel to the Slavs in their own slav vernaculars developing the alphabets and translating the Bible and the liturgical books.  Ardent and convinced evangelizsers who proclaimed Christ against all odds! May these saints intercede for us as our mind and heart resonate with the prayer: “Lord Jesus, I trust in you”

Saturday, February 12, 2022

Bible Reflections I 13.02.2022 - Sunday I Indraya Manna I

Ordinary Time - Week 6

Readings 
           I - Jer. 17: 5-8
          II - 1Cor. 15:12, 16-20
         III - Lk. 6: 17, 20-26
                           
TRUST AND HOPE IN THE LORD

In the first reading of the day, Prophet Jeremiah speaks about the earthly blessings to the people who trust in the Lord and curses on those who trust in mortal men. In the second reading, St. Paul speaks about the eternal inheritance of the people who hope in the Lord, risen from the dead. In the Gospel passage, Jesus in his ‘Sermon on the plain’ speaks of the blessings on those who choose to live for the Lord and the woes upon those who conduct their lives based on the worldly standards. Deprivation, suffering, hatred, defamation and false accusation endured for the Lord with great trust and hope in Him will be rewarded with the eternal life of bliss and happiness.

Endurance of anything on account of the Lord requires tremendous trust and hope in Him. In our families, work places, among friends and in the society, often we lack courage to stand up and side for the truth for the fear of enduring hatred, alienation, branding, labeling, jeering and mocking from them. We feel secured in our comfort zone. Jesus challenges to risk the comfort zone to inherit the eternal bliss prepared for us. And this is possible only to those who trust and hope in the Lord. Place your trust and hope in the Lord and stay ‘Blessed’ forever. May our mind and heart resonate with the prayer: “Our trust and hope is in the Lord our God”.

Friday, February 11, 2022

Bible Reflections I 12.02.2022 - Saturday I Indraya Manna I

Ordinary Time - Week 5

Readings 
           I - 1Kings 12: 26-32; 13: 33-34
          II - Mk. 8: 1-10

ABIDE IN HIS LOVE

The heart of Jesus for the great crowd was moved with compassion for three reasons: one, they had been with him for three days; two, they had nothing to eat and three, if he sends them hungry they might collapse on the way because few had come from great distance to hear him.  This concern of Jesus impelled him to multiply the seven loaves and few fish that they had, to the crowd of four thousand till they were satisfied and the remnant collected in seven baskets.  

Multiplication of loaves is the prefiguration of the institution of the Holy Eucharist. The Gospel according to St. John, chapter 17 is about Jesus’ prayer for his disciples that evince the concern of Jesus for his people including you and me.  The compassionate Lord wanted to remain with us forever, satisfying and satiating; refreshing and rejuvenating; comforting and consoling and encouraging and enthusing to march ahead in the pursuit of our spiritual journey towards him.  Therefore he instituted the Holy Eucharist - as a remembrance of him to be with us forever until he comes in glory.

In the light of the Gospel passage of the day, let us reflect on our approach to the Holy Eucharist, whether we have made it a mere ritual and an obligation or rather approach with a grateful heart in reciprocity to His love and benevolence.  The bible says, “Taste and see that the Lord is good” (Ps. 34: 8).  Taste the Lord who comes in love to dwell in us in the Holy Eucharist.  Let us resolve to remain with the Lord with His strength from the Eucharist for a credible Christian living.  May our mind and heart resonate with the prayer: “Lord Jesus, teach me to abide in you”.