Bible Reflections I 06.05.2022 - FRIDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Easter Week 3

Readings 

           I - Acts 9: 1-20

          II - Jn. 6: 52-59        

         

Some are born saint and some are made saints and both are by the grace of God. St. Dominic Savio whose feast we celebrate today is a born saint. A twelve year boy at the oratory of DB with a motto, "Death rather than sin". He lived lost in sanctity, indulging himself in mortification and sacrifice beyond his age that Don Bosco had to intervene to give a different orientation to sanctity and its cheerfulness.  Dominic Savio inspired the life of many boys at the oratory and others as well. Blsd. Laura Viccuna who is in the process of canonization had Dominc Savio as her model saint making his motto her own, "Death rather than sin".

Let us take up the first reading about the conversion of St. Paul for our reflection. Saul, St. Paul before his conversion, an authentic and a fanatic Jew goes to the high priests to obtain permission to persecute the Christians at Damascus. But with a powerful light accompanied with voice and the commission for a mission, “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. But rise and enter the city, and you will be told what you are to do”, the life of ‘Saul’ Changes to ‘Paul’, from a persecutor to the pillar of the Church, from a vehement Jew to a convinced Christian and from being a persecutor to the one being persecuted for Christ’s sake.

God chose St. Paul for a purpose - to be an apostle to the gentiles which he never knew for himself till on his way to Damascus. Paul had a great pride of being a Jew, ‘people of God’ and the so called noble purpose of torturing the Christians. God Catches and commissions for a noble cause. Nothing is a chance and everything happens with a reason and for a purpose. Let us take all things in life as it comes, all experiences as proposed by God for a purpose and yield unto the Lord to execute His will in our lives because God’s ways are always noble and notable. May our mind and heart resonate with the prayer: “Lord Jesus, help me to accept life as it comes with a great trust in you”

Bible Reflections I 05.05.2022 - THURSDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Easter Week 3

Readings 

           I - Acts 8: 26-40

          II - Jn. 6: 44-51

       

JESUS IS THE BREAD OF LIFE

Today’s Gospel passage is about Manna and the Eucharist.  The former is from God to satisfy the basic need of a human person and the latter is God Himself becoming bread to satisfy the supreme need of a soul.  Those who ate manna in the desert perished but those who eat the body of Christ is promised of life eternal. The one who believes in Jesus and eats of his flesh has eternal life.

The Eucharist is the greatest gift and memory of Jesus himself.  Every time we celebrate we recall the love and the life of the Lord who down precisely to impart life eternal to us.  Most of the times we take the celebration of the Eucharist for granted and partake in it as a part of obligation or ritual.  God so loved the world that He sent His only Son to save us, Jesus loved us so much that he has given himself, his body and blood as our food and drink and if we consume without recognising this we are then dishonoring the body of Christ thereby inheriting the judgment of God upon ourselves (1Cor. 11: 12).  Let us partake worthily and consume reverently with a resoluteness of following the footsteps of Jesus.  May our mind and heart resonate with the prayer: “Lord Jesus, the bread of life, thank you for your body and blood that give us eternal life”

Bible Reflections I 04.05.2022 - WEDNESDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Easter Week 3

Readings 

           I - Acts 8: 1-8

          II - Jn. 6: 35-40

SEEK AND STAY WITH THE LORD

In today’s Gospel passage Jesus says, “Whoever comes to me shall not hunger and whoever believes in me shall never thirst”. Because Jesus is the truth and whoever discovers the truth in Jesus is at peace, content with seeking and accomplishing the will of God as did Jesus himself: “My food is to do the will of the Father” (Jn. 4: 34).  

St. Augustine says, “You have made us for yourself O Lord and our hearts is restless until it rests in you”. The world hungers for power, wealth, honour, glory and status that are temporary and not satisfying at all. When one want is satisfied another pops up automatically seeming to be important and that one cannot exist without that. On the contrary if a person turns towards God and fixes his heart upon God everything becomes insignificant and least important but God alone. He shall never again hunger or thirst for worldly parameters of success and lifestyle but the Gospel requirements of inheriting eternal life, the will of God as the one thing essential. May our mind and heart resonate with the prayer: “Lord Jesus, teach us to seek God above all”

Bible Reflections I 03.05.2022 - TUESDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Easter Week 3

Readings 

           I - 1Cor. 15: 1-8

          II - Jn. 14: 6-14

         

JESUS IS GOD

There are two promises in the Gospel passage of the day: One, whoever believes in Jesus would do even greater works than Jesus himself and two, whatever is asked in the name of Jesus will be granted. These two promises require belief in Jesus Christ that he is the Lord and God. His ways, words and the very life is the manifestation of God and the testimony of His love for us. We have no way but Jesus; his words are true and he alone can impart life eternal to each of us because Jesus is God.

We are Christians and we believe that Jesus is our Lord and God. But when we are battered by life’s struggles, challenges, tests and trials we tend to look for this person and that person, this means and that means, this ways and that ways in getting rid of the same. But these are moments that are even opportunities to prove our faith and belief in Jesus. He can do all things for us if only we believe that ‘nothing is impossible with’ God (Lk. 1: 37). May our mind and heart resonate with the prayer: “Lord Jesus, you are my Lord and my God”.

Bible Reflections I 02.05.2022 - MONDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Easter Week 3

Readings 

           I - Acts 6: 8-15

          II - Jn. 6: 22-29

LOOK BEYOND THE GRASP

Today’s Gospel passage is an invitation to look beyond a happening or an incident or an event to grasp the truth. The crowd looked for Jesus because they had their fill through the multiplication of the fives loaves and the two fish but failed to grasp this sign and understand the truth that Jesus is the messiah and the Promised One of God.

Miracles do happen in our lives but we too fail to fathom the message beyond the miracles. The miracles are the proof of God’s love and the assurance of His presence with us. There is a saying, “God gives and forgives, and man gets and forgets”. Let us not stop with getting alone but try to go beyond getting to appreciate, love and trust in the Lord. May our mind and heart resonate with the prayer: “Lord Jesus, we believe in you”.

Bible Reflections I 01.05.2022 - SUNDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Easter Week 3

Readings 

           I - Acts 5: 27-32, 40-41

          II - Rev. 5: 11-14

          II - Jn. 21: 1-19

       

MAY DAY - ST. JOSEPH THE WORKER

We are stepping into the third Sunday of the Easter Season. Since May 1st is celebrated as ‘Workers Day’, we shall base our reflection on the sanctifying effect of work in the plan of God. This day recognises God as creator, redeemer and sustainer, the ONE who is always at work. Jesus says, “My Father is always at his work to this very day, and I, too, am working” (Jn. 5: 17) and hence the dignity of work and that of the workers has its source in God. Jesus served God in His work, we are also exhorted to serve God in our work. Jesus saved the world working in obedience to the will of His father. We are also called to work for the sanctification of self and that of the world as St. Paul would say, “Whatever you do, work with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human master, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving” (Col. 3: 23-24).

The Church today look at St. Joseph, the worker as a model for all workers. St. Joseph through his hard work has shown the dignity and salvific importance of human work. He had been the guardian, provider and protector of the Holy Family through the hard toil of his hands. Jesus had been at the workshop of his father helping him and working along with him as responsible and obedient son of his parents (Lk. 2: 51). Dignity of life depends upon the dignity of work and no work is inferior or superior for the goal of work is simple: provision for worldly sustenance and inheritance of sanctification. Through the intercession of St. Joseph, the worker, we shall pray for all the workers and in particular for those who have lost their jobs due to various reasons, the unemployed, those who consider work as a burden and those who do not respect the dignity of labour. May the Lord bless all the workers with their deserving rewards. Let our mind and heart resonate with the prayer: “Lord Jesus, bless all the workers”.

Bible Reflections I 30.04.2022 - SATURDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Easter Week 2

Readings 

           I - Acts 6: 1-7

          II - Jn. 6: 16-21

                  

FOCUS ON GOD RATHER THAN PROBLEMS

Today’s Gospel passage is about Jesus walking on the water. With darkness around, rough sea and strong wind the disciples were able to row the boat about three or four miles with great difficulty to sail safely. They were so much engrossed in their problem that they were not able to identify their master who came towards them walking on the water but were terrified. With Jesus the boat 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. May our mind and heart resonate with the prayer: “Lord Jesus, help me to focus on you rather than our problems”

Bible Reflections I 29.04.2022 - FRIDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Easter Week 2

Readings 

           I - Acts 5: 34-42

          II - Jn. 6: 1-15

                 

IN THE LORD IS OUR HOPE

Today’s Gospel passage is about the multiplication of the loaves. Jesus asks Phillip, “Where are we to but bread for these people to eat?” To this question Jesus get two responses from two persons: Phillip and Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother. Phillips responds saying, “six month’s wages would not buy enough bread for each of them to get a little” but Andrew responds, “There is a boy here who has five barley loaves and two fish”. One gets bewildered while the other brings something. Jesus blessed that something to the extent of getting the leftover filled in twelve baskets even after feeding the multitude of at least five thousand men.  

We are likely to give up hope in bewilderment at the face of trying situations like Phillip. Hopelessness would blur or blind us from the openings, possibilities, opportunities and chances that the situation holds in grip. Panicky might prevent from discovering the ways and means to solve the problems that we encounter. We are in the Easter season that echoes the message of ‘hope’ loud and clear. The risen Lord is always with us as did he with his apostles and we are only to have faith in him, like Andrew, offering the mite we have with which he can perform wonder to the astonishment of all. Trust in the Lord and all thing are possible. May our mind and heart resonate with the prayer: “Lord Jesus, strengthen my faith at the face of trials in particular”.

Bible Reflections I 28.04.2022 - THURSDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Easter Week 2

Readings 

           I - Acts 5: 27-33

          II - Jn. 3: 31-36

                  

BELIEVE IN THE LORD JESUS

Jesus is the perfect revelation of God’s love and he came to save the world from eternal damnation to eternal life. Jesus taught with authority (Mt. 7: 29); dealt with compassion (Mt. 9: 36); moved about doing good (Acts 10:38) and forgave even the executioners who crucified him to the cross (Lk. 23: 34) and all these testified that he was from above. He had been the absolute witness of God’s love in all His thoughts, words and deeds. In today’s Gospel passage Jesus says that he was from above and that anyone who believes in him inherits eternal life.

The easiest way to attain eternal life is to believe in the Lord Jesus. Believing in Jesus means daring to walk on the path that he tread - the path of freedom, fraternity and justice. It is accepting the light of Christ and becoming one to others. The best way to express our trust and faith in the Lord is to project him in our lives. As Jesus bears testimony to the love of the Father may we his followers bear testimony to the love of our Lord in our day to day living and in this way shall we be identified his witnesses to the world. Let our mind and heart resonate with the prayer: “Lord Jesus, help me to be the witness of your love”.

Bible Reflections I 27.08.2022 - WEDNESDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Easter Week 2

Readings 

           I - Acts 5: 17-27

          II - Jn. 3: 16-21      

         

LOVE GOD, LOVE TRUTH

In today’s Gospel passage Jesus says that God sent His only Son Jesus because He loved the world so much. God wanted that everyone be saved and inherit the eternal life. To be saved and to inherit eternal life is simple: to believe in the one sent into the world, His Son and our Lord Jesus Christ. Those who desire and does what is true naturally accept Jesus, the Light sent into the world. Those who live in the dark are not so much comfortable with light because they are evil and so they dislike God, the ultimate One, Good, Truth and Beauty.

In the light of the Gospel passage of day, analyse our attitude towards the truth. If we are carried away by the fantasies of the world we would naturally avoid God because His principles are too demanding and appear to be highly impractical. But those who love truth and live by the same come what may, would stand by and with God who loves them so much even to the extent of allowing His Son to be crucified for our salvation. Live in truth and topsy turvy the world with the Gospel values. May our mind and heart resonate with the prayer: “Lord Jesus, lead us to the truth”.

Bible Reflections I 26.04.2022 - TUESDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Easter Week 2

Readings 

           I - Acts 4: 32-37

          II - Jn. 3: 7-15

                

JESUS - THE WAY, THE TRUTH AND THE LIFE

In today’s Gospel passage Jesus says, “no one has ascended into heaven except the one who descended from heaven, the son of man”.  Therefore only Jesus can show us the way to the Father. The rebellious Israel bitten by poisonous snakes had to look up to the bronze snake set by Moses on the pole as commanded by God in order to be saved from death. We were dead to sin but were saved by the precious blood of Jesus Christ on the Cross.  If we like the people of Israel wish to be saved, we have to look up to the crucified Lord on the Cross.  Looking up to him means repentance of heart and resolution to avoid sin with the firm faith in the Lord, trust in his mercy and hope in his love for he alone can lead us to the Father.

Let us not pick up bench marks from the deteriorating world or set standards that are counter to the teachings of our Lord Jesus Christ.  As Jesus says Nathanael we have to be born of the spirit.  Being born or the spirit is being led by the teachings of Jesus Christ who descended from the Father and who know the way to Him as well.  Look up to him for the way, the truth and the life.  May our mind and heart resonate with the prayer: “Lord Jesus, lead us to the Father”.

Bible Reflections I 25.04.2022 - MONDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Easter Week 2

Readings 

           I - 1Pt. 5: 5-14

          II - Mk. 16: 15-20

Mark, Evangelist (Feast)

              

YOU ARE MY WITNESSES

Proclamation of the Good News is not the task of the eleven apostles alone but the primary responsibility of every baptised as well. Jesus sends them with gifts and signs that would prove their credibility as believers in Christ: gift of tongues, will be able to pick up snakes in their hands, be unharmed even if they were to drink deadly poison and heal the sick. The eleven went out and proclaimed the Good News vehemently with conviction.  

Today the Church celebrates the feast of St. Mark, the evangelist. St. Mark was not an apostle but was a disciple of St. Peter. He was a missionary companion of St. Paul and St. Barnabas. The lion is the symbol of St. Mark because his Gospel account begins with the preaching of John the Baptist as that of the roaring lion for repentance. St. Mark took the Gospel to Egypt and died as a martyr in Alexandria. St. Mark was a passionate preacher, courageous coworker of St. Paul and a valiant martyr for Christ. May St. Mark intercede for us that we be authentic witnesses and courageous followers of Christ. Let our mind and heart resonate with the prayer: “Lord Jesus, help me to be your effective follower”.

Bible Reflections I 24.04.2022 - SUNDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Easter Week 2

Readings 

           I - Acts. 5: 12-15

          II - Rev. 1: 9-13, 17-19

         III - Jn. 20: 19-31

Divine Mercy Sunday

         

HAVE FAITH; BE MERCIFUL

Faith and mercy are the two indispensable requirements of Christian living. We shall base our reflection on the same.

“Seeing is believing” and “Believing is seeing” are the two common expressions and one is totally different from the other. “Seeing is believing” is earthly, scientific and require evidence but “Believing is seeing” is heavenly, miraculous and require faith. St. Thomas, who refused to believe the witness of the other disciples fall under the first category. In today’s Gospel passage St. Thomas doubts in the resurrection of the Lord and insists that “Until I see I will not believe”. But after seeing Jesus he makes an extraordinary confession of faith, “My Lord and my God”. To him Jesus replies, “Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have come to believe”. The opposite of doubt is faith. Faith is “the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen” (Heb. 11: 1). Don’t we too like St. Thomas doubt though we have seen and experienced many marvelous and miraculous things happen in our lives? Stop doubting and start believing, that’s faith!

Today the Church celebrates Divine Mercy Sunday. A day dedicated to recall the mercy of God in Jesus Christ, His Son, and the perfect revelation of God’s merciful love. Caiaphas the high priest said, “It is better for you that one man die for the people than that the whole nation perish” (Jn. 11: 50) but to Jesus who was crucified by them, even one sheep would tantamount to ninety nine for he says, “I guarded them and not one of them perished…” (Jh. 17: 12). This is mercy of God! May we today in faith ask for His mercy, in our turn be merciful to others and trust in him completely with utmost faith. Let our mind and heart resonate with the prayer: “Lord Jesus, I trust in your mercy”.

Bible Reflections I 23.04.2022 - SATURDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Easter Octave (Saturday)

Readings 

           I - Acts. 4: 13-21

          II - Mk. 16: 9-15

         

BE JOYFUL EASTER PEOPLE OF GOD

The witness of Mary Magdalene about the risen Lord and the testimony of the two disciples about their Emmaus Journey with the risen Lord did not suffice to convince the other disciples about the resurrection of the Lord. Finally Jesus appeared to the eleven themselves and upbraided them for their lack of faith and stubbornness to believe in the witness of Mary Magdalene and the testimony of the two disciples. Because he had already told them when he was with them that he would rise from the dead after three days of his death on the cross. Admonishing the disciples for their lack of faith, Jesus commissions them to go into the world and proclaim the good news to the whole of creation.

In the light of the Gospel passage of the day, let us examine our faith in the Lord Jesus especially during the times of crisis, problems, worries, fear and anxiety. The fruit of faith is joy. Easter people are joyful people for Jesus has set victory to us through his death and resurrection. Therefore stand sturdy at testing moments with the faith that the Lord is with us like powerful warrior (Jer. 20: 11). This faith in the Lord would fill us with serenity and lead us to a joyful living thereby making us a joyful witness of Christ wherever we are. In the silence of mind and heart keep repeating throughout the day to yourself: “Jesus is with me, Let nothing and none disturb me”.

Bible Reflections I 22.04.2022 - FRIDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Easter Octave (Friday)

Readings 

           I - Acts. 4: 1-12

          II - Jn. 21: 1-14

         

THE BEGINNING…

The disciples thought that with the Crucifixion of Jesus on the cross it was “The End” while it was actually “The Beginning”.  In today’s Gospel passage Peter decides to go back to resume his life fishing and all the other disciples too consent to go with him giving up all their hope.  Jesus surprises them with a mighty catch recalling the mighty catch of the past at Galilee when he was with them.  Peter recognising his Master Jesus Christ runs towards him leaving his boat, fish and net with renewed hope in the new beginning to be his witness and to tend his people, the Church.

The message of the Risen Lord is the hope that he offers.  Never give up at the face of difficulties and trials for the risen Lord is with us infusing new hope and the blessed assurance of his presence with us until the end of time (Mt. 28: 20). When you feel that it’s “The End” and everything is gone, Jesus can make it “The Beginning” - this is the hope of resurrection.  Let our mind and heart resonate with the prayer: “Lord Jesus, bless us with hope in you”

Bible Reflections I 21.04.2022 - THURSDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Easter Octave (Thursday)

Readings 

           I - Acts. 3: 11-26

          II - Lk. 24: 35-48

         

“PEACE TO YOU”

Today’s Gospel passage is about Jesus appearing to the disciples, down with shattered dreams and lost hope, with his unique message of, “Peace to you” thereby restoring their hope and rejuvenating their faith.  The disciples in their despair were neither able to believe the women nor the two disciples who said that they had seen the Lord.  Jesus clarifies the confused disciples with his presence and blesses them with his peace. 

Jesus as Prophet Isaiah says is the “Prince of Peace” (Is. 9: 6).  The economic emergency in Sri Lanka, stringent lockdown at Shanghai, the war between Ukraine and Russia fan fired by the European Union that arouse the fear of the World War III in minds of the people around the world, the plight of the migrants and the immigrants and the prevailing racism and communalism make mankind to cry aloud to God for His “Peace”.  May the risen Lord fill each of us and the world at large with His peace as we throughout the day keep praying in the silence of our hearts: “Risen Lord, bless the world and our families with your peace!”

Bible Reflections I 20.04.2022 - WEDNESDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Easter Octave (Wednesday)

Readings 

           I - Acts. 3: 1-10

          II - Lk. 24: 13-35

         

STAY WITH US JESUS

Today’s Gospel passage is about the walk to Emmaus where the two disciples failed to recognise Jesus though he was walking along with them talking and interpreting the things about him in the scriptures.  Disappointment and despair kept their eyes from discovering Jesus.  They were unable to believe anything beyond all that had happened just three days before.  In yesterday’s Gospel passage we read that Mary was able to recognise Jesus as he just called out her name, “Mary”.  But even the long conversation of Jesus with his disciples could not help them to find Jesus, walking with them.  With the breaking of the bread their eyes were opened and they recognised him.

Jesus is with us always and at all times. But the fears, troubles, anxieties, worries, setbacks, struggles, confusions and failures might keep our eyes from discovering Jesus.  Still, are we able to encounter the Lord live as he comes to meet us in the Holy Eucharist? If not, ask God to gift us with the spirit of love, faith and hope to discover him so as to gain strength to combat the struggles of life with courage, hope and optimism.  Let our mind and heart resonate with the prayer: “Lord Jesus, help us to discover your ever abiding presence in our lives”.

Bible Reflections I 19.04.2022 - TUESDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Easter Tuesday

Readings 

           I - Acts. 2: 36-41

          II - Jn. 20: 11-18

         

SEEK AND YOU WILL FIND

“Seek and you will find” (Mt. 7: 7) is the crux of the Gospel passage today. Mary was searching ardently for the body of the Lord with all her heart in tears, anxiety and worry. She was intent in her search for the Lord. This is why Mary was able to discover Jesus in his “Mary”. Though Mary mistook Jesus for the gardener she recognised him instantly when Jesus called out her name. Mary sought for Jesus and she did find him in deed!

We do seek for Jesus in our prayer, reading of Bible, listening to good words and in every event that we encounter but do we find him in them all? We miss him because may be we don’t seek him intently like Mary with all our hearts. The heart that searches in hope discovers. As we are in the season of Easter let us ask for the grace to fix our hearts on God so that we might find him in the persons we relate, words that we hear, scriptures we read and in trials we face. May our mind and heart resonate with the prayer: “Lord Jesus, give me the grace to seek you and discover you in all the events of my daily life”.

Bible Reflections I 18.04.2022 - MONDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Easter Monday

Readings 

           I - Acts. 2: 14, 22-33

          II - 1Cor. 28: 8-15

         

WEAK IS STRONG

The witness of one man has the power to score off the witness of say even a hundred women in the Jewish tradition. This means that the witness of women is no witness at all. But Jesus makes women the first witnesses of his resurrection. This is Jesus’ style! Simultaneously on the other hand, the elders and the chief priests with their money, power and influence decides to cover up the truth about the resurrection of Jesus by spreading false rumours.

The truth, the powerful message of the resurrection, was in the fragile hands of the woman while the untruth, the weak fabricated rumour was in the sturdy hands of the temple authorities. Still, the truth was loud and clear that it reached almost all parts of the world beating down the rumour of the chief priests and the elders. This is Easter hope. Fear not about the cunning and deceitful activities of the people around you. Truth will one day come to the forefront overtaking all that is untruthful however weak and helpless we are for weak is strong in the hands of God. Let our mind and resonate with the prayer: “Lord Jesus, fill me with Easter hope”

Bible Reflections I 17.04.2022 - SUNDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Readings 

           I - Acts. 10: 33, 37-43

          II - 1Cor. 3: 1-4

         III - Jh. 20: 1-9

         

EASTER SUNDAY

Alleluia! The tomb is empty! Jesus is risen! “Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting? The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law.  But thanks be to God! He gives us victory through our Lord Jesus Christ” (1Cor. 15: 55-57).  When the chief priests were plotting to put away with Jesus, Caiaphas, the high priest said, “It is better for you that one man die for the people than the whole nation perish” (Jn. 11: 49-50).  But it all happened the other way round that one man Jesus died on the cross to save the entire universe form sin, death and shame because he came that we may have life and life to the full (Jh. 10: 10).

Moses took the people through the red sea to reach the Promised Land. Jesus, the New Moses through his death and resurrection has created a way, a path for us towards heaven.  A path secured to paradise! All we have to do is to believe in the Lord Jesus in order to be saved as the bible says, “Believe on the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved-you and your household” (Acts. 16:31). Good Fridays end with Easter, no gain without pain and no crown without a cross.  Easter assures for joy, hope and peace in Christ despite the encircling darkness and despairs of the worl.  Joy that Jesus is for us and so we would be victorious; hope that Jesus is with us and so we would never fail; and peace that we are save by Jesus and so we would inherit eternal life as children of God.  All we have to do is to trust in Jesus.  As we celebrate the victory of Jesus upon sin and death, let us ask him for the grace to hold on to him at all circumstances without giving up our hope, peace and joy.  May our mind and resonate repeating: “Alleluia! Jesus is risen!”