Bible Reflections I 04.07.2022 - MONDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time: Week 14

Readings 

           I - Hos. 2: 16-18, 21-22 

          II - Mt. 9: 18-26 

                           

FAITH AND POSITIVITY MAKE MIRACLE HAPPEN

Faith and positivity are intertwined. Where there is faith there will also be positivity and vice versa. Positivity and faith make miracles happen. In today’s Gospel passage, both the leader of the synagogue and the woman suffering from hemorrhages for twelve years had firm faith and were positively determined that the miracle would happen: “My daughter will live” and “I will be made well”. Miracle did happen. The girl was raised to life and the woman was made well. 

In the letter of St. James we read, “You must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the see, blown and tossed by the wind” (Jas. 1:6). When the prayers are not answered, examine the quality of belief that the request will be granted. In the silence of our hearts let us repeat the prayer of the man who brought the possessed boy to Jesus for healing as often as possible: “Lord I believe, help my unbelief” (Mk. 9: 24)

Bible Reflections I 03.07.2022 - SUNDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time: Week 14

Readings 

           I - Is. 66: 10-14 

          II - Gal. 6: 14-18 

         III - Lk. 10: 1-12, 17-20

                  

ST. THOMAS THE APOSTLE

Today the Church celebrates the fest of St. Thomas, the ardent apostle of Jesus and the apostle of India, Who walked on the shores of Kerala and Chennai proclaiming the good news. He belonged to simple fishers’ folk from Galilee and was called by Jesus to follow him. That he did whole heartedly and showed even greater courage and generosity than the other eleven.

 

When Jesus told, “Let us go to Judea”, Thomas solemnly stated “Let us go too and die with him”. The doubting disciple was not one to say that he had understood when in fact he had not. When Jesus said. “You know the way to the place where I am going”, Thomas retorted saying “Lord we do not know where you are going, so how can we know the way”.  

The straight forward reaction of St. Thomas to the testimony of his companions regarding the resurrection of the Lord, “unless I see the holes that the nails made in his hands and put my finger into the holes they made and unless I can put my hand into his side, I refuse to believe”. When finally Jesus appeared to St. Thomas, he confirmed his faith saying, “My Lord and my God”. The feast enlighten on the fact that the slow surrender of St. Thomas is more comforting and strengthening to our faith than the ready acceptance of the believing apostles. From a doubter of the Lord and from a feeble faith, God had transformed the faith of St. Thomas into one that was firm and true, to the point that he was even ready to lay down his life for the sake of the Lord and standing true to his faith. May we pick up inspirations from St. Thomas, the apostle to transcend from our human frailties with utmost acceptance, for a greater transformation.

Bible Reflections I 02.07.2022 - SATURDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time: Week 13

Readings 

           I - Amos 9: 11-15

          II - Mt. 9: 14-17

                  

BE OPEN TO THE TRUTH

The Gospel passage of the day is about the disciples of John the Baptist questioning Jesus why his disciples do not fast while the disciples of the Pharisees and John the Baptist fast. Self-righteousness and close-mindedness prevented the disciples of John the Baptist from discovering the long awaited Messiah in Jesus. In their self-righteousness, they focused on fasting than on the reality that was happening. They were close-minded that they failed to discover the Messiah in Jesus though they witnessed the deaf hear, dumb speak, lame walk and the dead being raised to life. 

If we fail to read the reality with an open mind and heart, holding fast to self-righteousness, we will like the disciples of John the Baptist will certainly end up in missing the truth. Being first Saturday, we remember our Blessed Mother Mary today. She was the humble handmaid of the Lord, yielding herself unto God’s will with an open mind and heart. In her humility and pliability brought forth the saviour to world. May mother Mary help us to be humble and adaptable to accept the truth as it come.

Bible Reflections I 01.07.2022 - FRIDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time: Week 13

Readings 

           I - Amos 8: 4-6, 9-12

          II - Mt. 9: 9-13

                  

EMBRACE EVERYONE IN LOVE

Only an architect can see a marvelous statue in the mass of a stone, only an architect can see an awesome art in the collage of colors, and only a potter can see his magnificent masterpiece in the mere clay. The invisible is visible to these persons because they are passionate about their interests and visionaries of their profession. Today’s Gospel passage is about the call of Matthew the tax collector. To the eyes of the people around Matthew was a tax collector and a sinner. But Jesus saw a disciple in the person of Matthew. He invites him to be his follower, goes to dine with him, befriends him with his love and acceptance, and where after Matthew becomes Jesus’ disciple and an evangelist.  

Branding and labeling people are not uncommon these days. We are rash in our judgment of people and are quick in branding them negatively. This might curb the personalities and doom them to destruction. Like Jesus our Master, promote and foster life. Understand, accept, encourage, motivate and appreciate others so that they can actualise their potential and grow up to be someone in alignment with the Plan of God. For this we need a loving heart like Jesus, our Lord, Being the first Friday, let us as Jesus, to give us a large heart like him to embrace all and exclude none. Let our mind and heart resonate with the prayer: “Jesus, meek and humble of heart, make my heart like yours”.

Bible Reflections I 30.06.2022 - THURSDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time: Week 13

Readings 

           I - Acts 7: 10-17

          II - Mt. 9: 1-8

                  

TO APPRECIATE IS TO GLORIFY GOD

There are various ways of responding to the good accomplished. Self-righteous people find fault, proud people ignore, and simple people esteem. In today’s Gospel passage, Jesus makes the paralytic walk - a miracle indeed. The jealousy of the proud and self-righteous scribes prevented them from looking beyond to appreciate Jesus. At the same time, the crowd around, the simple people, glorified God for such a miraculous act of Jesus.  

Often we are unable to appreciate others because of our pride, jealousy, selfishness, ego, and the attitude of self-righteousness. Through these attitudes of ours, we make life difficult for ourselves and others. This is why Jesus says, “Unless you become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven” (Mt. 18:3). Appreciating is not only value addition to others but we add value to ourselves and glorify God as well. Let the Gospel passage help us to enlighten us to appreciate the good in others. May our mind and heart resonate with the prayer: “Lord Jesus, give me a great heart to go beyond myself and value others”.

Bible Reflections I 29.06.2022 - WEDNESDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time: Week 13

Readings 

           I - Acts 12: 1-11

          II - 2 Tim. 4: 6-8, 17-18

         III - Mt. 16: 13-19

                  

PETER AND PAUL, Apostles (Solemnity)

Today the Church solemnises the feast of St. Peter and St. Paul, the pillars of the Church. Peter was a fisherman and Paul was a Jewish fanatic. Peter did not have much for his credential while Paul was a learned Jew hailing from a sophisticated family. God chose both of them with a special mission for each of them: Peter to be the leader of the Church and the apostle to the Jews and Paul to be the apostle of the Gentiles. But both of them were ardent apostles, vehement preachers of the Good News, and above all courageous martyrs for Christ. They proclaimed Christ convincingly that it infuriated the religious leaders who instigated the government officials to get away with them. As a result, St. Peter was crucified upside down and St. Paul was beheaded. Both of them endured all hardships with a hope of an eternal crown of glory that awaited them in Paradise.  

Peter convincingly says, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life” (Jn. 6:68). Paul daringly declares, “Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ” (1 Cor. 11:1). Let the celebration of the feast help us to stand by the Word of the Lord and live by the example of the legendry Christian living of St. Paul. The day is also celebrated as Pope’s Day. Offer generous prayers for our Holy Father Pope Francis and the Church as well. May our mind and heart resonate with the prayer, “Lord Jesus, bless our Church and bless our Pope”.

Bible Reflections I 28.06.2022 - TUESDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time: Week 13

Readings 

           I - Amos 3: 1-8, 4: 11-12

          II - Mt. 8: 23-27

                  

PROVE YOUR FAITH 

Today’s Gospel passage is about Jesus calming the sea. The windstorm that arose on the sea besides battering the boat shattered the faith of the disciples as well. With the wonder worker and the miracle maker in their boat they would have neither feared nor worried, but woke up the Lord of life saying, “Lord save us! We are perishing”. This is why Jesus calls them“People of little faith”.

God strengthens us with the assurance of “I am with you” statements throughout the Scripture. Perhaps we have even experienced the amazing presence of God amidst us at all times of trials and difficulties. Still when we encounter any problem we are prone to give up our faith yielding ourselves into the grip fear. Stop being agitated and anxious, stand sturdy in the Lord and prove your faith in him for we are his loving children and never will he let us to be perished. May our mind and heart resonate with the prayer, “Lord Jesus give us the gift of faith”

Bible Reflections I 27.06.2022 - MONDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time: Week 13

Readings 

           I - Amos 2: 6-10, 13-16

          II - Mt. 8: 18-22

                  

FOLLOW THE LORD... 

Today’s Gospel reading is about following the Lord with utmost availability and undivided heart. The Scribe wishes to follow Jesus and Jesus, instead of responding him with a ‘yes’ or ‘no’, explains the uncertainty of the availability of even the basic needs, meaning to express the hardship involved in following him. To the other one who consented to follow him after burying his parents, Jesus says, “leave the dead to bury their own dead”, meaning to say that the discipleship demands for an undivided heart that has no other focus but the life, teaching and the mission of Jesus.    

As Christians we are called to be the disciples of Jesus following him in his life and teaching. This demands singleness and seriousness of purpose. Singleness of purpose is to live like him despite all risks and sufferings. Seriousness of purpose is to be concerned about living the teachings of the Lord. Let us be ready to take up any risk concerning to live by the teachings of our Lord Jesus Christ. May our mind and heart resonate with the prayer: “Lord Jesus give me the courage to follow you at all times”.

Bible Reflections I 25.06.2022 - SATURDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time: Week 12

Readings 

           I - Lam. 2: 2, 10-14, 18-19

          II - Lk. 2: 41-51

                  

IMMACULATE HEART OF MARY (Memorial)

The feast of the immaculate heart of Mary follows the feast of the solemnity of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Jesus is the perfect reflection of God’s love and Mother Mary, the perfect reflection of the Heart of her son Jesus. Her heart was always aglow with the fire of love for God and for the humankind. When Simeon said, “And a sword will pierce your very soul” (Lk. 2: 35) and when the boy Jesus at the temple said, “Why did you seek me? Did you not know that I must be about my Father’s business?”, Mary neither made any resistance nor did she show any reaction but kept all these things in her heart and pondering, unreservedly yielding to the will of the Father in Heaven. Her focus was on God and her concern was in accomplishing God’s will. Her love for fellow human beings is admirable and appreciable. At the wedding feast of Cana, Mary sensed about the shortage of wine and unassumingly sorted and solved the problem through her son Jesus (Jn. 2: 1-12). Mary was present in the upper room with the fearful and hopeless disciples after the death of Jesus, with her powerful and supporting presence (Acts. 1:14). Mary is the perfect model for love of God and love of neighbour that kept her immaculate in her concern for God and his people.     

May the celebration of the feast help us to examine where and what have we fixed our hearts upon. If on God and his people, like mother Mary, then we are on the right track witnessing the love of God, if not, pray that our blessed mother help us in keeping our heart aglow with love for God and His people. Let our mind and heart resonate with the prayer: Let our mind and heart resonate with the prayer: “Immaculate heart of Mary, Make us pure in love for God and his people”.

Bible Reflections I 24.06.2022 - FRIDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time: Week 12

Readings 

           I - Ezk. 34: 1-6

          II - Rom. 5: 5-11

         III - Lk. 15: 3-7

                  

SACRED HEART OF JESUS (Solemnity)

The solemnity of the Sacred Heart of Jesus is the epitome of the absolute love of God for the humankind. The heart of Jesus especially beats for the lost, the injured, the strayed and the weak as we read in the first reading and as we read in the Gospel reading that he goes to their recue with an ardent love and anxiety like that of a Good Shepherd in manifesting the love of God for His people. The despised, like the tax collectors; the abandoned, like the lepers who lived in the gallows; the oppressed, like the women and the children; the sinners, like the woman caught in adultery; the outcast, like the Samaritans; the traitor, like Judas; the betrayer, like Peter; the religious fanatic, like Saul and everyone are individually precious to Jesus. As the second reading says, perhaps for a good person one would dare to die, but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners.

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

Bible Reflections I 23.06.2022 - THURSDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time: Week 12

Readings 

           I - 2 Kings. 24: 8-17

          II - Mt. 7: 21-29

                           

STOP BUILDING CASTLES IN THE AIR

Today’s Gospel passage is about who will enter the kingdom of heaven. Jesus says that not all who call “Lord, Lord” but the one who does that will of God alone will enter the kingdom of heaven. Calling on the name of the Lord, working wonders and spending the time in prayer alone tantamount to building a house on sand. On the other hand, adhering to the Word of God and accomplishing the same in life is like a man who built his house on the rock. The former presumes himself to be a religious while in reality he is not and the hope he had built up based on his works of religiosity would vain and vanish when he is before the Lord on his final encounter. The latter who lives by God’s word, with an utmost trust accomplishing his will in his life would for sure inherit the eternal kingdom of God.

In the light of this passage, let us examine our lives. If we believe that our days of fasting, hours of praying and the amount of giving will make us righteous before God, it will be like building castles in the air leaving us helpless and hopeless on our judgment day before the Lord. On the other hand, come what may, courageously commit to His Words and submit to His will we will appear righteous before the Lord inheriting His eternal kingdom. May our mind and heart resonate with the prayer: “Lord Jesus, give me the courage to surrender to your will”.

Bible Reflections I 22.06.2022 - WEDNESDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time - Sunday: Week 12

Readings 

           I - 2 Kings 22: 8-13, 23: 1-3

          II - Mt. 7: 6, 12-14

                  

A TREE IS KNOWN BY ITS FRUIT

A tree is identified by the fruit it bears is the crux of the Gospel passage of the day. A good tree bears good fruit and the bad tree bears bad fruit. Thoughts and attitudes define deeds and vibes of a person. If a person is full of God and Godly stuff, he will do only those things that pleases God. If otherwise, he will be carried away like a twig in the wind by the current of the counter values of the world.  

One can never pretend to be good for everything will be revealed in the long run. But how to identify that we are good trees? It’s simple. The values of love, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control (Gal. 5: 22-23) present in us would testify that we are good tress bearing good fruit for the glory of God. Let our mind and heart resonate with the prayer: “Holy Spirit Lord, fill us with your gifts, give us the courage to co-operate with your grace with determination so as to yield your fruits in our daily life”

Bible Reflections I 21.06.2022 - TUESDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time: Week 12

Readings 

           I - 2 Kings 19: 9-11, 14-21, 31-36

          II - Mt. 7: 6, 12-14

                  

CHOOSE THE NARROW GATE

The gate is wide and the road is easy that leads to destruction while the gate is narrow and the road is hard that leads to life. Many choose the broad gate because it is easy and cozy; and only few do choose the narrow gate because it is demanding, difficult, tiring and costing. The path proposed by Jesus is not easy because his teaching based on the Law of Love contradicts the values proposed by the world. The choice is ours.  

Everyone desires for a happy-go-lucky living. Merriment and enjoyment is all that one craves for as long as they are here on the earth forgetting that there is life that is real and eternal based on our conduct of our life here. Don’t get deceived by the mirage of false happiness that results in destruction. Though we might have to endure suffering on account of choosing the right path, we will still find peace and consolation, the peace of the Lord that this world cannot give, in treading the same. Choose narrow gate and choose life for a happy and peaceful living here and in the eternal world next.

Bible Reflections I 20.06.2022 - MONDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time: Week 12

Readings 

           I - 2 Kings 17: 5-8, 13-15, 18

          II - Mt. 7: 1-5

                  

LOVE OTHERS AS YOURSELF

“Love your neighbour as yourself” (Mt. 22: 39) is the crux of the Gospel passage today. Though we are weak and culpable, we least desire to be judged by anybody. But we are often rash in our criticism, calculations and judgment towards others. In today’s Gospel passage Jesus says, “For with the judgment you make you will be judged”. When we are prone to judge others let us apply the strategy Jesus followed in the case of the woman caught in adultery was brought to him by those men who wanted to stone her to death: “He that is without sin among you, let him cast a stone at her” (Jn. 8: 7).

We are liberal to ourselves but very strict towards others like those Scribes and the Pharisees. If anyone wish to exceed in righteous than that of the Scribes and the Pharisees, stop judging others and start judging yourself. Correct your mistakes first than correcting others. This is Christian living.  

Task: whenever we are tempted to criticise or judge others, let us hold and examine ourselves projecting those criticism or accusations upon us.

Prayer: “Lord Jesus, help me to love my neighbour as myself”

Bible Reflections I 19.06.2022 - SUNDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time - Sunday: Week 12

Readings 

           I - Gen. 14: 18-20

          II - 1 Cor. 11: 23-26

         III - Lk. 9: 11-17

         

THE BODY AND BLOOD OF CHRIST (Solemnity)

Today the Church solemnises the feast of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Jesus Christ - Corpus Christi. The solemnity highlights the real presence of Jesus in the Eucharist. The feast also signifies the continual presence of Jesus with us whenever we celebrate the Eucharist until he comes again in His glory.

The first reading is about Melchizedek, priest of God most high, offering bread and wine to Abram and the Gospel passage is about Jesus feeding the multitude. Jesus, considered a priest in the order of Melchizedek (Heb. 7: 17), feeding the multitude is the prefiguration of giving himself to his people as food and drink. Material food besides nourishing the person, becomes part of that person who consumes it. It restores energy and gives strength to pursue the earthly journey. The Eucharist, the body and blood of Christ, on the other hand nourishes both body and soul in the pursuit of our heavenward journey besides making us another Christ in this world.

The solemnity of the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ is a call to continual conversion to holiness. The Eucharist gives us the power to combat all that is not of God in us so as to become another Christ in the world to lead all around us to God in and through Jesus Christ. Let this solemnity inspire us to receive the body and blood of the Lord consciously so as to pursue our Christian living with credibility. May our mind and heart resonate with the prayer: “Thank you Lord Jesus for the gift of your body and blood to us”.

Bible Reflections I 18.05.2022 - SATURDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time - Week 11

Readings 

           I - 2 Chro. 24: 17-25

          II - Mt. 6: 24-34

         

HAVE FAITH, CHOOSE GOD

In today’s Gospel passage Jesus proposes two masters: Wealth and God; and invites us to make our choice between the two because no one can serve two masters simultaneously. People of faith choose God and people of ‘little faith’ choose wealth.  

People slog to accumulate wealth for security reasons or status quo purposes forgetting their identity as children of God. If only they had faith in the Father, they would trust in His Providence, take pride in their status as ‘Children of God’ and strive to maintain the same. Focusing on wealth leads to individualism and selfishness resulting in disparity, inequality and inhumanity.

The people who choose God, strive for his values so that everyone come under the banner as Children of God. When so many were on the streets of Calcutta left abandoned, Mother Theresa decided to show God’s love to them, Graham Staines, the Australian Missionary embraced the ostracised lepers to tell them that God cares for them; Gladys Staines forgave the murderers in the name of Jesus who forgave his executioners and there are even today so many people treading the path that our Saviour had marked out as a result of their love and tremendous trust in him. The untiring effort and service of these people of God would result in freedom, fraternity and justice leading to the blossoming of the Kingdom of God, the ultimate dream and the desire of Jesus. 

Task: In this Gospel light examine your choice: “What have I chosen: God or wealth?”

Prayer: “Lord Jesus, in this world of trials and temptations, give me the grace and courage to choose you alone again and again”

Bible Reflections I 17.06.2022 - FRIDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time - Week 11

Readings 

           I - 2 Kings 11: 1-4, 9-18, 20

          II - Mt. 6: 19-23

         

THE EYE IS THE LAMP OF THE BODY

Today we base our reflection on the second part of the Gospel passage of the day: “The eye is the lamp of the body”. If the eye is healthy the whole body will be full of light and if the eye is unhealthy, the whole body will be full of darkness. The eye sees and perceives; controls the mind and conducts life based on what is perceived. 

With what we fill our eyes determine what we would one day become. The one who fills his/her eyes with all that is Good and Beautiful would naturally be a positive person bubbling with energy to accomplish all that is good. The one who fills his/her mind with filth spoils his/her mind and heart bringing down havoc upon himself/herself, the family and the society at large to which he/she belongs. Today let us take some time to examine the quality of our seeing and the look. Implore God to give us the courage to close our eyes from seeing all that is not of God. May our mind and heart resonate with the prayer: “Lord Jesus, fill my eyes with your light”

Bible Reflections I 16.06.2022 - THURSDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time - Week 11

Readings 

           I - Sir 48: 1-14

          II - Mt. 6: 7-15

         

FORGIVE US OUR SINS AS WE FORGIVE…

Praying is not heaping up empty phrases for the Father knows about our needs and so Jesus gives the famous prayer, “Our Father” as the pattern of all prayers. Besides praising the name of the Lord and wishing for the blossoming of his kingdom and accomplishment of His will, the prayer contains three main petitions on: Providence, Forgiveness and Protection. Daily bread from his bounty, His forgiveness based on our forgiveness and a pleading to deliver and protect us from all that is evil.  

Bread nourishes and gives energy to move on with a healthy body; forgiveness fills our heart with peace and help us move on with healthy a mind; and we can tread steadily towards God with healthy mind and body if we are protected from trials and temptation. The three are essential and one alone is conditional. We pray God to forgive us as we forgive others. Meaning that if we don’t forgive we should not be forgiven either. Examine the number of times we make mistake and implore God’s forgiveness. But, do we forgive our offenders even when they plead for forgiveness. Every time we pray the prayer of Jesus let us examine our forgiveness and ask God for a generous heart to forgive others. May our mind and heart resonate with the prayer ‘Our Father…” and ask for God’s grace to forgive our offenders.

Bible Reflections I 15.06.2022 - WEDNESDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time - Week 11

Readings 

           I - 2 Kings 2: 1, 6-14

          II - Mt. 6: 1-6, 16-18

         

DO NOT PUBLISH YOUR DEEDS

In today’s Gospel passage Jesus instructs how to practice piety, perform prayer and fasting: unnoticed by others but known only to the Father in Heaven. While practicing piety, let the left hand know not what the right hand does; when praying, go into the room and shut the door and; when fasting, groom and look fresh. Otherwise we would lose our reward in heaven to the praises of the people around. 

In the light of day’s Gospel passage, let us examine the quality of our charity, prayer and fasting. We are living in an era of publicity that dominates and overtakes humanness in the humanity. People are ready to do anything that would gain publicity. In this scenario, the Gospel passage is a challenge to seek for the reward from God overcoming the temptation of publicity. Let our mind and heart resonate with the prayer: “Lord Jesus, give me the grace to strive for a hidden life of goodness and love”.

Bible Reflections I 14.06.2022 - TUESDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time - Week 11

Readings 

           I - 1 Kings 21: 17-29

          II - Mt. 5: 43-48

         

LOVE IS THE HALLMARK OF CHRISTIAN LIVING

Love is the hallmark of Christian living. A love that embraces everyone: rich and poor; high and low and; friend and foe equally without any distinction like Our Father in Heaven who make the sun shine on the evil and the good; and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous without any distinction. If we were to love and greet only those who love and greet us, we are then no better than the Scribes, the Pharisees and the gentiles.

Revenge is not the remedy. Vengeance is vile. Love all and hate none. Is this a practical and possible preaching and teaching? It is. Jesus did not merely preach but he had taught us by forgiving the fault finders and the executioners; and by praying for the betrayer and for all those who had their lot in his crucifixion. For us the followers of Christ, Jesus is the Master and the Model. Take courage, be convinced that forgiving is strength. Pray to the Lord and try to practice Christian charity at all times and with everyone. Let our mind and heart resonate with the prayer: “Lord Jesus, make me a channel of your love”