Bible Reflections I 11.11.2022 - FRIDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time - Week 32

Readings 

           I - 2 Jn. 4-9

          II - Lk. 17: 26-37

       

LIVE FOR THE LORD

                  

Quoting two disasters, Jesus cautions for our preparedness to meet the day of the Lord at any part of the time or day. Through today’s Gospel passage we are called to confront the world order that is opposed to the Gospel living and never to compromise in order to just thrive in this world. Noah and Lot, the righteous of God lived surrounded by people who conducted their lives as though God never existed. The wrath of God consumed them but saving the families of Noah and Lot for their righteousness.    

The Scripture says, “For the eyes of the Lord range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to Him” (2 Chro. 16: 9). Do not give up hope and courage to live for the Lord. Even amidst disaster, mishap, tragedy or catastrophe His hand would already be there to save and secure His people who live by His commands. The second coming of Jesus to each of us individually would be when we finally bid ‘good bye’ to this world once and for all. Our preparedness ensures our pursuance into that blissful eternity. Let us in the silence of our hearts keep praying, “Lord Jesus, give me the courage to live by your command”.

Bible Reflections I 10.11.2022 - THURSDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time - Week 32

Readings 

           I - Philemon 7: 7-20

          II - Lk. 17: 20-25

     

THE KINGDOM OF GOD IS AMIDST US

                  

Through today’s Gospel passage Jesus clarifies our attitude towards the Kingdom of God. We need not be carried away by the words of the people who say that the Kingdom of God is ‘here’ and ‘there’ but Jesus enlightens us that the Kingdom of God is amidst us.  

We need not look to the heavens for the coming of the Kingdom on the other hand, as Jesus says, it is amidst us. Even act of love: a kind word, compassionate look, understanding gesture, encouraging presence, our striving for justice, voice to the voiceless, timely support or an helping hand; manifest the kingdom of God amidst us. Because kingdom of God is but presence of love, peace, joy, freedom and fraternity. Filled with the grace of God, try to foster the values of the kingdom in and around you. Let our mind and heart resonate with the prayer: “Lord Jesus, may our kingdom come”.

Bible Reflections I 09.11.2022 - WEDNESDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time - Week 32

Readings 

           I - Ezk. 47: 1-2, 8-9, 12

          II - Jn. 2: 13-22

Dedication of the Lateran Basilica (Feast) 

          

WE ARE THE TEMPLE OF GOD

                 

The extension of the ‘tent of meeting’ pitched by Moses (Ex. 7:33) was the temple the Israelites built for the Lord.  The ‘tent of dwelling’ (Jn. 1:14) is what we are, the temple of God where the Spirit of the Lord dwells (1 cor. 6:19).  The former is the dwelling made for God and the latter is God made dwelling for Himself.  In the ‘tent of meeting’ God consents to dwell and in the ‘tent of dwelling’ God desires to dwell.  The purpose being the same: prayer, worship, praises, thanksgiving and ultimately the spread of the glory of God.  The precedence of commerce, trade and business profaned the purpose of the temple that triggered the anger of Jesus resulting in the cleaning of the temple. 

We are created to sing the praises of God and spread the glory of His name through our Love, peace, unity, fraternity, justice and amicability towards one another, wherever we are.  If we had failed in this purpose we need to be cleansed so as to be restored to our purpose.  Today we celebrate the feast of the Dedication of the Lateran Church, called as the ‘Mother and Mistress of all Churches”.  May the celebration enable, enkindle and enthuse us to live up to the purpose as the temple of God.  May our mind and heart resonate with the prayer: “Lord our God, May my life become an unending praise to you”.

Bible Reflections I 08.11.2022 - TUESDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time - Week 32

Readings 

           I - Titus 2: 1-8, 11-14

          II - Lk. 17: 7-10

          

LOVE IN SERVICE IS WORSHIP

                  

It has become a normal trend for the people to either work for publicity or for a reward. The number of social networks and the contents would vouch for peoples craving for publicity. Not even a small good is accomplished either in silence or without expectation of any reward. We have applied this to God also. We promise to do something to God so that He does something in return, a sort of ‘give and take’ or ‘return and reward’ business. In today’s Gospel passage Jesus highlights that service is the best form of our love and devotion to God and humanity. To love and serve God is our duty and to love and serve the humanity is our responsibility.

There are also people amidst us who never bother about name, fame or popularity but go on quietly accomplishing their responsibility in love and silence. They don’t do anything expecting a return but with the satisfaction and happiness of helping someone in need. These are the people who will be revered and held high by God. Try to make love in service as worship, this is the type of worship that God desires.

Bible Reflections I 07.11.2022 - MONDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time - Week 32

Readings 

           I - Titus 1: 1-9

          II - Lk. 17: 1-6

          

WALK IN THE WAY OF THE LORD

                  

We can draw three points from the Gospel passage of the day: One, not to be a cause of scandal or a stumbling block to anyone; secondly, to forgive an offender untiringly and unceasingly; and finally, anything is possible to the one who has faith.  

Faith in the Lord leads to fear of the Lord. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. Any wise person would certainly abide by the Word of God and avoid all that is forbidden by the Lord. Hence, he/she would dare not to be a scandal to anyone and would dare to accomplish all that is commanded by the Law of the Lord. So that we can live and let others also live in God. Let our mind and heart resonate with the prayer: “Lord Jesus fill us with faith”.

Bible Reflections I 06.11.2022 - SUNDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time - Week 32

Readings 

           I - 2 Macc. 7: 1-2, 9-14

          II - 2 Thess. 2: 16-3:5 

         III - Lk. 20: 27-40

 LIVE BY THE TRUTH

                  

Today’s Gospel passage assures of resurrection and a forever company with the Lord. All love on this earth is but the spark of that divine love. All relationships culminate in the ultimate relationship with and in God. When the earthly existence is ended, each of us will behold the bless of the Lord depending on the good deeds done in faith. The individual and God will be the only relationship that would exist, singing the praises of Him whom we glorified here on the earth with our lives, accomplishing our responsibilities. 

We are left with only two options to live our life here on this earth. To choose God and to live forever or otherwise. Not to waste our life in vain in unnecessary attachment here on this earth that does not follow us here after. But to utilise everything as a means to reach heaven, the destiny final. Let our mind and heart resonate with the prayer: “Lord lead us to the truth”.

Bible Reflections I 05.11.2022 - SATURDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time - Week 31

Readings 

           I - Phil. 4: 10-19

          II - Lk. 16: 9-15

ONE CAN SERVE ONLY ONE MASTER AT A TIME

                  

In today’s Gospel passage Jesus says, “No one can serve two masters; for a slave will either hate the one and love the other, or be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and wealth” (Lk. 16: 13). Through this passage Jesus invites us to be clear about our choice: wealth or God. One can never stand up for two things at a time. Either ‘this’ or ‘that’ and never ‘this and that’. All that is fake and duplicate has the capacity to allure and alienate one from God that is real, absolute and the ultimate. No one ever who has fixed focus on the riches of the world have got contented or satisfied with the same. In the process of gaining riches, wealth, power, honour, popularity and status, they get alienated from God, people and from their very own family members. On the other hand, the one who chooses God chooses to be with His suffering humanity enduring all suffering on this account still filled with serenity, peace, joy, hope and peace. Wealth of this world would not follow us after our life here on this earth while choosing God would follow us to reward with the joy of being with the Lord in the Paradise forever. The choice is ours.  

Today being the first Saturday of the month, we fondly remember our Blessed Mother who positioned her life centering on God. May she be our model and guide in choosing God again and again in our little choices of life. Let our mind and heart resonate with the prayer: “Mother Mary, teach us to serve God alone”.

Bible Reflections I 04.11.2022 - FRIDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time - Week 31

Readings 

           I - Phil. 3:17 - 4:1

          II - Lk. 16: 1-8

BE SHREWD ENOUGH TO INHERIT LIFE ETERNAL

                  

Today’ Gospel passage is about the parable of the dishonest manager. The dishonest manager was shrewd and acted smart when he knew that his position would be taken away from him because of his squandering. Aware of his weakness and inability to earn his living if he was dismissed from the job, he followed a strategy. A strategy that would make him welcomed by the debtors of the rich man! He quickly restructured the debts of the debtors. A strategic planning for an honoured sustenance after his dismissal by the rich man!

“The children of this age are shrewder in dealing with their own generation than are the children of light” (Lk. 16: 8). Our life here on the earth is a shadow and would swiftly pass away. But we spend our time and energy to sustain an honoured living. We are meticulous in planning for our education, employment, career opportunities and career development. We are shrewd and act smart for a happy living here on the earth that is impermanent but seldom do we concentrate on our happy living for an eternity with the Lord, in that paradise. Love is the only strategy that would unlock the Kingdom of God and make us befitting too to be in that Kingdom. Be smart and shrewd in practicing the strategy of love in order to be welcomed by the Lord, “Come, you who are blessed by my Father, take your inheritance, the Kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world” (Mt. 25:34). Today, being the first Friday of the month, a day dedicated to the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, let us constantly keep praying: “Sacred Heart of Jesus, fill my heart with your love”

Bible Reflections I 03.11.2022 - THURSDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time - Week 31

Readings 

            I -Phil. 3: 3-8

           II - Lk. 15: 1-10

          

THE TRUTH SETS FREE

                  

Giving up for a cause though costs, it is joyful and voluntary.  Let us base our reflection on the first reading today.  St. Paul was a reputed and righteous person, disciple of the great teacher of the Law, Gamaliel, a man held in high esteem by all Jews (Acts 22:3), an Israelite belonging to the tribe of Benjamine, a Hebrew of Hebrews, Roman citizen by birth and a zealous Pharisee who persecuted the Church of Christ. Once he discovered the Jesus is the promised Messiah he was ready to give up anything for the sake of Christ but only to earn the hatred and enmity of his own people and the fellow Pharisees, enduring suffering, persecution, loss of reputation, hunger and thirst, all for the sake of Christ. This he did joyfully because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ the Lord. 

Jesus says, “The truth will set you free” (Jn. 8: 32).  “Let go” becomes the attitude of the one who discovers the truth.  We call ourselves Christians but are we Christ like in our charity, forgiveness, kindness, meekness, humility and simplicity. Practicing all these virtues costs our pride, ego, status, name and fame.  Are we ready to give up joyfully for the sake of Jesus who has shown us the way with his life?  May the life of St. Paul inspire us to give up anything for the sake of Jesus our Lord.  Let our mind and heart resonate with the prayer: “Lord Jesus, give me the courage to 'Let go'”

ALL SOULS DAY I 02.11.2022 - WEDNESDAY I REV. FR. AROKIA DOSS SDB I IND...

Bible Reflections I 02.11.2022 - WEDNESDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time - Week 31

Readings 

            I -Wis. 3: 1-9

           II - Rom. 5: 5-11

          III - Jn. 6: 37-40

ALL SOULS DAY 

                  

The communion of saints subsists in the three states of the Church viz. the Triumphant, Penitent and the Militant.  Yesterday we joyously celebrated the victory of the Triumphant Church, the reward of all who stood steadfast in the Lord during their journey here on the earth.  Today we are invited to pray for the Penitent Church, for those holy souls who are in the state of atonement for their sins.  These holy souls await our suffrages and intercession with the Lord for them, so that they may dwell in the joy of being with the Lord for her. While the ‘All Souls Day’ is an ‘alert’, the ‘All Saints Day’ is an ‘assurance’ to the Militant Church.  An ‘alert’ to align our lives unto the ways of God and an ‘assurance’ that we are destined to dwell in and with the Lord forever. 

We fondly remember today all our departed parents, kith and kin, friends, relatives, dear and near ones who had been a part of what we are today.  There are still so many others completely forgotten by the people on earth.  It is our bounden duty to generously offer our prayers to all of them for their eternal repose.  The prayers we make on their behalf benefits mutually.  Our prayers will help the departed to enter the paradise, the eternal bliss and their constant intercession with the Lord for us will strengthen, support and assist us in our earthly journey that will make us befitting to enter the heaven on the completion of our journey here on the earth.

The Church dedicates the month of November to remember and pray for the Holy Souls.  Offer every one of our word, deed, prayers and the Holy Mass for the eternal repose of our departed brethren. Let us keep praying as often as possible the following prayer trusting in the mercy of God: “Eternal rest grant unto them O Lord; and let perpetual light shine upon them. May they rest in peace. Amen”.

Bible Reflections I 01.11.2022 - TUESDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time - Week 31

Readings 

            I - Rev. 7: 2-4, 9-14

           II - I Jn. 3: 1-3

          III - Mt. 5: 1-12

ALL SAINTS DAY (Solemnity)

                  

The ultimate goal of our earthly existence here is our eternal life with the Lord forever in heaven. Today the Church rejoices in the victory of those who passed by the world, living here a worthy and heroic life befitting to their identity as the ‘Children of God’. In asserting this identity, they would have endured a great ordeal that purified them, making them worthy to stand before the throne of the lamb that is all holy and fully of glory. Standing for the Lord in this world courageously yet joyfully; bravely yet blaming none and daringly yet with diligence would take us to the throne of the Lord, the ultimate destination for all children of God.  

The ‘Blessed’ in the beatitudes of the Gospel passage are sure to join the band of the saints whom we celebrate today. The ‘blessed’ according to the Word of God, would certainly behold the throne of God after their life here on this earth. The poor, the mourners, the meek, those men and women who hunger for truth and justice, the merciful, the pure in heart, the peacemakers, those persecuted for justice and those falsely accused on account of Jesus reap their reward in full measure, true to the promise of Jesus. Life is a free gift of God but life eternal is the reward for those dare to stand for God in all that they do and say. May the saints we celebrate today help us to courageously align our lives unto the ways of God. Let us mind and heart resonate with the prayer: “All saints of the Lord, Pray for us”.

ஏழைகளுக்கு கொடுங்கள், விண்ணில் செல்வந்தர் ஆவீர் I 31.10.2022 - MONDAY I ...

Bible Reflections I 31.10.2022 - MONDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time - Week 31

Readings 

            I - Phil. 2: 1-4

           II - Lk. 14: 12-14

DARE TO BEFRIEND THE LESS FORTUNATE 

                  

Today’s Gospel passage is a refutation against inviting type of people for any dinner and banquet. It is quite natural to invite friends, relatives, neighbours, kith and kin who can fit into the ‘status quo’ maintained in the society. But Jesus exhorts to invite those people who would be unable to pay back viz. the poor, the crippled, the lame and the blind. In short, Jesus encourages us to imbibe an attitude that sans a selfish one. These people who welcome the little and the small become ‘blessed’ and great in the sight of God.

We have seen in our own family people noting down the gifts offered by the guests during wedding, birthdays, ceremonies and other functions in order to repay them on similar occasions for which they invite us. These gifts and presents are also called as an ‘interest free debts’. We are least bothered to invite the list of people mentioned by Jesus in the Gospel passage caring for our fame and family. As Christians, dare to befriend and invite those people who seem to be helpless, poor and less fortunate, as did Jesus our Master and thereby witnessing to our Christian credibility. Let our mind and heart resonate with the prayer: “Lord Jesus, give me the courage to swim against the current”

Bible Reflections I 30.10.2022 - SUNDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time - Week 31

Readings 

            I - Wis. 11: 22 - 12: 2

           II - 2 Thess. 1: 11 - 2: 2

          III - Lk. 14: 1, 7-11

JESUS ENSURES NEW LIFE 

                  

Today’s Gospel passage is on about the conversion of Zacchaeus. An episode that is encouraging and consoling.  Zacchaeus was a chief tax collector in Jericho, an Internal Revenue Service of his time for the Romans.  Therefore he was also considered as a traitor to his nation and hated by everyone in the nation. Even Jesus acknowledges the hatred people had for tax collectors: “If they refuse to listen even to the church, treat them as you would a pagan or a tax collector”. Zacchaeus was a rich using his position, overtaxing people.  He had the full support of the Roman authorities and the people were powerless to stop him.  Zacchaeus was small in stature.  Zacchaeus already knew who Jesus was and that it was worth seeing him.  Therefore he climbed up the tree to see Jesus.  To his great surprise Jesus volunteered to be his guest in his house.  The end result of the Zacchaeus episode was conversion of Zacchaeus followed by his salvation “Today salvation has come to this house, because this man, too, is a son of Abraham.  For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.”

Just like Zacchaeus, Jesus must visit our house today. He has no requirements for us before he comes to visit. We don’t have to make all things right with all our dealings before letting him in. He already knows who we are and what shape our house is in. He wants to be there anyway. His presence and his love for us will lead us to do things we never thought we could do: even admitting where we have been wrong and making things right. We can easily assume that Zacchaeus lived a different, fuller life after this encounter with Jesus. And we can have the same experience.  Let our mind and heart resonate with the prayer: “Lord Jesus, come into my heart”.

Bible Reflections I 29.10.2022 - SATURDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time - Week 30

Readings 

            I - Phil. 1: 18-26

           II - Lk. 14: 1, 7-11

SELF-AWARENESS BRINGS HUMILITY

                  

Almost all of us wish to be esteemed, honoured, respected, revered and held high. This is quite normal. But excessive expectation and undue attachment to the same is admonished by Jesus in today’s Gospel passage. Humble person accepts oneself as he/she is with self-awareness and self-knowledge. The hypocrites instead consider themselves higher to others. Jesus in today’s Gospel passage invites to humble oneself in order to he exalted by telling a parable about seeking for a place of honour when invited as a guest. It is better someone come and take to a place of honour than to be dragged to the lowest place.    

Self-knowledge and self-acceptance wraps one with humility freeing from false pride, vain glory and self honour. May the kenosis (self-emptying) of Jesus, renouncing his own divinity and his great humility in stooping down to the level of a slave in washing the feet of his disciples, inspire and enkindle our aspiration to become more humble like our master and his Blessed Mother Mary, the humble handmaid of the Lord whom we fondly remember today. Let our mind and heart resonate with the prayer: “Lord Jesus, help me to be humble like you.”

Bible Reflections I 28.10.2022 - FRIDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time - Week 30

Readings 

            I - Eph. 2: 19-22

           II - Lk. 6: 12-19

SIMON AND JUDE, APOSTLES (Feast)

                  

In today’s Gospel passage Jesus selects his apostles after a whole night of prayer.  His choice of selection at the outset might seem to be absurd and ridiculous because the team of apostles consisted of the fisher folk, the tax collector, the zealot, the illiterate, literate, the reasonable, the unreasonable, the impetuous and the cowards. But Jesus chose them, educated, empowered and sent them among a pack of wolves (Mt. 10:16) with the assurance of his presence with them, “I am with you always, to the very end of the age” (Mt. 28:20). These apostles on account of their mission, the preaching of the Good News, Jesus Christ, endured sorrow, torture, persecution, suffering and death, but in perfect peace and  joy. 

Today the Church celebrates the feast of Saints Simon and Jude, the apostles of Jesus who belonged to the band of the twelve.  Simon was also called as ‘zealot’.  Jude was the brother of James and the author of the letter of Jude in the Bible.  Simon and Jude vehemently preached the Gospel in Persia.  They were martyred there on account of their proclamation about Jesus Christ.  Simon was sawn in half and Jude was crucified and impaled with javelins.  The feast of the saints help us to introspect on our dedication and contribution to the mission of Christ as Christians. Do we stand up for Christ and his teachings, counting not the cost; or yield ourselves in self-preservation for a glimmering worldly honour, glory, pride, pomp, recognition, acceptance, popularity, riches, wealth and success?  Let our mind and heart resonate with the prayer: “Lord Jesus, help us to be your witnesses”

Bible Reflections I 27.10.2022 - THURSDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time - Week 30

Readings 

            I - Eph. 6: 10-20

           II - Lk. 13: 31-35

GO BUSY DOING GOOD

                  

The Pharisees in today’s Gospel passage tries to threaten Jesus thinking that he would flee from Jerusalem, fearing Herod. Jesus on the other hand, makes the Pharisees the messengers of his schedule to Herod courageously calling him, “Fox”. Jesus feared none but was busy engaged in the entrusted mission of salvation. Jesus was focused on Jerusalem, the people of God. Jerusalem as usual missed the Messiah, as did with the prophets and persons of God.

We can draw two take away from this passage: one, to fix our gaze on God and go about doing good; and two, not to inflict pain and suffering on people who go about doing good. When we go about accomplishing good deeds we are also prone to appreciate and uphold others who are involved in similar activities. If not, we would become like those Pharisees causing a lot of inconvenience to people who dedicate themselves for the welfare of the others through our words and deeds. Let our mind and heart resonate with the prayer: “Lord Jesus, help me to be generous and charitable.”

Bible Reflections I 26.10.2022 - WEDNESDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time - Week 30

Readings 

            I - Eph. 6: 1-9

           II - Lk. 13: 22-30

LIVE JESUS FOR A LIFE WITH JESUS

                  

In today’s Gospel passage Jesus exhorts us to choose the narrow gate for a blissful eternity with him in the paradise. The road to destruction is wide while the road to life is narrow and costing. Walking in the way of the Lord is choosing the narrow gate that calls for sharing, caring, giving, loving and enduring foregoing our ego, pride and selfishness.  

As Christians, we either hear or read God’s word every day and we partake with him in his supper in the Holy Eucharist. But, these would not suffice to inherit a life with him in the paradise. Living his words and giving up ourselves for the sake of the other out of love like Jesus will also grant us recognition in his eyes and rest in his company. Let us in the silence of our heart keep repeating: “Lord Jesus, give me the courage to live by your words”.

Bible Reflections I 25.10.2022 - TUESDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time - Week 30

Readings 

           I - Eph. 5: 21-33

          II - Lk. 13: 18-21

                          

LITTLE IS GREAT

In today’s Gospel passage Jesus compares the Kingdom of Heaven to a tiny mustard seed from which emerges a great and gigantic tree. A pinch of yeast ferments the dough of container; a spark can set a great fire aflame and; a magnificent river originate from an insignificant spring of water. All great things have humble beginnings. Random acts of kindness, love, forgiveness, peace and gentleness can cause a ripple effect around paving way to unity, freedom, fraternity and justice thereby actualising the Kingdom of God around us.   

A right word, an inspiring act, an understanding gesture, a little thoughtfulness, an attitude of let go, a bit of tolerance, a node of sympathy and a gentle tap of appreciation has the great power to turn the world upside down. Our mite is a might in the hands of God. Strive to contribute your mite towards the dream of Jesus, the Kingdom of God with all faith and trust in him. May our mind and heart resonate with the prayer: “May your Kingdom come O Lord.”