Bible Reflections I 16.11.2022 - WEDNESDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time - Week 33

Readings 

            I - Rev. 4: 1-11

           II - Lk. 19: 11-28.

       

USE YOURS GIFTS FOR THE GLORY OF THE LORD 

                  

The noble man in today’s Gospel passage goes on a journey to receive for himself a kingdom and so he calls ten of his servants and gives them ten minas and asks them to engage in business until he comes. ‘mina’ is used only in the Gospel according to Luke. ‘mina’ is less than a ‘talent’ sixty minas make a talent. The amount was less a talent. He gives it with no condition of how to engage but only with an instruction to engage. On his return, he calls them for reporting, the first one gives back making it ten minas, the second one, into five and the third, having kept it idle, starts accusing the master. The master in the end rewards the first two and punishes the last. 

God is our loving master. Each of us are bestowed with graces, blessings, gifts and talents meant to be utilised in establishing the Kingdom of God. For every gift wasted in this regard should greatly be accounted for on his return or rather when we encounter the Lord after our earthly existence here on earth. If we have utilised them well we can hear from the Lord, “Well done, good and faithful servant…..come and share your master’s happiness” (Mt. 25: 23). Discover, appreciate and utilise the gifts of God in establishing freedom, fraternity and justice here on earth instead of wasting our time in vain. Let our mind and heart resonate with the prayer: “Lord Jesus, thank you for my talents. Help me use them well for your glory”.

Bible Reflections I 15.11.2022 - TUESDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time - Week 33

Readings 

            I - Rev. 3: 1-6; 14-22

           II - Lk. 19: 1-10

       

SEEK THE LORD AND YOU WILL FIND 

                  

Today’s Gospel passage is about the conversion of Zacchaeus. The curiosity of Zacchaeus and the compassion of Jesus results in the conversion of Zacchaeus, the Chief tax collector. Zacchaeus was curious to see Jesus, the familiar and trending rabbi of the time. On account of the crowd and his short stature, he ran ahead and climbed the sycamore tree. To his astonishment, Jesus in his compassion and mercy proposes for a stay at his house. This compassionate act of Jesus brings about a roundabout conversion in the life of Zacchaeus. In order to gain and retain the love of the Lord, greedy Zacchaeus gives up all that he had accumulated at the cost of the hatred of his people around and his loneIIness with the title as ‘the sinner’. 

  

For love and friendship of Jesus many have given up along with their possessions their lives as well. We may say we love God. And if we do love God, are we ready to give up all that does not align with the will of God? If we dare to give up all that is not of God, then we are credible Christians called to walk on the way of the Lord. Cooperate with the grace of God and give up hatred, anger, jealousy, false finding attitude, gossip, pride, dishonesty, greed, enmity and avarice and shine brightly as sterling Christians in charity after the compassionate heart of Jesus. Then can we hear Jesus say, “Today salvation has come to this house”. May our mind and heart resonate with the prayer: “Lord Jesus, give me the courage to give up anything for your love".

CHILDREN 'S DAY I14.11.2022 - MONDAY I REV. FR. AROKIA DOSS SDB I INDRAY...

Bible Reflections I 14.11.2022 - MONDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time - Week 33

Readings 

            I - Rev. 1: 1-4; 2: 1-5

           II - Lk. 18: 35-43

Children’s Day (India)

          

CALL TO THE LORD

                  

Today’s Gospel passage is about the healing of the blind beggar on the road near Jericho. Three lessons can be drawn for life from this passage. One, though the beggar was blind, he was attentive and keen in capturing what was happening around him. When he realised that Jesus was passing by, he began to shout out saying, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me”. Two, the crowds commanded him to be quite. The more they ordered the shouted even more louder calling out the name of Jesus for his healing. And, three, the gratefulness of the blind beggar. Regaining his sight the blind beggar followed Jesus, glorifying God. At all moments in our life, be attentive to capture the presence of God; call to him at the time of trouble without giving in to despair and discouragement and finally thank God at all times for all his marvels in our life.

Today in India, we celebrate Children’s Day. Children are the greatest gift and model to each of us. Of all things Jesus turned upside down, none was more surprising and unexpected than his depiction of a little child as the model we should imitate and learn from. The image he put forward as the ideal to strive for was not the image of some great heroic figure, a person of great strength and power, a superstar, or even a wise old man or woman . For Jesus, the child was a model of radical humility, trust, a sense of wonder and playfulness. While we thank God for the Children who are the great asset of a nation, do not also forget to pray for those children who have lost their childhood becoming victims of social evils like trafficking, child abuse, alcohol, violence, hard labour and drugs. May God bless all our children, the pillars of the Church and the Nation. God Bless them all. Let our mind and heart resonate with the prayer: “Lord Jesus, bless our children”.

Bible Reflections I 13.11.2022 - SUNDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time - Week 33

Readings 

            I - Mal. 4: 1-2

           II - 2 Thess. 1: 7-12

          III - Lk. 21: 5-19

BE PREPARED TO MEET THE LORD 

                  

Through readings of the day, the Church invites us to be prepared for the day of the Lord so as to face it courageously and joyously. In the first reading, Prophet Malachi compares the day of the Lord to a burning oven that will stubble all the arrogant and the evil doers but the righteous who revered the name of the Lord will rise with the healing in its wings. The second reading is a refutation against false preaching. St. Paul with his life example, encourages the Christians at Thessalonica to work quietly and earn their living with faith and hope in the Lord like Paul himself, instead of getting deceived by the false preaching that they can conduct their life in idleness and anyhow, because of the delay in the coming of the Lord. In the Gospel passage Jesus predicts the destruction of the temple and the persecutions that his people have to encounter on his accord. Jesus assures of his support and encourages to endure the suffering with faith and hope in him.

In our own times we hear of wars, pandemic, natural calamities and betrayals. We need not fear or get panicked but trust in the Lord who assures “fear not, I am with you” in every problem or trouble we encounter. Just walk on the track set out by our Lord - Love and endure everything with faith and hope in him, revering his holy name so that we can meet the Lord as he comes in all his glory true to his promises. Let our mind and heart resonate with the prayer: “Lord Jesus, help me to live a life worthy of you”

ST. JOSEPHATE I 12.11.2022 - SATURDAY I REV. FR. AROKIA DOSS SDB I INDR...

Bible Reflections I 12.11.2022 - SATURDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time - Week 32

Readings 

            I - 3 Jn. 5-8

           II - Lk. 18: 1-8

PERSEVERE IN PRAYER

                  

Today’s Gospel passage is on the parable of the unjust judge and the widow. The judge neither feared God nor respected men. The Judge had least concern for the Law of the Lord or in the wellbeing of his fellowmen. Still, he gave justice to the widow not out of pity or concern for her but she was bothering him so much with her incessant pleading. Unlike the unjust judge, God is our loving, kind and compassionate Father, will he not grant justice to his children when they cry to him night and day for help? But all we require is an unshakable faith in Him.

We are the children of God, the loving, compassionate and merciful Father. In the trending world of the time, we get everything at the click of a button. We need everything instantaneously. We have lost the great value of patience. This has entered our prayer life as well. We expect an immediate response from God. We are least interested in the ‘waiting time’. Let the parable help us to be convinced that we are children of God and that our prayers would be answered ‘Just in Time’ when required. Patiently persevere and remain steadfast in prayer with hope and faith in the Lord. May our mind and heart resonate with the prayer: "Lord Jesus, bless me with the gift of faith".

ST. MARTIN OF TOURS I 11.11.2022 - FRIDAY I REV. FR. AROKIA DOSS SDB I...

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”.