Bible Reflections I 05.11.2021 - Friday I Indraya Manna I

Ordinary Time - Week 31

Readings 

           I - Rom. 15: 14-21

          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.  He made a SWOT analysis of himself quickly and followed a strategy.  A strategy that even if the rich man dismissed him, he would be welcomed by the debtors of the rich man and so he 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 and strive so much for a decent and 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 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 04.11.2021 - Thursday I Indraya Manna I

Ordinary Time - Week 31

Readings 

           I - Rom. 14: 7-12

          II - Lk. 15: 1-10

GATHER WITH JESUS

                  

All precious stones set in their place in a jewel, but one missing would matter much to the owner making him dismal and disappointed. What if one of many is missing while others are well set in their place?  That one stone makes the jewel complete adding beauty and perfection.  Jesus is the Good Shepherd.  He came to seek and save the lost; oil and bandage the wounded and gather all in to the sheepfold even at the cost of his own life.  His care is for all the sheep while his concern is for that of the lost, the last and the least unlike the self-righteous shepherds of his time - the Scribes, the Pharisees, the Sadducees and the Priests.  The presence of the Scribes and the Pharisees was stern, threatening, judging, imposing the impossibilities and humiliating especially to the sinners and the tax collectors.  On the other hand, the presence of the righteous one, Jesus, the Son of God was encouraging, edifying, soothing, comforting, motivating, inspiring and above all welcoming.  In short the presence of Jesus was one of gathering the scattered sheep of Israel.

In the light of the Gospel passage today, let us examine our presence amidst the people around us.  Often times we do like the Scribes and the Pharisees, label, brand, neglect, ostracise and alienate people for various reasons and also grumble and speak ill of those who associate with them. We also forget our identity as Christians, the followers of Christ with the mission of gathering all into the Kingdom of God.  Strive to become like Jesus, in attitude, presence, behaviours and gestures so as to gather with him all his sheep into the sheepfold.  May our mind and heart resonate with the prayer: “Jesus, meek and humble of heart, make my heart like yours”.

Bible Reflections I 03.11.2021 - Wednesday I Indraya Manna I

Ordinary Time - Week 31

Readings 

           I - Rom. 13: 8-10

          II - Lk. 14: 25-33

THE THREE Ds OF DISCIPLESHIP

                  

The cost of discipleship is all about 3Ds, one leading to the other viz. Decision, Detachment and Dedication.  Decision to follow the Lord that calls for detachment.  Detachment leads to dedication in the radical following of Jesus. Jesus in today’s Gospel passage illustrates two metaphors: a person intending to build a tower first sit down and estimate the cost and secondly, the king make peace with his opponent who is stronger than him.  Tasks taken up cannot be given up for any reason. Following the Lord demands detachment that liberates a person for a complete dedication in the carrying of the cross that comes across in the pursuit of following Jesus.  Jesus says, “No one who puts a hand to a plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God” (Lk. 9:62)  

Christian living calls for complete commitment to the life and teaching of Jesus.  A witnessing life to the truth.  To be a Christian is a decisive decision to follow the way our Master had tread. Attachment to persons, wealth or for that matter even to one’s own life should not hinder a Christian to live by the principles of Jesus.  A follower of Christ cannot but be dedicated to the commandment of Jesus, Love: for God and neighbour.  It is not easy but suffering and cross on our path. To befriend the poor, strive for justice, stand for righteousness, voice out for the voiceless and refute the rich and the powerful is challenging but possible for the one who is attached to Christ and dedicated to his mission with the firm decision to follow him come what may.  May our mind and heart resonate with the prayer: “Lord Jesus, teach me to follow you”.

Bible Reflections I 02.11.2021 - Tuesday I Indraya Manna I

Ordinary Time - Week 31

Readings 

           I - Job. 19: 1, 23-27

           II - Rom. 6: 3-4, 8-9

          III - Mt. 5: 1-12

ALL SOULS DAY (Optional Memorial)

          

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 01.11.2021 - Monday I Indraya Manna I

Ordinary Time - Week 31

Readings 

        I - Rev. 7: 2-4, 9-14

       II - IJn. 3: 1-3

       II - Mt. 5: 1-12

ALL SAINTS DAY (Solemnity)

                  

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.  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, 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”.

Bible Reflections I 30.10.2021 - Saturday I Indraya Manna i

Ordinary Time - Week 30

Readings 

          I - Rom. 11: 1-2, 11-12, 25-29

          II - Lk. 14: 1, 7-11

SHUN SHOW OFF

                  

It is quite natural and normal to expect that one is esteemed, honoured and respected.  But obsessive craving for consideration, pomp, glory, honour, recognition and respect culminates in causing show off syndrome.  The humanity today suffers under the clutches of show off syndrome.  Everyone wishes to glitter and glow in the sight of every other person.  They are ready and willing to do anything to achieve this height.  Fall from heights is a tragedy and on the other hand to be lifted to the heights from the dust is an honour as we read in the Book of Proverbs, “for it is better to be told, “come up here”, than to be put lower in the presence of the prince” (Pro. 25. 6-7).  In the Gospel passage today, Jesus, through a parable insists on the great value of humility, the mother of all virtues.  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, teach me to be humble like you”.

Bible Reflections I 29.10.2021 - Friday I Indraya Manna I

Ordinary Time - Week 30

Readings 

           I - Rom. 9: 1-5

           II - Lk. 14: 1-6

LET HUMANESS SURPASS ALL THINGS

                  

In today’s Gospel passage Jesus takes the bull by the horns. Jesus uses the invitation of the leader of the Pharisee to dine with him, as an opportunity to confront the unnecessary rules that weighed down the common people.  By curing the man suffering from dropsy on the Sabbath, Jesus insists on the precedence of life and the supremacy of accomplishing good goes beyond time, rules and regulations. The healing is an exhortation to everyone to be more reasonable and humane.  

Laws, rules and regulations are for people and not people for the same as Jesus would say, “The Sabbath was made for man, not man for Sabbath” (Mk. 2:27).  The purpose of Sabbath was to dedicate the day for the Lord abstaining from major works like rest of the six days in order to spend the time during the Sabbath in prayer, praise and worship. The day of Sabbath therefore is supposed to be kept holy. But the Scribes and the Pharisees threw the baby with the bathwater by making stringent rules for the Sabbath day.  Humanness ought to streamline and surpasses all laws, rules and regulations. Let us not be bound by unscrupulous rules, regulations and rituals but allow and flaunt humanness in all that we seek and accomplish. May our mind and heart resonate with the prayer: “Jesus Lord, make me like you”.

Bible Reflections I 28.10.2021 - Thursday I Indraya Manna I

Ordinary Time - Week 30

Readings 

            I - Eph. 2: 19-22

           II - Lk. 6: 12-16

Saints Simon and Jude, Apostles (Feast)

YOU ARE GOD’S CHOICE

                  

Jesus went into the hills and prayed the whole night before selecting his team of the twelve from among many that followed him.  His choice of selection at the outset might seem to be absurd.  Such a great task and the passionate dream of Jesus, the Kingdom of God, be delegated to a group composed of the fisher folk, the tax collector, the zealot, the illiterate, literate, the reasonable, the unreasonable, the impetuous and the cowards?  They were of less or no caliber to be disciples of the then trending Master and the Messiah, Jesus Christ.  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).  This is the style of Jesus, the Rabbi par excellence.

These disciples 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.  They preached the Gospel in Persia.  They were martyred there on account of their proclamation of the Good News, Jesus Christ.  Simon was sawn in half and Jude was crucified and impaled with javelins.  

We are privileged to have been chosen for Christ through our Baptism.  May the feast of the saints help us to examine about our dedication and contribution to the mission of Christ. 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, give us the courage to be your witnesses”

Bible Reflections I 27.10.2021 - Wednesday I Indraya Manna I

Ordinary Time - Week 30

Readings 

            I - Rom. 8: 26-30

           II - Lk. 13: 22-30

JESUS IS THE SURE DOOR TO HEAVEN

                  

To believe in the one sent - Jesus - is the sure door to salvation and Heaven.  Jesus is the way and the truth and the life (Jh. 14:6).  In the words of St. Peter, “Salvation is found in no one else but Jesus, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved” (Acts 4:12).  The chief shepherd is the door to the sheepfold for he has said, “I am the door.  If anyone enters in by me, he will be saved’ (Jn. 10:9).  Still, he came to his own and his own received him not (Jn. 1:11).  The chosen, the clever, the elite and the learned in their stubbornness of heart and attitude of self-righteousness missed the Messiah for whom they awaited so long.  While the sinners, the tax collectors and the Samaritans in their simplicity of mind and openness of heart accepted him as their Lord and saviour.  This is why Jesus in today’s Gospel passage says, “there are those now last who will be first, and those now first will be last” (Lk. 13: 30).    

“Believe in the Lord Jesus and you will be saved, you and your household” (Acts. 16: 31).  Being merely a Christian does not make one befitting to the Kingdom of Heaven. Accepting Jesus is accepting his life and teaching, following the path that he tread, come what may, would for sure guarantee heaven and salvation.  This is faith and trust in Jesus and a sure road to salvation and heaven.  Let us in the silence of our heart keep repeating: “Lord Jesus, we trust in you”.

Bible Reflections I 26.10.2021 - Tuesday I Indraya Manna I

Ordinary Time - Week 30

Readings 

            I - Rom. 8: 18-25

           II - Lk. 13: 18-21

MITE IS MIGHT WITH THE ALMIGHTY

                  

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

There was a detention centre at the Auschwitz, the Nazi concentration camp called Little Camp.  The Jewish parents and elders protected around nine hundred children there having them hidden.  They held classes for them stealthily. Urged them to draw up plans for their future, insisted them to dream about the impossible viz. freedom, justice and a carefree living that paved way for prosperity and futurity. Right there, a seed was sown that later grew up to be a Chairman of ‘The Presidents Commission on the Holocaust’ (New York, USA), Eli Wiesel, a Nobel Peace prize winner, philosopher and the author.  He was the world's leading spokesman on the Holocaust. He was a messenger to mankind, a messenger of peace, atonement and dignity.  He fought against indifference and refuted the attitude of “it’s no concern of mine”.  The materials God use may at time seem to be insignificant and inadequate but once God gets to work, the results can be extraordinary and amazing. 

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.  Jesus compares faith and the Kingdom of God to a mustard seed.  Our little acts with a little faith can make our earth a heaven.  Our mite is a might in the hands of the almighty.  Let us strive to contribute our little 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”.

Bible Reflections I 25.10.2021 - Monday I Indraya Manna I

Ordinary Time - Week 30

Readings 

            I - Rom. 8: 12-17

           II - Lk. 13: 10-17

DO GOOD AT ALL TIMES 24X7 

                  

From the Gospel passage today we can draw two points for life.  One, Jesus is the liberator and two, all time is favourable and opportune to accomplish the good.  The woman was possessed by a spirit that had crippled her for eighteen years.  She was bent double and quite unable to stand upright.  Jesus called her and cured her on his own without even her request, on a Sabbath day and in the synagogue where the crowds gathered for prayer and worship. It was solely done to instruct the crowds that there is no time, season or reason to accomplish good works

There is nothing that is impossible with God.  Are we laden with a load of trouble that we are unable to stand straight?  Fear, worry, anxiety, guilt, problems of all sorts: physical, emotional, financial, social, hopelessness, faithlessness, depression and disappointments could grip us to bend to the ground.  Give up not the courage.  Hold on to God in faith and it will be done if that contributes to happiness and wellbeing of our life.  

Some people are so much prone into tradition and superstitions that they look for time, reason and season to accomplish, help and support a person.  Through today’s Gospel passage, Jesus invites for a round the clock service, twenty four into seven, to the needy.  This would make us Christians and credible witnesses of Jesus.  In the silence of our hearts and minds let us pray: “Lord Jesus, make us the sign of your presence”

Bible Reflections I 24.10.2021 - Sunday I Indraya Manna I

Ordinary Time - Week 30

Readings 

            I - Jer. 31: 7-9

           II - Heb. 5: 1-6

          III - Mk. 10: 46-52

PRIESTS ARE GOD’S PREDELICTS - MISSION SUNDAY 

                  

The Gospel reading is the fulfillment of the first reading, the prophesy of prophet Jeremiah, in Jesus the only Son of God, appointed by God as a High Priest, a priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek, to gather all people and nation by offering Himself as a sacrifice. In the second reading, letter to the Hebrews we read that every priesthood is modelled after the priesthood of Jesus, the High Priest. None can presume the honour of priesthood unless otherwise called by God, just as Aaron was.  

God in His goodness, mercy and compassion chooses one from among His own people, anoints them and bestows blessings upon them to guide, tend, shepherd, teach, instruct, admonish, reprove, rebuke, exhort, appreciate, forgive, encourage, educate and lead the flock towards God. Great are the responsibilities of the priests of God. It is highly unthinkable and greatly unimaginable of the Church - the Bride of Christ without the priests. Their fragility and weakness is not unknown to God and are remitted as they offer sacrifice to God on behalf of His people by offering themselves too as sacrifice to God.

Today the Church celebrates Mission Sunday. Mission Sunday is a day set aside by the Church to renew our missionary commitment in the propagation of faith. Priests, religious and volunteers are selflessly involved in this noble mission entrusted without counting the cost or convenience to continue and carry out the work of Jesus. Let us be generous in our spiritual and financial support for the missions and pray for priestly and religious vocation in the Church as per the instruction of our Lord, “The harvest is plentiful, but the labourers are few; therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out labourers into his harvest” (Mt. 9: 37). Let our mind and heart resonate with the prayers: “Lord Jesus, send labourers into your field”.

Bible Reflections I 23.10.2021 - Saturday I Indraya Manna I

Ordinary Time - Week 29

Readings 

            I - Rom. : 8:1-11

           II - Lk. 13: 1-9

BECOME SENSITIVE TO THE SIGNAL OF GOD

                  

The Israelites considered destruction, disaster, death and misfortune as consequences of sin. Jesus cites two incidents inviting people for repentance and restoration, defending that the Galileans killed by Pilot and the eighteen due to the fall of the Siloam tower were not worse sinners than those survived. The second part of the Gospel passage is about the parable of the barren fig tree where the gardener pleads for one more year with the master as a time gap for the tree to yield the fruit so that he would dig around manure and make it fruitful - signifying the time gap that Jesus pleads with God for the repentance and return of the people to God.  As the Scripture says, “But the more they were called, the more they went away from me” (Hos. 11:2), the people of Israel in their stubbornness of heart failed to adhere to the words of Jesus.  

The one who repents will live forever and the one who refuses will have to be doomed forever.  Every time we sin against love of God and love of neighbour, God signals for repentance and return back through the Word of God, persons, events and above all through our own conscience. God does not punish or condemn us then and there but gives us time gap to come back to Him with converted and convinced heart of repentance and love. As St. Peter says, let us “think of our Lord’s patience as an opportunity to be saved” (2 Pt. 3:15).

Let us be sensitive to catch up with his signal for it could be this minute or this moment as the bible says, “now is the acceptable time, see, now is the day of salvation” (2 Cor. 6:2).  Therefore again as the Bible says, “O that today you would listen to His voice! Do not harden you hearts” (Ps. 95:7).  May our heart and mind resonate with the prayer: “Lord Jesus, Have mercy on me”.

Bible Reflections I 22.10.2021 - Friday I Indraya Manna I

Ordinary Time - Week 29

Readings 

            I - Rom. : 7:18-25

           II - Lk. 12: 54-59

St. John Paul II (Pope)

Optional Memorial

BE SMART ENOUGH TO GRASP THE SIGNS OF THE TIME

         

The Gospel excerpt of the day consists of two parts: one, the inability of the crowds to interpret the present time, the time of the Messiah and two, as a consequence missed claiming the mercy of the Messiah. The ‘crowds’ is an inclusive term that contains, the Scribes, the Pharisees, the Sadducees and the common people in general.  Jesus calls them hypocrites because they knew how to interpret the appearance of earth and sky but not the present - the fulfillment of the promise and the prophesies - The Day of the Lord.  A willful neglect to acknowledge and accept the promised one in Jesus, the merciful saviour.  The wilful neglect of the throne of mercy in Jesus would drag them to the throne of justice before the just God as depicted in the parable.  

Sensitivity of mind and openness of heart are the essential requisite to be exposed to the truth present around us.  Only these can help to read and respond to the signs of the time rightly according to the need of the hour making us beneficiaries of the time.  Instead prejudice, pretention, neglect and bias will make us miss the opportunities, possibilities and prospects present around, leaving us losers.  Today the Church celebrates the feast of St. John Paul II.  He is known as the ‘Pope of the family’, ‘Pope of the youth’ and ‘Father of the World Youth Day’.   He had visited around 130 countries striving for unity, peace and harmony.  As a part of his special emphasis on the universal call to holiness, he had canonised 483 saints and had beautified 1,340 people.  St. John Paul II was the much loved pope especially to the young people.  He was loved and revered by all because of his openness and ability to respond rightly to the signs of the time.  May St. John Paul II grant us an openness of heart and mind to accept and acknowledge the truth as it comes with the signs of the time.  Let our mind and heart resonate with the prayer: “Holy Spirit Lord, lead us to the truth”.

Bible Reflections I 21.10.2021 - Thursday I Indraya Manna I

Ordinary Time - Week 29

Readings 

            I - Rom. : 6:19-23

           II - Lk. 12: 49-53

PEACE - THE PROMISE OF JESUS TO THE PERSONS OF GOODWILL

                 

The Prince of Peace prophesied by Prophet Isaiah (Is. 9:6) upon whose birth the angel sang in unison, “Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace to men of good will” (Lk. 12: 14), in today’s Gospel passage says, “Do you think that I have come to bring peace on earth? No, I tell you, but rather division” (Lk. 12:51).  A division based on love, peace and justice.  There is constant strife between the values of the Kingdom of God and the values of the world; the principles of the Good and the principles of the Evil and between God the creator and the evil, the destroyer.  This strife exists even in the family.  Some choose to live for God, come what may while others are content with the compromising life that is convenient resulting in division in the very own family between the kith and the kin.  Choosing to live up to the life and teaching of Christ Jesus can alienate one from family, friends, society and the nation at large making him a sign of conflict and contradiction causing opposition, confusion, misunderstanding, persecution and suffering.  Still the person seem to enjoy and unlimited peace within himself or herself.  This is the peace that the world cannot give and this is the peace of the risen Lord left with us as his gift to the persons of goodwill.  The peace which the world can neither give not sniff from the people of God - "Peace I leave with you, my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives” (Jn. 14:27).   

Choosing to live for God is a risk and challenge that demands a lot of courage.  May the Lord Jesus give the courage to live up to his teachings so that we become credible and witnessing disciples of Jesus, transforming the world wherever we are still without losing the gift of peace given to us by our Risen Lord.  Let our mind and heart resonate with the prayer: “Jesus Lord fill me with your peace”.

Bible Reflections I 20.10.2021 - Wednesday I Indraya Manna I

Ordinary Time - Week 29

Readings 

            I - Rom. : 6:12-18

           II - Lk. 12: 39-48

DESTINY IS DETERMINED BY DECISION

                  

“The Son of man is coming at an unexpected hour” (Lk. 12: 40).  We shall reflect on this excerpt from the Gospel passage today.  The Lord’s coming may lurk at any time but how prepared are we?  Blessed is the hour at which the Lord comes to visit us still, shouldn’t we too be blessed to behold him as He comes?  We will be found ready and blessed if we are busy about our work centered on love of God and love of neighbour.  Accomplishing ordinary, simple, daily and routine task with great love, sense of responsibility and fidelity would befit us to behold the King of Kings as and when He comes - be it even an unexpected and odd hour.  If we make charity and love as our way of life, all we accomplish will be set on the right track that we need no worry, fear or anxiety about the hour at which the Lord comes.  

The choices and decisions we make determine our destiny.  For every action there is a reaction and for every choice there is a consequence.  If we choose to live by the teachings of Christ, we can dare to meet Him despite the hour he comes.  Let’s align our lives unto the way of the Lord and march ahead courageously to meet Him as He comes.  May our mind and heart resonate with this prayer: “Lord Jesus, teach me to fix my gaze on you”.

இயேசுவின் வருகைக்காய் விழிப்பாய் இருப்போம் I 19.10.2021 - Tuesday I Rev....

Bible Reflections I 19.10.2021 - Tuesday I Indraya Manna I

Ordinary Time - Week 29

Readings 

            I - Rom. : 5:12-15

           II - Lk. 12: 35-38

PREPAREDNESS, PATIENCE AND PERSEVERANCE PAYS

                  

Preparedness, patience and perseverance in waiting to behold the arrival of the master is the required responsibility of a slave.  Preparedness for the service, patience in waiting even if the arrival of the master is delayed and perseverance in accomplishing the responsibility.  Such responsibility will be rewarded by the Master through a role reversal.  The Master will make the slave sit at the table and serve him like a slave.  Jesus calls such a faithful and responsible servant as “blessed”.     

We are Christians entrusted with the responsibility of projecting Christ wherever we are - a witness of His love.  Not to accomplish great and magnificent tasks but a simple and loving service that befits our ability would suffice, but all done in love for the Lord as prescribed by Jesus in Mt. 25: 35-36.  A morsel of bread to those who are hungry, a cup water to those who are thirsty, sheltering a stranger, visiting or caring a sick and considerate towards the suffering, all done in love not for a day or two; or as and when it pleases but till the end of our time when the Lord finally comes to call us to himself, would merit the royal treatment of the Lord towards us in the paradise in his company forever. Let us patiently perseveres in our acts of loving kindness with preparedness to behold the Master as and when he comes.  May our mind and heart resonate with the prayer: “Lord Jesus, help me to be faithful to my Christian vocation”.

Bible Reflections I 18.10.2021 - Monday I Indraya Manna I

Ordinary Time - Week 29

Readings 

         I - 2Tim: 4:10-17

       II - Lk. 10: 1-9

St. Luke, Evangelist (Feast)

BECOME AN EFFECTIVE MESSENGER OF THE GOOD NEWS

                  

Today the Church celebrates the feast of St. Luke, a gentile convert, passionate proclaimer of Christ and the evangelist.  He was a physician by profession.  He was the author of the Gospel according to Luke and the Acts of the Apostles.  He was the disciple and the missionary companion to Paul. The infancy narrative recorded in his Gospel was the first hand information from Mother Mary herself.  He had a great love and devotion towards the Mother of God.  Besides being a professional physician, St. Luke was also an artist.  The portrait of Mother Mary brought by St. Thomas the Apostle still displayed in St. Thomas Mount, Chennai was painted by St. Luke himself.  He lit the light of faith in the lives of people through his work, words and very life.  

In today’s Gospel passage, Jesus sends out the seventy two in pairs to proclaim the Good News, with enough and above instructions and explanations.  The same mission is entrusted to us too through our Baptism.  It would never suffice if we were to preach the Good News with words alone.  We are called and commissioned to proclaim Christ through our lives as well.  Our very life should inspire and enkindle the faith of people around.  Then can we call ourselves the followers of Christ.  Let us invoke the intercession of St. Luke to help us follow the Lord passionately and propagate the faith in Christ with our very lives.  May the light our life imbue everyone to come under the flock of the Good Shepherd.  May our mind and heart resonate with the prayer: “Lord Jesus, empower me to be your effective messenger”.

Bible Reflections I 17.10.2021 - Sunday I Indraya Manna I

Ordinary Time - Week 29

Readings 

            I - Is. 53: 10-11

           II - Heb. 4: 14-16

          III - Mk. 10: 35-45

LEADERSHIP IS SERVICE - A PARADIGM SHIFT

                  

The styles of leadership in management are: Autocratic (one man show); Democratic (decentralised authority); Free-Rein (does not lead and avoids power) and Paternalistic (conducts as a head of a family).  In the Gospel passage today, Jesus proposes ‘Servant Leadership’ modelled after his own life as prophesied by Prophet Isaiah in the first reading.  The leadership of Jesus is based on love, kindness, gentleness, meekness, humility and service sans power, pride, prestige, glory, honour, geed, might and arrogance.  Jesus gives a paradigm shift from the leadership style of the Pharisees and the scribes who considered themselves great and lorded over the people to, “whoever wishes to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wishes to be first among you must be a slave of all (Mk. 10:44)”.  

We may consent or will to empower a servant or a slave but would never wish to become one to lead people.  Service is suffering and painful.  Suffering inflicted by the very own people whom we have opted to serve.  It could be our own family members, friends, neighbours, colleagues at the work place and the subordinates.  We might have to endure their misunderstanding, betrayal, abandonment, withdrawal, neglect, coldness, physical and verbal abuse, rumour, disrespect, vengeance and hatred as our lot and reward for our sincere service. At those moments, fear and failure may envelop; discouragement and depression may overpower and defeat and dejection may try to conquer pushing to verge of ‘give up’.  At those moments look up to Jesus - the suffering servant of Yahweh who in every respect has been tested as we are but never sinned and who is able to sympathise with our weakness.  As the second reading proposes, “Let us approach the throne of grace with boldness, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need” (Heb. 4:16). May our mind our heart resonate with the prayer: “Lord Jesus, make me like you”.