Bible Reflections I 07.12.2021 - Tuesday I Indraya Manna I

Advent: Week 2

Readings 

           I - Is. 40: 1-11 

          II - Mt. 18: 12-14

JESUS IS OUR GOOD SHEPHERD

                  

“It is not the will of your Father in heaven that one of these little ones should be lost” is the concern and the mindfulness of the Shepherd, the Good Shepherd towards the one lost on wandering.  Leaving ninety nine on the on the mountain and going in search of the lost one does not mean that the ninety nine does not matter to him.  Every sheep in the ninety nine matters to the shepherd individually and personally; they are secure in his care and therefore he goes in search of the one that is lost: “I guarded them, and not one of them was lost…” (Jh. 17: 12).  Every one of the sheep is precious to him and he is willing to give up his life to save even the one that is lost in wandering in order to bring it back safe to the sheepfold where they are free and secure.

As sheep belonging to the Sheepfold of Christ we have a triple responsibility: One, to remain in the sheepfold; two, if we are wandering away from Christ, adhere to his voice and get back to the sheepfold; and three, with Christ gather the sheep into the sheepfold through our words, deed, gestures and above all through our exemplary living.  Today the Church celebrates the feast of St. Ambrose who was also responsible for the conversion of St. Augustine, the great theologian, defender of faith and above all source of hope and inspiration, once a wandering sheep was brought back into the sheepfold. Let us in the silence of our heart keep repeating: “Jesus my Good Shepherd I thank you for your love”.

Bible Reflections I 06.12.2021 - Monday I Indraya Manna I

Advent: Week 2 . 

Readings 

           I - Is. 35: 1-10 

          II - Lk. 5: 17-26

JESUS LIBERATES

              

The Gospel passage of the day is about the healing of the paralytic. To the rebellious and prejudiced Pharisees and the teachers of the Law, who criticised Jesus for saying that his sins were forgiven, Jesus asked, “Which is easier, to say, ‘your sins are forgiven or stand up and walk”. Such commands are possible only for God. The fruits of such command in sickness and sorrow are forgiveness, healing, liberation and abounding peace on account of the same. The sins of the paralytic were forgiven, he was healed - stood up and walked and thereafter went glorifying God.  

In today’s Gospel we read, “…the power of the Lord was with him to heal”. Consider this season of advent, as an opportunity to approach the Lord with all infirmities and weakness but with the faith that the Lord can liberate from all bondage: sufferings, sickness, crisis, addictions, inabilities and from all that discourage and weigh us down. He is our compassionate and merciful healer. He would definitely heal us, set us free and fill us with peace. Let us also pray for our suffering brethren whom who know needs the healing power of Jesus. Like those four men, intercede for them to the Lord for his mercy and healing towards them. May our mind and heart resonate with the prayer: “Lord Jesus, heal me and set me free from …….. (mention from what you want to be freed of).

Bible Reflections I 05.12.2021- Sunday I Indraya Manna I

Advent: Week 2. Sunday - 05.12.2021

Readings 

           I - Bar. 5: 1-9 

          II - Phil. 1: 4-6, 6-11

         III - Lk. 3: 1-6

PREPARE THE WAY OF THE LORD

                  

We behold eminent persons with proper preparation and exciting exclusive gifts. We will have both internal and external preparation proving ourselves to be worthy of receiving such dignitaries. Today’s Gospel passage is an invitation to prepare ourselves for the coming of the Lord, the King of Kings, as prophesied by Prophet Isiah: the Mighty God, Everlasting Father and the Prince of Peace (Is. 9: 6). But, How to prepare; and why to prepare?

How to Prepare?

In the Gospel passage of the day, John the Baptist exhorts us to repent and amend our ways unto the ways of the Lord. A change of heart, conversion and a ‘U’ turn from our reckless living to a purposeful living in and for God.

Why to prepare?

So that, as the second reading says, we may be found pure, blameless and remain righteous to stand before the Lord as he comes in His glory. So that, as the first reading says, we might be given the name, “Righteous Peace, Godly Glory” (Bar. 5: 4) and be led into the Kingdom of God with joy, in the light of His glory, carried in glory as on a royal throne.

Not even the finest dust of the earth could follow us into that Royal Eternal Kingdom but our woks of charity and kindness alone. As St. Paul says in the second reading, let everyone of our word and deed flow from charity so that we may be found ready and worthy at time of His coming. Yield unto the hands of God, unreservedly, so that, the One who began the good work will bring it to completion by the day of Jesus Christ. May our mind and heart resonate with the prayer: “Come Lord Jesus” as we step into the second week of the grace filled Season of Advent.

Bible Reflections I 04.12.2021 - Saturday I Indraya Manna I

Advent: Week 1: 

04.12.2021 - Saturday

Readings 

           I - Is. 30: 19-21, 23-26 

          II - Mt. 9: 35-10: 1, 5-8

BUILDERS OF GOD’S KINGDOM

                  

In the Gospel passage of the day we read Jesus preaching, teaching and proclaiming the Good News of the Kingdom; and moved with compassion and graciousness, healing and curing every disease and sickness, thus fulfilling the prophesies foretold by the Prophets.  The extension of this mission was entrusted to the twelve disciples summoning them with authority to preach, proclaim, heal and cure as the sign of the Kingdom of God amidst them as was done by Jesus himself.  Jesus wished that this ministry be carried on and on until the Kingdom of God is established.

Each of us with our Christian vocation are called to be another Christ in this world projecting him in our mercy, compassion, goodness, kindness, forgiveness, patience, endurance and gentleness.  For this purpose, “Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.  If anyone speaks, they should do as one who speaks the very words of God.  If anyone serves, they should do with the strength God provides” (1 Pt. 4: 10-11).  “The gifts he gave were that some would be apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers…till we all come in the unity of faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God…” (Eph. 4: 11, 13).  Until this unity is established keep striving to the best as the builders of God’s Kingdom for what Christ Jesus has captured us with the graces bestowed upon us.  Let our mind and heart resonate with the prayer: “Lord Jesus, make me an effective builder of your Kingdom”.

Bible Reflections I 03.12.2021 - Friday I Indraya Manna I

Advent: Week 1

Readings 

           I - Is. 29: 17-24 

          II - Mt. 9: 27-32

St. Francis Xavier (Priest), Solemnity

               

CALLED TO BE HERALDS OF HOPE 

                  

The blessed hope prophesied in the first reading by Prophet Isaiah is fulfilled in the coming of the Promised One, Jesus as we read in the Gospel passage, the healing of the two blind men.  The hope of the two blind men that they would see and the faith in Jesus that he can heal obtained a miracle for them.  They went with hope; were healed in faith and thereafter they became the messengers of that Good News throughout that district.  

We are in the first week of the advent reflecting on theme: Hope.  The hope in the Promised One for whom we await indeed will come as a fulfillment of our hope to wipe away every tear from all faces and the disgrace of His people, making all things anew (Is. 25:8, Rev. 21:4). We Christians, modelled after the mind and heart of our Master Jesus Christ, should infuse and strengthen the hope of the depressed, oppressed and the helpless around us thereby giving them the glimpse of the One who is to come in glory and establish his Kingdom forever. 

Today the Church celebrates the feast of St. Francis Xavier, a legendary missionary from Spain.  He was an ardent follower of Christ and a daring missionary with great zeal and commitment. Francis Xavier, in his younger days had various ambitions and plans for his future.  Disturbed by the Word of God, “For what will it profit them if they gain the whole world but forfeit their life?” (Mt. 16:26), Francis Xavier, gave away all his dreams and desires; and determined to follow Christ leaving his country and people behind.  He dared to be a missionary to set the light of Christ thereby infusing hope and faith in the Lord Jesus.  He preached along the coastal areas of Goa, various parts of South India, Malaya and Japan and turned many hearts towards Christ. May the saint intercede for us that we may become effective heralds of hope, wherever we are.  Let our mind and heart resonate with the prayer: “St. Francis Xavier, Pray for us”.

Bible Reflections I 02.12.2021 - Thursday I Indraya Manna I

Ordinary Time - Advent 1

Readings 

           I - Is. 26: 1-6 

          II - Mt. 7: 21, 24-27

               

LISTEN AND LIVE BY THE WORD OF GOD

                  

We are hearing and witnessing the disasters due to the torrential rains followed by floods these days. So many magnificent, trending and lofty buildings being carried and washed away in the waters because of the poor and weak foundations, unable to withstand the current of the fast flowing floods. Jesus uses this very practical metaphor to explain about the hearers and the doers of the Word of God. The active listeners of the Word of God who live by the same stand steadfast even if baffled and battered up by trials, temptations and misfortunes while mere listeners of the Word are washed away by the trifles of the world giving up their faith and trust in the Lord. 

Listening to the Word of God in faith and accomplishing the same with an utmost trust position their life in the Lord, an everlasting rock. These people of God stand steadfast secured even amidst all adversary circumstances with the Lord besides them, true to his words: “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze” (Is. 43:2). They people would hold fast to their faith, abounding in hope and would be ablaze with charity inheriting eternal life when the Son of Man comes in glory to visit them. May we too be counted to be one among them. Let our mind and heart resonate with the prayer: “Lord Jesus, strengthen my faith”

Bible Reflections I 01.12.2021- Wednesday I Indraya Manna I

Ordinary Time - Advent 1

Readings 

           I - Is. 25: 6-10 

          II - Mt. 15: 29-37

                

MITE IS MIGHT IN THE HANDS OF GOD

                  

The Gospel reading of the day is the perfect fulfillment of the Prophesy of Prophet Isaiah in the first reading.  The Lord their God, whom they waited, for so long years was with them, wiping away their tears and disgrace on the mountain as prophesied.  Let us take up the second part of the Gospel reading for our reflection.  The compassionate heart of Jesus and the contribution from the crowd made the miracle of the multiplication of the loaves and fish possible.  Jesus blessed the mite, the seven loaves and the fish, and fed the multitude that was hungry. 

Our God whom we await for during this season of Advent is ‘Immanuel’ - God with us.  To this God of ours, let us generously offer the mite that we have, our talent, goodwill, attitude and accomplishments.  He would definitely work a miracle out of it for a better world of love, peace, joy and happiness, wiping away every tear from the face of the people and the disgrace of those humiliated and oppressed.  May our mind and heart resonate with the prayer: “Lord Jesus, help me to yield myself unto Thee”

Bible Reflections I 30.11.2021 - Tuesday I Indraya Manna I

Ordinary Time - Advent 1

Readings 

           I - Rom. 10: 9 -18 

          II - Mt. 4: 18-22

St. Andrew (Apostle) - Feast 

               

FOLLOW THE LORD IN FAITH AND COURAGE

                  

The Lord calls whomever he wants (Mk. 3:13). Be it Peter, the fisherman or Matthew, the tax collector or Simon, the zealot or Saul, the learned and the persecutor. Jesus calls them to be with him and to be sent on a mission (Mk. 3:14). The mission precisely is to preach the Good News and to build up the Kingdom of God. To be the messengers of love, peace and joy for the purpose of establishing a subservient social order, an egalitarian society where freedom, fraternity and justice reign. The adherence and commitment to the call of God requires faith and courage. Faith in the one who calls will accompany all through the life journey and the courage to endure and face all suffering, persecution, defamation, false accusation and finally death on this accord.   

Today the Church celebrates the feast of St. Andrew, the brother of Simon Peter (Jn. 1:40) and the apostle of Jesus. His commitment to the call of Jesus was instantaneous that evince his faith in the great Rabbi and the Messiah, Jesus. He travelled around Asia Minor and Black Sea preaching the Good news with great courage and conviction. When he was sentenced to death by crucifixion, he felt that he was unworthy to be crucified like his master Jesus Christ and hence asked to be crucified on a diagonal cross. This is why the Scottish flag have a diagonal cross as St. Andrew is the patron saint of Scotland.  

Christ has called each one of us to be his followers through our baptism to partake in the priestly, kingly and prophetic mission of the Church. We need not accomplish great things but make the principles of Christ our way of living in the day-to-day context making our ordinary living an extraordinary one as set out by Jesus our Master and Model. May St. Andrew, the apostle, strengthen our faith and help us to courageously commit ourselves to the mission of being the messengers of the Good News through our exemplary living. May our mind and heart resonate with the prayer: “St. Andrew, the apostle of Christ, Pray for us”.

Bible Reflections I 29.11.2021 - Monday I Indraya Manna I

Advent - Week 1

Readings:  I - Is. 2: 1-5

     II - Mt. 8: 5-11, 13

   

THE POWER OF FAITH

“If you have faith and do not doubt…you can say to this mountain, ‘Go, throw yourself into the sea’ and it will be done” (Mt. 21:21).  Such is the power of faith.  But what is faith?  “Faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see” (Heb. 11:1). The centurion had tremendous faith in the authority of Jesus over his words.  He highlighted the authority of Jesus subduing his own authority over those hundred under him.  He was a non-Jew and a Samaritan still had a firm faith in the authority of Jesus over his words and it was done to him - his servant was healed from the terrible disease. 

“All things are possible to him who believes” (Mk. 2:23).  It is not enough that we fumble with words and babble in our prayers.  Prayer is basically a matter of faith that the centurion had.  In the light of the faith of the Centurion, let us examine our own faith and pray for the gift of faith, so that we might be the credible witnesses of Christ our Lord.  May our mind and heart resonate with the prayer: “Lord Jesus, fill me with the gift of faith”.

Bible Reflections I 28.11.2021 - Sunday I Indraya Manna I

Advent  Week 1

Readings 

           I - Jer. 33: 14-16 

          II - 1 Thess. 3: 12-4: 2

         III - Lk. 21: 25-28, 34-36

                

WATCHING IN PRAYER; WAITING IN HOPE

                  

We are stepping into a new liturgical season of Advent.  Advent comes from the Latin word ‘Adventus’ meaning ‘coming’.  Advent is the time of preparation for the coming of the Messiah - the Christmas.  It is also a reminder that we be ready to behold the Son of Man as he comes with power and great gory during his second coming.  Advent alerts people of God to keep themselves prepared watching and waiting.  Watching in prayer so that, as the second reading says, we may appear blameless before God at the coming of Christ our Lord.  Waiting in hope that as the first reading says, the Lord of righteousness will cause justice and righteousness flourish in our land thereby establishing His Kingdom where freedom, fraternity and justice reign.  

During this season of Advent, watch in prayer and wait in hope to behold the “Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace” (Is. 9: 6). As we during this grace filled season of Advent prepare ourselves recalling the first Christmas at Bethlehem, focus too on the preparation for his second coming when he will come to visit and take us by hand to that everlasting Kingdom of love, peace, joy, hope and happiness that reign forever. May our mind and heart resonate with the prayer: “Come Lord Jesus Come”.

Bible Reflections I 27.11.2021 - Saturday I Indraya Manna I

Ordinary Time - Week 34

Readings 

           I - Dan. 7: 15-27 

          II - Lk. 21: 34-36

BE ON GUARD; BE ALERT

                  

‘Be on guard’ and ‘Be alert’ are the watchwords of the day’s Gospel passage splitting the same into two parts. ‘Be on guard’ - that neither to be dissipated with the worries of this life nor to be allured by the falsity of the world.   Because the arrival of the Lord might happen unexpectedly at any time when we expect it at the least.  Therefore, Jesus says, ‘Be alert’ -   by praying at all times for the strength to escape from all persecutions, false acquisitions and sufferings that Jesus predicted for his followers in the Gospel passages all through this week, so as to stand with a blameless heart before the Son of Man as he comes in Glory.

The reward for those who adhere to the words of Jesus is clearly specified in the first reading from the Book of Daniel: “The kingship and dominion and the greatness of the kingdoms under the whole heaven shall be given to the people of the holy ones of the Most High; their kingdom shall be an everlasting kingdom, and all dominions shall serve and obey them” (Dan. 17: 27).  Therefore make the living here on the earth a befitting one to inherit a place in the Kingdom of God.  Live by the watchwords of Jesus and endure everything with the hope in the eternal joy and bliss that await us. Let us in the silence of our heart keep repeating: “Lord Jesus, help me to live by your word that is truth and life”

Bible Reflections I 25.11.2021 - Thursday I Indraya Manna I

Ordinary Time - Week 34

Readings 

           I - Dan. 6: 11-27 

          II - Lk. 21: 20-28

WAIT FOR THE LORD

                  

The first reading passage of the day compliments and substantiates the Gospel passage of the day.  In the Gospel passage, Jesus cautions about the crisis of the time to all the followers of Christ, before his second coming; encourages them to stand steadfast in faith and assures them of the hope in the coming of the Son of man and the Kingdom of God.  The God who saved Daniel from the fiery, roaring and hungry lion is so powerful to recue us from the hands of our oppressors.  To the king who asked Daniel, “O Daniel, servant of the living God, has your God whom you faithfully serve been able to deliver you from the lions?” Daniel responded saying, “My God sent his angel and shut the lions’ mouths so that they would not hurt me, because I was found blameless before him”.  This is important and to be taken note of that Daniel was found blameless before God.  

When trying situations entrap us from all sides, all we have to do is to put our trust in the Lord and wait for him patiently without distractions.  To endure for the sake of the living God, without denying him and be found blameless before him.  Then will our God, as in the case of Daniel would certainly act on our behalf to the astonishment of all our foes and trying situations.  May we put all our hope in him, stand steadfast in our faith and wait for the Lord.  He will definitely act on our behalf bringing salvation and relief. Let our mind and heart resonate with the prayer: “Lord Jesus, I trust in you”.

Bible Reflections I 24.11.2021 - Wednesday I Indraya Manna I

Ordinary Time - Week 34

Readings 

           I - Dan. 5: 1-6, 13-14, 16-17, 23-28 

          II - Lk. 21: 12-19

                

THE LORD CARES

                  

The first reading is an attestation to the Gospel reading of the day.  On account of Jesus, we might have to endure opposition, accusations and persecutions from those in power and authority.  We might be betrayed by our own kith and kin, hated and put to death.  Jesus exhorts to endure and encourages with the blessed assurance of his assistance and protection.  He promises of wisdom to speak and strength to withstand before the accusing authorities. In the first reading, when Daniel, an exile of Judah was brought before king Belshazzar for interpreting his dream, the king said, “I have heard of you that a spirit of the gods is in you, and that enlightenment, understanding and excellent wisdom are found in you”.  True to the words of the king, Daniel in deed fearlessly interpreted the dream to the king.  An amazing attestation to the Gospel reading of the day! Daniel in deed faced the tyrant with God.  

Do not get panicked at embarrassing and endangering situation, the Lord our God like a mighty warrior would fight on our behalf, defending and protecting (Jer. 20:21).  Endure everything with the Lord until the day of meeting his face to face, for he says, “I will not leave you as orphans” (Jh. 14:18)” and “Surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age” (Mt. 28: 20).  Let us endure every trial patiently with the joy of meriting the Kingdom of God when he comes in His glory.  May our mind and heart resonate with the prayer, “Lord Jesus, help me to be your witness”.

Bible Reflections I 23.11.2021 - Tuesday I Indraya Manna I

Ordinary Time - Week 34

Readings 

           I - Dan. 2: 31-45 

          II - Lk. 21: 5-11

                

HIS KINGDOM REIGNS FOREVER

                  

The supremacy of God overpowers and subdues all earthly power and position is the streamline of the two readings today.  All atrocious activities and oppressing powers will be overthrown with the coming of the Kingdom of God. The two readings of the day are interconnected and complementary.  The Gospel passage is the prediction of suffering under the super powers of the world and the first reading is the consolation and hope that the Kingdom of God would prevail over all super powers of this world.

   

In the Gospel passage of the day, Jesus predicts the destruction of the Jerusalem temple, the pride of the people of God, intertwined with the emotions of every Jew.  Jesus also predicts the sufferings that the people of God had to endure under the clutches of the great and greedy rulers and the powers of the world.  The second reading is a consolation and comfort that would boost the endurance and hope of the people of God.  In the vision of Nebuchadnezzar, the great statue of extreme brightness, so terrible to see was smashed to fine chaff by the stone untouched by any hand - the Kingdom of God that will neither be destroyed nor will it pass into the hands of another human race. God will one day reign over all where will also reign freedom, fraternity and justice making pace for all people of God for a happy living.

If we had to face any suffering on account of Jesus, endure so willingly with the hope that God will one day act on our behalf.  The Lord who listened to the cry of Israel under the slavery of the Egyptian tyrants, “I have indeed seen the misery of my people in Egypt.  I have heard them crying out because of their slave drivers, and I am concerned about their suffering” (Ex. 37:7),I would indeed listen to us and act on our behalf. Therefore accept all suffering with all hope and trust in the Lord who is concerned so much about us.  May our mind and heart resonate with the prayer: “Lord Jesus, I trust in you”.

Bible Reflections I 22.11.2021 - Monday I Indraya Manna I

Ordinary Time - Week 34

Readings 

           I - Dan. 1: 1-6, 8-20 

          II - Lk. 21: 1-4

St. Cecilia, Virgin, Martyr (Memorial)

                   

THE 3G GIVERS

                  

There are three types of givers: the greedy givers, the grumpy givers and the generous givers.  

The greedy givers are those who give their offering, from their abundance, only with the intention of attracting the attention of the people around, so as to gain their glory, honour, appreciation and praises for them.  The Pharisees in today’s Gospel passage contributed from their abundance solely to gain glory in the sight of those people around them.  

The grumpy givers are those who made their offering as a fulfillment of their obligation, may be the tithe (1/10th of their earning) or any other obligatory offering. They offered no more or no less but exactly what was prescribed. 

The generous givers are those who offered willingly all that out of their love for God.  The poor widow of the Gospel passage, offered all that she had for her existence out of her love for her God and the temple.  We wonder whether she knew that she was appreciated by Jesus before all men in the temple.  This Gospel passage is an invitation to imbibe this attitude of the poor widow in giving and sharing.

Today the Church celebrates the feast of St. Cecilia, the patroness of music and musicians who offered herself to the Lord with all her heart, body and soul.  May the saint of the day, help us to become generous givers counting not the cost but all for the love of God.  May our mind and heart resonate with the prayer: “Lord Jesus, help me to be a generous giver like the poor widow”.

Bible Reflections I 21.11.2021 - Sunday I Indraya Manna I

Ordinary Time - Week 34

Readings 

           I - Dan. 7: 13-19 

          II - Rev. 1: 5-8

         III - Jh. 18: 33-37

                   

SOLEMNITY OF CHRIST THE KING

                  

To Jesus was given the dominion, glory and kingship by the Father in Heaven, as the first reading says: an everlasting dominion that shall not pass away and His kingship that shall not be destroyed. Jesus, the king of kings, saving us through his blood, has made us to be a kingdom and priests serving the Father. He freed us by giving himself as a sacrifice on the cross in complete obedience and submission to the will of the Father. Jesus, the king of kings, the almighty, who is, who was and who is to come will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead as we profess in our creed.  

The Church solemnises the kingship of Jesus today. With the celebration of the solemnity of the Feast of Christ the King, the ordinary time of the liturgical year ends and we are about to enter into the season of advent. This celebration is an invitation to align ourselves unto the ways of God in order to acknowledge and accept the kingship of Jesus. During the season of advent that we are about to begin let us amend our lives so as to make ourselves befitting into that kingdom where freedom, fraternity and justice reign, unlike the kingdom of Pilate, who questioned Jesus about his kingship. Let us with one mind and heart proclaim: "Jesus you are our King and our Lord" as often as possible.

Bible Reflections I 20.11.2021 - Saturday I Indraya Manna I

Ordinary Time - Week 33

Readings 

           I - 1 Macc. 6: 1-13 

          II - Lk. 20: 27-40

                  

CHOOSE GOD; CHOOSE LIFE

                  

All love on this earth is but the spark of that divine love. All relationships culminate in this ultimate relationship in God. When the earthly existence is ended, everyone will be drawn to the Lord depending on the good deeds one has accomplished. 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 19.11.2021 - Friday I Indraya Manna I

Ordinary Time - Week 33

Readings 

           I - 1 Macc. 4: 36-37, 52-59 

          II - Lk. 19: 45-48

                

THE POWER OF LIFE AND THE POWER OF WORDS 

                  

Today’s Gospel passage is an invitation to reflect upon the two aspects of Jesus viz. the power of his life and the power of his words.  On entering the temple, Jesus drove out those selling things in the temple and none dared to prevent nor disapprove of him for his act because such was the power of his life, a life of righteousness par excellence. In the second part of the Gospel passage of the day, we read that the crowd that listened to Jesus was spell bound at his teachings.  Such was the power of his words. 

As Christians and followers of Christ, the Gospel passage is a beckoning to examine our lives in this light.  Do we dare to stand up for what is right or escape from risk-taking in the process of restoring righteousness and justice? If so, that is the power of our lives modelled after our Master, Jesus Christ.  Examine the words that we speak. If they are life giving, encouraging, uplifting, consoling, comforting, soothing, inspiring, motivating and enthusing for a better tomorrow, then our words do have power of effecting a change for the better.  Let our life and words effect in the blossoming up of the kingdom of God. May our mind and heart resonate with the prayer: “Lord Jesus, make me like you”.

Bible Reflections I 18.11.2021 - Thursday I Indraya Manna I

Ordinary Time - Week 33

Readings 

           I - 1 Macc. 2: 15-29 

          II - Lk. 19: 41-44

Dedication of the Basilicas of Saints Peter and Paul (Feast)

               

RECONGNISE THE LORD AS HE COMES TO VISIT US

                  

There is a church called ‘Dominus Flevit’ in Jerusalem where Jesus wept looking over Jerusalem.  The entire Jerusalem can be captured from this view point.  Jerusalem, the city of God failed to recognise God’s visitation in the Promised one for whom so long it waited.  Had the people of Jerusalem recognised Him, they would have been gathered in Jesus as the hen would its chicken (Mt. 23:37). They failed and that was the cause of its destruction.

Today the church celebrates the feast of the dedication of the basilicas of Saints Peter and Paul.  Peter recognised Jesus in the might catch (Lk. 5:1-11) and Paul in his Damascus experience (Acts.9: 1-8). They recognised him rightly, followed him passionately and offered themselves willingly as martyrs for their faith in the Risen Lord.  To mark the heroism of the two giants and the pillars of the Church, basilicas are dedicated for them in their name as the glory of the Lord.  

We are the temple of God (1Cor. 6:19).  Miss not the moments when Christ comes to visit us through the Scripture, persons and events.  Recognising and living for him is glory to Him. May St. Peter and St. Paul, like them, help us to glorify the Lord through our lives.  Let our mind and heart resonate with the prayer: “Saints Peter and Paul pray for us”.

Bible Reflections I 17.11.2021 - Wednesday I Indraya Manna I

Ordinary Time - Week 33

Readings 

           I - 2 Macc. 7: 1, 20-31 

          II - Lk. 19: 11-28

           

UNTIL HE COMES AGAIN IN GLORY….

                  

Jesus says the parable of the talents for two reasons: one, he was near Jerusalem, where he was about encounter his passion and death; and two that he would come again in glory with all authority, power and majesty making everyone accountable for their gifts and talents bestowed.  The Gospel passage of the day says that the people supposed that the Kingdom of God was to appear immediately.  Jesus clarifies them through this parable that it is not immediate and it is a process and everyone needs to be vigilant in working for the same to the best of their ability without any laxity until he comes again in glory.  The lethargic and the lazy would be judged accordingly like the man who received one talent, no matter the talent received is great or small.     

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 second coming 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).  Let us discover, appreciate and utilise the gifts of God in establishing freedom, fraternity and justice here on earth instead of wasting our time in vain.  May our mind and heart resonate with the prayer: Lord, make me an instrument of your love peace and joy.