Bible Reflections I 13.06.2022 - MONDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time - Week 11

Readings 

           I - 1 Kings 21: 1-16

          II - Mt. 5: 38-42

St. Anthony of Padua (Memorial)

                         

BE GENEROUS IN GIVING AND FORGIVING

One of the Law of Moses, “an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth” is a perfect teaching of tit for tat. This seemed to right because it was mainly to prevent huge losses including life to the opponent. Jesus replaces this tit for tat law with the law of love. Jesus invites the people to be generous in forgiveness, an act that springs froth from a heart of love.  

In the light of this Gospel passage, examine the generosity of our giving and forgiving. The Church today remembers St. Anthony of Padua, an Augustinian monk, the perfect model of generosity. He was born in Lisbon, Portugal. He hailed from a noble family. Still he gave up everything including his wealth and riches for the sake of Christ and his Gospel. He was just thirty five years old when he died. He was canonised in less than a year. His tongue is not corrupt and still exhibited in St. Anthony’s Church, Padua. His teach was so perfect and his life exemplified Christian living as a monk. St. Anthony is also considered as patron for finding of the lost things. Let us pray to St. Anthony, the finder of lost things, to help us discover the qualities of Jesus in us so that we too may embrace an exemplary life in Christ. May our mind and heart resonate with the prayer, “St. Anthony, Pray for us”.

Bible Reflections I 12.06.2022 - SUNDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time - Week 11

Readings 

           I - Prov. 8: 22-31

          II -  Rom. 5: 1-5

         III - Jn. 16: 12-15

                         

THE MOST HOLY TRINITY (Solemnity)

The Church today solemnises the feast the Most Holy Trinity - one of the fundamental doctrine of Christianity and the mystery of faith.  In the Catechism of the Catholic Church we read, “There is one God, who has three Persons, Father, Son and Holy Spirit.  Each Person is God, yet there is still only one God” (CCC Nos. 234, 253, 256).  The Father created the world, the Son redeemed the world and the Holy Spirit sanctifies the world is the crux of the three readings today.  Three persons but one God: a perfect unity in all activity right from creation to redemption and sanctification as well. In the Catholic Church we begin and end all thing in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.  

One of the lesson that we can draw from the celebration of this feast for our Christian living is that the unity that exists between the Father, Son and the Spirit should be replicated in our Christian relationships.  Our families should be modeled after the unity of the triune God witnessing to the truth: three person one God.  May the Holy Spirit lead us to this truth.  Let our mind and heart resonate with the prayer: “Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, Amen”

Bible Reflections I 10.06.2022 - FRIDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time - Week 10

Readings 

           I - 1Kings. 19: 9, 11-16

          II - Mt. 5: 27-32

                         

TAKE CARE IN LITTLE THINGS

The Gospel passage of the day is the continuation of yesterday’s Gospel passage. It’s about exceeding in the righteous of the Scribes and the Pharisees in order to enter into the Kingdom of Heaven. The scribes and the Pharisees had conditioned them not to commit adultery. But Jesus says that even lustful look tantamount to committing adultery. Therefore he says to pluck those eyes that lead to sin instead of having committing a grave sin. With the certificate of divorce, the married man and the woman can go separated but Jesus that divorce and remarriage too is adultery and that a man cannot divorce his wife except on the ground of immorality.

Prevention is better than cure. Lustful look leads to adultery and hence Jesus invites to correct here itself than for a great fall. Effect can be avoided by controlling the cause. Perfection is made of trifles but perfection is not a trifle. Jesus through today’s Gospel passage invites us to avoid or amend our paths that lead to sin. He exhorts us to be careful in little things that would lead to a great fall. May our mind and heart resonate with the prayer: “Lord Jesus give me delicacy of mind and heart even in little things”

Bible Reflections I 09.06.2022 - THURSDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time - Week 10

Readings 

           I - 1Kings. 18: 41-46

          II - Mt. 5: 20-26

                       

IN GOD, LOVE ALL

In today’s Gospel passage Jesus says that the righteousness of his disciples should exceed that of the Scribes and the Pharisees so as to enter the Kingdom of Heaven. According to their teaching the murderers were liable to judgment but according to Jesus even the ones who get angry on their neighbour or even use terms such as “fool” shall be liable to judgment. Jesus topsy turvy the teaching of the Scribes and the Pharisees saying, “If you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother or sister has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to them; then come and offer your gift” - a teaching that supersedes all teachings! 

The teaching invites us to be delicate in all our dealings towards the other. This is possible only if there is basically love in our hearts. A genuine love that cares only for the good and the benefit of the other. A benevolent love that flows from our love for God. Our love for God should drive us to be compassionate and loving towards our neighbour. If so, we are Christians modelled after the magnanimous heart of our Master, Jesus Christ. May our mind and heart resonate with the prayer: “Lord Jesus help me to love you in our neighbours”.

Bible Reflections I 08.06.2022 - WEDNESDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time - Week 10

Readings 

           I - 1 Kings. 18: 20-39

          II - Mt. 5: 17-19

                         

WITNESSES OF LOVE

Jesus was considered by the Scribes, Pharisees and the elders as a law breaker but in today’s Gospel passage Jesus says that he had not come to abolish the Law or the Prophets but to fulfil them. He also says that not even a iota or a dot will pass from them until all is accomplished. Jesus was the fulfillment of all Law and Prophecy. The Law of love was diluted to mere rules by the so called safe guarders of the Law and Jesus insisted on the essence of the Law than on the rules. He respected and restored the humanness in all his endeavours revealing the face of the God of Love.

The Gospel passage is an invitation to imitate Jesus in the observance of all our law and rules. Jesus invites us to influence people though our love for God and for others. Jesus insists us, his people to induce others to be humane in all dealings, to give priority to humanity than to unnecessary conditions and rules that weigh heavy on the shoulders of men and women. Let love be the rule of our lives failing to do this we become counter witnessing to Christ. May our mind and heart resonate with the prayer: “Lord Jesus, lead us on the path of love”.

Bible Reflections I 07.06.2022 - TUESDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time - Week 10

Readings 

           I - 1 Kings. 17: 7-16

          II - Mt. 5: 13-16

                       

BE SALT AND LIGHT

Today’s Gospel passage about the parable of the salt and the light. The Quality of the salt is the saltiness that preserves, purifies and above all savours. If salt loses this quality, it is but mere sand to be thrown out and trampled. Light dispels darkness. It brightens up the path so that people don’t tumble in darkness but walk aright steadily with confidence. When salt and light loses their purpose they become useless and a waste.

Jesus invites us to be salt and light in the world of darkness, doubt, sin and shame. As Christians we are called to savour the lives of the other with our qualities of love, kindness, meekness, gentleness, humility, uprightness, generosity, simplicity, courage, equanimity, serenity and forgiveness. As Christians we are also invited for an exemplary living for the people around us. We are called to influence people for an incredible living in Christ, treading on the path patterned not by the world but by Jesus Christ, our Lord. May our life shine and savour the lives of all around us. Let our mind and heart resonate with the prayer: “Lord Jesus, help me to aspire for a credible Christian living”

Bible Reflections I 06.06.2022 - MONDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Readings 

           I - Acts 3: 9-15, 20

          II - Jn. 19: 25-34

MARY, MOTHER OF THE CHURCH (Feast)

Because of one woman, sin entered the world and because of one woman, salvation came to the World. Because of Eve, the Paradise was lost and because of Mary, the Paradise was regained. The feast of Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of the Church is celebrated on the Monday after the Pentecost. It was established by Pope Francis in 2018. Mary conceived Jesus by the Power of the Holy Spirit and the Church was born by the Power of the Holy Spirit when Mother Mary was with the disciples in the upper room. Mary, full of Holy Spirit is involved in both: the birth of Jesus and the birth of the Church. Therefore it is befitting that Mary, the Mother of God is also celebrated as ‘Mother of the Church’ on the day after the Pentecost, the birthday of the Church.

In the Gospel passage we read that Jesus on the cross gives Mother Mary as ‘Mother’ to John. John under the foot of the cross represents the Church and through John Jesus entrusts the entire Church, the mystical body of Christ into the motherhood of Mary. Today let us thank God for the gift of Mother Mary as ‘Mother of the Church’ and pray for the Church that she may battle against all odds in defending her supremacy in this corrupt world. Pray for also every Christian called to be the Church of God that they may be courageous in bearing witness to the Gospel vales of Christ. Mary our mind and heart resonate with the prayer: “Mary, Mother of Church, Pray for us”.

Bible Reflections I 05.06.2022 - SUNDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Readings 

           I - Acts 2: 1-11

          II - 1Cor. 12: 3-7, 12-13

         III - Jn. 20: 19-23

PENTECOST (Solemnity)

Today the Church solemnises the descent of the Holy Spirit: the Pentecost. It is also considered to be the birthday of the Catholic Church. In the Gospel passage, we read that the disciples locked themselves into the house for the fear of the Jews. With the descent of the Holy Spirit as we read in the first reading these coward disciples become courageous ambassadors of Christ proclaiming boldly about God’s deeds of power. They fearlessly ventured into this pursuit come what may even to the extent of giving themselves up to be killed as martyrs for Christ because of the conviction, "Jesus is Lord” caused by the Holy Spirit.

In the second reading we read that there are varieties of gifts but one Spirit that empowers everyone for common good. Each of us are bestowed with some gift of the Holy Spirit for a purpose viz. to build up the human community in faith, freedom, fraternity and Justice. Let us use the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit: wisdom, understanding, counsel, fortitude, knowledge, piety and fear of the Lord to reap the fruits of the Holy Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control thereby bearing witness to our Christian identity.  

Task

     • Intensify the prayers for the Catholic Church as it is the birthday of the Church.

     • Take some quite moments to reflect on the gift of God given to us, thank God for the same and examine how we have made use of that gift in building up the human community.

Prayer

“Lord help me to surrender to the promptings of the Holy Spirit”

Bible Reflections I 04.06.2022 - SATURDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Easter Week 7

Readings 

           I - Acts 28: 16-20, 30-31

          II - Jn. 21: 20-25

LIFE IS GIFT 

We often look up to others for reference or for comparison of our life with them. In today’s Gospel passage, after Jesus predicts the martyrdom of Peter, Peter enquires Jesus about the life of John, the beloved of Jesus. Jesus bluntly says, “…What is that to you? You follow me”. The response means that Peter has to be concerned about his following the Lord instead of being curious about the other namely, John. 

Life is a gift and a miracle. The life plan of every individual is unique, meticulously planned and willed by God with great love, care and concern. Instead of loving, living and cherishing our life, we make it a mess and miserable by comparing with the others. Take life as it comes and start relishing the same by making it more beautiful and envious. Stop complaining and comparing, start enjoying and enriching for this is the will and wish of God for us. May our mind and heart resonate with the prayer: “Lord Jesus, thank you for the gift of my life”

Bible Reflections I 03.06.2022 - FRIDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Easter Week 7

Readings 

           I - Acts 25: 13-21

          II - Jn. 21: 15-19

In today’s Gospel passage Peter affirms his love for the Lord three times that sans his betrayal and ensuring constancy, credibility and steadfastness of his love for the Lord. Love is responsibility. To this love of Peter Jesus entrusts the mission of leading, feeding and tending his little flock after his heart. Jesus also predicts the martyrdom that Peter has to endure on account of his love for the Lord.

Love is healing and hurting; joy and suffering and; soothing and annoying at the same time. To love the Lord is to suffer for the Lord as well. Loving the Lord involves following his footsteps that is demanding yet worth treading. Stand for the Lord, suffer on his account and prove through life instead of just telling, “I love you Lord”. Today being first Friday, a day dedicated to the Heart of Jesus, let us resolve to make our life an unending hymn of our love for the Lord. May our mind and heart resonate with the prayer: “Jesus give me the courage to love you through my life”

Bible Reflections I 02.06.2022 - THURSDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Easter Week 7

Readings 

           I - Acts 22: 30; 23: 6-11

          II - Jn. 17: 20-26

SEEK FOR UNITY IN LOVE

The prayer of Jesus for his disciples is an inclusive one that applies to all the believers of the Word, you and me as well. Jesus prays to his Father for unity and intercedes for eternal glory with him in the Paradise. The unity he prays for is our unity with God and with our neighbours. Union with God results in harmonious living with the other because the God with whom we are united in love dwells in every person we come in contact with. The harmonious living brings forth the Paradise here on earth and makes us partakers of God’s glory in the life to come.   

Jesus wished and prayed for the unity of his people with himself and with other fellow being. But today, the Christians too are divided in the name of region, caste and colour. There exist many divisive forces among us making us counter witness to the God of love who embraces everyone: saints, sinners, rich, poor, elite and the downtrodden. Loving all in God is the hallmark of Christian charity. Let us seek for unity in love and bear witness to our Christian identity and discipleship. May our mind and heart resonate with the prayer: “Lord Jesus, help me to love everyone in God”

Bible Reflections I 01.06.2022 - WEDNESDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Easter Week 7

Readings 

           I - Acts 20: 28-38

          II - Jn. 17: 11-19

JESUS CARES

Each of us are chosen by God, sanctified by His Word and are sent into the world to turn every heart toward God. We are in the world but we are not of the world and so would naturally be hated by the world as it was with our Master Jesus Christ. Today’s Gospel passage is about the prayer of Jesus for his disciples. His prays to the Father for His protection over them and for unity among them witnessing the unity of the Triune God.  

The prayer of Jesus for his disciples is an encouragement that enthuse Christian living. Today the Church remembers St. Justin who was martyred for the sake of Christ and his truth. Truth often hurts but we are the witnesses of the truth and therefore need to courageously stand up for what is right and truth as did Jesus. Our hearts may faint in frailty, let the prayer of Jesus uphold us to stand sturdy for his values and walk steadily in his path come what may for Jesus is with us, cares for us and he prays for us. May our mind and heart resonate with the prayer: “Thank you Jesus”.

Bible Reflections I 31.05.2022 - TUESDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Easter Week 7

Readings 

           I - Zeph. 3: 14-18

          II - Is. 12: 2-6

         III - Lk. 1: 39-56

VISITATION OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY (Feast)

Today the Church celebrates the feast of the visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary - the merging moment of the Old and the New Testament. The meeting of the two women: one, the mother of the Proclaimer of Salvation and two, the mother of the Promised One of Salvation. Mary hastens to help her cousin and Elizabeth receives the Mother of the Lord with great honour. Filled with grace and Holy Spirit, one identifies the role of the other, marvels at the work of the Lord and Mary gives expression to their joy in singing out the Magnificat. 

The visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary becomes an occasion of greeting, praising, exulting, thanking and magnifying the mighty works of the Lord. The visitation also becomes a blessing to Elizabeth and humble service to Mother Mary. In this light let us reflect upon our visitations to our beloved friends, neighbours, kith and kin. If such visits turn out to be moments of joy, love and sharing, thank the Lord and praise him. If not, pray the Lord to make them a moment of blessing to each other. May our Blessed Mother turn all our meetings to be moments of God’s favour, grace and blessings. Let our mind and heart resonate with the prayer: “Mother Mary, Pray for us”.

Bible Reflections I 29.05.2022 - SUNDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Easter Week

Readings 

           I - Acts 1: 1-11

          II - Eph. 1: 17-23

         III - Lk. 24: 46-53

ASCENSION OF THE LORD

Today the Church solemnises the ascension of the Lord that assures us of our hope in the resurrection and the life eternal. The streamline of the three readings of the day is about the promise of the Father: the Holy Spirit.  The first reading says that the Holy Spirit will come upon the disciples and make them witnesses beginning from Jerusalem to the ends of the earth.  In the second reading, St. Paul says that the Holy Spirit, the Spirit of Wisdom would enlighten our hearts in the hope that we are sharers in the glory of Christ and the glorious inheritance among the saints through faith in Jesus Christ.  To be witnesses and sharers in the glorious inheritance among the saints, as Jesus says in the Gospel passage we are clothed with the power from on high through the Holy Spirit.  

The feast of the ascension of Jesus is celebrated as World Communication Day, established by Pope Paul VI in the year 1967.  This was solely to encourage the Church to use the means of social communication for the proclamation of the Gospel message.  Thank God for the availability of channels and all other social networks that constantly keep taking the message of Christ to the world.  Let us also on this day allow ourselves to be enamored, enriched and empowered by the Holy Spirit so that our life itself becomes a medium of communication in the proclamation of the Gospel message: Jesus Christ.  May our mind and heart resonate with the prayer: “Lord Jesus, fill me with your Spirit so that I become an effective messenger of the Good News”     

Bible Reflections I 28.05.2022 - SATURDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Easter Week 6

Readings 

           I - Acts 18: 23-28

          II - Jn. 16: 23-28

                   

JESUS IS THE LORD

The first reading of the day is about a Jew named Apollos, native of Alexandria. He spoke boldly in the synagogue and powerfully refuted the Jews showing by the Scriptures that the Messiah is Jesus. He spoke with great conviction and burning enthusiasm though he knew only about the baptism of John. Many were convinced with the preaching of Apollos and accepted Christ as the Messiah.

 

Personal conviction leads to public proclamation. We are Christians baptised with the conviction that Jesus is the Lord. This conviction should be evinced by our commitment to proclaim Christ through our witnessing life for action speaks louder than words. Proclaim Christ not merely through words but by credible Christian living. May our mind and heart resonate with the prayer: “Lord Jesus, help us to proclaim you to others more by our credible living” 

Bible Reflections i 27.05.2022 - FRIDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Easter Week 6

Readings 

           I - Acts 18: 9-18

          II - Jn. 16: 20-23

       

“Your sorrow will turn into joy” is the crux of the Gospel passage of the day. With the birth of the child the pangs of the mother is gone. She forgets the anguish in the joy of bringing forth a life into this world. Sufferings endured for a cause are forgotten with the achievement of that cause. In the letter to the Hebrews we read, “Jesus endured the cross for the joy set before him, scorning its shame” (Heb. 12: 12). Jesus endured suffering and shame for the sake of our salvation. St. Paul in his letter to Timothy says, “I endure all things for the sake of those chosen by God, that they too may obtain salvation in Christ Jesus and its eternal glory” (2 Tim. 2: 10).   

Almost all things have an exchange value. To acquire a place in the Kingdom of God we have to align our lives unto the life and teachings of the Lord. In aligning our lives unto the ways of Christ we become aliens to the values of the world and we have to but endure suffering. Jesus promises, “Your sorrow will turn into joy”. Therefore let us dare to love not hate, forgive in the place of revenge, be selfless amidst the selfish world, choose to be humble instead of being proud and arrogant, share instead of accumulating and be considerate in all things, with all persons and at all times in imitating Christ our model. May our mind and heart resonate with the prayer: “Lord Jesus, thank you for your encouraging promises”.

Bible Reflections I 36.05.2022 - THURSDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Easter Week 6

Readings 

           I - Acts 18: 1-8

          II - Jn. 16: 16-20

St. Philip Neri (Memorial)  

                  

MESSENGERS OF GOD

John the evangelist says, “He came to His own and those who were His own did not receive Him” (Jn. 1: 11). In the first reading, Paul, at Corinth proclaimed the Word of God and testified to the Jews that Jesus was the Messiah. In their stubbornness of heart they opposed and reviled him. Therefore he left them and went to the Gentiles at Corinth. Many believed and got baptised. 

Today the Church celebrates the feast of St. Philip Neri, known as the ‘Humorous Saint”. Thought he lived here on the earth, his eyes were always fixed on heave, the Paradise. He loved the youth and was always crowded by children and youth around him. His spirituality was simply being cheerful. He enlightened and enamored people through entertainment that had religious instructions as its crux. To perpetuate his work established the Congregation of the Oratory, a society of secular clergy without any religious vows. He was a man of prayer, cheerfulness and joy. 

St. Paul and the saint of the day inspire us to bear witness to Christ through our credible Christian living. Both of them preached from and through their life. In the light of their lives let us examine our word and deeds to find out if they bore witness to the Jesus we believe and proclaim. St. Paul and St. Philip Neri lived what they preached. If we were to be like them, we can inspire and turn many people towards God. Let us not be stubborn like the Jews of Corinth but be open to the truth around us. May our mind and heart resonate with the prayer: “Lord Jesus, help me to be your powerful messenger in my words and actions”.  

Bible Reflections I 25.05.2022 - WEDNESDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Easter Week 6

Readings 

           I - Acts 17: 15, 22-18: 1

          II - Jn. 16: 12-15

                  

ALLOW TO BE LED BY THE SPIRIT

St. Paul was a vehement preacher, convinced Christian, passionate apostle and an ardent missionary. He toiled hard to take the Gospel to the ends of the earth. He grabbed every opportunity to preach and announce the Good News. In today’s first reading, we read how Paul introduced Christ to the people of Athens. When Paul saw the altar with an inscription, “To the unknown God”, he convinced them that ‘the unknown God’ was Christ Jesus, the Lord and in him we live and move and have our being, and insisted them on repentance and conversion.  

In the light of the reading let us examine our lives. Though we have ample opportunities to proclaim Christ, we often fail to do so for various reasons. Take some quite moments today to examine why we are hesitant in proclaiming Christ to others. ‘Action speak louder than words’ - It would be more effective if we proclaim Christ through our credible Christian living. May our mind and heart resonate with the prayer: “Lord Jesus, help us to be your authentic apostle”

Bible Reflections I 24.05.2022 - TUESDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Easter Week 6

Readings 

           I - Acts 16: 22-34

          II - Jn. 16: 5-11

               

The Holy Spirit is God, the Sanctifier and His work is to make us all holy.  It is for this reason that he convicts on: sin, righteousness and judgment; concerning God’s love, God’s truth and conviction to stand before the judgment of God.  They are simple and interrelated.  When we become aware of God’s love we become aware of our sinfulness leading to repentance and conversion to stand by the truth of God.  This will lead us to face the judgment of God that is truth.  Surrender to the Holy Spirit, turn away from sinfulness, tread on the way of the Lord and face the judgment of the Lord with courage and conviction.  

Today we celebrate the feast of Mary, Help of Christians, a devotion so dear to the heart of Don Bosco. In his biography Don Bosco writes the Salesian Congregation, “The principal objective is to promote veneration of the Blessed Sacrament and devotion to Mary, Help of Christians”. Mary is invoked under this title because she had given victory to the Church from its oppressors.  Let us intercede with this heavenly queen to teach us to live by the promptings of the Holy Spirit in docility, trust and love as she did.  Let us keep repeating the prayer as often as possible in the silence of our hearts for our various intentions and that of the Church: “Mary, Help of Christians, Pray for us”.  

Bible Reflections I 23.05.2022 - MONDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Easter Week 6

Readings 

           I - Acts 16: 11-15

          II - Jn. 15: 26 - 16: 4

                  

 THE HOLY SPIRIT IS OUR HELPER

In today’s Gospel passage, Jesus alerts us of the persecution and suffering we have to endure on account of him. Killing the people of God as ‘Service to God’ existed even before Christ, with Christ and that will follow even after Christ. We need not worry or despair because he would not leave us orphans but would give us a helper, the Holy Spirit who will lead us to the truth and help us bear witness to the same.  

Do not be panicked place all your trust in the great promise of the Lord: the Holy Spirit, the advocate, guide, counsellor and helper close at hand. He will fill us with his courage and help us bear witness to the life and teaching of the Christ through our lives. Let our mind and heart resonate with the prayer: “Thank you Lord for the gift of the Holy Spirit”.