Bible Reflections I 20.06.2022 - MONDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time: Week 12

Readings 

           I - 2 Kings 17: 5-8, 13-15, 18

          II - Mt. 7: 1-5

                  

LOVE OTHERS AS YOURSELF

“Love your neighbour as yourself” (Mt. 22: 39) is the crux of the Gospel passage today. Though we are weak and culpable, we least desire to be judged by anybody. But we are often rash in our criticism, calculations and judgment towards others. In today’s Gospel passage Jesus says, “For with the judgment you make you will be judged”. When we are prone to judge others let us apply the strategy Jesus followed in the case of the woman caught in adultery was brought to him by those men who wanted to stone her to death: “He that is without sin among you, let him cast a stone at her” (Jn. 8: 7).

We are liberal to ourselves but very strict towards others like those Scribes and the Pharisees. If anyone wish to exceed in righteous than that of the Scribes and the Pharisees, stop judging others and start judging yourself. Correct your mistakes first than correcting others. This is Christian living.  

Task: whenever we are tempted to criticise or judge others, let us hold and examine ourselves projecting those criticism or accusations upon us.

Prayer: “Lord Jesus, help me to love my neighbour as myself”

Bible Reflections I 19.06.2022 - SUNDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time - Sunday: Week 12

Readings 

           I - Gen. 14: 18-20

          II - 1 Cor. 11: 23-26

         III - Lk. 9: 11-17

         

THE BODY AND BLOOD OF CHRIST (Solemnity)

Today the Church solemnises the feast of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Jesus Christ - Corpus Christi. The solemnity highlights the real presence of Jesus in the Eucharist. The feast also signifies the continual presence of Jesus with us whenever we celebrate the Eucharist until he comes again in His glory.

The first reading is about Melchizedek, priest of God most high, offering bread and wine to Abram and the Gospel passage is about Jesus feeding the multitude. Jesus, considered a priest in the order of Melchizedek (Heb. 7: 17), feeding the multitude is the prefiguration of giving himself to his people as food and drink. Material food besides nourishing the person, becomes part of that person who consumes it. It restores energy and gives strength to pursue the earthly journey. The Eucharist, the body and blood of Christ, on the other hand nourishes both body and soul in the pursuit of our heavenward journey besides making us another Christ in this world.

The solemnity of the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ is a call to continual conversion to holiness. The Eucharist gives us the power to combat all that is not of God in us so as to become another Christ in the world to lead all around us to God in and through Jesus Christ. Let this solemnity inspire us to receive the body and blood of the Lord consciously so as to pursue our Christian living with credibility. May our mind and heart resonate with the prayer: “Thank you Lord Jesus for the gift of your body and blood to us”.

Bible Reflections I 18.05.2022 - SATURDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time - Week 11

Readings 

           I - 2 Chro. 24: 17-25

          II - Mt. 6: 24-34

         

HAVE FAITH, CHOOSE GOD

In today’s Gospel passage Jesus proposes two masters: Wealth and God; and invites us to make our choice between the two because no one can serve two masters simultaneously. People of faith choose God and people of ‘little faith’ choose wealth.  

People slog to accumulate wealth for security reasons or status quo purposes forgetting their identity as children of God. If only they had faith in the Father, they would trust in His Providence, take pride in their status as ‘Children of God’ and strive to maintain the same. Focusing on wealth leads to individualism and selfishness resulting in disparity, inequality and inhumanity.

The people who choose God, strive for his values so that everyone come under the banner as Children of God. When so many were on the streets of Calcutta left abandoned, Mother Theresa decided to show God’s love to them, Graham Staines, the Australian Missionary embraced the ostracised lepers to tell them that God cares for them; Gladys Staines forgave the murderers in the name of Jesus who forgave his executioners and there are even today so many people treading the path that our Saviour had marked out as a result of their love and tremendous trust in him. The untiring effort and service of these people of God would result in freedom, fraternity and justice leading to the blossoming of the Kingdom of God, the ultimate dream and the desire of Jesus. 

Task: In this Gospel light examine your choice: “What have I chosen: God or wealth?”

Prayer: “Lord Jesus, in this world of trials and temptations, give me the grace and courage to choose you alone again and again”

Bible Reflections I 17.06.2022 - FRIDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time - Week 11

Readings 

           I - 2 Kings 11: 1-4, 9-18, 20

          II - Mt. 6: 19-23

         

THE EYE IS THE LAMP OF THE BODY

Today we base our reflection on the second part of the Gospel passage of the day: “The eye is the lamp of the body”. If the eye is healthy the whole body will be full of light and if the eye is unhealthy, the whole body will be full of darkness. The eye sees and perceives; controls the mind and conducts life based on what is perceived. 

With what we fill our eyes determine what we would one day become. The one who fills his/her eyes with all that is Good and Beautiful would naturally be a positive person bubbling with energy to accomplish all that is good. The one who fills his/her mind with filth spoils his/her mind and heart bringing down havoc upon himself/herself, the family and the society at large to which he/she belongs. Today let us take some time to examine the quality of our seeing and the look. Implore God to give us the courage to close our eyes from seeing all that is not of God. May our mind and heart resonate with the prayer: “Lord Jesus, fill my eyes with your light”

Bible Reflections I 16.06.2022 - THURSDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time - Week 11

Readings 

           I - Sir 48: 1-14

          II - Mt. 6: 7-15

         

FORGIVE US OUR SINS AS WE FORGIVE…

Praying is not heaping up empty phrases for the Father knows about our needs and so Jesus gives the famous prayer, “Our Father” as the pattern of all prayers. Besides praising the name of the Lord and wishing for the blossoming of his kingdom and accomplishment of His will, the prayer contains three main petitions on: Providence, Forgiveness and Protection. Daily bread from his bounty, His forgiveness based on our forgiveness and a pleading to deliver and protect us from all that is evil.  

Bread nourishes and gives energy to move on with a healthy body; forgiveness fills our heart with peace and help us move on with healthy a mind; and we can tread steadily towards God with healthy mind and body if we are protected from trials and temptation. The three are essential and one alone is conditional. We pray God to forgive us as we forgive others. Meaning that if we don’t forgive we should not be forgiven either. Examine the number of times we make mistake and implore God’s forgiveness. But, do we forgive our offenders even when they plead for forgiveness. Every time we pray the prayer of Jesus let us examine our forgiveness and ask God for a generous heart to forgive others. May our mind and heart resonate with the prayer ‘Our Father…” and ask for God’s grace to forgive our offenders.

Bible Reflections I 15.06.2022 - WEDNESDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time - Week 11

Readings 

           I - 2 Kings 2: 1, 6-14

          II - Mt. 6: 1-6, 16-18

         

DO NOT PUBLISH YOUR DEEDS

In today’s Gospel passage Jesus instructs how to practice piety, perform prayer and fasting: unnoticed by others but known only to the Father in Heaven. While practicing piety, let the left hand know not what the right hand does; when praying, go into the room and shut the door and; when fasting, groom and look fresh. Otherwise we would lose our reward in heaven to the praises of the people around. 

In the light of day’s Gospel passage, let us examine the quality of our charity, prayer and fasting. We are living in an era of publicity that dominates and overtakes humanness in the humanity. People are ready to do anything that would gain publicity. In this scenario, the Gospel passage is a challenge to seek for the reward from God overcoming the temptation of publicity. Let our mind and heart resonate with the prayer: “Lord Jesus, give me the grace to strive for a hidden life of goodness and love”.

Bible Reflections I 14.06.2022 - TUESDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time - Week 11

Readings 

           I - 1 Kings 21: 17-29

          II - Mt. 5: 43-48

         

LOVE IS THE HALLMARK OF CHRISTIAN LIVING

Love is the hallmark of Christian living. A love that embraces everyone: rich and poor; high and low and; friend and foe equally without any distinction like Our Father in Heaven who make the sun shine on the evil and the good; and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous without any distinction. If we were to love and greet only those who love and greet us, we are then no better than the Scribes, the Pharisees and the gentiles.

Revenge is not the remedy. Vengeance is vile. Love all and hate none. Is this a practical and possible preaching and teaching? It is. Jesus did not merely preach but he had taught us by forgiving the fault finders and the executioners; and by praying for the betrayer and for all those who had their lot in his crucifixion. For us the followers of Christ, Jesus is the Master and the Model. Take courage, be convinced that forgiving is strength. Pray to the Lord and try to practice Christian charity at all times and with everyone. Let our mind and heart resonate with the prayer: “Lord Jesus, make me a channel of your love”

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”.