Bible Reflections I 06.08.2022 - SATURDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time - Week 18

Readings 

            I - Dan. 7: 9-10, 13-14

           II - 2Pt. 1: 16-19

          III - Lk. 9: 29-36

TRANSFIGURATION OF THE LORD (Feast)

Today the Church celebrates the feast of the transfiguration of the Lord. In the Gospel passage of the day Peter, James and John witnesses the transfiguration of the Lord in all his glory, glowing in dazzling white. They saw Moses, the law giver and Elijah, the great prophet, speaking to Jesus. Appearance of Moses and Elijah with Jesus symbolized that Jesus was the compendium of Law and Prophesy and this was affirmed by the overshadowing of the cloud that symbolize the presence of God. Peter, James and John were given such a privilege of witnessing the transfiguration of the Lord with the mission embedded in the voice of the Father, “This my Son, the Beloved; listen to him”. The Father affirming the identity of Jesus exhorts to listen to him, the prophet par excellence; the liberator from our sin, slavery and suffering; and the New Law giver.  

Adhering to Jesus is following his Law of Love: love of God and love of neighbour in our lives. One cannot exist without the other. They are the two sides of the same coin. One cannot say “I love God and hate my neighbour” or vice versa. The feast of transfiguration invites us to transcend from all our selfishness, ego, pride, jealousy, hatred, envy, greed, avarice etc… and transform into persons of love, peace, joy, happiness, tenderness, compassion, empathy, gentleness, care, concern etc… in order to be transfigured, restoring the image and likeness of God in which we were created. Let our mind and heart resonate with this prayer during this day: “Lord Jesus, help me to listen to your voice.”

Bible Reflections I 05.08.2022 - FRIDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time: Week 18

Readings 

           I - Nahum 1: 15, 2:2, 3: 1-3, 6-7 

          II - Mt. 16: 24-28

Dedication of the Basilica of St. Mary Major

           

TAKE UP YOUR CROSS AND FOLLOW THE LORD 

In today’s Gospel passage Jesus exhorts to carry the cross if anyone wishes to follow him. It is worth suffering for the Lord because the path of the Lord marked us for us assures life eternal. In following our heart’s desire we might gain a bit of the glory of the world that is deceptive, at the cost of losing our own souls that are destined for heaven. Every one of our act will be examined and rewarded at the time of the Son of Man coming in glory.

Today the Church remembers the dedication of St. Mary Major Church, Rome, a great and gigantic church built in honour of Mother Mary. The site for the Church was chosen by the Blessed Mother herself through the miraculous snow fall at that site as she promised. The purpose of every church besides being a place of worship, glory, honour and praise to God, binds brothers and sisters in fraternity, unity and equality that assures of the eternal reward. Let us today in a particular way pray to our Blessed Mother to give us the courage to follow the Lord unbinding ourselves from the power, pomp and the pride of the world. May our Mother Mary lead us to Jesus her son, accompanying us in our life journey.

Bible Reflections I 04.08.2022 - THURSDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time: Week 18

Readings 

           I - Jer. 31: 31-34 

          II - Mt. 16: 13-23

St. John Mary Vianney (Memoria)

                  

LIVE BY THE WILL OF GOD 

Today’s Gospel passage is about the proclamation of Peter that Jesus is the Messiah, for which he is also called by Jesus as ‘blessed’. At the same time when Peter failed to set his mind on divine plan, he calls him ‘satan’. Peter was unable to accept that the Messiah has to suffer and hence he tries to forbid Jesus. Jesus, as Son of God has set an example to live by the divine plan of God no matter whatever be the cost.  

Today the Church celebrates the feast St. John Mary Vianney, the humble parish priest of Ars, a remote parish in France that contained only two hundred and thirty people. He took it as a holy will of God and through his life and example brought all people closer to God. Pope Benedict XVI, in his letter proclaiming the year of the priest have said, “In his time the Curé of Ars was able to transform the hearts and the lives of so many people because he enabled them to experience the Lord’s merciful love”. St. John Mary Vianney accomplish all in love, aligning himself to the will of God. The feast of St. John Mary Vianney is also celebrated as the feast of the parish priests. St. John Mary Vianney used to say, “The priesthood is the love of the heart of Jesus”. Let us today pray for all priests and for our parish priests in particular. May the saint inspire us to live by the will of God for us.

Bible Reflections I 03.08.2022 - WEDNESDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time: Week 18

Readings 

           I - Jer. 31: 1-7 

          II - Mt. 15: 21-28

              

NEVER GET TIRED OF PRAYING 

The Canaanites were outcasts and therefore the Jews abstained themselves from associating with the Canaanites. In today’s Gospel passage, the Canaanite woman comes before the Lord requesting for the healing of her daughter tortured by demon. Jesus tries to send her away reminding of her status: “it is not fair to take the children’s’ food and throw it to the dogs”. The outcasts were also considered as dogs. But she was persistent in persuading Jesus for the healing and finally Jesus did heal her daughter and appreciates her faith saying, “Woman great is your faith! Let it be done for you as you wish”.

The three essential elements for prayer are: courage, faith and perseverance. Courage to face the Lord with the conviction that we are the children of God. Jesus says that faith can move even mountains (Mt. 17: 20-21). We should never become tired of praying (Col. 4: 2) but keep persevering with faith. If prayer requests are unanswered, examine your courage to stand before the Lord, faith and perseverance. Remember at all times that we are the children of God redeemed by the precious blood of Jesus Christ.

Bible Reflections I 02.08.2022 - TUESDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time: Week 18

Readings 

           I - Jer. 30: 1-2, 12-15, 18-22 

          II - Mt. 14: 22-36

            

RECOGNISE AND FIX YOUR GAZE ON THE LORD

Today’s Gospel passage is about Jesus walking on the water. The terrified disciples in the boat battered by the waves, in fear and fright failed to discover Jesus though he was found to be walking towards them on water. Concentration on the strong wind shook the faith of Peter, walking on the water at the Lord’s command and so he began to sink. Jesus reaching out his hand to Peter asked him, “Why do you doubt?” In fear, the disciples failed to recognise Jesus and Peter began to doubt Jesus.

Faced with problems only two things can happen: either we may fail to recognise the presence of Jesus with us; or focus on our problem than on fixing our gaze on God. "Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous be shaken” (Ps. 55:22). "Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God” (Phil. 4:6). Recognise the presence of God and fix your gaze on him for a liberated living. Let our mind and heart resonate with the prayer: “Lord Jesus, help me to look up to you in faith all times in my life”.

Bible Reflections I 01.08.2022 - MONDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time: Week 18

Readings 

           I - Jer. 28: 1-17 

          II - Mt. 14: 13-21

                  

REFLECT JESUS

Today’s Gospel passage is about the multiplication of five loaves and two fish. Jesus would not wish to send the crowd back to their home hungry. He does not perform a one man show working a miracle in satisfying the hunger of the crowd. He instead, includes human concern and cooperation in feeding the crowd. He blesses the generosity of the crowd that offered five loaves and two fish to feed the crowd of five thousand men alone besides the women and children; and with the remnant of twelve basket full of the broken pieces.  

We have to imbibe the vibes of the heart of Jesus in order to be empathetic, understanding, sympathetic, kind, compassionate and generous towards the needy and the suffering. In the crowd that is crazy for ‘likes’ on posing the misery of the suffering over the social network media, become crazy in living your lives modelled after our Master Jesus Christ in generosity and love. Make a difference as Christians and the followers of Christ wherever you are in reflecting the heart of Jesus. Let our mind and heart resonate with the prayer: “Lord Jesus, make my heart like that of yours”.

Bible Reflections I 31.07.2022 - SUNDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time: Week 18

Readings 

           I - Eccl. 1: 2, 2: 21-23 

          II - Col. 3: 1-5, 9-11  

         III - Lk. 12: 13-21

                  

STORE UP YOUR TREASURE IN HEAVEN

Chasing after the wealth of the world that does not follow us after our life here on the earth is vanities of all vanities says the preacher of wisdom in the first reading. In the second reading, St. Paul in his letter to the Colossians exhorts the people of God to set their mind and seek the things of above, putting to death what is earthly in them. The two readings are substantiated by the Gospel passage. At the time of Jesus, the religious leaders resolved the legal questions. And so, someone in the crowd approaches Jesus for the settlement of the inheritance with his brother. Jesus take this chance to explain about true wealth for which one has to aspire and work for, through the parable of the rich fool who rejoiced at the rich harvest and planned to build larger barns to store the grain and that very night he was about to die. We prepare so much for our earthly living but through the parable Jesus invites to examine how prepared are we to inherit eternal life.  

We care and toil hard for the transitory life missing our focus from the true wealth, the eternal life with God in Paradise. We are concerned about our cozy and comfortable living here on the earth that is perishable deviating from the true wealth in Christ that beckons for a living bound by the Law of Love. Walking an extra mile for Christ is wealth that worth paradise. Let the readings of the day help us to introspect how prepared are we to inherit the eternal life with God. May our mind and heart resonate with the prayer: “Lord Jesus, help us to fix our hearts and minds on the heavenly riches”.

Bible Reflections I 30.07.2022 - SATURDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time - Week 17

Readings:  

       I - Jer. 26: 11-16, 24

      II - Mt. 14: 1-12

LISTEN TO GOD, STAND FOR GOD

In the Gospel passage today, John the Baptist courageously admonishes the unlawful act of King Herod, living with his brother’s wife. His words were powerful, piercing, disturbing and deterring both Herod and Herodias. Herodias plotted so well that she had the head of John the Baptist on the platter through her daughter.  

We are children of God and whenever we are astray, God calls us back on the right the right track through the Scripture, conscience, persons, signs and events. His voice is never compromising, appealing or pacifying but disturbing, contradicting, challenging and conquering. We have only two options before us, either to give heed and align our ways and inherit eternal life or rationalize and reject his words and impend for eternal destruction. If God chooses us to be His mouth piece, let us courageously do so with no fear of people who can kill the body but are unable to kill the soul. May our mind and heart resonate with the prayer: “Lord Jesus, make me a courageous messenger of the truth”

Bible Reflections I 29.07.2022 - FRIDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time - Week 17

Readings: I - Jer. 26: 1-9

                II - Jn. 11: 19-27

St. Martha (Memoria)

LOVE THE LORD WHO LOVES YOU

Today the Church remembers St. Martha, the friend of Jesus and sister of Mary and Lazarus. Jesus as the friend, besides being a guest, sharing their hospitality, love and joy, goes to Bethany to share in the suffering of the Martha and Mary at the loss of their brother Lazarus. Martha beholding the Master on the way confidently says, “Lord if you had been here, my brother would not have died” and affirms her trust saying, “But even now I know that God will give you whatever you ask of Him” and so was it done to her.        

In the trending world of change and impermanency God’s love alone is strong and constant as the Scripture says, “I have loved you with an everlasting love” (Jer. 31:3). All we need to do is to get connected with Jesus through our prayer. In times of grief, pain, trials, temptations, discouragement, betrayal, sorrows and weakness, turn to Jesus, an understanding friend closer to us than the very air we breathe. Let us resolve to accept the forever friendship of Jesus as we celebrate the feast day of his friend Martha who served him with much love and care.

Bible Reflections I 28.07.2022 - THURSDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time - Week 17

Readings: I - Jer. 18: 1-6

      II - Mt. 13: 47-53

St. Alphonsa (Memorial)

LET OUR LIFE INSPIRE OTHERS

The Gospel passage of the day contains a comparison and an obligation. The kingdom of heaven is compared to a net that is thrown into the sea. It collects both the good and the bad fish. The good ones are stored in the container and the bad ones are thrown away. Similarly, on that final day of judgment, the humanity will be judged on the basis of love and those who are worthy would inherit the kingdom of God. Every scribe who considered himself to be the custodian of law is supposed to match the old and new and make the rules easy for people to follow for the crux of the old and new law is love. Instead they complicated the law and made the lives of ordinary people weighing and tiring.  

We are trained in so many ways to practice the preaching of the Gospel: love through bible reading, sermons, preaching, retreat, prayer and spiritual and corporal practices. Examine whether all these help us to be more humane and loving so that others too copy and aspire for a life based on love. May the reading also help us to introspect the credibility of our life based on love so that we may be gather for God on the day of final judgment. Today the Church celebrates the feast of St. Alphonsa, the first India woman saint who suffered much because she also loved much and today she enjoys the crown of eternal glory in Paradise. Let St. Alphonsa inspire to live a life based on love.

Bible Reflections I 27.07.2022 - WEDNESDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time - Week 17

Readings: I - Jer. 18: 1-6

                II - Mt. 13: 47-53

GIVE UP IN ORDER TO GAIN

In today’s Gospel passage Jesus compares the kingdom of heaven to the treasure hidden in the field and the fine pearls. The man who found the treasure hidden in the field sells all that he has to buy that field. But the merchant goes in search of fine peals and on finding the same sells all that he has, to buy the pearls. The finding of the former is accidental while that of the latter is incidental. But one thing that was common in both of them was that sold everything they had so as to acquire that what was precious and priceless. They were ready to forego anything but to possess that what mattered everything to them.

‘Exchange offer’ is one of the common marketing tactics that is followed for sale promotion. We are children of God redeemed by the precious blood of Jesus Christ. As Christians we are called to be sign of bearer of God’s love to the world. We cannot let ourselves to be influenced by the world instead as the bible exhorts, we must let God transform us into new persons (Rom. 12:2) like lamps lit on the mountain top. In this process we may have to give up all that we are and all that we have so as to gain the eternal joy, the Paradise. Let our mind and heart resonate with the prayer: “Lord Jesus, give me the courage to give up for the sake of your love”

Bible Reflections I 26.07.2022 - TUESDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time - Week 17

Readings: I - Jer. 14: 17-22

          II - Mt. 13: 16-43

St. Joachim and St. Anne, Parents of the Virgin Mary (Memorial)

  

GRANDPARENTS DAY

Today the Church gratefully and joyfully celebrates the feast of St. Joachim and St. Anne, the parents of our Blessed Mother Mary and the grandparents of our Lord Jesus Christ. The feast is celebrated as World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly, from last year as introduced by Pope Francis in January, 2021. St. Joachim and St. Anne in their faithfulness to God and through their righteous deeds were chosen to be the parents of the Mother of God. If Mother Mary is blessed among all women, blessed too should have been the parents who brought her up to the extent of finding favour in the eyes of the Lord befitting to bring forth the long awaited Messiah, the Saviour into the world.

We are living in a painful reality of children discarding their own parents in old age homes or abandoning them to the caretakers, confining them to the four walls of a room in the house or still to the worse, some who are so cruel to chase them out of their homes without a second thought of their sustenance or maintenance at their age of helplessness. The wealth, honour, glory and pride that is beheld are inheritance from the ancestors; and this can neither be denied nor argued against. On the other hand there are children who them with dignity, kindness and love. Honouring the parents begets the blessings of the Lord (Ex. 20:12) for the Scripture exhorts and promises, “Honour your father and your mother, as the Lord your God commanded you, so that your days may be long and that it may go well with you in the land that the Lord your God is giving you (Deu 5:16). Respecting parents therefore is the command of the Lord (Lev. 19:3) that ultimately results in respecting the grandparents as well. “Grandparents have the crowning glory of life: grandchildren. And it’s only proper for children to take pride in their parents” (Pro. 17:6). 

Task: Express your love and affection towards your grandparents wishing them, and through your acts of kindness and gestures of love.

Prayer: “Dear God, Bless my grandparents”.

Bible Reflections I 25.07.2022 - MONDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time: Week 17

Readings 

           I - 2 Cor. 4: 7-15

          II - Mt. 20: 20-28

                                    

FEAST OF ST. JAMES, THE APOSTLE

In the Gospel reading of the day, the mother of James and John asks Jesus to make her son sit at the right and left side of the Master in his kingdom. To the disciples Jesus about his style of ‘servant leadership’ and instructs that their greatness is in serving. The first reading of the day describes about the role of discipleship and the difficulties to be endured on this accord. Disciples are like a clay jar containing the treasure of the Gospel. They are called to manifest the life of Jesus in their mortal flesh. Because of which they have to endure affliction, persecution and destruction but they can neither be struck down nor destroyed, standing study in bearing witness to the life of Jesus in them.  

Today the Church celebrates the feast of St. James, the apostle. James and John were the first disciples called by Jesus to follow him when they were in a boat with their father Zebedee, preparing their nets (Mt. 4: 21-22, Mk. 1: 19-20). They were nicknamed as ‘Sons of thunder’ (Mt. 3: 17) for their fiery temperament. James was one among the three (Peter and John) to be present during the important moments of Jesus: his transfiguration (Mt. 17: 1-13) and raising of Jairus daughter (Mk. 5: 21-43). He was the first bishop of Jerusalem. He was an important spokesperson at the council of Jerusalem regarding Paul’s mission to the Gentiles (Acts. 15: 13). In his epistle, St. James has stressed about precepts pertaining to faith and good works, true wisdom is from God, control over tongue and about the anointing of the sick. James went as a missionary to Spain and preached the Gospel there. When he returned from Spain to Jerusalem, he was captured and beheaded by the sword. He was the first apostle to die as a martyr. His remains were taken to Compostela in Northern Spain by his followers and a chapel was constructed above the same. The new cathedral was built in the 12th century. St. James is the patron saint of Spain. May the life of the saint inspire us to aspire for a credible Christian living witnessing to the life of Christ as the readings of the day exhorts. Let our mind and heart resonate with the prayer: “St. James, Pray for us”.

Bible Reflections I 24.07.2022 - SUNDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time: Week 17

Readings 

           I - Gen. 18: 20-32

          II - Col. 2: 12-14

         III - Lk. 11: 1-13 

                           

LORD, TEACH US TO PRAY

The crux of the readings of the day are persistence and perseverance in prayer. Persistence is the resoluteness even at the face of opposition and obstacles. Perseverance is steadfastness in doing something. Both are essential to achieve and arrive at what one desires. Persistence and perseverance are the most important requisites of prayer. In the first reading Abraham is persistent and persevering in pleading God for Sodom and Gomorrah because he wanted to save the people from destruction. In the Gospel passage, through the parable Jesus explains that the friend lends bread because of the persistent pleading of his friend that was bothering him so much though personally he did not have the intention of helping his friend in need. Giving this parable, Jesus exhorts the children of God to persevere in the persistent “ask-seek-knock” trusting in the providence of God.

God cannot be conditioned by our prayers. He is all good and gives only that what is good and best for his people whether they are praying or not praying. Then why should we pray? We should of course keep asking, seeking and knocking not only for ourselves but also for others as did Abraham, like children pleading to their fathers. And we have to be persevering in our persistence with our pleadings and petitions in faith that God would certainly provide if they are going to benefit us and the others for whom we are praying. Let us today take some time to examine the quality of our prayer and keep repeating in the silence of our hearts: “Lord, Teach us to pray”

Bible Reflections I 23.07.2022 - SATURDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time: Week 16

Readings 

           I - Jer. 7: 1-11

          II - Mt. 13: 24-30 

                           

NURTURE THE GODLY QUALITIES 

Today’s Gospel passage is about the parable of the wheat and the weeds. Jesus compares the kingdom of heaven to a sower who sowed wheat in his fields and an enemy who sowed the weeds among them. God permits both, the wheat and the weed to exist until the day of harvest in order to save the wheat. On the day of harvest, the wheat will be collected in the barn and the weeds will be bundled to be burnt.  

We are created in the image and likeness of God (Gen. 1: 27). We are from God and God has sown in our hearts the seeds of love, peace, joy, kindness, gentleness, generosity, empathy and righteousness. We are often influenced by the values of the world around us viz. hatred, jealousy, selfishness, greed, cunningness, anger and pride. We become what we nurture. If we nurture the virtues, on the day of harvest, we will be gathered for eternal life in God and if not, we will end for eternal damnation like those weeds thrown into the fire. Our choice determines our eternal inheritance. Nurture virtues and grow up as children of God. Let our mind and heart resonate with the prayer: “Lord Jesus, help me to nurture the Godly qualities present in me”.

Bible Reflections I 22.07.2022 - FRIDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time: Week 16

Readings 

           I - 2 Cor. 5:14-17

          II - Jh. 20: 1-2, 11-18 

                           

FEAT OF ST. MARY MAGDALENE (Feast)

Today the Church celebrates the feast of St. Mary Magdalene, the ardent apostle, daring disciple and the passionate follower of Jesus Christ. All the four Gospels speak of Mary Magdalene (Mt. 26: 6-13, Mk. 14: 3-9, Lk. 7: 36-50 and Jn. 12: 1-8). From all these four Gospels we infer that Mary Magdalene was a sinful woman who had bad reputation in the society, she anointed the feet of Jesus with sweet smelling perfume and she was the sister of Martha and Lazarus. Before the crowd of men in Simon’s house, Mary dared to walk up to Jesus, anointed his feet with costly ointment, untied her hair before a band of men which no Jewish woman would dare to do , to wipe the feet of Jesus and continued kissing his feet as an act of her repentance for her sins and a desire for a new life in him. Jesus permitted or rather uninterrupted Mary Magdalene despite inheriting the gossip of the crowd around, for Jesus grasped the depth of her repentance and dense of her love in that act of anointing. Jesus defended Mary Magdalene and rewarded her act saying, “Truly I tell you, wherever this good news is proclaimed in the world, what she has done will be told in remembrance of her” (Mt. 26: 13).  

Mary Magdalene followed Jesus faithfully even when all his disciples deserted him during the crucial moment of his passion, death and resurrection. Along with the mother of Jesus, Mary Magdalene accompanied Jesus in his journey up till Calvary. As today’s Gospel reading says, early in the morning while it was still dark she came to the tomb to anoint Jesus. There she beholds the risen Lord, the privilege of being the first witness to the resurrection. The greatest of all rewards by the Master whom she loved and served so much. Let us examine the quality of our love for the Lord in the light of the love of Mary Magdalene. Examine the expressions of our love for our Master. It should be expressed not merely in our multiplicity of words in prayer but in the acts of charity towards our neighbour. May our mind and heart resonate with the prayer: “Lord Jesus, touch my heart and transform my life unto your will for me”

Bible Reflections I 21.07.2022 - THURSDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time: Week 16

Readings 

           I - Jer. 2:1-3, 7-8, 12-13

          II - Mt. 13: 10-17

        

Today’s Gospel passage is an invitation to look beyond seeing and listen beyond hearing so that we may not miss the revelation of God in the realities of life. Not all the people around Jesus discovered the Messiah in him, the promised one for whom they waited so long. The eyes that looked, ears that listened and the heart that understood were converted unto the ways of God.

We read and hear the Word of God, partake in the eucharistic celebrations, get the guidance of elderly and wise people, intervened by the edifying presence of friends and the like but still we often fail to look beyond seeing and listen beyond hearing. It is here we too like those people miss the God who comes, comes and ever comes. Be alert and become attentive to capture the signals of God for a better and noble living. Let our mind and heart resonate with the prayer: "Lord Jesus, help me to attentive to your words and deeds in my life"

Bible Reflections I 20.07.2022 - WEDNESDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time: Week 16

Readings 

           I - Jer. 1:1, 4-1

          II - Mt. 13: 1-9 

                           

BE RECEPTIVE TO THE WORD OF GOD 

Today’s Gospel passage is on the parable of the sower.  The sower sowed the seeds. The seeds fell on the path, rocky ground, amidst thorny bush and good soil.  The seeds that fell on the good soil alone yielded thirty, sixty and hundredfold.

The crux of the Gospel passage of the day is our receptiveness to the Word of God. How disposed are we to the Word of God to take root in us so as to yield a hundredfold?  The seeds fell on the path were eaten up by the birds, similarly, the heart that is distracted about many things may not be able to grasp the Word of God.  The seeds fell on the rocky ground were burnt with the rising of the sun, and this tantamount to a heart that is hardened can seldom hope for a new life to spring forth.  The seeds that fell amidst the thorny bush were chocked by the thorns, in the same way, a heart that is proud is also incredulous to accept or welcome anything.  Only an open and disposed heart is receptive to the Word of God like the good soil that can yield thirty, sixty and hundredfold accordingly.  

Task: Take some quite moments to analyse if we are receptive to the Word of God? If not, try to find out the reason for the same and rectify them. 

Prayer: “Lord Jesus, help me to be open and obedient to your Words”

Bible Reflections I 19.07.2022 - TUESDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time: Week 16

Readings 

           I - Mic. 7: 14-15, 18-20

          II - Mt. 12: 46-50 

                           

TAKE UP THE CHALLENGE AND INHERIT THE PRIVILEGE 

In today’s Gospel passage Jesus shows us the way to become a member of his family. When he was preaching, his mother and brothers waited outside, asking to speak to him. When the message was passed on to Jesus, Jesus stretched out his hand towards his disciples and said, “Here are my mother and my brothers! For whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother”. Jesus prescribes a higher way of relationship than mere physical one. In both the ways, Mary is his mother: in physical and in submitting herself to the will of the Father in heaven.

If we adhere to the Word of God and submit to the same we too are his mother, brothers and sisters. It is challenge and a privilege. It is a challenge because the Word of God may demand us to go against our own wills, whims and fancies. It is privilege because we become a member of God’s family. Take us the challenge and inherit the privilege. Let our mind and heart resonate with the prayer: “Lord Jesus, help me to seek and accomplish your will in my life”

Bible Reflections I 18.07.2022 - MONDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time: Week 16

Readings 

           I - Mic. 6: 1-4, 6-8

          II - Mt. 12: 38-42 

                           

DO NOT PUT THE LORD YOUR GOD TO THE TEST

In today’s Gospel passage Jesus calls the Scribes and the Pharisees evil and adulterous generation because they asked for ‘a’ sign from Jesus though he was performing ‘n’ number of signs among them. Prophet Jonah carried God’s message of destruction on account of their sinfulness to the people of Nineveh. Adhering to his prophesy, from king to animals fasted, put on sackcloth and sat on the ashes as a sign of their repentance, penance and conversion (Jonah 3: 5-9). The Queen of Sheba travelled from far to listen to the Wisdom of Solomon (1 Kings 10:1). People of Nineveh and the Queen of Sheba would rise up to a judgment to condemn the people of Jerusalem because: the Word of God was among them (Jh. 1:14) and Wisdom of God was shepherding them (Ezk. 34:16, Jn. 10: 11-18). The Scribes and the Pharisees in their stubbornness of heart refused to neither see nor acknowledge his mighty and marvelous works.

The bible says, “Do not put the Lord your God to the test” ( Deu. 6: 16, Mt. 4:7). We are not better than the Scribes and Pharisees, though we can vouch for God’s innumerable blessings, we still ask God for a sign or a miracle. Try to count the blessings of the mighty God in our lives than waiting for wonders. We are surmounted by God’s blessings, be grateful about that and trust in him. Let our mind and heart resonate with the prayer: “Lord Jesus, I trust in you”.