Bible Reflections I 05.10.2022 - WEDNESDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time - Week 27

Readings 

I - Gal. 1: 13-24 

II - Lk. 10: 38-42

ST. MARIA FAUSTINA KOWALSKA

Inspired by the prayer life of Jesus, the disciples in today’s Gospel passage insists Jesus to teach them too to pray.  May be because they realised that the power of his words and the passion for his mission was the fruit of his prayer life.  The integrity and the credibility of the life of Jesus made the disciples to desire for learning how to pray from Jesus himself.  

 

Today the Church celebrates the feast of St. Faustina Kowlaska to whom Jesus chose as his messenger to the modern world with his message of love and mercy. Jesus appeared as the King of Divine Mercy and insisted, “Humanity will not find peace until it turns trustfully to divine mercy”.  Every time Jesus appeared to Faustina, he spoke of his unfathomable love and mercy for the all humankind especially the sinners.  Even when the superiors, church authorities and the theologians doubted St. Faustina, she endured everything in obedience and with patience.  This was the fruit of her prayer life of which Jesus himself was so much pleased.  St. Faustina was canonised by St. Pope John Paul II. The picture of the divine mercy of Jesus is the one that was given to Faustina in her vision by Jesus including the short prayer, “Jesus, I trust in you”.  Let us today pray this prayer as often as possible as an intercession for the whole world.

Bible Reflections I 04.10.2022 - TUESDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time - Week 27

Readings 

I - Gal. 1: 13-24

           II - Lk. 10: 38-42

ST. FRANCIS OF ASSISI

The Gospel passage of the day is about Jesus being a guest in the house of Martha and Mary. When Jesus was received as a guest both the sisters chose to express their affection towards Jesus in serving and sitting at his feet. Martha chose to serve and Mary, to sit at his feet and to listen to him. Comparison that led to complaint was the mistake of Martha, while Mary was clear and composed at the feet of Jesus. In her choice without a complaint or comparison, Mary won the appreciation of choosing the better part. 

 

The expression of every love varies. Every expression is unique and beautiful if done with an undivided heart and absolute attention. Today the Church celebrates the feast of St. Francis of Assisi who chose to love the Lord in embracing poverty and serving poor and the sick especially the lepers. Francis of Assisi was from a Nobel and wealthy family. He was the son of a cloth merchant. Enamored by the love of God, he gave away everything and embraced poverty to the extent of stripping himself off his clothes. St. Francis of Assisi embraced the entire creation of God in love and friendship to the extent of calling God’s creation as brothers and sisters viz. Mother earth, brother sun, sister moon, brother fire and sister water in his ‘Canticle of creature’. He is the Church’s patron saint of animals and the environment. He was the first one to set up the first live nativity scene in honour of the birth of Jesus - Christmas. He was so much taken up by the poverty of Jesus in the manger. During his last years he was completely blind but never a word of complaint was heard to be uttered from his mouth. He also had the gift of stigmata with an excruciating pain partaking in the suffering of the Lord. He died reciting Psalms 141 and 142. He was the founder of the order of the Franciscans. Let our mind and heart resonate with the prayer: “St. Francis of Assisi, Pray for us”.

 

 

Bible Reflections I 03.10.2022 - MONDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time - Week 27

Readings 

            I - Gal. 1: 6-12

           II - Lk. 10: 25-37

LOVE THE LORD IN YOUR NEIGHBOUR

In today’s Gospel passage Jesus prescribes only two conditions to inherit eternal life: to love God above all and to love our neighbour. From the parable of the Good Samaritan we infer that every fellow being in need of our help is our neighbour. The priest and the Levite who served the Lord, failed to serve the bleeding man who was in dire need of their help. The Samaritan, an outcast, was moved with compassion and helped him in saving his life. Jesus gives the Samaritan as model for them to imitate in their love for their neighbour.   

We flock to churches, take up pilgrimage and attend retreats to experience God and to reciprocate our love for God failing to recognise his residence in every human persons more fully. Every person is a temple of God. In the suffering of every person, God suffers; in the rejection of every person, God is rejected and in the neglect of every fellow being, God is neglected. Love of God and love of neighbour can never be separated, they are intertwined. Love of God implies love of neighbour and vice versa. Love God in neighbour and inherit the eternal reward. Let our mind and heart resonate with the prayer: “Lord Jesus, Help me to love you in my neighbour”.

Bible Reflections I 02.10.2022 - SUNDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time - Week 27

Readings 

            I - Hab. 1: 2-3; 2: 2-4

           II - 2 Tim. 1: 6-8, 13-14

          III - Lk. 17: 5-10

THE RIGHTEOUS SHALL LIVE BY FAITH

The three readings of the day focus on the steadfastness in the life of faith. The readings invites to focus on God in enduring the pain, sorrow, frustration and failure that we encounter in our life with an utmost faith in Him. Surrounded by violence, strife and contention prophet Habakkuk in first reading cries to God for his help and action. God comforts and emboldens him saying, “The righteous shall live by his faith”. In the second reading, St. Paul in his letter to the Timothy, encourages him to bear testimony about the Lord and share in the suffering of the Gospel in faith because God has given us a spirit of power and not timidity. In the Gospel reading, Jesus speaks of the power of faith even as mustard seed, to work great things in life. Even a credible Christian living becomes possible only to the person of faith.  

To live for the Lord is our commitment and there should never be a compromise, come what may. We may get easily exhausted and discouraged by the powers and atrocities of the world like prophet Habakkuk or the people of Israel or Timothy. But, faith helps us to accept things as they are with a strong and large heart full of the power of love. God has given us the spirit of power and love and self-control. All we need is to focus on Him with faith and in love. Let our mind and heart resonate with the prayer: “Lord Jesus, help us to stand steadfast in faith”.

Bible Reflections I 01.10.2022 - SATURDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time - Week 26

Readings 

            I - Is. 66: 10-14

           II - Mt. 18: 1-5

ST. THERESA OF CHILD JESUS, VIRGIN, DOCTOR OF THE CHURCH

Today the Church celebrates the feast of St. Theresa of Child Jesus who responded to the love of God with all her heart, mind and strength in her own little way. Theresa was born on 2nd January, 1873in Alencon, France. She lost her mother when she was four. She was the youngest and the “little princess” to her dad. In a papal audience during her pilgrimage to Rome, she asked for and obtained special permission from Pope Leo XIII to enter the Carmelite monastery at the age of fifteen. She did not do anything extraordinary within the four walls there, but little deeds with great love for Jesus. She often used to say, “Our Lord does not look so much at the greatness of our actions, or even at their difficulty, as at the love with which we do them”. Every one of her step, move, gesture and activity was an expression of her love for Jesus. She endured everything, suffering, sickness and misunderstanding with great love and patience.  

Saint Theresa of Child Jesus was a Cloistered Carmelite Nun confined to the convent yet she is the Patroness of missionary, Patroness of France and above all the Doctor of the Church. She is a great saint because of her child like childlike simplicity and humility. In today’s Gospel passage Jesus says that one who wishes to be great in the kingdom of God should become humble and simple like the little children. Take up St. Theresa of Child Jesus as model and follow her ‘little way’ to become great in the kingdom of God. Let our mind and heart resonate with the prayer: “St. Theresa of Child Jesus, Pray for us”.

Bible Reflections I 30.09.2022 - FRIDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time - Week 26

Readings 

            I - Job. 38: 1, 12-21; 40: 3-5

           II - Lk. 10: 13-16

ST. JEROME, DOCTOR OF THE CHURCH (Memorial)

               

In today’s Gospel passage Jesus condemns the cities that failed to repent even after witnessing the mighty works of Jesus. On the roads of Chorazin, Bethsaida and Capernaum Jesus performed so many miracles and alas! The people in their stubbornness of heart they never relented to repent. The ruins found today bears testimony to the words of Jesus. Had these miracles been done in the pagan cities of Tyre, Sidon and Sodom, they would have turned from their wickedness, yielded to repentance and consequently to conversion of heart.  

Today the Church celebrates the fest of St. Jerome, the doctor of the Church.  He was the student of Saint Gregory of Nazianzen.  His contribution to the Latin translation of the Bible the Vulgate from Greek is a great gift to the Church.  His works on biblical, ascetical, monastic and theological influenced the early Middle Ages.  He devoted his time to reading the scripture, writing commentaries and teaching scripture. St. Jerome used to say, “Good, better, best.  Never let it rest. Until your good is better and your better is best”.  Be not stubborn like the people of Chorazin, Bethsaida and Capernaum, instead, be open to the voice of God that comes especially through the Scripture.  Let our mind and heart resonate with the prayer: “St. Jerome, Pray for us”.

Bible Reflections I 29.09.2022 - THURSDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time - Week 26

Readings 

            I - Deu. 7: 9-10, 13-14

           II - Jn. 1: 47-51

FEAST OF ST. MICHAEL, ST. GABRIEL AND ST. RAPHAEL, ARCHANGELS 

               

Today the Church celebrates the feast of the Archangels St. Michael, St. Gabriel and St. Raphael. They are the divine messengers of God with some special divine mission on the earth. Michael means ‘who is like God?’ His mission was to defeat Satan and its rebellious activities. Gabriel means ‘Strength of God. His mission was to bring the good news to the world. He announced about the birth of John the Baptist and that of the Messiah to Zachariah and Blessed Virgin Mary respectively. Raphael means ‘medicine of God’. He was the guardian of the wayfarers and healer of the sick. He accompanied Tobias and healed Tobit. The archangels in short reflected God and took people closer to God.

In today’s Gospel passage Philip takes or rather leads Nathanael to Jesus. He helped Nathanael to discover the Messiah for himself in Jesus. We are called to be the messengers of God in protecting or guarding people like Michael, heal people with our words and deeds like Raphael and become good news to people around us. May the celebration of the fest help us to imbibe the spirit of the archangels so that we become sign and expression of God’s love to all people. Let our mind and heart resonate with the prayer: “Sts. Michael, Gabriel and Raphael, Pray for us”.

Bible Reflections I 28.09.2022 - WEDNESDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time - Week 26

Readings 

            I - Job. 9: 1-12, 14-16

           II - Lk. 9: 57-62

THE ESSENTIALS OF DISCIPLESHIP

                  

In today’s Gospel passage Jesus highlights the essentials of discipleship. To someone who requested to follow Jesus wherever he goes, Jesus that the foxes have holes and the birds of the air nest while he did not have one. Meaning to say that those who wish to follow Jesus should come out of their comfort zone to follow him. To others when he himself extended an invitation to follow him; one wanted to bid farewell to his parents and another wanted to bury his parents. Jesus said, “No one who puts his hand to plough and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God”. Determination without any distraction is another requisite of discipleship. 

The one wishes to follow should be ready to give up his/her comfort zone in order to follow him and must be able to do it with absolute determination with no further ado. We Christians are called to follow Jesus at all times and in all ways. Dare to follow him leaving or even risking comfort zones and with a firm determination.

Bible Reflections I 27.09.2022 - TUESDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time - Week 26

Readings 

            I - Job. 3: 1-3, 11-17, 20-23

           II - Lk. 9: 51-56

BE FOCUSED AND ‘LET GO’

                  

Jesus was intent and focused about his mission and ministry; and therefore set his face to go to Jerusalem when the days drew near for him to be taken up. Jesus and his disciples were on their way to Jerusalem through Samaria, the shortcut to Jerusalem. The Samaritans did not receive him into their city because Jesus set his face to go to Jerusalem. The Jews considered the Samaritans as outcasts and never associated with them. The disciples of Jesus, James and John in their anger wanted Jesus to command them to bring down fire from heave to destroy the Samaritans. To the Lord of life they were discussing about the destruction of people. But Jesus rebuked his disciples and went through another village to Jerusalem. 

We can draw two lessons from the Gospel passage of the day: one, to be focused like Jesus who never wished to get distracted with small rejection comparatively that he is about to endure in Jerusalem and two, to forgive and ‘let go’. We can easily get distracted with insignificant matters if we are not focused. Be focused about the Christian identity that we bear and intent in practicing the values of Christ that would fetch us an eternal life. Have a generous heart to ‘let go’ of certain things without getting agitated by going beyond ego and selfishness. Let our mind and heart resonate with the prayer: “Lord Jesus, help me to be focused in practicing my Christian values”.

Bible Reflections I 26.09.2022 - MONDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time - Week 26

Readings 

            I - Job 1: 6-22

           II - Lk. 16: 19-31

                  

 Greatness in the worldly standards consists in richness, wealth, power, position, pomp and glory. In short, greatness vests in the status quo that a person maintains in the society based on family, money and influence. The Gospel standards put the right side up saying that the greatness consists in welcoming the least, the insignificant and the little for the sake of Christ and his kingdom. The life of Jesus is the benchmark for our Christina living based on his teaching. In the Jewish society, it was demeaning for the rabbis to associate with women, Jesus had women friends and followers. The Jews never associated with the sinners and outcasts, Jesus welcomed them as children of God and was also a guest in their homes. The children had no face in the society, Jesus blessed them and set them as model for many virtues. Jesus strived to put the right side up in the society.  

The Gospel passage is a challenge to all Christians in particular. In the light of this Gospel passage let us examine ourselves, our behavior with our subjects. Do we make at least a comfortable space for them to live and express their feelings, ideas and grievances? Generous love manifests itself in its magnanimity. A magnanimous heart is required to embrace everyone into our circle of love. As God for this grace so that we might contribute our own mite in the blossoming up of the Kingdom of God. May our mind and heart resonate with the prayer: “Lord Jesus, bless us with a generous and magnanimous heart to embrace everyone in love”

Bible Reflections I 26.09.2022 - SUNDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time - Week 26

Readings 

            I - Amos 6: 1, 4-7

           II - 1 Tim. 6: 11-16

          III - Lk. 16: 19-31

                  

CARE FOR THE POOR

                  

All three readings of the day focus on caution and consolation at the same time: caution to the rich, affluent and the wealthy and; consolation to the poor, helpless and hopeless. In the first reading, Prophet Amos condemns and curses those prosperous people of Zion and Samaria who basked in riches, wealth and affluence but neglected the poor. In the second reading, St. Paul encourages the Christians to pursue righteousness, faith, love, steadfastness and gentleness to take hold of the eternal life to which we are called. The Gospel reading is about the parable of the rich man and Lazarus. The greatest sin that the rich man committed was that he willfully neglected the poor man seated at his gate. Hence the rich man inherited eternal condemnation and the poor man, at Abraham’s side. The suffering of the poor and suffering, for sure would secure for them a place in the paradise. 

¬

Wealth and riches can be turned into blessing if they are shared with the less fortunate. If not, we will be the poorest and unfitting to enter into the gates of the eternal kingdom in heaven. Share and care for a happy life in Christ here and in the life to come.

Bible Reflections I 24.09.2022 - SATURDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time - Week 25

Readings 

           I - Ecc. 11: 9-12:8

           II - Lk. 9: 43-45

                  

SUFFERING HAVE SALVIFIC MEANING

                  

In today’s Gospel passage we read that the crowds and the disciples were amazed and astounded at the works and wonders Jesus accomplished. Jesus was not elated by this instead, he enlightened them about the reality of his rejection, suffering, passion and death that he had to endure. The disciples were afraid to ask anything about this because they were unwilling to accept the reality: the suffering destined for the salvation of humankind.

Human mind refuses to accept when encountered with reality that is true. All wish for happiness, peace, satisfaction and success in life. Sufferings do have salvific meaning inherent in it. Instead of accepting the suffering because we stand up for greater principles, we are prone for otherwise. Let us pick of the courage that sufferings do have a salvific meaning.

Bible Reflections I 23.09.2022 - FRIDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time - Week 25

Readings 

            I - Ecc. 3: 1-11

           II - Lk. 9: 18-22

                  

PADRE PIO (Memorial)

                  

In today’s Gospel passage, to the question Jesus asked, “But who do you say that I am?” the disciples responded saying, “The Christ of God”. Jesus from there proceeds to explain to them about the suffering and rejection that he has to endure on account of the same. The persons of God are destined for suffering because they go against the values of the world replacing with the values of the kingdom.

The Church celebrates the feast of St. Pio of Pietrelcina, popularly known as “Padre Pio”. He was born in Italy in the year 1887. He was ordained a priest in 1910. Because of his tuberculosis disease, he was at home for six years. His devotion during the celebration of the holy Eucharist was enormous. He spent hours in the confession solely to bring people back to God. He breathed his last saying, “Jesus, Mary”. He was a mystic. He got the sacred stigmata in his body in the year 1918 on account of which he had to endure physical, psychological and social suffering. People flocked to him out of curiosity and confusion about his stigmata, the reporters for the media wrote in volume mocking the same, his own fellow priests were hesitant to believe and accept. Padre Pio endured all for the sake of the Lord. As Christians when we are accosted with suffering, face it courageously with and in the Lord. Let our mind and heart resonate with the prayer: “Padre Pio, Pray for us”.

Bible Reflections I 22.09.2022 - THURSDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time - Week 25

Readings 

            I - Ecc. 1: 2-11

           II - Lk. 9: 7-9

                  

JESUS IS OUR ALL IN ALL

                  

The Wise man of the first reading and the Tetrarch in the Gospel passage are desperate with hopelessness and confusion. The former failed to look beyond and the latter failed to accept the truth. Both were unable to see the presence of God because they listed to all things, people and happenings but to God.  

We are often not better than the Wise man and Tetrarch. We get frustrated and abandoned looking at the realities of life that is made so duplicate. This precisely because we too often fail to listen God who speaks in the nature, through the persons and events. Jesus says, “I am the way, the truth and the life”. Try to discover him at every turn and tide of life and we will be happy persons filled with joy and hopefulness.

Bible Reflections I 21.09.2022 - WEDNESDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time - Week 25

Readings 

            I - Eph. 4: 1-7, 11-13

           II - Mt. 9: 9-13

                  

ST. MATTHEW, APOSTLE, EVANGELIST (Feast)

                  

Today the Church celebrates the feast of St. Matthew, the apostle of Jesus.  Matthew, the evangelist was a tax collector and therefore he was considered as a traitor.  The tax collectors were hated and considered as outcast by their own people because they collected tax more than that was levied by the Romans; and hence there were financially rich.  The Jews seldom associated with them. To such a person came the invitation from Jesus “Follow me”.  The intent look and the powerful invitation of Jesus, pierced the eyes and conquered the heart of Matthew that he gave up his profiteering profession as tax collector to gain life eternal with the Lord.  

The guilt of sin often prevents a person from approaching the throne of God.  Today’s Gospel passage is a consolation and an encouragement, for Jesus says, “I have come to call not the righteous but the sinners”.  From the life of Matthew we can hope for a new beginning and a new life in Jesus.  Matthew was shrewd to capture the look of Jesus and smart to respond to the appeal of Jesus.  Jesus had come to call the sinners not the righteous (Mt. 9:13).  The Lord knows our fragility and weakness. Just allow and yield unto the grace of God for a transformation and a new life in Jesus Christ our Lord.  Let our mind and heart resonate with the prayer: “Saint Matthew, the evangelist, Pray for us”.

Bible Reflections I 20.09.2022 - TUESDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time - Week 25

Readings 

           I - Prov. 21: 1-6, 10-13

          II - Lk. 8: 19-21

RELATIONSHIP IS THE ESSENCE OF CHRISTIAN LIFE

                  

Today’s Gospel passage is about the mother and brothers of Jesus, trying to meet Jesus. In this Gospel passage, Jesus is not trying to deny relationship but demonstrates a higher level of relationship with God and fellow human beings. God is personification of forgiveness, gentleness, compassion, kindness, mercy, benevolence and in short He is love Himself. He tries to relate with us in love, through the Scripture, sacraments, events, nature and persons inviting us to extend this love to our fellow beings. If we wish to relate with God we are called to exercise this essence of Christian life in our relationship: love, compassion, mercy, kindness, compassion and gentleness with our fellow beings, in our families and in the society at large giving way to the blossoming up of the kingdom of God.   

Human beings are basically social beings and therefore cannot exist without relationship. The supremacy consists in living out our Christian identity in all our relationships: a benevolent love with no ‘if’s and ‘but’s. If we wish to be the mother/brother/sister of Jesus, we are called to love him in the genuine love for the other. Let us take up the challenge to become the kith and kin of Jesus.

Bible Reflections I 19.09.2022 - MONDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time - Week 25

Readings 

I - Prov. 3: 27-34

           II - Lk. 8: 16-18

                  

LET YOUR LIGHT SHINE

Today’s Gospel passage is an appeal to let our light shine. As the Gospel passage says, no one lights a lamp and puts it under a bed rather place it on the stand for a better lighting. We as Christians are bestowed with various gifts of the Holy Spirit (Rom. 12: 68) utilizing which we are called to bear fruit in this world for the glory of the Lord for we are accountable to the gifts given. We are called to lift our lights high so as to lift the world to its original order and this is what the Kingdom of God is. 

 

Let Jesus, our Master be our role model. He utilised all his power and energy in doing all good to others. He strove to lift up the world head up as children of God as an example to follow. Failing to use God’s gifts to serve each other is failing to be an ardent follower of Christ. May our mind and heart resonate with the prayer: “Lord Jesus, help me to resemble you best in the world”.

Bible Reflections I 18.09.2022 - SUNDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time - Week 24

Readings 

           I - Amos. 8: 4-7

          II - Lk. 16: 1-13

BE A SHREWD DISCIPLE

                  

The ‘children of the world’ are smarter than the ‘children of light’. The children of the world are shrewd to make themselves befitting to the world they are in. Today’s Gospel passage is about the parable of the shrewd manager who acted smart when he knew that he would be dismissed from his work for his dishonesty. He quickly wrote off considerably that the debt each debtor held. A strategic planning for an honoured sustenance even after his dismissal by the rich man!

 

 Our life here on the earth is but a shadow that swiftly passes away. But we spend our time and energy striving hard for a decent and an honoured living. We are meticulous in planning for our education, employment, career opportunities and career development. Seldom do we concentrate on our happy living for an eternity with the Lord, in that paradise. Let the Gospel passage of the day inspire us to reflect how prepared are we when the Lord comes to call us off this earth. May our mind and heart resonate with the prayer: “Lord Jesus, Help me to become a shrewd follower of yours”. 

Bible Reflections I 17.09.2022 - SATURDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time - Week 24

Readings 

            I - 1Cor. 15: 35-37, 42-49

           II - Lk. 8: 4-15

           

THE SOWER AND THE SEED

Today’s Gospel passage is about the parable of the sower and the seed. It’s about the seed and the yield that depends on the receptiveness of the soil it fell upon. Though the sower and the seed were identical yet the yield varied with the conduciveness of the soil. Some fell on the path, while some on the rock, still others amidst the thorns and thistles and the seed that fell on the good soil produced a hundred fold.

Based on the parable, people can be divided into four types: the hearers, the impetuous, the opportunists and the doers. Hearers can be compared to the seed that fell on the path. This type of people just hear the Word of God and just leave it in the air without giving a second thought. They can be easily distracted. The impetuous are quick to respond but without standing steadfast in the same. These people can give up easily. The opportunists understand well but waver in their steadfastness. These people pick up what is pleasing and give up all that is demanding. They follow the Word at their own convenience. The doers accomplish every Word of the Lord and bear witness to Him at all times. They yield a hundred fold giving glory to the Lord. To which category to do belong? Let us stand by the Word of God and bear witness to the same thereby making our life resolute, meaningful, and purposeful.

Bible Reflections I 16.09.2022 - FRIDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time - Week 24

Readings 

            I - 1 Cor. 15: 12-20

           II - Lk. 8: 1-3

                    

BE GENEROUS IN THE FOLLOWING OF THE LORD

We shall focus on two points based on the Gospel passage of the day: One, on the universality of the mission and two, on the generosity of the disciples. The ministry of Jesus was not the privilege of the few, rather was extended to everyone surpassing all odds: gender, region and religion. Jesus had women disciples unlike the Rabbis of that time. This was indeed a great risk to his spirituality because association of a Rabbi with any woman undermined his spirituality. Jesus took a great leap to prove that the equality he preached in the kingdom of God was already existing in his team of disciples. The disciples provided for the ministry from their personal possession. They were generous to give up anything to partake in the ministry and mission of Jesus, who gave up his divinity to save and restore our relationship with God.

Jesus strove to establish the kingdom of God that subsisted equality, freedom, fraternity and justice. The Gospel passage is an invitation to reflect on the equality that Jesus preached and practiced. Be convinced that no one is great or small before God. All of us are his children. Be generous to serve God in others not only with money and material but also with our skill, talents and time. This generosity in love will prove our credibility as Christians. Let our mind and heart resonate with the prayer: “Lord Jesus, help us to be credible Christians”.