Thursday, December 1, 2022
Bible Reflections I 02.12.2022 - FRIDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I
Readings
I - Is. 29: 17-24
II - Mt. 9: 27-32
FAITH WORKS WONDERS
The one requisite for all miracles in life is ‘faith’ is the crux of the Gospel passage today. Faith that God can heal, cure and change with the conviction that for God all things are possible. The faith of the two blind men that Jesus can heal obtain a miracle for them. The two blind men approached Jesus with hope, were healed in faith in the power of Jesus and thereafter they became the messengers of miracle throughout that district.
Through the Gospel passage of the day we are invited to reflect on our faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. When we approach the Lord with our pleas and petitions introspect on the level of faith that we possess. We can hear people saying that God has failed their faith. Faith is not only receiving what we ask for but also accepting the failure with the conviction that God would do only that what is good for us because he loves us. Let our mind and heart resonate with the prayer: “Lord Jesus, I trust in you”.
Wednesday, November 30, 2022
Bible Reflections I 01.12.2022 - THURSDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I
Readings
I - Is. 26: 1-6
II - Mt. 7: 21, 24-27
LISTEN AND LIVE BY THE WORD OF GOD
We have heard and witnessed disasters due to the torrential rains followed by floods. So many magnificent, trending and lofty buildings being carried and washed away in the waters because of the poor and weak foundations that were unable to withstand the current of the fast flowing floods. Jesus uses this very practical metaphor to explain about the mere hearers and the active doers of the Word of God. The active doers of the Word of God stand steadfast even if baffled and battered up by trials, temptations and misfortunes while mere listeners of the Word are washed away by the trifles of the world giving up their faith and trust in the Lord.
Listening to the Word of God in faith and accomplishing the same with an utmost trust position life on God, the everlasting rock. These doers of the Word would hold fast to their faith, abounding in hope and would be ablaze with charity inheriting eternal life when the Son of Man comes in glory to visit them. The mere listeners would stumble and fall with even small stifle. Let our mind and heart resonate with the prayer: “Lord Jesus, strengthen my faith”
Tuesday, November 29, 2022
Bible Reflections I 30.11.2022 - WEDNESDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I
Readings
I - Rom. 10: 9 -18
II - Mt. 4: 18-22
FEAST OF ST. ANDREW, THE APOSTLE
The Lord calls whomever he wants (Mk. 3:13): the fisherman, the tax collector, the zealot, the learned or the persecutor. Jesus calls to be his disciples in order to be with him and to be sent out on a mission (Mk. 3:14). The mission precisely is to preach the Good News and to build up the Kingdom of God. To be the messengers of love, peace and joy for the purpose of establishing a subservient social order, an egalitarian society where freedom, fraternity and justice reign. The adherence and commitment to the call of God requires faith and courage. Faith in the one who calls will accompany all through the life journey and the courage to endure and face all suffering, persecution, defamation, false accusation and finally death on this accord.
Today the Church celebrates the feast of St. Andrew, the brother of Simon Peter (Jn. 1:40) and the apostle of Jesus. His commitment to the call of Jesus was instantaneous that evince his faith in the great Rabbi and the Messiah, Jesus. He travelled around Asia Minor and Black Sea preaching the Good news with great courage and conviction. When he was sentenced to death by crucifixion, he felt that he was unworthy to be crucified like his master Jesus Christ and hence asked to be crucified on a diagonal cross. This is why the Scottish flag have a diagonal cross as St. Andrew is the patron saint of Scotland. Christ has called each one of us to be his followers through our baptism to partake in the priestly, kingly and prophetic mission of the Church. We need not accomplish great things but make the principles of Christ our way of living in the day-to-day context making our ordinary living an extraordinary one as set out by Jesus our Master and Model. May St. Andrew, the apostle, strengthen our faith and help us to courageously commit ourselves to the mission of being the messengers of the Good News through our exemplary living. May our mind and heart resonate with the prayer: “St. Andrew, the apostle of Christ, Pray for us”.
Monday, November 28, 2022
Bible Reflections I 29.11.2022 - TUESDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I
Readings: I - Is. 11: 1-10
II - Lk. 10: 21-24
BE OPEN TO THE TRUTH
The Gospel passage today does not condemn the learned, the intelligent or the persons of repute instead Jesus highlights on the disposition and openness of the heart in beholding the truth as it comes. The learned, the intellectuals and the elite of Jesus’ time were the Pharisees, the Sadducees, the Chief Priest and the Scribes. They were familiar with the law and the prophecy and were fanatic in the practice of the religion. They were considered to be the custodians of their religion and the Law of Moses. But they failed to recognise the Promised One in Jesus in their pride and stubbornness of heart. Women and infants were considered as ‘nobody’ at all. Infant in the Gospel reading today, means ‘nobody’. These ‘nobody’ - the sinners, tax collectors, women, children, the poor, the disabled, the prostitutes, the gentiles and the Samaritans in their openness, simplicity and humility of heart accepted Jesus to be the Messiah. Jesus glorifies and thanks the Father for His goodness, mercy and magnanimity in choosing these ‘nobody’ to reveal Jesus His Son as their Messiah which is the gracious will of the Father.
In the ordinary walk of life, people wish for the truth that is appealing, pleasing, and convenient but never contradicting, combating or conflicting their perspectives and ideologies. People never desire for the truth that hurts, contradicts, questions, conflicts and disturbs. Only those people who are open to the truth with the simplicity and humility of heart can be drawn to recognise the Lord as he comes to visit us. During this season of Advent let us yield ourselves unto to the truth as it comes.
Sunday, November 27, 2022
Bible Reflections I 28.11.2022 - MONDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I
Readings
I - Is. 4: 2-6
II - Mt. 8: 5-11
APPROACH THE LORD WITH HUMILITY & FAITH
Today’s Gospel passage is about the healing of the centurion’s servant. Centurion was man in authority, a commander over hundred army men. He was a gentile and from the Gospel we can also conclude that he was a compassionate fellow and may be this is why he pleaded for the healing of this servant. Jesus consents to go with him to his house to heal his servant. But the centurion convinced of the authority of Jesus, asks him to command than coming in person to heal him. This act evinces the faith of the centurion. Besides this he also humbles himself before the Lord, calling himself ‘unworthy’ and this exhibits his humility. The faith and the humility of the centurion brings healing to servant besides gaining the appreciation of Jesus, the Rabbi Par excellence as well.
The two take aways of the Gospel passage of the day is: faith and humility. Faith that God can and will do for us but always aspiring to align ourselves unto his will. Because God gives only all that is best for us. In the letter of St. James we read, “Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up” (Jas. 4: 10). God is mighty and we are insignificant before him, we are his creatures. Submit to the might and power of the Lord with faith that God can do it and in humility to experience his benevolence and love.
Saturday, November 26, 2022
Bible Reflections I 27.11.2022 - SUNDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I
Readings
I - Is. 2: 1-5
II - Rom. 13: 11-14
III - Mt. 24: 37-44
WATCHING IN PRAYER; WAITING IN HOPE
We are stepping into a new liturgical season of Advent. Advent comes from the Latin word ‘Adventus’ meaning ‘coming’. Advent is the time of preparation for the coming of the Messiah - the Christmas. It is also a reminder that we be ready to behold the Son of Man as he comes with power and great gory during his second coming. Advent alerts people of God to keep themselves prepared watching and waiting. Watching in prayer so that, as the second reading says, we may appear blameless before God at the coming of Christ our Lord. Waiting in hope that as the first reading says, the Lord of righteousness will cause peace, justice and righteousness flourish in our land thereby establishing His Kingdom where freedom, fraternity and justice reign.
During this season of Advent, watch in prayer and wait in hope to behold the “Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace” (Is. 9: 6). As we during this grace filled season of Advent prepare ourselves recalling the first Christmas at Bethlehem, focus too on the preparation for his second coming when he will come to visit and take us by hand to that everlasting Kingdom of love, peace, joy, hope and happiness that reign forever. May our mind and heart resonate with the prayer: “Come Lord Jesus Come”.
Friday, November 25, 2022
Thursday, November 24, 2022
Bible Reflections I 25.11.2022 - FRIDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I
Readings
I - Rev. 22: 1-7
II - Lk. 21: 34-36
BE WATCHFUL AND WAITING FOR THE LORD
Today’s Gospel passage is a warning against reckless living. Jesus invites us to be vigilant because the coming of the Son of God will be a sudden one. Jesus does not threaten us but instructs us to go on living a normal life praying, alert and watchful, enduring all sufferings on account of him instead of being weighed down with dissipation, drunkenness and cares of this life. So that, we might be able to stand before the Son of Man.
When trying situations entrap us from all sides, all we have to do is to put our trust in the Lord and wait for him patiently without distraction. Enduring everything for the sake of the living God, without denying him, will make us worthy of being found blameless before him when He comes again in all His glory and splendor. Hope in him, stand steadfast in faith and wait for the Lord and He will definitely act on our behalf bringing salvation and relief. Let our mind and heart resonate with the prayer: “Lord Jesus, I trust in you”.
Wednesday, November 23, 2022
Bible Reflections I 24.11.2022 - THURSDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I
Readings
I - Rev. 18: 1-2, 21-23; 19: 1-3, 9
II - Lk. 21: 20-29
FEAR NOT, BE PREPARED
The Gospel passage is about two prophecies of Jesus: one, about the fall and destruction of Jerusalem; and two about the coming of the Son of man with power and glory, the second coming of Jesus. Many times Jerusalem had been destroyed and held captive and people had witnessed the fulfillment of the prophecy of Jesus. The second is yet to come. We need not be panicked or alarmed but hope in the redemption that comes with the second coming of Jesus.
Jesus says to straighten up and raise our heads high, in short to be ready to behold him as he comes. Only those who are prepared and ready can do this. Being prepared and ready to meet him can be possible only to those who walk in the Law of the Lord, love and trust him in all his ways. We may not know the time and place but Jesus would come as he has promised. Be prepared to behold him.
Tuesday, November 22, 2022
Bible Reflections I 23.11.2022 - WEDNESDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I
Readings
I - Rev. 15: 1-4
II - Lk. 21: 12-19
LIVE FOR THE LORD
On account of Jesus, we might have to endure opposition, oppression, accusations and persecutions from those in power, position and authority. We might be betrayed by our own family, friends and relatives, hated and put to death. Jesus exhorts to endure with the blessed assurance of his assistance and protection. He promises of wisdom in our speech which none of the adversaries would be able to contradict. We are so precious to the Lord that he will never let even a hair our head to perish.
Do not get panicked at embarrassing and endangering situation, the Lord our God like a mighty warrior and would fight on our behalf, defending and protecting (Jer. 20:21). Endure everything with the Lord until the day of meeting him face to face, for he says, “I will not leave you as orphans” (Jh. 14:18)” and “Surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age” (Mt. 28: 20). Endure every trial patiently with the joy of meriting the Kingdom of God when he comes in His glory. May our mind and heart resonate with the prayer, “Lord Jesus, help me to be your witness”.
Monday, November 21, 2022
Bible Reflections I 22.11.2022 - TUESDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I
Readings
I - Rev. 14: 14-19
II - Lk. 21: 5-11
St. Cecelia (Memorial)
In the Gospel passage of the day, Jesus predicts the destruction of the Jerusalem temple. The temple of Jerusalem was their pride as people of God. It was intertwined with the emotions of every Jew. Jesus also predicts the sufferings that the people of God had to endure under the clutches of the great and greedy rulers, the powers of the world, natural catastrophes, war and violence. At those circumstances Jesus instructs people to remain calm in the Lord. Because all atrocious activities and oppressing powers will be overthrown with the coming of the Kingdom of God. From the Gospel passage it can be inferred that we have to be ready to face any suffering on account of Jesus, endure so willingly with the hope that God will one day act on our behalf.
Today the Church celebrates the feast of St. Cecilia, the patroness of music and musicians, who offered herself to the Lord with all her heart, body and soul. On account of her love and devotion to the Lord she had to lose her head and be martyred. Saint Cecelia courageously endured and saved her life for the eternal kingdom. May the saint of the day, help us to stand for the Lord with resolute firmness in his love. Let our mind and heart resonate with the prayer: “St. Cecelia, Pray for us”.
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