Bible Reflections I 05.01.2023 - THURSDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Christmas Week 2

Readings 

           I - 1 Jn. 3: 11-21

          II - Jn. 1: 43-51

BECOME THE MESSENGERS OF THE TRUTH

          

In today’s Gospel passage Philip takes or rather leads Nathanael to Jesus. He helped Nathanael to discover the Messiah for himself in Jesus as did in yesterday’s Gospel passage Andrew did to Peter. When Philip spoke about Jesus to Nathanael, in all his simplicity he asked, “Can anything good come from Nazareth?” (Jn. 1: 46) and still with the openness of heart he went with Philip to verify for himself if Jesus was the Messiah and he indeed beheld the truth after meeting Jesus, the Messiah.  

We are draw two messages from the Gospel passage of the day. Firstly, if we have discovered the Lord, we cannot but proclaim him to others. We begin to gather people around Jesus than just to be contented with the Good News we have received. And secondly, Nathanael was open to the truth, to accept Jesus as the Messiah. We complicate our life that is so simple, create confusion to conceal reality, and willfully reject to accept the truth. Openness of heart can overtake prejudice, simplicity can surpass stubbornness and pave way to pursue all that is true, real and lasting. Be open to discover the Lord with simplicity and sincerity to be his effective messengers. Let our mind and heart resonate with the prayer: “Lord Jesus, help us to become the messengers of the truth.”

Bible Reflections I 04.01.2023 - WEDNESDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Christmas Week 2

Readings 

           I - 1 Jn. 3: 7-10

          II - Jn. 1: 35-42

SEEK THE LORD AND YOU WILL FIND

         

In yesterday’s Gospel passage John the Baptist, inspired by the Holy Spirit discovers Jesus as the Lamb of God.  Having found him to be the One for whom he had been preparing the way, introduces Jesus to his disciples.  The disciples of John the Baptist there after seeks to be the disciple of Jesus.  With the invitation of Jesus to “come and see”, they go with him and stay with him forever. The joy was not contained in themselves but they went and proclaimed Jesus and in their turn they introduced Jesus to his brother Simon Peter who became the rock of the Church.

If we ardently seek for the Lord, we are sure to find him.  Our problem is that we are distracted from concentrating on him. Allow the passage to inspire you to search for the Lord so that we can stay with him like his disciples forever and share this Joy with many whom we come in contact with.  Because, relentless and sincere search leads to the truth and the truth discovered cannot but be proclaimed to others.  Let our mind and heart resonate with the prayer, “Lord Jesus, help us to seek you with an open heart and mind”.

Bible Reflections I 03.01.2023 - TUESDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Christmas Week 2

Readings 

           I - 1 Jn. 2: 29 - 3:6

          II - Jn. 1: 29-34

Holy Name of Jesus

Saint Kuriakose Elias Chavara 

BEHOLD THE LAMB OF GOD

          

In today’s Gospel passage, John the Baptist identifies the Lamb of God, Jesus; introduces him to his disciples and bears witness to him. John the Baptist was able to identify the Lamb of God because the Holy Spirit had revealed to him. The Holy Spirit is the Counsellor, inspirer and the advocate. Every day during the mass, we hear the priest lifting up the host and say, “Behold the Lamb of God”. Jesus, the Lamb of God is the one who had taken away our sins on his shoulders as did the sacrificial lamb of the people of Israel. Do we realise this at those moments? If not, intercede with the Holy Spirit for such a grace so that we too can like John the Baptist discover Jesus and bear witness to him in our lives as did John the Baptist. For such a grace we need to allow the Holy Spirit to work in us. Be open to the Holy Spirit and discover Jesus, the Lamb of God in order to bear witness to him.

Today the Church celebrates the feast of the holy name of Jesus. Jesus is a most common name in Israel but what is uncommon is that the person to whom this name belong to: the Son of God, the Promised One who came to redeem the world. The holy name of Jesus is healing, consoling, comforting, soothing, liberating, encouraging and uplifting. The utterance of the very name of Jesus is by itself a most powerful prayer. The name of Jesus is our salvation: “Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved” (Acts: 11:12). It is a promise: “Promise and whatever any of you ask in my name, I will do” (Jn. 14:13). It is an assurance to be with his people: “where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them” (Mt. 18: 20). The name of Jesus is our justification: “You were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God” (1 Cor. 6: 11). The name of Jesus saves: “whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved” (Rom. 10:13). Many of the saints including Don Bosco has prayed, “In the name of Jesus”. This is of course a short and simple prayer but most effective, miraculous and powerful prayer. Today in particular let us pray more frequently, “In the name of Jesus”

Today we celebrate the feast of St. Kuriakose Elias Chavara from Kainakary, Kerala, Southwestern India. He was an educator and a social reformer. He started schools in Mannanam and Arpookara. He had also started St. Joseph’s printing press in Mannanam, the third printing press in Kerala. Aware that children need to be fed before being taught, he instituted midday meal programme for the children. He served as Vicar-General of the Syro-Malabar Church and worked hard to renew the faith of the people. He was the Co-founder and the first Prior-General of the Congregation of the Carmelites of Mary Immaculate and also the Co-founder of the Congregation of the Sisters of the Mother of Carmel. The congregation served in the field of education empowering especially the women and the children. Kuriakose Elias Chavara was beautified by St. Pope John Paul II on February 8, 1986 at Kottayam, India and was canonised on November 23, 2014 by Pope Francis. The saint was a man of prayer and is known for his devotion to the Holy Eucharist and the Blessed Virgin Mary. May the saint intercede for us to discover the Lamb of God as did John the Baptist so as to be effective witnesses of him.

Bible Reflections I 02.01.2023 - MONDAY I INDRAYA MANNA

Christmas Week 2

Readings 

           I - 1 Jn. 2: 22-28

          II - Jn. 1: 19-28

HUMILITY IS SELF-ACCEPTANCE

            

Humility is self-acceptance. In other words, only the one who is aware of one self can be truly humble for self-knowledge leads to self-acceptance and self-acceptance adorns the person with the great virtue of humility. In today’s Gospel passage, the Jews send some priests and religious to John the Baptist to enquire about his identity that is whether he is the Messiah. John the Baptist reveals his identity telling that he is the voice crying in wilderness, preparing the way of the Messiah. He is also humble enough to say that he was unworthy to untie the sandals of the Messiah. Reading this passage, I’m reminded of Emeritus Benedict XVI who during his resignation said, “After having repeatedly examined my conscience before God, I have come to the certainty that my strengths, due to an advanced age, are no longer suited to an adequate exercise of the Petrine ministry. I am well aware that this ministry, due to its essential spiritual nature, must be carried out not only with words and deeds, but no less with prayer and suffering…… I wish to also devotedly serve the Holy Church of God in the future through a life dedicated to prayer.” Self-acceptance leading to humility to the extent of renouncing his papacy wishing for the utmost good.

People wish to become popular having fans, friends and followers, trending in social media and network. They want to always add an ‘extra’ to their existence that is not real. They even grab the glory of others at their own credit. These are the people whom the psychologist say that they are with low self-esteem and self-knowledge. They project themselves to be someone that in reality are not. Self-knowledge give self-acceptance and when we are aware of our own selves we project the same with no pretension. Become humble, happy and joyful because each one of us unique created for a unique purpose. Be convinced of this and live your own life with courage and conviction.

Bible Reflections I 01.01.2022 - SUNDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Christmas Octave

Readings 

           I - Num. 6: 22-27

          II - Gal. 4: 4-7

         III - Lk. 2: 16-21

MARY, MOTHER OF GOD (Solemnity)

                  

There are four Marian dogmas stating Mary’s personal relationship with God and her role in the history of salvation: Divine motherhood, Perpetual virginity, Immaculate conception and the Assumption. Today the Church celebrates the feast of Mary, the Mother of God, the title attributed to Mary by the Council of Ephesus held in 431. God descended from his divinity taking up the human form in or to make all of us ascend into that Kingdom with the honour of the children of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. This was possible only through Mary, the blessed one, full of grace, the pride of Israel and the honour of human race. Besides being mother of God, she is our mother as well given by Jesus, her son. It is befitting to begin the brand new year 2023 with the blessings, assistance, accompaniment and guidance of our Blessed Mother.  

God in His graciousness has gifted us with New Year enwrapped with new visions, hopes, dreams, possibilities, challenges, vigour and enthusiasm; and with the blessed assurance, “I am with you always” (Mt. 28: 20). In the Book of Proverbs we read, “Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans” At the start of this new year entrust everything into the all-powerful and loving hands of the Lord, wait for Him and count on Him. As the Bible says, he will lead you in the way you know not (Is. 42: 16). Let us begin this New Year, with Jesus, our Lord, Mary, our mother and St. Joseph, our protector. Repeat this prayer in the silence of hearts as often as possible and entrust the year into the loving hands of the Lord through our Blessed Mother: “Mary, Mother of God and our Mother, Pray for us”  

HAPPY NEW YEAR 

ASSURANCE OF PRAYERS AND BLESSINGS

Bible Reflections I 31.12.2022 - SATURDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Christmas Octave

Readings 

           I - 1Jn. 2: 18-21

          II - Jn. 1: 1-18

THANK YOU LORD

                  

We are in the last day of the year 2022, a day of stocktaking and a day of thanksgiving to the Lord. Every incident, every happening and every event: the joys and sorrows; the ups and downs; efforts and endeavours; success and challenges; and; sufferings and solace were meticulously wrapped with the graces and blessings besides being branded with the benevolent love of the Lord. Take some time today to be in solitude but in the company of the Lord and try to count all His blessings one by one, then can you feel your heart throbbing with sentiments of “Thank you Lord”. At the same time, regret not for the opportunities missed, willful acts of negligence, lethargy, slackness in accomplishing the good, lapsed relationships because of our ego, indifferentism and misunderstanding and wrong choices made. Thank God for bringing these setbacks to our memory so that we can better ourselves to become disciplined disciples of Jesus our Master.  

In the Gospel passage of the day we read: “From his fullness we have all received, graces upon grace”. May we take this day as an opportunity to thank the Lord and pray for His graces for the upcoming new year, to stand firm in our resolutions to live up to our Christian vocation true to the identity of the children of God. Thank also for the family members, friends, relatives, neighbours and every people who were part of life and experience and pray for them as well. Let our mind and heart resonate with the prayer: “Thank you Lord”.

Bible Reflections I 30.12.2022 - FRIDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Christmas Week

Readings 

           I - Sir. 3: 2-6, 12-14

          II - Col. 3: 12-21

         III - Mt. 2: 13-15, 19-23

FEAST OF HOLY FAMILY

Today the Church celebrates the feast of the Holy Family, the model for all families. Joseph, Mary and Jesus each of them performed their role in absolute co-operation, obedience, respect and harmony in fulfilling the Plan of God. Joseph and Mary submitted themselves to God and to one another in faith. The instruction about taking the baby to Egypt and from there to bring back to their hometown was given by the angel of the Lord to Joseph only but was obeyed by Mary at the words of Joseph with no counter questions or arguments. The bible says that Jesus was obedient to his parents (Lk. 2: 51). Every member in the holy family respected the role of every other member, setting an example for all families in the world.

The families today are fragmented due to individualism, autonomy, selfishness, misunderstanding and egoism. Each one wish to underestimate, dominate and outrun one another resulting in broken families leaving the children with single parent or abandoning them to grandparents, homes and orphanages. Or on the other hand resulting in children abandoning their parents to the old age homes. In either case it is indeed pathetic, heartrending and painful. The second reading instructs on the mother, father and children’s attitude that would favour an exemplary family while the first reading enlists the blessings of those who obey and honour their parents. St. Paul instructs put on compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, patience and forgiving one another for a harmonious family living. As we celebrate the feast of the Holy Family pray for your own families and for those that are broken and separated. God bless our families. Let our mind and heart resonate with the prayer: “God bless our families”.

Bible Reflections I 29.12.2022 - THURSDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Christmas Week

Readings 

           I - 1Jn. 2: 3-11

          II - Lk. 2: 22-35

St. Thomas Becket, Bishop, Martyr (Memorial) 

ACTUALISE THE PROFESSION OF FAITH         

Today’s Gospel passage is about the presentation of baby Jesus in the temple by his parents in accordance to the obligation of the Law of the Lord offering a pair of doves. Simeon, the righteous and the devout man waited patiently in the temple to behold the deliverer, the consolation of Israel, the Messiah. As the baby was brought into the temple he recognised, rejoiced and filed with the Holy Spirit prophesied about the child. Looking at May he prophesied saying, “…And a sword will pierce your own soul too”. Mary would not have understood but as the bible says kept all these things and pondered them in her heart (Lk. 2: 19). Presentation to the Lord is yielding unto the Lord in faith.   

When we were still helpless babe we were brought into the Church to be baptised. Our parents in the company of the God parents who were also equally responsible for our Christian living, kith and kin presented us in Church to the Lord professing the Christian faith on our behalf. Seldom do we remember even the names our grandparents and often fail in the responsibilities towards them. When people today don’t even care for their own parents and live independently with their family abandoning them to the old age and shelter homes, can they find to even think about the grandparents. May the Gospel passage help us to reset our lives recalling our baptism and our promise to live a witnessing life. Be grateful to the parents who had brought up to what we are. Dear parents, constantly keep insisting to your children about the demands of Christian living exhorted through baptism and faith in the Lord that is essential so that they can live a witnessing life.

Today the Church celebrates the feast of St. Thomas Becket, Archbishop of Canterbury. He was martyred because he preferred to submit himself unto the ways of the Lord than to the order of the king of Canterbury and so he was martyred. Through the intercession of this saint let us ask God to give us the courage to present ourselves unreservedly to His Plan for us in actualising our profession of faith in Him.

Bible Reflections I 28.12.2022 - WEDNESDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Christmas Week

Readings 

           I - 1 Jn. 1: 5-2: 2

          II - Mt. 2: 13-18 

        

FEAST OF HOLY INNOCENTS

                  

Today the Church celebrates the feast of the holy innocents who had to give up their lives in order to save the Messiah from the wrath of Herod. Herod in his jealousy, hatred, envy and craving for power wanted to put away with the King of kings and so he massacred countless children. The feast on one hand is shocking that God permitted so many children to die but on the other, we must understand the incident with faith that so many children died to save the saviour who had to die in order to save the entire world from the darkness of sin.   

The normal reaction to this incident our anger towards Herod who was merciless and evil. Introspect on self to analyse our actions that spur from anger, hatred and jealousy. We may not physically harm others but we do harm them wounding their hearts and minds. Herod allowed himself to be under the control of the evil and so evil actions sprung forth from him. Let us allow ourselves to be controlled by our conscience that is God Himself and let all around us to live in happiness and peace.

Bible Reflections I 27.12.2022 - TUESDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Christmas Week

Readings 

           I - 1 Jn. 1: 1-4

          II - Jn. 20: 2-8 

        

FEAST OF ST. JOHN, APOSTLE AND EVANGELIST

                  

The church celebrates the feast of St. John, the apostle and the evangelist today. St. John is referred as ‘the disciple whom Jesus loved’ (Jh. 13: 23). John was the son of Zebedee, a Galilean fisherman. John and his brother James were the first disciples called by Jesus. St. John is the author of five books in the Bible: a Gospel according to St. John, three epistles (1 John, 2 John and 3 John) and the book of revelation. John was one of the closest confidants of Jesus along with Peter and John. St. John had five exclusive privileges: one, he was close to the heart of Jesus which her personally felt as well; two, he had deeper understanding of Christ that is evident from his Gospel; three, Mother Mary was handed over to John at the foot of the cross; four, the first witness of the resurrection and; five, the privilege of long life. Today’s Gospel passage is about Peter and John running to the tomb to witness the resurrection of the Lord witnessed by Mary Magdalene. In his great love for the Master, John outruns Peter but waits for Peter to enter the tomb first, as a mark of his respect for the primacy of Peter. He lived with love, witnessed to the love and exhorted the Christians to live in love.

In the first reading, St. John says, “That which we have seen and have heard, we declare unto you” and He lived it convincingly till the end of his life. Experience help us to emphatically witness. Pray that we as Christians may have a deeper experience of Jesus to proclaim him through our lives as we keep repeating the prayer: “St. John the apostle, Pray for us.”

Bible Reflections I 26.12.2022 - MONDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Christmas Week

Readings 

           I - Acts 6: 8-10; 7: 54-59

          II - Mt. 10: 17-22 

        

FEAST OF ST. STEPHEN, PROTOMARTYR

                  

Christmas is a joyous celebration to those who accept the birth of the babe in Bethlehem with the conviction that he is the Promised One of God. Acceptance means the readiness to commit ourselves completely to him without any reserve, choosing him above everything. It means to give up anything and everything for the sake of this God who pitched his tent among us. Today the Church celebrates the feast of St. Stephen, the first martyr of Christ. Martyr comes from the Greek work ‘marthur’ which means witness. St. Stephen witnessed to the life and preaching of Christ because of which he was falsely accused and stoned to death. St. Stephen was a Greek speaking Jew, a deacon selected for the distribution of goods. He was a vehement and an enthusiastic preacher. His resembled the life of Christ. Some of the parallelism between Christ and Stephen were: both of them were considered as law breakers, both were accused of blasphemy, both had false witnesses, both were martyred outside the city and both forgave their persecutors. 

The life of St. Stephen is a best model for us to imitate especially his courage to bear witness to Christ and his spirit of forgiveness after the model of his Master Jesus Christ. We are Christians called to imitate Jesus in all our words and deeds. It is challenging but it is a commitment imposed on each of us. Have faith and dare to witness to Christ courageously. As the Gospel reading says, the Spirit of the Lord will give us strength to witness to Christ and the courage to face anything as a consequences of the same. Let our mind and heart resonate with the prayer: “St. Stephen, Pray for us”.

Bible Reflections I 25.12.2022 - SUNDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

THE NATIVITY OF THE LORD

                  

“For a child has been born for us, s son given to us” (Is. 9: 6). Today the Church rejoices over the birth of Jesus Christ, the Son of God and our redeemer. In the first reading, Isaiah gives names that characterise the quality of the new born babe at Bethlehem, Jesus: Wonderful four Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father and Prince of Peace. The world needs someone to consult, confide and counsel for discernment of right choices but seldom do we find people who could volunteer to render one with disinterest on self. In Jesus we have a wonderful counselor who cares about us even to the point of becoming one of us. We are always under grip of fear, anxiety and fright failing to grasp the power of God that can cast all such things off because He is a Mighty God. We are God’s children, created in his own image and likeness. We might dare to move away from God and belittle God in our behaviour but God never gives us up because is an Everlasting Father. In the world that is torn apart by war, violence, confusion and agitations we are given the Prince of Peace who could fill our hearts, homes and nations with peace.   

The Gospel passage is about the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ, the nativity scene at Bethlehem. Wonderful four Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father and Prince of Peace being born in a stable at Bethlehem for there was no place in the inn. On this day of Christmas Jesus would wish to be born in our hearts. Do we have a place for him in our hearts? Or like the inn, our heart is too full to not to accommodate Jesus? If we feel we are sinners and unworthy, take courage God wishes only the sincerity of heart. The shepherds were considered thieves and outcasts but the message of Good News about the birth of the messiah was given only to them because they were simple and duty bound. Invite Jesus into your hearts in all simplicity and he will definitely be born there. 

Today Christmas has become one of celebration that attracts commercial exchange diluting the message that is supreme. We concentrate on decorations, dresses, dishes, sweets, gifts and wishes than on the message that is powerful: Sharing, caring and giving in all simplicity, humility and love. Try to revive the spirit of Christmas by filling the hearts of whomever we meet through our love peace and joy. Happy Christmas!

Bible Reflections I 24.12.2022 - SATURDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Advent: Week 4

Readings 

           I - 2 Sam. 7: 1-5, 8-12, 14, 16

          II - Lk. 1: 67-79 

        

                  

Today’s Gospel passage is about the Song of Zachariah. Zachariah praises God for his marvelous works especially in keeping His promise of Salvation in the Messiah and for gift of John the Baptist his son. Zachariah predicts the praises God and rightly predicts the plan of God for his son that he would be the preparer of the way of the Lord. Zachariah rightly discerns the mission of his son and the plan of God for him because he was righteous and a devout Jew.

Children are gift of God to the parents with the responsibility to bring them up according to the plan of God for them. This is possible only to the parents who live by the will of God in prayer and discernment. The song is an invitation and a challenge to the parents to bring their children up as per the plan of God for them and an advice to the children to obey their parents who wish their good. As we are about to behold the birth of Messiah, let us intensify our prayers for parents and children that they may seek and accomplish the will of God all times in their lives.

Bible Reflections I 23.12.2022 - FRIDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Advent: Week 4

Readings 

           I - Mal. 3: 1-4; 4: 5-6

          II - Lk. 1: 57-66 

BE A BLESSING 

        

Today’s Gospel passage is about the birth of John the Baptist that brought about joy and hope to all around him. Elizabeth was filled with joy because the Lord had been gracious to her blessing her with the motherhood. The neighbours and relatives rejoiced over the mercy of God in the birth of John. Zachariah was would had been extremely happy because of the gift of the child primarily and secondly, he regained his power of speech on naming the Child. The whole ambient was filled with joy at the birth of John the Baptist.

Christians are supposed to be joyful people of God because we are victorious in Christ Jesus. In our mere presence the ambiance must be filled with joy, peace and hope of our Lord Jesus Christ. May the Gospel passage help us to introspect our lives about our presence amidst people with who we live so as to make our presence a qualitative one bearing witness to the joy of the Lord.

Bible Reflections I 22.12.2022 - THURSDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Advent: Week 4

Readings 

           I - 1 Sam. 1: 24-28

          II - Lk. 1: 46-56 

        

GRATITUDE IS AN ATTITUDE

                  

Gratitude is an emotion expressed in various ways. In today’s Gospel passage Mary filled with joy and gratitude, magnifies the mighty hand and the marvelous deeds of God in her song of praise. Mary praises God not only for what He had done in her life but also exalts the quality of God that thwarts the powerful, the proud, the greedy and the wicked; and favours the humble, the poor, the insignificant and the simple.  

Gratitude is an attitude. We cannot be grateful at one time and not so grateful at the other. A grateful person appreciates even the most insignificant good that is done to them. To some people, even the greatest favour rendered would mean insignificant and nothing to them. The proud cannot appreciate but the simple and the humble appreciate with gratefulness. We are in the season of Advent, closer to the celebration of Christmas that projects the great love of God for the mankind: God becoming a man like one us. Take sometime today to appreciate God and people around us who care for our wellbeing.

Bible Reflections I 21.12.2022 - WEDNESDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Advent: Week 4

Readings 

           I - Song of Solomon 2: 8-14

          II - Lk. 1: 39-45 

        

MAKE YOUR VISIT A BLESSING

                  

The Gospel passage of the day is the meeting of the two women: one, the mother of the Proclaimer of Salvation and two, the mother of the Promised One of Salvation. The visitation is the merging moment of the Old and the New Testaments. 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 magnificent work of the Lord.  

The visit of our Blessed Mother becomes a blessing to Elizabeth. We are close to the celebration of Christmas, the message of love from the Father in Heave. Already people have started celebrating Christmas and began their visits of wishing and greeting. If we are filled with the good news of Christ, our visit and wishing will automatically fill the other with joy and peace, the ultimate message of the birth of Jesus. Be filled with Christ to share Christ during this season of Christmas as we are about to behold Christ the Lord.

Bible Reflections I 20.12.2022 - TUESDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Advent: Week 4

Readings 

           I - Is. 7: 10-14

          II - Lk. 1: 26-38 

        

THE WORD BECAME FLESH

                  

The Gospel passage of the day is on the ‘Angelus’. Every day we pray the angelus three times contemplating the incarnation of the Son of God, we recite and remember at least fifty three times the greetings of the angel Gabriel to Mother Mary while praying the Rosary and we contemplate the incarnation of the Son of God in every Joyful mystery. Through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, the Church is everyday somehow compelled recall the incident of God becoming man. This is precisely because the mystery of incarnation is profound and vital in the history of salvation.

In a day we are called to recall the incident of incarnation at least sixty times because in the incarnation lies our redemption and the profound love of God for the humankind. He did not let us die in sin but came to dwell among us to restore our image as children of God. As we are in season of Advent, getting ready to behold this great mystery, pray the prayers consciously and in contemplation, to behold the Lord as he comes.

ஆண்டவரின் வாக்குத்தத்தங்கள் நேரியவை I 19.12.2022 - MONDAY I REV FR. AR...

Bible Reflections I 19.12.2022 - MONDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Advent: Week 4

Readings 

           I - Judges. 13: 2-7, 24-25

          II - Lk. 1: 5-25 

        

GOD IS FAITHFUL TO HIS PROMISES

                  

The readings of the day exemplifies that God is faithful to all his promises. The first reading is about the annunciation of the birth of Samson and the Gospel reading, about the birth of John the Baptist, the forerunner of Jesus, the Messiah, and the Promised One of God. Both the mothers were unable to bear a child and to them God promises for a child, dedicated to the work of God: Liberating Israel from the Philistines was the mission of Samson and preparing the way of the Liberator was the mission of John the Baptist. Both these children were from the mothers who were unable to bear children. In keeping his promise God can do all things that are impossible. Both the mothers trusted in the promises of God and it was done to them.  

The mothers of faith are examples of faith and trust in God. In today’s scenario, people are prone either to give up their faith or to put their trust on someone and something that is not God. In placing the trust not on God leads to depression, fear, anxiety, dejection and despair, sometimes even resulting to ending up lives physically or spiritually or both. Trust in God and be victorious in everything for God is true to all His promises. Let our mind and heart resonate with the prayer: “Lord Jesus, help me to place my trust in you.”

நம்பிக்கையின் ஞாயிறு I 18.12.2022 - SUNDAY I REV FR. AROKIA DOSS SDB I...