Bible Reflections I 16.01.2023 - MONDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time: Week 2

Readings 

           I: Heb. 5: 1-10

          II: Mk. 2: 18-22            

                

RIGHT THING AT THE RIGHT TIME

There is time for everything. Time for fasting and time for feasting; time to rejoice and time to mourn; and time to work and time to pray.  We cannot mess up and miss the meaningful living.  It is not fitting to mourn at the celebration and rejoice at the funeral. In today’s Gospel passage, the people accuses the disciples of Jesus for not fasting like the disciples of John the Baptist and the disciples of the Pharisees. Jesus defends his disciples and justifies them saying that they need not fast as long as the bridegroom was with them; for Jesus, the Son of God and the Promised One was with them.  

We have to catch up to the time and conduct our lives suiting the same.   We have to make our life relevant and befitting by discerning the signs of the time rightly otherwise our lives will be life like new wine in the old wineskin where both will be getting spoiled.  Listen the signs of the times; discern right in the light of faith and live a relevant and meaningful life. Learn to do the right thing at the right time instead of blaming others and the time.

Bible Reflections I 15.01.2023 - SUNDAY I INDRAYA MANNA

Ordinary Time: Sunday Week 2

Readings 

           I: Is. 49: 3, 5-6

          II: 1 Cor. 1: 1-3

         III: Jn. 1: 29-34

                       

WHO AM I? FOR WHOM AM I? 

The three readings of the day invites us to reflect on two questions: “Who am I?” and “For whom am I?” In the first reading of the day, Isaiah is convinced that he is the servant of the Lord and honoured in his eyes and; he was light to the tribes of Israel; the raise the tribes of Jacob and bring back the preserved of Israel. In the second reading St. Paul writes convincingly to the Corinthians that he was called by God to be an apostle of Christ Jesus. In the Gospel passage John the Baptist introduces Jesus as the Lamb of God who had come to save the humankind. In this light reflect on your own lives. We are the children of God through our baptism and partakers in the mission of Christ Jesus our Lord. As the first and the second reading says we are called to be light to all around us leading them to God and to be saints, as saint Paul says. May the Lord help us to live our lives as lights among the people who we live with and bear witness being saints.

Today in Tamil Nadu we celebrate the Harvest Day, Pongal, a day of thanksgiving to God for the fruits of the earth and the gift of nature that nurture and sustain our wellbeing. On this day we also gratefully remember the farmers who produce our food and remain unassuming amidst struggles and challenges. They are often also underestimated and neglected. On this precious day, as we thank God for the harvest, take some time to thank the famers if you happen to meet them and offer our prayers for them. Resolve also to protect and preserve nature that provides and protects us. Happy Pongal to one and all!

Bible Reflections I 14.01.2023 - SATURDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time - Week 1

Readings 

           I - Heb. 4: 12-26

          II - Mk. 2: 13-17

                       

SAINT DEVASAHAYAM 

Today the Church celebrates the feast of St. Devasahayam, an Indian layman and the martyr of the Catholic Church.  Neelakandan Pillai was born in an affluent Hindu family on April 23, 1917 in Nattalam village in Kanyakumari District, Tamil Nadu.  When he was put in charge of State affair, he came in contact with Captain Eustachius De Lannoy, the Dutch Naval Commander, who awakened his interest in Christian Faith.  He and his family members were baptised in 1745 and Neelakandan took the name ‘Devasahayam’.  “His conversion did not go well with the heads of his native religion. False charges of treason and espionage were brought against him and he was divested of his post in the royal administration,” the Vatican said in a note in February 2020. According to the Vatican, “while preaching, he particularly insisted on the equality of all people, despite caste differences”, which “aroused the hatred of the higher classes, and he was arrested in 1749”.  On January 14, 1752, Devasahayam was shot dead in and was martyred in the Aralvaimozhy forest. His mortal remains were interred in Saint Francis Xavier’s Cathedral, Kottar, Nagercoil. He was canonised on May 15, 2022 by Pope Francis.  

The Gospel passage of the day is about the call of Matthew the Tax collector, considered as sinner by his own people.  At the call of Jesus, slighting the comments and the criticism of the people, Matthew left the tax office and followed him till the end of his life. We are chosen and called to be his followers through our baptism.  Do we have the courage like the saint of the day and Matthew to give up all in the process of following him? May the feast we celebrate enkindle our faith and desire to bear witness to the Lord in every one of our word and deed. Let our mind and heart resonate with the prayer: “St. Devasahayam, Pray for us.”

Bible Reflections I 13.01.2022 - FRIDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time: Week 1

Readings 

           I - Heb. 4: 1-5, 11

          II - Mk. 2: 1-12

                       

STRIVE TO DO GOOD 

We come across two sets of people in the Gospel passage of the day. The Gospel passage is about the healing of the paralytic. The four men who carried the paralytic were striving to good namely, to bring healing to the paralytic. They were relentless in finding the way to bring the paralytic to Jesus for healing. They removed the roof, made an opening and let down the bed near Jesus and finally Jesus heals the paralytic on account of their faith. The scribes seated there were trying to find fault, questioning the authority of Jesus to forgive sins.  

Whenever we read this passage we are prone to appreciate the four who took much effort in bringing healing to the paralytic and criticise the scribes for their fault finding attitude. Examine your own actions in this light. In our hatred and jealousy on people, we too sometimes do criticise and cause problems to the one who strives for good. We often also turn blind to look at the good accomplished and appreciate people around us. Do good to others and also resolve to encourage people to try their best to do good to others. Let our mind and heart resonate with the prayer: “Lord Jesus, give us a magnanimous heart to appreciate others”

Bible Reflections I 12.01.2023 - THURSDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time - Week 1

Readings 

           I - Heb. 3: 7-14

          II - Mk. 1: 40-45

                      

HUMBLE YOURSELVES BEFORE THE LORD 

The Gospel passage of the day is about the healing of the leper.  He came to Jesus, knelt before him and pleaded for a healing.  He was humble and honest in his pleading.  He was in deed healed by Jesus.  Jesus healed him from his physical ailment, the leprosy; social and psychological ailment, ostracization from the community and; spiritual ailment, leprosy was considered to be a punishment of sin.  The leper was healed and restored back to his family and society.

There is a distinction between religiosity and spirituality.  Religiosity is the spiritual practices viz. saying prayers, taking up a pilgrimage, frequent fasting…whereas spirituality is something of the heart. Sincere observance of the religious principles.  Today what is more prevalent in the world is religiosity and the satisfaction they derive from the same. This is why more crime, selfishness and all havoc.  What is essential is a humble and sincere heart.  When we approach God with a sincere heart and in humility, God grants our prayers. Let our mind and heart resonate with the prayer: “Lord Jesus, create in me a humble and sincere heart.”

Bible Reflections I 11.01.2023 - WEDNESDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time - Week 1

Readings 

           I - Heb. 2: 14-18

          II - Mk. 1: 29-39        

                

PRAY TO LIVE BY THE PLAN OF GOD

The Gospel passage of the day is characterised by three parts: Healing, praying and preaching. The first part is about Jesus, healing Peter’s mother-in-law and those who were sick and possessed with demons. In the second part, Jesus gets up early in the morning while it was still dark, Jesus went to a deserted place to pray, that is to converse with his Father. In the third part, Jesus proceeds to the neighbouring towns to proclaim the Good News about the Kingdom of God, shunning the popularity that he had gained there by healing and curing many sick people. From this passage it is evident that, for Jesus, prayer was the integrating force of his life of healing and preaching. Prayer enabled him to conduct his life effectively as planned by God for him. 

To live our lives according to the plan set by God for us is purpose filled living. It is in this kind of living that God is very much pleased with and it is in this way do we become the beloved of God like Jesus His Son. Prayer is not mere multiplicity of words as Jesus would say (Mt. 6:7) but a loving colloquy and an effecting encounter with God that pervades our thoughts, words and our entire being, resulting in personal and societal transformation. May our mind and heart resonate with the prayer: “Lord Jesus, let my prayer life effect my personal life”

Bible Reflections I 10.01.2023 - TUESDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time - Week 1

Readings 

           I - Heb. 2: 5-12 

          II - Mk. 1: 21-28

                      

THE WORD OF GOD IS POWER

In today’s Gospel passage the people in the synagogue were astonished at the teachings of Jesus because he spoke with authority. The crowd was amazed that the unclean spirit obliged to the command of Jesus. In the Gospel of St. John we read, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God” (Jh. 1:1); Jesus was the Word made flesh, came to live among us. Therefore there was ultimate power in his word that had command and control over all things on the earth and under the earth.  

The Gospel passages evinces to the power of the Word of God. “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it” (Jn. 1: 5). The light of the Word of God has the power to dispel all darkness of our lives: sin, sickness, helplessness and all misfortunes. The Word of God has indeed touched and transformed the lives of many. During family prayers and as individuals try to read the Word of God aloud and in silence and make them your own. In times of trials, difficulty, pain, sorrow, joy, happiness and at all times keep repeating the Word of God that gives strengthens, supports and helps; and discover the miracles taking place in your own lives all for the glory of God. In the silence of heart and mind keep repeating: “Lord Jesus, May we be filled with the power of your Words”.

Bible Reflections I 09.01.2023 - MONDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Readings 

           I - Is. 42: 1-4, 6-7

          II - Mt. 3: 13-17

BAPTISM OF THE LORD (Feast)

                  

Today the Church celebrates the feast of the Baptism of our Lord. The public ministry of Jesus begins with his baptism. In the baptism of Jesus, two things take place: one, the baptism of John the Baptist is the baptism of repentance, meant for the conversion of sinners. Jesus receives baptism in the hands of John the Baptist making himself one among the sinners so as to save the sinners. And, secondly, Jesus gets the clarity of his mission with the baptism as prophesied by Prophet Isaiah in the first reading. Soon after his baptism, Jesus led by the Spirit goes into the desert fasting and praying before beginning his public ministry. With the desert experiences Jesus launches for his work among the people healing, preaching and proclaiming that the Kingdom of God was among them.

We have been baptised in the Lord into the Catholic and Apostolic Church by our parents, God parents and in the company of the faithful. Failing to realise our mission as the baptised children of God would betray our baptism. The Spirit of the Lord is with us too. Often we fail to heed to him because it is costing. Ask for the grace from the Lord to adhere to the voice of the Holy Spirit so that we may also become like Jesus ‘the beloved children’ of the Father in Heaven. Let our mind and heart resonate with the prayer, “Lord Jesus, help us to be your authentic witnesses.”

Bible Reflections I 08.01.2023 - SUNDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Readings 

           I - Is. 60: 1-6

          II - Eph. 3: 2-3, 5-6

         III - Mt. 2: 1-12

EPIPHANY OF THE LORD (Solemnity)

                  

Today we celebrate the feast of the epiphany of the Lord: the three wise men beholding the messiah in their wisdom and God’s grace. The 3Ds of wisdom: Discovers the truth, Distinguishes the real and Discerns right. The three wise men in their wisdom at the rising of the star in the east they discovered the Truth - the babe was Son of God Himself. To mark His divinity they offered incense. They were able to distinguish the real even when it was not convincing. In the helpless babe laid in the manger, born of a parents from a simple and humble background that could hardly reveal his royalty, they distinguished his real identity: the King of kings and therefore to mark his sovereignty, they offered Gold to the Son of man. In the baby boy, besides discovering his divinity and royalty, they also found the innocent Lamb of God and hence they offered myrrh to mark his suffering and sorrows on account of human salvation. 

Wisdom discovers, distinguishes and discerns. We need wisdom to discover God in all things, distinguish the real from the unreal and to discern right choices that align with the will of God. As we celebrate the feast of Epiphany, ask God to bless us with the Spirit of wisdom so that we may discover God in all things, persons and events of life befitting to our identity as children of God. May our mind and heart resonate with the prayer: “Lord Jesus, fill us with the Spirit of wisdom.”

Bible Reflections I 07.01.2023 - SATURDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Christmas Week 2

Readings 

           I - 1 Jn. 5: 14-21

          II – Jn. 2: 1-11

FAITH + OBEDIENCE = MIRACLE

        

The Gospel reading is about the miracle of the Wedding Feast Cana where Jesus changes six jars of water into tasty wine that has ever been served. The power of God has the capacity to change, transform and in short make all things anew. The faith of Mother Mary and the servants together made the miracle possible.  The faith of Mother Mary that her Son, Jesus could do something to solve the problem and the faith of the servants to fill the jars with plain water without a word of doubt and in obedience to the words of Jesus worked out the miracle at the wedding.   

All things are possible to the one who has faith in God.  Mother Mary told the servants, “Do whatever he tells you” and they did it. Surrender to the Lord in faith and invoke his power to transform us into that type of person that God intends: a new wine of cheer, joy, happiness, peace, comfort and consolation to whomever we come in contact with.  Today being first Saturday let us take the assistance of our Blessed Mother to surrender ourselves unto the Lord in obedience and faith. May our Blessed Mother intercede for us as we keep repeating this prayer throughout the day in the silence of our hearts: “Blessed Virgin Mary, Pray for us.”

Bible Reflections I 06.01.2022 - FRIDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Christmas Week 2

Readings 

           I - 1 Jn. 5: 5-13

          II - Mk. 1: 7-11

“YOU ARE MY BELOVED CHILD”

           

Today’s Gospel passage is about the baptism of Jesus. We can reflect on two points. The humility of John the Baptist calling himself unworthy to untie the sandals of Jesus and the affirmation of Jesus as beloved Son of God. When Jesus came up of the waters three things happened: the heavens were opened, the Spirit of the Lord descended upon him like a dove and the voice from heaven saying, “You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased.” 

The two take aways from this passage could be: becoming humble like John the Baptist to discover and appreciate the presence of the Lord amidst us and two reflecting upon our baptism in the light of the baptism of Jesus. We were also taken to the church to be baptised, and have become children of God. We were gifted with the Holy Spirit at the time of our Baptism. With the gifts bestowed if we are able to reap the fruits of the Holy Spirit in our lives we can hear the Father saying, “You are my beloved child; with you I am well pleased.” As the Lord to give us the courage to live by the gifts we have received during our baptism.

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.