Bible Reflections I 24.01.2023 - TUESDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time: Week 3

Readings 

           I - Heb. 9: 15, 24-28

          II - Mk. 3: 22-30

       

ST. FRANCIS DE SALES, BISHOP, DOCTOR (Memorial)

Today the Church celebrates the feast of St. Francis de Sales. He is one of the patron saint of Salesian Institute. The model from whom Don Bosco imbibed his spirituality. St. Francis de Sales was a priest who courageously followed God’s way - the way of perfect charity; a daring bishop who organised diocesan synods, reorganized administrative structures and initiated the practice of parish visitations; dynamic founder of the congregation of Visitation sisters along with St. Jane de Chantal; He was a prolific writer, ardent spiritual director who had written over 10,000 letters of spiritual direction; Doctor of the Church and a legend, still a meek and gentle saint. His life of love and gentleness was a model of spirituality to many legendary saints. His way of life like honey to the flies attracted the lives of many.  

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 that is built on obedience to his will. Secondly, Jesus affirms his relationship because they were accomplishing the will of God in their lives. St. Francis de sales says: “Be who you are and be that well”. Modelled after the saints, walk with conviction on the path of sanctity accomplishing the will of God in our lives. May St. Francis De Sales intercede for us as we keep praying in the silence of our hearts: “St. Francis De Sales; Pray for us.”

Bible Reflections I 23.01.2023 - MONDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time: Week 3

Readings 

           I - Heb. 9: 15, 24-28

          II - Mt. 3: 22-30

RID OF FALSE ACCUSATIONS 

In today’s Gospel passage Jesus is accused of being possessed by Beelzebul.  Jesus called the Scribes who accused him and spoke to them in a parable saying there can never be one devil against another devil and pointed the mistake in their accusation.  Towards the end of the passage Jesus says that those who blasphemes against the Holy Spirit would never be forgiven. Jesus was full of the Holy Spirit (Lk. 4: 1) while the Scribes willfully ignored the fact in their stubbornness of heart.

We come across so many people who go about quietly doing good irrespective of any name, fame or popularity.  We also come across people who blame, brand, label and accuse these people hurting, hinting and not allowing them to accomplish even the little good that they can.  Such type of people who hinder others from accomplishing God’s will or who put an obstacle for the good activities through blasphemes could never be forgiven by the Holy Spirit. If you can, do some good, if not, remain calm and allow others to go on doing good.  Let our mind and heart resonate with the prayer: “Lord Jesus, give me the magnanimous heart to encourage people when they are busy doing good."

Bible Reflections I 22.01.2023 - SUNDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time - Week 3

Readings 

           I - Is. 9: 1-3, 11-14

          II - 1 Cor. 1: 10-13, 17

         III - Mt. 4: 12-23

               

FOLLOW THE LORD

The Gospel passage of the day is the fulfillment of the Prophecy of Isaiah in the first reading. Jesus is the Promised Light to the people of Israel. In the Gospel passage, Jesus calls the people for repentance and conversion; and he also calls his disciple to follow him in order to take the Gospel to all nations and work miracles in his name. Peter, Andrew and the sons of Zebedee followed Jesus instantly when they heard Jesus saying, ‘Follow me” and they in deed followed him to the point of their death in preaching, healing and proclaiming.

In the second reading, St. Paul says that he had been sent to preach the Gospel, the cross of Christ. We have been baptised in Christ for the same purpose: to preach and proclaim in his name, to cure and heal others at his command. This is possible only to the one who is ardent in following. As Christians we are called to preach him through our life, proclaim in our deeds and cure and heal other with our faith. Imbibe the spirit of the Gospel in order to be the effective followers and proclaimers of Christ. Let our mind and heart resonate with the prayer: “Lord Jesus, make me a witness of the Gospel”

Bible Reflections I 21.01.2023 - SATURDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time - Week 2

Readings 

           I - Heb. 9: 2-3, 11-14

          II - Mk. 3: 20-21

St. Agnes, Virgin, Martyr (Memorial)

               

GO BUSY DOING GOOD

The Gospel passage of the day is just two verses and from this we can draw two points: one, Jesus was so busy about God’s work and accomplishing all good for the people that he and his disciples did not even find time to have their food; and two, Jesus’ family, hearing the criticism that he has gone insane goes to fetch him back home.  

Criticisms are common and remarks are irresistible. All good words spoken and noble deeds done could be misinterpreted and misrepresented. Do not lose heart and get discouraged. With Jesus as model, go on and forge ahead accomplishing all good untiringly, with great courage because the reward would be great in heaven. Today the Church celebrates the feast of St. Agnes, who died as a martyr at the age of twelve. She desired ardently to belong to Jesus and hence she refused to marry the son of the Governor because of this she was killed. May the saint intercede for us to live up to our Christian vocation as credible followers of Christ as we in the silence of our heart invoke her intercession praying: “St. Agnes, Pray for us.”

Bible Reflections I 20.01.2023 - FRIDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time: Week 2

Readings 

           I - Heb. 8: 6-13

          II - Mk. 3: 13-19

                       

WE ARE THE CHOSEN

Today’s Gospel passage is about Jesus choosing the disciples after the desire of his heart. Out of so many that followed, Jesus specifically chose the twelve whom he also called ‘Apostles’ for two purposes: one, to be with him and two, to be sent out on his mission of proclaiming and healing. He chose whomever he wanted and the composition consisted of fishermen, the zealots, tax collector, traitor and people belonging to ordinary walk of life. These twelve but Judas, took the Gospel far and wide across the world, even at the cost of their lives for the spirit and the power of the Lord was with them.  

We are chosen to be the apostles of Jesus through our Baptism. We might be weak and fragile but we are God’s choice. The spirit and the power of the Lord will rest upon us and lead us to be daring witnesses of the Gospel if only we trust him and remain with him in faith and prayer for Jesus says, “If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing” (Jh. 15: 5). Let our mind and heart resonate with the prayer: “Lord Jesus, give us the grace to remain in your love.”

Bible Reflections I 19.01.2023 - THURSDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time: Week 2

Readings 

           I: Heb. 7: 25-8: 6

          II: Mk. 3: 7-12

                                

STICK ON TO THE ESSENTIAL

In the Gospel passage of the day, we read that a great crowd from Galilee followed Jesus and in great numbers from Judea, Jerusalem, Idumea, beyond the region of Jordan, Tyre and Sidon gathered round him to listen to him and to be healed from their sin, sorrow and sickness. The passage evince that Jesus was a trending rabbi or a prophet of that time, gaining popularity and fame among the people. Never in the Gospel, ever could we read that Jesus took delight gleaming in such glory, but always slipped from the crowd focusing his attention on His mission: the salvation of the world. 

Most of the people are addicted to appreciation, fame, praises and glory, and are ready to do anything to attain the same. This deviates from the purpose of our life and existence that God has intended for us. This is in a way, a temptation that takes us away from the way of the Lord. Jesus is our Master and Model: do all good only for the glory of God and just move on, ignoring all personal glory and gain. May our mind and heart resonate with the prayer: “Lord, lead us not into the temptation of vain glory and false pride.”

Bible Reflections I 18.01.2023 - WEDNESDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time: Week 2

Readings 

           I: Heb. 7: 1-3, 15-17

          II: Mk. 3: 1-6

                

HUMANNESS IS GODLINESS

Today’s Gospel passage is about Jesus healing a weathered man in the synagogue on a Sabbath day. The Pharisees waited to accuse him if he healed on the Sabbath day. Jesus heals and teaches them the lesson that humanity is supreme above all rules and regulations. Two emotions of Jesus against the reaction of the Pharisees were: anger and grief. He was angry at their attitude and grieved over the hardness of their hearts.  

Whenever rules takes prudence over humanity God gets angry and grieves over the hardness of heart. The people of today are no different from the days of Jesus. We have so many rules, do’s and don’ts for days, times and religious observances. The healing of Jesus invites us to free ourselves from these unnecessary bondages for a happy living that comes in helping our neighbour. Strive to be human and that is the revelation of Godliness in us. Let our mind and heart resonate with the prayer: “Lord Jesus, liberate us from our own false ideas and bindings.”

Bible Reflections I 17.01.2023 - TUESDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time: Week 2

Readings 

           I: Heb. 6: 10-20

          II: Mk. 2: 23-28

St. Anthony the Abbot (Memorial)

                                

LAW IS MADE FOR MAN

Sabbath is a day of rest and the day of the Lord. A day of nominal work so as to spend substantial time with the Lord in prayer. But the people of Israel emphasised more on what ‘should not be done’ on Sabbath in the work context. Jesus makes two pints clear through the Gospel passage of the day: one, Sabbath was made for humankind and not humankind for Sabbath; and two, the Son of Man, Jesus is the Lord even of Sabbath. Any law, rule or regulation should foster, protect and promote ‘the culture of life’ and no law can violate the ‘right to life’. Thus the act of the apostles was justified quoting the incident of David from the Old Testament who broke the law of eating the bread left at the presence of the Lord, to be eaten only by the priests as he was hungry. Secondly, the apostles were indeed spending their time with the Lord of the Sabbath, Jesus, the Messiah.

Law is made for man and not man for the law. We often times do stick on to the practices of religion but the practice of the essence of religion itself. Today’s Gospel passage is an invitation to get on the right track than lingering on our idea of religion. Love, kindness, charity and humanness takes precedence over any external act of the practice of religion viz fasting, pilgrimage, abstinence…The Church today remembers St. Anthony, the abbot and a man of God. He was ascetic and lived a life of solitude. He has said, “A time is coming when men will go mad, and when see someone who is not mad, they will attack him, saying, ‘you are not mad; you are not like us”. We need not follow the world order but pray through the intercession of this saint to make our living a relevant one in the light of the ways of God marked by love as we keep repeating the prayer: “St. Antony, Pray for us.”

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.”