Bible Reflections I 09.05.2023 - TUESDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Easter Week 5

Readings 

           I - Acts 14: 19-28

          II - Jh. 14: 27-31

         

LET THE PEACE OF CHRIST REIGN

In today’s Gospel passage Jesus promises of his peace to his disciples. His own peace and not the peace that the world gives. The gift of the Risen Lord is peace, the absolute peace that no person or a thing can give.

People search for peace in power, position, status, wealth, man power, strength and money. Nothing of this can give us peace but Christ alone. Peace therefore is the gift of God to people who search for and live by His will. Try to seek and His Will and peace will automatically be filled in our hearts and lives. We shall in a special way pray for peace in North-Eastern State of Manipur where around forty Churches have been burnt due to an outbreak of communal violence because of a tribal dispute over access to Government recognition and resources. May the Peace of the Risen Lord reign in our hearts and in the world as we keep repeating this prayer throughout this day: “Lord Jesus, grant us your peace”

Bible Reflections I 08.05.2023 - MONDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Easter Week 5

Readings 

           I - Acts 14: 5-18

          II - Jh. 14: 21-26

         

FAITH MAKES THINGS POSSIBLE

Today’s first reading is about Paul healing the man at Lystra. The man was crippled from birth and had never walked. At the command of Paul, “stand upright on your feet”, the crippled man walked. The miracle was possible because the bible says, “seeing that he had faith to be made well, Paul gave such command. Faith is two way, both the giver and the receiver should have faith. The faith of Paul and the faith of the crippled made the miracle possible.

The one thing that predominating in the minds of people is that, “will this happen?” This doubt implies ‘no faith’. With ‘no faith’ nothing is possible. Let us examine our faith when we approach the throne of God with various petitions and prayer requests. Only to the one who has faith, all things are possible. May the passage help us to examine the quality of our faith in the Lord. Let our mind and heart resonate with the prayer: “Lord Jesus, give me the gift of faith”.

Bible Reflections I 07.05.2023 - SUNDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Easter Week 5

Readings 

           I - Acts 6: 1-7

          II - I Pt. 2: 4-9

         III - Jn. 14: 1-12

Let us base our Sunday reflection on the first reading taken from the Acts of the Apostles.  Though the early Christians were of one mind and heart to the surprise of the rest of the people around them, the early Church faces three problems in the first reading of the day: problem in the distribution of food, complaint by the Hellenist against the Hebrews because of favouritism and the gossip on account of this.  Hence, the disciples choose seven men filled with the Holy Spirit and men of good repute to take care of the administration because the apostles considered that prayer and proclamation were their prime duty commissioned by Christ himself.

There was role clarity among the disciples.  They were convinced that prayer and proclamation was their prime duty and therefore they had the wisdom to discern that administration be given to a separate set of people filled with Holy Spirit.  Become aware of each one’s role in the Church and execute that well to the best of ability and in the way God wants.  Failing to do this would create unnecessary confusion and chaos in our own ambient.  Today in a particular way pray for the leaders of the Church that they may discern God’s will to carry on the mission entrusted to them overcoming all problems and hurdles that come on the way.

Bible Reflections I 06.05.2023 - SATURDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Easter Week 4

Readings 

           I - Acts 13: 44-52

          II - Jn. 14: 7-14

                          

SAINT DOMINIC SAVIO (Feast)

In today’s Gospel passage Jesus says that he is in the Father and the Father is in him.  Having seen him is having seen the father and having known him is having known the Father Himself.  All the works of Jesus testify that he is in the Father and the Father is in him.  Jesus also says that those who believe in him could do even greater things than Jesus himself because whatever is asked in the name of Jesus with faith will be done to us.  All we have to possess is that Father and Son are one.

Today the Church celebrates the feast of St. Dominic Savio, the boy at the oratory of St. John Bosco.  From the moment Savio entered the oratory, Mamma Margaret, the mother of Don Bosco discovered him to be someone different than the rest of the boys in the oratory.  Because of the unmatched actions of Dominic Savio.  “Death rather than sin” was the motto of St. Dominic Savio.  Dominic Savio submitted himself like an handkerchief in the hands of Don Bosco provided he makes him a saint.  Even at the younger age he was excelling in sacrifices and acts of charity.  He had great devotion to our Blessed Mother and kept his eyes pure to behold the beauty of the Queen in Heave, the Blessed Virgin Mary. He was highly mortified and outstanding in all his behaviour. He died at the age of fourteen and within his short period of stay at the oratory he displayed ‘heroic virtue’ among his peers. He was canonised by Pope Pius XII in 1954.  The exemplary life of Dominic Savio is a model to all of us especially to the young people who are distracted by many things in the world.  May the saint help us to bear witness to Christ in all our actions as we in the silence of our heart keep praying: “Saint Dominic Savio, Pray for us”

Bible Reflections I 05.05.2023 - FRIDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Easter Week 4

Readings 

           I - Acts 13: 26-33

          II - Jn. 14: 1-6

                         

BELIEVE IN THE LORD

In today’s Gospel passage Jesus says to his disciples not to unnecessarily get troubled but to trust in him.  He assures his disciples of a place in the paradise, his Father’s House provided they follow him who is the way, the truth and the life.    

The promise given to the disciples befits us his followers as well.  To inherit the eternal dwelling with the Father we need to do two things: one, to trust in Jesus and two, to tread the path set out by Jesus aware of the truth that Jesus is the Way.  God’s wish and desire for each of us is that we be with Him in the Paradise. This is possible only to the one who has faith in Jesus that he is the Lord.  Let us ask God for the grace to give us the wisdom to grasp the truth; courage to follow the way and inherit life eternal. Today being first Friday implore the forgiveness and the mercy of the lord by repeating the prayer: “Jesus meek and humble of heart make my heart like yours”

Bible Reflections I 04.05.2023 - THURSDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Easter Week 4

Readings 

           I - Acts 13: 13-25

          II - Jn. 13: 16-20

         

FOLLOW THE LORD

Jesus humbled himself to the extent of assuming the role of a slave in washing the feet of the apostles, He was obedient to the God the Father to the extent of emptying himself by taking up the form of a man, He was humiliated and tortured to the extent of crucifixion on the cross, still, He went about doing only good. He shared his table, roof and life willingly even with the one who betrayed him. This is the style of Jesus and the Path set out by him through his life example.  Jesus had travelled the untrodden land and bids us to follow that his beaten path of love, peace and fraternity. 

We are not greater than the Master but only his messengers with his message of love.  We might have to suffer standing by his principles and exhortations.  We needn’t fear for Jesus had walked that way and would be as he had promised be with us until the end of time.  Until then we keep going in love proving ourselves to be the authentic followers of the Master Jesus Christ.  May our mind and heart resonate with the prayer: “Lord Jesus our Master, give us the courage to walk your way”

Bible Reflections I 03.05.2023 - WEDNESDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Easter Week 4

Readings 

           I - 1 Cor. 15: 1-8

          II - Jn. 14: 6-14

         

APOSTLES PHILIP AND JAMES 

Today the Church celebrates the feast of saints Philip and James, the apostles of Jesus. The feast of the apostles help us to examine our Christian living in the light of their credible and unmatched Christian living. Philip was one of Christ’s first disciple called by Jesus soon after his baptism and at the beginning of his public ministry. The highlighting attribute of St. Philip was that he brought people to Jesus: he brought Nathaniel, the leading Jew to Jesus and the Greeks who came searching for Jesus were led by Philip to Jesus. According to traditions, Philip was crucified upside down for his belief in Christ. St. James, was the brother of Apostle Jude. He is the author of one of the epistle in the New Testament. He was bishop of Jerusalem. Proclaimed Christ convincingly and strengthened the faith of the early Christians. The infuriated Jews threw him down from the temple and clubbed him to death.

As Christians we are called to witness to Christ through our life and action. St. Philip helped people to come to Jesus. It is our prime duty to be with Jesus and help people to come to Jesus, the Christian commission. St. James courageously stood for Jesus with conviction. In this light let us examine whether we are convinced Christians. Pray that the Lord may give us the courage to stand up for the truth in Jesus and bring people closer to him. Let our mind and heart resonate with the prayer: “St. Philip and St. James, pray for us.”

Bible Reflections I 02.05.2023 - TUESDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Easter Week 4

Readings 

           I - Acts 11: 19-26

          II - Jn. 10: 22-30

 LISTEN TO YOUR SHEPHERD

In today’s Gospel passage, Jesus says that his sheep hear his voice, they follow him and inherit eternal life. The Jews heard him and witnessed the works done by him but were adamant and stubborn to listen to his words and to perceive his works. Today the Church remembers St. Damien of Molokai. He had been a shepherd to the lepers in loving them, caring for them, attending to them and to the extent of dying for them in leprosy. The saint heard the voice of Jesus in the lepers, attended to them as he would to Jesus and served them sacrificing himself for them completely. 

As Christians, the little flock of Chirst, in the light of the Gospel passage and the life of the saint of the day reflect about our following the Shepherd. Our priority should be to catch up the voice of our Good Shepherd and follow him wherever he leads: towards unity, forgiveness, peace, freedom, justice and fraternity; and that is credible Christian living. May our mind and heart resonate with the prayer: “Lord Jesus, help me to listen and attend to your voice”

Bible Reflections I 01.05.2023 - MONDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Easter Week 4

Readings:

           I - Gen. 1: 26-2:3 (or) Col. 3: 14-15, 17, 23-24)

          II - Mt. 13: 54-58

         

MAY DAY - ST. JOSEPH THE WORKER

May 1st is celebrated as ‘Workers Day’, we shall base our reflection on the sanctifying effect of work in the plan of God. This day recognises God as creator, redeemer and sustainer, the ONE who is always at work. Jesus says, “My Father is always at his work to this very day, and I, too, am working” (Jn. 5: 17) and hence the dignity of work and that of the workers has its source in God. Jesus served God in His work, we are also exhorted to serve God in our work. Jesus saved the world working in obedience to the will of His father. We are also called to work for the sanctification of self and that of the world as St. Paul would say, “Whatever you do, work with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human master, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving” (Col. 3: 23-24).

The Church today look at St. Joseph, the worker as a model for all workers. St. Joseph through his hard work has shown the dignity and salvific importance of human work. He had been the guardian, provider and protector of the Holy Family through the hard toil of his hands. Jesus had been at the workshop of his father helping him and working along with him as responsible and obedient son of his parents (Lk. 2: 51). Dignity of life depends upon the dignity of work and no work is inferior or superior for the goal of work is simple: provision for worldly sustenance and inheritance of sanctification. Through the intercession of St. Joseph, the worker, we shall pray for all the workers and in particular for those who have lost their jobs due to various reasons, the unemployed, those who consider work as a burden and those who do not respect the dignity of labour. May the Lord bless all the workers with their deserving rewards. Let our mind and heart resonate with the prayer: “Lord Jesus, bless all the workers”

Bible Reflections I 30.04.2023 - SUNDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Easter Week 4

Readings 

           I - Acts 2: 14, 36-41

          II - I Peter 2: 20-25

         III - Jn. 10: 1-10

         

FOLLOW THE SHEPHERD

The fourth week of the Easter Sunday is celebrated as ‘Good Shepherd Sunday’. In today’s Gospel passage Jesus says, “I came that they may have life and have it abundantly”. The Good Shepherd has given his life for us his sheep that we might live. There is other way to inherit eternal life except through Jesus, the door of the sheep fold. In the first reading Peter invites the people of God to repentance in order to join the sheepfold of Christ. In the second reading Peter encourages to endure suffering modelled after the good shepherd who never retaliated at the face of suffering but put his trust on the righteous judge, God Those who listen to the Word of God as Jesus says, would inherit life eternal and will never perish. Those who reject the Word of God in the stubbornness of their heart judge for themselves to be unworthy of eternal life. 

God’s words are sown into our hearts by various persons and we too do read the Scripture individually and as community. Reading alone does not suffice, we must hear God speaking to us, listen to him and abide by the same as the sheep of the flock of Christ. If we do so even amidst all joys, sorrows, success, failure, ups and downs of our life, we are sure to inherit life eternal promised by our Good Shepherd Jesus Christ. May our mind and hear resonate with the prayer: “Lord Jesus, help to follow you at all cost”

Bible Reflections I 29.04.2023 - SATURDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Easter Week 3

Readings 

           I - Acts 9: 31-42

          II - Jn. 6: 60-69

FAITH IN JESUS WORKS MIRACLE

ST. CATHERINE OF SIENA 

In the first reading today, Peter cures Aeneas, a bed ridden person for eight years in Joppa and raises Tabitha, full of charity and good works, in Lydda. These miracles were possible for Peter precisely because he was a man of God and a man of prayer. The narration accounts that Peter healed the bed ridden in the name of Jesus and; knelt down and prayed before he could present Tabitha alive to the saints and the widows. 

All things are possible with God and to the one who believes in the power of His Name, Jesus. “Jesus” is a powerful prayer of the believer. Even unarticulated words and emotions become prayer in pronouncing the supreme name of ‘Jesus’. It is not merely enough to be Christians but the quality of being Christian depend upon our belief in the Life and Teaching of Christ our Lord. Prayer is not merely the multiplicity of words but tremendous trust in the Lord in living our lives based on his teaching. May our mind and heat resonate with the prayer: “Lord Jesus, help us to be persons of prayer and persons of God”

Bible Reflections I 28.04.2023 - FRIDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Easter Week 3

Readings 

           I - Acts 9: 1-20

          II - Jn. 6: 52-59

         

MAN PROPOSES AND GOD DISPOSES

Let us take up the first reading that speaks about the conversion of St. Paul for our reflection.  Saul, St. Paul before his conversion, an authentic and a fanatic Jew goes to the high priests to obtain permission to persecute the Christians at Damascus. But with a powerful light accompanied with voice and the commission for a mission, “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting.  But rise and enter the city, and you will be told what you are to do”, the life of ‘Saul’ Changes to ‘Paul’, from a persecutor to the pillar of the Church, from a vehement Jew to a convinced Christian and from being a persecutor to the one being persecuted for Christ’s sake.

God chose St. Paul for a purpose - to be an apostle to the gentiles which he never knew for himself till on his way to Damascus.  Paul had a great pride of being a Jew, ‘people of God’ and the so called noble purpose of torturing the Christians.  God Catches and commissions for a noble cause.  Nothing is a chance and everything happens with a reason and for a purpose.  Let us take all things in life as it comes, all experiences as proposed by God for a purpose and yield unto the Lord to execute His will in our lives because God’s ways are always noble and notable.  May our mind and heart resonate with the prayer: “Lord Jesus, help me to accept life as it comes with a great trust in you”

Bible Reflections I 27.04.2023 - THURSDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Easter Week 3

Readings 

           I - Acts 8: 26-40

          II - Jn. 6: 44-51

THE EUCHARIST IS THE SELF GIFT OF JESUS HIMSELF

Today’s Gospel passage is on Manna and the Eucharist.  The former is from God to satisfy the basic need of a human person and the latter is God Himself becoming bread to satisfy the supreme need of a soul.  Those who ate manna in the desert perished but those who eat the body of Christ is promised of life eternal. The one who believes in Jesus and eats of his flesh has eternal life.

The Eucharist is the greatest gift and memory of Jesus himself.  Every time we celebrate we recall the love and the life of the Lord who down precisely to impart life eternal to us.  Most of the times we take the celebration of the Eucharist for granted and partake in it as a part of obligation or ritual.  God so loved the world that He sent His only Son to save us, Jesus loved us so much that he has given himself, his body and blood as our food and drink and if we consume without recognising this we are then dishonoring the body of Christ thereby inheriting the judgment of God upon ourselves (1Cor. 11: 12).  Let us partake worthily and consume reverently with a resoluteness of following the footsteps of Jesus.  May our mind and heart resonate with the prayer: “Lord Jesus, the bread of life, thank you for your body and blood that give us eternal life”

Bible Reflections I 26.04.2023 - WEDNESDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Easter Week 3

Readings 

           I - Acts 8: 1-8

          II - Jn. 6: 35-40

         

REMAIN WITH THE LORD

In today’s Gospel passage Jesus says, “Whoever comes to me shall not hunger and whoever believes in me shall never thirst”. Because Jesus is the truth and whoever discovers the truth in Jesus is at peace, content with seeking and accomplishing the will of God as did Jesus himself: “My food is to do the will of the Father” (Jn. 4: 34).  

St. Augustine says, “You have made us for yourself O Lord and our hearts is restless until it rests in you”. The world hungers for power, wealth, honour, glory and status that are temporary and not satisfying at all. When one want is satisfied another pops up automatically seeming to be important and that one cannot exist without that. On the contrary if a person turns towards God and fixes his heart upon God everything becomes insignificant and least important but God alone. He shall never again hunger or thirst for worldly parameters of success and lifestyle but the Gospel requirements of inheriting eternal life, the will of God as the one thing essential. May our mind and heart resonate with the prayer: “Lord Jesus, teach us to seek God above all”

Bible Reflections I 25.04.2023 - MONDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Easter Week 3

Readings 

           I - 1Pt. 5: 5-14

          II - Mk. 16: 15-20

         

ST. MARK, THE EVANGELIST

Proclamation of the Good News is not the task of the apostles alone but the primary responsibility of all the baptised as well. Jesus sends his disciples with gifts and signs that would prove their credibility as believers in Christ: gift of tongues, will be able to pick up snakes in their hands, be unharmed even if they were to drink deadly poison and heal the sick. The apostles went out and proclaimed the Good News vehemently with conviction.  

Today the Church celebrates the feast of St. Mark, the evangelist. St. Mark was not an apostle but was a disciple of St. Peter. He was a missionary companion of St. Paul and St. Barnabas. The lion is the symbol of St. Mark because his Gospel account begins with the preaching of John the Baptist as that of the roaring lion for repentance. St. Mark took the Gospel to Egypt and died as a martyr in Alexandria. St. Mark was a passionate preacher, courageous coworker of St. Paul and a valiant martyr for Christ. May St. Mark intercede for us that we be authentic witnesses and courageous followers of Christ. Let our mind and heart resonate with the prayer: “Lord Jesus, help me to be your effective follower”

Bible Reflections I 24.04.2023 - MONDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Easter Week 3

Readings 

           I - Acts 6: 8-15

          II - Jn. 6: 22-29

                  

LOOK BEYOND TO GRASP THE MEANING

Today’s Gospel passage is an invitation to look beyond a happening or an incident or an event to grasp the truth. The crowd looked for Jesus because they had their fill through the multiplication of the fives loaves and the two fish but failed to grasp this sign and understand the truth that Jesus is the messiah and the Promised One of God.

Miracles do happen in our lives but we too fail to fathom the message beyond the miracles. The miracles are the proof of God’s love and the assurance of His presence with us. There is a saying, “God gives and forgives, and man gets and forgets”. Let us not stop with getting alone but try to go beyond getting to appreciate, love and trust in the Lord. May our mind and heart resonate with the prayer: “Lord Jesus, we believe in you”.

Bible Reflections I 23.04.2023 - SUNDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Easter Sunday: Week 3

Readings 

           I - Acts. 2: 14, 22-33

          II - I Pt. 1: 17-21

         III - Lk. 24: 13-35

         

FAITH DISCOVERS GOD’S PRESENCE

In the first reading Peter preaches about Jesus as the Promised One of God as foretold by King David.  In the second reading St. Peter says that we are ransomed by the precious blood of Christ.  He also invites the people of God for a hopeful and faith filled life in Jesus Christ our Lord. The Gospel passage is about the walk to Emmaus where the two disciples failed to recognise Jesus though he was walking along with them talking and interpreting the things about him in the scriptures.  Disappointment and despair kept their eyes from discovering Jesus. They were so much engrossed in their sorrow about the death of their Master and were confused about the resurrection fact conveyed by the women who went to the tomb. They were unable to believe anything beyond all that had happened just three days before and three days after.  But with the breaking of the bread their eyes were opened and they recognised him.

Jesus is with us always and at all times. But the fears, troubles, anxieties, worries, setbacks, struggles, confusions and failures might keep our eyes from discovering Jesus.  We hear the word of God and break the bread during the celebration of the Holy Eucharist.  Do we recognise him in the Word and in the Holy Eucharist? If not, ask God to gift us with the spirit of love, faith and hope to discover him so as to gain strength to combat the struggles of life with courage, hope and optimism.  Let our mind and heart resonate with the prayer: “Lord Jesus, help us to discover your ever abiding presence in our lives”.

Bible Reflections I 22.04.2023 - SATURDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Easter Week 2

Readings 

           I - Acts 6: 1-7

          II - Jn. 6: 16-21

                  

FIX FOCUS ON GOD 

Today’s Gospel passage is about Jesus walking on the water. With darkness around, rough sea and strong wind the disciples were able to row the boat about three or four miles with great difficulty to sail safely. They were so much engrossed in their problem that they were not able to identify their master who came towards them walking on the water but were terrified. With Jesus the boat sailed safe on the shore.

In our life too when are faced with challenges, difficulties, anxieties, worries and problems we seem to strain ourselves in all ways to come out of the same forgetting the presence of the Master our Lord Jesus Christ in our lives. With Jesus burdens become light (Mt. 11: 30). We often forget this and toil hard to sail safe from all that bother us. Instead recognise the presence of the Lord and experience everyday miracles happening in our lives. May our mind and heart resonate with the prayer: “Lord Jesus, help me to focus on you rather than our problems”

Bible Reflections I 21.04.2023 - FRIDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Easter Week 2

Readings 

           I - Acts 5: 34-42

          II - Jn. 6: 1-15

                  

TRUST IN THE LORD

Today’s Gospel passage is about the multiplication of the loaves. Jesus asks Phillip, “Where are we to but bread for these people to eat?” To this question Jesus get two responses from two persons: Phillip and Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother. Phillips responds saying, “six month’s wages would not buy enough bread for each of them to get a little” but Andrew responds, “There is a boy here who has five barley loaves and two fish”. One gets bewildered while the other brings something. Jesus blessed that something to the extent of getting the leftover filled in twelve baskets even after feeding the multitude of at least five thousand men.  

We are likely to give up hope in bewilderment at the face of trying situations like Phillip. Hopelessness would blur or blind us from the openings, possibilities, opportunities and chances that the situation holds in grip. Panicky might prevent from discovering the ways and means to solve the problems that we encounter. We are in the Easter season that echoes the message of ‘hope’ loud and clear. The risen Lord is always with us as did he with his apostles and we are only to have faith in him, like Andrew, offering the mite we have with which he can perform wonder to the astonishment of all. Trust in the Lord and all thing are possible. May our mind and heart resonate with the prayer: “Lord Jesus, strengthen my faith at the face of trials in particular”.

Bible Reflections I 20.04.2023 - THURSDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Easter Week 2

Readings 

           I - Acts 5: 27-33

          II - Jn. 3: 31-36

                  

JESUS IS THE WAY TO ETERNAL LIFE

Jesus is the perfect revelation of God’s love and he came to save the world from eternal damnation to eternal life. Jesus taught with authority (Mt. 7: 29); dealt with compassion (Mt. 9: 36); moved about doing good (Acts 10:38) and forgave even the executioners who crucified him to the cross (Lk. 23: 34) and all these testified that he was from above. He had been the absolute witness of God’s love in all His thoughts, words and deeds. In today’s Gospel passage Jesus says that he was from above and that anyone who believes in him inherits eternal life.

The easiest way to attain eternal life is to believe in the Lord Jesus. Believing in Jesus means daring to walk on the path that he tread - the path of freedom, fraternity and justice. It is accepting the light of Christ and becoming one to others. The best way to express our trust and faith in the Lord is to project him in our lives. As Jesus bears testimony to the love of the Father may we his followers bear testimony to the love of our Lord in our day to day living and in this way shall we be identified his witnesses to the world. Let our mind and heart resonate with the prayer: “Lord Jesus, help me to be the witness of your love”.