Bible Reflections I 14.07.2023 - FRIDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time: Week 14

Readings 

         I - Gen. 46: 1-7, 28-30 

     II - Mt.10: 16-23

CONQUER THE WORLD

In the Gospel passage today Jesus speaks about the suffering that his followers have to encounter and endure in the pursuit of living his command.  Jesus uses a metaphor to describe the same, “I am sending you out like sheep into the midst of wolves”, a dangerous pursuit indeed.  He instructs his followers prescribing a guideline, to be wise as serpents and innocent as doves and assures them of his presence in their suffering on his accord.  

The values of the world may seem to overpower the values of the Gospel, but can never prevail over the Gospel values.  There are only two options, either to compromise with the world order or to contradict and conquer the same.  We are chosen to topple the world order that “prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour” (Pt. 5:8). It is challenging, dangerous and daring. To tread in the path of our Master and Lord Jesus Christ is not impossible but possible, it is demanding but worthwhile, we may be battered but never defeated. It is road less travelled, reserved for the followers of Jesus who dare insults, persecution, suffering and death.  Let us fight the battle with prudence and innocence standing on the powerful presence and assuring promises of Jesus, for he says, “Take courage; I have conquered the world” (Jn. 16:33).

Bible Reflections I 13.07.2023 - THURSDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time: Week 14

Readings

             I - Gen. 44: 18-21, 23b-29; 45: 1-5

     II - Mt.10: 7-15

WE ARE CALLED AND EMPOWERED 

To the simple men of Galilee, his beloved disciples, weak and imperfect as they were, Jesus entrusts the great ministry of the Kingdom of God through healing, curing, cleansing and casting out demons.  Jesus shares his power and ministry with ones whom the world considers weak and fragile so that his power may be revealed in them.  

God’s ways are mysterious. God purposely chooses what the world considers as weak and nonsense in order to shame the wise and the powerful (1Cor. 1:27).  Therefore stop concentrating on the weakness and start magnifying the power, mercy, grace and works of the Lord so that we too can accomplish the purpose for which Christ Jesus has chosen us and make our life purposeful and meaningful.

Bible Reflections I 12.07.2023 - WEDNESDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time: Week 14

Readings

              I - Gen. 41: 55-57, 42:5-7, 17-24

     II - Mt.10: 1-7

THE LORD CALLS AND EMPOWERS 

Jesus according to the Gospel passage of the day commissions his mission to his team of twelve disciples, the personalities in the combination of fishermen, learned, tax collector, power mongers, zealot and the ignorant.  The rabbis of the time would’ve definitely ridiculed Jesus on the choice of his disciples.  With this team of less or no caliber according to the human standards, Jesus establishes and entrusts the Church.  Jesus looked at them not from human perspective but he looked at their heart and intentions intently.  “The Lord doesn’t see things the way you see them. People judge by outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart” (1Sam. 16:7). 

We are part of that Church, unworthy as we are but chosen by God and entrusted with this ministry when we were baptized. We need accomplish great things but even a trifle with good will and noble intention like the poor widow who gave her mite. A little deed can infuse hope and courage and; a kind gesture can comfort and console; and the right word can stir and heal.  Let us not aspire for great accomplishments rather be the disciples of Jesus in our own way effecting the kingdom of heaven wherever we are, promoting love, peace, joy, happiness and hope.  May our heart and mind resonate with this prayer: ‘Lord make me an instrument of your love, peace and joy’

Bible Reflections I 11.07.2023 - TUESDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time: Week 14

Readings

              I - Gen. 32: 22-32

      II - Mt.9: 32-37

MAKE YOUR LIFE PURPOSEFUL

According to the Gospel passage today, a dumb demoniac was brought to Jesus. Jesus casted out the demon and the dumb man spoke. The common crowd was amazed and the pharisees as usual citicised Jesus saying, “It is through the prince of devils that he casts out devil”. Jesus was unperturbed to both these responses. He was focused about His Father’s business (Lk. 2:49). He carried on with his mission of preaching, proclaiming, curing, cleansing, teaching and tutoring. He was unstoppable. Neither praise nor criticism, amazement or anger, applause or ridicule, recognition or disregard could stop Jesus from being focused about his purpose because he took delight in accomplishing the will of His Father through continuous union with Him in prayer.   

In the letter to the Romans we read, “Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is, his good, pleasing and perfect will” (Rom. 12:2). This is purposeful and focused life in Christ and a challenge in the current scenario that is compromising and relativizing. In this pursuit we may be ridiculed, mocked, ostracised, citicised, slandered and marginalized. Let us not get discouraged or give up rather with constant prayer and communion with the Lord, stay focused and become unstoppable in imitating Jesus our trend setter par excellence.

Bible Reflections I 10.07.2023 - MONDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time: Week 14

Readings

         I - Gen. 28:10-22

      II - Mt.9: 18-26

HAVE NO FEAR BUT FAITH

The pleading of a person with faith has the power to obtain that prayer, is the crux of the Gospel passage today. The official pleads with Jesus for the life of his dead daughter, “come and lay your hand on her and her life will be saved” and the woman suffered from a hemorrhage for twelve years says to herself, “If I can only touch his cloak, I shall be well again”. The official pleaded with words and the woman with no words but both with a tremendous faith in Jesus obtains the miracle for them. The sincere prayer from their heart of these both touches the heart of Jesus, causing, one to come alive and the other healed.

It is not in the multiplicity of our words that God hears our prayer but in the quality prayer with utmost faith and trust in the Lord. Jesus can turn all our problems and worries upside down. All we need is faith and trust in the triune God as we read in the Book of Revelation, “He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain” (Rev. 21:4). When we are faced with fear, worries, problems and anxieties and are unable to holdfast to the Lord, may our hearts resonate with the prayer of the father who sought for the healing of his possessed son: “Lord, I believe; help my unbelief” (Mk. 9:24).

Bible Reflections I 09.07.2023 - SUNDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time: Week 14

Readings

                  I - Zech. 9: 9-10

                 II - Rom. 8: 9, 11-13

                III - Mt. 11: 25-30

HUMILITY DISCOVERS THE TRUTH

The Gospel passage today does not condemn the learned, the intelligent, the clever or the persons of repute, on the other hand, Jesus highlights on the disposition and openness of the heart in beholding the truth as it comes. The so called ‘elite’ of Jesus’ time were the Pharisees, the Sadducees, the Chief Priest and the Scribes. They were familiar with the law and the prophecy and were fanatic in the practice of the religion. They were considered to be the custodians of their religion and the Law of Moses. But they failed to recognise the Promised One in Jesus in their pride and stubbornness of heart. Instead the sinners, tax collectors, women, children, the poor, the disabled, the prostitutes, the gentiles and the Samaritans in their openness, simplicity and humility of heart accepted Jesus to be the Messiah. Jesus glorifies and thanks the Father for His goodness, mercy and magnanimity in choosing these little ones to reveal Jesus His Son as their Messiah which is the gracious will of the Father. 

In the ordinary walk of life, people wish for the truth that is appealing, pleasing, and convenient but never contradicting, combating or conflicting their perspectives and ideologies. People never desire for the truth that hurts, contradicts, questions, conflicts and disturbs. Only those people who are open to the truth with the simplicity and humility of heart can be drawn to recognise the Lord as he comes to visit us.

Bible Reflections I 08.07.2023 - SATURDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time: Week 13

Readings 

           I - Gen. 27: 1-5, 15-29

          II - Mt. 9: 14-17

                       

RIGHT THING AT THE RIGHT MOMENT 

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 in anguish. 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 with the time and conduct our lives suiting to 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.

Bible Reflections I 07.07.2023 - FRIDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time: Week 13

Readings:  

              I - Gen. 23:1-4,19; 24:1-8,62-67 

             II - Mt. 9:9-13

FOLLOW ME

Today’s Gospel passage is about the conversion story of Matthew. Matthew himself, in his Gospel, tell us what it was like, this encounter which changed his life. He shows us an “exchange of glances” capable of changing history. Jesus looked at him. He looked at Matthew calmly, peacefully. He looked at him with eyes of mercy; he looked at him as no one had ever looked at him before. And this look unlocked Matthew’s heart; it set him free, it healed him, it gave him hope, a new life. After the Lord looked upon him with mercy, he said to Matthew: “Follow me.” Matthew got up and followed him. After the look, a word. After love, the mission. Matthew was no longer the same; he was transformed. 

Being first Friday, the day dedicated to the most Sacred Heart of Jesus, allow Jesus to look at us. Allow his gaze to run over our hearts and minds. Allow that look to become our joy, our hope and this is conversion. Let our mind and heart resonate with the prayer: “Jesus meek and humble of hearts, fill our hearts with your love”.

Bible Reflections I 06.07.2023 - THURSDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time: Week 13

Readings

             I - Gen. 22: 1-19

            II - Mt. 9:1-8

ST. MARIA GORETTI

Today the Church celebrates the feast of St. Maria Goretti, the patron saint of young people especially the girls and the poor. Matia Goretti was born into poverty in Corinaldo, Italy. She was the third of seven children. Due to poverty Maria was unable to attend school. She spent most of her time in the family home, performing chores and caring for her younger siblings. Despite her lack of formal education and inability to read, Maria had deep faith. She lost her father when she was nine. The poverty of the family and the loss of her dear father did not diminish her faith. When Maria was only eleven and Alessandro was twenty, he found Maria alone in her home and tried to seduce her. Alessandro threatened to kill Maria if she refused him. Since Maria never yielded to him, he stabbed her fourteen times and killed her. Before her death, Maria was able to express her forgiveness for Alessandro, further expressing her hope that she would see him in heaven. Pope Pius XII canonized Maria and referred to her as the "Saint Agnes of the twentieth century".

In today's Gosple passage, Jesus heals the paralytic brought to him by some people for healing. Through the intercession of St. Maria Goretti, let us bring to our Lord all the youth who are in the state of sin; crippled and paralyzed to addiction, relativism and impatience; and pray that the Lord may raise them to Christian standards so that they may glorify the Lord through their lives.

Bible Reflections I 05.07.2023. - WEDNESDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time: Week 13

Readings

             I - Gen. 21:5, 8-20

            II - Mt. 8:28-34

LET YOUR PRESENCE PROJECT GOD

Good and evil, light and darkness, virtues and vices can never coexist.  One vanishes in the presence of the other.  This is the essence of the Gospel passage today.  Evil can never resist the presence of all Holy, all Good and all Powerful.  The demons could not resist the presence of Jesus and shouted, “Have you come here to torment us?”  The presence of Jesus pervades to vanquish the darkness of evil and restores, fosters and promotes life, love, peace and joy in humanity. 

In the light of this Gospel passage, let us reflect on our presence in our family and in the society. How does our presence effect our family and friends, kith and kin, dear and near ones? Do we in our kindness, love, understanding, comfort, consolation, gentleness, selflessness and sacrifice project God to them?  If so, we are a beam of blessing and agents of joy to our family and friends, kith and kin, dear and near ones.

Bible Reflections I 04.07.2023 - TUESDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time: Week 13

Readings 

           I - Gen. 19: 15-29 

          II - Mt.8: 23-27 

                           

JESUS IS GOD WITH US

Today’s Gospel passage is about Jesus calming the storm. The boat was swamped by the waves caused by the storm. The disciples feared that they were perishing forgetting that Jesus was with them in the boat. Though they had witnessed miracles before their eyes, when situation demanded they were almost losing their faith. The called to the Lord and were saved from the destructive storm.

Our life on this earth is a journey. A journey on boat with Jesus besides us. We too like the disciples when we are put in the tight corner fear all things but fail to realise that it is time for us to affirm our faith in the Lord Jesus. Though we’ve witnessed miracles after miracles in our lives, when time comes we also waver in our faith like the disciples. Let not our faith waver but place our trust in the Lord who can work wonders for us.

Bible Reflections I 03.06.2023 - MONDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

03.07.2023

Ordinary Time: Week 13

Readings 

           I - Acts. 10: 24-35 

          II - 1 Pt. 1: 3-9 

         III - Jn. 20: 24-29

                  

ST. THOMAS THE APOSTLE

Today the Church celebrates the fest of St. Thomas, the ardent apostle of Jesus and the apostle of India, Who walked on the shores of Kerala and Chennai proclaiming the good news. He belonged to simple fishers’ folk from Galilee and was called by Jesus to follow him.  That he did whole heartedly and showed even greater courage and generosity than the other eleven.  When Jesus told, “Let us go to Judea”, Thomas solemnly stated “Let us go too and die with him”.  The doubting disciple was not the one to say that he had understood when in fact he had not. When Jesus said. “You know the way to the place where I am going”, Thomas retorted saying “Lord we do not know where you are going, so how can we know the way”.  

The straight forward reaction of St. Thomas to the testimony of his companions regarding the resurrection of the Lord, “unless I see the holes that the nails made in his hands and put my finger into the holes they made and unless I can put my hand into his side, I refuse to believe”.  When finally Jesus appeared to St. Thomas, he confirmed his faith saying, “My Lord and my God”. The feast enlighten on the fact that the slow surrender of St. Thomas is more comforting and strengthening to our faith than the ready acceptance of the believing apostles. From a doubter of the Lord and from a feeble faith, God had transformed the faith of St. Thomas into one that was firm and true, to the point that he was even ready to lay down his life for the sake of the Lord and standing true to his faith.  May we pick up inspirations from St. Thomas, the apostle to transcend from our human frailties with utmost acceptance, for a greater transformation.

Bible Reflections I 01.07.2023 - SATURDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time: Week 12

Readings

          I - Gen. 18: 1-15

      II - Mt. 8: 5-17

THE POWER OF WORDS

Power of words and power of faith surpasses proximity of time and place is the central theme of the Gospel message today. The centurion though was a gentile was convinced that the word of the Lord has absolute authority of command to accomplish its purpose and would heal his servant - the power of word. He recognizes that Jesus was someone great and calls Him “Lord” which also means master while the learned and the cleaver of Israel failed to recognise this identity of Jesus - power of faith. The power of the words of Jesus and the power of the faith of the centurion finally heals the servant.  

Words spoken can be a prayer, a blessing, a curse, an appreciation, a deterrence, a praise, a gossip, a truth or a lie. Words can heal, hurt, build, break, confront, console, frustrate and encourage. Words have such power and would definitely have their own effect and impact. The words of Jesus was always life giving, life promoting and life enhancing. In this light let us examine the quality of our words. St. James in his epistle says, “The tongue is a small member, yet it boasts of great exploits” (Jas. 3:5). Let our tongues be trained to testify that we are children of God in the words that we use and utter for every word we utter has a great power.

Bible Reflections I 30.06.2023 - FRIDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time: Week 12

Readings  

         I - Gen. 17:1, 9-10, 15-22

      II - Mt. 8:1-4

HEAL ME JESUS 

The Gospel passage of the day is about the cleansing of a leper. The lepers were considered as sinners and outcasts in the Jewish society. They lived in the outskirts of the town. They were forbidden to have any contact with the people who had no leprosy. As Jesus was accompanied by great crowds, a leper accosted Jesus with great courage saying, “Lord if you choose, you can make me clean”. Jesus with great compassion touched him and said, “I do choose. Be made clean”. The courage of the leper and the compassion of Jesus restored the leper back to his normal life.   

In the Letter to the Hebrews we read, “Because he himself suffered when he was tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted” (Heb. 2:18). But, there are times when the burden of the problems block us completely from raising our hearts and minds to God. We get drowned in a thimble of water and struggle, instead let us have courage to place all our trust and hope in the Lord for he can wipe away every tear from our eyes (Rev. 21:4). God in His compassion wishes that we be healed and relieved from all sin, sickness, problems, worries, anxieties, guilt, fear and be restored to our identity as children of God.

Bible Reflections I 29.06.2023 - THURSDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time: Week 12

Readings

         I - Acts. 12:1-11

      II - 2Tim. 4:6-8, 17-18

     III - Mt. 16:13 -19              

ST. PETER AND ST. PAUL 

Today the Church solemnises the feast of St. Peter and St. Paul, the giants of Christianity and the great pillars of the Church. Simon Peter was an unlearned fisherman and Saul Paul was a learned and a Jewish fanatic who persecuted the Christians. Simon encountered the Lord and became Peter, the rock and the leader of the Church. Saul encountered the Lord and became Paul, the ‘apostle of the gentiles’. Both of them accepted Jesus as their Lord and Messiah and proclaimed Him vehemently through their words and deeds. Many convinced of their emphatic preaching and became Christians. Their life and preaching infuriated the higher authority of the Government resulting in the martyrdom of the apostles. St. Peter was crucified upside down and St. Paul was beheaded. Both endured the same with a hope of eternal crown of glory that awaited them in the Paradise. 

We too have accepted Jesus as our Lord in Baptism. Mere acceptance will not suffice. We are commanded to proclaim Jesus not in mere words but in our deeds of love, “By this shall all men know that you are my disciples, if you have love one to another” (Jn.13:35). In our giving, sharing, forgiving, compassion, kindness, love, generosity and self-giving people must identify that we are Christians. In our effort to live for the Lord, we would be swimming against the current, and fall a prey to the wrath of the world. Let us not loose heart instead as St. Paul would say let us “always be sober, endure suffering, do the work of an evangelist, carry out your ministry fully” (2Tim. 4:5). When we are faced with suffering and opposition, let us rejuvenate our mind and heart with the assuring promise of Our Lord Jesus Christ, “Behold I am always with you until the end of times” (Mt. 28:20).

Bible Reflections I 28.06.2023 - WEDNESDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time: Week 12

Readings  

         I - Gen. 15: 1-12; 17-18

        II - Mt. 7: 15-20              

LET YOUR LIFE PREACH

In today’s Gospel Jesus cautions us not to be deceived by impressing gestures and appealing words of the hypocritical people around us. He also gives us a clue to discover their hypocrisy with the simple metaphor, “a good tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a bad tree good fruit”. Integrity of the people testify their quality and credibility while disintegrity cause incredibility and bad reputation.  

St. Francis of Assisi would say, “Preach the Gospel at all times and when necessary use words”. Preaching Gospel at all times is nothing but to walk the talk, make it a way of living and that is spirituality. Mere preachers of a religion are not more than a ‘salesperson’; for a salesperson promote a product while the preacher promote a religion if he does not live by the same. As Christians with an obligation to preach the gospel, it is easy to speak about God’s love, mercy, forgiveness and benevolence. We are good trees and cannot but yield only good fruits.

Bible Reflections I 27.06.2023 - TUESDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time: Week 12

Readings  

         I - Gen. 13: 2, 5-18

      II - Mt. 7: 6 , 12-14              

CHOOSE THE NARROW GATE

  

To treat the other like as we treat ourselves is a challenging narrow path. It is difficult but not impossible. We care for our name, fame, reputation, respect and honour but do we wish the same for the other? The ‘I’ in us is so predominant that we promulgate and pamper it at the cost of negative criticism, cutting remarks, false accusation, rash judgment and ridiculous rumors towards others making their precious life a difficult and impossible one to live. This is what Jesus calls as ‘broad path’, easy but leads to destruction.  

Jesus through the Gospel passage invites us to travel through the ‘road less travelled’, by overcoming our jealousy, selfishness, pride and arrogance. Encouraging words, wishing the good of the other, a bit of appreciation and praise, prioritizing others needs to our own, positive outlook on others and generous forgiveness especially to those whom we don’t love enough or don’t love at all is difficult. This is narrow path that requires courage and a large heart. Dare to tread it with grace, prayer and above all with a bit of love for a bit of love can set all things right. In the silence of our hearts let us pray: “Lord Jesus fill my heart with your love”.

Bible Reflections I 26.06.2023 - MONDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time: Week 12

Readings 

         I - Gen. 12: 1-9

      II - Mt. 7: 1-5

               

JUDGE NOT AND YOU WILL NOT BE JUDGED

According to the teachings of the Jewish tradition the Jewish people believed that God used two measures to judge His people viz. measure of justice and measure of mercy. Whichever measure is used on people would be measure that God will use upon. This is what Jesus says in today’s Gospel: “For the judgment you make you will be judged”. All of us are imperfect with wrongdoings and shortcomings therefore unworthy to pass any judgment. As the Psalmist would say, “If you O Lord should mark our guilt, who will survive?” (Ps. 130:3). In the letter of St. James we read, “There will be no mercy for those who have not shown mercy to others. But if you have been merciful, God will be merciful when He judges. The One who is all perfect and has the right to judge restrains his judgement as the scripture says,”The Lord is slow to anger and abounding in mercy”. (Ps. 145:8) 

When we are prone to pass judgment on anybody, let us hold on reverse it upon ourselves and examine, if the judgment befits us we have no right to make judgment. This is the teaching par excellence of Jesus. Jesus said to the ravaging crowd that brought the woman caught in the very act of committing to kill her, “Let anyone among you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her”. While Jesus was hanging on the cross amidst the murderers said, “Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing” (Lk. 23:34). When we are pushed to pass judgment upon others we have two options: Either to examine ourselves or to forgive, modelled after the example of Jesus our Lord. As Jesus exhorts let us “be merciful even as the Heavenly Father is merciful”. (Lk.6:36)

Bible Reflections I 25.06.2023 - SUNDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time: Week 12

Readings:  

              I - Jer. 20: 10-13

      II - Rom. 5: 12-15

     III - Mt. 10: 26-33              

STAND FOR THE LORD

The one who proclaim God’s words always beget sufferings, troubles and persecutions because, His words contradict the worldly values that are compromising, convincing and comforting, centered around one self. The first and the Gospel reading of the day comes as courage and consolation to those who proclaim God’s Words and stand by the same as well. The Lord comes as warrior to protect and defend; stumbling the persecutors because we are so precious and dear to the Lord that even the hairs of our head are numbered.

As St. Paul says in the second reading, we are saved by the precious blood of Jesus. Our life is redeemed from sin by the life of Jesus. Courage! Stand up for the One who loves so much, defends all times and sides when suppressed. Dare to do the will of God and suffer the consequences with the confidence that we are the children of God and that He will never let us perish.

Bible Reflections I 24.06.2023 - SATURDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time: Week 11

Readings:  

              I - Is. 49: 1-6

     II - Acts. 13: 22-26

    III - Lk. 1: 57-66; 80             

NATIVITY OF JOHN THE BAPTIST 

The Church celebrates only three birthdays: the birthday of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the birthday of St. John the Baptist and the nativity of our Lord Jesus Christ.  It is because the three had a significant and specific role in the history of Salvation.  Blessed Virgin Mary, to be the mother of our Lord Jesus Christ, St. John the Baptist to be the forerunner of Jesus Christ and Jesus Christ the redeemer of the world.   Today we celebrate the feast of the solemnity of the nativity of St. John the Baptist. God calls us by name even before we were formed in the mother’s womb and sets us apart for a particular purpose with the promise of this assured assistance and predominant protection is the main stream of all three readings today. Zachariah’s son is named as ‘John’, a name given by God Himself. He comes to the world with the mission of preparing the way of the Lord, the Messiah and the promised one.  His life will be tough but as in the first reading, he would reap his reward from the God who sent him with a purpose.  

God has a master and mighty plan for every child right from its knitting in the mother’s womb (Ps. 139:13).  He calls and choses us even before we were formed in the mother’s womb (Jer. 1:5) for a specific purpose. And this purpose is very, unique, different and original for every person. The purpose might be challenging, for to live for God is to live in the hatred of the people of the world. If we analyse in the light of the lives of the legends in the Bible, the saints and the people of our time who had opted to live as per the teachings of the Lord, have left us with one common message: to serve the Lord is to suffer for the Lord.  Take Courage. Dare to live and suffer for the Lord because we have the assurance of the Lord with us, “Behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age” (Mt. 28:20).