Bible Reflections I 13.08.2023 - SUNDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time: Week 19

Readings 

           I - I Kings. 19: 9, 11-13

          II - Rom. 9: 1-5

         III - Mt. 14: 22-33

                  

FAITH FINDS GOD

Today’s Gospel passage is about Jesus walking on the water. With darkness around, the rough sea roaring and the strong wind battering, the disciples were able to row the boat only about three or four miles with great difficulty to sail safely. They were so much gripped in their problems that they were not able to identify their master who came towards them walking on the water but were terrified. Recognising Jesus, Peter took courage to walk on the water but with the little faith he began to drown. With Jesus the boat and the disciples 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.

Bible Reflections I 12.08.2023 - SATURDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time: Week 18

Readings 

           I - Deu. 6: 4-13

           II - Mt. 17: 14-20

ST. JANE FRANCES DE CHANTAL

Today the Church celebrates the feast of St. Jane Frances de Chantal, the founder of the Congregation of the Visitation of Our Lady. Jane was born in Dijon, France, in 1572. When she was married into a royal family. They had six children, two of whom died at a young age. Jane was welcomed the poor who came to the castle door looking for food. Jane lost her husband in a hunting accident. She was heartbroken and could not forgive the man who had caused the accident. She turned away from all the persons and things she loved. Even prayer did not help her to overcome her sadness. The effective sermon of Bishop, St. Francis de Sales on God’s love opened her heart again and she forgave the man who was the cause of her husband’s death. Jane persuaded Bishop Francis de Sales to be her Spiritual Guide. Bishop de Sales told Jane about his dream to establish an order of religious sisters who would live and work among the people they served. His dream became Jane’s dream and she founded the Congregation of the Visitation of Our Lady. St. Jane Frances de Chantal is invoked as the patron of widows and parents who are separated from their children.

In today’s Gospel passage Jesus speaks about the power of faith that can make even the impossible, a possible one. It was the faith of the saint of the day that made her to forgive that was impossible to her, it was faith that made her commit herself in realising the dream of St. Francis de Sales. If as Jesus says have a little of faith we too can becomes great in the sight of God.

Bible Reflections I 11.08.2023 - FRIDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time: Week 18

Readings 

           I - Deu. 4: 32-40

           II - Mt. 16: 24-28

ST. CLARE OF ASSISI 

Today the Church celebrates the feast of St. Clare of Assisi, the founder of the Order of St. Clair. She is also the patroness of eye disease, laundry and goldsmiths. St. Clare of Assisi was born in Assisi on July 16, 1194. She was the eldest daughter from a wealthy and noble family. As a young girl, Clare dedicated herself to prayer and pious activities. At the age of eighteen, she heard St. Francis of Assisi preach during a Lenten service in the church of San Giorgio and asked him to help her live according to the Gospel. She became a Franciscan nun. In order to give her the greater solitude she desired, Francis sent Clare to another Benedictine nuns monastery. St. Clair along with the ladies who joined them to devote themselves to the Lord formed together "Poor Ladies of San Damiano." They all lived a simple life of austerity, seclusion from the world, and poverty, according to a Rule which Francis gave them as a Second Order. St. Clare and her sisters wore no shoes, ate no meat, lived in a poor house, and kept silent most of the time. Their lives consisted of work and prayer. They committed themselves to radical poverty. The Order of Poor Ladies was officially changed to the Order of Saint Clare in 1263 by Pope Urban IV.

In 1224, an army of rough soldiers from Frederick II came to attack Assisi. Although very sick, Clare went out to meet them with the Blessed Sacrament on her hands. She had the Blessed Sacrament placed at the wall where the enemies could see it. Then on her knees, she begged God to save the Sisters. "O Lord, protect these Sisters whom I cannot protect now," she prayed. A voice seemed to answer: "I will keep them always in My care." In that moment, a sudden fright struck the attackers and they fled as fast as they could without harming anyone in Assisi. This is why St. Clare is often pictured carrying a monstrance or pyx, to commemorate the time she warded off the soldiers at the gates of her convent with the Blessed Sacrament.

St. Clare became sick and suffered great pains for many years, but she expressed that no pain could trouble her. In today’s Gospel passage, Jesus says that if anyone wishes to follow him should deny themselves, take up the cross and follow him. St. Clair did it and has left us an example that the one who possess God possesses everything as she often used to say, "They say that we are too poor, but can a heart which possesses the infinite God be truly called poor?"

Bible Reflections I 10.08.2023 - THURSDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time: Week 18

Readings 

           I - 2 Cor. 9: 6-10

           II - Jn. 12: 24-26

ST. LAWRENCE, DEACON 

The Church today celebrates the fest of St. Lawrence, the first of the seven deacons of Rome, appointed by St. Pope Sixtus II. St. Lawrence was known as the Archdeacon of Rome. He was trusted so much by the Pope that he entrusted the treasures of the Church and the concern of the poor in Rome to St. Lawrence. It was the time of persecution under the emperor Valerian. Many ministers of the Church, the bishops, priests and deacons were executed and martyred. Pope Sixtus II too was one among them to be martyred. Aware of the threat that awaited the Church, St. Lawrence distributed the wealth and property of the Church to all the poor and needy there. When the Roman authorities enquired for the wealth of the Church, St. Lawrence presented the poor people before the authorities. Infuriated authorities, tortured him putting him on a hot gridiron, heated with a blazing furnace and martyred him. St. Lawrence joyfully endured for the sake of his faith in the Lord and Master Jesus Christ. 

St. Lawrence gave himself up completely in faith, for the sake of the Lord joyfully and generously, gaining the glory of the heavenly bliss. In today’s Gospel passage Jesus says, “Unless a wheat of grain falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit”. The martyrdom of St. Lawrence is an inspiration and model to us. Following Christ may cause many setbacks and sufferings but on enduring, we gain eternal life and other pick up inspiration and example.

Bible Reflections I 09.08.2023 - WEDNESDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time: Week 18

Readings 

            I - Num. 13:1-2, 25-14:1, 26-29, 34-35

           II - Mt. 15: 21-28

ST. TERESA BENEDICTA OF THE CROSS 

In today’s Gospel Jesus referring the Canaanite woman a dog reverses the stereo mindset of the Jews raising her to the standard of the people of God as did the Jews.  Because the Jews took pride in parading themselves as people of God.  The Canaanites were considered as enemies, sinners and outcasts. The Canaanite woman with such a helpless background but with a great courage in her heart goes amidst the chosen crowd to seek Jesus with a tremendous faith that Jesus would definitely heal her daughter and persistently pervaded the mindset of the Jews without getting offended. Jesus uses the courage, persistence and the faith of the Canaanite woman to instruct the Jews and include everyone under the umbrella of the Children of God.   

Prayer persevering in faith, shatters the shackles, reaches the royal realm of God and gets request rewarded.  Jacob wrestled with God and got the name Israel (Gen. 32:22-32), the walls of Jerico fell with the prayers and praises of God (Jos. 6: 1-27), Holofernes the giant was beheaded at the hand of a woman with the back up of prayer (judith13), blind beggars effort and calling out of Jesus with faith obtained sight for him (Mk. 10: 46-52), woman with the hemorrhage, touching the hem of the garment of Jesus in faith was healed instantaneously (Mt. 9: 20-22), the centurion obtained healing for his servant even in the off-physical presence of Jesus with an utmost faith in him (Mt. 8:5-13).  Jesus says, “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find, knock and the door will be opened to you” (Mt. 7:7).  St. Paul in his first letter to the Thessalonians says, “Pray without ceasing” (1Thess. 5:16).  Do not get easily discouraged rather pray the Lord persistently, with great courage and tremendous trust, for courage conquers, persistence pays and faith favours as it did with the Canaanite woman who pleaded Jesus.

Bible Reflections I 08.08.2023 - TUESDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time: Week 18

Readings  

            I - Num. 12: 1-13

           II - Mt. 15: 1-2, 10-14 

ST. DOMINIC

Today the Church celebrates the feast of St. Dominic, the founder of the order of the Dominicans. Saint Dominic was born in Caleruega, Spain in 1170to the parents of Spanish nobility related to the ruling family. His mother was a holy woman and according to a legend his mother dreamt of a dog leaping from her womb with a torch in its mouth. The dog seemed to set the earth on fire. Hence, when Dominic was born his parents named him Dominic meaning the Lord's dog in Latin. Dominic was excelling in his theological studies and arts. In 1191, a famine struck Spain and left many people desolate and homeless. Dominic sold everything he had, including his furniture and clothes and fed for the poor. He even sold his manuscripts, required for study, saying, "Would you have me study from these dead skins when people are dying of hunger?" Dominic even attempted to sell himself into slavery to the Moors for the freedom of others. He fought the good fight for the Lord refuting the then prevailing Albigensian heresy that considered all material creation as evil. Dominic lived a discipline life of extreme charity, prayer and penance. St. Dominic was known for his austerity and poverty. He was a leader par-excellence of his time especially in defending the Church and attending to the poor.  

In today’s Gospel passage Jesus calls the Scribes and the Pharisees ‘blind guides’ because they twisted and turned the simple Law of the Lord in binding and burdening the ordinary people. They diluted the essence of the Law but were focused on all that was least important. Even today we find such people who speak a lot about religion but failing to live religion that exhorts nothing but the love of God and love of neighbour.

Bible Reflections I 07.08.2023 - MONDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time: Week 18

Readings:  

            I - Num. 11: 4-15

           II - Mt. 14: 13-21

SHARING WORKS MIRACLE

Five loaves and two fish to five thousand men besides women and children with twelve baskets remnant is unimaginable, ungraspable and unfathomable. With man this is impossible but with God all things are possible (Mt. 19:26). In Today’s gospel we read Jesus telling his disciples, “give them something to eat yourselves”. To Jesus were brought all that they had: five loaves and two fish. Jesus blesses that too little into a more than enough for the multitude, as the gospel says, “They all ate as much as they wanted”. Not ‘each one, eat one bread’ but as much as each one wanted. 

God sees the heart, the intention and the generosity with which we give and never what or how much we give. With God’s blessing, minimum is maximum, slight is surmounting, small is great, insignificant is embossing and mite is might. Any act of love has its own random effect that foster multiplication. Every kind act, daring deed, generous giving of money, means, energy, time and talent, courageous stand against injustice and inhuman act has its own impact on the new world order based on freedom, fraternity and justice. Let us share for a supremo world order of love, peace and joy.

Bible Reflections I 06.08.2023 - SUNDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time: Week 18

Readings 

            I - Dan. 7: 9-10, 13-14

           II - 2 Pt. 1: 16-19

          III - Mt. 17: 1-9

TRANSFIGURATION OF THE LORD

Today the Church celebrates the feast of the transfiguration of the Lord. In the Gospel passage we read, Peter, James and John witnessing the transfiguration of the Lord in all his glory, glowing in dazzling white. There Elijah and Moses appeared to him and Jesus was talking to them. Elijah is a great prophet and also associated with the arrival of the Messiah: “Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the great and awesome day of the Lord” (Mal. 4:5). Moses is the liberator and the Law giver. Appearance of Moses and Elijah with Jesus symbolize that Jesus is the compendium of Law and Prophesy and this is affirmed by the overshadowing of the cloud that symbolize the presence of God. “In the past God spoke to our forefathers through the prophets at many times and in various ways, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom he made the universe” (Heb. 1:1). Peter, James and John were given such a privilege of witnessing the transfiguration of the Lord with the mission embedded in the voice of the Father, “This my Son, the Beloved; listen to him”. To listen to Jesus, the prophet par excellence, the liberator from our sin, slavery and suffering and the Neo Law giver.  

Listening to Jesus tantamount to living the Neo Law of Jesus. The Neo Law of Jesus is the New Commandment based on Love: love of God and love of neighbour. One cannot exist without the other. They are the two sides of the same coin. One cannot say “I love God and hate my neighbour” or vice versa. The feast of transfiguration invites us to transcend from all our selfishness, ego, pride, jealousy, hatred, envy, greed, avarice etc… and transform into persons of love, peace, joy, happiness, tenderness, compassion, empathy, gentleness, care, concern etc… so as to be transfigured restoring the image and likeness of God in which we were created.

Bible Reflections I 05.08.2023 - SATURDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time: Week 17

Readings:  

       I - Lev. 25: 1, 8-17,

      II - Mt. 14: 1-12

DEDICATION OF THE BASILICA OF ST. MARY MAJOR IN ROME

In the Gospel passage today, John the Baptist courageously admonishes the unlawful act of King Herod, living with his brother’s wife. His words were powerful, piercing, disturbing and deterring both Herod and Herodias. Herodias plotted so well that she had the head of John the Baptist on the platter through her daughter. Have courage to stand up for what is right. If God chooses us to be His mouth piece, let us courageously do so with no fear of people who can kill the body but are unable to kill the soul (Mat. 10:28), like St. John the Baptist who dared to point the unlawful act of the king

Today the Church remembers the dedication of St. Mary Major Church, Rome, a great and gigantic church built in honour of Mother Mary. The site for the Church was chosen by the Blessed Mother herself through the miraculous snow fall at that site as she promised. The purpose of every church besides being a place of worship, glory, honour and praise to God, binds brothers and sisters in fraternity, unity and equality. St. Paul in his first letter to the Corinthians says, “Do you not know that your body is a temple of Holy Spirit within you” (1Cor. 6:19). We are the temple of God, called to be the sign of fraternity, unity and equality reflecting the presence of God. In this our living we become the worship, honour, glory and praise to God. This may inherit the wrath of the world upon us and the people of this world may hate, haul and hurt us but they can never prevail over us.

Bible Reflections I 04.08.2023 - FRIDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time: Week 17

Readings:  

       I - Lev. 23: 1, 4-11, 15-16, 27, 34-37

       II - Mt. 13: 54-58

  

ST. JOHN MARY VIANNEY

Today’s Gospel passage is about the rejection of Jesus by the people of his own hometown. Prejudice prevented the people of Nazareth from accepting the wisdom of Jesus and his deeds of divine power. A deliberate rejection just because Jesus was a carpenter’s son and Mary, his mother was a simple and insignificant woman of Nazareth. They did not have a great or a renowned background. Therefore the people deliberately rejected the truth. Pride became their pitfall of faith and truth. Their unbelief prevented Jesus from performing many deeds of power with them. In their prejudice and pride they became the losers. Faith is acceptance and acceptance with faith works wonders. 

Today the Church celebrates the feast St. John Mary Vianney, the humble parish priest of Ars, a remote parish in France that contained only two hundred and thirty people. He took it as a holy will of God and through his life and example brought all people closer to God. Pope Benedict XVI, in his letter proclaiming the year of the priest have said, “In his time the Curé of Ars was able to transform the hearts and the lives of so many people because he enabled them to experience the Lord’s merciful love”. St. John Mary Vianney accomplish all in love, aligning himself to the will of God. The feast of St. John Mary Vianney is also celebrated as the feast of the parish priests. St. John Mary Vianney used to say, “The priesthood is the love of the heart of Jesus”. Let us today pray for all priests and for our parish priests in particular.

Bible Reflections I 03.08.2023 - THURSDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time: Week 17

Readings  

           I - Ex. 40: 16-21, 34-38

          II - Mt. 13: 47-53

BE PREPARED TO BE COUNTED 

The Gospel passage of the day contains a comparison and an obligation.  The kingdom of heaven is compared to a net that is thrown into the sea.  It collects both the good and the bad fish.  The good ones are stored in the container and the bad ones are thrown away.  Similarly, on that final day of judgment, the humanity will be judged on the basis of love and those who are worthy would inherit the kingdom of God. Every scribe who considered himself to be the custodian of law is supposed to match the old and new and make the rules easy for people to follow for the crux of the old and new law is love. Instead they complicated the law and made the lives of ordinary people weighing and tiring.  

We are trained in so many ways to practice the preaching of the Gospel: love, through bible reading, sermons, preaching, retreat, prayer and spiritual and corporal practices.  Examine whether all these help us to be more humane and loving so that others too copy and aspire for a life based on love. Introspect if we will be found good at end of our time.

Bible Reflections I 02.08.2023 - WEDNESDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time: Week 17

Readings

           I - Ex. 34: 29-35

          II - Mt. 13: 44-46

ST. EUSEBIUS - MEMORY 

GIVING UP GAINS

In today’s Gospel passage, Jesus compares the Kingdom of God with the treasure and the pearls.  The man finding the treasure and the merchant finding the precious pearls sold ‘all that they had’ to possess the treasure and the pearls respectively.  They were ready to give up all that they had to gain something great and more precious than all that they had.  

The Kingdom of God is indeed more precious compared to the worldly possessions we hold on to.  If we discover this truth we will be ready and willing to give up our name, fame, pride, ego, grudges, enmity, hatred…and will also be ready to love, respect, give up, forgive, submit…all for the sake of the Kingdom of God.  Give up willingly and voluntarily in order to gain all that is precious and permanent

Bible Reflections I 01.08.2023 - TUESDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time: Week 17

Readings

           I - Ex. 33: 7-11, 34: 5-9, 28

          II - Mt. 13: 36-4

   

SAINT ALPHONSUS MARIA DE LIGUORI

Today the Church celebrates the feast of t Alphonsus Maria de Liguori, the Doctor of the Church. He was the founder of the Congregation of the Redemptorists. St Alphonsus Maria de Liguori was the firstborn in his family. His poor eyesight and asthma prevented him from pursuing a military career and so his father decided that pursued a legal career. He was educated at the University of Naples and at the age of 16, he graduated with doctorates in civil and canon law. He started practicing law and became very successful. But in his heart, he heard a consistent interior voice that kept telling him, “Leave the world, and give yourself to me.” Adhering to this voice he decided to join the Congregation of the Oratory of Saint Philip Neri and was ordained a priest at the age of thirty. St Alphonsus spent his initial priestly years preaching and taking care of the marginalized and homeless youths of Naples. His preaching was simple and plain that attracted many congregants. In 1732, Alphonsus founded the Redemptorists Congregation with the aim of teaching and preaching to the poor in slums and poor countryside. St. Alphonsus had great devotion to the Blessed Sacrament and to our Blessed Mother. At one time in the interior town of Foggia, Alphonsus saw the vision of the Blessed Virgin Mary as a young teenage girl wearing a veil. He had books, articles and sermons about the devotion to the Blessed Sacrament and the Blessed Virgin Mary. St Alphonsus Liguori had written 111 works on spirituality and theology. There are 21,500 editions of these works which have been translated into 72 languages.

In the Gospel passage today, Jesus explains the parable of the wheat and the weeds to his disciples. God sows the good seeds, the wheat and the evil one sows the weeds. Out actions determine who we are whether seeds or weeds. Become like the saint of the day good seeds yielding hundredfold in all our words and actions bearing witness to the truth that we are the children of God.

Bible Reflections I 31.07.2023 - MONDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time: Week 17

Readings

          I - Ex. 32: 15-24, 30-34

         II - Mt. 13: 31-35

SAINT IGNATIUS OF LOYOLA

Today the church celebrates the feast of St. Ignatius of Loyola. Inigo was the youngest of 13 children of a noble and wealthy family.At the age of 16, Inigo left his home to serve as a page for Juan Velazques, treasurer of the kingdom of Castile. He was frequently at court and developed a taste for the material world.  He served as an officer in the Spanish army. On May 20, at the battle of Pamplona, his leg was broken by a cannon ball and he was bedridden for the next year.  During his difficult recovery, Inigo asked for books and he was given the life of Christ and biographies of the saints, topics which he found unexpectedly fascinating. St. Ignatius, as soldier had always dreamed of imitating heroes, but now, the heroes had names like Francis of Assisi and Catherine of Siena. Ignatius also noticed something strange happening to him. He realized that God was working within him, prompting, guiding and inviting.

He lived in a cave outside the town of Manresa. Ignatius began writing about the emotions that took hold of him, feelings of gratitude, anguish, consolation and sadness, while encountering the Sacred Scripture and compiled them under the title ‘The Spiritual Exercises’.  The Spiritual Exercises is a series of compilations on meditations, prayers, and other contemplative practices, meant to be used like a handbook, especially for spiritual directors who accompany and guide people through the process of reflection and prayer.  

Ignatius pursued his education at the University of Paris. While studying at the University of Paris, Ignatius boarded with two saintly men, St. Francis Xavier and St. Peter Faber who would not only join him in forming the Society of Jesus but would also be canonized as saints. Ignatius and six others (including Francis Xavier and Peter Faber) pronounce vows of poverty, chastity and obedience and form the Society of Jesus. Ignatius was joined by six companions when the Society of Jesus started as a religious order, which brought the number of total Jesuits in 1540 to 7.  On September 27, 1540, Pope Paul III made the Society of Jesus an official religious order in the Catholic Church. Its members unanimously elected Ignatius as the first Father General.    

In today’s Gospel passage Jesus speaks of the mustard seed that is tiny and small but grows so huge that the birds of the air came and made their nests in its branches.  From seven men at the beginning, the Society of Jesus has grown so much that they are spread over the world serving the humanity.  Little becomes huge. An encouraging nod, an appreciating word, a compassionate look, a gentle pat, silent presence, a kind gesture and above all a loving heart has a great power to touch and transform the world paving way for the heaven on earth. As people of God let us trust Lord, touch the life of the people and transform the world for the better.

Bible Reflections I 30.07.2023 - SUNDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time: Week 17

Readings:  

          I - I Kings 3: 5, 7-12

         II - Rom. 8: 28-30

        III - Mt. 13: 44-52

LIFE IS ALL ABOUT CHOICES

Life is all about the choices we make is the crux of all the readings of the day. The second reading says that we are God’s choice: foreknown, predestined, called and justified for glorification. The glorification depends on the choice we make. In the first reading King Solomon chose wisdom and; God glorified him to the extent that there had been none before or after, like the wise King Solomon. In the Gospel passage a man after finding the treasure in the field, sells all that he had so as to possess the treasure. Similarly the merchant on discovering the priceless pearl sells all things to buy the pearl.  

In our ordinary walk of life as followers of the Lord, are called to inflate our Christian identity at all times and by all means. We may have to suffer but that suffering worth to fetch us the glorification after our life here on the earth. We would be separated like the fish caught in the net in the Gospel reading for an inheritance with Lord, the glorification, Choose God, Choose glorification to which Christ Jesus has called us.

Bible Reflections I 29.07.2023 - SATURDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time: Week 16

Readings:  

          I - Jh. 4: 7-16

         II - Jn. 11: 19-27

MARTHA, MARY AND LAZARUS, DISCIPLES OF THE LORD

Today the Church remembers St. Martha, the friend of Jesus and sister of Mary and Lazarus.  Jesus as the friend, besides being a guest, sharing their hospitality, love and joy, goes to Bethany to share in the suffering of the Martha and Mary at the loss of their brother Lazarus. Martha beholding the Master on the way confidently says, “Lord if you had been here, my brother would not have died” and affirms her trust saying, “But even now I know that God will give you whatever you ask of Him” and so was it done to her.        

In the trending world of change and impermanency God’s love alone is strong and constant as the Scripture says, “I have loved you with an everlasting love” (Jer. 31:3).  All we need to do is to get connected with Jesus through our prayer.  In times of grief, pain, trials, temptations, discouragement, betrayal, sorrows and weakness, turn to Jesus, an understanding friend closer to us than the very air we breathe. Let us resolve to accept the forever friendship of Jesus as we celebrate the feast day of his friend Martha who served him with much love and care.

Bible Reflections I 28.07.2023 - FRIDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time: Week 16

Readings  

           I - Ex. 20: 1-17

          II - Mt. 13: 18-23

St. Alphonsa (Memorial)

LIVE BY THE WORD OF THE LORD

The receivers of the Word of God can be categorised under 4Cs viz. the Careless, the Cowardly, the Conceited and the Convinced.  Those seeds that fell on the road side can be compared to the Careless people.  They are quick to listen to the Word of God and quick too to forget without any understanding.  Those seeds that fell on the rocky ground can be compared to the cowardly people.   They listen and understand the Word of God but on account of any inconvenience or trouble or persecution, they give up actualising the same.  The seeds that fell among the thorns can be compared to the conceited people. They listen and understand the Word of God but are easily lured by the wealth, fame and name that belong to the world. Finally, those seeds that fell on the good soil can be compared to the convinced people, who listen, understand and align their life according to the Word of God.  

We celebrate the feast of St. Alphonsa, of the Franciscan Clarist Congregation and the first India woman saint who was ready to give up anything to follow Christ, even her beauty and burnt her one leg in the fire pit.  She joyfully endured all her suffering for the love of the Lord because she had discovered the great treasure and the priceless pearl in the person of Jesus Christ.  Let St. Alphonsa inspire to live a life based on love in faith and with conviction.

Bible Reflections I 27.07.2023 - THURSDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time: Week 16

Readings:  

           I - Ex. 19: 1-2, 9-11, 16-20

           II - Mt. 13: 10-17

  

PRIVILEGED PEOPLE OF GOD

In today’s Gospel passage Jesus explains to his disciples how privileged they are to see what they see and hear what they hear. Though this privilege was also extended to the Scribes, the Pharisees and the learned of the time, they refused to perceive and understand because they were self-righteous, stubborn and too proud. The disciples and the marginalised were able to perceive and understand because they were simple, humble and were open to the truth.

In our time we are privileged to have the presence of the Eucharist and availability of the Sacraments readily to strengthen and support us. Every day we read the word of God and receive Jesus daily but we have got to analyse whether we feel his presence and allow him to transform our life. If so, we too are privileged followers of the Lord as did his disciples.

Bible Reflections I 26.07.2023 - WEDNESDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time: Week 16

Readings  

           I - Ex. 16: 1-5, 9-15

           II - Mt. 13: 1-9

St. Joachim and St. Anne, Parents of the Virgin Mary (Memorial)

  

GRANDPARENTS DAY

Today the Church gratefully and joyfully remembers and celebrates St. Joachim and St. Anne, the parents of our Blessed Mother Mary and the grandparents of our Lord Jesus Christ. The feast is celebrated as World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly, from last year as introduced by Pope Francis in January, 2021. St. Joachim and St. Anne in their faithfulness to God and through their righteous deeds were chosen to be the parents of the Mother of God. If Mother Mary is blessed among all women, blessed too should have been the parents who brought her up to the extent of finding favour in the eyes of the Lord befitting to bring forth the long awaited Messiah, the Saviour into the world.

We are living in a painful reality of children discarding their own parents in old age homes or abandoning them to the caretakers, confining them to the four walls of a room in the house or still to the worse, some who are so cruel to chase them out of their homes without a second thought of their sustenance or maintenance at their age of helplessness. The wealth, honour, glory and pride that is beheld are inheritance from the ancestors; and this can neither be denied nor argued against. On the other hand there are children who them with dignity, kindness and love. Honouring the parents begets the blessings of the Lord (Ex. 20:12) for the Scripture exhorts and promises, “Honour your father and your mother, as the Lord your God commanded you, so that your days may be long and that it may go well with you in the land that the Lord your God is giving you (Deu 5:16). Respecting parents therefore is the command of the Lord (Lev. 19:3) that ultimately results in respecting the grandparents as well.

Bible Reflections I 25.07.2023 - TUESDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time: Week 16

Readings 

           I - 2 Cor. 4: 7-15

          II - Mt. 20: 20-28

                                    

FEAST OF ST. JAMES, THE APOSTLE

In the Gospel reading of the day, the mother of James and John asks Jesus to make her son sit at the right and left side of the Master in his kingdom. To the disciples Jesus about his style of ‘servant leadership’ and instructs that their greatness is in serving. The first reading of the day describes about the role of discipleship and the difficulties to be endured on this accord. Disciples are like a clay jar containing the treasure of the Gospel. They are called to manifest the life of Jesus in their mortal flesh. Because of which they have to endure affliction, persecution and destruction but they can neither be struck down nor destroyed, standing study in bearing witness to the life of Jesus in them.  

Today the Church celebrates the feast of St. James, the apostle. James and John were the first disciples called by Jesus to follow him when they were in a boat with their father Zebedee, preparing their nets (Mt. 4: 21-22, Mk. 1: 19-20). They were nicknamed as ‘Sons of thunder’ (Mt. 3: 17) for their fiery temper. James was one among the three (Peter and John) to be present during the important moments of Jesus: his transfiguration (Mt. 17: 1-13) and raising of Jairus daughter (Mk. 5: 21-43). He was the first bishop of Jerusalem. He was an important spokesperson at the council of Jerusalem regarding Paul’s mission to the Gentiles (Acts. 15: 13). In his epistle, he has stressed about precepts pertaining to faith and good works, true wisdom is from God, control over tongue and about the anointing of the sick. James went as a missionary to Spain and preached the Gospel there. When he returned from Spain to Jerusalem, he was captured and beheaded by the sword. He was the first apostle to die as a martyr. His remains were taken to Compostela in Northern Spain and a chapel was constructed above the same. The new cathedral was built in the 12th century. St. James is the patron saint of Spain. May the life of the saint inspire us to aspire for a credible Christian living witnessing to the life of Christ as the readings of the day exhorts. Let our mind and heart resonate with the prayer: “St. James, Pray for us”.