Bible Reflections I 05.09.2023 - TUESDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time: Week 22

Readings 

            I - I Thess. 5: 1-6, 9-11

           II - Lk. 4: 31-37

FEAST OF SAINT THERESA OF KOLKATA

Today the Church joyfully and proudly celebrates the feast of Mother and Saint Theresa of Kolkata. Mother Theresa was a generous soul, served as the messenger of God and ambassador of His love to lighten and brighten up the lives of so many poor, neglected and the abandoned of the Kolkata streets. She was a simple person with tremendous faith in God and passionate in the works of Charity as an expression of her love ardent love for the Lord. When an American Journalist who had come for an interview found her cleansing the wounds of the leper and bandaging the same remarked, “I wouldn’t touch that man for a million dollars”. Mother Theresa lovingly said, “For a million dollars, I wouldn’t touch him either. I would do it for Jesus”. 

Anjeze Gonxhe Bojaxhiu, the original name of Mother Theresa, was born in 1910 in Albania. She joined the Loreto sisters when she was eighteen years. She came to Darjeeling, India in 1929 to complete her novitiate. She took the religious name Theresa in honour of St. Theresa of Child Jesus. She was serving as headmistress of a school in Kolkata. Moved by the poverty and plight of the poor and the abandoned, she left the Loreto and started serving the destitute becoming a poor among the poor. She brought light and sunshine in the lives of people who dwelled in dark, abandoned by all in the world. 

Mother Theresa, the champion of the humanist was awarded with a Nobel Prize in 1979 for her untiring work in the alleviation of poverty and the plight of the humanity especially the neglected sections of the society. She refused the honour banquet and requested the expenditure for the same $ 1,92,000 to be used for the poor in India. She founded her congregation ‘The order of the Missionaries of Charity” in 1948, to carry on her work of charity all over in India and in the world. In the crazy world of money, power, pomp and glory, let us dare to turn to Mother Theresa for a simplicity of heart and profound love for God in our simple works of charity done in great faith. May our mind and heart resonate with the prayer, “St. Theresa, Pray for us”.

Today in India, we also celebrate the Teachers’ Day. Revere teachers for their selfless sacrifice and utmost dedication in the task of forming young minds for a better society by empowering them through education. Remember all your teachers, thank God for them and offer special prayers for them for in their services vests the future of the nation.

Bible Reflections I 04.09.2023 - MONDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time: Week 22

Readings 

           I - 1 Thess. 4: 13-18

           II - Lk. 4: 16-30

          

FAITH FAVOURS

Today’s Gospel passage is on the manifesto of the public ministry of Jesus.  As Jesus finished reading the passage of Prophet Isaiah, all eyes in the synagogue were fixed on him, he won the approval of all and they were astonished by the gracious word that came from his lips. Still the bias of the people that Jesus was a carpenter’s son prevented them to go beyond to trust him.  Therefore as the bible says, “He did not do many miracles there because of their lack of faith” (Mt. 13:58).  He came to his own and his own accepted him not (Jn. 1:11).

Each person is unique. Everyone has their own role to play in this world.  Judging from the background, we too are sometimes prone to miss people for what they are.  Accept everyone in the name of the Lord going beyond prejudice, likes and dislikes.  There are still prophets and persons of God amidst us. It is up to us to behold them in faith in order to behold the blessings of the Lord.

Bible Reflections I 03.09.2023 - SUNDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time: Week 22

Readings 

            I - Jer. 20: 7-9

           II - Rom. 12:1-2

          III - Mt. 16: 21-27

SET YOUR MIND ON THINGS OF GOD

The readings of the day invites us to set our mind on things of God as Jesus in the Gospel reading of the day. In the second reading St. Paul says that we have to conform our mind not to this world but be conduct our lives discerning and living by the will of God. In the first reading, prophet Jeremiah despite suffering chooses again and again to proclaim God’s Word though it was not pleasing to the people of God. In the Gospel passage Jesus says convincingly chooses to go to Jerusalem so as to fulfill the Father’s will for the salvation of he world.

We are the children of God. If we are His Children, we must be ready to discern and live by God’s holy will. We cannot follow the standards of the world that are pleasing but must be willing to offer ourselves as sacrifice to God in every move we make, going against the standards of the world. Set your mind not on the world with all its whims but on God’s will that goes against the whims of the world.

Bible Reflections I 02.09.2023 - SATURDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time: Week 21

Readings 

            I - 1 Thess. 4: 9-11

           II - Mt. 25: 14-30

ARE YOU A FAITHFUL SERVENT?

Today’s Gospel passage is about the parable of the talents. The masters entrusts to the servants five, two and one talents, according to their ability and goes on his journey. The first two servants who received five and two talents multiplied them through their hard work and returned as ten and four talents respectively to their master on his return. The third servant returned the one he received besides accusing the master himself saying, “Master, I knew you to be a hard man, reaping where you did not sow, and gathering where you scattered no seed”. The good and faithful servants received their rewards and; the wicked and the slothful servant received his punishment.  

Like the master in the parable, God has entrusted each of us with talents with great trust and confidence. He has entrusted unconditionally without any strings attached to it. But it is our responsibility to be industrious in utilizing the same in building up the humanity. Otherwise we will resemble that wicked servant who did nothing but blamed the master himself, for his laziness. We need not compare the talents with one another but be convinced that we are given according to our ability. In the light of this Gospel passage let us examine how we utilise our God given talents. At the end of time the Lord will reward those who serve him and the humanity with the talents given and punish those who are irresponsible and slothful.

Bible Reflections I 01.09.2023 - FRIDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time: Week 21

Readings 

            I - 1Thess. 4: 1-8

           II - Mt. 25: 1-13

REMAIN EVER READY AND EVER PREPARED

The Gospel passage is about the ten bridesmaids awaiting for the arrival of the bridegroom. Five were wise and five were foolish.  The wise five were proactive and vigilant in carrying a flask of oil with them so that they may be ready even if the bridegroom arrived late.  They were resolute and purposeful; and entered the wedding hall with the bridegroom.  The foolish five were negligent and careless that they failed to carry a flask of oil with them so they were unprepared to welcome the bridegroom at his arrival.  They were irresolute and lost the purpose; and missed entering the wedding hall with the bridegroom.  

Preparedness, with prudence and perseverance rewards achieving the purpose of entering into that wedding banquet of the Lord.  Those who are agile and aright aligning their ways unto the way of the Lord enter the banquet with the Him at the end of their life here on earth.  We have been gifted with the light of Christ at the time of our baptism representing our transition from death to life in Christ.  It is our bounden duty to keep it alight until the day of Lord.  Persistence in living the Gospel values of life and prudence in remaining in the same, with utmost steadfastness; unperturbed by the allurements of the world can keep one ever ready for that all important moment of seeing the Lord face to face; walking hand in hand with him into that royal wedding banquet of the Lord prepared all in love for us.

Bible Reflections I 31.08.2023 - THURSDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time: Week 21

Readings 

            I - 1Thess. 3: 7-13

           II - Mt. 24: 42-51

SO WE LIVE SO WE DIE

According to the Gospel passage today there are two groups of people who are doomed to inherit the eternal damnation viz. the unready and the hypocrites. Because both are concerned about everything other than the essential, the love of God and the love of neighbour. Preparedness and vigilance is essential to behold the Master as He comes. We die the way we live.

The trending wellness concept of the day is “mindfulness”. Mindfulness is being fully present to oneself and to the happenings around. When were are present to ourselves, persons and happenings around, centered on God, we can live our life healthier, better, fruitful and satisfied. This is the simple technique yet highly magical in leading us towards a sacrosanct living that inherits eternal bliss. Mindfulness paves way to meet the Lord with preparedness and vigilance.

Bible Reflections I 30.08.2023 - WEDNESDAY I INDRAYA MANNA

Ordinary Time: Week 21

Readings 

           I - I Thess. 2: 9-13

           II - Mt. 23: 27-32

ST. EUPHRASIA ELUVATHINGAL

Lives of saints show us the way they stepped to reach the heart of God. Today the Church celebrates the feast of Euphrasia Eluvathingal, an Indian Carmelite nun of the Syro-Malabar Church.  Euphrasia was born on 17 October, 1877 in the family of Eluvathingal Cherpukaran Anthony and Kunjethy in the Kattur village of Edathuruthy parish. Her father was well known, wealthy man of determination and power.  Rosa fully inherited the parental virtues. She was extremely calm and composed with a deep spirit of prayer and great devotion to the Mother of God. She was called as Rosa at home.  When she was a child she asked her mother about the meaning of ‘Queen of Angels’.  The mother told her then about Mother Mary and the angels and also added that they angels always adored the Lord.  The very night our Blessed Mother appeared to Rosa in her dream and made her adore the Lord along with the Choirs of Angels. This happened for continuous three days.  She also had the vision of the Holy Family” Jesus, Mary and Joseph.  St. Euphrasia Eluvathingal lived every moment of her life loving and worshipping God and serving Him in her fellow creatures, her suffering brothers and sisters. She was canonised as a saint by Pope Francis on 23 November 2014 in Vatican City. Mother 

The life of saints encourage, motivate and spur us to grow in sanctity or the perfection.  May the wonderful and exemplary life of St. Euphrasia Eluvathingal help us to yield ourselves unto the will of the Lord. Don not be like the Pharisees and the Sadducees of the Gospel passage of the day who appeared to be spiritual but not. Let our credibility shine through our words and deeds.

Bible Reflections I 29.08.2023 - TUESDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time: Week 21

Readings 

           I - Jer. 1: 17-19

           II - Mk. 6: 17-29

BEHEADING OF ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST

The Church today remembers the martyrdom of St. John the Baptist, the last prophet of the Old Testament and the forerunner of the Messiah, Jesus Christ. St. John the Baptist was simple, that he had no pomp and glory in his living; straightforward in pointing the pointing the mistakes of the people be it even a king and steadfast in preparing the way of the Lord through his baptism of conversion. He was beheaded because he was outright in pointing the mistake of the Herod that it was not right for Herod to live with his brother’s wife. This truth hurt Herodias badly and she waited for a chance to outlet her vengeance and rightly utilised also the opportunity in instigating her daughter. Though Herod knew that St. John the Baptist was right and holy man, he gave in to his ego and cowardice. Herodias’ daughter also had her share in this beheading, her failure to discern and decide about her gift. 

We can draw four lessons from the beheading of St. John the Baptist: one, the courage of St. John the Baptist to stand for the truth come what may, even if it cost our life; two, never let vengeance flag at the cost of the destruction of the other; three, have courage to stand for the truth subduing our ego and finally, make discernment at every juncture of life.

Bible Reflections I 28.08.2023 - MONDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time: Week 21

Readings 

            I - I Thess. 1: 1-5, 8-10

           II - Mt. 23: 13-22

ST. AUGUSTINE, BISHOP AND DOCTOR

Not all saints start out saintly. The complete conversion of St Augustine of Hippo has been an inspiration to many who desire to turn back to God. Today the Church celebrates the feast of St. Augistine of Hippo, the Doctor of the Church.  He is the patron saint of brewers because of his conversion from a former life that included entertainment, parties and worldly ambitions.  Augustine was born in Tagaste in the year 354. His father, Patricius, was a Roman official, a pagan and his mother, Monica was a pious Christian lady. Monica prayed often that her family would be Christians. Patricius converted to Christianity just before his death. Augustine took so many years for conversion of heart still Monica never gave up her faith in the conversion of Augustine and prayed for him fervently with tears that he might one day be touched by Christ.   Augustine followed his own religious explorations as a Manichean and later a Platonist. Augustine became a professor of the liberal arts and befriended his contemporary, St. Jerome. The restless intellectual was convinced by the sermon of St. Ambrose on Easter and was baptised by him in 387. His autobiography ‘Confessions’ contains the story of his conversion. 

Love of God and love of neighbour are the axis upon which revolves the whole of law and the prophecy.   Under the pretext of being faithful to the law of the Lord to its minutest details, the Scribes and the Pharisees have multiplied and made the observance of the law more difficult, cumbersome, tiring, impossible and disgusting.  The essence of the law was diluted to mere ritual and a hypocrisy. In today’s Gospel passage, Jesus reprimands such pharisaic attitude of hypocrisy and insists on the importance of the indispensable higher value of life grounded on love. May the saint of the day help us to be credible Christians with conviction.

Bible Reflections I 27.08.2023 - SUNDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time: Week 21

Readings 

           I - Is. 22: 19-23

           II - Rom. 11: 33-36

          III - Mt. 18: 13-20

GOD CHOOSES WHOMEVER HE WANTS

In the second reading of the day, St. Paul in his letter to the Romans says that unsearchable are God’s judgments and inscrutable are his ways. He chooses whomever he wants for accomplishing His mission. None can complain or contradict or counsel Him. He enthrones as well as dethrones. None can question or argue with Him. In the first reading, God chooses Eliakim to be the king of Jerusalem. To Him would He entrust the key of the house of David. In the Gospel passage, Jesus chooses Simon Peter, the impetuous fisherman to lead the New Israel, the People of God handing him the keys of the Kingdom of Heaven. God does not call the qualified rather He calls and qualifies. Qualification befitting to the mission entrusted: to lead his little flock.   

We are called by God for a purpose. He has not created us in vain. All we need to do is to wait for Him and to discern His will with diligence. Pray in a special way today for all our church leaders and the leaders of the nation as well that they may lead the Church and the latter the nation according to the Plan of God.

Bible Reflections I 26.08.2023 - SATURDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time: Week 20

Readings 

            I - Ruth 2: 1, 1-3, 8-11, 4: 13-17

           II - Mt. 23: 1-12

BECOME HUMBLE AND MEEK 

As subordinates, submit to the authority and as superiors, serve like a slave is the crux of the Gospel passage today.  Jesus instructs both, the subordinates and the superiors.  He exhorts the people to abide by the teachings of the Scribes and the Pharisees as they are delegated with the authority from God Himself and insists that the greatness of the leaders vest in their service to the flock that is entrusted. A leader should be a servant of all.  

To submit and to serve is possible to the one who is humble.  It takes courage and conviction to remain humble ignoring pride, honour, glory, pomp, fame and popularity. Humble persons are always aglow in spirit that attracts the attention and admiration of all, inspiring and inviting them to imitate the same.  May the grace of God wrap us with humility, simplicity and meekness to submit and to serve, solely for the glory of God.

Bible Reflections I 25.08.2023 - FRIDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time: Week 20

Readings 

            I - Ruth 1: 1, 3-6, 14-16, 22

           II - Mt. 22: 34-40

STAY HUMBLE

in today’s Gospel passage the Pharisees and the Sadducees plan to trick Jesus and a lawyer approaches Jesus with a question solely with the intention of testing him, “Teacher, which commandment in the law is the greatest?”  This projects the self-righteousness and the ‘all knowing’ attitude of the religious leaders comprising the upper hierarchy of the Jewish society. Pride and arrogance are the byproducts of self-righteousness which was the greatest obstacle for the so called ‘all knowing’ religious leaders to identify and accept Jesus as the Promised Messiah. 

Self-righteousness and pride obstructs from accepting the truth, arrogance alleviates the power of understanding and above all self-righteousness makes one to willfully miss the mark barricading the truth that is God Himself.  Jesus is the Gospel, the Good News that can only be beheld with simplicity, humility and openness of heart.  Let us give up self-righteousness, the premier enemy of the Gospel to discover the ‘all powerful, all loving, all knowing and all merciful” God.

Bible Reflections I 24.08.2023 - THURSDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time: Week 20

Readings 

           I - Rev. 21: 9-14

           II - Jn. 1: 45-51

 ST. BARTHOLOMEW, APOSTLE 

The Church celebrates the feast of St. Bartholomew also known as Nathaniel mentioned in the Gospel passage today. Nathaniel had a similar prejudiced attitude like any other Jew, “Can anything good come from Nazareth”. But still, with the simplicity of heart, forthright mind and openness to the truth adhered to Phillip’s, “Come and see”. This is why Jesus commented at Nathaniel saying, “Here truly is an Israelite in whom there is no deceit”. Nathaniel went, saw, spoke to Jesus and was convinced that Jesus was the Messiah, the Son of God and thereafter followed him.  

Most of us have an opinionated outlook about someone or something. Every mind is prejudiced about every other person because of here say, experiences, encounters, rumours and gossips. We are often adamant to amend our ideas, notions and thought patterns; and estimate people form the place they come, to the family the belong, the caste and creed of the person, educational background, their lifestyle and their affluence and status in the society. In this bargain, we may miss Jesus present in the other person. May the feast of St. Bartholomew, help us to give up our prejudice and discover Jesus, the Truth in every person and event.

Bible Reflections I 23.08.2023 - WEDNESDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time: Week 20

Readings 

            I - Judg. 9: 6-15

           II - Mt. 20: 1-16

SAINT ROSA OF LEEMA

STRIVE TO INHERIT LIFE ETERNAL

In today’s Gospel passage Jesus speaks about the reward of those who strive for the Kingdom of God. Towards the end of the Gospel passage Jesus says, “The last will be first and the first will be last”. He speaks of the absolute equity and equality in the kingdom of heaven. There are some who are saints right from their birth, there are others who take a U-turn towards God at one point of their life time and while there are still others who gain paradise at the last breathe of their life. Yet all partake in the glory of the bliss to the full with no distinction, for God shows no difference nor is He partial.

The voice of the Lord beckons to set our life on the right track that leads to life eternal. To adhere to the Lord’s voice, return to him, amending our ways unto His, usher bliss of paradise, the heritage of all human being created in the image and likeness of God. Some listen to His voice, others neglect while still some other slight the same. When we conduct our life in vain after money, power, possession, pleasure and wealth, the voice of the Lord would definitely interrupt, inviting us for a greater purpose of attaining heaven, the blissful eternal life.

Bible Reflections I 22.08.2023 - TUESDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time: Week 20

Readings 

            I - Is. 9: 2-7

           II - Lk. 1: 26-38

QUEENSHIP OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY 

Today the Church celebrates the feast of the Queenship of Mother Mary.  Pope Pius XII instituted this feast in 1954.  The celebration has its roots in the Scripture.  At the annunciation, the angel Gabriel, as we have heard it read in the Gospel reading, says, “The Lord will give to him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end”.  In the first reading Prophet Isiah titles him as ‘Prince of Peace’ and prophesy that his kingdom would have no end.  Mary’s Queenship is a share in the kingship of her son Jesus.  Pope Pius XII in his encyclical “To the Queen of Heaven” Justify her title as ‘Queen’ emphasizing that she was the Mother of God and the Mother of King and that she was closely associated with the redemptive work of her son. 

In the litany of the Rosary invoke the intercession of mother Mary, calling her as ‘Queen’.  She is queen of heaven and of the earth because she had been faithful to her ‘fiat’ meaning ‘let it be done’ until her assumption into Heaven. Mary served the Lord in humility and obedience even in the most trying situations, all with faith and in faithfulness. Let us implore Mother Mary’s intercession, assistance, support and guidance in our fidelity and commitment to the Lord as His beloved children. Let our mind and heart resonate with the prayer: “Mother Mary, Queen of heaven and of the earth, Pray for us.

Bible Reflections I 21.08.2023 - MONDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time: Week 20

Readings 

            I - Judges 2:11-19

           II - Mt. 19: 16-22

GO AND SELL

Christian living is giving. Giving all that we have and all that we are, to ennoble, enrich and empower the poor, the downtrodden, the less privileged, the less fortunate and those in misery. Observance of commandments may help to inherit eternal life but perfection vests in parting away with the possession for the poor is the crux of the Gospel passage today. The man who wanted to be perfect and approached Jesus for the same observed all laws right from his childhood but he was unable to sell his riches and give to poor because it hurt him. It might hurt his security, status, dignity and pride. Therefore the rich man went away sorrowful not having a heart to part with riches.   

Spending our energy, time, skill, money, material, wealth; and power surpassing all time constraint, power constraint, dignity constraint, status constraint and prestige constraint even at the cost of name, fame, pride, dignity, ego and reputation, just to uplift the poor and those in the periphery, is emptying. This is the way to perfection.

Bible Reflections I 20.08.3023 - SUNDAY I INDRAYA MANNA

Ordinary Time: Week 20

Readings 

           I - Is. 56: 1, 6-7

          II - Rom. 11: 13-15, 29-32

         III - Mt. 13: 21-28

                  

PRAY WITHOUT CEASING 

The Canaanites were outcasts and therefore the Jews abstained themselves from associating with the Canaanites. In today’s Gospel passage, the Canaanite woman comes before the Lord requesting for the healing of her daughter tortured by demon. Jesus tries to send her away reminding of her status: “it is not fair to take the children’s’ food and throw it to the dogs”. The outcasts were also considered as dogs. But she was persistent in persuading Jesus for the healing and finally Jesus did heal her daughter and appreciates her faith saying, “Woman great is your faith! Let it be done for you as you wish”.

The three essential elements for prayer are: courage, faith and perseverance. Courage to face the Lord with the conviction that we are the children of God. Jesus says that faith can move even mountains (Mt. 17: 20-21). We should never become tired of praying (Col. 4: 2) but keep persevering with faith. If prayer requests are unanswered, examine your courage to stand before the Lord, faith and perseverance. Remember at all times that we are the children of God redeemed by the precious blood of Jesus Christ.

Bible Reflections I 19.08.2023 - SATURDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time: Week 19

Readings 

           I - Joshua 24: 14-29

          II - Mt. 19:13-15

LITTLE ARE GREAT 

Highlighting the marginalised, exalting the lowly, leading the last to the forefront and making the insignificant the prominent is the unique and unbeatable style of Jesus.  In the society that considered women and children as ‘no persons’, Jesus commands his disciples to let the little children come to him, blesses them and calls them the greatest and the protagonist in the Kingdom of heaven. 

The innocence, fragility, dependence, forgiveness, guilelessness, trust, reliance, simplicity, openness, sense of wonder, candidness and honesty make the little children the predilects of the kingdom of heaven.  Jesus affirms saying, “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven” (Mt. 18:3).  Jesus exhorts us to have an attitudinal change giving up our ego, anger, pride, hatred, jealousy, arrogance, vain glory, revenge, falsehood and pretensions, to imbibe the characteristics of little children in order to become great in the kingdom of heaven.  Let us with the grace of God become worthy children of God giving up our old and rugged living and inherit the kingdom prepared for us.

Bible Reflections I 18.08.2023 - FRIDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time: Week 19

Readings 

          I - Joshua 24: 1-13

         II - Mt. 19:3-12

ST. HELEN - Memory 

In today’s Gospel passage as a response to the question posed by the Pharisees, “Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife for any cause?”, Jesus highlights the supremacy of marriage, in which man and woman become one flesh, a union inseparable and willed by God Himself. Marriage is a covenantal relationship characterised by unity and indissolubility rooted in fidelity and faithfulness to one another. It is the replica of the relationship between Christ and the Church (Eph. 5: 22-23) and hence it is a sacrament. It is a lifelong commitment to one another all in mutual love, understanding, forbearance, flexibility, adaptability, humility and patience.  

Despite marriage being a sacrament, break ups too are not uncommon today. Couples get separated for silly and capricious reasons. The sacrament of matrimony gets shattered in each one’s striving for false freedom, carefree living, autonomy grounded in utter selfishness and egotism, intolerance at the success of the other, considering the other not as their life partner but as their rival, self-righteousness and pride. A family that prays together stays together. Prayer strengths the nuptial bond and family relationship building bridges beyond barriers turning hatred into love, discord into harmony, non-acceptance into acceptance, egotism into altruism, rivalry into companionship and pride into humility. Habituate family prayer and nurture fruitful living making family a church in its miniature. In the silence of our hearts let us keep repeating: “Lord Jesus, Bless our family”.

Bible Reflections I 17.08.2023 - THURSDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time: Week 19

Readings 

            I - Joshua 3: 7-10, 11, 13-17

           II - Mt. 18:21-19:1

TO FORGIVE IS DIVINE

Forgiveness is the hallmark of Christian living. In the Gospel reading today Jesus answers Peter’s query by exhorting him to forgive the offender seventy times seven, which means a complete forgiveness. In the prayer taught by Jesus, we invoke God praying, “forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us” (Mt. 6:12), a conditional forgiveness. Therefore to be forgiven, one has to forgive. Forgiveness favours a bonding relationship that fosters fraternity, unity and communion thus realising the dream of Jesus: the kingdom of God.  

Jesus says, “And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive them, so that you father in heaven may forgive your sins” (Mk. 11:25). We need to forgive, if we need to obtain forgiveness from God. Jesus had forgiven the torturers and the executioners who tortured and nailed him to the cross and had left us an example to walk his way. Let us follow the way of the Shepherd and set example to the world, as sterling Christians after the heart of Jesus Christ our Lord.