Bible Reflections I 17.09.2023 - SUNDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time: Week 24

Readings 

            I - Sir. 27: 30 - 28: 7

           II - Rom. 14: 7-9

          III - Mt. 18: 2135

FORGIVE AND YOU WILL BE FORGIVEN

The love of the Lord is unconditional while His forgiveness is conditional. If we forgive our neighbour only can we expect our sins too be forgiven. Forgiveness is the central theme of the readings of the day. Today’s Gospel passage is about the parable of the unforgiving servant. To the question raised by Peter how often he should forgive his brother, Jesus says this parable highlighting the fragility of man and the generous forgiveness of the Father. In the same way, Jesus invites us to extend forgiveness to the one who sin against us, countless times, imitating the mercy of the Father that we experience in our sinfulness.  

The bible says, “Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful” (Lk. 6: 36). In the prayer taught by Jesus, he gives, forgiveness of neighbour as precondition to obtain forgiveness for ourselves from God our Father. Think for a moment that if only we are to be treated by God according to the weightage of sin, none of us would dare to exist on the earth. His mercy sustains, supports and gives us hope for another new beginning with courage, hope and enthusiasm. Let us project the same to others who offend us to prove that we are the children of the merciful father.

Bible Reflections I 16.09.2023 - SATURDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time: Week 23

Readings 

            I - Tim. 1: 15-17

           II - Lk. 6: 43-49

                    

A GOOD TREE YIELDS GOOD FRUIT

A grandfather was teaching his grandson about life. He said, “A terrible fight between two wolves is going on inside me. One is evil and the other is good. The evil is: anger, jealousy, hatred, greed, arrogance, resentment, ego and pride. The good is: love, peace, joy, compassion, mercy, faith, hope, empathy, kindness, humility, forgiveness and benevolence. The same fight is going on inside you and every other person as well”. The grandson thought for a while and asked his grandfather, “Which wolf will win?” The grandfather replied, “The one you feed”. In today’s Gospel passage Jesus says that a good tree bears good fruit and the bad tree bad fruit. People do no pick figs from thorns nor gather grapes from brambles. A man’s words flow words flow out of what fills his heart.   

Jesus exhorts his followers not to be mere hearers of his word but doers of the same. A person captivated by God’s words cannot but obey his words and stand by them at all times. Spikenard when crushed fills the ambient and the hand that crushes with its pleasant aroma. So too are the doers of the word of God. They prove their faith more fervently at the testing times as did Job in the Bible. These are the people who build their house on the rock that stands firm even with the flood. These are the good trees that yield good fruits, in season and out of season. These are the people who feed their soul constantly with the word of God and reap it in good deeds proving their authenticity. In this light let us examine our life whether we are mere hearers of the word or doers of the word as well yielding good fruit glorifying the Lord.

Bible Reflections I 15.09.2023 - FRIDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time: Week 23

Readings 

            I - Heb. 5: 7-9

           II - Lk. 19: 25-27

OUR LADY OF SORROWS

Obedience is an act of love.  Yesterday we celebrated the feast of the exaltation of the Holy Cross that highlights the obedience of Jesus who willingly embraced the cross out of his love for the Father.  Today we celebrate the feast of the Sorrowful Virgin Mary that again highlights the obedience of Mother Mary consenting to submit herself unreservedly with utmost love, to the master plan of God for the salvation of the humankind.  The obedience of Jesus did cost him so much that as we read in the first reading, “Jesus offered up prayers and supplications with loud cries and tears, to him who was able to save him from death”.  The suffering of mother Mary too was great that are evident from the seven sorrows of her life (the Prophecy of Simeon, the Flight into Egypt, the Loss of the Child Jesus in the Temple, the Meeting of Jesus on his way to Calvary, the Crucifixion of Jesus on Mount Calvary, Jesus is Taken Down from the Cross and the Burial of Jesus), yill remained in fidelity to her words, “Behold the handmaid of the Lord” (Lk. 1:38) till the end of her life her on the earth.  The obedience of Mother Mary and her Son Jesus in love brought salvation to the humankind.    

Obedience is obliges to surrender.  It is submitting ourselves unto the will of the Father.  It is suffering yet it is an expression of our supreme love for the Lord.  Disobedience can give us temporary happiness, success, glory, victory and popularity but will never fetch us life eternal. Though it is costing, it is worth yielding ourselves unto the plan of God.

Bible Reflections I 14.09.2023 - THURSDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time: Week 23

Readings 

            I - Num. 21: 4-9

           II - Jn. 3: 13-17

                    

EXALTATION OF THE HOLY CROSS 

The Lord humbles and He exalts, He strikes and He heals, He scatters and He gathers, for the sake of His benevolent love for His people. God can turn punishment into forgiveness, suffering into joy, curse into blessing, mourning into dancing and weeping into joy for the sake of His infinite mercy upon us. The Israelites sinned by speaking against the Lord and against Moses His servant; and so God sent poisonous serpents to punish them. Many of the Israelites died bitten by the serpents. Moses, prayed and pleaded for the people and hence the sign of punishment and death - the serpent, was turned to sign of forgiveness and life. Everyone bitten by the serpent looked upon the serpent set on a pole and was saved. Similarly, to save the mankind from sin and death, God sent His only son in form of a human being to save the mankind. The fall of humanity with the sin of Adam was rectified and restored by the death of the New Adam - Jesus Christ on the cross. Cross, the sign of punishment, defeat, death and shame was turned into redemption, victory, life and glory with the death of Jesus on the Cross. By one man, Adam, death entered into the world and the death of one man, Jesus, the New Adam, the entire world is saved and restored. 

Today the Church celebrates the feast of the exaltation of the Holy Cross. In St. Paul’s letter to the Philippians we read, “…He humbled Himself and became obedient to death, even death on a cross. Therefor God exalted Him to the highest place and gave Him the name above all names, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father” (Phil. 2: 8-10). “For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing but to us who are being saved it is the power of God” (1Cor. 1:18). Yielding our life unto the will of the Father at all times and in all situations like Jesus, will definitely rise us up one day even if it is costing here and now. Let us learn to endure carrying our daily cross (Lk. 9 :23) as they come on our way with all love so that one day we too may be exalted for glorifying God the Father with our life here on earth.

Bible Reflections I 13.09.2023 - WEDNESDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time: Week 23

Readings 

           I - Col. 3: 1-11

           II - Lk. 6: 20-26

CARE, SHARE AND BECOME ‘BLESSED’

Today’s Gospel passage comprises of four ‘blessed’ and four ‘woe’. It is a consolation to the unfortunate; and a caution to the fortunate as per the worldly standards. Jesus calls the poor, the hungry, the sorrowful and the rejected as ‘blessed’ and says ‘woe’ to the rich, the wealthy, the happy and the elite. Jesus says ‘woe’ to these people not because they are rich, wealthy and revered but because they slighted and neglected the poor and the less privileged; and failed to care for and share with them. 

The concept of the kingdom of God is that we are the children of the Father in heaven and therefore we are brothers and sisters called to support, care and encourage one another as we would with our own kith and kin. Strive to become ‘blessed’ by caring for others and sharing with other what we have, not only the money and material but our time, skill and energy.

Bible Reflections I 12.09.2023 - TUESDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time: Week 23

Readings 

            I - Col. 2: 6-15

           II - Lk. 6: 12-19

                    

ACTUALISE PRAYER IN THE ORDINARY LIVING

The hotline connection of Jesus with the Father in Prayer was reflected in his ordinary yet effective living among the people. All his ministry: preaching, healing, cleansing, performing miracles and decision making, was backed up in perfect union with God in prayer. His life of prayer geared his mission among the people despite, rejection, misunderstanding, fault finding, accusations and allegations of the religious fanatics in particular, the Scribes and the Pharisees. Therefore Jesus was able to do good wherever he went (Acts. 10:38).

Prayer is surrender. Surrender of our will, pride, ego and self-interest so that we may be able to discern what actually God wants of us. If the life of prayer betrays our ordinary living with the people then it is hypocrisy. We many spend hours and hours in prayer but if that prayer does not help us or rather lead us to forgive, help, care, share, empathise and above all to love others as ourselves, then it is duplicity and double standard living that the Lord detests. Like Jesus, our prayer should lead us to an integrated living that is powerful and witnessing.

Bible Reflections I 11.09.2023 - MONDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time: Week 23

Readings 

           I - Col. 1: 24-2:3

           II - Lk. 6: 6-11                    

STAND FOR WHAT IS RIGHT 

Today’s Gospel passage is about Jesus healing a man with the weathered hand on a Sabbath day. Jesus knew that the Pharisees were watching whether he would heal him so that they can find some reason to accuse him. The man with the weathered hand did not ask for a healing but Jesus on his own initiated the healing with the intention of refuting the Pharisees about their hypocrisy in observing the Sabbath. Jesus indeed knew that this act would definitely earn the wrath of the Pharisees, still he stood up for what was right: to do good and to save life on the Sabbath; and this is lawful, noble, human and religious.  

Often times we do know what is right and truthful but still we hesitate to side the same because of the fear of losing relationship, reputation, name, fame, power and position. We remain so inhuman in willfully denying to stand by what is just and truth despite seeing the other helpless and suffering. It is heartrending, sinful and sorrowing for the Lord says, “Do what is just and right. Rescue from the hand of the oppressor the one who has been robbed. Do no wrong or violence to the foreigner, the fatherless or the widow, and do not shed innocent blood in this place” (Jer. 22:3). Dare to stand up for what is right after the example of Jesus our Lord and Master.

Bible Reflections I 10.09.2023 - SUNDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time: Week 23

Readings 

            I - Ezk. 33: 7-9

           II - Rom. 13: 8-10

          III - Mt. 18: 15-20          

BRING BACK THE STRAYED

The crux of the three readings of the day is about the straying sheep to the sheepfold. In the first reading God exhorts to warn the wicked to turn from his way. Failing to do so will be responsible for the person who dies in his iniquity. By warning the wicked, we not only save his soul, we save our own soul as well. In the Gospel passage Jesus gives a ‘bringing back process’ of the sinned: first to point out when the person is alone; second, by taking along one or two persons; and finally to hand him to the Church. This process has to be done all in love because in the second reading St. Paul says that love does no wrong to a neighbour. Only in dealing with love, shall we be just and merciful.  

There are four ways in treating the one who wrongs: one, to be revengeful; two, to be indifferent; three, to defame and four to point out the mistake in love with an intention to correct that person. In the light of the readings of the day, examine every one of your action towards your neighbour. Where there is love there is no rash judgment, condemning, backbiting and defaming. Have courage to point out in love so that we may have the privilege of bringing the strayed to the sheepfold.

Bible Reflections I 09.09.2023 - SATURDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time: Week 22

Readings 

          I - Col. 1: 21-23

          II - Lk. 6: 1-5

          

LIVE BY THE LAW OF LOVE 

At the time of Jesus the Sabbath, the day of rest, was merely diluted to a day of ‘don’t dos’. Abstinence from all work and availability to the Lord is he crux of the observance of Sabbath. In today’s Gospel passage, Jesus defends his disciples saying, “The Son of man is the Lord of Sabbath”. The disciples were walking with Jesus, in total availability to the Lord and that is Sabbath. Hence the disciples were perfect in observing the Sabbath. Jesus by defending his disciples, clarifies the vision of the religious leaders to fix focus on the spirit of Law rather than burdening and oppressing people under the pretext of the observance of the Law.  

One does not become a religious by mere observance of its rules and rituals. Prayer, fasting, penance, abstinence and all acts of piety should help the person to be available to the Lord and His demands of love, otherwise they are self-gratification and hypocrisy that the Lord detests. Let us live by the essence of the law of the Lord than focusing on rituals and rules of the religion.

Bible Reflections I 08.09.2023 - FRIDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time: Week 22

Readings 

         I - Micah 5: 2-5

        II - Mt. 1: 1-16, 18-23                    

NATIVITY OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY 

Birthdays are significant in association with the relationship one holds with that person. We behold the birthday of our dear and near ones with joy and jubilation for unto us was that day given a gift so great, gorgeous and gracious. Today the Church celebrates the Birthday of the Blessed Mary, the mother of the Lord and the mother of all humankind. The Church solemnises the birthday of three persons only: John the Baptist, the forerunner of the Messiah, the Blessed Virgin Mary, the mother of Jesus and Jesus, the long awaited Messiah, the promised One of God. Mother Mary is the queen of the heaven and of the earth yet, she is the mother of us all, the sinful and the sorrowful; the weak and the lowly. Mother’s love is so supreme that it surpasses and supersedes all love here on earth. Her merciful look, kind words, compassionate heart, loving deeds, helping hands, hurrying feet to the needy child and her sacrificing life are incomparable that knows no bounds. Every mother is the personification of Gods’ love to her children and the mother of Jesus, given to us as our mother is the perfect reflection of the heart of her Son and our Lord Jesus Christ. In all her apparitions, Mother Mary exhorts people to pray so that they may align their lives unto the ways of God that leads to Heaven, the ultimate destination of all humankind.  

We in Tamil Nadu in particular solemnise this day celebrating the feast of our Lady of Velankanni. A day dear to all the devotees of Our Lady of Good Health who flock to her church on foot with a mixture of emotions; joy, gratitude, sorrow, pain, suffering, hope, love, anxiety and faith. Let us intensify our prayers for all the devotees that they may be blessed by our Blessed Mother and their intentions fulfilled for the greater glory of God. May our mind and heart resonate with the prayer: “Mother Mary, our Lady of Velankanni, Pray for us”.

Bible Reflections I 06.09.2023 - WEDNESDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time: Week 22

Readings 

           I - Col. 1: 1-8

           II - Lk. 4: 38-44

          

 ALL THINGS ARE POSSIBLE WITH JESUS  

In today’s Gospel passage, Jesus after teaching in the synagogue, cures peter’s mother-in-law in particular and heals the sick, the ailing and the possessed, that were brought to him thereafter. Let us take up the healing of Peter’s mother-in-law for our reflection today. Jesus entered into peter’s house, stood over his mother-in-law and rebuked the fever and instantly she was healed and began to serve him.

All of us encounter so many problems in our day-to-day life. The personal, physical, mental, moral, psychological, financial and social problems may overwhelm and weigh us down. May our heart learn to recognise the powerful presence of Jesus amidst them and intercede with him to heal, to eradicate, to help, to accept and to face the same with him. Overcoming all these problems with Jesus, strive to serve him with all our heart, mind, strength and will

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.