Jesus, the Good Shepherd: Ever Guiding and Protecting

04th Sunday of Easter: April 21, 2024

Readings: Acts 4:8–12; Psalm 118:1, 8–9, 21–23, 26, 29; 1 John 3:1–2; John 10:11–18

In spite of the technology and development in science, human life is fragile and vulnerable. We need protection and look for safety when we travel in vehicles or while we walk on the roads. We, always, feel a need for something or someone that is beyond us, in fact, of our control to protect us and save us. We need something or someone to console us when we are sad, someone to be with us in times of crisis and suffering, someone to accompany us when we are lonely or feel threatened, someone to pat on our back with words of encouragement when the road ahead of us is tough and difficult, someone to fight with us when we are loosing, someone to comfort us when we are weeping, someone to strengthen us when we feel terribly weak and difficult to walk. The list goes on. On this 4th Sunday of Easter which is also known as Good Shepherd Sunday, we have in Jesus our good Shepherd. Because he is the way, truth and life. In him, we find everything for our life from safety to eternal glory.

1. Jesus: Ever caring and loving

In St John’s gospel (John 10:11–18) Jesus speaks at length the kind of Shepherd he is. The words are not only consoling but also encouraging to follow such a person called Jesus. Throughout his public ministry, Jesus was a good shepherd to those who came in contact with him, either to listen to his words of wisdom, get consoled, receive healing, feel his touch, hear words of encouragement and strength or be fed by good food. Jesus was always there with the people. He never left them even though they left him when Cross came on his way. Jesus met everyone with a loving embrace. Jesus kissed the kids and blessed them when his disciples tried to chase them away. When the prostitute was in front of Jesus to be prosecuted, he made the accusers understand how greatly sinful they were. Jesus was there at the tomb of Lazarus consoling Martha and Mary. He made the crippled walk, blind to see, stopped the bleeding, and chased away the Pharisees and scribes who were at him to find fault with him and his disciples. 

“The good shepherd is one who lays down his life for his sheep.” Jesus utters these words, which he fulfilled in his life. When, he was sentenced to the death of Cross, Jesus did not run away but was ready to embrace it so that his disciples could be spared. They found in him a real Messiah. Jesus knew his disciples, his people, his friends, his acquaintances. He cared for them and loved them. When his disciple Peter’s mother-in-law is sick, he goes straight to her home to heal her. When he hears Lazarus is dead, he goes to the home of Martha and Mary. Jesus knew whom he must care for, and who were his people. Ever ready, ever faithful shepherd.

2. Name of Jesus: Ever healing and rejuvenating 

Christian theology and spirituality mention the tremendous power of the name of Jesus. St Peter heals the crippled man at the entrance of the temple. He gives testimony that it is the name of Jesus that healed him. In the name of Jesus, our illnesses are healed, suffering is reduced, and sorrow is turned into joy. The power of the name of Jesus is tremendous. When you are terribly sick, just say, “Jesus, heal me.” When you go through excruciating pain in your stomach or in other parts of the body, just call on the name of Jesus, “Jesus heal me”, “Jesus touch, me.” Jesus will certainly be at your bedside consoling or giving his healing touch.

The testimonies of countless men and women of this world know the power of the name of Jesus. Jesus the second person of the Trinity, the God-man is always with us giving his healing power. If such power of Jesus is not present in the world, people would not have embraced Christ as their saviour and Lord. Embracing Jesus is not for the sake of identity or general well-being, instead, Jesus is the salvation. He is the way, the truth and life. Jesus as a good shepherd not only smashes away every fear and the den of the enemy but he rescues us from those robbers, wicked and evil forces. Where there is Jesus, there is definite defeat to the devil. The evil forces have no place in the company of Jesus. 

3. Power of Jesus - Empowered to be the Children of God

St John the beloved disciple of Jesus writes in his epistle (1 John 3:1–2) that because of Jesus God the Father has lavished on us by letting us be called God’s children. In the name of Jesus, we have become the children of God. It is a continuous process to grow and become mature children of God through Jesus Christ. Through him, we are graced and are continually blessed to walk in the footsteps of our Lord, Jesus Christ. Therefore, as we grow every day in our deep faith in Jesus Christ, we are nurtured and nourished by our Lord. The Eucharist, the word of God, prayer, works of charity and mercy all help us in our way of salvation. We are continually renewed in Christ Jesus when we commemorate his last supper when we eat his body and drink his blood in the form of bread and wine. Jesus is ever present and forever available to us. 

The power of Jesus continues to awaken the men and women of today. The first disciples were energized so much by his power, that they went around the world preaching and healing. The mission of our Lord continues today. Because he continues to shepherd us, even though we may not see him physically, yet we see him through our inner eyes, the eyes of faith, always caring and supporting us in our struggle for peace and justice, reconciliation and liberation. He is present when we work with migrants and refugees, abandoned and distressed. Jesus as shepherd continues to guide and protect us when we volunteer to do something great for our God, when we cross the narrow and infantile boundaries that we put ourselves to protect our position and earthly authority either in our religious life or in the world. Jesus breaks the pride and arrogance of every selfish, narcissistic and ego-centric person in the world. Jesus the good shepherd stands above in giving the right place, and the place that belongs to us and enough strength to carry out the mission that is entrusted to each one. May, we hang on to this Jesus the good shepherd, today and always.

Questions for self-reflection 

1. What is my experience of Jesus as a good shepherd?
2. Have I been able to share some of my experiences of Jesus with others?
3. How can I be a good shepherd to others, in my family or religious community surroundings, and any other places where I spend most of my time?

Prayer based on Psalm 118

Heavenly Father,

We come before you with hearts overflowing with gratitude, for you are good, and your steadfast love endures forever. In the midst of challenges and trials, we find refuge in your unwavering faithfulness. Though we may face adversity on every side, we trust in your strength, knowing that you are our helper. You are our refuge and our shield, sustaining us through every storm.

We rejoice and declare your mighty deeds, for you have answered our prayers and have become our salvation. The very cornerstone rejected by the builders has become the cornerstone of our lives. Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord. We lift our voices in praise, for you are our God, and we exalt you above all. To you, O Lord, be all glory and honour, now and forevermore. Amen.

- Olvin Veigas, SJ

18 April 2024

Recognizing God in our Midst in Times of Agony and Ecstasy

Third Sunday of Easter: April 14, 2024

Readings: Acts 3:13–15, 17–19; Psalm 4:2, 4, 7–9; 1 John 2:1–5; Luke 24:35–48

 To listen to my audio-video reflections via YouTube, please click here: https://youtu.be/LNgb9D64H-I

When things get blurred, we would like to clarify them.  However, when anxieties and expectations are on our way, we need someone to encourage and support us. If we do not find such people in our life journey, we might get into frustration, unhappiness or sorrow. The resurrection narratives bring both anxiety and expectation to the disciples of Jesus. They are all troubled by the outcome of Jesus' crucifixion and death. The disciples are uncertain about the resurrection of their master. They are greatly troubled. But Jesus' very presence amidst them not only gives them hope but also the courage to proclaim his resurrection even more boldly. The liturgical reading for this Third Sunday of Easter brings together a lot of hope and expectations at the new life of Jesus. Moreover, the disciples of our Lord are encouraged and energized beyond any measure to preach him to the ends of the earth. 

1. Resurrection: Divine Presence Amidst Doubt

Luke 24:35–48 recounts the moments after the resurrection of Jesus when he appears to his disciples, offering them his presence, comfort, assurance, and understanding. The resurrection of Jesus turned the life of the disciples upside down. They had never imagined that such a thing would happen even though, they had heard from Jesus about his passion and death. Now the resurrection of their Master is a reality. They are simply overwhelmed by this new way of being of their Lord. They see in him the divine presence amidst doubt. It's a lesson for us too that in our own moments of doubt and uncertainty, we can find solace in the presence of the divine, knowing that God is always with us, even when we struggle to perceive it.

Seeking and Finding the Risen Lord and being Visioned and Missioned

Second Sunday of Easter / Sunday of Divine Mercy: April 07, 2024

Readings: Acts 4:32–35; Psalms 118:2–4, 13–15, 22–24; 1 John 5:1–6; John 20:19–31

 To listen to my audio-video reflections via YouTube, please click here: https://youtu.be/bnlRIqZTyuE

The steam of election heat is rising as the temperatures here in Karnataka. It is paradoxical to see that creativity and human ingenuity are always at the rescue when something old has to be said in a new form. When national elections become the main news in our country, each political party is trying its best to put forward the assurances and promises to the public. Unfortunately, none of us demand any kind of balance sheet or practicability of the election promises from these political parties including our institutions of education or service and even by those best brains of our country. In fact, even our Church leaders are sterile to the political process of our country. Hardly, do we see any collective efforts from our Christian community leaders to encourage our brothers and sisters to engage and participate in the electoral process of our country actively as we as minorities live in turbulent times. The Resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ created not only uproar in the religious life of Jews but also political turmoil in the entire Roman empire. And later, we see, in 312 AD, the entire Roman Empire accepted Christianity as the state religion. 

1. Resurrection narrative: Seeing is believing

The resurrection of Jesus stands as an extraordinary event in the annals of human history, reverberating like a thunderclap throughout the Judeo-Roman world of his time. In an era where religion and politics were deeply intertwined, Jesus, initially a religious reformer, found himself enmeshed in the turbulent currents of political intrigue, earning him the title of King. This confluence is evident in the visit of the magi at his birth, the heinous massacre of innocent children by King Herod, the interrogation of Jesus by Pilate, and the provocative inscription "Jesus, the King of Jews." These events cast a shadow of suspicion over Jesus, fueling fears of political ambition. Despite the undeniable political undercurrents, Jesus' core mission remained centered on ushering people towards a divine connection, echoing the prophetic words of Isaiah 61:1-2 (Luke 4:16-21). When confronted with questions about taxes, Jesus encapsulated his stance with the famous words, “Give back to Caesar what is Caesar’s and to God what is God’s” (Mark 12:27), emphasizing the dual responsibilities of earthly governance and spiritual allegiance.

Leaving the Tomb Forever

Easter Sunday: March 31, 2024

Readings: Acts 10:34, 37–43; Psalm 118:1–2, 16–17, 22–23; Colossians 3:1–4; John 20:1–9

 To listen to my audio-video reflections via YouTube, please click here: https://youtu.be/AeFDyC8Qdv0

The Christian religion is a religion of life. It believes in eternal life. The resurrection of the dead is one of the fundamental and dogmatic truths of the Christian faith. The foundation for such a belief rests upon the person of Jesus Christ Himself. All four Gospels, Matthew, Mark, Luke and John speak vividly about Christ's passion, death and resurrection. Even though the resurrection narratives of Jesus are short and fast-moving and yet they are vibrant and fascinating. The urgency and immediacy are felt very much inviting the believers to be convinced that they too will partake in the resurrection of Jesus once and for all.

 1. The empty tomb: The sign of Resurrection

The fundamental evidence of the resurrection of our Lord on Easter Sunday is the empty tomb. Mary Magdeline, Peter and John the disciples of Jesus were the first ones to witness the empty tomb where the dead body of Jesus was laid in the tomb just a couple of days ago. After the crucifixion, Jesus handed over Mary, his mother to be in the custody of his beloved disciple John. He was entrusted with the task of caring for his mother who was not only a widow but an orphan at the death of her only son. It must have been Mary the mother of Jesus, who told the disciples including John to watch over the tomb of Jesus as the circumstances which led to his death were not just ordinary. Certainly, there must have been fear that, the body of her son would be desecrated or stolen or anything unpleasant would happen. 

Approaches to the Cross of Christ

Good Friday of the Lord's Passion: March 29, 2024

Readings: Isaiah 52:13-53:12; Psalms 31:2, 6, 12-13, 15-16, 17, 25; Hebrews 4:14-16, 5:7-9; John 18:1-19:42 

Please listen to the audio recording of the homily preached in a parish: https://youtu.be/DmcuUc09akg

"Behold the wood of the Cross, on which the Salvation of the World, come, let us adore." With these very emotional words, we venerate the Cross of our Lord today.  When we think about the Cross, very quickly to our imagination comes the Cross in our Church altars, homes and in our own threads that we wear around our necks. Jesus never looked for the Cross in his life, but it came on his way. Jesus never longed for Cross but it was imposed upon him by the secular rulers of this world. So why then the Cross of our Lord has become such an awe-inspiring, symbol of our salvation in Christian religion.

1. Early symbols of Christianity 

To get deeper into the meaning and significance of the Cross, we must turn the annals of the history of Christianity. Other than the robust understanding of the importance of the Cross of our Lord Jesus in the writings of St Paul, we do not find anything much in the early years of Christianity. The early Christians who lived in fear and trembling, persecution and death even that of the Cross under Roman rule, did not use the symbol of the Cross. The early Christians used the symbol of fish or lamb as some sort of indicator for Christians. We can see them in the catacombs of Rome or in the oldest Churches like in Aquilea in Northern Italy. 

Jesus Did it All for us with His Body and Blood

Holy Thursday - Evening Mass of the Lord's Supper: March 28, 2024

Readings: Exodus 12:1-8, 11-14; Psalms 116:12-13, 15-16bc, 17-18; 1 Corinthians 11:23-26; John 13:1-15

Today, Holy Mother Church fondly celebrates three significant events which took place 2024 years ago. First: The institution of the Eucharist. Second: The gift of priesthood. Third: Love and Service Commandment.  

1. The Institution of the Eucharist: In the Old Testament, as a remembrance of the liberation from the shackles of Egyptian slavery, the Israelites ate the Passover meal. This pascal meal was an invitation given by God for a new life. This meal was a sign and symbol of forgoing the old self of slavery in Egypt and starting a fresh synodal journey, which called for embracing a new lifestyle in the promised land of Israel. So, each year, “This day shall be for you a memorial day, and you shall keep it as a feast to the Lord; throughout your generations, as a statute forever, you shall keep it as a feast” (Exodus 12:14). 

Participating in Jesus' Theo-Drama

Passion Sunday/Palm Sunday: March 24, 2024

Readings: Mk 11:1-10; Isaiah 50:4–7; Psalm 22:8–9, 17–20, 23–24; Philippians 2:6–11; Mark 14:1–15:47

 To listen to my audio-video reflections via YouTube, please click here: https://youtu.be/qhlWZvDPNfI

The passion of our Lord is the passion for the world and its humanity. We are at the threshold of the Holy Week with the celebration of Palm Sunday or Passion Sunday. We begin a very intense spiritual journey with the celebration of this Palm Sunday. We are also commemorating a very historical event that took place in the life of Jesus. By recalling and re-enacting this event which is so powerful and poignant, we are invited to walk with Jesus in this moment of great expectation of salvation. The ultimate sacrifice of our Lord happens on Good Friday, where everything that was planned by God gets accomplished and fulfilled. The liturgical readings of today, take us to that memory of which is still preserved by the Church.

1. Attentiveness to God's voice

On this Palm Sunday, the theo-drama (drama of God) begins and gets enacted in Jerusalem and Jesus is the protagonist. The entire event revolves around the God-Man, Jesus. The passage from Isaiah 50:4–7 offers profound insights into obedience, suffering, and steadfastness in the face of adversity. Hundreds of years ago, Prophet Isaiah spoke about Jesus and how his end is going to be.  Isaiah speaks, "The Sovereign Lord has given me a well-instructed tongue, to know the word that sustains the weary." This verse is a beautiful reminder that spiritual wisdom and the ability to comfort others are gifts from God. It challenges us to ask ourselves how we are using our words. Are we using the right words? Are we speaking life into others, offering comfort and wisdom when they are weary? This verse calls us to be mindful of our speech, recognizing that the ability to uplift others is a divine gift that should be nurtured and cherished.

Time of Judgement of this World!

05th Sunday of Lent: March 17, 2024

Readings: Jeremiah 31:31–34; Psalm 51:3–4, 12–13, 14–15; Hebrews 5:7–9; John 12:20–33

 To listen to my audio-video reflections via YouTube, please click here: https://youtu.be/c8TF4_VC_yo

The judgement comes at the end. However, there is a preparation and time for judgment. All that starts well not necessarily must end well. Often a bad starting will have a bad ending. Still, a bad end is not a real end in terms of the life of Jesus. As we inch closer to the final days of Lent where we recount the journey of Jesus namely his passion, death and resurrection, on this fifth Sunday of Lent, the Church invites us to look at the reality of life in its wholeness. What is that making our life meaningful? Where is the ultimate prize for our earthly life? These are the questions, the liturgical readings of this Sunday evoke in us.

1. The desire to see Jesus and the paradox of Christian discipleship

The passage from the Gospel of John 12:20–33 presents a rich ground for spiritual and contextual reflections. The Word of God captures a pivotal moment in Jesus' ministry, namely sacrifice, service, glory, and the paradox of life through death. The passage begins with some Greeks, representing the Gentile world, expressing their desire to see Jesus. There is certainly universal appeal of Jesus' message and his popularity has grown even beyond the Jewish community.  Even the Greeks are longing for something spiritual, to connect with the divine, to find meaning and purpose in life. Jesus seems to be their answer.

Long Loving Look at the Cross in Our Lives

 This homily is preached at the Jesuit Priest's gathering 10 March 2024. Click to listen (audio only).