Easter: The Triumph of Life Over Death

Easter Sunday - The Resurrection of the Lord: 20 April 2025

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/YNaQR314D4E

Today, we celebrate in the joy of the Resurrection. Easter is the summit of the Christian faith, the day when we declare with deep conviction: "Christ is Risen!" This proclamation is not just the retelling of an ancient event but the heartbeat of Christian hope and identity. The Resurrection of Jesus is the definitive moment where God, in His boundless love, rewrites the destiny of creation. It is an event that sets a new era in the history of humanity as well. From the disciples, we learn that seeing and believing is a powerful model of faith.  The Resurrection gave a hope-filled assurance and new meaning to the lives of Mary Magdalene, Peter, John and others. We, too, are invited to deepen our encounter with the Risen Lord in our daily lives—through prayer, moments of grace, or through time spent with loved ones. 

1. The Meaning of the Resurrection

Resurrection according to the scriptures (Bible) refers to the belief that Jesus Christ, after his crucifixion and death, rose bodily from the dead on the third day. This event is the cornerstone of Christian faith, symbolizing victory over sin and death, and the promise of eternal life for believers. The New Testament presents the resurrection as a spiritual experience and a historical, transformative event witnessed by Jesus’ disciples. The Gospels narrate the empty tomb and post-resurrection appearances (Matthew 28:5-7; Mark 16:6; Luke 24:5-7; John 20:1-18), a change in the behaviour of the fear-stricken apostles and the founding of the Church and its perpetual continuity, as well as the continuation of Jesus' mission even today. 

St Paul emphasizes its centrality for Christian belief, writing: "If Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile and you are still in your sins." (1 Corinthians 15:17). The resurrection also prefigures the future resurrection of the dead, promising that all who belong to Christ will share in his risen life (Romans 6:5; 1 Corinthians 15:20-22). Further, St Paul in Colossians 3, invites us to see that if we have been baptized into Christ's death, we are also raised with Him into this new life.

Theologians often explain the Resurrection not as a return to earthly life, but as the transformation of human existence itself. Jesus did not simply "come back" to life as He was before — He was raised into a new and glorious reality, beyond decay, beyond death, beyond the grip of time and space. The Resurrection, as the early Church Fathers emphasized, is the beginning of the new creation. Resurrection is, therefore, not only about Jesus but about the entire human family, for He rose as the firstborn from the dead, the new Adam, opening the way for all of us. St Leo the Great said, "Jesus hastened to rise as soon as possible because He was in a hurry to console His mother and the disciples."

2. Why the Resurrection Matters for Us as Baptized Christians

The Resurrection of Jesus is not just a comforting doctrine about life after death — it is a call to live a new kind of life here and now. In Baptism, we are mystically united to Jesus in His death and resurrection. That means the old self, dominated by sin, fear, and the world’s false promises, is buried. A new self, rooted in the risen Christ, is born.

This new life is not immune from suffering, but it is a life shaped by the unshakable hope that, just as Christ has conquered death, so too shall we share in His victory. The Resurrection means evil never has the last word, and the baptized Christian walks each day in that promise.

3. Easter: God’s Victory Over the Powers of Evil

The Resurrection is God's decisive answer to the problem of evil — not through violent retaliation, but through self-giving love and divine justice. On Good Friday, Jesus allowed the full force of human sin, cruelty, and injustice to be hurled upon Him. The cross stands as the world’s judgement on all forms of corrupt power: political oppression, religious hypocrisy, economic exploitation, and personal betrayal.

But Easter morning overturns the verdict. In raising Jesus from the dead, God declares:

• Innocence will not be silenced.
• Justice will not be extinguished.
• Evil will not triumph, no matter how overwhelming it appears.

The Resurrection dismantles the world’s systems of power and exposes them as temporary and fragile. As Peter boldly preaches in Acts 10, this Jesus, who "went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed," was crucified, but God raised Him, and appointed Him as judge and redeemer of all. The Resurrection reorients our allegiance away from worldly empires and false securities and points us to the Kingdom of God, where life, mercy, and truth reign eternally.

4. Easter: A Call to Live as Easter People

As the disciples stood before the empty tomb, their fear gave way to faith. As baptized Christians, we stand on that same threshold every day. The Resurrection invites us:

• To live courageously in a world often clouded by despair.
• To resist the powers of death, whether it appears in injustice, exploitation, hatred, or fear.
• To witness with our lives that love is stronger than death.

As Pope Francis urges us, "Let us accept the grace of Christ's resurrection! Let us be renewed by God's mercy, let us be loved by Jesus, let us enable the power of his love to transform our lives too; and let us become agents of this mercy, channels through which God can water the earth, protect all creation and make justice and peace flourish." (Urbi et Orbi) As we celebrate Easter, we do not merely look back at Christ's victory — we step into it, carrying the light of the Risen Lord into every darkened corner of our world.

Alleluia! Christ is Risen! He is Risen Indeed!

Prayer:

Risen Lord Jesus, we praise You for the victory of life over death and light over darkness. Thank you for the new life and unshakable hope you offer us through Your Resurrection. Make Your risen presence real in our hearts, that we may live as witnesses to Your love. Strengthen us to stand against all that destroys life, and help us to renew the world with Your mercy and peace. Fill us with the joy of Easter, and send us forth to proclaim with our lives: Christ is truly risen! We make this prayer in Jesus' Holy Name, Amen.

  Χριστός ἀνέστη! Христос воскрес! A very happy Easter to you and your family!

- Olvin Veigas, SJ

19 April 2025

Good Friday: The Silent Triumph of Truth

 Good Friday of the Lord's Passion: 18 April 2025

Readings: Isaiah 52:13—53:12; Psalm 31:2, 6, 12-13, 15-16, 17, 25; Hebrews 4:14-16; 5:7-9; Philippians 2:8-9; John 18:1—19:42

Today, the Church stands still at the foot of the Cross. The wood that bore the body of a man executed like a criminal two thousand years ago still stirs hearts, challenges minds, and unsettles the world's fragile certainties. Good Friday is not just a memorial of Jesus' death; it is an unveiling of the human condition and the quiet, enduring power of truth. This day presents a paradox like no other in the Church year.  The power of profound injustice stemming from blind authority, in which a good and innocent man – indeed, the God-Man – is sentenced to crucifixion by a Roman governor named Pontius Pilate, who suppressed the truth.  It is a day of brutality, cruelty, and suffering.  Raw power is deployed in a way that is almost unthinkable, except we know that such power is still at work in this world.  And yet we call this day Good.

With the following words, we adore the suffering servant of Yaweh.

Behold, behold, the wood of the cross

On which is hung our salvation

O come, let us adore.

1. Power Speaks but not for Salvation and Truth

The liturgical readings for this day lay bare the paradox: the Just One, the Innocent One, is condemned, not for his guilt, but for the discomfort his truth caused. Isaiah’s prophecy (52:13—53:12) tells of the Suffering Servant, one who "had no beauty or majesty to attract us to him," yet he carried the weight of the world’s brokenness on his shoulders. The world’s ego, its addiction to control, and the schemes of jealous hearts could not tolerate such a man.

The drama that unfolds in John’s Gospel is a brutal lesson in power politics. Pilate, the Roman governor, knows Jesus is innocent. His own words betray him: “I find no case against him.” But politics rarely bows to truth. Pilate’s authority is under threat, his reputation vulnerable, his comfort tied to the approval of the mob. Fear of losing power silences his conscience. Religious leaders, consumed by jealousy and eager to protect their privilege, manipulate the masses. Even the people, swayed by collective emotion and the thirst for a scapegoat, shout, “Crucify him!”

2. Convenience of Power and the Inconvenient Truth

The Cross reveals this universal reality: when truth confronts entrenched ego, when love threatens selfish systems, when humility stands before arrogance, the world often chooses to crucify rather than to convert. It is easier to eliminate the inconvenient voice than to change one’s ways. This is the sad truth in our world of today, both in the secular and religious worlds. Often our superiors in our religious communities, our managers in the business world, look for the convenience of power and not the truth, which is obvious and sure. 

Yet the Cross also whispers a deeper truth: power speaks loudly, but only for a moment. Truth speaks quietly, but for eternity. The forces that condemned Jesus appeared victorious on Good Friday. The man who loved, taught, healed, fed with bread and wine, washed the feet of the disciples, cleansed the lepers, chased the devil, gave sight to the blind, raised the dead, consoled the sick and suffering, has now no voice before the evil forces of this world. But their triumph was as short-lived as the passing shadow. By Sunday, their lie stood exposed. The tomb was empty. 

3. Power Speaks, but Truth Endures

St. Paul, writing to the Philippians 2:8-9, captures this arc beautifully: “He humbled himself and became obedient unto death — even death on a Cross. Therefore God highly exalted him...” (Phil 2:8-9). The pattern is clear: first the world’s rejection, then God’s vindication. In the world we live in, this drama is repeated again and again. The innocent are silenced by corrupt systems, egos inflate at the expense of the weak, and truth is often inconvenient for those in power. But Good Friday assures us that this is not the end of the story. Power’s reign is temporary. Truth, however delayed, will always have the final word.

The Cross invites us to examine our own hearts. Where does ego blind us? Where does the need to control make us complicit in injustice? How often do we stay silent, like Pilate, washing our hands rather than standing for what is right? And when we find ourselves carrying the weight of false accusations or undeserved suffering, the Cross reminds us that we are not alone — the Truth who is Christ walks with us, and the final word belongs to God.  Today, as we venerate the Cross, may we remember: the world crucified Jesus, but it could not kill the truth. Power speaks, but truth endures. Amen!

- Olvin Veigas, SJ
April 18, 2025

Maundy Thursday: The Eucharist and the Mystery of Love

Maundy Thursday - Evening Mass of the Lord's Supper: April 17, 2025

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

 To listen to my audio-video reflections via YouTube, please click here: https://youtu.be/pDXOP0LHmQo

On Maundy Thursday, the Church invites us to enter deeply into two profound gestures of Jesus: the washing of His disciples' feet and the institution of the Eucharist. Both moments, while distinct, reveal the same mystery at the heart of Christian life: self-giving love. On this day, we gather around the altar to solemnly commemorate the Lord’s Last Supper — the night before His Passion, when Christ gave Himself to us in the mystery of the Eucharist. The readings for this liturgy draw us into the heart of the Christian mystery: the covenant of love sealed by sacrifice, the call to remembrance, and the profound gesture of service. To receive the Eucharist is to receive the very life of Christ into ourselves. But to share that life authentically means imitating Christ’s posture: the willingness to wash the feet of others, to serve, to lower oneself in love.

1. Eucharist Makes the Chruch, and Church makes the Eucharist

This night draws us deep into the Eucharistic mystery, and few theologians have expressed its significance as beautifully as Henri de Lubac. In his profound reflection on the Eucharist, de Lubac emphasized that the Eucharist is not merely something the Church celebrates; it is what the Church becomes. He writes, “The Church makes the Eucharist, and the Eucharist makes the Church.”

For de Lubac, the Eucharist is not only about the transformation of bread and wine, but also about the transformation of those who partake. The sacrament draws believers into the Body of Christ, both spiritually and communally. It is not a private moment of devotion but a shared mystery that binds us to Christ and to each other. On Maundy Thursday, as the Church reenacts the Last Supper, we are reminded that the Eucharist is the sacrament of unity — a communion that demands both remembrance and imitation.

2. Eucharist Transforms Us, Divinizes us

And the Gospel reading today John 13: 1-15, pushes us beyond adoration into action. John’s account of the Last Supper omits the institution narrative and focuses instead on Jesus washing the feet of His disciples — a deeply symbolic act of humility and love. The Eucharist is not fully understood until we live the pattern it contains: self-giving love. The body that is broken and the blood that is poured out become, in John’s narrative, the Master who lowers Himself to wash His friends' feet. In the Eucharist, Jesus gives not a symbol, but His very self. His body is broken and His blood is poured out — the supreme act of love — so that we might share in His divine life.

In this moment, Jesus offers us the truest form of theology: an enacted word. The Eucharist and the washing of the feet are two expressions of the same reality — the self-emptying love of God. De Lubac helps us see that in receiving Christ, we are meant to be transformed into Him, which means taking on His posture of service. And the Gospel of John leads us away from the bread and wine to another kind of “breaking” — the breaking of self in humble service, as Jesus kneels to wash His disciples’ feet.

3. Abiding Love of God Shared through Service

The washing of the feet, as narrated in the Gospel of John (13:1-15), is a striking and unexpected act. In the world of Jesus, washing the feet of guests was the task of the lowliest servant — an act associated with humility and social inferiority. But here, Jesus, the Teacher and Lord, sets aside His outer garment, kneels down, and begins to wash the feet of His disciples, even the one who would betray Him.

This action is not just a lesson in politeness or humility; it is a prophetic sign of the entire mystery of salvation. Jesus shows that true greatness is found in service, and that His mission is to stoop down into the human condition, wash away its dirt and wounds, and lift it up through love. By this gesture, He redefines leadership, power, and holiness: the path to God lies through self-emptying love. In the Eucharist, the Church is born. In the washing of the feet, the Church is shown how to live.

Questions for self-reflection:

1. How do I allow the Eucharist to shape my daily life, beyond the moments I spend in Church?
2. Will I allow the Eucharist to shape not only our prayer but also our way of living? 
3. Is my service rooted in love or in a sense of obligation or pride?

Prayer

Lord Jesus,

On this sacred night, You knelt before Your disciples and washed their feet, teaching us that true love is humble, and true greatness is found in service. You broke the bread and shared the cup, offering us Your very self — a love poured out without measure.

As we stand before the mystery of Your Eucharist and the tenderness of Your self-emptying, open our hearts to receive You more deeply. Teach us to become what we receive, so that Your life may shape our lives, and Your love may become the pattern of our days.  Give us the courage to serve as You served, to love as You loved, and to forgive as You forgave. May we learn to bend low, not in defeat but in compassion, meeting others in their need, and lifting them with the strength that comes from You. We make this prayer in Jesus' Holy Name, Amen.

- Olvin Veigas, SJ

April 16, 2025

From Palms to Passion: Walking with the Suffering Servant

Palm Sunday of the Lord's Passion: April 13, 2025

Readings: Luke 19:28-40; Isaiah 50:4-7; Psalm 22:8-9, 17-18, 19-20, 23-24.; Philippians 2:6-11; Philippians 2:8-9; Luke 22:14—23:56

 To listen to my audio-video reflections via YouTube, please click here: https://youtu.be/dOrS5SF3Pso

What would be your situation if your are praised to the sky for the person you are and then you were seen as wicked and people plotted to kill you? Often, the human tendency is to look at the exterior and follow the crowd without critical thinking.  Palm Sunday is a day of profound contrasts. The liturgy begins with jubilation as Jesus enters Jerusalem, hailed as a king by the crowds waving palms. Yet, it soon shifts into the solemn narrative of His suffering and death. This is no ordinary procession. This is a journey into the heart of God’s redeeming love — a love that does not cling to glory but empties itself for the sake of the world.

1. A Paradoxical Kingship

Palm Sunday sets the precedent for the days ahead. It invites us to walk closely with Jesus through the upper room, the garden of Gethsemane, the trials, the cross, and ultimately, the empty tomb. It asks us: What kind of king are we following? What kind of kingdom are we seeking? As we enter Holy Week, let us not merely observe the Passion from a distance but participate in it by embracing our own crosses, our own paths of surrender and love. Let our Hosannas echo not just in words but in lives that reflect the self-giving love of Christ, who humbled Himself to lift us up.  

Jesus the Face of Mercy and Compassion: Living Our Faith with Passion and Holiness

05th Sunday of Lent: April 06, 2025

Readings: Isaiah 43:16–21; Psalm 126:1–6; Philippians 3:8–14; John 8:1–11

 To listen to my audio-video reflections via YouTube, please click here: https://youtu.be/Goc6_7dhTiM

Who is perfect? Who is sinless? Often, people know more about us than we do ourselves! They have their own versions of us. They wear coloured glasses and see us. Despite knowing that a human person is such a complex being, people underestimate the person. Each one has his or her own inadequacies and vulnerabilities. However, people live with prejudice, malice, wickedness, and evil tendencies. It fills their stomachs. As a result, they might not see any good in others. Unfortunately, they are incapable of self-reflection. In this context, we have beautiful liturgical readings on this Sunday, especially the Gospel reading. Jesus saves a woman from being stoned to death. His simple questions put the would-be murderers into shame and regret. Moreover, the woman becomes an ardent disciple of our Lord Jesus Christ. 

1. Jesus, the Face of Mercy

As we journey deeper into Lent, the Gospel of John 8:1–11 presents a powerful invitation to experience God’s mercy and renewal. This passage is not merely about the woman caught in sin—it is about all of us, sinners standing before a merciful Savior. It is about encountering Jesus in our brokenness and walking away transformed.  The scribes and Pharisees bring the woman before Jesus, eager to condemn her according to the Law of Moses. Yet, their real motive is not justice but to trap Jesus. If He spares her, they could accuse Him of disregarding the Law; if He condemns her, He would contradict His own message of mercy.

Embracing Father's Mercy

04th Sunday of Lent: March 30, 2025

Readings: Joshua 5:9–12: Psalm 34:2–7; 2 Corinthians 5:17–21; Luke 15:1–3, 11–32

 To listen to my audio-video reflections via YouTube, please click here: https://youtu.be/IND7eQRV9dc

What do we do in moments of despair? Each one knows how to cope with such situations based on one's education and upbringing. Sometimes, such moments can be very painful and distressing. However, deep down God has blessed His creation with the ability to navigate such complexities and confusion. The Gospel reading on the fourth Sunday of Lent tells us how the Prodigal Son dealt with such a difficult situation. He had the consciousness to go back to his roots, back to his Father. He opted for the option of being embraced by his father. He knew his father more than anyone else. That's how he was solemnly received by his father because of his humility and simplicity.

1. Returning to the Father: A Call to Repentance

Today, we reflect upon the parable of the Prodigal Son in Luke 15:1–3, 11–32. It is a story of a profound revelation of God’s mercy and love. It is not merely a story about two brothers but an invitation to examine our relationship with the Father. The younger son, lured by worldly desires, seeks independence but soon finds himself in misery. His return is marked by a humble confession: "Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you" (Luke 15:18). This Lenten season calls us to recognize the ways we have strayed—through selfishness, pride, or neglect of God. True repentance is not merely feeling sorry but turning back with trust in God’s mercy.

Encountering the Living God in the Ordinary : A Call to Trust

03rd Sunday of Lent: March 23, 2025

Readings: Exodus 3:1–8, 13–15; Psalm 103:1–4, 6–8, 11; 1 Corinthians 10:1–6, 10–12; Luke 13:1–9

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

Death and destruction are part of our lives. Often we find it difficult to understand the suffering, death and loss that occur in our lives. Sadly, they do not allow us to live in peace. We find no meaning in such incidences which are so painful and seldom they happen successively, one after the other. Due to such unbearable experiences, we might lose hope in God and ourselves as well. The history of humanity has been a tale of such happenings and experiences. We find it difficult to harness and learn from experiences until they happen to us and we are part of this unhappy phenomenon. The liturgical readings on this Third Sunday of Lent give us experiences that occurred in the lives of Israelites. Jesus' explanations to the crowd leave them more confused as their thinking is limited.

1. A Call to Repentance and Fruitfulness

In today’s Gospel, Luke 13:1–9 Jesus responds to two tragic events: The slaughter of Galileans by Pilate and the collapse of a tower in Siloam. The people assume that those who suffered from these tragedies were worse sinners than others. But Jesus challenges this mindset. Rather than focusing on why bad things happen, He turns the question toward personal conversion: “Unless you repent, you will all perish as they did.” Jesus’ words today are not meant to instill fear but to wake us from spiritual sluggishness or laziness. God’s patience is a gift, but it is not to be taken for granted. We are called to respond, to repent, and to bear fruit—not tomorrow, but today.

Transfigured in Christ: A Journey of Authentic Discipleship

02 Sunday of Lent: March 16, 2025

Readings: Genesis 15:5–12, 17–18; Psalm 27:1, 7–9, 13–14; Philippians 3:17–4:1; Luke 9:28–36

 To listen to my audio-video reflections via YouTube, please click here: https://youtu.be/g_KwZ0PHD_U

Deep and poignant experiences leave an indelible mark in life. They make us who we are, reveal our identity and the purpose of our lives, and are defining moments that clear the path of the future. No one can steal such experiences from our lives. They add value to our lives and are pathways to the future. We feel such experiences are very essential. They broaden our horizons and look for a future with hope. Jesus had a similar experience with his disciples during the transfiguration on Mount Tabor. The whole episode changed the perspectives of Jesus and his three disciples forever. They were never the same again. It captivated their attention and made them clear the role of their master Jesus in their lives. This Sunday's liturgical readings help us live this Lent with utmost faith, hope and charity.

1. Climbing the Mountain: Seeking God's Presence

The Gospel for this Sunday Luke 9:28–36 invites us to contemplate the Transfiguration of Jesus—a moment of divine revelation that strengthens the disciples for the journey ahead. As we reflect on this very fascinating passage, it invites us to recognize that authentic Christian discipleship requires us to be transformed in Christ, listening to Him, and courageously following Him through both moments of glory and the path of the Cross. Therefore, we must have passion for God and the determination to follow him only then we can fulfil the ambition of God for us.

More Than Bread: Encountering God in Our Weakness

First Sunday of Lent 2025: March 09, 2025

Readings: Deuteronomy 26:4–10; Psalm 91:1–2, 10–15; Romans 10:8–13; Luke 4:1–13

 To listen to my audio-video reflections via YouTube, please click here: https://youtu.be/3dH8oGvqFfQ

Who does not get tempted? Our human nature is such that we cannot be perfect. Vulnerability, finiteness, limitedness, and mortality are part of our lives. Our human nature craves for things more than it is necessary to satisfy one's basic needs. Our desires are unlimited and uncontainable. There is no end for dissatisfaction. Rarely, we might utter, it's enough. More the merrier is the only thing that drives us. In this context, we have very fascinating readings from the Bible, which are nothing but a contradiction to who we are. Jesus is indeed our model in this scenario to discern not only our thoughts and feelings but also our desires. 

1. Victory over temptation is possible

The first Sunday of Lent places us at the threshold of the desert with Jesus, where He is led by the Spirit and tested by the devil as we read in Luke 4:1–13. This Gospel passage is not just an episode in Jesus’ life but a revelation of His identity and mission. It invites us to walk with Him into the wilderness of our own hearts, where we confront our struggles and rediscover the path to true life in God. Jesus, the Son of God, faces temptations that echo the fall of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden. Where the first Adam failed by succumbing to the devil’s lies, Jesus—the new Adam—remains steadfast. The devil tempts Him with three things that still challenge us today: physical needs (bread), power (worldly kingdoms), and pride (testing God). Yet, Jesus resists, not through sheer willpower but through His deep trust in the Father.

Living in God’s Light: Building Relationships Rooted in Faith

08th Sunday in Ordinary Time: March 02, 2025

Readings: Sirach 27:4–7; Psalm 92:2–3, 13–16; 1 Corinthians 15:54–58; Luke 6:39–45

 To listen to my audio-video reflections via YouTube, please click here: https://youtu.be/UQ0yoRojzYA

Three things are very important in life to make it meaningful: Trust, mercy and forgiveness. Trust builds our relationships, mercy brings people together, and forgiveness creates peace among people.  This week we have been reading very poignant readings from the book of Sirach (wisdom literature of the Bible). What matters most in our life is living our earthly life in line with the precepts of God. It means allowing God to be God. Being born with limitedness and vulnerability, none of us are perfect. Especially when we live in families or religious communities, we need more and more power to make adjustments in order to build trust, mercy and forgiveness. The liturgical readings of this Sunday tell us that to be good means to be embraced by the compassion of our God.

1. Building our lives with God as true light

In this passage of Luke 6:39–45, Jesus speaks in parables, offering wisdom about guidance, self-awareness, and the fruitfulness of a good heart. His words challenge us to examine ourselves, to seek true wisdom, and to bear fruit that reflects God’s presence within us. "Can a blind person guide a blind person? Will not both fall into a pit?" (Luke 6:39).  Jesus warns against the danger of being led by those who lack true spiritual sight. 

A Call to Radical Love to Love Without Limits

07th Sunday in Ordinary Time: February 23, 2025

Readings: 1 Samuel 26:2, 7–9, 12–13, 22–23; Psalm 103:1–13; 1 Corinthians 15:45–49; Luke 6:27–38

On this 7th Sunday in Ordinary Time, we are invited to reflect on the radical call of Christian discipleship: to love as God loves, to show mercy as He shows mercy, and to rise above our human instincts for retaliation or self-interest. Through the readings, we see David’s reverence for God’s anointed, St. Paul’s reminder of our heavenly calling in Christ, and Jesus’ challenging command to love our enemies and give without measure. These lessons call us to embody God’s kindness and mercy in a world often marked by division and strife. Let us open our hearts to this transformative message, striving to live as true children of the Most High.

1. Love Beyond Measure

The Gospel passage from Luke 6:27–38 is one of the most challenging yet profoundly transformative teachings of Jesus. It calls us to a radical way of life—one that reflects the boundless love and mercy of God. Jesus begins with an invitation that seems almost impossible: "Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you." (Luke 6:27–28)

Walking with Christ: Living the Beatitudes in a Troubled World

06th Sunday in Ordinary Time: February 16, 2025

Readings: Jeremiah 17:5–8; Psalm 1:1–4, 6; 1 Corinthians 15:12, 16–20; Luke 6:17, 20–26

 To listen to my audio-video reflections via YouTube, please click here: https://youtu.be/a6j-JcHi1ao

In our world today, kindness often seems in short supply. Individuals have their own reasons to negate someone or feel jealousy about others. Often history is a repetition of mistakes. Looking around our world now, some 2000 years since Jesus came into the world, humanity continues to repeat past mistakes.  We seem to believe we can solve all problems if we just_____(fill in the blank).  People continue to face a multitude of tragedies and trauma. Very few are ready to accept defeat.  Many feel frustrated and exhausted, with nothing left to give. However it is time to sit down and rest, but not surrender or give up, and 2025 is the perfect year to renew and deepen our relationship with God. The liturgical readings of today are truly soothing balm to our hurts and wounds.

1. The Presence of Jesus in Our Midst

In Luke 6:17, 20–26, Jesus does not remain at the heights of the mountain; He comes down to be among the people. His ministry is not detached or distant, but close and personal. He stands on level ground, meeting the people where they are—amid their struggles, hopes, and pains. This reminds us that Christ is not a distant God but one who walks with us in our everyday lives. He comes to meet us in our joys and sorrows, in our strengths and weaknesses. He sees our suffering and declares that God's kingdom belongs to us. Those who seem to have the least by worldly standards may be the richest in faith and closest to God's heart.

From Failure to Abundance: Trusting in God's Grace

5th Sunday in Ordinary Time: February 09, 2025

Readings: Isaiah 6:1–8; Psalm 138:1–5, 7–8; 1 Corinthians 15:1–11; Luke 5:1–11

What do we do when we are in distress? Complain or get angry or depressed, or point at others that this is because of someone else or say to oneself that I am good for nothing, feel embarrassed or feeling of low? Our distress can manifest in many ways. But if we have that positive outlook and strong willpower even any sort of failures could be turned into moments of learning and embark on a journey that might be different from what one must have embarked upon. The liturgical readings on this 5th Sunday of the year tell us that only in God we can find our perfect refuge. It is God who calls us. He will give everything in need even in times of distress or failure.  

1. The Call to Trust in God's Word

We have a beautiful incident that occurred in the Lake of Gennesaret Luke 5:1–11 where Jesus is sitting in the boat and teaching the crowd. What follows next is really fascinating. Jesus wants to go fishing with his disciples and the response of St Peter is of distress and failure. Peter and his companions had spent the entire night fishing but caught nothing. They were exhausted and discouraged. Now the words of Jesus strike not only Peter even the fish to fill the net. "Put out into the deep and let down your nets for a catch," he obeyed despite his doubts. The result was an overwhelming abundance of fish in the net!

Embracing the Light: Christ’s Presentation and Our Mission in the World

The Feast of the Presentation of the Lord: February 02, 2025

Readings: Malachi 3:1–4; Psalm 24:7, 8, 9, 10; Hebrews 2:14–18; Luke 2:22–40

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

Today, the Church celebrates the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord, a moment in the life of Christ that bridges the Old and New Testaments, fulfilling the law and revealing the light of salvation to the world. It's a day when baby Jesus is presented in the Temple, forty days after birth. As the firstborn, he belonged to God.  This feast invites us to reflect on the profound mystery of Christ’s humility, the fulfillment of God’s promises, and the call to be bearers of His light in our world today. Let us delve into the readings of the day to uncover the significance of this feast and its relevance to our lives.

1. The Presentation of the Lord: A Meeting of Heaven and Earth

In the Gospel of  Luke 2:22–40, we witness Mary and Joseph bringing the infant Jesus to the Temple in Jerusalem to present Him to the Lord, as prescribed by the Law of Moses. This act of obedience underscores the humility of the Holy Family and their fidelity to God’s covenant. Yet, this moment is far more than a ritual; it is a divine encounter. Simeon, guided by the Holy Spirit, recognizes Jesus as the long-awaited Messiah, the “light for revelation to the Gentiles and the glory of Israel” (Luke 2:32). Anna, the prophetess, also gives thanks to God and speaks of the child to all who were awaiting the redemption of Jerusalem.

From Conviction to Action: Embracing Christ’s Call

Third Sunday in Ordinary Time: January 26, 2025

Readings: Nehemiah 8:2–6, 10; Psalms 19:8–10, 15; 1 Corinthians 12:12–30; Luke 1:1–4, 4:14–21

 To listen to my audio-video reflections via YouTube, please click here: https://youtu.be/0ze4KJPtGf8

What would be our life if we did not live with convictions, values, norms or systems that determine a particular way of being in this world? We are judged by who we are, what we speak and the way we act. This determines our life, our present and our future. Our social upbringing and pedagogical training that we receive in schools and colleges decide the kind of world that we want to create. Jesus begins his public ministry from his experiences as a practicing Jew. His upbringing makes him what really he is and is meant to be. He takes up the role of Messiah bringing salvation to those who need it and are ready to listen. The liturgical readings on this Sunday invite us to be part of Jesus' mission of bringing goodness to all the people of goodwill.

1. The Call to Trust in God’s Word

The passages from Luke’s Gospel invite us into a profound contemplation of God’s promise fulfilled through Jesus Christ. In Luke 1:1–4, the evangelist carefully sets the stage, emphasizing the reliability of his account and his intention to provide an orderly narrative of the life and ministry of Jesus. It is addressed to Theophilus, whose name means "lover of God," an earnest inquirer about Jesus

Recognizing the Sacred: God’s Abundance in Our Lives

02nd Sunday in Ordinary Time: January 19, 2025

Readings: Isaiah 62:1–5; Psalm 96:1–3, 7–10;  1 Corinthians 12:4–11; John 2:1–12

 To listen to my audio-video reflections via YouTube, please click here: https://youtu.be/aGm914hVNwM

Somebody wrote "⁠When God wanted to create fish, he spoke to the sea. ⁠When God wanted to create trees, he spoke to the earth. ⁠But when God wanted to create man, he turned to Himself." God comes to us every day of our lives. Sometimes in known ways and sometimes in unknown ways. Jesus came into the world in known ways. There was more than sufficient literature about the coming of Jesus into the world. However many did not recognize him. On the Second Sunday of the Ordinary Time, the liturgical readings invite us to recognize Jesus, in fact, he makes himself known through a very big miracle of making water into wine at a wedding party.

1. Jesus ever ready to meet the needs of others

The first miracle recorded in the Gospel of St John 2:1–12 is the Wedding at Cana, where Jesus performs turning water into wine. Jesus loved celebrations. He was at home with his relatives.  Jesus does not shy away from his mother Mary when she asks him to do something in order to save the face of the host. Mary is very sensitive and looks at the needs of the present moment even though it does not concern her. Mary and Jesus recognize the sacredness of human relationships and the joy of communion. Their presence at such a big party is a lesson for us that  God delights in being with us, not only in solemn moments but also in our everyday celebrations.

Called and Commissioned: Living Our Baptismal Identity

Feast of the Baptism of the Lord: January 12, 2025

Readings: Isaiah 42:1–4, 6–7; Psalm 29:1–4, 9–10; Acts 10:34–38; Luke 3:15–16, 21–22

 To listen to my audio-video reflections via YouTube, please click here: https://youtu.be/mBNDGqN6Ou8

As we enter into the ordinary rhythm of the New Year 2025, our spirits are still high with the blessings it brings. We may be getting busier, feeling the monotony of life yet the spirit with which we started the year must keep us going with the resolutions and other commitments that we have made for this year. Towards this end, the liturgical readings of this Sunday on the day of the feast of our Lord's Baptism invite us to take a closer look at the person of Jesus and John the Baptist who are just six months apart in their age, yet both are profound and committed to the cause for which they are called. John the Baptist is at the service of Word, which was made flesh among us. All his energies are geared towards this cause of preparing the way for God.

1. Getting to know our identity better

Today, we live in an age of digital identities, where our worth is often measured in likes and followers. Many people, especially our youth, struggle with questions of who they really are. Into this confusion, the Baptism of Jesus thunders with the Father's voice: "This is my beloved Son." This divine affirmation reminds us that our deepest identity isn't found in social media profiles or professional achievements, but in being God's beloved children. We see the perfect manifestation of the Holy Trinity – the Son standing in the waters, the Spirit descending like a dove, and the Father's voice proclaiming "This is my beloved Son."