Christmas 2024: Gazing at the Innocence of the Child

Readings: Lk 2:1-14

What kind of newness could this Christmas 2024 bring to us?

Nativity of our Lord Jesus Christ - painting at Infant Jesus Church, Ernakulam

Christmas is not for faint-hearted and hopeless people. Christmas is not meant for people who do not desire to see great things in their lives. Christmas is not for those not ready to embrace change, flexibility, and openness to newness. Christmas is not meant for those who are fearful, diffident, lost in the little things that worry them, or lost in their smallness. Christmas is not meant for those, who have low self-confidence, are lazy and lack imagination. In other words, Christmas is for those who are courageous and hopeful people. Christmas is for those who desire to see great things in their lives. Christmas is for those who are looking for change, dynamism and openness to the greater things that happen in their lives. Christmas is for those who are confident, hardworking and who can imagine greater things in their own lives and the lives of those who are around them.

1. Unforeseen Circumstances in Jesus' Birth

As we celebrate Christmas, we imagine, the Child Jesus, Mary, Joseph, Angels, Shepherds, cows and goats around them. Not just human beings but even animals participate in Jesus's birth scene. It is something uncommon for a Jewish family to give birth to a child in a cowshed. But this is what actually happens in the life of Jesus. If the Roman Emperor's diktat of the census was not in place, Jesus would have had a normal home for his delivery. Mary and Joseph now find the right place of a manger where the cows have their food and become a place for Jesus to be born and sheltered in that inopportune place.

2. God enters into the lives in an uncommon way

When we look at the life of Mary and Joseph, certain things are obvious and vivid. These days we are also reading about Elizabeth and Zacharias the parents of St John the Baptist, just six months in advance their son is born to prepare the way for Jesus. With the same kinship relationship, both Jesus and John the Baptist grow amongst the people of Israel. Interestingly, we see both Mary and Elizabeth go through a very strange phase of their lives of becoming mothers in an untimely manner. If Mary is young, not yet married, Elizabeth is barren and advanced in years. God enters into their lives at an unusual moment of their lives. Interestingly, both take God's promise boldly with natural yet initial hesitation. Both open up themselves to the new possibilities. The courage and hope of both these ladies are a model for all of us to cherish and imitate.

3. Ready for the unimaginable possibilities

We see that the Christmas of Bethlehem is full of imagination and unpredictability. Both Joseph, Mary's husband, and Zacharias, Elizabeth's husband, experience strange but unimaginable things in their lives. Yet both are open to new possibilities. They give themselves not just for divine dreams and revelations but allow themself embraced by this mystery of Incarnation. Joseph is ever ready to accept the new reality. Ready to change and get down to his feet and ready to rescue the child that is just born from the clutches of evil King Herod.

4. Openness to the God's way of acting and being

Christmas comes to us bringing full of hope and newness. Never before in the history of humanity, we have seen God becoming human in such a wretched situation. What brings salvation is not pride, riches or power but humility, self-sacrifice and compassion. This is the heart of Christmas. For God everything is possible. God accepts the reality of humanity in such a simple form that a good number of our people cannot be simple at all. We are lost in ourselves; in our status, positions, power, protocols and procedures. We have lost in traditions, customs and status. We have forgotten the human person in the rubrics of laws and legalities. We have misplaced ourselves. Instead of choosing newness, we are lost in things that do not bring salvation. We have lost in small things. In other words, we have lost a way to salvation.

5. Listening to the feeble voice of God

The unexpected coming of our Lord and being born in Bethlehem is recognized by the shepherds and the three unknown kings. The unexpected things that happen in the lives of the parents of Jesus and John the Baptist are a lesson to us to do always God's Will and listen to His voice and not the voices of this world. There is so much noise in the world, we fail to recognize the voice of God which is quiet and hard to hear. The Christian of today has to be ready to embrace not just the change but the incomprehensibility of God through one's imagination and a sense of wonder. 

6. Attentiveness to God's working even today

Jesus takes birth in our lives even today, when we are ready to accept God's voice in this messy world. Jesus takes birth in our lives, when we open ourselves to newer possibilities which may be unknown and road less travelled. Jesus takes birth in our lives when just like Mary and Elizabeth accept God's will and follow it with utter humility, courage and hope. What happened in Bethlehem 2000 years ago, still happens today in our lives, if we are ready to listen to God's voice in our lives. 

Prayer

Loving God,

You who chose the humble manger for the birth of Your Son,

teach us to embrace the newness You bring into our lives.

Help us to be courageous and hopeful, ready for great things,

even in the face of unexpected and challenging circumstances.

May we, like Mary and Joseph, open our hearts to Your will,

trusting in Your plan, even when it is beyond our understanding.

Grant us the imagination to see Your hand at work in the uncommon

and the humility to accept Your presence in the simple and the small.

In a world full of noise, may we attune our ears to Your gentle voice.

Amid life's uncertainties, fill us with faith to walk the road less travelled,

knowing that Your love and salvation are always near.

Lord, as we celebrate the birth of Christ,

may His light shine in our hearts and homes,

making us instruments of Your peace and joy to all around us.

We make this prayer in Jesus' Holy Name. Amen.

- Olvin Veigas, SJ

23 December 2024

Advent: Standing at the Threshold for God's Arrival

04th Sunday of Advent: December 22, 2024

Readings: Micah 5:1–4; Psalm 80:2–3, 15–16, 18–19; Hebrews 10:5–10; Luke 1:39–45

To listen to the audio-video reflections via YouTube, please click here: https://youtu.be/ytZBkzchCv8

As we arrive at the Fourth Sunday of Advent, we stand at a sacred threshold. The purple candles of our Advent wreaths flicker with anticipation, and our hearts beat in rhythm with Mary's journey to Bethlehem. In these final moments before Christmas, we are invited to contemplate what it truly means to be a dwelling place for the Divine.

1. Wonder at the incomprehensible mystery of God

St. Gregory of Nyssa, that profound mystic of the early Church, once wrote: "Concepts create idols; only wonder comprehends anything." As we ponder the mystery of the Incarnation, these words take on special significance. In our modern world of instant gratification and digital distractions, we often try to reduce everything to easily digestible concepts. Yet the wonder of God becoming human defies all our attempts at neat categorization.

The Gospel for this Sunday Luke 1:39–45 presents us with Mary's fiat – her "yes" to God's extraordinary invitation making her at the service of others including her relative Elizabeth. This young woman from Nazareth, living in occupied territory under Roman rule, facing societal judgment and uncertainty, still dared to say, "Be it done unto me according to your word." How many of us, in our own lives, struggle with such radical trust? Moreover, Mary is ready to accompany another woman Elizabeth who is also troubled by the good news of the child in her senior years. 

2. Beyond Bethlehem: Christ's Birth in Today's World

St Maximus the Confessor, another early Patristic writer offers us a profound insight here: "The Word of God, born once in the flesh, is always willing to be born spiritually in those who desire Him." This spiritual birth isn't just a historical event we commemorate – it's an ongoing invitation to each of us. In our divided world, where political tensions run high, where families struggle with economic pressures, where climate change threatens our common home, we too are called to be bearers of Christ.

Let us consider our own contemporary context in which we live: Parents juggling work demands while trying to create meaningful Advent traditions for their children; young adults navigating career choices while seeking deeper meaning in life; elderly members of our community facing loneliness during the holiday season; immigrants in our parishes yearning for both welcome and preservation of their cultural traditions; families struggling with inflation and financial stress during this season of giving. The list goes on. However, we can make a difference here if we trust in the Lord and walk in His ways. 

3. Impossible Possibilities: Carrying Christ in Today's World

The mystery of the Incarnation speaks to all these situations. As Gregory of Nyssa teaches us, "What was achieved in Mary's body is accomplished in the soul of every person who has been saved." This means that our daily struggles, our moments of uncertainty, and our professional challenges – all become sacred spaces where God desires to be born anew.  Love is a good disposition of the soul during this time of intense longing for God. As we prepare for Christmas, perhaps this is our most important task – to cultivate that good disposition of the soul that recognizes God's presence in all things, even (and especially) in the messy realities of our daily lives.

As we light the fourth candle of Advent, let us remember that we stand in a long tradition of believers who have grappled with the mystery of Emmanuel – God with us. Like Mary, we are called to be God-bearers in our own time and place. In our homes and offices, in our digital spaces and face-to-face encounters, in our moments of joy and our experiences of struggle, we are invited to let Christ be born anew. May these final days of Advent find us, like Mary, open to the impossible possibilities that God places before us, ready to be surprised by joy, and willing to be transformed by love. "For with God, nothing will be impossible." (Luke 1:37)

Questions for self-reflection:

In these final days before Christmas, we might ask ourselves:

1. Where in my life am I being invited to say "yes" to God's unexpected plans?
2. How can I create space for wonder amidst the holiday rush?
3. In what ways might I be called to bear Christ to others in their moments of need?

Prayer:

Loving God,

As we light our fourth Advent candle,

Make our hearts ready, like Mary's,

To welcome Your Son.

In our daily struggles and joys,

Help us become bearers of Your presence

To all we meet.

Transform our ordinary moments

Into sacred spaces where You are born anew.

For with You, nothing is impossible.

We make this prayer in Jesus' Holy Name, Amen.

- Olvin Veigas, SJ

20 December 2024

The Joy of Advent: Rejoice, for the Lord is Near

03rd Sunday of Advent: December 15, 2024

Readings: Zephaniah 3:14–18; Isaiah 12:2–6; Philippians 4:4–7; Luke 3:10–18

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

The Third Sunday of Advent, often called Gaudete Sunday, calls us to rejoice. The readings today proclaim joy, hope, and a sense of eager anticipation for the coming of the Lord. As we live in a world marked by uncertainty, conflict, and deep longing for peace, these scriptures remind us to root our joy in God’s presence and His promises. Living with this trust enables us to radiate joy and hope, even amidst life’s uncertainties.  As we await the coming of Christ, we are called to live as people of hope, joy, and justice, bearing witness to His presence in our midst. As we heed John’s call, we prepare the way for Christ, not only in our hearts but in the lives of those around us. 

1. Preparing the Way with Actions

We see in Luke 3:10–18, John the Baptist’s call to repentance is direct, clear, explicit and practical. He exhorts the crowds to live out their faith by sharing with the poor, practicing honesty, and avoiding exploitation. In a world plagued by inequality and corruption, John’s call is a summons to solidarity. To the wealthy, he says, “Give.” To those in positions of power, he says, “Do not abuse.” These words demand action. As St. Augustine writes: "True repentance is not just in words but in the reformation of life. What good is it to say, 'Prepare the way of the Lord,' if we do not walk the path ourselves?"

Advent - God's Action in Human History

02nd Sunday of Advent: December 08, 2024

Readings: Baruch 5:1–9; Psalm 126:1–6; Philippians 1:4–6, 8–11; Luke 3:1–6

To listen to the audio-video reflections via YouTube, please click here: https://youtu.be/Rz1D-EoMgpQ

The liturgical readings for the Second Sunday of Advent invite us to contemplate the historical and salvific reality of the Incarnation, as God enters human history in the person of Jesus Christ. It is a profound reality of God's intervention in human history. Hence we must understand the mystery of salvation from the historical context. By doing so, we might be able to deepen our relationship with God thus we celebrate Christmas in a meaningful way. Advent is a season of waiting, but it is also a season of remembering: the God who once entered history as the Word made flesh continues to shape our lives today.

1. Salvation Rooted in History

Luke’s Gospel situates John the Baptist’s ministry within a detailed historical framework: the reign of Tiberius Caesar, the governance of Pontius Pilate, and the high priesthood of Annas and Caiaphas. These specifics emphasize that the story of salvation is not an abstract idea but a real event within human history. This historical grounding is crucial because it reminds us that God's salvation is tangible and accessible. John’s call to “prepare the way of the Lord” resonates today, inviting us to recognize how Christ continues to meet us in the reality of our own lives and circumstances.

Advent: A Journey from Restlessness to Peace

01st Sunday of Advent: December 01, 2024

Readings: Jeremiah 33:14-16; Psalm 25:4-5,8-10,14; 1 Thessalonians 3:12-4:2; Luke 21:25-28, 34-36

To listen to the audio-video reflections via YouTube, please click here: https://youtu.be/Ny7Y232Zx64?si=2tA7CjkIsELPY2md

The First Sunday of Advent marks the beginning of a sacred journey—a time of anticipation and hope. This season invites us to reflect on our longing for God amidst the complexities and struggles of life. Our restless hearts yearn for meaning, connection, and peace, echoing the psalmist's cry: “As the deer longs for streams of water, so my soul longs for you, O God” (Psalm 42:1). Rather than allowing fear and confusion to paralyse us as we see the many problems in our world, we look up. We eagerly await and work for the coming of God's reign in our midst. In the midst of chaos and distress, fear and anxiety, while very powers of heaven are shaken, we are called to stand tall, and strong with heads lifted up. This is Christian courage!

1. A world in need of hope

In today’s world, humanity seems to wrestle with both ancient and modern challenges. Wars, climate crises, economic disparity, and the isolation brought about by technological over-dependence have left many feeling overwhelmed and distant from hope. Yet, these struggles unveil a deeper truth: our longing for God is not a sign of weakness but a testament to the divine imprint within us. The emptiness we feel is not something to fear; it is the space God seeks to fill with His love.

Christ the Servant King: A Call to Authentic Discipleship and Hope

The Solemnity of Christ the King: November 24, 2024

Readings: Daniel 7:13-14; Psalm 93:1-2,5; Revelation 1:5-8; John 18:33-37

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

This Sunday, we celebrate the Solemnity of Christ the King, a feast that calls us to recognize and honour Jesus as the King of the Universe. It also marks the end of the liturgical year, inviting us to reflect on the journey of faith we have traversed and prepare for the Advent season—a time of waiting and hope. At Baptism, when we are anointed with Chrism, the words used are: "As Christ was anointed Priest, Prophet and King, so may you live always as a member of his body." These powerful words are a true reminder that we too take part in Christ's kingly functions.

1. Christ the Servant King

Unlike earthly kings, Jesus’ kingship is rooted in humility and service. He reigns not with power and might but through love, mercy, and sacrifice. His throne is the cross, and His crown is made of thorns. This image of Jesus challenges us to embrace servant leadership in our lives. A good number of us may not even like the word "King." Having lived in democratic countries, and a constitution, we love everyone to be treated equally. However, we must learn from Christ not as a King who runs the affairs of the world just like secular rulers but as a King who serves and becomes a model for us.

Becoming Signs of Hope and Contradiction - A Call to Holy Disruption

33rd Sunday in Ordinary Time: November 17, 2024

Readings: Daniel 12:1-3; Psalm 16:5,8-11; Hebrews 10:11-14,18; Mark 13:24-32

To listen to the audio-video reflections via YouTube, please click here: https://youtu.be/w9GATiX7U4c

As we draw near to the end of the liturgical year, the liturgical readings on the 33rd Sunday in Ordinary Time encourage us to live with vigilance and hope, grounded in faith. In a world marked by challenges—conflict, social injustice, and environmental crises—our call as Christians feels ever more urgent. We are reminded that to be a follower of Christ in today's world means to be a bearer of light, compassion, and courage. Amid the uncertainty, we are called to be steady and resilient, living out our faith not in fear but in trust, not in isolation but in community. Jesus invites us to be people, who build bridges, seek peace, and respond with compassion to the cries of those around us.

1. A Call to Holy Disruption

In Mark 13:24-32, Jesus presents an apocalyptic vision of the end times—a world plunged into darkness, cosmic forces in upheaval, and the heavens themselves shaken. It is a powerful and unsettling image, and it is meant to unsettle us. Yet, we find within this disruption a promise of redemption: the coming of the Son of Man in "great power and glory," gathering all people to Himself. Jesus’ words challenge us to look beyond the surface, to see that God's kingdom is not just a place or a future event but an active reality that breaks into our lives even now.

God’s Economy - A Management of Giving Entirely

32nd Sunday in Ordinary Time: November 10, 2024

Readings: 1 Kings 17:10–16; Psalm 146:7–10; Hebrews 9:24–28; Mark 12:41–44

To listen to the audio-video reflections via YouTube, please click here: https://youtu.be/7fRyN3enFJE

The world that we live in today is not so kind and authentic. In today’s world, we often witness a contrast between appearances and authenticity, between acts of charity performed for recognition and those born from genuine self-sacrifice. In 1 Kings 17:10–16, we see a humble widow who, despite her own need, offers her last bit of food to the prophet Elijah. Her quiet trust and willingness to give from her scarcity highlight a faith rooted in dependence on God’s provision. In Mark 12:41–44, Jesus contrasts the wealthy scribes, who give out of their abundance, with a poor widow who offers two small coins—her entire livelihood.

1. A radical trust in God displaces superficiality

The stories of the two widows in 1 Kings 17:10–16 and Mark 12:41–44 reflect two ways of giving: one that comes from a place of selfless trust and one that, though outwardly generous, may lack depth. In a society that often values image over substance, these passages invite us to reflect on our own motivations and the authenticity of our giving. Are we like the scribes, seeking to impress, or like the widows, offering all we have in quiet faith? In most cultures, widows are not treated well. Often they become outcasts and neglected lot. But God is gracious and generous towards them. They may not have a lot of wealth but they have a great, loving and generous heart. That is their solace and the source of their strength.

Called to Radical Love: Drawing Closer to God and Neighbour

31st Sunday in Ordinary Time: November 03, 2024

Readings: Deuteronomy 6:2–6; Psalm 18:2–4, 47, 51; Hebrews 7:23–28; Mark 12:28–34

To listen to the audio-video reflections via YouTube, please click here: https://youtu.be/mpAsRHy6XSw

As we gather on this 31st Sunday in Ordinary Time, we are mindful that November holds a special place in our Catholic tradition—a time dedicated to remembering and praying for our beloved departed. The Church invites us to renew our trust in God’s promise of eternal life while reflecting on our own journey towards holiness. In today's readings, we are reminded of God’s unwavering love and mercy, even amidst our human frailties. May this reflection help us seek God more earnestly and extend our prayers for those who have gone before us, so that they may rest in His eternal peace.

1. God's presence through the act of love

In Mark 12:28–34, Jesus is asked about the greatest commandment, and He responds with a profound yet simple truth: to love God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength, and to love our neighbour as ourselves. It is nothing but a total, undivided love for God. This isn’t merely a feeling or a duty; it’s a wholehearted devotion that touches every part of who we are—our thoughts, desires, actions, and intentions. It is a continual choosing of God above all else. God's presence must permeate not only our prayers but our relationships, our work, our decisions, and the way we spend our time. 

When God Stops for Us: Embracing Christ’s Light in a Chaotic World

30th Sunday in Ordinary Time: October 27, 2024

Readings: Jeremiah 31:7–9; Psalm 126:1–6; Hebrews 5:1–6; Mark 10:46–52

To listen to the audio-video reflections via YouTube, please click here: https://youtu.be/ki76QxAUmOg?si=Xd53OjjKkLA37cjT

In today’s world, marked by uncertainty, suffering, and a deep sense of disconnection, the human heart longs for healing, meaning, and an intimate connection with God. Amid existential challenges—personal struggles, societal pressures, and global crises—there is a growing awareness of our need for something beyond the material, a transcendent hope. The stories and teachings found in Scripture, particularly in the accounts of Bartimaeus in Mark 10:46–52 and the role of Christ as High Priest in Hebrews 5:1–6, speak directly to this longing.

1. The Cry of the Heart

In Mark 10:46–52, we encounter the powerful story of Bartimaeus, a blind beggar sitting on the roadside, who calls out to Jesus, "Son of David, have mercy on me!" Despite the crowd's attempt to silence him, Bartimaeus persists until Jesus hears him and invites him to come forward. When asked what he desires, Bartimaeus responds simply, "Rabbi, I want to see." Moved by his faith, Jesus heals him, and Bartimaeus follows Jesus on the road.

Servant Leadership: Reimagining Success Through the Eyes of Christ

29th Sunday in Ordinary Time: October 20, 2024

Readings: Isaiah 53:10-11; Psalm 33:4-5,18-20,22; Hebrews 4:14-16; Mark 10:35-45

To listen to the audio-video reflections via YouTube, please click here: https://youtu.be/R635JHHNh9w

In today’s fast-paced and often challenging world, we are constantly confronted with the pressures of success, recognition, and the desire for control. Many of us struggle with feelings of inadequacy, temptation, and the burden of our weaknesses. In this context, the Scriptures offer a timeless message of hope and transformation. Through the lessons in Mark 10:35-45 and Hebrews 4:14-16, we are invited to reimagine greatness not as power or status, but as service and humility. Moreover, we are reminded that in our frailty, we are not alone — Christ, our compassionate High Priest, understands our struggles and offers us the grace and strength we need to endure. These reflections speak directly to our contemporary experience, urging us to embrace a life of humble service and to approach God with confidence, trusting in His ever-present mercy and grace.

1. The Desire for Greatness vs Service of God

In the Gospel of Mark 10:35-45, we witness a profound lesson about the nature of discipleship and the heart of Christian service. James and John, two of Jesus’ closest disciples, approach Him with a bold request: they want to sit at His right and left in His glory. This request reveals a common human tendency — the desire for power, recognition, and status. But Jesus gently redirects their ambitions toward a higher calling, one that challenges worldly notions of greatness.

Letting Go to Follow - From Possessions to Purpose

28th Sunday in Ordinary Time: October 13, 2024

Readings: Wisdom 7:7–11; Psalm 90:12–17; Hebrews 4:12–13; Mark 10:17–30

1. The Call to Let Go

In Mark 10:17–30, we find the story of the rich young man who seeks eternal life but is challenged by Jesus to sell his possessions, give to the poor, and follow Him. The young man in the story sincerely desires eternal life and approaches Jesus with respect and eagerness. However, when asked to sell his possessions and give to the poor, he walks away saddened. Following Jesus requires a willingness to let go of earthly or worldly attachments.  Only when you detach from the things here, one will be attached to the above. Jesus does not condemn wealth but rather points out that unreadiness to let go of things is not the true sign of authentic discipleship. What are the things in our lives—possessions, ambitions, habits—that we find difficult to release? Are we willing to put them aside to follow Christ more closely?

Redefining Greatness: Embracing Humility in a World of Competition

25th Sunday in Ordinary Time: September 22, 2024

Readings: Wisdom 2:12,17-20; Psalm 54:3-8 James 3:16-4:3; Mark 9:30-37 

To listen to my Audio Reflections please click here

In the secular world, greatness is often defined by status, power, wealth, and influence. People strive to be recognized, admired, and celebrated for their achievements, positioning themselves above others through success, authority, or material gain. The pursuit of greatness in this sense often fosters competition, pride, and a focus on personal ambition. In contrast, Jesus redefines greatness entirely. He teaches that true greatness lies in humility, service, and selflessness. In the Reign of God, those who serve others, especially the least and the marginalized, are considered the greatest. Jesus calls His followers to embrace a childlike humility, seeking not worldly recognition but a life dedicated to loving and serving others. This radical understanding of greatness challenges us to shift our focus from self-promotion to self-giving.

1. The call to humility and being open to God

In this passage Mark 9:30-37, Jesus speaks of His impending suffering and death, yet the disciples, preoccupied with their own concerns, fail to grasp His message. Jesus predicts His betrayal and crucifixion, but the disciples argue among themselves about who is the greatest.  Jesus uses this moment to teach a profound lesson in humility. Jesus brings a child into their midst and says, “Whoever wants to be first must be last of all and servant of all” (Mark 9:35). This statement turns the world’s concept of greatness upside down. Jesus does not dismiss the desire to be great; rather, He redefines what true greatness is — found not in power or status but in service and humility.

Embracing Christ’s Identity: A Call to Faith, Service and Purpose

24th Sunday in Ordinary Time: September 15, 2024

Readings: Isaiah 50:4-9; Psalm 116:1-6, 8-9; James 2:14-18; Mark 8:27-35

To listen to the audio-video reflections via YouTube, please click here: https://youtu.be/RdxhYMlTm9c

The sense of identity is a foundational aspect of human existence, shaping how we understand ourselves, our purpose, and our place in the world. In the context of Jesus, identity is deeply intertwined with spiritual calling and divine relationship. Jesus' sense of identity was rooted in His relationship with God the Father, His mission to bring salvation, and His embodiment of divine love and truth. This strong sense of identity empowered Him to remain steadfast in His purpose, even in the face of suffering and rejection. As a believer understanding our identity in Christ invites us to live in alignment with God's will, finding true purpose and meaning through our connection to Him.

1. Authenticity and Identity of Christ as Real

Mark 8:27-35 is a profound passage where Jesus asks His disciples, “Who do you say that I am?” This question is central to the identity of Jesus and the nature of discipleship. For this St Peter responds, “You are the Messiah,” a truth that sets the foundation for Christian faith. However, Jesus quickly reminds the disciples that understanding Him as the Messiah isn't about power or earthly glory, but suffering, sacrifice, and humility. Jesus’ identity as the suffering servant calls us to rethink the nature of power in our lives. Discipleship is about following Christ in humility, recognizing that the path to life goes through self-giving love, not personal gain.

The Feast of the Nativity of Our Lady: A Celebration of Faith, Family, and Harvest

23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time: September 08, 2024

Readings: Isaiah 35:4–7; Psalm 146:7–10; James 2:1–5; Mark 7:31–37

To listen to the audio-video reflections via YouTube, please click here: https://youtu.be/dqlEIZ5goso

On September 8th each year, the Church celebrates a feast that holds deep significance for Catholics worldwide—the Nativity of Our Lady, the birth of the Blessed Virgin Mary. This joyous occasion marks the beginning of Mary’s earthly life, a life that would pave the way for the Incarnation of Christ. As the Mother of God, Mary’s birth is seen as a prelude to the salvation story, making this feast an essential part of the liturgical calendar.

For many Catholic communities, the Nativity of Our Lady is not only a day of spiritual reflection but also one filled with rich cultural and familial traditions. Among these communities are the Mangalore Konkani Christians of India, who celebrate this feast in a unique and heartfelt manner, blending their deep-rooted Catholic faith with local customs. Known as "Monti Fest," this celebration brings together the dual significance of Mary’s birth and the harvest season.

1. A Feast of the Family and Harvest

The Mangalore Konkani Christians celebrate the Feast of the Nativity of Mary as a time to give thanks for the harvest. As a farming community for centuries, the harvest represented God’s abundant blessings, a sign of His providence and care. By associating the harvest with Mary’s nativity, the community expresses gratitude not only for the crops that sustain their bodies but also for Mary, who nourishes their souls by leading them to Christ.

From Ritual to Reality: Cultivating Inner Holiness

 22nd Sunday in Ordinary Time: September 01, 2024

Readings: Deuteronomy 4:1–2,6–8; Psalm 15:2–5; James 1:17–18, 21–22, 27; Mark 7:1–8, 14–15, 21–23

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

Often we are lost in external things, which might not be necessary at all to reach God. In glorifying external things, we might lose what is necessary, essential and salvific. As scripture rightly puts it, God sees the heart of man and woman. Internal aspects are very essential that might bring us closer to God. Psalms always ask for grace, “Create in me a clean heart, O Lord” (Psalm 51:10-19). That should be our prayer every day of our lives. The liturgical readings of this 22nd Sunday in ordinary time of the year, invite us to get into the innermost of our being and see what pleases God and not what pleases men and women of today. True holiness comes from within, and it is only through God's grace that we can be cleansed and made new.

1. Look at the interiority rather than the exteriority

In Mark 7:1–8, 14–15, 21–23, Jesus confronts the Pharisees and scribes who criticize His disciples for eating with unwashed hands, which they see as a breach of tradition. Jesus responds by challenging their focus on external rituals over the inner condition of the heart. He emphasizes that it is not what enters a person from the outside that defiles them, but what comes from within. Jesus invites us to consider how we can cultivate a purity that goes beyond external rituals. Are we allowing God to shape our inner life? Are we more concerned with how we appear to others than with the state of our hearts?