Christmas: God's Special Intervention in the World

 Christmas Day: December 25, 2021

Readings (of Midnight Mass): Isaiah 9:1-7 | Titus 2:11-14 | Luke 2:1-14

(Crib at Mount Carmel College, Bangalore 2021)
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  “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favour rests.” With these beautiful words of Angels, we begin this great festivity of Christmas. As the global Christian community enters into this great mystery of God becoming human, we are invited to contemplate this mystery and draw some profit for our spiritual well-being. 

1. Christmas: From Ordinary to Extraordinary 

On this Christmas, we are commemorating a very ordinary and extraordinary event in human history that is the birth of God amongst us as a human baby. Let’s take the ordinary first: Can we imagine that seen of Mary, Joseph and little baby in an unknown city of Bethlehem in a cowshed and the baby is just born. This family from Nazareth could not get a place because people were not generous enough to say “yes” to what they were asking for, a place to stay. And now the baby is laid on a manger while cows or goats and their donkey are watching this scene. We can see the vulnerability of Joseph, the husband of Mary for having failed to give a modest place and privacy to his wife so that she could give birth to a child in a normal, anxiety-free place. 

Never Alone When God Accompanies

 Fourth Sunday of Advent (Cycle C): December 19, 2021

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

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As the season of Advent comes to a close, with barely a week to go to celebrate Christmas, we are invited by the liturgical readings on this fourth Sunday of Advent with a call to follow both Mary and Elizabeth. The role of these two women in the salvation history of humanity is very important. They speak about the good news that both are carrying within them. Their sons are going to bring a big change in Jewish society in particular and in the world at large in general. 

1. God accompanies in odd circumstances

The events of the conception in Elizabeth and Mary are extraordinary and surprising to both of them: If Elizabeth conceived at her senior (old age) years, Mary at her young age, even before she could be married formally to Joseph. The news of their pregnancies and becoming mothers for the first time baffled their families. If Zacharia, the husband of Elizabeth refused to believe such a thing could happen to his wife, Joseph on the other hand thought of leaving Mary quietly from getting married. Even though it might appear joyful news, it was also challenging. Such happenings in the life of these Jewish women was difficult to handle. Moreover, it was something odd that had happened to these God-fearing ladies in their unexpected time. However, God's ways are different. He knows to make the best out of this situation. Probably, that must be the reason why both Mary and Elizabeth happen to be relatives. If these two odd things happen to two distinct unrelated persons then it would have been much more difficult for the families to handle them well.

Manifesting God’s Plan in our Lives

 Third Sunday of Advent (Cycle C): December 12, 2021

Readings:  Zephaniah 3:14-18a; Isaiah 12:2-3, 4, 5-6; Philippians 4:4-7; Luke 3:10-18

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As we delve deeper into the Advent Season, we begin to realise the plentiful blessings this particular season bring to us. Moreover, it gives us a rare opportunity to see God’s plan of salvation with the eyes of faith, hope and love.  The season also brings to our mind the beautiful memories of Christmas. Perhaps, we can think about three-fold task this Christmas gives us prominently, namely, refreshing memories of Christmas, nurturing our faith in God’s presence among us today in sacraments and liturgical life of the church and finally, to nurture within us a faith in the glorious Second Coming of our Lord.

1. Reclaiming the season of Advent with hope

Perhaps our carefree life has been smeared by the ravages of global health crises. In the midst of hopelessness, anxiety and fear, we lost good amount of time and celebrations of our faith. It’s a high time for us to reclaim the Season of Advent and welcome its message of hope and expectation. If we are to dare to hope and brace even the fears of new Corona variant Omicron, certainly we would reap abundant lessons and graces to overcome any storm or tribulation. Pope Benedict XVI, in his encyclical “saved by hope” put it beautifully: “Man’s great, true hope which holds firm in spite of all disappointments can only be God - God who has loved us and who continues to love us ‘to the end,’ until all is accomplished.”

Preparing the Way for our Saviour Courageously

Second Sunday of Advent (Cycle C): December 05, 2021

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

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In order to celebrate any event, we prepare ourselves well. In fact, adequate preparations go into before a successful function. Holy Advent is a time for preparation with reflection, eagerness, excitement and hopefulness. The word Advent comes from the Latin adventus, which means a coming, approach, or arrival. In the Church, it refers to the period encompassing the four Sundays prior to Christmas. We see this not only how the liturgical readings are chosen from the Scriptures but also other various things that get prepared during this season in order to put us into the mood of welcoming Christ at Christmas. They are advent wreaths, nativity scenes also called cribs, Christmas trees, keeping an advent calendar, etc. If these are external things that help us to get into the mood of the Advent season, then there are many spiritual things like attending the Rorate Caeli Mass, reading the Word of God daily, spending time in prayer, doing penance, a way to turn away from sin, thus we joyfully prepare for the coming of the Saviour. Ultimately, Advent is a time to grow in our knowledge of God’s love for us in Christ and in our response to this love in our daily choices.

1. Christ comes into our midst here and now

What makes Advent so special for Christians? It is the recognition that Christmas is not just remembering “the birthday of Jesus,” but a celebration of his coming into our world today, here and now, in the midst of joys and sorrows, hopes and tribulations.   How does Jesus come into the world today? Jesus is “born”—becomes physically tangible—through the celebration of the sacraments. It is by participating in the Eucharist, washing in the waters of Baptism, being anointed with the oil of Confirmation and so on. Jesus becomes part and parcel of our life as a friend by becoming part of the living Body of Christ which is the Church in the world today. For Catholics, then, every celebration of the Eucharist and the other sacraments is like a little Christmas.

God's Dreams for us

 First Sunday of Advent (Cycle C): November 28, 2021

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

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Who does not like to make promises? But the question must be who keeps the promises diligently. The liturgical readings of this Sunday tell us very boldly that God is the one who makes promises moreover keeps them as well. Both the Old and the New Testaments give us a number of assurances and promises and God who fulfils them adequately and fully. As we enter into the Season of Advent, where we prepare to greet the birth of Jesus at Christmas, the promises and the hopes that surround our Lord's coming into our midst become very solid and valid for us. We are in the great season of expectant waiting. Today's Gospel reminds us, we are all waiting in hope for the day when Jesus comes again. Perhaps, we can ask ourselves straightaway what are we especially hoping for in these coming weeks. 

1. Cosmic changes are a sign that God is in control of us. 

When those unusual changes take place in the cosmos like chaos and instability, turmoil in the skies, roaring seas, distress among the nations and terrified people, Jesus says to his disciples "look up and raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near” (Luke 21:28). In the midst of confusion and anxiety, God is present. What is that redemption, Jesus is talking about? Jesus is speaking about the redemption of humanity from the clutches of sin, suffering, destruction and evil. In the saving act of humanity, even the cosmos will be reacting in an extraordinary way. In other words, the whole of God's creation is in action in the process of granting salvation to humanity because God is coming down upon the earth with all His glory and power. Therefore, in everything - human, animal and plant world - the cosmic forces will be acting out their role in welcoming and giving a sign that the saviour is coming in glory. 

Celebrating with Christ, the Eternal King of Power and Weakness

 Solemnity of Christ the King: November 21, 2021

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

(Jesus King of the Universe, Abside Santa Maria Trastevere, Rome)

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We are often questioned about our sense of temporality and eternity, power and weakness. The feast of Christ the King that we celebrate says everything about what it means to us to have a King sent by God who was not of this world but came for us mortals in order to take us to eternity. In other words, it is Jesus to whom we have to admire and imitate. That must be the reason why this feast of Christ the King is so dear and popular among us.  

1. The power of God differs from human power

Christ is the centre of our Christian existence. Because Jesus is the way, the truth and life (John 14:6). He is the greatest truth revealed to us. Otherwise, we would not have remained Christians. Moreover, in Christ Jesus, we are revealed ever more boldly the person of God and eternity, all His power and glory. As followers of eternity, Christ invites us to give witness to the truth. The truth that Jesus speaks to us is different from human truth. In God's truth everything is revealed and clear. Everyone has a place in His eternity and mercy. In the words of A. W. Tozer "God’s words are not for me to edit and tinker with, but to believe and obey.

Predicting the Certainty of Our End in the Lord!

 33rd Sunday in Ordinary Time: November 14, 2021

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

Jesus predicting the end times!

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In recent years, weather conditions are becoming seemingly unpredictable. The farmers are at loss with the irrational changing seasons, resulting in being unable to sow or reap in time with the traditional timeframe. Bad unpredictability is not a good sign for those who plan for the future. However, we do like to think about the future with certain clarity and focus. The liturgical readings of this Sunday are full of predictions and talking about the future. Both Prophet Daniel and the Son of God Jesus explicitly speak about a future where everyone is invited to be part of God’s plan. 

1. Predicting God’s plan for the humanity

The words of Jesus are very strong. Jesus says: “Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away” (Mark 13:31). Jesus is predicting a future that is full of hope for those who are ready to embrace it. Hence the urgent need is to prepare for it by actively engaging in the present with the eyes fixed towards the future. The present determines the future. The importance to the present is attached as much as the future. For God time is important. Everything has a meaning and purpose in the eyes of God. Nothing should go wasted or unused. Because our God is a God of abundance and ready to embrace. He accepts us when we become part of God’s life. That’s why the words of Jesus are important. God’s promises are everlasting and eternal. Promises are kept. They do not pass away without being fulfilled. All the more God is a promise and fulfilment.

Let my Offering be Complete

32nd Sunday in Ordinary Time: November 07, 2021

Readings: 1 Kings 17:10–16; Psalm 146:7–10; Hebrews 9:24–28; Mark 12:38–44

Jesus observes widow's mite
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The month of November is a reminder that we are made for heaven. We begin the month by praying to all the saints who have walked a life of witness in this world and are now crowned in glory. We also recall those souls who lived a Christian life and are no more with us. It is a stark reminder to each one of us that at the end we are not made for this world too long. We end our earthly journey either abruptly or a little slower way. The message is clear that we need to look for something lasting, eternal, unbeatable and holy. Our life only in God might help us to reach that aim of our lives. 

1. Offering to the last penny

As the liturgical readings are drawing us closer to the Season of Advent, we see Jesus speaking about how our actions must demonstrate the kind of persons we are. Jesus is very observant. Evangelist St Mark writes, "And he sat down opposite the treasury, and watched the multitude putting money into the treasury" (Mark 12:41). As a keen observer, Jesus met the needs of the people. He also taught people through his keen observing eyes! A poor widow puts in the temple treasury just two copper coins. In fact, that is all what she had. Whereas many rich people put in large sums of money. Jesus makes a comment here.  “Truly, I say to you, this poor widow has put in more than all those who are contributing to the treasury. For they all contributed out of their abundance; but she out of her poverty has put in everything she had, her whole living.”(Mark 12: 43-44). It is not how much you contribute but how you do it. The woman gives all that was there for her sustenance but others put in all that was extra and superfluous. 

Preciousness of the Gift of Life - Recounting the Blessings

(Picture courtesy: Jean-Marc Arakelian)

Time is flying but life moves on. It’s three years since I went through the knife which ushered a new lease of life for me. My second life, indeed, after going through horrific ordeal looking out for better treatment from one doctor another, from one treatment to another, from one city to another, from one country to another, from one method to another, I am still kicking. Perhaps it has made me stronger both mentally, physically and spiritually. However, may not be a complete man physically!

1. Accepting quick changes in life with an open embrace of mystery

Often I look at life as a mystery.  In the words of Gabriel Marcel (1889-1973), a French Philosopher: “Life is not a problem to be solved but a mystery to be lived.”  In other words, a problem may be solved but not a mystery. In spite of a major surgery which, took place exactly three years ago (31st October 2018), my life has been full of action. Living with a particular medical condition is not easy but looking at what I went through with a destructive illness in my body I seem to forget about everything as if I had no such illness at all. In spirituality, this is called grace. Grace is a free gift of the benevolent God. I believe that today I am tasting such a graced life. 

Unending Enduring Love of God and Neighbour

 Thirty-first Sunday in Ordinary Time - Year B: 31 October 2021

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

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What can we make of it from the liturgical readings of this Sunday? We have a very prominent theme in our Christian existence, that is, love which, is making itself present today. Our life has very little sense if we are not ready to contemplate, meditate and practice this Christian love which, the New Testament often speaks about. In love, the Christian expression of sacrifice finds its comprehensive meaning and truth.

1. Loving completely and wholeheartedly

‘Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one; and you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength.’ The second is this, ‘You shall love your neighbour as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.” (Mark 12:29-31). These words of Jesus to the scribe put all the controversies, moreover, the trapping questions to an end. Because the scribe recognizes Jesus as good and in turn, Jesus appreciates the scribe saying “You are not far from the kingdom of God” (Mark 12:34).

Seeing is believing!

30th Sunday in Ordinary Time: October 24, 2021

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

Jesus heals the blind man

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 What would you expect from a healer? Of course, healing! And this is exactly what we look for when we suffer from terrible chronic illness or birth deformity. The only thing that we want when we are sick is just the healing or getting over it. Every person in this world wants to spend his or her time in good health. In fact, health determines our destiny, our present and future.

1. Sight is the answer to blindness

The gospel reading of today (Mark 10:46–52) is full of promise, hope and deliverance. The poor beggar has been blind for long, probably from his birth. He might not have understood what colour is or what beauty means to his eyes. He might not have experienced the charm of a rose or might not have understood what a mountain is all about. Bartimaeus, son of Timaeus is looking for sight and waiting for his eyes to be opened. He was lost in the world because of his blindness. Not only he was blind, but even the world had blinded him. In other words, he had no place in society. He found comfort only at a street corner. In fact, streets had become his home. He was not considered a contributor to society's progress. In fact, he was marginalized in every sense of the word. That is why those words from the crowd are so stern and cruel: "And many rebuked him, telling him to be silent" (Mark 10:48). People even disliked his voice. That is why there is so much antipathy here. 

Embracing the Servant Leadership of Jesus

29th Sunday in Ordinary Time: October 17, 2021

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

(Picture courtesy: Jean-Marc Arakelian)
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The desire of every human person is to be somebody or someone in society. In pursuit of such desires, we are ready to undertake any means. Sometimes such means may be disliked by others. However, the desire to seek divine intervention through physical sacrifices is accepted by all. Recently I visited the Gunadala Matha Shrine in Vijayawada (Andhra Pradesh - India) while I preached a retreat to the Oblate Sisters of Saint Aloysius Gonzaga (Luigine). I saw a young mother with two of her children making their way by kneeling-walk on that hot sand to the Gunadala Matha Church. In order to satisfy the diety, the simple faith of our people can take up very hard physical sacrifices in contrast to what the Gospel reading of today speaks about the power struggle of James and John.

1. Being a follower of Jesus means becoming a person of indifference

The reply of Jesus to James and John, the sons of Zebedee is astonishing. Jesus says "but whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be slave of all" (Mark 10:43-44). To reach the greater heights there are no shortcuts but only long and tough routes. Jesus cautions his disciples that to be the greatest of all one has to dirty his or her hands. In other words, one has to get down doing things that many people may not take notice of them, or may not appreciate or recognize at all. Being a slave or servant means one must be ready to shed one's freedom, one's selfishness, one's ego, one's honour or even prestige. Such a state of life is not easy and almost impossible for us in the materialistic world in which we live today. 

Oriented Towards Eternity

 28th Sunday in Ordinary Time: October 10, 2021

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

The rich young man and Jesus
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As rational human beings, we look for something that is beyond us. Our capacity to imagine helps us to transcend physical and spatial constraints. That is why we can think about heaven, eternity, hell and such other things. Even though none of the human beings had the possibility to see these things and record their memories as real, yet we believe because of our reasoning as well as spiritual yearning towards God.

1. Every call presupposes challenges

The liturgical readings of this Sunday encourage us to look at the heavenly realities in a little closer way.  The question of a young man to Jesus "Good teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?" (Mk 10:17) is a result of the very notion that there is something beyond the earthly life. Interestingly, everyone recognizes this fact including the rich young man that only a good man or woman will enter eternity and will see God face to face. 

Cherishing the Companionship of the Lord

27th Sunday in Ordinary Time: October 03, 2021

Readings: Genesis 2:18–24; Psalm 128:1–6; Hebrews 2:9–11; Mark 10:2–16

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We live in a web of social relationships. What the life of a person is if he or she does not have any relationship with others? Human life without contact with others is impossible on earth. So long as we are born out of the love of our parents, we cannot run away from the relationships. The feasts of St Vincent de Paul, Archangels Michael, Gabriel and Raphael, St Jerome and St Therese of the Child Jesus whose feasts we celebrated this week tell us that each one of them cherished a loving relationship with God. The constant presence and companionship they experienced is a sign for us that God continues to love us. This is what the liturgical readings of today are trying to tell us. 

1. Companionship of the other is the companionship of the Lord

The early chapters of the book of Genesis are full of God's mercy and compassion. The creation narratives of the book of Genesis are filled with the warmth and affection of God. God sees the life Adam, now a single person boring and uninteresting and puts him into the company of a woman, Eve in order to enrich each other's life. Understanding this fact itself is a mystical experience. Then the Lord God said, “It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him a helper fit for him” (Genesis 2:18). God knows the needs of his people, of his creation. In order to make that creation happy and joyful, God does not leave humanity all alone instead God accompanies it. The companionship of God is open and all-embracing. God saw the need of Adam. In the company of Eve Adam felt at home. In other words, God's very creative act in itself says that God wanted to share His companionship with humanity in a very unique way.

God has not Forsaken us for we are partners of His Mission

26th Sunday in Ordinary Time: September 26, 2021

Readings: Numbers 11:25–29; Psalm 19:8,10,12–14; James 5:1–6; Mark 9:38–48

(Picture courtesy: Jean-Marc Arakelian)
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The world is suffering and humanity is struggling. Often the wars are not fought on the battlefields but in one's heart and in one's consciousness. The more one goes into conquering that does not belong to him or her, the more jealousy or envy begins to enter into one's heart. The disease of fragmentation causes humanity to be fragmented more and more. All of us are in some way or the other part of this illness. We live in disunity within ourselves because of our ills, failures and inadequacies. Envy and jealousy seem to be deep-rooted in us in spite of our ever readiness to enter into a spiritual realm of prayer, liturgy, meditation and even contemplation. The Bible is full of stories of envy and jealousy. For example, Cain and Abel, Joseph and his brothers, David and Saul and so on. The list is endless. World literature narrates to us major tragedies caused due to jealousy and envy.

1. Jealousy is not the answer for our climbing!

The liturgical readings for this Sunday point exactly to this fragmentation which the world suffers from. In other words, humanity is struggling with. In the book of Numbers (11:25–29) we read a young man's soul was disturbed when he saw the two stray men, one named Eldad and the other Medad began prophesying but did not belong to the camp of Moses. In the Old Testament, there were many prophets at a time. Sometimes, in groups people prophesized. The answer of Moses is startling. Joshua, son of Nun, who from his youth had been Moses’ aide, said, "Moses, my lord, stop them." But Moses answered him, "Are you jealous for my sake?" (Nm 11:25-29). Jealousy seems to have ripped apart the camp of Moses. But Moses looks at the will of God and says: "Would that all the people of the Lord were prophets! Would that the Lord might bestow his spirit on them all!" (Nm 11:25-29). Moses is so generous and gentle towards others. He wants the Spirit of the Lord to come down upon everyone. Thus they may prophesy. Others too have a place in Lord's vineyard. If Moses had listened to his people he would have denied the rightful place of Eldad and Medad as God's creation. In fact, they were saved from jealousy of Joshua.

Why Cross of Our Salvation?

25th Sunday in Ordinary Time: 19 September 2021

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

Christ showing a little child as the emblem of heaven by Benjamin West (1790)
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1. Let the sign of the Cross make us holy

Liturgically this week has been a very rich one. We celebrated the feasts of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross and then Our Lady of Sorrows and not to mention the feasts of the saints like John Chrysostom,  Pope Cornelius, Bishop Cyprian, Bishop Robert Bellarmine and Hildegard of Bingen. Many religious congregations both male and female bear the name of Holy Cross or Our Lady. The utter devotion to the Holy Cross says it us all. Without the Cross, there is no salvation, and without Our Lady, we don't see the way to that salvation. Because in Mary, God becomes human.

Recognizing God as God

24th Sunday in Ordinary Time: 12 September 2021

Readings: Isaiah 50:5-9a; Psalm 116:1-2, 3-4, 5-6, 8-9; James 2:14-18; Mark 8:27-35

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In a world of too many ideologies, gurus and philosophies, it is quite difficult to find the right one that suits us. This arduous task can be fulfilled only when we have experienced something eternal and lasting in that ideology or philosophy or guru. Even though choosing the right thing that satisfies our interest, way of being and going about is a challenge yet we can follow a path that has fullness, holiness and eternity. However, it is a lifetime’s task to come to understand these truths about our identities, and to live them out daily and to the end. The liturgical readings of this Sunday invite us to respond to God’s saving grace that we can renounce the limitations of our old self, our former identity, and be transformed into a new creation.

1. Recognition confirms the ground reality

In today's Gospel, Mark 8:27-35 Jesus is posing a very important but personal question to his disciples: “'But you', Jesus asked ‘who do you say I am?'” (Mark 8:35). The answers are varied. Even though only the response of Peter is recorded here,  one thing is certain in the life of the disciples. They all have one voice regarding Peter's confession. They acknowledge who Jesus is. Almost as a spokesperson of the group of disciples, Peter makes Jesus happy with the right answer. 

To Live in the Presence of the Lord

22nd Sunday in Ordinary Time: 29 August 2021

Reading: Deuteronomy 4:1-2, 6-8; Psalm 15:2-3, 3-4, 4-5; James 1:17-18, 21b-22, 27; Mark 7:1-8, 14-15, 21-23

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The liturgical readings for this Sunday are aptly summarized in the responsorial psalm that we read today: "The one who does justice will live in the presence of the Lord" (Psalm 15:2–5). Moses, St James the Apostle and Jesus call each one of us to understand the purpose of our life that is "to live in the presence of the Lord." A person will not be able to live in the presence of the Lord if he or she is not ready to live according to the precepts or commandments of the Lord. We live in a world by following certain values and norms, morals and ethics, precepts and etiquettes. Being rational, intelligent, social and spiritual beings we follow a certain discipline and a pattern of lifestyle. This is what makes us different from the animal world. We shall reflect on these aspects in the following.

1. Hearing the Word of God

Quoting Prophet Isaiah, Jesus says: "This people honors me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me" (Mark 7:6, Isaiah 29:13). While being at the service of people, Jesus found evil in the hearts and minds of those who benefited from his healing, preaching and teaching ministry. People lost themselves especially the Pharisees and scribes in the externals, outward rituals, and those things which matter very little to live in the presence of God. They turned the law inside out, making it a matter of simply performing certain external actions.  By being oneself overwhelmed or engrossed with the ritual and external practices, the people could neither hear the Word of God nor act on it. They are lost in the things and ways of this world. 

Lord, You have the Words of Eternal Life

21 Sunday in Ordinary Time: 22 August 2021

Readings: Joshua 24:1-2, 15-18; Psalm 34:2-3, 16-23; Ephesians 5:21-32; John 6:60-69

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Often when things become difficult, the easiest remedy that we look for to get out of the situation is quitting. We quit a particular relationship or situation because of its heaviness or lack of true knowledge of it. It is easy to quit but difficult to endure. The liturgical readings of this Sunday invite us not to flee from God's love and embrace. We live with choices and chances. Many of them come and go. Choosing the right things at the right time is very essential to make a progress in our spiritual life.

1. Quitting is not a solution to reach heaven

"It is the spirit that gives life, the flesh is of no avail; the words that I have spoken to you are Spirit and life" (John 6:63). These words of Jesus come after his disciples found it hard to digest. Jesus challenged but also put forward very important aspects of his life, which could bring them salvation and make them children of God. Somehow or the other, many found in Jesus a lot of goodness and mercy but also courage and faith. However, all those things slowly dry up including their initial enthusiasm. Steadily a number of people following him very closely abandon him. From their fleeing, they also abandon the truth for which Jesus came to testify.

Assumption of Mary: Of All Women the Most Blessed

Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary: 15 August 2021

Readings: Revelation 11:19a; 12:1-6, 10; Psalm 45:10, 11, 12, 16; 1 Corinthians 15:20-27; Luke 1:39-56

(Icon of the Dormition by Theophan the Greek, 1392)

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1. Mary, a spirit-filled person of God

On this Sunday, August 15, we celebrate the beautiful feast of the Assumption. On this feast, we praise God who has taken the sinless Virgin Mary, body and soul, into His glory. From Christianity's earliest days the Christian community has celebrated the day on which Mary, the Mother of God entered heaven. Even though the death or Dormition of Mary is not recorded in the Christian canonical scriptures, yet since the 4th century, this feast is celebrated. The term Dormition expresses the belief that the Virgin died without suffering, in a state of spiritual peace. However, this belief does not rest on any scriptural basis but is affirmed by the Eastern Christian Holy Tradition. The Eastern Christians celebrate this event as "Dormition of the Mother of God", "falling asleep" (death) of Mary the Theotokos ("Mother of God"), and her being taken up into heaven (bodily assumption). Mary who said "yes" at her Annunciation, now with her glory into heaven her mission is being accomplished.  

Jesus, the Splendour of God's Life

19th Sunday in Ordinary Time: 08 August 2021

Readings: 1 Kings 19:4-8; Psalm 34:2-9; Ephesians 4:30-5:2; John 6:41-51

(Jesus the Bread of Life, Mosaic by Fr Marko Rupnik, SJ)

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1. Let not others determine our identity

The question of identity is a very important component of our life. Identity is determined by one's words and actions. Perhaps people may have their own perceptions while determining someone's identity. Often we get carried away by what others say. Unfortunately, we lose our self-confidence when others put forward their bad perceptions about us. When someone criticizes and identifies us with something negative, we lose confidence in us. All the more we develop a sense of low self-esteem as well. If someone suffers from these kinds of maladies then one should look at Jesus and get inspiration from him. The murmurings of people should not be a reason to fail us. 

In God Alone is Our True Fulfillment

18th Sunday in Ordinary Time: 01 August 2021

Readings: Exodus 16:2–4, 12–15; Psalm 78:3–4, 23–25, 54; Ephesians 4:17, 20–24; John 6:24–35

(Mosaic "Jesus Shows the Way" by Fr Marko Rupnik, SJ)

To listen to my audio reflections please click here 

1. Jesus is the true salvation

The request of people to Jesus “Lord, give us this bread always” (John 6:34) is reassuring us on this Sunday as we worship the Lord. We are often torn between dichotomies or polarities of life, right and wrong, good and bad, life and death, eternity and temporality, order and chaos, true and false, universality and particularity and so on. Unfortunately, it is quite hard to choose which is life-giving, eternal and reassuring in our rat race of everyday life. In fact, we end up choosing conducive, easier, attractive, newest, best, modern, up-to-date, cheapest that give higher status, wealth, power than which is difficult, unattractive, and needs our effort and labour. We seek the perishable stuff of our every day wants, needs and anxieties. In our weakness, we think these things are what really satisfies us.

St Ignatius of Loyola: A Charming Soul in Contemplation of God

(Mosaic on the experience of St Ignatius of Loyola at the river Cardoner by Fr Marko Rupnik, SJ)

To listen to my audio reflections please click here 

Having learnt to pray in the manner of St Ignatius of Loyola (1491-1556), a gift to his followers, I am fascinated by the mystic saint as I try to follow him by being a member of his Order. As the Catholic Church celebrates the feast of St Ignatius of Loyola, on 31st July, which happens to be his 465th birthday into heaven, the pilgrim saint continues to inspire. I would like to place before you a few of my personal reflections in this context. 

1. Ignatius of Loyola: A man who saw all things new in Christ

Being a man of Renaissance St Ignatius of Loyola inculcated a culture that could embrace everything with passion and zeal. His experience at the sickbed did not make him lifeless or disillusioned instead he saw newness in life. It was pilgrims' way - living in "loving awe." By reading the "Life of Christ" of Ludolf of Saxony and the "Flowers of the Saints," Ignatius turned to things which, were earlier uninteresting but now engaging and special. His curiosity brought him to a new world of ideas and projects. He begins to think seriously that life is precious and valuable only if he lives such a one as those saints like St Dominic or St Francis of Assisi. This new change in his pattern of thought opens to enter into action by embracing the new reality. Even the shattered leg does not deter him from walking the unimaginable miles as well as distant paths. He walks and moves around that he did never before. Perhaps when you are broken your very brokenness puts together to walk more. Ignatius walks but with others now.