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.