Called to be Holy

 4th Sunday in Ordinary Time: January 29, 2023

Readings: Zephaniah 2:3; 3:12-13; Psalm 146:6-10; 1 Corinthians 1:26-31; Matthew 5:1-12

Jesus preaches the "Sermon on the Mount"

We are living in an ever-changing world.  In recent years, we have been noticing this change happening in a very fast and rapid space. This is both positive and negative. With the arrival of Covid -19, a lot of things have changed in our lifestyle and well-being. Even though constant change has been a permanent feature of our life in this world, yet it is challenging to adapt to such sudden changes. In the midst of such dramatic changes, there are certain things like values, and ideals that are permanent and eternal. They have a future with a sense of universal applications. On the Fourth Sunday of the Ordinary Time, the readings focus on certain such values which we must imbibe and integrate in our lives particularly, humility, mercy, kindness, righteousness, blessedness, peace and purity of heart. 

1. Called to be blessed at all times

The Gospel writer St Matthew (5:1-12a,) gives us Jesus' well-known "Sermon on the Mount." This rich sermon of Jesus speaks about the importance of humility, meekness, peacemaking, righteousness, mourning, mercy, purity, and perseverance in the face of persecution as the path towards spiritual fulfillment. These teachings, known as the "Beatitudes," are considered by many to be a cornerstone of Christian spiritual reflection and practice. "Blessed" means spiritually fortunate and prosperous, blissful, delighted, and content.  In verse 3, Jesus teaches that the spiritually poor, or those who recognize their spiritual poverty and recognize their own limitations, rely completely on God.  In verse 4, those who mourn, or who grieve over their sins and the sins of the world, will be comforted by God.

Transformative Experience of the Call of Jesus

3rd Sunday in Ordinary Time: January 22, 2023

Readings: Isaiah 8:23–9:3; Psalm 27:1, 4, 13–14; 1 Corinthians 1:10–13, 17; Matthew 4:12–23

The purpose of our Christian living is to grow spiritually and build a deeper relationship with God. It is, indeed, a great challenge today when we read the newspapers, WhatsApp messages, and listen to the television news. We see so much evil and hear only bad news. The sense of God is slowly disappearing from the public eye. Might seems to be right. Therefore, our personal faith journey must be strong and vibrant, resilient and encouraging in order to face the negative trends and hopeless situations which take us away from what we consciously strive to achieve, which is our relationship with God. 

1. Call with a purpose

On this Third Sunday in Ordinary Time, we have beautiful readings from the Bible. Matthew 4:12-23 tells the story of Jesus beginning his ministry in Galilee after the courageous ministry of repentance of St John the Baptist. In fact, Jesus begins his preaching and healing ministry, when John the Baptist had to stop abruptly when he was put into prison by King Herod. His message “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand” sent shock waves to thrones of power.  Jesus sees a great need of gathering a band of disciples to accompany him in his mission of preaching the Reign of God. Hence, four brothers from two families are chosen Simon and Andrew, James and John. They would follow him and become "fishers of men."

Called to be the Light to the Nations

Second Sunday in Ordinary Time: January 15, 2023

Readings: Isaiah 49:3, 5–6; Psalm 40:2, 4, 7–10; 1 Corinthians 1:1–3; John 1:29–34

To listen to my audio-video reflections via YouTube, please click here: https://youtu.be/Qg4J-YyWgKk

Autonomy seems to be what is selling today! It means that we are particular about our knowledge, freedom, desires, wants, wishes, and such other things. That must be the reason why so many would like to live independently in their homes and houses often alone. Living in a larger family or in a religious community is becoming cumbersome and difficult. However, the liturgical readings of today tell us something contrary to what we hold dear to our modern-day lifestyle. As we make our journey of life into the ordinary days of the year, the Church invites us to imitate our Lord who valued family and community life. He made himself available to others and their well-being. Lord Jesus calls us to be his followers, to love and serve others in his name.

1. Called to be the light to the nations 

Prophet Isaiah 49:3-6 speaks of a servant of God who will be a light to the nations and bring salvation to the ends of the earth. In Christian theology, this servant is understood to be Jesus. He is often referred to as the "Light of the World" in the New Testament, and is said to have come to bring salvation and enlightenment to all people, regardless of their race or ethnicity. The idea of Jesus as the light to the nations suggests that through faith in him, people can find spiritual guidance and direction, and that his message has the power to transform lives and bring people closer to God. This concept is often reflected in Christian teachings and practices, such as the sacraments, prayer, and acts of mercy and service to others.

Celebrating the Manifestation of Jesus as Salvation

The Feast of the Epiphany of the Lord, Jesus Christ: January 8, 2023

Readings: Isaiah 60:1–6; Psalm 72:1–2, 7–8, 10–13; Ephesians 3:2–3, 5–6; Matthew 2:1–12

To listen to my audio-video reflections via YouTube, please click here: https://youtu.be/bdCM2SZZjxM

In our world today, anything new either a product or service that comes into the market is viewed with skepticism. However, the business houses look at such products or services as either a threat or an opportunity. In a competitive market economy, there is a place for everything including new ideas and new possibilities. When we apply the same principle to our society, anything new is seen either with cynicism or a threat to the already existing ethos, norms, or value system. We find it difficult to adjust and nurture something new and good for our own benefit. Similarly, 2000 years ago, the birth of Jesus also brought fear and uneasiness into the royal palaces and thrones of power. However, in other quarters of faith and reason, the birth of Jesus opened a new chapter in the history of humanity. The feast of the Epiphany is, indeed, such an event, which would change completely the face of the religious scenario for the rest of world history. 

1. Revelation of Baby Jesus as the Saviour of humanity

Today, the Church celebrates the Feast of the Manifestation of Jesus Christ, also known as the Feast of Epiphany. It celebrates the revelation of Jesus as the Son of God and the savior of the world. It is typically celebrated on January 6th, when the Eastern (Orthodox) Churches celebrate it as Christmas. The word "epiphany" comes from the Greek word "epiphaneia," which means "revelation" or "manifestation" or "appearance." The Feast of Epiphany commemorates the three Wise Men, or Magi, who visited Jesus after his birth and brought him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. It is also associated with the story of Jesus' baptism, when he was revealed to be the Son of God.