Listening to Divine Intervention: Navigating the Path of Self-Discovery and Growth

04th Sunday in Ordinary Time: January 28, 2024

Readings: Deuteronomy 18:15–20; Psalm 95:1–2, 6–9; 1 Corinthians 7:32–35; Mark 1:21–28

 To listen to my audio-video reflections via YouTube, please click here: https://youtu.be/N3ROFZHwEjg?si=jL--Owy2Epc6zRD1

We are almost at the end of January. The days are passing by quite quickly.  The new year that we began just a few weeks ago has already set us in a fast motion. An old adage says  “Time flies when you’re having fun.” Mahatma Gandhi once said, “There is more to life than simply increasing its speed.”  The readings on this fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time have to do with time. Time is in your basket. Whether it is Jesus speeding up his ministry in Capernaum even on a Holy Sabbath, the Saturday and healing a man with a demonic spirit or Moses conversing with God to get future prophets for his community, or Apostle Paul himself advising how best to serve the Lord either as single person or married man or woman. They are all saying that the future begins now. Therefore we must be ever ready to embrace. 

1. Recognizing who and what through the Power of Christ's Presence

The Gospel writer Mark 1:21–28 recounts an incident where Jesus teaches in the synagogue in Capernaum and encounters a man possessed by an unclean spirit. People are amazed at Jesus's teaching authority, and capacity to give spiritual guidance from authoritative sources. The fascinating thing in Jesus' ministry is that the unclean spirit recognizes the God-man in Jesus. There is deep within us both Godliness and ungodliness. We too can perceive what is right and holy. More often we might not make the right and Godly choices, yet we can recognize what is best for us. The capacity to discern and see negative influences both external and internal are indeed the gifts of the Holy Spirit.

Giving Witness Under God's Watchful Eyes

Third Sunday in Ordinary Time: January 21, 2024

Readings: Jonah 3:1–5,10; Psalm 25:4–9; 1 Corinthians 7:29–31; Mark 1:14–20

 To listen to my audio-video reflections via YouTube, please click here: https://youtu.be/wRjxIzy4-w8?si=YJ5RTT6usuhklc2Z

Often, we want our will to be done. We are also certain that our thinking is perfect and that there are no errors possible in such planning. Due to such thinking, any sort of unexpected thing happening to us is considered bad. Instead of accepting what comes our way and trying our best to do everything possible to bring glory to God, we choose the other way. As a result, we fall into unnecessary desolations, frustrations, unhappiness, anxiety, fear, and disinterestedness in life. When we look at the liturgical readings of this Third Sunday in Ordinary Time, we tend to think that God's ways are marvelous. Man chooses one and God chooses the other. Prophet Jonah is the best example before us. So too, was the life of the early disciples of Jesus, who began to tread unknown paths with Jesus. 

1. Divine Mercy and Second Chances under God's Watchful Eyes

Jonah 3:1–5,10 in the Bible tells the fascinating story of Jonah's second call to prophesy to the city of Nineveh and the repentance of the Ninevites. A man who ran away from taking up the prophecy comes back and takes up an even harder job than the first. Because he went through horrific experiences and realized that God is with him in good and bad.  The fact that God gave Jonah a second chance to deliver His message to Nineveh reflects the divine attribute of mercy as well as his own chance to survive the close surveillance of God. The story is a beautiful reminder to us that no matter how we may have resisted or failed in the past, God is always willing to give us another opportunity to fulfill His purpose. It's a call for us to recognize and appreciate the boundless mercy of God in our lives.

Life in the Body - Embracing the Holy Spirit within

Second Sunday in Ordinary Time: January 14, 2024

Readings: 1 Samuel 3:3–10, 19; Psalm 40:2, 4, 7–10; 1 Corinthians 6:13–15, 17–20; John 1:35–42

 To listen to my audio-video reflections via YouTube, please click here: https://youtu.be/gy2JVXzAMuc

As we get into the rhythm of everyday activities and adventures, the past leaves behind us memories and experiences. What matters most in our lives is the present. St Augustine had difficulty in defining the essence of presence. He states in his book  "Confessions"  that by the moment I say what "present" is, the "present" is gone. The time is past moving and we are lost in the past. Even though, we care so much about the present yet living in the "now" is extremely difficult. Often we concentrate either on the past or in the future. The future is on the way. With our past experiences, we prepare for the future. Because the future is uncertain, vague and enigmatic. The liturgical readings for this Second Sunday of the month invite us to live in the present just as young Samuel was called or the first disciples of Jesus found Messiah. They found what they were looking for in the present.

1. Pursuing holiness in a world of worldly incentives 

Let us start with the second reading from St Paul 1 Corinthians 6:13–15, 17–20. He deals very deeply into the profound mystery of the union between our bodies and the Spirit of God. Paul reminds us that our bodies are not meant for immorality but are intended to be instruments of righteousness, vessels through which the divine presence can manifest. In other words, in the physical and tangible body, God truly dwells. Therefore we must take care of our bodies. Paul's emphasis on this union urges us to seek spiritual alignment in every facet of our lives. We are reminded that our identity is not solely defined by societal standards or personal desires but is profoundly linked to our connection with the Spirit of God. Practicing self-discipline, pursuing holiness, and embracing a lifestyle that glorifies God are all integral components of acknowledging the divine residence within us.

The Guidance of Divine Light: The Mystery Made Known by Revelation

Feast of the Epiphany of the Lord: January 07, 2024

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

(The visit of the Magi to the Baby Jesus, Mary and Joseph)

 To listen to my audio-video reflections via YouTube, please click here: https://youtu.be/DE7-ucJED5s

We are in the freshness of the New Year 2024. With the arrival of the New Year, we could begin a fresh start where we have not been able, to a year ago. We form our destiny. There are chances and opportunities. There is nothing so-called "late" as such. Search for truth and a new beginning can start anytime. The only thing that we need on our part is our readiness to allow ourselves to be led by something that can open new avenues and better pastures. God is present in all those things holy and spirit-led things. This is what happened to those three Magi, who saw something on their journey. They followed the heavenly sign and brought them to the baby Jesus, Joseph, and Mary. They listened to the inner voice and thus saved the baby Jesus from the clutches of King Herod.  On this beautiful feast of the Epiphany of the Lord, the Word of God has a lot to reveal to us. 

1. See the light of Christ and give witness

Matthew 2:1–12  recounts the story of the Magi, or Wise Men, who traveled from the East to visit the newborn Jesus, guided by a star. In fact, the Feast of Epiphany, a celebration of the manifestation of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles is associated with this passage. The whole journey of the Magi symbolizes a search for spiritual enlightenment. They were ardent seekers of truth. As their desire intensified they followed nothing but only the star. If there is a burning desire within us then we remain focused. What matters is not the distractions and other struggles but the destiny that is in our hearts. The Epiphany or the revelation invites us to seek the light of Christ in our lives, trusting that it will guide us through the darkness of uncertainty and doubt.