If God is for us, who can be against us?

 2nd Sunday of Lent: February 25, 2024

Readings: Genesis 22:1–2, 9–13, 15–18; Psalm 116:10, 15–19; Romans 8:31–34; Mark 9:2–10

The sacrifice of Issac

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

The absence of imagination in the world of intelligence then knowledge is poor. Both imagination and intelligence must go hand in hand. When intelligence stops, imagination must take its course. The world that we live in lacks both. We know the tree by its fruits. The results the world provides to us are not so optimistic and hopeful. There is so much violence and wickedness because humanity is taking the world as it is. The lack of futuristic thinking is affecting us. The life of tomorrow can be guaranteed by wise decisions and actions of today. The mistakes or blunders of today can cost us tomorrow dearly. The small and bigger wars are going on inside the country and between the countries. The dominance of right-wing politics without a philosophy of a better future, harmony, and consensus is causing more harm than good. In this context, we must read the liturgical readings of the Second Sunday of Lent. The imagination of Abraham, Jesus and Paul are uncontainable in fulfilling the will of God. They are models for our earthly life.

1. Transfigured nature of Jesus - Human to divine

The passage of Mark 9:2–10 describes the Transfiguration of Jesus, an event where Jesus reveals His divine glory before three of His disciples, Peter, James, and John, on a high mountain. The Transfiguration reveals Jesus in His divine glory, affirming His identity as the Son of God. This event not only confirms the divinity of Christ to His disciples but also to us as readers, inviting us to recognize and honor Jesus as both fully God and fully man. It challenges us to deepen our understanding of who Jesus is and to appreciate the mystery of the Incarnation. During the Transfiguration, a voice from heaven says, "This is my beloved Son. Listen to him." It underscores that listening to Jesus must be a paramount urge within us.  For a Christian, true wisdom and direction come from Christ, and we are called to listen, discern, and follow His words in our daily lives.

Never Abandoned and Eternal Promises of God

First Sunday of Lent: February 18, 2024

Readings: Genesis 9:8–15; Psalm 25:4–9; 1 Peter 3:18–22; Mark 1:12–15

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We are, already, in the Season of Lent. Every liturgical season like Advent, Christmas, Ordinary Time, Lent, and Easter brings something unique to us so that we can delve deeper into the mystery of Christian life. This enables us to meditate, contemplate, and rethink about ourselves and the significance of the person of Jesus Christ to each one of us. Every spiritual aspect that we delve into has a significant meaning to our faith life. It might give us some insight into where we are and where we are going. It might also help us to choose the path that we want to take. As we delve deeper into the mystery of Christ's suffering, death, and resurrection, during this season of Lent, perhaps we can make a commitment that enables us to be a better human person. Thus the humanity within us really opens itself for the good of all. Let us see now how the liturgical readings for this Sunday open to us. 

1. Ultimate promise of God and our stewardship

Genesis 9:8–15 recounts the covenant that God established with Noah and all living creatures after the flood. The covenant in this passage underscores God's unwavering faithfulness to His creation. Despite the chaos and destruction of the flood, God remains committed to His people and the entire Earth. This serves as a powerful reminder that even in the midst of life's storms, God's faithfulness endures. It prompts us to reflect on the constancy of God's love and promises in our own lives, instilling a sense of trust and reliance on the Divine.

No Offence: We Need Healing

 06th Sunday of Ordinary Time: February 11, 2024

Readings: Leviticus 13:1–2, 44–46; Psalm 32:1–2, 5, 11; 1 Corinthians 10:31–11:1; Mark 1:40–45

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Healing is a process. Healing needs a good environment. If the world outside of the person is corrupt, unclean, and unhygienic, instead of healing deterioration takes place. Very often, we sing that beautiful hymn, "The world stands in need of liberation." When there is no true freedom both inside and outside, healing delays or illness deteriorates. Only when there is fulfilling and gratifying environment, the healing takes place. The liturgical readings on this sixth Sunday in Ordinary time speak about leprosy and healing. If Moses appears to be anti-leper, on the other hand Jesus is a friend and healer of lepers. Perhaps it is opportune for us to know who exactly we are. Are we the healers or victimize those who are still suffering? What you have, many can have but what you are, no one can be.

1. Illness needs acceptance and humility

Mark 1:40–45 recounts the healing of a man with leprosy by Jesus, offering profound insights into compassion, faith, and the transformative power of divine intervention. The narrative begins with a leper approaching Jesus, kneeling and imploring him to heal his condition. This act of humility and desperation reveals the social and physical isolation lepers faced during those times of Jesus. The leper's plea reflects a deep yearning for both physical healing and societal reintegration. In the healing of the leper, the power of inclusion and acceptance is celebrated. In the context of social justice, we are challenged to actively work towards creating a more inclusive and equitable society.

Beyond Borders - Sharing the Gospel through Duty, Sacrifice, and Adaptation

05th Sunday in Ordinary Time: February 04, 2024

Readings:  Job 7:1–4, 6–7; Psalm 147:1–6; 1 Corinthians 9:16–19, 22–23; Mark 1:29–39

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"I have no time" is the phrase often we hear. We are restless. Silence, solitude, and solicitude are missing from our busy lives. Something or the other distracts us continuously. There is no rest for our mobiles or for our eyes. Emptiness surrounds us. We look for fullness and abundance in life. Overwhelming activities and other issues fill our lives. Either we live as if we do not exist or believe that only we exist in this world. In such a busy schedule finding God is necessary. Despite keeping ourselves occupied, if we could spare some time for good things and those things which give glory to God then all our efforts are worthwhile. God sees us not from men's lenses. The liturgical readings of today are challenging. If Prophet Job is restless and sees no meaning in his life, St Paul finds completeness in Jesus Christ alone. And Jesus with his busy schedule finds time for everyone and brings all of them to a world of healing, liberation and peace.

1. The Healing Touch and the Call to Mission

The Gospel of Mark should be called the gospel of urgency. When we look at the passage Mark 1:29–39, we find Jesus everywhere. We witness here a powerful sequence of events that reveal the compassion and purpose of Jesus Christ. This passage takes us to the town of Capernaum, where Jesus engages in acts of healing, prayer, and mission. The scene begins with Jesus entering the house of Simon and Andrew, and immediately we see the compassionate nature of our Savior. Simon's mother-in-law is sick with a fever, and Jesus responds not with indifference but with a healing touch. In this simple yet profound gesture, we witness the depth of Christ's love and his desire to bring wholeness to those in need.