Being Rooted in the Abiding Love of Christ

  05th Sunday of Easter: 28 April 2024

Readings: Acts 9:26–31; Psalm 22:26–28, 30–32; 1 John 3:18–24; John 15:1–8

 To listen to my audio-video reflections via YouTube, please click here: https://youtu.be/0CY78bnaEY8

As the Easter season progresses, there's a jubilant celebration of Christ's resurrection and the anticipation of Pentecost. As we reflect on the readings and teachings of the Fifth Sunday of Easter, we are called to reevaluate our priorities and attitudes, striving to embody the love and grace of Christ in our interactions with others. The readings on the Fifth Sunday of Easter insist that our faith is not meant to be passive but rather active and engaged, expressed through acts of kindness, reconciliation, and service to those in need. Moreover, they invite us to deepen our relationship with God, renew our commitment to love one another, and embrace the abundant life that Christ offers to all who abide in Him.

1. Easter Narratives: Rooted firmly in the faith of Jesus Christ

In John 15:1–8, we see the metaphor of the vine and the branches, drawn from Jesus' teachings. A metaphor is a figure of speech that makes a comparison between two unlike things by stating that one thing is another. This imagery of vine and branches stresses the importance of abiding in Christ, remaining connected to Him as branches are to a vine. It speaks to the profound intimacy of our relationship with God and reminds us of our dependence on Him for sustenance and spiritual nourishment. Just as branches draw their life-giving sap from the vine, so too do we draw our strength and purpose from our connection to Christ.

The above idea enables us to examine the depth of our relationship with God and consider how closely we are abiding in Him. Are we actively seeking His presence and guidance in our lives, or are we allowing distractions and worldly concerns to pull us away? The Gospel passage challenges us to recommit ourselves to a life of faithfulness and discipleship, rooted firmly in Christ. In Christ, we draw our strength, purpose, and sustenance to live a Christian life.

2. Easter Narratives: Redefines the concept of love

Chrisitan religion is a religion of love. The Easter narratives speak in abundance of the concept of love as a defining characteristic of discipleship. Jesus commands his followers to love one another as He has loved them, a love characterized by selflessness, compassion, acts of love, service, obedience and sacrifice. In a world marked by division and discord, this call to love stands as a powerful testament to the life-changing power of Christ's message.

Jesus says "Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me." This call to abide in Christ is a call to intimacy, to dwell continually in His presence, and to cultivate a deep and abiding relationship with Him. It's an invitation to surrender our own efforts and agendas, trusting in His provision and guidance. Moreover, it challenges us to prioritize intimacy with Jesus, to allow His life to flow through us, and to live as branches deeply rooted in the true vine. In doing so, we experience the abundant life that Christ promises to all who abide in Him.

3. Easter Narratives: Transformed community life

As we continue to read Acts 9:26–31, the power of the resurrected Jesus becomes very apparent among the nascent Christian Communities. Even the enemies of Christ become the powerful instruments of the proclamation of Christ as Lord. St Paul is a powerful example. He brings a new life and vigour. We see the newfound faith changes the landscape of the whole Judeo-Roman world. It's a reminder indeed of God's ability to bring swift changes even beyond personal lives. 

When the community grows, there is giving and receiving, supporting and defending. The early church leaders like St Barnabas becomes a bridge builder among the believers. We see a supportive and discerning community in nurturing and affirming the faith of individuals. There is also grace and forgiveness for those who seek reconciliation. The personal testimony of people invigorates the lives of faithful to be part of the family of Christ. There is amazement and surprise. When the community strives hard to glorify God through works and words, God truly dwells. 

Questions for self-reflection

1. What practices or habits do I have in place to nurture my relationship with Christ and remain connected to Him as the true vine?
2. Are there areas of spiritual detachment or neglect in my life where I need to refocus my attention and recommit to abiding in Christ?
3. In what ways can I deepen my understanding and experience of abiding in Christ, allowing His life to flow through me more fully and abundantly?

Prayer based on Psalm 22

Heavenly Father,

We lift our hearts to You in gratitude and praise, for You are the source of all blessings and the giver of life. You satisfy our deepest longings and sustain us with Your boundless grace. You reign over all creation with wisdom and love, and Your purposes prevail throughout the ages. We give thanks for Your faithfulness and righteousness. Your steadfast love endures forever, and Your mercy knows no bounds. 

Help us to trust in Your unfailing providence and to surrender our lives to Your divine will.  Grant us the courage to proclaim Your name boldly and to serve You faithfully, knowing that You are our refuge and strength. As we go forth in Your name, may we be instruments of Your peace and vessels of Your grace, spreading Your light in a world in need of Your love. In Your holy name, Jesus, we pray. Amen.

- Olvin Veigas, SJ

April 26, 2024

Jesus, the Good Shepherd: Ever Guiding and Protecting

04th Sunday of Easter: April 21, 2024

Readings: Acts 4:8–12; Psalm 118:1, 8–9, 21–23, 26, 29; 1 John 3:1–2; John 10:11–18

 To listen to my audio-video reflections via YouTube, please click here: https://youtu.be/NkKAxd-YDb4

In spite of the technology and development in science, human life is fragile and vulnerable. We need protection and look for safety when we travel in vehicles or while we walk on the roads. We, always, feel a need for something or someone that is beyond us, in fact, of our control to protect us and save us. We need something or someone to console us when we are sad, someone to be with us in times of crisis and suffering, someone to accompany us when we are lonely or feel threatened, someone to pat on our back with words of encouragement when the road ahead of us is tough and difficult, someone to fight with us when we are loosing, someone to comfort us when we are weeping, someone to strengthen us when we feel terribly weak and difficult to walk. The list goes on. On this 4th Sunday of Easter which is also known as Good Shepherd Sunday, we have in Jesus our good Shepherd. Because he is the way, truth and life. In him, we find everything for our life from safety to eternal glory.

1. Jesus: Ever caring and loving

In St John’s gospel (John 10:11–18) Jesus speaks at length the kind of Shepherd he is. The words are not only consoling but also encouraging to follow such a person called Jesus. Throughout his public ministry, Jesus was a good shepherd to those who came in contact with him, either to listen to his words of wisdom, get consoled, receive healing, feel his touch, hear words of encouragement and strength or be fed by good food. Jesus was always there with the people. He never left them even though they left him when Cross came on his way. Jesus met everyone with a loving embrace. Jesus kissed the kids and blessed them when his disciples tried to chase them away. When the prostitute was in front of Jesus to be prosecuted, he made the accusers understand how greatly sinful they were. Jesus was there at the tomb of Lazarus consoling Martha and Mary. He made the crippled walk, blind to see, stopped the bleeding, and chased away the Pharisees and scribes who were at him to find fault with him and his disciples. 

Recognizing God in our Midst in Times of Agony and Ecstasy

Third Sunday of Easter: April 14, 2024

Readings: Acts 3:13–15, 17–19; Psalm 4:2, 4, 7–9; 1 John 2:1–5; Luke 24:35–48

 To listen to my audio-video reflections via YouTube, please click here: https://youtu.be/LNgb9D64H-I

When things get blurred, we would like to clarify them.  However, when anxieties and expectations are on our way, we need someone to encourage and support us. If we do not find such people in our life journey, we might get into frustration, unhappiness or sorrow. The resurrection narratives bring both anxiety and expectation to the disciples of Jesus. They are all troubled by the outcome of Jesus' crucifixion and death. The disciples are uncertain about the resurrection of their master. They are greatly troubled. But Jesus' very presence amidst them not only gives them hope but also the courage to proclaim his resurrection even more boldly. The liturgical reading for this Third Sunday of Easter brings together a lot of hope and expectations at the new life of Jesus. Moreover, the disciples of our Lord are encouraged and energized beyond any measure to preach him to the ends of the earth. 

1. Resurrection: Divine Presence Amidst Doubt

Luke 24:35–48 recounts the moments after the resurrection of Jesus when he appears to his disciples, offering them his presence, comfort, assurance, and understanding. The resurrection of Jesus turned the life of the disciples upside down. They had never imagined that such a thing would happen even though, they had heard from Jesus about his passion and death. Now the resurrection of their Master is a reality. They are simply overwhelmed by this new way of being of their Lord. They see in him the divine presence amidst doubt. It's a lesson for us too that in our own moments of doubt and uncertainty, we can find solace in the presence of the divine, knowing that God is always with us, even when we struggle to perceive it.

Seeking and Finding the Risen Lord and being Visioned and Missioned

Second Sunday of Easter / Sunday of Divine Mercy: April 07, 2024

Readings: Acts 4:32–35; Psalms 118:2–4, 13–15, 22–24; 1 John 5:1–6; John 20:19–31

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

The steam of election heat is rising as the temperatures here in Karnataka. It is paradoxical to see that creativity and human ingenuity are always at the rescue when something old has to be said in a new form. When national elections become the main news in our country, each political party is trying its best to put forward the assurances and promises to the public. Unfortunately, none of us demand any kind of balance sheet or practicability of the election promises from these political parties including our institutions of education or service and even by those best brains of our country. In fact, even our Church leaders are sterile to the political process of our country. Hardly, do we see any collective efforts from our Christian community leaders to encourage our brothers and sisters to engage and participate in the electoral process of our country actively as we as minorities live in turbulent times. The Resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ created not only uproar in the religious life of Jews but also political turmoil in the entire Roman empire. And later, we see, in 312 AD, the entire Roman Empire accepted Christianity as the state religion. 

1. Resurrection narrative: Seeing is believing

The resurrection of Jesus stands as an extraordinary event in the annals of human history, reverberating like a thunderclap throughout the Judeo-Roman world of his time. In an era where religion and politics were deeply intertwined, Jesus, initially a religious reformer, found himself enmeshed in the turbulent currents of political intrigue, earning him the title of King. This confluence is evident in the visit of the magi at his birth, the heinous massacre of innocent children by King Herod, the interrogation of Jesus by Pilate, and the provocative inscription "Jesus, the King of Jews." These events cast a shadow of suspicion over Jesus, fueling fears of political ambition. Despite the undeniable political undercurrents, Jesus' core mission remained centered on ushering people towards a divine connection, echoing the prophetic words of Isaiah 61:1-2 (Luke 4:16-21). When confronted with questions about taxes, Jesus encapsulated his stance with the famous words, “Give back to Caesar what is Caesar’s and to God what is God’s” (Mark 12:27), emphasizing the dual responsibilities of earthly governance and spiritual allegiance.