Corpus Christi - The Ever-Ready Eternal Nourishment

The Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ/Corpus Christi: June 02, 2024

Readings: Exodus 24:3-8; Psalm 116:12-13, 15-18; Hebrews 9:11-15; Mark 14:12-16, 22-26

 To listen to the audio-video reflections via YouTube, please click here: https://youtu.be/Ic3UBry2daA?si=hco-DEOwWpOgfNJk

One of the most remarkable acts of Jesus Christ, our Lord, was to offer himself as body and blood. This Sunday, the Church celebrates the Solemnity of Corpus Christi, a day dedicated to honouring the Real Presence of Jesus Christ in the Eucharist. This extraordinary gift, given in the form of bread and wine, embodies Christ's body and blood. As the source and summit of our Christian life, the Eucharist invites us to experience an intimate union with Christ and with one another within the Body of Christ, the Church.

1. Eucharist as Nourishment 

The Eucharist is not only a memorial of Christ's sacrifice but also a spiritual nourishment for our souls. Just as physical food sustains our bodies, the Eucharist sustains our spiritual life. It provides the grace and strength we need to live out our Christian vocation, to love and serve others, and to grow in holiness. Being a Christian means being in intimate connection with God. It is being dependent on God for our spiritual well-being. Because without God, we can do nothing. Therefore regular participation in the Eucharist keeps our spiritual batteries recharged.  The Eucharist being central to our lives continues to nourish and sustain us.

Celebrating and Living the Mystery of the Trinity

Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity: May 26, 2024

Readings: Deuteronomy 4:32–34, 39–40; Psalm 33:4–6, 9, 18–20, 22; Romans 8:14–17; Matthew 28:16–20

 To listen to the audio-video reflections via YouTube, please click here: https://youtu.be/MwQ1TtOfC-s

If life is a mystery, then certainly, God is a mystery. No one has seen God except Jesus. The basic tenet of Christian faith is belief in the Holy Trinity. It is the central and foundational belief on which is built the rest of the edifice of dogmas and doctrines of the Church. St Basil of Caesarea wrote "When I think of the One, I think of the Three, and when I think of the Three, I think of the unity." Most Holy Trinity Sunday invites us to reflect deeply on the central mystery of our Christian faith—the Trinity. God reveals Himself as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit: three persons, one essence. This profound mystery calls us to a deeper understanding and experience of God’s nature, relationship, and love.

1. The Blessed Trinity, the unity in One

The Father: Source of All Being: God the Father is the source and sustainer of all creation. In contemplating the Father, we recognize His infinite love and providence. He is not a distant deity but a loving parent who cares intimately for His children. Reflecting on the Father, we are reminded of our identity as beloved children of God, created in His image, called to live in His love and to trust in His care.

Pentecost: Mission and Commission of Jesus

Pentecost Sunday: May 19, 2024

Readings: Acts 2:1–11; Psalm 104:1, 24, 29–31, 34; 1 Corinthians 12:3–7, 12–13; John 20:19–23

 To listen to the audio-video reflections via YouTube, please click here: https://youtu.be/kWB8JFpOevg

Pentecost is one of the very important feasts of the Church. It is on this day, that the Church was born in a definite way with the baptism of 3,000 people in Jerusalem. St Peter as the leader of the infant Church, inspires and encourages to embrace the new way of life in Israel. The readings on this Sunday tell us the fascinating story of how it all happened and how people from diverse backgrounds, nationalities and languages accepted Jesus as the Lord. In fact, it's a definite sign that the rest of the church would continue on the same path of diversity and inclusivity in the coming centuries and ages.

1. The everlasting peace of the Risen Lord

John 20:19–23 narrates the appearance of the Risen Lord to the disciples. Jesus not only gives his disciples his peace but also breathes on them the Holy Spirit with a command to forgive others. The disciples were in a state of fear and uncertainty, huddled behind locked doors. This peace is not merely a greeting but a deep, abiding peace that dispels fear and brings comfort. In our own moments of anxiety and fear, we can remember that Jesus brings peace into our hearts and lives, even when circumstances seem daunting. His presence alone can transform our fear into joy and our uncertainty into confidence.

Ascending to God the Father Forever

Ascension of the Lord: May 12, 2024

Readings: Acts 1:1–11; Psalm 47:2–3, 6–7, 8–9; Ephesians 4:1–7, 11–13; Mark 16:15-20

 To listen to the audio-video reflections via YouTube, please click here: https://youtu.be/PnAaixX9Sog?si=zS-viNzs87wHrAfY

When we do not know what to do, then we begin daydreaming. In itself, daydreaming is not bad as it makes the mind rest and relax. The death of Jesus was not only a big blow to the disciples, but also they suffered from anxiety and fear. They feared for their lives more than the buried body of Jesus. However, as the days passed by the resurrection of Jesus brought new energy and vigour. They are ready to take off to distant lands and varied cultures and people. On this Sunday, we celebrate the Ascension of the Lord. When the disciples of our Lord were truly strengthened, Jesus took himself off from them physically and they never saw him again on this earth. The readings of today tell us this beautiful story of our Lord's final time with them.

1. Bringing the message of God's love to everyone

Mark 16:15-20 contains the passage where Jesus commissions his disciples to go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. Jesus's message has a universal scope. Salvation is meant for everyone regardless of nationality, ethnicity, or social status. It means we must break down barriers and reach out to all people with the love and grace of Christ. We are called to reach out to others through humility, gentleness, patience, and love, bearing with one another in unity. We must transcend cultural, ethnic, and social differences, reflecting the diversity and beauty of God's creation. 

Inclusive and Abiding Love of God

Sixth Sunday of Easter: April 05, 2024

Readings: Acts 10:25–26, 34–35, 44–48; Psalm 98:1–4; 1 John 4:7–10; John 15:9–17

 To listen to the audio-video reflections via YouTube, please click here: https://youtu.be/gl8VAO9qUWQ

How nice it would be if we knew exactly what was happening to the other person? This may be a wishful thinking. However, Jesus knew exactly what was happening to the other person. Throughout his public ministry, Jesus demonstrated this attitude. If we love someone deeply and unconditionally, we can know certainly what is happening to the other person. Jesus and the Father in Heaven knew each other because of their abiding love. 

1. Abiding in Love with joy

Jesus in John 15:9–17 dwells on the vine and the branches as a metaphor of abiding love between the both Father and the Son. Jesus continues to urge his disciples to abide in his love, just as he abides in the Father's love. A deep and intimate connection with divine love is manifested. Only with such love can we be well-connected, live constantly in His presence, and draw strength and sustenance from it. We need that maturity and expression to share our knowledge and belief in God's love in every aspect of our life – our identity, our purpose, our relationships, and our actions.