From Palms to Passion: Walking with the Suffering Servant

Palm Sunday of the Lord's Passion: April 13, 2025

Readings: Luke 19:28-40; Isaiah 50:4-7; Psalm 22:8-9, 17-18, 19-20, 23-24.; Philippians 2:6-11; Philippians 2:8-9; Luke 22:14—23:56

 To listen to my audio-video reflections via YouTube, please click here: https://youtu.be/dOrS5SF3Pso

What would be your situation if your are praised to the sky for the person you are and then you were seen as wicked and people plotted to kill you? Often, the human tendency is to look at the exterior and follow the crowd without critical thinking.  Palm Sunday is a day of profound contrasts. The liturgy begins with jubilation as Jesus enters Jerusalem, hailed as a king by the crowds waving palms. Yet, it soon shifts into the solemn narrative of His suffering and death. This is no ordinary procession. This is a journey into the heart of God’s redeeming love — a love that does not cling to glory but empties itself for the sake of the world.

1. A Paradoxical Kingship

Palm Sunday sets the precedent for the days ahead. It invites us to walk closely with Jesus through the upper room, the garden of Gethsemane, the trials, the cross, and ultimately, the empty tomb. It asks us: What kind of king are we following? What kind of kingdom are we seeking? As we enter Holy Week, let us not merely observe the Passion from a distance but participate in it by embracing our own crosses, our own paths of surrender and love. Let our Hosannas echo not just in words but in lives that reflect the self-giving love of Christ, who humbled Himself to lift us up.  

In Luke 19:28-40, we are invited to witness a king who chooses a donkey, not a chariot. He is greeted not by nobles but by ordinary people. He does not enter with force but with peace. This entry, humble and deliberate, sets the tone for the kind of Messiah Jesus is. He subverts our expectations of power and prestige. His kingship is marked not by domination but by surrender — surrender to the will of the Father and to the needs of humanity.

2. The Suffering Servant

The prophet Isaiah (50:4-7) paints the striking image of the Suffering Servant — one who listens deeply, stands firm in the face of insult, and does not run from pain. His strength lies not in escape but in embrace. Jesus is this Servant, whose obedience leads Him not around suffering, but straight through it — for love.

Suffering is an inescapable part of human existence. As Christians, we don’t suffer to find meaning — we find meaning through how we suffer.  Whether through illness, loss, loneliness, failure, or the weight of injustice, we all encounter moments when life feels like a burden too heavy to carry. But Christ’s Passion shows us this truth: suffering, when embraced in love, becomes sacred. In Jesus, pain is not pointless — it becomes redemptive. Our wounds, united with His, can heal the world. We don’t have to understand all our crosses. We only have to carry them with Him.

3. The Way of Self-Emptying (Kenosis) into the Heart of God

The Passion of Christ answers not with an abstract theory but with presence — a God who suffers with us and in us. Through Christ, suffering is no longer absurd or empty. It becomes a place of deep encounter with God, where meaning is not always found in explanation but in communion. As the Suffering Servant, Jesus teaches us not to flee from life’s trials but to walk through them with trust — discovering along the way that even the darkest valleys can become sacred ground.

To follow Christ, then, is not to seek suffering but to face it with the same trust and surrender He embodied. As disciples, we are called to listen, like the Servant, to the voice of God in the midst of our struggles — not with bitterness, but with the confidence that our suffering, united with Christ’s, has redemptive value. The cross, a symbol of shame, becomes the throne from which Jesus reigns. This is what the Palm Sunday sets us to enter deeply into the mystery of the Holy Week.

Questions for self-reflection

1. When faced with pain or rejection, do I resist, escape, or embrace it with Christ-like trust?
2. Do I allow my faith to inform how I carry my daily crosses — in relationships, work, illness, or loss?
3. Is my discipleship shaped by comfort and success — or by surrender and service?

Prayer

Lord Jesus, as we step into this sacred journey of Holy Week, we walk beside You — from palms to passion, from triumph to the cross. Help us not to follow You from a distance, but with open hearts willing to stay close even in Your suffering.  In the struggles of our own lives, let us recognize Your presence. When we feel weak, remind us that You are our strength. As we witness Your humility and self-giving love, teach us to let go of pride, fear, and the need for control. May Your example reshape us from within.

Let this Holy Week be more than a ritual. Let it become a real turning point in our lives — a time of surrender, transformation, and grace. May we walk with You all the way to the cross, so we may also rise with You to new life. We make this prayer in your Holy Name, Jesus. Amen.

- Olvin Veigas, SJ

April 11, 2024

Jesus the Face of Mercy and Compassion: Living Our Faith with Passion and Holiness

05th Sunday of Lent: April 06, 2025

Readings: Isaiah 43:16–21; Psalm 126:1–6; Philippians 3:8–14; John 8:1–11

 To listen to my audio-video reflections via YouTube, please click here: https://youtu.be/Goc6_7dhTiM

Who is perfect? Who is sinless? Often, people know more about us than we do ourselves! They have their own versions of us. They wear coloured glasses and see us. Despite knowing that a human person is such a complex being, people underestimate the person. Each one has his or her own inadequacies and vulnerabilities. However, people live with prejudice, malice, wickedness, and evil tendencies. It fills their stomachs. As a result, they might not see any good in others. Unfortunately, they are incapable of self-reflection. In this context, we have beautiful liturgical readings on this Sunday, especially the Gospel reading. Jesus saves a woman from being stoned to death. His simple questions put the would-be murderers into shame and regret. Moreover, the woman becomes an ardent disciple of our Lord Jesus Christ. 

1. Jesus, the Face of Mercy

As we journey deeper into Lent, the Gospel of John 8:1–11 presents a powerful invitation to experience God’s mercy and renewal. This passage is not merely about the woman caught in sin—it is about all of us, sinners standing before a merciful Savior. It is about encountering Jesus in our brokenness and walking away transformed.  The scribes and Pharisees bring the woman before Jesus, eager to condemn her according to the Law of Moses. Yet, their real motive is not justice but to trap Jesus. If He spares her, they could accuse Him of disregarding the Law; if He condemns her, He would contradict His own message of mercy.

Embracing Father's Mercy

04th Sunday of Lent: March 30, 2025

Readings: Joshua 5:9–12: Psalm 34:2–7; 2 Corinthians 5:17–21; Luke 15:1–3, 11–32

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What do we do in moments of despair? Each one knows how to cope with such situations based on one's education and upbringing. Sometimes, such moments can be very painful and distressing. However, deep down God has blessed His creation with the ability to navigate such complexities and confusion. The Gospel reading on the fourth Sunday of Lent tells us how the Prodigal Son dealt with such a difficult situation. He had the consciousness to go back to his roots, back to his Father. He opted for the option of being embraced by his father. He knew his father more than anyone else. That's how he was solemnly received by his father because of his humility and simplicity.

1. Returning to the Father: A Call to Repentance

Today, we reflect upon the parable of the Prodigal Son in Luke 15:1–3, 11–32. It is a story of a profound revelation of God’s mercy and love. It is not merely a story about two brothers but an invitation to examine our relationship with the Father. The younger son, lured by worldly desires, seeks independence but soon finds himself in misery. His return is marked by a humble confession: "Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you" (Luke 15:18). This Lenten season calls us to recognize the ways we have strayed—through selfishness, pride, or neglect of God. True repentance is not merely feeling sorry but turning back with trust in God’s mercy.

Encountering the Living God in the Ordinary : A Call to Trust

03rd Sunday of Lent: March 23, 2025

Readings: Exodus 3:1–8, 13–15; Psalm 103:1–4, 6–8, 11; 1 Corinthians 10:1–6, 10–12; Luke 13:1–9

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Death and destruction are part of our lives. Often we find it difficult to understand the suffering, death and loss that occur in our lives. Sadly, they do not allow us to live in peace. We find no meaning in such incidences which are so painful and seldom they happen successively, one after the other. Due to such unbearable experiences, we might lose hope in God and ourselves as well. The history of humanity has been a tale of such happenings and experiences. We find it difficult to harness and learn from experiences until they happen to us and we are part of this unhappy phenomenon. The liturgical readings on this Third Sunday of Lent give us experiences that occurred in the lives of Israelites. Jesus' explanations to the crowd leave them more confused as their thinking is limited.

1. A Call to Repentance and Fruitfulness

In today’s Gospel, Luke 13:1–9 Jesus responds to two tragic events: The slaughter of Galileans by Pilate and the collapse of a tower in Siloam. The people assume that those who suffered from these tragedies were worse sinners than others. But Jesus challenges this mindset. Rather than focusing on why bad things happen, He turns the question toward personal conversion: “Unless you repent, you will all perish as they did.” Jesus’ words today are not meant to instill fear but to wake us from spiritual sluggishness or laziness. God’s patience is a gift, but it is not to be taken for granted. We are called to respond, to repent, and to bear fruit—not tomorrow, but today.

Transfigured in Christ: A Journey of Authentic Discipleship

02 Sunday of Lent: March 16, 2025

Readings: Genesis 15:5–12, 17–18; Psalm 27:1, 7–9, 13–14; Philippians 3:17–4:1; Luke 9:28–36

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Deep and poignant experiences leave an indelible mark in life. They make us who we are, reveal our identity and the purpose of our lives, and are defining moments that clear the path of the future. No one can steal such experiences from our lives. They add value to our lives and are pathways to the future. We feel such experiences are very essential. They broaden our horizons and look for a future with hope. Jesus had a similar experience with his disciples during the transfiguration on Mount Tabor. The whole episode changed the perspectives of Jesus and his three disciples forever. They were never the same again. It captivated their attention and made them clear the role of their master Jesus in their lives. This Sunday's liturgical readings help us live this Lent with utmost faith, hope and charity.

1. Climbing the Mountain: Seeking God's Presence

The Gospel for this Sunday Luke 9:28–36 invites us to contemplate the Transfiguration of Jesus—a moment of divine revelation that strengthens the disciples for the journey ahead. As we reflect on this very fascinating passage, it invites us to recognize that authentic Christian discipleship requires us to be transformed in Christ, listening to Him, and courageously following Him through both moments of glory and the path of the Cross. Therefore, we must have passion for God and the determination to follow him only then we can fulfil the ambition of God for us.

More Than Bread: Encountering God in Our Weakness

First Sunday of Lent 2025: March 09, 2025

Readings: Deuteronomy 26:4–10; Psalm 91:1–2, 10–15; Romans 10:8–13; Luke 4:1–13

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Who does not get tempted? Our human nature is such that we cannot be perfect. Vulnerability, finiteness, limitedness, and mortality are part of our lives. Our human nature craves for things more than it is necessary to satisfy one's basic needs. Our desires are unlimited and uncontainable. There is no end for dissatisfaction. Rarely, we might utter, it's enough. More the merrier is the only thing that drives us. In this context, we have very fascinating readings from the Bible, which are nothing but a contradiction to who we are. Jesus is indeed our model in this scenario to discern not only our thoughts and feelings but also our desires. 

1. Victory over temptation is possible

The first Sunday of Lent places us at the threshold of the desert with Jesus, where He is led by the Spirit and tested by the devil as we read in Luke 4:1–13. This Gospel passage is not just an episode in Jesus’ life but a revelation of His identity and mission. It invites us to walk with Him into the wilderness of our own hearts, where we confront our struggles and rediscover the path to true life in God. Jesus, the Son of God, faces temptations that echo the fall of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden. Where the first Adam failed by succumbing to the devil’s lies, Jesus—the new Adam—remains steadfast. The devil tempts Him with three things that still challenge us today: physical needs (bread), power (worldly kingdoms), and pride (testing God). Yet, Jesus resists, not through sheer willpower but through His deep trust in the Father.

Living in God’s Light: Building Relationships Rooted in Faith

08th Sunday in Ordinary Time: March 02, 2025

Readings: Sirach 27:4–7; Psalm 92:2–3, 13–16; 1 Corinthians 15:54–58; Luke 6:39–45

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Three things are very important in life to make it meaningful: Trust, mercy and forgiveness. Trust builds our relationships, mercy brings people together, and forgiveness creates peace among people.  This week we have been reading very poignant readings from the book of Sirach (wisdom literature of the Bible). What matters most in our life is living our earthly life in line with the precepts of God. It means allowing God to be God. Being born with limitedness and vulnerability, none of us are perfect. Especially when we live in families or religious communities, we need more and more power to make adjustments in order to build trust, mercy and forgiveness. The liturgical readings of this Sunday tell us that to be good means to be embraced by the compassion of our God.

1. Building our lives with God as true light

In this passage of Luke 6:39–45, Jesus speaks in parables, offering wisdom about guidance, self-awareness, and the fruitfulness of a good heart. His words challenge us to examine ourselves, to seek true wisdom, and to bear fruit that reflects God’s presence within us. "Can a blind person guide a blind person? Will not both fall into a pit?" (Luke 6:39).  Jesus warns against the danger of being led by those who lack true spiritual sight. 

A Call to Radical Love to Love Without Limits

07th Sunday in Ordinary Time: February 23, 2025

Readings: 1 Samuel 26:2, 7–9, 12–13, 22–23; Psalm 103:1–13; 1 Corinthians 15:45–49; Luke 6:27–38

On this 7th Sunday in Ordinary Time, we are invited to reflect on the radical call of Christian discipleship: to love as God loves, to show mercy as He shows mercy, and to rise above our human instincts for retaliation or self-interest. Through the readings, we see David’s reverence for God’s anointed, St. Paul’s reminder of our heavenly calling in Christ, and Jesus’ challenging command to love our enemies and give without measure. These lessons call us to embody God’s kindness and mercy in a world often marked by division and strife. Let us open our hearts to this transformative message, striving to live as true children of the Most High.

1. Love Beyond Measure

The Gospel passage from Luke 6:27–38 is one of the most challenging yet profoundly transformative teachings of Jesus. It calls us to a radical way of life—one that reflects the boundless love and mercy of God. Jesus begins with an invitation that seems almost impossible: "Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you." (Luke 6:27–28)

Walking with Christ: Living the Beatitudes in a Troubled World

06th Sunday in Ordinary Time: February 16, 2025

Readings: Jeremiah 17:5–8; Psalm 1:1–4, 6; 1 Corinthians 15:12, 16–20; Luke 6:17, 20–26

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In our world today, kindness often seems in short supply. Individuals have their own reasons to negate someone or feel jealousy about others. Often history is a repetition of mistakes. Looking around our world now, some 2000 years since Jesus came into the world, humanity continues to repeat past mistakes.  We seem to believe we can solve all problems if we just_____(fill in the blank).  People continue to face a multitude of tragedies and trauma. Very few are ready to accept defeat.  Many feel frustrated and exhausted, with nothing left to give. However it is time to sit down and rest, but not surrender or give up, and 2025 is the perfect year to renew and deepen our relationship with God. The liturgical readings of today are truly soothing balm to our hurts and wounds.

1. The Presence of Jesus in Our Midst

In Luke 6:17, 20–26, Jesus does not remain at the heights of the mountain; He comes down to be among the people. His ministry is not detached or distant, but close and personal. He stands on level ground, meeting the people where they are—amid their struggles, hopes, and pains. This reminds us that Christ is not a distant God but one who walks with us in our everyday lives. He comes to meet us in our joys and sorrows, in our strengths and weaknesses. He sees our suffering and declares that God's kingdom belongs to us. Those who seem to have the least by worldly standards may be the richest in faith and closest to God's heart.

From Failure to Abundance: Trusting in God's Grace

5th Sunday in Ordinary Time: February 09, 2025

Readings: Isaiah 6:1–8; Psalm 138:1–5, 7–8; 1 Corinthians 15:1–11; Luke 5:1–11

What do we do when we are in distress? Complain or get angry or depressed, or point at others that this is because of someone else or say to oneself that I am good for nothing, feel embarrassed or feeling of low? Our distress can manifest in many ways. But if we have that positive outlook and strong willpower even any sort of failures could be turned into moments of learning and embark on a journey that might be different from what one must have embarked upon. The liturgical readings on this 5th Sunday of the year tell us that only in God we can find our perfect refuge. It is God who calls us. He will give everything in need even in times of distress or failure.  

1. The Call to Trust in God's Word

We have a beautiful incident that occurred in the Lake of Gennesaret Luke 5:1–11 where Jesus is sitting in the boat and teaching the crowd. What follows next is really fascinating. Jesus wants to go fishing with his disciples and the response of St Peter is of distress and failure. Peter and his companions had spent the entire night fishing but caught nothing. They were exhausted and discouraged. Now the words of Jesus strike not only Peter even the fish to fill the net. "Put out into the deep and let down your nets for a catch," he obeyed despite his doubts. The result was an overwhelming abundance of fish in the net!

Embracing the Light: Christ’s Presentation and Our Mission in the World

The Feast of the Presentation of the Lord: February 02, 2025

Readings: Malachi 3:1–4; Psalm 24:7, 8, 9, 10; Hebrews 2:14–18; Luke 2:22–40

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Today, the Church celebrates the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord, a moment in the life of Christ that bridges the Old and New Testaments, fulfilling the law and revealing the light of salvation to the world. It's a day when baby Jesus is presented in the Temple, forty days after birth. As the firstborn, he belonged to God.  This feast invites us to reflect on the profound mystery of Christ’s humility, the fulfillment of God’s promises, and the call to be bearers of His light in our world today. Let us delve into the readings of the day to uncover the significance of this feast and its relevance to our lives.

1. The Presentation of the Lord: A Meeting of Heaven and Earth

In the Gospel of  Luke 2:22–40, we witness Mary and Joseph bringing the infant Jesus to the Temple in Jerusalem to present Him to the Lord, as prescribed by the Law of Moses. This act of obedience underscores the humility of the Holy Family and their fidelity to God’s covenant. Yet, this moment is far more than a ritual; it is a divine encounter. Simeon, guided by the Holy Spirit, recognizes Jesus as the long-awaited Messiah, the “light for revelation to the Gentiles and the glory of Israel” (Luke 2:32). Anna, the prophetess, also gives thanks to God and speaks of the child to all who were awaiting the redemption of Jerusalem.

From Conviction to Action: Embracing Christ’s Call

Third Sunday in Ordinary Time: January 26, 2025

Readings: Nehemiah 8:2–6, 10; Psalms 19:8–10, 15; 1 Corinthians 12:12–30; Luke 1:1–4, 4:14–21

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What would be our life if we did not live with convictions, values, norms or systems that determine a particular way of being in this world? We are judged by who we are, what we speak and the way we act. This determines our life, our present and our future. Our social upbringing and pedagogical training that we receive in schools and colleges decide the kind of world that we want to create. Jesus begins his public ministry from his experiences as a practicing Jew. His upbringing makes him what really he is and is meant to be. He takes up the role of Messiah bringing salvation to those who need it and are ready to listen. The liturgical readings on this Sunday invite us to be part of Jesus' mission of bringing goodness to all the people of goodwill.

1. The Call to Trust in God’s Word

The passages from Luke’s Gospel invite us into a profound contemplation of God’s promise fulfilled through Jesus Christ. In Luke 1:1–4, the evangelist carefully sets the stage, emphasizing the reliability of his account and his intention to provide an orderly narrative of the life and ministry of Jesus. It is addressed to Theophilus, whose name means "lover of God," an earnest inquirer about Jesus

Recognizing the Sacred: God’s Abundance in Our Lives

02nd Sunday in Ordinary Time: January 19, 2025

Readings: Isaiah 62:1–5; Psalm 96:1–3, 7–10;  1 Corinthians 12:4–11; John 2:1–12

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Somebody wrote "⁠When God wanted to create fish, he spoke to the sea. ⁠When God wanted to create trees, he spoke to the earth. ⁠But when God wanted to create man, he turned to Himself." God comes to us every day of our lives. Sometimes in known ways and sometimes in unknown ways. Jesus came into the world in known ways. There was more than sufficient literature about the coming of Jesus into the world. However many did not recognize him. On the Second Sunday of the Ordinary Time, the liturgical readings invite us to recognize Jesus, in fact, he makes himself known through a very big miracle of making water into wine at a wedding party.

1. Jesus ever ready to meet the needs of others

The first miracle recorded in the Gospel of St John 2:1–12 is the Wedding at Cana, where Jesus performs turning water into wine. Jesus loved celebrations. He was at home with his relatives.  Jesus does not shy away from his mother Mary when she asks him to do something in order to save the face of the host. Mary is very sensitive and looks at the needs of the present moment even though it does not concern her. Mary and Jesus recognize the sacredness of human relationships and the joy of communion. Their presence at such a big party is a lesson for us that  God delights in being with us, not only in solemn moments but also in our everyday celebrations.

Called and Commissioned: Living Our Baptismal Identity

Feast of the Baptism of the Lord: January 12, 2025

Readings: Isaiah 42:1–4, 6–7; Psalm 29:1–4, 9–10; Acts 10:34–38; Luke 3:15–16, 21–22

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As we enter into the ordinary rhythm of the New Year 2025, our spirits are still high with the blessings it brings. We may be getting busier, feeling the monotony of life yet the spirit with which we started the year must keep us going with the resolutions and other commitments that we have made for this year. Towards this end, the liturgical readings of this Sunday on the day of the feast of our Lord's Baptism invite us to take a closer look at the person of Jesus and John the Baptist who are just six months apart in their age, yet both are profound and committed to the cause for which they are called. John the Baptist is at the service of Word, which was made flesh among us. All his energies are geared towards this cause of preparing the way for God.

1. Getting to know our identity better

Today, we live in an age of digital identities, where our worth is often measured in likes and followers. Many people, especially our youth, struggle with questions of who they really are. Into this confusion, the Baptism of Jesus thunders with the Father's voice: "This is my beloved Son." This divine affirmation reminds us that our deepest identity isn't found in social media profiles or professional achievements, but in being God's beloved children. We see the perfect manifestation of the Holy Trinity – the Son standing in the waters, the Spirit descending like a dove, and the Father's voice proclaiming "This is my beloved Son."

Epiphany: Finding the Star of Our Lives

Solemnity of the Epiphany of the Lord: January 05, 2025

Readings: Isaiah 60:1–6; Psalm 72:1–2, 7–8, 10–11, 12–13; Ephesians 3:2–3, 5–6; Matthew 2:1–12

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We have just begun the new year 2025. Our hearts are full of hope and enthusiasm as we embark on another calendar year. Our life is measured by the years but also by the way we live. So the year 2025 is going to make a difference in our lives. The resolutions or promises that we have made as we enter into the new year are to be kept and followed diligently so that we can improve or make progress. To spend our time to the best, we have to make plans. We must have dreams and of course, we need to dream bigger. Our life is fascinating when we do things, which bring peace and joy, surprise and consolation to us. Life becomes meaningful and worthy of its gift when we make the best of it and when opportunities are made use of. The three kings who visit the baby Jesus give us that hope. Despite their lack of knowledge about the whereabouts of Jesus, they were able to meet and pay homage to the great wonder of the world.

1. The Universal Call of God

The story of the Magi journeying to pay homage to the Christ Child in Matthew 2:1–12 is one of the fascinating episodes among the infancy narratives of Jesus. It is filled with rich imagery and deep truths about God’s revelation to the world. The Magi, wise men from the East, represent the nations and peoples beyond Israel. This means that salvation is not confined to one group but extends to all humanity. God’s call transcends boundaries of culture, language, religion, race, and nationality. This epiphany invites us to embrace the universality of God’s love and extend it to those around us, especially those who seem different from us.