Being Watchful to Grab the Momentum

32nd Sunday in Ordinary Time: November 08, 2026

Readings: Wisdom 6:12–16; Psalm 63:2–8; 1 Thessalonians 4:13–17; Matthew 25:1–13

Ten virgins - five wise, five foolish

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

There is so much going on around us that we rarely keep pace with the things happening to us. Often we are lost because we have not given attention to small things. As a result, we miss big things. We regret and feel sorry that we were so stupid to miss such wonderful opportunities. Once the time passed, there is no point in brooding over, instead, get back to the senses and be ready to grab the future possibilities. As we continue to remember those who have passed and gone ahead to be with the Lord, the 32nd Sunday in Ordinary Time liturgical readings invite us, especially the Gospel reading, to remember that we must not miss the opportunities that are ahead of us. We must be attentive, watchful and ever ready to grab the momentum to win the race of our lives.

1. A Call to Spiritual Preparedness

In the Gospel of today, Matthew 25:1–13, Jesus presents the parable of the ten virgins who take their lamps and go out to meet the bridegroom. Five are wise and bring extra oil, while the other five are foolish and fail to prepare adequately. When the bridegroom is delayed, all of them become drowsy and fall asleep. But at midnight, the announcement comes: "Here is the bridegroom! Come out to meet him!" The wise virgins are prepared, while the foolish ones find themselves without sufficient oil.

Even though, the parable looks simple yet challenging. The message is clear and loud: we must always be prepared to meet the Lord. The bridegroom represents Christ, and the wedding feast symbolizes the Kingdom of God. The lamps represent our lives, while the oil symbolizes the faith, love, prayer, goodness, and spiritual commitment that sustain our relationship with God. We cannot fall asleep and miss the big things. A short moment of pleasure can take away the last lasting gift of eternity.

2. Dependency on others may not guarantee our wants

Christian readiness is not about living in constant fear of death or the end of the world. It is about living faithfully every day. We cannot suddenly become loving, compassionate, forgiving, and generous at the last moment. These qualities must be cultivated throughout our lives. We see in the parable the wise virgins, who are capable yet do not share their oil with foolish ones. Though selfish yet truth of the matter is that it cannot be shared, borrowed or transferred. . 

There are certain things in life which cannot be borrowed. We cannot borrow another person's faith, prayer life, relationship with God, or personal commitment to goodness. Our parents may pray for us, our teachers may guide us, our priests may encourage us, and our friends may inspire us. But ultimately, each one of us must cultivate our own relationship with God.

3. Keeping the Lamp of Hope Burning

The scripture invites us to keep the light burning and shining. A lamp is useful only when it gives light. Similarly, our Christian faith must become visible through our actions. A Christian who speaks about God but lives with hatred, dishonesty, selfishness, and indifference is like a lamp without oil. We must nurture everyday acts of compassion, mercy and service. Moreover, we should be ready and always willing to act, rather than waiting for the ‘right’ moment. 

We often think too much about death and not about how well to live our lives on this earth. We must cultivate a sense of deep awareness about God's presence in and around us. We must practice the virtues and good attitudes: kindness and generosity, gentleness and humility. Moreover, Jesus invites us not to be distracted by wealth, power, ambition, entertainment, and worldly success but to focus on spiritual awareness and goodness.

Questions for self-reflection

1. Is our lamp burning with the oil of genuine faith?
2. Is our relationship with God alive or merely external?
3. Are we practising forgiveness, compassion, and generosity?

Concluding Prayer

Heavenly Father, I thank You for reminding me that my earthly life is a journey towards eternity. As I remember my departed loved ones during this month of November, strengthen my hope in the resurrection and eternal life. Keep the lamps of my heart burning with faith, hope, and love. Help me to live each day with compassion, forgiveness, and generosity, always prepared to welcome Your Son when He comes. May I remain faithful until the day I meet You face to face and share in the joy of Your eternal Kingdom. I ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

- Fr. Olvin Veigas, SJ

E-mail: olvinveigas@jesuits.net

Blog: Celebrate Faith
Video: YouTube
05 November 2026

The Beatitudes — The Path to Holiness

The Solemnity of All Saints: November 01, 2026

Readings: Revelation 7:2–4, 9–14; Psalm 24:1–6; 1 John 3:1–3; Matthew 5:1–12

The Forerunners of Christ with Saints and Martyrs by Fra Angelico

To listen to my audio-video reflections via YouTube, please click here: https://youtu.be/2IsP8W5B7-g

The month of November is very special to us. We remember in this month all those who have gone before us. We fondly reminisce about those who are dear and near ones, who are no more with us on this earth. With great faith, we continue to pray for them, hoping that one day, we too may join them. Being baptized in the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, they started their journey in the person of Jesus Christ in His Church. The Church recognizes some as Saints and Blessed. We pray through their intercession, hoping to imitate them as we continue our life journey. On this Sunday, we celebrate the Solemnity of All Saints and the following day, All Souls. The liturgical readings on this Sunday invite us to listen to Jesus as he preaches the Sermon on the Mount and calls us to be "blessed" always.

1. Call to Holiness is for All

The Solemnity of All Saints is a celebration of the countless men and women who have reached the fullness of life with God. Some saints are known throughout the world, their names remembered in churches and history books. Others lived quiet, hidden lives of faithfulness, love, and sacrifice, known only to a few. Today, the Church celebrates them all. Their lives remind us that holiness is not reserved for a select few; it is the calling of every Christian.

Loving God Wholeheartedly and my Neighbour as Myself

30th Sunday in Ordinary Time: October 25, 2026

Readings: Exodus 22:20-26; Psalm 18:2-3, 3-4, 47, 51; 1 Thessalonians 1:5c-10; Matthew 22:34-40

William Blake, Christ Giving Sight to Bartimaeus

What is the reason for which we live in this world? It is to make this world beautiful, caring, loving and merciful. Each one may have his or her own views about this world and how one wants to make his or her life meaningful in fulfilling such a task. We cannot simply follow what others say and be like a parrot repeating what has been told to us. In this complex techno-centred super-intelligence world, our lives have turned out to be like machines, with less love, less compassion, less mercy and more ugliness than before. The reason is simple: we are becoming less human; there is less empathy, no niceties and only an "I don't care attitude". In this context, we have beautiful readings on this 30th Sunday of Ordinary Time reminding us that ultimately, it is only love that matters. Only love is credible. There is nothing less and nothing more.

1. Love is above everything

In today’s Gospel Matthew 22:34-40, a scholar of the law approaches Jesus with a question intended to test him: “Teacher, which commandment in the law is the greatest?” The question arises in a religious tradition that contains many commandments, rules, and regulations. People often debated which commandments were the most important and how they should be observed.

A Never Ending Call to Live our Responsibility

29th Sunday in Ordinary Time: October 18, 2026

Readings: Isaiah 45:1,4–6; Psalm 96:1,3–5, 7–10; 1 Thessalonians 1:1–5; Matthew 22:15–21 

Peter Paul Rubens on Render unto Caesar

There are certain boundaries in our lives. We are free to do certain things, but others are not. The constitution of a country gives rights and duties to its citizens. We are bound by rules, laws, morality, values, norms, etc. Some are written, and others are not. Some are enforceable by law, and others are not. All these elements have come into being in our society through past experiences. It could be one way of maturing in our society. The liturgical readings on this 29th Sunday in Ordinary Time give us very fascinating episodes of how, even in the past, people struggled with questions of following something. Even though we might not like to follow something, that is the way it is.

1. Called to live our responsibility

In the Gospel of Matthew 22:15–21, the Pharisees try to trap Jesus with a politically sensitive question: “Is it lawful to pay taxes to the emperor, or not?” The question came not with sincerity, but with malice. Based on the answer, the Pharisees wanted to trap Jesus. However, Jesus knew their thoughts, their hypocrisy, their malicious intent. With a simple coin that was found in the mouth of a fish, Jesus makes a straight but profound statement: “Repay to Caesar what belongs to Caesar and to God what belongs to God."

A Generous God Who Strengthens Us

28th Sunday in Ordinary Time:  October 11, 2026

Readings: Isaiah 25:6–10; Psalm 23:1–6; Philippians 4:12–14, 19–20; Matthew 22:1–14

Paolo Veronese, The Wedding at Cana
To listen to my audio-video reflections via YouTube, please click here: https://youtu.be/sfS_l9a2RSk

Our experience shows us that our God is a God of abundance. Perhaps there might be some not-so-happy experiences in our lives where we must have lacked something, the thing that we desired; even through prayer, we did not receive it. It might be some things, some wishes. It might be good health, or a right partner or a right job, or a right place to stay or right people as our good friends. We might have lost hope in believing in fact, in the person whom we believed and prayed for so long. However, ultimately, we have realized in our lives that God does take care of us through various people or some incidents where we felt that God is near and has cared for us. The liturgical readings on this 28th Sunday in Ordinary Time give us wonderful insights which emphasize that God is good and caring. Therefore, we must cultivate a desire to have such a God in our lives.

1. God's Generous and Universal Invitation

The Gospel of Matthew 22:1–14, the Parable of the Wedding Feast, speaks powerfully about God’s invitation, human freedom, and the kind of life that should follow from accepting God’s grace. The king prepares a magnificent wedding feast for his son. The feast represents the abundance of God’s Kingdom. God does not invite us because we have earned it; He invites us because He loves us.

Bearing Fruits Worthy of God's Reign

27th Sunday in Ordinary Time: October 04, 2025

Readings: Isaiah 5:1–7; Psalm 80:9, 12–16, 19–20; Philippians 4:6–9;  Matthew 21:33–43

Speculum Darmstadt
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All of us desire to follow the right path. We strive to achieve what is true, noble, honourable, just, pure, lovely, gracious and excellent. We find meaning in doing such things. It also puts us into what we are called to be. Human behaviour is mysterious and sometimes mischievous. However, deviation is part of our lives. We stumble, fall and make no headway in our effort to make things beautiful and trustworthy. We lose ourselves on the way. Returning becomes difficult. Only with divine providence and assistance, we can make our way back to our original home. The liturgical readings on this 27th Sunday in Ordinary Time are teaching us nothing but life lessons. If the Prophet Isaiah speaks about his unhappiness over the Israelites and their deviant behaviour, Jesus gives a parable of a Vineyard with wicked and crooked tenants. St Paul gives us a hymn of joy and invites us to live in peace and be true to our calling.

1. A life filled with hope and assurance 

St Paul, writing to the Philippians 4:6–9, invites us to reflect on two important dimensions of our Christian life: Trusting God in every circumstance and bearing fruit through a life of faithfulness. He writes so beautifully that the following words must be on our lips every day: "Have no anxiety at all, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, make your requests known to God." In other words, we must place everything in God's hands through prayer. In fact, prayer must lead to action, and faith must produce good fruits.

Saying “Yes” to God with Our Lives

26th Sunday in Ordinary Time: September 27, 2026

Readings: Ezekiel 18:25–28; Psalm 25:4–9; Philippians 2:1–11; Matthew 21:28–32

Vineyard Workers

Change is possible in our lives. We may turn away from good things, but there is always a chance to get back. Our human spirit is mysterious. Often we find it difficult to understand ourselves. That's why regrets are part of our lives. We feel sorry for the things that have occurred in our lives. We try to mend our lives as well. As we read the Word of God on the 26th Sunday in Ordinary Time, it encourages us to realize that we are two parts of the same coin. God always gives us another chance. It is up to us to take it forward.  

1. Right action follows from the right intention. 

Jesus tells us in  Matthew 21:28–32 about a father who asks his two sons to go and work in the vineyard. The first son initially says, “I will not,” but later changes his mind and goes. The second says, “Yes, sir,” but does not go. Jesus then asks, “Which of the two did his father’s will?” Certainly the first one. 

Being Attuned to the Thoughts of God

25th Sunday in Ordinary Time: September 20, 2026

Readings: Isaiah 55:6–9; Psalm 145:2–3, 8–9, 17–18; Philippians 1:20–24, 27; Matthew 20:1–16

Parable of Workers in the Vineyard 
To listen to my audio-video reflections via YouTube, please click here: https://youtu.be/C3rpiyRPl6Q

It is pretty normal for us to think that what we wish must happen to us. Therefore, we might get involved actively in the process of getting those things. However, things might not happen to us as we wish. In fact, there are other factors or elements attached to that which might not allow it to happen. As a result, we might begin to question or have suspicions about those things. This might cause us a lot of disappointment and helplessness. Even though we might decide on many things, there are things which may not be in our control. In this context, we have the beautiful Word of God on this 25th Sunday in Ordinary Time, inviting us to delve deeper into the mind of God. As the prophet Isaiah says, "For my thoughts are not your thoughts," so too are the ways of God. And still, we can connect with God by realizing the deeper mystery of our own lives. Jesus proposes a parable which completely shatters human logic. Hence, as we reflect over these uneasy facts of life, let's put ourselves into the logic of God. 

1. The Generous God Who Calls Everyone

The Gospel of Matthew 20:1–16 presents us with the beautiful and challenging parable of the workers in the vineyard. Jesus tells us about a landowner who goes out at different times of the day to hire workers. Some begin early in the morning, others at midday, and still others just an hour before the working day ends. At the end of the day, surprisingly, all receive the same wage.

Let us be Gentle and Nice Always

24th Sunday in Ordinary Time: September 13, 2026

Readings: Sirach 27:30–28:7; Psalm 103:1–4, 9–12; Romans 14:7–9; Matthew 18:21–35

Jan van Hemessen, The Parable of the Unmerciful Servant

Sometimes, you feel that the wickedness in the human person is so powerful that there is little chance for kindness, mercy and compassion in one's heart. The man-made tragedies and heinous crimes committed by fellow human beings are so many; it seems there is no end to it. The cycle of wickedness continues to thrive and emerge in different forms. The lessons are learnt, the experiences have strengthened, and yet nothing seems to be moving us. As we delve deeper into the liturgical readings on this 24th Sunday, we are moved with compassion and pity by the Scripture. They poignantly bring out the human tragedies, and yet God is there to encourage us to follow the right path.

1. Forgiveness starts with small acts

The Gospel today Matthew 18:21–35 takes us into the very heart of Christian discipleship: forgiveness. Jesus is not simply asking us to forgive occasionally. He is inviting us to become people whose lives are shaped by mercy. Jesus gives a beautiful parable in order to make his disciples understand the magnanimity of the sense of forgiveness.  A servant who owed an enormous debt was forgiven by the master because he pleaded for mercy. 

Called to Love and Forgive

23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time: September 06, 2026

Readings: Ezekiel 33:7–9; Psalm 95:1–2, 6–9; Romans 13:8–10; Matthew 18:15–20

Prophet Ezekiel by Michelangelo
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https://youtu.be/V6VVwjID8wI

What often seems to be simple and easy becomes difficult and complicated. Our mind then takes a 360-degree turn to come back to our senses. We must simply do what we can without hurting others. There are no principles or particular mantras to put things in order. The only guiding principle is just do what you are supposed to do. There is no point in brooding over things and making unnecessary calculations and living in an imaginative world. The liturgical readings on this 23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time are simple, straight, radical and clear. Moreover, they give us a responsibility to shoulder in the everyday of our lives: to love and forgive. Jesus invites us to become bridge-builders rather than wall-builders, healers rather than judges, and instruments of reconciliation rather than agents of division.

1. Correct with Love and the Courage to Reconcile

Today’s Gospel, Matthew 18:15–20 speaks about a difficult but essential aspect of Christian life: how to deal with sin, conflict, and broken relationships within the community. Jesus does not ask us to ignore wrongdoing, gossip about others, or immediately condemn them. Instead, he gives us a path towards truth, reconciliation, and restored communion. Jesus says: “If your brother or sister sins against you, go and point out the fault when the two of you are alone.” 

Discerning the Will of God in Our Lives

22nd Sunday in Ordinary Time: August 30, 2026

Readings: Jeremiah 20:7–9; Psalm 63:2–6, 8–9; Romans 12:1–2; Matthew 16:21–27

The question that always remains with us is whom to follow, which ideology to imbibe, who the trustworthy people are in our circles, and how we can navigate the complexities of the world and still fix our gaze on our God. There are many pulls from every side. Every ideology and direction that we take seems to be right. In this context, we have the awesome readings on this 22nd Sunday in Ordinary Time. Each one is inviting us to look into the deeper reality of life and look at God, who gives us that direction and roadmap.

1. We can believe in Jesus and still misunderstand Him

Last week's Gospel gave us an astonishing answer from Peter to Jesus' question: "Who do people say I am? "The answer was straightforward: "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God." With this, Jesus bestowed upon Peter the role of leader of the Church. The very next scene follows this week. Unfortunately, not the nicest one, as Peter tells Jesus that all the suffering and death that he might be going through should be stopped at any cost. Peter believes that he must protect Jesus and is ready to thwart any attempt on Jesus. However, in the mind of Jesus, Peter goes wrong here. 

Growing in Knowledge and Wisdom of God

 21st Sunday in Ordinary Time: August 23, 2026

Readings: Isaiah 22:15, 19–23; Psalm 138:1–3, 6, 8; Romans 11:33–36; Matthew 16:13–20

The Giving of the Keys to Saint Peter by Pietro Perugino

“Know thyself” is a common expression that is often used today and was first inscribed at the Temple of Apollo at Delphi, in ancient Delphi, Greece. We can know about ourselves in various ways. When you know yourself, you can achieve many things in the best possible way. Self-ignorance might leave a person in distress or frustration. Knowledge of oneself is a must to win, conquer, or at least navigate tough situations. Jesus knew about himself. However, he wanted to know what others think about him. The liturgical readings on the 21st Sunday in Ordinary Time give us a beautiful account of Jesus' popularity among the masses. In other words, the readings invite us to grow in knowledge and wisdom of God in every day of our lives. 

1. The person of Jesus to oneself and others

The Gospel of Matthew 16:13–20 presents a decisive moment in the relationship between Jesus and his disciples. Jesus asks two questions: “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?” and, more importantly, “But who do you say that I am?” The first question concerns public opinion; the second demands personal faith. Christianity ultimately is not merely about knowing what others say about Jesus. It is about discovering and proclaiming who Jesus is for me.

When God's Face Shines on Us

20th Sunday in Ordinary Time: August 16, 2026

Readings: Isaiah 56:1, 6–7; Psalm 67:2–3, 5, 6, 8; Romans 11:13–15, 29–32; Matthew 15:21–28

Juan de Flandes: Christ and the Canaanite Woman
To listen to my audio-video reflections via YouTube, please click here: https://youtu.be/-yUotv31b2o

Persistence and a never-give-up attitude are what keep us going in times of suffering and failure. When things become difficult, our thoughts usually turn to giving up. The situation, circumstances and people around us, instead of encouraging us to hold on to our goal, discourage us and even influence us to give up. Often, people give many reasons why you should not hold on to your convictions. Their passive attitude can influence us greatly. However, if we are firm in our faith, we can overcome difficult situations, including our health issues. A positive mind with perseverance will win ultimately. The liturgical readings on this 20th Sunday in Ordinary Time give us a beautiful experience of how repeated requests do not go unrewarded.

1. A Faith That Refuses to Give Up

The Gospel of Matthew 15:21–28 presents us with a deeply moving encounter between Jesus and a Canaanite woman. At first, the episode appears uncomfortable: Jesus seems silent, distant, and even harsh toward the woman. Yet beneath this difficult conversation lies a profound message about faith, perseverance, humility, inclusion, and the boundless mercy of God. The Canaanite woman comes to Jesus with a desperate plea: “Have pity on me, Lord, Son of David! My daughter is tormented by a demon.”

God's Help in Times of Trouble

19th Sunday in Ordinary Time: August 09, 2026

Readings: 1 Kings 19:9, 11–13; Psalm 85:9–14; Romans 9:1–5; Matthew 14:22–33

St. Peter is Walking on the Water by Lluis-Borrassa
To listen to my audio-video reflections via YouTube, please click here: https://youtu.be/3si1QV1J0GY

Often we think that we are strong. We are not afraid of anyone. We keep going, until at an unexpected moment, a turn takes place. We think that we are failing. We are losing. There is no one to help. In fact, we are sinking. Our life is uncertain. As mortals and sinful persons, we cannot predict our future with certainty. There is nothing that is sure or certain. COVID-19 showed us that none of us are immune from ill health. Illness and death come at an unexpected hour. God can take us from this world at any time. In these fragile circumstances, our life teaches us a lot. We must hang on to someone who is more powerful than us. God, who gave us the possibility of making our life possible on this earth, knows how to strengthen us when we are sinking. The liturgical readings on this 19th Sunday in Ordinary Time invite us to see that God is our strength. We must listen to Him and never doubt His promises. 

1. Storms of life come and go

The Gospel of this Sunday, Matthew 14:22–33, begins immediately after the miracle of the multiplication of the loaves. Jesus sends his disciples ahead by boat while he withdraws to the mountain to pray. The disciples, however, find themselves caught in the middle of a storm. The winds are against them, the waves threaten them, and darkness surrounds them. It is precisely in this moment of fear and helplessness that Jesus comes walking on the water.

Ever Embracing Power of God's Grace

18th Sunday in Ordinary Time: August 02, 2026

Readings: Isaiah 55:1–3; Psalm 145:8–9, 15–18; Romans 8:35, 37–39; Matthew 14:13–21

Miracle of the Loaves and Fishes, Giovanni Lanfranco, 1620-1623
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One of the beautiful German expressions used in understanding life in context is "Sitz im Leben." Often this expression is used in the study of the Holy Scriptures, when we study the context in which the scriptural passages are written. Today everything must be read and understood through life in context. Even the Gaudium et Spes, the Vatican II document "Joy and Hope," called to read the signs of the times. When we do this, things become clearer. We do not jump into hasty conclusions or carry with us prejudices and stereotypes. Every situation or problem must be looked at from the viewpoint of Sitz im Leben. Often we make blunders because we do not read news in its entirety or its completeness. In this AI world, we are stuck with the plague of conciseness, shortness and summarization. In this context, we have beautiful reading from the Holy Bible on this 18th Sunday in Ordinary Time. Jesus sees the context in which his countrymen live. He goes an extra mile, making them feel at home with a grand meal in an open-air setting, thus driving away all the fears of people and his own, as he had taken a step back in the wake of the death of his cousin and the prophet John the Baptist.   

1. Cautiousness in the wake of threats

The Gospel of St Matthew 14:13–21 presents to us love in action. Jesus had just learned of the death of John the Baptist. Seeking solitude to grieve, he withdrew to a deserted place. Yet the crowds followed Him. Instead of sending them away, Jesus was moved with compassion. He healed their sickness, listened to their needs, and when evening came, He fed them with five loaves and two fish.

St Ignatius of Loyola - A Saint with a Spirituality of Restlessness

St Ignatius of Loyola (1491-1556)

Every year on the 31st July, the Catholic Church celebrates the feast of St Ignatius of Loyola. Currently, 13,768 Jesuits are living and working in 105 countries of the world. Even though St Ignatius did not start any women's congregations, many follow the spirituality and charism set by St Ignatius. On this occasion, a few thoughts on this mystic saint!

1. St Ignatius: A man beyond his time

Perhaps one of the most charismatic figures who has contributed immensely to a spirituality of restlessness for God is St Ignatius of Loyola (1491-1556), the founder of the Society of Jesus. The members of this Order are called Jesuits. St Ignatius of Loyola was no monk or a mendicant at all. However, for him the whole world was a monastery. Even though he spent some time at the monastery of Montserrat, Spain, with the Benedictine monks, somehow or the other, he was not attracted towards the monastic life. He saw the world as a spiritual battlefield where he had to be an active pilgrim just like his Master Lord Jesus Christ. We do not find Ignatius a man who would be stuck inside the four walls of the monastery. In fact, it was a novel idea to start an Order (Congregation) completely different from the already existing ones like Benedictines, Carthusians, Dominicans, Franciscans and so forth. The time that he started his new journey of "Salvation of oneself and of others" was during the Reformation period, when the Catholic Church was in shambles with all its ills and fallacies. In this period, Ignatius came up with a novel idea of starting an Order dedicated to the name of "Jesus" and Jesus alone, while Martin Luther, already an Augustinian Catholic monk, had thought otherwise and moved away from the Catholic Church, where he had spent so many years of his monastic life. 

Called to be a Precious Treasure

17th Sunday in Ordinary Time: July 26, 2026

Readings: 1 Kings 3:5, 7–12; Psalm 119:57, 72, 76–77, 127–130; Romans 8:28–30; Matthew 13:44–52

Parable of the Hidden Treasure
To listen to my audio-video reflections via YouTube, please click here: https://youtu.be/E7O_Eu1-br4

Often we are lost in small things. We do not get the bigger picture. Our thinking pattern, the way we behave and act, all demonstrate that we are lost in our small world. Opening our horizons to see the world much more on a larger scale is necessary to play a crucial role in this world. We cannot deny our role in making this world better and beautiful. Our country is going through a silent turmoil. Only a few deplorable things are becoming visible as mainstream media is controlled by those who are in power. Very few intellectuals and those who are supposed to voice out concerns of the people are keeping silent. Somehow or the other, silence has become part of life. Unless and until all of us realize our responsibility, we cannot make this world just, hospitable and free from fear. The liturgical readings on this Sunday invite us to the preciousness of our lives and call us to live accordingly.

1. Discovering the Priceless Treasure of God's Kingdom

In today's Gospel, Matthew 13:44–52, Jesus concludes His discourse on the Kingdom of Heaven with three powerful parables: the hidden treasure, the pearl of great price, and the fishing net. Though brief, these stories challenge us to examine what we truly value and how we respond to God's invitation. 

Growing in the Likeness of God in the Midst of Evil

16th Sunday in Ordinary Time: July 19, 2026

Readings: Wisdom 12:13, 16–19; Psalm 86:5–6, 9–10, 15–16; Romans 8:26–27; Matthew 13:24–43

Parable of theSower by Domenico Fetti
To listen to my audio-video reflections via YouTube, please click here: https://youtu.be/5nXBjyfe2LY

How dare someone do that? Why is there so much evil in this world? Why does wickedness never cease to exist? These are some typical questions we often ask when we are threatened or see evil occupying the good places. Often we see this daunting task of overcoming evil. However, evil does exist. Wicked people continue to do things which are not supposed to be done. There are no limits, age, status or position. In this context, we must read today's liturgical reading on the 16th Sunday in Ordinary Time and draw inspiration for our lives.  

1. God Works Patiently in the Midst of Imperfection

In the Gospel of Matthew 13:24–43, Jesus tells the parable of the wheat and the weeds. The servants want to pull out the weeds immediately, but the master tells them to wait until the harvest. This teaches us that God is infinitely patient. We often want quick solutions to problems, instant justice, or immediate perfection in ourselves and others. Yet God allows time for growth, conversion, and transformation.

Deeply Rooted, Growing Mightily

15th Sunday in Ordinary Time: July 12, 2026

Readings: Isaiah 55:10–11; Psalm 65:10–14; Romans 8:18–23; Matthew 13:1–23

To listen to my audio-video reflections via YouTube, please click here:https://youtu.be/0e_JnzsTs4g

Patience, trust, confidence and hope determine the life of a farmer. A person who tills the soil knows what it is going to bring. Every effort has its fruits. There are no calculated risks here. It is said in most parts of India that farmers depend on the rains. A farmer's life depends not on choice but chance. It is not that everyone is gifted with everything. However, each one is blessed with great capacity to improve upon the gifts that one is bestowed with. As we celebrate the 15th Sunday in Ordinary Time, the liturgical readings give us rich food for thought and reflection, so that we continue to grow in wisdom and knowledge even about the things of this world. 

1. God is ever generous

In today's Gospel, Matthew 13:1–23, Jesus uses a simple image from everyday life—a farmer sowing seeds—to reveal a profound truth about the Kingdom of God. The seed is the Word of God, generously scattered by the sower without discrimination. The difference lies not in the quality of the seed, but in the condition of the soil. This parable invites each of us to examine the "soil" of our own hearts. It is to cultivate loving relationships, integrity in our work, concern for the poor, forgiveness of enemies, and joyful witness to Christ. 

Our Burdens and God's Intervention at the Right Moment

14th Sunday in Ordinary Time: July 05, 2026

Readings: Zechariah 9:9–10; Psalm 145:1–2, 8–11, 13–14; Romans 8:9, 11–13; Matthew 11:25–30

Christ blessing the children
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Often our lives are burdened with things. Life here on earth is not easy. It may seem nice, beautiful, happy-go-lucky, yet there are times when we feel down and have questions which may not have immediate answers. Especially when the person is diagnosed with an incurable illness, when married life gets into trouble, when there is no peace in religious or priestly life, when someone does not find the right partner in one's life, when someone struggles to find an appropriate job, when, despite hard work and investment, nothing is clicking in one's business enterprise, we feel immensely miserable. The list is endless. Everyone is in trouble on this earth. Philosopher Thomas Hobbes said, "We are chained everywhere." However, when we place our trust in God completely and allow God to take control of us, our worries certainly go down. Sometimes, we must allow God to decide for us rather than we decide for ourselves based on our abilities and inclinations. It is not we who decided to come into this world. The liturgical readings on this 14th Sunday in Ordinary Time encourage us to put our burden on our God.

1. Our Success only when God intervenes in our lives

The readings of this Sunday invite us to discover the true source of peace, strength, and freedom. In a world that glorifies success, competition, and self-sufficiency, Jesus presents a radically different way—the way of humility, surrender, and life in the Spirit. Jesus begins with a prayer of thanksgiving in Matthew 11:25–30: "I thank you, Father... because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned and revealed them to little children."