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."

God's kingdom is not reserved for the intellectually gifted or the socially powerful. Rather, it is revealed to those who possess the simplicity and openness of a child. A child trusts, depends, and receives. Pride closes the heart to God, but humility opens it to His grace. The Gospel reminds us that knowing about God is different from knowing God. A humble heart recognizes its need for God and welcomes His presence.

2. Problems end when we find Jesus in our lives

The Gospel reading is full of comfort and solace: "Come to me, all you who labour and are burdened, and I will give you rest." Jesus does not say, "Solve your problems first and then come." He invites us exactly as we are—tired, anxious, disappointed, guilty, or overwhelmed. Many of us carry invisible burdens: the pressure to succeed, family worries, financial struggles, broken relationships, loneliness, fear of the future, spiritual dryness. The list goes on. It ends only when we find Jesus in our lives. 

Often we try to carry these burdens alone. We seek relief in distractions, possessions, or achievements. Yet none of these gives lasting peace.  Jesus offers something deeper than temporary relief. He offers Himself. Rest in Christ does not mean a life without problems. Rather, it means discovering His presence within our struggles. Following Jesus certainly requires sacrifice, forgiveness, generosity, and perseverance. Yet these become lighter because they are rooted in love rather than fear.

A dog and a child under the rubble of the devastating earthquake that hit Venezuela recently.
A perfect example of how, even in misery, God knows how to take care of us.

3. Taking responsibility for our lives through the strength of the Holy Spirit

St. Paul has beautiful words to remind us in Romans 8:9, 11–13: "You are not in the flesh; you are in the Spirit, if the Spirit of God dwells in you." To live "according to the flesh" is to allow selfish desires, ego, and worldly ambitions to govern our lives. To live "according to the Spirit" is to let the Holy Spirit shape our thoughts, decisions, and relationships. The Spirit transforms us from within. Instead of: fear, He gives courage; anger, He gives forgiveness; selfishness, He gives generosity; despair, He gives hope.

Christian life is not merely about following rules, dogmas and rituals but about allowing the Spirit of Christ to live within us. Modern culture often tells us that freedom means doing whatever we want. The Gospel teaches something far deeper. Real freedom comes from belonging to Christ. The more we surrender to His love, the freer we become from anxiety, pride, addictions, jealousy, resentment, and fear.

Questions for Personal Reflection

1. Do I approach God with the humility and trust of a child, or do I rely primarily on my own abilities?
2. How is the Holy Spirit inviting me to grow in love, forgiveness, and generosity?
3. What practical step can I take this week to deepen my relationship with Christ and allow Him to carry my burdens?

Concluding Prayer

Loving Father,

We thank You for revealing Your love to the humble and for inviting us to come to Jesus with all our burdens. When we grow weary, remind us that Your Son is always ready to receive us with compassion and to give us true rest. Fill us with Your Holy Spirit, so that we may put aside selfishness and live according to Your will. Grant us humble hearts, trusting faith, and the courage to carry the yoke of Christ with joy, knowing that He walks beside us every step of the way. May our lives reflect the gentleness and humility of Jesus, bringing peace, hope, and encouragement to all whom we meet. We make this prayer in Jesus' Holy Name, Amen.

- Fr Olvin Veigas, SJ

E-mail: olvinveigas@jesuits.net

Blog: Celebrate Faith

Video: YouTube

03 July 2026

Hospitality of the Lord: Making a Foreigner Feel at Home

13th Sunday in Ordinary Time: June 28, 2026

Readings: 2 Kgs 4:8–11, 14–16; Ps 89:2–3, 16–19; Rom 6:3–4, 8–11; Mt 10:37–42

ಇವನಾರವ ಇವನಾರವ ಇವನಾರವನೆಂದು ಎನಿಸದಿರಯ್ಯ. (ivanarava ivanarava ivanaravanendu enisadirayya.)

ಇವ ನಮ್ಮವ ಇವ ನಮ್ಮವ, ಇವ ನಮ್ಮವನೆಂದು ಎನಿಸಯ್ಯ. (iva nammava iva nammava, iva nammavanendu enisayya.)

ಕೂಡಲ ಸಂಗಮದೇವಾ ನಿಮ್ಮ ಮನೆಯ ಮಗನೆಂದು ಎನಿಸಯ್ಯ. (kudala sangamadeva nimma maneya maganendu enisayya.)

[Don't make (me) think, "Whose is this man? Whose is this man? Whose is this man?"

Make (me) think, "This is our man. This is our man. This is our man."

Oh the Deity of kudala sangama, make (me) think that "I am a son of Your house."] 

These beautiful words written by Basavanna (1131–1196) in his Vachanas/sayings give the crux of what hospitality means. Don't ask who this man is instead accept him/her as your own brother or sister. As we meditate over the liturgical readings on this 13th Sunday in Ordinary time, the Word of God invites us to embrace everyone as our brothers and sisters, so that we may truly call ourselves as children of God. 

1. Embracing the Other with True Hospitality

The pretty emotional tone that we find in 2 Kgs 4:8–11, 14–16 where prophet Elisha is accepted as a member of the household not by a man but a woman who was barren. The kindness of the woman is such that she makes her husband to give the best of the hospitality to the prophet of God. She swiftly recognizes the holiness in Elisha moreover provides generously as one of the family members.

Preciousness in the Eyes of God

12th Sunday in Ordinary Time: June 21, 2026

Readings: Jeremiah 20:10–13; Psalm 69:8–10, 14, 17, 33–35; Romans 5:12–15; Matthew 10:26–33

Madonna of the Sparrow

Are we afraid of someone or something? Feeling insecure about something or someone is quite normal to our human nature. Due to our limitedness and mortality, we tend to feel uncomfortable with many things. Safety and security are very essential for a peaceful and creative existence. When we see there are threats around us, we feel uneasy and uncomfortable. Jesus was bold enough to say, "Fear no one." Fear begets fear. Jesus was clear about his priorities. Jesus did not mince his words. He called spade as spade. The liturgical readings on this Sunday encourage us to realize how precious we are and invite us to have the same courage of Jesus in our lives.

1. The Courage to Live in the Truth

In today's Gospel Matthew 10:26–33, Jesus speaks to His disciples as He prepares them for the challenges of mission. He knows that following Him will not always be easy. There will be opposition, misunderstandings, rejection, and even persecution. Yet His message is clear: "Do not be afraid." This phrase is repeated several times, reminding us that courage in discipleship comes not from our own strength but from trusting in God's loving care.

A Call for the Greater Good

11th Sunday in Ordinary Time: June 14, 2026

Readings: Exodus 19:2–6; Psalm 100:1–2, 3, 5; Romans 5:6–11; Matthew 9:36–10:8

Christ as Lamb of God by Cornelis Engebrechtsz, c. 1510
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There is a purpose for everything. We have come into this world with a purpose. Without a particular intention, we do not go to school or college, find a suitable work or a partner, or look for a place or job. Everything around us moves with a cause. We simply cannot deny ourselves or the purpose of our existence, saying that we are here for nothing. We are here on this earth with a reason. Different religions and spiritualities enumerate this with various concepts or philosophies. However, for a Christian, being called to be a Christian itself is a mission and purpose. It is to follow in the footsteps of Jesus Christ. It is to imitate him through our words and deeds and finally be with him. The liturgical readings of this Sunday invite us to know the real purpose of our lives. Jesus shows his disciples what an authentic call should be. Moreover, he prepares them to walk the paths of their call by being ambassadors of his mission.

1. The Compassion that Sends

The Gospel of Matthew 9:36–10:8 presents a moving image of Jesus looking upon the crowds. He does not merely see a multitude of people; He sees their pain, confusion, loneliness, and spiritual hunger. In fact, he sees that they are lost completely in the midst of the religious hypocrisy of Judaism and political subjugation under the Romans. St Matthew tells us that Jesus was "moved with compassion" because they were "harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd." 

Corpus Christi - Bread of Life, Bond of Unity

The Solemnity of the Body and Blood of Christ (Corpus Christi): June 07, 2026

Readings: Deuteronomy 8:2–3, 14–16; Psalm 147:12–15, 19–20; 1 Corinthians 10:16–17; John 6:51–58

The Last Supper
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Friends and dear ones leave behind great memories. They continue to live with us through various beautiful experiences and moments where we felt good, joyful and blessed. The memories of our best friends remain forever. They continue to remind those moments that we lived together and enjoyed together. If our friends leave behind some things or gifts as a sign of love, then whenever we see them, the memory of our friends brings them back to us. As we celebrate the Solemnity of the Body and Blood of Christ, also called Corpus Christi, we remember the profound mystery of Christ's real presence in the Eucharist. Jesus too left behind the gift of the Holy Eucharist, where he gave us bread and wine as a symbol of his body and blood, as well as a memory that he continues to live with us, within us and among us. 

1. Corpus Christi: Partakers of Divine Nature

One of the beautiful gifts that Jesus left behind for us is the Eucharist. Where the Eucharist is, there is a Church and where the Church is, there is the Eucharist. Everything that comprises the Church revolves around the Eucharist. In the Eucharist, the body and blood of Christ are shared. Perhaps it's difficult to understand the profound mystery behind this sacrament, yet we partake in God's divine nature  (1 Peter 2:4) by receiving the body and blood of Christ at every Eucharist. 

The Holy Trinity - Called to Worship God in Unity

The Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity (Sunday): May 31, 2026

Readings: Exodus 34:4–6, 8–9; Daniel 3:52–56; 2 Corinthians 13:11–13; John 3:16–18

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We cannot claim that we know everything or that we can understand fully. In fact, we can claim boldly that we know something, but it still remains unclear. There is space for paradox and mystery in our lives. A mystery always remains unexplained and in perplexity. Therefore, we need to give space for such situations and unexplained things. What cannot be grasped and understood should be left for after thought. Perhaps at some point in our lives, it will be made clear. This Sunday, the Church celebrates the Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity. It invites us into the mystery of God who is not distant or solitary, but a communion of love — Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. 

1. Holy Trinity: Mystery of God's Sovereignty

The feast does not simply ask us to understand God intellectually; rather, it calls us to experience God relationally. The Trinity reveals that at the very heart of God there is love, communion, and self-giving. In the Gospel, John 3:16–18, Jesus speaks one of the most comforting truths in all of Scripture: “God so loved the world that he gave his only Son.” God’s relationship with humanity begins not with judgment, fear, or punishment, but with love. 

Pentecost: Gifting the Holy Spirit

Pentecost Sunday: May 24, 2026

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

Coming down of the Holy Spirit on the Virgin Mary and the Apostles
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In times of fear, we need someone to give us courage. In times of anxiety, we want someone to listen to us. In times of grief, we need someone to support us. In times of hopelessness, we need someone to give us hope. In times of threat, we need someone to stand by us. The death and crucifixion of Jesus brought the disciples to their knees. Not only could they not understand what happened to their Master, but they feared death. In such a time, the Holy Spirit comes down upon them and transforms them completely. As we celebrate the feast of Pentecost on this Sunday, the liturgical readings invite us to delve deeper into the mystery of the Third Person of the Trinity, that is, the Holy Spirit, and embrace it completely. 

1. Pentecost: Brings Life-Changing Moments

The feast of Pentecost is the celebration of God’s Spirit poured out upon the Church and upon every believer. The readings of this Sunday invite us to reflect on the Holy Spirit, who brings courage in fear, unity in diversity, and life in a wounded world. In the Acts of the Apostles (2:1–11), the disciples are gathered together in fear and uncertainty. Suddenly, the sound of a mighty wind fills the house and tongues of fire rest upon them. The frightened disciples become courageous witnesses. The Spirit changes ordinary people into fearless proclaimers of God’s love. 

Ascension of the Lord - Marking a New Beginning of His Presence

The Ascension of the Lord: May 17, 2026

Readings: Acts 1:1-11; Psalm 47:2-3, 6-7, 8-9; Ephesians 1:17-23; Matthew 28:16-20

Jesus is being ascended into heaven
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We may feel, sometimes, that everything is perfect. Then, suddenly, something unexpected might happen, and everything changes. We expect many things from our dear ones. However, things could be blurry and uncertain. Nothing is static, including our expectations and the outcome of events. This is exactly what happened to the eleven disciples when they said goodbye to the Risen Lord in a hurry. Even before they could capture the whole event that was happening before their eyes, everything became history. But the unexpected event of Jesus being taken up into heaven, surrounded by angels and the heavenly host, the disciples came down the mountain rejoicing and singing psalms. As we gather together to celebrate the Ascension Sunday of our Lord,  the liturgical readings give us a very vivid account of the Ascension and invite us to be absorbed by this mystery. 

1. Ascension: Not about Absence, instead Eternal Presence

The feast of the Ascension of the Lord often gives the impression that Jesus is leaving the earth and departing from His disciples. Yet the Gospel of Matthew ends not with absence, but with a promise of abiding presence: “I am with you always, until the end of the age.” The Ascension is therefore not about distance, but about a new way of Christ being present among His people. Jesus entrusts His mission to ordinary disciples, assuring them that they will never walk alone.

Easter - Giving Reasons for the Hope of Others

Sixth Sunday of Easter: May 10, 2026

Readings: Acts 8:5–8, 14–17; Psalm 66:1–7, 16, 20; 1 Peter 3:15–18; John 14:15–21

St Peter Preaching to the crowds

Christianity, as a religion, is built on certain values and principles: Love, compassion, peace, joy, mercy, kindness, patience, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control and many more. These are also the fruits of the Holy Spirit (St. Paul in Galatians 5:22–23). The boldness and courage the disciples of Jesus experienced after the resurrection are remarkable. Instead of hate and revenge, love and reason become the strength of the disciples of Jesus. They preach good in place of evil, suffering in place of revenge, righteousness in place of unrighteousness. St Peter, as the head of the early Church, advises Christians to give reasons for the hope of others. Make others understand the faith in Jesus through intelligent conversations. In other words, gentleness and compassion become the instruments to preach the good news of Jesus Christ. The liturgical readings on this Sunday precisely do that. Only love is credible, and courage is possible when you carry with you the Risen Lord. 

1. Love is shown more in deeds than words

In the Gospel of  John 14:15–21, Jesus speaks tenderly to His disciples before His suffering and death. He knows that fear, confusion, and loneliness are beginning to fill their hearts. Yet His words are not words of abandonment; they are words of promise, companionship, and love. Jesus assures them that although He may leave physically, He will never leave them orphaned. The Father will send the Advocate, the Spirit of Truth, who will remain with them forever.

Jesus: The Way, the Truth and the Life

Fifth Sunday of Easter: May 03, 2026

Readings: Acts 6:1–7; Psalm 33:1–2, 4–5, 18–19; 1 Peter 2:4–9; John 14:1–12

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Innocence is part of our lives. There is always a little corner for this aspect of our lives where we become childlike. We may be mature, adult and commanding many things, yet there are things which are unfamiliar to us, and often we might appear very silly. Yet, this phenomenon of our lives might give us sometimes joy and peace, moreover, a sense that we are ultimately human and we need guides on our way. On the Fifth Sunday of Easter, we have those wonderful readings which remind us that we must always be ready to learn, unlearn and relearn in our lives. This will make us very happy and face the challenges of life courageously and confidently.

1. Shifting our Gears of Courage and Trust

In the Gospel of St John 14:1–12, Jesus speaks directly to the restless heart: “Do not let your hearts be troubled.” These are not mere comforting words, but an invitation into a deeper trust. Jesus senses the anxiety of his disciples—the uncertainty of what lies ahead, the fear of losing his physical presence—and he responds not with explanations, but with relationship. He calls them, and us, to believe: “Believe in God, believe also in me.”

Shepherding with Love and Care

Fourth Sunday in Easter: April 26, 2026

Readings: Acts 2:14, 36–41; Psalm 23:1–6; 1 Peter 2:20–25; John 10:1–10

Le Bon Pasteur by Philippe de Champaigne
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God enters into our lives in unexpected ways. As deeply religious and convinced of God's presence permeating around us, we believe that it is God who is guiding us and shepherding us. While looking at the incredible creation in which we live, one thing is certain: there should be some mighty power behind all of this. The world around us and all that it contains is so systematically woven and engineered that there is some sort of order in God's creation. Unfortunately, it is we who create disorder and destruction around us. As we savour the blissfulness of the Easter Season, on this Fourth Sunday of Easter, the liturgical readings are so vibrant and encouraging that all of us are invited to follow Jesus, the Good Shepherd, ardently and lovingly. 

1. Listening to the right voices

On this Fourth Sunday of Easter, the Gospel of John 10:1–10 places before us the striking image of the Good Shepherd and the sheep who recognize his voice. It is a passage that speaks quietly yet powerfully about trust, belonging, and the deep relationship between Christ and those who follow him.

Emmaus and Us - Awakening at the Eucharist

Third Sunday of Easter: 19 April 2026

Readings: Acts 2:14, 22–28; Psalm 16:1–2, 5, 7–11; 1 Peter 1:17–21; Luke 24:13–35

The disciples of Emmaus with Jesus at the breaking of the bread

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What is it that keeps our memories alive? Is it the past experiences or acts that made an imprint on our memories? We remember the past based on our experiences, memories and recollections. Memory is essential to carry forward the past. Memories evoke both good and bad feelings in us. We can not live without our past; however, the memories make us come back alive and relive those past experiences. Memories have a future. Our future is determined by the past, especially those things which are life-giving and fulfilling. We carry the past within us, and yet we make choices about what we would like to carry with us so that they give meaning and purpose in our lives. As we celebrate the Third Sunday of Easter, the liturgical readings invite us to rejoice with the disciples of Emmaus. They found purpose in their lives by celebrating the Eucharist, which brought back memories of Jesus at the Last Supper. This incident never stops them but makes them run without stopping in proclaiming who Jesus really was.

1. Easter: God meets in our narrations of fears and frustrations

The Gospel of Luke 24:13–35, the journey to Emmaus, is a deeply human and profoundly consoling resurrection narrative. It speaks not only of encountering the risen Lord, but of how He meets us in the ordinary paths of our lives—especially when we are confused, threatened, feared, disappointed, destroyed, discouraged, or lost.

Diving into the Mercy of God with Peace

Second Sunday of Easter (or Sunday of Divine Mercy): April 12, 2026

Readings: Acts 2:42–47; Psalm 118:2–4, 13–15, 22–24; 1 Peter 1:3–9; John 20:19–31

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Who does not doubt? Belief is a very subjective matter and is based on one's convictions and experiences. Doubt arises when certainty is unclear. It may be because either we have not experienced it, or we are not convinced of it. We make conscious decisions in our lives. They are based on our experiences, assumptions, knowledge or inner convictions. We cannot believe everyone and in everything. However, we can believe based on our life experiences. The aspect of faith or convictions of faith can enable us to believe what we see, touch, smell, taste and feel. When we have to believe in something beyond space and time, we need the grace of intelligence and wisdom. Knowledge alone does not suffice us to believe something we have never heard of. As we celebrate the Second Sunday of Easter, which is also called Divine Mercy Sunday, the Church invites us to gaze at the Resurrected Jesus not with our exterior eyes, but with our eyes of faith.  

1. Easter brings the gift of peace and reconciliation 

For the Jews, the first day of the week is Sunday. Saturday is a Sabbath Day. So the event of the appearance of the resurrected Jesus happens on a Sunday evening. The frightened disciples are gathered behind locked doors—fearful, uncertain, and fragile. Into this closed space, Jesus comes and stands among them. There is no rebuke, no accusation for their abandonment, no reminder of their failure. Instead, there is a gift: “Peace be with you.”

Easter Sunday - Christ is Truly Risen

The Resurrection of the Lord/The Easter Sunday: April 05, 2026

Readings: Acts 10:34, 37–43; Psalm 118:1–2, 16–17, 22–23; Colossians 3:1–4; John 20:1–9

The Resurrection of our Lord

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The message of Easter is very clear: Christ is truly risen! The events that followed the crucifixion of our Lord give a rare glimpse of who Jesus was: Fully human and fully divine. With the resurrection of Jesus, the divinity of Jesus shines brighter than before. Jesus is no longer constrained by time and space. Jesus makes himself visible to everyone who longs to see him or waits on him. The mission of Jesus gets transformed now as St Paul would say that Christ "becomes all in all."

1. At Easter, it's Time to Believe

Easter dawn breaks not with noise or spectacle, but with a quiet, almost hidden revelation—the stone rolled away, the tomb empty, and hearts slowly awakening to a truth too great to grasp at once. The Gospel of John 20:1–9 draws us into this delicate moment of discovery. Mary Magdalene comes while it is still dark, carrying within her the weight of loss. Peter and the beloved disciple run toward the tomb, caught between confusion and hope. What they find is not the Risen Lord immediately, but signs—linen cloths lying there, the absence that speaks of a presence beyond death.

Good Friday - Accomplishing the Final Act with Love

Good Friday of the Lord’s Passion: April 03, 2026

Readings: Isaiah 52:13-53:12; Hebrews 4:14-16,5:7-9; John 18:1-19:42

Crucifixion of Jesus

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What a day! And it is called Good Friday!! The death of God-man on the Cross, and still we call this day Good Friday!!! The poignant moment of the death of the Messiah makes us stand still and listen to the inner voice of our being. What is this all about? Why must an innocent man die on a Cross? The most brutal, terribly painful and awkwardly humiliating death a person could go through in the Roman Empire was crucifixion.  It was such a heinous death that no one dared to undergo. But here we have on this day, we commemorate that brutal death of our Saviour and Master year after year. The same death, the same event, the same humiliating expressions, and yet we try to find meaning for our lives through devotion and faith. 

1. Pushing the evil away and not reconciling

As we stand at the foot of the Cross of our Saviour and kiss it with a sense of reverence, it brings to our mind the stark reality of evil, wickedness, jealousy, envy, animosity, grudges, scorn, and hostility in this world and in the lives of people. As we scroll through the Word of God in the Holy Bible, it becomes certain that evil can take over good and has a say for some time. Perhaps, evil might not win continuously or eternally, but it has its say that could be detrimental to the life of the person.  The Word of God tells us emphatically that Jesus "went on doing good." Then what went wrong in the life of Jesus to carry the Cross to Calvary?

Lord's Supper: A Call to Live the Eucharist

Maundy/Holy Thursday - The Lord’s Supper: April 02, 2026 

Readings: Exodus 12:1-8,11-14; Psalm 115(116):12-13,15-18; 1 Corinthians 11:23-26; John 13:1-15

The Last Supper of Jesus
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We celebrate on this Maundy Thursday, a definite, enduring and continuous presence of our Lord Jesus Christ amongst us. The event of the establishment of the Holy Eucharist, which took place 2000 years ago in an obscure upper room in one of the houses in Jerusalem, still continues to be celebrated today as a mark of our Lord's intimate presence amongst us. The scene of this enactment of the Lord's Supper continues to draw inspiration and accept the challenges and sufferings this world brings to us. By participating in this mystery of the Eucharist, we are prepared to face any challenges with joy and courage. Moreover, it enables us to carry forward the memory and mission of our Lord to the ends of this earth.  

1. Holy Eucharist: Partaking in His Divine Nature

Maundy Thursday draws us into the quiet, intimate heart of the Gospel—into an upper room where love takes visible form. Jesus makes a particular mark in human history through this act of sharing the Passover meal with his disciples. St. Paul, in recalling the tradition he himself received, brings us face-to-face with the mystery of the Eucharist. “This is my body… this is my blood.” These are not merely words spoken once in history; they are a living memorial, a presence that endures. 

The Passion of our Lord, the Passion of the Humanity

Passion/Palm Sunday: March 29, 2026

Readings: Isaiah 50:4–7; Psalm 22:8–9, 17–20, 23–24; Philippians 2:6–11; Matthew 26:14–27:66

Jesus enters Jerusalem on a mule
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What is it like entering into the lives of others? What is it that makes us be compassionate and show our empathy to the person who is suffering?  It is our attitudes, feelings, values, convictions and readiness to embrace the other as our brother or sister. As we enter into the mystery of Christ's Passion, suffering, death, and resurrection, we are invited to enter more intensely into the life of our Lord Jesus, lovingly, passionately, and with a heart full of tenderness and love. Today, we read in our Churches the passion narrative of our Lord, so that it enables us to enter into the drama of Jesus' passion. 

1. Passion of our Lord, the Passion of the Humanity

Today, the Church celebrates Palm Sunday or Passion Sunday. It is a beautiful day when we realize that what matters most in our lives is giving time to others. The liturgy of today in our Churches and parishes unfolds with a profound and almost unsettling beauty. It begins in jubilation—palms raised, voices lifted, hope awakened. Yet, as the narrative deepens, the tone shifts. The hymns of praise give way to the solemn cadence of the Passion. Glory and suffering stand side by side, not as opposites, but as inseparable companions in the mystery of Christ.

Lent: Finding the Fullness of Life through Trust and Hope

Fifth Sunday of Lent: March 22, 2026

Readings: Ezekiel 37:12–14; Psalm 130:1–8; Romans 8:8–11; John 11:1–45

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Bringing solace and hope to those who are mourning or hopeless is a beautiful thing. It is an act of mercy. We need people who can comfort us when we are in sorrow or suffering. We need people who can put their shoulders on us and listen to us. In a world of competition and the rat race, very few have the time and willingness to do that. When we look at the life of Jesus, we see this aspect of readiness and willingness to comfort those who are mourning, despite a busy schedule or being far from home. Jesus touches the lives of his good friends, Martha and Mary. He reaches out to them at the very toughest time of their lives, when they have buried their beloved brother. At that moment, Jesus does an unimaginable thing: he raises Lazarus from the tomb and gives them back their loving brother, alive. This is what true friendship means: reaching out to those who trust us and love us at the right time with the right act of love.

1. Lent: Waiting for God in Patience

The Gospel of John 11:1–45, the raising of Lazarus, stands as one of the most profound revelations of who Jesus is—not merely a healer, but the Lord of life itself. Yet, before it becomes a story of resurrection, it is deeply a story of waiting, sorrow, confusion, and faith stretched to its limits. Jesus hears that Lazarus is ill, and surprisingly, He delays. This delay is unsettling. It challenges our instinctive belief that God must act immediately when we pray. 

Lent - Encountering the Healing Touch of God

Fourth Sunday of Lent: March 15, 2026

Readings: 1 Samuel 16:1, 6–7, 10–13; Psalm 23:1–6; Ephesians 5:8–14; John 9:1–41

Jesus is healing a blind man
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Often, it is difficult to see the good in others. Human nature tends to react with jealousy, anxiety, and many questions when something good happens in another person’s life. It may seem strange, yet it is often true. Unfortunately, the prosperity of one person sometimes becomes the cause of heartburn for another. There are people who try to malign the name of someone who is good and sincerely striving to make a difference in his own life and in the lives of others. Wickedness and evil, in subtle ways, seem to be part of the human condition. While we strive to do good, there is often a contrary impulse within us that pulls us in the opposite direction. This week, the Church celebrates Laetare Sunday, which falls on the Fourth Sunday of Lent. As we reach the middle of our Lenten journey, the Church invites us to rejoice. Christ comes as the Light of the world, entering the darkness of human life to restore sight. The healing of the man born blind by Jesus becomes a subject of intense dispute, especially among the Pharisees, who were unable to recognize the goodness present before them.

1. Healing: A journey of encounter

The Gospel of John 9:1–41, presents the powerful story of the healing of the man born blind. At one level, it is a miracle story, but at a deeper level, it is a revelation about spiritual sight and spiritual blindness. The physical healing becomes a sign pointing to a deeper transformation that Jesus desires for every human person.

Lent: Transforming our Lives through Dialogue with God

Third Sunday of Lent: March 8, 2026

Readings: Exodus 17:3–7; Psalm 95:1–2, 6–9; Romans 5:1–2, 5–8; John 4:5–15, 19–26, 39–42

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Where can we look for the best things in life? Is there something extraordinary that can be attainable and could give us complete meaning for our lives? Will we find something that will explain everything and give us the fullness of life? Man's search for meaning has been continuous and unceasing. In spite of a great history of knowledge, epistemology (the study of knowledge) and hermeneutics (the study of interpretation), we are still making sense of this world. There is no ultimate truth that a person has found. Even though for us Christians, Jesus is the ultimate truth. However, we still doubt. As a result, we do not follow his teachings in word and deed. In this context, we have fantastic liturgical readings on this Third Sunday in Lent to encourage us to strive to follow the same Lord who enlightened the Samaritan Woman two thousand years ago.

1. God initiates dialogue with us

The Gospel of the Third Sunday of Lent (John 4:5–15, 19–26, 39–42) presents the profound encounter between Jesus and the Samaritan woman at the well. It is a story of thirst—human thirst and divine thirst—meeting at the same place. Jesus begins the conversation with a simple request: “Give me a drink.” The Son of God appears tired, thirsty, and dependent on a stranger. In this moment, God reveals something essential about Himself: He approaches us in vulnerability.