Listening to the Voice of God - Pointing at the Right Messiah

02nd Sunday in Ordinary Time: 18 January 2026

Readings: Isaiah 49:3, 5–6; Psalm 40:2, 4, 7–10; 1 Corinthians 1:1–3; John 1:29–34

Lamb of God by Domenichino
 To listen to my audio-video reflections via YouTube, please click here: https://youtu.be/6zRJ2JmF5NU

The world in which we live is quite big, and so are the complexities that affect our lives. Navigating and finding the right solutions and the right people to guide us is often difficult and challenging. People often point out at others as the right gurus or leaders, but unfortunately, they are not. The wickedness and evil are everywhere, and these people confirm that they are the ones. Even believing someone has become very tough today. Trust is the problem. There is no clarity, credibility, courage, or straightforwardness among these people. In this context, often we are left alone to find our way or marga. As we reflect on this dimension of right people and right time, the liturgical reading on this 2nd Sunday in Ordinary Time is not only marvellous, but also we find Jesus, even John the Baptist, pointing at him as Messiah, the Saviour whom the Israelites waited for so long. In fact, he is the greatest prophet of all time, John the Baptist, who points at Jesus and says that he is the right one.

1. Jesus: Behold, the Lamb of God

Standing on the quiet banks of the river Jordan, where John the Baptist works, not as a performer of wonders, but as a witness overwhelmed by what he sees. John does not say, “Here is a wise teacher” or “Here is a holy man,” but “the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.” In John 1:29–34, there is no thunder, no crowd reaction recorded, no dramatic conversion scene. And yet, what unfolds is one of the most awe-filled moments in the Gospel: a human being recognizing God standing before him.

John does not say, look at me. He says, behold Him. He points at Jesus! Awe always begins when attention shifts away from the self and rests upon the mystery of God. John’s words are not an explanation; they are an invitation to contemplation. The Lamb stands there in silence, carrying within himself the weight of the world’s brokenness. He has not yet spoken, healed, or taught—yet John already sees his mission: to take away the sin of the world. Awe arises not from what Jesus does, but from who He is.​

2. Boldness: Points at the right person as Prophet

John the Baptist confesses something deeply humbling: “I did not know him.” This is startling. If anyone should have recognized Jesus, it was John—his relative, the prophet, the forerunner. Yet he admits that recognition was not automatic. It was a tough decision. God cannot be grasped by familiarity, status, or even religious proximity. Revelation is always a gift. Think of every injustice, every secret shame, every cruelty and betrayal that scars this world; this is the world into which the Lamb of God walks, and whose weight He chooses to carry.

The sign given to John is simple and profound: the Spirit descending and remaining upon Jesus. Not rushing, not flashing, but remaining. This is a God who chooses to dwell. The awe here is gentle yet overwhelming: the eternal Spirit resting upon a human life, heaven making its home on earth. In Jesus, God does not merely visit humanity; God abides with us. The sacred is no longer distant. It stands among us, breathing, waiting, inviting. Each person’s darkest failures are redeemable. ​

3. Witness: Testimony to the Truth

John’s final testimony is not emotional, but absolute: “Now I have seen and testified that he is the Son of God.” Awe does not always shout; sometimes it kneels in quiet certainty. John fades from the center so that Christ may stand revealed. True spiritual awe does not seek applause or recognition—it points, witnesses, and steps aside.

This Gospel leaves us with a holy question, not spoken but felt: Do we recognize the Lamb of God when He passes through our ordinary days? In the Eucharist, in the poor, in moments of suffering and silence, Christ still stands among us—often unnoticed, often underestimated. On this Sunday, we are not invited to do more, but to see more deeply. In fact, we are asked to allow God to surprise us when we stop trying to define Him and instead let Him reveal Himself.

Questions for self-reflection:

1. What usually captures my attention more than the presence of God?
2. Do I recognize Jesus as the Lamb who takes away sin, including my own?
3. What sins, burdens, or wounds do I still hesitate to place before God?
4. Am I attentive to God’s quiet, abiding presence rather than only dramatic moments?

Prayer:

Lord our God, you come to us quietly, standing in the midst of our ordinary lives, often unnoticed and unacknowledged. Open our eyes to behold you with reverence and wonder, and soften our hearts to recognize your gentle presence. Take away the sin that burdens us, the fears we carry, and the pride that blinds us. Let your Spirit remain with us, shaping our thoughts, our choices, and our desires. Teach us the humility to step aside so that your life may be revealed through ours. Draw us into a deeper awe of your mystery, that in silence and trust we may confess with our lives that you are truly the Son of God. We make this prayer in Jesus' Holy Name, Amen.

- Fr Olvin Veigas, SJ

E-mail: olvinveigas@jesuits.net

Blog: Celebrate Faith

Video: YouTube

15 January 2026

Baptism of Jesus - Immersing Oneself into the Reality of this World

The Baptism of the Lord: Sunday 11 January 2026

Readings: Isaiah 42:1–4, 6–7; Psalm 29:1–4, 9–10; Acts 10:34–38; Matthew 3:13–17

The painting by Jan van Scorel on the Baptism of Christ
 To listen to my audio-video reflections via YouTube, please click here: https://youtu.be/fompCshra8k

The greatness of the great people is known more by their deeds than their words. They embody a sense of humility and kindness. They are ready to become low in order to make others great. They are always at work with people, bringing mercy and compassion. They are a beacon of hope to the hopeless, courage to the fearful, and consolation to those inconsolable. They nurture a sense of Godliness and holiness. They are those whom we like them to be around. Their presence itself is grace. They bring so much joy and peace. Without them, we feel empty, or something is missing. They lead people to God. They are fearless and ready to die for the cause they hold so dear. Words like "lies" or "laziness" are not in their dictionaries. They speak for God and offer their lives to God and God alone. They speak the truth and work towards justice. As we celebrate the feast of the Baptism of the Lord Jesus Christ, we have beautiful liturgical readings. We see John the Baptist and Jesus, the men of God, ready to be embraced by the Spirit of God at a very important moment of their lives. The courage and humility that we see in both of them are truly inspiring as we still feel the warmth of the New Year 2026. 

1. Baptism of Jesus - Being in Solidarity with others. 

On this Sunday, as the Church celebrates the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord, the Gospel of Matthew (3:13–17) invites us to stand on the banks of the river Jordan and contemplate a profound mystery. Jesus, the sinless One, the Son of God, the God-Man steps into the waters of repentance. He does not need baptism, yet He chooses it. In doing so, He enters fully into the human condition and sanctifies the waters of our lives.

Epiphany of the Lord - Called to Proclaim with Credibility

The Feast of the Epiphany of the Lord: January 04, 2026

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

The Nativity of Christ by  Franz von Rohden
 To listen to my audio-video reflections via YouTube, please click here: https://youtu.be/Bdcd3_gjHpY

As we start the new year 2026, we are very much in the Season of Christmas. The joy of this season still permeates around us. We are also joyful as we say goodbye to the year 2025 and welcome the year 2026. We are hopeful that this new year brings us glad tidings and beautiful things in our lives. With such hope and earnestness, we begin our journey of life this year. Liturgically, we are celebrating today the feast of the Epiphany, which is also called the manifestation of the Lord to others. It is celebrated as the visit of the three Kings or Magi to the baby Jesus. The liturgical readings of today invite us look at the simplicity and trust of these three kings or representatives of the wider world and embrace the Son of God wholeheartedly. 

1. Always, there is a deeper yearning for God

The Feast of the Epiphany invites us to contemplate a God who reveals Himself gently and lovingly to all who search for truth. In the story of the Magi, we see a God who does not impose Himself through power or force, but who attracts the human heart through a star, a journey, and a humble child lying in a manger. The Magi remind us that faith is born from a deep longing and yearning — a longing to discover meaning, to seek light, and to encounter God. They did not reach Bethlehem by accident; they allowed the restlessness of their hearts to lead them forward. They looked beyond themselves, beyond comfort and certainty, and trusted the signs God placed before them.

Christmas - Making History in the Heart of Humanity

The Nativity of the Lord (Christmas) Vigil Mass: December 24, 2025

Readings: Isaiah 62:1-5; Psalm 89:4-5, 16-17, 27, 29; Acts 13:16-17, 22-25; Matthew 1:1-25

Icon of Nativity
 To listen to my audio-video reflections via YouTube, please click here: https://youtu.be/blrSevl9Pb4

What is it that makes us so excited about Christmas? Certainly, it is the commemoration of the birth of Jesus. An event that took place 2000 years ago still continues to fascinate us. It is an event that changed the course of history. It changed the global setting. It infused new life into the world, created a new culture and formed a new civilization. It is called Christian civilization. The fact of the birth of Jesus Christ, the God-man, has certainly changed the world forever. In fact, it continues to change and transform the world. The event of Jesus continues to shape and renew the lives of people of all ages. It is determental factor that the world continues to see holy men and women from so many countries dedicating their lives exclusively for the service of God and humanity. Therefore, Christmas is nothing but celebrating the life of a man who not only made history in the heart of humanity but continues to remake history through their lives as well. 

1. Christmas: Infuses newness and freshness

One of the beautiful blessings this Christmas brings to us is an understanding of how God continues to love us. In other words, we feel God's closeness and proximity to us. God is not someone distant and faraway. A God who is not bothered about us. In fact, the very feeling of this great feast is that God continues to shape our lives and the world with so many global and personal events. God enters our lives in either a big or small way, yet it brings us a promise of hope and the possibility that we are all made for God.

Emmanuel — Opening to the Reality of God with us

Fourth Sunday of Advent: December 21, 2025

Readings: Isaiah 7:10–14; Psalm 24:1–6; Romans 1:1–7; Matthew 1:18–24

The Annunciation of Mary by Henry Ossawa Tanner, 1898
 To listen to my audio-video reflections via YouTube, please click here: https://youtu.be/FdMynMqrmZQ 

What a beautiful expression about God that we have in this Advent Season: Emmanuel—God with us! He is with us even before we came into this world. He continues to accompany us in every day of our lives, both in our joys and sorrows, struggles and strengths. As we enter into the fourth Sunday of Advent, the liturgical readings invite us to experience the presence of God with us, around us and in us. God continues to surprise us with His presence in spite of our unknowability of him in its fullest reality.  What we know about God is very little, and it is through other creatures. The world cannot run automatically or preplanned. Therefore, there should be someone who is overseeing this whole creation, all that exists and all that moves. In this context, the Advent experience becomes meaningful and fruitful. 

1. The enchanting experience of God with us

As Advent draws to its quiet climax, the Gospel does not place us in a crowded stable or before singing angels, but in the interior world of one man—Joseph. The Gospel writer St Matthew 1:18–24 invites us to contemplate a faith that listens in silence, trusts without full understanding, and acts with courage. At the heart of this Gospel echoes a single name, repeated like a gentle refrain: Emmanuel—God with us.

Faith in Question - Believing in the Right Choice

Third Sunday of Advent: December 14, 2025

Readings: Isaiah 35:1–6, 10; Psalm 146:6–10; James 5:7–10; Matthew 11:2–11

Saint John the Baptist in Prison Visited by Two

 To listen to my audio-video reflections via YouTube, please click here: https://youtu.be/7Ae2Ra9IJJ4

What is the factor that determines certainty? How can we be certain when someone says something that looks a bit strange or unusual? Today, fact-checking is becoming more common in the media as fake stories and narratives proliferate. There are fraudsters who often deceive those they perceive as "intelligent," "smart," and those in positions by sending links to their mobile devices via WhatsApp, SMS, or email. Many believe in these silly and most stupid things. You may not believe the person who is sitting next to you or your own colleague, but you cultivate such faith in an unknown person who is sitting somewhere else and sending fake messages, and you simply fall for that person. This issue of fact-checking is not just of today; even during the time of Jesus, people were using this element of ascertaining.  We see in the liturgical readings of today, especially in the Gospel, that John the Baptist, even while sitting in prison, wants to ensure that Jesus, who is becoming a popular figure, is the right one about whom he was preaching.

1. From doubt to certainty - Believing in the right one

In the Gospel reading of today, Matthew 11:2–11, we see John the Baptist sitting in a dark prison cell. The prophet who once stood in the desert with fire in his voice is now surrounded by silence and uncertainty. From this place of confinement, a question rises from his heart regarding the person of Jesus about whom he has been preaching for long: “Are you the One who is to come, or shall we look for another?”  Absolutely, a striking moment. The greatest prophet, the fearless spokesperson of the Messiah, now experiences the ache of doubt. 

Advent - Finding Desert and Rivers of our Lives

Second Sunday in Advent: December 07, 2025

Readings: Isaiah 11:1–10; Psalm 72:1–2, 7–8, 12–13, 17; Romans 15:4–9; Matthew 3:1–12

St John the Baptist preaching painting by Mattia Preti

 To listen to my audio-video reflections via YouTube, please click here:  https://youtu.be/Tf8EmXSNPT4 

            Prophets are the men of God who listen to the voice of God. They do not speak for themselves, but for God. They are men of courage and resilience. Nothing can stop them from doing what they are supposed to do. They speak directly and boldly. Their strength is God. The worldly authority, power, wealth, honour and prestige do not touch them, because their focus is on doing God's will in their lives. There are prophets even today, but we find it difficult to recognize or listen to them. We are ready to listen to the non-prophets who exercise power and authority. As a result, we lose sight of such precious gems in our society and world. As we enter into the Second Sunday of Advent, the liturgical readings prepare us boldly to embrace more of God and less of worldly things. Even though the Advent candle may be lit with a theme of "peace," the prophets Isaiah and St John the Baptist ask us to embrace peace with justice, thus straightening our lives.

1. Advent: Looking for spaces of renewal

In the Gospel reading of today, Matthew 3:1-12, we see John the Baptist appearing in the wilderness with a special message to the Israelites. He preaches in the desert of Judea, which also offered the solace of the river Jordan. The desert is not a lonely place. There is a voice of God. In such a place, St John is preaching and praying for the repentance of his people. In our busy schedule, when we get engrossed in too much noise and distractions, we must find solace in such places of the desert or the River Jordan. 

Be Attentive and be Awakened - God will Deliver

First Sunday of Advent: November 30, 2025

Readings: Isaiah 2:1–5; Psalm 122:1–9; Romans 13:11–14; Matthew 24:37–44

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

Being attentive is part and parcel of our lives. Even though we are imperfect beings yet we want to be perfect in whatever we do. Therefore, we give so much attention to simple and small details. Sometimes, in spite of giving attention to little details, we may go wrong. We may try to correct it, perhaps the next time. When guests visit us, we give our time and attention. This shows that we have time for them and appreciate their visit. It also tells us that we love them. Having concluded the ordinary liturgical year, this Sunday we begin the great Advent. It means "coming" or "arrival." Firstly, it is remembering the first coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. Secondly, it is awaiting the second arrival of Jesus Christ. As we enter into the Season of Advent, we reflect on this theme of "Hope." We are getting ready to welcome Jesus amongst us with the hope that we will truly be blessed and graced. The liturgical readings help us meet our saviour with such expectations, attention and hope. 

1. Advent: Gazing our eyes to the heavens

In the Gospel reading of today, Matthew 24:37–44, Jesus speaks about his second coming. His words invite his disciples to be attentive and ready for that day. Jesus speaks of the days of Noah, of ordinary people going about the ordinary rhythms of life—eating, drinking, marrying, working. Nothing dramatic, nothing sinful. Just life unfolding as usual. Yet, beneath that ordinariness, something divine was approaching, something beautiful was drawing near, and they did not recognize it.

Christ the King - Walking with a Person of Hope

Solemnity of Christ the King: November 23, 2025

Readings: 2 Samuel 5:1–3; Psalm 122:1–5; Colossians 1:12–20; Luke 23:35–43

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

As most of us are born and brought up in democratic countries, the word "King" is a bit alien to us. Moreover, a good number of us may not like to have so-called "kings" on earth. Having studied history in schools and colleges, we have seen what kings did in their lives. Somebody put it so wisely: "Absolute power corrupts absolutely." Most of the kings have been nasty and hypocritical, enjoying the wealth of the people. St Ignatius of Loyola gives us two well-noted meditations in his Spiritual Exercises: 1. Two Standards, 2. Kingdom Exercise comprises the earthly king and heavenly king, where he depicts the heavenly king as the most perfect one that Christians must emulate in their life. As the liturgical year draws to its close, the Church invites us to look at Jesus, our King. He reigns in a way the world could never imagine.

1. Christ the King - A man for all seasons

The scripture is full of mentions of kings. The great kings David and Solomon steal the show in the Bible. Even God is likened to a King or the King of glory. In the New Testament, we see people's desire to see in Jesus a king who would deliver them from the clutches of Roman rule. However, the Gospel does not show us a triumphant ruler surrounded by glory; it shows us a silent, wounded Jesus, whose kingship is revealed not in splendour but in surrender, not in power but in love. And perhaps this is exactly where the year must end: at the foot of the Cross, where everything is stripped away except love.

Labouring for Eternity

33rd Sunday in Ordinary Time: November 16, 2025

Readings: Malachi 3:19–20; Psalm 98:5–9; 2 Thessalonians 3:7–12; Luke 21:5–19

To listen to my audio-video reflections via YouTube, please click here: https://youtu.be/dyAV341UTW8

We love to see and admire great and grand things. Our fascination with such things is natural and real as we are blessed with a capacity to enjoy such beautiful things. Unfortunately, the so-called great and beautiful things are also time-bound. They do not last for eternity. There is nothing in this world that we can claim will last forever. They are short-lived, just like our lives. They are created by someone. Therefore, having an awareness of uncertainty and limitedness is good for us so that we do not land in a world of despair and unhappiness when the end comes unexpectedly. We must be ready for anything and everything that would occur in our lives. Only then will we be content to know that there is also life beyond the earthly things. As we inch closer to Advent, the liturgical readings are becoming poignantly clear that we must rely on God and God alone.

1. Built by human hands has an end!

In today’s Gospel Luke 21:5–19, Jesus stands before the grandeur of the Temple in Jerusalem — its stones gleaming in the sunlight, its beauty admired by all. It is the second temple built by the decree of King Cyrus, the king of Syria, a non-Jew, around 546 BC (cf. Ezra 1:1–4). However, the construction began later and was completed under Darius I in 515 BC (cf. Ezra 6:15). The First Temple, built by King Solomon, had been destroyed by Nebuchadnezzar II, the King of Babylon, in 587/586 BC during the Babylonian captivity. Thus, the Second Temple became the center of Jewish faith and identity — a visible sign that they were once again the people of Yahweh, the chosen race. Later, it was magnificently expanded and renovated by King Herod the Great beginning around 20 BC, and this is the temple Jesus refers to in today’s Gospel.

You are God’s building - Preserving Our Sacred Spaces

32nd Ordinary Sunday - The Feast of the Dedication of the Lateran Basilica in Rome: November 09, 2025

Readings: Ezekiel 47:1–2, 8–9, 12; Psalms  46:2–3, 5–6, 8–9; 1 Corinthians 3:9–11, 16–17; John 2:13–22

To listen to my audio-video reflections via YouTube, please click here: https://youtu.be/2Kt-T5qpUBM

How wonderful it is to know that we are all God's beautiful mansions! As God's magnificent creations, we have a place for God in our lives. It is God who makes us dwell in Him. There is nothing that can separate the creator from its creation. Just like an artist makes a beautiful painting, even if someone buys that artwork, it still is the creation of the artist, and every detail in it is the imagination of that artist and not of that buyer. On this day, the Church celebrates the Dedication of the Lateran Basilica in Rome, a mother Church for all the other Churches. It invites us to look beyond the stones and grandeur of any Church building to what it truly represents — the living, breathing presence of God among His people. The Lateran Basilica, the cathedral of the Pope as Bishop of Rome, stands as a symbol of unity, the mother and head of all churches in the world. Yet, in celebrating its dedication, we are called not only to honour a structure but to renew our awareness that we ourselves are temples of the living God. The liturgical readings on this day invite us to do just that. 

1. A Stronger Zeal for God's Work

In the Gospel John 2:13–22, Jesus enters the temple in Jerusalem and finds it turned into a market. His reaction is bewildering: He drives out the merchants, overturns tables, and commands, “Take these things out of here! Stop making my Father’s house a marketplace!” (v.16). This dramatic moment is not about anger alone — it is about zeal. Zeal for God’s house, zeal for the purity of worship, zeal for restoring what has become corrupted.

All Souls Day - In the Embrace of God in Eternity

Sunday - All Souls:  The Commemoration of All the Faithful Departed - November 02, 2025

Readings: Wisdom 3:1–9; Psalms 23:1–3A, 3B–4, 5, 6; Romans 5:5–11; John 6:37–40

To listen to my audio-video reflections via YouTube, please click here: https://youtu.be/eLVtYlZq_r8

There is a pretty casual saying in Kannada: "ಇಲ್ಲಿರುವುದು ಸುಮ್ಮನೆ, ಮೇಲೇರುದು ನಮ್ಮ ಮನೆ." "We are here for nothing, but our real home is above." Even though it is a simple way of making ourselves lighter, the words are profound. No one is permanent on this earth. Our fragility, vulnerability and the sense of non-existence are felt at death. However, we cannot take our lives lightly. We have to learn to live our lives to the fullest. Only those lives which lived to the full have meaning. Today, on All Souls Day, the Church pauses in prayerful remembrance of all our departed brothers and sisters. We remember our loved ones who have gone before us. It is a day when love looks beyond the veil of death, when memory is touched by hope, and when faith assures us that our loved ones are not lost, but live in God. The liturgical readings of today help us to understand the significance of this day.

1. Everything has a Purpose

The Book of Wisdom 3:1–9 opens our hearts with its consoling truth: “The souls of the righteous are in the hand of God, and no torment shall touch them.” To human eyes, death appears as an end, nothingness, empty, meaninglessness, silence, absence, loss and so forth. Yet, in God’s eyes, it is a beginning. It has a meaning. It has a purpose. God never leaves his best creation purposeless. The faithful are at peace, embraced by the One who created them in love. What may look like suffering or destruction is, in fact, purification — the soul being refined like gold in fire, made radiant in God’s presence.

Mercy of God in the Face of Human Weakness

30th Sunday in Ordinary Time: October 26, 2025

Readings: Sirach 35:12–14, 16–18; Psalm 34:2–3, 17–19, 23; 2 Timothy 4:6–8, 16–18; Luke 18:9–14

To listen to my audio-video reflections via YouTube, please click here: https://youtu.be/ktim7wP-aew

What makes a person great? Is it pride or humility? Wealth, honour, and pride seem to be what determine a person's position in this world. However, when we delve deeper into the mystery of the human person, what really matters to persons is that they are loved, respected, and accepted. The so-called values of the world, which seem to reward conceit, success and self-promotion, have a limited existence. But the values of the Reign of God, such as peace, justice, humility, generosity and respect, have eternal value. They determine the future of the world and not the values of the world. We are equal before God. Yet, everyone runs after having more than being more. St Ignatius of Loyola speaks about the necessity of being humble before God, to be ready for honour or dishonour, poverty or wealth, or anything else for God and finally to desire poverty, dishonour, and even be a fool for God, since Christ was. As we delve deeper into the liturgical readings on this Sunday, they invite us to follow the same Christ in humility, service and in the well-being of the greater good. 

1. Finding the mercy of God in being humble

In this Sunday’s Gospel Luke 18:9–14, Jesus tells the parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector—two men who go up to the temple to pray. Their actions during the prayer reveal the state of their hearts more than their words. The Pharisee, confident in his own righteousness, stands tall and lists his religious achievements. The tax collector, aware of his sinfulness, stands at a distance, unable even to lift his eyes to heaven, and simply pleads, “God, be merciful to me, a sinner.” He prays with a humble and contrite heart (Ps 51:19). What a contrast we notice here? 

Persistence in Prayer: A Way to Win

29th Sunday in Ordinary Time: October 19, 2025

Readings: Exodus 17:8-13; Psalm 121:1-8; 2 Timothy 3:14-4:2; Luke 18:1-8

To listen to my audio-video reflections via YouTube, please click here: https://youtu.be/5WtZYZDe7Vc

To win a game, we must know our competence. Our courage and dedication will enable the competitive spirit to win a game. Persistence, consistency and resilience are three essential mantras for any victory. Our efforts bear fruit depending on when we adhere to the rules of the game and make use of our every talent diligently. We can win the battle if we are ready to fight with determination and dedication. The liturgical readings on this Sunday invite us to embrace the spirit of Moses, the eloquence of St Paul and the wisdom of Jesus. Moses, along with his people, the Israelites, had to fight for their survival with no weapons in hand. The only weapon they had was the great courage of Moses and his intimate relationship with Yahweh through prayer. As we delve deeper into the Word of God, we are truly inspired to follow the path that was tread by Moses, Jesus and St Paul.

1. Persistence in the absence of God's Presence

In this Gospel passage, Luke 18:1-8, Jesus tells the story of a widow who keeps coming to an unjust judge, pleading for justice. Though the judge has no fear of God and no respect for people, he eventually grants her request—not because he has become righteous, but because she refuses to give up. Jesus then contrasts this unjust judge with God, who is just and compassionate. Unlike the unjust judge, God always listens to us; moreover, if we pray persistently, then He will grant us everything. 

Your Faith has Saved You

28th Sunday in Ordinary Time: October 12, 2025

Readings: 2 Kings 5:14–17; Psalm 98:1–4; 2 Timothy 2:8–13; Luke 17:11–19

To listen to my audio-video reflections via YouTube, please click here: https://youtu.be/7_Rqj2U_U4U

Gratitude is the attitude of the heart. Gratitude swells out of the abundance of thankfulness. A grateful heart is joyful, blissful and faithful. Thanksgiving is a beautiful expression of our joy in having received some help or service. That's why everyone loves to hear the word "thanks." Unfortunately, it often remains just lip service. We must be thankful for what we have received. If we received some benefit or help, or assistance from someone, then we must return it more than what we have received. Only a grateful heart is a happy heart. Cultivating such a heart takes energy and effort. The liturgical readings on this 28th Sunday in Ordinary time invite us to be like that Namaan, a Syrian, a non-Jew, a Commander of the Army or that Samaritan leper who thanked God for all the healing they received. They made not only an extra effort to thank the person who healed them, but also continued to proclaim the mighty works of a God whom they did not believe earlier. 

1. Faith demands active listening

In this Sunday’s Gospel Luke 17:11–19, we meet ten lepers standing at a distance, crying out, “Jesus, Master, have mercy on us!” Their disease had separated them from their families, their communities, and even their places of worship. Yet, their cry of faith reaches Jesus — and He hears them. Jesus does not touch them or perform a dramatic miracle. He simply tells them to go and show themselves to the priests. As they obey, they are healed on the way. Moreover, all ten lepers were healed. God's love and mercy are for all people who are open and willing to receive it, regardless of their background or where they come from.

Lord, Increase our Faith

27th Sunday in Ordinary Time: October 05, 2025

Readings: Habakkuk 1:2–3; 2:2–4; Psalm 95:1–2, 6–9; 2 Timothy 1:6–8, 13–14; Luke 17:5–10

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Faith is the greatest force in the world. Even that which looks completely impossible becomes possible if it is approached with faith. Often, we are worried for no reason! A senior person may worry because his or her children are away for the moment, and the person feels lonely. Or the worry about one's senior years may trouble him or her. A young person may worry about one's grades in studies, finding the right job and getting settled down, even though the person may be on the way to completing studies, has applied for a job or has plans to settle down in life. Things are going to happen, and they are on the way for the best of our abilities and time, yet we worry about those things which have not left us in delusion. Getting worried about things, even though they might not have any consequences immediately, seems to be a natural phenomenon that all of us go through. In this context, we have powerful readings on this Sunday's liturgy. Jesus says have faith and that will settle you.

Robin1. Faith is cultivated and not bought

The Gospel this Sunday, Luke 17:5–10 opens with the heartfelt plea of the apostles: “Lord, increase our faith!” It is a prayer of everyone. All of us look for a strong sense of faith. Faith is not something we can manufacture or produce in a factory by our own strength; it cannot be bought; it is a gift that grows when we remain close to the Lord. Jesus reminds us that even faith as small as a mustard seed can move mountains, uproot trees, and do what seems impossible to our eyes. The point is not the size of our faith, but the presence of genuine trust in God. A small but living faith, surrendered to God, can unleash His power in ways far beyond our imagination.

God, who Gives life to all Things

26th Sunday in Ordinary Time: 28 September 2025

Readings: Amos 6:1, 4–7; Psalm 146:7–10; 1 Timothy 6:11–16; Luke 16:19–31

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We live in a world of contrasts, those who have and have-nots. The rich man and Lazarus are found everywhere. The world of today needs more listening and acting, opening one's eyes and reacting. In recent months, we have been hearing that a new world order is being put in place. Instead of working with great world institutions like the United Nations, individual countries are determining the fate of the smaller and economically weaker countries. The strongest, the bulliest, and the proudest are the ones who seem to be winning the race for power, supremacy and influence. The smaller, weaker and silent countries seem to be just watching the game. In this context, we have this wonderful parable of the rich man and Lazarus. 

1. Visibility of contrast between the rich man and Lazarus

In the Gospel of Luke 16:19–31, the parable of the rich man and Lazarus is one of Jesus’ most unsettling stories, not because it is mysterious or difficult to understand, but because it is painfully clear. We encounter two characters: one who “dressed in purple and fine linen and feasted magnificently every day,” and another, Lazarus, who lay at his gate, covered with sores, longing for scraps. The scandal here is not merely the contrast in wealth, but the extent of indifference between them. Their differences are stark and strangely disgusting as well. 

Impossibility of Serving both God and Mammon!

25th Sunday in Ordinary Time: September 21, 2025

Readings: Amos 8:4–7; Psalm 113:1–2, 4–6, 7–8; 1 Timothy 2:1–8; Luke 16:1–13

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Having seen many frauds, bankruptcies, financial irregularities, illegal activities, and dishonest managers in the business world, often, business ethics emphasizes that it is better to have people of integrity and sincerity as CEO's and CFO's than brilliant, well-educated individuals in top-most business schools of the world, but who are dishonest and people of duplicity. The world needs people of integrity and honesty. Businesses are built on trust and loyalty. Relationships are established and furthered through sincerity and honesty. The liturgical readings of this Sunday, especially the Gospel reading, speaks about trust, honesty and loyalty. Jesus gives a parable to his disciples and invites them to be trustworthy and ethical in whatever they do.

1. Living with Purpose and Clarity

This Sunday’s Gospel from Luke 16:1–13 unsettles us, leaves us wondering what exactly Jesus is hinting at or what is bothering Jesus with regard to his relationship with the disciples. Jesus is straightforward in communicating to his disciples what he thinks about certain values and convictions that the disciples must embody. Perhaps Jesus must have witnessed something that was not to his taste among his disciples, especially with regard to their loyalty towards him.  Jesus tells the story of a dishonest steward who, when faced with losing his job, cleverly reduces the debts of his master’s clients in order to secure his future. At first glance, it seems like Jesus is praising dishonesty. But he isn’t commending the steward’s corruption—He is praising his shrewdness, his ability to act decisively in a moment of crisis.

The Cross: A Paradox of Glory

24th Sunday in Ordinary Time: The Exaltation of the Holy Cross - September 14, 2025

Readings: Numbers 21:4b-9; Psalm 78:1bc-2, 34-38; Philippians 2:6-11; John 3:13-17

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Who among us desires crosses in life? None of us. A cross is usually understood as suffering, and suffering, in itself, is painful and unwanted. Yet, when it is embraced with faith, suffering takes on a new meaning and dimension. It becomes purposeful. We suffer for many reasons: an illness that weakens the body, the burden of age that no longer allows us the energy of youth, the indifference or unkindness of colleagues at work, the loneliness of a partner who does not share our thoughts and feelings, or the disappointment of unfulfilled desires. We suffer when faced with social evils like corruption, nepotism, jealousy, inequality, injustice and favouritism. We suffer when we feel utterly alone, with no one to listen or to walk with us. These are the daily crosses we carry.

But Jesus carried not just a symbol of suffering, but a real Cross—up the hill of Calvary—upon which he gave his very life. That Cross was not freely chosen but forced upon him through betrayal and conspiracy. Yet, by accepting it in love and obedience to the Father, he transformed it into the very source of our salvation. As we celebrate the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross, we are invited to do the same: to see our daily crosses not as meaningless burdens, but as paths to grace, redemption, and deeper union with Christ.

1. The Cross: A cause for greatness

Even before Jesus took up his Cross, thousands of people must have died on the cross during the Roman rule. Dying on the cross was the most shameful and heinous death a person could go through. However, with Jesus taking up the Cross, it becomes a symbol of salvation. The Cross, once a symbol of humiliation and death, becomes the very sign of life and victory. As Jesus says in John’s Gospel: “Just as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of Man be lifted up” (Jn 3:14). On the Cross, the Son of God is lifted up not in defeat, but in triumph, bringing eternal life to all who believe. What the world saw as failure, God revealed as the supreme act of love: “God so loved the world that he gave his only Son” (Jn 3:16).

Spiritual Awakening When Things are Left on God

23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time: September 07, 2025

Readings: Wisdom 9:13–18; Psalm 90:3–6, 12–17; Philemon 1:9–10, 12–17; Luke 14:25–33

God has blessed us with human intelligence. It is to make the best use of it for our growth, development, joy and happiness. However, God has created us as unique and special beings in this world. We distinguish ourselves by the way we make use of our intelligence. The ultimate purpose of our intelligence is to make this world and our life beautiful. Through our intelligence, we are called to be co-creators with God. In other words, we are invited to be part of God's vision. The realization of God's vision is that the human person is fully alive and active in this world. The liturgical readings, especially the Gospel passage for this Sunday, invite us to make the best use of our intelligence. That's why Jesus suggests a few practical tips, perhaps business tips on how to build a house, how to defend or win over an enemy and finally how to be a true disciple of our Lord. 

1. True discipleship costs personal ambitions

In today’s Gospel Luke 14:25–33, Jesus speaks words that can sound hard to our ears: “Whoever does not hate father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters, yes, even life itself, cannot be my disciple… Whoever does not carry the cross and follow me cannot be my disciple.” These words are not a rejection of family or of life itself, but a reminder that following Jesus requires total freedom of heart and complete commitment. It is to make a good judgment about one's life. Following the Lord is a commitment which might sometimes have to go against one's close family circles as well.