Healing Power of Wholesome Forgiving

 24th Sunday in Ordinary Time: September 17, 2023

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

"Wrath and anger are hateful things, yet the sinner hugs them tight" (Sirach 27:30). With these beautiful but courageous words, we begin to read the Word of God on the 24th Sunday in Ordinary Time. Our globalized world even though it looks united and open to each other, yet the deep-down there is so much distrust, frustration, jealousy and wickedness. This was very visible at the recently concluded G-20 summit in New Delhi, India where two major nations of the world did not send their presidents for this meeting. They did not attend the meeting not because they had some pressing work or health issue they had to attend to, rather it was all a political game to diminish the influence of the other and unready to settle the issues, which are threatening world peace. Both Russian and Chinese Presidents stayed out from this crucial meeting which saw for the first time the African Union getting its membership. How exclusive this world can be and this gang of G 20 countries in a world of 197 nations! Until now none of the African Nations could be a member of the so-called G-20 Nations. This is called the globalization of exclusivity! In this context, when we meditate on the Word of God, the words Sirach must touch us and transform us. 

1. No to evil but yes to forgiveness

Unlike many of the episodes in the book of Old Testament which call for vengeance, wrath, and punishment, here the book of Sirach invites us to reflect on our relationships with others and the power of forgiveness. Wrath and anger, hate and revenge are really bad things yet they are very close to our hearts. The human person is basically a selfish creature and that's why there is no end to enmity, war, and strife. In spite of the lessons from history, still wars are fought even using artificial intelligence which is more destructive than in earlier times of history. The cluster drones that are being used in the war against Ukraine is a very sad reality which is just before our eyes. There is so much destructive nature because we hold on to anger and grudges. When we allow resentment to fester within us, it can consume our thoughts and lead us away from the path of inner peace and spiritual growth. The first step towards healing is recognizing the weight of these negative emotions.

Whatever you Bind on Earth Shall be Bound in Heaven

23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time: September 10, 2023

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

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Somehow or the other, conflict resolution seems to be one of the important topics in both Old and New Testaments. Conflict management is a recurring theme in the Bible. In fact, it deals extensively with this idea in different places and circumstances. The Word of God gives a number of ways of fixing the issues with one another. As all of us are called by God as His children, He invites us to be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving and adjusting. However, God does not tolerate evil and wickedness, yet there is salvation for such people if they show remorse and are ready to change for good.  On this 23rd Sunday in the Ordinary Time of the year, the liturgical readings for the day invite each one to follow the teachings of Lord Jesus Christ, especially in fixing our relations with one another. So that we may truly be called the children of God. 

1. Power of Reconciliation and the value of the community

In Matthew Chapter 18, Jesus addresses the issue of conflict resolution within the community of believers. He provides a step-by-step process for addressing grievances and reconciling with one another. This passage emphasizes the importance of maintaining unity, forgiveness, and love within the body of Christ, that is the community of Christians. The essence of Christian faith is love, forgiveness, and reconciliation. In these verses, Jesus teaches us that reconciliation is an essential aspect of our Christian walk. When we have conflicts or grievances with fellow believers, we should seek reconciliation rather than harboring bitterness or resentment. This mirrors Christ's ultimate act of reconciliation with humanity through His sacrifice on the cross.

Thinking as God Does

22nd Sunday in Ordinary Time: September 03, 2023

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

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Doubts and fear seem to be part of our lives. Both doubt and fear go together. Even though, we may believe in the ability of others, still when the actual moment of doing about to take place doubt and fear set in. If someone has low self-esteem or low self-image, many others have low opinions, wrong and ill perceptions of others. Both are not good in themselves as they can destroy oneself and others. Therefore the reality check is essential. The liturgical readings for this 22nd Sunday in ordinary time tell us that both Prophet Jeremiah and Apostle Peter are full of fear and wrong perceptions of themselves and others. Both of them don't believe in the abilities and strengths of Yahweh and Jesus. The scripture admonishes that such fear, doubt, and wrong perception of oneself and others are nothing but traits of Satan. 

1. Following Jesus and getting behind Satan

We have a fascinating Gospel passage Matthew 16:21-27, presenting us a profound lesson on discipleship and the Christian journey. Jesus reveals to His disciples the impending suffering, rejection, and death that awaits Him in Jerusalem. When Jesus begins to speak about this revelation the disciples may have stunned and bewildered. Because they were following Jesus with great expectations of a victorious Messiah. The perception of the disciples of Jesus was indeed faulty. They never realized who exactly Jesus was. Healing and miracles that Jesus performed gave them a different picture of Jesus.  

Who is Jesus for Me?

21st Sunday in Ordinary Time: August 27, 2023

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

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We develop a relationship with the person based on the person's characteristics. If the person's way of thinking and acting pleases us or is in close connection with us then we might develop a friendship with that person. Friendship or acquaintance is not cultivated overnight. It takes time and energy. It needs patience and witness. The liturgical readings for this 21st Sunday in Ordinary Time of the Year invite us to look at the aspect of our relationship with Jesus. Having lived with his 12 disciples day in and day out, Jesus asks them who he is for them? What does it mean for them to have Jesus amidst them? Perhaps the answer of Peter the Apostle should be ours too. Peter's declaration of faith in Jesus also entails a great responsibility of guiding the Church. 

1. Identity determines the relationship

Let's begin with the Gospel of Matthew 16:13–20. Jesus poses a question about his identity to his disciples. This question is not only crucial for the disciples at that time but continues to be relevant for all believers today. It challenges us to reflect on who Jesus is in our lives. The question is simple but straightforward: “But who do you say that I am?” Perhaps it might have been easy for the disciples to answer as Jesus lived with them with flesh and blood. They had seen his miracles and his rhetoric had mesmerized them. Still, Jesus wanted to know the perception of his disciples. Jesus is extremely happy with the answer from his disciples. The familiarity of his disciples had made them his beloved disciples. 

Allowing Ourselves be Touched by the Divine Interventions

19th Sunday in Ordinary Time: August 13, 2023

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

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In our ordinary everyday lives often life becomes monotonous. As a result, we lose interest in a number of things that we usually do either in the workplace or in our private lives. As a result, it affects terribly in our relationships. Often this sort of lethargy sets into our lives very deeply causing a lot of anguish and fear, a sense of loss and disinterestedness. If one does not pay attention to such symptoms, this would lead to disastrous consequences including loss of health or life itself. The Economic Times newspaper (Aug 11, 2023) carries a short news report saying that 50 years ago the word "burnout" entered the corporate lexicon when Herbert Freudenbeger, a New York psychologist, first identified it. The newspaper report says that burnout is back with a vengeance today. The recent data from Deloitte and the research firm Workplace Intelligence cites half of the workers in the US saying they are either exhausted or stressed and 60 percent of employees say they would consider changing jobs to find better well-being provisions. This situation is no better in India either. Burnout phenomenon can set even in the practice of our faith, family, monastic, religious, priest or in a couple's life as well. The liturgical readings on this 19th Sunday in Ordinary time speak in similar lines, especially in the person of the prophet Elijah suffering a sense of loss of purpose in life. 

1. Divine interventions are unique and special 

In our first reading 1 Kings 19:9, 11–13 we see Prophet Elijah taking shelter on the Mountain of God, Horeb or better-known Mount Sinai. He is running away from the murderer King Ahab and his wicked wife Jezebel. Because these two murdered all the prophets by the sword and now looking for the prophet Elijah to be killed. So Elijah is running for cover. He is tired of doing God's work and finds no meaning as his very life is threatened.  Now he is not only disgusted with what is happening around him moreover, prays for death “Enough, LORD! Take my life, for I am no better than my ancestors” (1 Kings 19:4). Elijah had walked for forty days and forty nights to escape from the jaws of death, but now tired and burnt out. At this point at Mount Horeb, Elijah experiences God so closely and intensely in the form of a "tiny whispering sound."

Witnessing the Glory of God to Embrace Transformation

Feast of the Transfiguration of the Lord: August 06, 2023

Readings: Daniel 7:9-10, 13-14; Psalm 97:1-2, 5-6, 9; 2 Peter 1:16-19; Matthew 17:1-9

(The Transfiguration by Raphael, c. 1520)

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In every day of our lives, we do not bother to give much attention to minute details. The days and weeks pass by without much of our attention. However, there are sometimes unexpected moments that occur at a particular time and particular place. They will be defining moments in one's life. Three of Jesus' disciples experienced such tremendous moments which left an indelible mark in their lives. On this feast of the Transfiguration of the Lord, the liturgical readings invite us to look for such momentous and defining events in our life so that we can fall back on them and relive such transformative experiences.

1. The glory of God in the person of Jesus

Let us begin with Matthew 17:1-9 which describes a pivotal moment in the life of Jesus, known as the Transfiguration. This event takes place after Jesus had foretold His death and resurrection to His disciples. The context of this passage is essential to understand the significance of what happens on the mountaintop. The Transfiguration serves as a powerful confirmation of Jesus' identity as the Son of God and a preparation for the disciples to face the challenges that lie ahead. The Transfiguration is a mysterious and awe-inspiring event where Jesus takes three of His disciples, Peter, James, and John, up to a high mountain. There, His appearance changes, and He becomes radiant, with His face shining like the sun, and His clothes becoming as white as light. Moses and Elijah appear, representing the Law and the Prophets, talking with Jesus.

Finding the Reign of God in Our World

17th Sunday in Ordinary Time: July 30, 2023

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

(Photo courtesy: Jean-Marc Arkelian)

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Everyone seeks success, but there are no shortcuts to achieve it. Failures are a natural part of our lives, and depending solely on success stories can lead to despair. However, failures can be the stepping stones to success. To be truly successful, one must learn from failures. Yet, when we rely solely on our own strength, we distance ourselves from God. To find real success, we should trust in our abilities with God's grace, even if we face failures along the way. The liturgical readings for this 17th Sunday in Ordinary Time emphasize the importance of trusting in God alone, even when we may think our strength is enough. The stories of King Solomon and Jesus' teachings on the Kingdom of God reveal profound truths about life and guide us in making the right decisions with God's help.

1. Seeking wisdom over material wealth

Let's start with the story of King Solomon, the successor of David in 1 Kings 3:5, 7–12. One of the beautiful gifts that God can give to us is His presence in our lives which could be called "encounter." In his encounter with God, King Solomon seeks only wisdom to govern his country than material wealth. Wisdom is a gift from God.  Solomon didn't acquire wisdom through his own efforts or learning; it was divinely bestowed upon him. He worshipped God above all else with great desire. God came first in his life. God was his priority. In his encounter with God, Solomon asks humbly wisdom than riches, fame or power.  In a world often driven by materialism and self-pity this serves as a reminder to focus on eternal values and spiritual growth. Wisdom isn't just about knowledge; it's about discerning God's will and applying it in our lives and relationships.

Spirit Intercedes for the Holy Ones

16th Sunday in Ordinary Time: July 23, 2023

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

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Many things teach us life lessons. Some of them might be sweet and others bitter. Our life is a parable. Often, it is a fairy tale. A parable is a short, simple story that typically uses everyday occurrences, events, or situations to convey a moral or spiritual lesson. Parables are often used in religious, philosophical, or ethical contexts to illustrate and communicate deeper truths or principles in a relatable and easily understandable manner. Our life consists of good and bad, beautiful and ugly, joy and sorrow, anxiety and hope, fear and courage and so forth. They represent various aspects of human nature or behaviour. On the 16th Sunday in ordinary time, the liturgical readings throw light on our human nature and how that sinful nature could be sanctified through the power of the Holy Spirit. 

1. Everything begins with small and beautiful

Let us start with the Gospel of Matthew 13:24–43. Jesus gives us three powerful parables namely the wheat among the weeds, of the mustard seed and of the wheat flour. All these parables with rich agricultural imagery are to explain the Kingdom of God or the Reign of God very clearly and plainly. In God's reign, there is always the uncompromisable practice of "Dharma." The world is a mixture of good and evil, represented by the wheat and the weeds growing together. It teaches us that while evil exists, God allows both to coexist until the final judgment. We might feel broken when we experience deep hurts that flow from dishonor, disrespect, broken promises, corruption, sloth, bias, errors, incidents of cheating, lying, slander and calumny, etc. We, as followers of Christ, must learn to live in a world marred by sin while striving to be a positive influence and bearing good fruit. It is a call to exercise patience and trust in God's ultimate justice and sovereignty.

The Revelation of the Children of God

15th Sunday in Ordinary Time: July 16, 2023

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

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These days, we have been either hearing or reading baffling news about flash floods in our country India in social sites and media outlets. India is a vast country with varied weather conditions, we often hear either of heat waves or floods affecting different regions of our country.  Such news items have become part of our lives. However, there are always possibilities of minimizing the damage caused by such conditions. There must be a collective effort from different partners and stakeholders to find the right solutions. All the more, we must learn to appreciate the beautiful world that God has created for us. Often, we have created problems for ourselves which cannot be solved by human wisdom. In this context, the liturgical readings for this 15th Sunday in ordinary time invite us to listen to God and his Word. Unless and until we are attuned to God and his workings, we might not be able to fix the problems of today including of the environment.

1. God reveals Himself to us

Let's begin with the first reading of today from the prophet Isaiah 55:10–11. God continues to reveal to the world who He is. Often we might think that because of our intelligence and the capacity to create wealth and power, we are the masters of this world. Actually, it is not so! When disasters occur like earthquakes, floods, fires, accidents, or diseases that are uncontainable, then we look for divine power to assist us. The power of God's Word is tremendous. This Word comes to us from heaven in various ways and means. Just like the trees that give us fruits, plants that give us flowers, trees that give us wood, land that gives us grains, streams that give us water, animals that give us meat, and the list is endless. Through God's work in the world, we see the growth, change and spiritual abundance to our lives. Only by immersing ourselves in Scripture, we can allow its transformative power to work in our hearts, bringing about spiritual growth and producing the fruit of righteousness.

The Spirit of God Dwells in You

14th Sunday in Ordinary Time: July 09, 2023

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 attributed to Lukas Cranach the Elder)  

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Buying a high-end Canon or Nikon camera does not make you a photographer. It makes you just a camera owner. Just because you are a baptized Christian, it does not give you a ticket straight to heaven. Prayer is a way to God and in itself, prayer is not God. Often, we blindly follow many things in our lives without even being aware of the intricacies and complexities involved in what we speak or do. It does matter what we are and what we own or do. The liturgical reading for this 14th Sunday in the ordinary time of the year has a lot to encourage us, particularly about the Spirit of God that St Paul is speaking to us as well as Jesus' prayer to his Father for giving him disciples and the challenge that he poses to his apostles.

1. We are the temples of the Holy Spirit

Let's start with the Second reading that we have on this Sunday. It is from St Paul. He writes to the Christian Community in Rome: "If the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, he who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will give life to your mortal bodies also through his Spirit who dwells in you" (Romans 8:11). In another place while writing to the Corinthian Chrisitan community St Paul says, "Don’t you know that you yourselves are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in your midst?" (1 Corinthians 3:16). These statements have great significance for Christians today in the context of Paul's teachings and the theological framework of the early Christian community.

Newness of Life in Christ Jesus

13th Sunday in Ordinary Time: July 02, 2023

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

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As I write these few reflections, I am teaching a course on the "theology of the Holy Spirit" to our future priests. As I grapple with the mystery of the Holy Spirit in the life of Jesus and in the lives of Christians, I am overwhelmed by the length and breadth of this Third Person of the Trinity who accompanied Jesus throughout his life and later empowered the believers with his gifts. St Paul, who wrote extensively in his Epistles tells us that only in the light of the Holy Spirit we can understand who Jesus is for us. The Spirit of Jesus continues to strengthen the believers in every day of their lives magnificently. The liturgical readings for this Sunday are so beautiful that they invite us to embrace Jesus in our lives wholeheartedly with a singular devotion. 

1. The Challenge of Wholehearted Discipleship: Love, Sacrifice, and Reward

Jesus throws an open challenge to his followers. Jesus is not worried about the number of people who will follow him or the popularity with which he would move around. What matters Jesus is one's readiness and willingness which stems from authentic sacrifice and self-giving. In Matthew's Gospel, we read if someone loves one's father or mother, son or daughter more than Jesus, or if someone is not ready to take up the cross and follow the Lord wholeheartedly, such persons are not of interest to Jesus. It doesn't mean we should neglect our relationships with our family members, but rather, we should recognize that our love and commitment to God should be the foundation and guiding principle of our lives. For Jesus, following means 100 percent and there is nothing halfheartedness or discount following. When one gives himself or herself to God, it must be total and complete. 

Fear No One - Walking in God's Sight

12th Sunday in Ordinary Time: June 25, 2023

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

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To break the monotony of the Ordinary liturgical year, we are blessed with a number of feasts and solemnities which make our faith life interesting. This weekend, we celebrate the nativity of St John the Baptist whom Jesus called the greatest of all the prophets. He is a reminder of our sacrament of Baptism. He is a symbol of honesty, sincerity and integrity, who prepared the way to the Son of God, Jesus Christ. In the coming week, we also celebrate the solemnities of St Peter and St Paul, the two distinct foundational pillars of the Church. Because of them, since the infancy days of our religion, the Church could look beyond the Jewish mentality and see the bigger picture of salvation which Christ offered to us. Both of them are men of knowledge and wisdom who laid a strong foundation for our Christian religion. The liturgical readings for this Sunday are so vibrant that they make us strong just like St John the Baptist, St Peter and St Paul. 

1. Lord's protection in the midst of challenges

We must start our reflections from the first reading for this Sunday. In Jeremiah 20:10-13, we find the prophet Jeremiah expressing his anguish and frustration. He had been faithfully proclaiming God's messages to the people, but instead of receiving acceptance and support, he faced rejection, mockery, and even persecution. Jeremiah's words reflect the deep pain and struggle he experienced as he faithfully carried out his prophetic calling. His words are harsh. His tone is loud. Because Jeremiah faced opposition not only from the people but also from his close friends and acquaintances who turned against him. 

Journeying with Christ: Embracing Challenges and Trusting in God's Care

11th Sunday in Ordinary Time: June 18, 2023

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

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This week has been liturgically rich. First, we celebrated the feast of St Anthony of Padua on Tuesday and then on Friday the Solemnity of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, and on Saturday the feast of the Immaculate Heart of Mary. These feast days have something in common that is, we are utterly embraced by God's mercy and love. Symbolically these feasts represent to us that divine intervention is always present and we have to be attentive in order to make it our own. Having celebrated the last few Sundays as Corpus Christi, the Most Holy Trinity and Pentecost, today we are back to the usual ordinary Sunday. Interestingly, the liturgical readings invite us to be the ardent followers of our Lord Jesus Christ, as he picks up his twelve disciples and sends them on a mission. 

1. Called to be Compassionate in every way

The Gospel reading Matthew 9:36–10:8 gives a brief overview of the times and conditions in which Jesus lived with his people. The picture is very vivid: "At the sight of the crowds, Jesus’ heart was moved with pity for them because they were troubled and abandoned, like sheep without a shepherd" (Matthew 9:36). Hence to answer the dire need of his people, Jesus picks up 12 disciples who will participate in his ministry of healing and preaching. They are also asked what exactly supposed to do: "authority over unclean spirits, to drive them out and to cure every disease and every illness...Cure the sick, raise the dead, cleanse lepers, drive out demons" (Matthew 10:1, 8).

The Blessed Trinity: Foundation, Encounter, and Transformation in Christian Faith

The Holy Trinity Sunday:  June 04, 2023

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

Blessed Trinity
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Today the Church honors the central doctrine of the Holy Trinity by its feast. The concept of the Holy Trinity is a fundamental belief in Christianity that expresses the nature of God as three distinct persons: the Father, the Son (Jesus Christ), and the Holy Spirit. Although they are distinct, they are united in one divine essence or substance. The Holy Trinity represents the mystery of the Godhead, emphasizing the unity, equality, and indivisibility of the three divine persons. The short liturgical readings of this Sunday in a very simple way tell us the idea behind the Blessed Trinity.

1. Holy Trinity embraces us all

The origins of the Feast of the Most Holy Trinity Sunday can be traced back to the early centuries of Christianity. The feast's establishment was primarily influenced by the Church's efforts to clarify and affirm the doctrine of the Holy Trinity, especially in response to theological debates and heretical beliefs that emerged during those times. The early Church Fathers and the Ecumenical Councils played a significant part in clarifying those linguistically difficult nuances on the nature and profound relationship and the coexistence of Three Persons in One Godhead. 

My Grace is Sufficient for you

Readings: 2 Cor 12:1-10; Mt 28: 16-20

What is the relevance of being a Christian and at the same time religious today?

“My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore, I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong." 2 Cor 12: 9-10. These beautiful words of St Paul are very applicable and apt for today as we gather together on this happy occasion of the final profession of our brother Fr Ronnie. Professing the final vows is beautiful moment because it represents the culmination of a journey of discernment, formation, and commitment within a religious order or congregation. It is here we say to the Lord, "Your grace is sufficient for me." 

Transformative Presence of the Holy Spirit: Pentecost and Its Relevance Today

Pentecost Sunday: 28 May 2023

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

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Today the Church celebrates the enduring presence and power of the Holy Spirit through the feast of Pentecost. In a world grappling with numerous challenges, the feast of Pentecost Sunday serves as a beacon of hope, unity, and transformation. It reminds us that the Holy Spirit, the divine advocate, and comforter, is ever-present, offering guidance, strength, and wisdom in times of uncertainty and turmoil. As we navigate the complexities of our modern era, Pentecost Sunday calls us to open our hearts and minds to the transformative work of the Spirit. The liturgical readings of this Sunday once again invite us to dwell deeper into the mystery and person of the Holy Spirit in our world and in our lives.

1. Embracing the Spirit: Pentecost's Call to Renewal and Unity in a Changing World

Often we fall back to the past when we celebrate a feast that is connected with the past memory of the Church. However, the feast of Pentecost is a different one. Holy Spirit not only came down upon the apostles and the early Church members, but even now the Spirit of God makes His presence in our lives. Perhaps without the gifts and fruits of the Holy Spirit, it would be impossible to live as a Christian today. The number of works of charity and compassion, justice and peace, proclamation and reconciliation that are carried out by the Church not only phenomenal but also because of the active working of the Holy Spirit. The beautiful explanation that we find in Acts 2:1–11 demonstrates how the Holy Spirit not only came upon those fear-filled, discouraged disciples but also how the Spirit of God made so bold and believing people.