Preparing the Way for our Saviour Courageously

Second Sunday of Advent (Cycle C): December 05, 2021

Readings: Baruch 5:1–9; Psalm 126:1–6; Philippians 1:4–6, 8–11; Luke 3:1–6

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In order to celebrate any event, we prepare ourselves well. In fact, adequate preparations go into before a successful function. Holy Advent is a time for preparation with reflection, eagerness, excitement and hopefulness. The word Advent comes from the Latin adventus, which means a coming, approach, or arrival. In the Church, it refers to the period encompassing the four Sundays prior to Christmas. We see this not only how the liturgical readings are chosen from the Scriptures but also other various things that get prepared during this season in order to put us into the mood of welcoming Christ at Christmas. They are advent wreaths, nativity scenes also called cribs, Christmas trees, keeping an advent calendar, etc. If these are external things that help us to get into the mood of the Advent season, then there are many spiritual things like attending the Rorate Caeli Mass, reading the Word of God daily, spending time in prayer, doing penance, a way to turn away from sin, thus we joyfully prepare for the coming of the Saviour. Ultimately, Advent is a time to grow in our knowledge of God’s love for us in Christ and in our response to this love in our daily choices.

1. Christ comes into our midst here and now

What makes Advent so special for Christians? It is the recognition that Christmas is not just remembering “the birthday of Jesus,” but a celebration of his coming into our world today, here and now, in the midst of joys and sorrows, hopes and tribulations.   How does Jesus come into the world today? Jesus is “born”—becomes physically tangible—through the celebration of the sacraments. It is by participating in the Eucharist, washing in the waters of Baptism, being anointed with the oil of Confirmation and so on. Jesus becomes part and parcel of our life as a friend by becoming part of the living Body of Christ which is the Church in the world today. For Catholics, then, every celebration of the Eucharist and the other sacraments is like a little Christmas.

God's Dreams for us

 First Sunday of Advent (Cycle C): November 28, 2021

Readings: Jeremiah 33:14-16; Psalm 25:4-5,8-10,14; 1 Thessalonians 3:12-4:2; Luke 21:25-28, 34-36

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Who does not like to make promises? But the question must be who keeps the promises diligently. The liturgical readings of this Sunday tell us very boldly that God is the one who makes promises moreover keeps them as well. Both the Old and the New Testaments give us a number of assurances and promises and God who fulfils them adequately and fully. As we enter into the Season of Advent, where we prepare to greet the birth of Jesus at Christmas, the promises and the hopes that surround our Lord's coming into our midst become very solid and valid for us. We are in the great season of expectant waiting. Today's Gospel reminds us, we are all waiting in hope for the day when Jesus comes again. Perhaps, we can ask ourselves straightaway what are we especially hoping for in these coming weeks. 

1. Cosmic changes are a sign that God is in control of us. 

When those unusual changes take place in the cosmos like chaos and instability, turmoil in the skies, roaring seas, distress among the nations and terrified people, Jesus says to his disciples "look up and raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near” (Luke 21:28). In the midst of confusion and anxiety, God is present. What is that redemption, Jesus is talking about? Jesus is speaking about the redemption of humanity from the clutches of sin, suffering, destruction and evil. In the saving act of humanity, even the cosmos will be reacting in an extraordinary way. In other words, the whole of God's creation is in action in the process of granting salvation to humanity because God is coming down upon the earth with all His glory and power. Therefore, in everything - human, animal and plant world - the cosmic forces will be acting out their role in welcoming and giving a sign that the saviour is coming in glory. 

Celebrating with Christ, the Eternal King of Power and Weakness

 Solemnity of Christ the King: November 21, 2021

Readings: Daniel 7:13-14; Psalm 93:1-2,5; Revelation 1:5-8; John 18:33-37

(Jesus King of the Universe, Abside Santa Maria Trastevere, Rome)

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We are often questioned about our sense of temporality and eternity, power and weakness. The feast of Christ the King that we celebrate says everything about what it means to us to have a King sent by God who was not of this world but came for us mortals in order to take us to eternity. In other words, it is Jesus to whom we have to admire and imitate. That must be the reason why this feast of Christ the King is so dear and popular among us.  

1. The power of God differs from human power

Christ is the centre of our Christian existence. Because Jesus is the way, the truth and life (John 14:6). He is the greatest truth revealed to us. Otherwise, we would not have remained Christians. Moreover, in Christ Jesus, we are revealed ever more boldly the person of God and eternity, all His power and glory. As followers of eternity, Christ invites us to give witness to the truth. The truth that Jesus speaks to us is different from human truth. In God's truth everything is revealed and clear. Everyone has a place in His eternity and mercy. In the words of A. W. Tozer "God’s words are not for me to edit and tinker with, but to believe and obey.

Predicting the Certainty of Our End in the Lord!

 33rd Sunday in Ordinary Time: November 14, 2021

Readings: Daniel 12:1-3; Psalm 16:5,8-11; Hebrews 10:11-14,18; Mark 13:24-32

Jesus predicting the end times!

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In recent years, weather conditions are becoming seemingly unpredictable. The farmers are at loss with the irrational changing seasons, resulting in being unable to sow or reap in time with the traditional timeframe. Bad unpredictability is not a good sign for those who plan for the future. However, we do like to think about the future with certain clarity and focus. The liturgical readings of this Sunday are full of predictions and talking about the future. Both Prophet Daniel and the Son of God Jesus explicitly speak about a future where everyone is invited to be part of God’s plan. 

1. Predicting God’s plan for the humanity

The words of Jesus are very strong. Jesus says: “Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away” (Mark 13:31). Jesus is predicting a future that is full of hope for those who are ready to embrace it. Hence the urgent need is to prepare for it by actively engaging in the present with the eyes fixed towards the future. The present determines the future. The importance to the present is attached as much as the future. For God time is important. Everything has a meaning and purpose in the eyes of God. Nothing should go wasted or unused. Because our God is a God of abundance and ready to embrace. He accepts us when we become part of God’s life. That’s why the words of Jesus are important. God’s promises are everlasting and eternal. Promises are kept. They do not pass away without being fulfilled. All the more God is a promise and fulfilment.

Let my Offering be Complete

32nd Sunday in Ordinary Time: November 07, 2021

Readings: 1 Kings 17:10–16; Psalm 146:7–10; Hebrews 9:24–28; Mark 12:38–44

Jesus observes widow's mite
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The month of November is a reminder that we are made for heaven. We begin the month by praying to all the saints who have walked a life of witness in this world and are now crowned in glory. We also recall those souls who lived a Christian life and are no more with us. It is a stark reminder to each one of us that at the end we are not made for this world too long. We end our earthly journey either abruptly or a little slower way. The message is clear that we need to look for something lasting, eternal, unbeatable and holy. Our life only in God might help us to reach that aim of our lives. 

1. Offering to the last penny

As the liturgical readings are drawing us closer to the Season of Advent, we see Jesus speaking about how our actions must demonstrate the kind of persons we are. Jesus is very observant. Evangelist St Mark writes, "And he sat down opposite the treasury, and watched the multitude putting money into the treasury" (Mark 12:41). As a keen observer, Jesus met the needs of the people. He also taught people through his keen observing eyes! A poor widow puts in the temple treasury just two copper coins. In fact, that is all what she had. Whereas many rich people put in large sums of money. Jesus makes a comment here.  “Truly, I say to you, this poor widow has put in more than all those who are contributing to the treasury. For they all contributed out of their abundance; but she out of her poverty has put in everything she had, her whole living.”(Mark 12: 43-44). It is not how much you contribute but how you do it. The woman gives all that was there for her sustenance but others put in all that was extra and superfluous. 

Preciousness of the Gift of Life - Recounting the Blessings

(Picture courtesy: Jean-Marc Arakelian)

Time is flying but life moves on. It’s three years since I went through the knife which ushered a new lease of life for me. My second life, indeed, after going through horrific ordeal looking out for better treatment from one doctor another, from one treatment to another, from one city to another, from one country to another, from one method to another, I am still kicking. Perhaps it has made me stronger both mentally, physically and spiritually. However, may not be a complete man physically!

1. Accepting quick changes in life with an open embrace of mystery

Often I look at life as a mystery.  In the words of Gabriel Marcel (1889-1973), a French Philosopher: “Life is not a problem to be solved but a mystery to be lived.”  In other words, a problem may be solved but not a mystery. In spite of a major surgery which, took place exactly three years ago (31st October 2018), my life has been full of action. Living with a particular medical condition is not easy but looking at what I went through with a destructive illness in my body I seem to forget about everything as if I had no such illness at all. In spirituality, this is called grace. Grace is a free gift of the benevolent God. I believe that today I am tasting such a graced life. 

Unending Enduring Love of God and Neighbour

 Thirty-first Sunday in Ordinary Time - Year B: 31 October 2021

Readings:  Deuteronomy 6:2–6; Psalm 18:2–4, 47, 51; Hebrews 7:23–28; Mark 12:28–34

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What can we make of it from the liturgical readings of this Sunday? We have a very prominent theme in our Christian existence, that is, love which, is making itself present today. Our life has very little sense if we are not ready to contemplate, meditate and practice this Christian love which, the New Testament often speaks about. In love, the Christian expression of sacrifice finds its comprehensive meaning and truth.

1. Loving completely and wholeheartedly

‘Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one; and you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength.’ The second is this, ‘You shall love your neighbour as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.” (Mark 12:29-31). These words of Jesus to the scribe put all the controversies, moreover, the trapping questions to an end. Because the scribe recognizes Jesus as good and in turn, Jesus appreciates the scribe saying “You are not far from the kingdom of God” (Mark 12:34).

Seeing is believing!

30th Sunday in Ordinary Time: October 24, 2021

Readings: Jeremiah 31:7–9; Psalm 126:1–6; Hebrews 5:1–6; Mark 10:46–52

Jesus heals the blind man

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 What would you expect from a healer? Of course, healing! And this is exactly what we look for when we suffer from terrible chronic illness or birth deformity. The only thing that we want when we are sick is just the healing or getting over it. Every person in this world wants to spend his or her time in good health. In fact, health determines our destiny, our present and future.

1. Sight is the answer to blindness

The gospel reading of today (Mark 10:46–52) is full of promise, hope and deliverance. The poor beggar has been blind for long, probably from his birth. He might not have understood what colour is or what beauty means to his eyes. He might not have experienced the charm of a rose or might not have understood what a mountain is all about. Bartimaeus, son of Timaeus is looking for sight and waiting for his eyes to be opened. He was lost in the world because of his blindness. Not only he was blind, but even the world had blinded him. In other words, he had no place in society. He found comfort only at a street corner. In fact, streets had become his home. He was not considered a contributor to society's progress. In fact, he was marginalized in every sense of the word. That is why those words from the crowd are so stern and cruel: "And many rebuked him, telling him to be silent" (Mark 10:48). People even disliked his voice. That is why there is so much antipathy here. 

Embracing the Servant Leadership of Jesus

29th Sunday in Ordinary Time: October 17, 2021

Readings: Isaiah 53:10-11; Psalm 33:4-5,18-20,22; Hebrews 4:14-16; Mark 10:35-45

(Picture courtesy: Jean-Marc Arakelian)
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The desire of every human person is to be somebody or someone in society. In pursuit of such desires, we are ready to undertake any means. Sometimes such means may be disliked by others. However, the desire to seek divine intervention through physical sacrifices is accepted by all. Recently I visited the Gunadala Matha Shrine in Vijayawada (Andhra Pradesh - India) while I preached a retreat to the Oblate Sisters of Saint Aloysius Gonzaga (Luigine). I saw a young mother with two of her children making their way by kneeling-walk on that hot sand to the Gunadala Matha Church. In order to satisfy the diety, the simple faith of our people can take up very hard physical sacrifices in contrast to what the Gospel reading of today speaks about the power struggle of James and John.

1. Being a follower of Jesus means becoming a person of indifference

The reply of Jesus to James and John, the sons of Zebedee is astonishing. Jesus says "but whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be slave of all" (Mark 10:43-44). To reach the greater heights there are no shortcuts but only long and tough routes. Jesus cautions his disciples that to be the greatest of all one has to dirty his or her hands. In other words, one has to get down doing things that many people may not take notice of them, or may not appreciate or recognize at all. Being a slave or servant means one must be ready to shed one's freedom, one's selfishness, one's ego, one's honour or even prestige. Such a state of life is not easy and almost impossible for us in the materialistic world in which we live today.