Christmas: God's Special Intervention in the World

 Christmas Day: December 25, 2021

Readings (of Midnight Mass): Isaiah 9:1-7 | Titus 2:11-14 | Luke 2:1-14

(Crib at Mount Carmel College, Bangalore 2021)
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  “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favour rests.” With these beautiful words of Angels, we begin this great festivity of Christmas. As the global Christian community enters into this great mystery of God becoming human, we are invited to contemplate this mystery and draw some profit for our spiritual well-being. 

1. Christmas: From Ordinary to Extraordinary 

On this Christmas, we are commemorating a very ordinary and extraordinary event in human history that is the birth of God amongst us as a human baby. Let’s take the ordinary first: Can we imagine that seen of Mary, Joseph and little baby in an unknown city of Bethlehem in a cowshed and the baby is just born. This family from Nazareth could not get a place because people were not generous enough to say “yes” to what they were asking for, a place to stay. And now the baby is laid on a manger while cows or goats and their donkey are watching this scene. We can see the vulnerability of Joseph, the husband of Mary for having failed to give a modest place and privacy to his wife so that she could give birth to a child in a normal, anxiety-free place. 

Never Alone When God Accompanies

 Fourth Sunday of Advent (Cycle C): December 19, 2021

Readings: Micah 5:1–4; Psalm 80:2–3, 15–16, 18–19; Hebrews 5:5–10; Luke 1:39–45

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As the season of Advent comes to a close, with barely a week to go to celebrate Christmas, we are invited by the liturgical readings on this fourth Sunday of Advent with a call to follow both Mary and Elizabeth. The role of these two women in the salvation history of humanity is very important. They speak about the good news that both are carrying within them. Their sons are going to bring a big change in Jewish society in particular and in the world at large in general. 

1. God accompanies in odd circumstances

The events of the conception in Elizabeth and Mary are extraordinary and surprising to both of them: If Elizabeth conceived at her senior (old age) years, Mary at her young age, even before she could be married formally to Joseph. The news of their pregnancies and becoming mothers for the first time baffled their families. If Zacharia, the husband of Elizabeth refused to believe such a thing could happen to his wife, Joseph on the other hand thought of leaving Mary quietly from getting married. Even though it might appear joyful news, it was also challenging. Such happenings in the life of these Jewish women was difficult to handle. Moreover, it was something odd that had happened to these God-fearing ladies in their unexpected time. However, God's ways are different. He knows to make the best out of this situation. Probably, that must be the reason why both Mary and Elizabeth happen to be relatives. If these two odd things happen to two distinct unrelated persons then it would have been much more difficult for the families to handle them well.

Manifesting God’s Plan in our Lives

 Third Sunday of Advent (Cycle C): December 12, 2021

Readings:  Zephaniah 3:14-18a; Isaiah 12:2-3, 4, 5-6; Philippians 4:4-7; Luke 3:10-18

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As we delve deeper into the Advent Season, we begin to realise the plentiful blessings this particular season bring to us. Moreover, it gives us a rare opportunity to see God’s plan of salvation with the eyes of faith, hope and love.  The season also brings to our mind the beautiful memories of Christmas. Perhaps, we can think about three-fold task this Christmas gives us prominently, namely, refreshing memories of Christmas, nurturing our faith in God’s presence among us today in sacraments and liturgical life of the church and finally, to nurture within us a faith in the glorious Second Coming of our Lord.

1. Reclaiming the season of Advent with hope

Perhaps our carefree life has been smeared by the ravages of global health crises. In the midst of hopelessness, anxiety and fear, we lost good amount of time and celebrations of our faith. It’s a high time for us to reclaim the Season of Advent and welcome its message of hope and expectation. If we are to dare to hope and brace even the fears of new Corona variant Omicron, certainly we would reap abundant lessons and graces to overcome any storm or tribulation. Pope Benedict XVI, in his encyclical “saved by hope” put it beautifully: “Man’s great, true hope which holds firm in spite of all disappointments can only be God - God who has loved us and who continues to love us ‘to the end,’ until all is accomplished.”

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.