Emmanuel: God with us

4th Sunday of Advent - December 18, 2022

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

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The fourth Sunday of Advent is a time for reflection and preparation. As we near the end of the Advent season, we can take stock of how we have been preparing our hearts and minds for the coming of Jesus. This may include examining our relationship with God and with others, and considering how we can be more open and receptive to the love and grace that Christ offers. It can also be a time to reflect on the prophecies and promises of the Old Testament and to see how they have been fulfilled in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus. As we prepare to celebrate the birth of Christ, we can also reflect on the significance of this event for our own lives, and consider how we can allow Christ to be born anew in us.

1. An act of faith translated into obedience 

Matthew 1:18-24 is the story of the virgin birth of Jesus. In this passage, we see that Mary was betrothed to Joseph, but before they could be married, she was found to be pregnant through the power of the Holy Spirit. Joseph, being a righteous man, did not want to disgrace Mary publicly, so he planned to divorce her quietly. According to the laws and customs of the time, this would have brought disgrace upon Mary and Joseph. But instead of reacting in fear or anger, Joseph chose to trust in God and to follow the instructions given to him by the angel. But an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and told him not to be afraid to take Mary as his wife because the child she was carrying was conceived by the Holy Spirit. The angel also told Joseph that the child would be named Jesus and would be the savior of his people, fulfilling the prophecies of the Old Testament.

Advent: Rejoicing in the Lord Always

 3rd Sunday of Advent: November 11, 2022

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

(St John the Baptist is visited by the two)
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Today, we celebrate the third Sunday of Advent, also known as Gaudete Sunday. The word "gaudete" comes from the Latin word for "rejoice," and it is the first word of the entrance antiphon of the Mass: "Rejoice in the Lord always; again I say, rejoice" (Philippians 4:4). As we light the pink candle on our Advent wreath, we are reminded of the joy and hope that comes with the birth of Jesus. In a world filled with darkness and despair, we have a reason to be joyful and hopeful. 

1. Be the people of joy

This Sunday is called Gaudete Sunday because it is a time for us to rejoice and be glad, for the coming of the Lord is near. We are now halfway through Advent, and the anticipation of Christmas is growing stronger. But Advent is also a time for us to reflect on our own lives and how we are preparing for the coming of Christ. Are we living lives that reflect His light and love? Are we sharing that light with others and bringing them closer to Him? This is a time when we reflect on the words of the prophet Isaiah, who spoke of the coming of the Messiah and the hope and joy that he brings to all who believe in him.

Transforming into Fullness of Justice and Peace

 2nd Sunday in Advent: December 04, 2022

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

Preaching of John the Baptist, by Mattia Preti (1613 –1699)
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The month of December every year turns out to be the busiest month of the year. As the last month of the year, we would like to accomplish all those unfinished tasks, unmet resolutions, and unfulfilled dreams. For students, the anxiety of exams sets them into great academic rigor, and to those who work in various sectors of business, the targets need to be met. The liturgical readings on this Second Sunday of Advent set the tone for a deeper introspection of our lives and actions. 

1. The arrival of God in history transforms the humanity

Both the prophets, Isaiah and John the Baptist herald a new era of Messiah, the Saviour. Their announcement of the birth of God's Son in our midst will transform everything, from the personal lives of the individual to the political spectrum of society. The coming of the Son of Man will change the destiny of people and nations. It will change things that have remained unchanged for ages and years. In fact, this new way of being will be, in fact, a revolutionary change. Even those who are ready for change will have a conversion of heart.

Show us Lord, your Love and Grant us Salvation

1st Sunday in Advent: November 27, 2022

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

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Today is the first Sunday of Advent and we begin a new liturgical year. Just like nature has its own seasons so too our liturgy incorporates various liturgical seasons to suit our spiritual and inner needs. This dynamic is very essential to take us away from the daily routines, and daily humdrum of life. Changes, differences, and plurality give us new life indeed. Unum et pluribus, "unity in plurality" is an often-heard phrase in our multicultural and diverse society and the Church. 

1. Called to be awakened people

Advent is a season that puts us right into that experience of the Christmas scene; the scene of a little baby in the manger, mother Mary and Joseph caring for this God’s Son in a special but uncosy way. The angels singing holy, holy, holy, and alleluia; shepherds in the countryside grazing their sheep coming down to see this baby are all part of this awesome Season. The Season of Advent, in others words adventus in Latin means coming, arrival, is, indeed, a time of preparation. 

Jesus the King, Leading by Example

 Solemnity of Christ the King, : November 20, 2022

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

A traditional depiction of Christ the King (Credit: Wiki commons.)
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We celebrate on this Sunday the Solemnity of Christ the King. This great feast of the Church brings to the culmination of the whole liturgical year. With this celebration, in fact, we end the liturgical year which we started with Advent a year ago. We have spent a whole year by dwelling on the mystery of the person of Jesus Christ in our lives, Church and society at large. Because Jesus is a God of history. He became one among us and then left behind a great legacy to imitate him in every way of our lives. Therefore, Jesus is regarded as the King of the Universe. The liturgical readings for this feast of Christ the King emphasize how this person of Jesus is truly our King and King of the Universe.

1. Minding our words when someone suffers

One of the disputable questions Pontius Pilate asked Jesus was "Are you the King?" The soldiers who listened to Pilate questioning Jesus and the subsequent answer of Jesus made them curious about his kingship. In the most vulnerable situation, the soldiers begin to taunt Jesus by ridiculing with the same question asked by Pilate, "are you the king?" "He saved others, let him save himself," and "If you are King of the Jews, save yourself." Perhaps the uncompassionate and unmerciful humiliating questions of soldiers does not deter Jesus to be mindful and focused on what he was trying to communicate even to the criminals hanging next to him. Through his excruciating suffering, Jesus teaches us that a King or leader is the one who suffers with his people. Moreover, Jesus leads others by example and especially to all those who occupy positions of power and responsibility.  

Perseverance Secures Redemption

33rd Sunday in Ordinary Time: November 23, 2022

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

[Destruction of the Temple of Jerusalem by Francesco Hayez (1791-1882)]
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Often we are worried not about the present but about the future. Even though we are unsure about our future, we put too much emphasis on it than on the present. When things do not go according to our plans and projects, we begin to doubt not only on our abilities but also God with whom we might have placed our petition for the success of our plan. The liturgical readings on the 33rd Sunday in Ordinary Time give us a very fascinating but also grim ideas about the future to those who follow our Lord as his authentic disciples. 

1. God’s plans have a future 

“Coming things” as they are called in Christian theology are often absurd, cruel and crazy.  These "end-of-time things" are of such nature, they bring even shiver in our spines because of the world that we live in. We might call this world egoistic, selfish, wicked, and evil. However, the world is also good, kind, generous, and gentle. Moreover, the absurdity of wickedness is taking too much of our energy and the good that we try to accomplish. 

The Lord is Faithiful

32nd Sunday in Ordinary Time: November 06, 2022

Readings: 2 Maccabees 7:1–2, 9–14; Psalm 17:1, 5–6, 8, 15; 2 Thessalonians 2:16–3:5; Luke 20:27–38

A byzantine icon of Jesus
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The month of November is very special to us as we commemorate the life and death of every baptized Christian. Eternity and temporality of our lives are celebrated very beautifully in this month. We recall that life has an end on this earth with eyes on the future, a future where God alone suffices. Hence, our earthly life is also precious. The merits of fruitful and holy life will find God in eternity. Even though it might look our earthly life tough and messy because of its chaos and confusion, sin and wickedness, yet there are people, our own ancestors who have lived their life to the full. We call them saints and blessed. They have set a standard or benchmark for our lives too. In this context the liturgical readings on this 32nd Sunday in Ordinary Time, remind us that our earthly life is as precious as the heavenly life. In fact, we cannot cross into heaven unless we live our lives here on earth fully and faithfully. 

1. Life after an earthly journey is certain

The question about life after death is age-old. This existential question has been asked since the beginning of human history. What happens to our mortal bodies once it stops breathing? Only the human person has the capacity to think creatively, speak languages, imagine art, and get connected with people in unknown geographical locations. If such a thinking person dies where does he or she go? Is the life end at the death of the person? These and many more such questions are part of our daily struggle to live our lives with focus. Often a sense of nothingness, and meaninglessness comes into our minds. Such questions were asked to Jesus. Sadducees who did not believe in the resurrection had many questions about life after death, especially the relationship between the husband and wife.

O LORD, and lover of souls!

 31st Sunday in Ordinary Time: October 30, 2022

Readings: Wisdom 11:22–12:2; Psalm 145:1–2, 8–11, 13–14; 2 Thessalonians 1:11–2:2; Luke 19:1–10

(Jesus and Zaccheus)
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Often change does not happen by itself. We have to wait for that opportunity or an occasion, where something triggers and change takes place. What is constant is change. Therefore, there is nothing permanent in this world. However, if one is not ready for change, then it is difficult to notice the effects of change.  The liturgical readings on this 31st Sunday in Ordinary Time, invite us to look for changes in life, especially when our lives are not attuned to the Will of God.

1. Curiosity wins

For any learning or improvement in one's quality of life, one has to develop a deep sense of curiosity. It is said that curiosity is the mother of all learning. The more one is curious, one learns or invents. If a person is disinterested or nothing bothers him about the happenings around him, such a person will lose the sense of purpose in life. To see and be seen, according to Brene Brown, is the greatest gift of love. Today’s gospel Luke 19:1–10 provides a powerful example of what this love looks like in action. Zaccheaus, the tax collector was an ardent curious person. He was not only short in physical stature but also in moral standing. He not only realized the importance of Jesus in and around Palestine but also in his life.

The Humbling Effect

30th Sunday in Ordinary Time: 23 October 2022

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

(The Pharisee and the Tax Collector)
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God has blessed us with a beautiful Mother Earth. As I write these few reflections, I am crisscrossing the beautiful, lush green landscape between Bangalore and Pune by an express train. I am heading towards Pune to preach a retreat. Having rained, the land looks majestic like a bride in this festive season of Divali. As the train runs between the paddy fields and forests, towns and villages, rivers and lakes, human and non-human habitats, I am nothing but thankful for all that God does for us without the slightest human effort to maintain such a massive, vast, vibrant and wonderful creation. It humbles us to see the enormous creativity of God, which makes our eyes sore with gladness and joy. Perhaps, the suggested readings for the 30th Sunday in Ordinary Time remind us that finally, we should allow God to be God. Only the virtue of humility is the only way to attain the vision of God.

1. Being human means being humble 

Jesus narrates a story of two men with different backgrounds at prayer in a synagogue. A Pharisee who is known for his uprightness is standing and praying in the synagogue. Instead of being grateful, Pharisee congratulates himself and points at the fellow Jew who is also standing at a distance praying with all humility. He is a tax collector, therefore a sinner. The pharisee distinguishes himself from the "rest of humanity - greedy, dishonest, adulterous - or even like this tax collector." He says, "I fast twice a week, and I pay tithes on my whole income" (Luke 18:11-12). What matters most for Jesus’s succinct observation is the words that are uttered by the Pharisee: "I’m not like that tax collector."