Pentecost: Mission and Commission of Jesus

Pentecost Sunday: May 19, 2024

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

 To listen to the audio-video reflections via YouTube, please click here: https://youtu.be/kWB8JFpOevg

Pentecost is one of the very important feasts of the Church. It is on this day, that the Church was born in a definite way with the baptism of 3,000 people in Jerusalem. St Peter as the leader of the infant Church, inspires and encourages to embrace the new way of life in Israel. The readings on this Sunday tell us the fascinating story of how it all happened and how people from diverse backgrounds, nationalities and languages accepted Jesus as the Lord. In fact, it's a definite sign that the rest of the church would continue on the same path of diversity and inclusivity in the coming centuries and ages.

1. The everlasting peace of the Risen Lord

John 20:19–23 narrates the appearance of the Risen Lord to the disciples. Jesus not only gives his disciples his peace but also breathes on them the Holy Spirit with a command to forgive others. The disciples were in a state of fear and uncertainty, huddled behind locked doors. This peace is not merely a greeting but a deep, abiding peace that dispels fear and brings comfort. In our own moments of anxiety and fear, we can remember that Jesus brings peace into our hearts and lives, even when circumstances seem daunting. His presence alone can transform our fear into joy and our uncertainty into confidence.

Ascending to God the Father Forever

Ascension of the Lord: May 12, 2024

Readings: Acts 1:1–11; Psalm 47:2–3, 6–7, 8–9; Ephesians 4:1–7, 11–13; Mark 16:15-20

 To listen to the audio-video reflections via YouTube, please click here: https://youtu.be/PnAaixX9Sog?si=zS-viNzs87wHrAfY

When we do not know what to do, then we begin daydreaming. In itself, daydreaming is not bad as it makes the mind rest and relax. The death of Jesus was not only a big blow to the disciples, but also they suffered from anxiety and fear. They feared for their lives more than the buried body of Jesus. However, as the days passed by the resurrection of Jesus brought new energy and vigour. They are ready to take off to distant lands and varied cultures and people. On this Sunday, we celebrate the Ascension of the Lord. When the disciples of our Lord were truly strengthened, Jesus took himself off from them physically and they never saw him again on this earth. The readings of today tell us this beautiful story of our Lord's final time with them.

1. Bringing the message of God's love to everyone

Mark 16:15-20 contains the passage where Jesus commissions his disciples to go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. Jesus's message has a universal scope. Salvation is meant for everyone regardless of nationality, ethnicity, or social status. It means we must break down barriers and reach out to all people with the love and grace of Christ. We are called to reach out to others through humility, gentleness, patience, and love, bearing with one another in unity. We must transcend cultural, ethnic, and social differences, reflecting the diversity and beauty of God's creation. 

Inclusive and Abiding Love of God

Sixth Sunday of Easter: April 05, 2024

Readings: Acts 10:25–26, 34–35, 44–48; Psalm 98:1–4; 1 John 4:7–10; John 15:9–17

 To listen to the audio-video reflections via YouTube, please click here: https://youtu.be/gl8VAO9qUWQ

How nice it would be if we knew exactly what was happening to the other person? This may be a wishful thinking. However, Jesus knew exactly what was happening to the other person. Throughout his public ministry, Jesus demonstrated this attitude. If we love someone deeply and unconditionally, we can know certainly what is happening to the other person. Jesus and the Father in Heaven knew each other because of their abiding love. 

1. Abiding in Love with joy

Jesus in John 15:9–17 dwells on the vine and the branches as a metaphor of abiding love between the both Father and the Son. Jesus continues to urge his disciples to abide in his love, just as he abides in the Father's love. A deep and intimate connection with divine love is manifested. Only with such love can we be well-connected, live constantly in His presence, and draw strength and sustenance from it. We need that maturity and expression to share our knowledge and belief in God's love in every aspect of our life – our identity, our purpose, our relationships, and our actions. 

Being Rooted in the Abiding Love of Christ

  05th Sunday of Easter: 28 April 2024

Readings: Acts 9:26–31; Psalm 22:26–28, 30–32; 1 John 3:18–24; John 15:1–8

 To listen to my audio-video reflections via YouTube, please click here: https://youtu.be/0CY78bnaEY8

As the Easter season progresses, there's a jubilant celebration of Christ's resurrection and the anticipation of Pentecost. As we reflect on the readings and teachings of the Fifth Sunday of Easter, we are called to reevaluate our priorities and attitudes, striving to embody the love and grace of Christ in our interactions with others. The readings on the Fifth Sunday of Easter insist that our faith is not meant to be passive but rather active and engaged, expressed through acts of kindness, reconciliation, and service to those in need. Moreover, they invite us to deepen our relationship with God, renew our commitment to love one another, and embrace the abundant life that Christ offers to all who abide in Him.

1. Easter Narratives: Rooted firmly in the faith of Jesus Christ

In John 15:1–8, we see the metaphor of the vine and the branches, drawn from Jesus' teachings. A metaphor is a figure of speech that makes a comparison between two unlike things by stating that one thing is another. This imagery of vine and branches stresses the importance of abiding in Christ, remaining connected to Him as branches are to a vine. It speaks to the profound intimacy of our relationship with God and reminds us of our dependence on Him for sustenance and spiritual nourishment. Just as branches draw their life-giving sap from the vine, so too do we draw our strength and purpose from our connection to Christ.

Jesus, the Good Shepherd: Ever Guiding and Protecting

04th Sunday of Easter: April 21, 2024

Readings: Acts 4:8–12; Psalm 118:1, 8–9, 21–23, 26, 29; 1 John 3:1–2; John 10:11–18

 To listen to my audio-video reflections via YouTube, please click here: https://youtu.be/NkKAxd-YDb4

In spite of the technology and development in science, human life is fragile and vulnerable. We need protection and look for safety when we travel in vehicles or while we walk on the roads. We, always, feel a need for something or someone that is beyond us, in fact, of our control to protect us and save us. We need something or someone to console us when we are sad, someone to be with us in times of crisis and suffering, someone to accompany us when we are lonely or feel threatened, someone to pat on our back with words of encouragement when the road ahead of us is tough and difficult, someone to fight with us when we are loosing, someone to comfort us when we are weeping, someone to strengthen us when we feel terribly weak and difficult to walk. The list goes on. On this 4th Sunday of Easter which is also known as Good Shepherd Sunday, we have in Jesus our good Shepherd. Because he is the way, truth and life. In him, we find everything for our life from safety to eternal glory.

1. Jesus: Ever caring and loving

In St John’s gospel (John 10:11–18) Jesus speaks at length the kind of Shepherd he is. The words are not only consoling but also encouraging to follow such a person called Jesus. Throughout his public ministry, Jesus was a good shepherd to those who came in contact with him, either to listen to his words of wisdom, get consoled, receive healing, feel his touch, hear words of encouragement and strength or be fed by good food. Jesus was always there with the people. He never left them even though they left him when Cross came on his way. Jesus met everyone with a loving embrace. Jesus kissed the kids and blessed them when his disciples tried to chase them away. When the prostitute was in front of Jesus to be prosecuted, he made the accusers understand how greatly sinful they were. Jesus was there at the tomb of Lazarus consoling Martha and Mary. He made the crippled walk, blind to see, stopped the bleeding, and chased away the Pharisees and scribes who were at him to find fault with him and his disciples. 

Recognizing God in our Midst in Times of Agony and Ecstasy

Third Sunday of Easter: April 14, 2024

Readings: Acts 3:13–15, 17–19; Psalm 4:2, 4, 7–9; 1 John 2:1–5; Luke 24:35–48

 To listen to my audio-video reflections via YouTube, please click here: https://youtu.be/LNgb9D64H-I

When things get blurred, we would like to clarify them.  However, when anxieties and expectations are on our way, we need someone to encourage and support us. If we do not find such people in our life journey, we might get into frustration, unhappiness or sorrow. The resurrection narratives bring both anxiety and expectation to the disciples of Jesus. They are all troubled by the outcome of Jesus' crucifixion and death. The disciples are uncertain about the resurrection of their master. They are greatly troubled. But Jesus' very presence amidst them not only gives them hope but also the courage to proclaim his resurrection even more boldly. The liturgical reading for this Third Sunday of Easter brings together a lot of hope and expectations at the new life of Jesus. Moreover, the disciples of our Lord are encouraged and energized beyond any measure to preach him to the ends of the earth. 

1. Resurrection: Divine Presence Amidst Doubt

Luke 24:35–48 recounts the moments after the resurrection of Jesus when he appears to his disciples, offering them his presence, comfort, assurance, and understanding. The resurrection of Jesus turned the life of the disciples upside down. They had never imagined that such a thing would happen even though, they had heard from Jesus about his passion and death. Now the resurrection of their Master is a reality. They are simply overwhelmed by this new way of being of their Lord. They see in him the divine presence amidst doubt. It's a lesson for us too that in our own moments of doubt and uncertainty, we can find solace in the presence of the divine, knowing that God is always with us, even when we struggle to perceive it.

Seeking and Finding the Risen Lord and being Visioned and Missioned

Second Sunday of Easter / Sunday of Divine Mercy: April 07, 2024

Readings: Acts 4:32–35; Psalms 118:2–4, 13–15, 22–24; 1 John 5:1–6; John 20:19–31

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

The steam of election heat is rising as the temperatures here in Karnataka. It is paradoxical to see that creativity and human ingenuity are always at the rescue when something old has to be said in a new form. When national elections become the main news in our country, each political party is trying its best to put forward the assurances and promises to the public. Unfortunately, none of us demand any kind of balance sheet or practicability of the election promises from these political parties including our institutions of education or service and even by those best brains of our country. In fact, even our Church leaders are sterile to the political process of our country. Hardly, do we see any collective efforts from our Christian community leaders to encourage our brothers and sisters to engage and participate in the electoral process of our country actively as we as minorities live in turbulent times. The Resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ created not only uproar in the religious life of Jews but also political turmoil in the entire Roman empire. And later, we see, in 312 AD, the entire Roman Empire accepted Christianity as the state religion. 

1. Resurrection narrative: Seeing is believing

The resurrection of Jesus stands as an extraordinary event in the annals of human history, reverberating like a thunderclap throughout the Judeo-Roman world of his time. In an era where religion and politics were deeply intertwined, Jesus, initially a religious reformer, found himself enmeshed in the turbulent currents of political intrigue, earning him the title of King. This confluence is evident in the visit of the magi at his birth, the heinous massacre of innocent children by King Herod, the interrogation of Jesus by Pilate, and the provocative inscription "Jesus, the King of Jews." These events cast a shadow of suspicion over Jesus, fueling fears of political ambition. Despite the undeniable political undercurrents, Jesus' core mission remained centered on ushering people towards a divine connection, echoing the prophetic words of Isaiah 61:1-2 (Luke 4:16-21). When confronted with questions about taxes, Jesus encapsulated his stance with the famous words, “Give back to Caesar what is Caesar’s and to God what is God’s” (Mark 12:27), emphasizing the dual responsibilities of earthly governance and spiritual allegiance.

Leaving the Tomb Forever

Easter Sunday: March 31, 2024

Readings: Acts 10:34, 37–43; Psalm 118:1–2, 16–17, 22–23; Colossians 3:1–4; John 20:1–9

 To listen to my audio-video reflections via YouTube, please click here: https://youtu.be/AeFDyC8Qdv0

The Christian religion is a religion of life. It believes in eternal life. The resurrection of the dead is one of the fundamental and dogmatic truths of the Christian faith. The foundation for such a belief rests upon the person of Jesus Christ Himself. All four Gospels, Matthew, Mark, Luke and John speak vividly about Christ's passion, death and resurrection. Even though the resurrection narratives of Jesus are short and fast-moving and yet they are vibrant and fascinating. The urgency and immediacy are felt very much inviting the believers to be convinced that they too will partake in the resurrection of Jesus once and for all.

 1. The empty tomb: The sign of Resurrection

The fundamental evidence of the resurrection of our Lord on Easter Sunday is the empty tomb. Mary Magdeline, Peter and John the disciples of Jesus were the first ones to witness the empty tomb where the dead body of Jesus was laid in the tomb just a couple of days ago. After the crucifixion, Jesus handed over Mary, his mother to be in the custody of his beloved disciple John. He was entrusted with the task of caring for his mother who was not only a widow but an orphan at the death of her only son. It must have been Mary the mother of Jesus, who told the disciples including John to watch over the tomb of Jesus as the circumstances which led to his death were not just ordinary. Certainly, there must have been fear that, the body of her son would be desecrated or stolen or anything unpleasant would happen. 

Approaches to the Cross of Christ

Good Friday of the Lord's Passion: March 29, 2024

Readings: Isaiah 52:13-53:12; Psalms 31:2, 6, 12-13, 15-16, 17, 25; Hebrews 4:14-16, 5:7-9; John 18:1-19:42 

Please listen to the audio recording of the homily preached in a parish: https://youtu.be/DmcuUc09akg

"Behold the wood of the Cross, on which the Salvation of the World, come, let us adore." With these very emotional words, we venerate the Cross of our Lord today.  When we think about the Cross, very quickly to our imagination comes the Cross in our Church altars, homes and in our own threads that we wear around our necks. Jesus never looked for the Cross in his life, but it came on his way. Jesus never longed for Cross but it was imposed upon him by the secular rulers of this world. So why then the Cross of our Lord has become such an awe-inspiring, symbol of our salvation in Christian religion.

1. Early symbols of Christianity 

To get deeper into the meaning and significance of the Cross, we must turn the annals of the history of Christianity. Other than the robust understanding of the importance of the Cross of our Lord Jesus in the writings of St Paul, we do not find anything much in the early years of Christianity. The early Christians who lived in fear and trembling, persecution and death even that of the Cross under Roman rule, did not use the symbol of the Cross. The early Christians used the symbol of fish or lamb as some sort of indicator for Christians. We can see them in the catacombs of Rome or in the oldest Churches like in Aquilea in Northern Italy.