From Easter to Everyday: Embracing Unity and Discipleship in Christ

10th Sunday in Ordinary Time: June 09, 2024

Readings: Gn 3:9–15; Ps 130:1–2, 3–4, 5–6, 7–8; 2 Cor 4:13–5:1; Mk 3:20–35

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The celebration of the Resurrection of the Lord at Easter bestows on us manifold blessings. It is indeed a time to recognize how the Church invites its people to live with Christ in his joy and glory. In the last few Sundays, we have been having solemnities: Ascension of our Lord, Pentecost, Holy Trinity Sunday, Corpus Christi Sunday, Solemnity of Sacred Heart of Jesus, etc. All these Church feasts tell us a very important aspect that is, ultimately God is in control of us. As creatures, we must allow God to be God. By being so, we can walk humbly before God recognizing that we require God's mercy and compassion. As we enter deeply into the Ordinary Sundays of the year, the Church invites us to be God's people in thoughts, words and actions.

1. Discipleship: Deep relationship with Jesus

In the Gospel reading of today Mark 3:20–35, Jesus redefines the concept of family, stating, "Whoever does the will of God is my brother and sister and mother." Jesus confronts the questions very boldly. Often questions from close family quarters can be disturbing and painful. Benjamin Franklin said, "the thing worse than rebellion is the thing that causes rebellion." True family, according to Jesus, transcends biological ties and is rooted in spiritual commitment and obedience to God's will. For Jesus, whoever does God's will is a brother, sister and mother. Being a follower of our Lord Jesus means being in communion with others who share the same faith, hope and love. That is why, we are concerned about our brothers and sisters when they are persecuted. We pray for them and try to give the necessary help to them.  The bonding happens because we share the same vision of our Lord. 

Corpus Christi - The Ever-Ready Eternal Nourishment

The Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ/Corpus Christi: June 02, 2024

Readings: Exodus 24:3-8; Psalm 116:12-13, 15-18; Hebrews 9:11-15; Mark 14:12-16, 22-26

 To listen to the audio-video reflections via YouTube, please click here: https://youtu.be/Ic3UBry2daA?si=hco-DEOwWpOgfNJk

One of the most remarkable acts of Jesus Christ, our Lord, was to offer himself as body and blood. This Sunday, the Church celebrates the Solemnity of Corpus Christi, a day dedicated to honouring the Real Presence of Jesus Christ in the Eucharist. This extraordinary gift, given in the form of bread and wine, embodies Christ's body and blood. As the source and summit of our Christian life, the Eucharist invites us to experience an intimate union with Christ and with one another within the Body of Christ, the Church.

1. Eucharist as Nourishment 

The Eucharist is not only a memorial of Christ's sacrifice but also a spiritual nourishment for our souls. Just as physical food sustains our bodies, the Eucharist sustains our spiritual life. It provides the grace and strength we need to live out our Christian vocation, to love and serve others, and to grow in holiness. Being a Christian means being in intimate connection with God. It is being dependent on God for our spiritual well-being. Because without God, we can do nothing. Therefore regular participation in the Eucharist keeps our spiritual batteries recharged.  The Eucharist being central to our lives continues to nourish and sustain us.

Celebrating and Living the Mystery of the Trinity

Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity: May 26, 2024

Readings: Deuteronomy 4:32–34, 39–40; Psalm 33:4–6, 9, 18–20, 22; Romans 8:14–17; Matthew 28:16–20

 To listen to the audio-video reflections via YouTube, please click here: https://youtu.be/MwQ1TtOfC-s

If life is a mystery, then certainly, God is a mystery. No one has seen God except Jesus. The basic tenet of Christian faith is belief in the Holy Trinity. It is the central and foundational belief on which is built the rest of the edifice of dogmas and doctrines of the Church. St Basil of Caesarea wrote "When I think of the One, I think of the Three, and when I think of the Three, I think of the unity." Most Holy Trinity Sunday invites us to reflect deeply on the central mystery of our Christian faith—the Trinity. God reveals Himself as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit: three persons, one essence. This profound mystery calls us to a deeper understanding and experience of God’s nature, relationship, and love.

1. The Blessed Trinity, the unity in One

The Father: Source of All Being: God the Father is the source and sustainer of all creation. In contemplating the Father, we recognize His infinite love and providence. He is not a distant deity but a loving parent who cares intimately for His children. Reflecting on the Father, we are reminded of our identity as beloved children of God, created in His image, called to live in His love and to trust in His care.

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.