Beyond Familiar Faces: Embracing Faith and Recognizing Gifts

14th Sunday in Ordinary Time: July 07, 2024

Readings: Ezekiel 2:2–5; Psalm 123:1–4; 2 Corinthians 12:7–10; Mark 6:1-6

Often, we prefer to avoid seeing the extraordinary gifts and talents in others. This reluctance may stem from a sense of low self-esteem and jealousy, which can rob us of the joy that comes from appreciating the beauty in others. Instead, we become entangled in a web of senseless ideas and uncomfortable thoughts, losing sight of the broader picture. This Sunday’s liturgical readings, particularly from Mark 6:1-6, serve as a poignant reminder that even Jesus himself faced similar challenges.

1. Familiarity Breeds Contempt

In the passage Mark 6:1-6, Jesus returns to his hometown, only to be met with skepticism and disbelief by those who knew him best. Despite his wisdom and the miracles he performed, the people of Nazareth could not see beyond their familiarity with him. Their lack of faith and inability to recognize his divine nature prevented them from experiencing the fullness of his works. This scenario highlights a common human tendency to undervalue those we think we know well, overlooking their potential and the gifts they bring.

Faith and Miracles: Embracing Divine Power in Our Lives

13th Sunday in Ordinary Time: June 30, 2024

Readings: Wisdom 1:13-15, 2:23-24; Psalm 30:2, 4-6, 11-13; 2 Corinthians 8:7, 9, 13-15; Mark 5:21-24, 35-43

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Miracles do happen. What we need is faith. Our life is of little importance if we do not possess faith and believe in miracles. If we do not value the importance of the capacity of the omnipotent and omnipresent divine within and around us then we put ourselves as masters of this world. There is no space for other higher being whom we call God. Our life depends on the one who created us. None of us have come into this world by ourselves. We are not born in laboratories or test tubes. We are born in this world to our parents who possess flesh and blood. The readings of this Sunday have one of the most stunning miracles that Jesus performed in his life that is the raising of the daughter of the Synagogue official by the name of Jairus. No doubt we are called to imitate simply Jairus in every day of our lives. 

1. No desperation but overcoming Fear with Faith

In this passage Mark 5:21-24, 35-43, we witness Jairus, a synagogue leader, falling at Jesus’ feet and pleading for his daughter’s life. His position and status did not prevent him from seeking help desperately. This act of humility and faith is a powerful reminder that no matter our status or position, we must approach God with humility, especially in our times of need. When we are desperate, our faith drives us to seek divine intervention. Jairus’s plea teaches us that faith is often born out of desperation or frustration, and in our most desperate moments, we must turn to God, believing in His power and mercy.

Living in the Storms of Life with a Gaze Fixed on Christ

12th Sunday in Ordinary Time: June 23, 2024

Readings: Job 38:1, 8-11; Psalm 107:23-26, 28-31; 2 Corinthians 5:14-17; Mark 4:35-41

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What is the place of faith in the ordinary days of our lives? Can we take holidays from our faith? Absolutely not. During these days, we have been journeying with Jesus and His disciples, reliving their experience of His words and deeds, coming to know and believe in Him as they did. The liturgical readings for this Sunday enable us to look at life in its good times but also in its bad times.

1. Unquestionable trust in Divine Presence

The first Gospel writer St Mark 4:35-41 recounts the story of Jesus calming the storm, a powerful narrative to interpret our life in this messy world. Jesus is with His disciples in a boat when a furious storm arises. Despite the chaos, Jesus remains asleep, displaying a serene confidence in the midst of danger.  Often we turn headless when we see such danger and chaos. In such moments we must trust in God's presence even when our lives seem to be engulfed by storms. God is always with us. Where will He go leaving us? His presence is a source of peace and stability. When we feel overwhelmed, we can find solace in knowing that we are never alone and that God can calm the storms within our hearts.

Walk by Faith and Not by Sight

11th Sunday in Ordinary Time: June 16, 2024

Readings: Ezekiel 17:22-24; Psalm 92:2-3, 13-14, 15-16; 2 Corinthians 5:6-10; Mark 4:26-34

 To listen to the audio-video reflections via YouTube, please click here: https://youtu.be/7qs1aKcdWqw?si=KmBmgEjwsh8DjfYy

The world that we live in is messy. However, we make our life, despite all the uncomfortable situations that we see around us. There is something or someone, who makes our living on this earth possible. God who created us sustains us and gives us all the strength to carry out the mission that he has entrusted to each one of us. In other words, God has given us the task and a vocation to fulfil it. This is what we see in all the liturgical readings of this Sunday.

1. Trust and partnership in the Divine Process

In Mark 4:26-34, Jesus shares two parables about the Kingdom of God: the Parable of the Growing Seed and the Parable of the Mustard Seed. These parables invite us to reflect on the ways of God's doings in our lives and the world. This parable tells us that spiritual growth and the unfolding of God's Kingdom are often hidden and beyond our full understanding. Like the seed that sprouts and grows unseen, God's work within us and in the world often happens quietly and mysteriously. 

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

 To listen to the audio-video reflections via YouTube, please click here:https://youtu.be/ejU4C581hZc

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

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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.