If God is for us, who can be against us?

 2nd Sunday of Lent: February 25, 2024

Readings: Genesis 22:1–2, 9–13, 15–18; Psalm 116:10, 15–19; Romans 8:31–34; Mark 9:2–10

The sacrifice of Issac

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The absence of imagination in the world of intelligence then knowledge is poor. Both imagination and intelligence must go hand in hand. When intelligence stops, imagination must take its course. The world that we live in lacks both. We know the tree by its fruits. The results the world provides to us are not so optimistic and hopeful. There is so much violence and wickedness because humanity is taking the world as it is. The lack of futuristic thinking is affecting us. The life of tomorrow can be guaranteed by wise decisions and actions of today. The mistakes or blunders of today can cost us tomorrow dearly. The small and bigger wars are going on inside the country and between the countries. The dominance of right-wing politics without a philosophy of a better future, harmony, and consensus is causing more harm than good. In this context, we must read the liturgical readings of the Second Sunday of Lent. The imagination of Abraham, Jesus and Paul are uncontainable in fulfilling the will of God. They are models for our earthly life.

1. Transfigured nature of Jesus - Human to divine

The passage of Mark 9:2–10 describes the Transfiguration of Jesus, an event where Jesus reveals His divine glory before three of His disciples, Peter, James, and John, on a high mountain. The Transfiguration reveals Jesus in His divine glory, affirming His identity as the Son of God. This event not only confirms the divinity of Christ to His disciples but also to us as readers, inviting us to recognize and honor Jesus as both fully God and fully man. It challenges us to deepen our understanding of who Jesus is and to appreciate the mystery of the Incarnation. During the Transfiguration, a voice from heaven says, "This is my beloved Son. Listen to him." It underscores that listening to Jesus must be a paramount urge within us.  For a Christian, true wisdom and direction come from Christ, and we are called to listen, discern, and follow His words in our daily lives.

Never Abandoned and Eternal Promises of God

First Sunday of Lent: February 18, 2024

Readings: Genesis 9:8–15; Psalm 25:4–9; 1 Peter 3:18–22; Mark 1:12–15

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We are, already, in the Season of Lent. Every liturgical season like Advent, Christmas, Ordinary Time, Lent, and Easter brings something unique to us so that we can delve deeper into the mystery of Christian life. This enables us to meditate, contemplate, and rethink about ourselves and the significance of the person of Jesus Christ to each one of us. Every spiritual aspect that we delve into has a significant meaning to our faith life. It might give us some insight into where we are and where we are going. It might also help us to choose the path that we want to take. As we delve deeper into the mystery of Christ's suffering, death, and resurrection, during this season of Lent, perhaps we can make a commitment that enables us to be a better human person. Thus the humanity within us really opens itself for the good of all. Let us see now how the liturgical readings for this Sunday open to us. 

1. Ultimate promise of God and our stewardship

Genesis 9:8–15 recounts the covenant that God established with Noah and all living creatures after the flood. The covenant in this passage underscores God's unwavering faithfulness to His creation. Despite the chaos and destruction of the flood, God remains committed to His people and the entire Earth. This serves as a powerful reminder that even in the midst of life's storms, God's faithfulness endures. It prompts us to reflect on the constancy of God's love and promises in our own lives, instilling a sense of trust and reliance on the Divine.

No Offence: We Need Healing

 06th Sunday of Ordinary Time: February 11, 2024

Readings: Leviticus 13:1–2, 44–46; Psalm 32:1–2, 5, 11; 1 Corinthians 10:31–11:1; Mark 1:40–45

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Healing is a process. Healing needs a good environment. If the world outside of the person is corrupt, unclean, and unhygienic, instead of healing deterioration takes place. Very often, we sing that beautiful hymn, "The world stands in need of liberation." When there is no true freedom both inside and outside, healing delays or illness deteriorates. Only when there is fulfilling and gratifying environment, the healing takes place. The liturgical readings on this sixth Sunday in Ordinary time speak about leprosy and healing. If Moses appears to be anti-leper, on the other hand Jesus is a friend and healer of lepers. Perhaps it is opportune for us to know who exactly we are. Are we the healers or victimize those who are still suffering? What you have, many can have but what you are, no one can be.

1. Illness needs acceptance and humility

Mark 1:40–45 recounts the healing of a man with leprosy by Jesus, offering profound insights into compassion, faith, and the transformative power of divine intervention. The narrative begins with a leper approaching Jesus, kneeling and imploring him to heal his condition. This act of humility and desperation reveals the social and physical isolation lepers faced during those times of Jesus. The leper's plea reflects a deep yearning for both physical healing and societal reintegration. In the healing of the leper, the power of inclusion and acceptance is celebrated. In the context of social justice, we are challenged to actively work towards creating a more inclusive and equitable society.

Beyond Borders - Sharing the Gospel through Duty, Sacrifice, and Adaptation

05th Sunday in Ordinary Time: February 04, 2024

Readings:  Job 7:1–4, 6–7; Psalm 147:1–6; 1 Corinthians 9:16–19, 22–23; Mark 1:29–39

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"I have no time" is the phrase often we hear. We are restless. Silence, solitude, and solicitude are missing from our busy lives. Something or the other distracts us continuously. There is no rest for our mobiles or for our eyes. Emptiness surrounds us. We look for fullness and abundance in life. Overwhelming activities and other issues fill our lives. Either we live as if we do not exist or believe that only we exist in this world. In such a busy schedule finding God is necessary. Despite keeping ourselves occupied, if we could spare some time for good things and those things which give glory to God then all our efforts are worthwhile. God sees us not from men's lenses. The liturgical readings of today are challenging. If Prophet Job is restless and sees no meaning in his life, St Paul finds completeness in Jesus Christ alone. And Jesus with his busy schedule finds time for everyone and brings all of them to a world of healing, liberation and peace.

1. The Healing Touch and the Call to Mission

The Gospel of Mark should be called the gospel of urgency. When we look at the passage Mark 1:29–39, we find Jesus everywhere. We witness here a powerful sequence of events that reveal the compassion and purpose of Jesus Christ. This passage takes us to the town of Capernaum, where Jesus engages in acts of healing, prayer, and mission. The scene begins with Jesus entering the house of Simon and Andrew, and immediately we see the compassionate nature of our Savior. Simon's mother-in-law is sick with a fever, and Jesus responds not with indifference but with a healing touch. In this simple yet profound gesture, we witness the depth of Christ's love and his desire to bring wholeness to those in need.

Listening to Divine Intervention: Navigating the Path of Self-Discovery and Growth

04th Sunday in Ordinary Time: January 28, 2024

Readings: Deuteronomy 18:15–20; Psalm 95:1–2, 6–9; 1 Corinthians 7:32–35; Mark 1:21–28

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We are almost at the end of January. The days are passing by quite quickly.  The new year that we began just a few weeks ago has already set us in a fast motion. An old adage says  “Time flies when you’re having fun.” Mahatma Gandhi once said, “There is more to life than simply increasing its speed.”  The readings on this fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time have to do with time. Time is in your basket. Whether it is Jesus speeding up his ministry in Capernaum even on a Holy Sabbath, the Saturday and healing a man with a demonic spirit or Moses conversing with God to get future prophets for his community, or Apostle Paul himself advising how best to serve the Lord either as single person or married man or woman. They are all saying that the future begins now. Therefore we must be ever ready to embrace. 

1. Recognizing who and what through the Power of Christ's Presence

The Gospel writer Mark 1:21–28 recounts an incident where Jesus teaches in the synagogue in Capernaum and encounters a man possessed by an unclean spirit. People are amazed at Jesus's teaching authority, and capacity to give spiritual guidance from authoritative sources. The fascinating thing in Jesus' ministry is that the unclean spirit recognizes the God-man in Jesus. There is deep within us both Godliness and ungodliness. We too can perceive what is right and holy. More often we might not make the right and Godly choices, yet we can recognize what is best for us. The capacity to discern and see negative influences both external and internal are indeed the gifts of the Holy Spirit.

Giving Witness Under God's Watchful Eyes

Third Sunday in Ordinary Time: January 21, 2024

Readings: Jonah 3:1–5,10; Psalm 25:4–9; 1 Corinthians 7:29–31; Mark 1:14–20

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Often, we want our will to be done. We are also certain that our thinking is perfect and that there are no errors possible in such planning. Due to such thinking, any sort of unexpected thing happening to us is considered bad. Instead of accepting what comes our way and trying our best to do everything possible to bring glory to God, we choose the other way. As a result, we fall into unnecessary desolations, frustrations, unhappiness, anxiety, fear, and disinterestedness in life. When we look at the liturgical readings of this Third Sunday in Ordinary Time, we tend to think that God's ways are marvelous. Man chooses one and God chooses the other. Prophet Jonah is the best example before us. So too, was the life of the early disciples of Jesus, who began to tread unknown paths with Jesus. 

1. Divine Mercy and Second Chances under God's Watchful Eyes

Jonah 3:1–5,10 in the Bible tells the fascinating story of Jonah's second call to prophesy to the city of Nineveh and the repentance of the Ninevites. A man who ran away from taking up the prophecy comes back and takes up an even harder job than the first. Because he went through horrific experiences and realized that God is with him in good and bad.  The fact that God gave Jonah a second chance to deliver His message to Nineveh reflects the divine attribute of mercy as well as his own chance to survive the close surveillance of God. The story is a beautiful reminder to us that no matter how we may have resisted or failed in the past, God is always willing to give us another opportunity to fulfill His purpose. It's a call for us to recognize and appreciate the boundless mercy of God in our lives.

Life in the Body - Embracing the Holy Spirit within

Second Sunday in Ordinary Time: January 14, 2024

Readings: 1 Samuel 3:3–10, 19; Psalm 40:2, 4, 7–10; 1 Corinthians 6:13–15, 17–20; John 1:35–42

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As we get into the rhythm of everyday activities and adventures, the past leaves behind us memories and experiences. What matters most in our lives is the present. St Augustine had difficulty in defining the essence of presence. He states in his book  "Confessions"  that by the moment I say what "present" is, the "present" is gone. The time is past moving and we are lost in the past. Even though, we care so much about the present yet living in the "now" is extremely difficult. Often we concentrate either on the past or in the future. The future is on the way. With our past experiences, we prepare for the future. Because the future is uncertain, vague and enigmatic. The liturgical readings for this Second Sunday of the month invite us to live in the present just as young Samuel was called or the first disciples of Jesus found Messiah. They found what they were looking for in the present.

1. Pursuing holiness in a world of worldly incentives 

Let us start with the second reading from St Paul 1 Corinthians 6:13–15, 17–20. He deals very deeply into the profound mystery of the union between our bodies and the Spirit of God. Paul reminds us that our bodies are not meant for immorality but are intended to be instruments of righteousness, vessels through which the divine presence can manifest. In other words, in the physical and tangible body, God truly dwells. Therefore we must take care of our bodies. Paul's emphasis on this union urges us to seek spiritual alignment in every facet of our lives. We are reminded that our identity is not solely defined by societal standards or personal desires but is profoundly linked to our connection with the Spirit of God. Practicing self-discipline, pursuing holiness, and embracing a lifestyle that glorifies God are all integral components of acknowledging the divine residence within us.

The Guidance of Divine Light: The Mystery Made Known by Revelation

Feast of the Epiphany of the Lord: January 07, 2024

Readings: Isaiah 60:1–6; Psalm 72:1–2, 7–8, 10–13; Ephesians 3:2–3, 5–6; Matthew 2:1–12

(The visit of the Magi to the Baby Jesus, Mary and Joseph)

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We are in the freshness of the New Year 2024. With the arrival of the New Year, we could begin a fresh start where we have not been able, to a year ago. We form our destiny. There are chances and opportunities. There is nothing so-called "late" as such. Search for truth and a new beginning can start anytime. The only thing that we need on our part is our readiness to allow ourselves to be led by something that can open new avenues and better pastures. God is present in all those things holy and spirit-led things. This is what happened to those three Magi, who saw something on their journey. They followed the heavenly sign and brought them to the baby Jesus, Joseph, and Mary. They listened to the inner voice and thus saved the baby Jesus from the clutches of King Herod.  On this beautiful feast of the Epiphany of the Lord, the Word of God has a lot to reveal to us. 

1. See the light of Christ and give witness

Matthew 2:1–12  recounts the story of the Magi, or Wise Men, who traveled from the East to visit the newborn Jesus, guided by a star. In fact, the Feast of Epiphany, a celebration of the manifestation of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles is associated with this passage. The whole journey of the Magi symbolizes a search for spiritual enlightenment. They were ardent seekers of truth. As their desire intensified they followed nothing but only the star. If there is a burning desire within us then we remain focused. What matters is not the distractions and other struggles but the destiny that is in our hearts. The Epiphany or the revelation invites us to seek the light of Christ in our lives, trusting that it will guide us through the darkness of uncertainty and doubt.

Living with Love and Gratitude: A Call to Embrace Virtues and Harmony

The Feast of the Holy Family: December 31, 2023

Readings: Sirach 3:2–6, 12–14; Psalm 128:1–2, 3, 4–5; Colossians 3:12–21; Luke 2:22–40

The Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph
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As we transition from the culmination of 2023 to the dawn of 2024, we embark on a journey that transcends the ordinary rhythm of months and ventures into the realm of years. While the shift from one month to another is a commonplace occurrence, the transition from one year to the next holds a distinct significance. Our lives are marked not merely by the passing of days or the turning of months but by the changing chapters of years.  The conclusion of December and the inception of January carry a unique and profound resonance for each of us. The final day of the year, December 31st, holds a special place in our hearts, adorned with sentiments of affection and gratitude. On this day, we bid farewell not only to the year that has been but also usher ourselves into the new year with a spirit brimming with hope and expectations.

1. Transition to a new year with expectations and hope

This transition is not merely a chronological shift; it is a symbolic moment that encapsulates our collective optimism for the possibilities that lie ahead. In former Soviet Union countries, the celebration of December 31st takes on a vibrant and joyous character, featuring traditions such as the creation of a "yolka,"[ёлка] a beautifully adorned and decorated tree. This day becomes a canvas for the expression of joy, camaraderie, and the anticipation of a promising new chapter.