Igniting Faith: The Ignatian Journey of Knowing, Loving, and Following Jesus

The Solemnity of St Ignatius of Loyola: July 31, 2024

Readings: Jer 20: 7-9; 1 Cor 10:31-11; Lk14:25-33

St Ignatius of Loyola (1491-1556)

(The following homily is preached by Fr Arun Kumar SJ at SJBHS, Bangalore)

In the Gospel of the day, we see that Jesus is going to face Martyrdom in Jerusalem. So, Jesus wants his followers to leave behind everything and everyone entirely and commit themselves totally to Jesus. A large crowd followed him. But he wasn’t happy with the number. As educationist I’m sure for us the numbers are important in terms of number of admissions, scoring of marks, number of ranks ete… that is part of our educational system. Here Jesus is emphasising more on the quality of members than the quantity of followers. Hence those who commit themselves to Jesus have to make sure that their commitment is all consuming with devotion to Jesus’ mission. Therefore, he wants only those who are committed with all their soul, with all their strength, with all their heart and with all their mind. To meet the demands of his discipleship, he puts 3 conditions. These 3 requirements to follow Jesus are:

From Scarcity to Abundance: Embracing God's Provision and Compassion

17th Sunday in Ordinary Time:  28 July 2024

Readings: 2 Kings 4:42–44; Psalm 145:10-11, 15–18; Ephesians 4:1–6; John 6:1–15

To listen to the audio-video reflections via YouTube, please click here: https://youtu.be/5GvZlbRJYGI?si=nIdcDTui7Nzv7oih

Why there is so much of scare when God gives us so much for our care? Today, we live in a world where issues of scarcity, inequality, and the distribution of resources are ever-present concerns. Whether it's addressing global hunger, economic disparities, or even personal feelings of inadequacy, the themes of this Sunday's liturgical readings speak directly to our collective and individual challenges. 

1. Trust, God provides

In John 6:1–15, Jesus performs the miracle of feeding five thousand people with just five barley loaves and two fish. This story is not merely about a miraculous act of feeding a large crowd; it speaks profoundly about God's provision and abundance. In our lives, we often face situations where our resources—whether they are time, money, or energy—seem insufficient. In such moments, God can multiply our limited resources to meet the needs around us. Hence, we must trust in God's providence and offer what little we have, believing that He can do great things with it. As Christians we share: one body, one Spirit, one hope, one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all.

Saint Anne: The Matriarch of Faith and Devotion in Christian Tradition

 

Saint Anne, also known as Saint Anna, holds a revered place in Christian tradition as the grandmother of Jesus Christ and the mother of the Virgin Mary. Her life and legacy, though not detailed extensively in the canonical scriptures, have been celebrated and venerated across various Christian denominations, including Catholicism, Orthodoxy, and some Protestant traditions. This essay explores the significance of Saint Anne, her role in Christian tradition, and her enduring influence on religious culture.

1. Historical and Biblical Context

Saint Anne's story is not found in the canonical books of the New Testament. Instead, her life is detailed in apocryphal writings, particularly the Protoevangelium of James, a second-century text that provides a narrative of Mary's conception and early life. According to this account, Anne and her husband, Joachim, were a devout couple who lived in Nazareth. They were childless for many years, which was considered a sign of divine displeasure in their culture. The couple's fervent prayers for a child were eventually answered when an angel appeared to Anne, announcing that she would conceive a daughter. This child was Mary, who would later become the mother of Jesus.

Balancing Compassion and Rest: Lessons from Jesus' Journey

16th Sunday in Ordinary Time: July 21, 2024

Readings: Jeremiah 23:1–16; Psalms 23:1–6; Ephesians 2:13–18; Mark 6:30–34

To listen to the audio-video reflections via YouTube, please click here: https://youtu.be/4rVJ5KUQpYQ

The term "work-life balance" is becoming very popular in today's fast-paced world. The balance between rest and compassion is also important.  It reminds us that while self-care is essential, we should also be ready to extend kindness and support to those in need, even when we feel exhausted. By following Jesus' example, we can find the strength to be present for others, creating a more compassionate and caring world. The liturgical readings of this Sunday remind us of just that.

 

1. The Rhythm of Work and Rest

In Mark 6:30–34, Jesus invites his weary disciples to retreat to a quiet place after their extensive work among the people. They were busy, so busy that they did not even have time to eat. Jesus, recognizing their need for rest, invites them to come away with Him to a quiet place. However, a large crowd follows, seeking guidance and healing. Moved by compassion, Jesus teaches and tends to them, embodying a profound commitment to service despite his own need for rest.

Walking in Jesus' Footsteps: The Call to Mission and Simplicity

15th Sunday in Ordinary Time: July 14, 2024

Readings: Amos 7:12–15; Psalms 85:9–14; Ephesians 1:3–14; Mark 6:7–13

To listen to the audio-video reflections via YouTube, please click here: https://youtu.be/ngOUsXfVFD4

What does it mean to be a Christian today? Perhaps each one has their own answer. A general response might be to be an authentic disciple of our Lord Jesus Christ, following in His footsteps. This means not only walking in His shadows in word and deed but also continuing the mission He entrusted to His disciples two thousand years ago. Now it is our turn to continue Jesus’ mission. This Sunday's liturgical readings, especially the Gospel, remind us that our job as followers of Jesus is to continue His work, particularly in bringing reconciliation and peace to the world.

1. The Call to Mission with a definite authority

In Mark 6:7–13, Jesus calls the twelve disciples and sends them out two by two, giving them authority over unclean spirits. The disciples are not sent out alone but in pairs, emphasizing the importance of companionship and support in ministry. The mission of Jesus is not done alone but through and with the community. This teaches us that our spiritual journey is not meant to be solitary; we are called to walk together, supporting and encouraging one another. The Christian religion is not about an individual but a community. We are not meant to be independent – we are made for relationship.

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

To listen to the audio-video reflections via YouTube, please click here: https://youtu.be/3UPm9GFV2ms

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

To listen to the audio-video reflections via YouTube, please click here: https://youtu.be/QiOFm8dg-2U

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.