From Ritual to Reality: Cultivating Inner Holiness

 22nd Sunday in Ordinary Time: September 01, 2024

Readings: Deuteronomy 4:1–2,6–8; Psalm 15:2–5; James 1:17–18, 21–22, 27; Mark 7:1–8, 14–15, 21–23

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

Often we are lost in external things, which might not be necessary at all to reach God. In glorifying external things, we might lose what is necessary, essential and salvific. As scripture rightly puts it, God sees the heart of man and woman. Internal aspects are very essential that might bring us closer to God. Psalms always ask for grace, “Create in me a clean heart, O Lord” (Psalm 51:10-19). That should be our prayer every day of our lives. The liturgical readings of this 22nd Sunday in ordinary time of the year, invite us to get into the innermost of our being and see what pleases God and not what pleases men and women of today. True holiness comes from within, and it is only through God's grace that we can be cleansed and made new.

1. Look at the interiority rather than the exteriority

In Mark 7:1–8, 14–15, 21–23, Jesus confronts the Pharisees and scribes who criticize His disciples for eating with unwashed hands, which they see as a breach of tradition. Jesus responds by challenging their focus on external rituals over the inner condition of the heart. He emphasizes that it is not what enters a person from the outside that defiles them, but what comes from within. Jesus invites us to consider how we can cultivate a purity that goes beyond external rituals. Are we allowing God to shape our inner life? Are we more concerned with how we appear to others than with the state of our hearts? 

Challenged by Faith: Choosing Christ Amid Life’s Difficulties

21st Sunday in Ordinary Time: August 25, 2024

Readings: Joshua 24:1-2, 15-18; Psalm 34:2-3, 16-23; Ephesians 5:21-32; John 6:60-69

To listen to the audio-video reflections via YouTube, please click here: https://youtu.be/6-IaXwlvw_Y

We live in a complex world. Often we get ourselves drowned in the complexities and demands of this world. As a result, we find ourselves confronted with challenges that test the depth of our faith. The teachings of Jesus are as radical and transformative now as they were over two thousand years ago, and sometimes, like the disciples we too struggle to fully grasp or accept them. In a world where doubt and confusion can easily take root, the liturgical readings of this Sunday speak directly to the heart of what it means to truly follow Christ—especially when His words are hard to understand or live out.

1. Temptations and the Challenge of Faith

In John 6:60-69, many of Jesus' disciples respond to His teachings by saying, "This is a hard teaching. Who can accept it?" Jesus had just revealed Himself as the Bread of Life, emphasizing that true life comes from partaking in His body and blood—a concept that was difficult for many to grasp. This challenged the very nature of faith. Faith often requires us to embrace what is beyond human understanding, trusting in God's wisdom even when His words seem difficult or counterintuitive. The journey of faith is not always about understanding everything, but about trusting in the One who calls us.

Sacrifice and Communion: The Journey to Eternal Life

20th Sunday in Ordinary Time: August 18, 2024

Readings: Proverbs 9:1–6; Psalm 34:2–3, 10–15; Ephesians 5:15–20; John 6:51–58

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

We are no longer in the post-modern world but in the post-truth world. People don't take you seriously even though you may be an authority over a particular subject. It's not about seeing is believing instead it's living without believing. As I write these reflections, I'm in XLRI Delhi campus for a workshop on "Artificial Intelligence for Excellence in Education." Until recently, we googled to get new information but today we give prompts to Open ChatGPT or Gemini to know more. However, in the midst of sudden and quick changes in the way we live, conceive and articulate things, still the eternal truths that are found in the Holy Scripture and spoken by our Lord Jesus are still relevant and actual today.

1. The Bread of Life – A Call to Deep Communion

John 6:51–58 is a profound passage where Jesus speaks about being the "living bread" that came down from heaven. He emphasizes that whoever eats this bread will live forever and that the bread he gives is his flesh, offered for the life of the world. The mystery of the Eucharist and the intimate relationship Christ offers to his followers is mindboggling.  This statement invites us to reflect on the intimate and life-giving relationship that Christ offers. 

Eternal Nourishment and Spirit-Filled Living through Holiness

19th Sunday in Ordinary Time: August 11, 2024

Readings: 1 Kings 19:4-8; Psalm 34:2-9; Ephesians 4:30-5:2; John 6:41-51

To listen to the audio-video reflections via YouTube, please click here: https://youtu.be/Bs20JBAH9A4?si=eadBGbEAZTf7SPLw

In a world marked by uncertainty, anxiety, and the relentless pursuit of fleeting comforts, the timeless truths found in Scripture offer us a profound source of hope and guidance. As we navigate the complexities of modern life—grappling with fears, conflicts, and the deep hunger for meaning—we are invited to turn our gaze toward the spiritual nourishment that only Christ can provide. The liturgical readings of this 19th Sunday in Ordinary time call us to examine our hearts, align our lives with God’s love, and embrace the life-changing power of His Word. In doing so, we discover that even amidst the challenges of today, we can find peace, purpose, and strength by living in communion with Christ and walking in the light of His truth.

1. Trusting in Unseen Divine Nourishment

In  John 6:41-51, Jesus identifies Himself as the "bread of life," a powerful metaphor that invites us to reflect on the spiritual nourishment that He offers. Jesus contrasts the manna given to the Israelites in the desert with the true bread from heaven—Himself. While manna sustained physical life temporarily, Jesus offered something far greater: eternal life. This reminds us that our spiritual needs are far more significant than our physical needs. Just as our bodies require daily sustenance, our souls also need to be fed regularly with the Word of God and a relationship with Christ.

Divine Directions: Finding Purpose and Fulfillment through Spiritual Wisdom

18th Sunday in Ordinary Time: August 04, 2024

Readings: Exodus 16:2–4, 12–15; Psalm 78:3–4, 23–25, 54; Ephesians 4:17, 20–24; John 6:24–35

To listen to the audio-video reflections via YouTube, please click here:  https://youtu.be/bh1zCnl6OWA

In today's fast-paced, ever-changing world, many seek deeper meaning and direction in their lives. The teachings from the scripture offer timeless wisdom relevant to our contemporary context. They urge us to move beyond superficial pursuits and embrace a mindset focused on truth and righteousness. The Word of God challenges us to seek fulfillment not in material possessions but in spiritual growth and connection. By internalizing these lessons, we can find true purpose and authenticity, addressing the modern-day quest for a meaningful and grounded life.

1. Seeking True and Lasting Fulfillment

John 6:24–35 is a profound passage where Jesus speaks about being the "bread of life," offering spiritual sustenance that transcends physical nourishment. In this passage, people come looking for Jesus after witnessing the miracle of feeding the 5,000. They are driven by their physical hunger, seeking more food. However, Jesus points them toward a deeper hunger that can only be satisfied by spiritual nourishment. The common human experience of seeking fulfillment in material things often leaves us feeling empty. True fulfillment comes from a relationship with Christ, the bread of life, who offers a deeper satisfaction that endures beyond temporary needs.

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.