This New year should be a year of hope and new initiatives. God has given us another year to do good, to love people and to praise and adore Him.All the failures, defeats and disappointments of the last year should be buried with the year that went by.Today is the day for new beginnings. We shall think only of opportunities to do good and to be faithful and thankful to the Lord.As the rays of the sun begin to fall on us on this new day, let us allow ourselves to be immersed in the love that God has for us and experience that love in our lives.
When we know that we are loved and cared for by the Lord, we get more strength and confidence to face the future events of our life.
Lord, thank you for this new day and this new year. Grant me opportunities to to love you and preach your message.
We shall start this year wth more hope and confidence in our lives.The past should not frighten us.The future is waiting for us.As long as the Lord is with us and as long as we are faithful to Him, we don't have to be afraid of anything in our lives. We shall march ahead with peace and joy in our hearts.
Saturday, December 31, 2011
New Year,Jan.1,12,Mt.1:18-25
Greetings of the New Year.Let us not think of the failures of the past but think of the possibilities in the future.We cannot change the past but we can mould the future.With the grace of God present in our lives, we can go forward with confidence and face the future with hope in our heart.For, we know that our Lord and Savior , Jesus, is with us.
Today's Gospel presents before us the dilemmma faced by Joseph when he is confronted with the pregnancy of Mary. He was told in a dream that Mary was conceived of the Holy Spirit and that the child who will be born is the Savior of the world.He was further told to accept Mary as his wife.The child will be named Jesus meaning that he is the Savior.
In his recent book, the Light of the World, the Holy Father speaks of a tendency that has become very much prevalent among modern Christians. He calls it ,Negative tolerance which is a kind of indifference shown by the Christians towards matters of faith under the guise of offending no one.
We often adopt this attitude when we deal with our faith in the Lord. Even though we say say Jesus is our Lord, we often behave as if Jesus is on the periphery of our life.Our faith in Jesus does not transform our lives.We are selfish and arrogant, contemptuous and abusive in our dealings with people.
Karl Barth once said that he would hold in one hand the daily news paper and in the other the Bible and interpret the events of life in the light of the teachings of the Bible.
Today we have to proclaim our faith in the Lord not only through our thoughts but also through our life and actions.
Today's Gospel presents before us the dilemmma faced by Joseph when he is confronted with the pregnancy of Mary. He was told in a dream that Mary was conceived of the Holy Spirit and that the child who will be born is the Savior of the world.He was further told to accept Mary as his wife.The child will be named Jesus meaning that he is the Savior.
In his recent book, the Light of the World, the Holy Father speaks of a tendency that has become very much prevalent among modern Christians. He calls it ,Negative tolerance which is a kind of indifference shown by the Christians towards matters of faith under the guise of offending no one.
We often adopt this attitude when we deal with our faith in the Lord. Even though we say say Jesus is our Lord, we often behave as if Jesus is on the periphery of our life.Our faith in Jesus does not transform our lives.We are selfish and arrogant, contemptuous and abusive in our dealings with people.
Karl Barth once said that he would hold in one hand the daily news paper and in the other the Bible and interpret the events of life in the light of the teachings of the Bible.
Today we have to proclaim our faith in the Lord not only through our thoughts but also through our life and actions.
Thursday, December 29, 2011
Christmas Reflections,Dec.30,11,Lk.1: 26-55
As we celebrate today the feast of Mary as the Mother of God, we have for reflection the passage from the Gospel of Luke, giving the account of the birth of Our Lord and Mary's praise of God, known as the Magnificat.
What characterizes Mary's life is her total submission to the will of God and her willingness to live by that decision.Her faith in God and her profound humility will help us to lead a good Christian life.Her words in the Maginficat will always inspire us when we feel dispirited and abandoned. Her words give us hope and confidence, making us aware that God will never forsake the poor and the powerless. Even if we don't hold any position of prominence , we will never be ignored or neglected.We are important in the eyes of God.
Peace and joy will come into our life when we know that God will never forsake us and that He will guide us through the tortuous paths of life.Jesus will be born in our hearts when we allow ourselves to be led by the Providence of God.
What characterizes Mary's life is her total submission to the will of God and her willingness to live by that decision.Her faith in God and her profound humility will help us to lead a good Christian life.Her words in the Maginficat will always inspire us when we feel dispirited and abandoned. Her words give us hope and confidence, making us aware that God will never forsake the poor and the powerless. Even if we don't hold any position of prominence , we will never be ignored or neglected.We are important in the eyes of God.
Peace and joy will come into our life when we know that God will never forsake us and that He will guide us through the tortuous paths of life.Jesus will be born in our hearts when we allow ourselves to be led by the Providence of God.
Christmas Reflections,Dec.29,11,Mt.1:18-25
In today's Gospel, Mattthew gives an account of all the events that happend with the birth of Jesus in a few words. In a dream ,Joseph was told about the miraculous conception of Jesus and was told to accept Mary as his wife without any doubt or suspicion.Jesus would be called Emmanuel.
Now in these days as we experience the joy of the celebration of the birth of Jesus, it is natural for us to slip from these joyous feelings when hardships face us. We will have to remember that our Lord is always with us and He will never forsake us. He is Lord with us.He is always there for us. That thought keeps our confidence high and makes us never be afraid of the harsh realities of life.We get the confidence to face them and overcome them because the Lord is always with us.
Now in these days as we experience the joy of the celebration of the birth of Jesus, it is natural for us to slip from these joyous feelings when hardships face us. We will have to remember that our Lord is always with us and He will never forsake us. He is Lord with us.He is always there for us. That thought keeps our confidence high and makes us never be afraid of the harsh realities of life.We get the confidence to face them and overcome them because the Lord is always with us.
Saturday, December 24, 2011
Advent Reflections,Dec.dec.24,11,Jn.13:31-35
In today's reading from the Gospel, we find Jesus asking his followers to follow the new commandment that he is giving them.The OT was full of rules and regulations governing every aspect of life in order to show that the chosen people remained faithful to God.Jesus goes into the heart of these commandments to make them know the love among themselves is the important aspect of their Christian life. The model of that love is Jesus's love for each one of us.The love of Jesus is the love of the Father, devoid of any selfishness or envy.It is total , pure and other-centered.Such should be the love that should exist among oursleves.If there exists this type of love in our families and communities, unbelievable changes would happen in our lives.
Today ,as we we prepare for Christmas, we shall ask the Lord to grant us the grace to love all who come into our lives totally and whole-heartedly.
Today ,as we we prepare for Christmas, we shall ask the Lord to grant us the grace to love all who come into our lives totally and whole-heartedly.
Friday, December 23, 2011
Advent Reflections,Dec.23,11,MK.1:1-8
In today's Gospel from Mark, we are introduced to the ministry of John the Baptist as preparing the way for Christ.John preached a baptism of repentance, asking the people to give up the paths of sin and return to God.What better preparation is there for the coming for the Lord than giving up the paths of sin?.During these days of Christmas, our hearts should also undergo purification. We know what our Lord wants from us.
What better way is there for us not only to give up our sinful habits but also to fill our hearts with love. We shall ask the Lord to increase the power of love in our lives--to be more considerate, gentle and forgiving.
What better way is there for us not only to give up our sinful habits but also to fill our hearts with love. We shall ask the Lord to increase the power of love in our lives--to be more considerate, gentle and forgiving.
Thursday, December 22, 2011
Advent Reflections,Dec.22,Mt.9:27-31
St.Matthew describes the heart-rending cry of two blind men asking the Lord to heal them from their blindness. Jesus feels great compassion and love for them.He also finds out their total faith in Him as the Son of the Lord.The Lord heals them right away , acknowldging their faith.
Today , we too are asked to acknowledge our faith in the Lord.Wen we have faith in the Lord our eyes too will be opened and we will be able to see thing s in the light of our faith.Our fear and worries will disappear because we know that Our Lord will never forsake us.We shall ask the Lord today to deepen our faithin order to see all the events happening in our lives in the light of faith.
Today , we too are asked to acknowledge our faith in the Lord.Wen we have faith in the Lord our eyes too will be opened and we will be able to see thing s in the light of our faith.Our fear and worries will disappear because we know that Our Lord will never forsake us.We shall ask the Lord today to deepen our faithin order to see all the events happening in our lives in the light of faith.
Wednesday, December 21, 2011
Advent Reflections,Dec.21,Jo.3:22-30
In today's Gospel, we find the disciples of John approaching him and telling him about the ministry of Jesus and how people are going over to him in large numbers. They see the ministries of both in human terms but John knew that his time was over and that he was only a forerunner. He says those beautiful words that summarize his life and message. It is Jesus who should grow in the lives of people and that he should fade away.
In this Christmas season the thought that should come uppermsot in our minds is allowing Jesus to grow in our hearts, our lives , our behavior and actions.If our selfishness disappears and the spirit of love begins to grow in our lives, it means that we are moving closer to Jesus. We shall pray that the spirit of love and forgiveness may grow in our lives.
In this Christmas season the thought that should come uppermsot in our minds is allowing Jesus to grow in our hearts, our lives , our behavior and actions.If our selfishness disappears and the spirit of love begins to grow in our lives, it means that we are moving closer to Jesus. We shall pray that the spirit of love and forgiveness may grow in our lives.
Monday, December 19, 2011
Advent 4th week Monday,Dec.19,11,Lk.1:39-45
Today's Gospel describes Mary's visit to Elizabeth and all the events that happen in her life.She recognizes that Mary is the mother of the Lord and expresses her unworthiness in being visited by Mary.In that short passage, we have events filled with the power of God.Elizabeth calls her blessed because she believed that everything the Lord announced would be fulfilled in her life.Her total and absolute faith in God is being praised.
Mary's life should be a strong beacon for us to trust in the providence of God.Our life will have peace and joy when we commit oursleves to the will of God.Even if we don't understand the meaning of events happening in our life, we have to trust that the Lord would take care of our life and nothing bad would happen to us.
Mary's life should be a strong beacon for us to trust in the providence of God.Our life will have peace and joy when we commit oursleves to the will of God.Even if we don't understand the meaning of events happening in our life, we have to trust that the Lord would take care of our life and nothing bad would happen to us.
Saturday, December 17, 2011
Advent Reflections,Dec.17,Jn.7:25-31
To the listeners who are thinking of him in human terms,Jesus tells them that even though they know from where he is coming, they are not aware of His divine origin.He tells them plainly that the one who sent him is truth himsef and they do not know him.They now know he is speaking to them on a differnt plane.But the eyes of many were blinded. But some believed in him. What about our belief?Are we strongly committed to him?Today , we shall depeen our faith in the Lord and nver feel afraid of anything in our life.Jesus is our fortress, our hope.
Friday, December 16, 2011
Interview with Rick Warren.
In an interview given to Paul Bradshaw, Rick Warren speaks about his faith and the challenges he has to face in his life. in spite of all the fame he got from the sale of more than 15 million his books, he says that nothing has changed in his life. He remains more determined than ever to commit himslef to Christ and to the welfare of people.He says that we are born to know God and love Him more: " WhenI I get up in the morning, I sit on the side of my bed and say,God,if I don't get anything else done today, I want to know You more and love You better....God did not put me on earth just to fulfil a to do-list.He is more interested in what I am than what I do."
He says that we have to ask ourselves daily whether we are going to live for possessions or popularity or what God wants us to do in life.
He also reminds us that life is not hills and valleyes but is something beteween both of them. We will have sorrow along with joy.In the same year he became very popular from the sale of his books, he came to know that his wife had cancer." I beleive life is like two rails on a railroad track, and at all tmes you have something good and something bad in your life.
He says that we have to ask ourselves daily whether we are going to live for possessions or popularity or what God wants us to do in life.
He also reminds us that life is not hills and valleyes but is something beteween both of them. We will have sorrow along with joy.In the same year he became very popular from the sale of his books, he came to know that his wife had cancer." I beleive life is like two rails on a railroad track, and at all tmes you have something good and something bad in your life.
Advent Reflections,Dec.16,11,Mt.5:17-20
In today's Gospel, after reminding his listeners that He has come not to destroy the Law but to fulfill it, Jesus tells them that those who follow His teaching will be considered great in the eyes of God. What is important in our life is our determination to follow the will of God and to live according to the teachings of Christ. Once we begin to keep Jesus in our heart and become loving and forgiving, we become blessed with peace and joy in our life. As long as we live according to the teachings of Jesus, we don't have to be afraid of anything in our life.
What is needed is a conversion in our heart. Titles, positions and opinions of people do not mean anything in life.
What gives us joy is our willingness to live according to the teachings of Jesus. Our life should not just be similar to the life of those people who have not known Jesus Christ. We who have known Jesus should be more forgiving, loving and helpful.
What is needed is a conversion in our heart. Titles, positions and opinions of people do not mean anything in life.
What gives us joy is our willingness to live according to the teachings of Jesus. Our life should not just be similar to the life of those people who have not known Jesus Christ. We who have known Jesus should be more forgiving, loving and helpful.
Thursday, December 15, 2011
Advent,Dec.15,Mt.20:29-34
Jesus was on the way from Jericho and he was approached by two blind men asking him to give them sight.Their cry was heart-rending and was filled with faith.They cried out, saying:Son of David, have mercy on us.Jesus felt great compassion for them and gave them what they wanted.
We too in our life , although we see things physically, are oftern internally blind.Our blindness is caused by by our arrogance, selfishnes, pride etc. Today is the day for us to get rd of our blindness and become more loving and forgiving.We shall ask the Lord to open our eyes and help us to see things as He sees.
We too in our life , although we see things physically, are oftern internally blind.Our blindness is caused by by our arrogance, selfishnes, pride etc. Today is the day for us to get rd of our blindness and become more loving and forgiving.We shall ask the Lord to open our eyes and help us to see things as He sees.
Tuesday, December 13, 2011
Advent Reflections,Dec.13,Tuesday
In today's Gospel ,Jesus was asked by what authority he was teaching and doing miracles.Those Jewish leaders were not interested in any change in their attitudes or spiritual views.They just wanted to engage Jesus in intellectual discussions. Jesus countered them with another question regarding their opinion on John the Baptist.They had no answer as they were afraid to give their honest opinion.
What becomes clear to us is that they were mentally blind and not open to a real conversion of their hearts. But we know who Jesus is and what his authority is. In spite of that knowledge ,we are reluctant to change. Today , we are given another opportunity to put our trust in Him and follow Him in our lives.Whatever there is to be changed has to be changed. He is with us. He has asked us not to be afraid.
What becomes clear to us is that they were mentally blind and not open to a real conversion of their hearts. But we know who Jesus is and what his authority is. In spite of that knowledge ,we are reluctant to change. Today , we are given another opportunity to put our trust in Him and follow Him in our lives.Whatever there is to be changed has to be changed. He is with us. He has asked us not to be afraid.
Monday, December 12, 2011
Advent Reflections- Dec.12,-Lk.19:1-10
In today's Gospel, we see the encounter between Jesus and Zacchaeus.In that encounter, we see the deep desire of Zachaeus to meet Jesus and the overwhelming love that Jesus has for him by offering to visit him without being asked for it.That meeting changes the entire life of Zacchaeus. He becomes a transformed person.He is willing to change the direction of his life and is doing reparations for the offenses he has committed.
The presence of Jesus will make changes in our life. We have to express our desire for the presence of the Lord. The Lord will give us the grace to make the transformation in our lives. We don't have to be worried about anything.Allow him to transform us. Just trust in him.He will make the sun rise in our life.
The presence of Jesus will make changes in our life. We have to express our desire for the presence of the Lord. The Lord will give us the grace to make the transformation in our lives. We don't have to be worried about anything.Allow him to transform us. Just trust in him.He will make the sun rise in our life.
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Col.3:12-17;Rom.12:9-21
Col.3:12-17
Clothe yourselves with heartfelt mercy,with kindness, humility...patience.Forgive as the Lord has forgiven you....Sing gratefully to God from your hearts in the psalms,hymns, and inspired songs.Whatever you do...do it int the name of the Lord Jesus.Give thanks to God the Father.
Rom.12:9-21
Detest what is evil...Love one another...Bless your persecutors.Never repay injury with injury..Do not be conquered by evil..Conquer evil with good.
Today is the day for me to live in the spirit of the above words of St.Paul.As Bishop has reminded, we have to leave the past and the future to God and live in the present, finding peace and happiness in the presence of the Lord. The presence of the Lord in our hearts gives us the courage to banish all thoughts of worry and fear.
The Lord is my life and strength and I will spend my time praising him.
Clothe yourselves with heartfelt mercy,with kindness, humility...patience.Forgive as the Lord has forgiven you....Sing gratefully to God from your hearts in the psalms,hymns, and inspired songs.Whatever you do...do it int the name of the Lord Jesus.Give thanks to God the Father.
Rom.12:9-21
Detest what is evil...Love one another...Bless your persecutors.Never repay injury with injury..Do not be conquered by evil..Conquer evil with good.
Today is the day for me to live in the spirit of the above words of St.Paul.As Bishop has reminded, we have to leave the past and the future to God and live in the present, finding peace and happiness in the presence of the Lord. The presence of the Lord in our hearts gives us the courage to banish all thoughts of worry and fear.
The Lord is my life and strength and I will spend my time praising him.
Saturday, January 8, 2011
Denaha-Epiphany,1st S,Jan.9,11,Lk.4:14-22
Tomorrow is the celebration of the Epiphany of the Lord---the manifestation of Jesus to the public.The reading from the Gospel is the proclamation of the Lord that the words of the Prophet Isaiah are fulfilled in him as he read those words in the Synagogue at Nazareth.The celebration of the Epiphany should be a reminder in my life about my life's mission and goals. As a Christian, my mission in this world is to live my faith and proclaim it through my life and actions.When I live the faith in total submission to the will of God, my life becomes another epiphany of my Christian faith.
Lord, help me to live a life that is open to you totally. Let me not be bothered by what I get from life or what others think of me. What is important is how I appear before you.Help me to live in peace , knowing that You are there always for me.As long as you are there in my life and as long as my faith in you remains unshaken, no power on earth , religious or non-religious, political or social, can take away peace from from the depths of my heart. As Merton, says,knowing that God loves me is enough for my happiness.
Lord, help me to live a life that is open to you totally. Let me not be bothered by what I get from life or what others think of me. What is important is how I appear before you.Help me to live in peace , knowing that You are there always for me.As long as you are there in my life and as long as my faith in you remains unshaken, no power on earth , religious or non-religious, political or social, can take away peace from from the depths of my heart. As Merton, says,knowing that God loves me is enough for my happiness.
Saturday, January 1, 2011
Jan.1,2011
Today is the beginning of the New year, offering me opportunities of plenty of reflections on the year that went by and the year that is taking shape. At the midnight mass, in my sermon, I made a reference to the opening lines of Browning's poem Rabbi Ben Ezra:" Grow old with me, the best is yet to be...See all and don't be afraid."I have to look ahead and walk confidently because the Lord will watch over me.Whatever He prepares for me in the months ahead will be "the best yet to be."In the Gospel for the mass, I read Mary's Magnificat which in fact represents for me my feeling about the past year: "My soul magnifies the Lord.He has done great things for me."Looking back, I find that He has guided me and protected me without any scratch. Whatever may be the challenges and problems I face in the New Year, I know, I would have the presence of the Lord in my life which will help me to walk confidently to face the music of life.Appropriating for myself, the words of Maria in the Sound of Music, I would say: "I have got confidence in me."
My Daily Bread gives very good reflections that are good for me: " Place your hopes, ambitions and efforts at My Feet.Do your best and leave the rest to Me....Rely on My Wisdom and love,and I will bring peace into your heart. Worries and fears will not leave you until you submit yourself to My Will in all things."
Thank you Lord for this New Year. Trusting you,I move forward.
My Daily Bread gives very good reflections that are good for me: " Place your hopes, ambitions and efforts at My Feet.Do your best and leave the rest to Me....Rely on My Wisdom and love,and I will bring peace into your heart. Worries and fears will not leave you until you submit yourself to My Will in all things."
Thank you Lord for this New Year. Trusting you,I move forward.
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