Thursday, 31 August 2017

Pope's Prayer Intention for SEPTEMBER 2017.


Let us pray with the Holy Father:
 

Prayer Intention for SEPTEMBER 2017

 


Theme: Parishes.

 

That our parishes, animated by a missionary spirit, may be places where faith is communicated and charity is seen.

 
Source: http://www.apostleshipofprayer.org/2017-intentions/
 

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Ever on guard: Thursday of the Twenty-First Week in Ordinary Time (I) (31st August, 2017).


Homily (Reflection) for Thursday of the Twenty-First Week in Ordinary Time (I) (31st August, 2017) on the Gospel

 
1Thess 3:7-13;
Ps 89:3-4.12-14.17. (R.v.14);
Matt 24:42-51.
Topic: Ever on guard.
Jesus warns in today’s gospel that the Son of Man is coming at an unexpected hour,
Keep awake ... for you do not know on what day your Lord is coming.... if the owner of the house had known in what part of the night the thief was coming, he would have stayed awake and would not have let his house be broken into.
Blessed is the faithful and wise slave whom the master finds at work when he comes. His master will put him/her in charge of all his possessions. But the wicked slave who thinks the master is delayed and begins to beat others, and eats and drinks with drunkards will be caught unawares. He will cut such off and put him with the hypocrites, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.
Many do postpone when to give their lives entirely to God. Regrettably, those who are fortunate to see the proposed dates keep proposing new ones forgetting that no one is sure of seeing the next second, cf. Jas 4:14.
The riches of God’s kindness and forbearance and patience is meant to lead us to repentance, cf. Rom 2:4; 2Pt 3:9. We ought to accept God’s olive branch now because no one knows when the time will be up. As His kindness is great so also is His justice, cf. Rom 2:5-11. Hence, we read from prophet Nahum, “Who can stand before his indignation? Who can endure the heat of his anger? His wrath is poured out like fire, and the rocks are broken asunder by him” (Nah 1:6).
Bible Reading: Rom 2:1-16; Jas 4:13-17.
Thought for today: Today is the right time.
Let us pray: Lord, help us to turn fully to you without any further delay – Amen.
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Wednesday, 30 August 2017

Whitewashed tombs: Wednesday of the Twenty-First Week in Ordinary Time (I) (30th August, 2017).


Homily (Reflection) for Wednesday of the Twenty-First Week in Ordinary Time (I) (30th August, 2017) on the Gospel
 
1Thess 2:9-13;
Ps 138:7-12. (R.v.1);
Matt 23:27-32.
Topic: Whitewashed tombs.
Jesus likened the scribes and the Pharisees in today’s gospel as whitewashed tombs that look beautiful outside but full of bones of the dead and sorts of filth inside. They appeared righteous but full of hypocrisy and lawlessness.
Considering our call as Christians properly described as salt of the earth and light of the world. But for each to be relevant, salt must keep its taste and light give light from its stand. Otherwise they will be useless, cf. Matt 5:13-15).
We often forget that call to be a Christian is a call to a way of life; a call “to renounce irreligion and worldly passions, and to live sober, upright, and godly lives in this world” (Tit 2:12; cf. 1Pt 4:3). Christians are not theirs because they have been bought with a price, cf. 1Cor 6:19-20. 7:23; Rom 14:7. They have been crucified with Christ and therefore dead to sin, cf. Rom 6:11; Gal 2:20. Christians are created for good works, cf. Eph 2:10. They do not repay evil for evil, but always seek to do good to one another and to all, cf. 1Thess 5:15.
Christian living and non-Christian living oppose each other, cf. Gal 5:17. Saint Paul advised in 2Corinthians 6:14, “Do not be mismatched with unbelievers. For what partnership is there between righteousness and lawlessness? Or what fellowship is there between light and darkness?” And in the Romans, we read, “We know that our old self was crucified with him so that the sinful body might be destroyed, and we might no longer be enslaved to sin” (Rom 6:6).
Based on these and many more, dear brothers and sisters, are we really Christians or whitewashed tombs? May we “Seek the LORD while he may be found, call upon him while he is near” (Is 55:6).
Bible Reading: Rom 6:1-23; 14:7-9; Jas 1:19-27.
Thought for today: ...you also must consider yourselves dead to sin (Rom 6:11).
Let us pray: Lord, help us purge entirely every sort of filth within us – Amen.
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Tuesday, 29 August 2017

Nothing is hidden from God: Memorial of the Beheading of Saint John the Baptist (29th August, 2017).


Homily (Reflection) for the Memorial of the Beheading of Saint John the Baptist (29th August, 2017) on the Gospel and the Memorial
 
1Thess 2:1-8;
Ps 138:1-3.4-6. (R. v.1);
Matt 23:23-26.

According to the Synoptic Gospels, Herod, who was tetrarch, or sub-king, of Galilee under the Roman Empire, had imprisoned John the Baptist because he reproved Herod for divorcing his wife (Phasaelis) and unlawfully taking Herodias, the wife of his brother Herod Philip I as wife, cf. Matt 14:3-4; Mk 6:17-18; Lk 9:7-9. On Herod's birthday, Herodias's daughter danced before Herod and his guests. Her dancing pleased Herod so much that in his drunkenness he promised to give her anything she desired, up to half of his kingdom. Through the instigation of her mother, she preferred the head of John the Baptist on a dish. Though Herod was deeply grieved but her request prevailed because of Herod’s oaths and for his guests, cf. Mk 6: 26-28.[1]
Topic: Nothing is hidden from God.
Jesus further denounced the scribes and the Pharisees,
Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you tithe mint, dill, and cumin, and neglected the weightier matters of the law: justice and mercy and faith. It is these you ought to have practiced without neglecting the others. You blind leaders! You strain out a gnat but swallow a camel!
This corroborates with the words of Prophet Micah in chapter 6 verse 8, “He has told you, O mortal, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?” Many erroneously think like the scribes and the Pharisees that by doing tithing and other offerings they hide their atrocities from God.
Activities in churches today also downplay these weightier matters of the law. Almost every bit of energy is geared towards offerings. There are several strategies for achieving this and new ones are coming up daily. Yet little or no effort is channelled towards conversion.
Unfortunately, no one can hide his/her sins from God, cf. Ps 69:5. 139:15; Heb 4:13. He will bring everything to light, cf. 1Cor 4:5. Hence Jesus tells us, “Nothing is covered up that will not be revealed, or hidden that will not be known” including our sins (Lk 12:2).
There is need for total transformation, cf. Rom 12:2. We ought to avoid “eye-service, as men-pleasers, but as servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart” (Eph 6:6). Herod beheaded John the Baptist because of eye-service. And unless we become true servants of Christ, we might do worse things. Let no one be deceived; everyone will reap what he/she sows, cf. Gal 6:7.
Bible Reading: Rom 12:9-21.
Thought for today: Do not please humans.
Let us pray: May God help us serve Him with our whole being – Amen.
Saint John the Baptist – Pray for us.
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Monday, 28 August 2017

Woe to you...: Memorial of Saint Augustine, B.D., (28th August, 2017).


Homily (Reflection) for the Memorial of Saint Augustine, B.D., (28th August, 2017) on the Gospel and the Memorial
(Monday of the Twenty-First Week in Ordinary Time (I))

 
1Thess 1:1-5.8-10;
Ps 149:1-6.9. (R. v.4);
Matt 23:13-22.

Saint Augustine of Hippo (13th November 354 – 28th August 430) was son of Saint Monica. Although he was brought up a Christian and also one of the most intelligent men who ever lived, he spent many years in wicked living and in false beliefs (Manichaeism and neo-Platonism). Through the prayers of his mother and the preaching of Saint Ambrose, he became convinced that Christianity was the one true religion. But he was not converted immediately because he thought he could never live a pure life. On hearing that two men were converted after reading the life of Saint Anthony, he was filled with bitter sorrow and cried to God, “How long more, O Lord? Why does not this hour put an end to my sins?” He was baptized in 386, became a priest, a bishop, a famous Catholic writer, Founder of religious priests. Augustine is recognized as a saint in the Catholic Church, the Eastern Christian Church, and the Anglican Communion and as a preeminent Doctor of the Church. He overcame strong heresies, was very devout, practiced great poverty, and was also charitable. Augustine preached very often and prayed with great fervour right up until his death. He is the patron of the Augustinians, brewers, printers, theologians, the alleviation of sore eyes, and a number of cities and dioceses. Among his most important works are The City of God and Confessions. [1][2]
Topic: Woe to you....
Today’s gospel is the continuation of last Saturday’s gospel in which Jesus urged His listeners to do and to follow what the scribes and the Pharisees taught because they occupied Moses’ seat. He also warned them against following their example because they did not practice what they taught.
In today’s gospel, Jesus summarized them by naming them hypocrites. He denounced them and also proclaimed woes on them. Their sins include locking people out of the kingdom of heaven, suffering so much to make a convert only to make him/her worse child of hell than themselves, and also feeding the people with false teachings.
Saint Augustine we celebrate today was brought back to the true faith through the prayers of his mother and the preaching of Saint Ambrose. The story would have been different if these did not perform their roles well. Augustine attested to this in these words, “If I am your child, it is because you gave me such a mother.”
Ensure that no one is prevented from following God through your actions, words, and omissions. Every person can be a good channel for the salvation of others. Saint John warns, “Look to yourselves, that you may not lose what you have worked for, but may win a full reward” (2Jn 1:8). There will be woes to anyone who fails to be a channel of salvation to others.
Bible Readings: 2Jn 7-11.
Thought for today: You are a channel of salvation.
Let us pray: Lord, help us to be your sincere children – Amen.
 Saint Augustine – Pray for us.
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Sunday, 27 August 2017

The District of Caesarea Philippi: Twenty-First Sunday of the Year (A) (27th August, 2017).


Homily (Reflection) for the Twenty-First Sunday of the Year (A) (27th August, 2017) on the Gospel

Is 22:19-23;

Ps 137:1-3.6.8. (R.v. 8);
Rom 11:33-36;
Matt 16:13-20.

There is a story about an irreligious farmer in one of our western states, who gloried in his irreligion, and he wrote a letter to a local newspaper in these words: “Sir, I have been trying an experiment with a field of mine. I prowled it on Sunday. I planted it on Sunday. I cultivated it on Sunday. I harvested it on Sunday. I carted the crop home to the barn on Sunday. And now, Mr Editor, what is the result? This October I have more bushels to the acre from the field than any of my neighbours have”. He was expecting applause from the editor who was not known to be religious man himself. When the irreligious farmer opened the next publication of the paper, there was his letter printed just as he had sent it, but underneath it was the short but significant sentence: “God does not always settle accounts in October.”[1]
Topic: The District of Caesarea Philippi.
At the district of Caesarea Philippi, Jesus asked His disciples, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?” Their answers include John the Baptist, Elijah, Jeremiah, or one of the prophets. Beyond what others said, Jesus asked them, “But who do you say that I am?” It was Simon Peter who declared “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God” (Matt 16:16). Jesus answered him, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah! For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father in heaven” (Matt 16:17).
Peter could have bragged himself as the only person who could declare correctly that Jesus Christ was the Messiah. However, Jesus’ reply made him to understand that It is not by might, nor by power, but by the Spirit of the LORD of hosts, cf. Zech 4:6. Hence Jesus cautions, “apart from me you can do nothing” (Jn 15:5).
Jesus was not satisfied with what others said about Him at the district of Caesarea Philippi. He demanded from His disciples, “But who do you say that I am?”
We have heard a lot of what others said about God. Beyond all these, God demands of us our personal declarations. Saint Paul wrote that “...faith comes from what is heard, and what is heard comes by the preaching of Christ” (Rom 10:17). These things are not faith. Our lives as Christians can be compared with our biological lives. There are changes expected of each and every one of us at different points. Saint Paul has this to say about his own spiritual life, “When I was a child, I spoke like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child; when I became a man, I gave up childish ways” (1Cor 13:11). Every good thing others say about God is invitation to come closer to God. Using the words of the Psalmist, they are invitations to “taste and see that the LORD is good” (Ps 34:8).
Those challenging periods in our lives, can be better seen as our own ‘district of Caesarea Philippi’ where Jesus is asking each and every one of us, “...who do you say that I am?” The decisions and steps we take have a lot to say with regard to who we say Jesus Christ is. Jesus is not Lord only when things move as one wants. Hence, Job rightly asked, “Shall we receive good at the hand of God, and shall we not receive evil?” (Job 2:10). In all situations, God is still God, Jesus is Lord. Remember always that, “… all things are from God” (1Cor 11:12).
Unlike the irreligious farmer in our introductory story who could not positively consider why it was his own parcel of land that did better than others. Whatever one can achieve is made possible by God. It is “Not that we are competent of ourselves to claim anything as coming from us; our competence is from God” (2Cor 3:5). Wait on God for He does not always settle accounts when we expect it. Our lives as Christians should be that of testimony to the goodness of God.
Bible Reading: 1Cor 4:1-13; Lk 12:13-21; Ps 139.
Thought for today: To whom do you attribute your successes in life – self, someone, God or …?
Let us pray: Let us pray: Lord may we always see you at work in every achievement you accomplished in our lives and give you the glory – Amen.
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[1] Fuller, G. (2010). Stories for all seasons. Mumbai: St Pauls, p. 44.
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Saturday, 26 August 2017

Between duty and honour: Saturday of the Twentieth Week in Ordinary Time (I) (26th August, 2017).


Homily (Reflection) for Saturday of the Twentieth Week in Ordinary Time (I) (26th August, 2017) on the Gospel
(B.V.M on Saturday Opt. Mem)

 
Ruth 2:1-3.8-11; 4:13-17;
Ps 127:1-5. (R. v.4);
Matt 23:1-12.

Topic: Between duty and honour.
Jesus urged His listeners to do and to follow what the scribes and the Pharisees taught because they occupied Moses’ seat. However, they should not follow their example because they did not practice what they taught.
They do all their deeds to be seen by others; for they make their phylacteries broad and their fringes long. They love to have the place of honour at banquets and the best seats in the synagogues, and to be greeted with respect in the marketplaces, and to have people call them rabbi.
The sacred office the scribes and the Pharisees occupied meant nothing to them. Hence, Jesus often rebuked them.
Each of us also occupies sacred office/s. I do not mean few in the religious life. These offices mean nothing to many. Hence many hustle for other ones they consider higher. Some mothers do not consider themselves fully mothers because they have not been termed ‘Life members,’ Mother of this or that, even when there is nothing to justify any. Fathers and youths are not different. Even priests are not fulfilled because they have not been made pastors, monsignori, bishops, and so on. All these are geared towards either real or imagined honour and very far from the duties.
Jesus concludes, “All who exalt themselves will be humbled, and all who humble themselves will be exalted.” True honour comes after labour/duties.
Bible Reading: 1Pt 5:1-11.
Thought for today: You occupy a sacred office.
Let us pray: Lord, help us to realise how sacred our positions are and also give us the graces necessary to fulfil their demands – Amen.
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Friday, 25 August 2017

Not just the greatest: Friday of the Twentieth Week in Ordinary Time (I) (25th August, 2017).


Homily (Reflection) for Friday of the Twentieth Week in Ordinary Time (I) (25th August, 2017) on the Gospel
(Saint Louis of France; Saint Joseph Calasanz, P., Opt. Mems)
 
Ruth 1:1.3-6.14-16.22;
Ps 145:5-10. (R. v. 2);
Matt 22:34-40.

Topic: Not just the greatest.
The Pharisees gathered and one of them, a lawyer asked Jesus, “Teacher, which commandment in the law is the greatest?” He replied citing two scriptural passages,
‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ This is the greatest and first commandment. And a second is like it. ‘You shall love your neighbour as yourself’ cf. Deut 6:5; Lev 19:18.
The concept of love many have seems to be very far from what Jesus demands. Although the word love often comes out of many mouths yet hatred keeps escalating. And we always have thousands of reasons why we do not love others as Jesus commanded.
Jesus asks us to love others as He loves us, cf. Jn 13:34. 15:12. Because of His love for us, He died for us while we were still sinners, (cf. Rom 5:8), ate from the same bowl with a traitor, (cf. Matt 26:23; Mk 14:18), and even washed his feet, cf. Jn 13:5-12. Jesus set these as examples for us to follow, cf. Jn 13:15.
Love therefore is not just the greatest of all the commandments but also the hardest. It is unconditional and can only be found in God who is love, cf. 1Jn 4:8, 16. The best one can find elsewhere are just reflections of love. Although true love is truly the hardest of all the commandments, with God it is possible, cf. Lk 18:27. Whoever wants to truly love must do so in God.
Bible Reading: Rom 5:6-8, 31-39.
Thought for today: God is love (1Jn 4:16).
Let us pray: May God who is love transform us into loving beings – Amen.
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