Put your talents into use: Saturday of the Twenty-First Week in Ordinary Time (I) (31st August, 2019).

Homily (Reflection) for Saturday of the Twenty-First Week in Ordinary Time (I) (31^st August, 2019) on the Gospel

(B.V.M on Saturday Opt. Mem)

 
1Thess 4:9-11;
Ps 97:1.7-9. (R. v.9);
Matt 25:14-30.

Topic: Put your talents into use.

Jesus compared the kingdom of heaven in today’s gospel to a man who before going on a journey entrusted his property to his slaves. He gave five talents to one, to another two, and to another one; to each according to his ability. The one who received five and the other who received two traded with theirs immediately and doubled them. On the contrary, the slave who received one talent dug a hole and hid it. On the master’s return, the slave who received five talents and the one who received two received the same verdict, “Well done, good and trustworthy slave; you have been trustworthy in a few things, I will put you in charge of many things; enter into the joy of your master.” However, when the one who received one talent came forward, he reported,

Master, I knew that you were a harsh man, reaping where you did not sow, and gathering where you did not scatter seed; so I was afraid, and I went and hid your talent in the ground. Here you have what is yours.

The one talent was taken away and given to the one with ten. And the slave was thrown into the outer darkness, a place of weeping and gnashing of teeth.

Their master expected each to yield fruits according to the talents given, cf. Lk 12:48. Hence the one who doubled five talents and the other who doubled two received the same reward. In the same vein, each of us is required to produce fruits according to the number of talents received.

Bible Reading: Lk 12:41-48.

Thought for today: Use your talents.

Let us pray: Lord, give us the grace to make the best use of all the talents you have given us – Amen.

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Never forget the oil: Friday of the Twenty-First Week in Ordinary Time (I) (30th August, 2019).

Homily (Reflection) for Friday of the Twenty-First Week in Ordinary Time (I) (30^th August, 2019) on the Gospel

 
1Thess 4:1-8;
Ps 96:1-2.5-6.10-12. (R. v. 12);
Matt 25:1-13.

Topic: Never forget the oil.

In today’s gospel, Jesus compared the kingdom of heaven to ten bridesmaids who went to meet the bridegroom with their lamps. Only the five wise ones took their oil also. When the bridegroom delayed, they all became drowsy and slept. However, they were called at midnight to meet the bridegroom. The foolish ones begged the wise ones for oil when their lamps were going out. They were asked to go and get theirs. And while they were out, the bridegroom entered into the wedding banquet with those who were ready and the door shut. The foolish ones later came and pleaded unsuccessfully to be let in.

Jesus is the light of the world. Whoever follows Him will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life, cf. Jn 8:12. 9:5.12:46). He is the true light that enlightens everybody, cf. Jn 1:9. God has called us out of darkness into His marvellous light, cf. 1Pt 2:9. Every Christian is a son/daughter of light and of the day, and not of the night or of darkness, cf. 1Thes 5:5. His followers are “the light of the world” (Matt 5:14). Despite all these, Jesus warns “be careful lest the light in you be darkness” (Lk 11:35).

Both the wise and the foolish have their lamps. They all became drowsy and slept. However, when they were called to meet the bridegroom, it became clear who is who. Truly, God “has qualified us to share in the inheritance of the saints in light”, cf. Col 1:12. But for one to be admitted, he/she must carry also the oil, one’s good deeds, cf. Eph 5:8-10. We are urged to become sons and daughters of light now by believing in Him, cf. Jn 12:35-36. Whoever fails is condemned like the foolish bridesmaids, cf. Mk 16:16; Jn 3:18-19. Lamp without oil is useless; it cannot give light, cf. Matt 5:15.

Bible Reading: Lk 11: 33-36; Eph 5:1-20; 1Pt 2:1-10.

Thought for today: Do you have enough oil?

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Terrible is a bad adviser: Memorial of the Beheading of Saint John the Baptist (29th August, 2019).

Homily (Reflection) for the Memorial of the Beheading of Saint John the Baptist (29^th August, 2019) on the Gospel and the Memorial

 
Jer 1:17-19;
Ps 70:1-6.15.17. (R. v.15);
Mk 6:17-29.

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 him 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' 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 oath and for his guests, cf. Mk 6: 26-28.[1]

Topic: Terrible is a bad adviser.

Think about the offer Herod made to Herodias’ daughter; even half of his kingdom. It could have been probably an opportunity to be the youngest girl to rule such a vast kingdom, to spur young girls to use their talents positively, to raise the dignity of women when they counted not quite better than commodities, and so on. But because of her mother’s terrible advice, she turned her back on all these and many more to become a murderer; killed one who brought them the message of salvation, cf. Acts 13: 26.47; Eph 1:13.

The book of Proverbs extols advice, “Fools think their own way is right, but the wise listen to advice” (Prov 12:15). Again, “By insolence the heedless make strife, but wisdom is with those who take advice” (Prov 13:10). The author also advices, “Listen to advice and accept instruction, that you may gain wisdom for the future” (Prov 19:20). We also read elsewhere, “Better is a poor but wise youth than an old and foolish king, who will no longer take advice” (Eccl 4:13).

We see in today’s gospel the power of advice (words). It is very important to listen to advice but it is more important to consider them before putting them into use, cf. Jas 1:19. Just one foolish advice turned Herodias’ daughter into a terrible monster.

Advisers must be very careful of what they give in the name of advice. One piece of advice can turn an angel into a demon and vice versa. And while giving advice, we must always remember that there is great reward for good advisers, cf. Dan 12:3. On the other hand, there is terrible punishment for bad advisers, cf. Matt 18:6; Mk 9:42; Lk 17:2.

Bible Reading: Prov 18:2-8; Eccl 4:9-16.

Thought for today: Give and also take only good advice.

Let us pray: God, enlighten us to identify the good and the bad advice; and strengthen us to accept only the good ones – Amen.

Saint John the Baptist – Pray for us.

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[1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beheading_of_St._John_the_Baptist

Whitewashed tombs: Memorial of Saint Augustine, B.D., (28th August, 2019) .

Homily (Reflection) for the Memorial of Saint Augustine, B.D., (28^th August, 2019) on the Gospel and the Memorial

 
1Thess 2:9-13;
Ps 138:7-12. (R.v.1);
Matt 23:27-32.

Saint Augustine of Hippo (13^th November 354 – 28^th August 430)[1] 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. [2]

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 follow the example of Saint Augustine and “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.

Saint Augustine – Pray for us.

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Sources: [1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Augustine_of_Hippo

                [2] http://www.catholic.org/saints/saint.php?saint_id=418

Nothing is hidden from God: Memorial of Saint Monica (27th August, 2019).

Homily (Reflection) for the Memorial of Saint Monica (27^th August, 2019) on the Gospel and the Memorial

 
1Thess 2:1-8;
Ps 138:1-3.4-6. (R. v.1);
Matt 23:23-26.

Saint Monica was born on 331 AD in Thagaste and was married to a pagan, Patricius at a very tender age. Her children were Saint Augustine (August 28), Navigius, and Perpetua. She endured her husband’s and her mother’s-in-law bad temper.  Although Patricius criticized her for her charity and piety, but he always respected her. She later won him and her mother-in-law to Christianity. She stopped Augustine from eating and sleeping in her house when he accepted the Manichean heresy and was living immoral life. Monica readmitted him after a vision that assured her that Augustine would return to the faith. She stayed too close to Augustine with prayers and fasting than he wanted. Augustine tricked her and left for Rome. On her arrival, she learnt that he had left for Milan. She did not give-up. In Milan, Augustine came under the influence of the bishop, Saint Ambrose, who also became Monica’s spiritual director. Saint Ambrose baptized Augustine and several of his friends at Easter, 387. Soon after, they left for Africa. She became ill and suffered severely for nine days and died on 387 AD in Ostia Antica. She is the patron Saint of Alcoholics, Married women, and Mothers.

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. Saint Monica we celebrate today on the contrary worked successfully for the conversion of her son, husband, and mother-in-law. We ought to follow her example.

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). 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 Monica – Pray for us.

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Woe to you...: Monday of the Twenty-First Week in Ordinary Time (I) (26th August, 2019).

Homily (Reflection) for Monday of the Twenty-First Week in Ordinary Time (I) (26^th August, 2019) on the Gospel

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

Topic: Woe to you....

In today’s gospel, Jesus summarized the scribes and the Pharisees as 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.

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.

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Ticket to heaven: Twenty-First Sunday of the Year (C) (25th August, 2019).

Homily (Reflection) for the Twenty-First Sunday of the Year (C) (25^th August, 2019) on the Gospel

Is 66:18-21;

Ps 116. (R. Mk 16:15);
Heb 12:5-7.11-13;
Lk 13:22-30.

Topic: Ticket to heaven.

Jesus warns in today’s gospel, “Strive to enter through the narrow door; for many, I tell you, will try to enter and will not be able.” These will knock and plead but the owner of the house will reply them, “I do not know where you come from.” Interestingly, they will begin to say, “We ate and drank with you, and you taught in our streets.” Yet he will say to them, “I do not know where you come from; go away from me, all you evildoers!”

In his letter to the Philippians, Saint Paul writes, “...our citizenship is in heaven” (Phil 3:20). Remember what God has prepared for those who love Him in heaven, “What no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the heart of man conceived” (1Cor 2:9, cf. Is 64:3). Saint Peter also describes it as “an inheritance which is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading” (1Pt 1:4). More touching is that whether one succeeds to enter or not, it is forever, cf. Dan 7:18, 27. 12:2; Matt 25:46.

The pains of not being able to enter through the narrow door is unimaginable. Hence Jesus goes on to warn,

There will be weeping and gnashing of teeth when you see Abraham and Isaac and Jacob and all the prophets in the kingdom of God, and you yourselves thrown out. Then people will come from east and west, from north and south, and will eat in the kingdom of God.

Some might think that based on their positions and/or connections that they will succeed through the narrow door. Jesus defines His friends as those who do His will, cf. Jn 15:14. He also prayed for them to the Father saying, “Father, I desire that those also, whom you have given me, may be with me where I am, to see my glory, which you have given me...” (Jn 17:24; cf. Jn 14:3).

A priest and a taxi driver both died and went to heaven. Saint Peter was at the Pearly Gates waiting for them. “Come with me,” said Peter to the taxi driver.

The taxi driver did as he was told and followed Peter to a mansion. It had anything you could imagine from a bowling alley to an Olympic-sized pool. “Wow, thank you,” said the taxi driver.

Next, Saint Peter led the priest to a rugged old shack with a bunk bed and a little, old television set. “Wait, I think you are a little mixed up,” said the priest. “Shouldn’t I be the one who gets the mansion? After all I was a priest, went to church every day, and preached God’s word.”

“Yes, that’s true,” replied Peter. “But during your sermons people slept. When the taxi driver drove, everyone prayed.”[1]

Saint Paul warns, “Do you not know that wrongdoers will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived! Fornicators, idolaters, male prostitutes, sodomites, thieves, the greedy, drunkards, revilers, robbers – none of these will inherit the kingdom of God” (1Cor 6:9-10). He also warns,

Now the works of the flesh are obvious: fornication, impurity, licentiousness, idolatry, sorcery, enmities, strife, jealousy, anger, quarrels, dissensions, factions, envy, drunkenness, carousing, and things like these. I am warning you, as I warned you before: those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God (Gal 5:19-21).

Everyone is strongly urged to enter the kingdom of God, cf. Lk 16:16. Nothing is good enough to deprive one the kingdom of God, cf. Mk 9:43-48. According to the Apostles, “It is through many persecutions that we must enter the kingdom of God,” cf. Acts 14:22. We have hope laid up for us in heaven, cf. Col 1:5.

Bible Reading: Mk 9:42-48; Gal 5:16-26; 1Pt 1:3–2:17. 4:12-19.

Thought for today: Something greater is in heaven.

Let us pray: Lord, give us the strength to enter through the narrow door – Amen.

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[1] Thomas, T. (2010). Spice up your homilies. Mumbai: St Pauls, p. 167.