Inclusive discipleship: Memorial of Saint Jerome, P.D. (30th September, 2019).

Homily (Reflection) for the Memorial of Saint Jerome, P.D. (30^th September, 2019) on the Gospel and the Memorial

 
Zech 8:1-8;
Ps 101:16-21.22-23.29. (R. v.17);
Lk 9:46-50.

Saint Jerome (c. 347 – 30^th September 420) was a presbyter, confessor, theologian and historian. He was born at Stridon, a village near Emona on the border of Dalmatia and Pannonia. Jerome is best known for his translation of most of the Bible into Latin (the Vulgate), and his commentaries on the Gospels. He was known for his teachings on Christian moral life, especially to those living in cosmopolitan centres such as Rome. In many cases, he focused his attention to the lives of women and identified how a woman devoted to Jesus should live her life. He is recognised as a Saint and Doctor of the Church by the Roman Catholic Church, the Eastern Orthodox Church, the Lutheran Church, and the Anglican Communion.[1]

Topic: Inclusive discipleship.

Jesus reacted to His disciples’ argument about who was the greatest among them by putting a little child beside Him and said to them, “Whoever welcomes this child in my name welcomes me, and whoever welcomes me welcomes the one who sent me; for the least among all of you is the greatest.” John reported how they tried to stop an exorcist who was not one of them from using Jesus’ name. But Jesus replied, “Do not stop him; for whoever is not against you is for you.”

We sometimes behave as if we have exclusive right over Jesus just as the disciples did in today’s gospel. However, we have one God, one Father and one Saviour, cf. Mal 2:10,15; 1Cor 8:6; Eph 4:6; Titus 1:4. Nobody is too bad for repentance. Jesus made us understand that God is so much after the people we have written off, cf. Matt 9:10-13.

Jesus “is the expiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the sins of the whole world” (1Jn 2:2). What we need from ourselves is every form of assistance that will get each and every one of us closer to Jesus. Following Saint Jerome’s example, we ought to help Jesus gather all as He prayed, cf. Jn 17:11, 22.

Bible Readings: Mal 2:10-17.

Thought for today: Jesus is not anybody’s personal property.

Let us pray: May God help us to gather ourselves together – Amen.

Saint Jerome – Pray for us.

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[1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jerome

Not for nothing: Twenty-Sixth Sunday of the Year (C) (29th September, 2019).

Homily (Reflection) for the Twenty-Sixth Sunday of the Year (C) (29^th September, 2019) on the Gospel

Amos 6:1.4-7;

Ps 145:6-10. (R. v. 2);
1Tim 6:11-16;
Lk 16:19-31.

Topic: Not for nothing.

In today’s gospel is a figure that better depicts a wealthy king, “a rich man who was dressed in purple and fine linen and who feasted sumptuously every day” (Lk 16:19). Surprisingly at his gate was the opposite, “a poor man named Lazarus, covered with sores, who longed to satisfy his hunger with what fell from the rich man’s table; even the dogs would come and lick his sores” (Lk 16:20-21).

Lazarus died and was taken to the bosom of Abraham. The rich man also died and was buried. While being tormented in Hades, he looked up and saw Abraham with Lazarus by his side and cried, “Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finder in water and cool my tongue; for I am in agony in these flames” (Lk 16:24).

Someone who had been feasting sumptuously every day now begs for a dip of finger in water. The only thing that looks like kindness in him is his prayer for his brothers lest they end up in the same place of torment. However Abraham told him that they have Moses and the prophets. Although he wanted someone to go from the land of the dead but Abraham replied, “If they do not listen to Moses and the prophets, neither will they be convinced even if someone rises from the dead.”

The LORD is the maker of both the rich and the poor, cf. Prov 22:2. He gives riches and honour. God rules over all and His hand makes great and gives strength to all, cf. 1Chr 29:12. Saint Paul also writes, “...all things are from God” (1Cor 11:12). And, “...from him and through him and to him are all things” (Rom 11:36).

God can do all things including making everybody rich, cf. Matt 19:26. Yet He did not make it so. We can infer a good number of reasons why He arranged things the way they are. But for the purpose of this homily, let us settle with the one in the prophecy of Blessed Simeon, “so that the inner thoughts of many will be revealed” (Lk 2:35). Although we may not say exactly why God arranged things as they are, but He has done all things well, cf. 1Tim 4:4. We cannot question God why He made one rich and the other poor, cf. Is 45:9.

The gospel did not tell us that the rich man did anything to Lazarus. In the words of the Psalmist he was being tormented in Hades because “he did not remember to show kindness” (Ps 109:16). The book of proverbs reads, “He who despises his neighbour is a sinner, but happy is he who is kind to the poor” (Prov 14:21). And whoever mocks the poor insults his Maker, cf. Prov 17:5.

God shows no partiality, cf. Gal 2:6; Eph 6:9. Through the prophet He commanded, “Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, let not the mighty man glory in his might, let not the rich man glory in his riches” (Jer 9:23). Every gift is for the common good, cf. 1Pt 4:10. Hence, the book of Ecclesiastes reads, “When goods increase, they increase who eat them; and what gain has their owner but to see them with his eyes?” (Eccl 5:11).

There is this story about heaven and hell. A devotee who wanted to know the difference between them was first led to hell. In hell, there was a banquet laid out with sumptuous food served on a long table. However, the elbows of all those seated at table could not be bent, and so it was impossible for them to put food into their mouths. This resulted in cursing and swearing all around. Heaven was no different. There too the devotee saw dishes laid out on a banquet table. Likewise, everybody’s elbows could not be bent. Interestingly, although heaven’s inhabitants couldn’t put food into their own mouths, they took food from the dishes and helped their neighbours to eat.[1]

We must make the best of the Lazarus and the rich man we are. Nobody is totally poor that he/she has nothing to offer. Everyone is rich and poor at the same time. And “He who is kind to the poor lends to the LORD, and he will repay him for his deed” (Prov 19:17). Again, “He who closes his ear to the cry of the poor will himself cry out and not be heard” (Prov 21:13). We conclude with these words of Saint Paul, “As for the rich in this world, charge them not to be haughty, nor to set their hopes on uncertain riches but on God who richly furnishes us with everything to enjoy” (1Tim 6:17).

Bible Reading: Jas 1:9-11; 1Tim 6:11-19.

Thought for today: Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy (Matt 5:7).

Let us pray: Lord, help us to know how rich we are and to employ our riches for our brothers and sisters – Amen.

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[1] Sagayanathan, A., (2009). Launching pad: Stories for Sunday homilies, year-A,B&C. Bangalore: Asian Trading Corporation, p. 329.

As you rise: Saturday of the Twenty-Fifth Week in Ordinary Time (I), (28th September, 2019).

Homily (Reflection) for Saturday of the Twenty-Fifth Week in Ordinary Time (I), (28^th September, 2019) on the Gospel

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

 
Zech 2:5-9.14-15;
Jer 31:10-13. (R. v.10);
Lk 9:43-45.

Topic: As you rise.

Jesus came into the world to save the world, cf. Jn 3:17. 12:47. In the words of Saint Paul, “...Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners” (1Tim 1:15). This mission He was to accomplish through His death on the cross, cf. Rom 5:10; Eph 2:16.

In today’s gospel, “While everyone was amazed at all that he [Jesus] was doing, he said to his disciples, ‘Let these words sink into your ears: The Son of Man is going to be betrayed into human hands.’” In other words, asking them to concentrate on the mission.

We are in this world for a mission. But the tendency of forgetting our mission seems to rise as we rise. We are admonished, “You shall remember the LORD your God, for it is he who gives you power to get wealth” (Deut 8:18a). The Psalmist warns, “...if riches increase, set not your heart on them” (Ps 62:10). This is because, “...the wise die, the fool and the stupid alike must perish and leave their wealth to others” (Ps 49:10). Note, “He who loves money will not be satisfied with money; nor he who loves wealth, with gain” (Eccl 5:10).

Every increment comes with corresponding responsibility, cf. Eccl 5:11. However, not all who do everything possible to rise are ready for the corresponding responsibility. As you rise, do not lose your mission because it is based on the fulfilment of your mission that you shall be rewarded. How far do you fulfil yours?

Bible Reading: Ps 49:1-20. 52:1-9.

Thought for today: Every level has corresponding responsibility.

Let us pray: Lord, assist us in fulfilling all you required of us – Amen.

 

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Knowing Jesus: Memorial of Saint Vincent de Paul, P., (27th September, 2019)

Homily (Reflection) for the Memorial of Saint Vincent de Paul, P., (27^th September, 2019) on the Gospel and the Memorial

 
Hagg 2:1-9;
Ps 42:1-4. (R. cf. v.5);
Lk 9:18-22.

Saint Vincent de Paul was born to a poor peasant family in Pouy on 24^th April, 1581. He was hired as a tutor based on his brilliant performance in his studies. His earnings helped him in the study of theology at the University of Toulose. He was ordained in 1600 and remained in Toulose for a time. In 1605, he was captured and sold into slavery. He escaped after two years and returned to France. While studying in Rome, he was a chaplain to the Count of Goigny and also in charge of distributing money to the deserving poor. He spent his life preaching missions to and providing relief to the poor and also established hospitals for them. Later, he extended his ministry to convicts. He founded the Ladies of Charity, and the Congregation of Priests of the Mission (Vincentians) to help him carry on the ministry. Saint Vincent helped in the reformation of the clergy and the seminary formation. He died in Paris on September 27, 1660. Pope Benedict XIII beatified him on August 13, 1729 and was canonized by Pope Leo XIII on June 16, 1737. He is the patron of charities; horses; hospitals; leprosy; lost articles; Madagascar; prisoners; Richmond, Virginia; spiritual help; Saint Vincent de Paul Societies; Sacred Heart Cathedral Preparatory; Vincentian Service Corps; volunteers.[1]

Topic: Knowing Jesus.

In today’s gospel Jesus asked His disciples while praying, “Who do the crowds say that I am?” They thought He was John the Baptist, Elijah, or one of the ancient prophets. He asked further, “But who do you say that I am?” Peter replied, “The Messiah of God.” He also foretold His death and resurrection.

The timing of these questions (when Jesus was praying), says a lot about their necessity. Jesus came that we may have life in abundance, cf. Jn 10:10. However, believing that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God is the key, cf. Jn 20:31. The letter to the Hebrews reads, “...without faith it is impossible to please him. For whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him” (Heb 11:6).

Believing in God only needs our cooperation; “No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him” (Jn 6:44). We ought to beseech God earnestly to draw us to Himself.

Bible Reading: Heb 11:4-7.

Thought for today: Who is Jesus?

Let us pray: God, draw us to yourself that we may believe in you – Amen.

Saint Vincent de Paul – Pray for us.

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[1] http://www.catholic.org/saints/saint.php?saint_id=326

Hurt not: Thursday of the Twenty-Fifth Week in Ordinary Time (I).

Homily (Reflection) for Thursday of the Twenty-Fifth Week in Ordinary Time (I) (26^th September, 2019) on the Gospel

 
Hag 1:1-8;
Ps 149:1-6.9. (R.v.4);
Lk 9:7-9.

Topic: Hurt not.

When Herod heard about Jesus, he was perplexed because some said that John had been raised from the dead. Herod wondered because he beheaded John.

The book of Proverbs reads, “The eyes of the LORD are in every place, keeping watch on the evil and the good” (Prov 15:3). And He will repay everyone according to their deeds, cf. Matt 16:27; Rev 22:12.

Herod’s worry confirmed God’s words, “There is no peace...for the wicked” (Is 48:22; cf. Is 57:21; Gen 50:15). Again, “the evil man has no future; the lamp of the wicked will be put out” (Prov 24:20). God also threatened to send curses, confusion, and frustration upon the wicked, and in all they undertake until they are destroyed and perish on account of the evil they do, cf. Deut 28:20.

We must wash ourselves; make ourselves clean; remove the evil of our doings and cease to do evil, cf. Is 1:16. Our life is like a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes, cf. Jas 4:14. The book of Proverbs rightly warns, “Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring forth” (Prov 27:1). We conclude with these words: Hurt not today that you may have peace tomorrow.

Bible Reading: Jas 4:13-17.

Thought for today: Prepare a peaceful tomorrow.

Let us pray: God, give us a heart of flesh to love you and our neighbours – Amen.

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Call to duty: Wednesday of the Twenty-Fifth Week in Ordinary Time (I).

Homily (Reflection) for Wednesday of the Twenty-Fifth Week in Ordinary Time (I) (25^th September, 2019) on the Gospel

 

Ezra 9:5-9;

Tob 13:2.4.6-8. (R.v.1);
Lk 9:1-6.

Topic: Call to duty.

In today’s gospel Jesus sent the twelve out with the authority over the unclean spirits. He said to them, “Take nothing for your journey, no staff, nor bag, nor bread, nor money – not even an extra tunic” (Lk 9:3). They should stay in any house where they are welcomed until they leave the place and should shake off the dust on their feet while leaving the place where they are not welcomed. The twelve preached the good news and also cured the diseased.

Considering Jesus’ instruction to the twelve it looks as if God was about to repeat what He did during the Israelites’ journey to the promised land; they spent forty years in the wilderness yet their clothes did not worn out, and their sandals did not worn off their feet; cf. Deut 29:5. He also provided bread, meat, and water for them all through their journey, cf. Ex 15:23-25; 16:4, 10-15, 21, 35; 17:2-6. Otherwise, how could they survive?

In a parallel passage, there is a clue to how Jesus wanted them to survive: labourers deserve their food (Matt 10:10). And in Luke, Jesus sheds more light, “Remain in the same house, eating and drinking whatever they provide, for the labourer deserves to be paid.... eat what is set before you” (Lk 10:7,8).

Jesus is telling us in today’s gospel that we all have our respective tasks with regard to the spreading of the gospel. The faithful is to provide for their ministers. If ministers of God leave their work in search of bread, bag, money, tunics and so on surely they will find these but not without inflicting serious injuries to the souls they are to pasture. Simply put, souls will be lost. And dearest ministers of God remember Pauline maxim, “If anyone will not work, let him not eat” (2Thess 3:10).

Bible Reading: 2Thess 3:6-15.

Thought for today: You have a role in the spreading of the gospel.

Let us pray: Lord, help every one of us to do our parts in your vineyard so that the gospel will continue to spread to the ends of the earth – Amen.

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Proof of worth: Tuesday of the Twenty-Fifth Week in Ordinary Time (I).

Homily (Reflection) for Tuesday of the Twenty-Fifth Week in Ordinary Time (I) (24^th September, 2019) on the Gospel

 
Ezra 6:7-8.12.14-20;
Ps 121:1-5. (R. v.1);
Lk 8:19-21.

Topic: Proof of worth.

When Jesus was told in today’s gospel that His mother and brothers were looking for Him, He replied, “My mother and my brothers are those who hear the word of God and do it.” This reply calls for a look at those things we count on to pave way for us to heaven. These include church, status, and many more. Jesus warns, “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven” (Matt 7:21a).

He also warns, “If any one comes to me and does not hate his own father and mother and wife and children and brothers and sisters, yes, and even his own life, he cannot be my disciple” (Lk 14:26; cf. Lk 14:27,33). Although many see this as too old for today, we are yet to receive another condition.

One is to make heaven or not based on his/her commitment to Christ’s call to remain in His words, cf. Jn 8:31. In other words, one is to prove his/her worth through doing the will of our Father who is in heaven, cf. Matt 7:21b. Whoever hopes in any other thing is deceiving him/herself. Saint Paul warns against this, “Do you not know that wrongdoers will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived! Fornicators, idolaters, adulterers, male prostitutes, sodomites, thieves, the greedy, drunkards, revilers, robbers – none of these will inherit the kingdom of God” (1Cor 6:9-10). Again,

Do not be deceived; God is not mocked, for you reap whatever you sow. If you sow to your flesh, you will reap corruption from the flesh; but if you sow to the Spirit, you will reap eternal life from the Spirit (Gal 6:7-8).

Bible Reading: Matt 7:21-27; Gal 6:1-10.

Thought for today: Doing God’s will is the key.

Let us pray: God, give us the grace to do your will here on earth – Amen.

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