Fourth Sunday of the Year (B)

 Homily (Reflection) for the Fourth Sunday of the Year (B) (31^st January, 2021) on the Gospel

 

Deut 18:15-20;

Ps 94:1-2.6-9 (R. v. 9);

1Cor 7:32-35;

Mk 1:21-28.

A man had a visitor whom he did not want to receive. He was able to see his “unwanted” visitor when he was still at the gate with the help of the Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) cameras. He immediately instructed his 5 years old daughter thus: “Mummy, I do not want to see that man at the gate. So if he asks of me tell him that I am not around”.

Shortly, the “unwanted” visitor came in and saw the little girl and asked her: “My dear, is your daddy at home?” “He told me to tell you that he is not around” replied the little girl. The visitor taken aback asked further: “Why did he tell you that?” “He said that he does not want to see you” replied the little girl. “Why didn’t he want to see me? asked the visitor. The little girl hummed before saying: “I do not know. Please, wait let me go and find out from him”.

Topic: For God or the Devil.

The first verse of the gospel according to Saint John reads: “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God” (Jn 1:1). It further reads: “...the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, full of grace and truth; we have beheld his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father” (Jn 1:14). And those to whom this Word is sent are gods, cf. Ps 82:6; Jn 10:35.

Jesus is the light of the world (cf. Jn 8:12). And “This is the message we have heard from him and proclaim to you, that God is light and in him is no darkness at all” (1Jn 1:5). The coming of Jesus into the world is to make the people who sat in darkness to see a great light, and for those who sat in the region and shadow of death the dawn of light, cf. Matt 4:16; Is 9:2). To the Colossians Saint Paul wrote: “He has delivered us from the dominion of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son” (Col 1:13). Again in his first letter to the Thessalonians we also read: “For you are all sons of light and sons of the day; we are not of the night or of darkness” (1Thess 5:5). Saint Peter reiterated the same point in these words: “But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God's own people, that you may declare the wonderful deeds of him who called you out of darkness into his marvellous light” (1Pt 2:9).

Again, in the Acts of the Apostles Saint Paul tells us of the mission he received at his conversion in these words:

I am sending you to open their eyes, that they may turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in me (Acts 26:17-18).

And from the beginning God separated light from darkness, cf. Gen 1:4. Just like light and darkness cannot be together, God (light) and devil (darkness) cannot cohabit. Hence in the gospel, Jesus met a man with an unclean spirit in the synagogue where he taught. And the unclean spirit cried out: “What have you to do with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are, the Holy One of God” (Mk 1:24). That unclean spirit knew too well that he has nothing in common with Jesus. The presence of darkness is a testimony to the absence of light.

Jesus admonished us thus: “While you have the light, believe in the light, that you may become sons of light” (Jn 12:36). And to Nicodemus He said, “And this is the judgment, that the light has come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil” (Jn 3:19). As Christians can it be truly said that we are sons and daughters of light? Jesus came into the world, that whoever believes in him may not remain in darkness, cf. Jn 12:46. It is time for us to “cast off the works of darkness and put on the armour of light” (Rom 13:12). Saint Paul further admonished us “Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them” (Eph 5:11). We must walk as children of light, cf. Eph 5:8.

In conclusion, if we are not for God we are against him, cf. Lk 11:23; Matt 12:30. One must either be for God or for devil because “No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon” (Matt 6:24; cf. Lk 16:13). If we are for God we must therefore submit ourselves to God and resist the devil so that he will flee from us, cf. Jas 4:7. However, everyone is very free to choose whom he or she wants to serve, cf. Josh 24:15.

Bible Reading: Jn 8:12; Rom 13:11-14; 1Jn 1:5-10; Is 42:1-9.

Silent Prayer: Who are you for – God or devil?

Let us Pray: Lord, as I freely and wholly declare for you and you alone, give me all the graces that will enable me to be for you alone all the days of my life – Amen.

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Saturday of the Third Week in Ordinary Time (I)

 Homily (Reflection) for Saturday of the Third Week in Ordinary Time (I) (30^th January, 2021) on the Gospel

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

 

Heb 11:1-2.8-19;

Lk 1:69-75 (R. cf. v.68);

Mk 4:35-41.

Topic: Wake Him up.

In today’s gospel, while crossing to the other side in a boat with His disciples, “A great windstorm arose, and the waves beat into the boat, so that the boat was already being swamped. But he was in the stern, asleep on the cushion ....” (Mk 4:37-38a). When they woke Him He calmed the wind and the sea and queried: “Why are you afraid? Have you still no faith?” (Mk 4:40).

At different points in one’s life it looks as if God is no longer aware of what is happening in the world or has suddenly become uninterested. Sometimes one might even be tempted to question whether He still exist and is still God.

Although things might have gone contrary to your expectations but do not turn to either right or left. What you really need is to wake Jesus up. When those in the boat with Jesus woke Him up they were filled with great awe and said to one another, “Who then is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?” cf. Mk 4:41. So what are you waiting for? That trouble comes one’s way does not mean that God is far from him or her. Wake Him up.

Bible Reading: Ps 125; Eph 3:20-21.

Thought for today: It is still the same Jesus.

Let us pray: God, open our eyes to see your hand at work – Amen.

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Friday of the Third Week in Ordinary Time (I)

 Homily (Reflection) for Friday of the Third Week in Ordinary Time (I) (29^th January, 2021) on the Gospel

 

Heb 10:32-39;

Ps 36:3-6.23-24.39-40 (R. v.39);

Mk 4:26-34.

Topic: You are holding lots of keys.

Often we complain that things are not going the way they should. Many never thought of what they can do to get them go the right way. Even when one’s attention ever goes to that direction either on its own or through another person it is easily dropped thinking that such do not and may never count.

Today’s gospel has two parables. In the parable of the growing seed, Jesus compared the kingdom of God with the man who scattered the seed on the ground and without knowing how the seed would sprout and grow. The earth played its part in making the seed produce grains the man would harvest. And in the second parable, He compared the kingdom of God with a mustard seed which is the smallest of all the seeds on earth but when sown it turns into the greatest of all shrubs and the birds make nests in its shade.

It is unfortunate that many prefer to be defeatists contrary to the fact that we are made to be more than conquerors through him who loved us, cf. Rom 8:37. The seed would not have produced grains if the man did not scatter. In the same vein, the mustard seed would have remained the smallest of all the seeds on earth if not sown. The scattering of the seed and the sowing of the mustard seed were actually the keys that opened doors to greater things.

Dear child of God, as we are blessed with yet a new day, think of the seeds God has given to you. Do not neglect any. Put out your hand and sow/scatter them. That will certainly start a serious chain reaction. I therefore remind you and myself, we are holding lots of keys to unlock so many doors for the good of all.

Bible Reading: 1Cor 12:4-30.

Thought for today: God has given you enormous power for good.

Let us pray: Lord, help us bring the needed change in the world by doing our part – Amen.

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Memorial of Saint Thomas Aquinas, P.D.

 

Homily (Reflection) for the Memorial of Saint Thomas Aquinas, P.D., (28^th January, 2021) on the Gospel and the Memorial

(Thursday of the Third Week in Ordinary Time (I))

 

Heb 10:19-25;

Ps 23:1-6. (R. cf. v. 6);

Mk 4:21-25.

Tommaso d'Aquino (1225 – 7 March 1274) otherwise known as Saint Thomas Aquinas was an Italian Dominican friar and a Catholic priest who was an immensely influential philosopher, theologian and jurist in the tradition of scholasticism, within which he is also known as the “Doctor Angelicus” and “Doctor Communis”. Unlike many currents in the Church of the time, Thomas embraced several ideas put forward by Aristotle—whom he called “the Philosopher”—and attempted to synthesize Aristotelian philosophy with the principles of Christianity. Saint Thomas best known works are the Summa Theologica and the Summa contra Gentiles. His commentaries on Sacred Scripture and on Aristotle also form an important part of his body of work. He is also distinguished for his eucharistic hymns, which form part of the Church's liturgy. Saint Thomas Aquinas is a Doctor of the Church[1].

Topic: The lamp.

Jesus teaches us in today’s gospel that His teachings are not meant to be hidden. Using the allegory of a lamp, they are to be placed on the lamp-stand for others to see. He goes on to say that the standard one uses for others will be used for him/her and even more. More will be given to the person who knows that he/she has because nobody is empty-handed, cf. 1Cor 12:7-11.

We celebrate Saint Thomas Aquinas today because he did not hide the lamp. He placed it on the stand for all to see. He touched and is still touching many aspects of human existence.

God expects all of us in various ways we can to help others see the light of the gospel. He expects us to do to others exactly what and how we want others to do to us, cf. Matt 7:12; Lk 6:31. Our duty is to take the lamp, place it on the stand for others and using the right standard for others.

Bible Reading: 2Tim 4:1-8.

Thought for today: Use the measure you would like to be measured with for others.

Let us pray: God help us place the light of the gospel on the stand for others to see through Christ – Amen.

Saint Thomas Aquinas – Pray for us.

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

Wednesday of the Third Week in Ordinary Time (I)

 Homily (Reflection) for Wednesday of the Third Week in Ordinary Time (I) (27^th January, 2021) on the Gospel

 

Heb 10:11-18;

Ps 109:1-4. (R. v. 4);

Mk 4:1-20.

Topic: Soil type and the harvest.

In today’s gospel, we see the parable of the sower, the purpose, and the meaning. While sowing the seed, some fell on the path, others on the rocky ground, some among the thorns, and others into good soil. Those that fell on the path were eaten up by the birds. And those on the rocky ground although they sprang up quickly but were scorched and withered before they could bear fruits, cf. Ps 129:6. The thorns grew up and choked the seed that fell among them. Finally, the seed that fell into the good soil “brought forth grain, growing up and increasing and yielding thirty and sixty and a hundredfold”.

Jesus explained that the seed is the word of God. The seed that fell along the road refers to people Satan takes away the word of God immediately they hear it. Those on the rocky ground refers to those who receive the word with joy in whom it lasts just a while because they have no root. The word does not survive troubles and persecutions that arise on its account. And those who fell among the thorns refer to those in whom the word is choked by the cares of the world, the lure of wealth, and/or the desire for other things. Finally, those who fell into good soil refer to people in whom the word bears fruits.

Jesus told us, “You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide; so that whatever you ask the Father in my name, he may give it to you” (Jn 15:16). And in the letter of Saint James we also read, “rid yourselves of all sordidness and rank growth of wickedness, and welcome with meekness the implanted word that has the power to save your souls” (Jas 1:21).

Anyone who wants to bear fruits, must prepare his/her soul for God’s word. Whoever fails to prepare will certainly have the word fall either on the path or on rocky ground or among the thorns. And we know that none of the seeds that fell on any of these places was able to bear fruit. Choose what you want and work towards that.

Bible Reading: Jas 1:19-27.

Thought for today: The word can only be fruitful in good soil.

Let us pray: Lord, we have been fallow for various reasons. We ask you to make us the best of soil for your word – Amen.

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Memorial of Saints Timothy and Titus, Bps

 Homily (Reflection) for the Memorial of Saints Timothy and Titus, Bps (26^th January, 2021) on the Gospel and the Memorial

 

2Tim 1:1-8 or Tit 1:1-5;

Ps 95:1-3.7-8.10. (R. v. 3);

Lk 10:1-9.

Timothy (c. AD 17 - c. AD 97) had a Greek father and a Jewish mother named Eunice as a result of which the Jews considered him illegitimate. His grandmother, Lois, was the first to be converted. Timothy was converted by Paul around the year 47 and he later joined him in his apostolic work. He proved himself one of Paul’s most faithful and trusted friends. Saint Paul sent him on difficult missions. Saint Timothy is the patron Saint of intestinal disorders, stomach diseases[1].

Titus (d. 96 or 107 AD) had the distinction of being a close friend and disciple of Paul as well as a fellow missionary. He was Greek, apparently from Antioch. Even though Titus was a Gentile, Paul would not let him be forced to undergo circumcision. Titus was seen as a peacemaker, administrator, and a great friend[2]. He is the patron saint of the United States Army Chaplain Corps[3].

Topic: Plenty harvest yet few workers (cf. Lk 10:2).

Jesus sent seventy of his disciples in pairs on mission in today’s gospel. Before embarking on the mission, Jesus made them to understand among other things that the work is enormous and the need to pray to God for workers. Again, they were not going out as lords but lambs among wolves. These notwithstanding, they were to “Carry no purse, no bag, no sandals; and greet no one on the road” (Lk 10:4). They were to remain in one house eating and drinking whatever they were given. And they were to cure the sick and to announce the arrival of the kingdom of God.

There are a lot of things we can reflect on in today’s gospel. But we are to focus on the first thing Jesus made them to know: “The harvest is plentiful, but the labourers are few ....” Can this statement still be true today considering the number of people already in the vineyard?

Judging by the number of churches we have today and the ministers each has, one can hastily conclude that this is no longer relevant. But it is important to note that there is great difference between people in the vineyard and labourers in the vineyard. Hence, Jesus warns

Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. On that day many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name? (Matt 7:21-22).

As we celebrate Saint Timothy and Saint Titus who collaborated with Saint Paul in the Lord’s vineyard we must pray more fervently for workers in the Lord’s vineyard. The number of people in the vineyard makes the work even more difficult because one needs to decipher first who are there to work and who are there for other purposes, cf. 1Tim 6:5.

We must tighten our belts and lace our shoes because the work is more tedious today and it is for all of us. There will be great reward for all who work in the Lord’s vineyard, cf. Matt 19:28-29. And at the same time, there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth for those who neglect their work, cf. Lk 13:26-28. Let us work today for the great reward tomorrow.

Bible Reading: Matt 7:21-23; Lk 13:22-30.

Thought for today: You have your part in God’s vineyard.

Let us pray: Lord, help us to be good labourers in your vineyard – Amen.

Saints Timothy and Titus – Pray for us.

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[1] https://www.ewtn.com/saintsHoly/saints/T/sttimothy.asp

[2] http://www.americancatholic.org/Features/Saints/saint.aspx?id=1272

[3] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint_Titus

Feast of the Conversion of Saint Paul, Ap

 Homily (Reflection) for the Feast of the Conversion of Saint Paul, Ap (25^th January, 2021) on the Gospel and the Feast

 

Acts 22:3-16 or Acts 9:1-22;

Ps 116:1-2. (R. Mk 16:15);

Mk 16:15-18.

Topic: Your destiny is in your hands.

In today’s gospel, Jesus commissioned His disciples with these words: “Go into all the world and proclaim the good news to the whole creation. The one who believes and is baptized will be saved; but the one who does not believe will be condemned” (Mk 16:15-16). The gospel also tells us the signs that will accompany the believers.

We celebrate today the conversion of the apostle to the Gentiles, Saint Paul, cf. Rom 11:13; Eph 3:8; Gal 2:9. Before his conversion, Saint Paul persecuted the faith he later professed more than any other apostle, cf. Acts 11:23; 22:4; 1Cor 15:9; Gal 1:13. His dramatic conversion took place on his way to Damascus with authority from the chief priests to bring any follower of Christ he might see to Jerusalem for punishment, cf. Acts 9:1-2, 13-14; 22:4-5.

On his conversion he immediately inquired of what is expected of him in these words: “What shall I do, Lord?” (Acts 22:10). And in like manner, we ought to have asked and to be made known what to do when we were born-again, cf. Jn 3:5; Lk 3:10-14.

Christ has abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel, cf. 2Tim 1:10. Many still refuse to come to Jesus to have life, cf. Jn 5:40. And there lies the condemnation. Hence Saint Paul writes in his second letter to the Thessalonians: “so that all may be condemned who did not believe the truth but had pleasure in unrighteousness” (2Thess 2:12).

Dear friends, remember that you belong to “a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God's own people, that you may declare the wonderful deeds of him who called you out of darkness into his marvellous light” (1Pt 2:9). It is in your hands to be a saint or a sinner. You too can make it. Let us move on.

Bible Reading: Lk 3:1-20.

Thought for today: Refusing to repent is a refusal to life.

Let us pray: Lord, help us to follow the example of Saint Paul in abandoning our old ways and live entirely for you – Amen.

Saint Paul – Pray for us.

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Third Sunday of the Year (B)

 Homily (Reflection) for the Third Sunday of the Year (B) (24^th January, 2021) on the Gospel

 

Jon 3:1-5.10;

Ps 24:4-9 (R. v. 4);

1Cor 7:29-31;

Mk 1:14-20.

There was a presbytery in which a priest was living with two houseboys. The priest used to invite them by pressing the bell, once for the elder and twice for the younger one. However, when the elder noticed that the priest would press the bell again if he delayed, he used that as a means of avoiding his summons.

Topic: Answering God’s call.

The call to discipleship demands unreserved positive response. Accordingly Jesus warns, “If any man would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me” (Mk 8:34; cf. Lk 14:27). Again, “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 14:33; Matt 10:37-38). And again, “No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God” (Lk 9:62).

In the gospel, when Peter and his brother Andrew were called they left their nets and followed Jesus immediately, cf. Mk 1:18. Likewise James and his brother John left even their father Zebedee with the hired men and followed Jesus, cf. Mk 1:20. The lives of our fathers in faith were not different. When Abraham, Moses, Samuel among others were called, they all answered: “Here am I” cf. Gen 22:1; Ex 3:4; 1Sam 3:4, 5, 6, 8.

Call to discipleship is a call to be sons and daughters of God, cf. Matt 12:49-50; Mk 3:34-35; Lk 8:21. And this manifests God’s love for us, cf. 1Jn 3:1. First letter of Saint Peter reads: “But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God's own people, that you may declare the wonderful deeds of him who called you out of darkness into his marvellous light” (1Pt 2:9). But those called must be careful lest they miss the blessing, cf. 1Pt 3:9.

Again, call to discipleship is not a call to a life free from all forms of suffering but a life with an assurance that after the suffering we might go through in this world, the God who called us to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, establish, and strengthen us, cf. 1Pt 5:10. Hence, Paul concluded, “I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us” (Rom 8:18). Sometimes some abandon God forgetting all He has done and is doing for us and “...that in everything God works for good with those who love him, who are called according to his purpose” (Rom 8:28). God queries,

Why was no one there when I came? Why did no one answer when I called? Is my hand shortened, that it cannot redeem? Or have I no power to deliver? By my rebuke I dry up the sea, I make rivers a desert; their fish stink for lack of water, and die of thirst (Is 50:2).

Through the prophet Zechariah God said, “As I called, and they would not hear, so they called, and I would not hear” (Zech 7:13). Not listening to God implies closing His ears to our cries, prayers, praises, and so on, cf. Prov 12:22; 15:8, 26; 21:27. We also read, “if my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land” (2Chr 7:14).

My dear brothers and sisters, we are all called just as the apostles were called. The big question is whether we are ready to follow God leaving everything behind without even saying goodbye? Saint Paul begs us “...to lead a life worthy of the calling to which you have been called” (Eph 4:1). In the same vein, Saint Peter also admonishes us thus: “... as he who called you is holy, be holy yourselves in all your conduct” (1Pt 1:15; 1Thess 4:7). So it is left for us to either follow God or the desires of our hearts (our enemy).

Bible Reading: Is 43:1-7; 1Pt 2:1-10; 3:8-12; 1Jn 3:1-10; Lk 9:57-62; Eph 4:1-24.

Silent Prayer: Do you know that you are called to be Christ’s disciple? Is there anything you love more than God who has called you?

Let us Pray: Lord, give us all the graces we need so that we may follow you without looking at or thinking of any other thing else – Amen.

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Saturday of the Second Week in Ordinary Time (I)

 Homily (Reflection) for Saturday of the Second Week in Ordinary Time (I) (23^rd January, 2021) on the Gospel

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

 

Heb 9:2-3.11-14;

Ps 46:2-3.6-9 (R. v.6);

Mk 3:20-21.

Topic: Sanity mistaken for Insanity.

Jesus was termed insane in today’s gospel because He and His disciples did not eat. As a result of which His relatives went out to restrain Him.

Jesus came down from heaven, not to do His own will, but the will of He who sent Him, cf. Jn 6:38. And He also said clearly, “My food is to do the will of him who sent me, and to accomplish his work” (Jn 4:34). Based on this, Jesus was seen as insane because He was doing what He came to do.

Christ warns, “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven” (Matt 7:21). And that whoever does the will of His Father in heaven is His brother, and sister, and mother, cf. Matt 12:50.

One can be Christ’s friend only by doing what He asks of us, cf. Jn 15:14. What He asks of us demands some level of radicalism, cf. Matt 10:34. Again, one must be ready for worse names than the one they gave Jesus among other things, cf. Matt 10:25. Our consolation is that the reward will be great in heaven, cf. Matt 5:12; 2Cor 4:16-18.

Bible Reading: Matt 10:34-39; Lk 9:57-62.

Thought for today: You can be seen or treated as evil because of Christ.

Let us pray: Lord, give us strong faith to follow you with all our hearts – Amen.

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Friday of the Second Week in Ordinary Time (I)

 Homily (Reflection) for Friday of the Second Week in Ordinary Time (I) (22^nd January, 2021) on the Gospel

 

Heb 8:6-13;

Ps 85:7.10-13. (R.v.10);

Mk 3:13-19.

Topic: Unless you are taught.

In today’s gospel Jesus appointed the twelve. The gospel reads in part: “And he appointed twelve, whom he also named apostles, to be with him, and to be sent out to proclaim the message, and to have authority to cast out demons” (Mk 3:14-15).

Worthy of note is that they were to be trained by Jesus before going out to preach what they were taught to others. This helped them to know what and how they were to preach. Otherwise some might end up enemies of the master, cf. Matt 12:30: Lk 11:23.

Before His ascension into heaven Jesus said to the apostles: “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, even so I send you” (Jn 20:21). And Jesus was always faithful to what He learnt from the Father and expects us to do likewise, cf. Jn 8:26.38.

Jesus is the Teacher of all those who truly follow Him, cf. Matt 9:11; 17:24. And there is need for everyone to learn from Jesus before teaching others. One must be docile also, cf. Jn 13:8. And while teaching, one must be faithful to what he/she learnt to remain a friend and brother/sister, cf. Jn 15:14-15; Lk 8:21. In other words, to be saints.

Bible Reading: 1Tim 4:6-16; Jn 13:1-20.

Thought for today: Jesus is our Teacher.

Let us pray: Lord Jesus, teach us your ways and help us walk always according to your teaching – Amen.

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