THE FEAST OF THE HOLY FAMILY, YEAR C

1 Samuel 1:20-22.24-28
Psalm 83
1 John 3:1-2.21-24
Luke 2:41-52

THE HOLY FAMILY

We celebrate today the feast of the Holy Family. Thus, we are called to take a fresh look at our families and model them after the example of the family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph.

The first reading presents a polygamous family in which one woman, Hannah, was barren. She prayed and God listened to her prayer. She bore a son, named him “Samuel” and offered him to God. What is particular about this family is that it was a God-fearing family and used to worship together.

According to the second reading, two irreplaceable things contribute to the success of our relationship with God our Father and our relationship within the family: faithfulness to God through the observance of his commandments and love for one another. As children of God, we are all brothers and sisters. As such, we manifest our belonging to God’s family if we love and serve one another.

The gospel presents one of the unpleasant situations that the Holy Family experienced. At the end of the feast of Passover at Jerusalem, Jesus, then at twelve years, got missing. Mary and Joseph looked for him everywhere and found him in the Temple after three days.  After that they went back to Nazareth.

The home of Nazareth teaches some important virtues that we can cultivate so as to have a peaceful and harmonious family even amidst challenges and difficulties. These are godliness, unity, patience and humility. Going to church together, praying together, eating together, doing things together and being patient with one another are priceless gestures that can help the family stay together. May the family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph intercede for us so that we may have holy and united families.
Amen.

THE NATIVITY OF THE LORD: MASS DURING THE DAY

Isaiah 52: 7-10;
Psalm 97;
Hebrews 1: 1-6;
John 1: 1-18

BREAKING NEWS: GOD HAS BECOME MAN

Today we celebrate the mystery of the Incarnation: God has become man; Jesus is born. This is an old news but always a breaking Good News. The Eternal Word of God has been made flesh and he lives among us. God has become one of us so that by faith we may become children of God. From his fullness, we have received grace upon grace (John 1, 1-18).

In the little child lying in a manger at Bethlehem, we contemplate God. The invisible God has been made visible. Man can now touch God, hear God crying and being consoled. In this little child, God communicates and reveals his love and mercy to mankind (Heb. 1, 1-6). He identifies himself with each one of us. He shares our human condition, our pain and joy, our misery. In this new born, God comes to live with us, to console us, to be our friends and walk the path of life with us.

And this is the Good News that is announced to us today: “How beautiful on the mountain, are the feet of one who brings good tidings, who heralds peace, brings happiness, proclaims salvation…” (Is. 52:7-10). This is the Good News we must carry to our world of fragile peace and broken promises. This is the good tiding we must bring to our brothers and sisters. This is the joyful news we must share in our homes. Christmas is a season of joy and sharing.

As the song goes: “Great things happen when God mixes with us, great and beautiful, wonderful things…” May this year’s Christmas bring you a breakthrough in whatever difficult situation you may find yourself. May the Infant Jesus, the Prince of Peace grant you peace, joy and fullness of life. Amen.

Merry Christmas!!!

Rev. Fr. Géorges KOUWONOU
(Priest of the Diocese of Atakpamé, Togo)

FOURTH SUNDAY OF ADVENT, YEAR C

Micah 5:1-4
Psalm 80
Hebrews 10:5-10
Luke 1:39-45

ANTICIPATING CHRISTMAS JOY

In few hours, we will celebrate Christmas, the commemoration of the birth of Jesus Christ, born at Bethlehem. Today’s first reading presents a prophecy about Bethlehem, a small town of Judea. This little and insignificant town became popular because it was the hometown of King David. It was this small town that God chose to be the place of birth of the Saviour of the world, Jesus Christ.

The gospel reading narrates the story of the visitation. The story seems to be an encounter of two pregnant women, Elizabeth and Mary. But it was in fact a meeting between two unborn children: Jesus and John. Thus, John leaped for joy in his mother’s womb at the greeting of Jesus’ mother. It was a beautiful moment. The child rejoices because he is the herald of Jesus the Messiah. He has been privileged to witness the fulfillment of the Old Testament prophecies. His joy describes the joy of God’s people when He visits them: yes, God has visited his people. Christmas is indeed the fulfillment of God’s promises; it is God coming among his people. Christmas is the time of God’s visitation in the person of Jesus Christ.

In this perspective, we may well understand the second reading which speaks of the total submission and obedience of Jesus Christ to his Father. He has come to do the will of God his Father. And the will of God is to give joy, peace and salvation to his people.

How prepared are we to welcome Jesus who is coming to give us joy and fulfillment? How well prepared are we to meet God who is coming to visit us? Is it a matter of having what to eat, drink and wear on Christmas day? Or rather making our hearts ready to receive him and to share the Christmas joy with others? May God bless and keep our hearts ready to welcome him in joy.
Amen.

3RD SUNDAY OF ADVENT (GAUDETE SUNDAY), YEAR C

Zephaniah 3:14-18
Isaiah 12:2-6 (Responsorial Hymn)
Philippians 4:4-7
Luke 3:10-18

GAUDETE SUNDAY

Pope Francis remarks that “there are Christians whose lives seem like Lent without Easter” (Evangelii gaudium, 6). Yes, there are people who always have funereal and morose faces. No smiling, no rejoicing, always complaining, always lamenting over the difficulties, sicknesses, losses, and problems of life. They have thousands of reasons not to be happy. And yet, today’s readings invite us to rejoice, because we are people of hope.

One of the most exciting invitations to joy in the Old Testament is today’s first reading: “Shout for joy, daughter Zion, Israel, shout aloud.” Prophet Zephaniah summons the people to jubilate, for the Lord is in their midst as a victorious warrior who comes to drive away their enemies and protect them (Zeph. 3:14-18).

The prophet Isaiah in the responsorial hymn exhorts the inhabitants of Zion to shout aloud and sing for joy, for great in their midst is the Holy One of Israel (Is. 12:2-6). In the second reading, St Paul admonishes the Philippians to always be happy or rejoice, for the Lord is very near. He also exhorts them to present their needs to God with prayer and thanksgiving (Phil. 4:4-7).

Finally, the call to conversion addressed to the crowd, the tax collectors, and the soldiers by John the Baptist teaches us that joy is the result of a continuing effort of doing good (Luke 3:10-18). We experience deep joy when we share with others. When we act justly and do not cheat others. When we respect the dignity of all and do not oppress anyone. We experience joy when we are content with the little we have.

We experience joy when we keep our hope alive even in seemingly hopeless situation. For with God, there is no hopeless situation. Yes, our God is able and faithful. Let us therefore rejoice no matter what situation we may find ourselves.
Amen

33RD SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME, YEAR B

Daniel 12:1-3
Ps 15:5.8-11
Hebrews 10:11-14.18
Mark 13:24-32

THE END OF TIME

Today is the last Sunday before the solemnity of Christ the King, which marks the end of the liturgical year. And today’s readings speak about the final consummation or end of time. That time will be marked by dramatic cosmic changes, the gathering of the nations for judgment and the manifestation of the glory and power of the Son of Man, our Lord Jesus Christ.

The first and gospel readings tell us that it will be a time of great distress. But the people of God, those who have remained faithful to the end, will be spared. The angels will gather the chosen ones, those whose names are written in the Book of Life, so that they may inherit eternal life and shine as bright as stars. However, the unrighteous, the unfaithful ones will go to shame and everlasting disgrace or eternal damnation.

Contrary to the many so-called prophets who claim to know or to have received a vision of the end of time, Jesus tells us: “But as for the day or hour, nobody knows it, neither the angels of heaven, nor the Son; no one but the Father.” Therefore, we should not allow ourselves to be fooled or deceived by anyone who claims to have a dream or a vision about the end of time as many are doing especially on social media.

What is of great importance is that we stay awake and stand firm in the Lord. Jesus has achieved eternal salvation for us through his self-offering on the cross, as the second reading reminds us. Therefore, we should not worry about what will happen in the future. Let each day be an opportunity for us to change, love and serve. Let us keep on doing what is good. Let us keep on walking with the Lord. He will preserve us from any shame. May he grant us the grace to stand ready and keep us safe for eternal life. Amen.

32ND SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME, YEAR B

1Kings 17:10-6
Psalm 145:7-10
Hebrews 9:24-28
Mark 12:38-44

A DARING GENEROSITY

Do not be afraid to give, for generosity pays. This is the main message of today’s readings. The first reading recounts the daring act of generosity of the widow of Zarephath. She used the last provisions she had to feed the prophet Elijah at the time of the drought. And her jar of meal was not spent nor the jug of oil emptied, in accordance with the word of the prophet (1Kgs 17:10-6). Thus, those who trust God are never disappointed.

According to the second reading, Jesus made a total offering of himself to God out of love for us as a sacrifice of expiation, taking on himself the faults of many (Heb. 9:24-28). In the gospel, after teaching, Jesus sat opposite the treasury and was observing the people contributing into the treasury. Then came a widow who put in all that she had to live on, two small coins. The inner attitude that accompanied her offerring was so great that Jesus commended her to his disciples (Mark 12:38-44).

What is common to the two widows of today’s readings is their discretion and daring generosity. They took a risk which translates their trust in God's providence. They were poor in material possessions, but rich in generosity. What we can learn from these two widows is that none of us is too poor that he has nothing to give; and that none of our “little offerring” is insignificant before God. Every act of generosity will not go unrewarded.

What matters is not so much what we give but how we give. If we wait to have much before giving, we will never give, for we will never have much. Though it is a terrifying and painful experience to give out of the little, it is in this risky act of giving out of the little that we experience God’s closeness to us. Let us learn to share the little we have with others and give generously.
May God bless you!

31ST SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME, YEAR B

Deuteronomy 6:2-6
Psalm 17
Hebrews 7:23-28
Mark 12:28-34

                      SHEMA ISRAEL

The readings of today invite us to love. But what kind of love? It is not the love as the world understands it, whereby we learn how to make love and take advantage of the other for our own interest, but the love of God, whereby we seek the good of the other for the sake of the other. It is agape love. For love is the fundamental vocation of man: to love and to be loved. Man cannot live without love. Love is not therefore a word or an idea, but a way of life.

In the first reading, the “shema Israel”: “Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God is One” is the profession of Jewish faith and at the same time, a call to obedience. The consequence of this obedience of faith is to love God with a total and unconditional love (Deut. 6:2-6).

However, according to St John, he who says he loves God but hates his brother is a liar (1 John 4:20). Thus, the love of God and the love of the neighbor are like the two sides of a coin. And this is the message of the gospel reading. Replying to the scribe’s question about which is the first of all the commandments, Jesus says it is love: love of God and love of the neighbor (Mark 12:28-34).

Indeed, love surpasses everything and it conquers everything. Yes, love is the foundation and the fulfillment of the Law. This free, total and unconditional love finds its fulfillment in Jesus Christ. In obedience to his Father and for love of mankind, he offered himself on the cross once for all as a perfect and pleasing sacrifice to God. Thus, he has become the High Priest par excellence; and his priesthood lasts forever (Heb. 7:23-28). May he teach us to love and serve him in our brothers and sisters.
Amen.

29TH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME, YEAR B

Isaiah 53:10-11
Psalm 32
Hebrews 4:14-16
Mark 10:35-45

           THE CUP OF SUFFERING

We do not serve a heartless God. We serve a living, loving, compassionate and faithful God. Today’s readings therefore celebrate Jesus Christ the son of God as the suffering servant who has paid the ransom for his sinful brothers.

In the first reading, the prophet Isaiah speaks of the suffering servant who gives his life for others (Is. 53:10-11). The author of the Letter to the Hebrews presents Jesus as the compassionate High Priest, who by his own suffering is capable of sympathizing with us in our sufferings and weaknesses. Thus, we can approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, having the assurance that he will show us mercy and help us in time of need (Heb. 4:14-16).

In the gospel, the sons of Zebedee, James and John, make a request to Jesus. They are eager to secure seats at the right and left of Jesus in his glory. In replying to their request Jesus makes a reference to the cup he would drink and the baptism he would be baptized with. The images of cup and baptism refer to the humiliation, suffering and death he had to undergo for the salvation and redemption of mankind. By his Passion and death, Jesus gave his life as a ransom for many and left us a perfect example of humble and selfless service to others as the way to greatness (Mark 10:35-45).

We should not therefore be afraid because we have someone who has suffered for us. We must trust in him in every situation. In difficult moments, we should not despair but go to him for help. Besides, we must learn to serve one another so as to alleviate each other’s sufferings. Let us remember that with Jesus power is service. May the Lord bless and keep all of us. Amen.

28TH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME, YEAR B

Wisdom 7:7-11
Psalm 89:12-17
Hebrews 4:12-13
Mark 10:17-30

THE RICH YOUNG MAN

The Word of God is something alive and active; it works like a double-edged sword. It penetrates our inner being and reveals our secret thoughts. Yes, the Word of God always challenges us. Today, it challenges us to take a fresh look at our attitude towards riches.

The first reading tells us that there is nothing that can be compared with wisdom. Thus, the author held everything, riches, social status and privilege as nothing before the wisdom of God (Wis. 7:7-11). This passage reminds us of St Paul, for he lost everything because of the surpassing value of knowing Jesus Christ the Lord and considered them as rubbish in order that he may gain Christ (cf. Phil 3:8).

The gospel throws a challenge to each one of us, and not only to the young rich man. “What must I do to inherit eternal life?” was the question the rich man put to Jesus? It reveals his deep quest for salvation which is the ultimate reward for good life, a life of holiness. The man has contented himself with observing the commandments of God. Now Jesus asks him to go, sell all.... come and follow him. But the rich man went away very sad because he had great wealth. His riches, or better still, his attitude towards his riches, became an obstacle for him to embrace the way of freedom, joy and eternal life.

Indeed, asking a rich man to let go all his possessions and follow an itinerant preacher was not a light decision to take on the road side. But the request of Jesus and the subsequent interaction with his disciples show us that the way to holiness is not merely observing the law.

It demands letting go something dear to us, leaving something behind, detaching oneself from what is holding him back. It demands a breakup with what promises material comfort. The disciples had left everything to follow Jesus; and their reward was great. May the Lord help us so that our material possessions may not become an obstacle on our way to eternal life. Amen

26TH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME, YEAR B

Numbers 11:25-29
Psalm 18:8.10.12-14
James 5:1-6
Mark 9:38-43.47-48

"DON'T STOP THEM"

We usually call outsiders those who do not belong to us. Thus, we tend to exclude them, discriminate against them and try to monopolize everything. In a similar way, we try to cage God and set boundaries to the action of the Holy Spirit. Hence, today’s readings warn us against exclusivism and elitism.

In the first reading, Joshua asked Moses to stop Eldad and Medad from prophesying in the camp because they were not in the Tent of Meeting with the elders. Moses rebuked him and expressed his wish that God would give his Spirit to all the people so that they might prophesy (Nbers 11:25-29).

Similarly, John reported to Jesus that they had tried to stop a man from casting out devils in Jesus’ name, because the man was not one of them. Jesus condemned such attitude and asked them not to stop the man. He went on to warn them against being a scandal or obstacle to any of the little ones (Mark 9:38-43.47-48).

The temptation of trying to cage God is great among Christians. We tend to look down on those who do not belong to our church; we criticize them; we condemn and reject them. This is also true with regard to the various associations and prayer groups within the church. We claim others are wrong and we are right. We monopolize everything.
We are like the rich men to whom St James addresses in the second reading. They claim to have immense wealth. They oppress and cheat the poor. They become obstacle to the growth and well-being of others. But God will not keep silent (James 5:1-6).

Let us not forget therefore that God is the Father of all. He is free; and his Spirit is like the wind that “blows where it chooses” (John 3:8). We cannot therefore monopolize his grace. Neither can we set boundaries to the action of the Holy Spirit. May our belonging to Christ make us more open to others and distinguish ourselves through our charity towards all. Amen

25TH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME, YEAR B

Wisdom 2:12.17-20
Psalm 53
James 3:16—4:3
Mark 9:30-37

I WANT TO BE GREAT

Every human being aspires to achieve greatness. In our homes, churches, workplaces, in politics and public institutions, everyone wants to be promoted and be “the boss”, to be in the high position, to have power. But many have achieved greatness through the wrong way. Out of hatred, some have made a name for themselves through the killing of innocent and good people. For the life of the good person is a threat to their own malicious ambitions and evil living (Wisdom 2:12.17-20). For St James, in the second reading, the root of our fightings, quarrels and wars as well as some shameful actions lie in jealousy and our selfish ambitions (James 3:16—4:3)

When Jesus became aware of the argument among his disciples about who was the greatest among them, he told them: “If anyone wishes to be first, he must be the last and slave of all”. For Jesus therefore, greatness is achieved through humble service to others, especially the most vulnerable in our communities.  This is what the symbol of the little child placed in the midst of the disciples tells us (Mark 9:30-37). It is not so much about the innocence of the little child, but rather about the vulnerability of the child. Here the child represents those who have no social status, no say, no power, no influence; a person who can easily be controlled, abused or neglected.

Therefore, when we set aside our jealousy and envy, our evil driven desires and selfish concerns and become welcoming, tender, kind, loving, humble and serving others, especially the vulnerable, we will be great. Like St Francis of Assisi and Mother Teresa, to mention but a few, who achieved their greatness through selfless service to the poor, sick, elderly people and vulnerable, let us seek the good and welfare of the little ones. As the Pope said in his homily at his inaugural Mass: “Let us not forget that authentic power is service." May God bless and keep all of us.
Amen

24TH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME, YEAR B

Isaiah 50:5-9
Psalm 114
James 2:14-18
Mark 8:27-35

               SUFFERING TO GLORY

Today's readings give us many tracts for meditation. For St James in the second reading, a faith without deeds is dead. The first reading is one of the four songs of the prophet Isaiah that describe the astonishing figure of the suffering servant. What characterizes this suffering servant in today's passage is his trusting faith in God who can save him  in the midst of suffering, opposition and rejection (Is. 50:5-9).

Jesus fulfilled this prophecy through his passion, death and resurrection, as he himself announced in today's gospel. When Simon Peter professed that Jesus is the Messiah, (that is, the Anointed One), he was probably thinking of a political leader who would free the Jews from Roman domination, and not of a suffering Saviour. Hence he began to rebuke Jesus when he predicted his suffering and death.

Peter's misconception about Jesus is still present in our own days. Many of us dream of following Jesus, but lose sight of the way of the cross. Some preach a prosperity gospel, that is a gospel without suffering and pain. However, we must know that a life without suffering is an illusion. And being a Christian without accepting the cross is to follow a caricature of Jesus.

What makes the difference is our patience and endurance amidst pain and suffering, opposition and apparent failures, crosses and trials.
May the Lord help us bear patiently our daily crosses and follow him. Amen.

23RD SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME, YEAR B

Isaiah 35: 4-7
Psalm 146: 7.8-10
James 2: 1-5
Mark 7: 31-37

EPHPHATHA: BE OPENED

It is a terrible experience to have an impediment in one of the five senses. Thus, having a listening and speech impediment is as terrible as being unable to live and share the Word of God that one listens to everyday. Today’s first reading from the book of the prophet Isaiah is a word of hope and encouragement to the faint-hearted and the physically challenged. They should be strong and have no fear, for the Lord comes to heal, restore and liberate them (Isaiah 35:4-7).

In the gospel, Jesus heals a deaf and dumb man in a pagan territory, the Decapolis. This made great his reputation among the people of the area: “He has done all things well,” the people said.  Thus, the more Jesus ordered them not to tell others about this healing miracle, the more they were excited to proclaim it and glorified God (Mark 7:31-37).

Though we may not be physically deaf and dumb, we may close our ears and hearts to the Word of God. When we do not concentrate when the Word of God is being proclaimed in Church, when we fail to listen to the cries of the poor and needy around us, or to the groaning of the sick and the suffering, we are spiritually deaf. As such, we need the “Ephphatha ritual.” We need the healing touch of Jesus so as to listen to the Word of God and put it into practice.

Besides, we may convince ourselves that we are not dumb. But once we cannot share our faith with others, we are spiritually dumb. If we cannot proclaim the truth that liberates men, we are dumb. If we cannot speak out against the injustices, corruption, inequalities and discriminations in our homes, churches, workplaces and communities, just as St James does in the second reading, we are dumb (James 2:1-5).

Therefore, we must change our attitudes, share our faith and speak out against the social evils of our time. This way, we will truly enjoy the freedom and liberation offered to us by Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns for ever and ever. Amen

22ND SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME, YEAR B

Deuteronomy 4:1-2.6-8 
Psalm 14 
James 1:17…27 
Mark 7:1-8.14-15.21-23

TRUE RELIGION

The readings of today invite us to mediate on what is true religion. In the first reading, Moses tells the people of Israel that God is ever close to his people. His immutable laws are not to oppress man but rather to guarantee his freedom and make God’s people great. What distinguishes therefore God’s people is the obedience to such life-giving and liberating laws. People thus will marvel at the wisdom and prudence that characterize the life of God’s people.

All good things come from God and are meant to help us on our way of salvation. Thus, our salvation does not simply depend on our being baptized, being a member of a church, going to church on Sunday, listening to the Word of God. It does depend heavily on how we put into practice the Word of God. In such a way, we should not be just listeners but doers of the Word. This is true religion (second reading).

True religion therefore consists in loving, forgiving, sharing, showing compassion and going to the aid of the needy. Such practices come from the heart and make man holy. In the same way, negative thinking and evil deeds come from the heart, and make man unholy. It is only when we allow the Word of God to transform our way of life that we can become true worshippers of God.  External observance of the ritual purity is good, but when it is divorced from the heart, it leads to hypocrisy (gospel reading).

It is evident that unless we build a personal relationship with the Lord and care for our fellow human beings with a genuine and sincere heart, all our “religion” is sterile end lip-service. May the Lord fill our hearts with genuine love for him and for our brothers and sisters. Amen

21ST SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME, YEAR B

Joshua 24:1-2.15-18
Psalm 33:2-3.16-23
Ephesians 5:21-32
John 6:60-69

A TIME TO DECIDE

Faith is a personal adherence to God. To believe in God must be a free and conscious act, knowing it leads to freedom and salvation. Thus, how we live our life depends on our choice to believe or not to believe.

The people of Israel had arrived at the Promised Land. Thus, Joshua invited them to renew their commitment to God. When asked to choose whom they wish to serve, the people of Israel affirmed their resolution to worship the Lord their God who had saved them from slavery in Egypt (Jos. 24:1-2.15-18).

In the gospel, we are presented with the last section of the sixth chapter of John’s gospel. When the crowds decided not to go with Jesus, because his declarations about the Bread of Life were unacceptable to them, he asked the Twelve: “What about you, do you want to go away too?” To this, Simon Peter answered: “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life, and we believe; we know that you are the Holy One of God” (John 6:60-69).

Sometimes, we need to make such leap of faith, to stand by Jesus and hold unto him. When the enthusiasm of our commitment begins to wane, when doubts begin to set in and tiredness weighs us down, when strong winds begin to blow and the world rages around us, and when despair takes over, we need to say “Lord, to whom shall we go?” Do not quit; do not give up. Hold unto Jesus.

However, we must know that deciding to stay with Christ is to allow him to give a new orientation and meaning to our life. It is to choose the way of selfless love and sacrifice, especially within the family. We must no longer live to dominate others but to love them, care for them and respect them. In doing so, our families or homes will become a source of healing, fulfilment and sanctification (Eph. 5:21-32). 
May the Lord bless and keep all of us. Amen.

TWENTIETH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME, YEAR B

Proverb 9:1-6
Psalm 33:2-3.10-15
Ephesians 5:15-20
John 6:51-58

THE MYSTERY WE CELEBRATE AT MASS

Today we come to the core of Jesus’ teaching on the Bread of life. At Holy Mass, we often hear words like “…Blessed are those called to the Supper of the Lamb.” Or again, “the body of Christ”, “the Blood of Christ;” and we respond “Amen”. But do we really understand these words? Do we believe them? The Jews understood very well what Jesus meant when he said he would give them his flesh to eat. They understood he meant his own body and blood. So they argued saying: “How can this man give us his flesh to eat?” They were neither cannibals nor blood drinkers. That was an abomination.

But Jesus became more emphatic: “Unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you have no life in you.” Again, “For my flesh is food indeed and my blood is drink indeed”. And this is the mystery we celebrate in the Eucharist. St John Chrysostom said: “What we believe is not the same as what we see. For one thing we see is bread and wine, and another we believe is the Body and blood of our Lord. And such is our mystery.”

It is therefore Jesus Christ himself that we receive in the Holy Communion. The words from the book of Proverbs must always resonate in our ears: “come and eat, drink the wine I have prepared.” “Taste and see how good is the Lord!” says the Psalmist. This is an invitation we must eagerly yearn to hear and accept gladly if we really understand what it means.

And whenever we eat this bread and drink this wine, we become untied with Christ. We become one with him. We dwell in him and he in us. Holy Communion creates therefore a real life giving union with Christ and with one another.
May the Lord blesé and keep all of us. Amen

NINETEENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME, YEAR B

1Kings 19:4-8 
Psalm 34 
Ephesians 4:30-5:2 
John 6:41-51

NOURISHMENT FROM ABOVE

Today, Jesus continues his catechesis on the Bread of Life as presented in the sixth chapter of John’s gospel. St Paul exhorts his audience not to grieve the Holy Spirit, but rather imitate God in his goodness and love. The first reading presents us the figure of the prophet Elijah.

The prophet Elijah was escaping the wrath of Jezebel who sought to kill him for having exterminated the prophets of Baal. The prophet flew therefore to save his life. But hunger and tiredness made him rather seek for death: “Lord, I have had enough. Take my life”, he said. But God gave him food and drink to re-energize him for the journey ahead of him.

In the Gospel, the Jews, knowing well the family background of Jesus, complained about him, for he said he is the bread that came from heaven. Thus, Jesus reiterates his statement by adding that the bread given for the life of the world is his own body. Jesus meant what he said: in the Eucharist, we receive the Body of Christ. As such, the Eucharist communicates to us the very life of Jesus. It gives meaning to our life and sows in us the seed of eternal life.

Therefore, the secret of a happy, fulfilled and meaningful life, a life full of hope amidst the crosses and difficulties of this life is in Jesus. In the Eucharist we celebrate Jesus Christ who offers himself to us. And the foundation of this self-giving is love.

Meanwhile, love puts away every bitterness, anger, wrangling and slander. Love is kind, generous, forgiving and tender. It is in this light that the exhortation of St Paul in the second reading is to be understood. We are children of God; we must therefore live our lives as such.

Let us pray, therefore, that God may strengthen and renew us through the nourishment we receive in the Eucharist. And so, we may journey with him and radiate his love in our homes and communities. Amen

EIGHTEENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME, YEAR B

Exodus 16:2-4.12-15
Psalm 77
Ephesians 4:17.20-24
John 6:24-35

SEARCHING FOR JESUS CHRIST

Why do we go to church? Why do we need to believe in Jesus? Are we miracles-driven Christians or faith-driven Christians? These are few questions we are invited to reflect upon today.

In effect, today’s gospel, which is a continuation of last Sunday’s gospel reading, invites us to make a deeper reflection on the reasons why  we are Christians. People go to church because they get satisfied with the singing and preaching during our celebrations. Others go to look for miracles. Still others go because they “should” be there to avoid social tagging. So, “I tell you solemnly, you are not looking for me because you have seen signs, but because you had all the bread you wanted to eat”.

Jesus had just fed 5,000 people with little bread and fish. But the people could not get him. In much similar way, the Israelites had just passed miraculously through the red sea dry-shod and their enemies drown in the sea. But they still murmured against Moses and God because they were hungry. They forgot that God could feed them from nothing.

This is common among us. We easily and quickly forget the wonderful things God has done and continues to do in our lives, especially when we are faced with challenges and obstacles. And this drives us away from Christ, looking for miracles elsewhere. We go to mallams and fetish priests that provide quick answers to our problems. We lose faith in him, who is really present in the Eucharist. The Jesus who fed the people and worked signs and wonders is the same Jesus in the Eucharist.

Therefore, like St Paul in the second reading, “I want to urge you in the name of the Lord, not to go on living the aimless kind of life that pagans live”. Do not go looking for miracles. You yourself are a wonderful miracle in this world. Put aside your illusory desires and follow Jesus in faith. Trust in him and your life will never be the same.
Amen

SEVENTEENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME, YEAR B

2Kings 4:42-44
Psalm 145
Ephesians 4:1-6
John 6:1-15

FEEDING FROM THE LITTLE

We  are serving a living God, the miracle worker. He is the God of Providence. Today's readings invite us therefore not to worry, but have confidence in God and bring him the little we have so that he may multiply it for us. Moreover, the unity and love that bind us together must lead us to  be willing to share  with others the little we have.

In the first reading, a man from Baal-Shalisha brought his first fruits to Elisha, the man of God. The latter miraculously fed hundred people with the twenty loaves the man had brought him. He did this out of confidence on the word of God (2Kgs 4:42-44). The psalmist says that the eyes of all look hopefully up to God, who provides food to every living thing in due season. In the gospel, Jesus fed five thousands men out of five loaves and two fish. It was a little boy who gave out the little he had to feed the multitude  (John 6:1-15).

It is of no wonder that St Paul exhorts us in the second reading to bear with one another, show love, and live in peace and unity with everybody. Brotherliness, fellowship, selflessness and sharing must therefore characterize our homes and communities

Let us learn from the man from Baal-Shalisha to support our priests and pastors. Let priests and men of God learn from prophet Elisha to help the needy with the little they have. Let us all learn from the little boy in the gospel to be willing to share our resources with others. In every situation, may we trust in God who provides for our needs.
Amen

SIXTEENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME, YEAR B

Jeremiah 23:1-6
Psalm 22
Ephesians 2:13-18
Mark 6:30-34

BE CONCERNED OF OTHERS

Last Sunday, Jesus sent his disciples into mission. Today, they come back and give account of what they had done. Jesus asks them to withdraw to a lonely place so that they could rest for a while. But before they could reach their place of rest, a large crowd was already waiting for them. The people were like without guide, exhausted, and lost. They were hungry for words of light and meaning in their lives. Thus, Jesus was moved with compassion for them. He let go his legitimate right to rest so as to satisfy the needs of the crowd. In this sense, Jesus is the good, loving, caring and tenderhearted shepherd (Mark 6:30-34).

These were the qualities that were lacking in the leaders of Israel at the time of prophet Jeremiah. Hence, in the first reading God warns them for their misdeeds. They did not take care of the flock; neither did they seek the lost nor gather them. Consequently, God promises to raise up new and faithful shepherds for his people (Jer. 23:1-6).

Another quality of a good shepherd is that he gathers the flock. He promotes togetherness, peace and unity. St Paul tells us in the second reading that Jesus, by his death on the cross, has reconciled all of us into one people. He broke the wall of division and brought both Jews and Gentiles into one family (Eph. 2:13-18).

Each one of us, whether we are the Pope, a bishop, a priest, a pastor, a parent, a leader, a doctor, a teacher, a seller, a worker, etc. must strive to be caring, sensitive to the needs and miseries of others. Sometimes, we may need to let go our rights and privileges, our cherished time of rest in order to bring relief and consolation to others. We are invited also to break the barriers of hostility, division and revenge that are tearing apart our relationships, families, churches and communities.
May the Lord bless and keep all of us. Amen

FIFTEENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME, YEAR B

Amos 7:12-15
Psalm 84:9-14
Ephesians 1:3-14
Mark 6:7-13

THE MISSIONARY PEOPLE

In today’s readings, we are reminded that we are sent to go and tell our story, the story of our relationship with God. Every baptized is a missionary, called to be holy and spotless before God. We are therefore called to holiness; and this holiness is achieved in the daily living of the Gospel of which we are bearers.

The Gospel reading narrates the first missionary experience of Jesus’ disciples. Having spent some time with him, Jesus sends them out to cast out demons, heal the sick and preach repentance. He also instructs them not to take anything for the journey, but to depend solely on the providence of God.

In the first reading, Amos defends the legitimacy of his prophetic mission before Amaziah, priest of Bethel. God called him to prophesy to the people of Israel in the northern kingdom and to call them to conversion.

It is God who calls and commissions. We are called to be God’s adopted children in Christ Jesus. Thus, the second reading celebrates this boundless grace of God in a form of a hymn of blessing. It also exalts Christ as the one whom God has established as the source of salvation of mankind. In him, and through his blood, we have gained freedom and forgiveness of our sins. In him, God has showered us with his spiritual blessings.

This is the good news we must receive, celebrate, live and share with others in our homes, workplaces, schools, communities and so forth. By so doing, we will become true ambassadors of Christ and become the true version of ourselves, that is, missionaries called to be holy. May the Lord bless and keep all of us.
Amen.

FOURTEENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME, YEAR B

Ezekiel 2:2- 5

Psalm 122

2 Corinthians 12:7-10

Mark 6:1-6

THE THORN IN MY FLESH

It can be observed that messages urging conversion, love, truth, justice, forgiveness, etc. are often met with hostility, hatred, rejection, and persecution. This reality is more evident in the life of prophets and men of God. What makes the work of a prophet more difficult and risky is that he is called to challenge and urge his own people to change their way of life and conform their lives to the will of God.

In the first reading, God sent Ezekiel as a prophet to speak his word to his people so obstinate and defiant that they would not even listen to him (Ez. 2:2-5).

In the Gospel reading, Jesus comes to his hometown. But his own people would not accept him, because they thought they knew him and his family background. While the other towns hailed him for his miracles and powerful preaching, his hometown despised him (Mark 6:1-6).

St Paul, in the second reading, expresses his joy in bearing with his weaknesses, hardships and persecution for the sake of his mission as a preacher. For God’s grace is sufficient for him to bear the thorn in his flesh (2Cor. 12:7-10).

Working for God is never easy. In our own time, priests and other men of God are often victims of persecution, poisoning, hatred, humiliation, hostility for the simple reason that they are bearers of the Good News. The church and its leaders are humiliated, criticized, and ridiculed for one reason or the other.

However, we must remember the words of Jesus in Mark 13:13 “And you will be hated by all because of my name. But the one who endures to the end will be saved”. May the Lord grant us the sufficient grace so that we may not despair but endure in face of our own shortcomings and amidst persecutions and hostilities. Amen.

THIRTEENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME, YEAR B

Wisdom 1:13-5.2:23-24
Psalm 29:2.4-6.11-13
2Corinthians 8:7.9.13-15
Mark 5:21-43

MAKING THE STEP OF FAITH

The readings of today teach us that God made us for fullness of life. At first glance, the assertions of the first reading seem contrary to what we experience daily in this life. It tells us that God did not create death. He created all things to subsist for eternity. He made man imperishable. And yet, we experience suffering and death. Thus, the author tells us that these are the doing of the devil (Wisdom 1:13-5.2:23-24).

God being so good, he sent his Son Jesus Christ to restaure this distorted order. Thus, throughout his public ministry, Jesus performed many healing miracles; he raised the dead to life. In today’s gospel, Jairus implored Jesus to heal his daughter who was terminally ill; the woman who was suffering from haemorrhage for twelve years got healed when she touched the garment of Jesus, and Jesus raised the little girl to life by simply saying “Little girl, I tell you to get up” (Mark 5:21-43).

What is common in both Jairus and the suffering woman is their faith in Jesus. Out of this faith, they dared to approach Jesus hoping they would get their needs met. Yes, when we approach Jesus in faith, he comes to us with blessing, healing, wholeness, joy, peace, and fullness of life. For he came that we may have life, life in abundance (John 10:10).

Jesus was rich, yet for our sake he became poor, so that by his poverty we may become rich, we are told in the second reading. Thus, in giving relief to us, Jesus invites us to do the same to others through sharing.

Therefore, faith in Jesus gives a new meaning to our lives. Therefore, we must strive daily to approach Jesus, touch him and have this transforming and life changing experience with him, especially in prayer and in the celebration of the Eucharist.

May he increase our faith so that we may not lose hope in our difficult and terrifying moments.
Amen.

THE SOLEMNITY OF THE NATIVITY OF JOHN THE BAPTIST

Isaiah 49:1-6
Psalm 138:1-3.13-15
Acts 13:22-26
Luke 1:57-66.80

HIS NAME IS “GOD IS GRACIOUS”

We celebrate today the birth of one of the great men in the history of salvation, St John the Baptist. He was the man specially chosen by God to be the herald of the Messiah and to prepare the people of Israel for his coming. He was the bridge between the old and the new testaments. The birth of John the Baptist inaugurates the crossing over to the new age, the age of grace, as his name indicates “God is gracious”.

In the first reading the vocation of the prophet Isaiah helps understand the vocation of John the Baptist. He was called and chosen by God even from his mother’s womb to be his servant. He sharpened his mouth to make him his spokesperson (Is 49:1-6).

Luke narrates the birth stories of John and of Jesus as parallel accounts. In both stories, there is always something of a miracle and of wonderment in people. Again, in these stories, Luke stresses the identity and mission of both children. For John the Baptist, he was chosen by the Lord to be the herald of the Messiah. He was to go before the Lord so as to prepare his ways. He was not the Word, but the voice that announces the coming of the Incarnate Word. He was not the Christ, but the one who pointed the crowds to the Christ.

That  is why St Paul in a brief survey of the history of salvation speaks of John the Baptist as the one who proclaimed a baptism of repentance for the whole of Israel so as to herald the coming of Jesus Christ in fulfillment of God’s promise (Acts 13:22-26).

Like John the Baptist, we too have an identity and a mission. By virtue of our baptism, we are children of God. Our mission is to make Christ known, loved and accepted as personal Saviour. May John the Baptist intercede for us so that we may be true witnesses of Christ with courage, humility and confidence. Amen

ELEVENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME, YEAR B

Ezekiel 17:22-24
Psalm 91:1-3.13-16
2Corinthians 5:6-10
Mark 4:26-34

FROM TINY BEGINNINGS...

The readings of today present us with various parables about the Kingdom of God. These parables apply to the Church, which from a tiny beginning amidst persecutions, has grown big and filled all the earth. The Church continues to provide shelter and hope to millions of people. However, these parables may also apply to each one of us. They challenge us to become insiders, that is disciples of Christ, so as to get the privileged explanation of these parables.

Two parables are given by Jesus in the gospel reading. In the first parable, the Kingdom of God expands and bears fruits whether we cooperate or not, for God himself is at work. God himself cares for the seed, from its sowing till harvest time. In the second one, from tiny beginnings, the mustard seed grows so big that it provides shelter to birds.

These are parables of hope and encouragement.  God is actively present in our lives, working for our growth. Like the branch of the cedar in the first reading, God cares for us (Ez. 17:22-24). If we allow him to take charge, we will grow like a Lebanon cedar, flourish and bear fruits even when we are old, because we are always in his presence.

We need therefore to be patient. The slowness of the germination of the seed of greatness planted in us must not discourage us. In this life, we are like exiled, far from home. We are in a journey. And in this journey, St. Paul tells us, we walk by faith and not by sight. We must have the confidence that we are not alone. God is leading us from our nothingness and smallness to greatness. He has great plan for each one of us.

May he open our eyes of faith to wait with patience for the realization of his plans for us.
Amen.

TENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME, YEAR B

Genesis 3:9-15
Psalm 129
2Corinthians 4:13-5:1
Mark 3:20-35

SATAN IS DEFEATED

The gospel of today narrates the negative responses to Jesus in his ministry. For his own relatives, “he is out of his mind”. For the scribes, “he is possessed by Beelzebul”, and he is an agent of Satan because “he casts out demons through the prince of devils”. But Jesus’ response to the scribes makes it clear that his works and exorcisms are proofs that Satan is defeated. So, attributing Jesus’ works to Satan is an unforgivable sin against the Holy Spirit. For this attitude closes one’s heart to God’s grace and healing power.

Jesus has come to put an end to Satan’s reign. He has come to crush the serpent’s head as promised by God in the first reading. By deceiving our first parents, the serpent had put disorder in our lives: hiding from God, the blame game and separation from God. Despite this fall, God promised a final victory over the serpent. For with Him, there is forgiveness and fulness of redemption.

Here therefore belies our hope: Jesus had triumphed over the forces of evil and death which are consequences of the disobedience of our first parents. We can therefore hope for a future glory which surpasses the troubles of this present life, as St Paul tells us in the second reading. The victory is ours if we have faith in him and do the will of God.

May the healing love of God turn us from sin and keep us on the way that leads to glory and peace.
Amen.

SOLEMNITY OF THE BODY AND BLOOD OF CHRIST (CORPUS CHRISTI), YEAR B

Exodus. 24:3-8

Psalm 115:12-13.15-18

Hebrews 9:11-15

Mark 14:12-16.22-26

THE SIGN OF A NEW COVENANT

The solemnity of Corpus Christi is a celebration that invites us to reflect more deeply on the mystery of the Eucharist, which is the Body and Blood of Christ. In the first reading, Moses offered a sacrifice of communion to seal the covenant God made with the people of Israel on Mount Sinai after He had delivered them from slavery in Egypt. 

According to the second reading, God has made a new and better convenant with us. This covenant was not sealed with the blood of animals as in the days of Moses, but with the precious blood of Jesus. For Jesus offered himself once for all for us, making us a people ransommed for God.

The gospel reading tells us that on the first day of the Unleavened Bread, Jesus took his last meal with his disciples. As he took the bread, he said: “This is my body, given up for you”. Over the cup of wine, he said: “This is my blood, the blood of the new covenant, which is to be poured out for many.” By this Jesus instituted the Eucharist as the memorial of his sacrificial death, by which he has become the Mediator of the new and eternal covenant.

This means that any time we celebrate the Eucharist, the fruits of redemption Jesus won for us on the cross are made available for us. As he gave his Body and Blood to his disciples on the evening of his betrayal, Jesus continues to offer us his Body and Blood for our nourishment so as to strengthen us to persevere amid the difficulties and troubles of this life. He is really present among us in the form of bread and wine. And his sacrifice on the cross is made present in the Mass.

May we find joy, peace, restoration, deliverance and abundant life in the Body and Blood of Christ.

 Amen.

PENTECOST SUNDAY, YEAR B

Acts1:1-11
Psalm 103
Galatians 5:16-25
John 15:26-27.16:12-15

THE TRANSFORMING EXPERIENCE WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT

The solemnity of Pentecost commemorates the outpouring of the Holy Spirit upon the Apostles. The event took place on Pentecost, the Jewish Harvest Festival, an occasion when the Jews recalled their covenant with God on Mount Sinai, fifty days after their escape from Egypt.

This day was announced by Jesus Christ. For he promised the disciples that he would send them the Paraclet, the Spirit of Truth. The Holy Spirit would glorify him, bear witness to him and empower the disciples also to bear witness to him. The Holy Spirit would teach them the ways of God and lead them to the whole truth (John 15:26-27.16:12-15).

The first reading narrates the fulfillment of Jesus’ promise. As described by Luke, the Pentecost event was a spectacular and transforming experience. The Holy Spirit opened the closed doors of the Church to everyone, freely involving anyone it comes across as the wind, having a burning and transforming power like fire, empowering men and women to proclaim the wonders of God to all peoples. This way, he freed the disciples from cowardice and fear, and empowered them to speak freely about the wonders of God (Acts 1:1-11).

We too have received the Holy Spirit at our baptism. We are therefore called to live by the Spirit, to bear fruits and outdo all the works of the fresh (Gal 5:16-25). Our lives are to be living testimonies to the wonders of God. For each of us is a miracle of God’s grace given to us in the Holy Spirit. It is high time therefore to come out of our self-inflicted prisons caused by fear, selfishness, wickedness, divisions, etc so as to preach fearlessly the love of God to all.

May the Spirit of the Living God fall afresh on us, mold us, fill us and use us, enabling us to be true witnesses of Christ. Amen.

SEVENTH SUNDAY OF EASTER, YEAR B

Acts 1:15…26 
Psalm 102
1 John 4:11-16 
John 17:11

             PRAY LIKE JESUS

The period between the Lord’s Ascension and Pentecost is a period of waiting in prayer for the outpouring of the Holy Spirit as promised by Jesus himself. 

In the first reading, the Apostles prayed God to choose the one to replace Judas Iscariot, the traitor. The lot fell on Matthias, who was then listed among the Twelve. Here we see the implicit action of the Holy Spirit guiding the decisions of the nascent Church. 

In the second reading, we are called to abide in the love of God, by loving one another. This communion with God is made possible by the Holy Spirit, which is the gift of God to us. It is therefore love that makes God present in us. 

The gospel is an excerpt of Jesus’ prayer commonly known as Jesus’ Priestly Prayer (John 17). This prayer shows how dear we are to Jesus. This is the mystery of Christian prayer: Jesus Christ prays for us, in us and with us. And this is our consolation and security: our Lord has prayed for  us and continues to pray for us, for he is now seated at the right hand of the Father to intercede for us.    

We must therefore strive to tighten our relationship with the Lord through prayer. It is in prayer that we can experience the loving care of God. It is in prayer that we can ask for guidance of the Holy Spirit in everything we do as individuals or as a Church. A Christian cannot live without prayer. Let us therefore make prayer the air we breathe and ask the Holy Spirit to direct us in making the right decisions at the right moments. 

Amen 

SIXTH SUNDAY OF EASTER, YEAR B

Acts 10:25…48
Ps 97
1 John 4:7-10
John 15:9-17

FRIENDS OF JESUS CHRIST

The inner longing of every man and woman is to love and to feel loved. For we were created out of love, in love and for love, by a God who is love. In effect, the second reading gives us another name of God: love. “God is love”. He loved us first and gave us his only Son for our salvation. As such, those who truly love are sons and daughters of God (1 John 4:7-10).

In the first reading, this love of God is proven boundless, open to all men, irrespective of their nationality. God has no favourite, but accepts anyone who fears him and does what is right. Thus, by pouring his Spirit upon the pagans, whom Jews considered unworthy of God’s mercy, love and salvation, God broke the barriers of our prejudice and self-sufficiency (Acts 10:25…48).

Similarly, Jesus in the gospel invites his followers to love one another as he has loved us. What is specific of the love of Christ is that he loved us to the end and gave his life for us. He has made us his friends (John 15:9-17). He is the only selfless, faithful, loyal and true friend.

This way, Jesus invites us to experience love in its true sense: a love that overcomes fear, selfishness, and pride. A love that seeks the good of the other for the sake of the other. A love that endures and forgives. It is only when we love in this way that we become true friends of Jesus. Anything apart from this is a caricature of love. 
May the Lord Jesus teach us how to love as he loves us. Amen

FIFTH SUNDAY OF EASTER, YEAR B

Acts 9 :26-31 
Psalm 21 
1 John 3:18-24 
John 15:1-8

ABIDING IN JESUS CHRIST

On this fifth Sunday of Easter, the gospel proposed for our meditation is the parable of the vine (John 15:1-8). This parable is an invitation to abide in Jesus Christ so as to bear much fruits. Either you are connected to Christ or you are disconnected from him. If you abide in him, you will bear much fruits. But if you do not abide in him, you become fruitless, sterile. You go from frustration to frustration, from crisis to crisis, for a life without Christ is a life with crises: “For without me, you can do nothing”, says Jesus.

Jesus is the vine, we are the branches. Consequently, the fruitfulness of our life depends on our connexion or intimacy with Jesus Christ. We must therefore remain always connected to him. We must develop a personal relationship with him through prayer, listening to the Word of God and the celebration of the sacraments, especially the Eucharist. To remain in Jesus also means finding the reason to live and hope in spite of everything. It is to make him our shelter, our dwelling, therefore our security.

One cannot abide in Jesus without being like Jesus, without loving like him. To abide in Jesus means keeping his word that calls us to love one another (1 John 3:18-24). To abide in Jesus has therefore a social dimension. Sometimes, it means integrating sinners, the rejected, the marginalized and the abandoned into our community. Other times, it means forgiving others and lettting go the wounds they had inflicted us.

This is exemplified in the first reading. The community of believers in Jerusalem found it difficult to accept Paul, despite his conversion on the road to Damascus, for he was a persecutor of Christians. It took the intervention of Barnabas for him to be recognized as a disciple of Christ.
May the Lord help us to abide in him so as to bear fruits to the glory of God. Amen

FOURTH SUNDAY OF EASTER, YEAR B

Acts 4:8-12
Psalm 117
1 John 3:1-2
John 10:11-18

SHEPHERDS AFTER THE HEART OF JESUS CHRIST

The fourth Sunday of Easter is also known as “Good Shepherd Sunday” and is set aside to pray for vocations to the priesthood and religious life. In today’s Gospel, Jesus proclaims that he is the Good Shepherd. As the Good Shepherd, he freely lays down his life for his sheep, knows them, cares for them, defends them from foreign attacks and goes out to look for the lost sheep. He gathers his sheep into one sheepfold (John 10:11-18).

Praying for vocations therefore is a way of asking the Lord to give us shepherds after his own heart, as he himself had promised (Jer. 3:15). For we need priests and religious who care for God’s people, who are close to them, know them and listen to them. We need holy priests and religious, people who touch lives by their way of life.

There are two main vocations by which the Lord calls each one of us to service. One is the married life and the other priestly and religious life. God has called each one of us, but what we are to be has not yet come (1 John 3:1-2). Therefore, as pilgrims, let us cultivate the virtues of patience and perseverance. We live in a world which is becoming more hostile to the Gospel. Like Peter in the first reading, let us be bold and fearless in preaching the truth about Jesus Christ, for in him alone there is salvation (Acts 4:8-12).

Let us all pray for, encourage and support vocations. Let us pray expecially for young people that many may respond positively to the call of the Lord and give their lives to the Risen Lord in priestly or religious life. Amen

THIRD SUNDAY OF EASTER, YEAR B

Acts 3:13-15.17-19
Psalm 4
1John 2:1-5
Luke 24:35-48

THE WITNESSING CHRISTIAN

Jesus of Nazareth, the Prince of Life was put to death, but death could not overcome him. This is an old news but always new, transforming lives to the glory of God. Today, he appears to his disciples. It was in the evening of the day of his resurrection. The prevailing atmosphere among the disciples was one of fear and doubt, sadness and deception. But the encounter with the Risen Jesus renewed their faith and filled them with joy.

Today’s appearance story follows Jesus’ manifestation to the two disciples on the way to Emmaus, where they recognized him in the breaking of bread. Three things are worth highlighting in today’s passage. First, he offers peace to his troubled and frightened disciples and reassures them that he is the same who was dead but now is alive. Second, he makes them understand the Scriptures which foretold his Passion, death and resurrection. Third, he invites them to be witnesses of his saving work.

Consequently, in the first reading, Peter boldly bears witness to the Risen Lord before the people and calls them to conversion. St John, in the second reading, reminds us that Jesus’ death is the expiation for our sins and those of the whole world. This way, he has become our advocate before God.

Indeed, Jesus died, but now he is alive. He died for our sins. This is the news we must preach to the world and call our contemporaries to conversion. But we ourselves must be converted first so as to be living testimonies of God’s mercy and love.
May the Risen Lord give us peace and joy. Amen

SECOND SUNDAY OF EASTER, YEAR B

Acts 4:32-35
Ps 117:2-4,15-18, 22-24
1 John 5:1-6
John 20:19-31

DIVINE MERCY SUNDAY

If the Risen Christ appears to his disciples many times, it is to strengthen their faith, and assure them that he has not abandoned them. Henceforth, he is present and active in the sacraments to offer them consolation and reconciliation. Today, he shows them the marks of his Passion, expression of God’s Mercy for mankind.

John narrates the appearance of the Risen Lord to his disciples. In the evening of the day of his resurrection, Jesus offered three gifts to his disciples: peace, the Holy Spirit and a mission. The peace he gives them is the peace that forgives, forgets their failures and mistakes, reconciles them with himself and assures them of his presence. He breathed on them and gave them the Holy Spirit to strengthen them for the mission he entrusts them. Their mission is to be his representatives in the world as ministers of God’s mercy, as he himself is the Face of God’s mercy.

Moreover, today’s gospel outlines the appropriate response to Jesus’ resurrection: faith. After one week of doubt, Thomas finally makes a great and unparalleled confession of faith in the Risen Jesus: “My Lord and my God”. According to the second reading, faith in the Risen Lord as the Son of God is the great weapon to overcome the world (1 John 5:1-6).

If we profess and live out our faith in Jesus Christ as we ought, indeed, we shall overcome today’s world marked by selfishness, individualism, corruption, division, consumerism, desire to exploit others, etc. Our faith will inform us that we ought to live our life with and for others. The first Christians understood this; that is why they put their belongings in common, sharing them to each according to his needs (Acts 4:32-35).

Let us also cultivate the habit of sharing. May the Risen Lord help us be authentic witnesses of his resurrection. Amen

EASTER SUNDAY

Acts 10 :34.37-43 
Psalm117 
1Corithians 5 :6-8 
John 20 :1-9

HE HAS RISEN INDEED

This is the day the Lord has made. We will rejoice and be glad in it. For we celebrate the foundation of our faith: the resurrection of Jesus Christ (cf. 1Cor. 15:13-14).

However, from the gospel reading, we understand that the Lord's resurrection is not a scientific fact to be proven. It is to be believed in. No one saw Jesus coming out of the tomb. But some "facts" and events indicate that something extraordinary happened: the empty tomb, the appearances of the Risen Lord, and the witness of the apostles.

From what happened on Good Friday and these indicators, we come to believe that Jesus was dead, but now he is alive. On Good Friday, our hopes were shattered. But today, our hope has come alive. We now know our Redeemer lives. Easter is therefore a period of joy and hope.

This is the Good News we must carry. Let us bring this joy and hope to those around us. Let us show by our way of life that we are Easter people. Let us celebrate this Easter not with the old leaven of malice and wickedness, unforgiveness and self-pity, but with sincerity, truth, and self confidence (1Cor. 5:6-8). May the Risen Lord bless and keep all of us.
Amen

PASCHAL TRIDUUM, HOLY SATURDAY

Genesis 1:1-2:2 ; Psalm 104

Exodus 14:15-15-1; Exodus 15

Ezekiel 36: 16-17a, 18-28; Psalm 42

Romans 6:3-11

Mark 16:1-7

THE EASTER VIGIL, THE NIGHT OF ALL NIGHTS

This day is the third day of the Sacred Triduum. The focal point of today’s celebration is the empty tomb. The liturgy of the Easter Vigil is made up of four parts, namely, the service of night, the liturgy of the Word, the liturgy of baptism, and the liturgy of the Eucharist. It is the celebration of the passage from death to life, from darkness to light.

The liturgy of the Word invites us to meditate on the Salvation History, how God has been so close to mankind since creation. The great events that mark this history have been wrought in the night. The first act of creation was the victory of light over darkness: “let there be light” (Gen. 1:3). It was at night that God saved the Israelites from slavery through the Passover meal, liberating them from the power of Pharaoh. It was at night that he led them dry-shod through the red sea (Ex. 14). It was at night that Jesus rose from the dead, breaking the chains of death.

One thing that Holy Saturday teaches us is that no matter how deep and how long the night is the day will surely come. Jesus himself had to go through the terrible experience of being in the tomb for three days. Yes, he was crucified, died and was buried; but now he has risen.

This day therefore invites us to hope against all hope. There is no situation so desperate that God cannot change, for he always makes a way where there is no way. So, do not be afraid.

May the power of the  Resurrection roll away every stone or obstacle that stands on your way. And may the rising of our Lord Jesus Christ dispel every darkness in our life and give us the grace to be true witnesses of the resurrection.
Amen

PASCHAL TRIDUUM, GOOD FRIDAY

Isaiah 52:13—53:12
Psalm 30
Hebrews 4:14-16.5:7-9
John 18:1—19:42

THE CELEBRATION OF THE LORD’S PASSION

Today is the second day of the Sacred Triduum. Apart from the stations of the cross that characterizes the day, today’s liturgy is made up of three parts, namely, the liturgy of the Word which helps us understand the true meaning of the suffering and death of Jesus Christ, the veneration of the cross and the liturgy of the Pre-sanctified or Holy Communion. The focus of today’s liturgy is the cross.

In Jewish understanding, the cross was the emblem of shame, curse, punishment, condemnation, torture, suffering and death. The imagery of a cross was something absurd and resentful. It pointed to anger and bitterness, hatred and violence.

But Jesus changed the perspective of the cross. With Jesus the cross has become the emblem of friendship, redemption and glory. It has become the symbol of triumph and not defeat, life and not death, forgiveness and not condemnation. As the Suffering Servant, Jesus was thought of as someone cursed, punished by God. He was despised, rejected, humiliated, a man of sorrow and acquainted with grief, finally crucified. And yet, through his Passion and death, he has become the source of salvation, healing and wholeness for mankind.

Today, let us reflect on the culture of death and violence that characterizes our world today. Innocent people are unjustly condemned, jailed or killed. Innocent lives are lost through abortion and war. Out of our selfish ambitions, we sell others. The love for power has taken over the power of love. We destroy the reputation of others through backbiting and blackmails. We break the hearts of those who love us and trust us; we reject and abandon them at the moments they need us most. And the culture of revenge and unforgiveness is growing even among Christians.

May the Lord forgive us! May he be the consolation and strength to those who are suffering. Amen

PASCHAL TRIDUUM, HOLY THURSDAY

Exodus 12:1-8.11-1
Psalm115
1Corinthians 11:23-26
John 13:1-15

MASS OF THE LORD'S SUPPER

Today's Mass in memory of the Last Super opens the "Pascal Triduum", a three day's journey that commemorates the events that led to our Redemption: the Passion, death and Resurrection of Jesus Christ.

The focal point of today's liturgy is the Upper Room, where Jesus took the last Super with his disciples. Three events are celebrated:
- the giving of the new commandment of love, expressed in gestures of  humble service,
- the institution of the Eucharist as a symbol of his self giving for us,
- the institution of the priesthood to perpetuate his presence among his people. That which holds these three mysteries together is Jesus' love for us.

The first reading narrates the institution of the Jewish Passover, marked by the immolation of the lamb. The eating of the Passover lamb preceded the exodus event. The second reading explains the Eucharist as instituted by Christ himself during the super that preceded his Passion and death.

At the Last Super, Jesus stood among his disciples as one who serves. He washed his disciples' feet as a concrete example of serving one another. Such humility is an example for us to follow. Moreover, he gave his Body and Blood as a ransom for many. This act of self giving demonstrates Jesus' love for us. Thus, those of us who partake in the Eucharist must also give ourselves in serving others.

Today, let each of us spend some time in adoring the Lord in the Blessed Sacrament. Amen