SOLEMNITY OF THE HOLY MARY, MOTHER OF GOD

Numbers 6:22-27

Galatians 4:4-7

Luke 2:16-21

2020: A YEAR OF DOUBLE-DOUBLE

January 1st, a day marked by three events: the beginning of a new year, the solemnity of Saint Mary, Mother of God, and World Day of Peace. For the liturgy today, two things caught my attention. First, the Church invites us to celebrate a woman on this first day of the year. Meanwhile a woman is the symbol of life and fertility or fecundity. This woman is Mary, Mother of our Lord Jesus Christ and our Mother in the order of grace. The second reading and the gospel attest to this fact.

Second, the liturgy of the Word opens by speaking of blessing. Now to "bless" someone is to wish "good" to the person, to set him apart for God. Thus, the liturgical blessing of the people of Israel consisted in invoking God's "NAME" on the people, and this included three things: may the Lord "keep you", may he "be gracious to you", and may he "give you peace."

Therefore, dear readers of "SOWING THE SEED", I would like to express my best wishes in four words: life, protection, grace and peace. I wish you a life full of joy and fruitfulness. May the Lord keep you from all misfortune and protect you; that he gives you the assurance of his presence especially in the midst of your doubts, difficulties, tribulations and trials.

May he grant you the graces you need and help you accept all the events that will mark your life in this year 2020 as a grace. Because everything that happens is good! And may he give you his peace. Yes, peace (shàlôm), this word which, in the biblical sense, is not simply absence of war but expresses good relationship with God, with others and with nature, integrity, fullness, health, serenity , material and spiritual prosperity. May this year be a year overflowing with grace, a year of breakthrough and a year of spiritual elevation.

Finally, may the Virgin Mary, Mother of God and Queen of Peace, accompany us throughout this year which opens before us with all that it contains of mysterious, uncertain, of fear but also of hope. May God keep us and bless us! Amen

Happy New Year!

SOLEMNITY OF THE HOLY FAMILY, YEAR A

Sirach 3:2-6, 12-14

Psalm 128  

Colossians 3:12-21   

Matthew 2:13-15, 19-23

THE HOLY FAMILY

Still in the joyful mood of Christmas, we are invited to celebrate the solemnity of the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph, which is a model for all families. This Family is called “holy” not because it was “problem-free”. But because it was founded on faith in God and adherence to God’s will. As such, they enjoyed a great inner peace and profound unity in spite of their woes and hardships. 

In the gospel passage, St Matthew narrates the flight of the Holy Family to Egypt in order to save the life of the newly born child Jesus, which was threatened by king Herod. This story does not only remind us of the many families that are going through dramatic situations, but also invites us, especially parents, to be life-protecting. We must care for our children and protect them in all respects. 

It is needless to say that we live in a world where many families are torn apart, where there are conflicts and misunderstandings fuelled by a generational gap between parents and children. Again, the figures of “father” and “mother” are robbed of their true meaning; and children claim greater rights and autonomy from their parents. Thus, the first reading reasserts the importance of parents and insists on the honour and reverence that children owe to their parents, who gave them life. It challenges us to help and care for our parents, to be patient and considerate towards them, especially when they are old and sick. For whoever does so receives forgiveness for his sins and blessings from God.

In the second reading, St Paul enumerates some attitudes that favour family life and its progress in love and harmony: heartfelt compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, patience, mutual respect, affection and especially forgiveness. It is important to note that no family is perfect. Each member has his own history, wounds and crosses. Hence it is necessary to “bear with one another” in love and patience. Each of us must be ready to let go any grudge and to forgive, so as to establish harmony, peace and serenity in our families. May the Holy Family intercede for our families so they may grow in love, faith and obedience to God’s Word. 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 and spread everywhere we may go. 

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. May his light illumine every dark area in your life. Amen.

Merry Christmas!!!

4TH SUNDAY OF ADVENT, YEAR A

Isaiah 7:10-14

Psalm 24

Romans 1:1-7

Matthew 1:18-24

THE "EMMANUEL PROJECT"

In few days, we will celebrate Christmas, the commemoration of the birth of Jesus Christ. Today’s readings present the birth of Jesus as the fulfillment of God’s promises. In the Gospel passage, we see how the project of God, as predicted by the prophet Isaiah in the first reading, is accomplished. It was God who took the initiative. This initiative is indeed exceptional and incomprehensible to us, a project of infinite love: the Virgin Mary was to conceive a son, who will be called Emmanuel, God-is-with-us. Christmas is indeed the fulfillment of God’s promises; it is God coming to dwell among his people.

Moreover, the readings make it clear that the Son of Mary is not the son of Joseph but the Son of God. Nonetheless, the role of Joseph is very important in the fulfillment of God’s plan of salvation. By his unconditional obedience to the will of God, he cooperated in discretion, silence and obedient faith to the realization of God’s saving project. 

By his “Yes”, Joseph, a descendent of David, will become the foster-father of Jesus the Messiah. In the Second reading, Paul affirms that he is preaching the Gospel concerning our Lord Jesus Christ, who was descended from David according to the flesh, and established as Son of God in power according to the Holy Spirit. As such, God’s saving plan comes through thanks to the “yes” of both Mary and Joseph.

Like Mary and Joseph, we may have our own projects and plans. But we must know that God has a bigger project, a bigger plan, for our lives. As such, sometimes we need to let go our own plans even when it seems unjust and unreasonable. Let each of us say a free, unconditional and courageous 'Yes' to God, as we get ourselves ready to welcome our Saviour, the Infant Jesus. May he, the Emmanuel, remain always with us till the end of time (Matt. 28:20). Amen

3RD SUNDAY OF ADVENT, YEAR A

Isaiah 35:1-6  

James 5:7-10  

Matthew 11:2-11

GAUDETE SUNDAY: ANTICIPATING THE JOY OF SALVATION

Advent is a season of joyful expectation, a season of waiting. Thus, today’s readings give us two characteristics of effective waiting: hope and patience. Hope allows us to anticipate the joy of possessing what we are waiting for, whereas patience enables us not to lose heart or give up no matter how long our waiting may be. In the first reading, the prophet Isaiah invites us to rejoice and sing for joy, because God himself is coming to save us. This salvation means bringing healing, liberation, restoration, fulfilment, wholeness and holiness (Is. 35:1-6). 

Unfortunately, there are people, even Christians, who always have funeral and morose faces. They always complain and lament over their difficulties, sicknesses, losses, and problems. They become impatient with God, thinking that God does not care. This impatience leads to frustration, anger, anxiety, and unhappiness. But like the farmer who patiently waits until the fruits of his labour are ripe, we too should be patient, just as the second reading tells us. We must not lose heart, for the Lord is coming soon (James 5:7-10). 

This need to be full of hope and patience must be coupled with our capacity to recognize the signs of God’s presence. St John the Baptist was a great prophet who recognized Jesus as the long awaited Messiah in the Jordan River. When he was in prison, having heard about Jesus’ ministry, he sent his disciples to ask Jesus: ‘Are you the one who is to come, or have we got to wait for somebody else?’ Jesus sent them back pointing at his signs and wonders as tangible evidence that he is the Messiah. The prophecy of Isaiah is being realized: God has come to save his people (Mt 11: 2-11).

As we await and prepare ourselves for the coming of the Lord, may we be filled with joy and hope. In every life situation, let us never lose heart, for the Lord is our Salvation. May he open our eyes of faith to recognize him as he comes each day to us in various ways and especially in the Eucharist. Amen

2ND SUNDAY OF ADVENT, YEAR A

Isaiah 11:1-10

Psalm 71

Romans 15:4-9

Matthew 3:1-12

Waiting For Peace And Restoration

Advent is a season of waiting and anticipation. It is a time of hope. And today’s readings are vivid representation of this hope. In the Gospel, St John the Baptist, the forerunner, preaches in the desert calling the people of Israel to repentance, for “the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” He challenges the Sadducees and Pharisees to show fruits of repentance, conversion and renewal because God’s judgment is imminent. The long awaited Messiah-King and just Judge is at hand. God’s promise to his people, of which we hear in the first reading, is about to be realized.

The prophet Isaiah announces the coming of God’s Anointed One. Full of the Holy Spirit, this Messiah-King, a descendent of king David, is coming to restore peace, harmony and God’s glorious kingdom of truth and justice on earth. In his days, justice shall flourish; happiness and fullness of peace for ever. This beautiful prophecy of Isaiah may be difficult to accept in our contemporary world characterized by violence, conflicts, discrimination, injustices, corruption, political upheavals, wars, and so forth. In front of this reality, we may simply say that this prophecy is a utopia and unrealistic; that it is a dream. 

Indeed, this prophecy reminds us of the famous discourse of Rev. Martin Luther King Junior, which he made in 1963: “I have a dream”. Isaiah’s prophecy, in fact, anticipates the fulfillment of God’s wondrous plan for us. It announces the full realization of the Kingdom of Heaven that Jesus Christ is coming to restore at the end of time. And this cannot but inspire hope in us, just as St Paul tells us in the second reading. 

He reminds us that the Sacred Scripture aims at instructing us and inspiring hope in us, because it reveals to us God’s saving plan for us. Thus, he invites us to live in harmony, tolerance and patience despites all our differences, while we await the full realization of God’s plan with courage and perseverance. Therefore, let the words of John the Baptist sound once more in our ears: “Prepare the way of the Lord;” for he is coming and he will not delay. He is coming to save us. And like Martin Luther King said: “Let us not wallow in the valley of despair”.

1ST SUNDAY OF ADVENT, YEAR A

Isaiah 2:1-5

Psalm 122

Romans 13:11-14  

Matthew 24:37-44 

THE LORD IS COMING !

On this first Sunday of Advent, we begin a new liturgical year. In ordinary parlance, “advent” means the coming or arrival of an important event, person or invention. In liturgical language, “Advent” is understood to mean the preparatory season for the commemoration of the Birth of Jesus Christ, celebrated at Christmas. But equally important is the joyful expectation of our Lord’s second coming that characterizes this season. It is therefore a period of joyful hope, a season of promises, a season of vigilant waiting and watchfulness. 

According to the prophet Isaiah’s vision, the days are coming when all nations will stream towards the mountain of the House of the Lord. This vision invites all people to search the presence of God and walk in his ways. For the Lord is coming to judge between the nations; he is coming to establish his peace and harmony among all people (Is. 2:1-5). 

In the gospel, Jesus invites his disciples to stay awake and be vigilant as they prepare themselves for the coming of the Son of Man. For the Son of Man, he says, will come at an hour they do not expect. According to him, the people of the time of Noah were submerged in everyday and ordinary pursuits that they forgot the imminence of the destroying flood. They suspected absolutely nothing, and suddenly they were swept away (Matt. 24:37-44). 

As Christmas approaches, we too may preoccupy ourselves with what to wear, what to eat, or how best we can enjoy the Christmas holidays while we forget the essential: getting ourselves ready for the coming of the Lord. Hence, in the second reading, St Paul exhorts us to awake from slumber, lay aside the works of darkness and put on the armor of light. In this advent season, therefore, let us lead honest and honorable lives. Let us conduct ourselves properly as in the day, not in orgies and drunkenness, not in promiscuity and lust, not in rivalry and jealousy (Rom. 13:11-14). 

May we search the presence of the Lord through prayer and good works so that he may find us ready when he comes. Amen

I wish you a Happy New Year and a fruitful Advent Season!!!

SOLEMNITY OF CHRIST, THE KING OF THE UNIVERSE, YEAR C

2 Samuel 5:1-3

Psalm 122

Colossians 1:12-20

Luke 23:35-43

JESUS OF NAZARETH IS KING INDEED

We celebrate today the solemnity of Christ, the King of the Universe, a solemnity that concludes the liturgical year. But what kind of king is Jesus Christ? And what is the extension of his kingdom? In effect, the readings present us two contrasting images of Jesus’ kingship. The second reading is a hymn that celebrates the preeminence of Christ Jesus and his Lordship over all creation. Thus, Jesus is King and everything is subjected to him. On the other hand, the gospel presents us Jesus rejected, mocked, ridiculed and crucified. 

This is to tell us that we cannot celebrate the kingship of Jesus of Nazareth without looking to the cross. The cross is the emblem of victory. Jesus reigns from the cross. His power is precisely in his ability to let go of his own life for the sake of others. Through the shedding of his blood on Calvary, we have gained peace, redemption, forgiveness of our sins and reconciliation with God. In other words, in the moment of his crucifixion, Jesus is shown to be King and Savior of all. Thus, he is not only “the king of the Jews” but the King of the entire universe. His kingdom is eternal and universal.

Obviously, Jesus is King, but not the kind of king we might have imagined or expected. Humanly speaking, we tend to associate kings with power and prestige, with noble birth and great wealth. World kings are surrounded by people they command and all are their subjects. Often, self interests and egoistic ambitions motivate their rule and decisions. But Jesus is not such a king. He is the king who lays down his life for all. He does not have subjects but friends. 

In the first reading, all the tribes of Israel recognized their need of a king, a king who could protect and lead them in war against their enemies. Thus, the elders anointed David as their king in Hebron. May we too recognize our need of Jesus as King and Lord of our lives. May our world leaders recognize the kingship of Jesus and take him as their model so that our world may be a kingdom of truth and life, a kingdom of holiness and grace, a kingdom of justice, love and peace.

33ND SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME, YEAR C

Malachi 3:19-20

Psalm 97:5-9

2 Thessalonians 3:7-12

Luke 21:5-19

THE END OF TIME

On this last Sunday before the solemnity of Christ the King, which marks the end of the liturgical year, the readings speak of the end of times. In the first reading, the prophet Malachi announces “the day of the Lord.” It will be a bad and terrifying news for the proud, evildoers and ungodly, since they will be destroyed. But for the God-fearing and righteous ones, it will be a day of justification and salvation. 

In the gospel, some people were in awe of the imposing magnificence of the Temple of Jerusalem. Responding to this, Jesus predicted that the time was coming when the Temple would be destroyed. He also announced the events that would come before the end of time: tribulation, the rise of false prophets, natural disasters, wars, persecutions of believers. 

In fact, in every age, people have expected the end of the world to happen in their lifetime, as did the Thessalonians. Some of them, persuaded of the imminence of the return of Christ, behaved as if the day of the Lord had already arrived and abolished daily responsibilities, especially work. But for St Paul, we must not be too excited and let ourselves be deceived by the false prophets. The “imminent” return of the Lord should not make us idle. We are to work diligently as we await the return of the Lord and fulfill our various duties with love, respect and commitment. Our hope for the glorious return of Christ must be accompanied by our daily vigilance.

As such, we should not worry about what will happen in the future. Let each day be an opportunity for us to bear witness to Christ. Let us keep on doing what is good. We should not be afraid and give up in the face of difficulties and trials. In the gospel, Jesus has assured God’s protection and victory for those who would remain faithful.  He will preserve us from any shame. Let us not forget that our perseverance in the face of persecution will lead to our salvation.

As we celebrate the World Day of the Poor, as established by Pope Francis since 2017, let us show love for the poor and pray that their perseverance and their hope in the Lord may not be in vain. Amen

32ND SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME, YEAR C

2 Maccabees 7:1-2, 9-14

Psalm 17:1, 5-6, 8, 15

2 Thessalonians 2:16–3:5

Luke 20:27-38

THE"PORK MEAT" AFFAIR

The theme that emerges from today’s readings is obviously the belief in the resurrection. The gospel focuses on the Sadducees who denied there is resurrection. In responding to their story meant to ridicule the belief in the resurrection, Jesus assures that there is life after death because our God is the God of life. Moreover, in the life after death, the children of the resurrection neither marry nor are given in marriage because they become like angels. 

For the believer, therefore, death is not an end but a transition to another form of life. The promise of an immortal life becomes a source of hope, consolation, encouragement and endurance in the face of the trials, sufferings and persecutions in the present life. This is what we see in the martyrdom of the seven brothers and their mother narrated in the first reading. The story took place during the persecution of Antiochus IV Epiphanes, the impious king of Syria in the second century B.C. who was determined to impose Hellenistic culture and religion to the Jews forcing them to apostatize.

In listening to this story, one may ask: what is wrong with eating a little pork if this serves to save one’s live? In fact, there was much more at stake than “pork meat”. The choice was not between eating and not eating pork prohibited by Law (Lev. 11:7-8). It was about keeping the laws of the ancestors and remaining faithful to God or obeying the command of Antiochus. The seven brothers and their mother chose to die rather than apostatizing like many of their contemporaries. They endured torture and cruelty because they trusted in the Lord. They were sure that God would raise them to life again.

In our days, the “pork meat” has taken different names: power, popularity, sex, money, job, promotion, etc. And many are those of us who compromise our Christian identity and virtues in the face of these earthly things. Consequently, like St Paul in the second reading, let us ask God to deliver us from perverse, faithless and wicked people, and guard us from the evil one. May he give us courage like the Maccabees'  brothers and strengthen us in every good deed and word through his grace. Amen

31ST SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME, YEAR C

Wisdom 11:22—12:2

Psalm 145

2 Thessalonians 1:11—2:2

Luke 19:1-10

Today’s readings reveal to us the immensity of God's love for his creatures that we are. In effect, the book of Wisdom makes three profound affirmations: (i) the universe, including humanity, is only a tiny drop of dew before the greatness of God. (ii) All that exists was willed by God who created everything out of love. Therefore, nothing exists by chance or by mistake. (iii) God is tender and patient towards the sinner so that he may repent and live. According to the psalmist, God is all-powerful and great King, loving and worthy to be praised. And his goodness is for all his works.

It is in this context of God's merciful and saving love for each of his creatures that we must understand Zacchaeus' encounter with Jesus, which is narrated in today’s gospel reading. All of the descriptions that the evangelist Luke gives of Zacchaeus have one point: to make us understand that Zacchaeus was a public sinner, a detestable creep. However it is this sinner that attracts the merciful gaze of Jesus.

Zacchaeus was seeking to see Jesus, but it was Jesus who saw him. Having recognized Jesus as the Lord, he accepts with joy the self-invitation of Jesus to dwell in his house. This meeting transformed the life of Zacchaeus. A radical conversion took place, a metanoia, manifested in concrete gestures, in concrete decisions. In this episode, Jesus reveals his identity and his mission: He is the Son of Man who has come to seek and to save what was lost. 

Therefore, these readings reveal to us that God loves each one of us. And despite our unfaithfulness, our waywardness, despite the condemnatory judgment of others on us, we remain the "descendants of Abraham", that is sons and daughters of God’s promises. Thus, he loves us and knows us intimately. He takes us and lifts us up when we falls. He wants us to abandon our wickedness and live. May we come down from our trees and open our hearts to welcome the salvation that Jesus offers us today. As in the prayer of St Paul for the Thessalonians, may the Lord make us worthy of his calling so that his Son our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ may be glorified in us. Amen

SOLEMNITY OF ALL SAINTS

Revelation 7:2-4.9-14

1 John 3:1-3

Matthew 5:1-12

CALLED TO BE SAINTS

We celebrate today the solemnity of All Saints. We often apply the title of Sainthood to those Catholics who have distinguished themselves with a life of faith, a heroic witness to Christ in martyrdom or a life of unparallel Christian virtues, and have been canonized or beatified by the Church. But “All Saints” refers to that great multitude of men and women, children and old, Christians and non-Christians alike, whose lives on earth were pleasing to God, and now are with God in paradise. 

In the first reading, St John had a vision of one hundred and forty-four thousands people from the twelve tribes of Israel, and also another “great multitude, which no one could count, from every nation, race, people, and tongue”. They were wearing white robes and holding palm branches before the throne of God and the Lamb. They had survived the time of great distress and washed their robes, making them white in the blood of the Lamb. 

They were not supermen on earth, but ordinary men and women like us. They remained faithful to the end in spite of everything. They exhibited the virtues proclaimed by our Lord Jesus Christ in the Beatitudes, which may be rightly said to be “the Charter for Sainthood.” As such, anyone who lives in accordance with the Beatitude will inherit the Kingdom of heaven (Matt. 5:1-12). For God has loved us and made us his children. But what we shall be has not yet been revealed. Thus, what we hope and long for is to be like him when we see him as he really is (1John 3:1-3).

It can be observed therefore that Sainthood is not reserved to a selected few. Each and every one of us is called to be a Saint, to be the best-version of himself or herself. We are all called to perfection. But let us remember that “perfection does not consist in doing extraordinary things, but in doing ordinary things in an extraordinary way”. In short, becoming a saint consists in doing good daily and doing it well. Again, we can do nothing without God’s grace. And so, let us ask him to grant us his grace so that we may follow the footsteps of the Saints and contemplate his glory one day in heaven. Amen 

Happy Feast to you all !!!

30TH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME, YEAR C

Sirach 35:12-14.16-18

Psalm 34

2 Timothy 4:6-8.16-18

Luke 18:9-14

HUMILITY PAYS

Last week, we were encouraged to persevere in prayer. Today’s readings identify humility as the indispensable disposition of the heart for an efficacious and fruitful prayer life. To pray is first of all to put oneself in the presence of God. It is recognizing our smallness and unworthiness before him, and acknowledging our need of his mercy and grace. 

In the gospel passage, Jesus addresses the parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector to those who are convinced to be righteous and despise others. Both men went up to the temple to pray. As the Pharisee looks around (a sign of distraction in prayer) and sees the tax collector, his prayer turned into a self-righteous act of judgment, comparing himself with others, and boasting about his “piety” before God. But the tax collector recognized his sinfulness and his need of God's mercy. He would not even raise his eyes to heaven. According to Jesus, the tax collector went back home justified whilst the Pharisee was not. 

The prayer of the tax collector “reached the heavens” and “pierced the cloud”, to use the language of the first reading.  He won God's favour, for God hears the cry of the one who calls him with humble heart. He is a God of justice who is close to the contrite and humbled heart. As such, let us ask ourselves: are we humble before God while praying? Are we often arrogant, judging and condemning others while praying? Do our prayers, especially during Mass, turn into “gossip” time like that of the Pharisee? Do we give praise and thanks to God for who we are and what we have been able to do, or do we praise ourselves as if we do everything by our own might? Do we recognize our need of God and his mercy? Let us remember that we all need God and his mercy, for we are nothing without him. 

Finally, like St Paul, let us run the race set before us, and fight the good fight. Let the difficulties and anxieties of this present life not make us lose our faith and hope. And in everything, let us be humble and God will exalt us. May he bless and keep all of us. Amen

TWENTY- NINETH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME, YEAR C

Exodus 17:8-13

Ps 121

2 Timothy 3:14—3:2

Luke 18:1-8

KEEP ON PRAYING!!!

A Christian life is a journey of faith. Sometimes, this journey may be tough and tiresome. We may feel overwhelmed by problems and incapable of keeping on in the battle. As such, the Word of God and prayer are presented in today’s reading as the two wings with which we can move high and become overcomers. 

In the second reading, Paul reminds us of the importance of the Sacred Scriptures in this journey of faith. He makes three important assertions: (1) All Sacred Scripture is inspired by God; (2) Sacred Scripture is an indispensable guiding principle for a good, holy and fruitful Christian life; (3) the Word of God must be preached in season and out of season to convince, reprimand and encourage the community. St Paul insists in these things because he knows that the Word of God is an inexhaustible source of strength, a kind of pharmacy in the life of the Christian.

In the gospel reading, Jesus tells his disciples the parable of the pestering widow and the unjust judge so as to encourage them to pray always without losing heart. For unlike the unjust judge, God will not refuse to hear the cries of his chosen ones who call him day and night. However, it is noteworthy that we cannot persevere in prayer if we lack faith, for to believe is to refuse to give up, to refuse to let down the hands. And this is demonstrated in the battle between the Israelites and the Amalekites narrated in the first reading.

In this perspective, three lessons may be drawn from this passage. (1) In our daily struggles, we are never alone. God is with us and is the one who fights for us. With him, victory is assured. (2) We must also participate in the redeeming action of God in our life. Like Joshua and the people, we must participate in the battle, we must fight. Like Moses and his team on the hill, we must support one another in various battles. (3) We must never give up even when the battle lasts until sunset, even if the enemy seems to prevail. The motto of the Hearts of Oak, a football team in Ghana, says “never say die until the bones are rotten.” Thus, keep fighting and praying! Don’t give up! For our help comes from the Lord who made heaven and earth. Amen

28TH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME, YEAR C

2 Kings 5:14-17
Psalm 97 (98)
2 Timothy 2:8-13
Luke 17:11-19

THANKFULNESS, AN ACT OF FAITH

An attitude of gratitude for everything is one of the secrets of a happy life. Unfortunately, contemporary society tends to lose such beautiful virtue. Thus, today’s readings invite us to rediscover the importance to show gratitude and thankfulness to God and to others for even the little things. The first reading presents how Naaman, a high ranked official of the Syrian army, showed gratitude when he got healed from his leprosy, thank to the prophet Elisha.  The responsorial psalm is a song of praise to God for his wonders and saving power revealed to the nations.

In the Second Reading, St Paul made mention of the hardships he had to bear for the sake of the Good News he was entrusted with. The news about Jesus is “Good” precisely because it brings liberation, salvation, joy and peace to us. Thus, we should be joyful and thankful to God for this great mystery manifested to us in Jesus Christ.  The gospel reading narrates the curing of ten lepers by Jesus on his way to Jerusalem. However, only one person, a Samaritan, came back to thank him and glorify God when he discovered that he had been made well.

Consequently, two lessons may be drawn from today’s readings. First, we are exhorted to give thank to God always, everywhere and for everything, even in the midst of hardships and sufferings. For his faithfulness and goodness towards us are without end. And the privileged way to do so is the Eucharist, from the Greek work eukaristia (thanksgiving). It is therefore a contradiction to have a gloomy face during Mass.  Second, let us learn to show gratitude and appreciation towards one another, even in little matters.

To say “Thank you” may appear too simple and not always necessary but it is the sign of noble soul; and ingratitude may be said to be a dangerous leprosy for a Christian soul. Let us remember “In all circumstances, says Paul, give thanks, for this is the will of God for you in Jesus Christ” (1Thes. 5:18).  May the Lord bless and teach us how to be grateful every moment of our lives. Amen

26TH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME, YEAR C

Amos 6:1.4-7
Psalm 145
1Timothy 6:11-16
Luke 16:19-31

THE PREFERENTIAL OPTION FOR THE POOR

Today’s readings continue the themes of last Sunday, namely wealth, social justice and the preferential option of the poor. They warn us against complacency (first reading) and invite us to be more sensitive and concerned about the miseries and sufferings of others (gospel). For once we fall into the trap of the love of money, we become blind, selfish, and our hearts closed to others and to God. Thus, St Paul admonishes us to strive for righteousness, devotion, faith, love, patience and gentleness, and above all faith, hope and charity (second reading).

In fact, the parable of the rich man and the poor Lazarus illustrates the sharp contrast between the two groups that have characterized our human society throughout the ages. On one pole are the “haves” that is the wealthy, the influential people, those who live in abundance, luxury, complacency; and on the other pole, the “have-nots” including the poor, the marginalized, the vulnerable, the needy, the weak, etc.  As such, “a great chasm” (gap, abyss) is created between the rich and the poor.

Again, in the parable we notice a striking reversal of fates and status after death. Lazarus is “comforted” in the bosom of Abraham and the rich man is tormented in the flames. However, this does not mean that the poor will automatically go to paradise while the rich are automatically destined to eternal damnation. The rich in the parable does not suffer torment in the flames because he was rich, but because he was indifferent to the misery of the poor Lazarus who was lying at his door.

It is noteworthy that the rich man is without a name (anonymous), but the poor is named “Lazarus” which means “God has helped”. This rich man represents therefore each one of us. Often we become blind to the misery of others and deaf to the cry of the needy.  But God does not abandon the poor and the oppressed, but he cares for them and rewards those who trust in him (the responsorial psalm). Therefore, this parable invites each of us to care for the poor and to share the “little” we have with them. Small gestures of attention and concern for one’s neighbour are of great importance.

Let us remembers the words of our Lord Jesus Christ: “Amen, I say to you, whatever you do for one of these least brothers of mine, you do for me” (Matt. 25:40). May the Lord grant us the grace to recognize him in the poor, the sick, the sufferer and the needy of our communities. Amen

25TH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME, YEAR C

Amos 8:4-7
Psalm 112(113)
1Timothy 2:1-8
Luke 16:1-13

MONEY IN THE TRIBUNAL OF SOCIAL JUSTICE

Today’s readings appear to be disparate in their themes. From the prophet Amos’ preaching against social injustice, we are led through St Paul’s exhortation to pray for those in authority to an appeal by Jesus to make good use of material goods. In effect, the parable of the crafty and unfaithful steward is one of the most difficult parables in the gospel accounts. This notwithstanding, few points for meditation are worth noting:

(1) The master praises his steward not because of his mismanagement but his prudence. Likewise, in telling his disciples to make friends for themselves with dishonest wealth, Jesus does not praise the dishonesty of this steward but his skill in dealing with material goods. His skill lies in his ability to use his position to make friends: faced with impending dismissal, he cancels important debts to win the sympathy and friendship of the debtors. He was clever in his dishonesty. He showed that he regarded money as a means and not as a goal. And this is the just attitude we should have towards money and material goods.

(2) Money or wealth is described by Jesus as "dishonest" because of how it brings out distorted values ​​in people. In fact, the inordinate pursuit of money can make people selfish, leading them to take advantage of others, to treat them as objects and to be unfaithful to God. This parable invites us therefore to be generous and responsible in the management of our resources. Money and our material resources will not accompany us to heaven. Thus, one must recognize their limits and use them for the good of others. Possessions come with responsibility. If one is trustworthy (faithful) in little things, he could be entrusted with greater things.

(3) Responsible and generous management of money and material goods will bring us closer to the poor, the powerless and the marginalized in our communities. And this is what the social doctrine of the Catholic Church calls “the preferential option of the poor”. Unfortunately, as in the time of the prophet Amos, the poor are rather exploited and oppressed instead of being cared for. Some political and even religious leaders use their people and faithful for their own selfish desires and maximize their profits. Hence, the mismanagement and misappropriation of funds, the widespread corruption and self-serving tax evasion that characterize our institutions.

Therefore, each of us is called to change his attitude towards money and wealth and also pray for our leaders so that they may be wise in promoting peace and justice in our society. May the Lord bless and keep all of us. Amen

24TH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME, YEAR C

Exodus 32:7-11.13-14
Psalm 51
1 Timothy 1:12-17
Luke 15:1-32

THE FOUNTAIN OF MERCY

Today’s readings invite us to meditate on the mercy of God. We serve a God who is full of love, mercy and compassion, slow to anger and always ready to forgive our transgressions. In the first reading,  God relented from his blazing wrath when Moses pleaded on behalf of the people of Israel. For they transgressed the first commandment of the Lord their God by making a golden calf and worshipping it.

The responsorial psalm is one of the famous penitential psalm attributed to king David. It is believed that after his double crime of adultery with Bathsheba and of murder of Urriah, Bathsheba’s husband, he felt the weight of his sin; and so he pleads for God’s mercy and forgiveness. In the second reading, St Paul expresses his joy and gratitude to Christ Jesus for his wonderful mercy and inexhaustible grace shown to him. He recognizes that he is a forgiven sinner and persecutor of the Church who tried to discredit the Christian faith. But God has been generous and merciful to him making him a minister of the Gospel.

The fifteen chapter of Luke’s gospel account has been known as the “gospel of the lost”. It presents three parables of Jesus as a response to the Pharisees and scribes who accused him of being in the company of sinners and tax-collectors: the parable of the lost sheep, the parable of the lost coin and the parable of the lost son (popularly known as the parable of the prodigal son). They give different images of God, but their message is the same: God is a Father who can go to any length to bring the sinner back to a loving relationship with himself. He loves everyone and wishes everyone to be at home. That is why he would go out looking for the lost, bring him back home and celebrate his return.

Thus, we serve a God who is merciful, compassionate and forgiving. He does not treat us as our faults deserve. Consequently, we may be sure of this: no matter how sinful we are, God still loves us. Despite our history often marked by failures, sin, and waywardness, God wants to make something great out of us. His outreaching love and unconditional compassion remain unchanging. Nevertheless, neither can we take his merciful love for granted nor consider his forgiveness as a “sinning license”. We must always strive to avoid the near occasion of sin so as not to go astray and get lost, but always remain at home with him. May we celebrate this Sunday Eucharist with grateful hearts as people reconciled with God their Father in Jesus Christ, to whom be glory and honour for ever and ever. Amen

22ND SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME, YEAR C

Sirach 3:17-18.20.28-29

Psalm 68
Hebrews 12:18-19.22-24
Luke 14:1.7-14

BE HUMBLE!

Speaking about humility in the light of today’s readings may sound strange in our contemporary world for at least two reasons. First, we live in a society that celebrates titles, social prestige and power. Everybody wants to be at the first position and to feel important. Second, whenever we organize a party of any kind or a special diner, we invite “important” personalities, those who can leave behind a “fat envelope” or a gift when returning home. We make meticulous seating arrangement for the distinguished guesses, dignitaries, celebrities, etc. and we cautiously choose those to seat at the “high table”.

However, in the gospel, Jesus reverses this normal procedure and throws two challenges. First, when you are invited to a wedding banquet or to a party, take the lowest seats, he told those who were choosing the places of honour at a dining table. Second, when you organize a party, invite those who can do absolutely nothing to pay you back or to get you a social or professional promotion: the marginalized, the outcasts, and the untouched of our communities.

Jesus' party etiquettes and protocols characterized by humility may be socially difficult to observe in our days. But that is the demand in the kingdom of God inaugurated by Jesus, the Mediator of a new covenant, as the second reading teaches. He humbled himself taking the form of a servant so as to gather us all before God and make us co-citizens with the angels and saints in the heavenly Jerusalem. In this city of God, we are all firstborns, therefore equal in the eyes of the Living God.

The first reading invites us to be humble and modest in all our conducts. The author warns us against pride and self-glorification. In other words, if we are humble, we will find favour with God; people will love us too. Thus, the more we humble ourselves, the greater we become. In all, let us remember that there is nothing we have and are that is not from God. St Paul asked: “Who confers distinction upon you? What do you have that you have not received? And if you have received it, why are you boasting as if you did not receive it? (1Cor 4:7) Thus, humble yourself, and God will lift you up. Remain blessed!

21ST SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME, YEAR C

Isaiah 66:18-21
Psalm 117
Hebrews 12:5-7.11-13
Luke 13:22-30

THE NARROW GATE

According to today’s readings, salvation should not be taken for granted. Going to Mass or being a member of a particular church does not guarantee salvation. To be saved or not to be saved depend on our personal relationship with the Lord, on how we conform our lifestyles to the message of the Gospel. In effect, the prophecy of Isaiah in the first reading and Jesus’ sayings in today’s gospel might have sounded strange in the hearing of their respective Jewish audiences. The Jews had always believed that they were the chosen people of God; that they had the right to enter the kingdom of God. But according to the prophet, God is coming to gather nations of every language so that they may see his glory. He will even choose among them priests and Levites to bring him offerings.

In the Gospel, a question is put to Jesus: “Lord, will only a few people be saved?” Jesus answers this question by inviting the crowd to strive and enter through the narrow gate, for many will attempt to enter but will not be strong enough. Then he goes on to give a parable of the banquet in which will partake people from the four corners of the earth; but those who thought of themselves as having the right to the banquet will be cast out.

Accordingly, to be saved does not depend solely on how often we go to church. For it is not enough to have attended catechism classes, or to have received the sacraments, etc. It is not enough even to preach or work miracles in the name of Jesus. We must put the Word of God into practice. And this requires a daily effort. That is what it means to enter through the narrow gate.  The image of a “narrow gate” evokes striving, difficulty, effort and tiredness. The narrow gate is the way of love, mercy, forgiveness and justice. It is the way of joyfully accepting and bearing with suffering. It is the way of enduring trial as “discipline” from our loving Father in heaven.

Above all, we must remember that salvation is a free gift from God who is Love and Mercy. But each of us must strive to receive this gift and remain faithful to the end. However, we cannot do this without the grace of God. Thus, let us pray to him to grant us such grace to always walk on the way leading to our salvation. Amen

20TH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME, YEAR C

Jeremiah 38:4-6.8-10
Psalm 39(40)
Hebrews 12:1-4
Luke 12:49-53

     
                      BEARING WITNESS TO CHRIST

To be a Christian is to become a witness to Christ Jesus who is a "sign of contradiction". In the gospel reading, Jesus makes puzzling statements which, at first glance, appear to contradict his mission and the message of the Gospel. He has come to bring fire on earth. He has a baptism to receive. More paradoxical, he says that he has not come to bring peace on earth, but division even within the family.

What Jesus meant is that he stands as a sign of contradiction. He has come to testify to the truth. He has come to comfort the afflicted and to afflict the comfortable, just like the prophet Jeremiah, whose story we hear in the first reading. Because of his prophetic utterances, the nobles of Jerusalem manipulated king Zedekiah to have Jeremiah put into a cistern. As God’s spokesperson, he never ceased to call the people to conversion, inviting them to abandon their evil ways. But they did not like his message and so persecuted him day and night, because he challenged their way of life characterized by social abuses, dishonesty and idolatry.

Jesus too endured opposition and hostility from the Jewish leadership to the point of receiving the baptism of suffering and death on the cross. Thus, opting for Jesus and becoming his disciple is to expose oneself to similar treatments. In fact, the history of the Church is full of men and women, children, young and old, who have bore witness to their faith, even to the point of shedding their blood.  These are the “great cloud of witnesses” that surrounds us. Hence, the second reading encourages us to persevere in running the race that lies before us while we keep our eyes fixed on Jesus.

Consequently, we must not be afraid of standing for the truth, justice, and the respect of human dignity. We may be laughed at, persecuted or rejected by our own people because of our faith and dedication to Christ. In such moments, let us not lose faith. Let us remember that the Lord is our Help and deliverer. He will put the hymn of victory into our mouth if we persevere to the end. May he bless and keep all of us. Amen

18TH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME, YEAR C

Qohelet 1:2; 2:21-23
Psalm 90
Colossians 3:1-5.9-11
Luke 12:13-21

RUNNING AFTER THE WIND

Everybody wants happiness, success, and abundance. In fact, no one would wish to be poor. Unfortunately, true happiness seems far from us. As such, today’s readings invite us to take a fresh look at our attitude towards wealth and possession.

In the first reading, the Preacher opens his book with this famous saying that runs through his book: “vanity of vanities, all things are vanities.” At first view, he presents a pessimistic view about life, for no profit comes from man’s toils other than pain. Nothing can give man rest and lasting happiness. Man cannot escape the absurdity of his existence. As such, life seems not worth living. However, it can be observed that Qoheleth gives us a more realistic and lucid view about life. For him, life is good; it is God’s gift that must be received with joy and thanksgiving.  In short, man must live in the present, trust and serve God.


The gospel reading comes as a good illustration of the teaching of the Preacher. The incident of a man asking Jesus to mediate the family dispute about inheritance led Jesus to warn the crowd against all greed. Then he proceeded with the story of the rich fool. What renders the rich man a fool was not his wealth or his judicious plan of how to use his possession; but rather his inordinate attachment to these. He was obsessed and possessed by his wealth and possessions. All was about how he will enjoy his wealth. In fact, no other person is mentioned in his story. Everything was in relation to his ‘Ego’. This is selfishness and egoism. This is greed, which is a great evil. Greed destroys oneself, one’s relationships and the community life.

Thus, for us Christians, we must adopt a different approach towards our possessions: detachment and simplicity of life. St Paul, in the second reading, exhorts us to detach ourselves from everything earthly: immorality, greed, evil desire, lying, etc. Our security does not lie in material possessions, but in building a God-fearing, loving, harmonious and caring community. May the Lord help us not to put our trust in material things that do not last, but in things that lead us to eternity. Amen

SIXTEENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME, YEAR C

Genesis 18:1-10
Psalm 15
Colossians 1:24-28
Luke 10:38-42

    THE ART OF CHRISTIAN HOSPITALITY

Individualism is one of the many evils that characterize our world today. Thus, today’s readings invite us to take a fresh look at hospitality and how to set our priorities right. In the first reading, Abraham welcomed and offered rest and food to three unknown men in his tent. And his generosity turned to be a blessing to him and to his barren wife Sarah. This passage can be summed up in the words of Hebrews 13:2: “Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have entertained angels without knowing it.”

The Gospel reading offers another story of hospitality. Martha receives Jesus and his disciples as they were on their way to Jerusalem. Unlike her sister Mary who sat at Jesus’ feet listening to him, Martha became so anxious about serving the immediate needs of her guests. And according to Jesus, she missed the point: listening to him. This way, Mary became a model of contemplative life. She chose the better part that no one could ever take from her.

Most often we act like Martha doing so many things at a time without knowing what should be our priority in life. We want to do it all to be good and excellent in many areas. But we forget our spiritual health, our closeness with God. We run all day and end the day tired so much so that we are unable even to pray. Even during liturgical celebrations we become much distracted and are in a hurry to get out as if somebody is chasing us out of the church.

Like Abraham and Martha, we must show concern to those who come to us and need our attention and service. Nevertheless like Mary, we must always find time to sit at our Lord’s feet, listen to him and speak to him in prayer on a daily basis. By so doing, we will be enabled to become true ministers at the service of others and get strength to bear gladly the difficulties and sufferings we meet like St Paul in the second reading. May the Lord bless and keep all of us.
Amen

15TH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME, YEAR C

Deuteronomy 30:10-14
Psalm 69
Colossians 1:15-20
Luke 10:25-37

BEHOLD YOUR NEIGHBOUR!

The written law, as we hear in today’s first reading, is meant not only to help us remain faithful to God, but also to manifest God’s love and closeness to us. This law is not too mysterious (wonderful) and distant. It is close to us, so that we may hear it, meditate on it and put it into practice. Meanwhile this law of God is summed up in the commandment of love: to love God and to love one’s neighbour.

As a Ghanaian proverb says, no one shows God to a child, for the knowledge of God is innate. But who is our neighbour? This is the question the famous and well-known parable of the Good Samaritan presented in today’s gospel reading tries to answer. To a Jewish audience therefore a neighbour would be referring to a fellow Jew and would have excluded any non-Jew including Samaritans. Again, in the time of Jesus, Samaritans and Jews did not get along nor did they associate (cf John 4:9). No way a Jew would talk to a Samaritan, let alone being helped by one. Yet in the parable, the man, who was rubbed, injured and left half-dead, had no choice but to accept help from a Samaritan who was moved with compassion for his misery.

Thus, the parable of the Good Samaritan has been given to correct our understanding of who a neighbour is. Like the priest and the Levite, how many times have we not failed to show love and compassion to own kind or fellows let alone to talk about that “outsider”, that “stranger” or someone we do not know. “Go and do the same” is an invitation to us all. We are to show compassion and love for those we encounter in our everyday activities. We are to love others regardless of their ethnic background, race or religion, because anyone we meet is our neighbour and compassion has no boundaries. By so doing, we will inherit eternal life.
May God bless and have keep all of us. Amen

14TH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME, YEAR C

Isaiah 66:10-14
Psalm 66
Galatians 6:14-18
Luke 10:1-12.17-20

YOU ARE A MESSENGER OF CHRIST

There is always the need to preach the Good News to all people. This need is more urgent today than ever. The first reading exhorts us to rejoice and be glad. This joy is focused around Jerusalem, the City of God. Here God speaks like a mother. He promises unfailing love, care, consolation, restoration and renewal to his people. In the second reading, St Paul expresses his joy to have a share in the suffering of Christ. He ends his letter with words of blessing and invokes the peace and mercy of the Lord upon those who embrace the new creation brought about through the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ.

In the gospel, Jesus commissions seventy-two messengers to go ahead of him proclaiming the Good News. Jesus realizes that the harvest is abundant but the laborers are few. There is therefore the need to pray the Lord of the harvest to send more laborers into his vineyard. Unfortunately, upon hearing these words, we usually think of priests and religious as the sole missionaries and evangelizers. But each Christian is a Christ-bearer, a missionary by virtue of his baptism.

Consequently, unless we too bring the message of peace and joy to others, we are not worthy of our baptism, which becomes an empty ritual like circumcision. At the end of each Mass, we are told: “Go forth, the Mass is ended.” It is a sending forth, a mission we receive. Thus our mission is to share with others what we have received from the Lord. At each Mass we are comforted and renewed by being fed from the Word and Eucharist as from the breasts of a mother. As such, we must fill the hearts of others with this joy and peace. We must gladden and console all we meet.
May the Lord help us to become trustworthy messengers so as to change the world. Amen

Corpus Christi, Year C

Genesis 14:18-20
Ps 110
1Corinthians 11:23-26
Luke 9:11-17

                              "THIS IS MY BODY",...."THIS IS MY BLOOD"

Today, we celebrate Corpus Christi, the Solemnity of the Body and Blood of Christ. One thing that cuts across the readings is “bread and wine.” Bread is a necessity of life and the fruit of human labour. Wine is the symbol of joy and of divine communion. In the first reading, the mysterious king of Salem (king of peace) and priest of God Most High, Melchizedek brought bread and wine to offer in thanksgiving on behalf of Abraham who had won a battle against the kings of the valley.

The gospel reading is the Lukan account of the multiplication of loaves and fish. Out of five loaves of bread and two fish, Jesus fed five thousands men, and there was twelve baskets of leftover fragments. This account has a Eucharistic undertone: Jesus took the bread, blessed it, broke it and gave it to the disciples to be shared among the people.

These are the words we find in the institution narratives as recorded by St Paul in the second reading. And these are words the priest speaks over the bread and wine during consecration at Holy Mass. By the words “this is my body…”, “this is my blood…” Jesus identified the bread with his Body and the wine with his Blood. As such, the bread we take and the wine we drink are really the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ.

Jesus is a person of hospitality and has compassion for us. He wants to feed us always. And he does so with his own body and blood. In the Eucharist therefore, Jesus gives himself to us as food and drink. Moreover, through the story of the multiplication of bread, we see the power of God at work in Jesus. He satisfies all our needs. This reminds us of his call: “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest” (Matt. 11:28). May we find joy, peace, breakthrough, strength and rest in Jesus who is really present in the Eucharist. Amen.

THE SOLEMNITY OF THE HOLY TRINITY

Proverbs 8:22-31
Psalm 8
Romans 5:1-5
John 16:12-15

THE TRINITY: A MYSTERY OF LOVE

We celebrate today the ineffable mystery of the Holy Trinity, which is the central mystery of our Christian faith. For we believe in One God who exists in Three Persons: God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit. We begin our Christian life "in the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit". Moreover, the last thing a priest will do at our graveside is to make the sign of the cross over our body.

Though the word "Trinity" cannot be found in the Bible, the revelation of God as Father, Son and Holy Spirit is uncontestably present in the Bible. Thus, in the first reading, God's Wisdom is introduced to us as a Person. Wisdom was with God before creation, and present when God was creating everything (Prov. 8:22-31). The Evangelist John will help us later identify this Wisdom personified with Jesus Christ, the Word of God who became man.

In the Gospel, Jesus Christ promises to his disciples the coming of the Holy Spirit, the Spirit of Truth. He also addresses God as Father, something that expresses an intimate relationship between them (Jn 16:12-15). This love that unites the Father and the Son is the Holy Spirit. The Trinity is therefore a community of Love. Love is another name of the Triune God and this love fills the whole universe. Hence the Psalmist exclaims: "O Lord, our God, how great is your name throughout the earth."

According to St Paul in the second reading, this love of God has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us in our baptism  (Rom. 5:1-5). Therefore, the best way to know and experience God is by loving one another genuinely. Again, whenever we are afflicted, we should persevere in hope , because God loves us and will not abandon us.
May the Love of the Trinity be upon us as we place our trust in Him. Amen.

PENTECOST SUNDAY, YEAR C

Acts 1:1-11
Psalm 103
Romans 8:8-17
John 14:15-16.23-26

A NEW PENTECOST FOR US!!!

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

This day was foretold by the prophets, and announced by Jesus Christ. For he promised the disciples that he would send them the Advocate, the Defender, the Holy Spirit. Here he clearly outlines the works of the Holy Spirit: He would be with the disciples for ever; he would teach them everything and reminds them of all that Jesus had told them (John 14:15-16.23-26).

The first reading narrates the fulfillment of Jesus’ promise. As described by Luke, the Pentecost event was a unique, spectacular and transforming experience. With it the Jesus’ group was henceforth open to everyone, freely involving anyone it comes across as the wind, having a burning and transforming power like fire, proclaiming the wonders of God to all peoples. This way, the Holy Spirit freed the disciples from cowardice and fear, and empowered them to speak boldly about the wonders of God (Acts 1:1-11).

We too have received the Holy Spirit at our baptism. Hence, St Paul tells us in the second reading that we have received not a spirit of slavery and fear, but the Spirit of freedom and sonship that cries out in us to God: “Abba, Father”. As such, we must live by the Spirit of God allowing him to move and lead us. This way, our lives will become 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 allow others experience the love of God.

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

6TH SUNDAY OF EASTER, YEAR C

Acts 15:1-2.22-29
Psalm 66
Apocalypse 21:10-14.22-23
John 14:23-29

“WE AND THE HOLY SPIRIT HAVE DECIDED”

If we allow ourselves to be guided by the Spirit of the Living God and keep the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, there will be peace, harmony and unity. And we will become citizens of the heavenly city which was shown to John in the second reading (Ap. 21:10-14.22-23).

In the gospel, Jesus highlights the role of the Holy Spirit in the Church. The Holy Spirit is the ‘Advocate’, or ‘Paraclete’. According to William Barcley, the name ‘Paraclete’ is a transliteration of the  Greek word ‘parakletos’ which, in juridical parlance, means one’s advocate/lawyer, defender or counselor. He is also the Teacher and the Memory of the Church. For he “will teach you everything and remind you of all that I have said to you,” said Jesus (John 14:23-29).

The first reading narrates the thrilling episode of the first council of Jerusalem (around 49 AD). The delicate issue was this: should the pagans who have become Christians be circumcised and observe the Law of Moses according to the Jewish tradition? The answer contained in a letter sent to the Christians states that: “It has seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us to impose on you no further burden than these essentials: that you abstain from what has been sacrificed to idols and from blood and from fornication” (Acts 15).

Three lessons can be learnt from this passage. First, it is the Holy Spirit that enlightens and guides the Church and every Christian to discern and take good decisions in conformity with the will of God. Second, the Church is for everyone, because God makes no distinction and wants all people to be saved. Therefore, we must open the Church’s doors to anyone irrespective of his color, gender, political affiliation, or ethnic and social background. Lastly, conflicts and misunderstandings are inevitable in our church communities, families, groups or associations. But it is through dialogue, characterized by empathic listening and tolerance, that we can solve them.
May the Holy Spirit help us to take good decisions and be faithful to the love and will of the Lord.
Amen

5TH SUNDAY OF EASTER, YEAR C

Acts 14:21-27
Ps 144:8-13
Apocalypse 21:1-5
John 13:31-35

          EVERYTHING NEW

Christianity is not a body of doctrines or an ideology. It is a lifestyle, a way of life, characterized by fraternal love, love without measure and which excludes no one. In the first reading, we hear of Paul and Barnabas, moving from one city to the other, preaching the Good News of Jesus Christ with passion and determination despites the challenges they had to face. It was during this first missionary journey that they opened the door of faith to the pagans (Acts 14:21-27).

In the second reading, John shares with us his vision of a new heaven and a new earth as well as the New Jerusalem, the city of God, the dwelling-place of God among men. There is unending joy, peace, consolation in this city, because the Lord is making all things new. The way to get into this new world is the way of love.

Hence, at last supper, Jesus said to his disciples: “I give you a new commandment: love one another; just as I have loved you, you also must love one another”. What makes this commandment new is that we must love at the example of Jesus. He has loved us to the point of giving his life for us. Indeed, “no one has greater love than this, to lay down one’s life for one’s friends” (John 15:13).

It is by loving everyone without distinction, that we can manifest our belongingness to Christ: “by this love you have for one another, everyone will know that you are my disciples,” said Jesus. Can our parish communities, our prayers groups and associations, our homes be said of being communities of love? How much hatred, unforgiveness, selfishness, dissentions and divisions there is among us Christians! Let us love genuinely so as to become authentic witnesses of love in our contemporary world. Indeed, love changes everything and makes all things new. Let us the change our world by loving one another as Jesus has loved us.
 Amen

4TH SUNDAY OF EASTER, YEAR C

Acts 13:14.43-52
Ps 99:1-3.5
Revelatio 7:9.14-17
John 10:27-30

The fourth Sunday of Easter is known as the Good Shepherd Sunday and is set aside to pray for vocations to the priestly and religious life. Hence, the name “Vocations Sunday.” God invites everyone and all people to friendship with him through Jesus Christ. Jesus, the Lamb who was slain, has become our Good Shepherd. Thus, if we heed to his voice and follow him, we become part of his sheepfold. And he will lead us to life-giving springs of water.

The invitation to be part of his flock is addressed to all of us without distinction. Those who accept the call and give their lives to him are assured of protection, security and life unending. However, belonging to Christ does not make us free from trials, sufferings and hostilities here on earth. In fact, there is a “great persecution” we must go through before we can share in the victory of the lamb. And this is what the second reading teaches us. John saw in a vision a huge crowd of people from every nation, race, tribe and language, standing before the Lamb and ready to celebrate their victory. They were those who had washed their robes white in the blood of Jesus.

Moreover, believing in the Good Shepherd and following him till the end is a personal choice. In the first reading, the Jews of Antioch of Pisidia heard the Good News of the Risen Jesus but rejected it. The pagans, on the contrary, received it with joy and thanksgiving.

As we pray for vocations today, let us ask the Lord to help the youth to answer his call freely and spontaneously. May he raise for his Church many shepherds after his own hearts and  give us holy priests, holy religious men and women.
Amen

EASTER SUNDAY

Acts 10:34.37-43
Psalm 117
1Corinthians 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. However, from the gospel reading, the resurrection of Jesus does not present itself as a scientific fact to be proven. No one saw him coming out of the tomb. But the empty tomb, the appearances of the Risen Lord and the witness of the apostles testify that something extraordinary and beyond human understanding happened.

In effect, in the early morning of the first day of the week, Mary of Magdala, Simon Peter and the other disciple realized that the tomb was empty. They saw the linen was lying on the ground. The cloth that covered Jesus’ head was not with the linen but rolled up in a place by itself. This means that Jesus’ body was not furtively taken away. The other disciple saw and believed (Jean 20:1-9).

Thus, in the first reading, Simon Peter bears witness to the resurrection of Christ as a fact of faith. After his resurrection, Jesus appeared to them. They saw him, ate and drank with him. And by his mandate they are his witnesses (Acts 10:34.37-43). Other resurrection narratives testify to this. It is therefore true that Jesus rose from the dead. His resurrection was not a fabricated story.

But what is the import of Jesus’ resurrection for us today? St Paul replies that we should get rid of the old yeast of evil and wickedness so as to make ourselves into completely new persons marked by sincerity and truth (1Co 5:6-8). By our way of life, we must bear witness to the Risen Lord and show that we are children of the resurrection. We must share the light of the resurrection that dispels fear, discouragement, corruption, injustice, unforgiveness, falsehood, hypocrisy, wickedness, selfishness, etc. Therefore, let us pray that the resurrection of Jesus may bring us joy, hope, breakthrough and renewal in every sphere of our life. Amen

PASCHAL TRIDUUM, HOLY SATURDAY

THE EASTER VIGIL, THE NIGHT OF ALL NIGHTS

Holy Saturday is the third day of the Sacred Triduum. In the evening, we celebrate the Easter Vigil, “the Passover in honour of the Lord”. The liturgy of the Easter Vigil is made up of four parts, namely, the service of light, the liturgy of the Word, the liturgy of baptism and the liturgy of the Eucharist.

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” and there was 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 our Saviour was born in Bethlehem. It was at night that Jesus rose from the dead, breaking the chains of death. It could be said that Easter is essentially a passage: the passage from darkness to light, the passage from death to life, the passage from slavery to freedom.

Therefore, one thing that Holy Saturday teaches us is that no matter how deep and how long the night is, the day will surely come. No matter how long the waiting may be, the fulfillment of God’s promise will surely come. Jesus had to go through the terrible experience of dying and being in the tomb for three days. But now he has risen! This day invites to hope against all hope. There is no hopeless situation. And no situation is permanent. Our God is able to raise us up from the desperate situation we may find ourselves in. He is able to make a way where there is no way.

Let us pray therefore that the rising of our Lord Jesus Christ may dispel every darkness in our life. May the power of the resurrection roll up every stone that is a standing-block on your way to excellence and victory so that we may all give glory and honour to the Crucified and Risen Lord. Amen