“The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has never put it out.” (Jn 1:5)

“The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has never put it out.” (Jn 1:5)  

Today’s Passage: Jn 1:1-18

Meditation: Today’s meditation verse gives us a lot to reflect upon as we draw near to the last hours of the year 2014. This is the time for each one of us to evaluate and envisage for the New Year 2015. Though all the New Year greetings carry hope for a bright and prosperous year, we find at the end of the year many failings and desperation. Even then, we trust in the future; not in the failures but in the success, not in the death but in the resurrection, and not in the desperation but in the hope.

The word of the Lord says, “The Word was the source of life, and this life brought light to mankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has never put it out.” (Jn 1:4, 5) If we review ourselves or go back to the events of year 2014, we see many elements that are both positive and negative. Some may find a huge list of corruption, injustice, violence, intolerance, and racial and caste discriminations etc. and say there is no hope at all. Of course, counter arguments are also there.

However, what is the basis of our Christian hope? The word of the Lord says, “God who is the source of life has brought light to all human beings.” (Jn 1:4) This light is real and authentic and it cannot be put it out by darkness. On Christmas day, we proclaimed that the eternal Word became flesh and dwelt among us; the ever living God, the Lord of history has intervened in the history. This is to save all human beings from all their bondage through his passion, death, and resurrection.

Therefore, our hope is in Jesus Christ, who is the savior of the world. Without fear or anxiety we step into the New Year, for He is already there. He is with us always; Emmanuel, till the end of the world. Let us not be discouraged then of these negative elements, but go ahead, that he is with us. The risen Lord, Jesus says, “Behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age.” (Mt 28:20)

There may be some disappointments in lives, but a true devout like Job encourages today with his powerful faith, “We accept good things from God; and should we not accept evil?” (Job 2:10). And St. Paul complements it saying, “We know that all things work for good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose.” (Rom 8:28) This is the motto that moves me ahead in my priestly life. 

    

Prayer: Lord God, we thank you and praise you for your daily eternal bread and especially for the year of 2014. Throughout the year, both in positives and negatives, you were with us; guiding and protecting. We thank you and praise you Jesus! We are sorry for our failings; have mercy on us! Give us, O Lord, your Spirit that we may understand you better on our knees and be with you throughout the New Year 2015. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen!

Greetings: God is with you! Have a blissful last day of the year 2014…

“That vey same hour she arrived and gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were waiting for God to set Jerusalem free.” (Lk 2:38)

“That vey same hour she arrived and gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were waiting for God to set Jerusalem free.” (Lk 2:38)

Today’s Passage: Lk 2:36-40

Meditation: Today’s meditation verse is really interesting to reflect upon. A poor old widow prophetess speaks about Jesus, the savior. In the gospel of we find two other times where the widows are mentioned; e.g., Jesus raises a widow’s son (7:11-17), the parable of the widow and the unjust judge (18:1-8), and the widow’s offering (21:1-4). The evangelist Luke seems to present Jesus as the one who opts for the poor and the marginalized.

In the infancy narratives of Luke (cc 1and 2), we find several identifying and acknowledging Jesus as the long awaited savior of the world. E.g., Zachariah, (1:76), Simeon, (2:29-32), and finally, widow prophetess Anna (2:38) are among them. All of them are quite old people too. How do these poor old people able to know that Jesus is son of God and savior of the world? (This appears contrary to the wise men or magi from the East of Mathew’s gospel)

If we observe these people closely, we come to know that, though they were pretty old, they were waiting for the messiah in prayer and fasting. Together with Jesus, let us also thank God the father today, “Father, Lord of heaven and earth! I thank you because you have shown to the unlearned what you have hidden from the wise and the learned. Yes, Father, this was how you wanted it to happen.” (Mt 11:26)

Therefore, it is quite sure that the wisdom of God is handed over or revealed to those who are waiting patiently and expectantly for God, and trusting in his promises. They are the poor and pure in spirit and heart and they will surely see God (Mt 5:3, 8). So, it is neither our old age, nor our inability to understand things that blocks divine wisdom, rather it is our reluctance to wait for the Lord patiently in prayer and fasting. The Psalmist says, “The revelation of your words sheds light, gives understanding to the simple.” (Ps 119:130)

Prayer: Lord God, we thank you and praise you for your daily eternal bread and especially for this season of Christmas. This is an occasion for us to give witness to you before our brethren. Without knowing you, how can we give genuine witness to you? Even your emptying through the incarnation doesn’t make us humble and poor in Spirit. Have mercy on us! Give us, O Lord, your Spirit that we may understand you better on our knees. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen!

Greetings: God is with you! Have a nice and blissful Tuesday…

“He will be a sign from God which many people will speak against and so reveal their secret thoughts.” (Lk 2:35)

“He will be a sign from God which many people will speak against and so reveal their secret thoughts.” (Lk 2:35) 

 Today’s Passage: Lk 2:22-35

Meditation: Today’s meditation verse is the same as yesterday, which helped us to reflect on the Holy Family. However, we concentrate today on Simeon’s prophecy on Jesus Christ. How come a sign from God be a sign of contradiction? Signs and symbols are to lead to the reality and truth. Simeon says, “This child is chosen by God for the destruction and the salvation of many in Israel. He will be a sign from God which many people will speak against and so reveal their secret thoughts.” (Lk 2:34, 35)

What does it mean by this? I believe that it doesn’t mean that Jesus is contradicting in himself, but will be a “sign of contradiction” to all those contradict in themselves; to all those hypocrites. He will read their minds and reveal their thoughts. We see Jesus in the gospels reading the minds of people, e.g., Simon the Pharisee (Lk7:40), the disciples (Mk 9:33), Judas Iscariot (Jn 13:26) etc. For these people, he is a sign of contradiction because they will understand that their thoughts and words, also words and deeds do not go hand in hand.

After the genuine preparation and celebration of Christmas, do I feel that Jesus is a “sign of contradiction” to me? If yes, surely he is knocking at your door; “Listen! I stand at the door and knock; if anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come into his house and eat with him, he will eat with me.” (Rev 3:20) This is an invitation from the savior for you and for me. Let us take out the masks from our faces and ask our Lord to save us from all our hypocritical lives.

Everything is unveiled before him, our savior Jesus. The word of the Lord says, “Do not judge from his appearance or from his stature, because I have rejected him. Not as man sees does God see, because man sees the appearance but the Lord looks into the heart.” (1Sam 16:7) Let us not be robbed of our Christmas joy and peace by our hypocrisies!  

   

Prayer: Lord God, we thank you and praise you for your daily eternal bread and especially for this season of Christmas. This is an occasion for us to give witness to you before our brethren. In order that our celebration be a fruitful one, we have to be ready for giving witness to Jesus. For this we need a sincere and authentic Christian life. Lord, give us your Holy Spirit and the courage to be honest in our words and deeds. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen!

Greetings: God is with you! Have a nice and blissful Monday…

“The other disciple who had reached the tomb first, also went in; he saw and believed.” (Jn 20:8)

“The other disciple who had reached the tomb first, also went in; he saw and believed.” (Jn 20:8)  

Today’s Passage: Jn 20:2-8

Meditation: It seems like a strange reading to hear just after the Christmas; a resurrection narrative! But, we know for sure that the mother holy church is today joyously celebrating the feast of the evangelist, St. John. Therefore, today our concentration is not on the resurrection narrative, rather on “the Beloved Disciple.” Though there are differences of opinion among the biblical scholars regarding the person who this Beloved Disciple is, majority are of the opinion today that he is the apostle John, son of Zebedee.

  

Let come to the meditation verse, “The other disciple who had reached the tomb first, also went in; he saw and believed.” (Jn 20:8)  See the narrative, the other disciple, i.e., the BD “saw” the empty tomb, “believed” that he was raised, and later witnessed to it. In his gospel it is written, “He is the disciple who spoke of these things; the one also wrote them down; and we know that what he said is true.” (Jn 21:24) Again we see, “The one who saw this happen has spoken of it, so that you also may believe. What he said is true, and he knows that he speaks the truth.” (Jn 19:35)

The whole gospel is actually an account of testimonies (e.g. first disciples, Samaritan woman, the blind man etc.). The fact that he “saw and believed” may seem contrary to the nature of worldly leaders and victors who came, saw, and conquered the people and the nations. For, it is really, we “saw” him in the manger; “believed” that he is our savior; and “was conquered” by his love for us.

Therefore, it is quite realistic and appropriate to meditate on Beloved Disciple and his witnessing just after the Christmas celebrations. However, did I “see” in the manger on Christmas day, my savior Jesus and “believe” in him? If yes, then we too will be able to announce, “We have heard it, and we have seen it, with our eyes; yes, we have seen it, and our hands have touched it.” (1Jn 1:1) Happy feast to all of you! 

        

Prayer: Lord God, we thank you and praise you for your daily eternal bread and especially for this season of Christmas. This is an occasion for us to give witness to you before our brethren. In order that our celebration be a fruitful one, we have to be ready for giving witness to Jesus. Lord, give us Your Spirit and the courage to give witness in all circumstances after the model of your beloved disciple, John. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen!

Greetings: God is with you! Have a nice and blissful Saturday…

“For my sake you will be brought to trial before rulers and kings, to tell the good news to them and to the Gentiles.” (Mt 10:18)

“For my sake you will be brought to trial before rulers and kings, to tell the good news to them and to the Gentiles.” (Mt 10:18) 

Today’s Passage: Mt 10:17-22

Meditation: On this fine morning, many are still in the Christmas celebration feel. It is good also! Many are still coming to visit the church and the crib. But today’s meditation verse creates a different tempo altogether. Holy mother church today celebrates the feast of the martyrdom of St. Stephen, the first martyr. He was one among the seven zealous deacons of the early church. The word of the Lord says, “The whole group was pleased with the apostles’ proposal, so they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit.” (Acts 6:5)

Does it make any sense to celebrate this feast today just after Christmas. I do believe that it really makes sense. If we remember the messages of the advent or of the Christmas, we can understand that those who received the word of God were always happy to proclaim and give witness to it. For example, Mary mother of God, just after receiving the Word hurried off to Elizabeth to serve her; the Magi and the shepherds, all were on this way; and in Jesus’ public ministry also we find people receiving salvation or healing, following him or proclaiming him.

Therefore, this Christmas season is time for giving witness to Jesus. Witnessing is not only speaking something about Jesus but giving witness to him. It is really communicating the personal experience of Jesus. A Christian is not mere a tourist guide at the entrance of mega crib describing the story of Jesus to the visitors, but a sharing of Jesus’ experience to them from his own life. This will be proclamation indeed!

Sharing the personal experience of Jesus in front of a crib may be found safe and easy. Therefore, today the holy mother church exhorts us to even a greater and challenging atmosphere, “For my sake you will be brought to trial before rulers and kings, to tell the good news to them and to the Gentiles.” (Mt 10:18) Exactly, this was where Stephen had to give witness to Jesus. After the celebration of Christmas, am I prepared to give witness to Jesus? Proclamation is effective only through our witnessing. 

            

Prayer: Lord God, we thank you and praise you for your daily eternal bread and especially for this season of Christmas. This is an occasion for us to give witness to you before our brethren. In order that our celebration be a fruitful one, we have to be ready for giving witness to Jesus. Lord, give us Your Spirit and the courage to give witness in all circumstances after the model of St. Stephen. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen!

Greetings: God is with you! Have a nice and blissful Friday…

My Christmas Reflection for you and for you only!

My Christmas Reflection for you and for you only!

Christmas is continued and fulfilled in our lives through an active and a daily participation in the Holy Eucharist. In a way we can say that “Christmas” is meeting and experiencing “Christ” at “Mass.” In order to understand this fully let us invoke the help of Mary who participated fully and meaningfully the first Holy Mass offered by Jesus and who became the first tabernacle of the incarnate Word. Christian life is always in the Christmas season enjoying the salvation through worshiping in and through our lives the Word Incarnate; our savior.

Wish you all a merry and blessed Christmas!

“Her neighbors and relatives heard how wonderfully good the Lord had been to her, and they all rejoiced with her.” (Lk 1:58)

 “Her neighbors and relatives heard how wonderfully good the Lord had been to her, and they all rejoiced with her.” (Lk 1:58) 

 Today’s Passage: Lk 1:57-66

Meditation: The meditation verse we have before us today really calls upon us to examine ourselves and do the final preparation for Christmas. Why does the holy mother church do the same thing in these days? For, she thinks that no one should be left without receiving the fruit of Christmas. How does this verse help us to do the final touch to our preparations? In what way, we are to do this and get properly into the message of Christmas.

I think we have to think in the direction of the joy of the neighbors and relatives. Remember the verse; “Her neighbors and relatives heard how wonderfully good the Lord had been to her, and they all rejoiced with her.” (Lk 1:58) The reason for their joy and celebration with her is Lord’s mercy toward her. They were in touch with Elizabeth all these years, they were good neighbors and friends and they know that how she is prayerful, righteous, and God fearing. They knew that how earnestly and sincerely she longed for a child.

Now the moment they came to know about the news that she gave birth to a son, they all rejoiced with her. This rejoicing together has got a meaning. In these Christmas days, we find that many are after Christmas gatherings and celebrations. Of course, it goes beyond our neighbors and relatives; even to the extent of coming together of all walks of life. Does it communicate the same message of joy we find in today’s meditation verse? Or is it simply a merry making and worldly enjoyment in the name of the birth of Jesus?

Do we lose Jesus on Christmas day? The importance given to Santa Claus instead of Infant Jesus, the priority given to Christmas tree, stars, and gifts instead of infant Jesus, the disappearance of Jesus from the Christmas cards may help us to think that way. Are we pretty happy and satisfied with the huge Christmas coverage we find on the newspapers in the form of advertisements? Remember, they are not inviting us to meet Jesus, but only to their business.

Let our honest preparation for receiving our savior Jesus attract, many of our neighbors and friends to rejoice with in this Christmas season. Here I smell the real meaning of Pope Francis’ saying, “It is not by proselytizing, but by attraction” that evangelization gets its fruit. Have a blessed fruitful preparation!

Prayer: Lord God, we thank you and praise you for your daily eternal bread and especially for this occasion of Christmas. This is an occasion for us to give witness to you before our brethren. In order that our celebration be attracted by others in its real sense, first we have to be genuine in our preparations, in our attitude toward Christmas. Lord, help us to prepare ourselves earnestly and honestly for this Christmas. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen!

 Greetings: God is with you! Have a nice and blissful Tuesday…

Mary said, “My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord; my spirit rejoices in God my savior.’” (Lk 1:45, 46)

 Mary said, “My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord; my spirit rejoices in God my savior.’” (Lk 1:45, 46) 

Today’s Passage: Lk 1:46-56

Meditation: Today’s meditation verse, or rather mother Mary herself, rightly prepares each one of us for the adjoining Christmas. Mary is praising God for his being savior, for his mercy, and for his righteousness. In the previous passage (Lk 1:39-45) we saw her hurriedly going to her kinswoman Elizabeth’s house, and staying back there served her for three months. All these vividly manifest before us a guideline as to what kind of life a Christian should lead in this world.

In every nook and corner of the town or village we find in these days people making merry and celebrating Christmas. Event management groups are also alive around big malls offering new amusement programs. However, the Christmas joy or the great joy Mary discloses today is very different from them. Mary said, “My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord; my spirit rejoices in God my savior.” (Lk 1:45, 46) It is the great occasion of meeting our savior, Jesus Christ.

Just before Christmas this reflection helps us review afresh and do whatever possible even in this finishing point. We are receiving Jesus on the Christmas day with a mission. Mary received the word of God and led a life worthy of it. Christmas prepares us also for this mission; mission of proclaiming salvation to all in and through our gospel life. Unless and until we are not prepared for this mission, our Christmas will not make rejoice in the soul.

Mary received the eternal word not only into her womb, but also to her immaculate heart. This is very important in our life. We may receive him into our houses, offices, institutions, but if we receive him not into our hearts, it is of no use. In this Christmas season let remember that if the infant Jesus we place in our cribs remain only there and do not enter into our hearts, the joy Mary proclaims today will not be for us. Let us not be robbed of the real joy of the Christmas!

              

Prayer: Lord God, we thank you and praise you for your daily eternal bread. Lord we thank you and praise for the real heavenly gift of our mamma Mary. We do believe that Mary’s “magnificat” was a real eye opener for us. Many a time we were after the worldly and bodily pleasures and each celebration was merely an occasion for that. The Israelites were taught the importance of Passover and other Jewish feasts. Lord teach us to know the real meaning behind every celebration that we may remember your interventions in the history. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen!

 Greetings: God is with you! Have a nice and blissful Monday…

“Mary said, ‘Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.’” (Lk 1:38

“Mary said, ‘Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.’” (Lk 1:38)

Today’s Passage: Lk 1:26-38

Meditation: Today’s meditation verse manifests the greatest good news before Christmas. God received a long awaited “amen/let it be” from the humankind in and through Mary in this verse. God’s centuries’ long preparation and waiting was just for this single “amen.” As we prepare ourselves for Christmas, remember how God patiently prepared his people all through these centuries and how happy he was on hearing this amen! God together with all the angels might have sung joyfully the beautiful “happy amen” hymn.

I do believe that the first creation of man by God was rather easy for he was easily made out of earth/mud. However, the second creation of man, new Adam, will not be so easy, for it needs his cooperation. St. Augustine expresses it well when he says, “God you created man without his consent and cooperation, but he cannot be saved without his consent and cooperation.” God wanted to save man from his sinfulness and punishment, but he needed also his collaboration.

Throughout the salvation history we find a God who is after his people in view of preparing them for this ‘amen.’ He protected, fed, and guided them throughout their forty years of sojourn in the wilderness. He also pitched his tent among them so that they may feel secure and cared. Later, he gave them judges, kings, priests and prophets to rule and guide them. Even when in different exiles, they were not left alone; he cared and protected them. At last, they were in great need of a Savior.

Now, the whole humankind prepares themselves to join happily in this great “amen” of Mary during this Christmas. She also acknowledges this long preparation of God in her “magnificat,” saying, “He has kept the promise he made to our ancestors, and has come to the help of his servant Israel. He has remembered to show mercy to Abraham and to all his descendants forever.” (Lk 1:54, 55) Am I really prepared or got ready to join this blessed “amen?” Amen is the most shortest meaningful christian prayer.

      

Prayer: Lord God, we thank you and praise you for your daily eternal bread. Lord we thank you and praise for the real heavenly gift of our mamma Mary. We do believe that Mary’s “amen” was a real sacrifice in view of your unique, eternal, and salvific sacrifice on the cross. Even now somebody whispers in our ears that song, “Mary did you know that baby boy one day would walk on water….” Mary mother of God pray for us that we may also learn to respond “amen” to God’s will. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen!

 Greetings: God is with you! Have a nice and blissful Saturday…

“They both lived good lives in God’s sight and obeyed fully all the Lord’s laws and commandments.” (Lk 1:6)

“They both lived good lives in God’s sight and obeyed fully all the Lord’s laws and commandments.” (Lk 1:6)

Today’s Passage: Lk 1:5-25

Meditation: Our waiting for Christmas is coming to an end in the coming few days. In these days of immediate preparation God is asking us whether our preparation and waiting are fruitful or not? But, how do we know it? Our mother holy church puts before again another norm through the models of Zachariah and Elizabeth. Today’s reflection on this particular verse really calls for a radical Christian life. Let the Holy Spirit lead you and me to the fullness of truth.

‘Zachariah and Elizabeth had no children because Elizabeth could not have any, and she and Zachariah were both very old.’ (Lk 1:7) A description may give us first the impression of a couple who are completely hopeless and desperate; old and barren people. But Luke gives us another picture of them as to their hope that “They both lived good lives in God’s sight and obeyed fully all the Lord’s laws and commandments.” (Lk 1:8)

 Here lies our focus of today’s reflection. Though it is true that they were waiting for a long time and now they are quite old, still they are waiting patiently and expectantly a child. It is quite amazing! Despite the fact that their prayers are not heard, they lived good lives in God’s sight and obeyed God’s precepts. It is the real faith and hope in Him who cares for us all through our lives; in both joys and sorrows. Let our waiting also be fruitful and blessed.

It was the same hope we find in the beautiful prayer of Habakkuk, “For though the fig tree blossom not, nor fruit be on the vines, though the yield of the olive fail, and the terraces produce no nourishment, though the flocks disappear from the fold and there be no herd in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the Lord and exult in my saving God. God, my Lord is my strength.” (Hab 3:17-19) In all my expectations and waiting, God alone is my hope and salvation.

         

Prayer: Lord God, we thank you and praise you for your daily eternal bread. Lord, in our daily lives we also come across with different realities of disasters, failures, confusions etc. Sometimes we also feel that our prayers and petitions are not heard or God has turned his face from us. However, the lives of Zachariah and Elizabeth today encourage us to be hopeful in the promises of God. We pray for all those who have lost hope in their lives due to different reasons. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen!

Greetings: God is with you! Have a nice and blissful Friday…

“Joseph her husband, since he was a righteous man, yet unwilling to expose her to shame, decided to divorce her quietly.” (Mt 1:19)

“Joseph her husband, since he was a righteous man, yet unwilling to expose her to shame, decided to divorce her quietly.” (Mt 1:19)

Today’s Passage: Mt 1:18-24

Meditation: Dear ones, just one week yet to go for Christmas and we are in the immediate preparation for it. Now, today’s meditation verse rightly calls for a genuine attitude before receiving Jesus as our Savior. Preparing for Christmas or waiting for it is a divine call for becoming Christ too; just like a young lady becoming a mother in giving birth to her baby. We are receiving something or someone at the same we are becoming somebody.

Without proper disposition of heart, you cannot receive anything in its totality. The season of Christmas also demands from us such disposition. What disposition of heart holy mother church puts before us through today’s meditation verse. It is well expressed through the example of Saint Joseph. “Joseph her husband, since he was a righteous man, yet unwilling to expose her to shame, decided to divorce her quietly.” (Mt 1:19)

How brilliantly and vividly the evangelist puts forth the attitude of Joseph before us; though he was a righteous, Joseph did not want to expose her to shame. I do think that this is one of the best dispositions we have to have before receiving Jesus. Whenever I read the periscope of the woman caught in adultery (Jn 8), this attitude of Joseph would make its real setting. I do hope also that it has a lot to do with our daily Christian life.

Earlier I had an attitude that always prompted me to be righteous and be bold. Right, that is good also, but the problem is there is also a tendency to make the other humiliated, belittled, put to shame. We may be there legally right in the eyes of men, but there is a risk of going against the divine mercy of God. Joseph was righteous both before God and man. Receiving Jesus as your savior is adapting yourself to the mind of Jesus, the savior; you have to be a sign of salvation for others, just like Joseph to Mary.

          

Prayer: Lord God, we thank you and praise you for your daily eternal bread. How great and grateful it is to remember St. Joseph in these days of immediate preparation of Christmas! Let unlearn everything to learn how to be righteous and yet not make others exposed to shame in public. St. Joseph pray for each one of us so that we may be saved from the selfishness, pride, and hatred. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen!

 Greetings: God is with you! Have a nice and blissful Thursday…

“The book of the genealogy of Jesus Christ, the Son of David, the son of Abraham.” (Mt 1:1)

“The book of the genealogy of Jesus Christ, the Son of David, the son of Abraham.” (Mt 1:1)

Today’s Passage: Mt 1:1-17

Meditation: As we are coming closer to the Christmas, what is the special significance of today’s meditation verse? Does this verse actually prepare us for a fruitful Christmas? In youth days, whenever I heard or read this passage, I felt a little bit boring; why all this meaningless repetitions of names! At home after our family prayer, we had everyday bible reading of selected passages. Each time I get this passage, I was interested to read more than anyone because I liked to read it in special rhythm and tone. I didn’t really get into its meaning, rather enjoyed the reading.

However, later I got one aspect of this genealogy description. I want to share you about it in today’s reflection. Why did Mathew go after all these people? Were they so important people that they are to be remembered? When I went through the Bible, I understood some of them are not there, some of them are very simple and ordinary people, still some were not up to the mark, and very few could be listed. Then my thinking was in the direction as to, why was he so particular about including these insignificant ones?

Actually mother Mary led me in this direction through her ‘magnificat’ (Lk 1:46:55). She praised God in ‘magnificat’ saying, “He has helped Israel his servant, remembering his mercy, according to his promise to our fathers, to Abraham and to his descendants forever.” (Lk 1:54, 55) When Mary received the world of the Lord in her heart and womb, she gratefully remembered both God’s promise and his people.

This aspect somehow struck in my mind so deeply, therefore, now I read this genealogy with gratefulness in my heart. I give thanks to the Lord for their instrumentality. I do also in my life, be it my birthday or others, I give thanks to the Lord for all those people, who directly or indirectly were sharers in my life. Let this immediate preparation days of Christmas be days of thanksgiving; kindly remembering God’s ways of showering his mercy and grace upon us through our ancestors, family members, neighbors, friends, relatives, etc

.

Prayer: Lord God, we thank you and praise you for your daily eternal bread. How great and grateful it is to remember all your forefathers in this advent! Lord we thank you and praise you for all those people who were instruments of your protection, love, and mercy in our life. Help us to lead always a life of gratitude. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen!

 Greetings: God is with you! Have a nice and blissful Wednesday…

“Even when you saw this, you did not later change your minds and believe him.” (Mt 21:32)

 “Even when you saw this, you did not later change your minds and believe him.” (Mt 21:32)

Today’s Passage: Mt 21:28-32

Meditation: Sometimes we are very good at judging others and their activities. Today’s meditation verse rightly warns us of this unjust and hypocritical attitude of life. Our judging may not be always knowingly and intentionally; it may happen because of our inability to read their minds. The word of the Lord says, “Do not judge from his appearance or from his lofty stature, because I have rejected him. Not as man sees does God see, because man sees the appearance, but the Lord looks into the heart.” (1Sam 16:7)

Therefore, man in his weakness judges others according to their words and deeds. When someone says that he doesn’t want to go to market, we believe and judge him. In the same way, when another one says that he is ready to go, we believe and judge. For, we do not know his mind and thoughts. But today’s reflection is not on our capacity to judge others, rather on Jesus’ words, “Even when you saw this, you did not later change your minds and believe him.” (Mt 21:32)

Even if you couldn't read the minds and thoughts of others, you could learn a lot from others’ deeds and words. We see many a people fail in their lives, others not honest enough, and still some are hypocrites. There are others who very faithful and obedient. All these different pictures are given for me to learn a lesson for my life; not just to judge them. The word of the Lord says, “Now, all this is an example for us, to warn us not to desire evil things, as they did.” (1Cor 10:6)

It appears to be very easy to judge these two sons according to their response to their father’s call. But we know from further reading that their words and deeds were later changed. Today, therefore, our call is to repent on our blunted words and deeds, and return to the Lord. The savior in the manger is waiting for our return.

      

Prayer: Lord God, we thank you and praise you for your daily eternal bread. Have mercy on us, O Lord! You are our loving and forgiving father. Give us the courage to admit our mistakes in humility and return to you in repentance. Help us to be non-judgmental and positive in our relationships. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen!

 Greetings: God is with you! Have a nice and blissful Tuesday…

“So they answered Jesus, ‘we don’t know.’” (Mt 21:27)

“So they answered Jesus, ‘we don’t know.’” (Mt 21:27)

Today’s Passage: Mt 21:23-27

Meditation: It is very interesting to reflect on the answer “we don’t know.” How many times have we answered with the same words? We know for sure that it has got many and varied meanings other than those few letters. Sometimes it was for assertion, other times indifference, and still other times for support etc.; the same words but with different meanings. On this day let us try to understand its varied meanings.

When we read the passage, we find that it (the expression, “we don’t know”) comes not only from the priests and elders but also from Jesus Christ; of course, in a different expression. Today we will see into the expression of the priests and elders. Why did they answer that they didn't know? Is it because they actually were ignorant of it? Certainly not! This is very evident from the previous verses.

From their responses, “if we answer,” and “if we say,” it is clear that they know the truth. But they want to hide the truth because of some reason. The reason is that which makes them “exposed” before the people whom they don’t like; they are afraid of the people. Therefore, in order that the truth is not be revealed, they said, “We don’t know.” It is really a contradiction; truth is always to be proclaimed and revealed.

In the days of immediate preparation of the birth of Jesus Christ, the truth, I do hope that this meditation verse has got much importance. Do I truly believe that Jesus is my savior and redeemer? Am I really prepared to proclaim Jesus the truth in all circumstances? If I review myself, do I find in my past life the moments where I rejected Jesus for my name and fame? Peter also had the same expression in his life, but he returned to the Lord, loving him more fervently. 

               

Prayer: Lord God, we thank you and praise you for your daily eternal bread. Teach us, O Lord, how to be a honest servant in our lives. Sometimes we are very indifferent or hypocritical in our lives; we betray you in our hearts at the same time praise you through our words. We proclaim you zealously in front of your people but deny you before your opponents. Lord, give us your spirit in its abundance to give witness to you in all circumstances. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen!

 Greetings: God is with you! Have a nice and blissful Monday…