“The wind died down, and there was a great calm. Then Jesus said to his disciples, ‘why are you frightened?” (Mk 4:21)

 “The wind died down, and there was a great calm. Then Jesus said to his disciples, ‘why are you frightened? Have you still no faith?” (Mk 4:21) 

Today’s Passages: Mk 4:35-41; Heb 11:1-2, 8-19

Meditation: Today’s meditation verse is a call for renewal of our faith in Jesus. This miracle narrative is quite different from the miracle of Jesus walking on the water (Mt 14:22-33; Mk 6:45-52; Jn 6:15-21). There also we find the disciples were caught up in storm and were terrified, but Jesus came to their help and wind died down. One of the differences between them, we notice, is that Jesus is with them in this narrative.

In the other narrative Jesus was far away from them on the mountain top (Mk 6:46). So it is quite natural that they got frightened and screamed. In today’s narrative Jesus is with the disciples in the same boat, yet they were terrified. Another interesting element to be noted is their question, “Teacher, don’t you care that we are about to die?” (Mk 4:38) Similar comments we also might have heard during some of our journeys especially when drivers drive so fast.

But, today our focus of attention is on Jesus response to disciples’ cry. Jesus stood up and commanded the wind, “Be quiet!” and he said to the waves, “Be still!” There follows our meditation verse, “The wind died down, and there was a great calm. Then Jesus said to his disciples, ‘why are you frightened? Have you still no faith?” (Mk 4:21) Jesus creates wonderfully a great atmosphere for teaching them about faith. So has to be in our lives too even for correction.

It is not the question that whether Jesus was there in the boat with them or not. The real question is whether he had a place in their heart or not. Jesus had room for them in his heart and therefore, he could reach and save them in their peril or destruction. He was praying on the top of hill but when “he saw that his disciples were straining at the oars, because they were rowing against the wind,.. he came to them.” (Mk 6:48) Keeping your heart in the promises of the Lord may be otherwise defined faith.

Let us see two verses from today’s second reading and finish our reflection. “They did not keep thinking about the country they had left; if they had, they would have had the chance to return. Instead, it was a better country they longed for, the heavenly country. And so God is not ashamed for them to call him their God, because he has prepared a city for them.” (Heb 11:15, 16) In short, “It was by their faith that people of ancient times won God’s approval.” (Heb 11:2)

 Prayer: Lord God, we thank you and praise you for your daily eternal bread. Lord, have mercy on us all. By being with us, Lord, you prove yourself Emmanuel day by day, however, often we fail to understand your presence in our life. Help our little faith and bless us with your forgiveness and love. We ask for this grace through Christ our Lord. Amen!

Greetings: God is with you! Have a blissful Saturday!

“He sleeps at night, is up and about during the day, and all the while the seeds are sprouting and growing.” (Mk 4:21)

“He sleeps at night, is up and about during the day, and all the while the seeds are sprouting and growing. Yet, he doesn't know how it happens.” (Mk 4:21)

Today’s Passages: Mk 4:26-34; Heb 10:32-39

Meditation: Today’s meditation verse is all about the nature and growth of the kingdom of God. How naturally and beautifully Jesus paints the picture of a sower and the growth of the seed! “He sleeps at night, is up and about during the day, and all the while the seeds are sprouting and growing. Yet, he doesn't know how it happens.” (Mk 4:21) Yes, it is not the sower who gives life to the seed, though he prepares the ground and scatters the seeds through the field, but God.

In the second book of Maccabees, we read an inspiring narrative of the martyrdom of a mother and her seven sons. There the mother exhorted her children with these words, “I do not know how you came to existence in my womb; it was not I who gave you breath of life, nor was it I who set in order the elements of which each of you is composed. Therefore, since it is the creator of the universe who shapes each man’s beginning, as he brings about the origin of everything, he, in his mercy, will give you back both breath and life, because you now disregard yourselves for the sake of his law.” (2 Mac 7:22, 23)

God alone is the cause and source of life. We are only custodians of this gratuitous gift. Likewise, the kingdom of God grows by its own, but through the cooperation of you and me. We have to cooperate with the works of the Spirit in and through us for the growth of the kingdom. However little our life and its capacities may be, if we surrender ourselves totally God will work wonders through us. This is what he says through the parable of the mustard seed.

“The kingdom of God is like a mustard seed that, when it is sown in the ground, is the smallest of all the seeds on the earth. But once it is sown, it springs up and becomes the largest of the plants and puts forth largest branches, so that birds of the sky can dwell in its shade.” (Mk 4:31, 32) How wonderful and mysterious God’s ways are! Therefore, the second reading coins the conclusion of today’s meditation and tells, “You need to be patient, in order to do the will of God and receive what he promises.” (Heb 10:36)  

              

Prayer: Lord God, we thank you and praise you for your daily eternal bread. Lord, we thank you for the graces that you have showered upon us; both physical and spiritual. We gratefully acknowledge that what we are right now is your sheer gift. Help us to offer ourselves daily as a pleasing oblation to you; a living and a holy sacrifice. We ask for this grace through Christ our Lord. Amen!

Greetings: God is with you! Have a blissful Friday!

“Does anyone ever bring in a lamp and put it under a bowl or under the bed? Doesn't he put it on the lamp-stand? ” (Mk 4:21)

“Does anyone ever bring in a lamp and put it under a bowl or under the bed? Doesn't he put it on the lamp-stand? ” (Mk 4:21)   

  

Today’s Passages: Mk 4:21-25; Heb 10:19-25

Meditation: Today’s meditation verse invites us to be aware of the mission and vocation of our Christian life. It is clearly and powerfully communicated through an allegory of a lamp and lamp-stand. So, we see first the purpose of those objects used in this allegory. The very nature of lamp is to shine and give light to the adjacent area and people. The purpose of lamp-stand is to carry the lamp on higher level that the light may be useful for wider circle.

“Does anyone ever bring in a lamp and put it under a bowl or under the bed? Doesn't he put it on the lamp-stand? ” (Mk 4:21) It is something like an exclamation. It seems to mean that it is foolish or useless to keep the lamp under a bowl or bed. Instead, one should keep it on the lamp-stand. It is, then, very clear to everyone without much interpretation. Yes, indeed! However, Jesus wants to say something more to us, for our life today.

It becomes clearer in the light of the last verse where we read, “The person who has something will be given more, and the person who has nothing will have taken away from him even the little he has.” (Mk 4:25) Jesus wants to say, then, that each one’s life is a gratuitous gift and it must be shared with others. There is a saying, “Your talent God’s gift to you; what you do with it your gift back to God.” When we share these gifts with others God will continue to bless us abundantly.

The second reading rightly reminds us the same, “Let us be concerned for one another, to help one another to show love and to be good.” (Heb 10:24) Here we find the meaning of the allegory of the lamp and the lamp-stand in our Christian life. Instead, if we hide and cover our talents, our life will be of no use. John the Baptist says, “The axe is ready to cut down the trees at the roots; every tree that does not bear good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire.” (Mt 3:10) Let our life be a lamp to our brethren!

Prayer: Lord God, we thank you and praise you for your daily eternal bread. We acknowledge that our life is only your gratuitous gift. Unless and until this gift is shared, it remains like the grain kept in the barn unable to produce fruits. Like the lamp placed on the lamp-stand, let our life also be offered for others. We ask for this grace through Christ our Lord. Amen!

Greetings: God is with you! Have a blissful Thursday!

“They may look and look, yet not see; they may listen and listen, yet not understand. For, if they did, ...” (Mk 4:12)

 “They may look and look, yet not see; they may listen and listen, yet not understand. For, if they did, they would turn to God, and he would forgive them.” (Mk 4:12)

  

Today’s Passages: Mk 4:1-20; Heb 10:11-18

Meditation: In today’s readings we hear about some of our human inadequacies or limitations. The first one is from the letter to the Hebrews where it says, “Every Jewish priest performs his services every day and offers the same sacrifices many times; but these sacrifices can never take away sins.” (Heb 10:11) The second one is from the gospel of Mark where it tells, “They may look and look, yet not see; they may listen and listen, and yet do not understand. For, if they did, they would turn to God, and he would forgive them.” (Mk 4:12)

As we celebrate today the feast of great philosopher-theologian St. Thomas Aquinas, the above read passages have got special meaning and relevance. St. Thomas did believe that faith and reason are not two poles, but they go together hand in hand; perhaps faith has got an upper hand on reason. He says, “To one who has faith, no explanation is necessary. To the one without faith, no explanation is possible.” The message we heard from Pope emeritus Benedict XVI through his encyclical Lumen Fidei, proves the same; “The faith illumines every aspects of human knowledge.”

Both of them convey that our human inadequacies could be corrected and perfected through faith. The confession of Peter underlines this fact, “Lord, to whom, would we go? You have the words that give eternal life. And now we believe and know that you are the Holy One who has come from God.” (Jn 6:68, 69) It is very important to note what he says – “now we believe and know.” Because, it is God who makes you understand the things.

It is quite interesting to note that the very people who reject and despise faith and God as unreasonable, and praise the inventions of the modern sciences, gropes in the darkness as they find the great scientific achievements began with simple hypotheses. There are great many scientists who opened new horizons of knowledge keeping their in God. Let all our pursuit of knowledge be on our knees that they be perfect and clear.

Prayer: Lord God, we thank you and praise you for your daily eternal bread. The word of the Lord says, “‘This is the covenant that I will make with them in the days to come,’ says the Lord, ‘I will put my laws in their hearts and write them on their hearts.’” (Heb 10:16) Let the promise of this eternal word be fulfilled in each one of us. We ask for this grace through Christ our Lord. Amen!

Greetings: God is with you! Have a blissful Wednesday!

“Whoever does what God wants him to do is my brother, my sister, my mother.” (Mk 3:35)

“Whoever does what God wants him to do is my brother, my sister, my mother.” (Mk 3:35)

 Today’s Passages: Mk 3:31-35; Heb 10:1-10

Meditation: Today’s meditation verse puts before us a tempting but a challenging call to become his brothers and sisters. Apparently it gives the impression that it is very easy to become brothers and sisters of Jesus; i.e., if we abide by the will of God the father, we become Jesus’ brothers and sisters. However, the question also arises as to its difficulties in its application. The prayer of Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane stands out a clear proof for this.

Nevertheless, the life of Jesus proves the same possible, though difficult. Therefore, this call of Jesus to be his brothers and sisters is a real test as far as each Christian is concerned. How can we pass this test? First of all, we have to believe that it is possible, though not easy. Call to be a Christian is a call to become Christ; it is life of becoming Christ. John makes it clear by saying, “Whoever says that he remains in union with God should live just as Jesus Christ did.” (1 Jn 2:6)

The apostles, early Christians, martyrs and saints have proved that this imitation of Jesus Christ is challenging but possible. St. Stephen, the first martyr, could pray the prayer of Jesus on the cross, “Lord! Do not remember this sin against them.” (Acts 7:60) How proudly Paul calls upon us ‘to imitate him just as he imitates Jesus Christ!’ (1 Cor 11:1) Therefore, imitation of Christ is made possible through them.

The letter to the Hebrews after analyzing the fathers and leaders of faith, tells us, “As for us, we have this large crowd of witnesses round us. So then, let rid ourselves of everything that gets in the way, and of the sin which holds on to us so tightly, and let us run with determination the race that lies before us. Let us keep our eyes fixed on Jesus, on whom our faith depends from beginning to end. He did not give up because of the cross.” (Heb 12:1, 2)

How did they make it possible? I do hope that they set their mind and heart according to the things on high. In order to fulfill the will of God the father, Jesus took the form of a servant and died on the cross. Paul says, “He (Jesus) always had the nature of God, but he did not think that by force he should try to become equal with God.” (Phil 2:6) So also, unless and until we set our minds according to the heavenly, becoming Christ will remain impossible.

Prayer: Lord God, we thank you and praise you for your daily eternal bread. Paul really helps us to find the way by saying, “Do not conform yourselves to the standards of this world, but let God transform you inwardly by a complete change of your mind. Then you will be able to know the will of God – what is good and pleasing to him and is perfect.” (Rom 12:2)  Lord, bless each one of us to live according your eternal word. I too offer myself and say, “Here I am to do your will, O God.” (Heb 10:9) We ask for this grace through Christ our Lord. Amen!

Greetings: God is with you! Have a blissful Tuesday!

“The truth will set you free.” (Jn 8:32)

“The truth will set you free.” (Jn 8:32)

Today’s Passages: Jn 8:31-36; Jer 31:31-34; 1 Tm 2:1-6;

Meditation: Mother holy church has blessed us, Indians, today with the readings that suit to our great republic day. Let us give thanks and praise to God! Today’s second reading begins with an exhortation of Paul on intercessory prayer: “First of all, then, I ask that supplications, prayers, petitions, and thanksgiving be offered for everyone, for kings and for all in authority, that we may lead a quiet and tranquil life in all devotion and dignity.” (1 Tim 2:1, 2)

This exhortation is being practiced in continuity even today in the universal church. Every day in our liturgy we pray for our leaders that they may be strengthened and guided by truth and justice; that they may be able to lead their people in peace and harmony. Today in a special we pray for our sovereign and secular country and its leaders; for the welfare of the people and integrity of the country; and for all those who have laid their life and toil for the freedom of India.

On the day of the commemoration of the sovereignty of Indian Republic, mother holy church calls upon us to reflect on the real and eternal freedom. Without this real freedom we may not be able to enjoy the political freedom that we have achieved. The political freedom is like physical and external, but the freedom Jesus gifts is internal and everlasting. That is why, even after sixty years of freedom, we are still in darkness of social, religious, and political injustice and inequalities.

In the first reading we hear, “I will place my law within them, and write it upon their hearts; I will be their God and they shall be my people.” (Jer 31:33) Let all the people surrender themselves to the divine law that they may enjoy real fraternity, peace, and freedom. Jesus has something more to say: “If you remain in my word, you will truly be my disciples, and you will know the truth, and truth will set you free.” (Jn 8:31, 32)

Prayer: Lord God, we thank you and praise you for your daily eternal bread. Lord, we pray today for our republic, its people, and its leaders. Give us your Holy Spirit in abundance that we may always stand for its welfare and integrity. Lead each one of us, in every moment of life, from darkness to light, from death to life, and from falsehood to truth.   We ask for this grace through Christ our Lord. Amen!

Greetings: God is with you! Have a blissful Republic Day!

“Jesus told them, ‘I have chosen you to be with me. I will also send you out to preach, ...” (Mk 3:14, 15)

“Jesus told them, ‘I have chosen you to be with me. I will also send you out to preach, and you will have authority to drive out demons.” (Mk 3:14, 15)

Today’s Passages: Mk 3:13-19; Heb 8:6-13

Meditation: Today’s meditation verse gives us an account of the election of Jesus’ disciples as apostles and the purpose of their election. Jesus’ teachings on the kingdom of God and his healing ministry attracted many to follow him and several of them eventually turned to be his disciples. However, Jesus one day chose twelve from among these disciples and called them apostles. While choosing the twelve, Jesus reveals or explains to them clearly the purpose of their calling.

“Jesus told them, ‘I have chosen you to be with me. I will also send you out to preach, and you will have authority to drive out demons.” (Mk 3:14, 15)  Obviously we find three main elements or aspects in this election: “to be with him,” “to be sent out to preach,” “and authority to drive out demons.” These three elements in a way remind us of God’s love for Adam, and the authority and mission he was entrusted in the garden of Eden.

The creation account of Genesis and the following narratives give us a rather good picture of God’s love toward man and his love for him. The question of God, “where are you?” to Adam echoes also God’s anxiety over his absence. This is just like a loving father who is after his beloved child that is missing. Through today’s meditation verse, in the beginning of “the creation account of new Israel,” we hear again the revelation of God’s purpose; “to be with him.”

Again we read, “God planted a garden in Eden, in the east, and placed there the man whom he had formed.” (Gen 2:8) He was given the garden with a mission; “The Lord God then took the man and settled him in the garden of Eden, to cultivate and care for it.” (Gen 2:15) An apostle is called to be with him and to be sent out to accomplish a particular mission like Adam’s call; “to be sent out to preach.”

The third element is very important: “have the authority to drive out the demons.” It is in union with God only you may be able to do your ministry and drive out demons. Once your relationship with God is broken, then your ministry will be disturbed and destroyed by Satan as in the case of Adam. Therefore, in order to drive out demons, you have to do your ministries faithfully in union with God. Jesus says, “Without me you can do nothing.” (Jn 15:5) 

                 

Prayer: Lord God, we thank you and praise you for your daily eternal bread. O Lord, you are our creator and redeemer. The fact that you are our creator makes us think of our call to be with you and the fact that you are our redeemer reminds us of our faithful living in this world. Lord, give us the grace to do all our duties in union with you so that we may not fall into the temptations of Satan. We ask for this grace through Christ our Lord. Amen!

Greetings: God is with you! Have a blissful Friday!

“All these people came to Jesus because they had heard of the things he was doing.” (Mk 3:8)

“All these people came to Jesus because they had heard of the things he was doing.” (Mk 3:8) 

Today’s Passages: Mk 3:7-12; Heb 7:25, 8:1-6

Meditation: Daily meditation is just like looking at the mirror and realizing ourselves; it helps us to know and improve ourselves. Today’s meditation verse surely guides us in this direction. The word of the Lord says, “All these people came to Jesus because they had heard of the things he was doing.” (Mk 3:8) Where are they from? They are from the whole of Palestine and the neighboring countries; more than four kilometers away.

What did they come for? They have come all the way over to hear the word of God and to be healed by God. Today also we find places where people are crowded over to hear the word of God and to be healed. However, there arises a point to reflect upon as to how they came to know about Jesus. Our meditation verse underlines, “because they had heard of the things he was doing.” This seems to be somewhat old-fashioned for the modern world.

Modern time’s language is almost that of conquering, defeating, making the other slave. On the highways, during night the two Wheeler are afraid of the halogens of the new four wheelers; in the churches and retreat centers, people are in a way forced to hear the sound not the message, not the music but the ear-breaking volume of the music system; and through the ads of the visual media people are becoming more and more slaves than masters. Even the mass conventions and protests prove themselves paid ones and controlled by the event management groups.

It is in this context we reflect on “all these people came to Jesus because they had heard of the things he was doing.” (Mk 3:8) Let the people be attracted primarily by the quality of our activities and ministries, not by our marketing skills, nor by our money power. God values above all our faithfulness to the ministries entrusted than the success connected to it. Whenever I am asked about the number of beneficiaries of my service or ministry, I used to tell that it is also the faithfulness to the call that matters.          

Prayer: Lord God, we thank you and praise you for your daily eternal bread. In this world of big ads and marketing, Lord, help us, with the help of your Holy Spirit, to do our duties and ministries that are entrusted to us silently and faithfully. Let us also learn to believe in your promise, “Your father, who sees what you do in private, will reward you.” (Mt 6:18)  We ask for this grace through Christ our Lord. Amen!

Greetings: God is with you! Have a blissful Thursday!

“Jesus was angry as he looked at them, but at the same time he felt sorry them, for they were so stubborn and wrong.” (Mk 3:5)

“Jesus was angry as he looked at them, but at the same time he felt sorry them, for they were so stubborn and wrong.” (Mk 3:5)

Today’s Passages: Mk 3:1-6; Heb 7:1-3, 15-17

Meditation: Today’s meditation verse rightly manifests Jesus’ human face on a Sabbath day. It is actually the continuation of yesterday’s reflection. All the four gospels obviously give their own accounts on Jesus’ healing on the Sabbath day: a man with a paralyzed hand (Mt 12:9-14); a man with an evil spirit (Mk 1:21-28); a crippled woman (Lk 13:10-17); and a paralyzed man at Bethsaida (Jn 5:1-17).

Most of the time of these healing, we find the Pharisees or the teachers of the Law making their attempts to question Jesus for the violation of the Law or going out and planning to do something against Jesus. In today’s passage also we find some of the people present there watching him closely to see whether he would heal the man with the withered hand on the Sabbath day. However, Jesus takes these opportunities to teach them about the spirit of the Sabbath day.

We focus today specially on Jesus’ reaction to the response of the people present there. “Jesus was angry as he looked at them, but at the same time he felt sorry them, for they were so stubborn and wrong.” (Mk 3:5) The real mix of the human and the divine is unveiled here. He cannot keep his anger for long for he has come not to judge and condemn the world but to redeem. Through the prophet Isaiah, God says, “For a brief moment I abandoned you, but with great tenderness I will take you back.” (Is 54:7)

Because of this nature of Jesus, the book of Hebrews plainly calls him the eternal high priest and says, “Therefore, since we have a high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast to our confession. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who has similarly been tested in every way, yet without sin.” (Heb 4:14, 15)

In the second reading we hear, “He was made a priest, not by human rules and regulations, but through a power of a life which has no end.” (Heb 7:16) It is about the eternal priesthood of Jesus Christ too. St. John Maria Vianney defines priesthood as “the love of the heart of Jesus.” Though the ministries of priests reflect and mirror Jesus who is the king, prophet and shepherd, the imagery of Jesus the good shepherd should shine in him than the other two. 

             

Prayer: Lord God, we thank you and praise you for your daily eternal bread. Lord, let this word, “My son, pay attention when the Lord corrects you, and do not be discouraged when he rebukes you. Because the Lord corrects everyone he loves, and punishes everyone he accepts as a son,” (Heb 12:5) be an anointing in each one of us. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen!

Greetings: God is with you! Have a blissful Wednesday!

“Look, it is against our Law for your disciples to do that on the Sabbath!” (Mk 2:24)

“Look, it is against our Law for your disciples to do that on the Sabbath!” (Mk 2:24) 

Today’s Passages: Mk 2:23-28; Heb 6:10-20

Meditation: If we go through today’s meditation verse, we understand how zealous the Pharisees and scribes are. We have already learned from our previous meditations that they are very zealous about the Law and traditions. Many a time we have seen them intervening and intriguing whenever and wherever the Law of Moses is broken or violated. That is why even Jesus and his disciples were at times questioned, “Look, it is against our Law for your disciples to do that on the Sabbath!” (Mk 2:24)

However, it is also quite interesting to note Jesus’ response to them also, “According to our Law only the priest may this bread – but David ate it and even gave it to his men.” (Mk 2:26) If we observe closely, we can notice that both of them are speaking about the same Law. Then, the question arises as to how the same Law becomes the point of agreement as well as disagreement at the same time. I do believe that it arises from the way you look at the Law. That means, it is not only the letters matter but also the spirit of the Law.

All laws, including the Sabbath law, are formulated primarily for the good of the man. Therefore, Jesus invites each one of us today to review our attitude toward the laws and regulations; both divine and human. Unless and until they lead us to the good of the other, it is of no use. For this, we have to know and abide by the spirit of the Law, not mere the letters of the Law. The Pharisees saw only the letters of the Law and were often misled others.

Only Jesus can lead us to the truth of the Law for the word of the Lord says, “God gave the Law through Moses, but grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.” (Jn 1:17) If we keep the spirit of the commandments, the giver of the commandments, Jesus will save and protect us. The second reading encourages us by saying, “On our behalf Jesus has gone in there before us, and has become a high priest forever, in the line of succession to Melchizedek.” (Heb 6:20)

Prayer: Lord God, we thank you and praise you for your daily eternal bread. Lord, have mercy us, sinners. Often we find justification before men by keeping the Law for the Law’s sake. However, we understand that you are the One who look into the heart of men. Let us learn the meaning of your word, “The words I have spoken to you bring God’s life-giving Spirit. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen!

Greetings: God is with you! Have a blissful Tuesday!

“Nor does anyone pour new wine into used wineskin, because the wine will burst the skins,,.” (Mk 2:22)

 “Nor does anyone pour new wine into used wineskin, because the wine will burst the skins, and both the wine and the skins will be ruined. Instead, new wine must be poured into fresh wineskins.” (Mk 2:22)

Today’s Passages: Mk 2:18-22; Heb 5:1-10

Meditation: On the first day of the week we are called through today’s meditation verse for a renewal; for a new heart and spirit. This message of God is well conveyed through the prophet Isaiah as he says, “I will give them a new heart and put a new spirit within them; I will remove the stony heart from their bodies, and replace it with a natural heart, so that they will live according to my statutes, and observe and carry out my ordinances; thus they shall be my people and I will be their God.” (Ezek 11:19, 20)

Sometimes, the call for renewal is also otherwise considered as a call for returning to the original; retaining the originality. It is for this that Jacob was asked to return to Bethel. God said to Jacob, “Go up now to Bethel. Settle there and build an altar there to God who appeared to you while you were fleeing from your brother Esau.” (Ex 35:1) Again in the book of revelation, the angel of the Lord says, “Yet I hold this against you; you have lost the love you had at first. Realize how far you have fallen. Repent and do the works you did at first. Otherwise, I will come to you and remove your lamp-stand from its place, unless you repent.” (Rev 2:4, 5)

In today’s verse also Jesus reminds us of this: “Nor does anyone pour new wine into used wineskin, because the wine will burst the skins, and both the wine and the skins will be ruined. Instead, new wine must be poured into fresh wineskins.” (Mk 2:22) Just as you need new wineskins for new wine, you need a new heart and spirit to receive the new law of Jesus Christ.

He calls for a change of heart, different from the old, “Do not think that I have come to abolish the law or the prophets. I have come not to abolish but to fulfill.” (Mt 5:17) “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy. But I say to you, love your enemies, and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your heavenly Father.” (Mt 5:43)

In the second reading we hear, “God said to him, ‘you are my son; today I have become your father.’” (Heb 5:5) How do I respond to this word of the living God today? Even today, am I keeping myself hiding from God like Adam? Why do I lose easily the inspiration and motivation that I receive from retreats and sacramental life? What about the new heart, new spirit, and new law?

Prayer: Lord God, we thank you and praise you for your daily eternal bread. Lord, teach us also today the meaning of renewing ourselves and returning to your house. “So Jacob told his family and all the others who were with him, ‘get rid of the foreign gods that you have among you; then purify yourselves and put on fresh clothes.’” (Ex 35:2) Guided by the Holy Spirit, may we also do the same! We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen!

Greetings: God is with you! Have a blissful Monday!

“People who are well do not need a doctor, but only those who are sick. I have not come to call respectable, but outcasts.” (Mk 2:17)

“People who are well do not need a doctor, but only those who are sick. I have not come to call respectable, but outcasts.” (Mk 2:17) Today’s Passages: Mk 2:13-17; Heb 4:12-16

Meditation: Today’s meditation verse rightly reminds us of God the father’s love and forgiveness toward broken and cursed humanity. Though he punished Adam, the first man (Gen 3), God was always after him (humanity) with his love and concern. Throughout the salvation history we never find the Israelite, the people of God, fully righteous and faithful. It is because of this that they could never enjoy peace and happiness.

They were most of their time under one exile or other; conquered and dominated by one or other; and persecuted by many. Centuries’ long sufferings and tears made some of them sometimes seek their own way forgetting the living God. However, during these painful periods they never felt that they were left alone. God was always with them in steadfast love. Even when he punished them, more than the people, it was God who grieved to his heart most.

This is well expressed throughout the bible: “Can a mother forget her infant, be without tenderness for the child of her womb? Even should she forget, I will never forget you! See, upon the palms of my hands I have written my name; your walls are ever before me.” (Is 49:15, 16) Again the Lord says, “Though the mountains leave their place and the hills be shaken, my love shall never leave you nor my covenant of peace be shaken.” (Is 54:10)

It is the same God who became man dwelt among us to redeem each one of us. The gospel of John clearly says, “God so loved the world that he gave his only son, so that everyone who believes in him might not perish but might have eternal life. For, God did not send his into the world to condemn the world, but that the world might be saved through him.” (Jn 3:16, 17) Therefore, Jesus says, “People who are well do not need a doctor, but only those who are sick. I have not come to call respectable, but outcasts.” (Mk 2:17)

The third reading, therefore, calls upon us to have great confidence in God’s ever-forgiving love and says, “Let us be brave, then, and approach God’s throne, where there is grace. There we will receive mercy and find grace to help us just when we need it.” (Heb 4:16) 

     

Prayer: Lord God, we thank you and praise you for your daily eternal bread. We know that we are sinners but we have confidence in you O, Lord. You are a God who is ready to accept and forgive the repentant sinner. With this confidence we come to you, have mercy on me a sinner. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen!

Greetings: God is with you! Have a blissful Saturday!

“Because of the crowd, however, they could not get the man to him. So they made a hole in the roof... (Mk 2:4)

“Because of the crowd, however, they could not get the man to him. So they made a hole in the roof right above the place where Jesus was.” (Mk 2:4) 

Today’s Passages: Mk 2:1-12; Heb 4:1-5, 11

Meditation: Today’s meditation verse invites our special attention to the faith of the people who brought the paralyzed man before Jesus. One day Jesus was preaching in a house and many people were gathered there to listen to him. Because of the large number of people many were standing even outside. At this time some people brought a paralyzed man to Jesus to pray over him, but “because of the crowd, they could not get the man to him. So they made a hole in the roof right above the place where Jesus was.” (Mk 2:4)

Many a time similar passages of the bible made me think twice about my role in the mission of the church; in the ministry of evangelization. The people in the house were listening to the word of God while the poor paralyzed man was helpless to find a way to Jesus. They were all close to Jesus, listening to him for hours, but the poor man who tried his best to reach him (with the help of his friends) in faith received healing and salvation. It reminds me also of the simple faith of the woman who was suffering from severe bleeding for twelve years (Mt 9:20-22)

Today I want to focus first on the faith of the friends who brought the paralyzed man to Jesus. They knew of Jesus and of his divine power; and therefore, they wanted to take him to Jesus. When they were faced with challenges they did not go back, rather found another way to reach Jesus. What did really prompt them to take that risk of making a hole in the roof and bring him to Jesus? It is nothing but their faith in Jesus. Why do we often feel bored and exhausted in our prayers and ministries? It is because of our lack of faith. But these people should make us think of our faith in Jesus.

Secondly, I want to reflect on the people who blocked the way of the paralyzed man to Jesus, the savior. They were listening to Jesus and were so close to him, but failed to listen to and help the needy; the paralyzed man. What a contradiction it is! But sometimes it happens in our lives too; knowingly or unknowingly. The more we are close to Jesus, the more we should be open to others.

  

My listening to the word of God or participating in the ministries should not by all means block others knowing, loving, and serving Jesus, rather help them. That is what we hear in today’s second reading, “Let us then do our best to receive that rest, so that no one of us will fail as they did because of their lack of faith.” (Heb 4:11) 

   

Prayer: Lord God, we thank you and praise you for your daily eternal bread. Lord, help us to be open to the needs of others. Our openness to your love and forgiveness should necessarily make us open our hearts toward others. We pray today in a special way for all those who are engaging themselves in the evangelization ministry. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen!

Greetings: God is with you! Have a blissful Friday!