March 25,2010
March 24,2010
March 23,2010
March 22,2010
March 20,2010
March 19,2010
March 18,2010
Greetings favoured one, 'The Lord is with you'...
Mary was troubled at these words, wondering what this greetings could mean (Lk 1,28-29).
At the time of the annunciation, when Mary said the historical “Yes”, she didn't know the full weight or the price, she would have to pay. When saying: “I am the handmaid of the Lord, let it be done to me as you said”, she couldn't imagine the immense grace, her 'Yes' was going to bring to the world, which desperately needed the Saviour.
By one woman's disobedience course and death came into the world. Mary's “Yes”, her readiness to take the 'risk of obedience to the will of God' brought life and salvation to the world forever. From the moment, she said “Yes”, she had to experience hardship, insecurity and uncertainty.
But Mary was unshakeable. She took the Word of the Lord in her heart and let it become flesh within her. Not a single moment she doubted God's way of doing things, though it was very different from what the Israelites expected.
Mary had not received any divine revelations. Apart from the annunciation all the other instructions by the Angel of God were given to Joseph. But she believed that the Lord's word was to be fulfilled.
Her “Yes” was always a Yes, even at the foot of the Cross, even when the promised Saviour of the World, her very own purpose and motivation in life was placed in the tomb and counted among the dead. All His followers lost their hope, but Mary still believed.
“Faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen” (Hebrews 11,1)
Let us pray for the gift of Faith and Courage, which empowered Mary to yield to the Will of God in Her life.
We receive the same measure of Grace every day in the Eucharist, which Mary received at the time of the Annunciation...
...Are we cooperating with the grace in our life?
...Find out, what are the ways, in which you loose your grace.
...How can we sustain it and let it grow?
March 24,2010
John 8,31-42
As we reflect on today's Gospel, we see Jesus talking to the Jews, that whoever believed in Him “you will be my disciples if you keep my word. Then you will know the truth and the truth will make you free”. Also He tells about the importance of being free from sin.
Let us ask ourselves:
l Am I really free from sin?
l Do my sins block me from experiencing the real freedom?
l Am I a true disciple of Jesus?
Jesus talks about the truth – that He is the Son of God . The lord says “You will know the truth and the truth will set you free.” Once we know the 'truth', we should be free from all our bondages.
Though we may say, we are physically free, do we enjoy the real inner freedom...?
Where does our inner freedom come from?
Many people complain to the Catholic Church, that the freedom is taught and at the same time the believers are not allowed to behave in the way, they want. Especially when it is about premarital relationships, alcohol, drugs, etc. But is it really freedom, if we can choose to drink as much alcohol, as we want? Don't we become slaves of our human behaviour by the addiction, that follows?
About the freedom, which God teaches us, St. Peter writes in his letter: “As servants of God live as free people, yet do not use your freedom as a pretext for evil.” (1Pet 2,19) And later he tells: “They promise them freedom, but they themselves are slaves of corruption; for people are slaves to whatever masters them.” (2 Pet 2,19)
Though many times we feel, that we are liberated, we quickly fall into other forms of subjugation, because the most of all slavery lies within us.
Jesus enables to enter yet another world, the world above in which the sons and daughters stay forever in union with God.
Let us listen to Jesus and obey Him, so that we may experience the real freedom -
offered by Him...
March 23,2010
Gospel Message: Mt. 9, 35-38
In the activity of Jesus, the most important was his missions; “then he went about the villages teachings” (Mk. 6, 6b). After having initiated his mission Jesus goes on teaching about the need of the missions. All the evangelists talk about this need. This shows the importance of the implementation and the continuity of the mission of Jesus.
Before Jesus initiates the need for missions, He was deeply moved by the state and situation of the people around him. He felt compassion over them (Mt. 36). Compassion is the movement of the heart than the reason. It is the heart which is the most important mover in the relations. The compassionate heart of Jesus attracted many people to Him. It was the compassionate heart of Jesus that became the resting place for many. So if we want to be an ardent and faithful follower of Jesus, what comes first must be a “compassionate heart”. The compassionate heart will automatically be turned to prayer.
The initiation of the mission is the work of God. Jesus tells; “Ask the Lord of the harvest to sent out the laborers to his field. It shows light into the vacation, a vocation to entrust oneself to the ministry of God. It is God who calls the laborers. It is God who appoints the laborers. So the laborers must join with the Master so that his ministry will be fruitful. In the parable of vine and the branches, Jesus tells categorically that unless one is in Him, he cannot produce much fruit. And he will be like a branch that is cut away from the tree.
The world needs the messengers. The harvest is plenty, but the laborers are few. It shows the real state of the world. God selected Moses in order to save His people from Egypt. And when Moses had felt the he was weak, God gave Aaron as his helper. In the OT God selected the prophets according to the need of the time. The world is always in need of the teachings of God, and for that God needs his messengers. God is compassionate always, in the past, present and future.
God is a caring God. He never abandons his people. He is always at the right hand of the needy provided the needy if faithful to Him. The quality we need in order to be the follower and messenger of Christ is the willingness and faithfulness to be the disciple and servant of the one who calls.
Mary said “Behold I am your servant. Let it be done according to your word”.
Let us also take the example of Mary. We have the responsibility to pray for the messengers: we have the responsibility to take up the challenge as the followers of Jesus. Let us be attentive to the every murmuring in the heart; let us be attentive to the sound of the conscience. Let us be the true followers of Jesus.
Jesus, help us to be your messengers in the world. Amen.
March 22,2010
Reflecting on today’s reading (John 8,1-11), we see Jesus with the women, caught in the act of adultery. The Pharisees are trying to condemn the women and meanwhile they have the hidden intention of testing Jesus. Jesus is seen, showing mercy to the sinner and refusing to condemn her. This is because he hates sin, not the sinner. He always says to us the same thing, “Neither do I condemn you, go away, don’t sin again” (John18,11)
God always has his own ways to bring sinners to repentance and to purify them through suffering. As for human we usually condemn the people, we do not make room for change and mercy. We never consider the fact that we do not have the right to condemn others, while we are still living in sin. God is always merciful to the sinners and turns a sympathetic eye towards them. He always tries to make a difference in their lives.
Let us ask ourselves:
How many times do I condemn others?
What is my response when I am falsely accused?
Do I try to make a difference, once I realize my sin?
Referring to Daniel 13,1-9 and 15-17, we see how Susanna, a virtuous woman is falsely accused of adultery and how Daniel saves her from being condemned. Whenever we also face situations, where we are falsely testified, let our prayer be like Susanna’s: Daniel 13,42-43.
The world condemned the Lord Jesus, Lamb of God, the innocent blood, which was poured out for the atonement of our sins. He brought repentance to the very society, which condemned Him and in doing so, draws people to Himself. Let’s make him our example when we are also condemned.
Let us try to be not judgemental and be merciful to others, rather than accusing and punishing and eventually make a difference through our acts.
March 20,2010
Reflecting on today's reading (Jeremiah 11,18-20), let us look on this message through the eyes of hope. God reveals to Jeremiah a plot, which evil men are planning. It is spoken about a coming disaster. So where can we see the sign of hope?
The book of Jeremiah tells: “For surely I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, plans for your welfare and not for harm, to give you a future with hope.” (Jer 29,11)
Though we may know, that the plans of the Lord are always for our best, sometimes we find it difficult to accept, especially when there is suffering.
But Jeremiah gives everything to the Lord. He surrenders his sufferings and makes it God's. With this prayer of his he tell us to trust in the almighty God, whose deeds are good and righteous.
At this point let us ask ourselves:
How do I accept suffering?
Can I carry my cross in patience and with the inner peace of the Lord?
Or do I take it up unwillingly and complain?
Referring to Isaiah 52:13-15;53:1-12, where Isaiah prophesies the Passion of our Lord Jesus Christ, he uses the same words like Jeremiah - “He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he did not open his mouth; like a lamb that is led to the slaughter, and like a sheep that before its shearers is silent, so he did not open his mouth.” (Is 53,7)
Also Jesus prayed in the Garden Gethsemane: “Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me; yet, not my will but yours be done.” (Lk 22:42)
God's plan for Him was to suffer and die on the cross. Jesus was completely pure and holy, but “The Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all” (Is 53,6b). In obedience to the Will of God, the most High, Jesus accepted His suffering and carried His cross in patience and love for us in hope of our salvation.
Can I do the same?
Can I follow the example of Jesus?
Can I say “Yes” to my daily cross and the Will of the Lord, even if it does not seem to make sense at that particular moment?
Let us practise Obedience above all and look at our cross through the eyes of Jesus – in patience and love.
Let us learn to hope and to trust, that the God's will is the Best for us and for our salvation.
If we do so, the Lord will reward us and even in the midst of the night we have hope for the morning...
“What no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the human heart conceived, what God has prepared for those who love him.” (1 Cor 2:9)
March 19,2010
Wisdom 2,22
God created us for incorruption and made us in the image of His own eternity.
- Do we long to know the secret purposes of God in our lives?
- Do we hope for the wages of Holiness?
St Joseph was a righteous man, who was unwilling to expose Mary to public disgrace. He planned to dismiss her quietly as she was found to be with the child, before they lived together. But just when he resolved to do this, an angel appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph, Son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife, for the child conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit...
When Joseph awoke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him.
It is through three dreams, we come to know about St. Joseph, Foster Father of Jesus and the Husband of the Blessed Virgin in the scriptures.
He was handed the most precious Son of God. Jesus, Son of God himself called him “Father”during His life on earth. He, through whom everything was created, was taken care and provided by this simple carpenter St. Joseph. He was entrusted to be the Husband of the Immaculate Mary.
The Trinity on earth can be seen in the Holy Family.
Jesus was obedient and learned to work from Him. All this happened because St. Jospeh never doubted God's Will. His trust in God to believe and act upon a dream, changed His whole life and destiny.
His entire life on this earth was as in heaven, for He chose to obey the divine Will.
1John 5,1-5:
“Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ has been born of God, and everyone who loves the parent loves the child. By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God and obey His commandments. For the love of God is this, that we obey his commandments. And his commandments are not burdensome, for whatever is born of God conquers the world. And this is the victory that conquers the world, our faith. Who is it that conquers the world but the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?”
Do I believe in the Love of God for us, that He sent His Son and the Holy Spirit?
As we pray and recite the Apostles Creed, let us reflect and meditate on how much His everlasting love is, that He gave His only begotten Son to carry the cross and to die at the cross for us sinners of the of the world... to redeem and save us.
In His love He gave us commandments to to obey not to consider as burdensome, but steps to follow, which help us to know and understand how deep and how much faith we have. To lead to our destination and to realize every now and then, if we are on the right path on our journey of reaching that destination – eternal life.
Love God above all – first commandments
Honour / Obey your parents – St. Cyril of Jerusalem exhorted the Catechumens to honour the parents “for however much we may pay them, yet we can never be to them what they as parents have been to us”.
Our Faith conquers the world. “Faith is to believe what we do not see, the reward for this faith is to see what we believe...” - St. Augustine
Jesus told the man, who had been delivered “return to your home and tell your family how much God has done for you...” (Luke 8.39)
March 17,2010
John 5,17-30
Jesus replied 'My Father is still working, and I also am working'. The Work of the Son is to give life; Yes, Life in its fullness.
St. John also reveals the authority of the Son through today's reading. Again it is a call for each one of us to listen to the words of Jesus and to believe in them. Jesus clearly states: The key to eternal life is believing in His words and the one who sent Him (Father God).
Do you believe in me?
We must be very familiar with this question. As every moment we feel to listen; Sometimes this question may arise in our anxious mind. Many times we depend on our ability / talents. We close our mind and ear to the truth. There was a similar incident in the lake of Genesareth, when Jesus asked Simon Peter to 'put out into the deep water and lower the nets for catch'. Simon replied quickly 'Master, we worked hard day and night...' Maybe he is very well experienced in his work, as he is a Fisherman. To many of us this sounds a genuine reply. But what do we do in such cases?
Let us ask / look into ourselves: Am I proud of my talents / God given Gifts, that I forget the Giver?
The Story continues like this: Peter didn't stop with the World (Lk 5,5) 'But if You say, I will follow'.
Do I listen to the Lord and follow Him? Or do I give priority to my desire?
Finally we see: Peter and companions are amazed and Peter falls on his knees, telling Jesus 'Depart from me Lord, I am a sinner'.
What is my mentality, when I receive a blessing or when I obay the Promptings of the Spirit?
Jesus replys to Simon: '...from now on it is people, you will be catching'.
Peter says: 'Beloved, while you are strangers and exiles, I urge you not to indulge in selfish passion that wage war on the soul.' (1Pet 2,11) The Scripture says: 'We are chosen race, community of priest-kings, a consecrated nation, a people of God has made His own to proclaim His wonders.' Now from this it is clear about the purpose and meaning of life. Peter continues: 'You had not received His mercy, but now you have been given mercy.'
'Truly I assure you, the Son can not do anything by Himself, but only what He see the Father do. And whatever He does, the Son also does.' (John 5,19) Jesus reveals their love and the Father shows Him everything, He does. 'Whoever ignores the Son, ignores the Father as well.' Many times we don't understand the mystical ways of God's plan and care in our life, because we don't open our hearts to Him.
St. Patrick, patron Saint of Ireland, used to explain about the Holy Trinity by using a leave, called 'Shamrock'. This has three parts, but is still only one leave.
He used simple examples to explain greater things. As we celebrate St. Patrick's day today, let us pray through Him, that we may receive the same courage, that He had, which made him come back to Ireland. He had been brought to Ireland as a slave at the age of 16 and came back later as a Missionary. He accepted Jesus in humility, just like Peter said 'I am a sinner'.
Let us also pray for humility and for the same grace, which enables us to serve the people, even in hard times.
St. Patrick enjoyed His Christianity through suffering, but we may refuse. Then how can we think of praying and working hard towards the goodness of those, who stumble us, ignore us and persecute us? He prayed and Ireland is 'snake-free'. St. Patrick's day is a great Celebration of the country.
Let us pray to the Welshman, St. Patrick, as we celebrate His day on His death anniverary, that we may also receive the Gift of Prayer - Intercession, which connects us with God, till we see Him in eternity.
Ask yourself:
1. Jesus said: 'I can do nothing of myself, and I need to hear another one to judge, and my judgement is just. Because I seek not my own will, but the Will of Him, who sent me.' (John 5,30)
lWho, do you think, sent you? Whom are you following?
lDo you hesitate to follow the Will of God?
2. 'So they brought their boats to the land and followed Him, leaving everything behind.' (Lk 5,11)
lDo I leave everything to follow Jesus?
March 16,2010
Today's Gospel: John 5,1-16
The man whom Jesus healed at Bethesda (House of Kindness) was sick for 38 years and expecting to be healed on that extraordinary day when you are the first one in the pool. Then one day Jesus passes by and asks him, “Do you want to be made well?” Of course he does. He’s been coming to this place of healing for 38 years – waiting for the water to stir and waiting to be the first one in the pool. That’s the way it is done, that’s how healing happens. But he has never made it on his own and he doesn’t have anyone to help him. He was never been the first one in the pool. Others found their healing, but so far, he hasn’t.
What can we say about this man? He was surely devoted, determined, persistent, and maybe even stubborn. He was focused and single-minded. The pool, immediately after the stirring by the Spirit, was the place of healing. Even when Jesus offers an alternative, he doesn’t/can’t hear it or accept it. It is not what he expected. Water stirs, you step into the pool – and then you are healed. That’s the way it happens. He was absolutely sure of that, so he came to the pool any day the water was expected to stir.
God’s healing is like that. There are the usual ways in which we expect to find and experience healing. We may look to hospitals, doctors, chemotherapy, surgery and radiation therapy. When we don’t find it there, how do we respond to the words of Jesus, “Do you want to be made well?” Isn’t he also asking, “Do you want to live, to live abundantly?” Abundant life isn’t so much about quantity as it is about quality. Today healing may be something other than a pool with water that stirs. The moment Jesus asked him to pick up your mat and walk he was healed, he did not even the name of the person who healed him. Later when Jesus found him in the temple he told him 'See you are well again. Stop sinning or something worse may happen to you'
ST.Anselm of Canterbury said,' To sin is nothing else than not to render God his due'. We have all sinned and fall short of the glory of God (Romans 3:21);we are all in debt to God and his divine justice. God's justice comes to us because of his grace, it is a pure unmerited and unserved gift. We are justified because the blood of Christ flowed freely for us. We are not set free by ourselves but by the loving act of Jesus on the cross who became a 'curse' for us that we might inherit a blessing.
Lord, we give praise and thank to you for you redeemed us with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect. Help us to live this day in your footsteps. Amen.
"O Lord, we cannot go to the pool of Siloe to which you sent the blind man. But we have the chalice of Your Precious Blood, filled with life and light,"
- St. Ephrem
Today's reading: Ezekiel 47,1-9.12
Looking at today's reading, a beautiful song comes to my mind, saying:
“Streams of healing are flowing from Your Throne, O Heavenly Father, Signs of Love, wonders of mighty power you gift to us... For You are the giver of all good gifts, Lord. And we live daily from the grace of Your Hand...”
It is this streams of life, which Ezekiel prophesies – A “River of Life”, which will flow from God’s throne in the Temple.
Jesus gave Himself to us, His precious Blood was shed for us.
Though the Institution of the Holy Eucharist, He is present in our midst. In the Blessed Sacrament we enthrone Him on the Altar. But He wants more than that. He wants to build a throne in our hearts. He knocks at the door of our hearts and waits patiently for us to answer to His call and open the door for Him.
So Many in this world do not know the Lord. But He loves them in the same way, as He loves you and me. He has a burning desire for each of us.
“Christ has no body, but ours... Ours are the feet, with which He walks to do good. Ours are the hands with which He blesses all the World...”
Jesus is waiting for us to come and rest before Him. Today let us be silent before the Lord and watch Him. Let us be open for the Graces, He wants to shower upon us right now.
If we open our hearts for Him, the streams of living water can flow from His throne, from His heart directly into our hearts. Let us allow the Lord to fill and use us, so that His grace may overflow in our lives and reach to the people around us.
March 15,2010
Reflection on John 4:43-53
Today’s Gospel tells us a wonderful story of faith. An officer approached Jesus to heal his son. Jesus was not interested to heal his son initially, however the officer asked him again and Jesus said to him ‘Go; your son will live’. The interesting thing is that the officer didn’t bring his son with him; still he believed Jesus’ words. We need to remember the faith of this officer. He prayed to Jesus and he knew that Jesus can heal his son. So he approached him and his son was healed.
Let us think about ourselves that if I were this officer what would be my reaction to this. The officer ignores Jesus’ remarks and repeats his request for Jesus to come and heal his son before he dies. This, in itself, indicates the level of the man’s faith in Jesus. This is always the basic requirement for healing to take place. Jesus ignores the invitation to go to the man’s house. The man believed what Jesus said and set off for his home. He trusted the Word of Jesus implicitly. He needed no other confirmation from anyone except the Word of Jesus. Its clear message is that Jesus brings life, eternal life that begins now. In John, eternal life begins as soon as we attach ourselves in total trust to Jesus and to his Way. Lent is a good time for us to renew our pledge to walk along his Way and to ask for a deep level of faith to do so. So let us reflect upon ourselves. How do we overcome our difficulties and struggles? Do we approach Jesus and invite him into our life situations or do we carry our burdens and struggles by ourselves?.......
March 14,2010
WHERE GOD GUIDES
HE PROVIDES
Philippians 4:19 And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.
Many people have felt the Lord called them to do something, but later did not see the needs supplied. Sometimes the time has not arrived to fulfill the thing God has called you to do. Moses learned this after he killed the Egyptian and had to run for his life. God had called him to lead the Israelites out of Egypt, but not at that time. Some have mistaken a call to pray and support a cause, for an assignment to go. They accomplished very little because they were not in the center of the will of the Lord.
Where God guides, He provides. If the Lord has assigned you to a specific task, raise your level of faith, by filling your spirit with the promises of God. Romans 10:17 says your faith is increased by reading the Word. You will then be able to believe Him to fulfill the assignment He has given you.
Prayer Thought
"Lord help me not to look on what others aren’t doing for You, but focus on what You have placed in my hands that only I can do."
March 13,2010
In today's Gospel (...) we see two characters, the Pharisee who is self righteous and the tax collector who is humble.
Let us go through our own life and see where do we stand...
Pharisee | Me |
1. Well versed in God's law, doing many works of mercy, fasting, giving the tithe of his income. | Do I do the acts of mercy and religious practices... ... just for the name sake with no real love? ... to show others, to make them feel that I am religious and a good man? |
2. Believed that his works of mercy and religious practices will make him righteous in God's eyes. | Do I believe that we acquire righteousness through God's mercy which is a free gift rather than my good works and religious practices? |
3. Compares himself with the Tax collector to find himself better. | Do I compare myself with another person in the matters of morality, religious practices, holiness, etc. and say that “I am better than him.”? |
Tax Collector | Me |
1. He recognizes himself as a sinner towards God and the people | Do I regret my errors / sins and at the same time sincerely abandon my sins? |
2. He considered himself unworthy to stand beside the Lord, even to look at Him and acknowledge that God is merciful to the sinner (“O God, be merciful to me, a sinner”) | Do I make myself humble before God's unending mercy and cry out to Him, “O God, be merciful to me, a sinner.”? |
March 12,2010
Jesus sums up all the commandments:
- Love your Lord
- Love your neighbour
Jesus adresses this commandment to “Israel” (He is giving this commandment to the new Israel → to you and me).
In todays reading (Hosea ), God asks Israel to return to Him. He put forward the way in which we could return to Him (what we find in the Gospel: )
So please do a scan
- Love your God with all your heart
“Set your heart on the Kingdom and Justice of God” (Mat 6,33)
Did I set apart my heart for His Kingdom and justice without giving any room for the worries and anxieties of tomorrow?
- Love your God with your soul
Examine the state of your soul (Spirit). “Fortunate are those who are poor in the Spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven” (Mat 5,3).
Am I detached myself from the attractions (Spirit) of the world?
- Love your God with all your mind
“The seed that fell among the thistles is the one who hears the word, but the worries of this life and the lure of money choke the word and it does not bear fruit (Mat 13,22)
- Love your God with all your strength
Examine the passion we have towards Him when we meet Him through personal prayer, the Word of God, the Blessed Sacrament, Evangelization, Fellowship.
- Love your neighbour as yourself
Who is my neighbour?
Any person whom I find in my daily life in a needy situation is my neighbour.
Remember, how He practised what He preached by giving up His life for His neighbour (a person who needs salvation ie You and me)
If after examining ourselves, we feel that we are alright, then He will say to us
“You are not far away from the Kingdom of God”
March 11,2010
INCREASING
DIVINE FAITH
Romans 10:17 So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.
God shows no partiality (Acts 10:34), because He honours divine faith. Remember that there are several levels of faith, because faith is progressive. God increases your faith as you study His Word. As your faith is grounded more in the promises of God, you will see a greater amount of faith available. You are able to believe that God wants to accomplish greater things in your life.
The more you study your Bible, believe what you read, and act upon it, the more God increases His faith in you. The faith you had for the needs of last month will not work for now. New problems will need a higher level of faith, which means you need to spend more time studying your Bible. Each time you open the Bible, ask the Lord to help you understand what you read as well as increase your level of faith.
Prayer Thought
Faith is like a muscle. The more you exercise it, the stronger it becomes, allowing you to accomplish God’s purpose in your life.
March 10,2010
God, our Creator and Redeemer, chose Israel for himself to be his people and revealed his Law to them, thus preparing for the coming of Christ. The Old Law is the first stage of revealed Law. Its moral prescriptions are summed up in the Ten Commandments. The Decalogue is a light offered to the conscience of every man to make God's call and ways known to him and to protect him against evil - God wrote on the tables of the Law what men did not read in their hearts. (St.Augustine)
The Old Law is a preparation for the Gospel. The New Law or the Law of the Gospel is the perfection here on earth of the divine law, natural and revealed. It is the work of Christ and is expressed particularly in the Sermon on the Mount. It is also the work of the Holy Spirit and through him it becomes the interior law of charity: "I will establish a New Covenant with the house of Israel. . . . I will put my laws into their minds, and write them on their hearts, and I will be their God, and they shall be my people." (Jer 31:31-34 ). This new covenant written on our hearts surpasses the Old Covenant which was written on tables.
As read in today's Gospel, the New Law fulfills, refines, surpasses, and leads the Old Law to its perfection. The Law of the Gospel fulfills the commandments of the Law. The Lord's Sermon on the Mount, far from abolishing or devaluing the moral prescriptions of the Old Law, releases their hidden potential and has new demands arise from them: it reveals their entire divine and human truth. It does not add new external precepts, but proceeds to reform the heart, the root of human acts, where man chooses between the pure and the impure, where faith, hope, and charity are formed and with them the other virtues.
The New Law is called a law of love because it makes us act out of the love infused by the Holy Spirit, rather than from fear; a law of grace, because it confers the strength of grace to act, by means of faith and the sacraments; a law of freedom, because it sets us free from the ritual and juridical observances of the Old Law, inclines us to act spontaneously by the prompting of charity and, finally, lets us pass from the condition of a servant to that of a friend of Christ or even to the status of son and heir of God the Father.
The reverberations of the sermon on the Mount is heard at Mount Calvary when Jesus himself fullfills the law of love, unleashing the abundant graces required to abide by the law inviting us to the freedom of being the sons and daughters of God.
Does this lenten season lead me to a true reformation of my heart or am I satisfied with the external lenten practises?
March 9, 2010
“Lord, if my brother sins against me, how often must I forgive him?” ...So will my heavenly Father do to you, unless each of you forgives his brother from his heart.
We Christians know that we must forgive or we will not be forgiven. Jesus even taught us to pray for this (Mt 6:12). We usually say that we have forgiven, for we know we have no acceptable alternative. Nonetheless, have we forgiven by God's standards? Have we forgiven from the heart?
How can we determine if we've forgiven others from our heart?
· If the spouse who has hurt you so much is praised in public, are you inwardly angry and looking for justice?
· Are you disturbed if those who damaged your reputation are honored by your co-workers, respected by your fellow parishioners, or successful in their projects?
· Do you find yourself dreaming about the other person being shamefully exposed and yourself fully vindicated?
· Do you "keep score" of old wounds?
If our answers to these questions are Yes, then we know that we have not forgiven fully.
If we have truly forgiven:
· We should realize that forgiveness is a miracle of God's grace, for "to err is human; to forgive is divine,"
· We are willing to reach out in love and mercy to honor and restore those who have sinned against us, as did the father of the prodigal son (Lk 15:20ff),
· We will be messengers and ministers of reconciliation (2 Cor 5:18-19),
· We will recognize the great benefits from the Sacrament of Reconciliation, for we are forgiven as we forgive,
· We are willing to embrace those who have sinned against us (see Lk 15:20),
· We have let the Lord heal and purify our "memory of hatred, rancor, the desire for revenge" (Pope John Paul II, Oct. 3, 1998, see also Pope John Paul II, Jan. 1, 1997), and
· We remember not only others' sins against us but especially the miraculous grace in which we forgave each of those sins.
As we are seated before Our Lord Jesus present in the Most Holy Sacrament, If there is any reasonable doubt about our forgiving others, let us say: "By the grace of Jesus Christ, I forgive (name) for (sin) . Let us repeat this statement until we are totally purified of unforgiveness.
It is also very helpful to seek the advice of a spiritual adviser to overcome the hurt feelings. And the best reparation we can make for our unforgiveness and hatred is to pray for the persons who hurt us.
Dear Heavenly Father,
I pray for the grace and strength to forgive with all my heart.
Help me, to not be afraid to reach out and seek help.
Amen.
March 8, 2010
As we look at today's reading (2 Kings 5,1-14), different thoughts come to my mind:
First of all let us reflect on three different Characters, we can see in this passage.
Naaman:
- A man with a great potential, which makes him being pleased by his King.
- He is affected by leprosy.
We can be sure, that even if something bad happens in our lives, God would not allow this, if it was against His will.
Having the end of the passage in mind, we know, that by healing Naaman the Lord reveals His power to him.
As we walk through this lenten season, let us look at our own sorrows and pains in a different way. Often we can not see beyond the situations, we are in. But we can be sure, that the Lord knows everything and having a special plan for each one of us in mind, He will do everything to our good, if we only trust in His mighty power.
The little Girl:
- Servant of Naaman's wife.
- She has a strong faith and trusts in the Lord.
The Lord used this little servant as an instrument. She told about the Prophet Elisha, who – following the instructions of the Lord – could make the goodness and the loving care known to Naaman.
On this point I want to use the small example of an artist, who creates a big painting. There are big parts, for which he uses a big brush for an effective colouring. But for drawing small aspects, he can not use the same brush, as this would spoil the work.
So if big or small, God has a purpose for everyone and He uses us in His ways. Everyone is unique, as St. Paul also says in His letter to the Corinthians (1 Cor 12,14-20).
The King of the Israelites:
The reaction of the King shows us his lack of faith. A man with leprosy coming to him and asking for help, which he in his human power can not provide.
In our lives we might also face situations like this. In the worries and sorrows, which we have to face in this world, we tend to forget, that there is someone, who stands above all our problems and needs. We trust in our own human strength. But once we have no more ability to act as humans, we loose the hope.
So through this situation let us learn to look at the Lord and put all our trust in Him. Let us change our prayer “God, I have a big problem” into the words “Problem, I have a big God”...
At the end of this reflection let us look at our participation in the works of the Lord. As we also see in the miracle of the loaves (John 6,1-15), the Lord will take 1000 steps towards us, if we have the courage to take the first step.
Let us ask ourselves:
- Do I trust in the Lord without any conditions?
- Do I believe also without seeing?
Let us learn from Naaman, that the Lord never expects from us, what we are not able to give Him. Like Naaman had a doubt, how the Lord can heal such a big disease by expecting only to immerse seven times in the Jordan, a task, anyone could do. Often we are not willing to give this small sacrifices, because we think, this is not worthy to do for the Lord. But as St. Therese of Lisieux said, doing the ordinary things in an extraordinary way and with a great love for the Lord, the Lord can complete with His fullness all, we surrender to Him and bring our imperfect sacrifices to perfection.
“Many little people in many little places, who do many little steps can change the face of the world...”
March 6, 2010
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, the thought that I first got when I read the Reading and the Gospel for today was the Love of JESUS for his children, for us. Many phrases have been termed by many people of GOD, who have experienced HIS Love like: Unconditional Love, Endless Love, Love Never ceasing, Life giving Love, Can do anything for love… and many more.
As I have heard, there is one thing that is impossible for Our Lord JESUS CHRIST that is TO STOP LOVING YOU AND ME. If we just sit back and reflect we can know how true this statement is about Our Living LORD.
If we turn back the pages of the Word of God, The Holy Bible, we can see from the day of creation to this very day it tells and we live and experience that it is Love and Love Only that comes from HIM. As it is been said HIS mercy is our right of life. My dear people of GOD we can just reflect on these few words and understand HIS love
In Isaiah it says “I have called you by your name….I will give anything for you are precious”
“Even if your mother forsakes you I will not”
“I know your every thought...”, Ps 139
Let us understand HIS true love for us and learn to pray like St Paul the apostle “Lord give the grace so that I can Love you”
Prayer: LORD, teach me to Love you the way YOU loved me.
March 5, 2010
St. John Joseph of the Cross was born about the middle of the seventeenth century in the beautiful island of Ischia, near Naples. From his childhood he was the model of virtue, and in his sixteenth year he entered the Franciscan Order of the Strictest Observance, or Reform of St. Peter of Alcantara. Such was the edification he gave in his Order, that within three years after his profession he was sent to found a monastery in Piedmont. He became a priest out of obedience, and obtained, as it seems, an inspired knowledge of moral theology. With his superiors' permission he built another convent and drew up rules for that community, which were confirmed by the Holy See. He afterward became Master of Novices. Sometimes later he was made provincial of the province of Naples, erected in the beginning of the eightheenth century by Clement XI. He labored hard to establish in Italy that branch of his Order which the sovereign Pontiff had separated from the one in Spain. In his work he suffered much, and became the victim of numerous calumnies. However, the saint succeeded in his labors, endeavoring to instill in the hearts of his subjects, the double spirit of contemplation and penance bequeathed to his Reform by St. Peter of Alcantara. St. John Joseph exemplified the most sublime virtues, especially humility and religious discipline. He also possessed numerous gifts in the supernatural order, such as those of prophesy and miracles. Finally,consumed by labors for the glory of God, he was called to his reward. Stricken with apoplexy, he died an octogenarian in his convent at Naples on March 5, 1734. His feast day is March 5th.
John Joseph of the Cross, the mirror of religious life, the father of the poor, the comforter of the distressed, and the unconquerable Christian hero: but when death came to pluck him from the tree he dropped like a ripe fruit, smiling, into his hands; or, even as a gentle stream steals unperceived into the ocean, so calmly that its surface is not fretted with a ripple, his soul glided into eternity. To die upon the field of battle, amidst the shouts of victory, in presence of an admiring throng, surrounded by the badges of honor and respect, bequeathing to history a celebrated name, may merit the ambition of the world, or to perish in some noble cause, buoyed up by enthusiasm, conscious worth, and the certainty of having the sympathy and applause of all from whom meed is valuable, may make even selfishness generous, and cowardice heroic: but to suffer during life the lingering martyrdom of the cross; and then to expire, not suddenly, but like a taper, burnt out; to fall like a flower, not in its prime and beauty but gradually shedding its leaves and perfume, and bearing its fibres to the last, till it droops and lies exhaled and prostrate in the dust; is a death too pure, too self-devoted, too sublime, for any but the annals of Christian heroism to supply. And assuredly a day will come when the conqueror's crown shall not be brighter than the Christian's halo, nor the patriot's laurel-branch bear richer foliage than the palms of Paradise, which the humblest denizen of heaven shall carry. A day will come that will give to all their proper measure and dimensions; yet even before that day shall God glorify those who have died the peaceful death of the just, by embalming their memory and rendering their tombs and relics illustrious, so that, for the one who shall have heard of the hero, thousands shall bless and invoke the saint.
He alone is a perfect Christian who is crucified to the world, and to whom the world is crucified, and who glorieth in nothing save the cross of our Lord Jesus. Nor without embracing the cross at least in heart and affection, can any one belong to the religion of Christ. Upon entering life we are marked with the cross; through the various vicissitudes thereof our every step is encountered by it—go whithersoever thou wilt and thou shalt find it impossible to escape the cross—and it accompanies us even unto death and the grave. For a Christian dieth pressing the cross to his lips; and the cross is engraver upon his tomb that it may bear witness of his faith and hope. But if Our Lord has said, in general terms, "Whosoever will be my disciple, let him take up his cross and follow me;" and if it be true that through many tribulations it is necessary to enter into the kingdom of heaven, then are all without exception called upon to assume this burden. It is not strange, then, that saints should have delighted to blend their names with the cross wherewith their hearts were so closely entwined; or that men, after their departure to glory, should have designated them by the title of that whereof they were so deeply enamored.
These are the golden rules proposed by St. John of the Cross for total detachment: The soul must always be inclined ‘not to the easiest thing, but to the hardest; not to the tastiest, but to the most insipid; not to the things that give the greatest pleasure, but to those that give the least; not to the restful things, but to the painful ones; not to consolation, but to desolation; not to more, but to less; not to the highest and dearest, but to the lowest and most despised; not to the desire for something, but to having no desires.’ In this way, we shall gradually become accustomed to subduing this inordinate desire for pleasure, which is at the base of all attachments. It is like going against a current; hence it is a hard tiring task which can be accomplished only by strength of will. We must oppose the inclinations of nature and make ourselves do what is repugnant to nature. This is, however, a sweet task for a soul in love with God; it knows that everything it refuses to self is given to God and that, when it has reached the point of renouncing self in everything – of selling everything – God Himself will give it the precious pearl of divine union.
Today let us reflect upon the Holy cross and pray
Response: Lord fill my Heart with your love
The cross is the hope of Christians
the cross is the resurrection of the dead
the cross is the way of the lost
the cross is the savior of the lost
the cross is the staff of the lame
the cross is the guide of the blind
the cross is the strength of the weak
the cross is the doctor of the sick
the cross is the aim of the priests
the cross is the hope of the hopeless
the cross is the freedom of the slaves
the cross is the power of the kings
the cross is the water of the seeds
the cross is the consolation of the bondsmen
the cross is the source of those who seek water
the cross is the cloth of the naked.
We thank you, Father, for the cross. Amen.
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March 4, 2010
Lk, 16,19-31
Jesus is in our midst in the humble form of a bread. Every day we are enriched by the Body of Christ and his Words. Being in the blissful presence of Jesus, let’s meditate upon the episode of Lazarus and the rich man. In this parable Jesus paints a dramatic scene of contrasts -- riches and poverty, heaven and hell, compassion and indifference, inclusion and exclusion. Lazarus was not only poor, but incapacitated. He was "laid" at the gates of the rich man's house. The dogs which licked his sores probably also stole the little bread he procured for himself. Enduring the torment of these savage dogs only added to the poor man's miseries and sufferings. The rich man treated the beggar with contempt and indifference, until he found his fortunes reversed! The name Lazarus means God is my help. Despite a life of misfortune and suffering, Lazarus did not lose hope in God. His eyes were set on a treasure stored up for him in heaven. The rich man, however, could not see beyond his material treasure. He not only had every thing he needed, he indulged in his wealth to excess. He was too absorbed in what he had to notice the needs of those around him. He lost sight of God and the treasure of heaven because he was preoccupied with seeking happiness in material things. He served wealth rather than God. In the end, the rich man became a beggar!
Let’s reflect now, Do we really experience the joy and freedom of possessing God as our only treasure? And is our hope securely anchored in heaven? What most absorbs our time, our attention, and our heart?
With ardent heart let’s pray : "Lord, increase our hunger for you and for your way of happiness. Make us rich in the things of heaven and give us a generous heart that I may freely share with others the treasure you have given to us."
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March 3, 2010
Gospel of Mt 20,17-28.
Today’s Gospel is an extraordinary passage where one mother comes to Jesus to plead for her sons. This episode is soon after the prophecy that Jesus makes about His passion and death. We may wonder about the situation in which one comes to him to make sure the place in heaven for dear ones, without having any regards for the first part of his prediction regarding to the passion and death, but just clings to his glory. It is human to search for the felicity and happiness instead of pain and worries. But Jesus teaches us a new lesson, to take up the cross first. He is the one who wedded authority with service and with sacrifice — the sacrifice of one's life for the sake of another. Authority without sacrificial love is self-serving. Jesus also used stark language to explain what kind of sacrifice he had in mind. His disciples must drink his cup if they expect to reign with him in his kingdom. The cup he had in mind was a bitter one involving crucifixion. What kind of cup does the Lord have in mind for us? For some disciples such a cup entails physical suffering and the painful struggle of martyrdom. But for many, it entails the long routine of the Christian life, with all its daily sacrifices, disappointments, set-backs, struggles, and temptations. A disciple must be ready to lay down his or her life in martyrdom and be ready to lay it down each and every day in the little and big sacrifices required. An early church father summed up Jesus' teaching with the expression: to serve is to reign with Christ. We share in God's reign by laying down our lives in humble service of one another as Jesus did for our sake. Let’s ask ourselves “Are we ready to lay down our lives and to serve others as Jesus did?
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March 2, 2010
"Whoever humbles himself will be exalted"(Mt 23:1-12)
Who doesn’t want to be admired and honored by others? God, however, sees us truly as we are – children in need of his constant grace and mercy. Jesus criticized the scribes and Pharisees for seeking the praise of others by drawing attention to their showy religious practices. In a way they wanted to be good models of observant Jews. "See how well we observe all the ritual rules and regulations of our religion!" In their misguided zeal for religion they sought respect and honor for themselves rather than for God. They made the practice of their faith a burden rather than a joy for the people they were supposed to serve. True respect for God and his ways inclines us to Godly humility and to simplicity of heart – wanting to please God alone.
Was Jesus against calling anyone rabbi or father? Or was he just directing this sharp rebuke to the scribes and Pharisees? Jesus seemed to be warning both his disciples and the religious leaders about the temptation to seek titles and honors to increase one's reputation and admiration by others. The scriptures give ample warning about the danger of self-seeking pride: Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall (Proverbes 16:18). God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble (James 4:6; Proverbs 3:24). Origen, writing in the 3rd century, reminds those who teach and lead to remember that "you have one teacher, and you are all brothers to each other...Whoever ministers with the divine word does not put himself forward to be called teacher, for he knows that when he performs well it is Christ who is within him. He should only call himself servant according to the command of Christ, saying, Whoever is greater among you, let him be the servant of all."
Respect for God and his ways inclines us to Godly humility and simplicity of heart. What is true humility and why should we embrace it? True humility is not feeling bad about oneself, or having a low opinion of oneself, or thinking of oneself as inferior to others. True humility frees us from preoccupation with ourselves, whereas a low self-opinion tends to focus our attention on ourselves. Humility is truth in self-understanding and truth in action. Viewing ourselves truthfully, with sober judgment, means seeing ourselves the way God sees us. A humble person makes a realistic assessment of oneself without illusion or pretense to be something one is not. A truly humble person regards oneself neither smaller nor larger than one truly is. True humility frees us to be ourselves as God sees us and to avoid despair and pride. A humble person does not want to wear a mask or put on a facade in order to look good to others. Such a person is not swayed by accidentals, such as fame, reputation, success, or failure. Do you know the joy of Christ-like humility and simplicity of heart?
Humility is the queen or foundation of all the other virtues because it enables us to see and judge correctly, the way God sees. Humility helps us to be teachable so we can acquire true knowledge, wisdom, and a correct view of reality. It directs our energy, zeal, and ambition to give ourselves to something greater than ourselves. Humility frees us to love and serve others selflessly, for their sake, rather than our own. Paul the Apostle gives us the greatest example and model of humility in the person of Jesus Christ, who emptied himself, taking the form of a servant, and ...who humbled himself and became obedient unto death, even death on a cross (Philippians 2:7-8). Do you want to be a servant as Jesus served and loved others? The Lord gives grace to those who humbly seek him.
"Lord Jesus, you became a servant for my sake to set me free from the tyranny of selfish pride and self-concern. Teach me to be humble as you are humble and to love others generously with selfless service and kindness."
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March 1, 2010
Be Merciful As Your Heavenly Father is Merciful……
All the readings of today explicitly the first reading from the book of Daniel and the Gospel of Luke speak about the mercifulness of God. In the first letter prophet Daniel is asking pardon from the part of people for the mistake that has committed by them against God. They refused to hear the words of God, they didn’t obey the rules which has given through the prophets. Now they are asking pardon for all their sins and also for their forefathers who had committed wrong against the merciful God. The prophet acknowledge that the mercy and forgiveness are belong to God and has got the surety that if they cry aloud to God, He will forgive them out of His abundant mercy. The psalmist also help us to pray that to ask forgive Lord out of your mercy.
In the Gospel of St. Luke Jesus is asking us to be merciful as our heavenly Father is merciful. Jesus asking us to forgive others and to give them in their necessity. St. Agustin says that the mercy of God expresses in two ways: forgiveness and generosity, and also they are the true wings of prayer. The forgiveness is expressing in the acts of mercy. Love and forgiveness always come from God. The true Christians like us want to be really merciful as our heavenly Father is merciful. The mercifulness should be practiced in our day to day life, our dealings with our colleagues. When we are ready to give ourselves then automatically we will receive the same. From our day to day experiences we can understand that by giving our love, life, time and money we do not loose anything, but in fact we are gaining everything in other forms. All the saints have given good example for us. St. John Mary Vianny says that, not all saints have started their life in good but they have finished everything in goodness. So now we have got the time and opportunity to do good and become merciful. So let us try to be merciful as our heavenly Father.
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February 27 2010
The first reading today, from the book of Deuteronomy (26/16 – 19) speaks of the relation between God and His people. Verse 17 says “today you have obtained the declaration from Yahweh: that He will be your God, but only if you follow His ways, keep his statutes, His commandments, His customs and listen to His voice.”
Many times in our lives we are trying very hard to keep the commandments of the Lord. Though we fail miserably, we still boast that we are succeeding in that to an extent. This time let me take your attention to the last part of the verse which we always either forget or don’t have patients or still don’t have time to do – that is listen to His voice. We are living in this world of tension, hurry burry and in a world where we don’t have enough time for anything properly. Very often our day to day activities to make our lives and of our family doesn’t leave us a moment to be free or to quieten our lives. And the declaration of the Lord remains the same – if you listen to his voice.....
When we go to pray............... even there we are very busy – may be saying thanks and asking for the blessings we need. Do we spend at least some time in silence to listen to his voice? Can we just go in to the innermost of ourselves in silence and find that it is He who is the Lord of my heart.
And as we sit before the Lord here can we fill our heart with silence of His presence as Tagore says in Geethanjali. If You don’t talk to me...... if You completely forget me, I will fill my heart with your silence and wait like the sky, with its eyes of stars opened and, surely ............. the dawn will break out and the chirping of your birds will reach my heart as your voice.
Let’s just look at the Lord and say ...... if you don’t talk to me....... I will fill my heart with your silence and wait for your time........ I know you cannot, but talk to me. The Lord will surely keep his promise. He will whisper in your heart and in your ears ............. keeping his promises..... I WILL BE YOUR GOD
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February 25,2010
Mathew 7:7-12.
Mathew 7, 7-8: The three recommendations of Jesus. The three recommendations: to ask, to seek and to knock: “Ask and you shall receive; seek and you shall find; knock and it shall be opened to you!” A person is asked. The response depends both on the person as well as on the insistence with which it is asked. To seek is done oriented by some criteria. The better the criteria, the more certainty one can have of finding what one is looking for. To knock at the door is done with the hope that there will be someone on the other side of the door, at home. Jesus completes the recommendation offering the certainty of the response: “Ask and you shall receive; seek and you shall find; knock and it will be opened; because anyone who asks receives, and anyone who seeks will find and to anyone who knocks the door will be opened”. That means that when we ask God, he listens to our petition. When we seek God, he allows Himself to be found (Is,
Is 5, 5-6). When we knock on the door of God’s house, he opens the door for us.
Mathew 7, 9-11: The question of Jesus to the people. “Is there anyone among you who would hand his son a stone when he asked for bread? Or would hand him a snake when he asked for a fish?” Here appears the simple and direct way which Jesus has for teaching the people the things of God to the people. Speaking to the parents, He connects himself to the daily experience. Between the lines of the question one can guess the response the people yelled out: “No!” because nobody gives a stone to a son who asks for bread. There is no father and no mother who would give a snake to the son when he asks for a fish. And Jesus draws the conclusion: “If you, then, evil as you are, know how to give your children what is good, how much more will your Father in heaven give good things to those who ask him!” Jesus calls us evil to stress the certainty of being listened to by God when we ask Him for something. And this, because if we who are not saints, know how to give good things to our children, how much more the Father in heaven. This comparison has as its objective to take away from our heart any doubt concerning the prayer addressed to God with trust. God will listen! Luke adds that God will give the Holy Spirit (Lk 11, 13).
Mathew 7, 12: The Golden Rule. "So always treat others as you would like them to treat you; that is the Law and the Prophets.” This is the summary of all the Old Testament, of the Law and the Prophets. And this is the summary of everything which God wants to tell us, the summary of all the teaching of Jesus. This Golden Rule is not found only in the teaching of Jesus, but also, in one way or other, in all religions. This responds to the most profound and more universal sentiment of the human being.
Personal questions:
• Ask, seek, knock on the door: How do you pray and speak with God?
• How do you live the Golden Rule?
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February 24, 2010
Prophet Jonah, in the first reading of today, put forward in front of us for our meditation how the people of Nineveh, including, king, all human and animal are reacted to invitation of God for the Conversion and says how they witnessed the mercy and salvation of God. Here the prophet affirms that the heavenly Father does not want the destruction of His people but the Salvation of his people. For this salvation, man should convert from his evil inclination means sins and should live according to His Word, then he receives His mercy like the people of Nineveh.
In the Gospel Luke presents Jesus as the way of salvation as Jonah was for the people of God. here Luke’s concern is how the preaching of the word of God became a sign for the people of Nineveh and if they had conversion, how much should one insist in hearing and keep the word of God proclaimed the Jesus since His wisdom is greater than of Solomon and He is the Word became flesh. So dear friends, in this season of penance and conversion, the gospel of today invites us to be more open to the word of God and to overcome the temptations of the evil one and find the truth of our being. Let us try to live this season of lent with Jesus, not with pride and conceit, but using the weapons of faith, prayer, attention to the Word of God and penance.
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February 23, 2010
The Lord’s Prayer (Matthew 6. 7-15)
The Lord’s Prayer is described in two gospels, in Matthew(6. 9-13) and in Luke(11. 2-4). And there are certain difference in the descriptions. In Luke’s gospel, Jesus was praying in a certain place, and when he finished one of his disciples asked him to teach them to pray. But in Matthew’s gospel this prayer is mentioned in between Jesus’ teachings on mountain(Mountain discourse). In Matthew’s gospel chapters 5,6 and 7 are considered as the core of the gospel. In these three chapters, Jesus is dealing with the important aspects of Christian life. And exactly this prayer comes at the middle of this discourse, as the most important aspect of Christian life. Jesus is teaching them how to pray. Let us go through this passage.
Do not heap up empty phrases as the Gentiles do:- prayer is not a moment or an occasion to show our language fluency or our preaching capacity. It is a time of mutual talk with our loving Pappa. So when we need to ask something in our prayer, no need of long introduction and of wide descriptions. “For Your Father knows what you need before you ask him” (Mt 6. 8). The important thing in prayer is not the word but the attitude. The two attitudes we need in prayer are concentration and faith.
Concentration:- “Whenever you pray, go in to your room and shut the door and pray to your Father.” (Mt 6.6). A closed room is an environment of your life (a state of mind)where you can be in silence and solitude to concentrate on God. For this you have to shut the door against all what disturb you.
Faith:- Our faith in prayer should be this, “My God will fully satisfy every need of yours according to his riches in gory in Christ Jesus.” (Philippi 4.19).
The Prayer
The ‘Lord’s Prayer’ begin with an addressing, ‘Our Father in heaven’. It is an acclamation of our parenthood, God as our father. In the Old Testament around 15 times God-Israel relationship is symbolized to ‘father-son relationship’. In the New Testament Jesus addresses God as Father 170 times(Mark- 4 times, Luke- 15 times, Matthew- 42 times and John- 109 times). God is Father for all who believe in Jesus Christ. “To all who received him, who believed in his name, he gave power to become Children of God.” (John 1.12). When God is our Father, we the children are brothers and sisters.
The prayer deals with three things regarding God and three things regarding man. They are included in this prayer very beautifully and in a simple manner.
Three things regarding God:-
1. Hallowed be your name:- Praying that His name shall be glorified. The name of the father is glorified through the deeds of his children. So it is our responsibility to glorify our Father through our action and words.
2. Your kingdom come.- Accepting God as the King of our life and praying that His kingdom shall come, so that there may be justice, peace and eternal happiness. “The kingdom of God is……righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.”(Rm 14.17)
3. Your will be done:- Searching for God’s will to be done. It is the duty of a child to do the will of the father. Jesus did this always in his life. “Not my will but yours be done.”(Lk 22.42).
Three things regarding man:-
1. Our daily bread:- Food is a basic need of man to survive. When we pray for food, also we ask for all our basic needs. And as we ask for these needs, we proclaim our duty to share what we have with our brothers and sisters who do not have these.
2. Our sins:- We ask for the forgiveness of our sins. But here we put a condition. “Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. So to be eligible to pray this, first we should forgive our brothers and sisters.
3. Our temptations:- Temptations and evil are normal in our lives. Here we are asking God’s grace to overcome them. It is possible only through a constant sacramental life.
More than any other aspect, this prayer is a prayer of communion. We are praying ‘Our Father’ and not ‘My Father’. All that we ask in this prayer is asking as a community. So one who is not in union with his brothers and sisters, can’t pray this prayer. In this time of reflection and meditation, let us examine ourselves to see do we have the right to pray this prayer.
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22nd February 2010
Today(22-02-2010) the church is celebrating the feast of the cathedra (seat) of St. Peter the apostle. From 4th century onwards Christians had started to honour one seat, very much spiritual: that of St. Peter, the head of the Church of Rome. In connection with this, today’s gospel is from St. Matthew 16:13,19 where we read about Peter’s profession of faith and his pre-eminence. At Caesarea Philippi Jesus put this question to his disciples, “Who do people say the Son of man is?’ And they said, ‘Some say John the Baptist, some Elijah, and others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.’ ‘But you,’ he said, ‘who do you say I am?’. Then Simon Peter spoke up and said, ‘You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.’
When we look back to the life of St. Peter, we can see that he was a simple man with his own weaknesses and limitations. In that case we have hope! Because we are also simple persons like peter with our own weaknesses and limitations. The God who revealed to St. Peter (about Jesus as Christ, the Son of the living God) is the same God who is in front of us in this holy blessed sacrament! Once, like the people of Caesarea Philippi we were ignorant of son of man. But through different situations of life, Our Father in Heaven is revealed to us His Son and we have experienced HIM personally. That’s why we are here in front of HIM.
“So I now say to you: You are Peter and on this rock I will build my community. And the gates of the underworld can never overpower it. I will give you the keys of the kingdom of Heaven: whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven ; whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.” (Matthew 16:18-19)
When Peter proclaimed Jesus as Son of living God, Jesus told him that you are Peter and on this rock I will build my community. Later, even though peter denied Him, Jesus kept his word. After master’s resurrection, while they were together, on the day of the Pentecost they received the Holy Spirit. In Acts of the Apostles, chapter 2 and 3 we can see clearly the changes in Peter(Peter’s address to the crowd and the cure of a lame man).
Like Peter, now it’s our turn ! my turn!. We are here not because of our merit but because of HIS grace and plan. The same Father in heaven who revealed to Peter, through Holy Spirit inspired us, called us and loved us to say a ‘big yes’ to Lord to be with Him (Mark 3:13). Jesus would like to rebuild a “church” on us! more specifically on me! Here “church” means the dwelling place of God in me which he has already built through the sacrament of the Baptism and conformed through the sacrament of the confirmation. Wherever I go, whatever I do the light of this “church” in me should spread the rays of love , hope… to others specially those who are in need of it. Therefore dear brothers and sisters in Jesus Christ, this is (the lent season more specifically today! the time we are spending in front of Him) a graceful opportunity for us to repair, recharge, renew… the dwelling place of God in me. In this precious moment let us love Him, Adore Him, Praise Him, and Thank Him with a purity of heart. Thereby the dwelling place of God in me will grow slowly but steadily and thus it will help me and others to see Him more clearly and strongly specially in the midst of difficulties.
Today in a special way let us reflect: Can I respond properly to Jesus ? Am I ready to respond to Jesus? When we are ready to respond to Jesus we have already received the keys of the Kingdom of heaven. In our context, it is nothing else the key of Intercession. With this key of intercession, we can easily enter in to the kingdom of God. Whatever we pray here in front of His presence, certainly it will reach there. Whatever we are not praying here will not reach there. So dear brothers and sisters in Jesus Christ, on this beautiful day of adoration , let us intercede with a little more desire, love, sacrifice, holy silence etc. so that others(those who are in need of prayer) can enter into the Kingdom of God that we have already entered and experienced(Romans 14:17(justice, peace and joy)). May the intercession of St. Peter help us/ help me to root in Christ and to commit to serve.
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20th February 2010
Lk 5,27-31
Lent is the time to live with the Lord in the desert. During this time of grace, we are invited to become aware of what we are and to face our inner most self with all its fragilities and weakness. It is also a time to recognize the call of God and to accept His invitation.
We can come to know ourselves – our strengths and weaknesses – only if we recognize the call of God. Levi could follow Jesus and to celebrate his change of life because he was able to hear the personal invitation given by Jesus - “Follow me”. Jesus personally invites everybody to follow Him. Every created being is an extension of this invitation given by God. But most people are not able to hear the call of God. We are living in a world of noises and we are not ready to accept silence (at least we want the music player be on in our ears). Only in silence we can hear the call of God.
We may not be able to silence the whole world; but we can silence the world of noise in our life. It calls for the internal silence. Lent is the time to develop the art of silence in our life – to experience the “silence even in the market place”. Prophet Elisha was able to recognize Fiery zeal in his heart only in silence.
What are the areas in which I need to silence myself?
Am I able to recognize the call of God in every moment of my life?
One of the reasons why we are not able to face silence and to recognize the call of God is our guilty feelings and the disappointment over our sinfulness and weakness. Most of the times it becomes an unconscious defense mechanism of our self. But for Jesus, our sinfulness are not a block to come near to us. He comes closer to Levi and very personally and dearly invites him to follow the only master.
Thus, in the process of conversation, the first step is taken by the Lord. He says that He has come not to call the righteous but the sinners. St. Faustyna says, “The mercy of God is much much greater than the sins of mine. And it is the right of every sinner to obtain the mercy of God.” Therefore let us offer our sinfulness to the Lord. The Lord wants us to grow in holiness through our weaknesses and fragilities, having power over them, day by day, step by step. Lent is the time to do it.
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19th February 2010
Taken from the Treasury of Novenas – Lenten Novena Meditation
ACCORDING to Biblical tradition, Moses stayed on Mount Sinai forty days to receive the law of the Covenant. Our Lord fasted forty days in the desert before He started His mission. Christians prepare themselves to celebrate the Paschal Mystery of our Lord's Death and Resurrection by a penitential season of forty days.
Penance is part of the Christian philosophy of life. It has to do with sin and conversion. It is the inner aversion to evil in and around us and a generous conversion in love to God, which is important.
The means to achieve this inner conversion are the traditional lenten practices of prayer, charitable works, and acts of self-denial, but above all attendance at Holy Mass daily because it is a memorial as well as a reenactment of the sacrifice of Christ on Calvary. What we “give up” should be related to an inner conversion to God.
Jesus came into the world to share His life with us. We should examine the priotities in our lives with His mission in mind. His mission is to bring each person to human dignity, and all people to brotherhood, leading them to the Father. He sought to do the Will of His Father.
Lent is a time of instruction and listening. The word is given to us in abundance. The Gospels and Lenten Readings are a rich source of faith, conversion, and turning back to a God Who is already awaiting and loving us. We are asked to make to Word of God a judgment upon our lives and a means of personal evaluation.
But this will become fruitful only by the grace of God which we receive through Sacraments and prayer, especially through the Sacrifice of the Mass. Meditation on the Passion of Christ is a favourite means of showing our gratitude to our Lord for having suffered and died for us. The way of the Cross should not be considered outdated. Making a Lenten Novena at least once during Lent will prove very beneficial in deepening our prayer-life.
The Word of God:
2 Cor 6,1-2
Isa 58,6-7
Rev 3,20-21
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