December 29, 2013

Feast of the Holy Family

First Reading: Sirach 3:2-6,12-14

   The LORD sets a father in honor over his children; a mother's authority he confirms over her sons. He who honors his father atones for sins; he stores up riches who reveres his mother. He who honors his father is gladdened by children, and when he prays he is heard. He who reveres his father will live a long life; he obeys the LORD who brings comfort to his mother. My son, take care of your father when he is old; grieve him not as long as he lives. Even if his mind fail, be considerate with him; revile him not in the fullness of your strength. For kindness to a father will not be forgotten, it will serve as a sin offering-- it will take lasting root.

தமிழ்

Responsorial Psalm: 128:1-2,3,4-5
Response: Blessed are those who fear the Lord and walk in his ways.
   Blessed is everyone who fears the LORD, who walks in his ways! For you shall eat the fruit of your handiwork; blessed shall you be, and favored. (Response)
   Your wife shall be like a fruitful vine in the recesses of your home; your children like olive plants around your table. (Response) 
   Behold, thus is the man blessed who fears the LORD. The LORD bless you from Zion: may you see the prosperity of Jerusalem all the days of your life. (Response)

Second Reading: Colossians 3:12-21

   Brothers and sisters: Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, heartfelt compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience, bearing with one another and forgiving one another, if one has a grievance against another; as the Lord has forgiven you, so must you also do. And over all these put on love, that is, the bond of perfection. And let the peace of Christ control your hearts, the peace into which you were also called in one body. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, as in all wisdom you teach and admonish one another, singing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, in word or in deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. Wives, be subordinate to your husbands, as is proper in the Lord. Husbands, love your wives, and avoid any bitterness toward them. Children, obey your parents in everything, for this is pleasing to the Lord. Fathers, do not provoke your children, so they may not become discouraged.

Gospel Reading: Matthew 2:13-15,19-23

   When they had departed, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, "Rise, take the child and his mother, flee to Egypt, and stay there until I tell you. Herod is going to search for the child to destroy him." Joseph rose and took the child and his mother by night and departed for Egypt. He stayed there until the death of Herod, that what the Lord had said through the prophet might be fulfilled, "Out of Egypt I called my son." When Herod had died, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt and said, "Rise, take the child and his mother and go to the land of Israel, for those who sought the child's life are dead." He rose, took the child and his mother, and went to the land of Israel. But when he heard that Archelaus was ruling over Judea in place of his father Herod, he was afraid to go back there. And because he had been warned in a dream, he departed for the region of Galilee. He went and dwelt in a town called Nazareth, so that what had been spoken through the prophets might be fulfilled, "He shall be called a Nazorean."

Reflection: Fr. James Theophilus

   'He rose, took the child and his mother, and went to the land of Israel' (Matt 2:14). God’s revelation through dreams is to protect the child. God always wants the family to be together, united, and protected. It is a lesson for the family to be caring and protective. The family should take the step even to flee in order to save the child in a sense to save the unity of the family. Family is to be united, caring, and protective at the cost of even fleeing one’s own country.
   Going into Egypt is for a theological reason. He has to come out of Egypt. Jesus has to go through the experiences of the Israelites in Egypt. He has to re-live the same experience of what the people have gone through. Only then he will be able to redeem the people. Experience is essential. Again, when the family returned to Israel they choose Galilee and not Judea. A family has to grow in a place where there is freedom to grow. Family grows where there is freedom. Family should move towards freedom. Freedom, unity, care, protection are essential for the family.

December 25, 2013

Solemnity of the Nativity of the Lord

First Reading: Isaiah 9:1-6

   The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; Upon those who dwelt in the land of gloom a light has shone. You have brought them abundant joy and great rejoicing, As they rejoice before you as at the harvest, as men make merry when dividing spoils. For the yoke that burdened them, the pole on their shoulder, And the rod of their taskmaster you have smashed, as on the day of Midian. For every boot that tramped in battle, every cloak rolled in blood, will be burned as fuel for flames. For a child is born to us, a son is given us; upon his shoulder dominion rests. They name him Wonder-Counselor, God-Hero, Father-Forever, Prince of Peace. His dominion is vast and forever peaceful, From David's throne, and over his kingdom, which he confirms and sustains By judgment and justice, both now and forever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will do this!

தமிழ்

Responsorial Psalm: 96:1-2,2-3,11-12,13
Response: Today is born our Savior, Christ the Lord.
   Sing to the LORD a new song; sing to the LORD, all you lands. Sing to the LORD; bless his name. (Response)
   Announce his salvation, day after day. Tell his glory among the nations; among all peoples, his wondrous deeds. (Response)
   Let the heavens be glad and the earth rejoice; let the sea and what fills it resound; let the plains be joyful and all that is in them! Then shall all the trees of the forest exult. (Response)
   They shall exult before the LORD, for he comes; for he comes to rule the earth. He shall rule the world with justice and the peoples with his constancy. (Response)

Second Reading: Titus 2:11-14

   Beloved: The grace of God has appeared, saving all and training us to reject godless ways and worldly desires and to live temperately, justly, and devoutly in this age, as we await the blessed hope, the appearance of the glory of the great God and of our savior Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to deliver us from all lawlessness and to cleanse for himself a people as his own, eager to do what is good.

Gospel Reading: Luke 2:1-14

   In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that the whole world should be enrolled. This was the first enrollment, when Quirinius was governor of Syria. So all went to be enrolled, each to his own town. And Joseph too went up from Galilee from the town of Nazareth to Judea, to the city of David that is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and family of David, to be enrolled with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child. While they were there, the time came for her to have her child, and she gave birth to her firstborn son. She wrapped him in swaddling clothes and laid him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn. Now there were shepherds in that region living in the fields and keeping the night watch over their flock. The angel of the Lord appeared to them and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were struck with great fear. The angel said to them, "Do not be afraid; for behold, I proclaim to you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For today in the city of David a savior has been born for you who is Messiah and Lord. And this will be a sign for you: you will find an infant wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger." And suddenly there was a multitude of the heavenly host with the angel, praising God and saying: "Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests."

Reflection: Fr. James Theophilus

   "Do not be afraid; for behold, I proclaim to you good news of great joy that will be for all the people" (Luke 2:10). Any proclamation from heaven brings great Joy to all people. Even though the proclamation may speak of a particular person or a family or a group of people but the effect of the proclamation is for all. It is also true that the proclamation will remove fear from the people. People of less faith are the ones who are afraid of things and events.
   The sign is quite strange. The sign indicates a child wrapped in swaddling clothes and lay in a manger. This sign is given to the shepherds. Only shepherds will understand such signs (manger etc). Shepherds will only understand and accept such signs. Other will not be able to accept it (that is the reason the Magi go to Herod asking for the babe). God gives signs according the understanding capacity of the person who receives the message.

December 22, 2013

4th Sunday of Advent

First Reading: Isaiah 7:10-14

   The LORD spoke to Ahaz, saying: "Ask a sign of the LORD your God; let it be deep as Sheol or high as heaven." But Ahaz said, "I will not ask, and I will not put the LORD to the test." Then Isaiah said: "Hear then, O house of David! Is it too little for you to weary mortals, that you weary my God also? Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Look, the young woman is with child and shall bear a son, and shall name him Immanuel."

தமிழ்

Responsorial Psalm: 24:1-2,3-4,5-6
Response: Let the Lord enter; he is king of glory.
   The LORD’s are the earth and its fullness; the world and those who dwell in it. For he founded it upon the seas and established it upon the rivers. (Response)
   Who can ascend the mountain of the LORD? or who may stand in his holy place? One whose hands are sinless, whose heart is clean, who desires not what is vain. (Response)
   He shall receive a blessing from the LORD, a reward from God his savior. Such is the race that seeks for him, that seeks the face of the God of Jacob. (Response)

Second Reading: Romans 1:1-7

   Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, set apart for the gospel of God, which he promised beforehand through his prophets in the holy scriptures, the gospel concerning his Son, who was descended from David according to the flesh and was declared to be Son of God with power according to the spirit of holiness by resurrection from the dead, Jesus Christ our Lord, through whom we have received grace and apostleship to bring about the obedience of faith among all the Gentiles for the sake of his name, including yourselves who are called to belong to Jesus Christ, To all God's beloved in Rome, who are called to be saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Gospel Reading: Matthew 1:18-24

   This is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about. When his mother Mary was betrothed to Joseph, but before they lived together, she was found with child through the holy Spirit. Joseph her husband, since he was a righteous man, yet unwilling to expose her to shame, decided to divorce her quietly. Such was his intention when, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, "Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary your wife into your home. For it is through the holy Spirit that this child has been conceived in her. She will bear a son and you are to name him Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins." All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: "Behold, the virgin shall be with child and bear a son, and they shall name him Emmanuel," which means "God is with us." When Joseph awoke, he did as the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took his wife into his home.

Reflection: Fr. James Theophilus

   Betrothal was as good as marriage for Jewish people. Betrothal was the legal side of the marriage and in fact it was the covenant. And there was no turning back from this covenant. Betrothal was binding them until death. Joseph felt so delicate because of the legal side of the situation. Mary would be considered a woman in adultery and thus condemned to death by stoning.
   "Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary your wife into your home" (Matt 1:20). Joseph receives a revelation from God. The revelation brings out the mystery behind the birth of Jesus and also the direction for him to go about. Revelations often give the divine plan and also the direction for the human cooperation. A believer accepts to cooperate whereas a non- believer goes on to doubt and question the revelation. Joseph followed the directions and thus confirmed his faith.

December 15, 2013

3rd Sunday of Advent

First Reading: Isaiah 35:1-6,10

   The wilderness and the dry land shall be glad, the desert shall rejoice and blossom; like the crocus it shall blossom abundantly, and rejoice with joy and singing. The glory of Lebanon shall be given to it, the majesty of Carmel and Sharon. They shall see the glory of the LORD, the majesty of our God. Strengthen the weak hands, and make firm the feeble knees. Say to those who are of a fearful heart, "Be strong, do not fear! Here is your God. He will come with vengeance, with terrible recompense. He will come and save you." Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened, and the ears of the deaf unstopped; then the lame shall leap like a deer, and the tongue of the speechless sing for joy. And the ransomed of the LORD shall return, and come to Zion with singing; everlasting joy shall be upon their heads; they shall obtain joy and gladness, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away.

தமிழ்

Responsorial Psalm: 146:7,8,9-10
Response: Lord, come and save us. (or) Alleluia.
   The LORD God keeps faith forever, secures justice for the oppressed, gives food to the hungry. The LORD sets captives free. (Response)
   The LORD gives sight to the blind; the LORD raises up those who were bowed down. The LORD loves the just; the LORD protects strangers. (Response)
   The fatherless and the widow he sustains, but the way of the wicked he thwarts. The LORD shall reign forever; your God, O Zion, through all generations. (Response)

Second Reading: James 5:7-10

   Be patient brothers and sisters, until the coming of the Lord. The farmer waits for the precious crop from the earth, being patient with it until it receives the early and the late rains. You also must be patient. Strengthen your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is near. Beloved, do not grumble against one another, so that you may not be judged. See, the Judge is standing at the doors! As an example of suffering and patience, beloved, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord.

Gospel Reading: Matthew 11:2-11

   When John heard in prison what the Messiah was doing, he sent word by his disciples and said to him, "Are you the one who is to come, or are we to wait for another?" Jesus answered them, "Go and tell John what you hear and see: the blind receive their sight, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the poor have good news brought to them. And blessed is anyone who takes no offense at me." As they went away, Jesus began to speak to the crowds about John: "What did you go out into the wilderness to look at? A reed shaken by the wind? What then did you go out to see? Someone dressed in soft robes? Look, those who wear soft robes are in royal palaces. What then did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet. This is the one about whom it is written, 'See, I am sending my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way before you.' Truly I tell you, among those born of women no one has arisen greater than John the Baptist; yet the least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he."

Reflection: Fr. James Theophilus

   The disciples asked a question to Jesus. The reply of Jesus to the question was understood by the disciples. Whenever the disciples needed clarification they approached Jesus. The disciples were not just passive listeners. They were active, in fact, in learning and understanding the scriptures and the interpretation given by the scribes.
   They had their doubts about Elijah’s return and the role of John the Baptist. There was some confusion regarding this. The scriptures and their interpretations were not giving a clear picture about the situation. The disciples appealed to Jesus and Jesus gave them clarification. Jesus’ interpretation clarified their doubts.

December 8, 2013

2nd Sunday of Advent

First Reading: Isaiah 11:1-10

   On that day, a shoot shall sprout from the stump of Jesse, and from his roots a bud shall blossom. The spirit of the LORD shall rest upon him: a spirit of wisdom and of understanding, A spirit of counsel and of strength, a spirit of knowledge and of fear of the LORD, and his delight shall be the fear of the LORD. Not by appearance shall he judge, nor by hearsay shall he decide, But he shall judge the poor with justice, and decide aright for the land's afflicted. He shall strike the ruthless with the rod of his mouth, and with the breath of his lips he shall slay the wicked. Justice shall be the band around his waist, and faithfulness a belt upon his hips. Then the wolf shall be a guest of the lamb, and the leopard shall lie down with the kid; The calf and the young lion shall browse together, with a little child to guide them. The cow and the bear shall be neighbors, together their young shall rest; the lion shall eat hay like the ox. The baby shall play by the cobra's den, and the child lay his hand on the adder's lair. There shall be no harm or ruin on all my holy mountain; for the earth shall be filled with knowledge of the LORD, as water covers the sea. On that day, The root of Jesse, set up as a signal for the nations, The Gentiles shall seek out, for his dwelling shall be glorious.

தமிழ்

Responsorial Psalm: 72:1-2,7-8,12-13,17
Response: Justice shall flourish in his time, and fullness of peace for ever.
   O God, with your judgment endow the king, and with your justice, the king’s son; he shall govern your people with justice and your afflicted ones with judgment. (Response)
   Justice shall flower in his days, and profound peace, till the moon be no more. May he rule from sea to sea, and from the River to the ends of the earth. (Response)
   For he shall rescue the poor when he cries out, and the afflicted when he has no one to help him. He shall have pity for the lowly and the poor; the lives of the poor he shall save. (Response)
    May his name be blessed forever; as long as the sun his name shall remain. In him shall all the tribes of the earth be blessed; all the nations shall proclaim his happiness. (Response)

Second Reading: Romans 15:4-9

   Brothers and sisters: Whatever was written previously was written for our instruction, that by endurance and by the encouragement of the scriptures we might have hope. May the God of endurance and encouragement grant you to think in harmony with one another, in keeping with Christ Jesus, that with one accord you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Welcome one another, then, as Christ welcomed you, for the glory of God. For I say that Christ became a minister of the circumcised to show God's truthfulness, to confirm the promises to the patriarchs, but so that the Gentiles might glorify God for his mercy. As it is written: "Therefore, I will praise you among the Gentiles and sing praises to your name."

Gospel Reading: Matthew 3:1-12

   John the Baptist appeared, preaching in the desert of Judea and saying, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand!" It was of him that the prophet Isaiah had spoken when he said: "A voice of one crying out in the desert, 'Prepare the way of the Lord, make straight his paths.'" John wore clothing made of camel's hair and had a leather belt around his waist. His food was locusts and wild honey. At that time Jerusalem, all Judea, and the whole region around the Jordan were going out to him and were being baptized by him in the Jordan River as they acknowledged their sins. When he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees coming to his baptism, he said to them, "You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the coming wrath? Produce good fruit as evidence of your repentance. And do not presume to say to yourselves, 'We have Abraham as our father.' For I tell you, God can raise up children to Abraham from these stones. Even now the ax lies at the root of the trees. Therefore every tree that does not bear good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire. I am baptizing you with water, for repentance, but the one who is coming after me is mightier than I. I am not worthy to carry his sandals. He will baptize you with the holy Spirit and fire. His winnowing fan is in his hand. He will clear his threshing floor and gather his wheat into his barn, but the chaff he will burn with unquenchable fire."

Reflection: Fr. Sahaya G Selvam

   Today, the gospel presents us with the figure of John the Baptist: the voice crying out in the wilderness preparing the way for the Lord. The message of John the Baptist is strong and clear: “Repent, for the kingdom of God is close at hand” (Mt 3:2). John’s baptism was a sign of repentance and forgiveness for sins. Interestingly, the gospel passage tells us, “and as they were baptised by him in the river Jordan they confessed their sins” (Mt 3:6).
   There is the theological dimension to confession. As a sacrament, confession is a channel of GRACE. Grace is the gratuitous gift from God – a free gift that helps us choose the good, and move towards God Himself. Though from the perspective of faith this might seem more important than whatever we have said before, we should not forget that grace builds upon nature. In fact, the grace of God is always available to us.

December 1, 2013

1st Sunday of Advent

First Reading: Isaiah 2:1-5

   This is what Isaiah, son of Amoz, saw concerning Judah and Jerusalem. In days to come, The mountain of the LORD'S house shall be established as the highest mountain and raised above the hills. All nations shall stream toward it; many peoples shall come and say: "Come, let us climb the LORD'S mountain, to the house of the God of Jacob, That he may instruct us in his ways, and we may walk in his paths." For from Zion shall go forth instruction, and the word of the LORD from Jerusalem. He shall judge between the nations, and impose terms on many peoples. They shall beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks; One nation shall not raise the sword against another, nor shall they train for war again. O house of Jacob, come, let us walk in the light of the LORD!

தமிழ்

Responsorial Psalm: 122:1-2,3-4,4-5,6-7,8-9 
Response: Let us go rejoicing to the house of the Lord.
   I rejoiced when they said to me, "Let us go to the house of the LORD." And now our feet are standing within your gates, Jerusalem. (Response)
   Jerusalem, built as a city, walled round about. Here the tribes have come, the tribes of the LORD. (Response)
   As it was decreed for Israel, to give thanks to the name of the LORD. Here are the thrones of justice, the thrones of the house of David. (Response)
    For the peace of Jerusalem pray: "May those who love you prosper! May peace be within your ramparts, prosperity within your towers." (Response)
    For family and friends I say, "May peace be yours." For the house of the LORD, our God, I pray, "May blessings be yours." (Response)

Second Reading: Romans 13:11-14

   Brothers and sisters: You know the time; it is the hour now for you to awake from sleep. For our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed; the night is advanced, the day is at hand. Let us then throw off the works of darkness and put on the armor of light; let us conduct ourselves properly as in the day, not in orgies and drunkenness, not in promiscuity and licentiousness, not in rivalry and jealousy. But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the desires of the flesh.

Gospel Reading: Matthew 24:37-44

    Jesus said to his disciples: "As it was in the days of Noah, so it will be at the coming of the Son of Man. In those days before the flood, they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, up to the day that Noah entered the ark. They did not know until the flood came and carried them all away. So will it be also at the coming of the Son of Man. Two men will be out in the field; one will be taken, and one will be left. Two women will be grinding at the mill; one will be taken, and one will be left. Therefore, stay awake! For you do not know on which day your Lord will come. Be sure of this: if the master of the house had known the hour of night when the thief was coming, he would have stayed awake and not let his house be broken into. So too, you also must be prepared, for at an hour you do not expect, the Son of Man will come."

Reflection: Fr. James Theophilus

   "At an hour you do not expect, the Son of Man will come" (Mt 24:44). The coming of the Son of Man (Advent is the season when the people are asked to reflect on the second coming of Jesus. This happens till the 16th of December and then only we are asked to prepare for the feast of Christmas) is not known. People and the followers are waiting for the second coming. Nobody knows when exactly this will be. The believers should be ready always for this event. The early Church believed that Jesus will return to the earth and take the central place on that day.(Acts 1:1; Col 3:4; Jn 3:2)
   But life will go on as normal on the earth right up to the last minute (as in the days of Noah). People will continue their normal human, social life. They live the present (which they should) but without any expectation or awaiting or being ready for the future. Christian life is life based on hope and expectation. They await the return of the Lord. This event will divide families and working companions. Each one has to face the event independently and individually. So the disciples should stay awake and wait and one should be ready to receive the Son of Man. Keeping awake and being ready are the ways in which one can face the day of the Lord.

November 24, 2013

Solemnity of Christ the King

First Reading: 2 Samuel 5:1-3

    In those days, all the tribes of Israel came to David in Hebron and said: "Here we are, your bone and your flesh. In days past, when Saul was our king, it was you who led the Israelites out and brought them back. And the LORD said to you, 'You shall shepherd my people Israel and shall be commander of Israel.'" When all the elders of Israel came to David in Hebron, King David made an agreement with them there before the LORD, and they anointed him king of Israel.

தமிழ்

Second Reading: Colossians 1:12-20

   Brothers and sisters, let us give thanks to the Father, who has made you fit to share in the inheritance of the holy ones in light. He delivered us from the power of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins. He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. For in him were created all things in heaven and on earth, the visible and the invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers; all things were created through him and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. He is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in all things he himself might be preeminent. For in him all the fullness was pleased to dwell, and through him to reconcile all things for him, making peace by the blood of his cross through him, whether those on earth or those in heaven.

Gospel Reading: Luke 23:35-43

   The rulers sneered at him and said, "He saved others, let him save himself if he is the chosen one, the Messiah of God." Even the soldiers jeered at him. As they approached to offer him wine they called out, "If you are King of the Jews, save yourself." Above him there was an inscription that read, "This is the King of the Jews." Now one of the criminals hanging there reviled Jesus, saying, "Are you not the Messiah? Save yourself and us." The other, however, rebuking him, said in reply, "Have you no fear of God, for you are subject to the same condemnation? And indeed, we have been condemned justly, for the sentence we received corresponds to our crimes, but this man has done nothing criminal." Then he said, "Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom." He replied to him, "Amen, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise."

Reflection: Fr. James Theophilus

   "If you are King of the Jews, save yourself" (Luke 23:37). Israel was a theocratic community (society). ‘One God; one people’ was the beginning of their history as a society. God revealed through the prophets that he was not at all pleased to appoint kings over them. Because of the insistence of the people and because the neighbouring states had kings over their people; Israel was also allowed to have kings over them.
   Kings in Israel were to be ruling the nation as the God of Israel would do. One of the important duties of the kings was to care for the orphans; widows and the strangers. Kings was to give relationship to the people who had lost their relations. Because, this was the work of God. God was always gave relating to giving care and concern the people who had lost their relationship. Rightly so Jesus was the king of the Jews. As such this king was special; he was not saving himself instead he was saving others at the expense of his own life.

November 17, 2013

33rd Sunday of Ordinary Time

First Reading: 2 Maccabees 7:1-2,9-14

   Lo, the day is coming, blazing like an oven, when all the proud and all evildoers will be stubble, And the day that is coming will set them on fire, leaving them neither root nor branch, says the LORD of hosts. But for you who fear my name, there will arise the sun of justice with its healing rays.

தமிழ்

Second Reading: 2 Thessalonians 2:16-3:5

   Brothers and sisters, you know how one must imitate us. For we did not act in a disorderly way among you, nor did we eat food received free from anyone. On the contrary, in toil and drudgery, night and day we worked, so as not to burden any of you. Not that we do not have the right. Rather, we wanted to present ourselves as a model for you, so that you might imitate us. In fact, when we were with you, we instructed you that if anyone was unwilling to work, neither should that one eat. We hear that some are conducting themselves among you in a disorderly way, by not keeping busy but minding the business ofothers. Such people we instruct and urge in the Lord Jesus Christ to work quietly and to eat their own food.

Gospel Reading: Luke 21:5-19

   While some people were speaking about how the temple was adorned with costly stones and votive offerings, Jesus said, "All that you see here-- the days will come when there will not be left a stone upon another stone that will not be thrown down." Then they asked him, "Teacher, when will this happen? And what sign will there be when all these things are about to happen?" He answered, "See that you not be deceived, for many will come in my name, saying, 'I am he,' and 'The time has come.' Do not follow them! When you hear of wars and insurrections, do not be terrified; for such things must happen first, but it will not immediately be the end." Then he said to them, "Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be powerful earthquakes, famines, and plagues from place to place; and awesome sights and mighty signs will come from the sky. "Before all this happens, however, they will seize and persecute you, they will hand you over to the synagogues and to prisons, and they will have you led before kings and governors because of my name. It will lead to your giving testimony. Remember, you are not to prepare your defense beforehand, for I myself shall give you a wisdom in speaking that all your adversaries will be powerless to resist or refute. You will even be handed over by parents, brothers, relatives, and friends, and they will put some of you to death. You will be hated by all because of my name, but not a hair on your head will be destroyed. By your perseverance you will secure your lives."

Reflection: Fr. James Theophilus

   Temple was the most beautiful building one could imagine. It was decorated and adorned by the skill and love of hundreds of years. It was occupying the central place in the national life and religion. It would be unthinkable for a devout Jew to hear of the destruction of the temple because the temple signified a thousand years of God’s dealings with Israel.
   The disciples of Jesus are going to face problems because Jesus is not going to be with them. Some will pretend to be Jesus and there will be wars, revolutions and alarming events. The disciples will be undesirables. But Jesus’ promises of his presence in wisdom and speech are precious. By your perseverance you will secure our lives, O Lord!

November 10, 2013

32nd Sunday of Ordinary Time

First Reading: 2 Maccabees 7:1-2,9-14

   It happened that seven brothers with their mother were arrested and tortured with whips and scourges by the king, to force them to eat pork in violation of God's law. One of the brothers, speaking for the others, said: "What do you expect to achieve by questioning us? We are ready to die rather than transgress the laws of our ancestors." At the point of death he said: "You accursed fiend, you are depriving us of this present life, but the King of the world will raise us up to live again forever. It is for his laws that we are dying." After him the third suffered their cruel sport. He put out his tongue at once when told to do so, and bravely held out his hands, as he spoke these noble words: "It was from Heaven that I received these; for the sake of his laws I disdain them; from him I hope to receive them again." Even the king and his attendants marveled at the young man's courage, because he regarded his sufferings as nothing. After he had died, they tortured and maltreated the fourth brother in the same way. When he was near death, he said, "It is my choice to die at the hands of men with the God-given hope of being restored to life by him; but for you, there will be no resurrection to life." 

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Second Reading: 2 Thessalonians 2:16-3:5

   Brothers and sisters, may our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who has loved us and given us everlasting encouragement and good hope through his grace, encourage your hearts and strengthen them in every good deed and word. Finally, brothers, pray for us, so that the word of the Lord may speed forward and be glorified, as it did among you, and that we may be delivered from perverse and wicked people, for not all have faith. But the Lord is faithful; he will strengthen you and guard you from the evil one. We are confident of you in the Lord that what we instruct you, you both are doing and will continue to do. May the Lord direct your hearts to the love of God and to the endurance of Christ.

Gospel Reading: Luke 20:27-38

   Some Sadducees, those who deny that there is a resurrection, came forward and put this question to him, saying, "Teacher, Moses wrote for us, 'If someone's brother dies leaving a wife but no child, his brother must take the wife and raise up descendants for his brother.' Now there were seven brothers; the first married a woman but died childless. Then the second and the third married her, and likewise all the seven died childless. Finally the woman also died. Now at the resurrection whose wife will that woman be? For all seven had been married to her." Jesus said to them, "The children of this age marry and remarry; but those who are deemed worthy to attain to the coming age and to the resurrection of the dead neither marry nor are given in marriage. They can no longer die, for they are like angels; and they are the children of God because they are the ones who will rise. That the dead will rise even Moses made known in the passage about the bush, when he called 'Lord' the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob; and he is not God of the dead, but of the living, for to him all are alive."

Reflection: Fr. James Theophilus

   The God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob; and he is not God of the dead, but of the living, for to him all are alive (Lk 20:37-38). There is a great deal of difference between the state of the children of men on earth and that of the children of God in heaven, a vast unlikeness between this world and that world; and we wrong ourselves, and wrong the truth of Christ, when we form our notions of that world of spirits by our present enjoyments in this world of sense.
   Who shall inherit that world and what shall be their state of life is not known to us. When man compares the next world with the present world and considers it to be similar to this then he falters. What it shall be cannot be expressed or conceived (1 Cor 2:9 - "What eye has not seen, and ear has not heard, and what has not entered the human heart, what God has prepared for those who love him"). There they do not marry. They cannot die anymore there. They are equal to angels. They are the children of God. They are the children of the resurrection.

November 3, 2013

31st Sunday of Ordinary Time

First Reading: Wisdom 11:22-12:2

  Before the LORD the whole universe is as a grain from a balance, or a drop of morning dew come down upon the earth. But you have mercy on all, because you can do all things; and you overlook the sins of men that they may repent. For you love all things that are and loathe nothing that you have made; for what you hated, you would not have fashioned. And how could a thing remain, unless you willed it; or be preserved, had it not been called forth by you? But you spare all things, because they are yours, O LORD and lover of souls, for your imperishable spirit is in all things! Therefore you rebuke offenders little by little, warn them, and remind them of the sins they are committing, that they may abandon their wickedness and believe in you, O LORD! 

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Second Reading: 2 Thessalonians 1:11-2:2

   Brothers and sisters, we always pray for you, that our God may make you worthy of his calling and powerfully bring to fulfillment every good purpose and every effort of faith, that the name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified in you, and you in him, in accord with the grace of our God and Lord Jesus Christ. We ask you, brothers, with regard to the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our assembling with him, not to be shaken out of your minds suddenly, or to be alarmed either by a "spirit," or by an oral statement, or by a letter allegedly from us to the effect that the day of the Lord is at hand.

Gospel Reading: Luke 19:1-10

   At that time, Jesus came to Jericho and intended to pass through the town. Now a man there named Zacchaeus, who was a chief tax collector and also a wealthy man, was seeking to see who Jesus was; but he could not see him because of the crowd, for he was short in stature. So he ran ahead and climbed a sycamore tree in order to see Jesus, who was about to pass that way. When he reached the place, Jesus looked up and said to him, "Zacchaeus, come down quickly, for today I must stay at your house." And he came down quickly and received him with joy. When they all saw this, they began to grumble, saying, "He has gone to stay at the house of a sinner." But Zacchaeus stood there and said to the Lord, "Behold, half of my possessions, Lord, I shall give to the poor, and if I have extorted anything from anyone I shall repay it four times over." And Jesus said to him, "Today salvation has come to this house because this man too is a descendant of Abraham. For the Son of Man has come to seek and to save what was lost."

Reflection: Fr. Sahaya G Selvam

   Why did Zacchaeus want to see Jesus? It was perhaps a mere curiosity. But could this eagerness be an indication of something deeper – a thirst? The source of that thirst is God Himself. To fulfil that thirst Zacchaeus goes searching for Jesus. But Zacchaeus has two problems.  First, he was short. The first problem is part of his person - a personal weakness, perhaps. The second problem is “because of the crowd.” This difficulty rises from his environment. The same God who has put within us the desire to search for Him, also puts pointers on our way.
   Zacchaeus sees a way out of his situation.  He is able to unblock his challenges. He sees an alternative - a signpost: the sycamore tree! The God of surprises goes to Zacchaeus who is now on the tree: “Zacchaeus, come down. Hurry, because I am to stay at your house today” (Lk 19:5). As for Zacchaeus, the meal becomes really an experience of salvation. He stands up to make a statement about his reaction to the encounter with Jesus. The encounter with God in the person of Jesus could mean simply experiencing the saving justice of God.

October 27, 2013

30th Sunday of Ordinary Time

First Reading: Sirach 35:12-14,16-18

  The LORD is a God of justice, who knows no favorites. Though not unduly partial toward the weak, yet he hears the cry of the oppressed. He is not deaf to the wail of the orphan, nor to the widow when she pours out her complaint; He who serves God willingly is heard; his petition reaches the heavens. The prayer of the lowly pierces the clouds; it does not rest till it reaches its goal, Nor will it withdraw till the Most High responds, judges justly and affirms the right. 

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Second Reading: 2 Timothy 4:6-8,16-18

   Beloved, I am already being poured out like a libation, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have competed well; I have finished the race; I have kept the faith. From now on the crown of righteousness awaits me, which the Lord, the just judge, will award to me on that day, and not only to me, but to all who have longed for his appearance. At my first defense no one appeared on my behalf, but everyone deserted me. May it not be held against them! But the Lord stood by me and gave me strength, so that through me the proclamation might be completed and all the Gentiles might hear it. And I was rescued from the lion's mouth. The Lord will rescue me from every evil threat and will bring me safe to his heavenly kingdom. To him be glory forever and ever. Amen.

Gospel Reading: Luke 18:9-14

   Jesus addressed this parable to those who were convinced of their own righteousness and despised everyone else. "Two people went up to the temple area to pray; one was a Pharisee and the other was a tax collector. The Pharisee took up his position and spoke this prayer to himself, 'O God, I thank you that I am not like the rest of humanity-- greedy, dishonest, adulterous-- or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week, and I pay tithes on my whole income.' But the tax collector stood off at a distance and would not even raise his eyes to heaven but beat his breast and prayed, 'O God, be merciful to me a sinner.' I tell you, the latter went home justified, not the former; for everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and the one who humbles himself will be exalted."

Reflection: Fr. Sahaya G Selvam

  In the gospel text of today, Jesus invites us to examine our inner attitude in prayer. The Pharisee, in the story, “stands there” reminding God that he fasts twice a week. He seems to imply that he does not need to beg the mercy of God. He has done enough to automatically merit it. Instead of his fast being an act of ‘self-humiliation’, it becomes a reason for his pride. Yes, the Pharisee scores very high on practices of piety and good works. But his spiritual ‘activities’ could become the source of his fall. They deceive him. The Pharisee is not able to listen to the God who invites him.
   Pride is an attitude of living in an illusion about ourselves. Pride is a false belief that I don’t need God. The word ‘humility’, on the other hand, is related to the Latin word ‘humus’, which means, ‘earth’. So humility could mean lowering ourselves to the ground. That is what the Tax Collector does: “he stood some distance away, not daring even to raise his eyes to heaven…” (Lk 18:13). Humility also reminds us that we need God, as much as we need the earth to stand on. Am I willing to BE in the presence of God, or am I busy DOING many things for God – even in prayer?