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.