August 31, 2014

22nd Sunday in Ordinary Time

First Reading: Jeremiah 20:7-9

   You duped me, O LORD, and I let myself be duped; you were too strong for me, and you triumphed. All the day I am an object of laughter; everyone mocks me. Whenever I speak, I must cry out, violence and outrage is my message; The word of the LORD has brought me derision and reproach all the day. I say to myself, I will not mention him, I will speak in his name no more. But then it becomes like fire burning in my heart, imprisoned in my bones; I grow weary holding it in, I cannot endure it.

தமிழ்

Responsorial Psalm: 63:2.3-4.5-6.8-9
Response: My soul is thirsting for you, O Lord my God.
   O God, you are my God whom I seek; for you my flesh pines and my soul thirsts like the earth, parched, lifeless and without water. (Response)
   Thus have I gazed toward you in the sanctuary to see your power and your glory, For your kindness is a greater good than life; my lips shall glorify you. (Response)
   Thus will I bless you while I live; lifting up my hands, I will call upon your name. As with the riches of a banquet shall my soul be satisfied, and with exultant lips my mouth shall praise you. (Response)
   You are my help, and in the shadow of your wings I shout for joy. My soul clings fast to you; your right hand upholds me. (Response)

Second Reading: Romans 12:1-2

   I urge you, brothers and sisters, by the mercies of God, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God, your spiritual worship. Do not conform yourselves to this age but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and pleasing and perfect.

Gospel Reading: Matthew 16:21-27

   Jesus began to show his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer greatly from the elders, the chief priests, and the scribes, and be killed and on the third day be raised. He turned and said to Peter, "Get behind me, Satan! You are an obstacle to me. You are thinking not as God does, but as human beings do." Then Jesus said to his disciples, "Whoever wishes to come after me must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me. For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it. What profit would there be for one to gain the whole world and forfeit his life? Or what can one give in exchange for his life? For the Son of Man will come with his angels in his Father's glory, and then he will repay everyone according to his conduct."

Reflection: Fr. James Theophilus
   Jesus presents himself as a model (he began to show his disciple). His life is a life spent for the others. This is lived by making a journey to Jerusalem and suffering greatly at the hand of the elders, chief priests, and the scribes. (These are the people who exercise power over people. They exercise power over religious beliefs, cultural beliefs, social beliefs). Jesus shows that he will stand against these powers and the powerful will destroy him but God will raise him up.
   Peter presents himself as a representative of the people who want to live in this world and be in this world. This is the reason Jesus tells his disciples: “whoever wishes to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.” His disciples are asked to deny life (of earthly things), and pick up their crosses (attached in fulfilling this mission) and follow after him (every disciple of Jesus has his own Jerusalem to reach to and his own Calvary to climb up to). 

August 24, 2014

21st Sunday in Ordinary Time

First Reading: Isaiah 22:19-23

   Thus says the LORD to Shebna, master of the palace:  I will thrust you from your office and pull you down from your station. On that day I will summon my servant Eliakim, son of Hilkiah; I will clothe him with your robe, and gird him with your sash, and give over to him your authority. He shall be a father to the inhabitants of Jerusalem, and to the house of Judah. I will place the key of the House of David on his shoulder; when he opens, no one shall shut, when he shuts, no one shall open. I will fix him like a peg in a sure spot, to be a place of honor for his family."

தமிழ்

Responsorial Psalm: 138:1-2.2-3.6,8
Response: Lord, your love is eternal; do not forsake the work of your hands.
   I will give thanks to you, O LORD, with all my heart, for you have heard the words of my mouth; in the presence of the angels I will sing your praise; I will worship at your holy temple.  (Response)
   I will give thanks to your name, because of your kindness and your truth: When I called, you answered me; you built up strength within me. (Response)
   The LORD is exalted, yet the lowly he sees, and the proud he knows from afar. Your kindness, O LORD, endures forever; forsake not the work of your hands. (Response)

Second Reading: Romans 11:33-36

   Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How inscrutable are his judgments and how unsearchable his ways! "For who has known the mind of the Lord or who has been his counselor?" "Or who has given him anything that he may be repaid?" For from him and through him and for him are all things. To him be glory forever. Amen.

Gospel Reading: Matthew 16:13-20

   Jesus went into the region of Caesarea Philippi and he asked his disciples, "Who do people say that the Son of Man is?" They replied, "Some say John the Baptist, others Elijah, still others Jeremiah or one of the prophets." He said to them, "But who do you say that I am?" Simon Peter said in reply, "You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God." Jesus said to him in reply, "Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah. For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my heavenly Father. And so I say to you, you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church, and the gates of the netherworld shall not prevail against it. I will give you the keys to the kingdom of heaven. Whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven; and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven." Then he strictly ordered his disciples to tell no one that he was the Messiah.

Reflection: Fr. James Theophilus
   People consider Jesus to be Elijah, Jeremiah or one of the prophets. Their search could lead them till there only. But Peter replied Jesus saying that he was the Messiah. This knowledge is the result of the revelation. It is not the fruit of his search rather it is given from above, from the Father. Jesus also affirms Peter and tells him that this knowledge is from God. When one possesses God’s revelation then he becomes the rock of the Church.
   The kingdom is built on the faith which rooted on revelation. Faith and revelation together form something like a rock which cannot be shaken. Any person who has his faith on the revelation is the person on whom the church is built. A man with faith on revelation cannot be overcome by any force. Nothing can prevail him. Such a person will be like an entry point into the kingdom of heaven. He will be the link between heaven and earth.

August 17, 2014

20th Sunday in Ordinary Time

First Reading: Isaiah 56:1,6-7

   Thus says the LORD: Observe what is right, do what is just; for my salvation is about to come, my justice, about to be revealed. The foreigners who join themselves to the LORD, ministering to him, Loving the name of the LORD, and becoming his servants-- All who keep the sabbath free from profanation and hold to my covenant, Them I will bring to my holy mountain and make joyful in my house of prayer; Their holocausts and sacrifices will be acceptable on my altar, For my house shall be called a house of prayer for all peoples.

தமிழ்

Responsorial Psalm: 67:2-3.5.6,8
Response: O God, let all the nations praise you!
   May God have pity on us and bless us; may he let his face shine upon us. So may your way be known upon earth; among all nations, your salvation.  (Response)
   May the nations be glad and exult because you rule the peoples in equity; the nations on the earth you guide. (Response)
   May the peoples praise you, O God; may all the peoples praise you! May God bless us, and may all the ends of the earth fear him! (Response)

Second Reading: Romans 11:13-15,29-32

   Brothers and sisters: I am speaking to you Gentiles. Inasmuch then as I am the apostle to the Gentiles, I glory in my ministry in order to make my race jealous and thus save some of them. For if their rejection is the reconciliation of the world, what will their acceptance be but life from the dead? For the gifts and the call of God are irrevocable. Just as you once disobeyed God but have now received mercy because of their disobedience, so they have now disobeyed in order that, by virtue of the mercy shown to you, they too may (now) receive mercy. For God delivered all to disobedience, that he might have mercy upon all.

Gospel Reading: Matthew 15:21-28

   At that time, Jesus went from that place and withdrew to the region of Tyre and Sidon. And behold, a Canaanite woman of that district came and called out, "Have pity on me, Lord, Son of David! My daughter is tormented by a demon." But he did not say a word in answer to her. His disciples came and asked him, "Send her away, for she keeps calling out after us." He said in reply, "I was sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel." But the woman came and did him homage, saying, "Lord, help me." He said in reply, "It is not right to take the food of the children and throw it to the dogs." She said, "Please, Lord, for even the dogs eat the scraps that fall from the table of their masters." Then Jesus said to her in reply, "O woman, great is your faith! Let it be done for you as you wish." And her daughter was healed from that hour.

Reflection: Fr. James Theophilus
   Jesus did not say a word in answer to her. (Matthew 15:23) Was Jesus silent to the Canaanite woman because she was a foreigner? Whatever might be he ignored her. Ignoring is one way of saying that one is not wanted or one is not happy with the person etc. Jesus clearly does so as we see it at the end of the scene. Disciples came forward and pleaded for her. Jesus’ answer seems to be so divisive. He speaks in exclusive language. There must be a reason for it because he came to build a kingdom that was all inclusive.
   The woman continues to plead and the answer given by Jesus is more offensive to say the least. He indirectly calls her a dog. (Dog is the animal that goes back to its vomit. (2 Peter 2:22) Probably she will return to her religion after the healing…). She expresses her faith clearly in front of all. She indirectly says that the benefits reach even those who are outsiders. Faith makes all things possible. Faith overcomes all the negative expressions of ignoring, being divisive and insulting. A person of faith will overcome all hurdles in relationship.

August 10, 2014

19th Sunday in Ordinary Time

First Reading: 1 Kings 19:9,11-13

   At the mountain of God, Horeb, Elijah came to a cave, where he took shelter. Then the LORD said to him, "Go outside and stand on the mountain before the LORD; the LORD will be passing by." A strong and heavy wind was rending the mountains and crushing rocks before the LORD-- but the LORD was not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake-- but the LORD was not in the earthquake. After the earthquake there was fire-- but the LORD was not in the fire. After the fire there was a tiny whispering sound. When he heard this, Elijah hid his face in his cloak and went and stood at the entrance of the cave.

தமிழ்

Responsorial Psalm: 85:9,10.11-12.13-14
Response: Lord, let us see your kindness, and grant us your salvation.
   I will hear what God proclaims; the LORD — for he proclaims peace. Near indeed is his salvation to those who fear him, glory dwelling in our land. (Response)
   Kindness and truth shall meet; justice and peace shall kiss. Truth shall spring out of the earth, and justice shall look down from heaven. (Response)
  The LORD himself will give his benefits; our land shall yield its increase. Justice shall walk before him, and prepare the way of his steps. (Response)

Second Reading: Romans 9:1-5

   Brothers and sisters: I speak the truth in Christ, I do not lie; my conscience joins with the holy Spirit in bearing me witness that I have great sorrow and constant anguish in my heart. For I could wish that I myself were accursed and separated from Christ for the sake of my brothers, my kin according to the flesh. They are Israelites; theirs the adoption, the glory, the covenants, the giving of the law, the worship, and the promises; theirs the patriarchs, and from them, according to the flesh, is the Messiah. God who is over all be blessed forever. Amen.

Gospel Reading: Matthew 14:22-33

   After he feed the people, Jesus made the disciples get into the boat and precede him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowds. After doing so, he went up on the mountain by himself to pray. When it was evening he was there alone. Meanwhile the boat, already a few miles offshore, was being tossed about by the waves, for the wind was against it. During the fourth watch of the night, he came toward them, walking on the sea. When the disciples saw him walking on the sea they were terrified. "It is a ghost," they said, and they cried out in fear. At once Jesus spoke to them, "Take courage, it is I; do not be afraid." Peter said to him in reply, "Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water." He said, "Come." Peter got out of the boat and began to walk on the water toward Jesus. But when he saw how strong the wind was he became frightened; and, beginning to sink, he cried out, "Lord, save me!" Immediately Jesus stretched out his hand and caught him, and said to him, "O you of little faith, why did you doubt?" After they got into the boat, the wind died down. Those who were in the boat did him homage, saying, "Truly, you are the Son of God."

Reflection: Fr. James Theophilus
   Man of faith sees God and his presence close to him in whatever happens. But a man of little faith sees the natural events as they happen (as natural events). Jesus sent the disciples away to go before him. As they went they saw the sea which they were used to; they saw the wind and the rough sea as they were used to in the past; they were used to work into the fourth watch and it was natural for them; and that was the reason they see a ghost (everything happened as natural events and they understood the same way)
   Peter also gets on to the sea with his little faith (seeing the things naturally as normal events that take place regularly). Man of little faith did not see the presence of Jesus as the presence of God. His little faith made him see everything as natural events. So he had to go into the sea and that is the natural law. Only when he sees Jesus as Lord and son of God then there is life for him. Man of faith sees Jesus the presence of God. Faith is essential for a happy and successful life. Men of little faith also live their lives but they struggle through difficulties and problems.

August 3, 2014

18th Sunday in Ordinary Time

First Reading: Isaiah 55:1-3

   Thus says the LORD: All you who are thirsty, come to the water! You who have no money, come, receive grain and eat; Come, without paying and without cost, drink wine and milk! Why spend your money for what is not bread; your wages for what fails to satisfy? Heed me, and you shall eat well, you shall delight in rich fare. Come to me heedfully, listen, that you may have life. I will renew with you the everlasting covenant, the benefits assured to David.

தமிழ்

Responsorial Psalm: 145:8-9.15-16.17-18
Response: The hand of the Lord feeds us; he answers all our needs.
   The LORD is gracious and merciful, slow to anger and of great kindness. The LORD is good to all and compassionate toward all his works. (Response)
   The eyes of all look hopefully to you, and you give them their food in due season; you open your hand and satisfy the desire of every living thing. (Response)
   The LORD is just in all his ways and holy in all his works. The LORD is near to all who call upon him, to all who call upon him in truth. (Response)

Second Reading: Romans 8:35,37-39

   Brothers and sisters: What will separate us from the love of Christ? Will anguish, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or the sword? No, in all these things we conquer overwhelmingly through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor present things, nor future things, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Gospel Reading: Matthew 14:13-21

   When Jesus heard of  the death of John the Baptist, he withdrew in a boat to a deserted place by himself. The crowds heard of this and followed him on foot from their towns. When he disembarked and saw the vast crowd, his heart was moved with pity for them, and he cured their sick. When it was evening, the disciples approached him and said, "This is a deserted place and it is already late; dismiss the crowds so that they can go to the villages and buy food for themselves." Jesus said to them, "There is no need for them to go away; give them some food yourselves." But they said to him, "Five loaves and two fish are all we have here." Then he said, "Bring them here to me," and he ordered the crowds to sit down on the grass. Taking the five loaves and the two fish, and looking up to heaven, he said the blessing, broke the loaves, and gave them to the disciples, who in turn gave them to the crowds. They all ate and were satisfied, and they picked up the fragments left over-- twelve wicker baskets full. Those who ate were about five thousand men, not counting women and children.

Reflection: Fr. James Theophilus
   The disciples were like any other religious groups. They felt that they have done enough for the people. People have been healed and they have listened to their master and hence what more did they have the need of the master; and so they wanted the crowd to be dismissed.
   Jesus was a different type of a leader. He did not just satisfy their requests only. He went beyond their requests and looked into their needs. His heart was moved with pity for them (Matthew 14:14). He taught the disciples to go beyond their requests and look into their unexpressed needs.