Sunday, 30 June 2019
Monday, July 1, 2019 - Youtube Reflections
Sunday, June 30, 2016 - Thirteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time - The Work of the kingdom will go on…
To
read the texts click on the texts:1 Kgs. 19:16,19-21; Gal 5:1,13-18; Lk 9:51-62
"Rejection”
seems to be one word that summarises, at least partly, the readings of today.
Other words are “perseverance, determination, and commitment.” As soon as Jesus
sets out for Jerusalem where he will be finally rejected, he faces rejection in
a Samaritan town. However, he will not be deterred. His face will be set like
flint for Jerusalem because that is where the will of God will be finally
accomplished. This is all that matters for Jesus: to do God’s will no matter
the consequences. He is determined to see the completion of the task assigned
to him. He is committed till the end. He will persevere.
The
response of Jesus to James and John, who want to call down fire from heaven on
the Samaritans, is a double response. On the one hand, Jesus is not Elijah and
so will not call down fire from heaven like Elijah did. On the other hand,
Jesus’ response makes clear that his mission is not to pull down and destroy
but to build up and enhance. He has come not to condemn but to save.
Though
the mission of Jesus is not to win through domination and subjugation, but
rather through unconditional and continual love, he will demand from his
disciples an unconditional following. As a matter of fact, it is precisely
because his way is more challenging than the way of conquest and invasion that
there can be no half hearted or lukewarm response to his call. Unlike Elisha,
who is allowed to go back and say farewell to his father and mother, Jesus
demands radical and total commitment. This kind of commitment can result in
being able to fulfil the task of discipleship. It is a decision that is not
made lightly, but after much thought, consideration, and contemplation.
Jesus
does not use coercion or force to gain disciples. He only invites. However,
even as he invites, he makes it abundantly clear to those who dare to follow
what the consequences will be of their following. They will have to be as ones
who have no security of home or hearth. They will have to be as ones who have
no family to call their own. They will have to be as ones who are ready to face
opposition, hostility, and conflict. They will be as ones who profess total and
complete detachment. This is the kind of detachment that Elisha shows when he
slaughters his oxen and uses the equipment that comes with them for fuel.
Through this act, Elisha, though allowed to say farewell to his father and
mother, demonstrates that he is prepared for an unconditional following of God
through his mentor, Elijah.
The
work of the kingdom which Jesus inaugurated is heavy and demanding work. It
requires a persevering commitment. It is easy to get discouraged and want to
give up in the face of trials and difficulties and what sometimes seem to be
insurmountable odds. It is easy give up in the fact of rejection. It is because
of this that Jesus states, in unambiguous terms, what it entails to follow him.
The disciple who follows will have no place to lay his/her head.
Following
Jesus will mean, as Paul explicates in the second reading of today, the desire
to communicate love and to do it constantly, even in the face of fear and
rejection. Love indeed sums up the whole law.
Those who decide to follow will have to show through both word and deed
this love which Jesus manifested when he was on earth. This means first, living
by the spirit and not by the flesh. This means that any kind of behaviour which
makes the self more important than others is unacceptable and not part of the
kingdom. This means that, even in the face of haughtiness, arrogance, pride,
and conceit, the disciple will always respond with modesty, humility, and love.
Like
Elijah before him, Jesus knew that if the work of the kingdom had to be carried
on, he had to choose disciples who would do this. To be sure, the disciples
would not be perfect. They would stumble and fall numerous times and would pick
themselves up again and again. Yet, the work of the kingdom would go on. Even
Elijah, who had experienced God’s providence and power, had his moments of
darkness. He had been blessed with much success, but at the slightest sign of a
reversal of fortune, he was ready to quit. He was quick to blame others for the
situation in which he found himself. On numerous occasions, he felt all alone.
Yet, just as in all these situations he was consoled by God and invited to
carry one, so too will the disciples of Jesus who feel alone be consoled by
him. They will feel the presence of God in Jesus even when they and their
message are rejected and go unheeded. On their part, they must make it their
constant endeavour never to give up, but to carry on with perseverance,
determination, and courage. Rejection of the message of love must not be a
hindrance to the disciples task of spreading this love to everyone they meet.
They had been set free by Christ. Now it is their responsibility to set others
free from the bondage of fear and self centeredness. Now it is their
responsibility to free others for the true freedom of love.
Sunday, June 30, 2019 - Youtube Reflections
Rejection
of the message of love must not be a hindrance to the disciples task of
spreading this love to everyone they meet. We been set free by Christ. Now it
is our responsibility to set others free from the bondage of fear and
self-centeredness. Now it is our responsibility to free others for the true
freedom of love.
Saturday, 29 June 2019
Saturday, June 29, 2019 - Youtube Reflections on the feast of Sts. Peter and Paul
Today
we celebrate the fidelity of Peter and Paul, sinners like us all. Initially,
they were both found wanting. When they eventually repented, they were forgiven
by God in Christ. Though they faced persecution, their commitment to Christ
gave them the courage they needed. Their victory is evidence that the truth
will overcome untruth, light will overcome darkness and life will overcome
death. Their victory is evidence that we shall indeed overcome.
Saturday, June 29, 2019 - Saints Peter and Paul - Will you witness to Jesus like Peter and Paul did? How?
To read the texts click on the texts:Acts12:1-11; 2Tm 4:6-8, 17-18; Mt 16:13-19
There
is an old story about the death of St. Peter in Rome during the persecution of
Nero. Peter heard about Nero's plan to burn the city and blame the Christians.
He figured as the one who presided over the church in the city he would be
arrested and put to death. So he did the sensible thing - Peter was always a
sensible man - he got out of town, and at night. The Appian Way was dark for a
while as Peter snuck down it. However, as the night wore on the sky was
illuminated by the flames rising from the city. Peter hurried on and eventually
was far enough away from the city that it was dark again. Then he saw someone
coming in the opposite direction, someone who even at night seemed familiar. It
was the Lord himself. What was he doing out at night and walking towards Rome?
“Where are you going, Lord?” Peter asked him. “To Rome”, Jesus replied, “to be
crucified again in your place”. Peter turned around and returned to Rome and
according to tradition was crucified there.
Though
this story does not agree with what is narrated in the first reading of today
from the Acts of the Apostles, in which we are told that Peter was imprisoned,
it does agree with what the Gospels narrate about Peter’s denials, and brings
out an important facet of the meaning of the feast: Jesus did not choose
strong, brave and courageous individuals to continue the work that he had
begun. He chose weak, frail and cowardly humans. He chose individuals who would
falter and fail. This is the Peter who confessed Jesus as “the Christ, the Son
of the Living God” and to whom the Jesus handed over the “keys” of the Church,
knowing full well that there would be times when the lofty confession would
turn into a base denial.
Paul’s
conversion story is narrated twice in the Acts of the Apostles and Paul himself
speaks of it in some of his letters. His commission as an apostle of Christ
began with a divine revelation of the identity of the Lord Jesus. He reports
the events surrounding his recognition of Jesus as the Lord of glory and his
appointment as apostle to the gentiles. Felled to the ground by a brilliant
light from heaven and hearing a reproachful voice addressing him by name his
first need was to know who it was who broke into his life with such
awe-inspiring power. Just as Jesus told Peter that he would assign to him the
charge of leading his Church once the Peter recognized his master's true
identity, so also Paul's task was given to him only after Jesus revealed himself
as the glorified Lord.
The
apostles' mission thus grew out of their loving knowledge of the person of
Jesus, the Son of the living God. Their work, indeed their whole life, was to
follow from this surpassing knowledge of Christ which became the basis of all
their dealing with others. They were given to the whole Church to teach us not
only what Christ revealed and taught but also how to live as he himself had put
into practice the things willed by the Father.
Today
we marvel at the transformation of these previously weak human leaders. Peter’s
newfound passionate commitment to his Lord and to the fledgling church resulted
in his imprisonment. Paul too was jailed. He did not see this as failure, but
as the destiny that was his in consequence of his commitment to the Gospel. He
had fought the good fight, he had run the race, and he had kept the faith. He
faced death, and he knew it. That was the price they had to pay for their commitment
and fidelity to the Lord.
Their
personalities were very different, their approaches to spreading the Faith were
very different, and their relationships with Christ were very different.
Although the two were both Apostles, there were moments of disagreement and
conflict between them. And yet, they are bound together on this single feast,
as they were bound together by the one Faith, confessing the one Lord, shedding
their blood for him and his mission of peace, justice and love.
Within
the recent past, the church has been tossed to and fro in storms of
controversy. Not one storm, but many storms, and not in one country, but in
many countries. It has been the target of fierce persecution from without, and
it has also allowed evil to corrupt it from within. Whether in circumstances of
harassment or scandal, the lives of many have been diminished, their confidence
undermined and their faith tested.
Without
minimizing the suffering in our current situations, we should remember that
dire trials are really not new to the church. From its very beginning it has
faced opposition. The first reading for today’s feast describes one such
situation.
Despite
its trials, however, the church has survived and even flourished. This is not
due to the strength and holiness of its members. Though Jesus told Peter that
the church would be built upon him, the church’s real foundation was and
continues to be Jesus Christ its Lord. He is the one who commissioned Peter; he
is the one who assures the church of protection. He is the one who stood by
Paul and gave him strength to bring the Gospel to the broader world. The church
may have been built on Peter the former denier and spread by Paul the former
persecutor, but it is the church of Jesus Christ, and it will endure because of
his promise.
Today
we celebrate the fidelity of Peter and Paul, sinners like us all. Initially,
they were both found wanting. When they eventually repented, they were forgiven
by God in Christ. Though they were victims of persecution, their commitment to
Christ and to the church made them heroes. Their victory is evidence that the
gates of hell shall not prevail. Their victory is evidence that we shall indeed
overcome.
Friday, 28 June 2019
Friday, June 28, 2019 - THE MOST SACRED HEART OF JESUS - The Heart of Jesus is ONLY a heart of LOVE
To read the texts click
on the texts: Ez 34:11-16; Rom 5:5-11; Lk 15:3-7
Ever
since the seventeenth century when St. Margaret Mary Alacoque was granted
visions of the Sacred Heart and asked to spread this devotion, the Jesuits
represented by her confessor St. Claude de la Colombière, played a fundamental
role in spreading this devotion. Colombière, spoke with Margaret Mary a number
of times and after much prayer, discernment and reflection became convinced of
the validity of her visions.
In recent times, one of the most loved and
admired Generals of the Society of Jesus Fr.
Pedro Arrupe was instrumental in reviving this devotion and placing
Jesuits once again at the forefront of spreading this devotion. This devotion according to Arrupe was “the
centre of the Ignatian experience”. It is an “extraordinarily effective means
as much for gaining personal perfection as for apostolic success”. Arrupe was aware of the fact that the
devotion had to be spread using newer symbols and made every attempt to do so.
According
to one of the visions made to Margaret Mary, Jesus made twelve promises to
those who would have devotion to the Sacred Heart. Of these one is of special
significance. It reads “Sinners shall find in My Heart the source of an
infinite ocean of mercy”. This promise is totally in keeping with the message
of Jesus on every page of the New Testament.
Jesus, the revelation of the Father’s love, was consistent and constant
in his message of the unconditional love of God. His inaugural proclamation as
he began his ministry in Galilee was that the kingdom had indeed come, that
God’s love and mercy and forgiveness was being given freely to anyone who was
willing to open their hearts to such love. His table fellowship with “tax
collectors and sinners” (who were regarded as outcasts and so not to be
associated with) was tangible proof of this promise. Jesus even went as far as
to say “I have come to call not the righteous but sinners” (Mk 2:17). The
parables like those of the Lost Sheep, Lost Coin and ‘Prodigal Father’ (Lk
15:1-32) are further confirmation of this promise. As a matter of fact a clear
connection is made between the murmurings of the ‘Scribes and Pharisees’, “This
fellow welcomes sinners and eats with them” (Lk 15:2) and Jesus’ telling the
parable of the Lost Sheep (Lk 15:3-7). Thus, while “sinners shall find an infinite
ocean of mercy” in the Sacred Heart is not a new teaching, it is an important
reminder to us of how gracious God is, in the heart of Jesus.
What
then does the Feast of the Sacred Heart mean for us today? First the heart is a
symbol of the whole person and so the Sacred Heart of Jesus represents the
whole Christ who is and will always be unconditional and eternal love. This
love of Christ is given freely, without reservation and measure to all who open
themselves to receive it. Second, the feast reminds us of the constant care and
concern that God has even now for each one of us and the whole Universe. By
celebrating the feast we make present the self-sacrifice of Jesus for all
humankind. Our God is a God ‘with us and for us’. God is Emmanuel. Third, the
feast of the Sacred Heart reminds us of the intimate connection between the
Sacrament of the Eucharist and devotion to the Sacred Heart. The Eucharist was
that pivotal event in the life of Jesus when he showed how much he loved the
whole world. Just as the bread was broken so would his body be and just as the
wine was shared so would his blood be spilled. In the Sacrament of the
Eucharist we receive the real, whole and risen Christ, so in the devotion that
we profess to the Sacred Heart we relive this encounter.
The
feast is thus not only a privilege and grace, but also carries with it a
responsibility. First, the love that we receive from the Sacred Heart of Jesus
is not a private possession, but one that must be shared with all. Just as the
Father makes no distinction and makes the sun rise on the evil and on the good
(Mt 5:45), so must we in our sharing of the love of Christ. Second, the concern
that God has for us and our Universe must be a concern which we must show to
our world. The wanton destruction of nature, excessive and abusive use of
scarce resources like water, indiscriminate cutting of trees for selfish gain,
unlawful and criminal killing of wild animals are signs that we are working
against God’s concern. If God cares for us so much, must we not care for our
world? Third, the intimate connection of the Sacred Heart and Eucharist reminds
us that just as Christ is so easily available to us, we must also be to each
other. The Eucharist and the feast of the Sacred Heart ought not to be private and
passive devotions, but celebrations that make us ready to reach out in service
and availability to anyone who needs us.
Friday, June 28, 2019 - Youtube Reflections on the Feast of the Sacred Heart
The
feast of the Sacred Heart reminds us that the love of Jesus is not a private
possession for a select few, but is shared with all. Since God loves us and
nature, we have a responsibility to love our world. This means that we will use
what we use responsibly. We can resolve to use less water and paper and
everything else and never, never, never to waste food.
Friday, June 28, 2019 - Ez 34:11-16; Rom 5:5-11; Lk 15:3-7
Friday, June 28, 2019 - Ez 34:11-16; Rom 5:5-11; Lk 15:3-7
Thursday, 27 June 2019
Youtube reflections for Thursday, June 27, 2019
Our actions must speak louder than
words. If our actions match our words there is harmony in our lives. Dichotomous
people say but do not do. They also say one thing and do another. It is thus
better to act first and then speak.
Wednesday, 26 June 2019
Youtube Reflections for Wednesday, June 26, 2019
Love is shown primarily in action. It is deeds that determine
who a person really is. If we only verbalise our love it does not become tangible.
If love is to be real, then we must show it by our deeds.
Youtube reflections Wednesday, June 26, 2019
Love is shown primarily in action. It is deeds that determine
who a person really is. If we only verbalise our love it does not become
tangible. If love is to be real, then we must show it by our deeds.
Thursday, June 27, 2019 - Do your actions speak louder than your words?
To read the texts click on the texts: Gen 16:1-12,15-16; Mt 7:21-29
While
the Sermon on the Mount began with Jesus calling his disciples to him and
sitting down like a Rabbi to begin to teach them (5:1-2), it ends with Jesus
addressing the crowds as a prophet (7:29). The last part of the Sermon, which
forms our text for today, is about action rather than words. Prophesying in the
Lord’s name will be of no help if one is not willing TO DO the will of God. The
examples of the one who built his/her house on rock and the one who built
his/her house on sand reiterate this point. The Sermon calls everyone to
action.
If
the foundation of our lives is strong, then what we build on it will also be
strong. If we have a strong sense of values and know what our priorities
are in life, we can continue to be focussed on what we have to do.
Thursday, June 27, 2019 - Gen 16:1-12,15-16; Mt 7:21-29
Thursday, June 27, 2019 - Gen 16:1-12,15-16; Mt 7:21-29
Tuesday, 25 June 2019
Youtube Reflections for Tuesday, June 25, 2019
The narrow road is one where I show my concern for others in
action. I do not live a selfish life, but a selfless life. It is a life lived
in community in love and sharing.
Wednesday, June 26, 2019 - Is your being good? What will you do to make it better?
To read the texts click on the texts: Gen 15:1-12,17-18; Mt 7:15-20
The text of today is from the latter part of the Sermon on
the Mount. In it Jesus asks his listeners to focus on the internal i.e. the
heart from which everything else flows. If the heart is pure than everything
that a person does or says will also be pure. The external is only an
expression of the internal. A person's actions or words flow from what is in
his/her heart.
Our actions do not often coincide with our words, because
we do not always mean what we say. Sometimes we say one thing and do another.
There is a dichotomy between our words and actions. We are called to
synchronise the two.
Wednesday, June 26, 2019 - Gen 15:1-12,17-18; Mt 7:15-20
Wednesday, June 26, 2019 - Gen 15:1-12,17-18; Mt 7:15-20
Monday, 24 June 2019
Youtube Reflections for Monday, June 24, 2019 - The Birth of John the Baptist
John
the Baptist was a man who knew exactly his role in the world and lived it out
to perfection. At every stage of his life he knew where his authority ended and
so was able to live as God expected him to. His one aim in life was to point
Jesus out to people and lead them to Jesus. Each one of us has a similar role.
Will we live it out as John did?
Tuesday, June 25, 2019 - The words that you use to complete this sentence will give you a fairly good idea of how you treat others: People are usually …………………… How will you show that you have chosen the narrow gate?
To read the Texts click on the texts: Gen 13:2,5-18; Mt 7:6,12-14
The first verse of today (7:5) introduces a new subject:
holiness. The point that seems to be made here is that holy things have their
place and should not be profaned. 7:12 has often been termed, as the Golden
rule, which the Matthean Jesus states, is a summary of the law and prophets.
Here it is stated positively. One must treat others in the same way that one
expects to be treated. This also means that one must take the initiative in
doing the loving thing that does not wait to respond to the action of another.
In the final two verses of this pericope (7:13-14) the point being made is that
it is the narrow gate that leads to life and salvation and the broad or wide
gate to damnation. One must make a choice for one or another.
We wish that people would be kind and understanding with
us but we are seldom kind and understanding towards them. Often the behaviour
that we find revolting in others is the behaviour we ourselves are guilt of. When
we criticise others for being too harsh, we need to ask whether we have not
been so.
Tuesday, June 25, 2019 - Gen 13:2,5-18; Mt 7:6,12-14
Tuesday, June 25, 2019 - Gen 13:2,5-18; Mt 7:6,12-14
Sunday, 23 June 2019
Youtube Reflections on Corpus Christi
The feast of Corpus Christi is a feast during which we
remember the self-emptying of Jesus. He identified himself with bread so that
he could be easily available to the world. When we dare to become bread for
others like Jesus did, then we truly celebrate the life, death and resurrection
of Jesus.
Monday, June 24, 2019 - The Birth of John the Baptist - Will you speak God's word to at least one person today?
To read the texts click on the texts: Isa49:1-6; Acts 13:22-26; Lk 1:57-66,80
The
Birth of Saint John the Baptist is celebrated on June 24 each year. The reason
for this is the mention in the Gospel of Luke that Elizabeth was in her sixth
month when the Announcement was made to Mary (Lk 1:36) about the birth of
Jesus. Thus if Christmas is celebrated on December 25 each year, John the
Baptist who was the son of Elizabeth and Zechariah had to have been born six
months before Jesus.
According
to some, John is born when the days are longest (June 24), and from his birth
on they grow steadily shorter. Jesus is born when the days are shortest
(December 25), and from his birth on they grow steadily longer. John speaks
truly when he says of Jesus, "He must increase, but I must decrease."
(Jn 3:30).
The
Gospel text of today is from the Gospel of Luke. Luke does not give us too many
details about the birth of John, and he narrates it with a short sentence. He
focuses more on the events that follow the birth and, through them, show that
God’s word spoken through the angel, Gabriel, is being fulfilled. Elizabeth
does bear a son and the people rejoice at the birth because of the great mercy
shown by God.
Circumcision
of the child on the eight day was in accord with Gen 17:9-14 where God makes
circumcision on the eight day a sign of the covenant with Abraham. It was the
father who normally named the child and, in doing so, recognized the child as
his own. Sometimes, the child was named after the father, especially if the
father was a person who was highly esteemed. Objections were raised to the name
“John” (“God had been gracious”), chosen by Elizabeth. That the people made
signs to Zechariah to ask him what he wanted to name the child indicates that,
besides being dumb, he was also deaf. The moment Zechariah writes the name
“John” on a writing tablet, Zechariah regains his speech. Once again, God’s
word comes to pass. The fear and amazement with which the people respond to
these happenings is an indication that they experienced God’s awesome power.
The question that the people ask, about what the child would turn out to be, is
answered in summary form by Luke when he ends this narrative by stating that
“the hand of the Lord was with him.”
God’s
word is a word of power and will come to pass, no matter how many obstacles we
may put in its way. It is a word that enhances and builds up, a word that gives
life. To be sure, we may not always be able to understand and accept it for
what it is, but in the final analysis, it is always a word that is for our good
and for his glory.
Monday, June 24, 2019 - The Birth of John the Baptist - Isa 49:1-6; Acts 13:22-26; Lk 1:57-66,80
Monday, June 24, 2019 - The Birth of John the Baptist - Isa 49:1-6; Acts 13:22-26; Lk 1:57-66,80
Saturday, 22 June 2019
Youtube Reflections - Saturday, June 22, 2019
Tension and anxiety are
caused not by the external stimulus, but by how we respond to what happens.
When we have choices (the more choices we have the better) about the outcome of
anything we will not get tense as easily. This does not mean that I do not strive
to get what I want. It means that if after striving, I do not get what I want,
I learn to be contact with what I get.
Sunday, June 23, 2019 - Corpus Christi - The Body and Blood of Christ - Will you like Jesus become bread for others today? Will your participation in the Eucharist make you more giving?
To read the Texts click on the texts: Gen14:18-20; 1 Cor 11:2-26; Lk 9:11-17
In
Luke, the placement of the periscope on the feeding of the five thousand is in
an extremely significant position. This must be understood if the significance
of the miracle is to be understood if the significance of the miracle is to be
understood in its entirety. Immediately after Jesus sends his disciples out on
mission, Luke inserts the question that Herod asks about Jesus’ identity. This
is followed by the return of the twelve, the feeding of the five thousand, and
a repetition of the question about Jesus’ identity. The placement of these
incidents in this order is to indicate that Christology and mission,
proclaiming Christ and doing what he would have done, are wedded as two sides
of the same reality. Jesus’ identity is revealed in what he is and does and
what he calls others to be and do. By the same token, those who desire to see
and know who Jesus is, will see and know him only if they respond to his call
to preach the gospel, heal the sick, and feed the hungry. This forms the
background for the meaning of the feast of Corpus Christi, the Body and Blood
of Christ, the Eucharist.
The
Eucharist, which is often relegated to the level of a ritual, was never meant
to be merely that. The blessing at the end of the ritual states that those who
have partaken of the Eucharist are sent forth to love and serve just as Jesus
loved and served. The disciples are thus, expected to go beyond the ritual and
take the Eucharist to the world. This is why, when Jesus saw the crowds
following him, he not only welcomed them and spoke about the kingdom of God but
he also healed and cured those who needed to be made whole. Not content with
that, Jesus ordered that the crowds be fed with bread that the disciples were
expected to provide. He then shows them how. Because Jesus fed the multitude,
his disciples saw that he was God’s anointed one. In Luke, this combination of
the feeding of the five thousand and Peter’s confession suggests that the
recognition of Jesus as the Christ of God is linked to his action of reaching
out and feeding the hungry. It is also a signal of what the Eucharist is really
meant to be.
Thus,
the Body of Christ today cannot be restricted to the bread and wine that is
broken and shared on the altar. It is also made of the community who
participate in the act. The second reading of today makes precisely this point.
The “remembrance” to which the Corinthian community and those who partake in
the Eucharist are called, is not merely to remember a past event to but making
the past, present. The narrated history in the Eucharist becomes also the
history of the partakers. The past of the event becomes their present. When
they do this, they begin to”proclaim” even in the present, the Lord’s death
until he comes. This means that they live out fully the implications of
partaking in the body of Christ. Their faith makes itself known through who
they become and what they do. This faith, which is alive and active, manifests
itself to others and makes an impact on them. Others want to know what it is
about the Christian community that makes them what they are and what gives them
the motivation for what they do. Every time believers take part in the supper
of the Lord, they relive God’s story as revealed in the Christ event. If they
live it as they should, their very lives will become a fitting proclamation of
the gospel to the world.
Therefore,
the Eucharist is communion in a double sense. It is the most intimate sharing
and participation with Christ. And, that very communion with Christ is also the
sharing in and with other believers who, by definition, are also those “in
Christ.” The Eucharist is thus inextricably both personal and communal. On the
one hand, each individual receives the whole body of Christ. On the other hand,
the whole community, gathered together in faith, also receives the whole body
of Christ and becomes that body.
In
a sense therefore, the Eucharist never ends. It goes on and on. As the identity
of Jesus was revealed after the feeding of the five thousand, and act which
shows concern, compassion, and empathy, so will the identity of believers be
revealed, not merely when they, who have received the body of Christ, become
that Body. They do this by going like Christ into the world and daring to
become bread for everyone they meet.
Friday, 21 June 2019
Friday, June 21, 2019 - Youtube Reflections
The
way of the world is to measure success by external possessions. However, we are
challenged to check the possessions of our hearts. We need to ask whether we
use things or whether things "use" us.
Saturday, June 22, 2019 - How often do I try to be in two places at the same time or at two times in the same place?
To read the texts click on the texts: 2 Cor 12:1-10; Mt 6:24-34
The text of today begins by stating a general rule that
undivided attention can be given to one person alone at a time. If there is
more than one, then the disciple’s loyalty is certainly split. One must decide
whether one will allow oneself to be controlled by wealth and the things of this
world, or whether one will realise that they cannot bring true happiness.
The
prohibition, “Do not worry” dominates the rest of this pericope and is used six
times in it. The call to look at nature (the birds of the air and the lilies of
the field) is a call to learn how God in his providence provides for them. This
does not mean that human beings do not have to work for their living, rather it
means that even after working as hard as they can, humans must realise the life
is much more than simply work and earning a living. It has also to do with
being.
There
are indeed many distractions in life, which sometimes can take us away from
where we ought to look and focus. While planning is good and desirable, what is
undesirable is useless worry or anxiety.
When we stir the sugar in our coffee
or tea every morning we are already thinking of drinking it. When we are
drinking our coffee or tea, we are already thinking of washing the cup. When we
are washing our cup, we are already thinking or drying it When we are drying
it, we are already thinking of placing it on the rack and when we are placing
it on the rack we are already thinking of what we have to do next. We have
not stirred the sugar, nor have we have drunk the coffee, nor have we washed it
nor placed it on the rack.
If one takes one moment of one day at a time and
gives of one’s best to that moment, life will be well lived.
Saturday, June 22, 2019 - 2 Cor 12:1-10; Mt 6:24-34
Saturday, June 22, 2019 - 2 Cor 12:1-10; Mt 6:24-34
Thursday, 20 June 2019
MORNING OFFERING - Thursday, June 20, 2019
The
prayer that Jesus taught his disciples is a prayer of dependence. We are
dependent on God for everything though we may not know it. While we are
dependent on God for something as magnificent as the Kingdom, we are also
dependent on God for something as ordinary as bread.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c6c-RMxL6P4Friday, June 21, 2019 - If you were given the chance to take just ONE THING with you when you die, what would it be?
To read the texts click on the texts:2 Cor 11:18,21-30; Mt 6:19-23
The section that begins in 6:19 concerns knowing where one’s
priorities lie. Treasure stored on earth is of not much use because it is
temporary and passing and gathers rust and also can be stolen. Rather heavenly
treasure is permanent and eternal. A person’s attention will be concentrated on
where his/her treasure is. Thus instead of concentrating on the temporary it is
better to concentrate on the eternal, the impermanent.
If one does not perceive
correctly, one’s whole orientation will be incorrect and one will live a life
of futility, concentrating on what is really not essential.
Sometimes
we lose focus in our lives and waste so much time on trifles. We are so
concentrated on gathering up for tomorrow and the next day, that the present
day passes us by and we find that we have lived it unaware. An occasional
examination of our priorities is required to bring back our focus on what is
really necessary.
Friday, June 21, 2019 - 2 Cor 11:18,21-30; Mt 6:19-23
Friday, June 21, 2019 - 2 Cor 11:18,21-30; Mt 6:19-23
Wednesday, 19 June 2019
My New Youtube Channel
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