tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-39889963114600952802024-03-19T02:10:22.323+05:30A JESUIT'S BLOGFr. Errol Fernandes SJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00825955827546675840noreply@blogger.comBlogger10018125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3988996311460095280.post-31600654095756598042024-03-18T20:00:00.001+05:302024-03-18T20:00:00.127+05:30Tuesday, March 19, 2024 - Homily<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/1Uxuit5-8ZU" width="320" youtube-src-id="1Uxuit5-8ZU"></iframe></div><br /> <p></p>Fr. Errol Fernandes SJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00825955827546675840noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3988996311460095280.post-51714786231848496852024-03-18T10:30:00.003+05:302024-03-18T10:30:00.135+05:30Tuesday, March 19, 2024 - St. Joseph, Guardian of Jesus - When in a dilemma do you usually do the right thing or the loving thing? Would your life have been any different if Jesus had not been born?<p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 20pt;">To read the texts click
on the texts: <b><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2+Sam+7%3A4-5a%2C12-14a%2C16%3B+Rm+4%3A13%2C16-18%2C22%3B+Mt1%3A16%2C18-24a&version=NRSVACE">2 Sam 7:4-5a,12-14a,16; Rm 4:13,16-18,22; Mt1:16,18-24a</a></b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 20.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Devotion to St. Joseph
became popular from the 12th century onward and in the 15th Century the feast
of St. Joseph began to be celebrated on March 19 every year. Devotion to St.
Joseph as foster father of Jesus and husband of Mary grew tremendously in the
19th Century and continues till this day.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 20.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The Gospel text for the
feast of today includes one verse of the genealogy, which specifies that Joseph
was the husband of Mary of whom Jesus was born. The verses that follow narrate
the story of his birth. Since Mary and Joseph were engaged, they were legally
considered husband and wife. Thus, infidelity in this case would also be
considered adultery. Their union could only be dissolved by divorce or death.
Though Joseph is righteous or just, he decides not to go by the letter of the
law and publicly disgrace Mary, but he chooses a quieter way of divorcing her.
God, however, has other plans for both Joseph and Mary and intervenes in a
dream. Joseph is addressed by the angel as “Son of David” reiterating, once
again after the genealogy, the Davidic origin of Jesus. He is asked to take
Mary as his wife and also informed that is the Spirit’s action that is
responsible for her pregnancy. He is told that he is to give the child the name
“Jesus". Jesus (Iesous) is the Greek form of "Joshua" which,
whether in the long form yehosua, ("Yahweh is salvation") or in one
of the short forms, yesua, ("Yahweh saves”), identifies the son, in the
womb of Mary, as the one who brings God’s promised eschatological salvation.
The angel explains what the name means by referring to Ps 130:8. The name
“Jesus” was a popular and common name in the first century.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>By the choice of such a name, Matthew shows
that the Saviour receives a common human name, a sign that unites him with the
human beings of this world rather than separating him from them.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 20.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Matthew then inserts into
the text the first of ten formula or fulfillment quotations that are found in
his Gospel. This means that Matthew quotes a text from the Old Testament to
show that it was fulfilled in the life and mission of Jesus. Here, the text is
from Isa 7:14 which, in its original context, referred to the promise that
Judah would be delivered from the threat of the Syro-Ephraimitic War before the
child of a young woman, who was already pregnant, would reach the age of moral
discernment. The child would be given a symbolic name, a short Hebrew sentence
“God is with us” (Emmanu‘el) corresponding to other symbolic names in the
Isaiah story. Though this text was directed to Isaiah’s time, Matthew
understands it as a text about Jesus, and fulfilled perfectly in him, here in
his birth and naming.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 20.0pt; line-height: 107%;">This birth narrative of
Matthew invites us to reflect on a number of points. Of these, two are
significant.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>First, many of us are often
caught in the dilemma of doing the right thing which might not always be the loving
thing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If we follow only the letter of
the law, we may be doing the right thing but not the most loving thing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, if we focus every time on the most
loving thing, like Joseph, it is surely also the right thing. Though Joseph
could have done the right thing and shamed Mary by publicly divorcing her, he
decides to go beyond the letter of the law and do the loving thing, which in
his case was also the right thing.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 20.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Second, the story also
shows us who our God is.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our God is God
with us. Our God is one who always takes the initiative, who always invites,
and who always wants all of humanity to draw closer to him and to each other.
This God does not come in power, might, and glory, but as a helpless child. As
a child, God is vulnerable. He is fully human and in his humanity, is subject
to all the limitations that humanity imposes on us. Yet, he will do even that,
if only humans respond to the unconditional love that he shows.<o:p></o:p></span></p>Fr. Errol Fernandes SJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00825955827546675840noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3988996311460095280.post-4392585840831222912024-03-18T10:30:00.001+05:302024-03-18T10:30:00.134+05:30 St. Joseph, model of faith, hope and love - March 19, 2024 <p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 20pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 20pt;">St. Joseph, model of faith,
hope and love</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 20.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Introduction: St. Joseph is one of
the very few Saints who has two feast days to honour him. The scriptures do not
say much about this silent saint. As a matter of fact, St. Joseph does not
speak in the scriptures. His voice is not heard. This is to be expected because
St. Joseph was a man of action more than words.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 20.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>II.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Inspiration from St. Joseph: As we celebrate a year dedicated to St.
Joseph we can draw inspiration from him in many areas of our own lives.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 20.0pt; line-height: 107%;">1)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Attentive listening: Matthew is the only one
of the four Evangelists who places Joseph on the centre stage in his Infancy
Narrative. The angel appears to Joseph in a dream on four separate occasions.
(Mt 1:20-21; 2:13; 2:19-21; 2:22).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 20.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Before (Mt 1:18-19) the
first of these dreams (1:20-21) Joseph had already made up his mind to follow
the law because he was righteous. He became aware of the pregnancy of Mary - to
whom he was engaged or betrothed - and possibly suspected her of adultery. The
only logical explanation of the pregnancy was that Mary was guilty of
adultery.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Joseph had the choice to
pursue a legal trial for adultery (Deut 22:23-27) or draw up a bill of divorce.
Joseph chose the latter option because he did not want to publicly shame Mary
and it would attract less attention.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 20.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Hearing with the ears of
our head and seeing with the eyes of our head is only one way of hearing and
seeing. True hearing and seeing require that we hear and see also with the ears
and eyes of our hearts.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 20.0pt; line-height: 107%;">2)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Trusting God’s word: The angel explains that
the child conceived in Mary is from the Holy Spirit (Mt 1:20) and Joseph must
take his pregnant betrothed as his wife. Not only is he to do that, he will
also not have the privilege as the foster father to name this child. This name
has already been chosen by God as communicated by the angel (1:21). His trust
in God’s word shows in his action.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 20.0pt; line-height: 107%;">When things go the way we
want, it is easy to believe and trust God’s word. However, when God’s word
calls us to act the opposite of the way want, it is not easy to accept and
follow.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 20.0pt; line-height: 107%;">3)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Action more than words: Joseph’s trust in
God’s word does not end with his acceptance of Mary and Jesus as his wife and
son respectively. In the three dreams that follow the first (2:13; 2:19-20 and
2:22), he is asked to perform actions which are extremely difficult. However,
since it is God’s plan and God’s hand is at work, Joseph acts in obedience.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 20.0pt; line-height: 107%;">In the first of these
dreams, Joseph is asked to go to Egypt hastily. He obeys. In the second, when
the family is in Egypt, he is asked to go to Israel (2:19-20). Once again, he
obeys. The choice of Nazareth and not Judea in Israel as the place of residence
of the family is also attributed to Joseph’s obedience (2:22-23).<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 20.0pt; line-height: 107%;">We sometimes look for God
only in miracles or extraordinary events. Yet, God keeps revealing God’s power,
might and love in the ordinary events of our lives. Like Joseph we must open
our hearts wide to see.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 20.0pt; line-height: 107%;">4)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Acting without expectation: In most of our
relationships with others including members of our families, we act with some
or other expectation. Sometimes, we expect those to whom we have been generous
and kind to also be generous and kind to us in return. At others times, we
expect a word of gratitude and even praise for reaching out. At still other
times, we expect that those to whom we have reached out will not be ungrateful.
With Joseph, there were no expectations whatsoever. He did what had to done.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 20.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Each of us is also called
by God in our own way to be God’s instrument of love and peace. God does not
expect that we do extraordinary things to reveal this love. If like Joseph we
can reach out to another even in a small way, we will have done well.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 20.0pt; line-height: 107%;">5)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Model for workers and the sanctity of work:
The Gospel of Matthew tells us that Joseph was a carpenter (13:55). He does not
state whether Jesus followed his foster father in this trade. In his Gospel, he
refers to Jesus as “the carpenter’s son” (13:55). The Gospel of Mark, however,
informs us that Jesus did follow Joseph in this trade. When Jesus goes back to
his hometown, the townsfolk identity him as “the carpenter” (Mk 6:3).<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 20.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The celebration of the
feast of St. Joseph, the worker on the first day of May each year – when
Workers Day or Labour Day is celebrated in many countries of the world - is a
celebration of the saint and his work ethic, but also a celebration of the
participation of humans in God’s work of creation. In this Joseph becomes an
inspiration and model to workers of the meaning of hard work and earning one’s
living through the sweat of one’s brow.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 20.0pt; line-height: 107%;">6)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Model of discernment and faith: Obedience to
God’s word required a lot of discernment and faith from Joseph. He was aware
that he would not have been able to recognise immediately whether he was indeed
doing God’s will. The dreams could have been the result of his own imagination.
It required discernment to know that they were not. All decisions that he had
to take - the hastening to Egypt, remaining in Egypt when the threat to the
child was still alive, and the return to Nazareth - were life changing decisions.
They would affect not only his life, but also the life of his wife Mary and
Jesus. This is why he had to be convinced of that which he could not see and
hope that his actions were in accord with what God wanted him to do.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 20.0pt; line-height: 107%;">One important rule of a
good discernment is that we do not make decisions when we are upset or even
elated. This is because these decisions will be based only on emotion and not
discernment. We have to be at equanimity before we make important decisions and
in this regard, Joseph is a model to be imitated.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 20.0pt; line-height: 107%;">7)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Protector of the family and of the world: In
his role as foster father of Jesus, Joseph was protector of his family. The
safety of his family was of prime importance to Joseph and he placed their
needs and safety above his own.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 20.0pt; line-height: 107%;">This quality of Joseph
can be extended to include his protection of the whole world. As he kept the
interests of his family uppermost, so he keeps the interests of the world
uppermost in his intercession for the world.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 20.0pt; line-height: 107%;">When we are tempted to
live self-centered and selfish lives, Joseph’s selflessness comes as a breath
of fresh air inviting us to be other-centered and to make a difference to the
lives of others.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 20.0pt; line-height: 107%;">III.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Conclusion: In the play Hamlet,
there is a scene in which Hamlet says to his friend Horatio “There are more
things in heaven and earth, Horatio, than are dreamt of in your philosophy”
(Hamlet 1.5). One understanding of this is that while there are many things
that the human person does know, there are possibly more things that we do not
yet know.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 20.0pt; line-height: 107%;">One such happening is the
Covid-19 pandemic. While theories abound about the origin of the virus and how
best to respond to it, the fact is that we are still groping in the dark. This
is why like St. Joseph we are called to listen attentively.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 20.0pt; line-height: 107%;">We live in times where
many of us would prefer to see before we believe. If we are of this mind, then
there is no need for faith. St. Joseph teaches us to believe even without
seeing. He also teaches us to believe even when we cannot see. This is because
like him, we too must realise that God’s will for the world will always be
better than what we want for ourselves. We must learn from St. Joseph how to
make our will subservient to God’s.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 20.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Our actions in most
cases, even the seemingly altruistic ones are often with our eye on the reward.
St Joseph teaches us that we must learn to find the reward in the doing of the
action.<o:p></o:p></span></p>Fr. Errol Fernandes SJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00825955827546675840noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3988996311460095280.post-24356980870576547572024-03-17T20:00:00.001+05:302024-03-17T20:00:00.132+05:30Monday, March 18, 2024<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/CLl5yTBVhu8" width="320" youtube-src-id="CLl5yTBVhu8"></iframe></div><br /> <p></p>Fr. Errol Fernandes SJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00825955827546675840noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3988996311460095280.post-5424380416028814632024-03-17T10:30:00.001+05:302024-03-17T10:30:00.141+05:30Monday, March 18, 2024 - Do you “feel” forgiven by God? If No, why not?<p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 20pt;">To read the texts click on the texts: </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 20pt; text-align: left;"><b><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Dan+13%3A1-9%2C+15-17%2C+19-30%2C+33-62%3B+Jn+8%3A1-11&version=NRSVACE">Dan 13:1-9, 15-17,19-30, 33-62; Jn 8:1-11</a></b></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 20pt;">Most scholars today are of the opinion that this text
did nor originally belong to the Gospel of John and was added later. Numerous
reasons are put forward to support this view. One is that the term “scribes”
used here is the only time in the Gospel that it is used. John does not use
“scribes” anywhere else in his Gospel. Another reason is that while in the rest
of the Gospel of John the debates with the Jewish leaders are long, here it is
brief. This fits in better with the controversy stories of the Synoptic
Gospels. Also the Mount of Olives is mentioned only here in the Gospel of John,
though in the Synoptic Gospels it is frequently mentioned. Jesus is addressed
as “teacher” only here in John. Be that as it may, the text is now part of John’s
Gospel and we have to interpret it within the Gospel.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 20.0pt;">This event takes place in the Temple. Though the law
commanded that both the man and woman who engaged in adultery would be put to
death (Lev 20:10; Deut 22:22), the scribes and Pharisees accuse the woman alone
and do not provide the necessary witnesses who had “caught” the woman in the
very act of committing adultery. The intention of the scribes seems clear: it
is to trap Jesus. Initially, Jesus does not want to engage the question and so
bends down and writes with his finger on the ground. The point here is not what
Jesus was writing but the distancing gesture that he performs. Since the
scribes persist in the question, Jesus straightens up and addresses the scribes
directly. The statement that he makes takes them beyond the question that they
ask to a self examination and introspection. Once he has raised the issue,
Jesus bends down again and writes with his finger. This time, the intention of
writing is to show that he has said all that he has to say and wants them to
decide what they have to do. They do not answer in words, but through their
action of leaving the place. That all of them leave beginning with the elders
is an indication that no one is without sin. When Jesus straightens up the
second time he addresses the woman who is alone with him since all others have
gone away. The woman who is addressed directly for the first time confirms that
no one is left to condemn her. Jesus responds by not condemning her, but also
challenging her to receive the new life that forgiveness brings.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 20.0pt;">The attitude of Jesus to people, whether those who
engaged in condemnation or the condemned seems to be the focus of the story.
The questions of Jesus to the scribes and Pharisees and the woman allows them
equal opportunity to part with old ways after having received forgiveness.
Jesus condemns no one, not even those who condemn. However, while the woman
accepts the gift of new life, the scribes and Pharisees show their
non-acceptance through their actions of going away. It is thus a story of grace
and mercy freely given by God in Jesus which when received results in a radical
transformation of a person and the challenge of a new life.</span></p>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 20pt;">While it is true that this story may be seen as
a moral lesson informing us that we are not to judge rashly or point fingers at
others since when we do, there will be three fingers pointing back at us, it is
also a story that goes beyond this moral lesson to the core of the revelation
that God makes in Jesus. The God revealed in Jesus is a God who does not
condemn, a God who accepts each of us as we are and a God who even when we find
it difficult to forgive ourselves, keeps forgiving and accepting us.</span></div></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"></span>Fr. Errol Fernandes SJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00825955827546675840noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3988996311460095280.post-79013287922683654072024-03-16T20:00:00.001+05:302024-03-16T20:00:00.205+05:30Sunday, March 17, 2024 - Homily<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/1Uxuit5-8ZU" width="320" youtube-src-id="1Uxuit5-8ZU"></iframe></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/2eeohiVqqSk" width="320" youtube-src-id="2eeohiVqqSk"></iframe></div><br /> <p></p>Fr. Errol Fernandes SJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00825955827546675840noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3988996311460095280.post-64891360808469222662024-03-16T10:30:00.001+05:302024-03-16T10:30:00.162+05:30Sunday, March 17, 2024 - Will you hold on to the old, or grasp the new?<p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 19pt;">To read the texts click
on the texts: <b><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Jer+31%3A31-34%3B+Heb+5%3A7-9%3B+Jn+12%3A20-33&version=NRSVACE">Jer 31:31-34; Heb 5:7-9; Jn 12:20-33</a></b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 19.0pt; line-height: 107%;">‘Anticipation’ is the
word that best describes what the readings of today convey. The first reading,
from Jeremiah, begins with the words, “The days are surely coming”, and in the
Gospel passage, Jesus responds to the arrival of the Greeks with the words “the
hour has come”. What are these days? What is that hour? What must we
anticipate? What must we expect?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 19.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Jeremiah explains that
the expectation is of a “new covenant”. This covenant is new, not because it
will be made again or made anew with the people but primarily because it is a
covenant unlike the earlier ones. It is a covenant that will be written, not on
stone tablets but on the hearts of all.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 19.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The effects of this
covenant will be unlike the earlier ones. This covenant will be kept by the
people and not broken. The reason for this is that people will be convinced of
it and know that it is a covenant for their good and for God’s glory. They will
know that it is in their best interest to keep it. Instead of being like
children, who only keep their parent’s rules because of the promise of reward
or the threat of punishment, the people will keep God’s law and live God’s
commandments because their own consciences direct them to. They will be
convinced of the law in their hearts. Instead of a purely external conformity,
God’s law would now be internalized and people would pursue the right path
because it would be part of their basic character and identity. This is what
Jeremiah means when he talks about God’s Law being planted deep within his
people and written on their hearts. God takes the initiative in making this new
covenant and shows this in his action of forgiving all sin. He is a gracious
God, a God who wants all to be saved.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 19.0pt; line-height: 107%;">This new covenant was
made in the most perfect of ways when God made it in Jesus. In Jesus, sin was
forgiven and love took centre stage. This is confirmed directly at the end of
the Gospel reading, in what is termed as the final passion, resurrection, and
ascension prediction in the Gospel of John. In that reading – he will draw all
people to himself. The effect of the “lifting up” of Jesus will be – not
condemnation – but acceptance of people. Even when on the cross, Jesus will
continue to save and to redeem.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 19.0pt; line-height: 107%;">That Jesus could draw all
to himself, only in and through the cross, is affirmed in his words about the
whet grain. Speaking of himself and his impending passion, he directs attention
to a grain of wheat which can only give life when it dies to itself. If the
grain of wheat will not die, it remains what it is and will be unable give new
life.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 19.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The letter to the Hebrews
picks up this theme and narrates the incident of the prayer of Jesus at
Gethsemane. On one level, Jesus would have preferred to save without the cross,
and this was the content of the first part of his prayer when he asked the Father
to take the cup away. However, on the deeper level, he knew that the cross was
not just one way, but the only way, and that is why he adds “not my will but
yours be done”. Hebrews thus confirms that Jesus willingly chose to become like
the grain of wheat which would fall, and die, in order to give life and save.
This was Jesus’ ‘hour’, the hour when he would go to his death, but also,
without doubt, the hour when he would be glorified, the hour in which all would
be drawn to him. It was the hour when self-centeredness was driven out by
self-sacrifice. It was the hour when new life conquered death, and eternal,
unconditional love conquered sin.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 19.0pt; line-height: 107%;">This is, therefore, a
cause for great joy and optimism. Though we know how often wed have failed to
live up to the promises we have made in the past, God continues to say to us at
every moment: “See, I am making a new covenant”. Though we keep choosing sin
over love, and self-centeredness over selflessness, God keeps inviting us to
the ‘hour’ of his son. This is the hour in which he will make all things new.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 19.0pt; line-height: 107%;">This newness, however,
can never come about unless we, like Jesus, make a conscious decision to
collaborate and co-operate with God. We have to dare, like Jesus, to become
like that grain of wheat which will fall to the ground and die. We have to
understand, like Jesus, that unless we die to our selfish ambitions and our
selfish desires to have more, that unless we die to our petty dreams of
personal advancement at the expense of the majority, God cannot make all things
new. The newness that God brings in Jesus is a newness that needs our active
co-operation and collaboration. It needs us to keep saying “Yes”.<o:p></o:p></span></p>Fr. Errol Fernandes SJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00825955827546675840noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3988996311460095280.post-56283934493719100142024-03-15T20:00:00.001+05:302024-03-15T20:00:00.140+05:30Saturday, March 16, 2024 - Homily<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/PRjz3-3djpw" width="320" youtube-src-id="PRjz3-3djpw"></iframe></div><br /> <p></p>Fr. Errol Fernandes SJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00825955827546675840noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3988996311460095280.post-18715622965720901962024-03-15T10:30:00.001+05:302024-03-15T10:30:00.139+05:30Saturday, March 16, 2024 - Will you understand that God will reveal himself to you in ways you never even considered? Will you find him in everything that happens today?<p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 20pt;">To read the texts click on the texts: </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 20pt; text-align: left;"><b><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Jer+11%3A18-20%3B+Jn+7%3A40-52&version=NRSVACE">Jer 11:18-20; Jn7:40-52</a></b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 20.0pt;">The invitation of Jesus to the thirsty to come and
drink from the living water that he will give leads to the discussion among the
people which begins the text for today. While those who come on hearing this
invitation regard Jesus as “the” prophet, others explicitly call him the
Messiah. Still others question whether Jesus could really be the Messiah
because of the popular belief that the Messiah would come from Bethlehem. Yet
it was also true that some believed that the origins of the Messiah would be a
mystery and no one would know where he would come from. These contrary views
lead to a difference of opinion and though some want to arrest Jesus they do
not lay hands on him.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 20.0pt;">When the police return to inform their masters that
they could not arrest Jesus because they had never heard anyone speak like him,
they are accused of having also been deceived by Jesus and taken in by his
sophistry.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 20.0pt;">Nicodemus who is also one of the Jewish authorities
speaks on behalf of Jesus and reminds his companions of the law and a hearing
that was required before judgement. His question is ironic and seems intended
to bring out that his companions knowledge of the law is a matter of doubt.
They respond to Nicodemus in the same way in which they respond to the temple
police. They deride him and assert their seemingly superior knowledge of
scripture. Though they are emphatic that no prophet is to arise from Galilee,
this knowledge is faulty, because the scriptures do speak of the Galilean
origins of the prophet Jonah. John intends to convey through this assertion on
the part of the Pharisees that they had misunderstood both the origins of the
Messiah and who he is. Traditional messianic categories are inadequate because
they rely on prior assumptions and expectations rather than judging Jesus on
the basis of what he reveals about himself: that he is the one sent from God.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 20.0pt;">Jesus will always remain bigger than anything that we
can ever imagine. Our most intimate encounters with him must make us realize
this. He cannot be captured by the concepts, words or images that we use and
while these help us to get to know his better, they will always be inadequate.
Yet, this does not mean that we cannot know him as intimately as we want to. He
reveals himself to each of us according to the level of openness we possess. <o:p></o:p></span></p>Fr. Errol Fernandes SJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00825955827546675840noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3988996311460095280.post-13097910142442278942024-03-14T20:00:00.001+05:302024-03-14T20:00:00.248+05:30Friday, March 15, 2024 - Homily<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/TgZRMrAbt-0" width="320" youtube-src-id="TgZRMrAbt-0"></iframe></div><br /> <p></p>Fr. Errol Fernandes SJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00825955827546675840noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3988996311460095280.post-13962500789083481292024-03-14T10:30:00.001+05:302024-03-14T10:30:00.140+05:30Friday, March 15, 2024 - Will you open your eyes, ears and heart and SEE that God is present in our world even today?<p style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: 20pt;">To read the texts click on the texts: </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 20pt; text-align: left;"><b><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Wis+2%3A1%2C+12-22%3B+Jn+7%3A1-2%2C+10%2C+25-30&version=NRSVACE">Wis 2:1, 12-22; Jn7:1-2, 10, 25-30</a></b></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 20pt;">The feast of the tabernacles was originally a harvest
festival and was linked to the journey of Israel in the desert after the exodus
when they stayed in tents or booths. It was a seven day festival that brought
great joy and during this festival people lived in booths to remember their
sojourn and God’s graciousness to them. The liturgical rites performed during
this festival, included water libation and torch-lit processions. These form
the background for the discourse of Jesus during this festival.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 20.0pt;">The crowds are surprised to see Jesus teaching in
public despite the death threats and so wonder if he could indeed be the
Messiah. They also wonder if the authorities know that Jesus is the Messiah but
are denying it for some reason. Soon, “reasonableness” gives way to insight and
intuition when the crowds go back to their stereotypes. They “know” where Jesus
comes from and since no one will know where the Messiah comes from, Jesus
cannot be the Messiah. The fact is that the crowds know only one aspect of Jesus’
antecedents. Jesus informs them that they are not aware that his real origin is
in God. One will only be able to recognize and know Jesus when one realizes
that he comes from God and has been sent by him. This upsets the listeners and
though they try to arrest him, they cannot do so, because the ordained hour set
by God has not yet come.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 20.0pt;">The crucial question here is whether or not one
perceives Jesus as having been sent by God. The answer to this question
determines whether one is on the right track or engaged in only superficial
reflection. One reason why the authorities’ could not recognize Jesus as having
been sent by God was because they had made up their minds already. They refused
to let God work in the way he wanted. They decided how God must work and how
the Messiah would come. They “knew”. This “knowledge” led to their being closed
to the revelation that God made, so that even after he came, they continued to
look for another.</span></p>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 20pt;">God continues to come to us in various disguises
and forms. He comes in persons, events and situations. If we decide in advance
how he must come, then there is the danger that we too might continue to miss
him and not be aware of his presence. The way to be able to find him in all
things and all things in him is to be open and receptive and let God be God. It
is to open our eyes, ears and every fiber of our being to the revelation that
he will make and to be prepared for that revelation in the most unexpected
persons, places and events.</span></div></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"></span>Fr. Errol Fernandes SJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00825955827546675840noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3988996311460095280.post-36469800674006091732024-03-13T20:00:00.001+05:302024-03-13T20:00:00.246+05:30Thursday, March 14, 2024 - Homily<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/PboRhupvZok" width="320" youtube-src-id="PboRhupvZok"></iframe></div><br /> <p></p>Fr. Errol Fernandes SJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00825955827546675840noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3988996311460095280.post-13337355365312352162024-03-13T10:30:00.005+05:302024-03-13T10:30:00.129+05:30Thursday, March 14, 2024 - Do you believe in Jesus? How will you show that you are a “believer”?<p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 20pt;">To read the texts click on the texts:<b> </b></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 20pt; text-align: left;"><b><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Exod+32%3A7-14%3B+Jn+5%3A31-47&version=NRSVACE">Exod 32:7-14; Jn5:31-47</a></b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 20pt;">The text of today contains the second part of the
discourse of Jesus in response to the outrage of the Jewish leaders because
Jesus had healed on the Sabbath. It can be seen to be divided into two parts. The
first part speaks about the witnesses John and the Father who testify to Jesus’
claims and the second part about the rejection of Jesus and the unbelief of the
leaders.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 20pt;">The witness that Jesus offers is not his own since no
one can legitimately or validly bear witness on his own behalf. The first
witness Jesus mentions here is John the Baptist who in the Gospel of John is portrayed
more as a witness rather than as a precursor or Baptist as he is in the
Synoptic Gospels. In witnessing to the truth John witnessed to Jesus since
Jesus is the truth. However, John was a mere lamp and not the light so though
his testimony is true there is another witness far greater than John and that
is the works that Jesus has accomplished after being sent by the Father.
“Works’ here seems to refer not just to the miracles that Jesus worked but to the
whole of his ministry. These works are the works of the Father and so bear
witness to him and to the relationship that Jesus shares with him as Son. Since
Jesus as Son does what God as father commands him to do, Jesus completes the
Father’s own works. The third witness is the Father himself. God himself cannot
be seen, yet, he has been made visible in Jesus and the Jewish leaders have
refused to believe the God made so visible.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 20pt;">The scriptures also testify on behalf of Jesus and
though the leaders search and study the scriptures because they seek life, they
refuse to believe what they learn there, namely that Jesus is the one who gives
life and life in abundance. This is because they are unable to distinguish
truth from falsehood. It is not Jesus but Moses himself who will accuse them of
unbelief. This is because Moses also testified to Jesus and despite his
testimony, they have refused to believe. If one believes what Moses wrote, one
has to believe in Jesus, there is no middle ground here.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 20pt;">It is not easy to believe in Jesus, because such a
belief calls for a radical change in one’s life’s orientation. Belief in Jesus
will mean a movement from selfishness to selfless, domination to service and
fear to love and not many are inclined to make this change. Most of us are
content to live our lives insulated from others and preferring to live as
islands rather than as community. We pretend not to know who we are and what
our calling is. It seems easier this way. However, as the Gospel text makes clear
there is no middle ground and if one is not willing to live the kind of life
that Jesus invites us to as his disciples, then one is a non-believer. <o:p></o:p></span></p>Fr. Errol Fernandes SJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00825955827546675840noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3988996311460095280.post-87806028490440616562024-03-12T20:00:00.001+05:302024-03-12T20:00:00.126+05:30Wednesday, March 13, 2024 - Homily<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/QOxs83Dqei0" width="320" youtube-src-id="QOxs83Dqei0"></iframe></div><br /> <p></p>Fr. Errol Fernandes SJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00825955827546675840noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3988996311460095280.post-71605547249968731672024-03-12T10:30:00.002+05:302024-03-12T10:30:00.130+05:30Wednesday, March 13, 2024 - Jesus revealed the Father through all that he said and did. Will you reveal Jesus by what you say and do today?<p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 20pt;">To read the texts click on the texts: </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 20pt; text-align: left;"><b><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Isa+49%3A8-15%3B+Jn+5%3A17-30&version=NRSVACE">Isa 49:8-15; Jn 5:17-30</a></b></span><span style="font-size: 20pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 20pt;">These verses contain the first discourse in the Gospel
of John. It is made up of many closely related themes. The Jews are outraged
that Jesus has healed on the Sabbath and in answer to this outrage Jesus
answers them in the following verses. To the charge that Jesus was making
himself equal to God, Jesus answers that he as Son can do nothing apart from the
Father. He is completely dependent on the Father and merely does the Father’s
work. The Father reveals all that he does to his Son including raising the dead
and giving them life. Thus the Son shares in the life giving work of the
Father. The Son has also been given the power and authority to judge. This implies
that everyone is under the Son’s reign and rule, and thus must confer on him
the same honour that is conferred on the Father. The one who does not honour
the Son does not honour the Father since it is the Father who has sent the Son.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 20pt;">To hear the Son’s word and believe in God opens the
gift of eternal life. The alternative is judgment. This judgement will be based
on the response to the Son in the present. Those who accept him and do good
will be granted the resurrection of life whereas those who reject the Son and
thus do evil will go to the resurrection of condemnation. The now will
determine the later, the present will determine the future. This part of the
pericope ends with an idea expressed earlier namely that the Son can do nothing
on his own and will do nothing on his own, because he seeks only to do the will
of his Father.<o:p></o:p></span></p>Fr. Errol Fernandes SJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00825955827546675840noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3988996311460095280.post-30813188072366906892024-03-11T20:00:00.001+05:302024-03-11T20:00:00.141+05:30Tuesday, March 12, 2024 - Homily<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/BF_9fCoOlno" width="320" youtube-src-id="BF_9fCoOlno"></iframe></div><br /> <p></p>Fr. Errol Fernandes SJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00825955827546675840noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3988996311460095280.post-35568007969923091522024-03-11T10:30:00.001+05:302024-03-11T10:30:00.134+05:30Tuesday, March 12, 2024 How do I show that I have really been forgiven? What does it means that I can rise, take up my mat and walk?<p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 20pt;">To read the texts, click on the texts: </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 20pt; text-align: left;"><b><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ezek+47%3A1-9%2C+12%3B+Jn+5%3A1-3%2C+5-16&version=NRSVACE">Ezek 47:1-9, 12; Jn5:1-3, 5-16</a></b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 20.0pt;">The miracle of the healing of the paralytic is
exclusive to the Gospel of John. The story is set in Jerusalem and the miracle
occurs during one of the Jewish festivals though John does not specify which
one. Later in the narrative we are told that the day of the festival was also
the Sabbath and this adds to the significance of both the festival and the
Sabbath and thus the miracle and the controversy that follows. Festivals in
John are used as a platform for a deep revelation of the person of Jesus and
this festival is no exception.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 20.0pt;">John gives a detailed description of the place where
the miracle was performed as if encouraging the reader to place him/herself in
that place. Three kinds of invalids are mentioned: the blind, the lame and the
paralyzed. These are at the pool waiting for the stirring of the water. Popular
belief was that an angel was responsible for the stirring of the water and thus
for the inexplicable bubbling at the surface. Of these one is singled out. He
is a man who has been ill for thirty-eight years, which symbolizes that his
illness is almost permanent. At this point the text does not tell us what his
illness is. Jesus picks out this man and again we are not given a reason. Did
he come across to Jesus as the one most in need? Was he the only one who did
not have someone to help him? We are only told that Jesus “knew that he had
been there a long time”. Jesus initiates the miracle by approaching the man.
Yet, he does not force his healing on the man as is evident in the question
that he asks him; “Do you want to be made well?” The man does not answer the
question but begins his litany of complaints. He has already set limits to what
he believes can be done for him. He does not expect the impossible. Jesus
responds to the man’s complaints with three imperatives: “stand up, take your
mat and walk”. That Jesus’ words are effective and transformative is evident in
the fact that the man was made well. He obeys Jesus’ commands to the letter:
“He took up his mat and walked”.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 20.0pt;">Immediately after the miracle, there is an objection
on the part of “the Jews” (which here refers to the Jewish authorities who
oppose Jesus and not the Jewish people in general) because the man was carrying
his mat on the Sabbath and this constituted work which was not allowed on the Sabbath.
The man responds that he is simply obeying what Jesus asked him to do. The
Jewish leaders prefer to focus not on the fact that he had been made well, but
on the one who told him to violate the Sabbath. The man cannot respond to the
question of the Jewish leaders about who Jesus is, since he does not know
Jesus.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 20.0pt;">At this point Jesus reenters the story and finds the
man in the temple confirming that he has been made well and speaks to him about
sin. He invites the man to move from the mere physical healing to spiritual
healing. The man on encountering Jesus again, announces to the Jews that it was
Jesus who made him well. While some see these words of the man as pointing
Jesus out to the Jewish leaders, others interpret them as an announcement of
the man about who Jesus is. Again the leaders refuse to focus on the positive
action of the man being made well and focus instead on the violation of the
Sabbath. This is why they decide to persecute him.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 20.0pt;">Two issues are brought out in this story. The first is
that of illness. While we may be able to see with the eyes of our head, it is
possible that we too like many of those who were at the pool may be psychologically
or spiritually blind. We may not be able to see another person’s point of view
and imagine sometimes that ours is the only correct viewpoint. We may also be
blind to the sufferings of the numerous people around us and close ourselves in
on our own small worlds. We may have the facility and use of both of our legs,
but may have given in to lethargy or laziness. We may have lost the desire and
drive to do what we have to do. We may be able to use all our limbs and move
about freely, but may have given in to fear. We may also be carrying resentments,
bitterness, anger, jealousy and even rage in our hearts because of which we are
paralyzed and not able to move freely.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 20.0pt;">The second issue which the story brings out is that of
law versus love. Like the Jewish leaders we are also guilty sometimes of
focusing too much on the law and not enough on love. Like they were not able to
focus on the man’s wholeness but only on the violation of the Sabbath, so we are
sometimes prone to focus on the negatives rather than on the positive. We
prefer often to give a negative interpretation to a person’s actions and words
rather than a positive one.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 20.0pt;">The miracle thus calls each of us to give up the
blindness of our heart and the lameness of our mind and the paralysis of our
spirit and to focus on the positive of God’s unconditional healing and love
made visible in Jesus.<o:p></o:p></span></p>Fr. Errol Fernandes SJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00825955827546675840noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3988996311460095280.post-3474304256708007882024-03-10T20:00:00.001+05:302024-03-10T20:00:00.140+05:30Monday, March 11, 2024 - Homily<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/BRJ72UkpIcU" width="320" youtube-src-id="BRJ72UkpIcU"></iframe></div><br /> <p></p>Fr. Errol Fernandes SJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00825955827546675840noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3988996311460095280.post-74263147740082501452024-03-10T10:30:00.001+05:302024-03-10T10:30:00.137+05:30Monday, March 11, 2024 - Do you believe in God only when things go the way you plan or do you continue to believe in all circumstances? Is your God only a miracle worker or is he a God with you and for you?<p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 20pt;">To read the texts click on the texts: </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 20pt; text-align: left;"><b><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Isa+65%3A17-21%3B+Jn+4%3A43-54&version=NRSVACE">Isa 65:17-21; Jn4:43-54</a></b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 20.0pt;">The healing of the royal official’s son (4:46-54)
which is part of our text today begins after the dialogue with the Samaritan
woman (4:1-42). The first two verses of today’s text (4:43-45) serve as an
interlude between the two stories. John uses the saying of the prophet having
no honour in his own country, to show why Jesus came to Galilee. In John, Judea
is Jesus’ own country and since he was not accepted there, he had to go to
others including the Samaritans. Like the Samaritans, the Galileans welcome him.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 20.0pt;">The first verse of the miracle story that follows is
an introduction narrating the case. The son of a royal official is ill in
Capernaum. The mention of Cana and a summary of the first miracle of turning
water into wine anticipate another miracle. The healing in this miracle,
however, is done at a distance. The official makes a request for Jesus to come
down and heal his son who is at the point of death. The immediate response of
Jesus is directed not to the official alone but to all. That Jesus did heal the
official’s son is an indication that his words are not meant merely as a rebuke,
but go deeper. Though the people will base their faith in him merely on signs
and wonders, Jesus invites them to realize that these are not what will
motivate him to act. He will act only in accordance with the will of God. Human
expectation cannot determine his action. Even after hearing this seeming
rebuke, the official is not deterred. He perseveres in his request. With a word
and from a distance, Jesus performs the healing. The official’s faith is Jesus
is seen in his obedience to the command to “Go”. He does go on his way.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 20.0pt;">The attestation of the miracle is provided by the
servants of the official who meet him when he is still on his way to his home.
The official on further enquiry realizes that Jesus is the one who has
performed the healing and is led to faith. The man now believes in Jesus, not
only in Jesus’ word.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 20.0pt;">At the end of the miracle John remarks that this was
then second sign that Jesus worked after coming to Galilee. In his Gospel, John
always refers to the miracles of Jesus as signs.</span><span style="font-size: 20pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 20.0pt;">Sickness and brokenness are very much visible in our
world today and most are in need of some form of healing or another. At times
doctors are not able to diagnose an illness and at other times when they are
and perform a complicated operation, ask the patient and family members to pray
and have faith. There is only so much that they can do, the rest is in God’s
hands. The official in the story had probably gone to Jesus as a last resort
(his son was not merely ill but at the point of death) after having explored
and exhausted all other avenues. He is single minded in his purpose and will
let nothing deter him. He believes and perseveres. His faith gains for him not
only his son’s life but also the gift of faith in Jesus.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 20.0pt;">This means that faith cannot be based on external
signs alone and remain at that level. If it is and does, then one will look at
Jesus as a mere miracle worker. The focus here would be only on the actions of
Jesus and not on his person from which his actions flow. If one is able to go beyond
the action to the person of Jesus, then one will also be able to see who God
is: God with us, for us and in us. <o:p></o:p></span></p>Fr. Errol Fernandes SJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00825955827546675840noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3988996311460095280.post-20973123184983936542024-03-09T10:30:00.007+05:302024-03-09T10:30:00.142+05:30Sunday, March 10, 2024 - Homily<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/e6YVp9aCZtk" width="320" youtube-src-id="e6YVp9aCZtk"></iframe></div><br /> <p></p>Fr. Errol Fernandes SJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00825955827546675840noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3988996311460095280.post-4329050998805042072024-03-09T10:30:00.005+05:302024-03-09T10:30:00.142+05:30Sunday, March 10, 2024 - He lights our way<p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 19pt;">To read the texts click
on the texts: <b><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2+Chr+36%3A14-17%2C19-23%3B+Eph+2%3A4-10%3B+Jn+3%3A14-21&version=NRSVACE">2 Chr 36:14-17,19-23; Eph 2:4-10; Jn 3:14-21</a></b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 19pt; line-height: 107%;">“God made us in God's
image and likeness and we have been repaying the compliment ever since.” This
statement of a wit is not far from the truth. We continue to fashion God
according to the smallness of our minds. The great mystics of many religions
realized this and so when they speak of God, they realize that, even after all
is said, there will still be much left to be said. John does the same in his
Gospel.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 19pt; line-height: 107%;">He cautions the readers
of his Gospel in 21:25: “But there are also many other things that Jesus did;
if every one of them were written down…” Yet, he does speak of the revelation
that God makes in Jesus, and of the blessing we have received in this revelation,
because it gives us insight into who God is.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 19pt; line-height: 107%;">The text of today begins
with what is regarded as the first of the three passion, resurrection, and
ascension predictions in the Gospel of John. Jesus will be lifted up / exalted,
just as Moses lifted up / exalted the bronze serpent in the wilderness. The
term hupsoo can mean ‘lift up’ or ‘exalt’. Although the word might indicate the
physical act of ‘lifting up’ the cross beam at the time of his crucifixion, it
might also mean his ‘exaltation into glory’. Thus, in his crucifixion, Jesus
will also be exalted, yet there is no exaltation apart from the crucifixion.
The consequence of believing in Jesus lifted up/exalted is eternal life, which
here means a life lived in the constant presence of God. Jesus dies, but only
to be raised to life and ascend to the Father.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 19pt; line-height: 107%;">This unconditional love
of God was made visible and tangible in Jesus, God’s Son come into the world.
The Son, given as a gift of God, was accepted by some but rejected by others.
God sent his Son so that all may have eternal life. The primary purpose of
sending the Son was to save, not to condemn. Yet, every person is free to
decide whether he/she wants to accept this free gift. Acceptance of the gift of
the Son of God means salvation; rejection means that one condemns oneself.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 19pt; line-height: 107%;">The people of Israel were
freed from exile in Babylon, by Cyrus, the Persian king. After being freed,
they became bound again, bound by their own desires and selfishness. They have
in Jesus salvation in every sense of the word. It is a salvation achieved
through the self-sacrifice of Jesus, the only Son of God. Because of this, all
people everywhere can have an even better life than the Israelites had under
David and Solomon. The Lord’s song can continue to be sung in this new land and
this new life. People will not need to remember Zion. There will no longer be
exile or captivity. There will no longer be any mourning, weeping, or sorrow.
The coming of God’s Son has turned all sorrow into joy and every tear has been
wiped away.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 19pt; line-height: 107%;">This insight is extremely
important for our lives as well, because it means that, if we accept it, our
lives will never be the same again. God could have, like in the past, sent yet
another messenger or even another message. Yet, he opted for the most extreme
of measures when he sent a part of himself. It is even more stunning that this
Son was sent, not to judge, but to draw people to God through love and
forgiveness. The primary task of Jesus, as his name suggests, was to be
salvation to all. The all-inclusive nature of this salvation, and its
availability to the whole human race, is something that is possible only for
God.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 19pt; line-height: 107%;">But not everyone accepts
this salvation offered by the Son. Though the light has come, some preferred
the dark. The reason why they preferred the dark is because they did not want
either their deeds or their person to be exposed. Fear ruled their hearts.
Those who opted for the light opted for freedom</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 19pt; line-height: 107%;">This idea is reiterated
in the second reading of today in which the Christians at Ephesus are given an
insight into the unconditional love of God which, because it came when they
were sinners, proves that God’s love is a gift and not something earned. To
show that the gift has been received and not spurned, they are called to live
lives worthy of this great gift or God’s love.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 19pt; line-height: 107%;">Today’s readings give us
an insight into who God is in Jesus. They state simply that God is, and will
always be, unconditional, magnanimous, and bountiful love. This calls us to a
new hope and a new courage. They say to us that, even when we are in extremely
difficult situations and there seems to be no light at the end of the tunnel,
God continues to be there with us, walking ahead of us, guiding our path and
lighting our way. They say to us that, at moments when we think all is lost and
we have no hope, we must not give up or give in. They say to us that, even at
those times when we cannot fully understand why things happen the way they do
and we are tempted to through in the towel, God continues to offer hope and
consolation.<o:p></o:p></span></p>Fr. Errol Fernandes SJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00825955827546675840noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3988996311460095280.post-29724209277175681942024-03-08T10:30:00.003+05:302024-03-08T10:30:00.145+05:30Saturday, March 9, 2024 - Homily<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/k8VfiC6ihrY" width="320" youtube-src-id="k8VfiC6ihrY"></iframe></div><br /> <p></p>Fr. Errol Fernandes SJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00825955827546675840noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3988996311460095280.post-58886597665167112022024-03-08T10:30:00.001+05:302024-03-08T10:30:00.146+05:30Saturday, March 9, 2024 - Does the content of your prayer include despising or condemning others? Has pride prevented you from encountering God? What will you do about it today?<p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 20pt;">To read the texts click on the texts: </span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 20pt; text-align: left;"><b><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=.+Hosea+5%3A15+%E2%80%93+6%3A6%3B+Lk+18%3A9-14&version=NRSVACE">Hosea5:15 – 6:6; Lk 18:9-14</a></b></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 20pt;">The parable that forms the text today is knows as the
Parable of the Pharisee and tax Collector but is not so much about these persons
as it is about the disposition for prayer in any person. It is exclusive to
Luke. The parable is addressed not to the Pharisees, but to those who “trusted
in themselves that they were righteous and regarded others with contempt”. This
could be a description of any self righteous person.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 20.0pt;">The two men who went up to the temple to pray are
introduced as a Pharisee and a tax collector. Pharisee means “separated one” and
the Pharisee in the parable takes this prayer position. He stands apart or by
himself. Though he begins his prayer with thanksgiving, it is soon clear that
it is not genuine thanks, but self centered. He is aware of the presence of the
tax collector in the temple and regards him with contempt even as he prays. The
Pharisee makes clear that he follows the law perfectly and obeys even the
injunctions to fast and give tithes. He asks nothing of God probably because he
thinks he is self sufficient.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 20.0pt;">By contrast the tax collector will not dare to come
near but stands “far off”. This indicates his position before God. He does not
consider himself worthy. While the commonly accepted posture of prayer was with
hands folded and looking up to God, this tax collector stands with his head
bowed and “would not even look up to heaven”. Instead he beats his breast in
acknowledgement of the fact that he is unworthy and a sinner. His prayer is God
centered. He cedes all power to God. He has nothing to boast about.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 20.0pt;">The comment at the end of the parable makes clear its
intent. The Pharisee returned to his home without having been made righteous,
but the tax collector was accepted before God.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 20.0pt;">Those who trust in their own righteousness will regard
others with contempt, and those who regard others with contempt cannot then
bring themselves to rely on God’s grace. Therefore, persons who exalt
themselves over others and boast of their virtue before God will discover that
they have cut themselves off from both, and persons who are aware of their need
for grace and forgiveness will not be able to despise other people.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 20pt;">The nature of grace is paradoxical: It can be
received only by those who have learned empathy for others. In that regard,
grace partakes of the nature of mercy and forgiveness. Only the merciful can
receive mercy, and only those who forgive will be forgiven. The Pharisee had enough
religion to be virtuous, but not enough to be humble. As a result, his religion
drove him away from the tax collector rather than toward him.</span></div></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"></span>Fr. Errol Fernandes SJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00825955827546675840noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3988996311460095280.post-58401293022487615932024-03-07T20:00:00.001+05:302024-03-07T20:00:00.142+05:30Friday, March 8, 2024 - Homily<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/sZH0njgCNqs" width="320" youtube-src-id="sZH0njgCNqs"></iframe></div><br /> <p></p>Fr. Errol Fernandes SJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00825955827546675840noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3988996311460095280.post-14637907394078297602024-03-07T10:30:00.002+05:302024-03-09T03:48:06.124+05:30Friday, March 8, 2024 - Will your love for God show in your love for at least one person today?<p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 20pt; text-align: left;">To read the texts click on the texts: </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 20pt; text-align: left;"><b><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Hosea+14%3A2-10%3B+Mk+12%3A28-34&version=NRSVACE">Hosea 14:2-10; Mk12:28-34</a></b></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 20pt; text-align: left;">In Matthew
22:35, the lawyer asks the question about the great commandment in order to
test Jesus; in Mark he is not hostile and does not intend to test Jesus. As a
matter of fact Mark mentions at the beginning of the incident that the lawyer
thought that Jesus had answered the Sadducees well and at the end of that response,
he commends Jesus for his answer. Jesus responds to the lawyer’s question in
the words of the “Shema”, which speaks of love of God (Deut 6:5-6), but adds
also the love of neighbour (Lev 19:18). The scribe’s response to this is to
acknowledge Jesus’ answer as correct and to add that following these commandments
is greater than sacrifices and burnt offerings. Jesus concludes the dialogue by
stating that because the scribe has recognized what his priorities are, he is
not far from the kingdom of God.</span></p>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 20pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 20pt;">Love of God cannot really be separated from love
of neighbour. The two go together. Our love for God is made manifest and
tangible only when we reach out in love to someone else.</span><span style="font-size: 20pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 20pt;">While Paul gives a beautiful description of
what love is and what it is not in 1 Corinthians 13, my own definition of love
is that in love there is no “I”.</span></div></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"></span>Fr. Errol Fernandes SJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00825955827546675840noreply@blogger.com0