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Sunday Homily – 14 July 2024

Fr. Bobby Joseph CMI
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Sunday Homily – 14 July 2024

Fifteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Also Read: Mass Readings for 14 July 2024 Mass Reading Reflection for 14 July 2024

Gospel: Mark 6: 7-13

With Jesus, you either accept or reject Him, He is never open to negotiation. He said, “Whatever place does not welcome or listen to you, leave there.” Referring to an ancient Jewish custom of dusting off their feet upon leaving a foreign land, He instructed them to dust off their feet, implying that they don’t carry any evil custom. Jesus is never open to negotiation.

Giving something and taking something in return, is the core of negotiation. Jesus is like a rude storekeeper who says: ‘You take it or leave it.’ He is not ready to customize the Gospel to boost the business.

Jesus was categorical when he said, “Whatever place does not welcome you or listen to you, leave there.” You don’t have to stay back trying to convince, instead you go on with your mission of preaching the Good News elsewhere.

God entertains no negotiation on the Ten Commandments. Jesus reiterated it when he said, “If you want to enter life, keep the commandments” (Mt 19:17).

Gospel cannot be customized to accommodate the advocates of same-sex marriage. Gospel cannot be customized for the advocates of promiscuous sex. Gospel cannot be customized for those who bent ethics to amass wealth. Gospel cannot be customized to please the advocates of the prochoice group, who call abortion by any name other than its true name: murder. Gospel cannot be customized to approve the LGBTQ or the woke.

We are commissioned to call them to repentance and invite them to the Kingdom of God. We are not called to smoothen the edges and corners of the Gospel so that it does not hurt them.  Gospel hurts. It is like a surgeon’s knife; it hurts to heal. Don’t ever try to blunt the edges of the Gospel to please anyone. It is better to dust off your feet and move on than try to blunt the Gospel to please anyone.

Remember that Jesus sends us with authority over unclean spirits. We are to call the unclean, unclean, and to drive the unclean spirit out of our families and lives. Glorifying the unclean is not expected of His disciples.

Let us make it a point this week to tell of Jesus and His Gospel to anyone willing to listen. Take someone willing, from your parish or community with you. Visit someone from your neighborhood. And feel how it is to talk about Jesus and the Gospel. Encourage them to break the chains of alcohol, drugs, or promiscuous life. And, talk of the liberating love of Jesus.

The disciples were much like each of us, not sure if they could do it. They knew a little of Jesus and the Gospel. Nonetheless, they went because they trusted Jesus their master who commissioned them. Trust Jesus like the apostles and preach confidentially like them.

Amen.  

Sunday Reflection – 14 July 2024

Maryanne Cardoz-Mascarenhas
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Sunday Reflection – 14 July 2024

Fifteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Also Read: Mass Readings for 14 July 2024 Homily for 14 July 2024 – Sunday

First Reading: Amos 7: 12-15

The Lord took me from following the flock, and the Lord said to me, ‘Go, prophesy to my people Israel.’ (15)

The priest of Bethel, Amaziah, was trying to coerce Amos into not prophesying there. Amos had spoken how “Israel must go in to exile.” (11) These words were not well received by the priest. Sometimes being in authority our leaders need to speak the harsh truth however hurtful it may be, so that our people are saved. Likewise, in our little corners, our homes, our offices, our schools, and other places of our influence; we are charged with the responsibility of standing for what is right!

We ask the dear Holy Spirit to guide us and grant us the courage to be true to ourselves. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 85: 9-14

Let me hear what God the Lord will speak, for he will speak peace to his people, to his  faithful, to those who turn to him in their hearts.

Alleluia, Amen!

Second Reading: Ephesians 1: 3-14

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places. (3)

He destined us for adoption as his children through Jesus Christ, according to the good pleasure of his will. (5)

In him you also, when you had heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and had believed in him, were marked with the seal of the promised Holy Spirit. (13)

We must strive always to remember these truths as stated here in the Holy Bible. We are adopted Children of the Most High God! In the cacophony of this world of lies, we might get dragged into a deception that we are not enough. But the Holy Spirit of the Lord, who dwells within us nudges our souls into the truth. The gospel of our salvation is that we remain fearless in adversity and steadfast in GOD.

Let us remain rooted in the Word of GOD and HE will open our eyes to the Truth. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Alleluia: Ephesians 1: 17-18

With the eyes of your heart enlightened, you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance among the saints.

Amen, Alleluia!

Gospel: Mark 6: 7-13

So they went out and proclaimed that all should repent. (12)

Our Lord Jesus Christ has given us all the authority over unclean spirits, just as he gave it to the apostles. We are his children and must walk with the sandals he has provided and the staff in our hands for protection. When the dust of the world of insults, negativity, and hatred tries to settle on us, we must shake them off. We must remain disciplined on our journey, despite the setbacks. With courage and confidence through the Word of God, we can overcome the world. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

There is Power in the Blood of the Lamb

Cecilia Vinita
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There is Power in the Blood of the Lamb

An integral part of our Catholic belief is the power of the most precious Blood of Jesus Christ to atone for our sins, however numerous and grave they may be. It is well-known that the blood of Christ is the price of our salvation and God willed to be appeased by it for the forgiveness of sins of mankind. 

No blood, no life.

God’s choice of blood for our Salvation wasn’t random but a deliberate one in the light of its significance in sustaining life. This was made clear by Him when He said in Leviticus 17:11 – “For the life of the flesh is in the blood, and I have given it for you on the altar to make atonement for your souls, for it is the blood that makes atonement for one’s life.” In other words, without blood, there’s no life. 

The very first blood sacrifice 

 It must be noted that the first blood sacrifice was made by God himself in the very beginning soon after the fall of Adam and Eve into sin. This has been revealed to us in Genesis 3:21 – “And the Lord God made for Adam and for his wife garments of skins and clothed them.” Thus Abba Father had to make an animal sacrifice to cover up their shame as a consequence of sin. 

Establishment of the New and Eternal Covenant

Animal sacrifices formed an important theme in the Old Testament as it was required by God for the temporal coverage of sins. The animals chosen for the purpose had to be spotless. Leviticus 16 gives a blow-by-blow account of the animal sacrifice made in recompense for the transgressions of Israel. However, this kind of sacrifice was only provisional and had to be performed year after year for the atonement of sins. A permanent restoration was needed and so God, our Father, sent His Son as a sacrificial lamb to pay for our sins. It was His desire to establish a new and eternal covenant with His people by the blood of the One without sin thereby rebuilding His relationship with us. Thus the blood of Christ is the seal of this new covenant which makes amends for all that’s lost through sin and disobedience. Christ himself proclaimed, “This is my blood of the covenant, which will be shed on behalf of many for the forgiveness of sins.” (Matthew 26:28). 

A poignant reminder of what His blood has done for us is 1 Peter 18:19 – “You were ransomed from your futile conduct, handed on by your ancestors, not with perishable things like silver or gold but with the precious blood of Christ as of a spotless unblemished lamb.” In a nutshell, without His bloodshed, redemption couldn’t have been possible. 

History of the devotion to the Blood of Christ  

The feast of the Most Precious Blood of Our Lord Jesus Christ was instituted by Pope Pius IX in 1849, as a protection against the dangers looming in a hazardous society. July has long since been designated as the month for this devotion. 

While this feast day was removed from the liturgical calendar after the Second Vatican Council and had given way to the feast of Corpus Christi, the traditional dedication of the month of July to this devotion remains. As a matter of course, it is worth discovering ways to intensify our devotion to the Precious Blood of Jesus in our lives.

Key points for adoration 

Our Lord in his lifetime shed His blood seven times – 

His Circumcision, The Agony in the garden, The Scourging at the Pillar, The Crowning of thorns, The Carrying of the Cross, The Crucifixion, The Piercing of His side. A perfect adoration of His precious blood would call for contemplation on each of these moments. This can be best done through regular participation in the Eucharistic celebration where we privileged Catholics are invited to receive His Body and Blood made possible through transubstantiation. 

Claim His blood and experience its power

At times, we tend to be discouraged by the enormity and gravity of our sins and even begin to despair. In those moments of hopelessness, let’s remember the redemptive power of His blood and say this simple yet powerful prayer with faith “Most Precious Blood of Jesus Christ, save us and the whole world.” Repeating it as often as we can would for certain make us experience God’s transforming power in our lives. 

Sunday Reflection – 30 June 2024

Maryanne Cardoz-Mascarenhas
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Sunday Reflection – 30 June 2024

Thirteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Also Read: Mass Readings for 30 June 2024

First Reading: Wisdom 1: 13-15; 2: 23-24

The True Nature of GOD!

“God did not make death, and he does not delight in the death of the living.” (13)

“For God created us for incorruption, and made us in the image of his own eternity, but through the devil’s envy death entered the world, and those who belong to his company experience it. (23-24)

We must Praise God! We read and see for ourselves here that God did not create death! We must read through the 1st and 2nd chapters to gain an insight into the words of the reading today! It is very clearly written about how man “invited death”! –“Do not invite death by the error of your life, or bring on destruction by the works of your hands!” (Wis.1:12) The works of the ungodly are described in the verses between the readings today. (Wis.2:5 – 20) “Thus they reasoned, but they were led astray, for their wickedness blinded them.” (Wis.2:21) Let our base and wicked self, not lead us into sin! – “For a holy and disciplined spirit will flee from deceit…” (Wis.1:5)

Therefore let us remain disciplined and beware of the company we keep too! We pray to St. Michael to protect us always, in Jesus’ name Amen!

Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 30: 2-6, 11-13

“O Lord my God, I cried to you for help, and you have healed me.” (2)

“…so that my soul may praise you and not be silent. O Lord my God, I will give thanks to you forever.” (12)

Amen, Alleluia!

Second Reading: Second Corinthians 8: 7, 9, 13-15

Stay on Course!

Now as you excel in everything—in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in utmost eagerness, and in our love for you — so we want you to excel also in this generous undertaking. (7)

St. Paul urges the Church in Corinth to finish the work they began last year! (2Cor. 8: 10-12) Citing the example of the Churches in Macedonia, (2 Cor. 8:1-5) he encourages them to work on their commitment. We too are urged to complete the work we began in ourselves with much enthusiasm. According to the Lectio Divina, “Let us seek out support to do what is good and right. When our commitments are shared we have greater likelihood of success.”

Our greatest supports are Mother Mary and the Holy Spirit; let us turn our hearts to them and be led! In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Alleluia: Second Timothy 1: 10

This grace was given to us in Christ Jesus before the ages began, but it has now been revealed through the appearing of our Savior Christ Jesus, who abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel.

Alleluia!

Gospel: Mark 5: 21-43

The Faith Manual!

He said to her, “Daughter, your faith has made you well; go in peace, and be healed of your disease.” (34)

 He took her by the hand and said to her, “Talitha cum,” which means, “Little girl, get up!” And immediately the girl got up and began to walk about (she was twelve years of age). At this they were overcome with amazement. (41-42)

There was a crowd, yet she didn’t give up hope of encountering her healing. She knew The Source and kept her focus on HIM. The woman “felt in her body” that she had been healed. (v.29)  She didn’t step back quietly into anonymity but stepped up and proclaimed all that had taken place inside of her! In the other miracle cited today, the 12-year-old girl heard the voice of the Master and obeyed!

There could be times when the Lord allows us the grace to believe first before we receive our miracle! As we pray with the belief of already receiving the miracle, “our faith will make us well!” Then as the little girl obeys HIS command, let us wake up and walk about in faith. Faith in action requires us to have courage, the courage to obey! Only then will our faith be meaningful!

Many a miracle awaits us. It is only us who stand in the way! Let us believe already and act accordingly! In Jesus’ name, Amen!

Sunday Reflection – 23 June 2024

Maryanne Cardoz-Mascarenhas
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Sunday Reflection – 23 June 2024

Twelfth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Also Read: Mass Readings for 23 June 2024 Homily for 23 June 2024 – Sunday

First Reading: Job 38: 1, 8-11

Then the Lord answered Job out of the whirlwind: “Who is this that darkens counsel by words without knowledge? (1)

In the previous chapters Elihu one of Job’s friends, rebukes Job and the other friends; reminding them of God’s goodness and justice. Job comes across as self-righteous, as he proclaims how he has lived an upright life!

Now in the passage today, we hear The Lord’s response to Job! The Lord God questions Job rhetorically! “Gird up your loins like a man, I will question you, and you shall declare to me.” (v.3) “The words without knowledge are those that darken counsel!” We must beware of boasting about our self-righteousness! Surely we cannot match up to so many saints and holy people before us! Being Christians we are anyways called to live upright lives! Are we perfect? No! So then, how can we think any more highly of ourselves? The Lord loves us, as we are; and that must suffice us to live humbly.

In Jesus’ name, Amen!

Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 107: 23-26, 28-31

Then they cried to the Lord in their trouble, and he brought them out from their distress; he made the storm be still, and the waves of the sea were hushed. Then they were glad because they had quiet, and he brought them to their desired haven. Let them thank the Lord for his steadfast love, for his wonderful works to humankind. (28-31)

Praise the Lord, Alleluia!

Second Reading: Second Corinthians 5: 14-17

From now on, therefore, we regard no one from a human point of view; even though we once knew Christ from a human point of view, we know him no longer in that way. So if anyone is in Christ, there is a new creation: everything old has passed away; see, everything has become new! (16-17)

The apostles knew Christ in the flesh! St. Paul too experienced Christ personally and therefore was able to testify! Once they knew Christ face to face, but after His ascension and the Pentecost; they knew Him in the Divine incarnation! If repentant, we return to the Lord, we no longer remain old but turn a new creation. The repentant and humble heart is a new creation; therefore we must see ourselves and others in this new view! Being humble requires being bold and vice versa. When we are humble, we are bold enough to acknowledge our failings! When we are bold, we are humble enough to obey the prompting of the Dear Holy Spirit!

In Jesus’ name, Amen!

Alleluia: Luke 7: 16

Fear seized all of them; and they glorified God, saying, “A great prophet has risen among us!” and “God has looked favorably on his people!”

The widow’s son at Nain was brought back to life! Alleluia, Glory to God! Amen.

Gospel: Mark 4: 35-41

He woke up and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, “Peace! Be still!” Then the wind ceased, and there was a dead calm. (39)

He said to them, “Why are you afraid? Have you still no faith?” (40)

If in a world filled with strife, we still see Peace! If all around us we see discord, yet we have peace in our hearts! If so, we have Christ at the stern of our boat! Are we still afraid? Jesus questions us today, as He questioned Job: “Have you still no faith?”

After witnessing Christ’s work in such powerful and wondrous ways in our lives and in the lives of others; we must profess our faith in concrete actions today! In the little daily moments of doubt let us speak the scriptures into our lives. Let us persist in reading the Lord’s Word first thing in the morning, so that during the day while we face struggles or temptations; we are reminded of what the Lord said to us in the morning! Let us bring the Word of God to our Children, into our families, and into our extended world. Let us keep speaking to the Lord in tongues as we go about our day. The enemy does not understand the tongues we speak with our Lord. Let us live in The Lord’s Word, even as we receive Him daily into our hearts through the Holy Eucharist!

Let us live by faith and not by (human) sight! Let us walk and soar on eagle’s wings in Christ Jesus, HE who was, HE who is, and HE who is to Come! In Jesus’ name. Amen!

Sunday Homily – 23 June 2024

Fr. Bobby Joseph CMI
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Sunday Homily – 23 June 2024

Twelfth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Also Read: Mass Readings for 23 June 2024 Mass Reading Reflection for 23 June 2024

Gospel: Mark 4: 35-41

This is the only time we read Jesus was sleeping. He was sleeping in a small boat being tossed by a violent wind. And the disciples were sure that they were about to perish. It hurt them to see their master sleeping peacefully like a child while they were struggling to hang on to life; hence the question, “Teacher, do you not care …?”

Watching the news on TV or social media, we too are tempted to ask the same question, “Jesus, do you not care?” The ongoing wars, internal conflicts in many nations, activists glorifying the admonishable, decay in families, etc. may tempt us to doubt if Jesus is still sleeping. Trust in Jesus. Be fearless, Jesus is still in the boat. The sea and the tempest have to obey Jesus. It is our disbelief that causes us to fear. Trust in Jesus and beat the fear.

Most of us are sailing in our small boats, carrying a few members of family and friends. At times we are tossed by the waves like ill health, financial difficulties, family problems, career issues, and various challenges of life. More than the storms, the fear beat us.

This story may be familiar to you: it was a long flight. There was an unusual turbulence. The passengers started to get worried initially and subsequently started crying out loudly. Meanwhile, a small boy was busy painting his coloring book. The passenger next to the cool boy asked, “Aren’t you afraid?” the reply was epic, “My dad is the pilot of the plane, and he is the best pilot in the world, why should I fear?”

Will you face your problems today and say, “Jesus is my captain, and no sea or no storm can ever beat us”? After this Sunday’s holy Mass, as you are returning to your routines, tell your struggles, “Jesus is my captain, and you can’t beat us.”

As long as you trust in Jesus, nothing can beat you, even if your captain, Jesus, appears to be taking a short snap. He is always in charge, and everything obeys Him.

Be fearless, Jesus is still in the boat, and He is your captain.

Amen.

St. Anthony of Padua, the Priceless One

Cecilia Vinita
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St. Anthony of Padua, the Priceless One

Many a time we wonder if it is ever possible to live out our faith in a world that’s secular in nature and hardly supportive to a Christian way of living. The answer to this complex question lies in the life of Saints who were ordinary people yet leading extraordinary lives by the grace of God. Over the course of many years, we’ve had a great number of Saints who through their lives fraught with virtues continue to glorify God even to this day. 

13 June – Feast of St.Anthony

 A visit to any of the shrines of St Anthony would leave us spellbound as we get to see people from different walks of life thronging these places seeking graces through his powerful intercessory prayers. Everyone knows he’s an amazing wonder-working Saint acting as an emissary of Christ’s unconditional love. Today being St. Anthony’s feast day, it’s only befitting to meditate on the virtuous life of this true follower of Christ. 

Something about St. Anthony

Born in Lisbon, Portugal in an affluent family, this great wonder-worker who was christened ‘Fernando’ captivated the hearts of many through his fruitful living in his days. 

Even at a very young age, St. Anthony displayed great devotion to our Lord through his regular hearing of the Holy Mass, a deep love for our Blessed Mother and a compelling urge to help the poor, thanks to his parents who fulfilled their duty of nurturing this faith. His faultless behaviour and profound faith led those who knew him to give him the honorific “Little Angel”.

Miracles beyond imagination 

As an altar boy, he was drawn to the practice of kneeling before the Eucharist and praying for a few minutes after Mass. On one such day, the devil appeared before him. Unintimidated by its terrifying presence, young Fernando simply responded by drawing with his fingers a mark of the Cross on the marble floor. This caused the evil creature to vanish. To this day, this mark remains indelible serving as a beautiful reminder of the power of the Holy Cross. 

Vision of the Infant Jesus 

One winter’s evening young Fernando heard a knock on his door. On opening he saw a sweet boy of five, pleading for alms. When he offered to give him bread, the little boy showed his bag containing rubies and said that they were good hearts and that he was in search of such hearts. Fernando was taken by surprise and wanted to know who he was. He looked at him intently only to discover that the little boy was Child Jesus. And this Child Jesus had a request, “Fernando, will you, please, give me your heart?”

Pursuit of his vocation

In 1210, Fernando joined Canons Regular of St. Augustine as a trainee for the priesthood. As a seminarian, he always conducted himself with humility and spent his time in menial work like cleaning toilets and washing utensils.

Cloth turning canoe 

Once, Fernando along with his fellow seminarians were off to an islet on an outing. On their return, these seminarians left him behind. However, this young man without being dispirited looked heavenward and prayed. In a flash, God heard his prayers and changed his upper garment into a canoe and the ecstatic Fernando returned to the seminary even before his counterparts. Wroughting miracles were very much part of his life so much so he was asked by the rector to limit the number of miracles he performed in a day. 

From Augustinian to Franciscan 

He was ordained as a priest in 1219, at the age of 24. While working as a receptionist in the abbey, he met with some Franciscan friars who spoke of their austere way of life. Living in huts and begging for bread were something that captured his interest and soon he longed to be a Franciscan. Eventually, his dream of becoming a Franciscan was realized and it was then he took the name Anthony. 

On one occasion, some of his Franciscan peers were not pleased with him performing miracles, so they asked him to lock himself up and whip himself. St.Anthony cheerfully submitted to their whims and inflicted the punishment upon himself. This left his tormentors stunned at his humility. 

An ardent lover of St. Francis of Assisi, he had the opportunity to meet this other Saint who himself was impressed with St. Anthony on hearing about his profound preaching of the Gospel.

Patron Saint of Lost Objects and Lost Souls 

The practice of recognizing St. Anthony as the patron Saint of lost objects and even of lost souls was due to one incident in his life wherein a novice stole his psalter, his most treasured book that had notes of his preachings. With much prayers, St. Antony brought about a change of heart in the novice and subsequently, she returned the book.

His Death and Canonization 

On the eventful day of June 13, 1231, when he was 36 years of age, his time had come to depart from this world and embrace everlasting life. It was a terminal illness that brought an end to his earthly life. He was canonized as a Saint on May 30, 1232, in less than a year after his death. 32 years later, his tomb was opened in the presence of Fr. Bonaventure who found his tongue intact, the tongue from which all goodness emanated. Fr. Bonaventure kissed the tongue reverently and praised it. Later,  he was canonized as St. Bonaventure.

Dear Readers, Wishing you a happy feast of St. Anthony of Padua. May his most admirable life serve as a model for our earthly conduct. We, who are so far away from God, should change our lives which is a striking contrast to the life of St.Anthony. May we on this blessed day, implore the prayers of St. Antony for the miracle of our conversion.

Make Christ your polestar and live life to the fullest

Cecilia Vinita
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Make Christ your polestar and live life to the fullest

As Catholics, we are granted the extraordinary privilege of being baptized into Christ soon after we set foot in this world. This wonderful Sacrament is offered to us as a beautiful invitation to begin our journey of life in Christ. We are called to live in Him, for Him and with Him as He lived and died for us. In short, we are called to live in perfect union with Him. We indeed set out joyfully with a desire to fulfil the mission of Christ. Sadly, this attempt of ours is thwarted by the enemy and temptation which is the raging beast gets the better of us. We find ourselves swayed by the temporal pleasures of life.

We drift away, fall into sin and suffer its painful consequences and bear the burden of guilt, therefore defeating the very purpose for which we were created. Yes, we suffer unwantedly when in fact ours should be the joy of suffering for Christ. Today, we need to take a pause and reflect on why we quite often end up doing anything but good work. The answer can be found in John 15:4 “Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me.” This verse is nothing less than an exhortation to a continued devotion to Him, which alone can lead us to Heaven.

Three important steps can help us reach this goal. Probably you know them, nevertheless, it’s worth reiterating. At the outset, what a believer should do is Pray, pray and pray… this is something every Christian should be doing habitually and without ceasing. Secondly reading the Word of God not merely to know His teachings but for its power to heal us, transform us and empower us to be aggressive against Satan. The third important course would be our frequent participation in the Holy Eucharist as our Lord said “Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise them up at the last day.” (John6:54). These are three essentials for anyone who wants to follow Christ and savour a complete sense of fulfilment. When we channel our efforts towards a godly living, what would follow is an outpouring of His grace. Stay in Christ and Stay happy!

Sunday Homily – 19 May 2024

Fr. Bobby Joseph CMI
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Sunday Homily – 19 May 2024

Pentecost Solemnity

Also Read: Mass Readings for 19 May 2024 Mass Reading Reflection for 19 May 2024

Gospel: John 20: 19-23

Holy Spirit transforms. Today, along with the Church, we share the joy of the Pentecost. May the Holy Spirit shower upon us!

On Pentecost, we see a dramatic transformation happening in the Apostles’ lives. Until that moment they were the fearful dozen. From that moment they were the valiant twelve. They were ordinary twelve, they transformed into the wisest twelve bold enough to address even the most literate and powerful people of all time.

Peter who could not stand a challenging gatekeeper, stood boldly before governors and high priests proclaiming Jesus. Yes, above all, the Holy Spirit transforms.

Dare to be transformed? Pray for the Holy Spirit. Upon the arrival of the Holy Spirit, everything gets transformed from inside. Look at what happened to the disciples, Jerusalem was the same, and the political and religious atmospheres were the same, but the disciples were different. They were new. They were not afraid. And they transformed everything.

In the first place they were not afraid to preach Jesus, the Messiah resurrected. It did not concern them if the listeners believed or not. They were not afraid of being rejected or mocked. They were not afraid of being jailed or persecuted. They did not fear being executed in the name of Jesus. All because they were filled with the Holy Spirit.

They did not fear foreign languages and distances. They travelled everywhere they could go. St. Thomas travelled all the way to India, preached Jesus there, and got martyred in India.

They did not fear the seas or wild animals. They did not fear torture or martyrdom. All but one died a martyr. Who could imagine they were the same disciples who went hiding when Jesus was arrested? They were not even afraid of or ashamed of their own failures.

The Holy Spirit can transform you today; if you dare to be transformed, and pray earnestly, ‘Come Holy Spirit.’ Despite your weaknesses and failures, He is going to strengthen you. 

Today you will return to the same house, tomorrow you will return to the same job, but you shall be different if you dare to accept the Holy Spirit.

Dare to pray, ‘Come Holy Spirit,’ and dare to be transformed. Dare to be a little more polite and caring. Dare to be a little more merciful and forgiving. Dare to be responsible and sincere in your work. Dare to be a little nicer and more loving every passing day. Be ready to be transformed from today and invite the Holy Spirit with a burning desire.

Just like the apostles, pray with Our Lady by your side, ‘Come Holy Spirit.’

Amen.

Sunday Reflection – 19 May 2024

Maryanne Cardoz-Mascarenhas
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Sunday Reflection – 19 May 2024

Pentecost Solemnity/ Mass during the Day

Also Read: Mass Readings for 19 May 2024 Homily for 19 May 2024 – Sunday

First Reading: Acts 2: 1-11

When the day of Pentecost had come, they were all together in one place. And suddenly from heaven there came a sound like the rush of a violent wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. (1-2)

They were all together in one place and though the sound of a violent wind rushed in, they were not afraid. They were filled with the power of God! They allowed themselves to be led by the Holy Spirit and were given “tongues”! Several languages were being spoken at the same time but there was no confusion or cacophony! (We might want to ponder on the difference between the story of the Tower of Babel and the Upper Room Experience!) It was the work of God and their words proclaiming the Good News were heard clearly and resoundingly by those gathered around the Upper Room! The Wisdom of God descended mightily upon the apostles that day of the Pentecost- the seeds sown then, have been bearing fruit ever since; through the working of God!

Therefore, we ask the Lord to lead us to the place where we are one- in our heart, our home, our church community, et al! Let us seek out the Lord while he may be found. Even in the midst of diversity, we can have unity – unity of mind, heart, and spirit.

We ask the Lord, the Holy Spirit to bless our tongues, our hands, and our feet as we incline our hearts to listen and act upon the whispers of wisdom he offers! In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 104: 1, 24, 29-31, 34

Bless the Lord, O my soul, O Lord my God, you are very great. You are clothed with honor and majesty, wrapped in light as with a garment. (1-2)

May the glory of the Lord endure forever; may the Lord rejoice in his works! (31)

Let us remember that we too are the works of the Lord’s hand.

Amen, Alleluia!

Second Reading: First Corinthians 12: 3b-7, 12-13

To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good. (7)

For in the one Spirit we were all baptized into one body—Jews or Greeks, slaves or free—and we were all made to drink of one Spirit. (13)

Being baptized in the Holy Spirit, we are blessed to be a blessing to others! The gifts granted to us must be utilized for the common good of others! We must not shy away from sharing our talents, time, treasures, and tenderness with those around us. Let us develop the courage and the humility to reach out to those in need whether spiritually, physically, financially, and emotionally!

We could start with being kind to those around us. Then by volunteering our time to our local parish and any other way we could support our brothers and sisters.

We ask the Holy Spirit to guide us and let us heed the call, In Jesus’ name. Amen!

Gospel: John 15: 26-27; 16: 12-15

“When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth; for he will not speak on his own, but will speak whatever he hears, and he will declare to you the things that are to come. He will glorify me, because he will take what is mine and declare it to you. All that the Father has is mine. For this reason I said that he will take what is mine and declare it to you.” (Jn 16:13-15)

Before his Passion, Lord Jesus Christ shares here about how he still has many things to reveal to his disciples and those will be disclosed by the Holy Spirit after he ascends to Heaven. Through his empathy for the disciples, Jesus realizes the burden they will bear and hence promises the advocate and counselor. Therefore, we must find our joy in the Lord’s strength. (Neh. 8:10) We find wisdom, courage, faith, and hope through the Holy Spirit.

To walk in His light, we must find solace in the Word of God; that is the Holy Bible! The Words written centuries ago are resoundingly true today! We find pearls of wisdom in the pages touched by the finger of God! As we ponder on these words in our heart and mind, we will find hidden treasures that can illuminate our path. In Jesus’ name, Amen!

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