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Sunday Homily – 01 December 2024

Fr. Bobby Joseph CMI
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Sunday Homily – 01 December 2024

First Sunday of Advent

Also Read: Mass Readings for 1 December 2024 Mass Reading Reflection for 1 December 2024

Gospel: Luke 21: 25-28, 34-36

“And then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory.”

On this first Sunday of Advent, Jesus invites us to start with the end in mind. The goal of every Christian is to greet and welcome Jesus with joy on His glorious second arrival. Thus, the reading for today is a perfect start for the advent season. The Liturgical year starts with celebrating the arrival of Jesus as our Savior and concludes with celebrating the second coming of Jesus as the King and judge of the universe.  

There are many who starts with the end in mind, but forgets it midway—an anecdote shared by Fr. Tony Kadavil quoting Msgr. Arthur Tonne drives the theme well.

“Several years ago, a bus driver in Oklahoma reached an unusual record.  In 23 years, he had driven a bus over 900,000 miles without a single accident.  When asked how he had done it, he gave this simple answer: “Watch the road.” ” (Fr. Tony Kadavil, Sunday Homilies).

Advent is a great time to remind ourselves to ‘watch the roads.’ While driving we need to focus on the road and the driving instructions displayed. Instead, if you start looking at others driving, the attractive billboards, the nice buildings on the sides, and the beautiful sceneries, you are most likely not to reach your destination in shape. You are your driver. Your goal is to reach your destination in good shape. So, always watch the road.

The road is not a kind place. There are bad drivers, billboards designed to distract, buildings constructed to attract, and people passing around aimlessly. Hence it is important to focus on the road, the rules, the traffic signs, and above all the destination in mind. The same is true with our spiritual lives.

Jesus is precisely telling us how to complete our road to salvation. Look at the few directives He gives in the short gospel passage, ‘Stand erect’, ‘Raise your heads’, ‘Beware’, ‘Do not become drowsy’, do not be carried away by ‘the anxieties of life’, ‘Be vigilant’, and ‘Pray.’ Each of those words deserves our meditation.

Let us not be too worried about the road, because we are on the road to reach our destination safely. Our destination is to welcome Jesus with joy on his glorious second coming. The month of December, and Christmas celebrations in particular, reminds us of the need to prepare well in advance to welcome Jesus home with joy. And Jesus has taught us well to take our road to eternity safely.

Amen.

Sunday Reflection – 24 November 2024

Maryanne Cardoz-Mascarenhas
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Sunday Reflection – 24 November 2024

Christ the King Solemnity (Thirty-Fourth and Last Sunday in Ordinary Time)

Also Read: Mass Readings for 24 November 2024

First Reading: Daniel 7: 13-14

To him was given dominion and glory and kingship, that all peoples, nations, and languages should serve him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion that shall not pass away, and his kingship is one that shall never be destroyed. (14)

Prophet Daniel describes his beatific vision and we can gaze upon the splendour of heaven in our minds’ eyes, through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. Through Christ, we are blessed today to receive a foretaste of heaven when we receive the Holy Communion! In our hearts we can sense a slice of divine love, gently pervading our being!

Then, let us raise our trumpet voices from our hearts and sing, rejoicing in Our King Lord Jesus Christ, who was victorious, who is, and who is to come! Alleluia, Amen!

Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 93: 1-2, 5

The Lord is king, he is robed in majesty; the Lord is robed, he is girded with strength. He has established the world; it shall never be moved; your throne is established from of old; you are from everlasting.

Alleluia, Alleluia!

Second Reading: Revelation 1: 5-8

Look! He is coming with the clouds; every eye will see him, even those who pierced him; and on his account all the tribes of the earth will wail. So it is to be. Amen. “I am the Alpha and the Omega,” says the Lord God, who is, and who was and who is to come, the Almighty. (7-8)

St. John’s revelations to us remind us to be prepared for the Lord’s coming. We must cleanse our dwellings – the visible and the invisible. We must put on new clothing, the outward and the inward armour of God! We must decorate our homes and our hearts with the goodness of God’s love for us! It is the King of Glory who comes, let us be prepared!

We must praise and thank God for this season of preparation. We know that every knee shall bow and every tongue confess that HE is Lord! (Rom 14:11, Isa 45: 23) The Lord does not delay in returning but we are blessed to be provided this time to return to HIM! The Lord is not slow about His promise, but is patient with us, so that all maybe saved as he does not want any to perish!! (2Peter 3:9-10)

Let us hasten our steps in turning to our Lord every moment of our day, In Jesus Christ, Amen!

Alleluia: Mark 11: 9, 10

Then those who went ahead and those who followed were shouting, “Hosanna! Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord! Blessed is the coming kingdom of our ancestor David! Hosanna in the highest heaven!”

Let us sing “Hosanna!!” as we follow the Lord King! Amen!

Gospel: John 18: 33b-37

Pilate asked him, “So you are a king?” Jesus answered, “You say that I am a king. For this I was born, and for this I came into the world, to testify to the truth. Everyone who belongs to the truth listens to my voice.” (37)

The truth is revealed by the Father in Heaven to His children! Pilate was not of the truth, although he did try to seek it, but perhaps not in the right manner or the right place! Jesus’ kingdom is not of this world or else his followers would be fighting to stop him being handed over! (36) Yet, Jesus told Peter to put away his sword when he struck the servant! (Jn 18:10-11) Jesus saved Peter and his other disciples that day! (Jn 18: 4-9)

Do we know the “Truth”? Let us tune into the frequency of the Lord’s voice in our hearts! Let us proclaim his glorious victory in every step of our life. In Jesus’ name, Amen! Alleluia!

Sunday Homily – 17 November 2024

Fr. Bobby Joseph CMI
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Sunday Homily – 17 November 2024

Thirty-Third Sunday in Ordinary Time

Also Read: Mass Readings for 17 November 2024

Gospel: Mark 13: 24-32

“Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.” It’s a promise to the true believer in Jesus Christ. It’s a warning for everyone else.  

As we are at the conclusion of the liturgical year, the readings are focusing to the final judgement and eternity. Jesus is once again encouraging us to take his words seriously. The Word of God is here to stay. It is here to stay eternally.  

At this juncture, it is fitting that we take an examination of conscience. We need to take an exam of conscience about our approach to the Word of God.  

Jesus is the word of God incarnate, and the Bible is the printed form. When we are reading the Bible, we are reading Jesus, we are listening to Jesus talking to us. Read it at any cost.  

As you read it, you are familiar with most of it, but read it anyway.  

As you read it, you may be distracted, read it anyway. 

As you read it, some passages may be hard, read it anyway.  

As you read it, some passages may sound strange, read it anyway.  

As you read it, some passages may appear harsh, read it anyway. 

As you read it, some passages may challenge your world view and your politics, read it anyway.  

When you find something interesting, highlight it.  

When you have a comment on it, scribble by the side of the page.  

When you have a doubt, consult with someone who knows it.  

And if you find a particular passage too difficult to read, skip it.  

Always try to understand what Jesus is trying to communicate with you.  

Indeed, during the Sunday Liturgy, the priest or the deacon breaks the Word of God for you. It is just an introduction. You have to open the Word for yourself, and look for what Jesus is trying to tell you. Each page in the Bible has a message for you. It is an exclusive personal message from God. No one else can give it to you.  

Make Bible a part of your daily life. Read at least two chapters. Read every book of the Bible. Each book is there for a purpose. Make sure that you have a strong bond with the Bible.  

Jesus will not pass away with time. His words will not pass away. So, build the strongest bond with the Word of God that will not pass away.  

Amen. 

All Saints Day Homily – 01 November 2024

Fr. Bobby Joseph CMI
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All Saints Day Homily – 01 November 2024

All Saints Solemnity

Also Read: Mass Readings for 01 November 2024

Gospel: Matthew 5: 1-12a

On this solemnity, we are around the altar with all the saints in heaven and on earth.

According to Jesus saints, ‘those who are worthy of resurrection from the dead’, “are like the angels.” (Lk 20:36,38). Hence, we can rightly conclude that the saints live like angels in the presence of God. They together worship and glorify God.

If they are like angels, they can do what angels can do. The Bible sheds light on what angels do for us.

1. Angels deliver messages from God. 

On the annunciation day, the Archangel Gabriel delivered the annunciation message to Mary, the virgin from Nazareth. Six months earlier he had delivered another message to the priest Zechariah regarding the birth of John the Baptist.

The holy men and women who walk among us as well as who are in heaven with the Heavenly Father continue to reveal the plan of God. Canonizing a saint attests that one had lived a holy life and that the message he or she conveyed by deeds, words, and letters is significant in Christian life. The Church, the bride of Christ, was given the authority to attest it when Jesus entrusted the keys of heaven to Peter, the appointed leader of the apostles (Mt 16: 15-19).

2. Angels accompany the people of God.

Tobiah, the son of Tobit was sent on a difficult mission by his father. Arcangel Raphael accompanied him from day one, under disguise. He guided him to his destination, helped him find his wife, drove the evil spirit out of his spouse, and healed his father.

Like the angels, saints can, and they do accompany us in our struggles. Our God is the God of the living (Lk 20: 38). If a kind person on earth can help us in our struggles, the holy souls in heaven can do it a hundred-fold powerfully. Hence, it is good to build strong relationships with saints in heaven. Take the examples of the multitude of saints, they all had strong relationships with many saints through intercessory prayers and devotions. Reading their lives and works, and imitating their holy lives are means to build relationships with saints.

They are our heavenly celebrities. Unlike earthly celebrities, they know us, love us, and help us in our struggles. They are given that power by the Almighty God.

3. Angels set us free. Peter was set free twice by the angels. (Acts 5: 19, Acts 12: 6-11).

Like the angels, saints too can intervene powerfully for us and set us free from the bondage of sin and evil. When they intervene, the chains of hell shall fall apart, and the gates shall open. If anyone is seeking freedom from the bondages of vengeance, lust, avarice, addiction, and so on, let him seek and avail the help of the saints to break the chain and open the gates.

4. Angels rescue people from danger. (Gen 19: 12-22) (Gen 19: 16)

Lot and his family were rescued by the angels as their city, Sodom, was about to be destroyed. We read, “When he hesitated, the men grasped his hand and the hands of his wife and of his two daughters and led them safely out of the city, for the Lord was merciful to them.” (Gen 19:16). The intercessions and active involvement of saints have indeed dragged many out of mortal dangers.

5. Make known of the mysteries through Revelations.  

Book of Apocalypses begins thus: “God made it known by sending his angel to his servant John” (Rev 1: 1-2). Saints and doctors of the Church reveal heavenly mysteries through spiritual classics. Refer to the works of St. Augustine, St. Thomas Aquinas, St. John of the Cross, St. Thersa of Avila, and the like.

We have seen just five things that the saints do for us as the Bible testifies. A deeper study may reveal more ways saints help us.

Before we conclude we need to address this question, ‘why does God need the saints to help us?’

Well, we can explore the answers once we get a convincing answer to an even more pressing question, “Why does God bother our parents in creating us; couldn’t He create us as He created the first man?”

The answer to both questions is one: God loves to share both His creative and salvific authority with us.

Amen.

The painful reality of Purgatory

Cecilia Vinita
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The painful reality of Purgatory

“ Make friends quickly with your accuser, while you are going with him to court, lest your accuser hand you over to the judge, and the judge to the guard, and you be put in prison; truly I say to you, you will never get out till you have paid the last penny. – (Matthew 5: 25-26)

Musing on these words would lead us to discern that the metaphorical prison from where we would never get out until we have paid the last penny refers to Purgatory. For the unversed, purgatory is the temporal place of punishment where we will be held to make amends for our sins that haven’t been duly atoned for. Throughout our lives, we live in a state of sin however we do not always feel a sense of remorse for them. We fail to express a deep loathing for our sins implying a frivolous attitude towards sin and repentance. Sometimes, although we confess our sins, our penance isn’t heartfelt as it ought to be. Except for saints who had kept themselves squeaky clean, detested sin to the utmost and willingly chose to enter the narrow gate that leads to Heaven, nearly all souls are totally unworthy and unprepared to gaze at the face of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. And so there’s this intermediate state namely purgatory for the purpose of purging our unrepented sins.

For the Sceptics

Probably the best explanation that can provide a convincing claim for sceptics is found in Matthew 12:32 which makes an implicit reference to purgatory – “Anyone who speaks a word against the Son of Man will be forgiven, but anyone who speaks against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven, either in this world or in the world to come“.

In this verse, ‘this world’ obviously refers to our present life while ‘the world to come’ is undoubtedly Purgatory. ‘The world to come’ cannot refer to hell, as in hell there is no forgiveness nor can it refer to Heaven as in Heaven the souls being without sin have no requirement for forgiveness.

What is Purgatory?

To be in God’s presence and behold Him, we need to be absolutely pure in every sense of the word for the Bible says “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God” (Mt 5:8). Hence only a pure soul can be admitted into the presence of God for eternity. Accordingly after a person’s death, the soul needs to be purified. This calls for a process of purification which is achieved through the prison of fire we must pass through after death suffering its intense pain. In other words, Purgatory is this prison of fire meant to cleanse and purify souls from the stain of sin and is needed to achieve the level of holiness and purity necessitated for admittance into the Kingdom of God. The great doctors of the Church have observed – ‘One minute in this awful fire seems like a century.’ St Thomas Aquinas says that the fire of Purgatory is equal in intensity to the fire of Hell and that the slightest contact with it is more dreadful than all the possible sufferings of the Earth!

God desires that we pray for these poor souls

 As made known to St Gertrude and other Saints, it is God’s greatest desire that we pray for the Holy Souls in Purgatory for the expiation of their sins. He has entrusted into our hands the means of assisting them though our suffrages and offerings of Holy Mass. And so every Catholic must dutifully observe the practice of praying for these souls who are under God’s just scrutiny and in need of God’s infinite mercy.

What do the poor souls do in return for us?

The souls in Purgatory who are helped through our prayers are filled with immense gratitude and desire so much to repay our kindness. On being released from Purgatory and entering into Heaven, they immediately prostrate before the throne of God and pray for those on earth who helped them. These prayers are said to be very powerful as they are presented face to face with God Most High. By their prayers, the faithful on earth receive protection from all dangers and evils that threaten them in this world. Not only that, these holy souls who are now in Heaven obtain a short and easy purgatory and in some cases even remission of it for the ones who showed benevolence through prayers for these souls who were earlier detained in purgatory.

An incident recalled by Cardinal Baronius

Once Cardinal Baronius was called to assist a dying man. The last moments are usually very trying when the dying soul experiences fierce temptations by the devil. This man on his death bed was facing a similar encounter with the evil spirits causing him terrible agony. Suddenly a host of blessed spirits appeared and chased the evil spirits away. On being questioned as to who they were, they replied that they were 8,000 souls whom the dying man released from Purgatory by his prayers and good works during his life. The souls said they were sent by God to take him to Heaven without spending even a moment in Purgatory.

Numerous accounts of the Holy Souls from Purgatory appearing to people, asking for prayers and even thanking them for securing their release from the dreadful fire have occurred through the years.  All of the cases render strong evidence to support its existence. Every Christian must therefore display solicitude in this matter and pray for these souls along with offering masses and acts of charity regularly for them.

The duration of Purgatory

The length of time one would need to spend in purgatory would be determined by the malice of sin committed by the individual. If a person had remained in a condition of serious offenses against God for a considerable length of time and hadn’t made due satisfaction for the same on earth, it can be expected that the individual would remain in purgatory for an unimaginably long period, even till the Last Day. Through revelations from God, St Gertrude states that such souls may not share in the ordinary suffrages of the Church for a very long time.

Supplicate God for His mercy

Here is an efficacious prayer to release souls from purgatory. It was given by God himself to St Gertrude:

Eternal Father, I offer You the most Precious Blood of Your Divine Son, Jesus, in union with the Masses said throughout the world today, for all the Holy Souls in Purgatory, for sinners everywhere, for sinners in the Universal Church, those in my own home, and within my family. Amen.

Our Lord told St. Gertrude the Great that each time she piously recited this prayer, it would greatly ease the suffering of those holy souls in purgatory.

So let not All Souls’ Day which falls on November 2nd be the only day to remember the departed souls. May we continually lift them up in our prayers for mercy.

Sunday Reflection – 27 October 2024

Maryanne Cardoz-Mascarenhas
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Sunday Reflection – 27 October 2024

Thirtieth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Also Read: Mass Readings for 27 October 2024

First Reading: Jeremiah 31: 7-9

The Joyful Return of the Exiles

With weeping they shall come, and with consolations, I will lead them back, I will let them walk by brooks of water, in a straight path in which they shall not stumble; for I have become a father to Israel, and Ephraim is my firstborn. (9)

As the remnants of Israel returned from exile, they sang this song! We humbly ask the Lord to return and give us the consolations we need today! We believe in his saving grace!

In Jesus’ name, Amen!

Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 126: 1-6

Restore our fortunes, O Lord, like the watercourses in the Negeb. May those who sow in tears reap with shouts of joy. (4,5)

Amen, Alleluia!

Second Reading: Hebrews 5: 1-6

Every high priest chosen from among mortals is put in charge of things pertaining to God on their behalf, to offer gifts and sacrifices for sins. (1)

So also Christ did not glorify himself in becoming a high priest but was appointed by the one who said to him, “You are my Son, today I have begotten you” (5)

Do we feel “chosen”? Do we have things in our charge? Will we be accountable for the resources under our stewardship? How are we responding to His call?

In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Alleluia: Second Timothy 1: 10

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 10: 46-52

Healing

Jesus said to him, “Go; your faith has made you well.” Immediately he regained his sight and followed him on the way. (52)

We hear Him calling out, we can’t see Him, yet when we are told by those around us to take heart and go to Him; we do just that! We ask the Lord Jesus, son of David, “Heal us O Lord, we may not be sure what we need healing from anymore! But heal us!” He says: “Your faith has made you well!” So we believe and live in good health!

We know who lives in us! In Jesus’ name, Amen!

Sunday Reflection – 20 October 2024

Maryanne Cardoz-Mascarenhas
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Sunday Reflection – 20 October 2024

Twenty-Ninth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Also Read: Mass Readings for 20 October 2024

First Reading: Isaiah 53: 10-11

Yet it was the will of the Lord to crush him with pain. When you make his life an offering for sin, he shall see his offspring, and shall prolong his days; through him the will of the Lord shall prosper. (10)

The Prophet Isaiah prophesies about Jesus Christ here! But when we try to apply the same to our lives, we will be able to understand why we face hardships or attacks. In a world hurtling towards the end times, we have been warned by Christ about the prevailing signs that we may see, today! (Luke 12) Christ also said we need to fear only one person! (Lk 12:5)

Through Christ Jesus, we have the prosperity in God’s will. Amen! Alleluia!!

Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 33: 4-5, 18-20, 22

Truly the eye of the Lord is on those who fear him, on those who hope in his steadfast love, to deliver their soul from death, and to keep them alive in famine. (18-19)

In times of drought of the soul, spirit, mind, and heart, God still keeps us nourished. In Jesus’ Name, Amen!

Second Reading: Hebrews 4: 14-16

For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who in every respect has been tested as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore approach the throne of grace with boldness, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need. (15-16)

Christ our advocate before God knows our struggles; he has been through it all! It is widely accepted that Apollos is the author of this letter. (Acts 18: 24-28) This letter is addressed to the first Christian Communities of Palestine, formed by the Jews who were persecuted, and punished. They even had their possessions confiscated because they had become followers of Christ. The Letter was written in the year 66, in Rome; just before the destruction of Jerusalem. St. Paul was in the last months of his life and the letter reflects his thoughts.

This letter not only seeks to encourage those communities, but it also speaks to us in the present times. If we have been targeted for what we believe, we must remember our High Priest before God! We will receive mercy from Christ our Lord! What is amazing is that we find “grace to help in time of need.” In our time of need, we find the grace to help ourselves and others like us!

In Jesus’ name, Amen!

Alleluia: Mark 10: 45

Alleluia, Alleluia! “For the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life a ransom for many.” Alleluia!

Gospel: Mark 10: 35-45

So Jesus called them and said to them, “You know that among the Gentiles those whom they recognize as their rulers lord it over them and their great ones are tyrants over them. But it is not so among you; but whoever wishes to become great among you must be your servant. (42-43)

The moment we see “tyrants’ among us, we must realize they are not one of us! – Because Jesus said: “But it is not so among you…”! Let us beware of not turning into tyrants ourselves!

In Jesus’ name, Amen!

Sunday Homily – 13 October 2024

Fr. Bobby Joseph CMI
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Sunday Homily – 13 October 2024

Twenty-Eighth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Also Read: Mass Readings for 13 october 2024 Mass Reading Reflection for 13 october 2024

Gospel: Mark 10: 17-30

‘The young man went away sad.” Compare him with the boy who gave his last loaves to Jesus. That boy should be the happiest and proudest one that day when Jesus multiplied the five loaves for the five thousand (Jn 6:9). He gave up everything he had and was blessed to be by the side of Jesus for the rarest of the moments in human history.

The rule of the world is to amass as much as possible because you do not know how much you need tomorrow. With Jesus it is different; let them go because God your Father knows well what you need today and tomorrow.  Only those who trust in God can give up like the child. Francis of Assisi let go of his paternal possessions because he knew his heavenly Father was immensely rich.

Mother Teresa of Calcutta let go of the safety and security of her convent trusting in God.  The examples are numerous. Those who trusted let go and ended up serving more. This is the miracle Jesus continues doing to this day.

Peter boldly said: “We have given up everything and followed you.” 

Jesus helped Peter complete listing what they had given up: houses, brothers, sisters, fathers, mothers, and land. They left everything for the sake of Jesus and the Gospel.  And Jesus promised they would be returned a hundred-fold in this world along with persecution. 

The story of every Catholic priest, who left his home and everything with it, is a testimony of the promise fulfilled. Even when he lives and works on a different continent, speaking a new language, and working with people of different cultures and colors, he is at home. He finds more people who would hold him like their own son. He would find lots of them who would care for him as if he is their only brother. He would find hundreds of children who would trust and love him more like their parents.

It is a miracle unfolding in the lives of tens of thousands of priests every day.  Not just in the lives of our priests, but also in the lives of the tens of thousands of consecrated nuns, and lay missionaries. It’s a miracle only God can do.

Jesus calls us today to let go of everything else so that we can hold on to Jesus. Let us recall the contrasting images, the young man who went away sad, and the boy who happily offered the last loaves of bread to Jesus.

Amen.

Reviving the Gregorian Chant for Sanctification – a crying need

Cecilia Vinita
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Reviving the Gregorian Chant for Sanctification – a crying need

What words fail to express, music can readily convey from the deepest recesses of our hearts. This is particularly true of the Gregorian Chant. From days of yore, singing Psalms and praises to God were acclaimed ways of offering the Triune God the perfect worship He is worthy of. The Church has always delighted itself in composing hymns to express its profound love for Him. In this discourse, let’s explore the supremacy and the unique attribute of the Gregorian Chant in evoking the strong sentiments of the listeners / singers towards the one true God.

What is Gregorian Chant?

Traditionally sung be choirs or religious orders, the Gregorian Chant is a sacred, monophonic (performed by a single singer or played with a single instrument without accompanying harmony or chords) liturgical song in Latin of the Roman Catholic Church. Although there are differing views as regards its roots, it is widely believed that Pope Gregory I (also known as St. Gregory the great) invented the eponymous Gregorian chant. Said to have accompanied the text of the mass and the canonical hours or divine office, it was during his papacy (590 – 604) that it was collected and codified.

The striking beauty of the Gregorian chant

The Gregorian chant draws its beauty from the Sacred Scriptures it employs. The human voice is the primary instrument of the Liturgy. It stretches out the words enabling the listener to meditate on the ‘Word’ that is proclaimed. It is not entertaining or over stimulating but throughout a prayerful cadence is maintained and this rhythm is modulated by words rather than by the beats.

Health benefits of the Gregorian Chant

Studies since the mid-90s have shown that it helps improve speech fluency of stroke victims and has a vital role in positively impacting the central nervous system. Its influence on the cortex of the brain is significant as it reduces the number of hours of sleep one needs to function well. Other benefits include a well regulated cardiac system and an enhanced neuro-communication between left and right hemispheres. Dr. Alan Watkins, a neuroscientist at Imperial college of London, has shown that the Gregorian chant can lower blood pressure and reduce anxiety and depression.

It’s power over demons

As the chants are essentially singing or chanting of Psalms from the Bible, the demons feel revulsive on hearing them. In Samuel 16:23, we see that when King Saul suffers a demonic attack, David plays the harp and sings Psalms and consequently the evil spirit is expelled from him. Another anecdote from the life of St Padre Pio describes an occasion when St Padre Pio is physically attacked by a demon. He calls on his guardian angel for help, and immediately his guardian angel comes flying around singing and the demon is chased away.

Renowned exorcist Fr. Chad Ripperger mentions how when exorcism sessions protract for any length of time, the exorcists play the Gregorian chant in the background as it is very bothersome to demons which are forced to flee. That it is sung in Latin (the official language of the Church) is also another detestable fact for the demons.

Going back to the tradition of listening to the proper Gregorian chant (and not any modern chant) can help renew our spiritual life. It can help us focus our minds on God and on the liturgy putting us on the path of holiness. A perusal of the documents of Vatican II reveals that the Gregorian chant was never abolished but promoted. Although Vatican II allows believers to use other music particularly sacred polyphony for worship, it reaffirms that the Gregorian chant is still the official music of the Roman Rite of the Catholic Church and is most suitable for worship in the Roman Liturgy. As such, it can be stated that the Gregorian chant is a sublime model for sacred music which lifts up the mind, body and soul of the creature towards his Creator.

Immerse yourself into a world of heightened spirituality listening to some of the most popular Gregorian chants – Dies Irae, Salve Regina, Victimae Paschali laudes, Veni Sancte Spiritus, Ave Maria, Deum Verum, Crux Fideles and more.

Sunday Reflection – 13 October 2024

Maryanne Cardoz-Mascarenhas
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Sunday Reflection – 13 October 2024

Twenty-Eighth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Also Read: Mass Readings for 13 October 2024 Homily for 13 October 2024 – Sunday

First Reading: Wisdom 7: 7-11

Solomon’s Respect for Wisdom

Therefore, I prayed, and understanding was given me; I called upon God, and the spirit of wisdom came to me. I preferred her to scepters and thrones. (7-8)

Solomon the wisest king of Israel, prayed to the Lord God and testifies to the Lord’s generous gifts to him. We pray today, especially for our world leaders, that they may be guided by the Wisdom of God. May their decisions be based on the truth from the Bible. In Jesus’ name, Amen!

Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 90: 12-17

A Prayer of Moses, the man of God.

Teach us to realize the brevity of life, so that we may grow in wisdom. O Lord, come back to us! How long will you delay? Take pity on your servants! (12-13)

And may the Lord our God show us his approval and make our efforts successful. Yes, make our efforts successful! (17)

The men after God’s own heart, seek first the Lord God’s Wisdom in all things! Amen, Alleluia!

Second Reading: Hebrews 4: 12-13

Wisdom from the Word of God.

For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires. (12)

If we continue to read the Word of God as a priority in our daily lives, we will surely find God’s Wisdom. Just like faith is what faith does, Wisdom too is manifested in our conduct. In our daily struggles let us remember that God never tires, never grows old, and is never lacking in strength. Let us seek the Lord’s strength when we are weak and tired! Relying solely on our own strength we may stumble but even during our fall, Christ’s outstretched right arm uplifts us as he did with Peter. (Mt. 14:30-31)

As we approach the second coming of the Lord, we pray that the Lord gives us wisdom of heart and renews our strength. As we fight the good fight and finish the race; (2Tim 4:7) let us remain faithful, strengthened in our bones, by the Lord’s Wisdom in our heart. In Jesus’ name, Alleluia, Amen,

Alleluia: Matthew 5: 3

Alleluia!

“God blesses those who are poor and realize their need for him, for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs.” Alleluia!

Gospel: Mark 10: 17-30

God Grants His Wisdom to the Humble!

The disciples were astounded. “Then who in the world can be saved?” they asked. Jesus looked at them intently and said, “Humanly speaking, it is impossible. But not with God. Everything is possible with God. (26-27)

“Everything is possible with God.” We are reminded of the simple young girl who had the humility to accept the Word of God that came down to her in the flesh! She had abided in the scriptures taught to her as a young child and was able to make her declaration! (Luke 1: 26-38) Steeped in the scriptures, Mother Mary was able to comprehend and collaborate with God! In her humility, she found Wisdom!

God provides us the Wisdom we need as He provides us our daily bread! (Mt. 6:9-13) It is we who need to humble ourselves before the Lord God and ask Him for his grace. Like the young man in the reading today, we could be suffering from a greed for wealth, power, position, lust, or others. In the midst of these storms of temptations, we are to rely on God’s strength to navigate the deceptive seas. We are to turn to our Mother Mary as we contemplate the mysteries of the Holy Rosary daily, to intercede for us!

Pray for us O Holy Mother of God, Amen. In Jesus’ name, Amen!

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