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Sunday Reflection – 23 June 2024

Maryanne Cardoz-Mascarenhas
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Sunday Reflection – 23 June 2024
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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
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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
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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
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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!

Sunday Reflection – 12 May 2024

Maryanne Cardoz-Mascarenhas
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Sunday Reflection – 12 May 2024
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Ascension of the Lord Solemnity (Seventh Sunday of Easter)

Also Read: Mass Readings for 12 May 2024

First Reading: Acts 1: 1-11

But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” When Jesus had said this, as they were watching, he was lifted, and a cloud took him out of their sight. While he was going and they were gazing up toward heaven, suddenly two men in white robes stood by them. They said, “Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking up toward heaven? This Jesus, who has been taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw him go into heaven.” (8-11)

The first apostles along with hundreds of people witnessed Christ Jesus Our Lord, ascend into heaven. His words were fulfilled on Pentecost when the apostles received the Holy Spirit. Our faith stands on eyewitness accounts of the foundational mysteries. We await in joyful anticipation of his coming in the same way as they (disciples) saw him go into heaven! We must remind ourselves that we are an Easter people and Alleluia is our song. We are His witnesses today, through our baptism in the Holy Spirit.

In Jesus’ name, Amen!

Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 47: 2-3, 6-9

God has gone up with a shout, the Lord with the sound of a trumpet. Sing praises to God, sing praises; sing praises to our King, sing praises. For God is the king of all the earth; sing praises with a psalm. (5-9)

Alleluia!

Second Reading: Ephesians 4: 1-13

He who descended is the same one who ascended far above all the heavens, so that he might fill all things. (10)

By his Cross, Resurrection, and Ascension, Christ Jesus restored to us heaven. When he ascended, graces were released upon his people through the Holy Spirit. When we were baptized we received special graces, which we must activate during our lives. We must not only recognize this great mystery but also try to live and operate through it.

This reading also emphasizes the unity in Christianity. We must always be conscious of the fact that Christ is our cornerstone and work towards unity among all Christians.

Amen!

Alleluia: Matthew 28: 19a, 20b

Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” Alleluia!

Gospel: Mark 16: 15-20

“And these signs will accompany those who believe: by using my name they will cast out demons; they will speak in new tongues; they will pick up snakes in their hands, and if they drink any deadly thing, it will not hurt them; they will lay their hands on the sick, and they will recover.” (17-18)

“…while the Lord worked with them and confirmed the message by the signs that accompanied it.” (20)

Our Lord God has given us the power, love, and self-discipline (2 Tim 1:7) through his Holy Spirit; so that we can carry out our mission. We must not hesitate to exercise this power. We have been commanded to proclaim to “all creation”; let us begin with ourselves first. As we begin to see the signs and wonders in our self first we will mature in faith. We can cast out demons in the name of Jesus Christ Our Lord. The promises made by Christ to his apostles, before he ascended into heaven hold true for us too! We must actively believe and profess our faith through our daily living, in Jesus’ name.

Amen, Alleluia!

Sunday Homily – 05 May 2024

Fr. Bobby Joseph CMI
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Sunday Homily – 05 May 2024
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Sixth Sunday of Easter

Also Read: Mass Readings for 5 May 2024 Mass Reading Reflection for 5 May 2024

Gospel: John 15: 9-17

Do you love anyone in your life as Jesus loved you?

Before answering, we need to contemplate how Jesus loved us. He paid a lot to love us. He had to forego the equality with God and leave the heaven for a while. He did it knowing well that many would reject His love. He didn’t have to, yet He put on our human nature because He loved us.

He didn’t have to, yet He was born of the Virgin Mary, into utter poverty, in a manger.

He didn’t have to, yet he went into exile to Egypt and lived the life of a displaced family.

He didn’t have to, yet he learned the alphabet and carpentry like a child.

He didn’t have to, yet He roamed around Galilee and Judea like a wandering nomad in the company of ordinary people.

He didn’t have to, yet He accepted an unjust verdict, humiliation, and an excruciating death on the cross.

All because Jesus loved us.

Jesus is putting the bar of love high. Now the question is repeated, have you ever tried to love the way Jesus loved us?

Love is to put the loved one ahead and above oneself. When your interests, comforts, and well-being take a second seat behind the interests, well-being, and comfort of the other, you have started to love the other. 

Love is not about you. It is about the neighbor. With Jesus, no one is an alien to be hated or at war with. If you doubt, read the parable of the good Samaritan. Besides proving a point, Jesus made the Samaritan the story’s hero, validating His point once again.

Loving like Jesus is not an easy task. But it is the final command of Jesus. It is not an advice, it is not a motivational word, but it is a command. To love is not an option, it is a command; it is the final command, period.

Amen.

Sunday Reflection – 05 May 2024

Maryanne Cardoz-Mascarenhas
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Sunday Reflection – 05 May 2024
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Sixth Sunday of Easter

Also Read: Mass Readings for 5 May 2024 Homily for 5 May 2024 – Sunday

First Reading: Acts 10: 25-26, 34-35, 44-48

While Peter was still speaking, the Holy Spirit fell upon all who heard the word. The circumcised believers who had come with Peter were astounded that the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out even on the Gentiles, (44-45)

We read in the passage today, how God builds his community and in such an amazing way! The Holy Spirit was so powerfully active in the believers! St. Peter led the way in literally following the voice of the Holy Spirit and the church was strengthened.

We ask Our Father in Heaven today, to build us, -in our spirits, our families, and our communities. Let us inspire each other in this construction work that we have been entrusted with. Let us forge unions that will withstand the wiles of the enemy. We recently learned during the “lockdowns”, how precious community life truly is. Let us not forget the lessons and utilize every opportunity to “build” ourselves and others.

Through Christ Jesus we have the victory, Amen! Alleluia!

Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 98: 1, 2-4

O sing to the Lord a new song, for he has done marvelous things. His right hand and his holy arm have gotten him victory. (1)

Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth; break forth into joyous song and sing praises. (4)

Alleluia!

Second Reading: First John 4: 7-10

In this is love, not that we loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the atoning sacrifice for our sins. (10)

We are born of God, through Christ and therefore we too possess the love of God! Yet we have been allowed the freedom by God the Father, as to the extent we may operate in His Love. We must recognize his love for us first and then from that love, we can reach out to his other children around us. God the Father sent us the Holy Spirit, so that like Peter we may discern his voice and accept our brothers and sisters in Christ.

Through Jesus Christ Our Lord, Amen!

Alleluia: John 14: 23

Jesus answered him, “Those who love me will keep my word, and my Father will love them, and we will come to them and make our home with them.”

Alleluia!

Gospel: John 15: 9-17

As the Father has loved me, so I have loved you; abide in my love. (9)

I am giving you these commands so that you may love one another. (17)

Beginning from the Gospel of John 13:12 until John 17, St. John captures the words of Christ’s last teaching to his apostles; before his journey to Calvary. Christ Jesus emphasizes the love of the Father through him for us and how each one of us must in turn live in that love for each other! As explained here by Christ, this tenet of our faith is so wonderfully uncomplicated; yet so complex for us to practice in our daily lives!

Some of the ways we could try making this practice a little less complex could be to ponder on the scriptures we read/hear in the day. Reminding ourselves of the words of God regularly can help us refocus and regain joy in the Lord’s strength. We ask Mother Mary to help us ponder on the words of God. Continuously praying in tongues, especially during our personal prayer time can fortify our faith and help us overcome difficult situations. We are living in a world that does not know love and for us to live in love is surely a challenge. But we take courage from our Lord when he said: “Take courage I have conquered the world!” (Jn 16:33) No other conqueror in the history of the world has ever been able to accomplish the everlasting victory that Christ Jesus has won.

Therefore we will raise an Alleluia, we have the victory in Jesus’ name. Amen!

Sunday Reflection – 28 April 2024

Maryanne Cardoz-Mascarenhas
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Sunday Reflection – 28 April 2024
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Fifth Sunday of Easter

Also Read: Mass Readings for 28 April 2024 Homily for 28 April 2024 – Sunday

First Reading: Acts 9: 26-31

Meanwhile, the Church throughout Judea, Galilee, and Samaria had peace and was built up. Living in the fear of the Lord and the comfort of the Holy Spirit, it increased in numbers. (31)

We learn from the reading today, how Saul of Tarsus attempted to join the disciples but was met with an initial resistance. That was due to Saul previously being a great persecutor of those who invoked the name of Jesus. Yet we learn further how powerfully the Holy Spirit worked among the disciples and Saul was accepted by the disciples. We know in the later chapters, how Saul turned into Paul and spearheaded the spread of the Gospel far and wide.

The first church was so amazingly led by the Holy Spirit and we praise God for this. We ask the Lord to grant us the grace to always listen to his Holy Spirit.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 22: 26-28, 30-32

All the ends of the earth shall remember and turn to the Lord, and all the families of the nations shall worship before him. (27)

Alleluia!

Second Reading: First John 3: 18-24

Whenever our hearts condemn us, for God is greater than our hearts, and he knows everything. (20)

Today, we are reminded to love not only in our words but in our actions and in truth too. We are called to live truthful lives by the way we conduct ourselves too. We have been given the Holy Spirit “…for God did not give us a spirit of cowardice but rather a spirit of power and of love and of self-discipline.” (2 Tim 1:7) Therefore we must walk in power, love, and self-discipline. A good way to begin is to work on self-discipline.

We ask the Good Lord to grant us the wisdom to walk in his Light. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Alleluia: John 15: 4a, 5b

Abide in me as I abide in you. Just as the branch cannot bear fruit by itself unless it abides in the vine, neither can you unless you abide in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who abide in me and I in them bear much fruit because apart from me you can do nothing. (4-5)

Gospel: John 15: 1-8

“I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who abide in me and I in them bear much fruit, because apart from me you can do nothing.” (5)

Every verse of the Gospel today can be memorized and we must strive to live by them. We know without God we can do nothing. We praise God for allowing us to remain His branches. One of the most powerful ways to remain in the Lord is to keep speaking in tongues throughout the day. There have been many preachers and scholars who attest to the power of praying in tongues continuously.

We must also remind ourselves that the Lord prunes us so that we may bear much fruit. The lessons we need to learn every day will be repeated as many times as we need them!

Let us repeat the verses daily to ourselves. Many of the psalms too have been composed into beautiful hymns. Let us hum these heavenly tunes to heal our souls. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

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