Fourth Sunday of Lent, Second Scrutiny of the Elect

Also Read: Mass Readings for 30 March 2025 Sunday Reflection by Mike – 30 March 2025

First Reading: Joshua 5: 9-12

The manna ceased on the day they ate the produce of the land, and the Israelites no longer had manna; they ate the crops of the land of Canaan that year. (12)

The Lord God provides for us always, miraculously like the manna in the desert or in the bounty of the land before us. Let us learn to utilise our talents and resources wisely and produce good fruit. The Lord worked miracles for the Israelites as they were freed from Egyptian slavery. God works wonders for us, too, when we strive to break free from our slavery to sin.

In Jesus’ name, Amen!

Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 34: 2-7

My soul makes its boast in the Lord; let the humble hear and be glad. O magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt his name together. (2-3)

Amen!

Second Reading: Second Corinthians 5: 17-21

In Christ, God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting the message of reconciliation to us. (19)

St. Paul is explaining to us the whole mystery of our Christian faith. God reconciled us to Himself in such a powerful and wondrous way. God’s only begotten Son, Jesus Christ, died for us and gave us eternal manna in the Holy Eucharist! He saves us, provided we return to him with a repentant heart!

In Jesus’ name, Amen!

Verse Before the Gospel: Luke 15: 18

I will get up and go to my father, and I will say to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you. Amen!

Gospel: Luke 15: 1-3,11-32

Justice and Mercy!

Then the son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you; I am no longer worthy to be called your son. (21)

The story of the prodigal son is repeated for us every Lenten season as a reminder of GOD’S merciful love for us! But we must not forget that God looks out for our responsibility and repentance of heart first! We must first be humble in returning with a contrite heart to God. It is then that we will be able to see the merciful side of a just God.

In Jesus’ name,  Amen!

Third Sunday of Lent, First Scrutiny of the Elect

Also Read: Mass Readings for 23 March 2025 Sunday Reflection by Maryanne – 23 March 2025

First Reading: Exodus 3: 1-8a, 13-15

“What is his name?”

Here in the famous calling of Moses by God, we are given one of the most monumental moments in the history of religion in the revelation of God’s name by God Himself. Where else has any religion deigned to have their God stoop to such a humble level? Even when a god or goddess would show him or herself to a hero it required some trickery on the hero’s part. Here, God has freely elected to show himself in this intimate way to Moses.

Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 103: 1-2, 3-4, 6-7, 8, 11

“bless his holy name”

Here we see an early liturgical application of the revelation God made to Moses so long before. Now, the Jewish people are saying a prayer of blessing specifically to the name of God because it denotes the humility and love that God showed first to Moses and continues to show to the Israelites. This humility and love will be perfected in the Incarnation when God fits Himself into the box of Creation by taking on human nature.

Second Reading: First Corinthians 10: 1-6, 10-12

“the rock was Christ”

St. Paul makes reference to Moses here, not from the first reading but much later as he leads Israel through the wilderness. He makes reference both to the Red Sea and the rock that provided miraculous water for Israel. Both of these are types of baptism in salvation that provide us freedom from slavery to sin and offer salvation and hope to one in this life. Baptism also would have been when one received his or her name in the Church, the name known by Christ.

Gospel: Luke 13: 1-9

The Gospel seems difficult to relate to the first and second readings until one considers exactly what type of freedom baptism provides. Remember that Moses was called in Exodus 3 to do something, be God’s instrument in freeing the Israelites for worship. They, in turn, were freed through the Red Sea in order to inhabit the Promised Land but also to be an example for the surrounding nations of worship of the true God. Christians, at baptism, are saved from something, but they are also saved for something. They receive a call to produce fruit like the fig tree. Our baptism is a gift, but not just a gift. Baptism is also a call by God.

Third Sunday of Lent, First Scrutiny of the Elect

Also Read: Mass Readings for 23 March 2025 Sunday Reflection by Mike – 23 March 2025

First Reading: Exodus 17: 3-7

I will be standing there in front of you on the rock at Horeb. Strike the rock, and water will come out of it, so that the people may drink.” Moses did so, in the sight of the elders of Israel. (6)

In the wilderness, the people quarreled and complained against Moses! They were already freed from Egypt, but they still carried a slave mentality! They would rather prefer to remain in slavery and eat than be free! The people had already been provided with manna in the desert earlier. (v.16) Yet they begin grumbling again!

Let us remember that we ought to focus on the blessings in our lives. Even though difficulties may come, we ought to praise God in all circumstances. God provides for us every time we turn to him. We must remember that God offers us the solution stick, but we must be discerning when and where we must strike with it. He goes before us always. (Ex. 14:14) Let us ask the Holy Spirit to guide us to the rock at Horeb, so that we may obediently strike and act in humility to receive our drink. In Jesus’ name, Amen!

Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 95: 1-2, 6-9

O come, let us sing to the Lord; let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation! (1) O that today you would listen to his voice!
Do not harden your hearts, as at Meribah, as on the day at Massah in the wilderness, when your ancestors tested me, and put me to the proof, though they had seen my work. (8-9)

Amen!

Second Reading: Romans 5: 1-2, 5-8

 For while we were still weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. (6)

We are grateful to God that HE sent His only begotten son to redeem us. In God’s wondrous plan of salvation, he saves us humans by letting his Son die for us! This is an unfathomable mystery we may never fully understand! The life of faith that we live today, has been bought for us by the cost of the death of Jesus. We could never be able to redeem ourselves on our own merit. God redeemed us while we were still weak and gave us the means to become strong in Him.

Let us therefore remain steadfast and persevering in our faith-filled life! In Jesus’ name, Amen!

Verse Before the Gospel: John 4: 42, 15

The woman said to him, “Sir, give me this water, so that I may never be thirsty or have to keep coming here to draw water.”

Gospel: John 4: 5-42

The woman said to him, “Sir, you have no bucket, and the well is deep. Where do you get that living water? Are you greater than our ancestor Jacob, who gave us the well, and with his sons and his flocks drank from it? (12)

First, we doubt -How can God do the impossible for me? What will be his strategy and which will be His instruments? But, let us learn from the villagers who heard and believed! (42)

The woman said to him, “I know that Messiah is coming” (who is called Christ). “When he comes, he will proclaim all things to us.” Jesus said to her, “I am he, the one who is speaking to you.” (25-26)

Christ Jesus reveals himself to the doubting Samaritan woman! He also appeared first to another woman, Mary Magdalene after his resurrection! (Jn.20:11-18)  Blessed are these women who encountered Jesus in their lives and bore witness to him! In revealing himself to the Samaritan woman, God also proclaims how worship would transcend a particular place! (21-24) We see how the church has fulfilled this prediction in the daily celebration of the Holy Eucharist. Christ instituted the Holy Eucharist at the Last Supper and created a New Way of Worship for all who Believe in Him! Let us rejoice in being the new Samaritan villagers!

Let us ask the Lord to stay with us when we receive Him in the Holy Communion. Let us abide in Him who has the Living water, He is our Rock of Horeb. Let us not grumble or doubt, but ask in faith and with contrite hearts! For He said: “Ask and it shall be given….” (Mt. 7:7)

All that we thirst for is in HIM! IN JESUS’ NAME, AMEN!

Second Sunday of Lent

Also Read: Mass Readings for 16 March 2025 Sunday Reflection by Maryanne – 16 March 2025

Genesis 15: 5-12, 17-18

This foundational story of Abraham is a powerful testament to his faith, but is also a profound example to us of the virtue of hope. There has already been discussion of the idea that God called upon Abraham to “count the stars” despite it actually being daytime (it is after this scene in verse 17 that it says “the sun had set”). This means that he was being told to see something he could not yet see, but knew was there. Similarly, when we hope in Christ we too are meant to see something, or Someone, there whom we cannot yet see, at least not in the way we expect to see. We look forward like Abraham was meant to look forward to the fulfilment of God’s promises.

Psalms 27: 1, 7-9, 13-14

Just like the stars are producers of light, so this Psalm tells us the Lord is our light. In the darkness, this light is one’s salvation if one is traveling. Ancient travelers used the stars to travel, knowing which direction they were going based on their placement. It was the light they produced that allowed you to get to your destination. The light of the moon, which we know is produced by our star, provided light to see where one was going. We are travelers moving toward a much greater light and destination. The little lights of the Saints point us to the Great Light of Heaven, God Himself.

Philippians 3: 17 – 4: 1

Similar to the two ways presented by Moses in Deuteronomy, that of life and of death, St. Paul gives us a New Testament application of this idea in that which one imitates. One can imitate the “earthly things” that will eventually pass away, so then we too will pass away, or we can imitate the one who is eternal, Jesus Christ, and so share in his eternity. Ultimately, we are throwing our hope in with one or the other more by our actions than our words. 

Luke 9: 28b-36

Abraham was told to look at the little lights of the stars as evidence of God’s promise. The Apostles, we see, are given a great light and the glorious presence of Jesus. This presence had been veiled his entire life but is now revealed briefly as he gets closer to his sacrifice. What completes this event is that the biggest “little lights” from the Old Testament, Elijah and Moses, are in the presence of this great light. These two, because of the ambiguity associated with their deaths, create an important image for the Apostles as this is a heavenly reality being presented to them.

Second Sunday of Lent

Also Read: Mass Readings for 16 March 2025 Sunday Reflection by Mike – 16 March 2025

First Reading: Genesis 15: 5-12, 17-18

Father in Faith!

On that day the Lord made a covenant with Abram, saying, “To your descendants I give this land, from the river of Egypt to the great river, the river Euphrates.” (18)

Lord God blessed Abram and promised his descendants the land; even before Abram had a son! The great father of our faith models for us how we are to live out our faith! Based on the promises of God, Abram moved houses and lands, possibly through tough terrain; but we know from his life how he remained steadfast in his faith.

Today, we thank Father Abraham, and we ask the Lord to grant us the grace to walk in faith even when we can’t see the whole picture. We know the master painter will colour the canvas of our lives like a masterpiece we couldn’t have ever imagined. In Jesus’ name, Amen!

Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 27: 1, 7-9, 13-14

I believe that I shall see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord! (13-14)

Amen!

Second Reading: Philippians 3: 17 – 4: 1

Citizenship!

But our citizenship is in heaven, and it is from there that we are expecting a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ. He will transform the body of our humiliation that it may be conformed to the body of his glory, by the power that also enables him to make all things subject to himself. (20-21)

Therefore, my brothers and sisters, whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm in the Lord in this way, my beloved. (4:1)

St. Paul urges us to stand firm in the Lord! He reminds us that our citizenship is not of this world and, therefore, being in the world, we cannot be conformed to this world. (Rom 12:2) We may rejoice in the gifts God has bestowed on us here, but we may not be misled by them – remember Eve in the garden? (Gen 3: 1-7)

Instead, let us look to the New Eve, Our Mother Mary, and stand firm as we journey through this beautiful world created by the Lord God. In Jesus’ name, Amen!

Verse Before the Gospel: Matthew 17: 5

While he was still speaking, suddenly a bright cloud overshadowed them, and from the cloud a voice said, “This is my Son, the Beloved; with him I am well pleased; listen to him!” 

Amen!

Gospel: Luke 9: 28b-36

Transfigured and Transformed!

Then from the cloud came a voice that said, “This is my Son, my Chosen; listen to him!” (35)

The transfiguration of Jesus Christ transformed the eye-witnesses! They not only “saw” but they also “heard”! This Lent, let us rend our hearts that we may “see” and “hear” when the Lord seeks to transform us!

“Now Peter and his companions were weighed down with sleep; but since they had stayed awake, they saw his glory and the two men who stood with him.” (32) It is striking to note that this detail is clearly described here! Even though they were bogged down with sleep/fatigue/ etc, they managed to keep “a watch” and were able to witness the Lord’s Glory! In moments of our weaknesses, we ought to remain watchful! We know how much we may have suffered the consequences of ‘a spur of the moment’ incidence! In a fit of anger, we may hurt and loose valuable relationships, or a moment of greed could take us down selfish roads we may never have thought about before!

Let us guard our thoughts, indulgences, and emotions that may trigger our vices or weaknesses. Not only in this season of Lent but through the year, let us remain faithful in ‘watching’ and be transformed in the Light of the Lord!

In Jesus’ name, Amen!

First Sunday of Lent

Also Read: Mass Readings for 09 March 2025 Sunday Reflection by Maryanne – 09 March 2025

Deuteronomy 26: 4-10

Moses gives us a powerful recap of the history of God’s people up to that point in the story. It is an important use of the concept of Divine Providence in that he presents the events of history from God’s perspective. This assumption is present throughout the biblical narrative because it teaches us something about God, that He cares for his people, and about us, that our difficulties can be understood in light of a much bigger picture.

Psalms 91: 1-2, 10-11, 12-13, 14-15

There is some foreshadowing in this Psalm when it comes to the care God provides for his chosen one. Like the other temptations, the Devil will use this Scripture verse by twisting it in order to bring Jesus to sin. It is an important lesson on the sin of presumption, which is a rejection of God’s grace by seeing it as an entitlement and not as a gift.

Romans 10: 8-13

It is important early in the season of Lent to be reminded of what it is all for, which is the Resurrection of Jesus. If Ash Wednesday reminds us of a need for a Savior, then this first Sunday is already trying to point us to how that salvation was brought about. This is the faith that brings one to greater worship and it is the faith that sustains one during the trials of a rigorous Lent. 

Luke 4: 1-13

It is noteworthy that it is the Spirit that led Jesus into the wilderness to be tested. Many are scandalized by the “lead us not into temptation” line of the Our Father as well there is some malicious motive on God’s part. Even if we question God’s love for us, it would be hard to question God’s love for Jesus, yet he is still led to temptation. This testing is actually good for Jesus and it is good for us too. We have to always keep God’s abundant mercy in mind. Testing us is a comment on our great dignity that there is something good within us we can show. That good is God’s grace.

First Sunday of Lent

Also Read: Mass Readings for 09 March 2025 Sunday Reflection by Mike – 09 March 2025

First Reading: Deuteronomy 26: 4-10

Give Thanks!

So now I bring the first of the fruit of the ground that you, O Lord, have given me.” You shall set it down before the Lord your God and bow down before the Lord your God.

We praise God and give Him Thanks for all his blessings on us. On this first Sunday of Lent, we are reminded that we must offer to the Lord from the first fruits of our gifts. Whether, it is our time, talent, treasures, or our kindness, we ought to return to the Lord from the bounty that he has poured on us. We ask the Lord Jesus for this grace.

Amen.

Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 91: 1-2, 10-15

You live in the Shelter of the Almighty!

You who live in the shelter of the Most High, who abide in the shadow of the Almighty, will say to the Lord, “My refuge and my fortress; my God, in whom I trust.” (1-2)

No evil shall befall you, no scourge come near your tent. For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways. (10-11)

Amen!

Second Reading: Romans 10: 8-13

Proclaim What You Believe!

For one believes with the heart and so is justified, and one confesses with the mouth and so is saved. (10)

Scripture says: “The Word is near you, on your lips and in your heart.” (v.8) When we proclaim the name of Jesus in faith we are sheltered, saved, and guided. Amid a tricky or tough situation, we must remember to take the name of Jesus out loud. Even though we may not immediately “see” it but surely there is a spiritual impact on the situation. We will know the result/s of this impact only later. We are called to actively live our faith with small acts, a little prayer, and a little persistence.

In Jesus’ name, Amen!

Verse Before the Gospel: Matthew 4: 4b

But he answered, “It is written, ‘One does not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’”

Amen!

Gospel: Luke 4: 1-13

Live What You Believe!

Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit in the wilderness, where for forty days he was tempted by the devil. He ate nothing at all during those days, and when they were over, he was famished. (1-2)

In beginning this Lenten season, the Church reminds us today of the example set by Jesus Christ. How powerfully Christ is able to reject Satan and all his distractions, by the Word of God! Imagine the audacity of the tempter that he even tried his tricks with the WORD of God who became man! He had successfully tempted mankind the very first time in the Garden of Eden. But here Christ prevails over the lusts of eyes, pride, and wealth that the Devil throws up. 

Let us resort to scripture dedicatedly and try to live in the word of God! Let us make the Word of God our daily bread truly. Let us chew in our minds and embed in our hearts the truth that God speaks to us. This Lent, let us truly live and BELIEVE! In Jesus Name, Amen!

Have a Blessed and Faith-Filled Lent! Amen!

Eighth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Also Read: Mass Readings for 02 March 2025 Sunday Reflection by Maryanne – 02 March 2025

“in tribulation is the test of the just” – Sirach 27:5

For every Christian who wants to keep the name, he or she should expect difficulty because virtue always makes demands and demands are uncomfortable. Because Sirach is not considered canonical in non-Catholic Christian traditions, much of the English speaking world ignores its wisdom (along with the book of Wisdom), but this is just one of many pieces of very sober-minded, practical advice that transcends time and culture. Yes, one is allowed to feel frustration or even loneliness at the difficulty of the Christian life, but with this must come the realization that it is essential to it while on earth. It does not mean that difficulties automatically mean one is living a good Christian life, sin has consequences too, but strive first to live the Christian life and do not be surprised if difficulties follow.

“when fully trained, every disciple will be like his teacher” – Luke 6:40

Jesus has several verses that echo this sentiment and it applies well to the first reading because we have one who is perfectly just and who still experienced tribulation. This is where the Christian’s confidence in times of adversity must come. There should be a correspondence between the imitation of Jesus in his virtues and the imitation of Jesus in his trials. The logic does not work both ways, we are not just because we struggle, but if we are just, there will be struggle.

“The fruit of a tree shows the care it has had” – Sirach 27:6

Especially in a book of practical advice like Sirach, it can become very self-focused and individualized. There is always a tension between personal and social responsibility when it comes to human action because we are made for relationship but are also moral agents. If we are the tree in this metaphor, then the care we receive comes from the wider community and the past generations that have formed us. What we produce, while it includes our essential cooperation, will be shaped by those factors as well.

“For every tree is known by its own fruit” – Luke 6:43

This ties well to the previous verse from the First Reading not just symbolically, but they also supplement each other to give the reader a fuller picture of the concept. Often, this verse taken in isolation can make the reader feel like they themselves are the problem because they are not producing the right results. However, as the above verse from Sirach shows, it is a cooperation between the tree and the care given to it. Even the tree relies on an agent outside of it. It is not an either/or situation where we just need to find the one person to blame, but a recognition of a wider circle that all must be responsible for each other’s success, both materially and spiritually.

Eighth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Also Read: Mass Readings for 02 March 2025 Sunday Reflection by Mike – 02 March 2025

First Reading: Sirach 27: 4-7

Cultivate!

Its fruit discloses the cultivation of a tree; so a person’s speech discloses the cultivation of his mind. (6)

Closing in on the holy season of Lent, this Sunday’s readings direct our minds towards internal purification. Our speech discloses so much about ourselves! We ask the Holy Spirit to guide us as we discern whether to open up or not.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 92: 2-3, 13-16

The righteous flourish like the palm tree, and grow like a cedar in Lebanon. They are planted in the house of the Lord; they flourish in the courts of our God.

Alleluia!

Second Reading: First Corinthians 15: 54-58

Prune!

But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my beloved, be steadfast, immovable, always excelling in the work of the Lord, because you know that in the Lord your labour is not in vain. (57-58)

St. Paul explains to us the mystery through which we have been saved. Only through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ we can be raised to new life. In the previous verses (v.49) he says, we will bear the image of the son of heaven! Therefore, we are to rejoice and work in hope. He sees our efforts and knows our hearts. The good Lord will bless the work of our hands. Let us keep the faith and fight the good fight like St. Paul. In Jesus’ name, Amen!

Alleluia: Philippians 2: 15d, 16a

Alleluia, Alleluia! So that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, in which you shine like stars in the world. It is by your holding fast to the word of life that I can boast on the day of Christ that I did not run in vain or labour in vain. Alleluia!

Gospel: Luke 6: 39-45

Filter!

How can you say to your neighbour, ‘Friend, let me take out the speck in your eye,’ when you yourself do not see the log in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your neighbour’seye. (42)

In words somewhat stinging, Christ pronounces many layers of teachings. The most bitter lesson seems to be from the “…speck in the neighbours’ eye!” What may be some specks we find in the neighbours’ eyes? How easy and convenient is it for us to find faults with others around us? Do we stop and reflect on our words and actions? If each one of us, turn into self-reflective persons; we will be able to reform ourselves thereby creating change in the world around us.

In Jesus’ name, Amen!