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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!

Sunday Homily – 06 October 2024

Fr. Bobby Joseph CMI
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Sunday Homily – 06 October 2024

Twenty-Seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time

Also Read: Mass Readings for 06 october 2024 Mass Reading Reflection for 06 october 2024

Gospel: Mark 10: 2-16

Your spouse is a chosen gift from God. He did not pick one from a shelf, He hand-crafted the person much before you started looking for one. He carefully shaped him or her just as an acclaimed artist would do. He detailed His gift for you with great care and precision. He made that gift exclusively for you.

It is an insult to the giver to misuse or exchange a valuable gift. Hence, Jesus leaves no room for divorce in His teachings. Jesus quoting from the book of Genesis proved beyond doubt that it was the will of God from the beginning.

When you are placing the gift in the right position, you are respecting the giver. When you are putting your spouse above all earthly relationships and possessions, you are respecting God: you are adoring God. Loving, caring, and forgiving one another are acts of worship married couples offer to God Almighty daily. 

Referring to married couples Jesus said, “The two shall become one flesh.” We should pay attention to the choice of words, He did not say, “They shall become like one flesh.” He, instead, said, “The two shall become one flesh.”

Married couples are called to unity, there is no scope for any discord or division. It is indeed a tough teaching.

As grown-up intelligent individuals, we are bound to have differences. Can two people become united despite their differences? Please consider the following example:

The couple were getting ready for an international travel from India. The wife wanted to take some traditional medicines from India. Most such medicines are prohibited for international travel. The husband made the law clear and said that they were not carrying it anyway. Some of the relatives suggested to the wife that even if they catch them at the airport, they may just remove the medicine and let them go. The reply of the wife was stunning, “I am not taking it, because if at all we are caught, he will not even give me a look meaning ‘I told you so.’”

The absence of the phrase, ‘I told you so,’ is an indication that you have grown to become one flesh.

One who owns the achievements, successes, mistakes, and even failures of the spouse is the one who knows the meaning of becoming one flesh.

Trust in Jesus. Love, care, and forgive your spouse not based on the merits of your spouse, but because your spouse is a hand-crafted gift from God. You will taste the joy of heaven at home and in the life to come.

Amen.   

Sunday Reflection – 06 October 2024

Maryanne Cardoz-Mascarenhas
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Sunday Reflection – 06 October 2024

Twenty-Seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time

Also Read: Mass Readings for 06 October 2024 Homily for 06 October 2024 – Sunday

First Reading: Genesis 2: 18-24

Then the man said, “This at last is bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh; she shall be called Woman, because she was taken out of Man.” (23)

God formed the woman out of one of man’s ribs. (21) The helper fit for him, whom God wanted man to have couldn’t have been found in any one of the other creatures. (18) A part of man was removed from him; and formed by God to become the woman, his helper! Therefore, no other creature or person is ultimately fit for man, other than the one chosen by God! We Thank the Lord God for his Gift to us in His Wisdom!

In Jesus’ name, Amen!

Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 128: 1-6

Blessed is everyone who fears the Lord, who walks in his ways! You shall eat the fruit of the labor of your hands; you shall be happy, and it shall be well with you. (1-2)

Alleluia, Amen!

Second Reading: Hebrews 2: 9-11

But we see Jesus, who for a little while was made lower than the angels, crowned with glory and honor because of the suffering of death, so that by the grace of God he might taste death for everyone. (9)

 For it was fitting that he, for whom and by whom all things exist, in bringing many sons to glory, should make the pioneer of their salvation perfect through suffering. (10)

In the infinite Mercy, Love, and Wisdom of the Lord God, He gave us Salvation through His Son Jesus Christ! He made us fit as the bride of His son Lord Jesus Christ through his suffering! Let us ponder on this great mystery, it will take us more than a lifetime to fathom this act of God!

Let us boldly persevere in our faith while here on earth! In Jesus’ name, Amen!

Alleluia: First John 4: 12

Alleluia! No man has ever seen God; if we love one another, God abides in us and his love is perfected in us. Alleluia!

Gospel: Mark 10: 2-16

“ ‘For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one.’ So they are no longer two but one.” (7-8)

But when Jesus saw it he was indignant, and said to them, “Let the children come to me, do not hinder them; for to such belongs the kingdom of God. I tell you the truth, anyone who doesn’t receive the Kingdom of God like a child will never enter it.” (14-15)

The Pharisees had come to trap Jesus, but Jesus once again responded very wisely with scripture and Moses’ teaching. In the hardness of their hearts, they could have been guilty of coveting their neighbours, going against the Commandments. (Ex 20:1-20) In covetousness, they were trying to twist the Law! It is not surprising that Jesus speaks about little children right after his commands about marriage and divorce. Apart from the physical union, it is also the spiritual and emotional union that is vital to the marriage. We could reflect on this ’emotional and spiritual divorce’ that could plague many modern marriages today! Christ calls the children to himself! Children, before they enter adulthood and are corrupted of their innocence; embody those who receive the Kingdom of God.

We ask the Dear Lord Jesus Christ to grant us the child-like faith we desperately need in these trying times. In Jesus’ name. Amen!

Sunday Reflection – 29 September 2024

Maryanne Cardoz-Mascarenhas
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Sunday Reflection – 29 September 2024

Twenty-Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Also Read: Mass Readings for 29 September 2024

First Reading: Numbers 11: 25-29

Then the Lord came down in the cloud and spoke to him, and took some of the spirit that was upon him and put it upon the seventy elders; and when the spirit rested upon them, they prophesied. But they did so no more. (25)

In the earlier verses Num 1:1-11, there is a description of how the Israelites complained about the manna and remembered Egypt where they had eaten meat and fish. Moses tells God about the burden of the complaining of the Israelites and the Lord listens to his prayer. He tells Moses to select seventy elders as representatives of God to share the burden with Moses.

Let us learn from this passage to remain grateful to God for the gifts he has bestowed on us. Let us rejoice with the manna only HE provides and not yearn for the deceptive pleasures of the world. Let us also recognize the persons in our lives; whom God has placed to share our burdens, and we thank the Lord for them.  In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 19: 8, 10, 12-14

The precepts of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart; the commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes; (8)

Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer. (14)

Amen, Alleluia!

Second Reading: James 5: 1-6

You have lived on the earth in luxury and in pleasure; you have fattened your hearts in a day of slaughter. You have condemned, you have killed the righteous man; he does not resist you. (5-6)

St. James warns us today about the ills of amassing treasures through injustice to others. Let us examine ourselves and realize our mistakes. If we are guilty of being unjust in any way, let us repent, confess to the Lord, and commit to living justly in the sight of God Our Lord. We pray to St. James for this our petition.

In Jesus’ name, Amen!

Alleluia: John 17: 17

“Sanctify them in the truth; thy word is truth.”

Alleluia!

Gospel: Mark 9: 38-43, 45, 47-48

“For he that is not against us is for us.” (40)

“And if your eye causes you to sin, pluck it out; it is better for you to enter the kingdom of God with one eye than with two eyes to be thrown into hell, where their worm does not die, and the fire is not quenched.” (47-48)

Today, Jesus’ words seem to echo the same message as Moses’ when there were two others who had been given the Spirit of the Lord. (Num. 11:29) We ask the Lord to let us discern whom HE has sent to be for us! Amen.

We also ask the Lord God to grant us the grace to pluck out the eye, stop the hand, or block the foot that causes us to sin. Let us also beware of causing others to fall into sin. Let us be vigilant of what we watch, how our hands work, and where our feet run. We ask the intercession of Our Mother Mary and St. Padre Pio to help us live in the light of the Lord. In Jesus’ name, Amen!

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