Feast of the Baptism of the Lord (Matthew: 3:13-17)
Today we celebrate the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord, a feast that brings the Christmas season to its fulfilment. It invites us not only to look at Jesus standing in the waters of the Jordan, but also to reflect deeply on our own baptism-what it means and how it shapes our lives. The Church presents this feast as part of the three great manifestations of Christ in the New Testament. These events reveal who Jesus is and what His coming means for the whole world. The first manifestation is the Epiphany, when the Magi come from the East to worship the child Jesus (Mat: 2:1-12). They were not Israelites. They were foreigners, outsiders-yet they recognized the light of Christ before many others did. This tells us something essential about the Gospel: Jesus is for everyone. Salvation is not limited by race, language, culture, or background. As the Catechism teaches, “The Epiphany is the manifestation of Jesus as Messiah of Israel, Son of God, and Savior of the world”. From the very beginning, God’s plan was universal.
Today’s Gospel brings us to the second and most powerful manifestation-the Baptism of Jesus. In Matthew 3:13-17, we witness a breathtaking moment: Jesus, though sinless, steps into the waters of repentance. The heavens open. The Holy Spirit descends like a dove. And the voice of the Father declares, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.” Here, the Holy Trinity is revealed. But this moment is not only about Jesus. It is also about us. By entering the waters, Jesus sanctifies them. As the Catechism says, “By His Baptism, Christ consecrated the waters of Baptism”. From that moment on, baptism becomes more than a symbol-it becomes a sacrament of new life. Dear friends, at our baptism, something extraordinary happened: Heaven was opened for us. The Holy Spirit came to dwell within us. We became a beloved child of God. In the Old Testament, only kings, prophets, and priests were anointed by the Spirit. But through baptism, every believer is anointed. God looks at each baptized person and says, “You are my beloved son. You are my beloved daughter.” Baptism is not just a ceremony from the past. It is not simply a family tradition. It is a living identity.
Baptism is also a commissioning. Through baptism, we are sent out-not as passive believers, but as active witnesses. We are God’s warriors-not with weapons of power or violence, but with faith, humility, love, justice, and mercy. Our mission is carried out in ordinary places: in our homes, workplaces, schools, and neighbourhoods. Every baptized person has a role in God’s plan. The third manifestation takes place at the Wedding at Cana (Jn 2:1–11), where Jesus turns water into wine. This is more than a miracle. It is a sign. A sign of abundance. A sign of transformation. A sign that God’s grace can turn what is ordinary, empty, or even defective into something rich and beautiful. Those who feel spiritually blind, weak, or unworthy are not excluded. By God’s touch, transformation is always possible. As we celebrate the Baptism of the Lord today, let us remember: We are beloved children of God. May this feast renew our baptismal commitment, so that through our lives, our words, and our actions, the world may once again hear the voice of the Father: “This is my beloved.” Amen
Dear friends, today we celebrate the great Solemnity of the Epiphany of the Lord. This Solemnity is also known as Theophany, when God ‘Theos’ manifested Himself before His people, a term known as ‘Epiphaneia’, that has the meaning of revelation, as He came forth bringing the Light and Hope to the nations. The feasts remind us of the Wise Men, the Magi and they are an image of the world’s peoples journeying in search of God. The Magi appeared quietly and disappeared just as quietly into history. Scripture does not record their names, their exact number, or their final fate. They are remembered not for power or position, but for their seeking. Though tradition calls them kings and numbers them as three, the Gospel presents them simply as Magi-foreigners, outsiders, men who did not belong to Israel. And yet, they were drawn by God to recognize His Son. Their presence at the manger proclaims a profound truth: the coming of Christ was never meant for some people alone, but for all nations. The Magi did not preach. They did not stay. They did not rule. They sought. They found. They worshiped. They obeyed.
Their journey required courage-the willingness to follow a light they did not fully understand, to leave behind comfort, certainty, and even power, in search of truth. When they found the Child, they offered not words, but gifts and adoration. And when warned in a dream, they chose obedience over convenience, returning home by another way. The Solemnity of the Epiphany calls us to become seekers like them. It invites us to look beyond what is familiar and safe, to follow the true light wherever it leads. In a world filled with many lights that fade or mislead, Epiphany reminds us that real wisdom is not found in status or knowledge, but in Christ Himself. May we, like the Magi, have hearts open enough to seek, humility enough to worship, and courage enough to obey-so that encountering Christ may also lead us home by another way.
“The Jubilee came to remind us that it is possible to start again, or better yet, that we are still at the beginning, that the Lord wants to grow among us, wants to be God-with us.
So, dear brothers and sisters, it is good to be pilgrims of hope. And it’s good to keep doing so, together! God’s faithfulness will continue to amaze us. If we don’t reduce our churches to monuments, if our communities to homes, if we resist together the temptations of the powerful, then we will be the generation of the aurora. Mary, Morning Star, will always walk before us! In his Son, we will behold and serve a magnificent humanity, transformed not by delusions of omnipotence, but by God who, for love, became flesh. ”
Pope Leo XIV, homily at the closing mass of the Jubilee of Hope, January 6, 2026
The second Sunday after the Nativity
John:1:1-18
Today, the Church invites us to reflect on the importance of Christ’s coming to us. There is a strong relationship between wisdom and light. They are synonymous with each other. Light is always contra darkness and dispels it. The Book of Wisdom addresses God as the one who “made all things by your word; God’s eternal, creative, and illuminating power” (Wis 9:1). Proverbs equally writes: “The Lord by wisdom founded the earth” (Pr 3:19). “Light,” “Word,” and “Wisdom” are seen as the same. The Gospel of John proclaims with great clarity: “The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world.” (Jn:1:9) Jesus Christ is not simply a light among many. He is the True Light-the light that no darkness can overcome. On the very first page of Sacred Scripture, we hear God’s creative word: Let there be light (Gen: 1:3). Light marks the beginning of creation, order, and life itself. In the Bible, darkness often symbolizes confusion, sin, fear, and separation from God. To a people living in despair, the prophet Isaiah announces hope: “The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light” (Is: 9:2). This prophecy finds its fulfilment in Jesus Christ. Jesus declares openly: “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life” (Jn: 8:12). Across cultures and religions, light has always symbolized life, truth, and the divine. Ancient traditions revered the sun as the source of life; lamps, candles, and fire appear in nearly every religion. The great philosopher Plato said, Light gives visibility to all things.
Dear friends, humanity instinctively knows that light points beyond itself-to God. Have you ever reflected on the sanctuary lamp burning quietly in our churches? It does not speak, yet it preaches constantly. That small flame tells us: God is here. Christ is present. You are not alone. The Psalmist expresses this beautifully: “Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light for my path” (Ps: 119:105). The sanctuary lamp reminds us that Jesus, truly present in the Holy Eucharist, is the light that never goes out-even when the world feels dark. St. Augustine once said, “Christ is the light that shines without being extinguished.” That is the light before which we kneel, the light that waits for us, the light that heals us. The Gospel does not end with Jesus being the light. Jesus turns to his disciples and said: “You are the light of the world… Let your light shine before others” (Mt: 5:14–16). St. Paul reminds us clearly: “Once you were in darkness, but now in the Lord you are light. Live as children of light” (Ep: 5:8). Through Baptism and the Sacraments-especially the Holy Eucharist-the Light of Christ dwells within us. This is not poetry; it is a mission. We become light when: we forgive instead of holding on to anger, we show compassion instead of indifference, we speak truth with love, we bring hope to the lonely and forgotten. As St. Teresa of Calcutta said, “Not all of us can do great things. But we can do small things with great love.” Even a small flame can light a large room.
The Church expresses this faith most powerfully at the Easter Vigil. The celebration begins in total darkness. Then the Paschal Candle is lit, and the priest proclaims: Christ our Light! And we respond: Thanks be to God! That is our faith in one sentence. At Baptism, a candle is placed in our hands with the words: Receive the light of Christ. From that moment on, we are no longer children of darkness, but children of the light (Ep: 5:8). St. Paul tells us again: “You are children of the light and children of the day” (1 Thes: 5:5). The Resurrection of Jesus, celebrated at dawn, is the greatest sign that light always triumphs over darkness. As St. John assures us: “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it” (John 1:5). Dear friends, Christ is our Light. The Church reflects that Light. And we are sent to carry that Light into the world-into our homes, workplaces, and broken relationships. And may we one day walk in the eternal light of God, where there is no night, no sorrow, and no end. “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” (John 1:5) Amen.
Luke:2:16-21 ( January-1)
In today’s Gospel, the shepherds hurry to see the child Jesus, and Mary quietly treasures everything in her heart. While others speak and rejoice, Mary listens, reflects, and trusts God’s work unfolding in her life. She teaches us that faith is not only about action, but also about stillness and trust. As we begin a new year, Mary reminds us to place our lives gently in God’s hands. The child she holds is named Jesus, “God saves,” a promise that God is with us in all that lies ahead. May Mary, the Mother of God, help us welcome this new year with faith, peace, and open hearts, trusting that God is already at work in our lives.
PASTORAL LETTER FOR THE FEAST OF THE HOLY FAMILY
SUNDAY 28 DECEMBER 2025
Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,As we celebrate the Feast of the Holy Family, the Church invites us to contemplate anew the quiet strength, the steadfast love and the attentive trust that marked the home of Jesus, Mary and Joseph. Their life in Nazareth was simple, hidden and at times anxious, yet it was within that small household that God chose to dwell among us. The Holy Family shows us that God’s grace is at work in ordinary life and that holiness often grows best in the soil of patient love. This year the feast carries a particular significance for our diocese, because it marks the closing of our diocesan celebration of the Jubilee Year of Hope. The universal Jubilee continues until the Epiphany, when the Holy Doors in St Peter’s Basilica in Rome will be closed. So today we pause as a diocesan family to give thanks for the graces of this year and to consider how the virtue of hope may continue to shape our life together. The Scriptures offered to us today portray the Holy Family as a living school of hope. In the First Reading, Sirach speaks of the reverence owed between generations, and in the Second, St Paul urges us to clothe our lives with compassion, gentleness, patience and forgiveness, bound together in love. The Gospel introduces us to a family who know both worry and trust as they watch the child Jesus grow in wisdom and grace. Nazareth was no idealised sanctuary. It was the place where three hearts learned to listen to God in the quiet demands of daily life. St Augustine reminded us that our hearts are restless until they rest in God. Much of family life reveals that restlessness, and yet it is precisely there that God works most tenderly. The Jubilee Year has echoed this divine patience. Since the fourteenth century the Church has kept jubilee years as signs that God desires a new beginning for his people. In calling the world to a Year of Hope, Pope Francis invited us to walk with courage through a year marked by war, inequality, and the lingering wounds of the pandemic. Across dioceses in the UK, and throughout the world, holy doors have been opened, pilgrimages undertaken, catechesis renewed and works of mercy intensified. Resources for schools and parishes have led many to rediscover hope as a daily discipline grounded in prayer, Scripture and service. Pope Francis’s gesture of opening a Holy Door within a prison reminded the whole Church that hope belongs even in the most wounded places, and our new Holy Father, Pope Leo XIV, has continued to urge the Church to be a sign of hope especially for the young and the burdened. Within our own diocese, this Jubilee has borne fruit in many quiet ways. Our schools have helped children reflect on the meaning of hope and undertake local pilgrimages. Our parishes have offered times of adoration, reconciliationand charitable outreach. Some have strengthened their welcome to those who struggle with loneliness, bereavement or poverty. Others have renewed ministries of listening and prayer. Many individuals, too, have made their own pilgrimages, whether to shrines or simply to their own parish church, seeking a new beginning in faith. These small acts, woven together, form a tapestry of hope far richer than any single event could capture. As we mark the close of this diocesan Year of Hope, I want to say thank you to every parishioner, priest, deacon, religious and anyone who has helped others draw nearer to Christ. The Jubilee belongs to all who have opened their hearts, even for a moment, to the graces extended to them this year. I encourage every household to reflect prayerfully on the past months. Ask where hope has quietly taken root in your life. Give thanks for the consolations received and for the courage granted in times of trial. In the Scriptures, Jubilee is a time when debts are forgiven and relationships restored. If there is someone in your life who would welcome a word of peace, forgiveness or reconciliation, this is a blessed time to take such a step. Hope grows wherever hearts are restored to one another. As we look ahead, let us remember that the end of a Jubilee does not bring an end to its grace. The Christian life is always a pilgrimage. The years before us will steer the Church towards the special Jubilee of 2033, the two thousandth anniversary of our redemption by the Passion, Death and Resurrection of our Blessed Lord. These coming years can become a steady path of renewal in our families and parishes. I encourage each person and each community to begin with one simple question: What step can we take to deepen our faith, hope and love in the coming year? Whether through renewed commitment to Sunday Mass, a small daily pattern of prayer, reading of Scripture, or a concrete act of mercy, each small step has value. Faith becomes strong when it is practised and shared. On this feast day, I entrust our diocesan family once again to Jesus, Mary and Joseph. Mary teaches us to trust God’s promises even in uncertainty. Joseph reminds us of the dignity of fidelity and quiet strength. The child Jesus, at the heart of their home, sanctifies every stage of human life and every household that welcomes him. May the Holy Family bless your homes with peace and courage. May they draw our diocese into deeper communion and help us to become a community where every person can experience hope, especially those who feel forgotten or weighed down. The door of God’s mercy remains always open and Christ continues to be the hope of our families, our parishes and our world. With the assurance of my prayers for you and your loved ones, I ask the Lord to bless you abundantly in the New Year ahead.
With my prayers and best wishes
Rt Rev Bosco MacDonald
Bishop of Clifton
To be read and made available at all Churches and Chapels in the Clifton Diocese on the weekend of 27/28 December 20
Dear Friends,
A very Merry Christmas to you all.
Christmas is a sacred moment to pause, to reflect, and above all, to give thanks. Today, my heart is filled with deep gratitude for each one of you. You have welcomed me into your lives and generously made a place for me among you as your parish priest.
Thank you for your constant prayers, your unwavering support, and your kindness expressed in countless ways. I am grateful for the beautiful presbytery I live in, the car I drive, the clothes I wear, the food I eat, the tools and resources that help me in ministry, the rest and holidays I enjoy, and the care and concern you so lovingly extend. Thank you for your greeting cards, chocolates, cakes, wine, offerings, and for every thoughtful gesture-large and small.
Above all, thank you for the love I experience among you. It is this love that truly makes our parish a home. May our parish always remain a home-a family of families-where everyone finds room, warmth, welcome, and a sense of belonging. When we make room for God and for one another, Christ is born anew in our hearts and in our community.
Once again, I wish you and your loved ones a very Merry Christmas. May this holy season fill your homes with peace, joy, and hope. With gratitude and Christmas blessings,
Fr. Joby Lukose
Luke:2:1-20 (December-25)
A child is born for us today, this beautiful proclamation from the Prophet Isaiah resounds once again in our hearts. Christmas is truly a season of joy and celebration. Everywhere we look, we see signs of festivity: our homes, streets, shops, and churches are adorned with colourful lights and
decorations. Families gather, gifts are exchanged, cakes are baked, special foods are prepared, music fills the air, and celebrations abound. Pubs and restaurants are full, shopping centres are crowded, and our schedules are overflowing. Even the weather and climate seem to join us in setting the mood for celebration. Tonight, we remember a simple truth: God does not arrive where everything is perfect. He comes where there is need. He comes where there is humility. He comes where someone is willing to make room. We hear those familiar words: “There was no room in the inn.” They speak not only about Bethlehem long ago, but about our lives today. How often our days are full, yet our hearts feel crowded and tired. How often we are busy doing many things, yet longing for something deeper. And still, God does not give up on us. When doors were closed, He entered a stable-a place of poverty, silence, and simplicity and made it holy by His presence. That is the good news of Christmas: God still comes quietly, still knocks gently, still asks-not demands-for space in our lives.
Mary shows us what it means to make room. She does not understand everything,
but she trusts completely. She opens her heart and says, “Let it be done to me according to your word.” Joseph teaches us a quieter lesson-the courage to let go of our own plans so that God’s plan can unfold. The shepherds leave behind their work. The wise men leave behind their certainty. All of them make space and in that space, they encounter joy. Dear friends, Christmas is not complete until we, too, make room. When God is pushed to the edges of life, something within us begins to fade. Families struggle to stay close. Forgiveness becomes harder. Patience wears thin. Hope grows fragile. A world that makes no room for God
slowly loses its sense of peace. But when God is welcomed again-into our homes, into our conversations, into the choices we make each day-life begins to change. Progress gains compassion. Strength learns tenderness. And the angels’ song, Peace on earth no longer sounds distant, but possible.
St. John Paul II said so powerfully: Open wide the doors to Christ. Christmas calls us to make room for one another. The Holy Family knew rejection. They knew uncertainty. They knew what it meant to be strangers and refugees, relying on the kindness of others. They remind us that every person has dignity. That welcome and responsibility must walk together. At the heart of Christmas is a conversation. Between an angel and a young woman. Between heaven and earth. Between God and humanity. Mary listens. She asks questions. She trusts. In a world that often speaks loudly but listens very little, Christmas invites us to rediscover dialogue-in our families, in our parish, even with those who see things differently than we do. Healing does not come from shouting. The future is not built on conflict. It is born from listening, from patience, from truth spoken with love. God became human so that we might become more human. The manger still speaks to us-of simplicity in a greedy world, of tenderness in a harsh time, of hope in moments of uncertainty. This Christmas, may our hearts become a little more like the stable-simple, open, and welcoming. May we make room for God. May we make room for one another. And may this Christmas be a pilgrimage-toward those who are still searching for a place, for belonging, for a heart that says with sincerity: You are welcome here. Dear friends, as we celebrate this holy night, may we hear the quiet voice of God knocking at the door of our crowded lives. And may we respond by opening the door and saying: Come, Lord Jesus. There is room here.
Happy Christmas 🎄
Luke:1:67-79 (December-24)
In Zechariah’s song, we hear the heart of Advent: God keeps His promises. Advent reminds us that God comes into our waiting, our darkness, and our hope. The gospel speaks of light rising in the darkness. The coming Saviour will guide our feet into the way of peace. During Advent, we wait not in fear, but in trust-because God is already at work. As we prepare for Christmas, we are invited to turn our hearts toward the light, to serve God without fear, and to walk in peace, knowing that the dawn from heaven is near.
Luke:1:57-66 ( December-23)
God keeps His promise to Elizabeth and Zechariah, even after a long season of waiting. When Zechariah names the child John, trusting God’s word, his voice is restored-showing how faith opens the way for new life and hope. Advent, reminds us that God often works quietly and in His own time. Waiting is not empty; it prepares our hearts. Like the neighbours who ask, What then will this child be?, Advent invites us to wonder again at what God is doing among us and to trust that He is preparing something greater than we can imagine.
Luke:1:46-56(December-22)
Mary’s song shows a God who lifts up the humble, fills the hungry, and keeps His promises. Advent is a time of waiting, but it is also a time of hope. Even before Jesus is born, God’s love is already at work, turning the world upside down with mercy and justice. As we prepare for Christmas, Mary invites us to trust God, rejoice in His faithfulness, and make room in our hearts for Christ to come.
Matthew:1:18-24
On this fourth Sunday of Advent, as we stand at the very threshold of Christmas, the Church places before us a remarkable figure-a man who never speaks a single word in the Gospel, yet teaches us some of the most profound lessons of faith: St. Joseph. In a world that is noisy, restless, and constantly eager to explain, defend and justify, St. Joseph stands quietly before us. His silence is not emptiness; it is fullness. His silence is rich with faith, obedience, humility, trust, and availability to God. The Gospel tells us: “Joseph her husband, since he was a righteous man, yet unwilling to expose her to shame, decided to divorce her quietly.” (Mt: 1:19) Joseph is called a righteous man. But his righteousness is not loud or self-asserting. It is gentle, compassionate, and humble. He does not insist on his rights. He does not demand explanations from Mary. He does not place himself at the centre of the mystery unfolding before him. Instead, he chooses mercy over judgment, love over reputation. St. Paul reminds us: “God chose what is lowly and despised in the world… so that no one might boast before God.” (1Cor: 1:28-29) Joseph teaches us the spirituality of humility: God is in control-not me. Joseph submits not only his understanding, but his entire future to God. He obeys even when the mystery does not make sense. This is what the Church calls the obedience of faith.
Pope Benedict XVI said, “Joseph teaches us that faith means trusting God even when things do not make sense.” And Pope Francis reminds us, “Joseph’s silence is not mute resignation, but an active listening to God.” Silence allows God to act. Silence protects the mystery. Silence forms holy hearts. Joseph lived a simple life-a carpenter, a worker, an ordinary man. Yet God entrusted him with the most extraordinary mission: to be the guardian of the Redeemer and the protector of the Virgin Mary. God does not look for the powerful; He looks for the available. Like the young Samuel, Joseph’s entire life silently says: “Here I am, Lord.” He was always ready-ready to accept Mary, ready to flee to Egypt, ready to return to Nazareth. Joseph shows us that availability is not about eloquence or visibility, but about faithful responsiveness. His availability begins with interior silence. “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid…” (Mt 1:20) Joseph hears God because his heart is already disposed to listen. Silence in Scripture is never emptiness; it is openness. Unlike Zechariah, who questioned the angel, Joseph does not ask for signs. He simply trusts.
St. John Paul II wrote in Redemptoris Custos: “Joseph entrusted himself without reserve to God, accepting His will and placing his own human expectations aside.” Joseph’s availability is deeply relational. God entrusts him not with a project, but with persons-Mary and Jesus. “Take the child and his mother…” (Mt 2:13) Joseph’s life becomes a quiet service: Protection of life, Provision through daily labour, Presence without possession. He does not dominate; he serves. He does not claim ownership; he guards what belongs to God. Church teaching reminds us that fatherhood-and indeed all Christian responsibility-is not control, but gift. Joseph “made of his life a service, a sacrifice to the mystery of the Incarnation.” Then, quietly, Joseph disappears from the Gospel narrative. His disappearance is itself a lesson. His holiness is daily, repetitive, unseen-and therefore deeply real. Pope Francis beautifully describes Joseph as “a father who accepts.” He teaches us that faith means believing that God can work even through our fears, frailties, and weaknesses. As we prepare for Christmas, St. Joseph invites us to examine our own hearts: Am I truly available to God and to my friends? Am I a selfish and self-centred person, always focused only on my own concerns and interests? Am I willing to listen when God speaks quietly? Today, availability often looks very simple: Fidelity in family life, Integrity in our work, Service without applause. May St. Joseph, the silent guardian of the Redeemer, teach us to live with humility, obedience, silence, and availability-so that Christ may truly be born in us this Christmas. Amen.
Luke:1:18-24(December-21)
St. Joseph teaches us how to live this Advent well. His life is marked by humility-he does not seek recognition or speak many words. Like the silence of Zechariah, Joseph’s silence becomes a space where God’s plan unfolds. His obedience is immediate; when God speaks, Joseph acts without delay or argument. And his availability is complete-he rearranges his life to welcome God’s will, even when it is unexpected or difficult. During Advent, we are invited to become like St. Joseph: humble enough to listen, obedient enough to act, and available enough to let God work through us. In the quiet waiting of this season, God is preparing something new.
Luke:1:26-38(December-20)
Mary’s simple words, Let it be done to me according to your word, show us the heart of Advent: saying yes to God, even when the future is unclear. Advent invites us to make room for Christ in our lives, just as Mary made room for Him in her womb. As we wait for Christmas, we are called to listen, trust, and humbly welcome Jesus into our hearts.
Luke:1:5-25(December-19)
Zechariah struggles to believe the angel’s message, and his doubt leaves him silent. This shows us that faith can be hard, especially when we’ve waited too long. Yet God’s promise is not stopped by human doubt. John the Baptist is still born, preparing the way for Jesus. During Advent, we are invited to wait with trust. Like Elizabeth, we can believe that God sees our struggles and will act in the right time. Advent reminds us that God brings new life and hope, even when we least expect it.
Matthew:1:18-24 (December-18)
During Advent, we are reminded that God often works through uncertainty and silence. The name Emmanuel means “God with us.” This is the heart of Advent: God does not remain distant but comes close, sharing our struggles and hopes. Like Joseph, we are invited to listen, trust, and say yes to God’s plan, even when it is not clear. As we wait during this season, may we open our hearts to God’s presence and prepare room for Christ to be born anew in our lives.
Matthew:1:1-17 ( December-17)
The genealogy of Jesus reminds us that God works through real people and real history. This long list of names includes saints and sinners, kings and outsiders, moments of faith and failure. During Advent, we are reminded that God keeps His promises, even when the path seems slow or messy.
As we wait for Christmas, this passage teaches us patience and hope. God was preparing the way for Jesus long before His birth. Advent invites us to trust that God is also at work in our own lives, even when we cannot yet see the outcome. Jesus comes into our world and into our stories-to bring salvation and new beginnings.
Matthew:21:28-32 ( December-16)
During Advent, we prepare our hearts for the coming of Christ. This season invites us to look honestly at our lives. Do we only promise to follow God, or do we truly live His will through repentance, kindness, and justice?
Advent is a time to turn back to God, even if we have failed before. Like the first son, it is never too late to change our hearts and say yes through our actions. As we wait for Jesus, may our lives reflect a sincere and faithful response to God’s call. Amen
Matthew:21:23-27 (December-15)
In this passage, Jesus is questioned about His authority. As we prepare for Christmas, this reading reminds us that Jesus comes with God’s authority-not to impress, but to call us to faith and repentance. Advent is a time to let go of excuses, to listen sincerely, and to welcome Christ as Lord of our lives. When we trust Him with humble hearts, we are ready to receive Him.
Gaudete in Domino semper-Rejoice in the Lord always!
Gaudete Sunday arrives like a breath of fresh air in the quiet watchfulness of Advent. In the midst of waiting, fasting, and longing, the Church dares to say: Rejoice. Not because everything is finished, but because hope is already rousing. The words of Prophet Isaiah paint a breathtaking vision: The desert blooms. The parched land rejoices. The blind see. The deaf hear. The lame leap. What was barren becomes alive; what was broken begins to sing. This is not merely a promise of future restoration-it is a revelation of what God is like. Where God comes, life awakens. Advent often finds us in our own deserts. We carry fatigue, unanswered prayers, fears for the future, and wounds that seem slow to heal. Gaudete Sunday does not deny these realities. Instead, it speaks directly into them with gentle authority:
“Be strong. Do not fear. Here is your God.” Joy, in the Christian sense, is not shallow happiness. It is the quiet, resilient confidence that God has not abandoned His people. The joy Isaiah proclaims is born from trust-trust that God is already at work, even when the road still feels long. Gaudete Sunday invites us to lift our eyes-not away from the desert, but to see it differently. Because God does His most beautiful work in dry places. Because salvation often arrives quietly before it is fully seen. As we light the rose candle, we remember: Joy is not the end of the journey-it is the assurance that Emmanuel is on the way. And where He comes, the wilderness will bloom.
Our Scripture readings today highlight this joyful expectation through the voices of Isaiah and John the Baptist. In Matthew’s Gospel, John the Baptist, imprisoned and waiting, sends his disciples to ask Jesus if He is the One who is to come. Jesus responds not with argument, but with action: “The blind regain their sight, the lame walk… and the poor have the good news proclaimed to them”. Jesus points directly to Isaiah’s prophecy and declares that the kingdom of God is already breaking into the world. This is the source of our joy: God is faithful. His promises are being fulfilled in Christ, and salvation is drawing near. This joy, however, is very different from the fleeting pleasures the world offers. Worldly pleasure is often shallow and temporary-dependent on circumstances, possessions, or success. It fades quickly and often leaves us wanting more. Spiritual joy, on the other hand, is deeper and lasting. It flows from knowing that we are loved by God and held in His grace.
Dear friends, Gaudete Sunday reminds us that Christian joy does not deny the struggles of life-it shines in the midst of them. We live in difficult times like, economic uncertainty and rising costs of living, wars and violence across the world, families in crisis, relationships under strain, sickness, mental health struggles, and fear of the future, confusion brought by modernity, consumerism, and a “use-and-throw” culture, misunderstandings, loneliness, and loss of meaning. In the face of all this, it would be easy to grow discouraged, cynical, or afraid. But Gaudete Sunday tells us: do not lose heart. Do not disappoint hope. Do not surrender to despair. Rejoice-because God is coming. Advent calls us to prepare room for Him. That means letting go of what drains our hope: sin, bitterness, selfishness, indifference. Like John the Baptist, we are invited to repentance-not as a burden, but as a clearing of the path for the Lord. As we light the rose candle today, we are reminded: Joy is not the end of the journey-it is the assurance that God is walking with us now. Let us rejoice, not because everything is resolved, but because salvation is near. May Christ’s joy take root within us and make us witnesses of hope in a waiting and wounded world.
Matthew:11:2-11 (December-14)
Even John, a great prophet, experiences doubt while waiting in prison. Jesus responds not with arguments, but by pointing to signs of hope: the blind see, the lame walk, the poor hear good news.
Gaudete Sunday reminds us to rejoice, not because everything is perfect, but because God is already at work. Like John, we may struggle with questions or impatience as we wait. Jesus reassures us that God’s promises are being fulfilled, often quietly and unexpectedly. True joy comes from trusting that the Lord is near, even in moments of uncertainty. As we continue our Advent journey, we are invited to rejoice in hope and to recognize God’s presence in the small signs of healing, mercy, and love around us. 🌸
Matthew:17:9-13( December 13)
In the gospel, Jesus explains that Elijah has already come in the person of John the Baptist, who prepared the way for the Lord but was not recognized. During Advent, this reminds us that God often comes quietly and unexpectedly. We are invited to stay awake, to listen, and to prepare our hearts, so we do not miss Christ’s presence among us. Advent calls us to recognize God at work now and to be ready to welcome Him.
Matthew:11:16-19 (December-12)
In the gospel Jesus points out how people often resist God’s invitations. During Advent, we are reminded to keep our hearts open. God may come to us in unexpected ways—through silence, through joy, through challenge, or through the people we overlook. Instead of judging the “messengers,” Advent invites us to listen closely and recognize God’s presence in our everyday moments. Wisdom is shown not in words, but in how we respond.
Matthew:11:11-15 ( December-11)
John’s mission was to prepare hearts for Christ, calling people to turn back to God with urgency. During Advent, we are invited to hear that same call—to open our hearts, clear away distractions, and make room for Jesus. The kingdom of God is near, and Advent reminds us to listen, to be ready, and to let Christ transform us from within.
Matthew:11:28-30(December-10)
Come to me, all you who labour and are burdened, and I will give you rest…
In the gospel Jesus, invites us to bring our worries, our exhaustion, and our heavy hearts to Him. As we prepare for Christmas, we are reminded that the One who comes is gentle, humble, and full of compassion. Advent isn’t just about preparing our homes or calendars; it’s about letting Jesus bring rest to our souls. His yoke is easy because He carries it with us. His burden is light because He fills it with love. As we wait for His coming, we can already find peace by coming close to Him now.
Matthew:18:12-14 (December 9)
Jesus reminds us of God’s tender heart for the one who is lost. During Advent-a season of waiting, hope, and preparation-we remember that Christ comes into the world for each of us, especially when we feel far away. Just as the shepherd seeks the one stray sheep, God seeks us with patience and love. Advent invites us to pause, return to God, and trust that we are never forgotten. God rejoices when we come home, and His love is constant, personal, and pursuing.
Luke:1:26-38 (December-8)
In today’s Gospel, we hear Mary’s “yes” to God. This is the grace of the Immaculate Conception: Mary is free from sin so she can freely give herself to God. During Advent, Mary becomes our model. She teaches us that preparing for Jesus is not about doing more, but about making space-quiet space in our hearts where God can speak. Like Mary, we may face uncertainties, but God invites us to trust Him and allow His plans to unfold in our lives.
As we journey through Advent, may we learn from Mary to listen, to trust, and to say our own small “yes” to God each day.
Isaiah:11:1-10 (December 7)
Advent is not simply a countdown to Christmas. It is a season of waiting with hope. Advent reminds us that God’s promises do not fail, even when the world around us appears broken, divided, or weary. It is precisely into such a time that we hear today these beautiful and unsettling words from prophet Isaiah: A shoot shall come out from the stump of Jesse, and a branch shall grow out of his roots. What an image. A stump is what remains when everything else has been cut down. It looks lifeless. Finished. Beyond hope. And yet Isaiah dares to say: from that very stump, God brings new life. Isaiah spoke these words during one of the darkest chapters in Israel’s history. The kingdom was collapsing. Kings had failed. Justice was compromised. The people felt abandoned. The glorious house of David-once strong and proud-now looked like nothing more than a dead tree. But Isaiah proclaims something extraordinary: God is not finished yet. This is Advent hope-the courage to believe that God can bring beginnings out of endings, life out of death, light out of darkness.
Advent is not a season of denial. The world does not grow quieter in these days. Sirens still cry out. Breaking news still scrolls across our screens. Wars continue. Families strain. Fear travels faster than hope. And into this loud, anxious world, Isaiah does not shout. He whispers: The wolf shall live with the lamb… the lion shall eat straw like the ox… and a little child shall lead them. It almost sounds unreasonable-maybe even irresponsible-to speak this way now. Wolves still have teeth. Cobras still strike. Power still dominates. Fear still grips hearts. Advent does not deny the night-it begins in it. Isaiah speaks to a people who know exile, oppression, loss, and disappointment. Everything they trusted seemed cut down. Only a stump remained. And yet comes the promise: a shoot shall come forth. This is the heart of Advent faith: God’s future does not grow from strength, but from what looks like failure. What appears dead is not the end. God is already at work beneath the surface. Isaiah dares to imagine a world not ruled by fear, not organized around violence, not driven by domination. And the most surprising part of his vision is not the animals living in peace-it is who leads them. Not a king. Not an army. Not an ideology. A little child. God does not heal the world by overpowering it. God heals the world by transforming it from within. In Isaiah’s vision, predators are not destroyed-they are changed. Violence loses its appetite. The world is not remade through greater force, but through reordered desire.
Advent is not a countdown to comfort. It is a school of longing. It teaches us to wait for a salvation that does not arrive with noise or spectacle. God comes small. God comes vulnerable. God comes as a child. Why a child? Because a child exposes the lie that power saves us. A child leads not by control, but by trust. Not by domination, but by openness. Not by fear, but by possibility. In a world addicted to strength, efficiency, and winning, the child reveals a deeper truth: life is not secured by crushing others, but by learning how to live together. This is not childishness. It is moral courage. It takes courage to believe that enemies are more than their worst actions. It takes courage to refuse revenge when it feels justified. It takes courage to protect human dignity in a culture that treats people as disposable. Isaiah’s holy mountain is not an escape from reality-it is reality healed. On that mountain, no one harms or destroys because people have learned to see rightly. Fear no longer governs relationships. Competition no longer defines worth. The strong no longer feed the weak. Life feeds life. So, Advent asks us a difficult question: Do we believe this is possible? Not someday in theory-but here, now, beginning in us. Because this vision does not begin with governments changing or wars ending. It begins wherever one person refuses to harm. Wherever another chooses not to hate. Wherever someone allows compassion to lead instead of fear. That is how the child leads. And this is the hope we await-not passively, but courageously, step by step, as Advent people.
Matthew:9:35-10:1,5-8 ( December 6)
In the gospel, Jesus looks upon the crowds with compassion and sends His disciples to bring healing, hope, and the nearness of God’s kingdom. Advent invites us into that same mission. As we prepare for the coming of Christ, we are reminded that His presence is revealed through acts of mercy, kindness, and love. Jesus comes to us so that we, in turn, may go out to others. This season calls us to make room for Him—by noticing those in need, offering healing words, and becoming signs of God’s closeness in our world.
Matthew:9:27-31 (December-5)
In the Gospel, two blind men follow Jesus, crying out, “Have mercy on us.” Even in their darkness, they keep moving toward Him with trust. During the holy season of Advent, we are invited to do the same-to walk toward Christ even when we cannot see everything clearly.
Jesus asks them, “Do you believe that I can do this?” Advent asks us that same question. Do we believe Jesus can bring light into our struggles, hope into our waiting, and healing into the places we hide?
As their eyes were opened, they saw not only the world but the mercy of God made real. May this day open our hearts to see God working quietly in our lives, preparing us for the coming of Christ, the Light of the world.
Matthew:7:21,24-27 (December 4)
In today’s Gospel, Jesus reminds us that faith is more than words-it is a life built on doing God’s will. A house on rock stands firm because it has a strong foundation. A house on sand collapses because it lacks depth.
During this holy season of Advent, we are invited to look at our own foundation. Are we building our lives on Christ-on prayer, forgiveness, patience, and love-or on things that shift and fade? Advent is a time to strengthen what is weak, to realign our hearts, and to anchor ourselves more deeply in God. As Christmas draws near, may we choose the solid rock of Christ so that whatever storms come, our faith remains steady and our lives reflect His love.
Matthew:15:29-37
In today’s Gospel, Jesus looks with compassion on the crowds—He sees their hunger, their wounds, and their needs. Instead of sending them away, He draws them close and provides abundantly. Advent invites us to come to Jesus with the same trust, believing that He can take whatever little we have—our prayers, our efforts, our struggles—and multiply them into grace.
On this memorial of St. Francis Xavier, we remember a missionary who allowed Jesus to work through him in extraordinary ways. Like the few loaves and fish in the Gospel, Francis Xavier offered his life to God, and God multiplied it to feed nations with the Good News.
As we continue Advent, we are invited to:
• Bring our small offerings to Jesus and trust that He will transform them.
• See others with compassion, as Jesus does.
• Be generous in mission, like St. Francis Xavier, letting our faith be shared through simple acts of love.
May this day open our hearts to God’s abundance and inspire us to be instruments of His hope.
Luke:10:21-24 (December 2)
In the gospel, Jesus rejoices that God reveals His truth not to the proud or powerful but to the humble and child-like. Advent reminds us that God still comes quietly-He enters our world not through greatness but through simplicity, openness, and trust.
As we prepare for Christ’s coming, this scripture invites us to set aside whatever burdens our hearts: pride, worry, self-sufficiency, or distraction. The holy season of Advent asks us to open our eyes, too-to notice God’s presence already breaking into our daily lives. Today, let’s welcome Jesus with the same humility and wonder as a child.
Lord, make my heart simple and open, so I may truly see You this Advent.
Matthew:8:5-11
As Advent begins, the faith of the centurion invites us to open our hearts with humility. He comes to Jesus not with demands, but with trust—believing that just a word from Christ is enough to bring healing. Advent reminds us to prepare for Jesus with this same faith: quiet, confident, and expectant. Like the centurion, may we welcome Christ into the places of our lives that need healing, and wait in hope for the Savior who comes to us with compassion and power.
29th Sunday of ordinary time.
God’s Justice-Persistent, Patient, and Perfect.
Luke:18:1-8In today’s Gospel, Jesus tells us a simple yet powerful story-the story of a widow who refuses to give up. Day after day, she goes before a judge, pleading for justice. At first, the judge ignores her. He doesn’t fear God, and he doesn’t respect people. But because she keeps coming-because she refuses to be silent-he finally says, “I shall give her justice so that she does not wear me out by her continual coming.” This parable isn’t only just about persistence in prayer-it’s also about faith in the justice of God. When we talk about justice, we often think of fairness-giving everyone the same thing, treating everyone equally. That is human justice-important, necessary, and good. But God’s justice goes deeper. God’s justice is not about sameness; it’s about rightness-about restoring harmony, healing relationships, and helping each person become who God created them to be. In the Scripture, the Hebrew word for Justice is mishpat. God’s justice is not just about fair judgment but about restoring right relationship-between humans, and between humanity and God. Ps:89:14 says: “Righteousness and justice are the foundation of your throne; love and faithfulness go before you.” So divine justice flows from God’s mercy, truth, and covenant love, not mere retribution. Pope Benedict XVI once said: God’s justice is grace… it does not contradict mercy but brings it to fulfilment.” Pope Francis, in his homilies and encyclicals, emphasizes that: God’s justice is his mercy given to all. It is not a tribunal where one is condemned, but a heart where one is healed.” He often contrasts the widow’s perseverance with our need for trusting prayer, urging believers not to give up when faced with injustice but to participate in God’s merciful justice through acts of compassion and advocacy.
Dear friends, think of a tea garden-neat rows, plants of the same height and colour, perfectly trimmed. There is order, beauty, and peace. Now think of a forest-wild, diverse, full of life. Trees of every size, vines climbing, birds nesting, streams flowing. It’s not uniform, but it’s alive. If we made the whole world a tea garden, we might lose the beauty and mystery of the forest. If we made the whole world a forest, we might lose the calm order of the garden. Both are beautiful in their own way. And that’s how God’s justice works. It doesn’t flatten everything into sameness. It allows each part of creation to flourish according to its purpose. Human justice seeks equality. God’s justice seeks harmony. We can see this in our own homes. In every family, the children are different. One is quiet, another is talkative. One loves books, another loves music or sports. If parents demand that each child act the same, study the same, or succeed in the same way, that’s not justice-that’s uniformity. True justice is when parents see the gift in each child and nurture it with love. It’s the same in our parish. Some people serve as PPC or choir members, some are altar servers, others pray silently from the pews, and some give quietly from their resources. God’s justice doesn’t measure or compare their service. It celebrates the diversity of gifts within one Body-the Body of Christ.
Even among priests, there are differences-some are powerful preachers, others are gentle listeners; some are very silent , some are builders of churches, others are healers of hearts. God delights in these differences because together they reflect the fullness of His love. When Jesus speaks of justice, He always connects it with mercy. The widow in the Gospel keeps coming to the judge because she believes in something more than her situation-she believes in the goodness of God. And Jesus tells us: “Will not God grant justice to His chosen ones who cry out to Him day and night? “But notice this-God’s justice doesn’t always come quickly. It doesn’t always come in the way we expect. It is patient and perfect, because it aims not only to fix problems, but to transform hearts. Human justice often seeks to punish. God’s justice seeks to restore. Human justice looks at what is deserved. God’s justice looks at what is needed for healing. That’s why at the heart of God’s justice is always mercy-the mercy that forgives, renews, and gives life. The gospel invites us to see each person with compassion. before judging, try to understand. Value differences instead of comparing. Each person reflects God in a unique way. Pray persistently for what is right. Even when it feels delayed, trust that God is working in His time. Justice begins when we start seeing others as God sees them-not as problems to fix or competitors to defeat, but as brothers and sisters to love. We become people of justice when we become people of mercy. The tea garden is beautiful in its order. The forest is beautiful in its diversity. Together, they remind us that God’s justice is not about making everything the same, but about helping everything-and everyone-grow into their best self. So, my dear friends, let us be like the persistent widow-never losing hope, never giving up, trusting that God’s justice, though it may seem delayed, is always patient, merciful, and perfect. Because in the end, God’s justice is love in action-love that restores, heals, and brings harmony to all creation. Amen.
St. John Henry Newman was a man who loved truth deeply. His journey—from scholar to priest and saint—was not about seeking greatness, but about listening to God with an open heart. He reminds us that holiness is found not in great deeds, but in being faithful to God’s light, even when the path is unclear. Newman’s motto, “Heart speaks to heart,” shows that faith is a personal friendship with Christ. In our noisy world, he teaches us to be patient with God’s work in our lives, to follow our conscience, and to seek truth with love. Like Newman, may we let our hearts speak to God—and live each day for Him alone.
Mathew:18:1-5,10
Feast of the Holy Guardian Angels.
Jesus reminds us that greatness in God’s Kingdom is found in childlike humility and trust. Jesus assures us that each of us is so precious that God has entrusted us to the care of guardian angels, who always see the face of our Father in heaven. On this feast, we are invited to be grateful for our guardian angels—our constant companions who protect, guide, and intercede for us—and to renew our trust in God’s loving care, living each day with humility and childlike faith.
St. Therese of Lisieux: A Life of Self-Creation Through Love.
In an age that often emphasizes achievement, fame, and outward success, the life of St. Therese of Lisieux stands as a radical testament to the transformative power of inner holiness. St. Therese’s journey was not marked by extraordinary feats of heroism or global recognition. Instead, it was the quiet cultivation of virtue, surrender, and trust in God that defined her existence. She believed in what she called the “little way,” the path of performing ordinary acts with extraordinary love. In doing so, she shaped her inner life into a reflection of God’s presence in the world.
Creating Herself Through Surrender: The essence of St. Therese’s spirituality can be summed up as a conscious, daily effort to align herself with God’s will. She wrote in her autobiography Story of a Soul:
“I will spend my heaven doing good on earth.” Her understanding echoes the wisdom of Scripture:
“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may discern what is the will of God—what is good and acceptable and perfect” Romans:12:2. Just as God calls us to cultivate holiness, St. Therese exemplifies that self-creation is not about self-glorification but about allowing God to sculpt our character and desires.
Rooted in Faith and Joy: St. Therese’s life reminds us that joy and faith are deeply intertwined. Despite facing illness, trials, and the ordinary struggles of convent life, she chose to see the beauty of God’s love in each moment. This aligns with the Old Testament call to wholehearted devotion:
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight” Proverbs: 3:5-6
Her “little way” teaches that greatness is not measured by grand gestures but by faithful surrender in everyday circumstances.
St. Therese: A Model for 2025: In today’s fast-paced, achievement-driven world, her message is profoundly countercultural. To “create oneself” like her is to cultivate patience, humility, and an inner life rich with love and devotion. The modern believer can learn from her example that spiritual growth often occurs in quiet, unnoticed moments—the tender care of relationships, simple acts of kindness, or the patient acceptance of daily burdens.
As Therese once said:
“Miss no single opportunity of making some small sacrifice, here by a smiling look, there by a kindly word; always doing the smallest right and doing it all for love.”
This echoes the New Testament teaching:
“And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him” Colossians:3:17.
St. Therese of Lisieux reminds us that the creation of self is ultimately a spiritual endeavor. Through surrender, love, and faith, we can allow God to mold our hearts, revealing our truest selves not in power or status, but in holiness. Her life is an invitation for every generation to embrace the transformative power of ordinary love done extraordinarily well.
Feast of the exaltation f the Holy Cross
8th September 2025
Mathew:1:1-16,18-23
Today we rejoice in the birth of Mary, the humble woman through whom God’s promise of salvation takes flesh. Her nativity is not only the beginning of her own life, but also the dawn of hope for all humanity.
Mary was chosen, not because of wealth, power, or earthly greatness, but because of her pure heart and her openness to God’s will. Her simple and courageous “yes” made possible the coming of Emmanuel—“God with us.”
The celebration of Mary’s birth is also an invitation to us. Like her, we are called to trust God’s plan and to say our own “yes” to His will in our lives. In doing so, we allow His light and love to enter the world through us.
May the nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary inspire us to live with humility, faith, and generosity, so that Christ may be born anew in our hearts and in our world.
Pope Leo: Saints call us to look to God, make masterpieces of our lives.
Giving ourselves to the Lord.
In the gospel reading, Jesus speaks to us of God’s plan, to which we must commit wholeheartedly, abandoning ourselves “without hesitation to the adventure that he offers us, with the intelligence and strength that comes from his Spirit,” the Pope recalled. Young people often face crossroads in their lives and have to make difficult choices, the Pope observed; and, recalling the example of Francis of Assisi, he pointed out that the Saint opted for “the wonderful story of holiness that we all know, stripping himself of everything to follow the Lord, living in poverty and preferring the love of his brothers and sisters, especially the weakest and smallest, to his father’s gold, silver, and precious fabrics.”
Saying “yes” to God
So many saints down through history have made similar courageous choices, looking up to God, and, while they were very young, the Pope recalled, offering their “yes” to God, giving themselves complete to Him, “keeping nothing for themselves.” The Pope recalled how Saint Augustine felt a voice deep within him that said: “I want you”, and “God gave him a new direction, a new path, a new reason, in which nothing of his life was lost.”
Pier Giorgo Frassati, beacon for lay spirituality!
Describing the life of Saint Pier Giorgio Frassati, a young Italian man of the early 20th century, his participation in Catholic associations and service to the poor, the Pope said that also today “Pier Giorgio’s life is a beacon for lay spirituality,” since faith was not a private matter and could be lived in community in with membership in ecclesial associations and through generous commitment to political life and service to the poor.
Carlo Acutis, witness of holiness in simplicity!
Speaking about the witness of young Italian Saint Carlo Acutis, a teenager of our own day, the Pope spoke about how he encountered Jesus in his family, thanks to his parents, Andrea and Antonia, recalling their presence at this celebration along with his two siblings, Francesca and Michele. Saint Carlo also found and lived his faith through school, but especially the sacraments celebrated in the parish community, the Pope went on to say, noting how “he grew up naturally integrating prayer, sport, study and charity into his days as a child and young man.”
Cultivating love for God and neighbour!
Daily Mass, prayer, and especially Eucharistic Adoration, marked the lives of Saints Pier Giorgio and Carlo in cultivating their love for God and neighbor through simple acts of charity, the Pope said. And even as illness struck both of them, cutting their lives short, they continued to bear witness to hope and offer themselves to God, the Pope added, recalling how Pier Giorgio once said: “The day of my death will be the most beautiful day of my life”; and how young Carlo often remarked that “heaven has always been waiting for us, and that to love tomorrow is to give the best of our fruit today.”
Making “masterpieces” of our lives!
In conclusion, Pope Leo underscored how both Saints Pier Giorgio Frassati and Carlo Acutis invite everyone, “especially young people, not to squander our lives, but to direct them upwards and make them masterpieces.”
“They encourage us with their words: “Not I, but God,” as Carlo used to say. And Pier Giorgio: “If you have God at the center of all your actions, then you will reach the end.” This is the simple but winning formula of their holiness. It is also the type of witness we are called to follow, in order to enjoy life to the full and meet the Lord in the feast of heaven.”
22nd Sunday of ordinary time
A Call to radical Reorientation Wisdom:9:13-18 Luke:14:25-33
This Sunday’s Word of God invite us to reflect deeply on what it truly means to follow Jesus Christ. The Wisdom author reminds us of the limitations of human understanding. St. Augustine captures this truth beautifully: “Our hearts are restless until they rest in You, O Lord”. The Word of God reminds us that discipleship is not a human achievement. Today’s Gospel is perhaps one of the most challenging messages Jesus gives us. He tells us very clearly that following Him is not something casual, not a part-time commitment, but a complete reordering of life. He asks us to count the cost before deciding to be His disciple. This echoes Dietrich Bonhoeffer’s challenging words: “When Christ calls a man, He bids him come and die”. To be His disciples, Jesus says, we must be salt of the earth (Mt 5:13). Salt gives flavour and preserves, but if salt loses its taste, it becomes useless. A disciple who compromises with worldliness loses the power to witness Christ. Worldliness defines success by possessions, comfort, and status. The Gospel defines success by love, sacrifice, and holiness.
In our world today, this message may sound uncomfortable. We live in a culture that tells us: have it all, chase your dreams, protect your comfort, and measure your worth by success, possessions, or recognition. Yet, Jesus invites us to something radically different: to put Him at the very centre, even above our careers, ambitions, and even our closest relationships. Think about it: how often do we measure ourselves by what we own, how others see us, or what we achieve? These are not bad things in themselves-work, family, success are all blessings. But if they take the first place in our hearts, they easily become idols. Jesus reminds us: “Seek first the Kingdom of God, and everything else will be given to you”. Carrying the cross today does not usually mean literal persecution or martyrdom. For us, it may mean the daily struggles that test our faith: Saying no to dishonesty at work, even if it costs us. Choosing forgiveness over resentment, when it would be easier to stay bitter. Prioritizing prayer and family over constant busyness and distraction. Living simply, resisting consumerism that tells us our happiness lies in the latest gadget or lifestyle. These are real crosses-often invisible ones-that require courage and trust.
Pope Francis often warns us that worldliness anesthetizes the soul. It freezes us, makes us settle for comfort instead of courage, and we forget God. But Christ calls us to be salt and light. Salt that gives taste, light that leads others in darkness. If we lose our distinctiveness as disciples-if we blend in with worldliness-then our witness loses its power. I often ask myself-and I invite you to do the same: What am I truly living for? What shapes my decisions, my priorities, my daily choices? When Jesus tells us to give up everything, He doesn’t mean to take away joy or blessings. As St. John Chrysostom explains: Christ does not say, ‘Give up half,’ but ‘Give up all’. It requires detachment, simplicity, and courage. St. Paul declares, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord (Phil 3:8). Remember, the Eucharist we receive today is Christ Himself-who carried His cross for us, who emptied Himself completely, so that we may have life. So, dear friends, let us ask for the grace: to reorder our lives around Christ, not just fit Him in. To embrace simplicity, freeing our hearts to love God and others. To witness courageously, even when it costs us. May we be salt and light-disciples who give flavour to a world hungry for meaning and thirsty for the Good News. Amen
The Fire of Christ: A Consuming Love! Luke:12:49-53
On this 20th Sunday of the Ordinary Time
In today’s Gospel, Jesus speaks words that can unsettle us: “I have come to bring fire on the earth!” And then he speaks of division-even within families. At first, these words may disturb us. Yet, if we listen carefully, Jesus is not speaking of conflict for the sake of conflict. He is speaking of a fire-a holy fire-that transforms. This fire is the fire of God’s Word, the fire of His Spirit, the fire of Truth and Love. Fire purifies. Fire gives light. Fire has the power to change whatever it touches. Jesus longs for this fire to spread over the earth and to burn within our hearts. We see this fire most clearly at Pentecost. The timid apostles became bold witnesses when the Holy Spirit descended upon them as tongues of fire (Acts:2:3-4). That same Spirit wants to work in us-to make us torchbearers of faith in our world today. When truth burns in our hearts, it demands that we live differently. It pushes us out of complacency. It challenges the falsehoods of the world. And sometimes, when we stand with the fire of the Gospel, it causes division-even among those closest to us. Think about it: when you choose to stand for honesty in a corrupt system, people will resist you. When you choose to defend the poor, to protect the vulnerable, to speak for justice, you will not always be applauded. In fact, you may be rejected, criticized, or even persecuted.
Jesus Himself faced this, and He tells us today that His disciples must be ready to face it too. Recently, in India, religious sisters were harassed and even arrested by extremists on false charges-simply because they were serving the poor and living the Gospel. In many parts of the world, Christians are attacked, marginalized, or silenced because they bear witness to Christ’s love and justice. Even in our own communities, speaking the truth or defending Gospel values can bring ridicule, isolation, or division. Yet, my dear friends, this is not a message of despair. It is a message of courage. Jesus speaks also of a baptism-a rebirth. Through our own baptism, we are reborn into this fire of God’s kingdom. We are given a new identity, a new strength, and a new mission. Baptism makes us different-different in the way we love, the way we serve, the way we forgive, the way we live for Christ.
In today’s gospel, Jesus says we shouldn’t remain lukewarm Christians. The fire of the Gospel must burn in us so strongly that it shapes our decisions, our relationships, and our priorities. It means we must not be afraid of opposition. If we stand for the truth, and if we live the Gospel, there will be resistance-but Christ is with us. It means we must keep spreading this fire by our actions: feeding the hungry, teaching the poor, caring for the elderly, welcoming the stranger, defending the dignity of every person. Pope Benedict XVI reminded us that God’s fire does not destroy-it creates life. It consumes our sins but gives us new strength. It warms others through us and spreads so that the presence of Christ can be felt wherever we go. Dear friends, the world needs this fire. It needs Christians who are unafraid to live the Gospel, even when it costs our life . Let us ask the Lord today to rekindle His fire in our hearts-so that we may be purified, transformed, and set ablaze for His kingdom. May the fire of Christ’s love burn in us, and through us, set the world alight. Let’s pray today, Lord, keep Your fire alive in me. Do not let it fade into ashes. Let it purify me when I grow cold, illumine me when I am blind, and send me out when I feel afraid. Make me a torch of Your love in a darkened world.
The Sacred Art of Hospitality and the Encounter with God (Lk:10:38-42)
On this 16th Sunday of the Ordinary Time, the Word of God invites us to reflect on something deeply human and profoundly divine: hospitality-not simply the act of welcoming guests, but the deeper spiritual posture of attentiveness, presence, and openness to encounter God in the other. In the first reading, Abraham sits by the entrance of his tent in the heat of the day. He sees three men approaching and runs to greet them, hastening to provide food, water, and rest. What begins as a simple gesture of hospitality becomes a divine encounter: these visitors are no ordinary men, but messengers of God. And through them, Abraham receives the incredible promise of a son. This story reminds us of that God often comes disguised-in the stranger, in the unplanned interruption, in the moment we could easily overlook. Hospitality becomes the threshold of divine revelation. Do not neglect hospitality, for through it some have unknowingly entertained angels (Heb:13:2).
In today’s gospel, the story of Jesus in the home of Martha and Mary complements the story of the Good Samaritan, which immediately precedes it in Luke’s Gospel. Both stories are unique to Luke. The story of the Samaritan opens with the words a certain man. Today’s reading opens with the words a certain woman. The Samaritan is an example of how a disciple should see and act. Mary is an example of how a disciple should listen. Both stories exemplify how a disciple is to fulfil the dual command which begins chapter 10-love of God (Mary) and love of neighbour (Samaritan). These are the two essentials of life in the kingdom. By using the examples of a Samaritan and a woman, however, Jesus is saying something more. The Kingdom of God is a society without distinctions and boundaries between its members. In the Gospel, Jesus gently tells her, “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and worried about many things… Mary has chosen the better part”. This is not a dismissal of Martha’s service, but a call to balance. Mary embodies the contemplative heart, receptive to the Lord’s presence. Martha represents the distracted soul-well-meaning but overburdened by responsibilities. How often do we, in modern life, become Marthas-distracted by social media devices, schedules, work, and stress-even in our spiritual lives? We may do a lot for God yet forget to simply be with God. Our days are full, but our hearts feel empty. As Pope Francis warns, “We must never forget that evangelization is first and foremost about witnessing to the love of God… more than strategies or efforts, it is about letting God act in us”. (Evangelii Gaudium, 259)
St. Benedict, the father of Western Monasticism, taught the principle of Ora et Labora–prayer and work. A life of balance. Too much activity without contemplation leads to emptiness. Too much contemplation without action leads to isolation. Remember the life of St. Terese of Calcutta-hours of prayer in silence before the Blessed Sacrament, then long hours tending to the dying in the streets. This is the invitation of today’s liturgy-to be like Abraham, quick to welcome and generous in spirit; like Mary, attentive and contemplative; and like Martha, active but not anxious-rooted in love not in pressure. Hospitality is not merely social, it is sacramental: a space where the divine becomes present. The Church calls us to see Christ in the poor, the lonely, the refugee, the stranger. Pope Francis reminds us, “The flesh of Christ is the flesh of the poor”. The Christian life is not about doing more but living more deeply. Dear friends, in every Eucharistic celebration, we are called for a sacred encounter. The altar is the place where Mary’s contemplation and Martha’s service meet- where we sit at the feet of Jesus and also receive the Bread of Life to go out and serve the world. Let us go forth, then, like Abraham, Martha and Mary-with hearts open to God and neighbour. Always remember that the world offers us comfort. But we were not made for comfort. We were made for greatness. And greatness begins in a quit heart open to God. Amen
Go and be the Good Samaritan!
Lk:10:25-37
On this 15th Sunday in Ordinary Time, the Holy Mother Church places before us one of the most profound and beautiful parables spoken by our Lord Jesus Christ-the Parable of the Good Samaritan. This parable is rightly called the heart of the Gospel. It speaks not just of compassion, but of action. It reveals what it truly means to love our neighbour, not in word or feeling alone, but in deed and sacrifice. Who is the Good Samaritan? It is not merely a character in a story-it is a call. A mission. The Good Samaritan is you and me, when we allow our hearts to be moved by the suffering of others and when we refuse to walk away from the wounded lying on the roadside of life. In today’s world, millions are wounded: Some by hunger and poverty, some by war and violence, others by rejection, loneliness, or despair, still others by the silent screams of unborn children, or the elderly and vulnerable facing assisted death, often made to feel like a burden. We are surrounded by a culture that often closes in on itself -a culture of indifference, a culture of death, where the value of life is measured by productivity, pleasure, or convenience. It’s a culture shaped by consumerism, where people are often reduced to commodities, and where the sacredness of life is forgotten in the pursuit of comfort or profit.
Pope Benedict XVI said the Good Samaritan is a picture of Jesus Himself. In his encyclical Deus Caritas Est, he wrote: “Seeing with the eyes of Christ gives rise to love.” When we look at others as Jesus does, we don’t just see their needs-we see them with love. Like the Samaritan who came close to the wounded man, God comes close to us-to our wounds, sins, sorrows, and loneliness. He doesn’t pass us by. He draws near to us in Scripture, the Eucharist, and in the poor. Pope Francis often reminds us that God is found in the margins-among the broken and forgotten. He said: “The parable of the Good Samaritan is not just a moral story; it is a Christological one. Jesus is the Good Samaritan who stoops to help us.” (Fratelli Tutti, 63) He challenges us to feel the suffering of others-the refugee, the homeless, the sick, the elderly, the unemployed, the victims of injustice. To follow Jesus means more than feeling sorry-it means getting close and helping. Pope Francis calls this a “culture of encounter”-seeing others not as problems, but as brothers and sisters, each with dignity.
Jesus ends the parable with a command: “Go and do likewise.” This is the heart of being a Christian. It’s not about geography-it’s about mercy. It’s not about feeling-it’s about doing. The Catechism of the Catholic Church says: “The works of mercy are charitable actions by which we help our neighbour in their spiritual and bodily needs” (CCC 2447). The parable reminds us: We are called to be different. We are called to be Good Samaritans, not just once in a while, but as a way of life. I am deeply moved by the generosity of our three parishes. Your continued support for the food bank, for our overseas mission projects, and for those in need locally and globally-this is the Gospel in action. You are Good Samaritans. You are blessed, because you have not walked past the wounded-you have stopped, you have cared, and you have loved. But let us not stop here. Let us go deeper.
Pope Francis says the Church must be like a “field hospital after battle” a place of healing, not judgment; a home for the wounded; a light for the lost. In the face of terrorism, war, and the cheapening of life, we must be a people who build peace and defend the vulnerable. In the face of assisted death, we must be a voice of hope, affirming that even the weakest among us have dignity and worth. In the face of abortion, we must continue to cherish and protect life from conception to natural death, not with condemnation but with compassion and real support for those who struggle. This is what it means to love our neighbour-not only the ones we like, but even the stranger, even the one we are told not to care about, just like the Samaritan did. Dear friends, the world may tell us to look away, to mind our own business, to put ourselves first. But Christ says: “Go and do likewise.” Go and be the Good Samaritan. Go and build a culture of life, a culture of mercy, a culture where every human being is seen, known, and loved. May the Eucharist we celebrate today strengthen us for this mission. And may our parishes continue to be beacons of light, compassion, and courageous love in a world that so desperately needs it. Amen
A Divine Communion of Love
Today, we celbrate the Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity-a mystery that is central to our faith. One God in three Persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. This is not just a theological abstraction but a living mystery, a divine communion of love. St. John tells us, “God is love”
(1 Jn:4:8). This love is not solitary or self-contained. It is relational-a communion of persons. Dear friends, Trinity as a model for human relationships-in the family, the Church, and society-grounded in unity, mutual love, and self-giving. “God himself is an eternal exchange of love:
Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, and he has destined us to share in that exchange (CCC:221).
This means that the very nature of God is a relationship-an eteral giving and receiving of love. St. Augustine said: In the Trinity there is both unity and plurality: unity of essence and plurality of persons…. Love unites them in such way that there is no divison. The Trinity is not a hierarchy but a communion-co-equal, co-eternal Persons perfectly united in love. This mystery shows us that true love is always relational, outward-looking, and life-giving.
In the human family, we see a reflection of Trinitarian love. The family is called to be a
“domestic church”-a place of communion, love, and life. Pope St. John Paul II, in his apostolic exhortation Familiaris Consortio, wrote: “The Christian family is a communion of persons, a sign and image of the communion of the Father and the Son in the Holy Spirit”. In marriage, a husband and wife give themselves completely to one another in love, and their union often brings forth life -a child -just as the love of the Trinity is fruitful. In this way, the family becomes an icon of God’s inner life. The Church is born from the heart of the Trinity. There is no rivalary in the Trinity. No one grasp for power. There is only mutual glorification and service. St. Irenaeus said: “The Son and the Spirit are the two hands of the Father”. This reminds us that, though we are many, we are one in Christ. Just as the Trinity is diverse yet united, the Church is called to unity in diversity-each member bringing unique gifts in service to the one Body. We are created in the image of the Triune God (Gen: 1:26-27). Pope Benedict XVI in his encyclical Deus Cartitas Est says: “Being in the image of God the Trinity means being in relationship, in a communion of love”. Dear friends, the Christian life is a journey into the heart of the Trinity. Heaven is nothing less than eternal participation in the love of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
In our world today, so divided by race, politics, ideology, and fear, the Trinity calls us to build a society rooted in communion and mutual respect. Jesus prayed to the Father: “That they may all be one, as you, Father, are in me and I in you” (Jn:17:21). This unity does not mean uniformity but love that respects difference while seeking the common good. When we live in solidarity, when we forgive, when we serve the poor and speak for the voiceless, we mirror the life of the Trinity in the world. The Trinity teaches us that: True love is self-giving, not self-secking. Relationships-in families, the Church, and society-are holy when they reflect God’s own communion of love. St Cyprian said: “The Church is the people united in the unity of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit”. Dear friends, let the unity, self-giving and humble cooperation of the Trinity shape our families, our friendships, parishes and even our world. Let us ask the Holy Trinity to help us to become living icons of divine love in a world so often maked by divisons and selfishness. Amen.
Veni, Sancte Spiritus…….
Today, we celebrate Pentecost Sunday, the culmination of the Easter season. It marks a pivotal moment in the history of salvation-the outpouring of the Holy Spirit upon the apostles and the birth of the Church. Pentecost is not just about celebration; it’s a commissioning. We are empowered to be Christ’s presence in the world: bringing peace, speaking truth, forgiving, reconciling, loving. In a world of division, violence and uncertainty, the Holy Spirit is still active. But we have to make space to listen, to welcome and to respond.
On the first Pentecost, fifty days after Easter, the Holy Spirit descended upon the apostles, transforming fearful disciples into bold witnesses. Jesus had promised this gift: “You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you, and you will be my witnesses” (Acts 1:8). The Holy Spirit is the fire of God’s love (CCC 696), purifying and strengthening the Church for her mission. The same Peter who denied Jesus three times now stands in front of a crowd and proclaims Him without fear (Acts:2:14). The Spirit transforms. Pentecost is not just a historical event. It is a living reality. That same Spirit is poured into our hearts at Baptism and strengthened in Confirmation. We are empowered, not just to believe, but to act, to speak, to witness.
Prophet Isaiah lists the sevenfold gifts of the Spirit-wisdom, understanding, counsel, fortitude, knowledge, piety, and fear of the Lord (Is:11:2-3). These are not abstract virtues; they are living flames in the heart of every believer. The Catechism reminds us: “The Holy Spirit is the interior Master of Christian prayer” (CCC 2672), guiding our minds, strengthening our wills, and enlightening our conscience. He is the Comforter and Advocate, the one who “guides us to all truth” (John 16:13). He heals wounds, renews strength, and washes away guilt. The Holy Spirit is also the bond of unity in the Church. Though people of many nations heard the apostles in their own tongues (Acts:2:6), they were drawn into one Body. “For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body” (1Cori:12:13). Where division abounds, the Spirit brings reconciliation.
Veni, Sancte Spiritus-is not just a hymn. It is a plea, a lifeline, a cry for divine intervention in a broken world. The Holy Spirit is a gift from the Father, sent by Christ after His Resurrection and Ascension (John 14:26, 16:7). Let us make this prayer our own: “Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful, and enkindle in them the fire of your love.” This is the prayer of a Church that knows she cannot fulfil her mission by human strength alone.
Pentecost reminds us of the Church’s missionary identity. We are not called to be a hidden, fearful Church. We are called to proclaim Christ to the ends of the earth. We are called to be in the world, but not of the world, promoting peace, justice, and reconciliation. The Spirit sends us to the margins: to the poor, the wounded, the forgotten. “As the Father has sent me, so I send you” (Jn: 20:21). The Church, animated by the Spirit, becomes a light in the darkness, a source of hope amid despair. Each of us, with our unique gifts, are sent to build a more just and loving society. As Pope Francis says, “A Church closed in on itself is a sick Church.” The Spirit opens doors and sends us out.
Blessed Virgin Mary, the Mother of the Church is the model of docility to the Spirit. She is the one who said, “Let it be done to me according to your word” (Lk:1:38). Let us entrust ourselves to her maternal intercession. May she help us receive the Spirit with open hearts and remain faithful to our mission. Dear Friends, Pentecost is not the end of the Easter season-it is the beginning of our mission. Let us be bold in invoking the Spirit. Let us be generous in using His gifts. Let us be tireless in building up the Church and transforming the world. Let us pray together from the heart: Veni, Sancte Spiritus! Come, Holy Spirit! Kindle in us the fire of your love, and we shall renew the face of the earth. AmenFeast of the Ascension
Today, the Church invites us to reflect on a great moment in the life of Jesus — His Ascension into heaven. After walking with His disciples, teaching, healing, suffering, dying, and rising from the dead, Jesus now returns to the Father. It might seem like a goodbye, but it’s really the beginning of something new.
We might imagine the Apostles standing there, looking up at the sky, perhaps feeling confused or sad. Jesus was leaving — but not to abandon them. No. He ascended so that He could be closer to us than ever — not in one place at one time, but everywhere, with all of us, through the Holy Spirit.
The Ascension reminds us of a few simple but powerful truths:
1. Christ is still with us — Even if we can’t see Him. He is present in the Word, in the Church, in the Eucharist, and in the hearts of all who follow Him.
2. We have a mission-Jesus tells His disciples, “You will be my witnesses.” That means we are called to share the love of Christ with others — through our words, our actions, and our lives.
3. The Holy Spirit is our strength- Jesus promised to send the Spirit, who guides us, gives us courage, and helps us to love.
4. Heaven is our goal- The Ascension lifts our eyes. We’re not made just for this world, but for something greater — life with God forever.
But Jesus also teaches us not to just look up, but to look around — to serve one another with humility, just as He did. The best way to “go up” is to go down — to love, to forgive, to help, to listen.
And finally, every time we come to the Eucharist, we meet Jesus in a real and powerful way. It is here that heaven touches earth, and our hearts are joined with His.
Let us not be discouraged. Let us be filled with the same joy and peace that the Apostles felt after the Ascension. Christ is with us. He sends us out. And one day, He will bring us home.
- Bosco MacDonald Bishop of Clifton
Pastoral Letter for the Feast of The Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
As we gather to celebrate the Feast of the Holy Family, I greet you with joy and hope ni the name of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph—the radiant model of love, faith, and unity. This feast reminds us that the family si not just a human institution but a sacred gift, a “domestic church” where love si nurtured, faith si passed on, and life si cherished. Today we stand at the threshold of the Holy Year of Hope reflecting on what it means to walk together as pilgrims of hope, committed to life and true compassion.
The Holy Family of Nazareth teaches us profound lessons about trust in God and mutual care. In
their simplicity and humility, Jesus, Mary, and Joseph put God at the centre of their lives. They faced trials— poverty, exile, uncertainty— but remained steadfast in love and obedience to God’s will. Their example calls us to make our homes and parishes places of prayer, forgiveness, and service.
In this Jubilee Year of Hope proclaimed by Pope Francis, we are invited to renew our trust ni God’s providence. The theme “Pilgrims of Hope” reminds us that even amid challenges-whether personal struggles or wider societal debates —we are called to make our way with hearts open to God’s grace.
This year’s celebration comes at a critical moment for our society. Recently, our Parliament has voted to advance legislation on assisted suicide a decision that has sparked deep reflection about the sanctity of life and the meaning of true compassion. As followers of Christ, we are called to stand firmly on the side of life. Every human life si a sacred gift from God, deserving dignity and care from conception until natural death.
Advocates for assisted suicide argue that it respects autonomy and relieves suffering. But does this
path truly honour human dignity? True compassion doesn’t hasten death; it accompanies those who suffer with love and care. tI seeks ot alleviate pain through improved palliative care and emotional support, ensuring no one feels abandoned or burdensome.
Clifton Diocese is a company limited b y guarantee Number 10462076 | Registered Charity N.o 1170168 The Holy Family reminds us that even ni moments of vulnerability, like Mary giving birth ni a
stable or Joseph fleeing with his family into Egypt, life is precious and worth protecting. Let us recommit ourselves ot creating aculture where every person feels valued and supported, especialy those nearing the end of life. Compassion means o”t suffer with.” It calls us to walk alongside those who are ill or struggling-not by offering them an escape from life but by affirming their
worth through our presence and care.
Pope Francis has reminded us in preparation for this Jubilee Year, that “we must fan the flame of hope that has been given us.” Hope shines most brightly when we choose life over despair, solidarity over isolation. The vote on assisted suicide challenges us as Catholics not only ot pray but also to engage constructively in public discourse. We must speak with clarity about our belief ni the sacredness of life while listening respectfully ot those who hold different views. Let us be witnesses to the Gospel by offering an alternative vision—a society where no one feels compelled to choose death because they lack support or resources. This isn’t just a political issue; it’s a moral imperative. As St. John Paul I once said, A” society wil be judged on how ti treats its weakest members.”
As we enter this Holy Year of Hope, I invite you to make prayer your foundation. Pray for those
who are terminally il and their families. Pray for lawmakers and politicians making tough decisions. Pray for our Church called to be a voice for life and hope.
But prayer must lead to action. Consider offering material support to hospices and other organizations that provide end-of-life care. Open your heart to someone who might feel alone or overwhelmed by illness. There are small and simple ways ni which we can contribute ot creating a culture where people feel loved by God and valued by their community.
Dear friends, as we celebrate the Feast of the Holy Family during this Jubilee Year of Hope, let’s remember that every family-like every individual—is caled ot reflect God’s love. May our homes be places where hope flourishes, where life is celebrated as a gift from God, and where compassion is lived out daily.
We walk forward into the New Year as pilgrims of hope rooted in faith, united in love, and steadfast ni our commitment ot life. May Jesus, Mary, and Joseph intercede for us as we strive to follow their example.
With my prayers and best wishes to you, your families and your loved ones during this holy season. - Bosto
Rt Rev Bosco MacDonald Bishop of Clifton
Christmas message 2024
The Light Shines in the Darkness.
Dear Friends,
Tonight, we celebrate the profound mystery of the Incarnation: God became man. St. John’s Gospel declares, “The Word became flesh and dwelt among us” (John 1:14). The Creator of the universe, infinite and all-powerful, entered human history in the most vulnerable way: as a newborn child. Pope Benedict XVI says, At the heart of the Christian faith stands not an idea, but a Person: Jesus Christ, the Son of God, who entered into time and history to bring light to the world. This is the essence of Christmas: the eternal God became Emmanuel, God with us. He does not remain distant, indifferent, or unreachable. Instead, He chooses to come near to us, sharing our joys, our struggles, above all our very human condition. Prophet Isaiah speaks of a people walking in darkness who see a great light. This light is Jesus Christ, who comes to scatter the shadows of sin, despair, and death. We, too, know the darkness of our world: War, violence, division, sickness, poverty, family problem, loneliness and personal suffering. But Christmas proclaims that the darkness does not have the final word. In the words of St. John: “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it” (John 1:5). I would like to quote Pope Benedict XVI again and he beautifully expressed this as hope: “Where God is absent, the world becomes dark. But where God is present, there is light. This light is Christ, who brings us hope and peace even in the darkest moments”. In a world that often seems consumed by fear, uncertainty, and isolation, the Child of Bethlehem is our sure hope. His humble birth teaches us that God’s power is revealed not in force or grandeur, but in humility, love, and mercy.
In Luke’s Gospel, we hear of shepherds, the poor and overlooked of society, who are the first to receive the angel’s message: “To you is born this day a Savior, who is Christ the Lord”. God reveals Himself not to the powerful or learned, but to the humble and open-hearted. God does not impose Himself with force, but He comes to us as a Child. In His littleness, He invites us to trust Him, to open our hearts to His love. This is the invitation of Christmas: to encounter Christ with humility, like the shepherds and the Magi. To kneel at the manger and adore the One who loves us so completely that He chose to become one of us. Christmas is not just a beautiful story or a nostalgic celebration. It is a call to transformation. If we truly believe that God has come among us, then our lives must reflect this truth. The Solemnity of the nativity of our Lord Jesus calls for 3things: Let us welcome the light of Christ to shine in our homes, through acts of love and reconciliation. Let His light shine in our communities, through service to the poor, to the lonely, and to the forgotten. And finally, let His light transforms our hearts, leading us to deeper faith, prayer, and trust in God’s providence.
Pope Benedict XVI reminds us that: The world will only change if we allow God to change our hearts. The birth of Christ invites us to open ourselves to His light and become bearers of that light to others”. Dear brothers and sisters, tonight we rejoice because Christ is born. The Word has become flesh. The darkness of sin and death is dispelled by the light of His love. Let us approach the manger with awe and gratitude, echoing the words of the angels: “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to people of goodwill”. May the Child of Bethlehem fill our hearts with His peace and joy, and may we carry His light into the world.
Dear friends tonight, Pope Francis will open the Holy Doors at Vatican, officially marking the beginning of the Jubilee Year with the theme Pilgrims of Hope. The Jubilee Year and the theme reminds us that we are all pilgrims of hope, journeying together towards the fulfilment of God’s promises. The Jubilee is a time of renewal, reconciliation, and restoration, a sacred opportunity to reflect on our spiritual journey and rekindle the flame of hope within our hearts. To be a pilgrim of hope is to walk with faith, trusting in the providence of God even amidst life’s uncertainties. It is to embrace the challenges of our time with courage, knowing that hope is not a fleeting feeling, but a steadfast virtue rooted in the resurrection of Christ.
This Jubilee calls us to:
Rediscover God’s Mercy: Just as the Jubilee in biblical times was marked by forgiveness and freedom, we are invited to forgive and be forgiven, to release the burdens of the past, and to walk freely in the light of God’s love.
Rebuild Relationships: As pilgrims, we walk not alone but in communion with others. Let this year inspire us to heal divisions, strengthen families, and foster unity in our communities.
Renew Our Mission: Hope compels us to action. As stewards of creation and witnesses of Christ, let us commit to works of justice, peace, and care for the most vulnerable among us.
Dear friends, as we journey together, may we draw strength from the Word of God, the sacraments, and the witness of saints who have gone before us. Let their lives remind us that the path of hope is marked by trust, perseverance, and joy. May this Jubilee Year be a beacon of hope for our Church and the world. Let us walk together as pilgrims of hope, proclaiming the Good News that God’s love endures forever.
Once again, wish you all a Merry Christmas and a blessed New Year.
Sunday 22nd September 2024
A Life of Humble Service
Dear friends, (Mk:9:30-37)
Today’s first reading is from the Book of Wisdom Literature and the Sacred author speaks of the persecution of the righteous by the unrighteous. The unrighteous are described as those who oppress the poor, who have no compassion for the widow and show no respect to the elderly. The unrighteous claim to believe that power is the norm of justice. They use violence, they exploit the weak and they do all kinds of harm to the poor and the lowly. In today’s gospel we encounter one of the most profound teachings of Jesus on humility and servant model of discipleship. The disciples were arguing about who among them was the greatest, showing a very human concern with status and recognition. But Jesus, redirects their thoughts to something much deeper and more countercultural. Instead of addressing their argument, Jesus foretells His own suffering and death. This teaching underscores the very heart of humility. St. Augustine said, the way to Christ is first through humility, second through humility and third through humility. It was pride that changed angels into devils; it is humility that makes men as angels. Jesus calls us to look to the cross as the ultimate example of humility. True greatness is found in laying down our lives for others.
In the gospel, Jesus teaches us that greatness is not about status or power but about serving others with love and humility. We are called to put others first, to welcome the least among us, and to seek our reward not in worldly recognition but in the knowledge that we are following in the footsteps of our humble Savior. Jesus brings a child into their midst and says, whoever receives one such child in my name receives me. The true Christian disciple seeks not their own advancement, but the good of others. Offering our time, talents, and resources for the benefit of those in need, often without recognition or reward. In a world obsessed with self-promotion, the life of humble service is radical and countercultural. Through service, we mirror the very heart of God, demonstrating His love to a world in desperate need. Ellen G White says: A Christian reveals true humility by showing the gentleness of Christ, by being always ready to help others, by speaking kind words and performing unselfish acts, which elevate and ennoble the most sacred message that has come to our world. As we all know that personal ambition is the most dangerous sin and poisonous that will destroy common good and peaceful coexistence.
In the Gospel Jesus vehemently criticizes the very desire for primacy and domination over others. Pope Francis in his Apostolic Exhortation, Evangelii Gaudium, 67 says: In our world, especially in some countries, different forms of war and conflict are re-emerging, yet we Christians remain steadfast in our intention to respect others, to heal wounds, to build bridges, to strengthen relationships and to “bear one another’s burdens. Dear friends, today’s Word of God invites each one of us to be a disciple of Christ, continually seek to stand for this spirit of humility in our daily lives, and may we find true greatness in becoming servants to all. Let us pray for the grace to follow His example, always remembering that in the Kingdom of God, the last will be first, and the greatest among us are those who serve. Amen
Sunday 15th September 2024
Faith in Action
Dear Friends, (Mk:8:27-35)
The Gospel of Mark (Mk: 8:27-35) carries profound spiritual significance and challenges disciples to embrace the radical call of discipleship. Reflecting on today’s Word of God, I am reminded of the words of Jennifer López on her appeal for charity on behalf of sick children. Miracles do not come easily. Behind every miracle, there is a generous and charitable heart. Today’s gospel is the central turning point of the Gospel of Mark. Therefore, far in the story Jesus has appeared as a healer and exorcist, a wonderworker, displaying an Authority. In Mark’s story the dramatic revelation of Jesus’s identity is quickly surpassed by the command of secrecy, followed by the first of the three passion predictions, and the rebuke to Peter for “setting his mind not on divine things but on human things”. In his resistance to the message of self-denial and the Cross, Peter speaks on behalf of all of us. Jesus is not the kind of Messiah that any of us would have chosen.
Pope St John Paul II, in his encyclical, Redemptor Hominis, he emphasises the centrality of faith in Jesus Christ before all else, as the key to the human person and human history, the answer to our search for salvation and purpose. This age, he said, demands of Christians a faith that is particularly aware, profound and responsible. Peter knew who Jesus was, but he was not ready to accept the reality that faced Him. He wants the crown but denies the cross that must come before it. Like Peter, most times, we do not want to face the realities of our life. Especially moments that put our faith to test. We only want to hear that there will be no difficulties in life. Practical Christianity means faith in action. It is by taking his cross and dying on it that Christ demonstrated his love and generosity for us. Practical faith helps us to understand and live the mystery of the cross. Faith without action is dead or an un-demonstrated faith is of no value. Jesus calls His followers to renounce themselves, which goes beyond mere acts of self-discipline. It implies a fundamental shift in our priorities, values, and desires. Self-denial means placing God’s will above our own and rejecting the glamour of selfishness, pride, or materialism. It is a daily practice of humility, recognizing that our true fulfilment is found not in serving ourselves but in serving God and others.
To take up your cross means willingly embracing the hardships, sacrifices, and trials that come with following Christ. It does not necessarily refer to literal martyrdom but to the spiritual and emotional challenges of living a Christian life, perseverance in faith, loving others in difficult circumstances, and enduring suffering with hope. Following Jesus requires a continual, ongoing decision to walk in His footsteps. This means imitating His love, compassion, forgiveness, and obedience to the Father. It is not a one-time choice but a lifelong commitment to live according to His teachings and example. In a world that often promotes self-gratification, ambition, and success, Jesus’ invitation to deny ourselves, carry our crosses, and follow Him is radically countercultural. It is a call to be in the world, but not of the world (John 17:16), to live with a sense of eternal purpose rather than pursuing temporary pleasures. Today’s gospel of Mark invites us to embrace a life of surrender, sacrifice, and deep trust in Christ. It challenges us to let go of our own agendas and follow Him wholeheartedly, even when the way is difficult. Amen
Sunday 8th September 2024
Selflessness is Christian Life
Dear Friends, (Is:35:4-7, Jas:2:1-5, Mk:7:31-37)
On this 23rd Sunday of the ordinary time the first reading shares the message of hope. It is a message of restoration from the Lord, who neither shows favouritism nor likes oppression. He says: Courage, do not be afraid! Look, your God is coming. In the second reading St. James glares at the sin of despising the poor in favour of the rich. His words equally apply to all types of prejudices and discriminations in our families, churches, and society. So, to favour some people and disregard others based on their race, wealth, social, or religious background is a terrible evil against God and humanity. This evil afflicted the early church. This was why seven deacons were elected to avoid favouritism in the distribution of resources (Acts:6:1-7). The message of St. James is still very relevant to all of us today. Many innocent, poor, and good people are not valued because of their economic, social, political, religious, and cultural status. It is sad to know that favouritism and discrimination still troubles our society. I regret to say that pride and selfishness are the root causes of favouritism and discrimination.
Pride, according to the Gospel, is a dangerous and self-centred attitude that distances us from God and others. In the Gospel, Jesus warns about the dangers of pride, particularly in the way it manifests in self-righteousness, seeking attention, and placing oneself above others. In the gospel of Lk: 18:9-14 the Parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector highlights the destructive nature of pride. Jesus teaches that the humble tax collector, not the proud Pharisee, is the one justified before God. Selflessness, in contrast to pride, is at the heart of Jesus’ message. In the Gospel of Mk: 10:45, Jesus says, “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many”. The call to selflessness is also clear in the Great Commandment (Mt: 22:37-40), where Jesus instructs us to “love the Lord your God with all your heart” and to “love your neighbour as yourself”. This command highlights that true love is self-giving, not self-seeking. In the gospel of John 13:1-17, Jesus washes the feet of His disciples, performing an act of humble service typically reserved for the lowest servants. A powerful reminder that selflessness is central to the Christian life. In our lives, pride can take many forms, seeking recognition, status, or validation at the expense of others. The Gospel teaches that true fulfilment and greatness come not from elevating ourselves, but from lowering ourselves in service to others and to God.
In the Gospel, “Jesus went from one town to the other doing good”. The gospel did not tell us that he healed only the poor or the rich. Rather, His blessings touched and transformed the poor, rich, sinner, righteous, beautiful, and ugly. He did not discriminate or show favouritism. Instead, he identified with all classes of people. Christ visited and ate with Zacchaeus, the tax collector (Lk:19:1-10). He called Levi the tax collector and transformed him into saint Mathew, the great evangelist (Mt 9: 9-13). He also healed the daughter of a gentile, Jairus, the wealthy Roman centurion (Mk 5: 21-43). He healed many poor, blind, lame, deaf, and dumb people. Indeed, “He did all things well” without favouritism. We must make ourselves an instrument to help others rise without minding their status. We should be motivated by the fact that “God created all of us in his image and likeness” (Gen: 1: 27). Today let us sing with the psalmist: “My soul gives praise to the Lord”. Amen
Sunday 1st September 2024
Quality of heart and mind.
Dear Friends,(MK:7:1-8,14-15,21-23)
For the last five Sundays we have been reflecting on the sixth chapter of John’s Gospel and theme of Jesus as the Bread of Life and today the 22nd Sunday of the ordinary time,we return to continuing our readings from Mark’s Gospel. The theme for today’s readings is the nature of true religion. In our first reading, Moses reminded his people of the commandment of God and urged them to be steadfast to it in order to be successful in life. Most importantly, he warned them not to add or remove anything from it. However, this warning was not taken seriously, because the Pharisees multiplied the ten commandments.
In the gospel, Jesus confronted the Pharisees because of their hypocrisy. They never observed the law that they multiplied for their people. This is a dangerous way of life that we must be careful of. We must not live a hypocritical life, or even make life difficult for others. Christ calls us to self-evaluation. The malicious intentions, the hatred, pride, the corrupt tendencies we harbor in our heart are really what define and make us who we are. They are the vices that make us bad. We must remove them before they rock our spiritual boat. They are the real and hidden enemies that we must fight and defeat daily. The quality of our life is measured by the quality of our heart and mind. If our mind and heart are contaminated and sick, our body would be sick a thousand time more, even without one knowing it. So, the most important thing that God needs from us is a pure heart as Christ taught us: “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God” (Mt 5:8).
The best way to be faithful to God’s command is to allow our hearts to be transformed by it. So, rather than pay excessive attention to the letters of the law and physical purity, we must listen to Paul’s advice: “Let your hearts be inwardly transformed, so that you will know the will of God.” (Rom 12:2). God’s will is his law. It must motivate us to love others, and to avoid evil. It must evoke true repentance and a sincere will to forgive others. It must keep us firm in faith. Above all, it must move us pursue only what is good, just, noble and holy. The Word of God invites each one to discern for themselves just how, in given circumstances, they can best love and serve Christ. It calls for a great deal of honesty, integrity and a high level of real freedom. The Gospel is not a code of laws. It provides a vision of a truly human life lived for God among other people. It is focused on relationship rather than individual action. The gospel emphasis three important ideas, the first idea is one of True Purity, that means Jesus teaches that true harm comes from within. It’s our thoughts and actions, not external things, that matter. The second one is Caring for the needy, it means helping our brothers and sisters and our commitment to His teachings. The third one is a warning, and it is against Hypocrisy, true worship comes from a pure heart. Today, the psalmist reminds us that the just shall live in the presence of God. Dear friends, let us humbly pray like David: “Create a pure heart in me O Lord and, put a new and loyal spirit in me” (Ps 51:10).
Sunday 25th August 2024
Life in God
Dear Friends,(Jn:6:60-69)
There is a story told of Swami Vivekananda, an Indian sage and philosopher who lived in the 19th century. Once, when Swami Vivekananda was due to deliver a lecture at a university, an atheist student had gone well before time and had written on the blackboard, GOD IS NOWHERE. When Swami Vivekananda came to the hall he saw the sentence. He walked up to the black board as if to begin his talk, he simply separated the words, NOW and HERE from the word NOWHERE and wrote GOD IS NOW HERE. He was accorded a thunderous applause from the entire gathering which was thrilled by his wisdom. Dear friends now question is do we really believe that God is now here? He is here and now? On this twenty-first Sunday of the ordinary time, the Church encourages us to always remain with Christ, the Holy One of God. At times, when we come to the crossroad of life, we are confused about which way to go. These are moments when we must make the right decisions, and the decisions and choices we make at such moments shape our future. In today’s gospel, after the bread of life discourse, some followers of Christ were disappointed. What they heard was not what they expected to hear from Christ. This teaching is too difficult for us. You are complicating our lives. They could not take it anymore. For this reason, many of them abandoned Him.
Dear friends, many of us come to Christ thinking that everything must be easy. Some come with a very shallow faith. Yet, some of us come with fixed expectations and just to hear what we wish to hear. So, if our expectations are not met, we quit and bid Christ farewell. So, we must ask ourselves today. How many times have we abandoned God and his church, especially at difficult moments in life? There are inevitable moments in life when the authenticity of our faith and fidelity to God must be tested by the fire of afflictions. Only true disciples will stand with Christ to say: “Lord, to who shall we go? You have the word of eternal life. You are the Holy One of God.” It is not rare in Christian conversations to pick up a perception that most Christians have: that eternal life equals heaven. Pope Benedict XVI in his book, Jesus of Nazareth, says, ‘Eternal life’ is not as the modern reader might immediately assume, life after death, in contrast to this present life, which is transient and not eternal. Eternal life is life itself, real life, which can also be living in the present age and is no longer challenged by physical death. This is the point: to seize ‘life’ here and now, real life that can no longer be destroyed by anything or anyone. Eternal life is thus a relational event. Through relationship with the one who is himself life (God in Jesus), man too comes alive.Let us try to understand this. We say God is eternal. So, communing with God, that is, sharing in the life of God, is eternal life. And St Augustine defines eternity as “a continuous now”. For God, there is no past and future but only the now. And God is here. Therefore, eternal life is here and now. Dear friends, let us pray today and every day, “By the mystery of this water and wine, may we come to share in the divinity of Christ, who humbled himself to share in our humanity.” Amen
Sunday 18th August 2024
Eucharist is a special Banquet
Dear Friends,(Jn:6:51-58)
Today’s Gospel expands further on the teaching that Jesus began in our liturgy last week. Jesus is the bread of life. This is simply to remind us of the importance of the Holy Eucharist in our Christian life.In this Gospel, some have difficulty with Jesus’ teaching. The Holy Mother Church teaches that: “The Eucharist is the efficacious sign and sublime cause of that communion in the divine life and, that unity of the people of God by which the Church is kept in being” (CCC 1325). Eucharist means thanksgiving. Therefore, today and everyday filled with the Holy Spirit, we give thanks to God for this precious gift. The Eucharist is a special banquet where Christ is both the giver and the gift. Christ is both the priest and the sacrificial lamb. In today’s gospel Jesus says: “I am the living bread come down from heaven, anyone who eats this bread will live forever…”, the Jews became angry. The reason is simple. They were full of pride and lacked true wisdom. They could not comprehend what Christ meant. They refused to be humbled, in order to become wise in the ways of God. At times, some of us act like the Jews of Jesus’ day. This is by assuming that we can analyse and comprehend this great mystery of Faith only with our limited human wisdom. So, like the Jews, some of us still wonder: “How could He give us His body and blood to eat and drink?” Is Christ really present in the Eucharist?
Dear friends, Jesus says: “He who eats my flesh and drinks my blood abides in me and I in him”. In the Eucharist, Communion is assimilation: sharing in him, we become as he is. Eucharist is not a private prayer or a nice spiritual exercise. It is not a simple commemoration of what Jesus did at the Last Supper. Eucharist is “a memorial”, that is, a gesture that makes real and present the event of Jesus’ death and resurrection: the bread is really his body given up for us, the wine is really his blood shed for us. The Eucharist is Jesus himself who gives himself completely to us. Eucharist transforms our lives, transforms our lives into a gift to God and to our brothers and sisters. It means entering into a dynamic of love and becoming people of peace, people of forgiveness and of reconciliation. St. Irenaeus says, “Just as the bread which comes from the earth, having received the invocation of God is no longer ordinary bread, the Eucharist consisting of two realities, earthly and heavenly, so our bodies having received the Eucharist are no longer corruptible because they have the hope of the resurrection. Let us celebrate Eucharist with joy and always be grateful to God”.
Sunday 11th August 2024
Bread of Life
Dear Friends,(Jn:6:41-51)
The Sacred reading of this Sunday gives us an opportunity to continue our meditation on the gift of the Holy Eucharist. As we all know that eucharist is the source and summit of Christian life. The church was born at Pentecost but a decisive moment in the shaping of the church was the institution of the Holy Eucharist in the upper room during the last supper. In the holy Eucharist Jesus shows a love that goes to the end and knows no measures. The first reading invitesus to reflect on both despair and hope. The Sacred author shares the bitter life experience of Prophet Elijah. He lost the hope of survival and thought that God had abandoned him. Elijah was a man of great vigour, a man of great talent. This reading is fascinating and encouraging in many ways. This is because many of us are in the same boat right now with Elijah. I have often heard people say: “I am afraid and tired of this life”. “I am alone in my struggle”. “I do not think God still hears my prayers”, even, “I feel like dying because it is too much for me to bear”. Such moments in life that provoke and force us to make such confessions. We are almost at our breaking or zero points. Like Elijah, we are also saying or acting: “Lord, I have heard enough, take my life”. However, like Elijah, when we think that all hope is lost, God will surely intervene to nourish and strengthen us. God provides him with food and water, which strengthen him to continuehis journey to Horeb, the mountain of God. Like Elijah, we too are on our earthly journey to heaven. For the physical sustenance we need food but for the spiritual sustenance we need a holy meal, the Holy Eucharist. The physical sustenance of Elijah also compared as a spiritual one, it prefigures the Holy Eucharist.
Dear friends, as we continue to hear the Bread of Lifediscourse from the sixth chapter of the Gospel of John, we reflect on how our spiritual health is renewed by the frequent and worthy reception of the Holy Communion. We are what we eat. Jesus responds to the complaints by saying that only those who are chosen by God will recognize him as the one that God sent. This is a recurring theme in John’s Gospel, that God has chosen those who will have faith in Jesus. He is the one who has seen the Father and, therefore, knows the Father. Those who listen to God will recognize that Jesus is the one sent from God. Those who believe will have eternal life. He promises that the bread of life will bring eternal life to those who partake of it, and he tells us that the bread of life will be his own flesh, given for the life of the world. We celebrate this gift of Jesus each time we gather for Mass. We believe that receiving Jesus in the Eucharist will lead us to eternal life. The good news today is that Christ draws us to himself every day through the Eucharist to nourish and strengthen us for our journey. He is the living bread that satisfies our spiritual hunger. He equally fills us with His Spirit, who directs us on the right path on our journey. So today, God is saying to us as he spoke to Elijah in the desert, “arise, eat, drink”, and continue your journey with new hope, new zeal, and a new spirit. Dear friends, let us take advantage of this generous gift that God had given us through the Holy Eucharist to enrich our lives. We must do what the psalmist tells us today: Taste and see that the Lord is good. He is the living bread of life. He is the Mystery of our faith and the life of the world. Amen
Sunday 4th August 2024
A hunger for God and a hunger for fraternity
Dear friends,(Jn:6:24-35)
The great German Dominican and Doctor of the Church, Albert the great first identified in 13th century the three transcendental properties of being – Verum, Bonum, Pulchrum. Truth, good and beauty, the three perfections of God in which every created thing participates to some degree, and which constitute our ultimate desires. God is Verum – Truth, God is Bonum – Good and God is Pulchrum – Beauty. The theme for this 18th Sunday of the ordinary time is A hunger for God and a hunger for fraternity. Both the first and the Gospel shares Eucharistic theology. In the first reading the Sacred author emphasizes that God is a provider and the ultimate solution to all our worries and fears. The people of Israelites murmured and revolted against Moses and Araon and consequently against God. They complained, we have no bread, no meat and we are dying of thirst. Many times, we have heard that a hungry man is an angry man. The Word of God explains that God proved Himself as a very good provider, He feeds them to satisfaction, God rained meat on them like dust and He gave them water from the rock.
Today we all rejoice because of the incredible nourishment that God gives us daily through Jesus, the eternal bread of life. By receiving the sacred body and sacred blood of Jesus, we undergo a spiritual transformation, a spiritual revival and a spiritual change. Never ever forget that human life doesn’t depend only on material things but more on spiritual experiences and spiritual things. In the Gospel, Jesus says “I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst”(Jn 6:35). Today’s Gospel explains the so-called pattern and style of the first disciples. They are like the Israelites; became obsessed with food and physical hunger. They came to search for their daily bread but failed to recognize that Christ was the bread of life. An important lesson for us today is that when we pay too much attention to material things, we forfeit the spiritual meaning of life. The Word of God explains that there’s an ultimate and a serious hunger and that hunger is very much part of our daily life, and that hunger is for God and eternity. It is a hunger for life, a hunger for truth, a hunger for goodness and a hunger for eternity. All those people discovered that hunger for bread has other names too: hunger for God, hunger for fraternity, hunger for peace,hunger for truth, hunger for goodness and hunger for compassion and mercy.
St. Mother Teresa of Calcutta knew all these hungers, hunger for bread, hunger for fraternity, hunger for God. She builds her entire life on the twin pillars of Jesus incarnate in the Eucharist and Jesus incarnate in the poor. The two inseparable pillars that marked her journey and kept her moving is that of her own hunger and thirst for God and His people. In drawing near to her brothers and sisters, she found the face of the Lord, for she knew that love of God and love of neighbour become one: in the least of the brethren, we find Jesus himself, and in Jesus we find God. Dear friends, let us allow Lord to satisfy our hunger and thirst: in the sacrament of the altar and in the sacrament of our brothers and sisters. Let us now pray to the Blessed Virgin, she who lived the most beautiful story of love with God, that she may give us the grace to open ourselves to God and to His people. Amen
Sunday 21st July 2024
Jesus Christ is the great Unifier!
Dear Friends, (Jer:23:1-6, Eph:2:13-18, Mk:6:30-34)
The Sixteenth Sunday of the ordinary time invites each one of us to meditate on the theme of redemption, reunification, and restoration of God’s people. In the first reading Prophet Jeremiah shares the message of threat and the message of hope. It reflects over the reign of Judah’s kings and rulers who have misgoverned their people. The scattering of a people is a sign that something has gone wrong and also it is a sign of bad leadership and system failure. This is the image we see all over the world today. The first reading bears severe warning against all rulers, priests, pastors, directors, governors, prime ministers, presidents, and indeed, anyone in a leadership position. Prophet Jeremiah criticises the elite and rulers of Israel for their act of negligence, irresponsibility, indifferent nature and lack of attention to the various needs of the people. The Lord says, “I will take care of you for your deeds”. Prophet Jeremiah also shares the message of hope. Christ is the righteous branch from the line of David. He is the true Davidic king who has come to find and save the lost people of God. The passage explains about the new Good Shepherd that is Jesus Christ, the saviour and redeemer.
The first part of the gospel explains Jesus’ concern for his disciples, he does not spend time giving compliments or asking questions rather, Jesus is concerned about their physical and interior tiredness. It is against the view of modern idea of workaholism and activism. We are busy, we run around, we think that everything depends on us, and, in the end, we risk neglecting Jesus, and we always make ourselves the centre. Dear friends, we must return to the heart of things: to stop, to remain in silence, to pray so as not to go from the state of work to the frenzy of times of relaxation. Jesus did not neglect the needs of the crowd, but each day, before anything else, he would withdraw in prayer, in silence, in intimacy with the Father. His tender invitation, rest a while (intimacy) should accompany us. Today’s gospel reminds us about the importance of efficiency, let us put a halt to the anxious running around dictated by our agendas. Let us learn how to take a break, to turn off the mobile phone or social media, to contemplate nature, to regenerate ourselves in dialogue (personal prayer) with God.
The second part of the gospel explains the virtue of Compassion. God is a compassionate father, a merciful mother, a caring brother and a loving friend. The virtue of compassion is born from contemplation. If we learn to truly rest, we become capable of true compassion; if we cultivate a contemplative outlook, we will carry out our activities without that greedy attitude of those who want to possess and consume everything. Pope Francis says, we need “an ecology of the heart”, that is made up of rest, contemplation and compassion. Today let us ask Jesus to give us his spirit of compassion so that we can be sensitive and responsive to the needs of people around us. Let us be prepared to live lives of compassion whether it calls for a change in our plans for the summer or in our plans for the rest of our lives. Let us follow Jesus Christ, the ideal shepherd. He refreshes, guides along right paths, encourages, feeds, comforts, gives a sense of security. Amen
14th July 2024
Fifteen Sunday in ordinary time
Vocation and Mission
Dear Friends, (Am:7:12-15, Eph:1:3-14,Mk:6:7-13)
Behind every good sports team or individual athletic there is usually a competent trainer, and that person indicates on what must be done in order for the athlete to be victorious. Today’s Word of God highlights the themes of vocation and mission. In the first reading, Amos is forced to defend his vocation as a prophet to Israel. The Gospel explains the first mission of the twelve disciples of Jesus. The Word of God explains that God is the actual force behind every vocation and mission. This Sunday’s Word of God reminds us of that God’s choice of us is not one of mistake but rather a deliberate one. The reading of this Sunday offers us with an excellent opportunity to ask ourselves the significant question: “What is God’s purpose for choosing me as his disciple or a follower? By our baptism, we have been called to share in the 3 missions of Christ: King, Prophet and Priest.
The first reading is from the book of Prophet Amos:7:12-15, narrates to us the trial of Amos and how he was rejected. Amos is the most powerful prophets in the OT, lived in the eighth century before Christ. This was a time of peace and prosperity in the northern kingdom of Israel. It was also a time of wholesale corruption and exploitation of the poor. Prophet Amos courageously denounced the injustices inflicted upon the poor. His preaching provoked the anger of Amaziah, one of the leading members of the priestly caste. Amaziah lived in the wealthy Royal Sanctuary of Bethel and was a tool of King Jeroboam II. In response Amos defends his prophetic vocation as a direct call from the Lord, not an inherited position with status, like that of Amaziah. Despite the opposition and challenges he faced from the “professional and paid prophets,” he fulfilled God’s purpose. Amos reminds us of our prophetic vocation to speak truth to power, to point out and denounce the corrupt practices of powerful elites, and to defend the rights of the poor and exploited people of our time.
Today’s gospel is from the gospel of Mark, and it continues from last Sunday’s gospel. Following his rejection in his home town of Nazareth, Jesus summons twelve of his disciples and sends them out on mission, into the villages and towns. Christ called his disciples and strengthened their faith through his teachings and miracles. Evangelist Mark reminds his readers about the dangerous of being Jesus’ mission. Pope Paul VI underlined this challenge when he stated, over forty years ago, “that witness of life is the primary and indispensable form of the Church’s mission”. (Evangelii Nuntiandi-41). Preaching repentance and the Kingdom of God is dangerous business for Jesus and for his disciples. Mark wants his readers to remember that we, too, may find resistance as we choose to be disciples of Jesus. Jesus’ instructions to the Apostles are very specific. In other words, their lifestyle is to be marked by a radical dependence on God and on the generosity of the people to whom they minister. Jesus continues to send us into the world as his disciples. Obeying Christ’s instruction is a sure means of fulfilling his purpose for choosing us as his disciples. At the same time, neglecting it is the easiest way of losing focus. By virtue of our baptism, we have been called and charged with the work of evangelization. Just like the Apostles and Amos, we too have a mission not just to ourselves but to our brothers and sisters. How do we fulfil our mission in the world of today? In Amos and Amaziah, we have two types of prophets. One who speaks the message that comes from God and the other who speaks what the people wants to hear. Where do we belong? The answer is we must be in the side of Prophet Amos.
They wouldn’t accept him!
Dear Friends, (Ez:2:2-5, 2Cori:12:7-10,Mk:6:1-6)
God speaks to us in many ways and through many people. In the first reading, the Prophet Ezekiel stands as a beautiful example of delivering God’s message to His people. Prophet Ezekiel was anointed by the God for the people of Israel with a very difficult mission. The prophet was sent out not for success in his mission but as a reminder to the people that among them, God raises His voice through the Prophet. Like Ezekiel, we all have a prophetic call and mission from God. The question is, where is this mission, and how do we begin it? The answer is very simple. There is a mission everywhere today. There is a prophetic mission in our rebellious generation, families, communities, workplaces, schools, and the world at large. There is much revolution in our time against God, against nature, against the people of God and the structures of our moral, social and cultural heritage. Therefore, God speaks to us today as he said to Prophet Ezekiel: Son of man, I am sending you……. to the rebels who have turned against me. Dear friends, we must be that voice that cries against injustice, oppression, immorality, corruption, exploitation and ungodliness.
In the second reading, St. Paul describes his burden for the sake of the gospel. This burden was like a thorn in his flesh. For Paul, the burden includes: “insults, hardships, persecutions, loneliness, and agonies.” Sadly, these are things we do not want to experience, because we don’t like discomfort. Most often we like, people’s appreciation and good comments. I do not want to hurt anybody, and I do not want to lose anyone. God saw this same fear in the eyes of Prophet Jeremiah and said to him: Get ready, go and tell them everything I command you to say. Do not be afraid of them (Jer 1:17). The Word of God assures us that we should not be afraid because the grace of God is sufficient for us.
Today’s gospel presents a beautiful question regarding the identity of Jesus. Who is Jesus? The evangelist Mark is foreshadowing Jesus’ rejection by his own people, the people of Israel. In the gospel, Jesus was filled with the grace and spoke fearlessly. Of course, he got his share of insults. They called him an illiterate and a rebel. Despite of all these, he was not discouraged. Instead, he continued to preach and heal the people. In fact, Christ’s miracles are not a display of magic or power but signs of the love of God. Pope Francis said, “the son of God overturns every human framework, it is not the disciples who washed the feet of the Lord but, it is the Lord who washed the feet of the disciples. This is a reason for scandal and disbelief, not only in that period but in all ages”. Dear friends, we must not be afraid to carry out our prophetic ministries and mission despite the odds against us. Instead, we are to bear them patiently so that good might triumph over evil, truth over a lie, light over darkness and, peace over war. The Sacred Scripture prompts us that, where there is no prophetic vision, the people perish (Prov: 29:18). The Word of God reminds us that by being a Christian, we are God’s prophets and by being God’s Prophets we have to bear the consciousness of God in the family and in the society. Amen
Sunday 7th July 2024
Do not be afraid, the Lord will calm down your Storm!
Dear Friends,(Job:38:1,8-11, 2Cori:5:14-17, Mk:4:35-41)
On this 12th Sunday of the ordinary time the Word of God reminds us that God has the power to control and regulate all the natural, physical and spiritual forces in this world. God knows the best time to intervene both in our personal life as well as in the history. This is clear in his timely response to Job and, intervention in the situation of his disciples. Dear friends’ life is full of storms. At times, they can become so strong and strange that our human strength can no longer support us. There are times in our lives fear and anxiety might take over our life. Sometimes, we might lose our faith in God, thinking that he has abandoned us. These storms come in different forms. They could be problems in family life, marriage, our children who are not responding well, lack of good job, weak finance, a prolonged sickness that has ruined all treatments. They could also be the inability to find or maintain a good and stable relationship. They could also be poor results in our academics or business. The list is unending, but these represent the realities we face every day. The truth is that there is no assurance that our lives would be completely free of storms. Yet, the good news is that God never ever abandons us.
In gospel of Mark 4:35-41, Jesus questions his disciples: “Why are you afraid? Have you still no faith?” The disciples in Mark do not even have faith the size of a mustard seed. Even after witnessing the many miracles and healings, the disciples still find it difficult to believe in Jesus. There are two basic truths that the gospel reveals to us about these problems. The First is that Christ is with you in that boat and, is aware of the storm you are battling with. The second is that no matter how experienced you think you are in navigating your own boat, you cannot overcome your storms alone. Jesus Christ tells us: “Apart from me, you can do nothing.” There is no doubt that before inviting Christ, his disciples made much effort to control their own boat. However, when they failed, they cried out: “Lord, do you not care if we perish?” Of course, Christ intervened because he assured us: “Call upon me in times of trouble and I will help you” (Ps 50: 15).
Today we can ask ourselves: what are the winds that beat against my life? What are the waves that hinder my navigation, and put my spiritual life, my family life, even my psychological life in danger? The Gospel recounts that the disciples approach Jesus, wake him and speak to him. This is the beginning of our faith. Faith begins from believing that we are not enough for ourselves, from feeling in need of God. When we overcome the temptation to close ourselves off, when we cry out to him, he can work wonders in us. It is the gentle and extraordinary power of prayer, which works miracles. The Word of God invites each one of us to practice three things: First, rather than live in fear, or complain like Job, or give up completely, let us cry out and invite the Lord to help us. This is because: “Our help comes from the Lord who made heaven and earth” (Ps 121:1-2). Second, we must continue to show profound faith in God, his Son Jesus Christ, and in the Holy Spirit. That is, faith that makes us believe that God created us in love sustains us with his providence and will save us through his mercy. Third, we must continue to be thankful and grateful to God in all circumstances of our life. Therefore, with the psalmist let us pray: “…Give thanks to the Lord, for his love and mercy endures forever.” Amen
Sunday 30th June 2024
Feast of St Peter and Paul
Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul, Apostles
Dear friends,
This year the Feast of the Holy Apostles Peter and Paul take place on a Sunday, so that the whole Church, is celebrating it with solemnity. The feast of the Holy Apostles Peter and Paul is at the same time a grateful memorial of the great witnesses of Jesus and a solemn confession for the church: One, holy, Catholic and Apostolic. The charisms of the two great Apostles are complementary for building the one People of God. Through their martyrdom, faith and love, both Apostles point to where true hope lies. Together, the two Apostles are the founders of the see of Rome, through their preaching, ministry and martyrdom. They never ever tired of preaching and journeying as missionaries and offering their lives as martyrs.
There’s something that we all can learn from their life. The meaning of Simon is “the one whom hear”, and Peter means “Rock”. The name change is to highlight the transformation of the person. In the OT, God rename Abram (exalted father) to Abraham (father of many). He did this to identify the person’s spiritual transformation. Through all of Peter’s ups and down, the Lord Jesus continued his loving Lord and faithful guide. Peter founded the Church in three stages: Peter preached on the day of Pentecost (Acts:2). Peter was present when the Samaritans received the Holy Spirit (Acts:8). Finally, he was summoned to the home of the Roman centurion Cornelius, who also believed and received the Holy Spirit (Acts:10). This is the way Peter unlocked the three different worlds and opened the door of the church to Jews, Samaritans and Gentiles. His leadership and missionary work were crucial in establishing and nurturing the early Christian communities. The three things that we can easily learn from his life. Jesus overcomes fear: Whether stepping out of a boat onto a tossing sea or stepping across the threshold of a Gentile home for the first time, Peter found courage in following Christ. “There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear” (1Jn:4:18). Jesus forgives unfaithfulness: After he had boasted of his fidelity, Peter fervently denied the Lord three times. It seemed that Peter had burned his bridges, but Jesus lovingly rebuilt them and restored Peter to service. Peter was a former failure, but, with Jesus, failure is not the end. “If we are faithless, he will remain faithful, for he cannot disown himself” (2Tim:2:13). Jesus uses unlikely heroes: Peter was a fisherman from Galilee, but Jesus called him to be a fisher of men (Lk:5:10). People were amazed of his preaching and of his boldness because he was “unschooled” and “ordinary.” Being with Jesus makes all the difference (Acts:4:13).
Dear friends meditating on the life of Apostle Paul and his understanding of Jesus is profoundly shaped by his dramatic conversion experience on the road to Damascus, where the risen Christ appears to him and asks, “Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?” (Acts 9:4). The name Saul means “desired” where as Paul means “small or little”. Double names were widespread in the Greco-Roman world from the second century BC. Many mistakenly assume that the Lord changed Saul’s name to Paul sometime after Saul converted from Judaism to Christianity. Unlike the instance of Jesus changing Simon’s name to Peter, in Paul’s case there was no name change. The Hebrew name given him by his parents was Saul, but, because his father was a Roman citizen, Saul also had the Latin name Paul (Acts 16:37, 22:25-28), the custom of dual names being common in those days. But after his conversion Saul determined to bring the gospel to the Gentiles, so he dusted off his name Saul and became known as Paul, a name Gentiles were accustomed to. As St. Paul explained, “To the Jews I became a Jew; to those under the law I became like one under the law, to those outside the law I became like one outside the law, to the weak I became weak. All this I do for the sake of the gospel, so that I too may have a share in it”. (1 Cor 9:20-23). Apostle Paul’s mission involves not only evangelization but also theological teaching, pastoral care, and addressing issues within the early Christian communities.
My dear friends, there is a great revelation that the starting point of the Christian life is not our worthiness. The life and mission of these two great Apostles, teach us that wherever you are, in your utter failure and weakness, sorrow or joy, the Lord can make wonders and miracles. The Apostles Peter and Paul helps us to understand that the Simon or Saul in us often tempt us to take control of the whole situation at some length blocking the divine intervention. The Apostles also helps us to understand that the Peter and Paul in us always welcomes divine intervention and go hand in hand with God’s divine plan. It’s a reminder of our baptismal name as well. Through our baptismal name, we are invited to embrace God’s divine plan for our lives and, like the Apostles, to proclaim the values of the Kingdom of God to many. This shows us that as long as we are able to listen to God beyond our flesh and blood, we are rock in faith. The Word of God inspires each one of us to come out of our misbelief. The Solemnity of these two great Apostles invites each one of us to learn from their life and mission, listen to the ways of the Holy Spirit and humble oneself to the service of the other. May the example of the Apostles Peter and Paul illumine our minds and kindle our hearts the holy desire to do God’s will. I wish everyone a happy feast day of the Holy Apostles Peter and Paul. Amen
Sunday 16th June 2024
Eleventh Sunday in ordinary time
The Kingdom of God is like a mustard Seed!
Dear Friends,(Ez:17:22-24, 2Cori:5:6-10. Mk:4:26-34)
On this beautiful Sunday, the holy mother church reminds us that, the church of Christ is like a beautiful tree planted by God in the world. From the smallest of all seeds, she becomes the noblest of trees and fills the earth. She is the physical evidence of God’s kingdom. Therefore, like the birds of the air, we the people of God are also called to make our home in her. In the first reading Prophet Ezekiel speaks about the message of hope and rebuilding. The tree will grow and produce fruit, but even these actions are under the watchful attention of God. Through prophet Ezekiel God promised to re-establish and elevate his people who were in exile. God really wants to transfer his people from the dominion of oppression, poverty, misery to a realm of justice, prosperity, and peace of mind. The Prophet reminds us that God is always waiting for us to return to Him, provided that we obey His commandments and remain faithful. God has a plan for how to start anew. The holy mother church is the visible sign of this noble cedar (kingdom) that gives refuge to all people.
In the second reading, St. Paul reminds us that we are on a journey towards the kingdom of God with Christ. The journey to this kingdom is a journey that must be approached with faith and courage. Believing means entrusting oneself in full freedom and joyfully to God’s providential plan for history, as did the Blessed Virgin Mary. Faith is a gift of God, and it is an assent with which our mind and our heart say YES to God, confessing that Jesus Christ is the Lord. And this YES transforms life, unfolds the path toward fullness of meaning, thereby making it new, rich in joy and trustworthy hope.
In the gospel, Jesus explains the kingdom of God is like a mustard seed, the smallest seed, and it refers to our faith. “If you have faith like a grain of mustard seed…nothing will be impossible for you” (Mt 17:20). Faith grows, and when it does, it achieves great things. In the gospel instead of using the image of a mighty cedar, Jesus speaks of the kingdom of God as a small mustard seed that grows into a large bush with branches. Mark’s small seed probably refers on some level with the suffering Markan community. This passage connects back to Prophet Ezekiel’s community who also found themselves in a place of suffering during exile. In those places and times of hardship, it seems appropriate to think about the change and hope that comes when God takes branches and makes cedars. The question is, how does our faith draw others to Christ? When we demonstrate or bear a good testimony of our individual and collective faith, the result is excellent. A few persons might come to believe in God when a youth might present himself/herself for a particular sacrament and service in the church. Someone might decide to give up a very old and bad habit, while another might choose to forgive another. These may seem too insignificant achievements, but the seed is growing. The word of God assures that all our good will and good works to the size of a mustard seed however, small if it is placed in the right person, he can make it effectively fruitful.
Sunday 9th June 2024
Tenth Sunday in ordinary time.
Excuses does not absolve Faults!
Dear Friends,(Gn:3:9-15, 2Cori:4:13-5:1, Mk:3:20-35)
There were a few questions in the Bible addressed not only to the Biblical figures but also to us. The first question is Where are You? (Gen:3:9). The second question is where is your brother? (Gen:4:9). These are very important questions, and each one of us should give an answer. The answer from the first parents were one of hiding and blaming. Are we also following the same idea of hiding or blaming others for our mistakes and drawbacks. When examining the Sacred Scriptures, there are numerous instances of sincere responses, such as Samuel’s “speak for your servant is listening”, (1Sam:3:10), in the OT and Blessed Virgin Mary’s “ here am I, the servant of the Lord; let it be with me according to your word”, (Lk:1:38), in the NT. The Sacred Scripture reminds us that as humans, we all have an existential struggle against evil. However, the good news is that we are all strengthened and illuminated by the Risen Lord, the true and eternal Saviour, who helps us to obtain this victory over evil.
In the first reading the Sacred author presents the fall of Adam and Eve. The story of Adam and Eve is an integral part of our salvific history which reminds us of something that we inherited from them. The story reminds us of the consequences of disobedience. Rather to accept their fault, they tried to justify themselves by blaming each other. Adam blamed: “the woman you (God) gave me.” Of course, he did not blame the woman alone, he also indirectly blamed God who generously gave him a partner. On the other hand, Eve blamed: “the serpent that tempted her.” Blame rained upon blame. It is the common nature, and this type of behaviours are part of human nature. None of them said, I am sorry, I was wrong, it was my fault or even, please forgive me. Instead, they found excuses to clear themselves and, someone must take the responsibility. In the second reading, St. Paul brings to light the significant characteristics of a life lived in faith. Preaching the gospel is possible only by the profession of faith. He reminds us that in spite of our difficulties and existential struggles against evil in our world, grace strengthens our faith. Grace and faith keep us steadfast and focused on the glory of the eternal life ahead.
Today’s gospel explains Jesus’ encounter with his people and family. They accused him of being possessed when he was actually liberating the possessed. They wished to control his miraculous works and powerful preaching. In spite of all these, He remained focused. Every true disciple of Christ is, His brother, sister, mother and a member of his victorious family. Through faith and obedience to God’s will, we all have the opportunity to become members of his victorious and happy family. To become part of the victorious family of Christ is a dynamic process. It flows from a personal encounter with Christ. For us, all of this is a call to follow the Lord, not matter what our families or other people think about us. We are challenged to do the works of God, to recognize that the fight between good and evil is still going on in our own time. In the gospel Jesus invites each one of us to have a deep faith in Christ and an unconditional surrender to God’s will. This is a genuine call to become members of His victorious family. Let us faithfully follow Christ Jesus and give witness to His values.
Sunday 26th May 2024
Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity
Dear Friends,(Dt:4:32-34,39-40, Rom:8:14-17, Mt:28:16-20)
Today we are celebrating the Feast of the Blessed Trinity. They are Three and they are One, one God in three Persons. The Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit are one because God is love and love is an absolute life-giving force. It is a doctrine that unites and divides. This doctrine unites all true Christians and separates us from those who are not Christian. The Trinity is a doctrine that all Christians believe but no one really understands. If you try to explain the Trinity, you will lose your mind. But if you deny it, you will lose your soul.
Trinity is “the central mystery of Christian faith and life…and it is the source of all the other mysteries of faith” (CCC234). Trinity Sunday is an invitation to remember that “being Christian is not the result of an ethical choice or a lofty idea, but the encounter with an event, a person, which gives life a new horizon and a decisive direction” (Deus Caritas Est no.1). “By sending his only Son and the Spirit of Love in the fullness of time, God has revealed his innermost secret: God himself is an eternal exchange of love, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, and he has destined us to share in that exchange”(CCC221). On Trinity Sunday, the Church proclaims the truth about God that God is love (1Jn:4:8) and the truth about us: we are made for this love.
Pope Benedict XVI explains the relational dimensions of the Trinity that is: “our earth, the planets, the stars, the galaxies” down to “cells, atoms, elementary particles”, the Trinity is “imprinted”, “because all that exists, down to the last particle, is in relation; in this way, we catch a glimpse of God as relationship and, ultimately, Creator Love.” God is everywhere we look in the eyes of another person, in the majesty of a tree, in the gentle breeze, the silent fog, in the delicate beauty of a butterfly, in the perfect little body of a newborn infant and in the magnificence of a tiny flower. If we choose to look and see what is right in front of us, we will see more clearly our God who is ever ancient and ever present.
Trinity Sunday explains that Trinity as a metaphor for relationships, unity, love, respect, interdependence, and communication. Unity and Diversity: the Trinity embodies both unity and diversity. In relationships, individuals maintain their unique identities while forming a united bond. This applies to friendships, families, and romantic relationships, where each person brings their own personality and strengths to create a cohesive whole. Mutual Love and Respect: The Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are often described as being in a perfect relationship of love and respect. In human relationships, this ideal can serve as a model for how people should treat each other, emphasizing mutual love, respect, and self-giving. Interdependence and Communication: the persons of the Trinity are interdependent, each playing a distinct role but all working together harmoniously. In healthy relationships, individuals rely on each other, support one another, and recognize that their combined efforts lead to greater outcomes than what they could achieve alone. Effective communication is vital in any relationship, ensuring that all parties feel heard, valued, and understood. The Trinitarian model of unity, love and communication invites each one of us to renew our commitment to Christian call to discipleship. The Virgin Mary, among all creatures, is a masterpiece of the Most Holy Trinity. Let us turn to Mary with filial trust, so that with her help we may progress in love and make our life a hymn of praise to the Father through the Son in the Holy Spirit.
Theresian Word Mission (TWM)
Sunday 19th May
Pentecost
Holy Spirit is the Soul of the Church.
The season of Easter concludes with the feast of Pentecost. On the Solemnity of the Pentecost, we celebrate the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the apostles; this event marks the beginning of the Church. The account in today’s Gospel, Jn:20:19-23, recounts how Jesus gave the gift of the Holy Spirit to his disciples. Jesus fulfilled his promise to send to his disciples a helper, an advocate, who would enable them to be his witnesses throughout the world. Pentecost day is a day of renewal and empowerment. According to the Catechism of the Catholic Church, the Holy Spirit empowers us, makes us strong Christians and soldiers of Christ (CCC 1302). This empowerment comes through the different gifts we receive from the Holy Spirit. Through them, we become bold to call God our Father (Rom 8:15), and above all, to proclaim to our world that, Jesus Christ is Lord. The Holy Spirit helps us to bear good fruits in Christ (Gal 5:22). He leads us into the kingdom of righteousness, peace and joy.
Prior to the Ascension into Heaven, Jesus Christ ordered his disciples, “not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the promise of the Father” (Acts 1: 4). To stay together was the condition laid down by Jesus in order to receive the gift of the Holy Spirit and this is a remarkable lesson for every Christian community. Some think at times that missionary effectiveness depends primarily on careful programming and its subsequent intelligent application through a concrete commitment. The Lord certainly does ask for our collaboration, but his Spirit is the true protagonist of the Church. The roots of our being and of our action are in the wise and provident silence of God.
The images used by St. Luke to indicate the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, wind and fire and this recall Mount Sinai, where God revealed himself to the people of Israel and offered his covenant (Ex 19: 3). The feast of Sinai, which Israel celebrated 50 days after the Passover, was the feast of the Covenant. Speaking of the tongues of fire (Acts 2: 3), St Luke wants to show Pentecost as a new Sinai, as the feast of the New Covenant, where the Covenant with Israel is extended to all the nations of the earth. The Church has been catholic and missionary from her birth. The universality of salvation is meaningfully manifested with the list of the numerous ethnic groups to which those who heard the Apostles’ first proclamation belonged (Acts 2: 9-11).
The People of God, which had found its first formation in Sinai, extends today to the point of overcoming every barrier of race, culture, space and time. As opposed to what occurred with the tower of Babel (Gen 11: 1-9). Human pride and egoism always create divisions, build walls of indifference, hate and violence. The Holy Spirit, on the other hand, makes hearts capable of understanding the languages of all, as he re-establishes the bridge of authentic communion between earth and heaven. The Holy Spirit is Love. St. Augustine calls Church as Societas Spiritus, “a society of the Spirit”. St. Irenaeus says, “ where the church is, there also is God’s spirit; where God’s Spirit is, there is the Church and every grace; and the Spirit is the truth; to distance oneself from the Church is to reject the Spirit and exclude oneself from life”. Dear friends remember that the Holy Spirit is the soul of the church.
The Church is Holy, not by her own merits, but because, animated by the Holy Spirit, she keeps her gaze on Christ, to become conformed to him and to his love. The Church is Catholic because the Gospel is destined for all peoples. The Church is Apostolic, because, built upon the foundation of the Apostles, she faithfully keeps their teaching through the uninterrupted chain of episcopal succession. The Church by her nature is Missionary, and from the day of Pentecost the Holy Spirit does not cease to move her along the ways of the world to the ends of the earth and to the end of time. Holy Spirit illuminates the human spirit and, by revealing Christ Crucified and Risen, indicates the way to become more like him, that is, to be “the image and instrument of the love which flows from Christ” (Deus Caritas Est, n33). Let us walk with the Holy Spirit, our Counsellor and Advocate. This is because, we shall succeed “not by power nor by might, but by my spirit, says the Lord Almighty” (Zach 4:6). Dear friends, Lord Jesus tell us today and every day that, “Do not be afraid”. If you remember, this is the motto of our new Bishop Bosco, Nolite Timere (Do not be afraid). Enlightened and comforted by these words of life, let us lift up our invocation: Come, Holy Spirit, Enkindle in us the fire of your love. We need the fire of the Holy Spirit because only Love redeems.
Theresian Word Mission (TWM)
The Solemnity of the Ascension of the Lord
Dear friends,
The solemnity of the Ascension of the Lord commemorates Jesus’ ascension into heaven. This is celebrated 40 days after Easter. The ascension helps us to deepen our faith and helps us to enjoy eternal hope, forgiveness, mercy, redemption and love. The ascended Jesus is the source of strength and encouragement for all of us. By the mystery of the Ascension Jesus has not deserted us but has made it possible for the Holy Spirit to enter all times and places. Ascension transforms us by the power of the Holy Spirit and helps us to become agents or instruments of Christ. we become brightened, and our actions become animated in a new way by the spirit of the God we love and serve.
The solemnity of the Ascension of our Lord is called as the miracle of Hope. The Spirit will infuse our souls, taking away our fear and transforming us into stronger, holier and more peaceful people; sending us forth to preach the gospel of Christ with fidelity and consistency. St. Teresa of Avila said, Christ has no body now but yours. No hands, no feet on earth but yours. Yours are the eyes through which he looks with compassion on the world. Yours are the feet with which he walks to do good. Yours are the hands through which he blesses all the world. Yours are the hands, you are the feet, you are the eyes, you are his body. Christ has no body now on earth but yours. St. Francis of Assisi reminds us, “we must use every means possible to proclaim the gospel and if we have to, we will have to use words”.
The Solemnity of the Ascension speaks of 3 great P’s Power, Promise and Presence.
Power: The Ascension of our Lord tells us about Christ’s power. St. Paul says: God put this power to work in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places, far above all rule and authority and power and dominion.(Eph:1:20-21) It means that Christ is in control of our world. We know that our ascended Lord is in control and has not abandoned us.
Promise: The Ascension is also about a very important promise. Jesus promises that we will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon us, so that we can be his witnesses to the ends of the earth. The power that Jesus is given in the Ascension is shared with us through the promised Holy Spirit. It helps us to continue his mission.
Presence: Finally, along with power and promise, the Ascension is about Presence. Through the Ascension, Jesus actually becomes more present to us than he ever could before. St. Augustine says: God is not what you imagine or what you think you understand. If you understand, you have failed.
The miracle of the Ascension brings joy to our hearts. Because it reminds us of Jesus’ power, His promise, and His presence among us. Friends, all of us are called to be the beacons of the light of God, which Christ our Lord has shown and passed on to us. First and foremost, our important mission as Christians is evangelisation, to go forth and spread the faith to others. Our important mission is in whatever opportunities or whichever places that we have been called to , in our various respective ministries and vocations each one of us should do our best to proclaim the Lord and His Good news, to those around us, both within and outside the Church by our exemplary and faithful life. May our belief in these things bring joy to our hearts, purpose to our lives, and praise to our lips. Amen
Theresian Word Mission (TWM)
Sunday 5th May (Sixth Sunday of Easter)
God’s love is interactive as well as imaginative.
My dear friends in Christ Jesus Jn:15:9-17
On this sixth Sunday of Easter, we celebrate our Lord whose love is universal and eternal. He has no favourite rather; he freely communicates his love and spirit to all who accepts him. Today’s gospel is a command to love: “What I command you, is to love one another.” It means that we do not have any option than to love one another. The reason is simple. We ourselves are products of love. This love flows from God to Christ and from Christ to us. In our popular language, the word “love” is so often used and misused, that it has almost become devoid of meaning. Love is a word so frequently exploited in the media, music, movies, novels and small talk, that it has been reduced to almost, to, nothing. Love that is only words, without of actions, is of little value. True love gives life, for genuine love is something generative, found, for example, in the sacrifice of spouses for each other, or parents for their children, or children for their parents. The example of sacrificial self-giving of our Lord is the fullest expression of love we can imagine. “Love one another as I have loved you,” is difficult to do, this we cannot deny, but it is not beyond our abilities. It is a challenge, to be sure, but is not an impossibility. St. Augustine says, “He is, he sees, he loves. The eternity of God is his life, the truth of God is his light, the goodness of God is his joy.”
Bible speaks of our spiritual journey as friendship, freedom and intimacy. Regarding Abraham our father of faith the Bible says that he was a friend of God. In Isa:41:8 God speaks of Abraham as “my friend”. Faith of Abraham is considered as friendship with God by God and Israel. In the gospel of Jn:15:15 Jesus Calls his disciples and the church : I have called you friends. The word of God explains the Christian life as friendship with Jesus and his community. Friendship is a feeling of being home, being with a person of no reservations. Jesus our master calls us friends. This is the core of Easter celebration that we are a community of friends gathered from nations, cultures, races, languages, families and individuals in Christ Jesus. St. Paul explains this in Gal:3:28, “There is neither Jew, nor Gentile… you are all one in Christ Jesus. In the first reading St. Peter says: The truth I have come to realise is that God does not have favourites, but that anybody of any nationality who fears God and does what is right is acceptable to him.
In the gospel Jesus teaches that his relationship to his disciples and church is based on friendship, not servitude. Jesus himself gives us the greatest example of the kind of love and service that he teaches to his disciples. He laid down his life for his friends, for his disciples, and for the church. Through his death and Resurrection, we have received the grace to love others as Jesus has commanded. Our faith is not stagnant, our friendship is not cultic or cultural bound, we inherited it as catholic. God of all nations and cultures, community that holds many sheep. Remian in Jesus’ love is interactive as well as imaginative.
Theresian Word Mission(TWM)