21^st Sunday in Ordinary Time-C

I Reading: Isaiah 66:18-21: They will bring all your brothers from all the nations.

II Reading: Hebrews 12:5-7.11-13: The Lord trains the one that he loves.

Gospel: Luke 13:22-30: Men from east and west will come to take their places at the feast in the kingdom of God. Salvation cannot be taken for granted. It is given by God to those who respond in faith.

The Saved Discussed

Who are the saved? Will many be saved? Shall I be saved or shall I be lost? Jesus answers these questions in this passage. Faith teaches us that this earthly life will come to an end, and that death will introduce us into a new life that lasts forever with God. God wants everyone saved. In the gospel; the man did not look or seek for personal salvation but he asked and discussed with Jesus about the salvation of a few people or many. The Jews were thinking by birth as a Jew and circumcision they are going to be saved but Jesus said to enter through the narrow gate or door which means by self-denial and faith in Jesus Christ as the Messiah and the Saviour of the world. If we wish to enter into heaven we must leave all evil actions and pride; instead we need a total obedience to God’s will and humility. Self-denial is very important to enter into the narrow gate. Jesus said, if you would follow me; take up your cross and follow me. If anyone saves his life will lose it and anyone who loses his life for my sake will save it (Lk 11:9-10; 9:23-24).

The narrow gate or door is specific, very specific, only way and straight and not crooked way to enter to be saved. Jesus Christ is the only way, the truth and the life (Jn 14:6). So we need to seek, search and look for God to be saved not by baptism (by Christians) or circumcision (by Jews) or fellowships (by other churches) but by our committed life, self-denial and faith in Christ. We need every effort to struggle and work hard to enter into the narrow gate (Jesus).

To be “saved” means “to be with God in our present and future life” to see Him, to share His life and joy and peace. To be “lost” means not to be admitted into God’s presence and to be deprived of God’s life, joy and peace for ever. When we speak of “heaven” and “hell”, we are not speaking about places but of “states” (ways) of being: “heaven” means “to be with God”, while “hell” means to be deprived of Him. God wants and longs that everyone may be saved in heaven with Him and forever. It is up to each one of us to decide or choose whether to be saved or to be lost. We need to try to enter by the narrow door with humility and obedience to God’s teachings and commands. We cannot enter into heaven with pride, Selfishness, self-righteousness, disobedience to God’s will and teachings, jealousy, envy, hatred and all evil actions.

Jesus answers to challenge us so that we will make sure we are saved.

1. Jesus journeyed toward Jerusalem (v.22-23)

a. Taught in the cities and villages

b. Along the way someone questioned Jesus about salvation

2. The saved make every effort to enter the narrow door (v.24)

3. The saved act soon enough: A man move too late (v.25)

4. The saved are not the citizens of so-called Christian nations nor members of certain fellowships (v.26)

5. The saved shall be separated from the lost, and the lost shall see them enter God’s kingdom (v.27-28)

6. The saved will come from all nations and classes of society (v.29-30)

www.believeinthegoodnews.blogspot.com

 

20^th Sunday in Ordinary Time-C

I Reading: Jeremiah 38:4-6.8-10: You have borne me to be a man of dissension for all the land.

II Reading: Hebrews 12:1-4: We shall keep running in the race we have started.

Gospel: Luke 12:49-53: I am not here to bring peace, but rather division.

The Three Gross Misconceptions of Man, 12:49-59

Today’s gospel reading sounds as a shocking passage for all of us today. The words sounds really strange on Jesus’ lips; we find it difficult to take them literally. We need to take his words seriously and try to understand the real meaning. Jesus came to bring peace and union among people. That is what we find in the Scriptures “the Messiah as a man of peace”: “Prince of Peace” (Is 9:6). “He will be our peace” (Mt 5:5). The shepherds’ singing: “Peace on earth to men whom God loves” (Mt 2:14). In the Beatitudes “Blessed are the peace-makers; they shall be called God’s children”(Mt 5:9). Jesus wanted his disciples to be like him and to be the messengers of peace “In whatever house you enter, let your first words be: ‘Peace to this house’” (10:5). Jesus’ gift to his disciples during his passion, was peace:“Peace I bring to you; my own peace I give you, a peace the world cannot give, this is my gift to you”(Jn 14:27). The Risen Jesus Christ’s gift to his disciples “Peace be with you” (Jn 20:20-21). So Jesus is a man of peace, giving peace to the world and bringing salvation to the world those who receives him, believe in him and accept Jesus as the Messiah and the Lord of the universe. The three readings are clear: “faithfulness to God often entails suffering. Jesus himself suffered and announced, “if they persecuted me, they will persecute you too” (Jn 15:20). It does not meant that those who follow Jesus must renounce all peace, joy and happiness.

There are three main reasons of his saying:

Jesus covered three gross misconceptions of man.

1. Misconception 1: The Messiah was to bring peace on earth (v.49-53)

a. Truth 1: He came to bring judgement

b. Truth 2: He came to suffer and die

c. Truth 3: He came to bring division

2. Misconception 2: The Messiah has not yet come (v.54-57)

a. Truth 1: People discern the weather, i.e. earthly events

b. Truth 2: People do not discern the signs of times, the Messianic age

c. Truth 3: People do not discern spiritual matters

3. Misconception 3: Men have no need to make peace with God (v.58-59)

a. Truth 1: People have a bad case before God, the judge

b. Truth 2: The time is urgent-“try hard”

c. Truth 3: The surety of payment, that is judgement

Thought: The believer is to love God first and foremost then his/her family or friends.

www.believeinthegoodnews.blogspot.com

 

 

20^th Sunday in Ordinary Time-C

I Reading: Jeremiah 38:4-6.8-10: You have borne me to be a man of dissension for all the land.

II Reading: Hebrews 12:1-4: We shall keep running in the race we have started.

Gospel: Luke 12:49-53: I am not here to bring peace, but rather division.

The Three Gross Misconceptions of Man, 12:49-59

Today’s gospel reading sounds as a shocking passage for all of us today. The words sound really strange on Jesus’ lips; we find it difficult to take them literally. We need to take his words seriously and try to understand the real meaning. Jesus came to bring peace and union among people. That is what we find in the Scriptures “the Messiah as a man of peace”: “Prince of Peace” (Is 9:6). “He will be our peace” (Mt 5:5). The shepherds’ singing: “Peace on earth to people whom God loves” (Mt 2:14). In the Beatitudes “Blessed are the peace-makers; they shall be called God’s children” (Mt 5:9). Jesus wanted his disciples to be like him and to be the messengers of peace “In whatever house you enter, let your first words be: ‘Peace to this house’” (10:5). Jesus’ gift to his disciples during his passion, was peace: “Peace I bring to you; my own peace I give you, a peace the world cannot give, this is my gift to you”(Jn 14:27). The Risen Jesus Christ’s gift to his disciples “Peace be with you” (Jn 20:20-21). So Jesus is a man of peace, giving peace to the world and bringing salvation to the world those who receives him, believe in him and accept Jesus as the Messiah and the Lord of the universe. The three readings are clear: “faithfulness to God often entails suffering. Jesus himself suffered and announced, “if they persecuted me, they will persecute you too” (Jn 15:20). It does not meant that those who follow Jesus must renounce all peace, joy and happiness.

There are three main reasons of his saying:

Jesus covered three gross misconceptions of man.

1. Misconception 1: The Messiah was to bring peace on earth (v.49-53)

a. Truth 1: He came to bring judgement

b. Truth 2: He came to suffer and die

c. Truth 3: He came to bring division

2. Misconception 2: The Messiah has not yet come (v.54-57)

a. Truth 1: People discern the weather, i.e. earthly events

b. Truth 2: People do not discern the signs of times, the Messianic age

c. Truth 3: People do not discern spiritual matters

3. Misconception 3: Men have no need to make peace with God (v.58-59)

a. Truth 1: People have a bad case before God, the judge

b. Truth 2: The time is urgent- “try hard”

c. Truth 3: The surety of payment, that is judgement

Thought: The believer is to love God first and foremost then his/her family or friends.

www.believeinthegoodnews.blogspot.com

 

19^th Sunday in Ordinary Time-C

I Reading: Wisdom 18:6-9: By the same act with which you took vengeance on our foes you made us glorious by calling us to you.

II Reading: Hebrews 11:1-2. 8-19: Abraham looked forward to a city founded, designed and built by God.

Gospel: Luke 12:32-48: You too must stand ready.

The Parable of the Faithful and Unfaithful Manager: A Strong Warning-Be Prepared, Lk 12:35-38

Today’s three readings have a common purpose: to enlighten the faith of those to whom they were addressed, and to bolster up their courage.

1. A group of Jews ashamed of their past.

2. A group of Jews become Christians, tempted to go back to Judaism.

3. A group of Christian communities who became discouraged due to the apparent delay in Jesus’ second coming.

4. A surprising and consoling conclusion of the parable.

We must never waver in our faith in Christ, nor get discouraged in living a true Christian life, whatever the cost.

Jesus was still dealing with wealth, riches, plenty and covetousness. The believer’s mind is to be upon purity of life and service, not upon possessions and cares of this world. Jesus strongly warned: be prepared.

1. The charge: be watching-be ready for the Lord’s return (v.35-40)

a. because the Lord is returning

b. because you will be saved by Christ himself

c. because you will be blessed (it will be good for you)

d. because Christ will come suddenly and unexpectedly

e. because Christ will come when last expected

2. The parable of the manager (v.41-48)

a. there is Peter’s question

b. there is a faithful and wise manager

  1) he is a manager

  2) he is a servant

  3) he is found “doing” serving faithfully

  4) he is to be rewarded: made a ruler, put in charge

c. there is an unfaithful and unwise manager

  1) he says there is “plenty of time”

  2) he does his own will, his own thing

  3) he is to be judged with the unbelievers

d. there is the unfaithful manager identified

  1) the first class of unfaithful managers: sinned deliberately-knew the Lord’s will

  2) the second class of unfaithful managers: sinned in ignorance-did not know the Lord’s will

  3) the principal of judgement: having much requires giving much

Thought: A person must open his or her heart immediately when Jesus comes.

Gospel: Luke 12:39-48: When a man has had a great deal given him, a great deal will be demanded of him.

 

 

The Parable of the Faithful and Unfaithful Manager:

A Strong Warning-Be Prepared, Lk 12:35-48

Jesus was still dealing with wealth, riches, plenty and covetousness. The believer’s mind is to be upon purity of life and service, not upon possessions and cares of this world. Jesus strongly warned: be prepared.

2. The parable of the manager (v.41-48)

a. there is Peter’s question

b. there is a faithful and wise manager

  1) he is a manager

  2) he is a servant

  3) he is found “doing” serving faithfully

  4) he is to be rewarded: made a ruler, put in charge

c. there is an unfaithful and unwise manager

  1) he says there is “plenty of time”

  2) he does his own will, his own thing

  3) he is to be judged with the unbelievers

d. there is the unfaithful manager identified

  1) the first class of unfaithful managers: sinned deliberately-knew the Lord’s will

  2) the second class of unfaithful managers: sinned in ignorance-did not know the Lord’s will

  3) the principal of judgement: having much requires giving much

Thought: People who do not know the Lord’s will, will not prepare themselves faithfully to love and serve the Lord.

www.believeinthegoodnews.blogspot.com

 

TRANSFIGURATION OF OUR LORD- FEAST, 6 AUGUST

Gospel: Luke 9:28-36: As Jesus prayed, the aspect of his face was changed.

The Transfiguration: A Glimpse of Heaven’s Glory, Mk 9:2-13

The purpose of the transfiguration was to reveal heaven’s glory would strengthen Jesus to bear the cross and strengthen the disciples in their belief that Jesus was God’s Messiah (Mk 9:2-13; Mt 17:1-13; Lk 9:28-36). A close study of the transfiguration will strengthen the faith of any believer in his Lord. A Strengthened faith will enable the believer to bear the cross of his own call.

1.    Jesus took three disciples all alone up a high mountain (v.2)

2.    The transfiguration strengthened Jesus (2-4)

a.    His transfiguration: his clothing began to shine

b.   His companions: talked with Jesus

i.                The Great Prophet

ii.              The Great of Lawgiver

3.    The transfiguration strengthened the disciples (5-7)

a.    Helped their shattered faith

b.   Gave them a taste of glory

c.    Struck them with awesome fear

d.   Made them witnesses of God’s approval

4.    The transfiguration gave a unique opportunity to discuss God’s Messiahship (8-13)

a.    Jesus charged the disciples to tell no man about the experience until after his resurrection

b.   The disciples discussed the resurrection: Why must Elijah come first?

c.    Jesus corrected the disciples

i.                Elijah was to come first

ii.              Scriptures also said that Messiah was to die

iii.               Elijah had already come: He was John the Baptist

Thought: The believer must often get alone with Christ in order to have his strength renewed. Jesus Christ is the Messiah, the Son of God. Belief in Him is absolutely essential (1Jn 5:1).

1. Faith in Christ is a source of strength in our Christian life.

2. Faith in Christ is the light of our life.

3. Faith in Christ brings joy to our life.

We receive strength from God during the time of suffering, temptations, persecution and rejection when we pray daily like Jesus prayed on the mountain.

www.believeinthegoodnews.blogspot.com

 

18^th Sunday in Ordinary Time-C

 

I Reading: Ecclesiastes 1:2; 2:21-23: What does the man gain for all his toil? The attitude of the affluent towards their possessions is called “vanity.”

II Reading: Colossians 3: 1-5.9-11: You must look for the things that are in heaven, where Christ is. A warning against materialism, greed and intolerance.

Gospel: Luke 12:13-21: This hoard of yours, whose will it be? The parable of the rich fool, highlighting the futility of greed.

 

The Parable of the Rich Fool:

The Man of Wealth and What He Should Fear, Lk 12:13-21

Our life must be with full of joy and full of meaning and not with emptiness in life. “Vanity of vanities.” All things are vanity. This would mean, “everything is emptiness.” The word “vanity” is 25 times in the book. But the preacher also discovers the meaningful life: “Revere God and keep his commandments.” Your life will have meaning if you do, and no one ever regretted having done so when his life on earth came to an end. We must not replace God with our riches, possessions, power and greed etc. Jesus warns the greedy for his/her possessions which hinder to enter into the kingdom of God. The will of God regarding money and possession is to help and support the poor, the needy and to continue good works in the society. Let us work hard to inherit the eternal life on earth and as in heaven.

Let us examine the parable:

a) the farmer was a self-centred person: he said 6 times “I”, “Mine”, “My”. He did not even said once about God or his gift.

b) The farmer forgot about God and had self-satisfaction only.

c) The sudden shock: Jesus’ uttering a loud “Fool….”

The purpose of our life is to become rich in God’s sight as saint Paul would say in the second reading: a new life at baptism, a life that cannot be destroyed (Col 3:1). We should have Life in the Spirit. “We were clothed in Christ” (Gal 3:27). It is not I who live but Christ lives in me (Gal 2:20).

The man of wealth is often self –sufficient, but there are some things he needs to fear.

1. A request for Jesus to give a judicial decision (v.13-14)

a. Brother’s desire for an inheritance and wealth

b. Jesus’ stern refusal

2. Fear this: Life does not consist in things (v.15-19)

a. The serious charge: watch out! Beware

b. The big sin: Greed or covetousness

c. The big “I” (6 times, 16-19): aggressively self-centred life

d. The big mistake: self-indulgence and extravagant living

3. Fear this: your life may be required and demanded tonight (v.20)

4. Fear this: wealth is not a permanent possession-someone else gets it (v.20-21)

Thought:

Our greatest treasure on earth is the Life in the Spirit and to live with Christ. Money and possessions are God’s gifts to help the poor and needy; we should make use of them in order to become spiritually rich. Our possessions should not become an obstacle on our way to God, as Jesus said to the rich young man, it is easier for a camel to enter into the eye of a needle than a rich man.

Greed-Covetousness (pleonexia): a craving, a desire for more. It is greediness, a dissatisfaction with what is enough. It includes for both material things and fleshly indulgence. It is desiring what belongs to others; snatching at something that belongs to others; a love of having, a cry of give me, give (2Pet 2:14; Mt 6:19-21, 24; 16:26; Eph 5:3-5)

www.believeinthegoodnews.blogspot.com

 

17^th Sunday in Ordinary Time-C

I Reading: Genesis 18:20-32: I trust my Lord will not be angry, but give me leave to speak.

II Reading: Colossians 2:12-14: He has brought you to life with him, he has forgiven us all our sins.

Gospel: Luke 11:1-13: Ask, and it will be given to you.

The Great Subject of Prayer, Lk 11:1-13

This passage deals with the great subject of prayer. So we need to study time and again and learn how to pray without ceasing in life. The prayer of a Christian should resemble that of Christ. Jesus himself prayed often. What was Jesus’ prayer like? “Our Father” and He taught his apostles as we read in the gospel. He taught them to pray the way he himself did. The “Our Father” prayer as given by Luke, does not exactly coincide with the one given by Matthew (Mt 6:9-13). Luke gives a shorter form, but the content of both is essentially the same. Let us now examine the content of this wonderful prayer:

a) “Father…”- we are His loving children

b) “May your name be held holy”

c) “Your kingdom come”

The second part of the Our Father is:

a) “Gives us this day our daily bread…!”

b) “Forgive us our sins…for we ourselves forgive..!”

c) “Do not put us to the test…”- Give us the strength to resist temptation when the devil tempts us. Save us from the evil one (Mt 6:13).

Jesus taught us how to pray, how to converse with God our Father: with trust, with gratitude, with joy, just as he himself did.

1. Jesus prayed (v.1)

a. The disciples asked Jesus to teach them how to pray

b. John the Baptist had taught his disciples to pray

2. Jesus’ model prayer (v.2-4)

a. Thank God

  1) for being our Father

  2) for heaven

b. Praise His name always and don’t hate His name

c. Pray

  1) for His kingdom

  2) for daily bread

  3) for forgiveness

  4) for deliverance

3. Man’s part in prayer (v.5-10)

a. The illustration: man is to persevere and endure in prayer

b. The point: perseverance and endurance receive what is requested

c. The exhortation

  1) ask- shall be given

  2) seek- shall find

  3) knock- shall be opened

d. The answer assured

4. God’s part in prayer (v.11-13)

a. The illust.: God is not evil, but He is good-He is just like a father

b. The point: God is most willing to give- especially the Holy Spirit to dwell with man’s heart and life

Thought: Jesus Himself prayed to the Father always and asked His power and strength to continue His works and to do the Will of God.

Prayer makes us closer to God and helps us to love people with forgiveness and enables us to take up all kinds of responsibilities; even gives us lots of strength and courage to undergo sufferings or persecutions in life.

Man/woman is a bundle of needs; he/she needs to turn to God at every step, prayer is the way to do so. We must approach God in prayer with respect, with trust and with love.

www.believeinthegoodnews.blogspot.com