SUNDAY- 16^TH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME –B

Christ The Good Shepherd

I Reading: Jeremiah 23:1-6: The remnant of my flock I will gather and I will raise up shepherds to look after them.

II Reading: Ephesians 2:13-18: Christ Jesus is the Peace between us, and made the two into one.

Gospel: Mark 6:30-34: They were like sheep without a shepherd.

 

Today we celebrate the Shepherd who leads all people to the Father, however far apart they may be in race or culture.

The first reading talks about the social and moral fibre of the country  was rotten. The leaders who are called shepherds (both civil and religious) will be removed; God will regather his people under a real king in place of weak rulers of Jeremiah’s day about 600 B.C. Jeremiah announces an extraordinary shepherd to come. The prophecy of Jeremiah was fulfilled in Jesus.

 

The Psalm 22 is the image of the good shepherd, the writer, traditionally said to be David, projects all the qualities of the keeper of sheep on the hill side. The Psalm ends with  a feeling of security prompted by the divine shepherd. All we like sheep we gone astray and we find in this psalm the Great Shepherd who gently leads the lost back to the fold.

With unity as the theme of the second reading, Paul deals with the reconciliation of Jew and Pagan in Christ to form a “single new man.” “The barrier” refers to the fence which marked the limit to which pagans might go in the Temple.

In the gospel reading we listened, none of the Evangelists records any comment by Jesus on what the disciples had done during their mission. Jesus was more concerned that their spiritual resources  had been depleted and that a retreat was necessary. But it was not to be. The crowd gathered and he saw them as sheep without a shepherd, their needs came first and with great compassion he ministered to them with extensive teaching. By giving the Holy Spirit to everyone, Jesus wiped away all distinctions among people. First, Jesus brought peace with his Father and secondly, Jesus brought peace among all people. The fact of belonging to Jesus’ flock imposes a serious obligation on shepherds and sheep alike: to maintain peace and unity with the Christian community. What kind of Christians are we today?

Today the church and the life of our Christian communities depend to a very large extent on the quality of our spiritual leaders and leaders of our country. Today’s message is as follows:

1. Spiritual leaders or shepherds should have more concern  about the needs of their flock at all time.

2. They should be the messengers of love, joy, peace, reconciliation, compassion, caring and unity for their faithful.

3. The church or the Christian communities in turn should have one aim in view: to maintain all costs union with the community.

The Need for Rest and Its Dangers, Mk 6:30-34

Every person needs rest, relaxation, and time alone with God. However, when the believer is seeking to rest, he must know there are some serious dangers that confront him. This passage shows three of the dangers.

1.    The disciples returned from their mission (v.30): reported what they had done and taught.

2.    Danger 1: not taking time to rest (v.31-32)

a.    The disciples worked long and hard

b.    The disciples were pressed by the crowds

c.     The disciples left to rest

3.    Danger 2: taking too much time to rest when people are seeking help (v.33)

4.    Danger 3: losing sight of people who are as sheep without a shepherd (v.34)

a.    Jesus saw and had compassion

b.    Jesus began to teach

Thought: Believers are accountable both for how they live and for what they teach. They are to be obedient to Christ’s teachings. Every disciple is held accountable to God (2Cor 5:10; Heb 13:17)

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SUNDAY- 15^TH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME –B

Gospel: Mark: 6:7-13: The Sending Out of the Disciples

I Reading: Amos 7:12-15: Amos is not a religious careerist. He is answering God’s command. He lived in the middle of the eighth century B.C. was the first canonical prophet and came from Judah (capital-Jerusalem) to preach at Bethel (Amaziah-priest-maintained by the king of Israel-Israel-capital- Samaria).

II Reading: Eph 1:3-14: With great eloquence Paul describes the blessings God has showered on us. God’s plan for us in Christ.

Gospel: Mark 6:7-13: The mission to go out and preach the Good News is a two-way street. Go out to people with Good News and people will receive you.

Mark: 6:7-13: The Sending Out of the Disciples

Jesus’ first call to his disciples “Come” and “Follow me”. Now they must “Go” out. Jesus called/chose/appointed the twelve from many and instructed them and gave them power and authority and sent them out to continue his mission to preach the Good News to the people and to heal the sick.

Every man has to be equipped before he goes forth, no matter the project or endeavour. To great degree success depends upon how well equipped a man is. This is certainly true of men in the business world. It is also true God’s servants and disciples. They must be equipped by God as they go forth to carry on their ministry for the Lord.

1.    The disciples were equipped (v.7)

a.    Were called to him to be with him, to be sent with authority over unclean spirits or to cast out demons or evils (Mk 3:13-19)

b.    They were sent out by two by two: for the support and encouragement among them while doing the mission of Jesus especially during the time of sufferings and persecutions.

c.     They were given authority: over unclean spirit or devil or demon.

2.    The disciples were instructed (v.8-13)

a.    Were to live in utter simplicity and humility

b.    Were to show stability and settledness

c.     Were to reject any who were not hospitable and receptive

1)    The reason: as a warning

2)    The judgement: terrible

d.    Were to preach repentance

e.     Were to minister to the demon-possessed and the sick

f.      Were to anoint the sick with oil; oil is the symbol of out pouring of the Holy Spirit, God’s presence, love, joy and mercy of God or a medicine to give life to live

Thought: The disciples continued the three folds ministry of Jesus Christ.

1.    The preaching ministry to proclaim the Good News of Jesus and to establish the kingdom of God

2.    The teaching ministry is about the Christ, Messiah alone

3.    The healing ministry is to heal the sick and suffering and to cast out demons or evil spirits

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 SUNDAY- 14^TH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME –B

The Rejection of Jesus’ Authority:

Why Jesus is Rejected, Mk 6:1-6

I Reading: Ezekiel 2:2-52: Ezekiel the prophet will speak God’s word to the people even if they refuse to listen.

II Reading: 1Cor 12:7-10: Paul boasts of his weakness, for God can still work through him.

Gospel: Mark 6:1-6: Jesus, despite his wisdom, is rejected in his home town; for that is how prophets are treated.

There are different kinds of people in the world. We can divide into two groups. The first group of people-believers, God fearing, good, righteous, humble and obedient people. The second type of people are known as the unbeliever, proud, greedy, jealousy, envy, disobedient and evil ones.

We can ask two questions in today’s Gospel reading:

Who have accepted Jesus as their Messiah, Son of God,  Lord and Saviour? Who have not accepted Jesus in their lives in the Scriptures?

The shepherds, the wise men from the east (Magi), the Samaritan woman, the sinful woman-Mary Magdalene, the illiterate disciples, Zachaeus- the sinner, Matthew the tax collector, good thief on the right side of Jesus, the soldier and the gentiles accepted Jesus. Whereas, Herod, the scribes, Pharisees and the chief priest, evil ones and many others rejected Jesus.

The Israelites in exile rejected the message God gave them through Ezekiel. The people of Nazareth rejected Jesus and his message.

Jesus’ hometown was harsh with him. Most of his neighbours could never accept the fact that he was the Messiah, the Son of God. There were some who were envious and jealous of the prominence and esteem he had achieved. Their unacceptance, unbelief, and rumours led them to do some terrible things on Jesus.

·       Some in the city tried to kill him.

·       Some considered him mad or insane.

·       Even people considered him the illegitimate son of Joseph.

·       Even his family members rejected.

1.    Jesus was in his home town, Nazareth (v.1-2)

a.    He entered the synagogue

b.    He taught:  the people were amazed

2.    Some questioned his source of authority (v.2-3)

a.    He lacked proper credentials and education

b.    He was from human and humble beginnings

3.    Some were offended by him: they thought of him only as one of their own (3-4)

a.    People knew about the human flesh of Jesus but not the divine nature of Jesus

4.    Some blocked God’s power (v.5)

5.    Some were gripped with unbelief-shocking so (v.6)

Thought: To follow Jesus faithfully we need a strength which only God can give. A person’s unbelief blocks the power of God to perform miracles in life.

“My grace is enough for you; my power is greatest when you are weak.” (2Cor 13:9)

Jesus calls everyone to follow him. The people of Nazareth said “no” to Jesus but let us say “yes” to Jesus day after day in our life.

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3^rd July, Feast of Saint Thomas, Apostle

Patron Saint of India

Gospel: John 20:24-29: The Great Conviction-Thomas’ Confession.

I Reading: Jeremiah 1:4-9: The Word of the Lord was addressed to me..

II Reading Eph 2:19-22: You are no longer aliens or foreign visitors..

The Great Conviction-Thomas’ Confession, 20:24-29

Thomas’ faith in Jesus Christ grew day after day; so should ours, till Christ becomes our Lord and our God forever in heaven. Faith in Christ is God’s gift; only God can give it and we must be grateful for having received it. John mentions Thomas in four occasions:

1. Thomas said to his companions during inner sufferings and conspiracy to kill Jesus when Jesus decided to go back to Jerusalem, “Let us go too and die with him.” (Jn 11:16)

2. Thomas interrupted Jesus saying: “Lord, we do not know where you are going: show how can we know the way?” (Jn 14:5)

Jesus said, “I am the Way, the Truth and the Life.” (Jn 14:6)

3. Today’s Gospel.

4. Jesus appeared to the seven disciples and later on Jesus appeared to Thomas when all were there (Jn 20: 27; Jn 21:1-23).

i. Faith in Jesus Christ implies a total surrendered to his plans of love for us.

ii. Faith in Jesus Christ brings to us incalculable treasures.

iii. Our Faith in Christ must grow day after day.

This is excellent study on conviction and confession of Thomas, the one of the twelve disciples of Jesus.

1.    Thomas’ frustrated, reactionary spirit (v.24-25)

a.    The disciples testified: Thomas argued

b.    The reason: Guilt-he had forsaken and withdrawn from them

2.    Thomas’ false picture of Jesus (v.25)

a.    He was just an earthly deliverer

b.    He was now dead

c.     Result: persistent doubt for eight days

3.    Thomas’ critical confrontation and confession: Jesus appeared and challenged and convicted him (v.26-28)

a.    The confrontation

1)    Jesus was aware of Thomas’ demands

2)    Jesus warned and called for belief

3)    The strong confession

4.    Thomas’ great lesson for all people.

Thought: To doubt is to be Christless.  “Separate from Christ...without hope and without God in the world” (Eph 2:12). False pictures of Jesus lead to unbelief. Jesus is more than a great teacher, a great prophet, a great man and a great founder of religion.

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Little girl, I tell you to get up.

I Reading: Wisdom 1:13-15; 2:23-24: It was the devil’s envy that brought death into the world.

II Reading: 2Cor 8:7. 9.13-15: In giving relief to others, balance what happens to be your surplus now against their present need.

How can a person lay hold of Jesus and His power? This passage deals specially with the desperate and hopeless person; it shows how the desperate person can approach Jesus and secure His help in any situation.

1.    The crowds gathered around Jesus (v.21)

2.    Scene 1: A ruler’s desperate approach (v.22-24)

a.    A selfless attitude

b.    A humble attitude

c.     A pleading attitude

d.    An expectant, believing attitude

e.     The result: Jesus grants the desperate request

3.    Scene 2: A woman’s hopeless approach (v.25-34)

a.    A last-resort attitude

b.    A shy, embarrassed, unworthy attitude

c.     An expectant, believing attitude

d.    A confessing attitude

1)    The cost of service to Jesus

2)    The insensitivity of the apostles

3)    The confession of the woman

e.     The result: Jesus grants the hopeless request

4.    Scene 3: A ruler’s believing approach (v.35-43)

a.    Not a fearful, despairing attitude

1)    Devastating circumstances

2)    The answer to the terrible circumstances: Jesus’ challenge

b.    Not a wailing, whining attitude

1)    Social customs and influences: to express hopelessness

2)    The answer: Jesus’ comfort and assurances

c.     Not a sarcastic, sceptical attitude

d.    An obedient attitude: The parents follow Jesus despite the sarcasm

e.     Jesus grants the believer’s request

1)    The power of Jesus

2)    The amazement of the family

3)    The thoughtfulness of Jesus

Thought: When all else fails, there is Jesus to heal and help the person provided there is a deep faith in the power of Jesus.

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 29^th JUNE, FEAST OF THE APOSTLES PETER AND PAUL, SOLEMNITY

 

I Reading: Acts 12:1-11: Herod arrested Peter, but an angel released him from his chains, leading him out of prison and into freedom.

II Reading: 2 Tim 4:6-8.17-18: Paul tells us that he has fought the good fight and finished the race. Now only martyrdom awaits him.

Gospel: Mt 16:13-19: When Jesus asked the disciples what identity people attributed to him, Peter answered on behalf of the Church that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the living God.

We celebrate today the feast of the apostles Peter and Paul. Let us thank God for these two apostles the light and strength they needed to announce the Good News of Jesus Christ throughout their life-time, and witnessed to Christ at their death through their shedding of their blood. Both were executed in Rome around the year 67 A.D., that is, some 35 years after Jesus’ death and resurrection.

These two saints are known as the “Pillars of the Church.” The Church of Christ is built by the blood of the Lamb (Jesus Christ), by the blood of the martyrs and believers. “The blood of the martyrs is the seed of the Church.”

Andrew brought his brother Simon to Jesus. Jesus fixed his eyes on him and said “You are Simon, son of John; you are to be called Cephas, which means a rock (Jn 1:42).” In today’s Gospel Jesus confirmed and strengthened the faith of Peter and gave him the power and authority to carry out the mission of Christ and nothing should destroy or diminish the mission of Christ while proclaiming the Good News of Christ.

Simon Peter was an ordinary person and illiterate (Jewish mission) where as Paul was the highly educated person (Gentile mission). Both invested their whole energy in Christ and loved him so much and followed him immediately till the end of their lives even unto death. Even persecution and opposition did not stop them spreading the Gospel of Christ. Although they had lots of differences and contrasting characters, still they worked together (Unity) and preached the Good News to the people (diversity) and continued the mission of Christ with a missionary zeal (universal mission for the salvation of souls).

No persecution can destroy the Church; whereas the lack of unity and integrity can destroy the lives of the faithful in the church. 

Let us ask for God’s grace to strengthen our faith in Christ and imbibe the spirit of these two saints to continue the mission of Jesus Christ despite persecution, rejection, opposition and temptations in our lives.

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12^TH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME-B

 

I Reading: Job 38:1,8-11: Here your proud wave shall break.

II Reading: 2 Corinthians 5:14-17: Now the New creation is here.

Gospel: Mark 4:35-41: Who can this be? Even the wind and the sea obey him.

Today’s three readings deal with the problem of suffering, trails, natural calamities, loss of material goods, anxieties, dissension, temptations and persecution in human life. We can ask some questions:

What is our attitude toward sickness or suffering or persecution?

How should a Christian or believer behave in time of trail?

Who is the author of our life?

The answers will be given throughout the readings of the day.

1. The answer given by Job to the problems of his own suffering.

The purpose of the Book of Job is to help people accept the trails of life trusting in God’s wisdom and goodness, as Job had done.

Job complains to God: “Is it right that an honest person like me should be allowed to suffer this way?”

Having listened to Job’s complaint and to his four friends’ wrong way of reasoning, God intervenes. He challenges Job to explain the way things in nature work, how the lightning and thunder come about, how the sea keeps in its own place, how the stars move in the sky and so on. Job is unable to answer even a single question among the many put to him by God. Having made him realize how limited his knowledge is, God leads him to the right conclusion:

“If you cannot even explain how visible things in nature work, how can you or your friends pretend to explain what no man has ever fathomed: God’s ways of dealing with people…?

Job realizes his foolishness and begs for pardon. He has understood God’s message which was as follows:

The wise course for anyone who suffer is to refrain from questioning God, to submit to God’s wisdom, power and love.

The gospel is ending with “they were filled with awe and said to one another, who can this be? Even the wind and the sea obey him.

Who is Jesus for me today? The Son of God, the Messiah, the redeemer, the saviour of the world, the creation came to be through him. He is the new creation.

Jesus performed four kinds of miracles:

1. The healing miracles-Jesus healed the sick and suffering and the demoniac spirit

2. The feeding miracles- Jesus fed the hungry and thirty

3. The resuscitation- Jesus raised the dead and gave life to the dead

4. The nature miracles- Jesus calmed the wind and the sea-controlled over the nature and the universe. He is the new creation and the universe is existed through him.

2. A clearer explanation about suffering provided by Jesus:

          a) The boat represents the church: Jesus entrusted the church to his apostles; their task was to cross the lake and to take the boat to “the other shore” i.e. heaven.

Mattew 28:20- I am with you always.

          b) Jesus was asleep:

                    The first lesson is that Jesus really became man (so human).

                    The second lesson is that the apostles failed to learn was Jesus’ faith and trust in his Father.

          c) The complaint of the apostles: “Master, do you not care? We are perishing or doing down.” (Mk 4:39

          d) The reply of Jesus: “Quiet now” Be calm!”

Having restored the calm, Jesus rebuked his disciples:

“Why are you so frightened? How is it that you have no faith?” Mk 4:40

It was like telling them: It is high time that you put your complete trust in me; otherwise you will always remain at the mercy of a thousand fears.

The lesson about suffering that Jesus teaches us through the episode of the storm in the lake is clear enough. He teaches us in the way he accepted his own trials, his suffering and his death.

Not for a moment did he doubt his Father’s love for him; his last words on the cross were an expression of his full trust in Him: “Father, into your hands I commend my spirit.” (Lk 23:46)

The people those who came to Jesus with a desperate need and faith in him never went back with an empty handed but received the healing touch and the power of Jesus.

Mt. 11:28-Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.

Mt. 21:22- If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayers.

Jn. 14:27- Peace I leave with you, my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts troubled and do not be afraid.

3. A model of trust in Jesus’ love: Paul:

Paul completes the lesson on suffering as follows: if Christ died and rose for us, we should live and die for him; in his plans of love our trials are only stepping stones to our own resurrection.

Thought: In time of trial, never question God but rather, put our trust in Him for He loves us. Jesus may appear asleep, deaf to our prayer, yet he is very much concerned about us. Make sure that Jesus is in our boat, in the boat of our soul and Christian community to which we belong. He will lead us safely to the other shore-heaven. Jesus teaches us how to stand up to difficulties courageously with complete trust in his Father’s love.

The Authority of Jesus over Nature: Rest and Peace, 4:35-41

What was the purpose of this experience? Why was a storm or squall allowed to arise on the sea with Jesus in the boat? The answer is given in v.14. And what a marvellous purpose it was: to stir his people to ask, “Who is this?” Jesus proved again that he is the Messiah! Calming the storm would do three things.

1. It would demonstrate who he is: The Sovereign Lord who has all power-even power over nature (nature miracle).

2. It would strengthen the belief of his followers, belief in him as the Messiah and in his personal care as their Saviour.

3. it would give to all generations a picture of his care and power to deliver through all the storms of life (trials and fearful experiences).

It does not matter what the storm or trail is nor how terrifying it may be-Jesus is able to deliver and bring about the most assuring calm.

In this experience, God has demonstrated His wonderful care and power to deliver the believer through all the storms of life.

1. Rest and peace are sought after a tiring day (v.35-36)

          a) At evening- Jesus was fatigued, tired

          b) He was so fatigued, he went as he was-without any preparation

          c) Other ships/boats went also

2. Rest and peace can be experienced despite a great storm (v.37-38)

          a) Boat filled with water

          b) Jesus slept- as a true human

3. Rest and peace are a concern to Jesus (v.38-39)

          a) The disciples feared lest they drown

          b) The power of Jesus to control the situation

4. Rest and peace come through two sources (v.40-41)

          a) Through faith

          b) Through Jesus, His power and His Word, v.39-“Quiet! Be still”

Thought: Three important lessons on prayer:

i. We must pray before momentous events (Mt 7:7; James 5:13; Jer 33:3).

ii. We must pray for others (Eph 6:18).

iii. We must pray for strength to withstand in all trails (Mt 26:41;Rom 8:26; Is 41:17, 58:9).

Jesus Christ saves a person’s life eternally provided he/she loses his/her life for Christ.

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