GOSPEL READING: Mt 3:13-17 12.01.2014 BAPTISM
The passage speaks about the baptism of Jesus. Here the baptism reveals that Jesus is recognized by two persons and they are bear witness to Jesus. This is what happens at every baptism. It is the recognition of the one who is baptized.
God recognizes who Jesus is. The voice from the heaven declares: "This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased." The recognition reveals to where the person belongs to and how he is related to. Baptism shows the belonging and the relationship. Jesus belongs to God and he is the beloved son of Him.
John (in his person the society or the people) recognizes who Jesus is. John recognizes him to be person belonging to God and hence he is to be treated with respect and reverence and esteem. Baptism makes everyone a person of esteem, respect and reverence. And everyone should be treated so with respect, reverence and esteem because he belongs to God and he is related to God.
GOSPEL READING Jn 3: 22-30 11.01.2014 JESUS AND JOHN
John justifies the action of Jesus and at the same time reveals his own identity. John says that he is only a forerunner. He has come to prepare the way for him. But both Jesus and John are doing the same activity. Both of them are baptizing. Since the activities are similar people are not able to distinguish one from the other. The question is: are they both messiahs?
Jesus is the Messiah and hence John says that he is not the one. There could be only one messiah and hence the other is not and he himself is only a precursor. John makes the distinction clear. One is a friend and the other is the bridegroom. As friends they may look equal but one among the two is the bridegroom. This brings joy and happiness.
GOSPEL READING Lk 5: 12-16 10.01.2014 CLEAN
The attitude of the man with full of leprosy is quite interesting. The man looks out for Jesus (he has heard about him); he humbles himself (he fell prostrate); he desired to be cleansed (he pleaded with him); he firmly believed in Jesus ability to cure him; and he prayed to him to be healed. These are also the stages through which the man who wants to be healed goes through.
Jesus’ response also has few stages. Jesus immediately stretched out his hand (he is ever ready to assist); he touched him (his personal attention to any individual); he willed to help (Jesus’ will to heal the humanity); Jesus wished that this event be kept personal and not made public but asked him to follow the instruction of Moses (the healing id something to do with religion; divine); and then Jesus himself went to pray. This is the way any healed should behave.
GOSPEL READING Lk 4: 14-22 09.01.2014 MINISTRY
Jesus is just beginning his ministry. But the news of him spread throughout the whole region already. The author is making a summary statement in the beginning of the ministry. He was praised by all is another summary statement. Again in this passage the author makes yet another summary statement: “And all spoke highly of him and were amazed at the gracious words that came from his mouth.”
Jesus also gives a summary statement of his ministry. His ministry is to bring good news to the poor; to proclaim liberty to captives; to give sight to the blind; to let the oppressed go free etc. All these are not his inventions or dreams. They are found in the scriptures. His life is a fulfillment of scriptures.
GOSPEL READING Mk 6: 45-52 08.01.2014 COURAGE
Jesus went up the mountain to pray. He prayed often, and prayed long and he prayed alone. He was doing so much of intercession for the people for whom he was working. He preached so much and did so much of healing and probably he carried them all to the father.
Being afraid is to show disbelief. It is also a sign of lack of love or it is a sign of fear of punishment. To remove the fear Jesus is assuring of his presence. It is like Yahweh revealing his name to Moses and the consequence was redemption from Egyptians. Here Jesus is telling the same name (I AM) to redeem them from fear and natural calamities.
GOSPEL READING: Mk 6:34-44 07.01.2014 COMPASSION
Jesus had just started his ministry and he had already a great following. On that day when he multiplied the bread for them there were 5000 men. If one could include the women and the children then the number who had followed him would be really big. All this was because he was moved with pity for them. A godly quality that made him multiply few loaves for thousands.
The disciples’ inability to give them food was the reason for Jesus to do this miracle. God acts when man accepts his inability. Man’s realization that he is only a creature of God is the primary sign of humility. When man is humble in front of God and accepts God as the master then everything happens in God’s plan. God’s activities are all miracles for man.
GOSPEL READING: MATTHEW 4: 12-17, 23-25 06.01.2014 REPENT
"Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand."
Jesus began his ministry after the arrest of John the Baptist. His ministry did not coincide with that of John. His ministry was distinct from that of John. Even though they both were preaching of the kingdom yet they had their distinction. John was preaching the arrival of Jesus but Jesus was preaching the kingdom.
Jesus’ preaching was accompanied by the activities of the kingdom. The activities were healing: healing of all types for all people from all over the place. The healing ministry did not have any restriction. It was all inclusive. The news of the kingdom spread all over the places and the following also was from all over the places.
GOSPEL READING: Matthew 2:1-12 05.01.2014 MAGI
The magi arrived in Jerusalem and went straight to the king and asked him about the new born king. In Luke’s Gospel the angel appeared to the shepherds and told them about the child and they went straight to the manger and found the child as the angel had told them.
The magi who study the signs and stars follow their learning. They are not simple enough like the shepherds to find the new born king in a simple place. They arrive and go straight to the king. They are controlled by their learning and culture that they could not see the king out the context of the palace.
GOSPEL READING: John 1:29-34 03.01.2014 JOHN THE BAPTIST
John the Baptist had received in revelation about his own ministry and that of Jesus (I did not know him, but the reason why I came baptizing with water was that he might be made known to Israel --- I did not know him, but the one who sent me to baptize with water told me). We constantly receive revelations about ourselves and others. But we accept only what we ourselves long for.
John the Baptist was true to the revelation received. And he was faithful to the revelation received and that was the reason that he was the perfect witness. He was able to point out to Jesus and proclaim to the world the real Jesus. We receive revelation to be witnesses and witnesses only.
GOSPEL READING: John 1:19-28 02.01.2014 IDENTITY
A person needs certain qualification or identification to do certain job. All cannot do every job. One has to be commissioned to do a special job. General public do not take things for granted. They do verify and if need be they will also rectify the situation. Here those who came to verify the identity of John were sent by people in authority.
They reply given by John was more than clear and he was very sure what he was. He openly admitted that he was not the one do to the job. He admitted that he was only a forerunner to the real one who was coming after him. This clarity of mind about oneself and his mission is the basic requirement. John has it to the full.
GOSPEL READING: Luke 2:16-21 01.01.2014 NAMING
Naming of the child is important in the Jewish culture. The relatives and friends gathered around and made it a celebration. It was to bring the child into the community and in a sense naming was to give recognition to the child among the family members. They would propose a name that would give them a link with the past that is their forefathers.
Here the name is revealed by the angel. The name was fixed even before the child was conceived. The name was from above and hence it revealed a character that was heavenly. The name revealed a divine mission. Since the child was from above it also had a divine mission.
GOSPEL READING: MATTHEW 3:1-12 08.12.2013 ENTRY
"Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand!"
John the Baptist is like prophets in his dress (Zac 13:4 and 2 Kg 1:8). In fact he is like the prophet Elijah. Prophet Elijah was the first classic prophets in the Old Testament. Similarly John the Baptist is the first prophet among the New Testament prophets. His food of Locusts and honey goes to show that it was not a major concern or he has to work for it.
His message was: "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand!". The Pharisees and the Sadducees were men of piety and authority and they believed in their past (Abraham). None of these would give them entry into the kingdom. Their actions will only grand entrance. John the Baptist was only a forerunner and Jesus was one to redeem them.
GOSPEL READING: MATTHEW 9:35-10:1,5-8 07.12.2013 GIFTS
Without cost you have received; without cost you are to give.
One of the basic beliefs of the Israelites was that all what they had were gifts given by God. Their lives; their faith; their land and all the produce were divine gifts. They had nothing to boast of anything of their own. In fact this was the basis for their offerings particularly of the first fruits.
Jesus communicates the same idea to his listeners and disciples. Added to their natural gifts Jesus also has given them authority over unclean spirits and sicknesses. Above all they were also given the gift of the kingdom. It was their duty to give all these as gifts to others.
GOSPEL READING: MATTHEW 9:27-31 06.12.2013 FAITH
"Do you believe that I can do this?" "Yes, Lord," they said to him.
God can do all things (All things are possible for God." - Mk 10:27). However the faith of the individual is also essential. Men of faith receive all what they believe (Everything is possible to one who has faith." Mk 9:23). Miracles happen to those who believe that miracle will happen. Belief in God and a belief that God can do mighty deeds are essential for the miracles.
In the Gospels, we see Jesus as always associating with the people who are in need of help and assistance (sick, blind, lame etc.). He is also associating with the people of faith. His ministry becomes meaningful among the people of want and faith. Faith is the essential requirement for his works.
GOSPEL READING: LUKE 21:12-19 27.11.2013 WORRY
I myself shall give you a wisdom in speaking that all your adversaries will be powerless to resist or refute.
Persecutions, oppositions, challenges are sure to come on the way of the followers. Jesus faced these things while he was on the earth and his followers because they are his followers will have to walk the same way as the leader. Even close relatives will betray the followers and hand them over the men of authority.
The followers are not to be worried about all these. They should not even get ready with arguments. Since they are believers they should believe that it is God who lives and speaks through them. The ever abiding presence of God is with them. The followers also should continue to persevere in their belonging to God.
GOSPEL READING: LUKE 21: 5-11 26.11.2013 DO NOT BE DECEIVED
See that you not be deceived
There are many who go around speaking about the end of the world. They see destructions and all sorts of negative signs and they are compelled to believe that the world is going to end. Negative signs are prevalent. These signs have been there from the beginning. Destruction is taking place gradually.
There are people who make use of these negative signs and signs of destruction to preach what they want to say. Jesus says do not be deceived. He also says do not be afraid. People who fear are those who have weak-faith. Believe in God and live the life is the lesson that Jesus teaches. Only God knows about the end of the world and no one else. So do not be deceived.
GOSPEL READING: LUKE 21:1-4 25.11.2013 WIDOW
And he noticed a poor widow putting in two small coins.
Whenever Jesus looked up he notices the poor the sick or the needy. Even in a crowded place his eyes go straight to the sick and the needy. We see it in the gospel of John wherein he goes to the pool of Siloam and notices the man who was sick for thirty eight years. It was a crowded place and it was also the festival time and hence there would have been a great gathering but Jesus notices the man only.
Whenever an offering is made or a help is given to the other or charity is done it should affect the donor. Donor should give it from his abundance which in no way disturbs him. The donor does not even realize that he has given something from his wealth. Giving should affect the donor. (She offered her whole livelihood).
GOSPEL READING: LUKE 23:35-43 24.11.2013 KING
"If you are King of the Jews, save yourself."
Israel was a theocratic community (society). ‘One God; one people’ was the beginning of their history as a society. God revealed through the prophets that he was not at all pleased to appoint kings over them. Because of the insistence of the people and because the neighbouring states had kings over their people; Israel was also allowed to have kings over them.
Kings in Israel were to be ruling the nation as the God of Israel would do. One of the important duties of the kings was to care for the orphans; widows and the strangers. Kings was to give relationship to the people who had lost their relations. Because, this was the work of God. God was always gave relating to giving care and concern the people who had lost their relationship. Rightly so Jesus was the king of the Jews. As such this king was special; he was not saving himself instead he was saving others at the expense of his own life.
GOSPEL READING: LUKE 20:27-40 23.11.2013 GOD OF THE LIVING
And he is not God of the dead, but of the living, for to him all are alive.
Biblical God is the God of revelation. He revealed himself to Moses as God of the living. God who is in the heavens lives with the angels and the resurrected people. God associates himself with people of life. He is the God of the resurrection.
But the Sadducees believed in a God who was to fit into their earthly thinking. They thought of everything from their experience and had meaning only to their reasoning and experience. So they could not think of a God who was beyond death. Their perception of God was wrong. They considered God according to their human experience and understanding.
GOSPEL READING:LUKE 19:45-48 22.11.2013 TEMPLE
And every day he was teaching in the temple area.
The author says that he was teaching in the temple area everyday. We do not know exactly how many days this everyday would add up to. But the statement show that Jesus was familiar with what was happening in the temple area. What was happening in the temple area was not a reported information but a first hand information; his personal experience.
All the people were hanging on to his word. General public liked his preaching. But the scribes and leaders were not happy with his preaching. Jesus was one with the people but at the same time he was not feeling one with the leaders. From his preaching we come to know that the leaders were making temple into a den of thieves. Temple was supposed to have been the place of the presence of God but now it has become residence of thieves.
GOSPEL READING: LUKE 19:41-44 21.11.2013 WEPT
He saw the city and wept over it
Jesus reached the city and before entering into it he looked at the city and wept over it. Now it is Jesus’ turn to cry. In Luke’s Gospel we have found other people in tears: the widow at Nain, Jairus’s family, the others in distresses who were coming to him for healing. The women of Jerusalem will weep for Jesus (23,27).
In John’s Gospel Jesus wept at the tomb of Lazarus. It was not a moment of weakness. Here he has warned the people and the city and the temple of the impending judgment. They resisted his call for peace. What they are going to receive is destruction and punishment.
GOSPEL READING: LUKE 19:11-28 2011.2013 GOOD SERVANT
Well done, good servant! You have been faithful in this very small matter
This parable is taken by many readers as the last judgment scene. That is to say that Jesus is returning at the end of the world to judge everyone and he will reward the faithful followers and punish the disloyal. This story can be read as we have said above but at the same time the story is telling something that was happening at the time of Jesus for listeners of his time.
This parable has its historical background to it. However Jesus’ journey to Jerusalem and his entry into Jerusalem also has a message from this parable. The expectation of the people that the kingdom of God was coming soon was going to be realized in Journey to Jerusalem. The arrival of Jesus is also the indication of the judgment that is awaiting. The entry of Jesus into Jerusalem is also the return of God to his people.
GOSPEL READING: LUKE 19:1-10 19.11.2013 SEE JESUS
He ran ahead and climbed a sycamore tree in order to see Jesus,
Zacchaeus was a tax collector and as a chief tax collector he has accepted the authority of Rome and indirectly he has accepted the religion of Rome. Israelites believed only in Yahweh and thy also accepted no other ruler over them except Yahweh and his anointed ones. Because of this Zacchaeus considered to be a sinner and the people were not associating with him.
Zachaeus longed for God and he wanted to see the Holy one of Israel. When he got the news he came in search of him and he made effort to see him by climbing the tree. This effort is respected by and responded by Jesus. Jesus honours the sincere effort. Though he was a sinner yet he longed for God and that led him to repentance and in turn to be in relationship with the people.
GOSPEL READING: LUKE 18:35-43 18.11.2013 FAITH SAVES
"Have sight; your faith has saved you."
The news about Jesus has reached far and wide. The news travels before him. Jesus is making his journey towards Jerusalem and he has not travelled before in these areas. But the news about him has reached. Even the blind people have heard about his healing ministry. The news about him reach the poor and the sick.
The blind man knew the identity of Jesus (son of David) and calls out to him for mercy. Those who travel with Jesus (a crowd) always intimidate the needy to approach Jesus. But Jesus eyes and ears are always open to the needy. He is very clear about his target group for whom he has come. What Jesus expects from the people is faith in God.
GOSPEL READING: LUKE 21:5-19 17.11.2013 TEMPLE
By your perseverance you will secure your lives.
Temple was the most beautiful building one could imagine. It was decorated and adorned by the skill and love of hundreds of years. It was occupying the central place in the national life and religion. It would be unthinkable for a devout Jew to hear of the destruction of the temple because the temple signified a thousand years of God’s dealings with Israel.
The disciples of Jesus are going to face problems because Jesus is not going to be with them. Some will pretend to be Jesus and there will be wars, revolutions and alarming events. The disciples will be undesirables. But Jesus’ promises of his presence in wisdom and speech are precious.
GOSPEL READING: LUKE 18:1-8 16.11.2013 PRAY WITH FAITH
Will not God then secure the rights of his chosen ones who call out to him day and night? Will he be slow to answer them?
God’s people are praying people. God’s people pray constantly to God and also at the moment of emergency. It is also the duty of God’s people to pray. Furthermore it is their duty to pray constantly and continuously. It should be like the daily bread. It should not be given up for any reason whatsoever.
A judge who is of bad character (neither feared God; nor had any concern for his own conscience; nor any concern for his own reputation; nor was he concerned about his duty) will not bother to do good to anyone. For selfish motives (not to be disturbed by people) he will do good. God’s praying people should pray with faith and fervency and perseverance.
GOSPEL READING: LUKE 17:26-37 15.11.2013 SON OF MAN
So it will be on the day the Son of Man is revealed.
Listeners are asked to look back into the past and read the history. Noah and Lot were men of righteousness and goodness. They were warning the people of their wickedness and in fact they wanted the people to return to God. But in the days fo Jonah the people of Nineveh repented and returned to God.
Similar situation will be faced in the time of Jesus. Destruction will be sudden and unnoticed. It will happen at the time of sleep. There will not be time even to call and protect and save. No one can be a help to the other. Disciples are asked to be ready and be repentant.
GOSPEL READING: LUKE 17:20-25 14.11.2013 KINGDOM
The coming of the kingdom of God cannot be observed.
Arrival of the kingdom is not observable. It is not something that is going to be seen in time and space and in events. Kingdom is within the person(s). It is in the attitude of the people. Kingdom is a reality if I have the mentality and attitude that is similar to that of Jesus (God).
One should not be carried away by the people who propose the kingdom in places outside the person. There are people who say the kingdom is present in a particular place or person or in particular event. They will even propose the presence of the Son of Man in places and in events. Jesus tells his disciples not to go in pursuit of the Son of Man.
GOSPEL READING: LUKE 17:11-19 13.11.2013 FAITH
"Go show yourselves to the priests."
Ten lepers met Jesus and they begged him to heal them. Probably they had heard of his healing ministry. Jesus also had pity on them and healed them immediately. He has asked them to do what was prescribed in the law. They had to be proved clean by the priests and then they have to offer sacrifices before they return to their respective community and family.
One of them returned to Jesus. Could we say that he went to Jesus because he thought that Jesus was the priest? Could we say that he went to Jesus because he found Jesus to be the temple? Could we also say that he offered his sacrifices (thanksgiving) to Jesus? And this is precisely made him a man of faith.
GOSPEL READING: LUKE 17:7-10 12.11.2013 SERVANTS
'We are unprofitable servants; we have done what we were obliged to do.'
Whatever we do in the service of Christ, we must be very humble, and not imagine that we can merit any favour at his hand, or claim it as a debt. We are all God's servants (his apostles and ministers are in a special manner so), and, as servants, are bound to do all we can for his honour. Our whole strength and our whole time are to be employed for him.
As God's servants, it becomes for us to fill up our time with duty, and we have a variety of work appointed for us to do; we ought to make the end of one service the beginning of another. We have to do our work and continue to do so until the master gives us the required rest.
GOSPEL READING: LUKE 17:1-6 11.11.2013 I AM SORRY
And if he wrongs you seven times in one day and returns to you seven times saying, 'I am sorry,' you should forgive him."
Sin is a reality. It is there in the world and it will be there (Things that cause sin will inevitably occur). But man should not be the cause for the inevitable to happen. Man should not induce the other to sin. Death rather than sin. Man should prefer to die than be the cause for sin.
Forgiveness should also happen. It should be a reality. Forgiveness should become part of the nature of man. One should be ready to forgive seven times which would imply continuously and constantly. Forgiveness should become a second nature to man. Only a man of faith will be able to forgive the same person doing the same mistake seven times a day.
GOSPEL READING: LUKE 20:27-38 10.11.2013 GOD OF THE LIVING
The God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob; and he is not God of the dead, but of the living, for to him all are alive.
There is a great deal of difference between the state of the children of men on earth and that of the children of God in heaven, a vast unlikeness between this world and that world; and we wrong ourselves, and wrong the truth of Christ, when we form our notions of that world of spirits by our present enjoyments in this world of sense.
Who shall inherit that world and what shall be their state of life is not known to us. When man compares the next world with the present world and considers it to be similar to this then he falters. What it shall be cannot be expressed or conceived (1 Cor 2:9 - "What eye has not seen, and ear has not heard, and what has not entered the human heart, what God has prepared for those who love him,"). There they do not marry. They cannot die anymore there. They are equal to angels. They are the children of God. They are the children of the resurrection.
GOSPEL READING: JOHN 2:13-22 09.11.2013 ZEAL
"Zeal for your house will consume me."
A temple should be a place of worship. For an Israelite worship is done through prayers and sacrifices. Worship is a means through which man communicates with God. Instead God communicates through revelation. So temple is a place where God is awaiting for man and man is awaiting for God.
At the time of Jesus the temple at Jerusalem was busy like a beehive. Lots and loads of activities were going on in there. Men were busy buying oxen and sheep and doves. They were also busy exchanging money for the payment of temple tax. Man was so busy with these thing that he had no time to communicate with God.
GOSPEL READING: LUKE 16:1-8 08.11.2013 DISHONEST STEWARD
And the master commended that dishonest steward for acting prudently.
The parable of the dishonest steward has to be understood in the light of the Palestinian custom. The master who lends things like oil or grain of wheat was obliged to receive the real amount together with interest which would also be in kind. So the debtors were obliged to return the real amount which was borrowed together with the amount which was agreed upon as interest for the borrowing. At times the stewards who were acting as agents on behalf of their masters were obliged to receive this amount of interest as commission.
The master commends the dishonest steward who has forgone his own commission on the business transaction by having the debtors write new notes that reflected only the real amount owed the master (i.e., minus the steward's profit). The dishonest steward acts in this way in order he may be welcomed by the people when he left the job as the steward. The steward was interested in the relationship and friendship with the people than the material gain (the commission).
GOSPEL READING: LUKE 15:1-10 07.11.2013 SINNERS
The tax collectors and sinners were all drawing near to listen to him, but the Pharisees and scribes began to complain.
There were crowds travelling along with Jesus. Among these co-travelers there were two groups of people. The first group was comprised of tax collectors and sinners who went along with him willingly and listened to him with interest. They found truth and goodness in his teachings and preaching.
The Pharisees and the Scribes also listened to him but went about complaining. They could not say anything against his teaching and preaching. He was teaching the truth about God and the goodness in God and creation. They could not accept his behaviour and dealing with the sinners. This was due to their wrong understanding (I tell you, there will be rejoicing among the angels of God over one sinner who repents).
GOSPEL READING: LUKE 14:25-33 06.11.2013 FOLLOWER
In the same way, every one of you who does not renounce all his possessions cannot be my disciple.
Great crowds were travelling with Jesus. They were not following him. They were travelling with him or along with him. They have seen many miracles they have heard him giving heart probing sermons and he was in fact out of the ordinary for the crowds. They liked him and they wanted to see more of these.
Jesus wanted them to be his followers. He did not want them to be just co-travellers. He wanted them to be followers. He also gave them criteria for being followers. They have to prefer him (Jesus) to his parents and relatives. Each one has to carry his or her own cross (no letting someone to carry the cross) and he or she has plan his goals in life and ready to renounce everything for the sake of his goal.
GOSPEL READING: LUKE 14:15-24 05.11. 2013 INVITED
None of those men who were invited will taste my dinner.
Jesus has been going around Galilee summoning people to God’s great supper. The time has arrived. Those who were invited long ago must hurry up and come. Most of the have refused giving excuses. Some are delighted to be included and they are the poor and the sinners. This could be one meaning.
There is another meaning to this parable and in this meaning the expected guests are the Jews. They were waiting for the arrival of the kingdom. But when the kingdom was among them they were giving excuses. Those who accepted at the time of Luke were the early Christians.
GOSPEL READING: LUKE 14:12-14 04.11.2013 BANQUET
When you hold a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind
The message of Jesus is quite strange and out form the ordinary. Meal is a time when friends and relatives come together to share and strengthen their relationship and friendship. Often meal is a sign for the others about the host’s popularity among the people of the locality. Invitations will further be strengthened by the invitation of the other.
Jesus says that invitations should be repaid by the invitees. Meals should be with the poor and the orphans and the sick so that the reward is that the poor are only helped. Certainly this is not the way the secular world will do. Jesus is presenting the kingdom where the earthly rewards are not important.
GOSPEL READING: LUKE 19:1-10 03.11.2013 ZACCHAEUS
So he ran ahead and climbed a sycamore tree in order to see Jesus
Zacchaeus fits into the themes of Luke in writing the Gospel. One was the problem of riches and what to do about. The second is to identify Jesus with the sinners and the third one is to recognize Jesus as the Lord in faith and thus achieve the new life that Jesus has brought into this world. Zacchaeus becomes the little model hero in the story of Jesus.
Zacchaeus gives evidence of extravagant repentance. Repentance here isn’t just a change of heart; as in Judaism in general, repentance involves restoration, making amends. When Zacchaeus has given half of his property to the poor and a fourfold restoration he would find himself in a reduced situation. I have to stay at your house has become ‘salvation has come to this house’. Where Jesus is there salvation will be.
GOSPEL READING: MATTHEW 5:1-12 01.11.2013 SAINTS
He began to teach them.
This is the first time that Jesus is starting his teaching ministry in Matthew’s gospel. Till now it was his private life at home and then he was baptized, then again he was calling his disciples and doing healing ministry. Here now he has gathered enough followers and listeners and he begins his teaching.
It is not a theoretical teaching of some rules and rubrics rather it is about the people. It reflects the target group he is addressing and the target groups for whom he is going to work. The people are identified. These are the people of God: those who are poor in spirit, those who mourn the meek, the merciful etc.
GOSPEL READING: LUKE 13:31-35 31.10.2013 PURPOSE
"Go away, leave this area because Herod wants to kill you."
There were some moderate Pharisees. So they came up to Jesus and reported to him the intention of Herod. Was it to help him or to prevent him from continuing his work? We do not know their intention. But Jesus was sure of his moves and actions. The purpose for which Jesus came into this world was to gather the people together.
Jesus was not bothered about his death. One day he had to leave this world. Jesus came with a mission and this mission has to be completed. Once the mission is completed then his purpose for living on this earth is completed. Living and not-living are not essentials in life. Living with a mission and completing the purpose for which one came into this world are important.
GOSPEL READING: LUKE 13:22-30 30.10.2013 NARROW GATE
"Lord, will only a few people be saved?"
Through this parable Jesus is trying to tell the listeners that salvation being with the master. Being with the master within the house is salvation. Eating and drinking and being in the company of the master and listening to him while he is out in the world are all good and to be appreciated. But they do not guarantee salvation.
Being with the master in the house and being in his presence and in his closeness is all that matters. For this in this passage the message is to enter through the narrow gate. Entering through the narrow gate implies that only the person enters. All his luggage and all the other possessions cannot be carried through. The person has to shed all the belongings. There is place only for the person in the master’s house.
GOSPEL READING: LUKE 13:18-21 29.10.2013 KINGDOM
What is the kingdom of God like?
This has been a question in the mind of many who read the gospels. Jesus often speaks about the kingdom of God and he had come to establish the kingdom of God on the earth. Jesus was very clear about it but his listeners did not understand the message of Jesus.
In these parables Jesus told the listeners not to think philosophically or in high flown imaginations. To the simple people, he gave them to understand that the kingdom of God like a mustard seed and the leaven. He was speaking to them in terms of what they were using in day to day life in the kitchen. Probably there were more women among his listeners. Kingdom is simple and unnoticeable but highly effective.
GOSPEL READING: LUKE 6:12-16 28.10.2013 APOSTLES
he called his disciples to himself, and from them he chose Twelve, whom he also named apostles
Jesus had a group of disciples who followed him always. They were with him wherever he went and listened to his teaching and served him. Whenever Jesus wanted them to go ahead prepare for his coming they went earlier on to prepare for his coming. The seventy two whom he sent probably belonged to this group. There was a sizable number of people who were his disciples.
From among the disciples he chose the twelve apostles. They were for a special purpose. Their choice was preceded by a night-long prayer. Choosing them as apostles was something special. He discerned the will of God and prayed for them as well. When he came down after prayer he named them. This was not so for the disciples. The apostles had a special character.
GOSPEL READING: LUKE 18:9-14 27.10.2013 PRAYER
He then addressed this parable to those who were convinced of their own righteousness and despised everyone else.
Jesus addressed this parable to those who were self-righteous and those who despised the others. The metal attitude of these people would also be visible in the way they pray. Their attitude towards their neighbour will exhibit itself in their relationship with God.
They will pride in their life. They will exclude themselves from the rest of the humanity. They will demonstrate and speak out about themselves and their activities. Their prayer is totally self-centred and in their prayer there is no place even for God. They present themselves as gods. But true prayer is in humbling oneself in front o God and asking for his mercy (Mic 6:8)
GOSPEL READING: LUKE 13:1-9 26.10.2013 REPENT
But I tell you, if you do not repent, you will all perish as they did!
Jesus speaks about two historical events. One was in relation to Pilot who was wicked. He was ruthless and unreasonable. He would attack the public and kill them if he feared any upheaval. He had done so in the temple itself thus disrespecting and being insensitive to the religious feelings of the people. The other event was what had taken place in Siloam.
Be it a political event or a natural historical event the people interpreted it wrongly. Any unnatural death was due to their sins. People faced death or negative consequences in life because of their sins or because they were guilty. Jesus read it with the message from heaven. Jesus brought in the message of repentance. Repentance and turning towards God are the essential messages of the kingdom.
GOSPEL READING: LUKE 12:54-59 25.10.2013 DISCERN
"Why do you not judge for yourselves what is right?
People are able to forecast the weather and the flow of wind and its consequences. They read the nature very well and their predictions are right. Similarly they should also read the happenings of the social and political and religious events. This could be applied to every field. Medical doctors are able to read the sicknesses etc and give explanations to the health situations but why can’t they read the happenings of the other events.
Jesus’ main concern is their neglect of the political happenings (arrival of Romans, the ruling of Herod etc) their disregard for this young preacher who is proclaiming the kingdom of God. This is an urgent and important message but the people are deaf to it but they are busy with many other unimportant things.
GOSPEL READING: LUKE 12:49-53 24.10.2013 PEACE
Do you think that I have come to establish peace on the earth? No, I tell you, but rather division.
Jesus is the prince of peace and came into this world to bring peace and peace between God and the people. But today’s sayings seem to be just the opposite of his entire mission. How could we understand this? Or what did Jesus intend to say through these sayings or what did the author want to say through these?
It seems that the author wants to say that the saying of Prophet Micah 7:6 is being fulfilled in the person of Jesus (For the son dishonors his father, the daughter rises up against her mother, The daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law, and a man's enemies are those of his household). Through this passage the prophet is warning the people of the imminent crisis and urges that the only way forward is complete trust in God.
GOSPEL READING: LUKE 11:42-46 16.10.2013 WOES
Woe to you
Jesus criticized the Pharisees and the scholars of the law. These two were the primary opponents of Jesus. There were also other groups like Sadducees. However these two were the prominent groups. Among the two, the Pharisees were the worst.
The Pharisees believed that their external piety would redeem them. So they multiplied the practices of piety and the like. The Scribes of the law multiplied the rules with the intention of making it practical and simpler. But they multiplied the rules to the extend people were not able to fulfill them.
GOSPEL READING: LUKE 11:29-32 14.10.2013 JONAH
There is something greater than Jonah here
People of this world and the people of this generation (of every generation) look for signs. People long for signs and wonders to believe in God and Godly activities. Any generation that asks for sign is a wicked generation. Even if signs were given they would not repent and believe.
Ninevites believed in Jonah and his preaching. They converted themselves without question. Jonah preached to a pagan nation and they accepted him as a prophet and accepted his preaching and converted themselves. Here Jesus, the Son of God is preaching and the people ask for a sign.
GOSPEL READING: LUKE 17:11-19 13/10/2013 FAITH
And one of them, realizing he had been healed, returned, glorifying God in a loud voice; and he fell at the feet of Jesus and thanked him.
Jesus was travelling through Galilee and Samaria. It is not known in which part of the country he met these ten lepers. Was it in Galilee or was it in Samaria? But among the healed there was also a Samaritan. Jesus did not come near them or touch them. He said to them to go to the priests and show themselves. Did he want the Samaritan also to go to the Jewish priest?
Here Jesus recognized the faith of the Samaritan. Faith is in relating to God. A man of faith comes back to God and continues his relationship through praise and thanksgiving. Faith is expressed in thanksgiving, glorifying God and returning to God. All were healed but all were not men of faith. Faith is returning to God.
GOSPEL READING: LUKE 11:27-28 12/10/2013 HEAR THE WORD
"Rather, blessed are those who hear the word of God and observe it."
Upon hearing an excellent discourse by Jesus a woman in the crowd made an honest and a well-meaning applause. This was in contrast to the statements of scribes and Pharisees. Her exclamation showed that she wanted to be a mother of such a person. This is found in the song of Mary (Lk 1:48): All generations shall call me blessed.
Jesus did not deny what this woman said, nor refused her respect to him and his mother; but he led her from this to that which was of higher consideration: rather, blessed are they that hear the word of God, and keep it. Though it is a great privilege to hear the word of God, yet those only are truly blessed, that is, blessed of the Lord, that hear it and keep it, that keep it in memory, and keeps to it as their way and rule.
GOSPEL READING: LUKE 11:15-26 11/10/2013 FINGER OF GOD
But if it is by the finger of God that (I) drive out demons, then the kingdom of God has come upon you.
Here Jesus speaks about his power over evil and the evil spirits in general. Jesus claimed that this was from God and God was working in him and through him. But the unbelieving generation asked for a sign. Jesus challenged the source of the power of those among Jews who were driving out demons.
When Jesus chased out the demons from the people then the kingdom of God had come upon them. It was when the Jews chased our demons they were wandering among the people looking for a place to rest. They were the ones who returned to their original abode. When Jesus chased the out then the kingdom was established. The place was occupied by the kingdom and it was not empty.
GOSPEL READING: LUKE 11:5-13 10/10/2013 PERSISTANC
He will get up to give him whatever he needs because of his persistence.
This is a wonderful story that narrates the importance of persistence in prayer. Prayer is in relationship. But at times even relationship is forgotten. Relationship is over looked. Even a close friend lets one down at the time of dire need. This happens when his personal life is touched.
However persistence will break any resistance and objections. This is in human terms. Also human relations will give only good things to the one who requests and that too because of relationship (father-son relationship). But god the father will give even greater good things for the one who needs it and requests it in prayer. He will give the greatest gift when asked for it: Holy Spirit.
GOSPEL READING: LUKE 11:1-4 09/10/2013 PRAYER
He was praying in a certain place
Prayer was not a precondition for discipleship. If it was so then Jesus would have taught them first as he called them. Only when they see Jesus praying they are compelled by his model to pray. They request him to teach. (However they would have prayed the prayers like a Jew).
Jesus’ prayer puts the relationship with god as the primary thing. Jesus asked his disciples to address god as Father. This was the experience of Jesus right from the beginning particularly at the Baptism where in God said you are my beloved son etc. This relationship will place all praise and petition in the right perspective.
GOSPEL READING: LUKE 7:1-10 16/09/2013
When Jesus heard this he was amazed at him.
Jesus always admired the faith of the people. Whenever any person
expressed his faith in Jesus (or in God) then immediately Jesus
affirmed the faith. As he has done in this case of the centurion so
also he has done with the Samaritan leper who returned to Jesus to
thank him.
This centurion did not meet Jesus (he was aware of his unworthiness).
He sent his Jewish friend instead and asked them to plead for him, He
was also not willing to have Jesus in his house (again expressed
unworthiness). But he was a man of authority. To see a man of
authority expressing his unworthiness is faith.
GOSPEL READING: LUKE 15:1-32 15/09/2013
He was lost and has been found
Life of a shepherd is centered around safety of the sheep. Keeping them together is his mission. Morning to evening and even at night his life is for the safety of the sheep (keeping them together). This is in the open field. In the house the duty of the house keeper is to keeping the thing together and not to lose anything.
In the family the primary concern of the father is to keep the family united and together. Father has lost his role as a father if he loses his child - son. Rejoicing is the result of the joy of finding the unity of the family. Unity and togetherness are the reason for great rejoicing and celebration.
GOSPEL READING: JOHN 3:13-17 14/09/2013
So must the Son of Man be lifted up,
Christianity cannot be understood without the cross. Cross plays the central role in the life and mission of Christianity. St Paul had understood this rightly. We get numerous quotations on the theme of cross in his letters. For, I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ, and him crucified (1 Cor 2:2)
The work on the cross is beautifully summed up in these words: ‘obliterating the bond against us, with its legal claims, which was opposed to us, he also removed it from our midst, nailing it to the cross’ (Col 2:14). And the purpose of Cross and death on the cross was to: For he is our peace, he who made both one and broke down the dividing wall of enmity, through his flesh (Eph 2:14).
GOSPEL READING: LUKE 6:39-42 13/09/2013
Remove the wooden beam from your eye first.
Fault finding has been the problem of humanity right from the beginning. Together with this, blaming the other for the wrong done have been going on. These two have been working hand in hand. Finding fault and blaming the other have destroyed many.
Jesus here criticizes the Pharisees and those of their type for finding fault in others and blaming the others always for the wrongs done. Pharisees were going around seeing if Jesus would do anything wrong so that they might catch him. They brought a woman caught in sin. Judas blamed Mary for spending the costly oil.
GOSPEL READING: LUKE 6:27-38 12/09/2013 BE DIFFERENT
Be merciful, just as (also) your Father is merciful.
Jesus tells his listeners to be different from the others. He has always been telling them to be different from Pharisees, Scribes and now pagans. Whatever they do is not anything wrong. They love their friends; they assist they own people; they give to people in order to get it back etc.
Be different. Love them without expecting to be loved by them (enemies). Give to them (whomsoever they may be) without expecting back anything from them. In short be like the heavenly Father. He lets rain fall on the good and the bad. He lets the sun shine on the righteous and the unjust.
GOSPEL READING: LUKE 6:20-26 - 11/09/2013 BLESSED
Blessed are you
Jesus speaks about two groups of people: one he calls them blessed and another he condemns. The group which he calls blessed is made up of those who are poor, hungry, weeping, hated, insulted. All these are on account of Jesus. It is not any suffering that makes one blessed.
But those who are happy, filled with everything, laugh around, and praised about are in fact condemned by Jesus. One reason is that they have received their reward and also they have received not on account of Jesus. Jesus should be the criteria for anything and everything.
GOSPEL READING: LUKE 6:12-19 10/09/2013 LIFE AND ACTIVITY OF JESUS
Power came forth from him.
This is a summary passage given by the author about the life and activities of Jesus. Jesus came into the world with a purpose and he was committed to it till the end of his life. He went about doing it from day one and there was no turning back from it.
He had come from the Father and hence he had to have a constant contact with the Father and that was the reason that he spent lots of time in prayer. He went about doing good to the people healing them from sicknesses and cleansing them from unclean spirits.
GOSPEL READING: LUKE 6:6-11 - 9/09/2013 SABBATH
I ask you, is it lawful to do good on the Sabbath rather than to do evil, to save life rather than to destroy it?
In this story we find the man with withered hand and the Pharisees and the Scribes and Jesus in the Synagogue. The author mentions only these three groups of people as if there were no others in the prayer room. It was a Sabbath and certainly there were many others present there and we wonder what they were thinking at that moment.
The man with the withered hand was only expecting to be healed but he himself did not come forward asking for help. It was totally the initiative of Jesus to heal the man. Jesus wanted to do good and he was going about doing good among the people. The Pharisees and the Scribes were only seeking for an opportunity to accuse Jesus.
GOSPEL READING: LUKE 14:25-33 - 8/09/2013 DISCIPLE
In the same way, every one of you who does not renounce all his possessions cannot be my disciple.
Great crowds were travelling with him. Jesus teachings seem to suggest that all those who going after him were not his disciples. At least they were not the disciples according to the mind of Jesus. Each one was a disciple according to his own mind. They followed him because he was great teacher and they wanted to listen to him; or he was a miracle worker and they wanted to be in close contact with him.
Jesus wanted his disciples to give up their relations (father, mother, brothers etc); and he wanted them to give up their lives; and he wanted them to give up their wealth. Everyone is attached to these three basic things of life; relations, life and wealth. The demand which Jesus makes here seems to be very difficult. For a disciple going after Jesus was much more important.
GOSPEL READING: LUKE 6:1-5 - 7/09/2013 SABBATH
"The Son of Man is lord of the sabbath."
Jesus justifies his disciples in a work of necessity for themselves on that day. It is said that the Jews are forbidden to do any creative work on the Sabbath. It was because the Lord rested from the work of creation. So they were forbidden to creat anything new. Here the disciples were making (creating in a sense) food for themselves.
They were in the corn field. Was it within the walking distance of the Sabbath day? But Jesus argument was from the action of David. David was the beloved of the God and hence he should have been more observant with regard to the rules. Here Jesus pleads the case for his disciples and he does not behave like a judge. Ceremonial appointments may be dispensed with, in cases of necessity.
GOSPEL READING: LUKE 5:33-39 - 6/09/2013 PRACTICE OF PIETY
The disciples of John fast often and offer prayers
Fasting and prayer are two of the essential practices of piety of Jewish religion and of course they are the practices of piety of any and every religion. These practices of piety are exercised by the religious persons to come closer to God and to be in relationship with God. In the Jewish religion they were carrying on with these practices because they were still expecting the coming of the lord.
The disciples of Jesus were in the company of the son of God; and they were in closer contact with God; and hence there was no need for them to have these practices. Instead they were supposed to be celebrating the presence of god. And in fact that was what they were doing. Presence of God calls for celebration. Search for God calls for practices of piety.
GOSPEL READING: LUKE 5:1-11 - 5/09/2013 FISHERMAN
Do not be afraid.
Jesus was a son of a carpenter. Jesus is associating with the fishermen for the first time. He has not lived near the sea shore. (he lived in Nazareth and not in Capernaum). For the first time according to the gospels he is seen around the sea coast. He commands the fishermen and tells them about fishing and he is right.
This shook Simon and others (James and John). They saw in Jesus a power which they could not understand. This frightened them. We wonder what went on in the mind of Simon but he asked Jesus to be away from them. Simon acknowledged his sinfulness and this gave him a new mission.
GOSPEL READING: LUKE 4:31-37 - 3/09/2013 - EVIL SPIRIT
He taught them on the Sabbath.
Teaching and preaching on the Sabbath was the proper work for that day. It was a day of rest. But it was a day to worship God and reflect on God. Jesus was doing the right thing. People were astonished at his doctrine. Because, his doctrines were right and he taught them with authority. Power was working in him.
The evil spirit recognized Jesus first and they proclaimed him as the Holy one of God. Evil spirits are in sense do the work of announcing the presence of God in Jesus. Evil also is an indication for the presence of good in the world. Evil announces the presence of God and Godly works.
GOSPEL READING: LUKE 4:16-30 - 2/09/2013 THE WORD OF GOD
He came to Nazareth, where he had grown up, and went according to his custom 2 into the synagogue on the Sabbath day.
Jesus grew up in Nazareth. Nazareth was the place where Jesus had his social, cultural and religious growth. He went for prayers to the synagogue as his custom was say that he was regular for his religious practices. People have seen him in the synagogue and he was like anyone else. Sudd3n change in his behaviour made them think differently.
Jesus confirms in public what he was going to do. He was going to live according to the scriptures. He got from the scriptures what he wanted to do and how he wanted to live. Scriptures were fulfilled in him. Since Scriptures are fulfilled in him, it is right to say that he is the Word of God.
GOSPEL READING: LUKE 14:1.7-14 - 1/09/2013
For you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous.
Places, positions and posts are relative. One may consider oneself or someone else to be a man of great honour but it will not be the same in the view of another. It is this that should make one to choose a lower place. Otherwise one should be ready to be ashamed in front of all. Places and positions and posts are in the mind of the one who has invited.
Invitation for dinners and lunches should not be reciprocal. Mutual celebrations are rewards in themselves. Celebrate life with the poor, the crippled, the lame and the blind. These people cannot pay back anything. Followers of Jesus should long for only one repayment and that is resurrection and the life after that.
GOSPEL READING: MATTHEW 25:14-30 Come; share your master's joy (31/08/2013)
God does not want to keep things for himself. He is not possessive. He shares everything with his creatures. He has shared his goodness with them at creation. Now he shares his responsibility with them. He shares it with everyone but according to their capabilities. He expects that they return with their successes.
Men come back to give account of their efforts. Their responsibilities and their efforts are acknowledged by God. They are also rewarded for their efforts. Reward is in terms of further responsibilities. More works. But they also share the joys of the master. However master does not tolerate the lazy worker. He punishes him.
GOSPEL READING: MATTHEW 25:1-13 - (30/08/2013) THE WISE AND FOOLISH VIRGINS
For you know neither the day nor the hour.
Jesus has used so many parables to explain the kingdom. All the stories are taken from the realities of life. He talked about the seeds, harvest, plants, fish, pearls, treasure etc. He also talked about the wedding feast and the invited guests. All the stories explained the different aspects of the kingdom.
Here he speaks about the day and the hour of the arrival of the kingdom. Since he is speaking about the time and the day the other aspects (like the bride) are over looked. He wanted to speak about the time and he wanted his listeners to be ready always for the arrival. But because of the delay all fell asleep including the wise. Falling asleep is not the problem but being ready at that moment is important.
GOSPEL READING: MARK 6:17-29 - TRUTH HURTS (29/08/2013)
He went off and beheaded him in the prison.
John was arrested and put in prison on account of the wife of his brother Philip. John had said that it was not lawful to marry the wife of his brother. John was telling what was requested of the people in the Ten Commandments (Ex 20:17 see also Lev 18:16). John was right in pointing it out to Herod.
John spoke the truth and he spoke the biblical truth and the truth was for the legal demands for life (Ten Commandments). John was a righteous man and he was also considered to be a holy man. John perplexed the people with his speech but they loved to listen to him. People like to listen to truth; and they like to associate with righteous and holy people. But truth hurts.
GOSPEL READING: MATTHEW 23:27-32 (28.08.2013) TOMBS
On the outside you appear righteous, but inside you are filled with hypocrisy and evildoing.
You are murderers and your ancestors were murderers. They murdered the prophets – the men of God- and you are now justifying their murders by building the tombs of for the prophets and adorning the memorials. Their main activity is tomb related. They kill people and bury them and later justify their killing.
Because their activity is tomb related they themselves become tombs. They are in fact whitewashed tomb. They become one with their activity. They are living and moving tombs. All death related activities (evil) go on within them but outside they are living and going about as if they are alive.
GOSPEL READING: MATTHEW 23:23-26 (27.08.2013) FAITHFULNESS
These you should have done, without neglecting the others.
They chose their duties of religion. They were very faithful in small matters but very negligent in small matters. They were very exact in paying the tithes and they paid the tithes of even mint and cummin. (They paid the tithes of all their possession). But the law demanded judgment, mercy and faith. (Hos 6:6; Mic 6:8 Isa 1:11)
They are blind because the clean the outside of the vessel and keep the inside of it dirty. External practices they are very exact and they are religious in every respect of their external practices. But their heart and mind are wicked in every respect. Externally they seemed to be godly but right inside they were sober nor righteous.
GOSPEL READING: MATTHEW 23:13-22 (26/08/2013)
Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites.
The scribes and Pharisees were hypocrites; that is it in which all the rest of their bad characters are summed up. A hypocrite is a stage-player in religion (that is the primary signification of the word); he acts the part of one that he neither is nor may be, or perhaps the he neither is nor would be.
They are hypocrites because while they live, their religion is vain; when they die, their ruin is great. They are blind guides because they fall into the pit and they make those who follow them also fall in the pit. They guide the people to the wrong ends. They do not lead the people to the temple but to the gold; they do not guide the people to the altar but to the gifts.
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