I remembered an impressive story told by Saji Anthony as I was reflecting on the gospel of today. I thought that it could help transmit the lesson from the encounter between Jesus on the one hand and the Pharisees, the scribes and a man with a withered hand on the…
In today’s readings we see the theme of healing. It is a common theme, of course, in the gospels. A large percentage of the synoptic gospels describes healing miracles. In the 8th and 9th chapters of Matthew alone Jesus cures ten individuals, plus “many who were possessed by devils.” The…
The first reading for today, from Colossians, set the tone for my reflection. It states that if we persevere in our faith, then we can be with God in Heaven someday. If we keep on the firm and stable ground of faith, and not venture into the swamp of evil…
I first heard the term, Simulacrum, in a 2007 sermon by Fr. Cantalamessa quoting Jean Baudrillard. Baudrillard defined Simulacrum as a “copy that no longer has an original”. Baudrillard states that, “it has now become difficult to distinguish real events, such as the terrorist attacks of 9/11, the Gulf War…
In today’s Gospel, the highlight of the story might seem to be the great shoal of fish which Peter and his colleagues hauled in at the instruction of Jesus. By the end of the story, we begin to see the highlight is actually Jesus’ applying the miracle of catching fish…
There are numerous opportunities for healing and divine encounter around us, yet few notice. It’s this reality in our spiritual life that I address in today’s reflection, drawing inspiration from the life of Christ. The Lord’s Humanness One of the things that fascinates me about the life of Christ as…
In today’s world, very few people would say “No” to the offer of power. If a person has power, he can use that power to obtain most other things in life. The question for us in today’s Gospel is, “Is this the sort of power that Jesus has,? Or is…
Jesus’s Hometown Address In the US, there is a tradition among politicians. When running for office, they often return to their “hometown” and make their announcement to run amid great publicity. In Luke’s Gospel today we see Jesus returning to His hometown of Nazareth to make an important announcement about…
The Pharisees and teachers of the law came from Jerusalem, to watch and listen and confront our rabbi. Swathed in an air of purity they passed through the crowd, and the people stood aside as they moved, to honour them and to spare them from being contaminated by the common…
The readings for today speak of fraternal charity and developing into fullness the “talents” given us by God. I have had reason to reflect on the multiplication of gifts recently because of several joyful occasions to which we have been present. In a local parish, the community celebrated the completion…