Luke 1:1-7 gives us an account of what happened in the days leading up to Jesus’ birth in Bethlehem: “In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that the whole world should be enrolled. This was the first enrollment, when Quirinius was governor of Syria. So all went to be enrolled, each to his own town. And Joseph [...]
On the third Sunday of Advent, the penitential purple of the season changes to the colour rose and we celebrate “Gaudete” or “Rejoice!” Sunday. It takes its name from the first word of the entrance antiphon – “Rejoice in the Lord always!”(Philippians 4:4). But why are we joyful? Simply because our Saviour is near! In the first reading, we hear the joyful [...]
In today’s readings, we read about God’s promise of the coming of Christ. Isaiah comforts the people with the prophecy of the redemption of God’s coming. However, he talks also about having to reconcile with our one true living God. Through Isaiah, we learn that God cares for us and that He will not leave us or forsake us. His [...]
When the Archangel Gabriel had visited Mary, and she heard the news that her “kinswoman Elizabeth in her old age” had “also conceived a son” and was in “her sixth month” (Luke 1: 26), Mary’s response was immediately attuned to the needs of Elizabeth. She did not spend time glorifying herself – oh I am the Mother of the Messiah, [...]
Luke chapter 1 presents to us the juxtaposition of Zechariah and Mary. Both had received an angelic revelation and message. Both had encountered the Divine as they were going about their ordinary activity – It was Zechariah’s turn for temple duties, and Mary was going about her every day. Yet the response that each person gave differed. Zechariah doubted despite [...]
The Farmer and the Pious Man | Quality over Quantity But the LORD said to Samuel, “Do not look at his appearance or at the height of his stature, because I have rejected him. For the LORD sees not as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart. ❤️” 1 Samuel 16:7 [...]
The Lord has blessed us abundantly for us to understand his love and providence. To be truly appreciative this, we should use these blessings to live in his presence. The blessings of material comfort can often turn us into jello. For comfort is what most of us seek. In this comfort, there is a letting down of our guard and [...]
Jesus’ final teaching in this week’s Gospel examines how we treat those in need. In this account, when Jesus returns in his glory, he will sit on his throne and separate people “as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats” (Matt. 25:32). The separation depends on how we treat people in need. To the sheep, he says, “Come, you [...]
Imagine an important exam we have to sit for, a very long journey we have to make, a critical assignment we have to submit. Imagine also that we know exactly what questions will be asked, and what the answers are, what to pack for the trip, how to go about the assignment. How should we prepare ourselves for each of [...]
One day, while biking with my son, we came across beautiful vines blooming with pink and white lantern-like flowers along the river. We paused to appreciate the sight and offer a prayer of gratitude to God for creating such beauty. As we observed, we noticed busy bees collecting nectar from the flowers. It was a mesmerising scene as they swiftly [...]
