2017 January

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These reflections are brought to you by the seminarians at

Holy Cross Seminary, Pune, India.
Please send your comments and suggestions to:
cscseminary@gmail.com

2017 January
Readings: Is 60:1-6; Eph 3:2-3a,5-6; Mt 2:1-12

Today is the solemnity of Mary the Mother of God. This Solemnity

may seem presumptuous to some: does not this solemnity elevate Mary
above the Holy Trinity? Having this solemnity on the first day of the year
may bring some more misconception saying that we give more
importance to Mary than to God. However, Pope John XXIII says The
Madonna is not pleased when she is put above her Son. Today, Mary
is honored as Mother of God not to degrade her Son but to exalt his
unfathomable love in lowering his divinity and taking human flesh. And
this divine motherhood is not something she asked for but it is given to
her by divine love and necessity. This world is created out of freedom.
In freedom God created the world from nothingness, and in freedom
the first parents fell into the snare of sin. God wanted to re-create this
fallen race in all freedom and free will. There is a saying, the two great
masterpieces of God are creation and re-creation of fallen race.
Almighty and all powerful God who doesnt go against the nature
paused for the opinion of his creature Mary to give place for his Son.
He wanted the earthen and fragile vessel to become the heavenly vessel
to hold the living sacrifice as a ransom for the sins of the fallen race. St.
Thomas says in this regard, Those whom God chooses for something
he prepares and disposes in such a way that they may be suited for that
which they are chosen. All creatures below human beings correspond
to the pattern of God. A tree is truly a tree because it corresponds to
Gods will. But God has to have two pictures of us; one is what we are
and the other is what we ought to be. But in Mary there is a perfect
conformity between what God wanted her to be and what she is. On
this day, let us ask ourselves, Are we living a life that goes along with
the plan of our Creator like Mary did?

Antony Cheliyan csc

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2017 January
Readings: 1 Jn 2:22-28; Jn 1:19-28

Todays readings focus on the theme Humility. The gospel reading

presents the testimony of John the Baptist about Jesus. Brian L says,
Humility is not thinking less of yourself but thinking of yourself less
often. The life of John the Baptist suits this quote very well. John the
Baptist was well aware of his call to proclaim the message of repentance
and prepare the way to welcome the Lord.
I would like to focus on the subtle message from todays reading that
is Gods plan versus our plan. It is clear that the two are not always the
same. We have to choose either our own plan or Gods plan for our
lives. The problem occurs when we tend to choose our own will instead
of Gods will.
Today, the Life of John the Baptist shows us an example to humble
ourselves and surrender to the plan of God. What normally happens to
us or around us is that we boast about ourselves. Many times, in order
to boast about ourselves, we put ourselves in relation to some popular
personalities. Our happiness depends on who we are. We get
disappointed when we are not appreciated. Today, John the Baptist
shows us the true treasure, which is humility. Any self-conceit is an
obstacle on the path of humility. Genuine humility is not selfimportance. It requires a constant willingness to deny oneself and to
be open to Gods guidance even when it differs from ones own
preconceived concepts. Let us try to cultivate the attitude of accepting
Gods will and saying God is greater than I.

Anthoni Reddy csc

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2017 January
Readings: 1 John 2:29-3:6; John 1:29-34

What is my Identity? In todays Gospel reading, John the

Baptist recognizes one of the identities of Jesus and reveals
it to his disciples. Here is the Lamb of God who takes away
the sin of the world! John the Baptist did not know the true
identity of his cousin Jesus. At first, he identifies his own
vocation (identity) as the baptizer with water. This selfrealization and awareness helped him to recognize Jesus as
the Lamb of God.
In the first reading, John proclaims to us that we are the
children of God. If we know Jesus is righteous, we are born
of him. Each one of us is temple of the Holy Spirit. But I
cannot recognize these temples unless I recognize my
vocation. Once I am aware of myself as a temple of the Holy
Spirit then I will be able to recognize others as temples of
the Holy Spirit.
Many of us take resolution in every New Year and this can
be one: I recognize the presence of the Holy Spirit in every
Individual.
Prasanta Basumatary csc

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2017 January
Readings: 1 Jn 3: 7-10; Jn 1:35-42

Todays gospel reading inviting us to reflect: Who Jesus is for me? John
the Baptist identifies Jesus as the messiah and calls Jesus as "the Lamb
of God! And he identifies Jesus' true nature and recognizes Jesus as
the son of God. When John and two of his disciples began to look at
Jesus, Jesus took the initiative to invite them into his company and
asked them What are you looking for? but they have not said what
they want instead called Jesus as "Rabbi." Jesus, seeing the curiosity of
disciples invites them to "come and see". Today Jesus is calling us to
"come and see" or taste and see that the Lord is good (Psalm 34:8).
Through this, God invites us to his friendship and love with one another.
In our life we naturally tend to share with those who are close to us
happy and unhappy moments that happen to us. In the same way
Andrew immediately went to his brother Simon and told him the good
news of his discovery or recognition of Jesus and led him to Jesus. Jesus
reached out to Simon in the same way Simon did to Andrew. Jesus not
only addressed Simon by his personal name, but he gave him a new
name which signified the call God had for him. Through faith Peter
recognized who Jesus truly was for him.
The true faith in Jesus helps us to become children of God, and like
Jesus. We need to have the help and guidance of the Holy Spirit to know
personally who Jesus is for each of us. Jesus out of his richness is ever
ready to love us and come to us in whatever state of being we are in.
Here the question is: How much do I love Jesus and spend time for him?

Bharath csc
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2017 January
Readings: 1 Jn 3: 11-21; Jn 1:43-51

St. Augustine says, You have made us for yourself, O Lord and our
hearts are restless until they rest in you. The readings of the day
present the theme: Longing for Gods Love. To hunger and thirst for
God is at the very root of our being and it is the way God created each
one of us.
The first reading of the day invites us to know and to proclaim Gods
Love in words and deeds. Love is Gods gratuitous gift given to each one
of us to help us manifest tangibly our concern and care for our fellow
brothers and sisters. Gods love cannot live in us if we refuse to share
what we have with those who are in need. Gods love is in us only when
it passes through us to others. Jesus is our perfect model in loving
others even to the point of being ready to lose our lives for them. 1 John
3:16 reads We know love by this, that he laid down his life for us and
we ought to lay down our lives for one another.
In the gospel reading, Jesus, who knows our hearts better than we do,
reveals to Nathanael the innermost thoughts and desire of his heart.
Nathanael was thirsting and desiring to know God personally. Once he
recognized Jesus as the Messiah he became the true revealer of
messianic love. God places in every heart a longing to know the One
who created us in love, for love. Jesus death on the Cross and his
Resurrection opens the way for each one of us to long for Gods love
and to enter into a new relationship with him. Let us together thirst for
Gods love and become the authentic faces of his love.

Chinnaiah csc
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2017 January
Readings: 1Jn 5:5-13; Mk 1: 7-11

The readings of the day invite us to believe in the identity that

Jesus is the Son of God. In the gospel, John the Baptist not only
witnesses a sign from heaven but also believes in the works of
Jesus. Jesus identity is marked by three signs; they are water,
spirit, and blood. These are the signs from above and they have
more authority than human witnesses. St. Peter proclaimed,
You are the Messiah. In the process of healing the demoniac of
Gerasene shouts, What have you to do with me, Jesus, son of
the Most High God? Now when the centurion, who stood
facing him, saw that in this way he breathed his last, he said,
truly this man was Gods son! The genealogy in the Gospel of
Luke leads Jesus birth to Adam and Adam to God, as a son
(Lk3:37). Many scriptural pieces of evidence prove that Jesus is
the Son of God.
Pharisees ask for a sign from heaven in Mark 8: 11 and continue
to show strong disbelief in Jesus. Who did believe in Jesus? It was
the poor, the unwanted, physically challenged and sinners. These
people have shown a great faith in worshiping the true God. This
is whom St. John in the first reading asks us to believe, Whoever
has the Son has life; whoever does not have the son of God does
not have life (1Jn5: 12 ).
Balaraj K csc

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2017 January
Readings: 1 Jn 5:14-21; Jn 2:1-11

The miracle of Jesus at Cana was his first one (at least in public!).
Just like in all the miracles to follow, the first miracle was a
response to a real need of the people he met in a marriage hall.
Jesus was shy at first to reveal his power. But chastised by his
mother, he realizes that his power has no meaning if not used for
families in such distress. Like a true mother, Mary directs her
son's energies, talents and powers to service of others and
inaugurates his ministry, his life's purpose, among the people.
Miracle happens when we are able to see the hidden
vulnerabilities of apparently strong situations, and use our
abilities to discretely and effectively protect the vulnerable.
Miracle happens when we realize that everything that we have
been blessed with are for the purpose of spending in the service
of the people. Miracle happens when a mentor can channelize
the energy, power and purpose of a person's/group's life to
protect the poor and vulnerable. May many such miracles
happen to us, and through us.
Shiju Joseph csc

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2017 January
Readings: Is 60: 1-6; Eph 3:2-3a, 5-6; Mt 2:1-12

The readings of the day help us to understand the mystery of God who
was born as a king and this mystery is revealed only those who are able
to see little things in their life as a mystery. Isaiah proclaims the birth of
the king in the first reading by saying, Arise, shine out, for the light has
come. Isaiah proclaims this because of the suffering people who had
no hope to live. People needed light, to walk in the light, both externally
and internally; a light that would remove their blindness to be a better
human being by accepting and rejecting the packages of this world. In
the second reading St. Paul recognizes that the mystery is revealed to
him about the coming of the messiah and coming of the kingdom of God
where everyone is equal in the sight of God. The king created us in the
image and likeness of him to know him and love him. But gospel tells us
that by his coming the power of worldly king is under threat. This war
has been going on down the centuries and still goes on until the
kingdom of the Messiah takes deep root and proclaims Jesus as the king
of the universe.

Wilfred csc

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2017 January
Readings: Is 42:1-9; Acts 10:34-43; Mt 3:13-17

Today is the Feast of the Baptism of our Lord. Liturgically, this

celebration brings the Christmas Season to a close, and it marks the
beginning of the season of Ordinary Time.
The Feast of the Baptism of the Lord reveals two great truths.
1. Jesus through his Baptism confirms and reveals the infinite Love of
God.
2. Jesus baptism reminds us of our own baptism and our response to
Gods infinite Love.
Jesus Incarnation is the mark of Gods Love expressed in tangible
human ways and understanding. God who is all powerful and almighty
chooses to be born as a fragile human. This is the mystery of Gods love,
difficult to understand by mere human understanding. Jesus expressed
this infinite love of the Father through his preaching, teaching and
healing ministries. In this context baptism of the Lord marks the
beginning or inauguration of Jesus mission on earth to manifest Gods
Love to all the people.
Our baptism is a gift. Through baptism, we have become children
sharing in the life and love of the Trinity. Baptism is a call to love beyond
boundaries of culture, language, status or any sort of bias. Todays feast
calls each of us to realize the love of God in our life and become the
channel of sharing this love with our brethren in our daily life.

Joyson csc
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10

2017 January
Readings: Heb 2:5-12; Mk 1:21-28

The divinity and authoritative power of God is manifested in his

Son Jesus Christ. Jesus power is not about taming the pride of
human beings, instead it is about his authoritative teaching
where everyone admires him and is surprised by his command.
The people are shocked, and marvel at his power. They wonder
where his power comes from as he could cast out the unclean
spirit. At the coming of the Lord Jesus, the whole world rejoices.
He turns the world upside down; he brings the new teaching: the
teaching of love and mercy.
The reading of today speaks about the authority and Son-ship of
Jesus. He rules the world with justice which comes from above.
He comes to the world to bring joy, peace and prosperity. He
comes to heal the sick, give sight to the blind and cast out the
demons. The name and power of Jesus spread throughout the
centuries but yet we are still blind to the power of Christ. We are
like those unclean spirits who dont want to be changed by the
power of Christ. We imprison ourselves into our own life; we
dont want to be touched by the Lord. The reading invites us to
come out from the state of darkness and humble ourselves
before the Lord and allow the Lord to change us and let him cast
out the dark side of our life.
Lawrence Wanniang csc
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11

2017 January
Readings: Heb 2: 14- 18; Mk 1: 29- 39

In todays first reading, we see the one who has the power to
deliver us from all evil spirits. He has suffered and he himself was
tested by the evil spirits. In fact, this was part of Gods plan that
Jesus had to face the human realities so as to become fully
human, even though he was fully divine. In the gospel reading we
see, Jesus healing the sick people and casting out the demons.
This indeed indicates to us the divine power of Jesus. Jesus was
moved with pity for those people who did suffer, because he
himself had the personal experience of fighting against evil
spirits. And he felt the need for helping the people who were
helpless in times of suffering by the bondage of possession. We
also see Jesus in the gospel, spending time in prayer before going
from one place to another for his mission. All his activities and
experiences set an example for us that we have to connect
ourselves with God in prayer in all circumstances so that we may
be able to stand against everything that takes us away from doing
what God wants us to do in our life.
John Kennedy csc

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12

2017 January
Readings: Heb 3:7-14; Mk 1:40-45

Todays liturgy invites each of us to draw close to God. Today we see in

the gospel, Jesus chose to heal the leper, because the leper made a
choice to come to Jesus for healing. From the gospel we can see two
important qualities for our spiritual journey to seek God.
1. Our determination to seek God.
2. Expressing that experience of the personal touch of God.
We are created by God and given power over all Gods creation. The
greatest gift of God to us is the freedom of Choice. God gives us the
freedom to choose what inspires us. In our freedom of choice we may
differ from that of the will of God has for us. We have many examples
that walked away from God because of ones own choice. When one
realizes that one is away from God and has a strong determination to
come back to God, God always shows compassion. In short human
misery meets divine compassion.
It is very evident that when we have a pleasant experience of anything
we want to tell others. This is what happens in todays gospel. The
personal touch of God is to be spread like forest fire among the people,
which would help others to have a thirst to experience the same God
whom we have personally experienced. In the words of St. Paul in 1Cor
9: 16 Woe to me if I do not proclaim the Gospel.
Today we are invited to draw close to God, because God waits for us to
go to him which, in turn, becomes Gods grace freely expressed through
us in the Abba experience of love, mercy and compassion of God.

Siju Pappachan csc

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13

2017 January
Readings: Heb 4: 1-5,11; Mk 2: 1-12

Todays Gospel reading can be divided into two parts. The first part
highlights the faith of people in Jesus and the second the attitude of
Jesus towards the paralyzed man. Jews believed that sickness was a
result of sin. Therefore, it was understood that any person who was ill
was facing the anger of God. If we analyze humanly or from the
psychological perspective, it is a cruel thing to say to a person who is
suffering, that he is suffering because of his sins. By doing this we
unconsciously communicate to the person that he is unworthy to be
healed. But sadly, this was the attitude and the common view in Jewish
society as a whole towards the people who were sick and in pain.
In the first part, we see the faith of four men. The four men believed in
Jesus and they took a risk in bringing the paralytic to Jesus. Jesus was
moved by their faith and their efforts paid off. It is a message for all of
us that our faith in God and our efforts to do good for others will always
bring miracles.
In the second part we see the compassionate side of Jesus. In Jesus we
see an attitude of perfect love, of a heart yearning with love and eager
to forgive. Jesus reminds us that God is not angry with us and that he
has the authority and the merciful heart to forgive our sins and to
promote our wellbeing.

Rajashekhar csc

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14

2017 January
Readings: Heb 4: 12-16; Mk 2: 13-17

Todays readings invite us to grow in God-consciousness and awakes

our mind, soul and heart to the strength of the word of God. Gods word
is powerful; it crosses the borders of differences and binds the
humanity with love, forgiveness and mercy of God. The readings also
assure us with a great assistance of a great king, Jesus our Master, to
win the struggles of this world and experience the joy of Gods kingdom.
Our God is a God of mercy and his help always follows the helpless and
the weak. The gospel reading of today throws light on the
compassionate accompaniment of God in our life. Jesus says, He has
come to seek the sick and the sinners and not the righteous. Today he
continues his mission of searching the sick at heart and those depressed
due to sin. And everyone who is found by God becomes strong with
refreshed thoughts, renewed mind and revived soul. God wishes every
child on earth becomes rich with his grace. And what about you? Do you
want to be found by God? God gives us all a vocation to follow him.
When Jesus called Levi to follow him, he had no doubt, question or fear;
he immediately followed him. Jesus is knocking at the door of our
conscience every moment. How are we going to respond to him? Is it
only through the yes of our lips or also through actions of our heart?.

Arockia Raj csc

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15

2017 January
Readings: Is 49: 3, 5-6; 1Cor 1: 1-3; Jn 1: 29-34

Today the first reading and the gospel reading help us to discover
Jesus as a true lamb. We hear in the first reading Isaiah
proclaiming that you are Israel, my servant, through you I will be
known (Is 49:3). God reveals himself through Jesus Christ. There
are two kinds of love, one is giving love and the other is receiving
love. God the Father sent his only Son to redeem the world
because he loved the world and says my servant through you I
will be known. In the gospel reading John the Baptist affirms
that Jesus is the lamb of God and who takes away the sins of the
world. In the language of the Jews, the word lamb can mean both
servant and lamb. Jesus is the servant of God spoken of by the
prophets, who was to sacrifice himself for his people.
Theologically Jesus is the true lamb that replaces the paschal
lamb. As people of God, today we are called to discover Gods
mission through our day-to-day life as John the Baptist
discovered Jesus as a Lamb of God.
Manickam csc

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16

2017 January
Readings: Heb 5:1-10; Mk 2:18-22

In the Jewish religion there was only one day in all the year that
was a compulsory fasting day, and that was the Day of
Atonement. However, for a stricter Jew fasting was a regular
practice. He would fast twice a week, on Mondays and Thursdays.
Jesus had no problem with fasting. He himself fasted for forty
days. When he was asked why he and his disciples did not fast,
he answered with a vivid picture which everyone could
understand. In the Jewish culture wedding was a time of special
festivity. The celebration lasted for a week and the house was
kept open for friends to come and share the joy and festivities.
Jesus compared himself with the bridegroom and his disciples
with the bridegrooms closest friends. In a company like that
there can be no fasting and sadness.
This passage tells us that to be with Jesus there is a sheer thrill
and effervescence of life. The man who walks with Jesus walks in
radiance of joy. The discovery and the company of Christ is the
key to happiness. However, it also tells us of the challenge our
following of Christ can bring as Jesus seems to say, Are you ready
to face both- the Christian joy and the Christian cross?.
Bilingshar Syiemlieh csc

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17

2017 January
Readings: Heb 6:10-20; Mk 2:23-28

Todays readings invite us to have faith in the Lord of the Sabbath

and not on the human laws. We hear in the gospel reading about
the complaint of Pharisees to Jesus concerning his disciples act
of picking up grains from the field which is forbidden on the
Sabbath day. For Jews, the meticulous observance of laws was
considered to be very important and their utmost priority. This is
because of their belief that God worked for six days and he took
rest on the seventh day. Hence, this day was to be a Sabbath day
for the people and nobody is allowed to work. On the contrary,
Jews failed to comprehend that God is beyond laws.
Consequently, they ended up in only following the rules and
regulations. But God expects from us not only to observe the laws
but also to go beyond laws in order to reach out to people. The
Sabbath day was made for the good of humankind so that we
become closer to God and remain faithful to him. Jesus is the
perfect personification of God the Father who works and even
breaks the Sabbath day so as to manifest his love to humanity.
He is the Lord of the Sabbath who is always with us and dwells
amongst us. So, we are called to follow him faithfully
James csc

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18

2017 January
Readings: Heb 7: 1-3, 15-17; Mk 3: 1-6

He said to the man, Stretch out your hand. And he stretched it

forth, and his hand was restored unto him.
The divine priest our Lord Jesus came into this world in order to
give life to all and in its fullness. When Jesus began his ministry in
Nazareth, he preached that the prophecy of Isaiah will be fulfilled
through him (Luke 4:17-21). Todays reading is one those
incidents in which Jesus renews the life of the lost. But before
doing this he uses a different approach in order to show the real
value of life. He asked those who were there, is it lawful to do
good on the Sabbath or to do evil? To save life or to destroy?
But there was no one to tell the answer which could bring fullness
of life from heaven to earth. The question was not only for them
it is for us too. There are so many things within us which prevent
us from doing good and reaching out to people. It may not be
possible to change our lives overnight but if we are not able help
others at least let us not stop them from being helped by others.
Philosan csc

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19

2017 January
Readings: Heb 7: 25-8:6; Mk 3: 7-12

The readings of the day remind us that Jesus came to this world
to save us spiritually and physically. He has offered himself on our
behalf forever. Gospel reading tells us that when people
approached Jesus, he healed them. God took the initiative and
sent his only son to save us all. Here our duty is to go to Jesus and
then we receive the blessings from him. We should make an
attempt to go to Jesus, instead of sitting in one place and
complaining that I didnt receive any blessing or help from the
Lord. Jesus is our Shepherd and we are the sheep. When the
shepherd calls, we need to go behind him and we need to say to
him, here I am Lord I come to do your will. If we dont, we go
away from the shepherd. People call Jesus as Son of God because
they recognized him.
Vijith Joncy Mathias csc

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20

2017 January
Readings: Heb 8:6-13; Mk 3:13-19

Todays liturgy focuses on the theme Discipleship. We have a simple

definition in todays gospel about Disciple. Disciple means to be with
Him, and to be sent out to proclaim the message.
In olden days in India we had Ashrams. A disciple used to spend his life
in Ashram under a Guru to learn or to study. Studies in those days
focused on holistic learning for life. In the same way in Jewish tradition
too, a disciple used to go to rabbi to learn from him. The purpose of the
disciple going to Rabbi was to inculcate the qualities of the master. The
master after a particular period of time sends his disciple out to be an
apostle who represents him or his presence tangibly expressed through
the disciple.
Today in the gospel too we see a similar incident. The difference is very
subtle. Jesus prays before he chooses his disciples, Jesus gives them an
identity by naming them. We too are called to be the Disciples of Jesus.
Our identity is to represent Jesus in and around us.
Our task is dialectical that is to be with Jesus and to represent Jesus.
Either of this cannot stand independently because we read in the letter
of St. James 2:17, faith by itself, if it has no works, is dead. Today we
are invited to strike a balance between being with Jesus and to be
Jesus in our present scenario of life.

Roshan DSouza csc

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21

2017 January
Readings: Heb 9:2-3, 11-14; Mk 3:20-21

Often the society defines madness as something redundant. Yet,

we are today, in and through the Gospel reading called to
embrace madness just like Jesus did. Madness is somewhere
between chaos and having a dream, said R. M. Drake. Jesus
knew this fact very well. Thats why he went about doing good
even when he knew for sure that he would be called someone
out of his mind. Dear friends, our society too is no different
from the society in which Jesus lived. Yes, in our era, the values
of individualism has reached such heights that we no longer care
to reach out to the others in need. We are afraid that we too
might be called people who have had gone out of their mind, if
we go out of our way to reach out to the others, especially when
it is not even remotely beneficial to us. However, it is time to face
our fear; it is time to reach others in need by the use of creative
force that is hidden in chaos and more importantly it is time to
give wings to our dreams to fly high in the sky of madness and
thus taste the wisdom of Jesus. For little did the rest of the
society know the inexplicable truth that the madness of Jesus is
greater than the wisdom of the world.
Richard csc

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22

2017 January
Readings: Is 8:23-9; 3, 1 Cor 1: 10-13, 17, Mt 4:12-23

Jesus was so different from the other teachers of the Law, who
roamed and preached on busy street corners, hoping some
would hear and follow them. Jesus gave an urgent call to his
disciples with the good news that God has entered history and
sanctified it through Jesus presence. We are invited to respond
by repentance and a decisive yes!
Jesus coming is the time of fulfillment, recalling the prophecies
of old that God would intervene in human affairs and strengthen
them by changing hearts. This is also an urgent opportunity for
us to decide totally for God; we cannot remain neutral or
postpone our answer. As religious we must respond yes to
Gods reign, much as the fishermen in the Gospel.
Jowelson csc

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23

2017 January
Readings: Heb 9: 15, 24-28; Mk 3: 22-30

Todays liturgy focuses on the theme unity in communion with the

creator God. Jesus mission on earth is to fulfil the will of God. We read
in the Gospel of Luke, Jesus gives his mission motto, The spirit of the
Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to bring good news to the
poor. He has sent me to proclaim release to the captives and recovery
of sight to the blind, to let the oppressed go free, to proclaim the year
of the Lords favour.
In those days it was believed that any sort of disabilities/sickness like
blindness, dumbness, etc. was a curse from God and it was attributed
to the possession of demon. This is why we have many references in the
Gospel about devil or demon and possessions by evil spirits. Sadducees
accuse Jesus of being possessed by Beelzebul. In response to this Jesus
says, kingdom divided in itself cannot stand. He also further says that
sins against the Holy Spirit cannot be forgiven.
It is a commonly held view as the proverb says 'united we stand divided
we fall.' If we dont have unity we dont accomplish anything; rather we
fail or perish. It was also a tactic to defeat a strong nation by infusing
confusion among them and make them fight among themselves which
we read even in Indian history.
Jesus gives us a strong message for our life to be united in God. Sin
against Holy Spirit is nothing but doubting the power of God that God is
loving, forgiving, merciful, and compassionate. Today we are invited to
have communion with God, other and oneself. This communion is
possible in realizing the Spirit of God within oneself.

Joel G Mendonca csc

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24

2017 January
Readings: Heb 10: 1-10; Mk 3: 31-35

Todays gospel passage is a point of disagreement among the

people of different denominations of Christian faith. If we take
the passage literally, it appears that Jesus had brothers and
sisters. However when we refer to the original Hebrew text, the
sematic usage of brother\brethren is applied not only to
children of the same parents, but also to cousins, nieces,
nephews, half-brothers and half-sisters. The Catholic Church
upholds the position that brothers and sisters mentioned in the
passage denotes the extended family of members of Jesus.
In todays gospel, Jesus makes use of the scenario, wherein Jesus
mother, brothers and sisters come to see him, to teach everyone
how to become his family of members. Practically speaking it is
not possible for everyone to become his brothers and sisters by
flesh. This privilege is confined to a few. But Jesus shows the way
to become his mother, brother and sister, that is, if we become
his disciples who would listen to his words and do the will of the
Father in heaven.
Thus, the invitation for us is to bear his name, carry his image in
our hearts and manifest his nature in our lives to become his
brothers and sisters in our day today life.
Santhosh Fernandes csc
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25

2017 January
Readings: Acts 22:3-16/9:1-22; Mk 16:15-18

Today the Catholic Church celebrates the Conversion of St. Paul.

St. Paul was born as Saul at Tarsus, the capital of Cilicia. When
Saul encountered Christ on the road to Damascus which changed
him forever. This conversion of St. Paul while he was on his way
to Damascus is one of the most touching miracles in the history
of the early Church. It shows us how faith comes from the grace
of God and from ones free cooperation. St. Paul is the model and
example for us to show, from a persecutor (Saul), he was
transformed into a zealous and courageous apostle (Paul).
Jesus doesnt see people in the same light that we see, Jesus did
not see what Paul was, instead he saw what Paul can be in the
future. When I started my journey in Holy Cross we were 28, and
now we are only 5. Those who left the congregation are very
talented and gifted, but as days passed I realized Gods ways of
looking at and choosing vocations are different.
In the Gospel we hear Jesus telling his apostles to go out to the
whole world and proclaim the good news to all creation. Today
this good news should reflect in our life itself. Today we need to
see the image of Christ in those people who are lost, the least
and the last in our society. The real conversion is to recognize the
image of Christ in others.
Pretham Joy Menezes csc

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26

2017 January
Readings: Heb 10:19-25, Mk 4:21-25

Today India celebrates Republic Day, a day to reflect on our

freedom and Constitution of India. Todays liturgy helps us to
encourage one another and also provokes us to love one another
as true Christian and Indian as well. In the first reading, we are
invited to believe in the flesh (Jesus) which has saved us and helps
to march towards the ultimate destiny that he himself has shown
us. Through this reading, St. Paul invites us to embrace
Universal brotherhood in our words and deeds. Through the
gospel reading of today Jesus tells us the importance of light
which shouldnt be kept hidden. With the example of light our
Lord asks us to bring out our goodness, righteousness, love,
mercy and compassion towards the people with whom we live
and move. Finally, todays liturgy emphasizes the vertical and
horizontal relationships in our life, i.e., the triangle theory of life
(God Me Others) to fulfill the commandment of Jesus and to
be his faithful disciple forever.
Manu Praveen csc

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27

2017 January
Readings: Heb 10: 32-39; Mk 4: 26-34

In todays Gospel, Jesus uses parables of the growth of a seed to

describe the Kingdom of God. In both parables, seeds, once scattered
and sown, grow on their own accord. In the first parable, the scattered
seeds yield fruit, and Jesus tells that the harvest has come. In the
second, Jesus compares the Kingdom of God to the smallest of seeds:
the mustard seed. When this seed is sown, it grows to be one of the
largest plants, a plant which provides shade for the birds of the sky.
Jesus seems to imply that like a mustard seed, the Kingdom of God has
humble beginnings on earth, but will soon grow to be larger than all
else. We cannot control the growth of a seed just as we cannot control
the growth of the Kingdom of God and it is natural. The birth of Jesus in
Bethlehem began this faith that we call Christianity, and it continues to
grow today, providing shade for many.
Todays reading challenges us to find the potential and beauty in little
things. Just as a mustard seed grows into a large, beautiful plant, the
smallest of actions and occurrences may be the beginnings of
something much bigger. The Kingdom of God exists in the smallest of
seeds: a childs laugh, a sunny day, a hello to a stranger, a sharing of
ones faith story, a sharing of meal, an acknowledgement of someones
humanity the list goes on. So, let us ask ourselves where can we find
the Kingdom of God today? As people of God let us promote its growth
and find comfort in its shade.

Selvam csc

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28

2017 January
Readings: Heb 11:1-2, 8-19; Mk 4:35-41

Todays liturgy focuses on the theme Faith. What is faith? We

have various definitions for faith. We read in Heb 11:1, Faith
means being sure of the things we hope for and knowing that
something is real even if we do not see it.
Our life is a journey. Our journey begins form our birth and ends
with our death. Between these two expressions of life-situations
our journey is not a lonely one as we read in the Gospel: Jesus
travels along with disciples in the boat. The boat symbolizes our
life. Our life journey may not be easy; some time there are
storms, and waves beat into the boat. We come across in our life
a lot of challenges, difficult times, and criticisms. The question is,
do we realize the presence of Jesus in our midst? Or do we
become miserable? Today we are called to examine our life and
realize the moments when we did not recognize the presence of
Jesus. It is an invitation to realize the presence of Jesus in darkest
night of our life.
Let our prayer be: God our Father, you conquer the darkness of
ignorance by the light of your Word. Strengthen within our hearts
the faith you have given us; let not temptation ever quench the
fire that your love has kindled within us. Amen.
Arone Vas csc

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29

2017 January
Readings: Zep 2:3; 3:12-13; 1 Cor 1:26-31; Mt 5:1-12

Great thoughts speak only to the thoughtful mind, but great

actions speak to all humanity. We live in a world where we see
importance is given to rich rather than poor. Let us look at the
present economic scenario. All want to become rich and wealthy,
and only then they have respect in the society. In this situation,
it is very difficult to understand the words of Jesus on poverty.
The beatitudes are clear signs of happiness and joy. Great people
like Mother Theresa were not rich in terms of money or wealth.
But she was rich in service and love. Small acts of kindness made
her what she is now. She had applied these beatitudes in her life,
because of this reason she could see the happiness in others and
within her. So let us try to espouse one beatitude in our day-today life, so that we may be happy and joyful messengers of God.
Bonaventure Lobo csc

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30

2017 January
Readings: Heb 11:32-40; Mk 5:1-20

Todays gospel-reading demonstrates Jesus power over the

forces of the nature and demonic forces. According to the Jewish
understanding of the cosmic world, this world is ruled by the dual
bipolar forces. Jesus heals the person according to the Jewish
understanding of the cosmic world. However todays gospel
readings depicts a person who is not in sync with himself because
he is hurting himself with a stone; is not in sync with the fellow
human beings, because he is living outside the village far away
from the human habitation; and is not in sync with God for he is
possessed. When one is not in sync with God, one distorts the
relationship with God, with his fellow human beings and with
himself. Having the demonic man cured of his possession, he
proclaimed Christ and the great miracle that he experienced.
When God entered into his life, all the crooked paths were made
straight and friction was removed.
Thus todays gospel reading calls us to be in sync with God. When
our vertical relationship with God is established through daily
Eucharist and prayer, our horizontal relationship with human
beings would be restored and we would be at ease with
ourselves.
Joseph Kartik csc

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31

2017 January
Readings: Heb 12:1-4; Mk 5:21-43

Both the readings of the day demonstrate the theme Faith. This
passage elucidates three important dimensions. This gospel
passage is known as intercalation in the exegetical study of the
Markan gospel. Intercalation means, a story begins and in
between of the story a new story is inserted and once the
inserted story ends the original story proceeds. We see in the
gospel that Jesus proceeds towards Jairus house to visit his ailing
daughter, on the way a woman with hemorrhage is healed by
Jesus for her faith and once that is over Jesus once again
proceeds to Jairus house. Second dimension is the faith of the
woman with hemorrhage and of the synagogue president Jairus.
The woman is healed by touching the cloak of Jesus, such is the
faith of the woman and such faith rewarded her wellness. The
president of synagogue Jairus recognized Jesus as son of God and
Messiah and had complete faith on him. His faith rewarded him
the restoration of his daughters life. The third dimension is, Jesus
did an impossible act. He raised the dead daughter of Jairus
amidst the mocking and ridiculing people. Our Lord does
impossible things to those who have trust and faith in him. Jesus
through this rich passage invites us to have faith in him in all
conditions of our life and to do the needful to our neighbor as he
is ever faithful to our needs.
Robin csc
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