SPRINGS OF LIVING WATER

March 10, 2025March 10, 2025

11th MARCH 2025

Isaiah 55:10-11 For as the rain cometh down, and the snow from heaven, and returneth not thither, but watereth the earth, and maketh it bring forth and bud, that it may give

TUESDAY, FIRST WEEK OF LENT

Is 55: 10-11 Ps 34: 4-7, 16-19 Mt 6: 7-15

UNDERSTANDING THE AGE-OLD PROPHECY!

A few decades ago, Language came under the radar of the linguistic philosophers who dissected it as an object! However, a few thousand years back, a prophet too considered analysing language – not human language, however, but God’s language, i.e. His words themselves. In today’s first reading, we have Prophet Isaiah describing the effectiveness of the divine word. He assures us that the word that comes from the mouth of God accomplishes without fail the purpose for which it was sent.

But what is this word of God? A little analysis could help us understand what Isaiah is conveying. The reading is taken from the chapter 55 of Isaiah, thus falling into the second section of the Book of Isaiah called Deutero-Isaiah. In this part, the prophet prepares the exiled Jews for their return to Jerusalem. Relaying God’s promises and asking them to trust in Him by being hopeful, he seeks a response of joy from them. Therefore, this part of the book has four songs called the ‘Servant Songs.’ They are found in chapters 42, 49, 50, and 52-53. These songs speak of the Servant, who is God’s agent, appointed to do His work in the world. Following these are chapters 54 and 55, which describe the work of this Servant of God. The Servant is another title for the Messiah whom the same prophet prophesies about. The Messiah is Jesus Himself.

Thus, the word of God that accomplishes its purpose is the Divine Word, i.e., the Son of God, Jesus Christ. The Gospel of John clearly affirms this: “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God” (Jn 1:1). This Divine Word, as Prophet Isaiah proclaims, accomplished the purpose for which He was sent. The purpose was our salvation, after which He returned to the Father. During this season of Lent, as we are preparing ourselves to celebrate our salvation, let this reading fill us with awe and gratitude for God’s eternal plan of salvation!

Response: The Lord rescues them in all their distress.

March 9, 2025March 9, 2025

10th MARCH 2025

Matthew 25:31-46 Applying Jesus' Teachings in Today's World – SHORT POWERFUL SERMONS

MONDAY, FIRST WEEK OF LENT

Lv 19: 1-2, 11-18 Ps 19: 8-10, 15 Mt 25: 31-46

INHERIT THE KINGDOM OF GOD WITH YOUR DEEDS

A Christian is one who does not only worship Christ but tries his/her best to live like Him. How do you live like Christ? We find the answer in today’s Gospel. The Son of Man will come and sit on His glorious throne as all nations gather before Him, and He will separate the people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats; the sheep on His right and the goats on His left. The ones on the right are given the inheritance of the Kingdom, which was created since the foundation of the world. As for the people on the left, the Son of Man asks them to depart from Him. The criteria for this division is simple: the deeds performed during the earthly life.

Today’s Gospel encourages us to make a difference in society. It inspires us to reach out to those in need and help them in whatever way we can. Even though our world today has progressed in terms of knowledge and technology, hunger, poverty, lack of medical facilities, and lack of education, remain major issues in society. As Christians, we must make a difference in these areas. Because, at the end of the day, it is important to remember that the God we serve helps everyone regardless of who they are. He never expects anything in return. When we help someone in our lifetime, however, He blesses us with rewards we cannot even imagine.

This reward is the difference between the people who are on the right and on the left. The Son of Man mentions to the people on the right that their helpful nature has earned them an inheritance in the Kingdom, while the people on the left are asked to depart because they ignored the cries of the needy. Thus, when we see someone in need, let us not turn away our face. Instead, let us offer a helping hand. By doing so, we will not only bring a smile to their face but will also fulfil God’s mission, making us eligible for the inheritance of the Kingdom.

Response: Your words, O Lord, are Spirit and life.

March 8, 2025March 7, 2025

9th MARCH 2025

Verse by Verse - Luke 4:1-13

SUNDAY, FIRST WEEK OF LENT

Dt 26: 4-10 Ps 91: 1-2, 10-15 Rom 10: 8-13 Lk 4: 1-13

LENT IS A TIME OF TRUTH!

The season of Lent is an invitation to repentance, the forty days given to us to cleanse ourselves, our hearts and minds and be renewed by the Spirit. During this season, we cry out to Him to nourish us with the Word of Life and the grace to rise above our human weakness. And the psalmist assures us that God is with us: “When they call to me, I will answer them, I will be with them in their trouble…”

“The choicest of the first fruits of your soil you will bring to the house of the Lord, your God” (Ex 23:19). When the fruits would begin to sprout on the trees, the farmer would mark the first ones with a ribbon and, as soon as they matured, he would place them in a basket. Accompanied by his entire family, he would take them to the Temple, and acknowledge that these fruits were a gift of the Lord; they had grown on the land that God gave them (cf. Deut 26:1-3). The first reading, starts at this point. The priest would take the basket and put it in front of the altar of the Lord. Then he would invite the farmer to make his profession of faith, reciting each verse, and have it repeated by the family. In summary, this exercise captures the history of salvation. In one way, it shows the wandering Israelite now settled, celebrating with his family, the fruits of his fields. In another way, it shows the state of freedom. From the condition of slavery, Israel once oppressed, abused, humiliated, now lives free and happy. The passage is relevant at the beginning of Lent to all who are called to conversion. God shows the miraculous transformation that he actuates in those who trust in him.

The Psalm reminds us that we are living under the protection of God’s care. We are given an assurance that he is near and ever-willing to listen to our cry. In the second reading, taken from the letter to the Romans, Paul reassures us that our faith in God saves us. Like the farmer confessed his faith in God, the believer is to confess his/her faith both in the heart and on the lips. This confession breaks all barriers and make us one people, “as the first fruits of his creatures” (Jas 1:18).

The Gospel of Luke speaks of the Holy Spirit playing a vital role in the life of Jesus. Filled with the Holy Spirit at Baptism, He is empowered to overcome every temptation thrown at him for the forty days in the wilderness. The desert, barren and death-dealing, was uninviting to life. After the desert, the devil left him only to return when a fresh occasion arrived and at an appointed time. This clearly indicates that neither Jesus nor we have freedom from temptation in this life. The devil tempts Jesus to bend to His will, instead of God’s will.

We notice that in all three temptations, Jesus uses Scripture to refute the devil and his plans. As humans, we too should do the same and bend, not to our will but to the plan of God. Our capacity to repent and resist temptation comes from our relationship with God and his grace of deliverance rather than our own strength. Christ’s forty-day fast reminds us of the necessity to master the impulses of our flesh and live by God’s commandments. You will be tempted exactly as Jesus was, because Jesus was being tempted exactly as we are.

The first temptation questions our ‘hunger’. We are all hungry for many things: physical, emotional and spiritual. Many of us hunger especially for love, recognition, identity. Yet Lent reminds us that our true hunger must be for ‘communion with God.’ The third temptation questions our trust in God’s protection. The central and second temptation questions the ‘center of our worship’. Do we direct our worship to ourselves, or to things, relationships, pleasures, etc.? Jesus teaches us through the Gospel, to place God first in our lives; everything else will follow. We do this by spending time with the one whom we love – ‘God.’ Thus, prayer is the key element of Lent, along with fasting and almsgiving.

Focusing on Christ is a sure way to overcome evil. I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The Cross before, the world behind. Pope Francis quotes: “Lent is a time of truth, a time to drop the masks we put on each day to appear perfect in the eyes of the world and to reject lies and hypocrisy.”

Response: Be with me, O Lord, when I am in distress.

March 7, 2025March 7, 2025

8th MARCH 2025

The insensitive side of media: A call for change

SATURDAY, SATURDAY AFTER ASH WEDNESDAY

Is 58: 9-14 Ps 86: 1-6 Lk 5: 27-32

THE CALL TO CHANGE

In the readings of today, God speaks to us through the prophet Isaiah and reminds us of how we come to the newness of spirit. If we call upon the Lord with a true and repentant heart, He will certainly hear us.

In the first reading, God calls us to share bread with the hungry and comfort the afflicted. Our acts must reflect the mercy of our loving God; only then will His light shine, and we will be like “watered gardens,” fruitful and plentiful. There is a further call to spend the Lord’s Day in reverence, for then can we seek “delight in the Lord.”. God clearly places the demands for an ethical life over religious practice. Five times in this chapter he begins with the word “if,” and twice he concludes those conditions with the word “then.” One such condition demands that we stop finger-pointing and stop speaking evil of others.

In the gospel reading of today, Jesus sees the tax collector, Levi, who perhaps was an outcast to the Jews of his time because of his profession. Tax collectors were despised on two counts: firstly, they collaborated with foreign rulers (the collected taxes for the Romans), and secondly, they were corrupt, extorting far more money than was due. They were shunned in Jewish society; to be associated with or even seen talking to one of these was unthinkable. Jesus invited Levi into a relationship with him. He loved Levi exactly as he was, even in his sin. He also loved him enough to not let him stay in that sin. Jesus loved him first! This is how Jesus looks at each one of us – with love and not condemnation. And Jesus wants us as well to look at each person with love and not condemnation.

The call to change our lives is the call to embrace Jesus again. The call to change our lives is the call to tell God, “I am sorry”. This is what the Lenten season is calling us to do. What is our response to this call?

Response: Teach me, O Lord, your way, so that I may walk in your truth.

March 6, 2025

7th MARCH 2025

FRIDAY, FRIDAY AFTER ASH WEDNESDAY

Is 58: 1-9 Ps 51: 3-6, 18-19 Mt 9: 14-15

FASTING: PERFORMANCE OR TRANSFORMATIVE?

In today’s Gospel, we see the disciples of John miffed with Jesus and his disciples for not fasting as they and the Pharisees do. According to the law of Moses, the Jews were required to fast at least once a year on Yom Kippur; i.e. the Day of Atonement (Lev 16:29, 23:27). The phrase of the exhortation in the Scriptural passages is variously translated as “deny yourself”, “afflict your souls”, “humble yourself.” During the time of Jesus, the Pharisees fasted twice a week. Jesus had no problem with the practice. However, what He was against is the way they went about it. The two days of fasting that they preferred were Monday and Thursday – the market days of the week when the crowds on the streets were at their peak. Many Pharisees roamed the streets with faces painted white to look pale and make a show of their fasting. The practice became more of a performance than something transformative.

Jesus uses this opportunity to explain the true meaning of fasting; i.e., that it should be centred on God and directed towards Him alone. Consequently, when God is in their midst, there is no need for fasting. Jesus teaches “Be careful not to practice your righteousness in front of others to be seen by them…” and again, “And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by others….”

Did Jesus change the teaching of the Law of Moses? Is the God of the New Testament different from the God of the Old Testament? Absolutely not. Today’s first reading proclaims what fasting is and what it is not, echoing the teaching of the Gospel. Fasting is a disconnection from our flesh to strengthen our connection with God. Our fasting is true, if it resembles Isaiah’s words in the first reading (vv.6–8): “break unjust fetters… free the oppressed… feed the hungry… shelter the homeless… clothe the naked…”

Response: A broken and humbled heart, O God, you will not spurn.

March 5, 2025March 5, 2025

6th MARCH 2025

Deut 30:19-20 – Choose Life – Encouraging Bible Verses

THURSDAY, THURSDAY AFTER ASH WEDNESDAY

Dt 30: 15-20 Ps 1: 1-4, 6 Lk 9: 22-25

CHOOSE LIFE!

The liturgy today presents a stark choice between life and death. Its message highlights the importance of establishing the course of our lives on the love of God and His plan for us. During the Lenten season, this message serves as a call to introspection, urging us to examine our daily spiritual choices and to consciously walk on the path that leads to life by returning to God in repentance and renewed commitment.

Moses, outlines two distinct paths: one leading to life, blessing, and prosperity, and the other leading to death, curses, and destruction. These paths represent the fundamental spiritual and moral choices that shape our relationship with God. In Lent, we are called to a conscious turning away from sin and a deliberate choice to embrace the path that leads to life. Every action, thought, and decision has the potential to either draw us closer to God or distance us from His grace. ‘Choosing life’ demands an internal transformation. Lent urges us to delve deep within ourselves to identify the obstacles that hinder our full surrender to God, and earnestly seek His grace for this transformation necessary. In the Gospel, we are reminded of the emptiness of a life oriented away from Him and towards what the world offers.

Do our daily choices take us closer to God or further away? Let us commit to one concrete action this Lent to cultivate a holier life. Let us seek reconciliation through the sacrament of Confession, embracing God’s abundant mercy. Let us nourish our spiritual lives through prayer, diligent study of Scripture, and regular participation in the Eucharist. Choosing life is not about avoiding sin; it is about embracing a joyful and intimate relationship with God, characterized by love, obedience, and unwavering trust. His commandments, though demanding, ultimately lead to true freedom and the fullness of life that can only be found in Christ.

Response: Blessed the man who has placed his trust in the Lord.

March 4, 2025March 4, 2025

5th MARCH 2025

3 pillars of lent prayer fasting almsgiving Template | PosterMyWall

WEDNESDAY, ASH WEDNESDAY

Jl 2 :12-18 Ps 51:3-6,12-14,17 2 Cor 5:20–6:2 Mt 6:1-6, 16-18

THE THREE PILLARS OF LENT

Lent is essentially a twofold journey: giving up that which leads us away from God and taking up practices that draw us closer to Him. It is a time of deep reflection on the passion and death of Christ, coupled with an honest examination of our own sinfulness. At its heart, Lent calls us to repent. True repentance involves more than regret; it demands a transformation of heart and behaviour. As the saying goes, ‘Let our Lent be a Lent well spent, not a Lent that just came and went.’

The three pillars – prayer, fasting, and almsgiving – bring us closer to God and provide a solid foundation for our lives. These practices are far more than mere rituals; they are expressions of our faith, devotion, and love for God and neighbour. While these pillars are often emphasised during the Lenten season, their significance extends throughout our entire lives. They teach us the core values of Christianity and offer a pathway to grow in holiness, self-discipline, and charity. Furthermore, they are not meant to gain the approval of others but to deepen our relationship with God. The teaching of the Lord in the Gospel emphasises this point clearly. He cautions us against hypocrisy, urging us to perform acts of piety in secret. Three times, He says, “Do not be like the hypocrites,” and three times, He reassures us, “Your Father who sees in secret will reward you.”

Prayer is the cornerstone of our lives. It is through prayer that we communicate with God, express our gratitude, seek forgiveness, and intercede for others. During Lent, prayer takes on a special significance as we meditate on the suffering and sacrifice of Christ. This season invites us to deepen our prayer life, whether through personal devotions, communal prayers, or the liturgy. By spending time in prayer, we open our hearts to God’s grace and allow Him to transform us from within.

Fasting is a powerful spiritual discipline that detaches from worldly pleasures and focus on our well-being. By abstaining from food or other indulgences, we imitate Christ’s sacrifice and strengthen our self-control. Fasting also reminds us of our dependence on God and helps us cultivate a spirit of humility. Importantly, fasting is not just about giving up something; it is also about redirecting our energy toward God and others.

Almsgiving embodies the Christian call to love and serve others, particularly the poor and marginalized. By sharing our resources with those in need, we reflect God’s generosity and compassion. During Lent, almsgiving challenges us to go beyond token gestures and make genuine sacrifices for the sake of others. It teaches us to see Christ in those we serve and to prioritize their well-being over our own comfort.

These three pillars work together to shape us into more faithful and loving disciples of Christ. They remind us that our faith is not merely personal but also communal, calling us to care for others and build God’s kingdom on earth. As we journey through Lent, these practices prepare us to celebrate Easter with hearts renewed and spirits uplifted. As we gradually approach the Easter season, the three pillars of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving guide us to move from the penitential “violet” of Lent to the joyful “white” of Easter. The Way of the Cross observed on Fridays during Lent directs us to the “empty Tomb” of Easter morning. Similarly, the Alleluia and Gloria, which fall silent during Lent, will resound with renewed vigour at the Easter Vigil. The bare altars of Lent will be adorned with the beauty of white lilies, symbolising new life and resurrection. The sombre mood of Lent will give way to the brightness of the Paschal candle, a beacon of Christ’s victory over sin and death.

The journey of Lent is not easy, but it is deeply rewarding. Let us approach this season of renewal therefore with sincere hearts and a firm resolve to grow in faith, hope, and love. May our Lenten sacrifices and devotions lead us to a deeper relationship with God and a more profound commitment to living out our Christian values. And when Easter arrives, may we celebrate with the joy and gratitude of those who have truly prepared their hearts to receive the Risen Lord.

Response: Have mercy, O Lord, for we have sinned.

March 3, 2025March 3, 2025

4th MARCH 2025

How is God Generous with Us? 6 Ways of God's Generosity | About Islam

TUESDAY, EIGHTH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME

Sir 35: 1-12 Ps 50: 5-8, 14, 23 Mk 10: 28-31

GENEROUS AS OUR FATHER IN HEAVEN

Today’s readings remind us that one of the primary traits of a Christian is generosity because our God is a generous God. He is the ultimate giver, and everything we have comes from Him. The Gospel of John summarizes the generosity of God when it says, “For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son…” God’s act of giving His Son for the salvation of the world demonstrates the depth of His generosity.

The virtue of generosity not only reflects God’s character in a Christian but also strengthens his relationships and fuels gratitude. Our personal experience shows how when we give generously to others, it not only blesses them but also enriches our own lives. Generosity can foster deeper connections, build trust, and create a sense of community. Acts of generosity can build bridges among families, and bring healing and unity to broken situations.

Secondly, generosity and gratitude are intrinsically connected. When we are generous, we are reminded that whatever we give to others was first given to us by God himself. Thus, a sense of gratefulness for the blessings we have received from God spontaneously rises from our hearts. St. Paul reminds us: “You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God” (2 Cor. 9:11).

Finally, a question to our own conscience. Are we really as generous as our heavenly Father is generous? God is generous in revealing Himself to us. Jesus gave Himself completely, not holding anything back. Are we able to give ourselves to others, or do we give them only the leftovers? Can we really call ourselves sons and daughters of our Father in Heaven? Let these thoughts provoke us when we are confronted with the opportunity of helping someone in need.

Response: To one whose way is blameless, I will show the salvation of God.

March 2, 2025March 2, 2025

3rd MARCH 2025

Nehemiah 9:17 - Peace Shelby

MONDAY, EIGHTH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME

Sir 17: 20-24 Ps 32: 1-2, 5-7 Mk 10: 17-27

“SLOW TO ANGER, AND ABOUNDING IN LOVE”

Sin constitutes a deliberate act of disobedience against God’s divine will and law. It manifests as a willful transgression against the Lawgiver, a deliberate failure to fulfil the purpose and meaning of our existence. In essence, sin represents a “miss” i.e., a deviation from the intended trajectory of our lives, a falling short of our true potential as beloved children of God. This act of disobedience not only violates God’s law but also diminishes our inherent dignity as beings created in His image and likeness. Ultimately, sin erects a barrier between ourselves and God. This separation, born of our wilful rebellion, is a state of alienation that God deeply desires to overcome.

Our faith is grounded in the belief that God is love. This divine attribute of love is a central theme throughout the prophetic writings, where the prophets repeatedly urge the chosen people to return to the Lord with contrite hearts. These prophetic voices remind us of our true purpose and guide us back to the path of righteousness. God, in His infinite mercy, not only forgives our transgressions but also actively assists us in our journey of faith, empowering us to live according to His divine precepts. This divine assistance manifests in various ways, including providing guidance, strength, and the grace to overcome our weaknesses.

The culmination of God’s redemptive plan is found in the person of Christ, who extends an invitation of reconciliation to all of humanity, offering forgiveness and restoration through repentance. His message emphasizes the primacy of grace over human merit. Salvation is not earned through human effort but is freely offered as a gift of God’s love. However, this gracious invitation demands a response. Jesus calls us to prioritize our relationship with Him above all else, recognizing Him as the supreme treasure. This necessitates a sincere commitment to living a life centered on God’s love and will.

Response: Rejoice in the Lord; exult, you just!

March 1, 2025March 1, 2025

2nd MARCH 2025

The Heart is a Mirror. "As water reflects a face, so a man's heart reflects the man." (Proverbs 27:19).

SUNDAY, EIGHTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME

Sir 27: 4-7 Ps 92: 2-3, 13-16 1 Cor 15: 54-58 Lk 6: 39-45

WORDS MIRROR THE HEART!

“All of you have heard of the power of words, how wonderful they are! Every book — the Bible, the Koran, and the Vedas — is full of the power of words. Certain words have wonderful power over mankind…” This is an extract from Swamy Vivekanand’s religious teachings. Vivekananda himself was one of the most integrated global leaders whose words have motivated millions of people! The reading of this Sunday (8th Sunday) invite us to reflect on the importance of the words that come out of our mouths because they mirror our inner person and reveal outwardly if we are integrated persons or not. Using three choicest metaphors Ben Sira, the author of the Book of Ecclesiasticus or Sirach gives us some ethical teachings in this regard. Jesus, who became the wisdom incarnate, would take the words of Ben Sira to greater heights when he says in today’s gospel, “out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks.”

The garden with fertile soil yields quality fruits. Similarly, God’s word today advises us to cultivate the garden of our minds from where thoughts and words spring forth. Today’s liturgy of the word will help us a great deal to cultivate right Christian attitude and be diligent in speech. i) all that we have and all that we are is God’s gratuitous gift. There is nothing we can boast of as our achievement. Hence, like the psalmist in today’s responsorial psalm, let us always remain thankful to God. Like the Virgin Mary, let our mouths proclaim the marvels of God and of his merciful love. ii) In the same responsorial psalm, the just person is compared to a palm-tree, Lebanon cedar or a quality tree planted by the water source. As a Christian, I am invited to cultivate some moments of personal prayer or communion with God. It is only when the branch abides by the divine vine, Jesus, it bears the fruits of the Holy Spirit. St John of the Cross, a Carmelite mystic has a useful spiritual maxim which beautifully summarizes this thought: “Bridle your tongue and your thoughts very much, direct your affection habitually toward God, and your spirit will be divinely enkindled.” What are my efforts to remain in constant communion with my God?

St Paul highlights the purpose of the Christian life – we are made for eternity. In this sense all that we do, say and the way we live have eternal significance! Therefore, often we need to sow in our minds thoughts concerning our final destination and ‘in fear and trembling’, aided by divine grace need to work for our salvation.” How often do I turn my mind to the final goal of my life?

Today’s Gospel further offers us substantial food by which we are sure to grow into integrated persons and radiate the light of Christ to others by our words and ways. Jesus by his words, “a disciple is not above his teacher, but everyone when he is fully trained will be like his teacher” invites us to become like him. He is our perfect model. Christian discipleship consists in gradual putting on of the mindset of Jesus Christ. In his spiritual doctrine, ‘The Ascent of Mount Carmel’, St John of the Cross, while teaching the souls the path of purification and holiness has this precious teaching on the importance of the Imitation of Christ, “first, let him have an habitual desire to imitate Christ in everything that he does, conforming himself to His life; upon which life he must meditate so that he may know how to imitate it, and to behave in all things as Christ would behave.”

“No good tree bears bad fruits,” says the Lord. The Cross on which Jesus offered himself for our salvation itself is a good tree which bore the eternal fruit of our salvation! Today’s gospel has yet another insight that will help us to lead an integrated Christian life. While paying heed to Jesus’ words we must be slow to pass uncharitable judgment on others. St Teresa of Avila in her spiritual doctrine on humility tells us to be slow to see the faults of others and quick to seek opinion about our won imperfections.

Response: It is good to give thanks to you, O Lord.