regan.ocd – SPRINGS OF LIVING WATER

October 8, 2025October 8, 2025

9th OCTOBER 2025

Daily Gospel Reflection- Lk 11:5-13 | Being Persistent in Prayer | Thursday, Week 27

THURSDAY, TWENTY SEVENTH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME

Mal 3: 13-20 Ps 1: 1-4, 6 Lk 11: 5-13

PRAYER OF FAITH IS ANSWERED!

In the book of Malachi, we hear the people of Israel speaking against the Lord in a harsh and sinful way, yet they were ignorant of their offense. They looked at the prosperity of the proud and the success of those who did evil and felt discouraged. They began to think that walking humbly with God and keeping His ordinances came at a cost that was not worth the reward. But for those who feared the Lord, something different happened: the Lord ‘listened and heard.’ Our God is not deaf to His people; He knows our thoughts, sees our struggles, and values the faithfulness of those who cling to Him.

This is where perseverance in prayer becomes vital. It is not a one-time cry to God, but a steady communion with Him, even when answers seem delayed. Scripture is full of living examples: the Canaanite woman who refused to leave without Jesus’ blessing for her daughter; the woman suffering from haemorrhage, who grabbed the hem of His garment; Zacchaeus, who overcame ridicule and climbed a tree just to catch a glimpse of Jesus. All of them demonstrate that Jesus delights in those who refuse to give up.

Even our Lord Himself modelled this. Before major decisions, such as choosing the Twelve Apostles, He spent entire nights in prayer. His own example teaches us that persistent prayer is not only about obtaining what we ask, but about deepening our relationship of trust and confidence with our Father. The Gospel parable of the friend at midnight confirms this truth: persistent knocking, seeking, and asking moved the reluctant friend to provide bread for his guest. Likewise, God answers prayer; it may not always be in the manner we expect, but in the way that promotes our good and the good of others.

Today we need to ask ourselves: What excuses keep us from praying? Is it lack of time, sheer laziness, or being ‘too busy’ with other priorities? The truth is, if prayer matters to us, we will make time for it, for perseverance in prayer is an act of faith!

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

October 7, 2025October 7, 2025

8th OCTOBER 2025

WEDNESDAY, TWENTY SEVENTH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME

Jon 4: 1-11 Ps 86: 3-6, 9-10 Lk 11: 1-4

COMPASSIONATE AND FORGIVING GOD

Prophet Jonah is angry that God has forgiven Nineveh. Jonah felt that the people deserved to suffer for their sins, yet, there had been none. A sulking Jonah walks away to the east of the city and makes a little shelter for himself. God ordains a castor oil plant to grow over Jonah, to give him shade for his head, and to soothe him. Jonah is delighted with the shade the plant provides, but then as quickly as it came, the tree withers away in the scorching sun. Now Jonah is really upset and God asks as to why he should be upset over the fate of the plant? Then comes the lesson that – Everything is God’s doing. He is the ultimate Lord; He gives and takes from whomever/whatever he wishes at His will.

Jonah is upset over a tree that he had not even planted, how then could God not be patient with the 1,20,000 people whom He had created? Jonah sees willfully wicked people, but Yahweh sees a people who have erred and turned back. Jonah is shocked; he declares that he is fully justified in his anger. God’s patience is a strong contrast to Jonah’s quick anger. The message is clear that God’s compassion reaches out to all, Jews and Gentiles. Jonah represents those Israelites, who considered God’s mercy & salvation as their birthright; it was unimaginable that God would show mercy to others. God rebukes such hardness and reveals his graciousness.

In the Gospel, Jesus’ teaches his disciples to pray. Prayer is an important element of Luke’s Gospel where we often find Jesus praying. Jesus teaches the Lord’s Prayer to the disciples. The prayer is beautiful, yet it is challenging; it needs to be prayed slowly, consciously entering into each petition. It is a universal prayer of brotherhood under one father, turning entire humanity into one family. Today, the liturgy invites us to look at humanity as God’s people, whom he loves and cares for. Let us not therefore, make classifications, like the Jews, but be human, kind and considerate to all!

Response: You are slow to anger, O Lord, and abundant in mercy.

October 6, 2025October 6, 2025

7th OCTOBER 2025

TUESDAY, TWENTY SEVENTH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME

Memorial of Our Lady of the Rosary

Jon 3: 1-10 Ps 130: 1-4, 7-8 Lk 10: 38-42

THE GENEROUS FLOW OF LOVE

The Jewish history is very intriguing, right from the Exodus under Moses as a nation to a superpower as the united monarchy under Kings Saul, David and Solomon. Israel occupied the major portion of the land of Canaan under united monarchy, then there was division of land – later exile to Babylon in 586 BC and Jews were dispersed all over the world. The Jewish race had lost their King, Temple and Land. They came out of exile in 1948 after the killing of 6 million Jews by Hitler. The world had mercy on them and they were granted a small piece of land in the present west bank. It is a fact that Judaism introcuded the world to a Monotheism. The other 2 main monotheist religions – Christianity and Islam, stem from Judaism. Their belief in one God, which is in their nature, is deeply rooted in their history, culture, and covenantal relationship with Yahweh, shaping every aspect of their worship, laws, and daily life.

Today’s First reading is a dramatic story which is very familiar to Christians. But the underlying principle here is that God is universal and just as he loves the Jews , his love is the same for all the people of this Earth. This is what it meant when the book of Genesis spoke thus, “God Created Man in his own image and likeness”. Jews and Jonah the chosen people of God are the vehicles to transmit this image of love and forgiveness of God. Jonah’s message in the text is taken very seriously by the Ninevites and as a result they experience the loving mercy of God.

This raises a question for us to reflect today: We Christians are called the people of the new covenant. The history of Christian nations tell otherwise; but can we as individuals, partake in radiating this love and forgiveness first in our families, to our friends, our enemies and in our neighbourhoods? Let us not be an obstruction like Jonah, to the generous flow of love and forgiveness which God desires to transmit through us.

Response: If you, O Lord, should mark iniquities, Lord, who could stand?

October 5, 2025October 5, 2025

6th OCTOBER 2025

Caring for a Family Member During Stressful Times: Considerations for Maintaining Mental Health | USU

MONDAY, TWENTY SEVENTH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME

Jon 1: 1 2: 1-2, 11 Jon 2: 3-5, 8 Lk 10: 25-37

BEYOND BOUNDARIES: A CALL TO COMPASSION

We live in a world not unlike the deck of the Titanic: music playing, people dancing, laughing, while just below the surface, the ship sinks. And it is not just the secular world; even many Christians are living unaware, caught up in busyness while souls slip into eternity. That is the tragedy behind the indifference of the priest and the Levite in the parable of the Good Samaritan. A man lies bleeding by the road, and these religious figures, walk past without a second glance. Maybe they were late for temple duties or feared defilement. Or maybe, like Jonah, they did not care enough. The priest and the Levite are like people straightening deck chairs on the Titanic— attending to lesser things while ignoring the suffering at their feet.

Jonah, was worse than being indifferent; he was resistant. When God called him to preach repentance to Nineveh, Jonah ran. Not because he feared failure, but because he feared success. He sought not mercy but judgement for his enemies. His reluctance was rooted in hatred, delighting in the downfall of those he despised. He would have played the violin while Nineveh sank. God, who loved the Assyrians, despite their violence challenged Jonah’s prejudice. He desired to save even those whom Jonah deemed unworthy. That is the scandal of grace!

Do we resemble Jonah or the Good Samaritan? Are we indifferent to the spiritual plight of others, especially those we do not naturally love or understand? Our world is hurting, lost, and sinking. God is still asking reluctant prophets to go and proclaim hope. As we approach the close of the Jubilee Year, the call is clear: to go beyond boundaries, cultures, and prejudices to proclaim the hope of the Gospel. Like Jonah, we may resist, but God’s mercy is always wider than our comfort. The Jubilee invites us to see others not as enemies, but as beloved children of God. We are called to be Good Samaritans. May we not play music while the world sinks, but rise and bring healing to a wounded world!

Response: You brought up my life from the pit, O Lord my God.

October 4, 2025October 3, 2025

5th OCTOBER 2025

Luke 17:5–10 (ESV) - Luke 17:5–10 ESV - The apostles said to the… | Biblia

SUNDAY, TWENTY SEVENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME

Hb 1:2-3; 2:2-4 Ps 95 2 Tm 1:6-8,13-14 Lk 17:5-10

FAITH, PERSEVERANCE AND HUMBLE SERVICE

The liturgy of the Word on the 27th Sunday of Ordinary Time invites us into a meditation on faith, perseverance, and humble service in the face of confusion, suffering, and the mystery of God’s ways. In the first reading from the prophet Habakkuk, we hear the anguished cry of the prophet: “How long, O Lord, must I call for help, but you do not listen? Or cry out to you, ‘Violence!’ but you do not save?” Habakkuk’s world is full of injustice, violence, and unanswered prayers. He is troubled not only by the evil around him but by God’s apparent silence and the perplexing reality that God will use an even more wicked nation, Babylon, as an instrument of judgment. Habakkuk’s honest questioning is met not with a clear explanation but with a call to faithful waiting: “The righteous person will live by their faith.” God assures him that justice will come, though it may seem delayed, and that His purposes are unfolding even when they are not immediately visible. This message is most relevant in our own times, when we, too, are tempted to despair at the injustice and suffering in the world and wonder where God is in the midst of it all.

St. Paul’s words to Timothy in his second letter, echo this call to faithfulness. Timothy is urged to “fan into flame the gift of God which is not a spirit of timidity, but the Spirit of power, and love, and self-control.” Paul exhorts him not to be ashamed of testifying about the Lord, nor of himself, who is suffering for the gospel. Instead, he is to join in suffering for the gospel, relying on the power of God. Paul reminds Timothy to “hold to the standard of sound teaching” and to “guard the good treasure entrusted to him, with the help of the Holy Spirit.” Here, faith is not passive resignation but active perseverance; it is a courageous holding fast to truth and love, even when the cost is high. Paul’s exhortation is a reminder that the Christian life often involves hardship, but we are sustained by the Spirit and by the example of those who have gone before us.

In the passage from the Gospel of Luke, the apostles, recognizing the challenge of following Jesus, plead before Him, “Increase our faith!” Jesus responds that even faith as small as a mustard seed can accomplish great things. He then tells a parable about a servant who, after doing all that is required, should not expect special praise but simply say, “We have done only what we ought to have done.” Here, Jesus reframes faith not as a matter of quantity but of trustful obedience and humble service. True faith is not about performing miraculous feats or earning God’s favour; it is about faithfully fulfilling our calling, trusting that God is at work even in the ordinary and the difficult.

Today, we are invited to earnestly strive towards cultivating a mature, robust faith; that is, a faith that wrestles honestly with God in times of confusion and suffering, that perseveres in love and truth, and that serves humbly without seeking recognition. Habakkuk teaches us to bring our honest questions to God and to wait with hope, trusting that God’s justice and mercy will ultimately prevail. Paul encourages us to guard the faith entrusted to us and to rely on the Spirit’s power in times of trial. Jesus reminds us that faith is not about spiritual heroics but about daily, humble obedience. The world of today often rewards pride, encourages self-promotion, and offers quick fixes to the problems of life. Today’s readings however, exhort us to a different path: to live by faith, to persevere in hope, and to serve with humility. When we are overwhelmed by the world’s brokenness or our own limitations, we remember that God’s purposes are unfolding in ways we may not see, and that even the smallest acts of faithfulness matter in His kingdom. May we, like Habakkuk, Paul, and the apostles, continue to seek God, trust His timing, and serve Him with steadfast hearts.

Response: O that today you would listen to his voice! Harden not your hearts.

October 3, 2025October 3, 2025

4th OCTOBER 2025

SATURDAY, TWENTY SIXTH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME

Memorial of Saint Francis of Assisi

Bar 4: 5-12, 27-29 Ps 69: 33-37 Lk 10: 17-24

RELENTLESS COMPASSION AMIDST SUFFERING

Love and Discipline go together. If love has to grow it has to pass through intense personal discipline. That is how the parents bring up their children in order to be the virtuous citizens of a healthy society. They love their children intensely but their love is manifested in the making of a great people of the future. Hence, they correct us, discipline us even though that discipline apparently feels painful, but in the longer run it paves way for transforming the young generation into a great people.

The first reading of today speaks of God’s ways of disciplining His people. When the people of Israel abandoned their God and went after other Gods, He had to discipline them in order to bring them back unto Himself. He is a jealous God! This passage could sound like Divine punishment for the sins of the people. But we know that God does not punish. Hence the passage should be taken as a natural outcome of the evil deeds of the people. We know that if we pour water on our head, it automatically flows to our feet. Similarly, if we go against the eternal laws enshrined by God in our nature, the outcome would be disastrous for our life.

However, the passage does not speak merely about divine retribution but rather about divine mercy and compassion. God calls his people as His memorial, the ones who are closest to His heart. He longs for them; calls them back unto Himself. The expression “return with tenfold zeal to seek Him” speaks volumes of the loving and compassionate heart of God. If they transform their hearts and return to the Lord with ever renewed zeal, he will fill their hearts with everlasting joy. Joy is the result of being at home with God in love. Can that everlasting joy, which is the result of His gratuitous gift of grace be the ultimate reward of His relentless compassion to us all?

Response: The Lord listens to the needy.

October 2, 2025October 2, 2025

3rd OCTOBER 2025

FRIDAY, TWENTY SIXTH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME

Bar 1: 15-22 Ps 79: 1-5, 8-9 Lk 10: 13-16

THE GOD WHO SEEKS!

In the Old Testament, sin is most often presented as disobedience — a refusal to submit to God’s sovereign authority. This disobedience is not simply a single act but, as in today’s first reading, a history of continual rebellion. The Israelites repeatedly resisted bringing themselves under God’s loving rule. Obedience, however, is not slavery; it is the path to enjoying a relationship with Him, living according to the purpose for which we were created.

Sin, at its core, is missing life’s ultimate goal which is communion with God. Today, we see sin in self-reliance, the pursuit of sensuality, greed for possessions, and the desire to dominate others. Such attitudes reduce God to a tool for fulfilling our wants. The Tower of Babel remains a powerful image of this modern idolatry where humanity seeks greatness apart from God. In this state, people often fail to recognize their need for liberation. Yet God created us to know, love, and serve Him, and it is in His nature to forgive, restore, and draw us back to our original purpose. This is at the heart of the Judeo-Christian faith: not humanity reaching for God, but God actively seeking us. In Christianity, justice is more than “giving each their due;” it rather is desiring and pursuing the true good of others. Yet sin leaves us unable to will what is truly good without divine help.

Even when we are lost, broken, and spiritually dead, God continues to love and call us. His mercy, however, respects our freedom. But our freedom, weakened by sin, must itself be liberated. True freedom (Gal 5:1) is not doing as we please, but living as we ought. It begins by acknowledging we are sinners who cannot save ourselves, and culminates in surrendering to Jesus, relying wholly on His love rather than our own abilities or merits. Today’s readings remind us of God’s persistent invitation: turn back, repent, and embrace the life for which we were made: a life of freedom, justice, and love in Christ.

Response: For the sake of the glory of your name, free us O Lord.

October 1, 2025October 1, 2025

2nd OCTOBER 2025

The Guardian Angels: Our Heavenly Companions eBook : Adoration, Sisters of Perpetual: Amazon.in: Kindle Store

THURSDAY, TWENTY SIXTH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME

Memorial of The Guardian Angels

Ex 23: 20-23 Ps 91: 1-6,10-11 Mt 18: 1-5,10

CHANNEL OF GOD’S CARING LOVE

Belief in angels is unique to Christianity. Bible refers to the angels more than 300 times! God’s angels care for us and they constantly intervene in our lives! Today the Church honours Guardian angels. God has assigned each of us a guardian angel. The Catechism teaches us, “from infancy to death human life is surrounded by angels’ watchful care and intercession. Beside each believer stands an angel as protector and shepherd leading him to life. … Christian life shares by faith in the blessed company of angels and men united in God” (CCC, n. 336).

Some of the saints have left us convincing experiences they had with their guardian angels. St Gemma Galgani, a young Italian mystic of has given remarkable testimonies of how her guardian angel helped her in her prayer life. “Seeing the great charity her angel lavished upon her, Gemma loved her angel immensely, and his name was always on her tongue as well as in her heart,” writes her spiritual director.

Saint Carlo Acutis, the newly canonized Italian teenager, spoke about guardian angels with devotion and practical advice. He says, “Continuously ask your guardian angel for help. Your guardian angel has to become your best friend.” He encouraged people, especially the children he taught catechism, to rely on their guardian angel for protection and guidance in daily life and in overcoming personal shortcomings. Acutis had a special devotion to angels, naming his own guardian angel Gabriel.

Pope Benedict XVI once said, “My family taught me a prayer when I was a boy that has remained with me over the years, ‘Angel of God, my guardian dear, to whom God’s love commits me here, ever this day be at my side, to light and guard, to rule and guide. Amen.’ This prayer reminds us of the constant presence of our Guardian Angel assigned to us by God.” Learning then, from these saints, let us too make a habit of trying and connecting with our divine guardians in whose care the Lord has left us during our earthly exile!

Response: For you has he commanded his angels, to keep you in all your ways.

September 30, 2025October 1, 2025

1st OCTOBER 2025

Pin-Pricks in a Pandemic — DiscalcedCarmel

WEDNESDAY, TWENTY SIXTH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME

Feast of Saint Therese of Lisieux

Is 66:10-14 Ps 131:1-3 Mt 18: 1-5

SPIRITUAL CHILDHOOD

We celebrate today the feast of the ‘Little Flower’ – St Therese of Lisieux. Born on January 02, 1873 in France she lost her mother at a young age and later entered the Cloistered Carmel at the age of fifteen. She lived a life of holiness and died at twenty four, offering her life as a ‘victim of love’. She was canonized on May 17, 1927 by Pope Pius XI. The year 2025 marks the 100th anniversary of her canonization. In this jubilee year, St Therese inspires us to relook on our faith journey with hope as the children of a loving Father.

St Therese is known for her treatise on ‘spiritual childhood’. Her spirituality is inspired by the Word of God. In the Bible, God is revealed as a loving Father. God spoke to the people of Israel through the prophet Isaiah that He will nurse them, carry them in His arms and comfort them like a mother. God as the Father loves His children, He knows them, He takes care of them. St Therese was captivated by this truth. So, she consciously opted to be a child who fully confides in its father. St Therese’s ‘spiritual childhood’ is based on today’s Gospel. The Jesus’ disciples wanted to know who is the greatest in the Kingdom of God. The question of who is great and who would be at the right and left of the Lord are human desires and questions. They crop up from one’s self or ego that wants to dominate over others. Jesus tells the disciples that they have to become like little children to enter the kingdom of heaven. One who becomes like a child is the greatest in the eyes of God.

St Therese preferred to become God’s little child. She offered herself to God’s merciful love praying and offering sacrifices for the mission, for the conversion of sinners, for the good of the priests and the Church. Thus, she became a saint, Patroness of the missions and Doctor of the Church. Let us imitate her confidence, and cherish the freedom of the children of God!

Response: Keep my soul in peace at your side, O Lord

September 29, 2025September 29, 2025

30th SEPTEMBER 2025

Living By Grace Every Day (2 Corinthians 12:7-10)

TUESDAY, TWENTY SIXTH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME

Memorial of Saint Jerome

Zec 8: 20-23 Ps 87: 1-7 Lk 9: 51-56

LIVING EVERYDAY IN GRACE

In the first reading, the prophet tells us that the Holy One dwells in the midst of the people for Gentiles would say, “…we have heard that God is with you!” In the New Testament, we see the Church’s growth overtime, by its witness to Christ. It is Christ who attracts people. When people see, experience and witness love, humility, gentleness, generosity of the Church’s members, prophet Zechariah’s words affirm that they will desire “to go with you!” “By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another” (Jn 13:35). Zechariah thus, speaks of the universal mission entrusted to us by God. In my interactions with others, I am invited to manifest the Christ who dwells in me! Do I?

In Psalm 87:1-7 the psalmist expresses his joy in the presence of YHWH at Jerusalem. St Paul in Eph 2:13 says that “But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ.” Today, because of what Christ has done for us, we experience His presence in our lives. Am I aware of Christ’s presence with me, during the day?

The day’s gospel presents the episode of Jesus rebuking James and John. They wanted to bring down fire from heaven on those who did not accept Jesus. Probably, the two apostles felt that this was not the way Jesus should have been treated. Insulting people, slamming the door on others’ face is not a value that the Gospel teaches us. Even today, when we shut the door on others, we shut the door on Christ who created each one of us in his own image and likeness. The Lord teaches us how to deal with the situation in a Christian Spirit. We are challenged to nurture a spirit of humility and gentleness. The Lord invites us to be His witnesses and to build bridges in love. The Commission on Spirituality: Spirituality for Synodality affirms that “the great gifts of faith, hope and love are lived for Christ in our relationships with each other and especially our neighbour, especially the neighbour who is in need.”

Response: God is with us.