16th FEBRUARY 2025

Hebrews 6 19 Decal - Etsy


SUNDAY, SIXTH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME  

 

Jer 17:5-8              Ps 1:1-4, 6            1 Cor 15:12, 16-20             Lk 6:17, 20-26


 

ANCHORED IN CHRISTIAN HOPE

 

A big difference can be drawn between Peter and Judas Iscariot, as we see them in the Gospels. Judas felt that he could not be liberated from the depths of his sin – that of betraying his master. He lost all hope of any future course of action, took refuge in a piece of rope, and hung himself. Peter, on the other hand, though he denied and rejected his beloved master, knew that he could still approach Him and seek His forgiveness. He cried bitterly, repented of his mistake, and returned to the Master! Unlike Judas, Peter is projected to us as a man of hope.

 

The readings today speak to us about hope. Hope is a virtue that can drag humanity out even from the most depressive pits of human existence. Hope offers human beings something to believe in, someone to trust, and such a sure expectation brings them to redemption and liberation. In his letter to the Romans, Paul exhorts us to be joyful in hope, to be patient in affliction, and to be faithful in prayer! This implies that hope is to be seen as a virtue that guides and sustains us amidst trials and suffering. Hope as a theological virtue is not about avoiding hardships; rather, it is founded on the trust placed in God’s promises and a sure faith in their fulfilment. The words of St. Thomas Aquinas offer much clarity concerning the virtue: “Hope is a movement of the soul, directed toward the future good that is difficult but possible to obtain!” As believers in the divine promises of God, the good that we long for is the beatific vision. An eager expectation of the same keeps us moving forward despite life’s challenges.

 

We are also presented with a striking contrast between those who trust in the Lord and those who trust in men. In the first reading, the prophet Jeremiah compares the latter to a barren bush in the desert, which is symbolic of the emptiness of the trust placed in human beings. Contrary to this, a person who trusts in the Lord is described as a tree planted near flowing water – a symbol of continuous growth and fruitfulness!

 

The Gospel draws a clear line of demarcation between those considered blessed according to heaven’s standards and as per the world’s standards! The Beatitudes of Jesus, as Luke presents them, inspire hope. Jesus calls ‘blessed’ the poor, those who mourn, and those who suffer. His message projects a value contrary to the world’s standards. We are invited to look beyond the trials and challenges of human existence and to consider them as mere hinderances along the way to holiness! Raising our sight from these troubles of life, we are called to march forward towards the promises of God. Challenging as it can be, the beatitudes shed light on the ultimate goal of human living: attaining heaven. That is the hope that should motivate us in our walk of virtuous living!

 

In the second reading, Paul, in his letter to the Corinthians, states that our virtue of ‘hope’ is founded not on mere fantasies but on the reality of Christ’s resurrection. He articulates it with conviction when he says that our faith is futile if Christ has not been raised from the dead. The reality of the resurrection points us to a life beyond the struggles of the present. Jesus’ resurrection is the centre and core belief of Catholicism, and our expectation of heaven is cemented on this belief. It gives us hope to believe in our own resurrection, and that hope fuels our pilgrimage on this earth. We, as his faithful followers, do not hope in fleeting things; rather, our hope remains anchored in Christ’s victory over death. Thus, our expectation of heaven becomes the ladder that helps us climb out of the void of despair, which might arise out of the trials and tribulations of our lives!

 

Thus, the liturgy of the day calls us to be rooted in the power of Jesus’ resurrection, which gives us hope of a new life after death. It teaches us that life’s journey is not only about looking forward with hope, but also consists in trusting God’s timing and His will! To know that He is on our boat and is completely in control of the storms is a great consolation!

 


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


Copyright ©2025 ©Springs of Living Water  http://springs.carmelmedia.in

15th FEBRUARY 2025

What does Mark 8:19 mean? | Bible Art


SATURDAY, FIFTH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME

 

Gn 3: 9-24                  Ps 90: 2-6, 12-13                    Mk 8: 1-10


 

BROKENNESS TO RESTORATION

 

The readings of the day invite us to reflect on human brokenness and Christ’s restorative mission. God’s question in the first reading, “Where are you?” echoes through human history. It is not a question of location but of relationship. Adam and Eve’s attempt to hide reveals the disordered relationship brought about by their transgression. Despite their disobedience, however, God does not abandon them. The Church teaches in Gaudium et Spes that even in humanity’s fallen state, “God did not abandon them to the power of death but continued to reach out to humanity through His covenant.” God’s judgement includes the consequences of disobedience: toil, pain, and mortality. Yet, His act of clothing Adam and Eve signifies His enduring care, a foreshadowing of the grace to be fully revealed in Christ. As Pope Francis explains, “God never tires of forgiving us; we are the ones who tire of seeking His mercy.”

 

In contrast, today’s gospel offers a vision of restoration. Jesus, moved with compassion for the crowd, multiplies bread and fish, satisfying both their physical and spiritual hunger. In Deus Caritas Est, Pope Benedict XVI teaches that “Jesus gave Himself as bread, which fulfils man’s deepest hunger, the hunger for God.” The feeding of the multitude not only demonstrates Christ’s concern for human needs but also prefigures the eternal banquet in heaven. Furthermore, the disciples’ participation in distributing the bread reminds us of the church’s mission. As members of the Body of Christ, we are called to bring Christ’s life-giving presence to a world still struggling with the effects of sin. Lumen Gentium reminds us that the Church is “the universal sacrament of salvation,” extending Christ’s compassion to all, healing what was broken in Eden. Pope Francis summarises this beautifully in Laudato Si: “The history of salvation is one of God’s constant love for His people, culminating in the self-giving of His Son.”

 


Response: O Lord, you have been our refuge,
from generation to generation.


Copyright ©2025 ©Springs of Living Water  http://springs.carmelmedia.in

14th FEBRUARY 2025

Imaginative Contemplation - Mark 7:31-37 - Be Opened


FRIDAY, FIFTH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME

 

Memorial of Saints Cyril and Methodius

 

Gn 3: 1-8                    Ps 32: 1-2, 5-7                        Mk 7: 31-37


 

JESUS COMES TO HEAL OUR BROKENNESS

 

In the readings of the day, we encounter the deep human struggle with sin, the longing for deliverance, and the healing power of God. The first reading takes us to the very origin of sin. Adam and Eve, living in perfect harmony with God, are tempted by the serpent to disobey God’s command. The serpent’s clever questioning, “Did God really say?” sows doubt in Eve’s mind about God’s goodness and intentions. This doubt leads to disobedience. As a result, they experience shame, fear, and separation from God. Their once intimate relationship with their Creator is broken. The consequences of this original sin continue to affect all of humanity today, as we too often fall into temptation, hiding from God in shame and fear, severing the deep connection He desires to have with us.

 

In the gospel, Jesus performs a miracle that illustrates His power to restore what sin has broken. A deaf and mute man is brought to Jesus, and with a simple touch, Jesus heals him, restoring his ability to hear and speak. This miracle is not just an act of compassion but a powerful sign of the Kingdom of God breaking forth into the world. Jesus demonstrates His authority over both physical and spiritual brokenness. The man’s healing points to a deeper spiritual truth: just as this man was restored to wholeness, so too does Jesus come to heal the deeper wounds caused by sin in our lives.

 

Just as the man’s hearing and speech were restored, we, too, need God to open our ears to hear His voice and our mouths to speak His truth. Through His sacrifice, Jesus has reconciled us with God, offering us the grace of healing and wholeness. The invitation is clear: in the face of our brokenness, we are to seek God’s mercy and healing, trusting that He can restore us. Like the healed man who proclaimed what Jesus had done, we are called to share the good news of God’s healing power. In Christ, we find not just physical healing, but spiritual restoration.

 


Response: Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven.


Copyright ©2025 ©Springs of Living Water  http://springs.carmelmedia.in

13th FEBRUARY 2025

Intimacy With God: The Way to True Fulfillment - Focus on the Family


THURSDAY, FIFTH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME

 

Gn 2: 18-25                Ps 128: 1-5                 Mk 7: 24-30


 

THE GIFT OF RELATIONSHIP

 

Today we are reminded of the profound significance of relationships in our lives. In the readings, we see the beauty of companionship. From the very beginning, it is clear that we are created for relationships – first with God and then with one another. In the creation narrative, we find the profound truth that it is not good for us to be alone. God recognised the need for companionship, and so He created a partner, emphasising that our connections with others bring joy, support, and fulfilment. Whether it is with family, friends, or our community, relationships enrich our lives.

 

The psalmist echoes this sentiment, painting a picture of a blessed life built on loving relationships. Each relationship we cultivate reflects God’s love for us. When we invest in these connections, we experience the fullness of life that God desires for us. The gospel reading introduces a different kind of relationship, one that displays persistence and faith. A woman approaches Jesus with humility and determination, seeking healing for her daughter. Her perseverance is a powerful reminder that sometimes our relationships require us to be bold and unwavering. She does not let societal barriers stop her; instead, she presses on, showing us that love often demands courage.

 

In our own lives, we may encounter situations where we need to advocate for those we care about. This could mean standing up for a friend in need, offering support to a family member going through a tough time, or simply being present for someone who feels alone. Our willingness to engage in these relationships, to speak up, and to reach out reflects the heart of God’s love. Let us nurture them, seek them out, and be willing to act with faith and courage. May our hearts be open to the gift of relationships, and may we cherish the connections that enrich our lives.

 


Response: Blessed are all who fear the Lord.


Copyright ©2025 ©Springs of Living Water  http://springs.carmelmedia.in

12th FEBRUARY 2025

matthew 5:8 Archives - I Live For JESUS !


WEDNESDAY, FIFTH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME

 

Gn 2: 4-9, 15-17                     Ps 104: 1-2, 27-30                  Mk 7: 14-23


 

“BLESSED ARE THE PURE OF HEART”

 

When we think about ‘purity of heart’, we realise it is not just about doing good things on the outside. It is about what is inside our hearts – the love, the kindness, and the choices we make. In the gospel, Jesus teaches us that what truly defiles a person is not what we eat or what we do on the outside, but what comes from our hearts. This is a reminder that the heart is the centre of everything – our thoughts, our words, and our actions. The first reading reminds us that God created us with a purpose. Adam was placed in the Garden of Eden, not just to live but also to take care of the world around him. God gave him moral responsibility – to love, protect, and care for creation. This responsibility was not just an external task; it was to start in the heart.

 

The same is true for us today. Our actions matter, but from where they come, i.e., our heart, matters even more. Pope Francis, in his encyclical Delexit Nos, shares a beautiful message about love. He says that God’s love is not just a feeling we experience but also something we are called to live out. God loves us deeply, and in return, we are called to love others. This love is what purifies our hearts. It changes the way we think, speak, and act. When our hearts are full of love, they overflow with kindness, patience, and compassion.

 

This is the most important lesson: purity of heart comes from love. It is not about being perfect; it is about loving others the way God loves us. Every day, we have a choice: Will we let our hearts be filled with love, or will we let anger, pride, and selfishness take over? Delexit Nos calls us to choose love, to let our hearts reflect God’s love for the world. Purity of heart is more than solely avoiding sin. It is about living with a heart that loves. It is about letting God’s love change us from within so that we can be a light to others and instrument of peace in the world.

 


Response: Bless the Lord, O my soul!


Copyright ©2025 ©Springs of Living Water  http://springs.carmelmedia.in

11th FEBRUARY 2025

Genesis 1:25 - "And God made the beast of the earth after his kind, and cattle after their kind, and every thing that creepeth upon the earth after his kind: and God saw that it was good."


TUESDAY, FIFTH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME

 

Memorial of Our Lady of Lourdes

 

Gn 1: 20–2:4              Ps 8: 4-9       Mk 7: 1-13


 

THE BEST ARGUMENT FOR GOD’S EXISTENCE!

 

We live in a world of immense beauty. The entire creation is finely tuned in such an intricate manner that contemplating the way everything works around us posits that the world is not a product of accidents; rather, it was ordained to work this way, and hence was created by someone much greater than itself. This is one of the best refutations against those who argue against the existence of God – the argument from design that says that behind this complex but ordered world, there is the Great Designer who has fine-tuned everything.

 

The first reading is not a scientific explanation of how God created the world. However, written under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, the author considers how God created the world gradually for days before creating His masterpiece, humankind. Hence, while He was satisfied with what He created and said that it was ‘good’, God was extremely pleased in creating humankind, calling it ‘very good.’ This shows that humankind is the pearl of God’s creation. In forming humankind in His own image and likeness God brought forth something that was way better than the fine-tuned universe. As St. Irenaeus said, “The glory of God is man fully alive.”

 

Reflecting on the profound generosity of God in creating humankind in His own image and likeness invites a deeper understanding of our existence. He bestows upon us a spiritual soul, calls us to eternal life, and offers salvation through His Son. This divine act of creation is not merely a philosophical concept; it is a transformative truth that can inspire belief. Rather than engaging in debates about the fine-tuning of the universe to counter those who deny God’s existence, we might consider a more compelling approach. By inviting individuals to ponder the mystery of their own creation as human beings we open a pathway to faith.

 


Response: O Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name through all the earth!


Copyright ©2025 ©Springs of Living Water  http://springs.carmelmedia.in

10th FEBRUARY 2025

Genesis 1:1–19 (ESV) - Genesis 1:1–19 ESV - In the beginning, God… | Biblia

MONDAY, FIFTH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME

 

Memorial of Saint Scholastica

 

Gn 1: 1-19                  Ps 104: 1-2,5-6,10-12,24,35               Mk 6: 53-56


 

CREATED GOOD!

The first reading presents a narrative of creation, where God meticulously brings the universe into existence over six days. Each act of creation is marked by the declaration of its goodness, culminating in the creation of light, sky, land, and living creatures. This passage emphasises the intentionality and sovereignty of God, who not only creates but also imbues creation with inherent value and purpose. The refrain, “And God saw that it was good,” serves as a reminder of the beauty and order within the created world.

The theological implications of this creation narrative invite believers to recognise the divine order and beauty that reflect God’s nature. As Pope Francis notes, creation is a “magnificent book in which God speaks to us.” This perspective is found in the teachings of St. Scholastica as well, who emphasised the importance of understanding God through creation and the pursuit of wisdom. St. Scholastica, was the twin sister of St. Benedict, and, like him, she dedicated her life to prayer and reflection. She teaches us to appreciate the beauty of creation as a means to draw closer to God. Her commitment to a contemplative life encourages believers to seek God in the natural world, recognising that creation is not merely a backdrop but a vital part of our relationship with the Creator.

In the gospel, we witness Jesus performing miracles of healing as He travels through the land of Gennesaret. These acts of healing are not merely physical restorations but a re-establishment of the created order disrupted by sin and suffering. Jesus’ compassion and power to heal echo the goodness of creation articulated in the first reading, where God’s creative acts are characterized by intention and care. Through contemplation and action, we are called to participate in the ongoing work of creation and healing, reflecting the love and order established by God from the very beginning.


Response: May the Lord rejoice in his works!


Copyright ©2025 ©Springs of Living Water  http://springs.carmelmedia.in

9th FEBRUARY 2025

Bible Helps: Children's Sermon on Luke 5:1-11 – The Miraculous Catch of Fish

SUNDAY, FIFTH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME  

 

Is 6: 1-8                      Ps 138: 1-5, 7-8                      1 Cor 15: 1-11                        Lk 5: 1-11


 

CALLED TO BE FISHERS OF MEN

In the first reading, we are presented with the story of the call of Isaiah, who experiences a transformative vision in the temple. As he listens to the chanting of the temple choir and witnesses the sanctuary filled with smoke, he sees the Lord seated on a throne, high and exalted. This majestic and holy presence awakens in him a deep awareness of his own unworthiness and sinfulness, leading to a realization of his nothingness before God. Isaiah’s encounter illustrates that those who recognize their need for cleansing are precisely the ones God can work with.

Isaiah’s experience of forgiveness and healing in the temple led him to fulfill his divine calling to urge the people to repent. His message, “Though your sins are red as scarlet, they shall be white as snow,” (1:18) encapsulates the transformative power of God’s mercy. The surrender of one’s life to the Lord is a profound response to His invitation: “Whom shall I send?” Having encountered the boundless love and forgiveness of God, Isaiah’s immediate response is one of unconditional surrender: “Here I am, send me.” He was tasked with delivering a message of repentance to a people who would largely reject him, yet his mission remained crucial. We are all called like Isaiah, as Paul reminds us in Ephesians 1:3-4: “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who chose you in him before the foundation of the world.” This divine call was first made at our baptism, which commissions us to proclaim the “good news.” (cf. Mt 28:18-19) However, this calling comes with a challenge: are we prepared to face ridicule and rejection, sacrificing everything for the sake of the Kingdom? While we may not all be prophets like Isaiah, we each have the potential to make a meaningful difference in society.

In the Gospel we find a multitude of people pressing around Jesus, eager to see Him, touch Him, and listen to His words. This overwhelming crowd was drawn to Him because His teachings were imbued with love, offering comfort and healing to those in need. Their deep hunger for God’s word reflects a spiritual desire that resonates within each of us. In our own lives, we must cultivate an appetite for the word of God, allowing it to nourish, strengthen, cleanse, and transform us. The power of God’s word is not merely in its ability to inform but in its capacity to heal and restore our souls.

In Luke 5:4, Jesus instructs Simon to “let down your nets for a catch,” a directive that might seem peculiar coming from a carpenter to a seasoned fisherman. Simon, who had dedicated his life to fishing and understood the sea intimately, faced a choice: obey this carpenter or dismiss His suggestion as foolish. This moment brings to the fore a common tendency among us to rely solely on our own abilities and understanding. However, true discipleship requires us to surrender our preconceived notions and allow the Lord to guide us. Simon’s act of obedience resulted in an astonishing catch of fish, demonstrating that with obedience comes abundant blessings. The awe and wonder experienced by Simon and his companions serve as a testament to the grace God bestows upon those who trust in Him. We are reminded of that famous hymn Amazing Grace: “Amazing grace, how sweet the sound that saved a wretch like me.”

As we deepen our relationship with the Lord, we come to recognize the incredible nature of His call in our lives. Just as Simon Peter experienced the miraculous catch of fish and left everything to follow Jesus, we too are invited to respond to His call – whether that means serving in our parishes, engaging in social service, or joining other associations. The question we must ask ourselves is: Are we ready to embrace this calling, even if it involves sacrifice and the potential for ridicule or rejection? While we may not all be called to the same level of discipleship as Isaiah, Paul, or Simon, each of us has the opportunity to make a significant impact in our communities. If we respond positively to Jesus’ invitation, we can become “fishers of men,” experiencing blessings that overflow beyond our imagination.


Response: In the presence of the angels I praise you, O Lord.


Copyright ©2025 ©Springs of Living Water  http://springs.carmelmedia.in

8th FEBRUARY 2025

7 Beautiful Images of Jesus Christ as The Good Shepherd | LDS Daily

SATURDAY, FOURTH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME

 

Heb 13: 15-17, 20-21             Ps 23: 1-6                   Mk 6: 30-34


 

JESUS, THE SHEPHERD-PRIEST

The first reading from the letter to the Hebrews speaks of the priesthood of Jesus. As the perfect High Priest, He offered the perfect sacrifice of Himself for the atonement of our sins and opened the way for us to approach God directly through Him. Reconciled to God, we are now asked to make the priesthood of Christ our own. Living the priesthood is to offer the sacrifice of praise. We are called to praise God, acknowledging Him as our Lord and Saviour. However, a sacrifice of praise is given to God even when He does not act according to our will. We are called to praise God not just in good times but also in bad times. Sometimes, we cannot see where God is leading us, but we are called to trust Him.

There are times when we need to go beyond our duty. We are called to help even when we are exhausted and need to rest. The same was with Jesus and the disciples. Our Lord spent most of His time and effort caring for all the people who had come looking for Him, reaching out to them, and showing them His mercy and kindness. He saw all of them like sheep who were without a shepherd and guide. Thus, He Himself took up their role as the shepherd of all the people of God.

Yet. Jesus was not just a shepherd but a priest who sacrificed Himself, His rest, and His time to be with the people. He took pity on them because they were hungry physically and spiritually. The responsorial psalm of the day reaffirms this theme of Jesus as the Shepherd-Priest. “The Lord is my shepherd: there is nothing I shall want” says the psalmist. In the first two stanzas highlight the qualities of the Good Shepherd – he gives rest, nourishment, protection and comfort. In the following couple of stanzas, the focus is on Jesus the High Priest who anoints the faithful with the oil of salvation. May the words of the psalmist reign in our hearts as we embrace Jesus as our Shepherd and Priest.


Response: The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I shall want.


Copyright ©2025 ©Springs of Living Water  http://springs.carmelmedia.in

7th FEBRUARY 2025

8 Ways Your Faithfulness is Evaluated - LetterPile

FRIDAY, FOURTH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME

 

Memorial of Saint Gonsalo Garcia

 

Heb 13: 1-8                Ps 27: 1,3, 5, 8-9                    Mk 6: 14-29


 

ARE WE FAITHFUL?

The author of the letter to the Hebrews speaks of marriage and urges to keep it pure. In the Gospel passage of today, we find that this pure relationship of marriage is defiled by King Herod who divorces his first wife and then seduces the wife of his half-brother, Herodias, eventually marrying her. It is very sad that when John the Baptist confronts Herod, he is imprisoned; and by Herodias’ scheming, he is beheaded. An innocent man of God is executed for someone else’s immoral act.

With this background, it is fitting that we need to go into a deeper meaning of the word ‘marriage’. It is often used in the Bible as an imagery or a metaphor to define the relationship with God. In Isaiah 54:3 Yahweh declares, “For your husband is your maker, whose name is the Lord of hosts; and your redeemer is the Holy One of Israel, who is called the God of all the earth.” What a privilege to be the spouse of the creator of the world! But what is Israel’s response to this marriage covenantal relationship?? We find it in Ezekiel 16:32-34: “You adulteress wife, who takes strangers instead of her husband! Men give gifts to all harlots, but you give your gifts to all your lovers to bribe them to come to you from every direction for your harlotries. Thus, you are different from those women in your harlotries, in that no one plays the harlot as you do, because you give money and no money is given you; thus, you are different.”

In the New Testament, Christ is the Bridegroom, and the Church is the bride. What a privilege that the Bridegroom dies for his bride in order to save her. The message of the Scriptures is that God is inviting us into the Trinitarian relationship that the Father, Son and Spirit share, and reminds of our responsibility to respond to His invitation; first, as an individual, and then as a faith community, i.e., the Church. God loves us and He is faithful. The question remains: Are we?


Response: The Lord is my light and salvation.


Copyright ©2025 ©Springs of Living Water  http://springs.carmelmedia.in