Author: regan.ocd

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THURSDAY, SECOND WEEK OF ADVENT

 

Is 4 1: 13-20               Ps 145: 1, 9-13                       Mt 11: 11-15

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OUR GOD IS A GOD WHO CARES

In the first reading, the Lord speaks directly to His people, offering a profound message of comfort and assurance. It reminds the faithful not to fear, for God is present and actively involved in their lives. This assurance is not merely a comforting phrase; it is a declaration of God’s unwavering commitment to His people. The imagery of God taking one by the hand evokes a sense of intimacy and guidance, illustrating that in times of distress, believers are not alone. God walks alongside them, providing strength and support.

The passage continues with a promise of transformation: “I will turn the desert into pools of waters.” This imagery speaks of the miraculous ability of God to bring life and abundance from barren places. Even in the most desolate situations, God can create new beginnings. The desert, often seen as a symbol of hardship and despair, will bloom and flourish under God’s providential care. This transformation is not just physical but spiritual, inviting believers to trust in God’s capacity to renew their lives and circumstances. Furthermore, the passage highlights God’s attentiveness to the cries of the marginalized and the suffering. It reassures the faithful that He is not distant or indifferent to their struggles. Instead, He is actively listening and ready to respond to their needs. This divine attentiveness calls believers, encouraging them to embody God’s compassion in their actions.

Finally, the passage calls us to rejoice, recognizing God’s faithfulness and the transformative power of His love. In a world often marked by despair and uncertainty, this message invites believers to cultivate a spirit of hope and joy, grounded in the assurance that God is at work. The Lord encourages us today to embrace hope, trust in His guidance, and actively participate in the work of compassion and renewal.

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Response: The Lord is kind and full of compassion, slow to anger, abounding in mercy.

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Copyright ©2024 ©Springs of Living Water  http://springs.carmelmedia.in

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WEDNESDAY, SECOND WEEK OF ADVENT

 

Is 40: 25-31                Ps 103: 1-4, 8, 10                   Mt 11: 28-30

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HOPE IN THE POWERFUL GOD!

The Book of Isaiah is one of the largest books of the Old Testament. The timeline of the book spans over two centuries of the history of Israel, i.e., from the rule of the Assyrians from 745 BC till the return of the Israelites to their homeland in 520 BC and the rebuilding of the Jerusalem temple around the year 516 BC. Thus, the Book of Isaiah stretches over three timelines, i.e., chapters 1-39 to the period before the capture of Israel by the Babylonians, chapters 40-55 during the exile of the Israelites in Babylon, and chapters 55-66 to the period after the exile, i.e., the return of the Jews to Jerusalem.

Today’s first reading from the 40th Chapter belongs to the second section of the book of Isaiah, wherein the kingdom of Judah and its capital Jerusalem lay in ruin after the invasion of the Babylonian King Nebuchadnezzar, who destroyed the temple and took many to exile in Babylon. Those who remained faced two major crises: the loss of their houses, homeland, and place of worship, as well as the crisis of faith, i.e., God’s apparent inability to protect them from this disaster. The latter crisis led some to entertain the thought that perhaps the Babylonian gods were the true gods, more powerful than the Lord God, who had abandoned them.

It is in this context that Prophet Isaiah instils hope in the lives of the people that God will bring deliverance to them and redemption from the Babylonians. The reading of today is all about having faith and trust in the Lord, who is the only God. Isaiah reminds the people to look around and infer! The entire world is the manifestation of His creative power and strength. He can make the weak strong and the strong weak. Such is His power, which surpasses every calamity and difficulty. The season of Advent is all about hope. May the meditative reading of the Word of God from today’s liturgy instill in us hope and confidence in the redemptive power of the Lord.

 

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Response: Bless the Lord, O my soul.

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Copyright ©2024 ©Springs of Living Water  http://springs.carmelmedia.in

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TUESDAY, SECOND WEEK OF ADVENT

 

Is 40: 1- 11                 Ps 96: 1-3, 0-13                      Mt 18: 12-14

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CHRIST THE COMFORTER

 

Advent, a word signifying arrival, invites us to contemplate the profound significance of Christ’s coming. His first coming, marked by humility and suffering, inaugurated the era of salvation. His second coming, filled with glory and power, will bring about the final redemption of all creation.

 

This liturgical season should serve as a time of comfort and hope. We all know the impact of sin in our lives, and we see its consequences all around us. Advent is a time for us to eagerly anticipate the day when Christ will return and make all things new. He is coming, so take heart.

 

The Word of God tells us about the coming of the king and calls for the preparation of our hearts through repentance and sin. His arrival brings hope and faith. We are invited to strengthen our confidence in the surety of God’s promises. We are limited and weak, but God is limitless and will accomplish all He has promised. Everything He says is true and will come to pass. Finally, the people of God are called to herald the coming of the One who will bring comfort and salvation. When Jesus returns, He will come as the victorious and conquering King. He is a good and gentle shepherd. He is our hope both for our salvation and our eternal comfort.

 

Jesus is the shepherd whose heart goes after the one who is lost. Each person is precious in the eyes of God and has a place in His heart. We are loved and saved by the One who created us. Advent reminds us of what it is like to be a child who is always dependent on others for so much in life. It reminds us of our total dependence on God for everything. During this time of grace, the Lord turns our attention to that bit of ourselves that wants to do our own thing, and go our own way even when it is self-destructive, so that we may realize, repent and return to Him. It is by His love that He saves the lost sheep.

 

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Response: The Lord our God comes with might.

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Copyright ©2024 ©Springs of Living Water  http://springs.carmelmedia.in

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MONDAY, SECOND WEEK OF ADVENT

 

Sol. of The Immaculate Conception of the B.V. Mary

 

Gn 3:9-15,20              Ps 98:1-4                    Eph 1:3-6,11-12                     Lk 1:26-38

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IMITATING MARY’S RESPONSE OF FAITH

Today’s solemnity commemorates the dogma that Mary, the mother of God, was preserved from original sin from the moment of her conception. This extraordinary grace, bestowed upon her by God, made her uniquely qualified to become the mother of Jesus Christ, the Saviour of the world. The formal definition of the Immaculate Conception as a dogma of faith was proclaimed by Pope Pius IX in his encyclical Ineffabilis Deus on December 8, 1854.

This significant event marked a pivotal moment in the Church’s understanding of Mary’s role in the history of salvation. Mary’s resounding fiat – her “yes” – is the prayerful vessel through which ‘God amongst us’ steps into our world and becomes one of us. Thus, whatever be the circumstances of our lives we are assured by the words, “The Lord is with you, do not be afraid.” Mary’s obedience to God’s will serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of prayerful surrender, trust, and faithfulness in our relationship with God, inviting us to reflect on our own willingness to do His will.

Mary’s role is first prophesied in the book of Genesis. It is the fall of Adam and Eve that resulted in original sin corrupting human nature. The Protoevangelium (Gen 3:15), foreshadows the coming of a Redeemer who would crush the head of the serpent. This Redeemer, Jesus Christ, would come through Mary, the New Eve, who would undo the damage caused by the original sin. This passage reveals that Jesus invites his mother to participate in the act of salvation. Jesus and his mother overcame sin, Satan, together by the power of God.

The passage also makes us aware of the human tendency to deny our sinfulness. Adam and Eve chose to do what was wrong, they chose themselves over God and by so doing they sinned. However, even when we sin, God is concerned about us, just as he came to check on Adam and Eve. He called out to them but they were afraid to be seen; they were ashamed because they knew they had done what was not right. Yet, when did come before God, rather than confessing and repenting, they tried to justify their action by blaming others. Adam blamed Eve who then blamed the serpent.

The same tendency is seen among us today. How easy it is to find fault with others! Rarely however do we turn inward first to examine our own conscience and confess our fault. The passage exhorts us to be humble, to come before the Lord with a humble and contrite heart. God already knows our inner thought; he knows our sinful deeds. However, he desires that we make the choice to reconcile with Him just as, in sinning, we made the choice to go against His will. Today, He is inviting us to examine our hearts and minds, and to strive for holiness. God has blessed us with every spiritual blessing, enabling us to live a life that reflects His divine image (Eph 1:3-4). By turning away from sin and embracing His love, we can overcome the destructive power of self-centeredness and experience the transformative power of His grace.

The gospel passage narrates the encounter of the archangel Gabriel with Mary: “Hail full of grace; the Lord is with you. You have found favour with God.” Mary’s consent was necessary to bring Jesus into the world. She could have refused, but she didn’t. Instead, a response was Fiat: “I am the handmaid of the Lord; let it be done to me according to your word.” And the Word became flesh. Mary’s response of faith was only possible because of her profound relationship with God.

God invites us as well to be part of His plan for the salvation of the world. He does not impose on our freedom. We are called to imitate Mary’s response of faith. Faith is the basic requisite for the impossible to become possible in one’s life. Faith enables us to surrender everything to God for whom nothing is impossible. Let us run to Mary and like little children throw ourselves into her arms asking her to teach us to respond in faith at all times and in every situation.

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Response: O sing a new song to the Lord, for he has worked wonders.

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Copyright ©2024 ©Springs of Living Water  http://springs.carmelmedia.in

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SUNDAY, SECOND WEEK OF ADVENT

 

Bar 5: 1-9                   Ps 126: 1-6                 Phil 1: 4-6, 8-11                     Lk 3: 1-6

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ECHOING JOY

The prophecy of Baruch emerged as a beacon of hope for the shattered people of Israel. Delivered in the aftermath of the devastating Babylonian invasion and the destruction of Jerusalem, it offered solace and a promise of restoration. The Israelites, exiled and dispersed, were plunged into a profound state of despair. Yet, amidst the ruins of their beloved city, a longing for renewal ignited within their hearts. Against this backdrop of sorrow and uncertainty, Baruch’s prophetic words brought a message of joy and divine intervention. He proclaimed that God would lead His people with compassion and grace, guiding them back to their homeland. This assurance reinforced the enduring nature of God’s promises and offered a glimmer of hope to a nation in mourning. By echoing the powerful imagery of earlier prophets, Baruch strengthened the people’s faith in God’s unwavering commitment.

God’s steadfast guidance illuminates our path as we navigate the journey of faith. This message of hope resonated deeply with a people who had lost all hope. The Psalmist echoes their sentiments of joy, expressing gratitude for answered prayers and dreams fulfilled. The responsorial psalm reflects on times of distress when prayers were fervently offered and God miraculously intervened, transforming despair into joy. Just as God extended His grace to the Israelites of old, so too does He offer us the same promise of joy and hope.

Saint Paul’s exhortation in the second reading tells us to discern what is of value in our lives so that we may be pure and blameless for the day of Jesus Christ. He talks of Christian joy which is a profound and enduring gift. Paul’s letters, particularly the Epistle to the Philippians, radiate with this joy. It is the joy of prayer, the joy of interceding for loved ones, and the joy of witnessing their spiritual growth. This joy is rooted in God’s promise of redemption and restoration. Saint Paul expresses immense joy in the faith and spiritual progress of the Philippians. In the gospel, we are told that God chose John the Baptist for a mission. He was to send His beloved Son into the world, and John was selected to be the person to prepare the way for Him. John’s mission was to boldly proclaim the coming of the Lord to everyone he encountered. Everyone needed to be ready to hear the Good News from the Messiah.

Like St. John the Baptist, God has a mission for us. Right here and right now. We are living in a time and place where there is at least one person ready to encounter Jesus. We do not have to go out to the desert or wear strange clothes. But we do need to be bold and courageous. We might need to say “no” when someone asks us to do something we should not. Or we might be inspired to invite one of our friends to join us at Mass. There are opportunities in our lives to help those around us see and experience Jesus. That is the least and best we can do this Advent. Furthermore, we should get rid of the mountains and hills that we have built as obstacles to our spiritual life. For God to work in us, every obstacle must be removed: obstacles of pride, arrogance, cheating, adultery, unforgiveness, selfishness, etc. Only then can we experience the joy of the Lord.

We have a choice to make: Our lives are to be filled with joy; yet, we see less and less joy in the world today. Why is it so? Because we allow people and things to take it away from us. We have all had things done or said by others that have hurt us and have affected our joy. But we should realise that life is what we make of it and how we choose to live even in difficult situations or with difficult people. We can allow the situation or circumstance to take our joy away, or we can be courageous enough to move on despite our difficult situations wholly dependent on the faithful love of the Lord. We should learn from Paul to keep a joyful attitude amid house arrest. Today, the second Sunday of Advent calls us to prepare our hearts for the coming of Christ by filling them with Christian joy.

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Response: What great deeds the Lord worked for us! Indeed, we were glad.

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Copyright ©2024 ©Springs of Living Water  http://springs.carmelmedia.in

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SATURDAY, FIRST WEEK IN ADVENT

 

Memorial of Saint Ambrose

 

Is 30: 19-21, 23-26                 Ps 147: 1-6                 Mt 9: 35, 10: 1, 5-8

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TO WORK OR ONLY TO RECEIVE?

Today we reflect on the passage from Chapters 9 and 10 of Matthew’s gospel. Chapter 10 is the second of the five discourses presented in his gospel, which is also called the missionary discourse. Two key verses in this passage – Is 9:37, where Jesus says to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few,” and Is 10:1, which reads, “Jesus called his twelve disciples to him and gave them authority to drive out impure spirits and to heal every disease and sickness.” – highlight the message of today, i.e., discipleship.

To understand what Jesus is leading us to, we must set the context for the above. In the first discourse in Matthew’s gospel, the famous “Sermon on the Mount,” Jesus singled out his disciples from the huge crowd. “Now when Jesus saw the crowds, he went up on a mountainside and sat down. His disciples came to him, and he began to teach them.” (Mt 5:1-2) These imperfect men from various walks of life responded to Jesus’ call to follow Him. The Lord trained them by his teaching and by the example of his life. As He let Himself be moved with compassion by the helplessness of the “sheep without a shepherd,” so also, he endeavoured to mould their hearts accordingly that they may be worthy messengers of His gospel and successors to His mission.

The call to discipleship is a major theme in the gospel of Matthew, urging us constantly to ask ourselves: Are we one of the disciples, or are we content to remain amidst the crowd? Do we offer ourselves unconditionally in the Lord’s service, or do we limit our relationship with Him to receiving graces and healings? Let us, then, implore the Lord of the harvest to bless us with the grace to labour diligently in His vineyard. May we find solace in the words of the prophet Isaiah, who, amidst trials and tribulations, offered hope in the coming of the Messiah, Emmanuel – God with us.

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Response: Blessed are all those who wait for the Lord.

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Copyright ©2024 ©Springs of Living Water  http://springs.carmelmedia.in

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FRIDAY, FIRST WEEK IN ADVENT

 

Is 29: 17-24                Ps 27: 1, 4, 13-14                   Mt 9: 27-31

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THE DIVINE PROMISE OF TRANSFORMATION

In the first reading of today, Isaiah speaks of the profound transformation that God promises to bring about, turning desolation into abundance and blindness into sight. He offers immense hope, especially for those feeling lost or downtrodden. The passage begins with a vision of transformation where barren land becomes a lush forest. This symbolises how God can turn the desolate and hopeless areas of our lives into places of abundance and growth. Just as the desert blossoms, God can renew and restore us, no matter how barren our circumstances may seem. The text also speaks of the blind seeing and the deaf hearing. This is not just about physical healing but about spiritual awakening. God opens our eyes to see the truth and our ears to hear His word. It’s a call to be attentive to God’s voice, which can guide us out of darkness.

Those humble and in need will find joy in the Lord. God has a special place in His heart for the downtrodden and promises to lift them. This teaches us humility and reliance on God are keys to experiencing His transformative power. God’s transformation includes bringing justice and righteousness, ensuring that the marginalised are heard, and the oppressed are set free. Throughout the passage, there’s an underlying assurance of God’s faithfulness. He will fulfil His promises, transforming not only individuals but entire communities and societies. God is capable of bringing about transformation, and we should trust in His timing and process.

The time of Advent invites us to seek spiritual renewal, asking God to open our eyes to His truth and ears to His guidance so that we may become agents of His justice and righteousness in the world, standing up for the marginalised and oppressed. He reassures us today that no matter how bleak things may seem, His promises are sure, and His transformative power is at work, even when we cannot yet see it.

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Response: The Lord is my light and my salvation.

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Copyright ©2024 ©Springs of Living Water  http://springs.carmelmedia.in

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THURSDAY, FIRST WEEK IN ADVENT

 

Is 26:1-6                     Ps 118 :1,8-9,19-21,25-27                  Mt 7:21,24-27

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WHERE DO YOU BUILD YOUR HOUSE?

 

The ultimate purpose of the incarnation of Christ was to restore humanity’s access to the eternal abode, lost due to sin. Jesus invites us to build our lives on the foundation of His teachings. Every individual is inherently engaged in a lifelong construction project. Whether consciously or unconsciously, we all strive towards this eternal inheritance. The parable of the wise and foolish builders, as recounted by Jesus, illustrates the stark contrast between the two approaches to this striving. The wise builder constructs his life on the solid rock of Christ’s teachings. This foundation, rooted in faith, hope, and love, can withstand the storms of life’s trials and tribulations. In contrast, the foolish one builds his life on the shifting sands of worldly desires and fleeting pleasures. This foundation is inherently unstable and cannot endure the tests of time.

Both kinds of builders face similar trials and tribulations, encountering the relentless storms of temptation. The lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life assail us all. Yet, for those who trust in Christ, He provides the strength to weather these storms (cf. 1 Cor 10:13). Faith in Christ is the cornerstone of the spiritual building process. It is through faith that we receive the grace and strength to overcome sin, doubt, and fear. Obedience to God’s Word is essential in shaping our character and aligning our lives with His divine purpose. By diligently studying the Scriptures, praying regularly, and seeking the guidance of the Holy Spirit, we can build a strong and enduring spiritual foundation.

The final judgement will reveal the stark contrast between the two kinds of builders. The wise, whose houses were built on the rock of faith, will stand firm, while the foolish, whose houses were built on the shifting sands of worldly desires, will crumble. A glorious reward awaits those who have chosen to build their lives on Christ, securing their eternal destiny.

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Response: Blest is he who comes in the name of the Lord.

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Copyright ©2024 ©Springs of Living Water  http://springs.carmelmedia.in

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WEDNESDAY, FIRST WEEK IN ADVENT

 

Is 25: 6-10                  Ps 23: 1-6                   Mt 15: 29-37

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EUCHARIST: A CELEBRATION OF THE BANQUET OF LIFE

Banquets play a very important role in our culture – they unite people, mark festivities, and celebrate achievements. Israel celebrated ceremonial and ritual banquets. Ceremonial banquets were held on the occasion of national celebrations (Esth 1:3-9), they also celebrated mutual friendship, unity, and solidarity (Lev 22:2-44) of the host and the guest. The ritual banquets on the other hand marked some transitional point in a person’s life (Gen 21:8), where the stranger was transformed into a guest (Gen 19:3-14) and an enemy into a covenantal partner (Gen 26:26-31). Some ceremonial banquets also served as ritual banquets; the Last Supper is an excellent example of such banquets (Mk 14:12–25).

In the first reading, Isaiah speaks about a heavenly banquet hosted by God after the final redemption of His people. There are three things that stand out in this passage. Firstly, there is an exuberant joy, manifested through the symbolism of good food and well-aged wine – joy that signifies victory, return, and reunion. For us Christians, joy is the gift of the Holy Spirit, the presence of God within us. Secondly, the liberation of God is offered to all people. The oft-repeated word “all” signifies that God’s saving actions are beneficial not only to the Israelites but to all the people of God. Let us not forget that we Christians are not a people for ourselves but are called to be ‘salt’ and ‘light’ to the world. Finally, the glorious restoration cannot be attained until all the forces of evil are put to rest. It is the Lord Himself who will work this marvel for His people. “He died for us so that all might be saved” is the good news of salvation.

The Eucharist is that great banquet which the Lord celebrates every day on the ‘mountain’ of God’s altar. It is this banquet that destroys the evil forces within us, cleanses us of sin, and brings us back to the bosom of the Father, filling us with joy of the good news of salvation.

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Response: In the Lord’s own house shall I dwell for length of days unending.

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Copyright ©2024 ©Springs of Living Water  http://springs.carmelmedia.in

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TUESDAY, FIRST WEEK IN ADVENT

 

Feast of St Francis Xavier, Patron of Misisons

 

Jer 1:4-9                     Ps 71               2 Cor 4:7-15/Eph 3:2-12                   Lk 10:1-16

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FRANCIS XAVIER, AN ICON OF CHRIST’S MERCY

Today the Church celebrates the feast of St. Francis Xavier, the patron saint of Missions. India, honours him with great solemnity in acknowledgement of the intensity of his zeal for souls. “Many people… are not becoming Christians for one reason only: there is nobody to make them Christians. Again and again, I have thought of going around the universities of Europe… crying out like a madman, riveting the attention of those with more learning than charity: How many souls are being shut out of heaven and falling into hell, thanks to you!” (Letter of Francis Xavier to Ignatius of Loyola).

Jesus, being sent by the Father, called to Himself those whom he wanted, that they might be with Him and that He might send them out to preach and to have authority to drive out demons. (cf. Mk 3:13-15). When Jesus reminded his disciples, “You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit…” (Jn 15:16), the fruit that he was referring to is holiness. Holiness is making oneself available to Jesus so that His mission is carried forward.

The Church’s mission is all about spreading God’s love and life. Being holy and universal, it primarily makes visible the presence of the Lord, who continues to love and save humanity. Thus, the early Christians, in obedience to the command of the Lord, were willing to go when sent to “make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you” (Mt 28:19-20). This teaching is not limited to preaching but is principally about propagating Christ by conforming oneself to Him, and doing what He did. A missionary is an icon of Christ, an ambassador of Christ, one who is not only sent by Christ Himself but has also experienced His merciful love.

The experience of the love of Christ moved St. Francis Xavier to leave his country and come to Asia to proclaim the gospel. It is God’s love that made St. Francis a tireless missionary. He took upon himself the divine mandate to spread the good news of salvation as a personal obligation and, full of zeal, desired to bring to fulfilment God’s will that “all people be saved and come to the knowledge of the truth” (1 Tim 2:4). The purpose of the mission is the salvation of humanity through conversion of mind and heart. In other words, it aims for the transformation of the individual and of society.

We live in a world that is in search of the meaning of life on the one hand and is hostile to the divine will on the other. At times, the lifestyle of believers itself becomes a reflection of this dichotomy. The narrow way of the cross is neither attractive nor easy. However, the world needs the selfless service rendered by the Church, eventhough its members at times undergo persecution. Yet the Church has the privilege of being the leaven, the salt, and the light of the world. In this process, we see individuals being transformed and societies becoming better places for people to live in love and service. This is the way God manifests his continual work of redemption; it is a sure sign of his presence and power.

Pope Francis reminds us that missionary work is founded on respect for the dignity and worth of every person as God’s child. It entails respect for the diversity of culture and for the elements of truth and grace that are found among all peoples and cultures that acknowledge the presence of God without compromising the fundamental truth that God, who is love, saved humanity through the sacrifice of His Son Jesus on the cross. In all our missionary efforts, however, we acknowledge that we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us (2 Cor 4:7). Jesus, the only begotten Son of the Father, has revealed simple yet profound ways of living as God’s beloved ones, by which we bring about the establishment of God’s reign in a world infected by sin and despair. By our lives as missionaries, we make the Kingdom of God present.

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Response: My mouth will tell of your justice. (Ps 71:1-2 , 5-6, 8-9, 14-15)

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Copyright ©2024 ©Springs of Living Water  http://springs.carmelmedia.in