regan.ocd – Page 3 – SPRINGS OF LIVING WATER

December 1, 2024December 1, 2024

2nd DECEMBER 2024

Keep the grace of love and the mark of humility - FAMILY OF ST. SHARBEL USA

MONDAY, FIRST WEEK IN ADVENT

Is 4: 2-6 Ps 122: 1-9 Mt 8: 5-11

TWIGS OF CONFIDENCE, HUMILITY AND LOVE!

The Book of Isaiah has been referred to as ‘the Fifth Gospel’ because of the number of messianic prophecies in it. Even if we did not have the four gospels, we would know a lot about Jesus just from the breadth of details given about him in the book of Isaiah! Today’s first reading is about one such prophecy concerning the Messiah, who is referred to as ‘the branch of the Lord’. Prophets Jeremiah and Zechariah will come back to this title strongly and clearly. In this sense, today’s reading is really a ‘good news of salvation.’ God’s justice is always mingled with mercy, healing, and salvation. Consider how that ‘branch of the Lord’; i.e. Jesus Christ, appears in today’s gospel. As soon as the humble centurion comes to plead for the life of his servant, he immediately responds to his plea. Jesus listens to him and is pleased by his prayer of faith. He appreciates the centurion aloud and heals his servant instantly from a distance.

We have just commenced the season of Advent. Let us gather some twigs and ‘branches’ from the centurion to build the nests of our hearts so that we may have the joy of the Messiah born anew in our hearts this Christmas.

a) Let us imitate his total confidence in the Lord expressed in a sincere prayer from the heart with devotion and surrender. St Therese of Lisieux wrote, “My way is one that is full of confidence and love.”

b) Let us imitate his exemplary humility. St. Teresa of Avila wrote: “There is no queen like humility for making the King surrender. Humility drew the King from heaven to the womb of the Virgin, and with it, we will draw Him to our souls.”

c) Let us imitate his compassionate charity; interestingly, it was for his servant’s life that the centurion was pleading and not for one of his own blood! Charity is the key that opens the doors of our hearts for God to come and abide.

Response: Let us go rejoicing to the house of the Lord.

November 30, 2024November 30, 2024

1st DECEMBER 2024

1st Sunday of Advent: Songs of Prophecy & Hope

SUNDAY, FIRST WEEK IN ADVENT

Jer 33: 14-16 1 Thes 3: 12–4:2 Lk 21: 25-28, 34-36

PREPARATION FOR THE LORD’S COMING

We celebrate today the first Sunday of Advent, with which we begin the new liturgical year. The word ‘advent’ is derived from the Latin word adventus which means ‘arrival’ or ‘coming’. The season of Advent is a special time that introduces the coming of the Lord, both His first coming in history and the second coming at the end of time. The ‘coming of the Lord’ (adventus) also draws our attention to His daily coming in the Word of God, in the celebration of the sacraments, and in other ways. The liturgy of today invites us to prepare for the ‘coming of the Lord’. How shall we do so?

By living in faith:

Scripture proclaims to us God’s promises to humanity and testifies to their fulfilment in history. In the book of Genesis, God promised the destruction of the evil forces that corrupted the beauty of God’s most precious creation – Adam and Eve – through sin (Gen 3:15). God’s promise was fulfilled in the sacrificial death on the cross of His only Son, Jesus Christ (Jn 3:16). We need to have faith in the fulfilment of the promise in Jesus to have eternal life (Jn 3:15).

The prophets of the Old Testament announced God’s promises to the Israelites that they may believe in them and live. Prophet Jeremiah in today’s first reading reiterates the promises made by God to the Israelites. He speaks of a ‘righteous branch’ that will sprout from David’s descendants. The promised Messiah will be just and right; and will be called ‘the Lord our righteous saviour. Jeremiah’s prophecy is fulfilled in Christ. We need to believe in what is revealed by God in the Holy Scriptures. We need to listen to what is spoken by Him and live in faith. (Rom 10:17) Living in faith is a way to prepare ourselves for the ‘coming of the Lord’.

By living in love:

The God of the Bible is a God of love. He has created everything out of love. When human beings committed sin and went away from Him, He did not stop loving them; many and varied are the ways by which He tried to bring them back, finally sending His own Son into the world. St. Paul, writing to the Thessalonians in today’s second reading, invites us to let God’s love be manifested in and through us. In other words, we are called to become instruments of God’s love. Our love should increase in our hearts and overflow into the lives of others. Only the God of love can strengthen our hearts and keep us sinless until the second coming of our Lord Jesus. When we love one another, we please God. Living in love is a way to prepare ourselves for the ‘coming of the Lord’.

By living in hope:

The Word of God exhorts all God’s children to live in hope at all times. The Old Testament presents so many instances in the lives of the patriarchs, the prophets, the people of Israel, and others as well, of God’s Word and presence transforming their despair into hope. In the New Testament, the presence of Jesus instilled hope in the hearts of all those who encountered Him; even the great sinners found hope and new life in Christ.

In the day’s Gospel, the Lord invites us to live in hope. He promises us that He will come again in glory. Jesus prepares us for the Day of Judgement by giving us a glimpse of the extraordinary things that will happen in nature and among the people in the world at that time. When these things happen, He will come in a cloud with power and great glory. That will be the moment of our redemption, and we who live in hope will lift up our heads to experience our redemption. Therefore, we should be vigilant now, remain holy without sin, be prepared, and expect with hope the Lord’s coming. We must be watchful and be praying, for we do not know when the Son of Man will come in glory. Living in hope is a way to prepare ourselves for the ‘coming of the Lord’.

Advent is a time of grace, during which we watch and pray for the Lord’s glorious coming, for which we prepare ourselves by a life of faith, hope, and love.

Response: To you, O Lord, I lift up my soul. (Ps 25: 4-5, 8-10, 14)

November 29, 2024November 29, 2024

30th NOVEMBER 2024

The Feast of St. Andrew, Apostle – Benedictine Sisters of Mount St. Scholastica

SATURDAY, THIRTY FOURTH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME

Feast of Saint Andrew, Apostle

Rom 10: 9-18 Ps 19: 8-11 Mt 4: 18-22

DISCIPLESHIP: FAITH IN ACTION

St. Paul emphasizes today, the centrality of faith for salvation. He declares that ‘if we confess with our lips that Jesus is Lord …, we will be saved.’ This confession is not merely verbal but equally a heartfelt declaration of belief and trust in God’s saving power; and this faith needs to be put into action. Paul underscores that faith comes from hearing the message, the word of Christ. This faith is not simply bound to our hearts. Just as the apostles, when they were filled with the Holy Spirit, could not stay hidden anymore, but rather went out into the square and preached Christ, we too are called into action by the promptings of the spirit. Once our hearts are convinced of our identity as God’s children and his messengers, we cannot but be voices echoing his message. Thus, we could say that Paul welcomes us to a faith that is active, living, and proclaimed.

The gospel presents the immediate and radical response of the first disciples to Jesus’ call. Simon Peter and Andrew, followed by James and John, leave their nets and boats to follow Jesus. Their response is a testament to the power of Jesus’ call and their unwavering faith. Their faith is active in that they believed that the call they received was from the Messiah, and were convinced thus to drop all their securities and follow Christ. Their action embodies the obedience and readiness.

Together, the readings remind us that faith and witness to it, are intertwined. True faith draws us to follow Jesus, leaving behind our old ways and embracing a new life dedicated to His mission. We are called into a faith that must be confessed and lived. As we reflect on these passages, we are invited to examine our lives. We are called to live our faith through acts of love and service—deeds that spring from our faith. Let us then, strive to be messengers of Christ’s word, living the good news in and through our lives.

Response: Their sound goes forth through all the earth.

November 28, 2024November 28, 2024

29th NOVEMBER 2024

Luke [21:29-33] The Lesson of the Fig Tree

FRIDAY, THIRTY FOURTH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME

Rv 20: 1-4, 11 21: 2 Ps 84: 3-6, 8 Lk 21: 29-33

THE UNCHANGING WORD OF GOD

Jesus shares with us the parable of the fig tree, emphasizing the importance of recognizing the signs of the times. The fig tree, a common sight in Israel, is used by Jesus to illustrate a spiritual truth. When the tree sprouts leaves, it signals the arrival of summer. Similarly, Jesus points out that the unfolding events indicate the coming of God’s kingdom. This passage invites us to be attentive to the signs of God’s presence in our lives. Just as the budding fig tree reveals the change of seasons, so too do the events in our world and personal lives reveal deeper spiritual realities. Jesus is urging His followers not to be caught off guard, but to live with an awareness of God’s activity in the world.

The certainty of God’s word is another key theme here. Jesus assures His disciples that, though heaven and earth will pass away, His words will not. This speaks to the enduring truth and reliability of Jesus’ teachings. In a world that is constantly changing, filled with uncertainty and fear, the Word of God remains a solid foundation. This gives us hope and courage to face the future, knowing that God’s promises will be fulfilled. This passage serves as a reminder to live in readiness, with hearts attuned to the movement of the Holy Spirit. We are called to discern the signs of God’s kingdom in our midst. By staying rooted in Christ’s teachings and remaining vigilant in prayer, we prepare ourselves for the coming of God’s kingdom, which Jesus assures us, is near.

In essence, the gospel passage is a call to spiritual awareness and trust in the unchanging Word of God. It challenges us to recognize the signs of God’s work around us and to respond with faith, hope, and readiness. Let this trust inspire us to live out the Gospel more fully, knowing that in doing so, we are participating in something that will never pass away.

Response: Behold, the dwelling of God is with men

November 27, 2024November 27, 2024

28th NOVEMBER 2024

Luke 3:21 Artwork | Bible Art

THURSDAY, THIRTY FOURTH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME

Rv 18:1-2,21-23; 19:1-3,9 Ps 100:1-5 Lk 21:20-28

THE WEDDING INVITATION

As we near the end of the liturgical year, the readings at mass revolve around the apocalyptic times. Amid the prophesies of doom and destruction, there is a ray of hope for the upright: ‘The wedding feast of the Lamb’. Our response to them must be like the psalm, “Blessed are those who are invited to the wedding supper of the lamb.” The good news is that we are all invited. The Lamb represents Jesus Christ and His Bride the Church.

No human allegory can adequately describe how dear to the heart of God is His Church. The closest that we can get to this portrayal is to liken this love to the love shared between two lovers; a bridegroom and his bride (cf. Hos 2:19). Just as they give themselves wholly to one another so that they are no longer two but one, the Lord gives Himself entirely to the Church and the Church which comprises all those who love Him, are called to give themselves totally to Him. This union of love is described as the marriage feast of the lamb because the redeemed will feast forever on the love of God. The marriage of the lamb takes place not just at the macro level at the end of time, but also at an individual level in the heart of a person who becomes united with Him through love. God is the bridegroom and our soul is His bride. Therefore, we are all invited individually, here and now, to the marriage feast of the lamb which can take place in your heart even before we die. The mystics describe this happy moment as ‘Union with God’.

How can the bride respond to this invitation? By giving herself to Him in love, keeping nothing back. Prayer is the door that opens the account of this love story. Taking time to be with our beloved and building up our relationship with Him, involves time and effort. And just as every love story is not complete without sacrifice, this love story too needs this little ingredient to have a happy ending.

Response: Blessed are those who are invited
to the marriage supper of the Lamb.

November 26, 2024November 26, 2024

27th NOVEMBER 2024

Luke 21 - Word on Fire

WEDNESDAY, THIRTY FOURTH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME

Rv 15: 1-4 Ps 98: 1-3, 7-9 Lk 21: 12-19

PERSEVERANCE WINS US OUR LIFE

During this last week of the liturgical year, the readings highlight to us the uncomfortable truth that life on earth is a struggle. You can see that every organism instinctively struggles to enhance life and distance itself from death. All the same, till the day death overtakes them.

Christian faith qualifies the understanding of this struggle, without denying it. In the book of Revelation, the drama of life is depicted by the cosmic battle at the end of times where those who believing in and follow Jesus Christ will definitively be the victors, as they will have arrived at the stature of spiritual and moral high ground.

That amazing experience will naturally make everyone who took the narrow path, burst out in the victory song that reechoes the song of Moses crossing the Dead Sea freed from the grasp of slavery in Egypt, and being present to God who alone is true. They will see and rejoice that the enticements of the world were empty and short lived, really not worthy investing in.

Jesus in the Gospel is already forewarning his disciples that his teachings are bitter and naturally hateful to those who want to go the way of comfort and pleasures as goals of life. Obviously, the heralds of this ‘bitter news’ will provoke systematic hatred towards them. They are assured that the courage and serenity they will manifest in such challenges will be the clear proof of the veracity of what they are proclaiming.

By their courageous perseverance, in their cruel suffering and death, strengthened by the spirit of Jesus, the martyrs, down the times, have proclaimed the gospel, and built the universal Church. It still happens here and there. If it could happen to Sr. Rani Maria Rani, or the Steins it can also happen to us also.

Response: Great and amazing are your deeds, O Lord God Almighty!

November 25, 2024November 25, 2024

26th NOVEMBER 2024

My Reflections...: 1Reflection for November 24 Tuesday, Saint Andrew Dung-Lac, Priest, and Companions, Martyrs (M): Luke 21:5-11

TUESDAY, THIRTY FOURTH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME

Rv 14: 14-19 Ps 96: 10-13 Lk 21: 5-11

THE DAYS WILL COME…

Today we hear the future of Jerusalem Temple. When someone appreciated its materialistic beauty and grandeur, Jesus realized that we always give importance to man-made beauty and not for the love of God. Thus He prophesies, what happens to the things that are manmade, everything will be wiped away from this earth. In His own time, He knows exactly what to give and what to take back. As long as we consider someone or something, greater than God, then He knows how to take us back to Himself. There is an end for all.

Our present world is ruled by individualism and competition. Ethics and morals are silenced, but Humans who must upheld the truth are destroying it. For how long one can do this? Every human being will die. Death is natural but how are we going to be ready for it, completely depends upon our life journey. The big bungalows are everywhere but how many people are living in it? For the sake of children’s higher education, parents have left their children in hostels or in boarding houses in foreign countries, have they returned back to the family to see their so-called parents? In this world of material growth, all relationships are set on self-centred goals.

Those nations that once upheld Christianity, have opted for non-religious ways of life. The teachings of Christ are interpretated wrongly. Remember, “the days will come….” nothing is going to remain as it is, whenever and wherever, God and His word is not accepted, there we have seen the destruction. Bible speaks about it loudly, and also the present human race too has experienced it in some way. Christ is not frightening us, but rather he is reminding us not to fall away from Him for the sake of sensual pleasures. God loves all of us, there is no end for His love; to experience His Love, we must keep aside our will and embrace His will. Whoever accepts His will and lives according to it, He calls them His beloved Sons and Daughters.

Response: The Lord comes to judge the earth.

November 24, 2024November 24, 2024

25th NOVEMBER 2024

Giving That Pleases the Lord (Luke 21:1-4) - St. Ignatius Catholic Church

MONDAY, THIRTY FOURTH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME

Rv 14: 1-5 Ps 24: 1-6 Lk 21: 1-4

AN AUTHENTIC CHRISTIAN LIFE

We live in a world of advertisements, fads and fashion, where everything is manifested by its external design and where authenticity stands the test of time. However, Human life, in its authenticity cannot survive for long, through some outward display of actions, rather only through something deep, genuine and lasting. The quest for an authentic spiritual life calls us to go beyond the shallow spiritual practices and delve deep into the heart of what is true living of our faith. First and foremost, authenticity of our faith begins with honest assessments of our belief systems, motivations and how we practice our faith on a daily basis. Secondly, it calls us to engage ourselves with the deeper questions of life, such as, our capacity to commit ourself to live out the truths that we profess. And finally, it calls upon our inner conviction to abandon ourself in total self-giving to God whom we worship and who loves us unconditionally.

The first reading today speaks about the reward given to the people of such total authenticity. The book of Revelation speaks about such men and women in heaven around the throne of God who once served God through their life on earth and now sing the canticles to God before the throne. The book mentions two things: They are the ones purchased from among men the first fruits to God, redeemed by the blood of the lamb, Jesus; and second, in their mouth there was found no lie; for they are without blemish before the throne of God, they responded authentically to the call of the Lamb in love and service.

The Gospel narrates the case of a poor widow, who had nothing to offer to God but in her utter poverty, gives all she had. She was a woman of faith and she knew God was her providential Father. Authentic faith demands such self-donation of ourselves in the hands of our God in total authenticity knowing and believing that we are safe in His arms. Can my faith go deep into that level of my total authenticity and total self-giving?

Response: These are the people who seek your face, O Lord.

November 23, 2024November 23, 2024

24th NOVEMBER 2024

SUNDAY, THIRTY FOURTH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME

Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ King of the Universe

Dn 7: 13-14 Ps 93: 1-2, 5 Rv 1: 5-8 Jn 18: 33-37

SEEK YE THE KINGDOM OF GOD

God created the universe for his own glory, to display his power and wisdom, and to reveal his identity. We are taught that humans are to know, love, serve and be with our Creator God for ever. God created the universe for his own pleasure so that humans could enjoy all that he created. Today’s celebration is about this original purpose of creation, where God would be God and we being God’s children enjoy his love and life.

The Feast titled “Our Lord Jesus Christ the King” was instituted by Pope Pius XI in 1925, in response to growing modern secularism and narrow nationalism. He proclaimed that the best way to defeat socio-political injustice was by acknowledging the kingship of Christ, emphasizing the authority of God on our personal and social lives. Pope Paul VI amended the title of the Feast to “Our Lord Jesus Christ King of the Universe”. Jesus did not come to be served, but to serve. He did not come to be served by his power as Son of God but to give all of Himself for others to save them. This is Jesus’ kingship.

“Seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness”(Mt 6:33). John the Baptist’s urgent invitation to repent is to enter into a new beginning as re-echoed by Jesus’ pronouncement of a new era that had arrived (Mt 4:17). Since the kingdom of God consists of all of the universe over which God reigns, now Jesus emphasizes that such kingdom has already arrived in his own person. The Jews were expecting God’s messianic kingdom. The birth of Jesus is the beginning of that kingdom, ruled by God’s appointed Messiah, who will be not just the socio political liberator of people, but their King. The kingdom of God was near to them because the King of the kingdom was there. When He came, Jesus inaugurated God’s kingdom. He did not consummate it, but He started it. And when He ascended into heaven, He went there for His coronation, for His investiture as the King of kings and Lord of lords.

So Jesus’ kingship is in the seat of the highest cosmic authority. All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to God’s anointed Son (ref. Mt 28:18). Therefore, King Herod, the ruler of this earthly territory was terrified at the birth of the Messiah. Also, when Jesus told Pilate, “My kingdom is not of this world,” he was indicating that His kingdom was something spiritual that takes place in our hearts. Pilate grew uncertain of continuing to be in power and decided not to hear from Jesus about the truth, knowing that the truth might disturb his authority. Christ’s presence will disturb all our earthly powers and worldly ambitions.

The King of the Universe, interpreted as King of Everything, a title of great prestige claiming domination of the universe used by powerful monarchs and rulers. Jesus makes the purpose of his coming to the world clear: “the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many” (Mk 10:45) so that we may have life, and have it to the full (ref. Jn 10:10). In this sense, this Solemnity highlights that Jesus Christ, the King, is the destination of our earthly pilgrimage.

The Good News of Salvation is that the righteous go to eternal life (Mt 25:31-46). However, this state of being right with God comes through the sacrifice of Christ on the Cross. The Gospel tells “Unless you turn and become like children, you will not enter the kingdom of heaven” (Mt 18:3). We are invited to recognize Jesus in the face of each brother and sister. Along this journey, the liturgy instructs us how to recognize the Lord present in everyday life and to prepare us for His final coming. It is worth reminding ourselves that the King of the Universe, Emmanuel, ‘God is with us’ gave the great assurance: “Behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age” (Mt 28:20). It is within this frame that we should read the “Universal Judgment”

Today’s liturgy invites us to contemplate, Jesus, Emmanuel, God with us, is specially giving us numerous occasions to recognize Him present and active in our day-to-day lives if we follow in His footsteps, cultivate His own concern and desire to save and serve humanity.

Response: The Lord is king, with majesty enrobed.

November 22, 2024November 22, 2024

23rd NOVEMBER 2024

Psalm 126: God's Promise of Enduring Love – revPACman

SATURDAY, THIRTY THIRD WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME

Rv 11: 4-12 Ps 144: 1-2, 9-10 Lk 20: 27-40

GOD’S ENDURING PROMISES

The first reading presents a vivid and symbolic passage from the Book of Revelation, depicting two witnesses who bear testimony during a time of great turmoil and tribulation. This passage is often interpreted in various ways, and it carries a message of resilience, divine protection, and the ultimate triumph of God’s purpose. The two witnesses in the book are often seen as representatives of faithful witnesses for God throughout history. They symbolize the enduring presence of God’s truth and His faithful servants who bear witness, often at great personal cost. The fact that they are described as lampstands and olive trees suggests that they provide spiritual illumination and nourishment, ensuring that the light of God’s truth never goes out, and His people are sustained.

The passage also describes the witnesses’ power to perform miracles, such as shutting up the heavens and striking the earth with plagues, reminiscent of the miracles performed by biblical figures like Moses and Elijah. These miracles signify the authority and divine protection granted to those who faithfully serve God, even in the face of opposition and persecution. The reference to the witnesses’ eventual death and their resurrection after three and a half days is a powerful image of God’s triumph over death and adversity. It echoes the resurrection of Jesus Christ and illustrates that, even in the darkest hours, God’s purposes cannot be thwarted. The witnesses’ resurrection and ascension to heaven signify their vindication and the ultimate victory of God’s truth.

We have personal lessons in today’s first reading. It encourages us to be faithful witnesses for God, even in the face of challenges and opposition. This passage serves as a source of hope and strength, reminding us that, no matter how daunting the circumstances, God is with us, and His light will shine through even the darkest of times.

Response: Blest be the Lord, my rock!