SPRINGS OF LIVING WATER

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SATURDAY, TWENTY SECOND WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME

 

Col 1: 21-23               Ps 54: 3-4, 6, 8                       Lk 6: 1-5

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THE GATE OF MERCY

Nelson Mandela spent 27 years in prison, much of it under unjust and harsh conditions. Upon his release in 1990, he remarked, “As I finally walked through those gates, I felt -even at the age of 71- that my life was beginning anew.”

His words capture the essence of liberation, a new beginning after long captivity. That experience echoes the spiritual reality described in the first reading Col 1:21–23 -a reconciliation that leads to true freedom and new life in God. His words speak of liberation, of a radical new beginning- one that emerged from long suffering and deep injustice. They reflect something profound that lies at the heart of our faith: the experience of being set free, of beginning anew -not politically or socially, but spiritually. In today’s reading from Colossians, Paul describes something even greater than release from a prison cell. He speaks of a reconciliation with God that reaches into the depths of who we are and changes our eternal destiny.

God, rich in mercy, did not leave us in that state of separation from Him. Through Christ’s death, we have been reconciled. Paul declares, “He has now reconciled you in his body of flesh by his death.” This reconciliation is total and complete. It restores relationship and redefines identity. We are no longer enemies, but those presented as holy, blameless, and irreproachable before God. The barrier is removed. The Father receives us not as slaves or strangers, but as sons and daughters.

However, reconciliation demands perseverance. “Indeed you continue in the faith, stable and steadfast,” Paul adds. This is not uncertainty but a call to remain grounded in the gospel, never shifting from its hope. The grace that reconciles also empowers us to endure. Faith is the root, but perseverance is the fruit. As Mandela walked into freedom, let us walk into the life that Christ has won for us!

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Response: See, I have God for my help.

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FRIDAY, TWENTY SECOND WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME

 

Memorial of Saint Teresa of Kolkata

 

Col 1: 15-20               Ps 100: 1-5                 Lk 5: 33-39

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ROOTED AND REVOLUTIONARY FAITH

 

In the first reading, Paul unveils a breathtaking vision of Christ as the “image of the invisible God,” the One through whom and for whom all things were created. He is before all things, the source in whom “all things hold together,” and the reconciler of all creation, making peace “by the blood of His cross.” This hymn to Christ’s supremacy lifts our gaze to the divine realm: Jesus is not merely a wise teacher or moral guide, but the very center of creation and redemption. Everything in the universe – seen and unseen – finds its meaning and ultimate destiny in Him.

This vision harmonizes with the Gospel, where Jesus speaks of the “new wine” of His Kingdom that cannot be contained in “old wineskins.” When questioned why His disciples did not follow the fasting practices of the Pharisees, Jesus replies that His presence ushers in a radically new reality: God’s reign breaking into history. The new wine of His Spirit cannot be held by rigid structures clinging to external observances without inward transformation. Christ’s grace reshapes us from within, calling for new hearts that expand with His overflowing life.

Today, the Church invites us to embrace a faith that is both rooted and revolutionary:

• Rooted in Christ’s Lordship – He is the Alpha and the Omega, holding our lives together even in chaos.
• Revolutionary in our response – Encountering Christ moves us from ritual to relationship, from law to love, from mere compliance to living communion.

Paul’s hymn assures us that no matter how broken the world or our hearts seem, “all things are being reconciled” through Him. Yet the Gospel challenges us: will we remain rigid old wineskins, or become flexible vessels ready for His Spirit? Let us surrender to Christ’s supremacy. Let Him be the centre that orders our chaos, the new wine that transforms us. For in Him alone, all things, including our fragmented lives, find their true purpose and peace.

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Response: Come before the Lord, singing for joy.

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

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THURSDAY, TWENTY SECOND WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME

 

Col 1: 9-14                 Ps 98: 2-6                   Lk 5: 1- 11

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THE SPIRITUAL OR THE MUNDANE?

Ordinary everyday experience tells us that when we begin our day, most often our thoughts run towards the fulfilment of our everyday tasks. Almost all productivity experts advise us to have a clear picture of the day before us for the successful implementation of our desired plans. As a result, all our attention and energy is spent mostly on the mundane things of life.

The human person, and especially a Christian, has a spiritual self. Our Christian vocation invites us to pay attention to this aspect of life. The reasons are, primarily, God has a better and broader plan for us. Paying attention to divine things will help us to see things from the divine perspective and choose that which is qualitatively greater. Secondly, when we pay attention to the things of God, we eventually put on the mindset of God thereby transforming all our desires to the likeness of God’s desires. This in turn will transform us as heavenly people. God becoming man so that man may live upon this earth with divine intent. St. Paul states that he prays for the Colossians everyday so that they could be filled with the knowledge of His will, would walk according to His ways so that they could do the works of God himself upon this earth. Paul desired to see Colossian Church live an authentic Christian life. In the Gospel, Jesus shows us how divine knowledge reveals what humans are seldom able to see and that divine understanding surpasses all human understanding.

Where do we stand as Christians today? Are we people guided by the Holy Spirit, and filled with divine wisdom and understanding? Have we ever realized the greatness of our Christian vocation and ever desired to walk in divine paths?

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Response: The Lord has made known his salvation.

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WEDNESDAY, TWENTY SECOND WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME

 

Memorial of Saint Gregory the Great

 

Col 1: 1-8                   Ps 52: 10-11               Lk 4: 38-44

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THE GOSPEL OF CHRISTIAN HOPE

Today’s readings remind us of the very heart of Christian life: faith, hope, and love. Faith is our deep reliance on God, a trust that allows Jesus to sustain us in the ordinariness of our daily lives. Hope, in turn, directs our gaze toward the ultimate reward—the unseen reality of eternal communion with God. It is not wishful thinking but a firm trust in God’s promise of salvation, as Pope Francis often reminded us: Christian hope is the certainty of eternal life in and through Jesus Christ. Rooted in our present life in Him, this hope finds its ultimate fulfillment in our future union with Him.

In the Gospel, Jesus reveals His mercy and compassion, healing the sick as a sign of His boundless love. Yet His mission goes beyond healing and earthly blessings; St Paul would say, “If for this life only we have hoped in Christ, we are of all people most to be pitied” (1 Cor. 15:19). Hope in Jesus is not about acquiring wealth, success, or comfort in this life; it is the unshakable assurance of our full union with Him as God’s beloved children and heirs of His Kingdom. St. Paul reminds us: “Hope does not disappoint us, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit” (Rom 5:5). Even now, God’s merciful love purifies and unites us, with its fullness to be realized in the life to come.

Jesus calls us to proclaim this Good News everywhere—a hope that transforms lives, rooted in the unfailing faithfulness of God. He is present among us, drawing us closer to Himself in Christ. Our lives, then, are to be marked by gratitude: gratitude for the victory Christ has won for us through His suffering, death, and resurrection.

Thus, our faith and ministry are not measured by worldly accomplishments but by the joy of knowing the end of our journey—the perfect union with God that awaits us. As St. Paul beautifully affirms, “the faith and love that spring from the hope stored up for you in heaven” sum up the true message of the Gospel (Col 1:5–6).

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Response: I trust in the mercy of God, forever and ever.

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

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TUESDAY, TWENTY SECOND WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME

 

1 Thes 5: 1-6, 9-11                 Ps 27: 1, 4, 13-14                   Lk 4: 31-37

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ENCOURAGING AND BUILDING UP

 

 “Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.” Paul, while enlightening the Thessalonians not to be needlessly anxious about the ‘day of the Lord’, exhorts them to maintain hope, vigilance and mutual edification. In doing so, he himself encourages them as he commends them for doing the same already. We have something to introspect here! Am I a pessimistic person filled with lot of negativity and useless criticisms? Paul invites the Thessalonians into two actions – encouraging one another and building one another up. Today, we have many discouraging realities around us: the weakened fabric of Christian families; Christian marriages that crumble in alarming numbers at times even due to silly reasons, many youngsters not even opting for the sacrament of marriage due to ideologies, priestly and religious vocations that have terribly shrunk, unemployment and stressful life, contemporary Christian children and youth often not strong enough to face the rough waters of life, elderly people helplessly left alone at homes or entrusted to the care of the home for the aged, widening divisions among the communities on communal lines, shallow faith life etc. Amidst these realities ‘reciprocal encouragement and building up’ would contribute much to mutual edification!

 

This evangelical virtue about which St Paul exhorts the community, does not come from psychological sessions or secular motivational talks, but rather from the truth of Christ’s resurrection which has conquered the world and offers us an unending hope. The gospel testifies it further – He is Jesus, one who liberates. He is Immanuel God with us and cares for us!

 

The theme of the Jubilee Year, ‘Pilgrims of Hope,’ keeps resounding in our ears. As pilgrims filled with hope in Christ, can we do something to encourage others and build up the timid who live around us? Let us look for opportunities to communicate life and hope to those around us!

 

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Response: I believe I shall see the Lord’s goodness in the land of the living.

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MONDAY, TWENTY SECOND WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME

 

1 Thes 4: 13-18                      Ps 96: 1, 3-5, 11-13                Lk 4: 16-30

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FIX YOUR EYES ON HIM

Just as a shooter fixes his eyes on the target and the hunter on the prey, a disciple of Jesus is to fix his/her eyes on the Lord.

Jesus was at the Synagogue where He was given the scroll of prophet Isaiah. He read it aloud and it proclaimed His mission: The Spirit of the Lord was upon Him for He was anointed to preach the good news to the poor, to proclaim release to the captives, to recover sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed and to proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord. The people in the synagogue who heard Him fixed their eyes on Him. But, later instead of fixing their attention on Jesus, they were distracted; they spoke of Him as the son of Joseph the carpenter.

St Paul reminds us that we need to focus our attention on the Lord. Paul himself had his eyes glued to the omnipotence of the Jewish Law, until the Lord made him see the difference. Paul adds that dying in Christ, we rise in Him and therefore, we must not grieve like those who have no hope. When we fix our eyes on the Lord, we believe that Jesus died and rose again, and He will make those died in Him to rise from the dead. Those who are alive, they need to fix their eyes on the Lord and wait for His glorious coming.

When our eyes are fixed on the things of this passing world, we end up in despair. Sometimes, our eyes are fixed on our own name and fame. This brings about disaster. Some of us may fix our eyes on money and pleasure; it makes us hopeless and pessimistic. When we fix our eyes on our weakness and nothingness, we will find it hard to overcome them. But, when we become aware of our frailty and fix our attention on the Lord, on His love and mercy, we will be transformed into new people. We need to fix our eyes on the Lord, learn from Him and imitate the lessons He taught us through His very life in our daily living. This will make us happy and joyful.

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Response: The Lord comes to judge the earth.

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

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MONDAY, TWENTIETH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME

 

Jgs 2:11-19                 Ps 106:34-40,43-44                Mt 19:16-22

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BREAK FREE FROM EVERY IDOL

The first reading reveals a truth about human nature: we are quick to forget God’s faithfulness and chase after lesser loves. The Israelites abandoned the Lord to serve foreign gods, invit ing suffering and oppression. Yet, in His mercy, God raised up judges to deliver them, only for the people to fall back into sin once the crisis passed. This pattern reflects our own spiritual struggles – how easily we compromise, how quickly we turn to false securities, and how desperately we need God’s interven tion. The rich young man in the Gospel mirrors this struggle. He seeks eternal life but is unwilling to surrender the one thing that holds him back – his wealth. Jesus looks at him with love and invites him to a radical trust: “Go, sell what you have… then come, follow Me.” Yet the young man walks away sorrowful, en slaved by the grip of material comfort. His story warns us that half-hearted devotion is really no devotion at all.

Today, we are challenged to examine our attachments. The Isra elites clung to false gods for security; the rich young man clung to his possessions for identity. What do we cling to instead of God? Success, relationships, comfort, or control? True freedom comes when we, like the judges of Israel, turn back to God with our whole hearts, or like the disciples, leave everything to fol low Christ. Yet there is hope in this call to surrender. God did not abandon Israel despite their repeated failures, and Jesus did not reject the rich young man but loved him and offered him more. The same mercy extends to us. If we dare to release what we hold too tightly, we will discover that God alone satisfies. Let us pray for the courage to break free from every idol, trusting that in Christ, we gain far more than we could ever lose.

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Response: O Lord, remember us with the favour you show to your people.

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

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SATURDAY, TWENTY FIRST WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME

 

Memorial of Saint Euphrasia

 

1 Thes 4:9-11             Ps 98:1,7-9                 Mt 25:14-30

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BE FRUITFUL FOR LOVE

Paul commends the community for their exemplary brotherly love, which reflects their deep understanding of Christian discipleship. He acknowledges that their love for one another is not merely a human virtue but a divine gift, taught by God Himself. However, Paul does not stop at praise; he exhorts them to “excel still more” in their love, urging them to live quietly, mind their own affairs, and work diligently. Authentic Christian love is not passive but active; it requires practical expression in daily life.

The responsorial psalm celebrates God’s marvelous deeds which reveal His unconditional love for His people. As Christians, our love for others is not self-generated but a response to the love we have first received from God. Just as the psalm calls for joyful praise, our lives should echo God’s love through acts of mercy, kindness, and justice. This divine love is the foundation of all human love; when we recognize how deeply we are loved by God, we are empowered to love others without reservation. The psalm thus reminds us that true love flows from gratitude for God’s gifts.

Jesus’ parable of the talents illustrates that love for others is expressed through the faithful stewardship of God’s gifts. The master entrusts his servants with varying talents, not for hoarding but for fruitful investment. The first two servants, who double their talents, exemplify love as active engagement – using their blessings to glorify God and serve others. In contrast, the third servant, who buries his talent, represents a failure to love, rooted in fear and complacency. Jesus’ message is clear: love requires courage, creativity, and responsibility. We are called to multiply God’s graces for the good of others. Thus, we are challenged today to examine how we use our gifts, reminding us that love is a commitment to fruitful action in God’s kingdom.

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Response: The Lord comes to judge the peoples with fairness.

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

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FRIDAY, TWENTY FIRST WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME

 

Memorial of the Passion of John the Baptist

 

Jer 1:17-19                 Ps 71:1-6,15,17                      Mk 6:17-29

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FAITH FREES US FROM FEAR

Today’s Gospel contrasts the courage of John with the fear of Herod. John was a simple man with simple needs and a simple lifestyle. He lived to preach repentance and to prepare the way for the Lord. Those who heard him, repented and were baptized by him. John proclaimed the truth boldly, and was courageous even before kings and princes. He even confronted Herod about marrying his brother’s wife. Herod on the other hand was afraid. He was afraid of losing his reputation, his position or influence as ruler. He used his power to do things that were evil but also to protect himself. He imprisoned John to ensure that John did not undermine his authority. The contrast here is between one person who trusts God and is free to live boldly as compared to the other who trusts in human power, and yet lives in fear of losing everything.

The Gospel ends with Herod killing John because of this fear. John’s freedom is rewarded by death. How do we understand this? Jesus said “Do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul; rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell” (Matt 10:28). To love and fear God is to live in truth, to live boldly because our life does not end with this world. Jesus says “I am the way, the truth and the life” (Jn 14:6). The exhortation of the Lord is to not fear the evil in this world, but to follow Him who is the way, the truth and the life. To trust God is to follow him without fear of what happens to our body, because our soul is more important than our body. Following Jesus in faith and courage is the only way to ensure our soul is truly free.

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Response: My mouth will tell of your salvation, Lord.

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

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THURSDAY, TWENTY FIRST WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME

 

Memorial of Saint Augustine

 

1 Thes 3:7-13             Ps 90:3-5,12-14,17                 Mt 24:42-51

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TEND THE FLAME

 

One evening, as Brother Thomas walked the cloisters in quiet prayer, he noticed an old lamp flickering beside the statue of Our Lady of Mount Carmel. He paused and gently fixed the wick. “It is a small thing,” he thought, “but let no flame die while I am here to tend it.” In the Gospel, Jesus warns: “Be you also ready, because at what hour you know not the Son of man will come.” Readiness is a daily tending of our spiritual lamp through hidden, faithful acts of love.

 

To live prepared is to live with awareness that the ‘now’ is sacred. Holiness is not found in waiting for a perfect hour but in being present and faithful in the now, be it in the kitchen, at the desk, or in the family’s chaos. Someone may say, “I will repent tomorrow. I will pray more when I have time.” But what if the Master comes tonight? Like the man guarding his house, would we not watch if we knew the thief’s hour? Jesus calls us to vigilance not from fear but from love, to a readiness born from relationship. St. John of the Cross wrote, “In the evening of life, we will be judged on love alone.” Not on success, not on comfort, not even on how much we accomplished, but how much we loved, how often we served, and whether we lived as servants feeding the household in due time.

 

Hence, ask yourself: if Christ came today, would He find you tending your lamp, or asleep in comfort? Would He find you feeding others with kindness, patience, prayer, or indulging in your own lives? The time is unknown, but the call is clear. Be the faithful servant, not out of fear, but because love is too precious to postpone. Tend the flame. Now is the hour.

 

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Response: Fill us with your merciful love, O Lord, and we shall exult.

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