SPRINGS OF LIVING WATER

September 28, 2025September 28, 2025

29th SEPTEMBER 2025

Sts. Michael, Gabriel, Raphael, Archangels

MONDAY, TWENTY SIXTH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME

Feast of Archangels Michael, Gabriel and Raphael

Dn 7: 9-10, 13-14 Ps 138: 1-5 Jn 1: 47-51

SINGLE-HEARTED LOVE

Nathanael comes in to the picture with a lot of prejudice that existed during the time of Jesus. He says, “Can anything good come out of Nazareth?” He starts of by being skeptical of Jesus as the Messiah even before he meets Jesus and when he learns that Jesus is from Nazareth, his skepticism only grows further. Jesus’ opening greeting to Nathaniel breaks through all the walls that he has built up in his life and as the conversation continues Nathaniel comes to believe that Jesus is the Son of God. Now this is a quick transformation. But this is the plain reality of an encounter with Jesus – Jesus transforms us!

How often do we keep ourselves at a safe distance from Jesus? We cannot see him now and that can be a big hindrance to building on faith. He promises that we will see the heaven opened and we shall see the Son of Man and the angels ministering to Him. But how and when do we see this? How do we truly encounter Him? All we need is to approach Him so as to genuinely encounter Him. Our coming to Him would transform us. Our journey with Him would transform our heart.

Nathaniel’s heart was ready to listen, to be touched, to be transformed. He was genuine and honest and had no deceit in him. This also means that he nurtured a single-hearted devotion to God. His heart was not divided in caring about other things. He genuinely desired God and wanted to encounter Him. And he received just that when he met Jesus. May we truly desire to meet and encounter God when we come to Him, in our own prayer, in the Eucharist and in Confession. May we open our heart in undivided attention – Jesus thirsts for our hearts. He is waiting to open our eyes, to transform our heart to love and believe, which is a life-long process. The deeper we believe – the more undivided our heart becomes, until the day when we see Him in the resurrection and we will single-heartedly love Him just like the angels do.

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

September 27, 2025September 28, 2025

28th SEPTEMBER 2025

Daily Reflections - Hearing God's Voice Day 6 - Clearing the way

SUNDAY, TWENTY SIXTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME

Am 6: 1, 4-7 Ps 146: 7-10 1 Tm 6: 11-16 Lk 16: 19-31

GOD’S VOICE, DAY BY DAY

“God walks among the pots and pans.”—St. Teresa of Avila God is always speaking—not just in moments of crisis or joy, but in the ordinary situations of human life. The question is: are we listening? The Gospel account of the rich man and Lazarus is a powerful reminder that it is possible to miss the sight of God even when He is right at our gate. Not because we are evil or unwilling, but because we are distracted, preoccupied, or numbed by routine. Yet the invitation remains open: to return to a way of living that listens to the promptings of the Divine! Here are four steps to help us hear God’s voice more clearly in the midst of daily life.

(1) How can we make space for stillness? In a world full of noise and urgency, stillness can feel unproductive—but it is still essential. God rarely speaks over our distractions. He waits for the quiet. Stillness allows our inner world to settle so that we recognize the subtle ways in which He speaks. You do not need an hour of silence. Start with a few minutes in the morning or during a break in your day. Just sit. Breathe. Invite God into that space. These small moments of quiet can soften the heart and tune us in to grace. It is in stillness—not stress—that we begin to hear the voice of God: gently nudging, reminding, and guiding.

(2) Paying attention to who is at our gate: The rich man’s downfall was not hatred. It was indifference. He lived beside someone in need and did nothing. He likely walked past Lazarus often—but never really saw him. We all have people at our gates—sometimes physically, sometimes emotionally. A colleague who is struggling, a family member who is withdrawn, a friend we have been meaning to check in on. Their needs may not be dramatic, but they are real. God often speaks through these people—not with words, but with presence. When we notice someone, really notice them, we are beginning to hear the voice of God calling us to love. Ask yourself: Who have I stopped seeing?

(3) Respond with love, even when its inconvenient: Once we see, we are invited to act. Love, at its core, is a response. But its rarely convenient. To love in daily life means to be interrupted. To offer time when we are busy. To listen when we would rather move on. To forgive, to stay, to show up—especially when it costs us something. These acts may seem small, but these are the point of departure for transformation. Each one is a doorway to grace. In choosing to love here and now, we allow God’s voice to be enfleshed through our actions. Not every situation can be fixed. But every moment is a chance to respond with kindness, humility, and courage.

(4) Letting ourselves be seen too: Sometimes, we are not the ones offering help. Sometimes, we are the ones in need—tired, grieving, anxious, or unsure. Hearing God’s voice also means allowing ourselves to receive. It means not pretending we’re fine when we are not. It means letting others carry us when we cannot walk alone. This is not weakness—it is part of being human. And it opens us up to the grace of community, where God often speaks through the love of others. Letting yourself be seen is a sacred act. It keeps us grounded, honest, and connected to the truth that God’s voice speaks in both giving and receiving. The voice of God is not always loud or unmistakable. Often, it is quiet and insistent—a tug on the heart, a moment of compassion, a call to slow down or draw near.

It is easy to wait for a big sign. But in the end, we are already being spoken to—through people, interruptions, Scripture, beauty, and need. God does not shout; He calls. And He waits for us to respond, not with perfection, but with presence. To obey God is to carry that divine life into the world—not with grand gestures, but with small, faithful steps. This is exactly the exhortation St Teresa Benedicta of the Cross would give us: “The deeper one is drawn into God, the more one must go out of oneself; that is, one must go to the world in order to carry the divine life into it.” The gate is still open. The voice still calls. Let us begin.

Response: Come, Lord, and save us.

September 26, 2025September 26, 2025

27th SEPTEMBER 2025

SATURDAY, TWENTY FIFTH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME

Memorial of Saint Vincent de Paul

Zec 2: 5-9, 14-15 Jer 31: 10-13 Lk 9: 43-45

NO SHORTCUTS TO GLORY

The Babylonian exile of 586 was a total collapse of the edifice of Israelite cultic mindset. The very God who in the first place gave to his chosen people, holy land, holy city, holy temple, holy kings, holy liturgy, holy priests dispatches all these into exile as they refused to follow the moral injunctions of the law. They were trying to purchase God’s favour by quantities of holocausts and sacrifices without a change of life. Institutions that stand as an obstruction between God and humans will be done away with. But God’s actions are always salvific, formative and not destructive or vindictive.

Prophet Zachariah in his vision of angels, messengers from God sees the irrelevancy of nostalgic rebuilding of the fallen walls of Jerusalem. He assures them that from the side of God, the Sinai covenant has not been abrogated. When God is with us who can be against us. Prophet invites the dejected returnees from exile to return to God and trust him alone; as no walls of stone can defend them; In vain do the builders labour. God is the ‘wall of fire’ which no enemy can pull down. Our Spiritual growth is always preceded by moral purification. Without inner freedom, no full restoration of communion with God.

Jesus himself makes this clear in the Gospel today, by shocking the apostles, who rode on the wings of popularity of Jesus’ miracels. He makes it clear that he has to undergo very inhuman repulsive sufferings. It is not a mere statement but a message that has to sink into their mind visualizing the happy life. Jesus makes it very clear that purification and healing is the road map for complete happiness; no short cuts. Every disciple has to embrace this liberative and formative purification to be able to enter into the inner joy of belonging to God’s kingdom; to Gods’ eternal covenantal communion. Such redefinition of our life makes us look beyond our narrow self, seeking interests and love. It will impel us to get out of our secure fortresses for making the less fortunate lives of poor more secure as St. Vincent de Paul did and found fulfillment.

Response: The Lord will keep us, as a shepherd keeps his flock.

September 25, 2025September 25, 2025

26th SEPTEMBER 2025

Ann M. Dibb Quote: “The small and simple things you choose to do today will be

FRIDAY, TWENTY FIFTH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME

Hg 2: 1-9 Ps 43: 1-4 Lk 9: 18-22

SMALL TODAY, GLORIOUS TOMORROW

Have you ever poured your energy into something with high hopes like, planting a garden, preparing a big event, even rebuilding parts of our lives, only to step back and feel disappointed? We expect something grand, something glorious, and instead we see something plain, incomplete, or slow to grow. We wonder, “Is this it? Was all that effort worth it?” That’s how the people felt in today’s First Reading from the prophet Haggai. They had rebuilt the Temple, but compared to Solomon’s majestic version, it looked dim. Disappointed, they thought, “Is this all?” But God responds with encouragement, “Take courage and work, for I am with you. The glory of this house will be greater than the former.” God was not focused on the size of the stones, but on the strength of their hearts. He reminded them that the great things often begin small.

In today’s Gospel we see Jesus asking, “Who do people say I am?” That is easy, He is asking us to repeat what others say. But then He asks the real question, “Who do you say I am?” This is not just about information. It is about identity, relationship, and faith. Peter boldly says, “You are the Messiah of God.” But Jesus does not promise immediate victory. He speaks of suffering, rejection, death and resurrection. Because the path to glory is not flashy, but it is faithful.

So what does this mean for us? Like the people of Haggai’s time, we often look at our lives and feel they are not measuring up. We compare, we doubt, we wonder if our efforts matter spiritually, emotionally, even professionally. But the truth is that, God treasures faithfulness over fame. He sees the hidden efforts, the quiet perseverance. He promises that what looks small today can shine with glory tomorrow. So let us not be discouraged by the present. Do not underestimate what God can do with our “little.” If our answer to Jesus is personal, that is, “You are my Messiah,” then take courage. Let us keep building, praying, trusting. Because with God, what starts small, ends glorious.

Response: Hope in God; I will praise him yet again, my saving presence and my God.

September 24, 2025September 23, 2025

25th SEPTEMBER 2025

BBC Learning English - The English We Speak / Burn a hole in your pocket

THURSDAY, TWENTY FIFTH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME

Hg 1: 1-8 Ps 149: 1-6, 9 Lk 9: 7-9

THE HOLE IN OUR POCKETS

The first reading presents the prophet Haggai addressing the Jewish people who had returned from Babylonian exile. Now settled in Jerusalem during a time of peace, they were no longer burdened by war or forced labour. They had time and resources at their disposal. Yet, rather than using these blessings to rebuild the temple of the Lord, a symbol of God’s presence among them; they chose instead to focus on constructing luxurious homes for themselves. Through Haggai, God confronts them: “Consider your ways.” Their material efforts were yielding little fruit. Despite their labour, they were not satisfied. Haggai links their lack of satisfaction to their spiritual state, suggesting a connection between holistic well-being and fidelity to God.

This prophetic message remains relevant today. When life is comfortable and routine, we, too, are tempted to sideline God. We may fulfil religious duties externally, but our hearts may be more invested in personal goals, possessions, or comfort. In an age where self-interest and consumerism dominate, it is easy to lose sight of our spiritual foundations. We end up building our own “panelled houses” while the inner temple – our relationship with God, lies neglected.

This neglect has consequences. Despite success and abundance, something always seems to be missing. Our hearts feel restless, our achievements hollow. We try to fill the void with more activity, more acquisition—but nothing satisfies. The words of Haggai echo in our hearts: stop, reflect, “consider your ways.” What am I lacking? Where is God in my list of priorities?

Jesus reminds us of the first and greatest commandment: to love the Lord our God with all our heart, soul, and mind. Flowing from this is the second: to love our neighbour as ourselves. When our lives are oriented around this love, our priorities shift. When we seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness, all that we truly need will be given to us (Mt 6:33).

Response: The Lord takes delight in his people.

September 23, 2025September 23, 2025

24th SEPTEMBER 2025

WEDNESDAY, TWENTY FIFTH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME

Ezr 9: 5-9 Tb 13: 2-4, 7-8 Lk 9: 1-6

FORGIVE, AS GOD HAS FORGIVEN YOU

Betrayal, treachery, infidelity, deceit are experiences that can leave us marred for life. And there are, perhaps, only a few who have not experienced these wounds, either to a greater or lesser extent. How difficult is it to trust again after such setbacks! And the dearer the perpetrator, the deeper the wounds and the more acute the pain. Though our relationship with others teach us this truth, we fail to amend our action at times, and such remains our repeated behaviour, in our relationship with God!

In today’s first reading, amidst all the festivity in the Temple, Ezra is the only one who has a heart to recognize his unworthiness, his and his ancestor’s slavery to sin and God’s infinite love and mercy; the infinite difference in the way God acts and the way we humans do. For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts (Is 55: 8-9).

Our response to any breach of trust is anger, hatred, eternal distrust or revenge and we nurture these passions. However, the invitation we have today is to be like God who moves towards forgiveness and draws closer to us in kindness. This does not mean that we allow ourselves to be abused again. Rather, the invitation is to give up our right to hit back and wound in return for the wound received. “Forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us”: a prayer found on the lips of every Christian, a prayer taught by our Lord Himself by word and perfect example. Our sin cost Jesus His life. The sin we hold against our enemy has not cost us our life. Can we then, not forgive?

The power to forgive has been given to each of us by our Lord, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us (Rom 5:5). May we invoke the same Spirit, may we forgive and let ourselves be healed today.

Response: Blessed is God who lives for ever.

September 22, 2025September 22, 2025

23rd SEPTEMBER 2025

Obedience Always Brings Blessing - NIV Bible | Luke 5 NIV Bible

TUESDAY, TWENTY FIFTH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME

Memorial of Saint Pio of Pietrelcina

Ezr 6: 7-8, 12, 14-20 Ps 122: 1-5 Lk 8: 19-21

OBEDIENCE IS DOING GOD’S WILL

Jesus preached good news and transformed the lives of those who believed. He frequently emphasized that His disciples had to hear and obey His word. Take heed then how you “hear” (Luk 8-18). Jesus uses opportunity to teach once more about true discipleship: ‘my mother and my brothers are those who hear the word of God and do it.’ Perhaps Jesus’ statement may seem odd, reducing his family relationship. But Jesus knew he could point to His mother Mary, as the supreme illustration of one who hears and accepts the word of God.

Our relationship with God, and with those who are associated with us in obeying God’s will is far superior to our relationship with our family members! Luke presents Mary as a model of obedience; a model of what Paul calls the obedience of faith. To obey is to listen to God’s word and to do what God inspires us to do. It comes from the Latin word meaning ‘hearing.’ This connection between obedience and listening is also expressed in Greek: to ‘obey’ is to listen from below, to listen from a position of reverence and humility.

In his Spiritual Canticles St. John of the Cross writes: “The union of love of God is habitual and loving attentiveness of the will to God.” St Teresa of Avila, in her book Foundations says, “When once a soul has resolved to love You and has resigned itself into Your hands, You will have nothing of it save that it shall obey You and find out for itself how it may please you and desire to do so. It has no need to look for paths or to choose them. For its will is Yours, You my Lord take upon yourself the task of guiding it in the way which is the greatest benefit to it.” The highest perfection consists not in interior favours or in great raptures or in visions or in the spirit of prophecy but in the bringing of our souls so closely into conformity with the will of God, that as soon as we realise that He wills anything we desire it ourselves with all out might.

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

September 21, 2025September 21, 2025

22nd SEPTEMBER 2025

Let it Shine | If I Walked With Jesus

MONDAY, TWENTY FIFTH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME

Ezr 1: 1-6 Ps 126: 1- 6 Lk 8: 16-18

LET YOUR LIGHT SHINE

Today, Jesus offers what seems at first to be nothing more than common sense: “Who would light a lamp and then cover it with a jar or hide it under a bed?” A lamp is meant to shine, to dispel darkness, and to guide. Yet the Lord’s teaching goes beyond simple logic: “For nothing is hidden that will not be made manifest…to those who have, more will be given!” These words come alive in today’s first reading through the remarkable story of King Cyrus of Persia. Nearly 47 years had passed since the destruction of Solomon’s Temple and the exile of the Jews in Babylon. During that time, the mighty Babylonian empire itself fell to the Persians, and Cyrus ascended the throne. In the first year of his reign, the Lord “stirred up the spirit” of this pagan king, commissioning him to rebuild His temple in Jerusalem.

Why would God entrust such a sacred mission, to a Gentile ruler rather than to one of His own people? Perhaps here we find the meaning of Jesus’ words: “To the one who has, more will be given.” This had nothing to do with Cyrus’ wealth or military power; it was about his openness to the living God of Israel. The more Cyrus acknowledged the Lord as the true God, the more God entrusted to him—His plans, His people, and His mission. Seen side by side, the Gospel and the first reading paint Cyrus as the very image of the lamp Jesus describes. Lit by the fire of God’s word, Cyrus refused to hide this light. Instead, he proclaimed it boldly throughout his vast empire by issuing an edict: every Jew held in exile was free to return to Jerusalem and rebuild the temple of the Lord. His proclamation was not only an act of governance but a testimony—a light shining for all to see—declaring that all his victories and kingdoms were gifts from the God of Israel. May we, like Cyrus, allow the light of God’s word to burn brightly within us, refusing to hide it, so that others too may walk in its brilliance.

Response: What great deeds the Lord worked for us!

September 20, 2025September 19, 2025

21st SEPTEMBER 2025

Luke 16:1-13 | Daily Devotional | Stewardship

WEDNESDAY, TWENTY THIRD WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME

Col 3: 1- 11 Ps 145: 2-3, 10-13 Lk 6: 20-26

NEW LIFE IN CHRIST

In baptism, we were buried with Christ and raised with Him through the power of His resurrection (Col 2:12). In this sacrament, our sins were forgiven, and we became sharers in His victory on the cross—a marvellous gift for every Christian. But what does it mean to live out this new life?

In today’s first reading, St. Paul urges the Colossians to “seek the things that are above,” for God has granted us life in Christ through the forgiveness of our sins. He calls us to “put to death” what is earthly in us—those inordinate passions and desires that arouse the wrath of God (cf. Eph 4:20). To follow Christ is to put on the “new self,” striving to walk in love of God and neighbour.

This new life in Christ is marked by compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience. The “old self,” ruled by selfishness and enslaved by harmful passions, destroys both ourselves and those around us. The “new self,” by contrast, is characterised by a communal spirit and constant concern for others. Gratitude then becomes our natural response—a heart that sings the praises of the Creator, echoing today’s psalm. Truly, Christians have been blessed “with every spiritual blessing in Christ” (Eph 1:3–14), and ceaseless praise is the fitting response.

The Beatitudes in Luke’s Gospel reveal the very mind of Christ. They free us from the burden of our sinful nature and open before us the path to true happiness and peace, the way Jesus Himself walked on earth. To live by these Beatitudes is to allow Christ’s own attitudes to shape our choices and relationships.

As pilgrims on earth, we live with our gaze fixed on heaven. Since Christ has passed beyond this world, we too must learn to live for what endures. The good we do may never be seen, recognised, or praised, but it is known to God, “who searches the heart” and rewards in His own time. Let us, then, persevere in living as a people raised with Christ, clothing ourselves each day with the virtues of the new self and walking in grateful praise until we share fully in His glory.

Response: How good is the Lord to all.

September 19, 2025September 19, 2025

20th SEPTEMBER 2025

Luke 8:4-15 - The Four Soils and the Field of Life - Redeeming God

WEDNESDAY, TWENTY THIRD WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME

Col 3: 1- 11 Ps 145: 2-3, 10-13 Lk 6: 20-26

NEW LIFE IN CHRIST

Response: How good is the Lord to all.