2016 December

Click on a date to view reflections

SUN

MON TUE

WED THU

FRI

SAT

10

11

12

13

14

15

16

17

18

19

20

21

22

23

24

25

26

27

28

29

30

31

These reflections are brought to you by the seminarians at

Holy Cross Seminary, Pune, India.
Please send your comments and suggestions to:
cscseminary@gmail.com

2016 December
Readings: Is 26:1-6; Mt 7:21, 24-27

How can our faith and trust in the Lord be expressed? If we are
asked how faith and trust are to be practiced, certainly we would
respond according to our experiences. Thus, different people
define and interpret them differently. Our readings today invite
each one of us first to compare and then to reflect on what
experiences our faith and trust are based on and how they are to
be lived out. Therefore, Jesus suggests that our faith and trust go
hand in hand and must be solid as rock.
Faith and trust are to be expressed in our Christian living. As
Christians we are called to resemble Christ in our words and
deeds, striving hard to make his love, mercy, invitation and values
more and more tangible. Therefore, in order to demonstrate our
faith and trust in the Lord and to be genuine followers of Christ,
our prayer life must be accompanied by a continuing effort to do
Gods will. Similarly, in order to do his will it is not enough to
speak about the things of God, there must be consistency
between what we preach, what we say and what we do.
Jowelson Khongtani csc

Back to Calendar

2016 December
Readings: Is 29:17-24; Mt 9: 27-31

In the first reading prophet Isaiah tells that on that day, the blind
would see and when they see his work they will sanctify his name.
In the Gospel we see Jesus healing two blind men and helping
them to see again and then they go to spread the news about
Him.
What is striking in the Gospel is that Jesus asks them this question
Do you believe that I am able to do this? It can be taken as Jesus
testing their faith or Jesus wanting to hear from them what they
wanted. And the other important thing is that he touched them
and healed them by their faith. What is so important here is that
Jesus did not use his power to heal them instead he used their
faith. That is why he says according to your faith, let it be done
to you.
Here are some questions for us. Do we really have faith in God?
What do we do when we sit to pray? When we pray we are called
to be with the Lord and to have conversation with him as father
and son speaking or as brothers or friends. Let us not forget that
Prayer is the expression of our faith.
Arockia Raj G. csc

Back to Calendar

2016 December
Readings: Is 30:19-21, 23-26; Mt 9:35-10:1,5a.

Todays first reading speaks of an abundance of water to quench

thirst, water for good crops, rain to make the soil fertile. This is
the message of hope that the prophet Isaiah wrote for us.
In the gospel, Jesus speaks of an abundant harvest, but laments
because there are only a few workers. Then Jesus blesses his
chosen apostles and sends them to the world to proclaim the
Kingdom of God.
Generally, the church believes that St. Thomas the Apostle came
to India. If it is true, how fortunate are we to be the first
Christians. Often we are told that Indians were forced to accept
Christianity by the British. I think our Christian tradition goes back
to Jesus time. If this is the fact what is the outcome of Indian
Christianity? How much have we enhanced the goal of Jesus on
earth? Jesus longs to send us for mission just as he sent the
apostles. Jesus must have been happy seeing his Apostles
continuing his mission on earth. All the baptized Christians are
called to be the successors of the apostles the pastors. All of us
have mission in this world; to heal the sores and diseases of
humanity, and guide them with pastoral values.
Let us pray for the showering of the Holy Spirit upon us all, and
that we may find plentiful and effective workers for an abundant
harvest.
Prasanta Basumatary csc
Back to Calendar

2016 December
Readings: Is 11:1-10; Rom 15:4-9; Mt 3:1-12

Today is the second Sunday of Advent and the liturgy of the day
invites us to repent and believe in the Messiah. We see that in
the first reading prophet Isaiah foretells the coming of the
messiah who will be a descendent of David and who will redeem
the Jewish people from their slavery. And in the second reading
St. Paul tells people to have hope in the Lord. In the Gospel
reading, John the Baptist invites us to repent for our sins and
prepare our hearts to welcome the messiah who is going to come
soon. We see in the present world the people are dishonest,
hypocritical, inimical and have other negative attitudes which
keep ourselves away from God. We need to bring change within
ourselves as St. John the baptizer is expecting from us. Though
we are sinners our God is always ready to forgive our sins. The
only thing we have to do is to acknowledge our sins and turn
away from our sinful life through the sacrament of the
reconciliation. We must have hope in our life that our Lord Jesus
will come soon and liberate us from the slavery of all the evils
that are present within us. Therefore, let us pray that we may
turn back to him sincerely and begin a new life with him in the
world
James csc

Back to Calendar

2016 December
Readings: Is 35:1-10; Lk 5:17-26
They knew that the Lord is here
And they came with a man to see him near
No closer they could hear
So they opened the roof so that He could cure

Naaman was cured because of the faith of king of Aram, the

people of Cana in the wedding got new wine because of the
intercession of Mary. In our day today lives too we encounter the
richness and the power of intercessions. Today's gospel is the
best example for intercessory prayer. Those who brought the
paralyzed man had nothing to ask for themselves, we dont know
whether they were asked by the paralytic to do so. Even then it
is their faith and love for their neighbor which moves the Lord to
cure the paralytic. They spoke nothing, asked nothing yet they got
what they wanted. Understanding of Lords presence and
openness to seek for Him are the two things that we have to keep
in our mind as Isaiah sings here is your God, he comes to save
you; then the tongue of the mute will sing. It is our duty to go to
him, not alone but bringing all our brothers and sisters along. If
we are not open enough to care for the others our Lord Jesus will
certainly ask us the same question which he asked to the scribes
and Pharisees. Let us change and act for the time is near.
Someone in the dark needs our helping light are we ready to
shine for all?
Philosan csc
Back to Calendar

2016 December
Readings: Is 40: 1-11; Mt 18: 12-14

The liturgy of the day explicitly elucidates the characteristics of

God and our response to imitate his values. The first reading
emphasizes on the qualities of God such as Shepherd who tends
his flock, the glory of his revelation and longevity of his word etc.
to encourage us to be comforted, strengthened and to become
the messengers of Good News. The Gospel reading is expresses
Gods love for each one of us, especially for the feeble. The
analogy used in the gospel is to show the kindness and tender
heart of God presented as shepherd.
The second week of the advent is an occasion for us to represent
Christ to all. An act of comforting the sorrow, shepherding the
lost, caring the wounded, accepting the decadent and forgiving
the trespassers etc. would mark the presence of Jesus through
us. It is a challenging task to be one like Jesus than to act like
Jesus. The birth of Jesus should be actualized through us
(Christians) by our living. It is not that Jesus will be born again but
Jesus qualities should germinate in and through us. This has to
be the understanding of Christmas. This week, let us do to
become like Jesus. For this, let us read meditatively the psalm 23
and try to imbibe the shepherd-qualities of Jesus and practise in
action.
Anthony Jayaraj csc

Back to Calendar

2016 December
Readings: Is 40:25-31; Mt 11:28:30

All of us are aware that one of the most well-known and beloved
passages in the Bible is Come to me , and I will give you rest.
(Mt 11:28). Jesus lovingly encourages us as he invites all the
sinners. In todays world we all face a lot of problems mentally
and physically and certainly we look for a perfect healer who can
give us a solution for all our problems and most of the times we
fail to get one in time. In todays gospel Jesus shows his
compassion and mercy to the sinners and who are struggling in
their day-to-day life. I see Jesus as a humble and patient teacher
who enables us to see the mercy of God in our lives and in our
own struggles. He shows us the love of God through his
exemplary life. We should always remember that we are not
alone in our struggles but Gods love and his mercy is always with
us in our life journey.
To be clear, Someone may love you, but God loves you more.
Someone may be your friend, but God is your best friend.
Someone may hug you, but God envelops you. Someone may
hold your hand, but God carries you. So Gods love always keeps
us in his loving wings and he is present in our struggles that we
face in our life. Let us do our best to glorify God through our life
and he will take care of the rest.
Selvam csc

Back to Calendar

2016 December
Readings: Gen 3:9-15,20; Eph 1:3-6, 11-12; Lk 1:26-38

Today we celebrate the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception. The

Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception is celebrated in honor of our
Mother who was free from original sin from the very moment of her
conception in the womb of her mother, St. Anne. We celebrate the
nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary on September 8 and nine months
before, that is, December 8 is the Feast of the Immaculate Conception.
This feast is not to defend Jesus who was God to be born of Mary and
for which Mary need to be sinless. In no sense could Jesus possibly be
infected with sin. He was perfect and Jesus through earthly life shows
us sinless humanity joined with sinless divinity. It did not take Grace
to protect Jesus from sin. Being God incarnate, Jesus was in his essence
without sin.
Mother Mary shows us an example how to live a life which is of full of
grace. She was a perfect model of channel of Gods love and Mercy to
the humanity. This truth we profess every day when we recite Hail
Mary full of grace
Grace is giving someone something he or she does not deserve. We all
have received this grace, to be holy and sinless. Todays Feast and more
specially the life of our Mother calls each of us to realize the unmerited
grace within and lead a holy life in tune with our Lord.

Joyson John csc

Back to Calendar

2016 December
Readings: Is 48: 17-19; Mt: 11: 16-19

In todays gospel reading we see that people of Jesus time find fault
with Jesus and John the Baptist. Jesus says to them to what can I
compare the people of the day? and he says: they are like the children
sitting in the market places and calling to one another, We played the
flute for you, and you did not dance; we wailed, and you did not
mourn.
We notice in the gospel that people failed to recognize the divinity and
sonship of Jesus. Even at that time Jesus said, I thank you, Father, Lord
of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the
wise and the intelligent and have revealed them to infants; yes, Father,
for such is your gracious will.
Jesus' message of the kingdom of God is good news and it produces true
joy and spiritual freedom for those who will listen; but it is also a
warning for those who refuse to listen. Why the people refused to listen
to John the Baptist and the message of Jesus is because of their
jealously and spiritual blindness. The scribes and Pharisees attributed
John the Baptist's austerities to the devil and they attributed Jesus'
table fellowship as evidence for deception. They succeeded in
frustrating God's plan for their lives because they had closed their
hearts to the message of John the Baptist and now to Jesus' message.
We can hear Gods voice when we are humble and simple. Only the
humble of heart can find joy and favor in God's grace. Let our prayer
be: Lord give me the grace to listen to your voice and practise in our
lives. Lord set my heart free to love you and serve you joyfully.

Bharath csc
Back to Calendar

10

2016 December
Readings: Sir. 48:1-4, 9-11; Mt. 17: 9a, 10-13

In the first reading we see, the prophet of fire, who had a burning
desire to make God known to the people. Jesus compares this
person to John the Baptist, who came to prepare the way for the
Lord. But people did not realize the importance of the John the
Baptist and they ill-treated him and even killed him. The Gospel
reading tells us that the people did not recognize the son of man
who came to save us as they thought the messiah would come in
a royal way. He came in a simple way, therefore people did not
recognize Jesus and he had to suffer and die on the cross. The
liturgy of the day reminds us the simple and humble nature of
Jesus. The priests and religious are called to live a simple way of
life, but which does not happen in many of the cases and Jesus
reminds us that even though he was son of God still he lived a
simple way of life and he is the best example for all of us to
imitate.
Vijith Mathias csc

Back to Calendar

11

2016 December
Readings: Is 35:1-6a, 10; Jam 5: 7-10; Mt 10: 2- 11

The readings of the day give us three different messages, yet they
are interconnected and focused on one person called Jesus. The
first reading says, do not fear instead be glad and rejoice for the
Lord is coming to deliver us from all our sufferings. But the
question is, when will he come? Answering this question, the
second reading tells us that we need to wait patiently till the Lord
comes. Because God is not our slave or a worker to respond to
our need rather he is our master. This master is not just a human
but he is also empowered by the divine power. We will have
many more things to witness and to rejoice when the master
comes; therefore we need to wait patiently till he comes.
Finally we see in Gospel reading, Jesus coming with mighty power
and doing things which you and I cannot do and thus proving
right what was said in the first reading. All his works were
witnessed by the disciples of John the Baptist. Today we too wait
for the coming of the Lord, perhaps with lot of patience. But the
truth is that Jesus lives in each one of us, and as human beings
we fail to see his presence in our day-to-day life. It may be
because we dont see what he wants us to see rather we see what
we want to see. So let us pray that we may become humble
enough to see not the human pride but God in everything.
John Kennedy csc
Back to Calendar

12

2016 December
Readings: Num 24:2-7, 15-17; Mt 21: 23- 27

The readings tell us that God stands with his own people
especially with those who surrender to do his will. In the first
reading King Balak of the Moabites sent prophet Balaam to curse
the Israelites but instead of cursing them he speaks the words
that are not of his own and certainly not what he was expected
to say. This shows that God stands always beside the one who
totally trusts in him and who stand for the truth. In the Gospel
the priests and the elders question Jesus authority and Jesus
does not answer them, for they are not ready to accept him
because their hearts were set on personal gain rather than
submission to Gods plan. Sometime most of us, in a human
tendency, are like the priests and the elders not willing to accept
what is going on around us. We become so judgmental that we
try to find fault when somebody is doing good works. Especially
when we know the person, we dont see the good deeds but we
see only the weakness of that person and whatever he/she does
or say we ignore. This is what happens to Jesus also. They were
not willing to accept him and couldnt see what Jesus was doing
because pride and prejudice had blinded them.
Marbilus csc

Back to Calendar

13

2016 December
Readings: Zeph 3:1-2, 9-13; Mt 21:28-32

In todays gospel reading, Jesus, through the parable of the two sons,
teaches us that we should not only profess our faith in words but also
should repent, believe and do His will in our day-to-day life.
In the parable of the two sons, the first son represents the people who
like to do the things which gives them pleasure and satisfaction. They
are not aware of Gods will because they are busy with worldly things.
But when they come to realization of their mistakes, they turn to God
and become loyal to him. On the other hand, the second son represents
the people who are aware of Gods will and say yes to him as soon as
they receive any message from him. But they fail to keep it because of
many reasons. So the gospel reading invites us to re-examine ourselves
and see to what category of people we belong to. Let us invoke the
grace of God so that we may become his worthy servants who do his
will not only by words but also through our deeds.

Santhosh Fernandes csc

Back to Calendar

14

2016 December
Readings: Is 45: 6-8, 18, 21; Lk 7: 18b-23

The readings of today are an invitation for us to doubt our own

understanding of the Word of God rather than doubting the Word of
God itself.
Author of the letter to Hebrews (4:12) says that the Word of God is
active and alive. Therefore, there is no need to doubt the Word which
is Jesus himself. The area where we all as fragile human beings fail is the
understanding of Word due to our human limitations.
In the first part of the gospel of today (18-19) John the Baptist doubts
the reality in coming of Jesus. Then in the later part (20-23) Jesus
through his deeds of healing the sick and casting out the evil spirit
confirms that he is the Messiah who is to come. So also, in the first
reading from Isaiah three times (Isaiah 45:6b, 18b, 21b) God affirms that
he is the only Lord and there is no other one besides him.
Therefore, if, John the Baptist, whom Jesus called the greatest man born
of all women, could doubt the reality of Jesus presence among the
people, we too are called to doubt the knowledge of our mind about
Jesus. As we reflect upon the Word of God, let us keep a tremendous
trust in the Word which is God himself, but let us continue to doubt our
understanding of the Word, so that we would deepen and personalize
our faith. Doubt is not the opposite of faith but it is the opportunity to
grow in faith.

Siju Pappachan csc

Back to Calendar

15

2016 December
Readings: Is 54:1-10; Lk 7: 24-30

The mountains may depart and the hills be moved, but never will
my love depart from you. This is message we see in the first
reading, a message of joy and hope. At times it happens,
especially when we are in grief or trouble that we think that the
Lord has abandoned us. Through the reading the Lord reminds us
that he will be with us to accompany us throughout our life. So
the first reading of the day invites us to be merciful,
compassionate as our heavenly father is merciful.
In the gospel reading we can see, Jesus is praising John the
Baptizer because John the Baptizer spent his whole life in prayer
to prepare a way for the Lord. We can see what John had not
accomplished Jesus has accomplished. In this passage we can see
that the voice is John and the Word is Jesus. So the reading invites
us to take the voice and word of Jesus in to our heart and turn
them to joy, happiness and compassion. Let our prayer be, Lord
give us the courage and boldness to proclaim the truth of the
gospel to those around us.
Boneventure Lobo csc

Back to Calendar

16

2016 December
Readings: Is 56: 1-3, 6-8; Jn5:33-36

Today's readings are inviting us to be a joyful messenger and to

be the bearer of true light of Christ. The first reading shows that
our God's house is universal and it is called as the house of
prayer. This gives us the hope to be united with God through
prayer though we are simple and frail humans. "Let no one say
that our Lord will separate me from his people"(Is56:3). This
passage also shows the importance of prayer. Only prayer can
unite us together with the Lord without exclusion of other
people. God assures his mercy and compassion to the people
who gather in his name in the house of prayer. This reading
certainly gives us the hope and courage and helps us to keep the
spirit of prayer in our life ever blooming.
In the gospel Jesus calls John as a burning and shining lamp that
illuminate the minds and hearts of those who are ready to hear
the prophetic message. This very verse invites each one of us to
be the bearers of Christ's light. And never should our light reflect
ourselves but Christ. Habitually we, as human beings, have the
tendency to work purely for our name. But the mission of Christ
is not to be for solo success but as a family of authentic disciples
for all the civilization. Let us reflect the light of Christ to the
people with whom we serve, live and meet.
Manu Praveen csc
Back to Calendar

17

2016 December
Readings: Gen 49:2, 8-10; Mt 1:1-17

In the first reading we hear about people rendering obedience to

him who is going to come from the tribe of Judah. Jesus
philosophy of life has lot to teach the present generation. Jesus
demands obedience from his people only after he himself came
down and showed through the cross what it means to be
obedient. In the first place one may ask why does one need to be
obedient. A standard answer could be to become an instrument
in the hands of God in order to fulfil his plan on this earth. Gospel
speaks about the Genealogy of Jesus. In the present generation
one might ask what is the significance of this passage? Simple
answer could be we are nothing without our history which is very
important and which has mixture of various personalities both
good as well as evil in some point of time in the history. In todays
understanding of the church this idea of culmination of people
both who are very faithful and people who are not so faithful
helps us to do our ministry better and effectively. We are both
saints and sinners.
Wilfred Dias csc

Back to Calendar

18

2016 December
Readings: Is 7:10-14; Rom. 1:1-7: Mt. 1:18-24

The virgin is with child, she will give birth to a son and they shall call
him Immanuel, which means God With Us (Mt. 1:23)
We are in the 4th Sunday of the advent season. Soon we are going
to receive the new born baby, our Lord Jesus. So the liturgy of the
day invites us to prepare ourselves worthily to receive him. In the
first reading Isaiah promises that the Lord will manifest himself in
and through a virgin who will be called Immanuel, means God with
us. This promise is fulfilled in the gospel. Here Joseph is given
centrality to show that Jesus is the long awaited Messiah by Jews,
who comes in the form of human being in the clan of king David.
Joseph the just and righteous man accepts the will of God by
accepting Mary as his wife and gives legality to the birth of Jesus.
Thus we also need to be open to the will of God, accepting his plan
for us as it is said, "for surely I know the plans I have for you, says
the Lord, the plan for your welfare not for destruction, to give you
a future with hope" (Jer. 29:11). At times we doubt even God when
things don't go as we wish. In the first reading we hear, 'is it too little
for you,... that you weary God also?' Is it too little that God becomes
human to save us from the evils of this world? If we believe in him
that his coming is truly a redemptive one, then we also need to be
open to receive him. St. Paul beautifully tells in the second reading
that we are called to belong to Christ. As we await the coming of the
Lord, let us pray that we may be receptive enough to receive him
and thus we may be with him forever in his kingdom

Lawrence S. csc

Back to Calendar

19

2016 December
Readings: Jdg 13: 2 -7, 24 - 25a; Lk 1: 5 - 25

Todays reading portrays the birth narrative of Samson and John the
Baptist who are blessed in the sight of God.
The birth narratives are an invitation for us to have faith in Gods
providence and to act upon his word and to believe in the power and
love of God for us. We are certain that the couples presented in the
readings are from priestly tribe and lived a faithful life and were
righteous. It is stated that the women were barren, having borne no
children. But the merciful God blessed them with the child as an answer
to their prayers.
Nothing is impossible with God for those who believe in him. What is
impossible for human is possible for God. In the gospel, we see
Zechariah was doubtful and shallow in his faith (1:18) as the angel
brought the good news of God. Like Zechariah, we too are at times
deficient in our faith. We may have many dreams and aspirations which
are above our ability and thus we doubt its fulfilment. The readings
invite us not just to stop doubting our ability but also ask us to offer
ourselves to the providence of God. So, let us believe in him and ask
ourselves the following questions to evaluate our own journey with
God. Do I believe that God will provide what Im praying for? How deep
is my faith in God? Does faith in God bring awareness within me that
nothing is impossible with God?

Vimal csc

Back to Calendar

20

2016 December
Readings: Is 7: 10 14; Lk 1: 26 38

I do not want merely to possess a faith; I want a faith that

possesses me. - Charles Kingsley We live in the age of evolving
technological advancement. So, some of us even utter the word
faith with contempt and others consider the word faith has lost
its meaning after the Medieval Age. So, for some of us to possess
faith or be possessed by faith might even sound ludicrous.
However, through todays readings the Lord invites us to be
possessed by faith in freedom just as Isaiah and Mother Mary did
in their lives. Mary the Nazarene girl never knew fully how her
life was going to be. Yet, her faith that bloomed out of her
freedom allowed herself to be possessed by faith and proclaimed
I am the handmaid of the Lord. Yes, she took the leap of faith
to give birth to Messiah as she heard the message from an angel.
So in this season of Advent, we need to ask ourselves the
following questions: How many of us let ourselves be possessed
by faith to hear the messages from the angels that keep visiting
us in the form of our loved ones and nature? How many of us
take leap of faith in our relationships to give birth to Messiah?
Richard Roy csc

Back to Calendar

21

2016 December
Readings: Song 2:8-14; Lk 1:39-45

Blessed are you among women! Vibrations of joy and

happiness spread in and around the world as Mary visits her
cousin Elizabeth. Even today in the church, same joy and
happiness spread as we come close to the birth of our Lord Jesus
Christ.
In today's reading we find Mary's response to the angel's discreet
invitation. She goes to share her joy with her elderly cousin,
Elizabeth.
This coming together shows that, the two
annunciations are intertwined. And also the two sons, still in their
mothers womb, encounter one another. The child in Elizabeth's
womb leaps for joy in recognition of his Saviour, just as David
rejoiced and danced before the Ark of the Covenant when it was
brought to the City of David (2 Sam 6:12-16). Blessed are you
who believed (v.45): through this verse we are again reminded
of the motherhood of Mary which is much more than a biological
relationship. She is his mother through her faith, before she is his
mother physically, as St. Augustine says. Today the same mother
church invites us to transform our coming together into
happiness in others lives.
Ignaci S. csc

Back to Calendar

22

2016 December
Readings: I Sam 1:24-28; Lk 1: 46-56

The Church is the house of mercy and it is the soil where

vocations take root, mature and bear fruit. Today, both the
readings speak about Gods call.
The first reading speaks about Hannahs persistent and fervent
prayer to God for a child. God answers her prayer and blesses her
with a child. She and her husband present the child to the Lord
together with the sacrifice of a young bull. Samuel became their
gift to God and they left him in the temple. It was in the temple
of the Lord that God calls Samuel to be his servant.
In the gospel reading, we see how God chooses to redeem the
humanity through Mother Mary. By the power of the Holy Spirit,
she becomes the Mother of universal Saviour and cooperates
with the will of God. Mary believed all that had happened in her
life as part of Gods plan for saving humanity. Thus, Mary
magnifies and sings praises to God for his magnanimity in her life.
Every one of us is precious in the eyes of God and he cares for us
all the time. He has called us in order that we may follow him
faithfully and obediently like Mother Mary. All that we need to
do is to surrender ourselves fully to him in our joys and sorrows.
Let us implore the Lord to grant us the needed strength to
persevere in our vocation journey.
Anthoni Reddy csc
Back to Calendar

23

2016 December
Readings: Mal 3:1- 4, 23-24; Lk 1:57- 66

Today the church remembers St. John of Kty (1390 - 1473). He was
born in Kty, became a priest and for many years taught at the
University of Krakow. He taught and researched in both physics and
theology and excelled in holiness and in charity towards his neighbour,
in which he was an example to his colleagues and pupils.
The liturgy of the day speaks about signs to fulfill the will of God.
Whenever we work according to God's plan everything falls in place. But
in the life of Zechariah when the time had come to offer incense, an
angel appeared to him and told him about the things going to happen
in his life and the angel also gave him a sign. But Zechariah questioned
and doubted the word of God and because of this he was not able to
speak until the day of birth of John the Baptist.
Most often in our lives too same thing happens. We generally tend to
follow our own ways than God's own plan. It's only when we get a hit
because we didn't follow do we realize our mistake and change our
ways. For example, when children do something which may hurt them
in spite of being warned not to do, they may get hit and realize the
impact of the advice. In the same way we also tend to go our own way
in life following our own plans and wishes. It's only in suffering and pain
we realize our mistake and fall back to God's plan.

Joel G Mendonca csc

Back to Calendar

24

2016 December
Readings: 2 Sam 7:1-5, 8b-12, 14a, 16; Lk 1: 67-79

The day before Christmas is a day of joyful excitement and

expectation. The readings of the day makes this mood explicit.
The birth of Jesus will happen not due to a set of accidental
events, but as part of a long-term plan for the salvation of the
world. Zechariahs canticle is a celebration of this plan of God:
Jesus as the promised Messiah, the epitome of the mercy
promised to the forefathers, a concrete sign of Gods continued
involvement in our lives, and the dawn at the end of a long dark
night. What made the wait for his birth worth it is the importance
it holds in the life of Israel.
What would the birth of Jesus mean for each of us personally?
What exactly do I personally celebrate, as a Christian, when he
will be born tonight? Who am I waiting for? The answers to these
questions will reveal to us the level of faith-filled expectation that
we hold today. May our prayer be that we be blessed with an
acute awareness of Gods unconditional love for each of us, and
his continued involvement in our biographies.
Shiju Joseph csc

Back to Calendar

25

2016 December
Readings: Is 9:1-6; Tim 3:4-7; Lk 2:15-20

The readings of the day remind me of Jesus as the boundary

breaker and respect towards our neighbor.
Jesus as the boundary breaker: Incarnation of Jesus reminds us
of the expedition of Christ from celestial world to the terrestrial
world. He is a boundary breaker who crossed the boundaries of
heaven and incarnated into human history. Not only has he
incarnated into the history but he immersed himself into the
margins of the society by being born to Joseph the carpenter and
Mary. Jesus remains our perennial embodiment to break the
barriers between human beings and to cross the paths so that we
may mirror Christ to one another.
Respect towards Humanity: We adore and venerate relics which
were worn by saints or used by the saints. We go on pilgrimage
to the places where these holy people were buried. If that is a
fact, how much more the human being should be venerated,
cared and bedecked with respect and dignity, when it is Christ
our Lord who took the form of Human Being. We cant don a stoic
face when our sisters and brothers are groaning in pain and when
life is oppressed.
Joseph Kartik csc

Back to Calendar

26

2016 December
Readings: Act 6:8-10, 7:54-59; Mt 10:17-22

God qualifies the called with this statement we can summarize

todays reflection. Lord Jesus, receive my spirit these words of
St. Stephen describe to us the faith that he had in risen Christ. As
we celebrate the feast of St. Stephen the first martyr of the
church, the church wants to remind us that the blood of martyrs
is the seed of the Church" we may find it strange to read such
painful reading during Christmas season- but the very purpose of
Jesus birth is Calvary and the empty tomb.
Gospel of the day strengthens us with the words saying do not
worry about how you are to speak or what you are to say; you
will be given at that moment what you are to say. I remember
one of the fellow passengers asking me in the train why you
worship a God who died on the cross. My answer to him was, you
only see the cross but I along with the cross see the empty tomb.
I firmly believe my answer to him was inspired by Jesus himself.
Every Christian is called to be another Christ, and it can be done
only when we offer our lives in his hands because God qualifies
the called.
Pretham Joy Menezes csc

Back to Calendar

27

2016 December
Readings: 1 Jn 1:1-4; Jn 20:1a, 2-8

We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.

The readings of the day present the theme: Life: Given to Give. Life is
a precious gift given to us by God. We give meaning to our life by giving
life to others.
The first reading speaks of living our life in communion and fellowship
with others like the apostles. We need to have life of God in us in order
to give life to the poor in love and humility. 1 John 3:16 reads We know
love by this that Jesus laid down his life for us and we ought to lay down
our lives for one another. Jesus is the example par excellence in
sacrificing his life for the redemption of whole humanity. Therefore, it
is an invitation for us to be like Jesus and to live like Jesus.
The gospel reading speaks about the new life that we have received
through the resurrection of Jesus. Jesus shared our human nature to
make us realize the worth of life. John 10:10 reads I have come that
they may have life, life in its fullness. Today, we celebrate the feast of
St. John the apostle and the evangelist. Through the gift of faith St. John
realized that no tomb on earth could contain the Lord who is the giver
of life. Jesus message of life invites us to transcend all sorts of
boundaries to give life and light to others. Our life has to become a
message for others, and as Christians sharing of our life is central to our
spirituality. The way we share our own life to give life and light to others
is our gift to God. Therefore, let us ask- Can I be a messenger of life to
others?

Chinnaiah csc
Back to Calendar

28

2016 December
Readings: 1 Jn 1:52:2; Mt 2: 13-18

Todays liturgy gives us a beautiful massage that God takes care

and guides his chosen people, and at the same time God tests
them so that they will be strengthened in their faith. I am
reminded of an accident which happened to me two years ago.
At that moment there were hundreds of way I would have lost
my life but I escaped from the danger of death miraculously. In
this incident I see the divine providence of God in my life. I
understand God has his own plans and ways to protect us in
every way. If God is so much concerned about me, how much he
would have taken care of his own son (Jesus) for whom he has
designated a mission? I am not sure if slaughtering of innocent
children by Herod was historically true but in my opinion there
were some obstacles in his journey to Egypt. My belief is that God
protects his chosen one.
It was only for a brief time that Mother Mary and St. Joseph could
find relief and joy, and there came another hardship to flee from
Herods persecution. Both of them said yes to Gods plan fully
knowing the troubles that they have to go through in their
journey; this is responding in positive way to Gods call. In the
dream of Joseph, angels message is a proof of divine guidance.
If we believe in Gods divine providence, he will take care of us
and guide us to win over darkness and to experience the light of
God.
Arone Vas csc

Back to Calendar

29

2016 December
Readings: 1 Jn 2:3-11; Lk 2:22-35

Both the readings of the day invite us to reflect on the theme

Discipleship. The first reading clearly portrays that whoever says,
I know Christ but do not keep his commandment is a liar. Jesus
commandment to every one of us (new Israel) is to love God,
oneself and our neighbors. If we keep this commandment in all
conditions of our life we live a radical discipleship. The gospel
reading begins with a joyful note. The prophecy to Simeon by the
Holy Spirit is fulfilled. In his ecstasy he says, a revelation for the
gentiles and the people of Israel. He reveals Jesus is the Christ
and he is for the whole world, extending discipleship to everyone.
And, the reading ends with a sad note saying to Mary a sword
will pierce your soul too. Thus, the discipleship is extended to
Mary in a way including all women. Mary stood with the Lord in
all moments of his life, in his happiness and sufferings. Mary is
the example of discipleship. Love + suffering = discipleship. To be
radical disciples we need to love the world and undergo suffering
for the sake of Christ and then, we can say that we know Christ
and his love attains perfection in us.
Robinson csc

Back to Calendar

30

2016 December
Readings: Sir 3: 2-6, 12-14; Mt 2: 13-15, 19-23

The universal church celebrates the feast of the Holy Family at

Nazareth. Little is known of the life of the Holy Family in the years
before Jesus public ministry. All that is known are the
Circumcision of Jesus, the sojourn in Egypt, the return to
Nazareth, and the Finding in the Temple. Like all godly parents,
Joseph and Mary raised the child Jesus in the fear and wisdom of
the Lord. The parents were apparently observant Jews, making
the pilgrimage to Jerusalem every year with other Jewish
families. The Holy Family has been a model and ideal of family life
for Christians down the history. As taught by the Church, it is a
model of chastity, conjugal relationship, the sacredness of
motherhood, and the supernatural end of the family, i.e.
procreation and upbringing of children. As a result, Christian
family in history has exhibited greater fidelity between husband
and wife, greater reverence for the parents by the children,
greater protection of the weaker members by the stronger ones,
and a greater recognition of the dignity and the rights of
everyone within the circle.
Bilingshar Syiemlieh csc

Back to Calendar

31

2016 December
Readings: 1Jn 2:18-21; Jn 1:1-18

In todays gospel St. John explicates Jesus as the light of the

world. He is the true light that enlightens everyone. God knows
the dark side of each one of us and our struggle with it. To put
things in perspective, our human life is a mystery. We cannot
apprehend the things which are beyond our comprehensible
human effort. Yet, we try to obtain them and the result will be
shown as a failure. Let us imagine that we are in a dark room
trying to find some particular objects. We would definitely
confess that it is quite difficult to succeed. But, we are able to
find the same object in light. Similarly, when we are with Jesus
Christ who is the true light of the world we are able to triumph
over the darkness of life. The darkness of our life can be anger,
jealousy, hatred, unforgiving attitude and attachment to worldly
things, etc. Today Jesus invites each one of us to be closer to
him so that we will radiate his love and compassion. True faith in
God can cast out all our ignorance and darkness and the true light
of Christ would enlighten us throughout our life journey.
Manickam csc

Back to Calendar