Vol. 32 No.
2 From the desk of the Coordinator
Intentions of the Apostleship of Prayer
(The Holy Father’s Monthly Intention)
March 2022: We pray for Christians facing new
bioethical challenges; may they continue to defend
the dignity of all human life with prayer and action.
April 2022: We pray for healthcare workers who
serve the sick and the elderly, especially in the
poorest countries; may they be adequately
supported by governments and local communities.
Lenten Prayer
Look with favour, Lord, on your household. Grant
that, though our flesh be humbled by abstinence
from food, our souls, hungering after you, may be
resplendent in your sight. (- Pope Pius V)
In this Issue
Synodal Journey with Christ ……….………………. 2
Suffering – the Road to Glory …………………....... 9
Defending the Dignity of Human Life ……............. 18
‘And the Word Became Flesh’ ……………………. 32
“You Took Care of Me…” (Mt 25:36) …..………… 43
Daily Flash follows the Liturgical Calendar of the Archdiocese of
Goa and Daman. All scripture quotations are from The Holy Bible
(New Revised Standard Version, Catholic Edition). References in
Daily Flash Website: daily-flash.webnode.com
square brackets correspond to the NRSV-CE.
Daily Flash Editor: dailyflashgoa@gmail.com
Synodal Journey with Christ
Many of us don’t think of Lent with any great
enthusiasm. Childhood memories of having to give
up ice-cream, meat or chocolates and a constant
Pastoral Theme 2021-22 flow of reminders to “behave, at least during Lent”
“Stay with us…” (Lk 24:29) come immediately to mind. Then there was sitting
through the weekly Stations of the Cross as well as
longer prayer time.
Even as adults, words like ‘sacrifice,’ ‘discipline,’
and ‘self-denial’ are often used in ways that suggest
DAILY FLASH that Lent is something unpleasant to be endured,
Reflections on the rather than a time of renewed grace and peace and
Word of God spiritual growth. Or we see it as an obstacle course
by Lay People we need to traverse only so as to reach the great
feast of Easter.
What if instead we approached Lent as a yearly
second chance?
MARCH-APRIL 2022 Think of it this way. Each year the Church gives
us six weeks to take a long and reflective look at our
lives and assess if our values and priorities are in
harmony with what God wants for us. Most of us will
Published by surely find that we have strayed from God’s path. So
Diocesan Centre for Lay Apostolate Lent calls us to return to sanity, to a simpler lifestyle,
Lar de Estudantes to a change of mind and heart. It is another chance
Altinho, Panjim, Goa - 403001 to make lasting changes, unlike those New Year’s
Tel: 91-832-2232496
resolutions, long since broken and forgotten.
Email: goalaity@gmail.com
For some of us, Lent is no less than a second
chance at life. It is God’s voice saying lovingly,
“Return to me with all your heart” (Joel 2:12).
Why do we need to return to God? Because
when we look into our hearts, something is not right.
Something is also not right in society, in our state
and in our country. In the Church there’s so much
that needs healing and plenty that is crying out for
change – for a new direction that will realign it with
the values of the gospel of Christ. That in fact is why
the Church is currently on a two-year-long synodal
journey due to end next year.
In his 2021 Lenten message, Pope Francis said,
‘During this season of conversion, let us renew our
faith, draw from the “living water” of hope, and
receive with open hearts the love of God, who
makes us brothers and sisters in Christ.’ He went on
to explain that during this period ‘the path of poverty
and self-denial (fasting), concern and loving care for
the poor (almsgiving), and childlike dialogue with the
Father (prayer) make it possible for us to live lives of
sincere faith, living hope and effective charity.’
Pope Francis concluded by saying, ‘The call to
experience Lent as a journey of conversion, prayer
and sharing of our goods, helps us – as communities
and as individuals – to revive the faith that comes
from the living Christ, the hope inspired by the breath
of the Holy Spirit and the love flowing from the
merciful heart of the Father.’
Let us respond to the Holy Father’s request and
welcome Lent as a season of hope and grace.
As we journey together with a synodal Church,
let us walk in peace with one another. Let us
strengthen our bonds with God and with our dear
brothers and sisters to build a new family of love and
trust, a new community of unity and fellowship, a
new Church of care and compassion, a new world
of peace and justice. Let us rise with Christ at Easter
to bring newness of life and be beacons of light to
the generations to come.
- Fr Jorge Fernandes
Tuesday, March 01, 2022
Readings: 1 Pet 1:10-16; Ps 97[98]:1-4; Mk 10:28-
31
Focus: ‘Be holy yourselves in all your conduct’ (1
Pet 1:15)
Holiness (Focus) has many dimensions. Today’s
readings ask us to be generous like God – and God
is never outdone (Gospel), however generous we
may be. Following Christ in his generous poverty
opens us to suffering, to persecution. At the same
time it opens our hearts wide to joy and love. We
learn to accept and love others who are not ‘like us’,
and in that way we multiply relationships of love a
hundredfold. So we have any number of “brothers
and sisters, mothers and children” (Mk 10:30).
The first Christians did try to live as one big
family, even owning houses in common. Let us not
give up trying to expand human communities to
include everyone. When a club, a car, or a meal is
advertised as ‘exclusive’, does an alarm ring in our
mind? Although it is natural to want possessions, in
the parable of the vineyard workers, the first and last
will be equals, sitting at the same banquet (Mk
10:31).
Peter also says, ‘Do not be conformed to the
desires that you formerly had in ignorance’ (1 Pet
1:14). Marketing gurus churn out plenty of ignorance,
blinding us to the freedom and joy that can only
come from letting go the wealth and relationships
which limit us.
Fruit: Are we ready to love and be loved by the
hundreds of ‘brothers and sisters, mothers and
children’ God sends us in this life – and in the next?
2
Wednesday, March 02, 2022
Ash Wednesday
Readings: Joel 2:12-18; Ps 50[51]:3-6, 12-14, 17; 2
Cor 5:20 - 6:2; Mt 6:1-6, 16-18
Focus: “Your Father who sees in secret will reward
you” (Mt 6:4, 6, 18)
Many of us are stuck in old routines or patterns
of behaviour that are unhealthy. The reasons for this
could be many. But, if we think carefully, we will
probably realise that at the root of most such
conduct is lack of trust in God and his plans.
What is more important than fasting and
abstinence in this season of Lent is to rend our
hearts for God (Joel 2:13). Any spiritual practice that
does not help create new zeal for the kingdom of
God is finally a fruitless exercise. Lent gives us an
opportunity to renew our commitment to God – a
commitment that must be both willing and joyful.
In opening our hearts freely to Jesus, we open
ourselves to his healing power that in turn enables
us to let go of old, harmful habits that are potentially
dangerous to our salvation. This also helps us to
gain a healthy perspective of our own difficulties and
savour the chance of participating in God’s mission
of building his kingdom on earth.
If we undertake the almsgiving, prayer and
fasting that Jesus recommends (Gospel) “in secret”
(Focus), with the grace God himself gives, it can be
life-changing. All we need to do is strive to observe
and enjoy this Lenten season as never before.
Fruit: By committing myself to a daily prayer life, I
will see renewed growth and new opportunities in my
spirituality.
 Thursday, March 03, 2022
Thursday after Ash Wednesday
Readings: Deut 30:15-20; Ps 1:1-4, 6; Lk 9:22-25
Focus: “…take up their cross daily and follow me”
(Lk 9:23)
We recoil in horror at the sight of the Taliban
publicly hanging the bodies of executed persons, to
serve as a warning. The crucifixion on the cross in
the time of Jesus served the same purpose.
Those wishing to follow Jesus must accept his
call (Gospel) and “take up their cross” (Focus). We
can take our struggles of illness or injustice and join
them with the suffering of Jesus on Calvary. Mary
waits at the foot of the cross, a holy model for us.
We are dumbfounded in the face of a suffering
Saviour. But why does a loving God allow suffering?
For one, he has endowed us with free will. When we
choose evil we unleash suffering. We are all related,
our suffering is interconnected.
The Book of Job tells of a man who continues to
trust God even in the face of extreme suffering. But
when Job questions God about the reason for
suffering, the Almighty thunders that Job cannot ever
hope to grasp this mystery. In that moment of
humility, Job finally experiences God.
There is no simple explanation for suffering, but
there is a difference between knowing about God
and experiencing him. As Paul said, he was
strongest when he was weak. We can be comforted
that while suffering is inevitable God understands,
because he too suffered.
Fruit: Let me praise God even as I suffer, knowing
that he sustains and transforms me through it.
Friday, March 04, 2022
Friday after Ash Wednesday, St Casimir
Readings: Isa 58:1-9; Ps 50[51]:3-6, 18-19; Mt 9:14-
15
Focus: “Why do we and the Pharisees fast often, but
your disciples do not fast?” (Mt 9:14)
Almsgiving, prayer and fasting are acts of
penance strongly recommended during Lent. This is
a time of heartfelt repentance, a time to turn back to
the Lord from our wicked or fallen lives.
There was a time when I fasted as a ritual, and
also to lose weight, because Lent came after the
feasting of the Christmas season. When I look back,
I wonder how I could have been so foolish! Now I
know that fasting has a deeply spiritual meaning.
Jesus, referring to himself as “the bridegroom”
(Gospel), responds to the pointed query of the
disciples of John the Baptist (Focus). He explains
that fasting should be an expression of our longing to
savour the presence of the divine Bridegroom.
Indeed, it is not just abstinence from lavish food, or
giving up of meat alone, but fasting from negativity,
anger, pride and anything that causes us to sin.
Isaiah says that we should not go around with
gloomy looks to let others know that we are fasting.
Instead, we should look after our workers, feed the
hungry, clothe the naked and reach out to the needy
(Isa 58:3-7).
Today we are called to let our light shine like the
dawn, and so receive healing.
Fruit: I will fast from pride and acknowledge with
humility the good done to me by my family and
neighbours, and so experience God’s steadfast love.
3
Saturday, March 05, 2022
Saturday after Ash Wednesday
Readings: Isa 58:9-14; Ps 85[86]:1-6; Lk 5:27-32
Focus: ‘Then you shall call, and the Lord will
answer’ (Isa 58:9)
Many of us consider our Christian faith to be
centred on personal redemption through our own
acts of piety and sacrifice. Have we forgotten that
the opening phrase of the prayer the Lord himself
taught us as the pattern for all prayer is “Our Father”,
not “My Father”?
Jesus taught us to be a loving and caring
community of people. It is only in noticing the needs
of others and acting on them that we will be saved.
This point is dramatically illustrated in the Last
Judgement scene (Mt 25:31-46), where the
redeemed are those who helped the hungry, the
prisoners, the strangers, the refugees, the poor, the
outcasts, the naked, the lonely, the sick.
Today’s reading from Isaiah also reminds us that
the Lord answers the prayers of those who cry out to
him from their heart (Focus). He does so through the
loving actions of people who help others. When we
respond to the needs of others in humble, selfless
service and gratuitous giving, we do what God wants
us to do. And, in doing so, we often find to our
amazement that we too are healed.
So let us set aside our futile attempts to appear
righteous before God by observing laws and rituals.
Instead, let us be people who hear with compassion
the cries of those in need.
Fruit: Lord, help me to express my faith in action-
service to those most in need.
 Suffering – the Road to Glory
The best teaching on suffering is from Jesus and
Mary. Their suffering was no accident or misfortune
but God-sent and according to plan. ‘It was the will of
the Lord to crush him with pain’ (Isa 53:10). Jesus
knew it all along and foretold it more than once: “The
Son of Man must undergo great suffering, and be
rejected…” (Lk 9:22, 17:25). Even on the joyful
occasion of her son’s presentation, Mary was told by
Simeon, “A sword will pierce your own soul too” (Lk
2:35). Mary submitted to this and ‘treasured all these
things in her heart’ (Lk 2:51).
“Was it not necessary that the Messiah should
suffer these things and then enter into his glory?”
Jesus asked the dejected disciples on the road to
Emmaus (Lk 24:26). If suffering was necessary for
Christ, so also for those who decide to follow him.
Jesus chose hostile Saul and said, “I myself will
show him how much he must suffer for the sake of
my name” (Acts 9:16). Suffering is sent by God with
a purpose. ‘He has graciously granted you the
privilege not only of believing in Christ, but of
suffering for him as well’ (Phil 1:29). So suffering is a
‘privilege’ and also a calling. When we endure it, we
earn God’s favour.
The suffering Christ teaches us to accept and
obey. ‘Although he was a Son, he learned obedience
through what he suffered’ (Heb 5:8). ‘I gave my back
to those who struck me, and my cheeks to those
who pulled out the beard…’ (Isa 50:6). ‘Since
therefore Christ suffered in the flesh, arm yourselves
also with the same intention’ (1 Pet 4:1). And Jesus
asks, “Are you able to drink the cup that I am about
to drink?” (Mt 20:22).
Suffering puts our faith to the test. ‘Now for a
little while you have had to suffer various trials, so
that the genuineness of your faith – being more
precious than gold that, though perishable, is tested
by fire…’ (1 Pet 1:6-7).
Suffering leads us to perfection. ‘Whenever you
face trials of any kind, consider it nothing but joy,
because you know that the testing of your faith
produces endurance; and let endurance have its full
effect, so that you may be mature and complete,
lacking in nothing’ (Jas 1:2-4). ‘And after you have
suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who
has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will
himself restore, support, strengthen, and establish
you’ (1 Pet 5:10). By suffering in our lifetime we
serve in advance our term in purgatory or curtail it.
Suffering, the very thing we pray to be delivered
from, can be a cause of joy. ‘I am now rejoicing in
my sufferings for your sake…’ (Col 1:24). “You will
weep and mourn… you will have pain, but your pain
will turn into joy” (Jn 16:20). Suffering the very thing
that ‘torments’ us also heals us. ‘By his wounds you
have been healed’ (1 Pet 2:24).
The greatest thing about suffering is that it is the
road to eternal glory. ‘Out of his anguish he shall see
light’ (Isa 53:11). ‘If we endure, we will also reign
with him’ (2 Tim 2:12). ‘In fact, we suffer with him so
that we may also be glorified with him’ (Rom 8:17).
By joining our suffering with that of Christ we have
the privilege of joining him on his salvific mission.
‘Rejoice insofar as you are sharing Christ’s
sufferings, so that you may also be glad and shout
for joy when his glory is revealed’ (1 Pet 4:13).
- Eurico Noronha
4
Sunday, March 06, 2022
First Sunday of Lent, Day of Diocesan Walking
Pilgrimage
Readings: Deut 26:4-10; Ps 90[91]:1-2, 10-15; Rom
10:8-13; Lk 4:1-13
Focus: “If you, then, will worship me, it will all be
yours” (Lk 4:7)
As a human being I am gifted with five senses to
perceive and experience the world. Sometimes the
pleasure received from these senses is so strong
that I am prepared to do anything to feel it.
I am also gifted with six higher mental faculties –
imagination, intuition, will, perception, memory, and
reason – to make the judgement that if I want
happiness I don’t need to worship anyone (or
anything). I must instead work towards it and receive
it by my relationship with God.
In the Gospel, Satan offers unlimited worldly
wealth to Jesus if he will worship him (Focus) whilst
Jesus, inspired by God and using his higher mental
faculties, identifies this as an illusion. He already has
his goals, with plans in place to achieve them.
I too may often encounter situations where it
seems I can get easy and huge benefits if I ‘worship’
human beings or things. Do I fall prey to these
attractive temptations? Or do I recognise them for
the illusions they are and choose instead to work to
achieve my goal? Our goal is ‘to know him, to love
him, to serve him and to be happy with him’ as we
learnt in our first Catechism. It hasn’t changed.
Fruit: Let me reject any situation that demands that I
‘worship’ someone or something to get what I want
and instead choose the true way of achieving it.
 Monday, March 07, 2022
Sts Perpetua and Felicity
Readings: Lev 19:1-2, 11-18; Ps 18[19]:8-10, 15; Mt
25:31-46
Focus: ‘You shall love your neighbour as yourself’
(Lev 19:18)
In today’s Gospel – the Last Judgement – Jesus
stresses only the sins of omission, that is, failing to
do the good we should have done.
All of us confess sins of commission – those
listed in the Ten Commandments (First Reading) –
without even thinking of our sins of omission. We are
perhaps blissfully unaware of the value God places
on the latter. Yet the Focus commands us to ‘love’ –
a verse Jesus too emphasised in Lk 10:27-37.
Have we been Good Samaritans to anyone? Do
we feed the hungry, welcome the (helpless) stranger
or visit the sick or prisoners? In these pandemic
times, there are opportunities aplenty. If we have
some extra money, we can give it to the needy. We
can help convey the sick to hospital, take care of the
many orphans left behind by Covid-19 victims, find
employment for so many who have lost their jobs,
and do numerous other helpful things.
Once at the post office, a lady before me was
asked for Rs 1/- for a revenue stamp. She fumbled
and searched all over, but could not find a coin.
Seeing her distress, I promptly took out one and
gave it to the man behind the counter. She was so
grateful, I wondered what great thing I had done! But
even this small gesture of concern touched her.
Fruit: Today I will look for an opportunity to do at
least one act of mercy.
Tuesday, March 08, 2022
St John of God
Readings: Isa 55:10-11; Ps 33[34]:4-7, 16-19; Mt
6:7-15
Focus: “When you are praying, do not heap up
empty phrases as the Gentiles do” (Mt 6:7)
My parents had very different parenting styles.
My mother was the voluble one and when something
in our behaviour upset her, she made it known to us
children in a variety of ways, sometimes even going
off at a tangent. My father however was a man of
few words. But whenever he reproved us, he knew
how to get our attention and we generally listened
and obeyed. Years later he taught us how to prepare
effectively to speak in public or to appear for
interviews. “Be crisp,” he would say “and focus on
what is important.”
In today’s Gospel, Jesus teaches us how we
really ought to pray. The most important thing to
remember is that God really is listening to us and so
we need not repeat ourselves.
Second, the key to having our prayers answered
is to listen to what God wants from us and not simply
make God listen to what we want from him. Yes, we
can make a list of what we want God to do, but then
keep it aside. For ‘the eyes of the Lord are on the
righteous, and his ears are open to their cry’ (Ps
33[34]:15).
God blessed today’s saint, St John, to render
humble service to others.
Fruit: Let us sit before the Blessed Sacrament and
listen to what he wants us to do, then jot it down to
work on later.
5
Wednesday, March 09, 2022
St Frances of Rome
Readings: Jon 3:1-10; Ps 50[51]:3-4, 12-13, 18-19;
Lk 11:29-32
Focus: ‘The word of the Lord came to Jonah a
second time…’ (Jon 3:1)
Rudely spewed out by a fish on the shores of
Nineveh, Jonah was reminded of his God-given
mission (Focus). Perhaps his odd appearance after
his frightful experience, coupled with the Ninevites’
knowledge of Jonah’s God, got them repenting.
The Book of Jonah is more about the onus on
Jonah than the sins of the Ninevites. Jonah tried to
dodge his mercy mission because he knew well the
compassion of God (Jon 3:10) and he felt that
Nineveh deserved to go up in flames. He flirted with
death twice rather than see Nineveh saved. It seems
that Jonah despised this city with a vengeance and
so God decided he was the right person for the job!
This deeply ingrained hatred affected Jonah and
his relationship with God. To prefer death to mercy
speaks volumes. But this is human nature. We too
feel that great sinners deserve fire and brimstone.
Only God knows whether “they know their right hand
from their left” (Jon 4:11) and need to be enlightened
accordingly. Thereafter they choose their course and
receive its consequences. An all-consuming hatred
in victims towards the offenders is paralysing, and
God wants to heal that too. How he chooses to do it
may seem strange, but he knows what he is doing.
Fruit: Lord, ‘sustain in me a willing spirit. Then I will
teach transgressors your ways, and sinners will
return to you’ (Ps 50[51]:12-13).
 Thursday, March 10, 2022
Readings: Esth 14:1, 3-5, 12-14; Ps 137[138]:1-3, 7-
8; Mt 7:7-12
Focus: “Ask, and it will be given you” (Mt 7:7)
Jesus makes us this crystal-clear promise
(Focus) and even stresses that “everyone who asks
receives” (Mt 7:8). What a remarkable assurance!
God listens to our smallest prayer and is ready to
give us whatever we ask.
Is this a blanket promise with no conditions? If
so, we take God for a magician or a genie who fulfils
our every whim and fancy. Perhaps this is one
reason we feel disappointed when our request is not
fulfilled. There are so many of us who complain that
our prayers are not answered in spite of persistent,
fervent prayer.
Jesus speaks in the Gospel about giving “good
gifts” to our children (Mt 7:11). This is one of the
conditions that go with his promise. We receive only
what is good in God’s estimation.
If we believe that God is infinitely righteous,
good, wise and loving then we will believe that
whatever he does is right and perfectly good for us.
We understand that he is faithful and caring enough
to say ‘No’ to a selfish and foolish prayer no matter
how much we want what we are demanding.
Oftentimes we can’t see the long-term
consequences of what we ask but God’s sight is
eternal. Jesus’ promise stands firm when our
requests are congruent with the will of God.
Fruit: I will not complain when I fail to get what I
seek but instead pray, “Cause me to want what you
want Lord!”
Friday, March 11, 2022
Readings: Ezek 18:21-28; Ps 129[130]:1-8; Mt 5:20-
26
Focus: ‘When the righteous turn away from their
righteousness and commit iniquity, they shall die for
it’ (Ezek 18:26)
The Beatitudes (Mt 5:1-12) enlighten us about
the need for virtuous living. In today’s Gospel, Jesus
teaches that without righteousness there can be no
salvation. He also says that anger, even momentary,
can lead to our punishment, or even death.
None of us presumably will ever be guilty of
murdering another. But even anger affecting
someone’s peace of mind, reputation or self-esteem,
or a mere insult, can amount to a violation of ‘You
shall not kill’. Jesus declares uncompromisingly, “If
you say, ‘You fool,’ you will be liable to the hell of
fire” (Mt 5:22).
When we are at the receiving end, we really feel
this. I remember how one day I was publicly
humiliated by the head of the institution who had
taken offence to a suggestion of mine. While he
made it appear that he had shamed me for good
reason, I later realised that he had lost. Because he
lost the respect and the trust of his team.
The Focus, therefore, affirms that short-term
gains are like death, and often do not last beyond
the tenure of the oppressor. But the truth will always
set us free. And those who hunger and thirst for
justice will have their fill.
Fruit: Let me learn to live righteously by shunning
iniquity and consistently doing unto others what is
right and proper in the eyes of the Lord.
6
Saturday, March 12, 2022
Readings: Deut 26:16-19; Ps 118[119]:1-2, 4-5, 7-8;
Mt 5:43-48
Focus: “Love your enemies and pray for those who
persecute you” (Mt 5:44)
I was touched by a YouTube video of boxer Mike
Tyson preaching forgiveness. He said in his
inimitable style that lack of forgiveness traps you,
makes you a slave, and allows the devil to be your
master. It is no wonder that Jesus exhorts us to be
perfect in love and forgiveness, just as the Father is
(Mt 5:48).
We can become like God and ‘be his treasured
people’ only if we ‘keep his commandments’ (Deut
26:18). As we listen and obey, we are refreshed and
revived in this vale of tears: ‘The law of the Lord is
perfect, reviving the soul’ (Ps 18[19]:7).
As we repent and allow ourselves to be
transformed, joy becomes our hallmark: ‘Happy are
those whose way is blameless, who walk in the law
of the Lord’ (Ps 118[119]:1).
We become people set apart as we strive to love
our enemies and pray for those who persecute us
(Focus). It is very difficult, but Jesus did it as he
hung on the cross. In this way he revealed the true
nature of God.
Through Christian forgiveness we touch hearts
and win many people over to the kingdom of God
our Father. Thus we fulfil the purpose of our lives
here on earth.
Fruit: Who do I need to forgive and pray for today? I
will ask the Lord for the grace to sincerely say,
“Father forgive (name) and bless them abundantly.”
 Defending the Dignity of Human Life
Biomedical research has brought enormous
benefits to humanity as well as unprecedented
threats to the dignity of human life. The Pope’s
prayer intention for March is, ‘We pray for Christians
facing new bioethical challenges; may they continue
to defend the dignity of all human life with prayer and
action.’ It is important for us to know the teaching of
the Church and of Scripture and to understand the
beautiful plan of God for humankind, whether it is in
marriage and procreation or in the dignity of the
human person created by God in his image and
likeness. Equipped with this knowledge, we will be
empowered to move out, in the courage of our
conviction, to prayer and action.
Humanae Vitae, of Human Life (1968), makes
clear the Church’s stand on the transmission of life in
keeping with God’s plan. By affirming the
inseparability of sexuality from procreation it defends
the dignity of humankind. Donum Vitae, the
Instruction on Respect for Human Life and the
Dignity of Procreation (1987), deals with various
biomedical advances of assisted reproduction.
Dignitas Personae, on certain Bioethical Questions
(2008), deals in greater depth with newer advances
and technologies of in vitro fertilisation, embryonic
stem cell research etc. It affirms that the dignity of a
person must be recognised from conception to
natural death. In Evangelium Vitae, the Gospel of
Life (1995), St John Paul II deals with the sanctity of
human life in all spheres, including issues of
abortion, euthanasia and capital punishment. One of
his famous sayings was, “Protect life from the womb
to the tomb.”
We in India are called very urgently to start a
Christ-based movement to respect and protect life.
Today, not only are the unborn under threat of
abortion, but the elderly are also under threat of
euthanasia. We can begin in our own homes with
sound teaching on the sanctity of life and our own
life witness. Catechism classes must emphasise this
in depth, so that youngsters can imbibe, at an early
age, how precious life is and how even they can
respect and protect life, right from the womb to the
tomb. If this message is not heard early on, it
becomes a forced teaching later and so is rejected.
We should hear more prolife homilies. Seminars
on bioethical topics could also be held regularly. For
this a special prolife ministry could be formed, with
branches in every parish, to organise various
activities including intercession, financial aid and
counselling services. Formation sessions could be
held for medical students, interns and young doctors
to sensitise them to the Church’s teachings on the
dignity of human life. Prolife lawyers could fight
against laws that legalise abortion and permit female
foeticide and euthanasia.
Another need is to provide homes for unwed
mothers, and orphanages where adoption facilities
would be available. Importantly, let us not shame
unwed mothers into resorting to abortion but receive
them lovingly and adopt their children into our
families. We need to remember that while their
perceived sin may be public, those of many others
remain hidden. Let us not have double standards but
defend the dignity of human life in all its stages.
- Brenda Nazareth Menezes
7
Sunday, March 13, 2022
2nd Sunday of Lent
Readings: Gen 15:5-12, 17-18; Ps 26[27]:1, 7-9,
13-14; Phil 3:17 - 4:1; Lk 9:28-36
Focus: ‘Your face, Lord, do I seek’ (Ps 26[27]:8)
A friend of mine sometimes says ruefully, “I pray
so much but God does not answer.” And this must
be the complaint of many of us too.
What is prayer? Is it only asking for what we
want? Indeed, prayer is so much more than mere
asking. It is communication with a loving and caring
God, where we speak as well as listen to his voice.
In prayer, like the psalmist, we need to seek
God’s face (Focus) and thank him for his many
blessings. We will most experience his presence and
love when we allow all that is bothering us to take a
backseat and just gaze into his face, cherishing the
moment with him. In St Teresa of Avila’s words:
“Prayer is an act of love; words are not needed.”
In the Gospel we read that the appearance of
Jesus’ face changed as he prayed (Lk 9:29). It was
the same with Moses: ‘The skin of his face shone
because he had been talking with God’ (Ex 34:29).
Yes, we also need to mention our situation and
that of the world and plead for God’s mercy. It
pleases him the most when we pray for others. Let
us especially pray this month that Christians facing
bioethical challenges may defend the dignity of
human life with prayer and action.
Fruit: Amidst all my troubles, I will seek the face of
the Lord and remain firm in him.
Inauguration of the Pontificate of Pope Francis (2013)
 Monday, March 14, 2022
Readings: Dan 9:4-10; Ps 78[79]:8-9, 11, 13; Lk
6:36-38
Focus: “Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful”
(Lk 6:36)
In today’s Gospel, Jesus teaches his disciples
about the way to be holy, the attitudes we should
have, and the kind of heart, behaviour and manner
expected of a Christian.
Mercy is God’s very nature, his overwhelming
characteristic. When Moses asked God to reveal his
glory, the Lord showed Moses his goodness and
proclaimed himself as, “The Lord, a God merciful
and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in
steadfast love and faithfulness” (Ex 34:6, also Num
14:18). This is a theme that runs through Scripture
(Ps 86:15, 145:8; Joel 2:13).
Mercy is God’s readiness to come to the rescue
of his distressed creatures. Once we experience his
mercy, we will always love him. In the same way he
asks us to show mercy to others (Focus), so as to
spread his message of love.
The Lord asks us not to judge or condemn, lest
we suffer the same fate (Lk 6:37). It is a restraint
against our habit of criticising and finding fault with
others. Of course, we need to uphold justice. But we
should not take on the task of wreaking vengeance,
for which we are not made, and which is God’s alone
to decide (Rom 12:19). Instead, we must be
generous to a fault, for as we give we shall receive.
Fruit: “A good measure… will be put into your lap;
for the measure you give will be the measure you get
back” (Lk 6:38).
Tuesday, March 15, 2022
Readings: Isa 1:10, 16-20; Ps 49[50]:8-9, 16-17, 21,
23; Mt 23:1-12
Focus: “Do whatever they teach… but do not do as
they do, for they do not practise what they teach” (Mt
23:3)
Jesus’ words (Focus) were addressed to his
disciples but are equally important for all in authority
today. As parents, we train and teach our children by
word and action about the need to make the ‘say’
and ‘do’ connection.
I would often stress the importance of asking for
and granting forgiveness with our children. Once in a
fit of anger I shouted at my small son and hit him.
After crying awhile, he said, “Mommy, you have not
said sorry to me.”
We live in times when we are daily confronted by
the challenge of Jesus’ teaching (Gospel), especially
when we are told or advised to do what is not
according to the teaching of the Church. The public
conduct of some people leads others to discount
what they say or teach due to the apparent
contradiction. Rather than judge or discredit such
persons we need to pray for them.
Every Christian is called to be a witness of Jesus
in word and deed. The early Christians did this so
well that ‘day by day the Lord added to their number
those who were being saved’ (Acts 2:47). We are not
called to imitate the very things they did but to
understand the powerful impact of lives lived in
accord with Jesus’ teaching.
Fruit: Lord Holy Spirit, may I walk the talk and
preach only what I practise.
8
Wednesday, March 16, 2022
Readings: Jer 18:18-20; Ps 30[31]:5-6, 14-16; Mt
20:17-28
Focus: “Whoever wishes to be great among you
must be your servant” (Mt 20:26)
I have just returned from a visit to an admirable
couple with two teenagers. This family has opened
its home to deprived street children and provides
them with a proper family life. The poor children are
well cared for, sent to a good school, and given
access to all modern facilities just like the couple’s
own offspring.
Spending time with this large, happy family was
profoundly inspiring. Here was a couple who had
understood the words of today’s Focus. They were
respected, rich and successful professionals in a
high-income bracket. They had everything we see as
“great”, yet chose the tough option of serving the
Lord through underprivileged children. It made me
rethink my own definition of service.
In Mt 25:34-36 we read the standard by which
God will judge us. It is only through our acts of
kindness done out of love for God and neighbour
that we can enter the kingdom of heaven. Like
James and John and their mother, do we too seek
greatness? Those of us who pursue prominence by
inordinately seeking power, prestige, prosperity and
success must reorder their priorities and heed the
call of Jesus as he teaches his disciples the true
value of greatness through service (Gospel). Just
donating to good causes is not enough.
Fruit: I shall look out daily for opportunities to serve
the less fortunate with my time, talent and resources.
 Thursday, March 17, 2022
St Patrick
Readings: Jer 17:5-10; Ps 1:1-4, 6; Lk 16:19-31
Focus: ‘Cursed are those who trust in mere mortals
and make mere flesh their strength, whose hearts
turn away from the Lord. They shall be like a shrub
in the desert…’ (Jer 17:5-6)
Let us take a quick look within and identify the
source of our confidence. Are we fearless because
we are physically strong or beautiful? Is it our wealth
or social status which makes us feel secure? Do we
trust our friendships with the rich and powerful to
solve our problems?
If the answer to any of these questions is Yes,
then we haven’t been paying heed to God’s warning
(Focus).
Today’s Gospel further emphasises the futility of
satisfying our bodies with the best of pleasures and
comforts while neglecting the health of our spiritual
selves. Do we also ignore the underprivileged, as the
rich man ignored Lazarus? Earthly possessions were
unable to save the rich man from the torment of
Hades after his death. Indeed his suffering was far
greater than that of a lifeless shrub being scorched
by the desert sun.
It is clear that the only source of life which will
make us prosper, no matter what the season of our
life may be, is Jesus Christ – the Living Water.
When we trust him, we will be ‘like trees planted by
streams of water’ (Ps 1:3).
Fruit: Today, I will surrender myself to the Lord –
and serve him by reaching out to his children. Let me
count the ways.
Friday, March 18, 2022
St Cyril of Jerusalem
Readings: Gen 37:3-4, 12-13, 17-28; Ps
104[105]:16-21; Mt 21:33-43, 45-46
Focus: “The stone that the builders rejected has
become the cornerstone” (Mt 21:42)
Asking ourselves, “How did we reject the Lord
today?” is a reflective exercise that we can use at
the end of each day to deepen our faith.
This practice which takes around five minutes is
a good one because we are often unaware of the
true impact of our conduct. We need to realise that
every time we choose to break the commandments
through our actions, words, thoughts or even
intentions we reject the Lord himself. And every time
we do that, we reject Jesus as surely as the builders
rejected the cornerstone (Focus).
Jesus and his teachings need to be the
cornerstone of my faith and every time I decide to
act otherwise, I am creating disharmony in my life.
Unfortunately I fail to recognise this, just as the
brothers of Joseph, blinded by jealousy, did not
recognise him as their saviour (First Reading).
Today’s readings help us to put it all together
and see God’s plan. Joseph was not recognised and
they rejected and humiliated him but he was sent
ahead to save his people. Similarly Jesus was not
recognised. He was shunned and scorned, but he is
the Chosen One who saves us from sin by his death
and resurrection.
Fruit: Let me recognise Jesus in the people around
me. Let me accept them as I would accept Jesus,
and help them just as I would have if he had asked.
9
Saturday, March 19, 2022
St Joseph
Readings: 2 Sam 7:4-5, 12-14, 16; Ps 88[89]:2-5,
27, 29; Rom 4:13, 16-18, 22; Mt 1:16, 18-21, 24 or
Lk 2:41-51
Focus: ‘Joseph, being a righteous man…’ (Mt 1:19)
Not much is known about St Joseph, but that
little is important. Matthew introduces us to him
(Focus) soon after Joseph discovers that Mary is
pregnant (Mt 1:18). Joseph is reassured by an angel
as he considers sending Mary away to save her from
disgrace and punishment. Fears allayed, he accepts
the role of husband and father. Next came
responsibility. Making ends meet, searching for a
place so Mary could give birth in safety. Those days
were tension filled – fleeing to Egypt, returning to
Nazareth…. But Joseph took it all in his stride.
Joseph, husband of Mary and a poor carpenter.
Behind a quiet exterior lay a serious, no-nonsense
kind of man. Mary and Jesus had nothing to fear.
Then came the return to Jerusalem when the
parents found Jesus was not among them (Lk 2:41-
51). Their anxiety turned to relief when they found
him among the learned heads of the temple.
Bringing Jesus up was a special duty and
Joseph measured up to it. “Blessed be St Joseph,
her most chaste spouse,” we recite at Benediction.
What a fitting tribute! We don’t have to hanker after a
string of credentials to go with our name. Just do
with silent dedication whatever God calls us to do.
Fruit: Let us try to understand the quiet holiness of
St Joseph and strive to emulate his righteousness,
shunning publicity and remaining unassuming.
 Sunday, March 20, 2022
3rd Sunday of Lent
Readings: Ex 3:1-8, 13-15; Ps 102[103]:1-4, 6-8, 11;
1 Cor 10:1-6, 10-12; Lk 13:1-9
Focus: “Unless you repent, you will all perish as
they did” (Lk 13:3)
In Jesus’ eyes, sin deserves death irrespective
of its magnitude and who commits it (Focus).
Physical death is inevitable but here I believe Jesus
is warning us of the eternal death of our souls which
none of us would want. Jesus teaches that
repentance is the only way to save the soul. He
understands our weakness and knows that sin is
deeply embedded in us. Yet, like the gardener in
today’s Gospel, Jesus buys us time from the Father
to root it out and repent. Let us not disappoint him
but use this grace period fruitfully.
Recently I followed a strict diet plan with
professional guidance for weight loss. And within two
weeks I lost three kilos! Consistency was the key.
Can we not follow this kind of a plan for ‘sin loss’
too? I heard the inner voice of God saying – You are
so concerned about your mortal body, what about
your immortal soul? That set me thinking. Am I truly
doing enough to save my soul for eternity?
We need to visit Jesus frequently in the
confessional not only during Lent but throughout the
year, surrender our sins and repent. We should
claim all God’s promises mentioned in today’s
Psalm. And heed St Paul’s advice to be alert 24x7
lest we fall into sin again (1 Cor 10:12).
Fruit: With your grace, Lord, I will repent quickly
without justifying even my smallest sin.
Monday, March 21, 2022
Readings: 2 Kings 5:1-15; Ps 41[42]:2-3, 42[43]:3-
4; Lk 4:24-30
Focus: “If only my lord were with the prophet who is
in Samaria! He would cure him of his leprosy” (2 Kgs
5:3)
In today’s First Reading we see how the prophet
Elisha cured Naaman of his leprosy. Through this
miraculous healing God was glorified and Naaman
came to believe in the God of Israel.
But the drama of Naaman’s healing wouldn’t
have unfolded if it were not for the young Israeli
slave girl in Naaman’s household. Nothing is said
about her except the words she uttered (Focus). But
even those two lines tell us about her faith, which
was indeed greater than the hardships she had
experienced. Imagine being kidnapped by Syrian
raiders, perhaps after seeing your loved ones
slaughtered, and then being sold in the slave market.
The fear, shock and tragedy that this child
underwent is incomprehensible. But she did not
allow her sorrow to defeat her. She did not hide the
light of her faith under a bushel. Rather, she spoke
openly of it and gave witness to the power of her
God. This eventually led to her master’s healing and
God was glorified through his prophet.
This young girl showed that no matter how big or
small we are, or the situation we are in, we can still
give witness to God. We can still bring about a
transformation in the people around us.
Fruit: Let me try to forget myself today and do
something that will radiate God’s goodness to my
neighbour.
10
Tuesday, March 22, 2022
Readings: Dan 3:25, 34-43; Ps 24[25]:4-9; Mt
18:21-35
Focus: “So my heavenly Father will also do to every
one of you, if you do not forgive your brother or sister
from your heart” (Mt 18:35)
Why do we find it so hard to forgive? Family
fights, property disputes, neighbours quarrelling with
each other, communal tension.
In today’s Gospel, Jesus narrates the parable of
a servant who was forgiven 10,000 talents by his
master. One talent is equivalent to 15 years’ wages.
But when he meets a fellow debtor who owes him
only a hundred denarii, he refuses to forgive him.
One denarii is equivalent to a day’s wage. The
servant fails to appreciate the depth of forgiveness
he has received.
Do we too behave like this? 1 Jn 2:11 says,
‘Whoever hates another believer is in the darkness…
the darkness has brought on blindness.’
When on the cross, Jesus asked his Father to
forgive his enemies for their ignorance. Jesus’
crucifixion reminds us that we too need to forgive.
We can forgive only if we realise the extent of
forgiveness we have received. Those who cannot
forgive do not understand the enormity of their own
sins and the depth of forgiveness received from the
Lord. Jesus exhorts us to love unconditionally.
If we wish to be worthy followers of Christ, let us
ask him for the grace to obey his teaching and
forgive others in all sincerity (Focus).
Fruit: Am I blinded by unforgiveness? If yes, let me
step out of the darkness and live in the light.
 Wednesday, March 23, 2022
St Turibius de Mogrovejo
Readings: Deut 4:1, 5-9; Ps 147:12-13, 15-16, 19-
20; Mt 5:17-19
Focus: “Until heaven and earth pass away, not one
letter… will pass from the law” (Mt 5:18)
While studying ‘Interpretation of Statutes’, I
learnt the difference between mere commentary and
the spirit of the law.
Jesus summed up the spirit of divine law in one
word – love. Love for God and love for neighbour.
He changed the image of God from an old, mean,
unforgiving ruler to an intimate, loving ‘Abba Father’.
He brought a breath of fresh air into spirituality.
However, Jesus came to fulfil the law (Gospel).
He did not water down any law (Focus), whether on
adultery or almsgiving or the sabbath regulations,
but encouraged all to observe the spirit of the law.
God’s laws are a treasury of wisdom and
understanding. Keeping them is life giving. The
Church in its wisdom strives continuously to make
guidelines based on Scripture and Tradition to help
us live righteously. Some of these are difficult to
follow and may seem prudish or unpopular, others
may be easier. But they are all there to create a
loving intimacy between God and his people.
When we worship God above all things and
listen to him we grow in love. Obedience is difficult to
embrace and live sincerely. However it is possible if
we trust God and believe that his will is perfect and
exactly what we need and are made for.
Fruit: In which areas have l tried to modify the law of
God to suit myself? Let me repent.
Thursday, March 24, 2022
Readings: Jer 7:23-28; Ps 94[95]:1-2, 6-9; Lk
11:14-23
Focus: “Obey my voice… and walk only in the way
that I command you” (Jer 7:23)
Every appliance has a user manual, but I usually
avoid reading it till I encounter some difficulty. Then I
wish I had read it in the first place!
Like the people of Israel we are invited to follow
the commandments of God (First Reading). But we
neglect them as we see God and his laws as a
critical parent handing out dictatorial commands. So
we rebel just like teenagers!
It is tough to follow the Focus. And an easy life is
not promised to Jesus’ followers. Instead he calls us
to take up the cross daily (Lk 9:23). Yet, even when
we are faithful to him, we are not assured of a path
free of obstacles or hardships.
To walk in the way the Lord commands is indeed
a hard journey. But when we are connected with him
through prayer, we discover that a difficult illness, a
sudden death, loss or failure becomes easier to
accept and handle.
Most often, we find the ways of the Lord too
demanding. And so we do not want to listen to his
call to mend our ways or to go in the direction he
indicates. This rejection of God’s call is what we
need to be careful about. It may happen even
inadvertently or through sheer carelessness.
Fruit: May I be aware and repent when I reject
God’s call and listen to other voices.
A Daily Flash subscription makes a good gift!
11
‘And the Word Became Flesh’
Why did God become human? Why did Jesus,
the eternal God, the spoken Word of the Father (Jn
1:1), through whom all things were made (Jn 1:3,
Nicene Creed), ‘not regard equality with God as
something to be exploited, but emptied himself,
taking the form of a slave, being born in human
likeness’ (Phil 2:6-7), becoming flesh (Jn 1:14) in the
womb of the blessed Virgin Mary (Lk 1:31-33, 35, 38,
42-43)?
The story begins at the Book of beginnings,
Genesis. The basic truth (Gen 1-3) is that God
created a beautiful world; he then created man and
woman in his own image and likeness (Gen 1:26-
27); created for love and to love, and with a capacity
to reason and the power to hold dominion over
creation, for the image of God is Love (1 Jn 4:8).
Humankind was placed as God’s representative on
earth, to be steward of all creation (Gen 2:15) – to
enjoy it and to care for it. However, there was a rider,
a stipulation: “Of the tree of the knowledge of good
and evil you shall not eat” (Gen 2:17). Humanity’s
happiness was dependent on remaining subject to
God and his will.
But! Man and woman chose to transgress God’s
command and thereby toss aside their happiness.
They allowed themselves to be lured by the wiles of
the tempter – the flesh, the world, the devil –
tempted to self-gratification and pride, and by all
Satan’s empty promises of greatness and of
becoming like God. Their sin was compounded by
allowing guilt to begin a blame game. Adam blamed
Eve, who in turn blamed the serpent.
Yet God didn’t abandon the people he created.
He made a promise of redemption (Gen 3:15): “I will
put enmity between you and the woman, and
between your offspring and hers; he will strike your
head, and you will strike his heel.” Mary, the new
Eve; Jesus, the new Adam, who would conquer
Satan and the sin of Adam and Eve, and bring to
fruition the plan of God, for union with him, with one
another, and indeed with the whole of creation?
Humankind had sinned and humankind must
make good the transgression. But, human beings
could not possibly bridge the breach between God
and themselves. They could not atone for the
transgression they had committed against God and
unite themselves back to him of their own accord.
Only God – ‘holy, blameless, undefiled’ (Heb 7:26-
27), sinless and pure – could pay the price and
restore us to the grace from which we had fallen.
Only God could open the gate to eternal life.
Therefore God had to become human.
We like to see Christmas as the birth of a sweet
little baby. The fuller reality is intimately bound to the
Paschal mystery of Jesus’ passion, death and
resurrection – ‘The Word was God; and the Word
became flesh and lived among us’ (Jn 1:1, 14). “For
God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so
that everyone who believes in him may not perish
but may have eternal life” (Jn 3:16). ‘He humbled
himself and became obedient to the point of death –
even death on a cross’ (Phil 2:8).
Jesus came not only to show us the way, but to
be our Way to the Father and Life eternal (Jn 14:6).
May our spirits be renewed by this gift of God.
- Sarita Nazareth
Friday, March 25, 2022
Annunciation of the Lord
Readings: Isa 7:10-14, 8:10; Ps 39[40]:7-11; Heb
10:4-10; Lk 1:26-38
Focus: “Here am I, the servant of the Lord; let it be
with me according to your word” (Lk 1:38)
St Luke begins his Gospel account with the
angel Gabriel bearing momentous tidings to two of
God’s chosen subjects (Lk 1:13, 30-33). Both
narratives serve to reinforce a major theme – that
“nothing will be impossible with God” (Lk 1:37).
Elizabeth’s sterility (Lk 1:7) as that of her
ancestors Sarai (Gen 11:30), Rebekah (Gen 25:21)
and Rachel (Gen 29:31) could not thwart God’s
purpose. It was the Spirit of God that brought
creation into being. Now, that same Spirit serves to
facilitate the incarnation through the Virgin Mary (Lk
1:35). For the Creator God, everything is possible!
Mary’s composure in the presence of the angel
(Gospel), as well as her humble consent (Focus) is
no accident. Her Magnificat (Lk 1:46-55) reflects her
sound spiritual upbringing. Her parents Joachim and
Anne, in raising her in their faith and in the fear of
the Lord, had groomed her for just such a day.
Throughout salvation history, God has sought
the willing cooperation of his subjects. Abraham, the
prophets, Mary and her son, and the Communion of
Saints are examples of this wholehearted obedience
through the ages. As potential saints, we too need to
be zealous of our spiritual life, so as to render our
willing consent when called.
Fruit: I will nurture my faith in readiness to hear and
respond to God’s call.
12
Saturday, March 26, 2022
Readings: Hos 6:1-6; Ps 50[51]:3-4, 18-21; Lk 18:9-
14
Focus: “The tax collector, standing far off, would not
even look up to heaven, but was beating his breast
and saying, ‘God, be merciful to me, a sinner!’” (Lk
18:13)
“Lord, be merciful to me” (Focus) – how often do
we say this while praying to God?
Today’s Gospel tells of the tax collector and the
Pharisee praying to God in the temple. And the
promise hidden there is, “All who humble themselves
will be exalted” (Lk 18:14).
There are so many instances in the Bible that
point us towards this infinite promise of receiving not
just a hundredfold but also of being exalted on the
last day. We are already experiencing some of God’s
abundant blessings here on earth.
In reflection, a few thoughts emerge: Are we
humble and thankful to God for all that he does for
us? Like the tax collector, will we also receive our
reward in heaven?
I find strength and wisdom also in the First
Reading which calls us to repentance. Repentance
for what we have failed to do, for our bad behaviour
and for all that is not loving in God’s eyes.
As we strive today to be worthy of God’s mercy,
let us continue to pray, as the Pope calls us to: ‘For
Christians facing new bioethical challenges; may
they continue to defend the dignity of all human life
with prayer and action.’
Fruit: Jesus, I ask for your grace to be repentant and
humble in all my ways.
 Sunday, March 27, 2022
4th Sunday of Lent
Readings: Josh 5:9-12; Ps 33[34]:2-7; 2 Cor 5:17-
21; Lk 15:1-3, 11-32
Focus: “This fellow welcomes sinners and eats with
them” (Lk 15:2)
Today’s readings, especially the Gospel, are all
about reconciliation. The Pharisees were shocked
that Jesus dined with “sinners” (Focus). The elder
son refused to eat with his brother (Lk 15:28). Meal
fellowship is a sign of unity and reconciliation, the
Mass being the supreme example. There can be no
reconciliation until we recognise that we are sinners.
This month the Pope asks us to pray for the
upholding of Christian bioethics. Today many accept
abortion, IVF and artificial birth control as normal.
Such things are not seen as sinful and hence are not
confessed. Pope Francis is again calling us to
respect life. In fact, the Popes since John XXIII who
are now saints, have all upheld the value, respect
for, and the dignity of human life, “from the womb to
the tomb” as St John Paul II would say.
St Joseph, whom we honour especially this
month, had a tough moral struggle about Mary’s
unexpected condition. Even before the true nature of
her pregnancy was revealed to him, he had decided
not to demand the rigours of the law but to send her
away discreetly. Could we not show similar
compassion towards those who we feel have
wronged us or made mistakes in their own lives?
Fruit: Unlike the Pharisees and the elder brother, let
us acknowledge that we are all sinners and frequent
the Sacrament of Reconciliation.
Monday, March 28, 2022
Readings: Isa 65:17-21; Ps 29[30]:2, 4-6, 11-13; Jn
4:43-54
Focus: ‘The Galileans welcomed him, since they
had seen all that he had done in Jerusalem’ (Jn
4:45)
Prayer groups regularly invite their members to
give their testimonies. This is an invitation to witness
to the rest of the group as to how they have
experienced Jesus in various circumstances. It is a
lovely exercise to encourage others to see and
understand the hand of God in everything that
happens in our lives.
In today’s Gospel, the Galileans accepted Jesus
because of what he had done in Jerusalem (Focus).
Their welcome was enthusiastic and spontaneous. It
was because they had had a first-hand ‘Jesus
experience’. Every moment of the day we too
experience Jesus. If our spiritual eyes are open, we
will see this in numerous ways: how we are guided
away from mishaps, or protected from serious injury,
or simply find something we urgently need.
Sadly, many of us open our communication lines
with God only when things go wrong. It is very
common to hear people wonder aloud why God
allows something bad to happen. Very rarely do we
marvel at why he is so good to us, even though
some of the things we do are an embarrassment to
him. We surely have countless reasons to give
thanks to God. That in effect is welcoming him like
the Galileans did.
Fruit: Starting today, let us open our eyes of faith,
and see all that Jesus has done in our lives.
13
Tuesday, March 29, 2022
Readings: Ezek 47:1-9, 12; Ps 45[46]:2-3, 5-6, 8-9;
Jn 5:1-16
Focus: “Do not sin any more, so that nothing worse
happens to you” (Jn 5:14)
This healing (Gospel) was unusual. Generally
Jesus healed where he saw great faith. This man,
however, did not even seek healing when Christ
asked if he wanted it (Jn 5:7). Jesus healed him
anyway. And guess what? The man did not bother to
find out who Jesus was (Jn 5:13) or even thank him!
Such an attitude of irreverence and lack of
acknowledgement of God’s hand in his cure would
not have stood this man in good stead. Christ gently
reproached him (Focus) so that he would change –
for his own sake.
Today too, we get healed of our ailments after
attending or while at a retreat – physically,
emotionally, mentally or spiritually. But we easily
forget the mighty way God has healed us and
continue living our lives as before. We need to take
Christ’s rebuke seriously.
Grace and healing flow freely from God just as
the symbolic water flowed from the Temple (First
Reading). Healings are given unconditionally by God
but on our part it would be nice if we did a 180-
degree turn and were washed in the river of grace
from God. There are many who do make this
turnaround. Such people thrive because ‘everything
will live where the river goes’ (Ezek 47:9).
Fruit: Today let me remember to thank the Lord for
all I have received from him and work out how I can
share some of these gifts with others.
 Wednesday, March 30, 2022
Readings: Isa 49:8-15; Ps 144[145]:8-9, 13-14, 17-
18; Jn 5:17-30
Focus: ‘Can a woman forget her nursing child, or
show no compassion for the child of her womb?’ (Isa
49:15)
Today’s Focus is so appropriate in the light of
this month’s prayer intention: ‘We pray for Christians
facing new bioethical challenges; may they continue
to defend the dignity of all human life...’
In many countries, the ‘My Body, My Choice’
movement has caught on and a baby’s life in the
mother’s womb can be legally ended. They make it a
point, however, to speak of an ‘aborted foetus’ – not
a person whose life has been wilfully snuffed out.
Choices don’t necessarily make us free. We are
called to seek God’s will in our lives even when it
may not be convenient to do so (Jn 5:30).
A glance at some news: Ireland has aborted 100
percent of foetuses that tested positive for Down’s
syndrome, virtually eliminating this genetic disease.
Canada has included people suffering from mental
illness as those eligible for euthanasia. Physician-
assisted-suicide is legal in some American states.
Who are we to say who lives and who doesn’t?
People who are more dependent or need assistance
are no less persons! Is abortion or euthanasia the
answer to human suffering? We will be judged on
the Last Day according to our actions (Jn 5:29).
Fruit: Let us shout out loud for the dignity of human
life from natural conception to natural death. Let us
also pray for the medical staff who face numerous
bioethical challenges.
Thursday, March 31, 2022
Readings: Ex 32:7-14; Ps 105[106]:19-23; Jn 5:31-
47
Focus: “I have come in my Father’s name, and you
do not accept me” (Jn 5:43)
As I helped my niece to list the miracles of Jesus
for her catechism exercise it struck me – so many
wondrous works, yet Jesus was rejected (Jn 5:40).
The Israelites rejected the Lord too (First Reading).
And we do it often enough.
The Father has blessed us to bear good fruit. He
has chosen us for a particular mission according to
our ability. We must all work together towards a
common goal – to build ‘the body of Christ’ (cf. 1 Cor
12:27-31).
But sometimes in our hunger for importance, we
fail to see the Lord’s hand in the good deeds of
others (Focus). We pull them down by finding fault
with their work. We fail to acknowledge that our own
talents have come from God. Power, wealth, honour
serve as our golden calves and we go to any extent
to worship them (Ex 32:8).
As Archbishop Filipe Neri Ferrão reminds us in
his pastoral letter, ‘God has not created evil.’ We
tread the path of self-destruction when we fail to
appreciate the power of God in our lives and trust
our own abilities.
Today Jesus teaches us that the Father is
pleased with all who do good, and that we should
work only for the honour that comes from him.
Fruit: I will be grateful to God for his goodness that I
receive through others and work together with them
for his greater glory.
14
Friday, April 01, 2022
Readings: Wis 2:1, 12-22; Ps 33[34]:17-21, 23; Jn
7:1-2, 10, 25-30
Focus: “Here he is, speaking openly, but they say
nothing to him!” (Jn 7:26)
Jesus was a marked man. The Jews were
looking for an opportunity to kill him (Gospel). But
here he was, preaching openly, yet nobody had the
courage to touch him (Focus). Jesus kept doing what
he was sent to do – proclaim the gospel. He did it
without fear or anxiety about his impending suffering
and death. He did not go into a shell thinking of what
awaited him. Instead, he used every moment and
opportunity to give the Good News. He was able to
do all this because he was rooted in his Father. Thus
he received wisdom and strength to persist with his
mission.
We too are sent into the world for a purpose.
Sometimes the mission may be difficult. It may mean
opposing the powers that be in order to defend the
rights of the poor and the marginalised. We may
have to face the wrath, abuse and even violence of
the ungodly. It is not easy to continue with our
mission in such circumstances unless we are rooted
in Christ. Frequent reception of the sacraments, Holy
Eucharist, visits to the Blessed Sacrament, Bible
reading, and recitation of the Rosary, are sure-fire
means to be rooted in the faith and to receive
strength to persist with whatever mission has been
entrusted to us.
Fruit: Let us persevere with the mission we have
been called to and draw strength from the treasures
of our faith.
 Saturday, April 02, 2022
St Francis of Paola
Readings: Jer 11:18-20; Ps 7:2-3, 9-12; Jn 7:40-53
Focus: “Surely the Messiah does not come from
Galilee...?” (Jn 7:41)
“The British? They’re cold fish.” “The Italians, all
thieves!” “Women? The weaker sex.” We have
preconceived notions about people, and prejudice
based on nationality, gender, race, religion or caste.
Some who heard Jesus being called a prophet
protested out of prejudice (Focus). His words and
deeds fell flat before their bigotry (Gospel).
How often have we not judged people based on
their ‘identity’? She is a low-class woman, he is a
non-Goan, she is a non-Christian, they are migrants.
Phew! We stamp false identities on people’s
foreheads, and treat them as inferior. This may be so
ingrained in us that we hardly notice what we do.
Indeed, we would be offended if we were accused of
prejudice. Nicodemus tried to alert the crowd (Jn
7:51) but they saw nothing beyond their prejudice.
Jesus received all as children of his heavenly
Father, more alike than different. He was kind to the
fisherman, the tax collector, the sex worker, the
Tribune, the High Priest and the person affected with
leprosy. He went to the heart of the matter: we are
all children of God, interconnected in our humanity.
But... I’m unique! Of course each of us is unique.
We are diverse precisely because the Creator is
delighted to create each of us as a unique person.
Fruit: When I am tempted to speak or act out of
prejudice, let me remember that even God calls us
all his children.
“You Took Care of Me…” (Mt 25:36)
In April, the Holy Father asks the faithful to pray
specially for caregivers. Caregivers are a vital
necessity everywhere, prone as we are to illness and
injury. The pandemic has added vast numbers of
professional healthcare workers globally as well as
innumerable ordinary people responsible for the care
of ailing or ageing people at home.
Growing up, I perhaps never imagined myself as
a fulltime caregiver. It all began in 2013 when my
husband was diagnosed with a kidney ailment and
prescribed dialysis thrice a week. I soon found that
caring for someone seriously ill can be challenging
as well as physically and emotionally exhausting – a
24 x 7 affair. Simple tasks began to feel like heavy
crosses, especially when I had not slept. Only divine
mercy, courage and strength through personal
prayer, and continued prayer support of family,
friends, and prayer group members, enabled me to
cope. And, most crucially, an abundance of grace,
for Jesus says, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for
power is made perfect in weakness’ (2 Cor 12:9). I
learned to lovingly clasp my rosary, which is always
in my pocket, and whisper a silent prayer to Jesus.
In fact, reliance on Jesus’ love makes everything
feel much lighter. I try to infuse the Lord’s blessings
into every tedious task, asking him to bring
goodness and health into my spouse’s body, mind
and spirit. What also helps is seeing Jesus in my
spouse and remembering Jesus’ words in Matthew
25:36, “I was sick and you took care of me.”
I set the tone for the day as I awake, with a smile
and a cheery, vocal good morning to the Lord,
Mother Mary and my guardian angel. Acknowledging
their presence reassures me that Jesus is always
with me as he promised (Mt 28:20). Then I make a
15
short morning offering before getting on with the day.
Before long it is 3 pm and time for the Divine Mercy
chaplet which I also pray when my husband’s
coughing spells keep me awake at night.
Participating in the daily online Eucharist, adoration,
retreats and other spiritual offerings are the high
points of each day, despite frequent interruptions.
When the going is tough, I turn to Jesus’ words –
“Where two or three are gathered in my name…” (Mt
18:20) – and unite with close friends in prayer. What
a blessing this is! I also post prayer requests on
various sites, not just for my own needs but for the
needs of family, friends and all who ask for prayers.
Intercession has now become my ministry.
Honestly, many a time I feel like giving up, but
the timeless assertion, ‘This too shall pass,’ uplifts
and encourages me. Over the years, my priorities
have changed. The Holy Spirit continues to melt,
mould, touch, fill, heal and use my spouse as well as
me to spread the love of Jesus. I now see both of us
as clay, and gaze with total trust at the Potter who
holds my hand all through the caregiving process.
In 2020, when I fell ill, our loving Father sent us
a good day-time caregiver who continues to help out.
This lightened my burden greatly. Our married
daughter comes over every fortnight for a few days,
so I can have a breather. We enjoy our mother-
daughter time which is such great fun, especially
when we indulge our culinary cravings. As I reflect
on my life, I see it not as something irksome, but as
a divine adventure with no two days being alike.
- Lilian Pereira
 Sunday, April 03, 2022
5th Sunday of Lent, Day of Solidarity against Hunger
and Disease
Readings: Isa 43:16-21; Ps 125[126]:1-6; Phil 3:8-
14; Jn 8:1-11
Focus: “Neither do I condemn you. Go your way,
and from now on do not sin again” (Jn 8:11)
We have journeyed through the liturgy of the
Sundays in Lent, from the temptation and then the
transfiguration of Jesus, to the parables of the fig
tree and the prodigal son. Today Paul highlights the
great gift of faith we have received (First Reading)
and Jesus invites us to freedom in himself (Gospel).
When the scribes and the Pharisees come and
‘test’ Jesus (Jn 8:6) he responds with a simple truth:
“Let anyone among you who is without sin be the
first to throw a stone” (Jn 8:7). It signifies that he
wants them first to acknowledge their own guilt, and
then, to go beyond with a forgiving heart. Thus he
offers them the same mercy and freedom that he
extends to the woman caught in adultery (Focus).
We too have received abundant blessings and
grace and mercy. How do we respond? Jesus does
not condemn us either for our past or for our failures.
But he wants us to react positively and understand
that ‘righteousness… comes through faith in Christ’
(Phil 3:9), and it will make us free.
Righteousness is also shown when we express
our solidarity against hunger and disease by deeds
of kindness and almsgiving towards the needy in
whom is seen the face of Jesus.
Fruit: I will strive to reflect God’s grace and mercy by
being his channel of mercy to those in need.
Monday, April 04, 2022
St Isidore of Seville
Readings: Dan 13:1-9, 15-17, 19-30, 33-62; Ps
22[23]:1-6; Jn 8:12-20 or Jn 8:1-11
Focus: “You judge by human standards; I judge no
one” (Jn 8:15)
The First Reading and Gospel today present
contrasting standards of judgement. The Old
Testament story is about all-too-familiar human
frailty, followed by the elders’ motivated judgement,
and finally Daniel’s true but rough justice. The
punishment is death. One life is spared and two are
taken. ‘An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth’
leaves no room for either mercy or forgiveness.
Thankfully Jesus brings us a new standard of
judgement (Focus). He tells us not to judge – not
others, and not ourselves. We usually tend to forget
this all-important teaching. We are quick to judge
and slow to forgive. The psalmist reminds us of our
folly when he says, ‘If you, O Lord, should mark
iniquities, Lord, who could stand?’ (Ps 129[130]:3).
If we are to be children of the light we need to
look for the light in others, instead of choosing to see
the darkness. If we must judge, why not judge others
by the good they do, rather than the wrong they may
have done? We will then find it easier to forgive.
It is safest to leave judgement entirely to God,
remembering that Jesus took all judgement upon
himself. He paid the price of our sin, both now and
forevermore, by accepting death on our behalf.
Fruit: Lord teach me to look always at the good in
others and in myself. May I be merciful as you are
merciful.
16
Tuesday, April 05, 2022
St Vincent Ferrer
Readings: Num 21:4-9; Ps 101[102]:2-3, 16-21; Jn
8:21-30
Focus: ‘They said to him, “Who are you?”’ (Jn 8:25)
This was a purely rhetorical question the Jews
threw at Jesus (Focus). They did not really want to
know. In fact they were fuming (Gospel).
To be honest, if I found the local carpenter’s son
standing on the steps of our church today and talking
the way Jesus did (Gospel), I might have reacted
with righteous indignation too!
Christ had a way of getting his message across
to others. He was marching to a different drumbeat.
You needed special ears to hear it. He often said,
“Let anyone with ears listen!” (Mt 11:15) and “Do you
have ears, and fail to hear?” (Mk 8:18). He taught
using parables and metaphors so that those who
were attuned to God’s ways would ‘hear’ and
understand. And many did: ‘As he was saying these
things, many believed in him’ (Jn 8:30).
These people understood what Christ meant by
saying, “When you have lifted up the Son of Man,
then you will realise that I am he” (Jn 8:28). Perhaps,
familiar with the events and prophecies of salvation
history, they realised that Christ was the one who
would save them. It was much as the Jews in the
desert recognised that looking at the bronze serpent
would save them when they were being bitten by
poisonous serpents (First Reading).
Fruit: If I were asked, “Who are you?” how would I
respond? And if I replied, “I am a Christian,” how
would people take it?
 Wednesday, April 06, 2022
Readings: Dan 3:14-20, 91-92, 95; Ps Dan 3:52-56;
Jn 8:31-42
Focus: “If you continue in my word… you will know
the truth, and the truth will make you free” (Jn 8:31-
32)
Nebuchadnezzar promised precious freedom to
those who would worship his man-made god (Dan
3:14-15). Isn’t this quite like the pretentious promises
the world so often offers us? It is for us, at such
times, to stand up to the test, like young Shadrach,
Meshach and Abednego, firmly trusting in God’s
delivering power.
We needn’t feel entrapped by crises. By
passively trying to fit in with the crowd, we sin
through acts of omission. Jesus assures us that if
only we listen to his word, the truth will set us free
(Focus). We needn’t fear or look elsewhere to be
rescued. Our freedom lies in Jesus. He will be the
‘fourth person’ (Dan 3:92) standing by us as we
battle our furnaces.
Apart from Covid-19, there are other hidden
pandemics that affect us, like hunger, woman and
child abuse, and a flagrant disregard for nature and
the environment. The toll they take is far greater than
the more visible Covid. Pope Francis, in Let Us
Dream, wants us to be struck by what we see and
embrace the cross of Jesus by reaching out to
others. As Christ’s co-heirs and ambassadors, we
can be with the suffering in their furnaces, bringing
solace and comfort to people in their misery.
Fruit: I will always search for the truth in the word of
God and not be imprisoned by worldly illusions.
Thursday, April 07, 2022
Readings: Gen 17:3-9; Ps 104[105]:4-9; Jn 8:51-59.
In Goa, Anticipated Chrism Mass: Isa 61:1-3, 6, 8-9;
Ps 88[89]:21-22, 25-27; Rev 1:5-8; Lk 4:16-21
Focus: ‘God said to Abraham, “As for you, you shall
keep my covenant…”’ (Gen 17:9)
No two persons can claim to have a relationship
with each other like the eternal one our God has with
each one of us. In Gen 17:3-9, God makes a
“covenant” with Abraham (Focus) that he would be
with Abraham and his offspring through all
generations. His descendants would get God’s
infinite love and always be his chosen people. God
also promises us eternal life after our earthly journey
is over, if only we have steadfast faith in him and
recognise him to be the one true God.
Abraham’s unwavering faith in God won him
protection for time unending. That Abraham would
be ancestor to many descendants (Gen 17:5) was
an absurd sounding statement, even though it came
from God himself, because Abraham and Sarah
were in their declining years and still childless. Yet
Abraham waited patiently for many more years
without losing faith in God, not even for a split
second, until God finally blessed him with a child.
Patience and trust is what we should have even
if God does not provide quick solutions to our needs
and requests. Unlike the Jews (Jn 8:51-59), and in
keeping with the covenant, let us know and
understand why the Father gave us Jesus.
Fruit: I know that God remembers his covenant
forever. I will keep the faith and let him do what is
best for me in his time and in his manner.
17
Friday, April 08, 2022
Readings: Jer 20:10-13; Ps 17[18]:2-7; Jn 10:31-42
Focus: ‘But the Lord is with me like a dread warrior’
(Jer 20:11)
If we stand for righteousness, truth and justice
we will face numerous challenges like rejection,
persecution and even death. During the siege and
destruction of Jerusalem by the Babylonians, the
prophet Jeremiah was despised and abused. The
First Reading tells of his suffering and torment but
more notably his unwavering faith in God (Focus).
In the Gospel, Jesus’ teachings and deeds seem
blasphemous to the Jews who were used to their old
ways of thinking and worshipping. While Jesus
encouraged a relationship with the Father, the Jews
wanted to persist with their religion of convenience.
If we decide to do God’s will, we too will be
challenged. The things we believe as Catholics often
seem foolish to the world. The Church becomes an
easy target for those who favour moral relativism –
the belief that right and wrong are arbitrary and
transitory, determined by the individual or the
culture. However, by committing our cause to God
like Jeremiah we can draw the strength needed to
persevere on the path of truth and love.
True imitation of Christ involves a personal
relationship with the Father and a heart that puts
God above everything else. In doing this, we place
ourselves in a position to receive incredible
blessings for ourselves and for others.
Fruit: By choosing to stay faithful in the face of
difficulties I can become an inspiration to Christians
as well as to those of other faiths.
 Saturday, April 09, 2022
Readings: Ezek 37:21-28; Ps Jer 31:10-13; Jn
11:45-56
Focus: “It is better for you to have one man die for
the people than to have the whole nation destroyed”
(Jn 11:50)
In many countries, it is the norm for a cabinet
minister to be ‘sacrificed’ for a disaster (Focus),
rather than risk the government itself falling. Like the
Old Testament, where sins were transferred to a
‘scapegoat’ without blemish, and it was sacrificed on
behalf of the sinner. The underlying thinking is that
the institution must always look good. We see this
unfortunately in our own families, offices and even
the Church whenever scandals surface. And in
politics where bureaucrats or police officials are held
accountable for hate crimes that have actually been
triggered by politicians hoping to consolidate vote
banks by pitching one community against another.
As I think of how brave Jesus was to enter
Jerusalem for his final act of supreme sacrifice, I
remember the words of Joe Louis: ‘Everyone wants
to go to heaven, but nobody wants to die.’ That is
exactly our predicament. We know that death
precedes resurrection, but we recoil at the thought of
death itself. Suffering and death are not something
new: Jesus laboured over it, sweating blood in
Gethsemane. The unique difference about Jesus
was his conduct – he willingly offered himself as the
‘scapegoat’, and forgave those who plotted against
him (Gospel) and would later kill him most cruelly.
Fruit: May I have the courage to love, even if singled
out for punishment on account of my faith.
Sunday, April 10, 2022
Palm Sunday
Readings: Before Procession: Lk 19:28-40. Mass:
Isa 50:4-7; Ps 21[22]:8-9, 17-20, 23-24; Phil 2:6-11;
Lk 22:14 - 23:56
Focus: ‘The Lord God helps me; therefore I have not
been disgraced’ (Isa 50:7)
My friend lost her husband to Covid-19, then she
herself was diagnosed with the disease. In complete
surrender she cried, “Not my will but thine be done,
O Lord” (Lk 22:42). The best of treatment didn’t
work. Before entering the ICU, she and a few others
asked for the sacrament of Anointing of the Sick. All
of them miraculously improved and were later cured.
My friend testifies that she prayed constantly, ‘O
Lord, do not be far away! O my help, come quickly to
my aid!’ (Ps 21[22]:19). Even when the medical staff
were sometimes harsh and impatient, perhaps out of
sheer exhaustion and frustration stemming from
numerous deaths in the wards, she was reassured
by the Focus. She felt a deep yearning for the
Eucharist and heard Jesus’ sacred words often,
“This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in
remembrance of me…” (Lk 22:19).
Many of us have had similar experiences during
the past two years. We were perhaps comforted that
Jesus himself suffered and died on the cross to end
all suffering (Gospel). Nothing can substitute for the
real presence of Jesus in the Eucharist. Whenever
we get a chance, let us not waste it.
Fruit: Amidst my daily trials and suffering I will never
resort to retaliation but will cling to Jesus through the
sacraments, with his word and in prayer.
18
Monday, April 11, 2022
Monday of Holy Week
Readings: Isa 42:1-7; Ps 26[27]:1-3, 13-14; Jn 12:1-
11
Focus: “You always have the poor with you, but you
do not always have me” (Jn 12:8)
Pure nard is an aromatic, amber-coloured
essential oil extract of a plant, Nardostachys
Jatamansi, native to the Himalayas. In Jesus’ time,
procuring it from this faraway land added to its cost.
As if in anticipation of Jesus’ fate in Jerusalem,
Mary manifests the extravagance of selfless love by
anointing Jesus’ feet with her precious cache of pure
nard (Gospel). St John has already alerted his
readers to the unconditional, no-holding-back nature
of God’s love for the world (Jn 3:16). Mary’s actions
reflect the self-emptying nature of that love.
In contrast, Judas reveals a commercial and
ungracious attitude, compounding his avarice by
insincerely invoking the cause of the poor (Jn 12:5).
Jesus, true to form, goes along with Judas’ logic,
defusing a potentially embarrassing situation with
divine wisdom (Focus). Was Jesus throwing Judas a
lifeline with which to salvage his wayward soul?
Perhaps. But tragically, the grasping, hapless Judas
had already sealed his fate by laying a price even on
his innocent Master’s head (Mt 26:15).
Our attitude to loving God, neighbour, ourselves
and even our enemies must emulate God’s love for
the world. It must be unconditional and devoid of any
expectation of reward, except that of eternal life.
Fruit: I will, after the example of Jesus, discipline
myself to give and not to count the cost.
 Tuesday, April 12, 2022
Tuesday of Holy Week
Readings: Isa 49:1-6; Ps 70[71]:1-6, 15, 17; Jn
13:21-33, 36-38
Focus: ‘Jesus was troubled in spirit, and declared,
“…one of you will betray me”’ (Jn 13:21)
Today’s Gospel depicts the cosmic struggle
between good and evil in fulfilment of God’s salvific
plan. Jesus had said, “I lay down my life in order to
take it up again. No one takes it from me…” (Jn
10:17-18). He now identifies his betrayer by offering
him a piece of bread. Judas accepts it but is
determined to pursue his evil designs. Yet he acts
only when instructed by Jesus. The powers of
darkness are unleashed against Jesus, but they
cannot succeed in overcoming the light.
Jesus loved Judas and tried to save him. Had he
not himself chosen Judas to be one of the Twelve?
How much greater must have been his pain at the
knowledge of his impending betrayal (Focus). Judas
received the piece of bread and the devil entered
him. Even Jesus’ loving appeal became a source of
hatred in the hands of the devil. Judas walked right
into the darkness, while Jesus glorified God by his
sacrifice on the cross.
Apart from this utter betrayal, Jesus well knew
the wavering nature of his other disciples. While
Judas was secretive, Peter swore that he would
follow Jesus and lay down his life for him. In his
weakness he failed, but later he repented deeply.
Fruit: Jesus asks me, “Will you (truly) lay down your
life for me?” (cf. Jn 13:38). I will repent for the many
times I have betrayed Jesus.
Wednesday, April 13, 2022
Wednesday of Holy Week
Readings: Isa 50:4-9; Ps 68[69]:8-10, 21-22, 31, 33-
34; Mt 26:14-25
Focus: ‘It is the Lord God who helps me’ (Isa 50:9)
When Emily visited her friend Dana, she was
amazed to see several well-mannered children, as
well as an elderly aunt with special needs, but no
maids. She asked, “Dana, how do you manage?”
With a smile Dana replied, “It is simple, God helps!”
(Focus). Like the Suffering Servant (First Reading)
she had learned to depend on God alone.
Jesus prayed and trusted in God the Father
throughout his earthly mission – even while enduring
the most excruciating agony and in the moment of
death. And his Father helped him with abundant
grace and strength.
When we are in need, our first thought should be
to approach God and take our problems to him.
Instead, we prefer to run to our electronic gadgets
and load the search engines with our issues, or call
in for appointments, believing that friends, doctors,
or others can help us. We put our trust in people,
things of the world, or even in our own abilities. We
forget that everything in life is passing and only God
will always be there for us.
Let us not hurt God with our ungratefulness or
be indifferent towards his presence and the help he
offers. If we approach him first, he will lead us to the
right person, or provide us with a solution at the right
time and manner.
Fruit: Today I shall make it a habit to approach God
first and trust in his saving help.
19
Thursday, April 14, 2022
Holy Thursday, Mass of the Lord’s Supper
Readings: Ex 12:1-8, 11-14; Ps 115[116]:12-13, 15-
18; 1 Cor 11:23-26; Jn 13:1-15
Focus: ‘Having loved his own who were in the world,
he loved them to the end’ (Jn 13:1)
Today begins the Easter Triduum as we
celebrate the twofold self-giving of Jesus: to his
enemies by dying on the cross that they may have
life; and to us, his Church, in the sacrament of his
body and blood, as eloquently described by St Paul
(Second Reading).
It is hard to find words to express great love.
“How much do you love me?” demands a spouse or
a child and we may reply with a warm hug or recount
actions that showed our ‘true’ love. That Jesus’ love
was revealed so clearly in his words and actions
(Gospel) proved to his disciples that it was not
necessary even to ask. The greatest manifestation of
Jesus’ love was yet to be seen, however – a love ‘to
the end’ (Focus).
The laying aside of his garment (symbolic of his
earthly life) and taking it up again recalls his words in
Jn 10:17-18: “I lay down my life (willingly) in order to
take it up again.” Jesus gives us his love to the
fullest extent, to the end – even to laying down his
life. Here lies the challenge before us.
To what extent are we willing or able to love?
After washing the feet of his disciples, Jesus himself
commands us, “You also should do as I have done
to you” (Jn 13:15).
Fruit: How can I follow Jesus’ example of loving to
the end?
 Friday, April 15, 2022
Good Friday of the Lord’s Passion,
Day for the Needs of the Church
Readings: Isa 52:13 - 53:12; Ps 30[31]:2, 6, 12-13,
15-17, 25; Heb 4:14-16, 5:7-9; Jn 18:1 - 19:42
Focus: ‘All we like sheep have gone astray... and
the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all’ (Isa
53:6)
How many times did the Lord die?
Jesus died on the cross once and for all, as a
living sacrifice for each one of us. But every Good
Friday, the Church in her wisdom brings to life all
that Jesus did for us 2,000 years ago.
In fact, there was a time when I used to question
why this day’s rituals were held as if they were
happening in front of the people at that very moment.
Now I don’t.
We are reminded on this day about the terrible
suffering Jesus endured (Gospel). Would it not be
right if we felt in our heart that Jesus truly died for us
on a personal basis? As for me, I am convinced that
Jesus died for my transgressions, because he knew
that I would stray from his word in so many ways. He
has already paid the price for all our wrongdoing
(Focus) even before we were born. No wonder this
tragic day of so many centuries ago is actually a
‘good’ Friday for us!
When we individually realise that Jesus died for
us, we can boldly approach his throne and receive
his mercy and grace (Heb 4:16).
Fruit: Today I humbly acknowledge that Jesus died
for me personally so that I might gain eternal life.
Can I, in turn, die for others?
Saturday, April 16, 2022
Holy Saturday
Readings: Wis 3:1-9; Ps 22[23]1-6; Lk 23:50-56 (or
any appropriate readings from a Mass for the Dead)
Focus: ‘The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want’
(Ps 22[23]:1)
“I am the good shepherd,” declared Jesus (Jn
10:11). And this is how the gentle Shepherd laid
down his life for his sheep – this thought fills my
mind as I read about the burial of Jesus (Gospel).
The image of the shepherd is the most common
of the symbolic representations of Christ found in
early Christian art in the catacombs of Rome. We
are very familiar with the image of a young man
carrying a lamb around his neck.
In every sense of the expression, Christ is our
Saviour and Shepherd, because he is the central
person of our existence.
If the Lord is with me always, why do I need to
fear or want anything more (Focus)? What greater
testimony do I need to understand that Christ died
because he loved me more than himself, with a love
so pure and true?
Today, reflecting on the mystery of Christ’s
suffering and death, I feel sad and broken, like his
disciples must have done. Yet I am filled with hope
that although I might stray from God’s guiding hand
because of my faults and failings, he knows my
intention to serve him and no torment will touch me
(see Wis 3:1). And if I have the risen Lord with me,
there is absolutely nothing else that I need.
Fruit: How can I be a shepherd for someone else,
and look out for and help them?
20
Sunday, April 17, 2022
Easter Sunday of the Lord’s Resurrection
Readings: Vigil Mass: Rom 6:3-11; Ps 117[118]:1-2,
16-17, 22-23; Lk 24:1-12. Easter Sunday: Acts
10:34, 37-43; Ps 117[118]:1-2, 16-17, 22-23; Col
3:1-4 or 1 Cor 5:6-8; Jn 20:1-9 or Lk 24:1-12
Focus: ‘Let us celebrate the festival, not with the old
yeast, the yeast of malice and evil, but with the
unleavened bread of sincerity and truth’ (1 Cor 5:8)
The disciples had been with Jesus for three
years, seen his miracles, learned the true meaning
of Scripture from him, watched him pray, and were
waiting for him to establish the new kingdom.
However they did not fully understand much of
what they were experiencing. It was only after the
resurrection (Jn 20:1-9), that life-changing episode in
history, that they began to see things in the correct
perspective. Only when they thought about his
cryptic words in retrospect did they begin to truly
understand what Jesus had hoped to teach them.
Jesus’ resurrection taught them and us how
important it is to live life focussed on eternity.
We have gone through forty days of Lent and
today we are rejoicing over Jesus’ resurrection. We
can approach this Easter as just another day of
celebration, or else we can make it a time to make a
change and allow God to have his way with us. The
apostles never went back to their old way of life after
the resurrection (Focus). What about you and me?
Fruit: This Easter will be a lasting experience only if
we make a daily effort to live the holiness without
which no one can see the face of God.
A glorious and blessed Easter to all Daily Flash readers!
 Monday, April 18, 2022
Easter Monday
Readings: Acts 2:14, 22-33; Ps 15[16]:1-2, 5, 7-11;
Mt 28:8-15
Focus: ‘You do not give me up to Sheol, or let your
faithful one see the Pit. You show me the path of life’
(Ps 15[16]:10-11)
The resurrection of Jesus was foretold by the
psalmist (Focus), as quoted by Peter (today’s First
Reading). Resurrection was a unique concept, and
the people of Jesus’ era had a hard time wrapping
their heads around it. This is evident from the
reaction of the chief priests and elders (Gospel).
They would rather cook up a story to explain the
disappearance of the body of Jesus than accept in
faith that he had been raised from the dead.
Is it any different today? If we were to talk to
people of other faiths about the resurrection of Jesus
and the resurrection we ourselves hope to attain,
would they accept it? Possibly this is one of the most
difficult tenets of Christianity and we need to testify
to it by our example, more than words.
“We are an Easter people,” said St John Paul II.
When we radiate Easter joy, people around us can
see that we believe in a living God.
Another example. When a loved one dies, we
should remind ourselves of the hope of them
entering into eternal life. Our demeanour then would
perhaps be more inspirational to our neighbours than
trying to convince them that Jesus was truly raised
from the dead.
Fruit: Does my attitude, whether to life or in the
context of death, reveal faith in the resurrection?
Tuesday, April 19, 2022
Easter Tuesday
Readings: Acts 2:36-41; Ps 32[33]:4-5, 18-20, 22;
Jn 20:11-18
Focus: ‘Mary Magdalene… announced to the
disciples, “I have seen the Lord”’ (Jn 20:18)
Mary Magdalene first found the empty tomb that
resurrection morning. Did she take Jesus at his word
about his return? For the apostles, death was a
defeat they had least expected of their Lord. Other
Gospel accounts say they thought Mary’s was an
‘idle tale’. They seem to have all but given up on
Jesus. While they returned to their homes after
confirming Jesus’ disappearance, Mary stayed there
‘weeping’ (Gospel). Had they not lightly dismissed
her report, but persisted in getting to the bottom of
the strange events, they too might have had an
encounter with Jesus.
Jesus promises to come again. Will he find that
we have given little or no credence to his word? No
one knows when, except the Father, but signs
certainly point in that direction. Cataclysmic events
are snowballing, moral bankruptcy is the order of the
day, and God-made biological facts are subverted in
the name of a ‘new state of consciousness.’
Because Christ’s promise has not been fulfilled
yet, do we turn back home to our old way of life, or
do we take him at his word like Mary (Focus), and
wait expectantly till we see him? We need to begin a
time of repentance, so that our sins may be forgiven
and we receive the gift of the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:38).
Fruit: May I be ever expectant of Christ’s return,
knowing that God always keeps his word.
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Wednesday, April 20, 2022
Easter Wednesday
Readings: Acts 3:1-10; Ps 104[105]:1-4, 6-9; Lk
24:13-35
Focus: ‘They urged him strongly, saying, “Stay with
us...”’ (Lk 24:29)
In today’s Gospel, the two disciples earnestly
request Jesus, who they take as a stranger, to stay
with them for the night (Focus). What prompts them
to do so? Perhaps something about their travelling
companion’s manner touches their hearts that are
grieving and depressed after the death of Jesus. In
times of trouble and pain, we like someone who
understands us to stay with us.
The disciples’ gesture may have been a small
one but it leads to the revelation of Jesus’ true
identity (Lk 24:31). Had they not urged him to stay,
they would have missed a golden opportunity of
experiencing the good news of his resurrection. And
Jesus changed their grief into joy.
Jesus doesn’t force himself on anyone. He loves
to be entreated and invited into our hearts and lives.
And once he comes and abides in us, he is happy to
stay and listen to all our woes, our fears and doubts,
and our shattered hopes. He wants to enter even
into our sinful life and then, without any reproach, he
helps us to put it right.
In the past I have missed so many opportunities
of encounter with Jesus just because I did not invite
him in at that very moment. Have you too?
Fruit: “Stay with us…” is the theme of this pastoral
year. If we have not yet made it our daily prayer, let
us start today itself.
 Thursday, April 21, 2022
Easter Thursday
Readings: Acts 3:11-26; Ps 8:2, 5-9; Lk 24:35-48
Focus: “Repentance and forgiveness of sins is to be
proclaimed in his name to all nations” (Lk 24:47)
Meals are a great time to bond. In the Gospel,
although we see Jesus happily eating with his
disciples again, he does not dilute his message.
The Son of God came to give us a new heart
and a new spirit. He offers us forgiveness, peace
and salvation. At the same time he does not keep it
restricted to a club. Jesus belongs to the whole of
humanity (Focus).
By Jesus’ death and resurrection, we receive a
clean heart and spirit. Peter says, “Repent therefore,
and turn to God so that your sins may be wiped out”
(Act 3:19).
Repentance arises from godly sorrow. It involves
a change of will and restoration of life to its original
goodness. There should be regret for the sin, not
guilt. Guilt means I did a bad thing and I am bad.
Regret means taking responsibility: I did a bad thing,
but because of God’s merciful love, I am forgiven
and will start again. Guilt prevents us both from
taking responsibility and turning to God. True
repentance in the sacrament of reconciliation sets us
free to show love to others.
An open and contrite heart is essential to receive
forgiveness from God and to allow the Holy Spirit to
demolish all barriers with other people.
Fruit: As faithful witnesses of Jesus, let us forgive
those who hurt us and build good relationships with
God and neighbour.
Friday, April 22, 2022
Easter Friday
Readings: Acts 4:1-12; Ps 117[118]:1-2, 4, 22-27;
Jn 21:1-14
Focus: “It is the Lord!” (Jn 21:7)
Chef’s ‘signature dish’ is a popular term. Even
though others may copy a famous chef’s recipe, the
discerning diner can promptly tell the difference.
Jesus’ signature dish I presume was ‘Love and
Compassion’ and the way he treated others. Was it
that which made Peter recognise him (Focus)?
When Peter first met Jesus, it was a similar
scene – frustration at not having caught any fish.
And then, on obeying a stranger’s instruction, getting
a full catch (Lk 5:1-11). Just as in today’s Gospel.
There was something about the familiarity of the
situation and the wonder of the miracle that
convinced Peter that the stranger was the Lord.
Jesus’ ministry lasted only three years. In this
period, he taught and performed several miracles
and good works. He offered a simple, liberating way
to God rather than the old, burdensome way. But
some chose to ignore him, others to deliberately
reject his works.
What about us? Are we able to discern the mind
blocks that prevent us from seeing the hand of God
working miracles all around us? We need to be
awake, listen, see and recognise the signs of the
Lord in our daily lives, rather than dismissing them
as coincidences or figments of the imagination.
Fruit: Can we add the spirit of love to our words and
actions, after being inspired by the word of God, so
that others too can be drawn to Jesus?
22
Saturday, April 23, 2022
Easter Saturday
Readings: Acts 4:13-21; Ps 117[118]:1, 14-21; Mk
16:9-15
Focus: “We cannot keep from speaking about what
we have seen and heard” (Acts 4:20)
We often come across lay people, especially
catechists, who were once quiet or kept a low profile,
suddenly filled with zeal to serve God with all
boldness. This happens when the word of God
touches us and we are filled with the Holy Spirit.
In today’s Gospel, although the apostles love
Jesus and are mourning his death, they do not
believe it when Mary Magdalene and the two
disciples on the road to Emmaus tell them about
their encounters with the risen Jesus (Mk 16:11, 13).
Jesus reprimands them for their lack of faith.
In the First Reading the same apostles, although
‘uneducated and ordinary men’, boldly witness for
Christ (Acts 4:13). What brings about this dramatic
change? One reason is the time they spent with the
risen Lord. Imagine someone close to us coming
back to life. Would we not take them seriously? This
is exactly what happened. As they took Jesus and
their mission as his followers seriously, their faith
increased. Second, and more important, was the
Holy Spirit they received at Pentecost – by his power
they went about boldly proclaiming Christ and
working miracles. As Christians, do we have the
same zeal to witness to Christ (Focus)?
Fruit: I will cling to the word and call on the Holy
Spirit to give me the courage to proclaim Christ daily
in my own little way.
 Sunday, April 24, 2022
2nd Sunday of Easter, Divine Mercy Sunday
Readings: Acts 5:12-16; Ps 117[118]:2-4, 13-15, 22-
24; Rev 1:9-13, 17-19; Jn 20:19-31
Focus: “Peace be with you” (Jn 20:19, 21)
A child of four accompanied her mother to Mass.
The church was almost full, so the little girl was on
one bench while her mother sat right behind her. At
the sign of peace, the mother noticed that her child
bowed to right and left and solemnly whispered
something. On asking her later, the mother learnt
that the child had said “Ps-ps-ps” because that is
what she had heard the adults say.
Well, don’t we do the same? We sometimes fail
to even look at our neighbour, forget about smiling.
Jesus enters the room where his disciples are
cowering in fear (Gospel), and says, “Peace be with
you” (Focus). What a wonderful greeting. He offers
peace to those who are troubled, in turmoil, or
confused. He blesses them with the gift of the Holy
Spirit (Jn 20:22) and the Spirit works wonders and
miracles (Acts 5:15-16). We too need to be at peace
with ourselves and with others to receive the Spirit.
Peace brings order, harmony, restoration and
wholeness, and fulfilment and mercy from God.
How can we be at peace? Perfect peace comes
when we fix our minds and remain focused on God’s
mercy and love. When we trust him and meditate on
his word. Peace is the foundation of any nation’s
development. It brings unity, positive thinking, and
cooperation for the good of all.
Fruit: I will control my emotional outbursts of anger,
pride and jealousy and nurture peace instead.
Monday, April 25, 2022
St Mark
Readings: 1 Pet 5:5-14; Ps 88[89]:2-3, 6-7, 16-17;
Mk 16:15-20
Focus: “The one who believes and is baptised will
be saved; but the one who does not believe will be
condemned” (Mk 16:16)
As I read the Focus it dawned on me what a
great responsibility lies upon us who believe! While
we may feel relieved that we are promised salvation,
the question arises: What about “the one who does
not believe”? Must I not do all I can so that he or she
may be saved?
Today’s Gospel is clear: we must “proclaim the
good news” (v. 15). We have the power to deliver, to
heal, and to overcome all life’s challenges by the
grace of Jesus (v. 17-18). We also have the comfort
of knowing that Jesus works through us as we
proclaim him (v. 20). St Peter outlines the
demeanour of a Christian that is so vital for effective
proclamation (First Reading).
Today we honour St Mark, writer of the earliest
Gospel. He penned down this first-hand account of
the life of Jesus as narrated to him by none other
than Peter. Mark also assisted Paul and Barnabas
on their missionary journeys. Whether it is through
speaking or writing, praying for others or simply
being good Christians in attitude and action,
proclaim we must, so that through us those who do
not believe may be saved from condemnation.
Fruit: I shall take stock of my life and see which
opportunities I should not miss to draw other people
to Jesus.
23
Tuesday, April 26, 2022
Readings: Acts 4:32-37; Ps 92[93]:1-2, 5; Jn 3:7-15
Focus: ‘The whole group of those who believed
were of one heart and soul’ (Acts 4:32)
This description of the early Christians (First
Reading) hardly applies to Christians today! Even
within the Church, there are disagreements and
conflicts. Pope Francis tries to unite us all in simple
ways – by having us honour St Joseph in a special
way last year, by urging us to pray for frontline
warriors this month, etc.
While many react positively to the Pope’s
exhortations, there are some who criticise or just
ignore them. His reply, “Who am I to judge?” when
asked about those with different sexual orientations,
shocked multitudes of devout Catholics. It seems
that compassion has become a rare commodity.
With the Synodal Process having begun, we
need to re-examine how we live our Christianity. The
Focus reminds me of those in vowed religious
communities. They have been graced to live like the
early Christians, to have everything in common. But
they can be counter-witnesses if they are ambitious
or greedy, or appropriate the community goods as if
they were personal. We are aware of many clerical
scandals, and so some may ask, “How can they
expect us to live united in heart and mind if they
don’t do it themselves?”
The celebration of Easter and Divine Mercy
reminds us of the mercy and compassion of Jesus.
We need to seriously try and cultivate these virtues.
Fruit: Let us pray for a happy and united outcome of
the Synod in our daily family prayer.
 Wednesday, April 27, 2022
Readings: Acts 5:17-26; Ps 33[34]:2-9; Jn 3:16-21
Focus: “God so loved the world that he gave his
only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may
not perish but may have eternal life” (Jn 3:16)
Once the courtiers of a just and benevolent king
reported that someone had been guilty of a grave
injustice to one of his subjects. The king ordered the
offender to be given forty lashes. Then, to his shock,
he discovered that the offender was his own son.
The severe punishment had been pronounced and
must be administered. But after the first two lashes,
to everyone’s surprise, the king got up and freed his
son, then offered his own back for the lashes.
A similar thing happens here. We sinned, and
invited death on ourselves, since ‘the wages of sin is
death’ (Rom 6:23). But God did not abandon us. He
sent his only Son to the world, to die for our sins,
and gift us “eternal life” (Focus). God takes the
punishment meant for us on himself, because he
loves us so much. This should move us to give up
our evil ways and turn to him in deep repentance.
Inspired by Christ, countless millions set about
taking the Good News of salvation to the world. In
the bargain they suffered humiliation, prison, flogging
(First Reading), very cruel forms of torture, and even
death by decapitation or crucifixion.
Fruit: Let me reflect today on God’s love for me; and
consider how I can give his love to others.
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Thursday, April 28, 2022
St Peter Chanel, St Louis de Montfort
Readings: Acts 5:27-33; Ps 33[34]:2, 9, 17-20; Jn
3:31-36
Focus: “We must obey God rather than any human
authority” (Acts 5:29)
The director of a certain Retreat House had
allotted strict time slots to the preachers. A young
preacher felt inspired by God to recite the rosary.
Dilemma! His session exceeded the time due to the
extra rosary. When he explained, the director said
that he had done the right thing (Focus).
Before this occasion priests would hardly attend
these retreats as participants. But thereafter, week
after week, one or two priests would attend.
How many of us would be like that young priest
or Peter (First Reading)? God speaks to all of us but
how would we even know if it were God speaking or
our own impulses? We need to be attuned to God.
St Peter Chanel is a good example. He wanted
passionately to be a missionary but he was assigned
to teach in the seminary – something he did
cheerfully for five years, while devoting himself
zealously to caring for the sick. Then he was sent to
Futuna Island near Fiji and was promised help soon.
The ‘soon’ turned out to be five years, while he
struggled with a strange language, preached
successfully to the people and dealt with warring
factions. His reward for obeying God was to be
clubbed to death! Since he believed in the Son he
has “eternal life” (Jn 3:36).
Fruit: Can I be like Peter Chanel – so close to God
as to hear his voice? And having heard, will I obey?
24
Friday, April 29, 2022
St Catherine of Siena
Readings: Acts 5:34-42; Ps 26[27]:1, 4, 13-14; Jn
6:1-15
Focus: “This is indeed the prophet who is to come
into the world” (Jn 6:14)
The wondrous Feeding of the Five Thousand
(Gospel) is a testament of Jesus’ power as Son of
God. He truly is Jehovah Jireh (‘The Lord will
provide’). As he provided for the multitudes, he
provides for us daily. Why do we wait for a miracle to
recognise Jesus (Focus)?
Here Jesus works a miracle of abundance for
the crowd. It is a sign of his deep love and concern
for his people, for us. In this event, as in the miracle
of the wine at Cana, the provision of a loving God
overflows. Didn’t Jesus say that he came to give us
life in abundance? (Jn 10:10).
Jesus’ generosity knows no bounds. After the
multiplication of loaves and fishes, the people are
satiated. Jesus is our Bread of Life and we too need
to rely on him to provide us both material and
spiritual sustenance. We need to take lessons in
kindness and compassion towards others from the
Master himself.
St Teresa of Calcutta said of Jesus, “He uses us
to be his love and compassion in the world in spite of
our weaknesses and frailties.” These words ring true
for us in the context of this miracle. Our response
should be to reach out to others and give, give of our
all; and give, give till it hurts.
Fruit: May I always recognise the Lord in my life and
reflect his infinite goodness.
 Saturday, April 30, 2022
St Pius V
Readings: Acts 6:1-7; Ps 32[33]:1-2, 4-5, 18-19; Jn
6:16-21
Focus: “It is I; do not be afraid” (Jn 6:20)
These reassuring words (Focus) are spoken by
God throughout the Bible, his love letter to us. Yet
we cling to our fears. Fear becomes our constant
companion, all through life. Fear is necessary. But it
is given to us to help us survive, not to defeat us.
Eight years of benefits of my government service
were lost because I could not overcome my fear of
answering competitive exams. I did not listen to the
voice of Jesus saying “Do not be afraid” but relied on
my own strength.
Now, I have learned to be fearless because I
attune myself to Jesus’ voice, constantly guiding me
and assuring me of his presence.
Pope Francis, reflecting on today’s Gospel says,
“This episode is a wonderful image of the reality of
the Church of all times: a boat that, along the
crossing, must also face headwinds and storms,
which threaten to overwhelm it. What saves her are
not the courage and qualities of her men: the
guarantee against shipwreck is faith in Christ and in
his word.”
The apostles (First Reading) built this boat, the
Church, on the sturdy keel of the word of God and
the strong hull of faith in Jesus. We too need to have
unshakeable faith in Christ and in his word if we wish
to be sure of reaching our heavenly destination.
Fruit: The comforting voice of Jesus will take me
safely through the storms of life.
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Editorial Board: Brenda Nazareth Menezes, Clifford DeSilva,
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Writers in this Issue: Aditi Silveira, Allen Mascarenhas, Angelica
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Dias, Cynthia Andrade, Dolorosa Paul, Elgar Noronha, Fatima M
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Braganza, Regina Fernandes, Renita D’Souza, Saviola
Fernandes, Sheina Castelo, Silvia Noronha, Susan Lillywhite,
Thaddeus Pereira, Zira Almeida.
25