Friday, November 20, 2009

Thirty Fourth Sunday- FEAST OF CHRIST THE KING

CHRIST THE KING OF THE UNIVERSE
First Reading: Dan 7:13-14
Second Reading : Apoc 1:5-8
Gospel Reading : Jn 18: 33-37

* First Reading from the book of Prophet Daniel gives us a description of the vision Daniel had. Daniel forsaw Christ being presented to Heavenly Father and he was given dominion and glory and Kingship. All peoples, nations were under His everlasting dominion.

* Second Reading from the book of Apocalypse speaks of the faithfulness of Christ who is the ruler of the whole earth and kingdoms. By his shedding of blood , he has freed us from sin and made us part of His kingdom. He is the Alpha and Omega (beginning and the end) of everything.

* Gospel reading from St. John gives an account of Jesus being asked by Pilate about His Kingdom. Jesus' answer was that , His Kingdom is not of this world. But he says "I came into the world to testify to the truth. Everyone who belongs to the truth listens to my voice". The hall mark of Jesus' Kingship is truth. He stood for truth and called people to follow the path of truth.
Jesus' kingship did not end with his death; on the contrary his kingdom was in fact established by his death on the cross. And his kingdom continues for ever in eternal glory and spendour as he testified that his kingdom did not belong to this world. May we have the courage and the perseverance we need to remain true to our king and give witness to his rule by belongig to the side of truth and to the listening to the voice of Christ the Universal King.

Thursday, October 29, 2009

Feast of All Saints

"WHEN THE SAINTS GO MARCHING"

First Reading: Apo 7:2-4,9-14
Second Reading: 1Jn 3:1-3
Gospel Reading: Mt 5: 1-12

* First Reading from the book of Apocalipse speaks of the huge crowd standing before the throne of God. They were from every race , tribe, nation and language. These are people who lived a holy life, enduring trials of all kind, and purified themselves in the blood of the Lamb (Jesus) . They are the Saints.

* Second Reading from the fist letter of St. John speaks of the love of the Father for each one of us. We are God's children and we should purify ourselves so that we are as pure as God is . To attain the vision of god we must live like Christ Jesus.

* "Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven."

In today's Gospel, St. Mathew gives us summary of Jesus' teaching in the beatitudes. Jesus recognizes as blessed a wide range of people from the poor in spirit to those persecuted for their faith.
Those who are absolutely poor, those who have no access to power and influence are blessed in the eyes of God. The gentle and humble are the people who shall inherit the earth .
Those who mourn , who grieve for their sins, who are moved by the afflictions of others will be comforted. Those in the society , who hunger and thirst for justice and right , will find satisfaction in the kingdom. Then those who show mercy and not revengeful will be rewarded with mercy and kindness in the kingdom. Those who are pure and unblemised in heart will be the privileged ones to see the face of God. And those who promote peace will be like their heavenly Father. Finally those who suffer persecutions will find a place in the Kingdom of God. These are the people Jesus counts as His true disciples and they are the Saints whose feast is celebrated today.