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THE SECOND SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME God has called us through the good news, that we may obtain the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. Christ came on earth to change people and to make all things new. He came to change us just as he changed water into wine. His presence among us is an invitation to change our ways and a call to a new manner of life. If we really want to change our lives we have got to turn to Christ and call on his help. Wherever Jesus is found, life is always changed for the better. Given the opportunity, Jesus will be at work in the most unexpected of ways, transforming us, making us like himself. The joy and happiness he brought into the lives of the newlyweds at Cana by his presence is ours for the asking provided we follow the simple instruction given by Mary, “Do whatever he tells you”. As our pleading mother, Mary, is always anxious to show her concern by bringing our human needs into the mission of her Son. Our big mistake in life is that when we run short we forget to turn to Jesus for fresh supplies of what we need. It is only when we go to him with open hearts and empty hands that he can touch us and make certain that the wine of love and joy will always be part of our lives. |
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THE BAPTISM OF THE LORD John said: One more powerful than I is coming; he will baptize with the Holy Spirit and fire. The baptism of the Lord was the event which mankind had been looking forward to because it brought God’s light into a world of shadows and opened up the possibility of a new relationship for people with their creator. It so intimately united us with Christ that we too can be called God’s children. Today’s feast reminds us of our own baptism and presents us with an opportunity to reflect on the implications of leading the life of a Christian. It’s a time of special importance because it marks our spiritual birth. Belonging to God’s family involves obligations to be undertaken and decisions to be made about how we are to lead our lives. By our baptism we are invited to answer Jesus’ call to do good; to follow in his footsteps by being honest in our dealings and kindly in our conversations. This requires strength of character as it often calls upon us to stand apart and be counted. But a committed follower of Christ will lead a worthy life and make the world a better place for His presence. Only when we are doing God’s will are we behaving as beloved sons and daughters in whom the Father is pleased. |
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THE EPIPHANY OF THE LORD We observed the star at its rising, and have come to pay homage to the Lord. On the first Christmas when God came down in the person of Jesus, he filled the world with glad tidings of great joy. His life was geared towards God the Father in joy, prayer and thanksgiving. We are so caught up with our daily problems that we fail to reflect the joy of that marvelous truth: ‘that God so loved the world that he gave his only Son and that whoever believes in him might not die, but have eternal life’ (John 3:16). There is no greater proof of love than to give of ourselves to others. Our Christmas joy cannot be complete unless we show generosity to those who have nothing to give to us in return. The happiest people are those who are doing the most for others. They know from experience that it is in giving that we receive. The day will arrive when they will be greeted with the words: ‘Well done good and faithful servant, come and join in your master’s happiness’. |
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FOURTH SUNDAY OF ADVENT Here am I, the servant of the Lord: let it be done to me according to your word. On this fourth Sunday of Advent, the scripture readings are alive with excitement about the Saviour who is coming. The spotlight is focused on Mary because no one can help us to understand the meaning of Christmas better than Mary. The visitation to her cousin Elizabeth is a story of faith, friendship and human love. What a warm welcome the unborn Christ child received at Elizabeth’s home! Mary revealed how all Christians are to await Christ. She was carrying him as a gift to a world in need and we are to do likewise. We are signs of His presence when we give ourselves to others and what better time to do so than at Christmas when many people feel like outsiders. Let’s not forget Jesus’ humble origins, born into our world of pain and sorrow, in a stable on the very bottom rung of the social ladder. All our celebrations are an empty sham if Jesus is not born into our hearts. Good things need to be done at a deeper level out of love, affection and a spirit of generosity. The gifts that we give have no purpose unless God is part of the giving and we make Christmas a pattern to be followed in everyday living. One sure way of offering the perfect Christmas gift is saying to God as Mary did “Here I am Lord, I’ve come to do your will”. |
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THIRD SUNDAY OF ADVENT The Spirit of the Lord is upon me; he has sent me to bring good news to the poor. There is no mistaking the theme which rings out loud and clear in today’s liturgy – it’s a message of hope and rejoicing. The dawn is beginning to break and the Lord is very near, closer to us than we realize. Christ’s nearness is the strength which touches all our lives for he is now working with us and in us. This call to rejoice, lift up our hearts and be happy, presents us with a challenge and requires some soul-searching in the face of the problems confronting us at any given moment. Christian joy does not come from the absence of sorrow, pain or trouble, but from an awareness of the presence of Christ within our souls. How are we to attain this spiritual joy which should be rightfully ours? We ask the same question as John was asked by the people. He replies in uncompromising language that the secret is to commit ourselves to God’s way and in so doing find our peace. Happiness comes from doing good, being honourable and showing concern for those in need. If the Gospel is Good News, could this conclusion be reached from the expression on our faces? The test of Christianity in troubled waters is not to be over-alarmed at what is happening, but to face the world with hope and confidence. The purpose of our whole being is happiness. |