7 Minute Homily for Fourth Sunday of Easter

Acts 2:14a, 36-41

1Peter 2:20b-25

John 10:1-10

 "I have come that they may have life and have it abundantly." Jn 10:10

“This is what I am asking you,” he said with emphasis, looking up from his prepared text, “be shepherds with the smell of sheep,” let these words of Pope Francis inspire us as we meditate on the readings of this Sunday of the Good Shepherd.

The First reading, we hear the speech of Peter directed to the Jews who had crucified Jesus together with the Romans. This speech enlightens us to understand the Pentecost event. At the end of Peter’s speech, two tittles are given to Jesus: Lord and Messiah. The speech of Peter also evokes a powerful response. What shall we do?

In the second reading, Peter again encourages the Christians who were facing persecutions to persevere when persecuted for doing good. Perseverance produces virtues. Peter again exalts the redemptive suffering and death of Christ Jesus for our own salvation.

In the Gospel, Jesus addresses the situation of the pharisees indirectly through the figure of speech to establish who is not a shepherd. Let us remember that Prophets had taught that the first act of salvation and restoration was that the Lord would rescue his people from its bad leaders, Ezek 34:10. Then the Lord would take charge and shepherd his flock, Ezek 34:11-16. The Kings of Israel were depicted as bad Shepherds who would endanger the flock, Ezek 34:1-10. Jesus categorically declares that he is the Good Shepherd. He is the one who meets the demands of the Sheep. Jesus is the point of access to God for the flock.

 Let us imitate Jesus as Leaders of today who have been entrusted to lead the People of God. It is time to abandon greedy and selfish motives and care for the vulnerable people in the society especially the sick, the hungry and to be a voice for the voiceless. If you are a leader and you have been entrusted to give relief resources to the Poor people, do not take them for yourself leaving the poor people to die without shelter or food. It is unfortunate that Justice and peace is lacking in many places due to bad leadership and the poor people become poorer and miserable. There is a lot of oppression and suppression of people’s rights and complete denial of social Justice in some places.

It is unfortunate some of the Leaders have permitted practices like homosexuality and lesbianism that harm the people of God. It is unfortunate that some of the leaders today engage in land grabbing and leave the poor homeless and some create war and violence in many places. This is the bad leadership that Jesus was not pleased with during his earthly ministry.

 Jesus died for the Sheep that they may have life. Leaders of today in imitation of Jesus ought to die for the people that have been entrusted to them. A leader without a compassionate heart may be a dangerous leader. To be a good leader also entails to put into practice what he or she preaches so that the Name of God may be glorified by our life. Let Jesus be a source of inspiration as we become peace makers and life giving to those entrusted into our care.

Landus Bwambale

IV Year Theology

 

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Reflection for Friday, 28 April 2023

 

He is the Son of God

First Reading: Acts 9:1-20

 Gospel: Jn 6:52-59

'For l myself too, when l was delighting in the doctrine of Plato, and heard the Christians slandered, and saw them fearless of death, and of all others things which are counted fearful, perceived that it was impossible that they could be living in wickedness and pleasure.' (Justin the Martyr)

The first reading of today from book of Acts, presenting to us Saul, who became converted after meeting Jesus on his to persecute men and women who were followers of Jesus. By then, they were not having the name Christians, but their name was just men and women who belong to the Way.  In the Gospel of today according to John, as Jesus was teaching in synagogue in Capernaum about His body to be the true food, and His blood to be the true drink, for whosoever going to eat His body and drink His blood, will have eternal life, He met with tension from the Jews. The Jews did not understand what Jesus was speaking about.

The conversion of Saul brought the new beginning on the growth of the early Church. After his baptism, Saul, as Paul begun the mission of Jesus, even though the persecution continued. The same Jesus who was misunderstood by the Jews is the same Jesus who convert Saul to be His servant. Through the first reading we can learn that the grace of God is for all the people. The gospel teaches us that the body and blood of Christ which we receive daily, is Jesus himself whom we are receiving. The same Jesus whom we are receiving, is the same who will give us the power to do His mission like the way he did to Saul.

 Joseph Chingarande.

I Year Theology

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7 Minutes homily for Third Sunday of Easter 2023

 

“STAY WITH US, LORD, FOR IT IS ALMOST EVENING” (LK 24:29)

This was the invitation that the two disciples journeying to Emmaus on the evening of the day of the resurrection addressed to the Wayfarer who had accompanied them on their journey. Interestingly, the risen Lord enters into the conversation as a stranger. How many of us are ready to let the strangers in our life? Be careful! do not let Jesus go His way as you struggle alone in life.  Remember the words of Jesus, “I was a stranger and you did not invite me in” Matt 25:43.

In the first reading, Peter tells us how God raised Jesus from death, thus, fulfilling the Messianic prophecies about the promised descendant of David. The responsorial Psalm is a Messianic prophecy, “the LORD will not let his beloved one see corruption” Ps 16:10. By his resurrection he placed a divine seal on his Messiahship and his true sonship of the father. Indeed, the beloved one of God, Jesus Christ our Master is truly alive! The second reading is Peters’ exhortation to the early followers of Christ to have faith and Hope in God. They should rejoice because they are “redeemed” by the precious blood of Jesus 1 Pt 1:18. By his blood Jesus paid for their redemption from the bondage of sin.

The Gospel passage presents a story of how on Easter Sunday two disciples of Jesus, discouraged and devastated by what had happened, set out on the road from Jerusalem to Emmaus. These disciples had lost their faith and hope in Jesus. Their loss of faith and hope is due to the apparent failure of their “redemption” by Jesus, the Person they had trusted so much, Lk 24:21. The disciples expected a “redemption” of Israel from bondage to Rome. They did not understand that it was Jesus’ death which would pay the price of redemption from bondage to sin. While in their frustration they could not recognize Jesus. “While he was with them at table, he took bread, said the blessing, broke it, and gave it to them.” It was at this moment that their eyes were opened and they were able to recognize him.

In our life, like the disciples, we move to Emmaus when we have lost faith and hope, when we are discouraged with life’s events. Today’s readings remind us that Jesus does not abandon us in the moments when we are so much discouraged, sick, struggling financially, when we have marital conflicts, broken relationships, academic failures etc. When we least expect Him that is when He joins in our ‘story’ and listens to us passionately as we reveal our struggles. Eventually, He will help us through in our struggles. We shouldn’t lose faith and Hope!

Moreover, we are invited to meet Jesus in the Breaking of Bread. In fact, whoever eats his flesh, he shall live forever, Jn 6:51. When we partake regularly and devotedly of this divine nourishment, our faith will be strengthened to encounter the challenges of life. The Emmaus event has to renew our love and active participation in the Eucharist celebration. In it we are nourished by the Eucharist and the Word of God, which should set our hearts ablaze. The Church teaches us that, “the Eucharist is the source and summit of the Christian life” (Cf. CCC 1324). How prepared I’m I whenever I participate in the Eucharistic celebrations? Is my heart set ablaze with God’s Word whenever is proclaimed? Do I partake in the Eucharistic meal? May our faith and hope be strengthened by the risen Lord.

Mane Nobiscum Domine!

Aristede Amani

IV Year Theology

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Reflection for Monday, April 17,2023

First Reading: Acts 4:23-31

 Gospel: John 3:1-8

Today the Church invites us, as baptised people, to reflect on our life in the Spirit. It presents to us the testimony of Peter and John, who were arrested for healing a cripple (Acts 3:6) and for being witnesses of Jesus’ resurrection. In their prayer (Acts 4:26) they reveal a prophecy  of human rebellion that was given through David and fulfilled in Christ that; the rulers gather together against the Lord and against the Annointed one. In the gospel we hear of such rebellion against God. Nicodimus, a ruler of the Jews, leaves his office to come by himself to make an inquiry on Jesus because previously this man, Jesus, had beaten people in the temple and was also seen in the neighbourhood performing extraordinary miracles, attracting the attention of the crowd (John 2:13-25). This is what gave Nicodimus the curiosity to personally encounter Jesus that he may get proof of his authority.

His role as a member of the Sanhedrin was to govern and teach the people the Law of God. The Jewish people had taken God’s Law and used it as a means of salvation. They thought they could access God by being good Jews. But Jesus, through Nicodemus, is now telling them  that it was a dead and hopeless system. So, probably that is why John is presenting the Nicodemus episode in a night mode, not to refer to private personal consultation but to theologically show the transition from darkness to light. Jesus is the true light which enlightens everyone and all those who believe in him became children of God (cf. John 1:8-13, Veritatis Splendor 1).

The problem with Nicodemus is that he is coming to Jesus with a preoccupied mind to the extent that he could not see things beyond what material is. He fixes his attention on signs, derailing himself from accessing the truth. Jesus knows Nicodemus’ heart, He knows what his view of salvation is. So, he doesn't bother to give him the signs but rather takes his time in giving him the new perspective on what was important in attaining eternal life.

Ultimately, at least two lessons can be drawn from the encounter of Jesus and Nicodemus, one practical, another spiritual. Practically; no matter how convinced we are with our knowledge and faith, we need to open ourselves for consultation, just like Nicodemus. In that way we update and validate our faith and knowledge. The world presents us with different hypotheses and theories that challenge our faith, we need to make effort to verify them from an informed faith perspective. By doing so we become less rebellious but more open to the truth that God reveals in various ways. Spiritually; Nicodemus represents an empirical world that demands signs or evidence of the authenticity of our faith. We should never live to prove our faith, our connection with God is a spiritual connection not a material one.

Let us pray that, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ, we may remain alive in the life of the Spirit.

George Chidyamatondo

II Year Theology

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7 Minute Homily for Second Sunday of Easter- Year A

 

Welcome to the second Sunday of Easter! The readings of today invite us to reflect about peace. Jimi Hendrix once said that, when the power of love overcomes the lover of power, the world will know peace. Everyone wants peace but only a few people work for peace but instead, many love power and fame. The first reading presents to us a community driven by the power of love. A community whereby the members driven by the love for each other, they were able to sell their properties, put everything in common that no one would lack (Acts 2:45). This created peace, unity, tranquility and inclusiveness within the community. The poor felt at peace within the Christian community, the peace the society could not give them. Thus, we are called upon not only to share with those who lack, but also create a smile on the face of the hopeless.  

In the Second reading, Peter’s readers may wonder how they can possibly enjoy peace when they are ‘strangers’, far from home (1:1b) and suffering all kinds of trials (1:6). It must be remembered that Peter was writing at a time when people like the emperor Nero (AD 54-68) saw Christians as useful scapegoats to be blamed for anything that went wrong. They were thus persecuted, with some being burned alive or thrown into arenas to be eaten by wild animals.

Likewise, we Christians, too, have questions about where peace is to be found as we wrestle with the problems arising from religious pluralism, cultural oppression, poverty, ethnic conflicts, sickness, gender issues and human animosity, which often translates into violence. Peter encourages us with a great shout of praise: Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! (1:3a). Why? Because he has given us a living hope and an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade (l:3b-4). Thus, our sufferings are not pointless, but serve to confirm the genuineness of their faith and will bring us everlasting peace, praise, glory and honour at Christ’s return (1:7).

The Gospel presents two post resurrection encounters of Jesus with his disciples. In the first encounter, Jesus’ first words to the stunned disciples were Peace be with you! (20:19b). This greeting was appropriate given the disciples’ circumstances. They were still recovering from what they had thought was the loss of their teacher. The world needs to hear Jesus’ words ‘peace be with you’. Humanity is bleeding due to various persecutions. May Jesus send peace to humanity! When Jesus spoke these words to the disciples, he was focusing on peace of mind and heart. May that peace, too, be our experience as we wait for the peace in the external realm.

At his second appearance, Jesus focused on Thomas, due to his disbelieve (20:24-25). Jesus gently rebuked Thomas (20:27b, 29), but also led him step by step to the confession; My Lord and my God (20:28). In so doing, he provided a good model for us to follow. when we rebuke others, we must not lose sight of our goal, namely, bringing those we serve to confess Jesus who is the king of peace as their Lord and God. May the Peace of the risen Lord be with you all.

Vicent Abigaba

IV Year Theology

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Reflection for Wednesday, April 12,2023

 Gospel: Lk 24:13-35

The most beautiful title for the liturgy of word today could be “Joy in Recognition”. Those who had followed Jesus while he exercised his ministry had great hope and dream. With crucifixion all the hope and dream were shattered. They were devastated and disappointed. The only alternative was to go back to their former lives. The Risen Lord does not abandon his friends to sink into their disappointment. He join them as a journey companion. That is what we encounter on today reading.

In the first reading we see marvelous done by the Apostles through the name and blood of Jesus in the life of crippled man at the entrance gate of the Temple called ‘Beautiful Gate’. The same man after testing the sweetness of Jesus’ name, was healed, he started rejoicing, jumping, and praising God joyfully Acts 3:8. It is good to remember that this same man before, was begging money from people, and he found more than money in Lord’s name, he found new life in Christ. All this because “MUNGU NI MWEMA” God is good in all the time. Suddenly, People around the Temple recognized the healed man, and they were filled with amazement, Acts 3:10. All these joys come from the heart of those who seeks the Lord, and it is what the psalmist says, we must feel proud of the holy name of Jesus, our cornerstone.

Regarding the Gospel, we face a well-known passage about the Emmaus’ disciples, which the most biblical teachers have no doubt that these Emmaus’ disciples may have been a man and a woman. They were probably Cleopas and Mary his wife, one of the women who was standing by the cross Jn 19:25. They have been faithful followers of the Lord and they were the one walking back to their home in Emmaus seven miles of Jerusalem, which correspond 11.265 kilometers. On the way to their home, with heart full of sadness, perplexed over the confusion accounts of the news of the empty tomb, they could not recognize Christ when He joined them on the road. But at the end Christ opened the Scripture, open their eyes, and their understanding, to know whom He is, and so they immediately recognized him by his deeds, Breaking the bread. The Risen Lord Dear brothers, does not abandon his friends to sink into their disappointment. He joined them as a journey companion. These is what many times happens with us when we are in worries, trouble and fears. But Christ, being the anointed one and our redeemer, is always on our side to help us. We can also allow him to do his will in our lives.

Praise be to Jesus!

Edgar Cabral

II Year Theology

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Reflection for Tuesday, 11 April 2023

 First Reading: ACTS 2:36-41

Gospel:  Jn 20:11-18

 “The Joyous Message of the Risen Lord: ‘I have seen the Lord’, (Jn 20:18)”

    In a war, when the two groups of army are fighting and one of the leaders of these groups die, the rest of the army which lost the battle, they surrender themselves. Because their leader, the strongest of the group has died. But for the winners, they rejoice and keep the spirit of fighting, and even those who were just hiding themselves, they will come out cheering.

     Dear brothers, it is almost the same thing that happened to the disciples. Thus, in Jn 20:19 we read that “… the doors were locked where the disciples were, for fear of the Jews…”. perhaps they feared the Jews by seeing what they have done with Jesus their master. Because even we hear from the Passion Narrative of Jesus that those disciples who followed Jesus to his sentence some were identified as his disciples, like Peter. And all these may influence the disciples to fear the Jews.

     On the one hand, in today’s First Reading, (Acts 2:36-41), we see the continuation of Peter’s Kerygmatic Speech of yesterday’s First Reading, where he is moved by the power of the Holy Spirit and encouraged by the Resurrection of the Lord, speaks with authority to the Jews, reminding them that Jesus the Messiah who performed mighty deeds, wonders and signs in your midst and whom you crucified, God raised him up from the dead. And after all he calls them to repentance from their sins and to be baptized in Jesus’ name.

     In the Jews society, women did not have important role or she was untrustworthy. But however, in today’s Holy Gospel, (Jn 20:11-18), Jesus exalts women through Mary Magdalene by giving her an important task of announcing this Resurrection to the Disciples by telling that she has seen the Lord, (Jn 20:18).

Pope Francis in his Post-Synodal Exhortation “Christus Vivit” (Christ is Alive) says: “Christ is alive! He is our hope. And everything he touches becomes young, new and full of life. Christ is alive and he wants you to be alive as well”. Therefore, we need to be touched be the Risen Christ so that we may be full of life and be alive with him by announcing the message this joy, like Peter and Mary Magdalene who proclaimed joyfully the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ. Dear friends, we are called, to proclaim the resurrection of Jesus through words and deeds, and we should be the messengers and light of the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ wherever we go and to spread its flames of love to whomever we encounter in our life.

Antonio Lohoca Nungulu

II Year Theology

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Reflection for Monday, 10 April 2023

 Giving witness of our faith

First Reading: Acts 2:14,22-33                                                                

Response:  Ps.15:1-2,5,7-11

Gospel:  Matt.28:8-15

Brethren, just recently a story circulated in one of the many WhatsApp groups that am a member of a thief who was being run after by the police. The thief managed to our-run the police and got into a cemetery. He quickly unclothed himself and sat on top of one of the graves comfortably. When the policemen to him and asked if he had seen the thief, the thief replied that he had just been buried the previous day and was out to enjoy the cool breeze, escaping the hotness inside the grave. The police ran away.

Unlike this story brothers, the emptiness of the tomb of Jesus is a reality to us. His resurrection is a reality to us who believe, he is not stolen nor hidden by his disciples, he lives. Our readings of today urge us to give witness to what we believe. Peter gives us a good example in the first reading. He courageously speaks of the good deeds of Christ who is risen after being wrongly crucified. Mary Magdalene and Mary also rush to give witness of the resurrection to the disciples. The fear and sadness caused by Christ's death is no more. Saying 'Alleluia' is truly joyous! It's victory over fear, anxiety, persecution and troubles of life.

Like Peter and the two women, Christ tell us not to be afraid. We should not be afraid nor ashamed to give witness of him. For he sends us to” go and tell them”. Tell them what you have seen, what you believe, tell them the reason for your hope. With the resurrected Christ, we are winners of faith, and our prize is Christ, and winners celebrate and give witness of their win lifting up the prize for all to see, they inspire others. We are called to lift up Christ to others, inspire and help them rise from the many fallings of this life, anxieties, stress and so on. With Christ, we shall not be disturbed anymore. As Claretians, we are called to be Witnesses and Messengers of the Word as the 25th general chapter reminded us.

May the Light of the Resurrected Christ lead us on.

Akwiri Harrison

II Year Theology

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7 Minute Homily for Easter Sunday

1st Reading: Acts10:34,37-43 

2nd Reading: Col 3:1-4

Gospel:  Mt 28:1-10

This is the day the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it (Ps 118:24).

 We have been journeying with Jesus for forty days. Now we have a reason to celebrate this day with conviction. It is in this Easter where we find the climax of our faith. Imagine if there could be no Easter what could happen to our faith we profess! St. Paul makes it clear that without resurrection, the Christian faith is futile (1 Cor 15:17).

 The Egyptian pyramids are world-famous as one of the “seven Wonders” of the ancient world. But they are actually gigantic tombs containing the mummified bodies of Egyptian Pharaohs. Westminster Abbey is famous, and thousands visit it, because the dead bodies of famous writers, philosophers, and politicians are entombed there. But there is a Shrine of the Holy Sepulcher in Jerusalem, and pilgrims from all over the world visit a tomb there which is empty with a note at its entrance which says, “He is not here.” It is famous because Jesus Christ, Who was once buried there, rose from the dead, leaving an empty tomb, as He had told his disciples he would. Thus, Jesus worked the most important miracle in His life, defying the laws of nature and proving that He is God.  We rejoice at this great and unique event by celebrating Easter. (Fr. J P) (https://frtonyshomilies.com/).

 Early in the morning on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and others went to see the tomb. Upon reaching they were surprized and the angel told them, “Do not be afraid, I know whom you are searching. He is not here he has risen. Go and tell his disciples of what you have seen. He is going before you to Galilee.” What joy they had after hearing the message? You and I what joy do we get as we celebrate this day? What do we experience on this day? Do we go and share our experience of the resurrection with others like Mary Magdalene did?

 Friends, Jesus’ empty tomb was not the product of legendary development but the testimony of the eyewitnesses. Be careful with false teachings against the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ. Without much theology one can understand that resurrection simply means someone died, was buried, and came back to life. From this understanding what does it signify to our Christian life?

 The emptiness of the tomb and the appearance of Jesus have a great significance. Imagine if the tomb was found empty, but there were no appearances of Jesus. Probably, the emptiness of the tomb would have no meaning. The emptiness of the tomb and the appearance of Jesus is the proof that our God is God of the living and he is a living God (cf. 1 Cor 15:20-26). Thus, the resurrection of Jesus Christ is a true reality. We need to be aware that if the resurrection of Christ is not a reality, then we have no assurance that God is the living God and what we profess in the Creed is meaningless!

 Today’s message is the message of joy. That is why we need to rejoice and be glad. There is joy and gladness on this day because Jesus’ resurrection is not just a personal victory over death but leads to a violent confrontation with Satan that liberates us from evil. Jesus’ win over death is an assurance for us to win evil, sicknesses, difficulties in our daily life. We should approach trials and temptations with the faith that we shall rise again and be strong. It is in the suffering, death and resurrection of Jesus that our life is renewed both physically and spiritually. It is through paschal mystery that we have hope of life after death, evil powers have been conquered. Thus, all things are under his feet (1 Cor 15:26).  Moreover, resurrection is a way to describe the continuing life of the Church after the death of its founder. Let us run to Jesus with confidence and entrust everything to Him because he is the way, truth and the life (Jn 14:6).

 

Zephrine Superius,

III Year Theology

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Reflection for Wednesday, April 5, 2023

First Reading: Is: 50:4-9 

Gospel:  Mt: 26:14-25

From the Medieval period, the Wednesday of the Holy week, just before the Tridium is named a Spy Wednesday. This is because it is a day on which Judas betrayed Jesus Christ to the Sanhedrin. He did this act by forfeiting his master at the expense of the thirty pieces of silver, an amount of money which was not of benefit to him.

Today, the Mother church invites us to:

1. Introspect on the occasions we have betrayed one another.

2. Introspect on the occasions when we betrayed our Lord Jesus Christ.

There is a Swahili proverb which goes, "Kikulacho ki nguoni mwako."  This can be literally translated as whatever devours you is always within you since it knows you better, in and out. At rare occasions do we see our enemies betray or deny us. In the Gospel scene, the apostles did not expect anyone from among themselves would betray their master. They are seen to be lacking peace and are doubtful about who would betray their master. They start questioning each other over who is the one who will betray their master. The apostles never knew that it would be one from their own and thus they thought it would be someone from not within.

Jesus knew very well who was going to betray him and despite all these, he never terminated the plan of Judas but he chose to remain calm and peaceful for the will of the Father to happen. Surely each one of us have at least experienced such an act of betrayal and we have seen how painful it is. The suffering servant whom we hear of from the first reading which is the third servant song should be our model whenever we are in any suffering or affliction. The suffering servant calls out on the name of the Lord more than three times. Despite all the experiences of violent opposition, the suffering servant who is equated to be Jesus trusts in God and triumphs over all the miseries. This servant encourages each one of us. He has suffered and been shamed but demonstrates confidence in the Lord, confidence of vindication.

Therefore, let us pray for each other especially those who are suffering that they may trust and depend on God always.

Maina Elias Wanyonyi

II Year Theology

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Reflection for Monday, 3 April 2023

 Humility is the perfect quietness of the heart

There is a proverb which says, “Humility is the perfect quietness of the heart”. It implies to expect nothing, to wonder at nothing that is done to me, and to feel nothing done against me. It is to be at rest. Our Father Founder St. Antony Mary Claret also used to say, “Humility, obedience, meekness, and love are the virtues that shine through the Cross and the Blessed Sacrament of the Altar. O my Jesus, help me imitate you!” After having this background let us have a short reflection on the readings which we have just heard.

Today our mother church invites us to reflect on the love of God for humanity. From the first reading of Isaiah 42:1-7 we are presented with the hymn of praise which can be called the eschatological hymn of praise. It in a way lays for us the foundation to understanding the gospel of John 12:1-11. Both readings have got similar elements.

We see acts of love in this gospel, expressed by the actions of Mary. She took the pound of costly perfume made by nard and poured it on the feet of Jesus. This is an act of love where we find Mary failing to withhold the feelings she had towards Jesus and showing them without fearing how others will look at her or what they will say. This is a challenging call for us all. Are we able to show our love for Jesus to the people surrounding us?  The anointing action can also be interpreted as the foreshadowing of the burial of Jesus. We are invited to love God first and also people around us. Our Father Founder understood very well the power of love as he says in his Autobiography, “the blessed sacrament is the magnet of love”. Judas sees Mary’s act as a waste, but Jesus sees love!

Humility is another good lesson that we can draw from this reading. Washing the feet teaches us great humility and that we have to bear with each other’s problems and difficulties. Let us learn from Mary and Jesus to live well with our neighbors so that in the end we can possess the kingdom of God.

Prayer is a time of living in the fragrance and the scent of God. It is gentle, light, and lasts long. It comes off us; if we live in love, we spread love, and others know that something deep in us gives a fragrance to all of our life.

Gastor Benedict

III Year Theology

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PALM SUNDAY MEMORIES

Palm Sunday commemorates Christ's triumphant entry into Jerusalem and signals the start of the Holy week. A flashback of the Plam Sunday celebration in our community in 2020.

Blessing of the palms.

Joy of Palm Sunday!

20.

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7 Minute Homily for PALM SUNDAY

 

First Reading: Isaiah 50:4-7

Second Reading: Philippians 2:6-11 

Gospel: Matthew 26:14-27:66

No pain, No palm, No thorns, No throne, No gall, No Glory, No cross, No crown 

-William Pen

It is a great day today in our Mother Church as we mark the day of the triumphal entry of our Lord Jesus Christ into Jerusalem. This day is also known as Passion Sunday because the Church begins this day to make the sufferings of our Lord a chief thought. The Church’s liturgy today begins to be a sombre and sorrowful mood for the passion, death and resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Two brothers lived together in the same apartment. The elder brother was an honest, hard-working and God-fearing man and the younger a dishonest, the young man never paid any attention to the advice of his brother. One night the junior brother runs into the house with smoking gun and blood-stained clothes. “I killed a man, I did not mean to kill him, I don’t want to die.”  The senior brother had an idea. He exchanged his clothes with the blood-stained clothes of his killer brother. The police arrested him and sentenced him to death and his junior brother lived. This is a crime story of love. Jesus gave up his life for us although he was not a criminal. A brother felt pity for his brother and surrendered himself to the police in place of his brother. Similarly, the story of the suffering and death of Jesus which we heard in the Passion is a story of love that is God’s love for us.

Our liturgy of the Word today is comprised of two gospel readings of which the first gospel gives us the account of the triumphal entry of our Lord Jesus Christ into Jerusalem (Mt 21:1-11). Jesus is welcomed with Palms and songs as a fulfilment of the prophecy of Zecharia in 9:9. Prophet Isaiah is giving us a prophecy for the chosen servant the Messiah who accepts his suffering and death which is the price of fidelity to God. The gospel of Mathew which is the second gospel of today is giving us an account of the passion of Jesus from passion up to his death. We hear about the institution of the Holy Eucharist, events of sufferings he endured, death and resurrection.

We have heard the human suffering and torture which can correspond to the barbaric torture of our own time. Most of the time we feel and look like failures because of the pain and isolation from family, friends and relatives. Jesus himself was abandoned by his close disciple ‘Peter’ then how do we feel if our loved ones abandon us? Our friendship nowadays is defined by situations and circumstances rather it should be flourishing in the pain and joys of the day. God is telling us today that despite sufferings and pains there is a certainty of victory in Jesus. Jesus was received in Jerusalem with shouts of joy and Palms but the same voices shout again “crucify him” at the time of his trial.

I repeat the quote of William Pen “No pain, No palm, No thorns, No throne, No gall, No Glory, No cross, No crown”. These words summarize what we are celebrating today and give us a picture of what is going to come which is his death and resurrection given our salvation. Palm Sunday is a pure reflection on the final week of Jesus’ life. This is the Holy Week which is opened by this grant celebration. Let us be people of peace which is symbolized by Jesus riding the colt, Jesus emptied himself to a servant as St Paul says to the Philippians 2:6:7. St Augustine of Hippo once said, “God had one son on earth without sin, but never one without suffering…”

Austin Sayira

III Year Theology

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