Twentieth Week in Ordinary Time, Monday

Mon, 18 August ‘25

Judges 2:11-19. Matthew 19:16-22

Knowing and Choosing God

1. Covenant Renewal: Knowing God is a Daily Yes

The Book of Judges shows us the tragic cycle of sin and grace. The people forget God, fall into idolatry, suffer oppression, cry out, and are rescued by a judge. Yet, they fall again because they did not renew their covenant with the Lord (Judges 2:11-19).

Pastoral Application: Faith is not a one-time baptismal certificate, but a lifelong covenant. Every day we must say “yes” anew through prayer, Scripture, and sacramental life. Like Israel, if we stop renewing, we drift toward idols—today’s idols may be wealth, power, or comfort.

2. The Rich Young Man: Fulfilment Demands Letting Go

Scripture: The young man in Matthew 19 seeks eternal life. He obeys commandments faithfully, but Jesus invites him to the next step—sell what you have, give to the poor, and follow me. Sadly, he goes away sorrowful, unable to let go. The young man succumbed to ‘loss aversion fallacy.’

Church’s Teaching: The Church teaches that perfection in charity is found in detachment for the sake of the Kingdom (CCC 2544-2547). Pope Francis (Evangelii Gaudium 55) warns against “an economy of exclusion” where possessions enslave us.

Pastoral Application: The Lord’s call often seems “illogical”—to gain, we must lose; to be great, we must become small. Many today fear “loss aversion”: we overvalue what we cling to and undervalue God’s promises. To grow in holiness, we must loosen our grip on wealth, pride, and ego, trusting Christ’s greater treasure.

3. Knowing God is Costly, but Worth Everything

Scripture & Reflection: Both Israel and the young man failed because they stopped halfway: Israel would not renew its covenant; the young man would not part with his riches. To “know God” is not a one-day action but a daily journey of surrender.

Church’s Teaching: Vatican II (Lumen Gentium 42) reminds us that the path of holiness is the path of the Cross. The saints show that fullness of life comes only when we risk everything for Christ.

Pastoral Application: Each of us must ask daily: What is keeping me from fully knowing God? Is it wealth, habits, fears, or comfort zones? True discipleship requires risk. But as Jesus assures in Matthew 19:29, “Everyone who has left houses…for my sake will receive a hundredfold.” 

Conclusion

To know God is to renew our covenant daily, to let go of what enslaves us, and to embrace the costly path of discipleship. Israel’s history warns us, the rich young man challenges us, and Jesus invites us: Lose to gain, give to receive, follow to live. If we dare to let go, we discover that God’s promise is not loss but life in abundance.

In sum, today’s readings remind us that knowing God and choosing him is a daily journey. Israel forgot their covenant and fell into idolatry, while the rich young man could not let go of his wealth to follow Jesus. To know God fully, we must renew our “yes” to Him each day, detach from what enslaves us, and trust that losing for Christ brings us true gain. What we surrender in love, God returns in abundance.

Solemnity of Assumption - August 15

We are celebrating the Feast of Bl. Mother who is assumed into heaven with her body and soul. It means bodies are not mere shells, but they contain the mental and spiritual resources to care about the dignity and destiny of the whole person: body and soul.

Some people think it is enough for us to have bodily fitness. “A truly good life is like a three-legged stool: it stands strong only when physical, mental, and spiritual fitness are in balance.”

The religious priests and nuns! are we fit? what about our Religious fitness? 

I admire the good modern example of football legend Cristiano Ronaldo in sports. His fitness is incredible. At the age of 40, Maradona and Roonie became fat and old, but Ronaldo is fighting with the young adolescent players. still in the field with high physical capability, goal-scoring performance! How come?  

It is all because of self-discipline and formation. His rigorous training schedule, strict diet, avoidance of alcohol, family lifestyle, and mental fitness also contribute to his legendary status. 

The Church and the Congregation give priority attention/primary responsibility to investing money and time in the care of seminaries to provide proper formation for clerics and religious. We care about the future and care about the formation.  Our Ratio dedicates 15-20 pages only to the stages of formation. 

1. Priority of Formation: Jesus also, for three years, formed his disciples in mind, heart for the mission. He gave them spiritual formation; He taught them how to pray, He gave human formation; He taught them beatitudes on how to be poor, compassionate and meek. He accompanied them during the healings and preaching. He gave them training in mission by sending out the disciples two by two, instructing them on preaching and healing.

In Matthew chapter 7, Jesus is inviting the disciples with the parable of the wise and the fool; we should be a wise man who builds his house on the solid rock, which will survive any typhoon and flood. It is a foundational mandate for the entire Church, to focus on the formation, not exclusively for the clergy or the formation of preachers, but it refers to everyone who is coming to our communities. 

Do not compromise yourself: give for the tough life, you are under training, test, prepare yourself, learn the methods of spiritual life, prepare the plan, put your hard work to learn new things from the Church, the Congregation and people. No mediocrity, more creativity and learning every day by the Word of God and the Eucharist.  

Mary sings in the Magnificat, “My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord” (Lk 1:46), Mary doesn’t start with, “My mouth praises karaoke” or “My body dances zumba,” but with “My soul.” She is revealing something deeply personal: praise begins from within, not merely on the lips; this invites us into the interiority of the heart. Be true to your interior life, so God can plant His word there. As indicated by our Ratio “the Ways of the Heart”. Allowing the heart and having passion, not to follow the rules, but for goodness, 

Priority of formation in the SMD not only in the initial and ongoing formation for the priestly preparation, but also in all the aspects of staff, collaborators and ministries. 

2. Transmission of Charism and way of doing mission:

It’s important for grandparents to transmit cultural practices and traditions to the next generation because they act as living bridges between the past and the future. Because the cultural continuity will be lost. 

Modern men might be more technologically advanced than their ancestors, but that doesn’t automatically mean they are greater. They had wisdom and knowledge equal to ours. The grandparents should pass on their heritage to us; without this transmission, younger generations may become rootless, disconnected from history. 

We also have the custom and tradition for the Guanellian family, which we received from the first founder, who handed over the Institute to us, like a father hands over the dearest inheritance to his children, then some confreres who testified founder. This delivery calls for our responsibility to follow in his footsteps and to propose to our young people the validity of the examples of those who preceded us. The Guanellian prayer, the family spirit, trust in Providence and the preventive method in our apostleship are inherent in our family. We should conserve and pass it on to the next generation. This is our DNA. 

Best preparation for Mission: 

Pastoral Professionalism, cultural competence and increase your skills for the Guanellian mission. Because we need the necessary resources to create a Formation culture that can respond to the needs of today's world, both in terms of greater pastoral professionalism and in terms of greater competence in the specific fields of our mission centers of charity.

Moses and Peter are fallible leaders, but invited to remain faithful in the Lord

We make most of our decisions under the influence of human thinking and emotions; most of the time, it is done unconsciously, rather than according to God’s plan. 

Both readings reveal a powerful truth: even those closest to God—Moses and Peter—can fail to obey His will when they rely on human understanding instead of divine trust.

1. Any Leadership is fallible and towards the path of conversion until death:

• Moses disobeyed by striking the rock instead of speaking to it as God commanded. God commanded him to speak to the rock; instead, Moses struck out of human emotions like anger and impatience. Moses did not follow God's precise instructions. 
• Peter, a future leader of the Church, to whom the keys are handed over, is not able to think according to the mind of God. He tried to prevent Jesus from fulfilling His mission of suffering and death. 

Both are called, chosen and appointed by God as leaders. But they failed to see the deeper wisdom of God's plan. It is possible for any popular leaders, for the leaders are always learners. We can understand in a sense that Peter was still a disciple, not sent on a mission, so he was impatient to speak according to the mind of human beings. But Moses, just towards the end of his life, promised the land; he was supposed to be a mature leader, but he failed. We are learning until death. God is the teacher who sends his servants on his own mission.

2. Human Thinking or acting out of emotions is common/natural for leaders

Moses and Peter are doing good and well-intended actions. They did not plan and commit the errors.

• Moses thought striking the rock (as he had done before) would be sufficient. Peter thought avoiding the cross was the right thing because he wanted to care the Lord.
• Human thinking or emotion is dangerous; Moses' action reveals pride rather than humility or compassion. He spoke as if he and Aaron were the ones performing the miracle, not God.

God's ways are not our ways. Human wisdom can never replace divine instruction. Even good-intentioned actions, if not aligned with God's will, can lead us astray. Necessities for our time of silence, recollection, 

3. God's Call for Humble Obedience

Leaders like Moses and Peter show us that failure is part of the journey, but so is growth. God’s interference is not a punishment, but a correction; it is not rejection—it is an invitation to deeper trust. Holiness requires obedience, even when we don't understand. Peter, after his rebuke, would go on to become the rock of the Church. Moses, though denied entry into the Promised Land, remained God's faithful servant to the end.

Personal Reflection:

Leaders are fallible, meaning they are capable of making mistakes. This is a natural part of being human, but the Lord is inviting them to a lifelong journey of discipleship that demands humility, obedience, and faith.

Freely you received and Freely you give

Everything Is a Gift – So Live as a Giver; 14th Week in Ordinary Time – Thursday

Genesis 44:18 21. Matthew 10:7, 15

The Word of God teaches us a powerful truth: Life is not something to be earned or owned. It is a gift. And gifts are meant to be shared.

In the Gospel, Jesus sends out the twelve apostles. But before sending them, He gives them authority to heal the sick, cast out demons, and proclaim the Kingdom.

Then, He gives them a simple instruction: “Freely you have received; freely give.” 

Jesus reminds His apostles that their mission is not theirs—it’s a gift. The power to heal, the authority to preach, the joy of the Gospel—all are gifts.

And what is the right way to handle a gift? Not to hold it tightly, but to share it generously.

In the 1st Reading, Joseph had every reason to be bitter, now as the governor of Egypt—he could take revenge by his power. He was sold by his own brothers, taken to a foreign land, falsely accused, imprisoned, and forgotten. And yet, when he meets his brothers again, he says, “I am Joseph… the one you sold. But do not be distressed, for God sent me ahead of you to preserve life.”

This is the beauty of faith-filled vision. Joseph does not see himself as a victim. He sees God’s hand even in his suffering. 

He does not say, “I was sold.” He says, “I was sent. That one word makes all the difference.

You have to look at your pain through the eyes of faith, we begin to see purpose. Joseph sees his position not as a reward, but as a gift from God. And because he sees it as a gift, he gives—he forgives, provides food, and embraces his brothers with love. “Come here”

Wherever you go, go with your heart:

• Victim mindset people; play always the victim role, surrounded by negative energies, which will hinder personal growth. 

• The one who sees everything as a gift from God’s will: find joy even in little, forgive without bitterness, and serve without pride.

If you see your time as a gift, you will share it joyfully.

If you see your talents as a gift, you will use them to bless others.

If you see your ministry as a gift, you will serve without expecting reward.

Let us ask ourselves: Do I see my life as a gift? Do I give freely from what I’ve received? Do I believe that even my struggles can be part of God’s plan?  Let us live with the eyes of Joseph and the heart of Christ. Because everything we have is a gift… let us give it away with love.

The New comfort

A New Comfort

“Those who are well do not need a physician, but those who are sick do.”

Vocation of Matthew

Giving comfort or consolation is a basic emotional need of human beings. 

I share here my experience of giving communion to the blind woman at San Roque every Sunday. She wants to be touched and give the blessing prayer. Then only she gets satisfied. One day it was raining. She became upset.  

People need comfort because it helps them cope with the daily routine of pain, stress, and sadness. 

In today’s Gospel, Matthew received comfort from Jesus who was passing by the custom's office. His work involved collecting customs duties from travelers, traders, and farmers, often taxing goods entering the land. To secure this position, he would have paid an advance to the Roman authorities and then collected taxes in excess to recover his payment and earn a profit. It was a despised profession.

Despite having a job, income, and Roman connections, Matthew seems inwardly empty. The people’s hatred, the burden of dishonesty, and the weariness of his soul left him comfortless. But when Jesus calls him, he responds immediately, as if he had been waiting for this very day. He rises and follows. And not only that—he throws a banquet to celebrate the call. He receives a new comfort in Jesus.

In the first reading, Isaac lost his mother, and Abraham purchases land to bury her—the first portion of the Promised Land that becomes his. Isaac grows up quickly. Abraham, now aged, commissions his servant to find a wife for Isaac from his own kin. The servant succeeds and brings Rebekah. Isaac receives her into his mother’s tent and marries her. The text simply says, “Isaac was comforted after his mother’s death.”

How many sons of Abraham? Not only Isaac, also Ismael, but he was born not to Sarah, but Hagar. But Sarah’s death really disturbed isaac. because he was the only son. 

A deeper reading suggests that Isaac likely carried trauma after witnessing his father prepare to sacrifice him. His bond with his mother, Sarah, may have deepened after that event. Hence, her death left him inconsolable—especially in his own home, where loneliness cuts deepest. He finds that lost comfort in Rebekah.

Isaac, consoled in the midst of personal loss. Matthew, consoled in the midst of social shame. Whether through people or directly through God, true comfort always has a divine touch.

So, what sorrow or discouragement in your life today seems unbearable or unhealed?

The Lord Himself is coming toward you as your new comfort.

Our part is simple:

Be like Isaac—go out into the field and wait.

Be like Matthew—be present at your duty, and invite Jesus at your party. 

When comfort is given, share it with others.

Jesus, in turn, defines His mission: “I came not to call the righteous, but sinners.”

And then He makes this powerful statement: “I desire mercy, not sacrifice.”

What does that mean?

Sacrifice is rooted in the past—we offer atonement for sins already committed. Mercy, however, is rooted in the present. The Good Samaritan didn’t ask how the man ended up on the road. He simply saw his present suffering and responded with compassion.

When we meet people, do we view them through the eyes of their past? Or do we look at them through the mercy of the present? To comfort someone, to see them as God sees them, is the beginning of true healing

Thomas, the Apostle

Today, with joy, we celebrate the Feast of Saint Thomas the Apostle, known as the Apostle of India. (In India, all the dioceses celebrate the solemnity. You are familiar with India, the cradle of diverse cultures, languages, and ancient religions. We, Catholics, have only a history of 2,000 years. But the Rig Veda and the Sanskrit language date back before 5,000 years.  

It is actually a profound thought to consider that, through Thomas, our ancestors reached out their hands to touch the wounds of Christ, placing their fingers in His hands and their hands into His side. Saint Thomas is the living link between Jesus Christ and our Indian soil.

After Jesus’ death, the Apostles respond in three ways: Some remain behind locked doors, fearing the Jews, afraid of being punished themselves. Some return to Galilee, to their native places and former occupations, especially fishing. But Thomas chooses a third path: walking among the people, living as one with them.

3 lessons from Thomas' life:

(a) Asking Questions Is Good: In both John’s Gospel and the Gospel of Thomas, Thomas dares to ask what others might silently wonder. In apocryphal writings like the Gospel of Thomas, which is not part of the canonical Bible but offers intriguing insights, Thomas is called Didymus Judas Thomas. The name Didymus means "twin," and scholars have explored its possible etymological origins. Questioning is part of deepening our faith. It is not a lack of belief, but a hunger for truth. 

Again, after the Last Supper, during Jesus’ farewell discourse, it is Thomas who asks, “Lord, we do not know where You are going. How can we know the way?” (John 14:5). The disciples tell Thomas, “We have seen the Lord.” Thomas, however, responds without even naming Jesus—simply “unless I see the mark of the nails…” But the moment Jesus appears and says, “See My hands,” Thomas surrenders.

b) Personal Faith:  Who is the great teacher? AI or human teachers? People say we do not need any more teachers. AI can teach everything, but it does not teach by experience, emotional and contextual references. Thomas wants to experience personal faith in Christ. Without waiting, he confesses: “My Lord and my God!” This is the most personal and profound confession of faith in the Gospels.

Thomas’ journey teaches us that faith must be personal. We cannot live off others’ spiritual experiences—not even those of our founders and parents. We should cultivate our own personal experience of a relationship with Christ. Like Thomas, we must encounter Christ ourselves. And that encounter, while not always sensible or visible, is no less real.

(c) Be  God's pilgrim: Francis Xavier, who came to India, Goa, in the 15th century, narrates about the incredible challenges in the evangelization; the persecution of the emperors, inability to communicate, and even the pandemics. Thomas went to India before 15 centuries. You imagine the challenges of evangelization in India. 

According to tradition, Thomas was killed by the emperor of Mylapore; he was killed by a spear/sword to his chest, the proper place where he touched the Lord. He carried the same wounds of the Lord.    

15th Priestly Anniversary

Recently, there was a UEFA Nations League football competition. Did you watch the Final match? Portugal won against Spain, the current Champions. Before the Final match, we could see the banners and Advertisements all over social media; Competition between an old and experienced player and a young and energetic player; Cristiano Ronaldo (legend) 40 vs Yamal 17 (Superstar Player). Many criticized that Ronaldo has become old and he cannot achieve like the earlier times. You know what happened in the final? 

A universal application that considers the biological age of Ronaldo is 28. Of course! His fitness is incomparable. At the age of 40, Maradona, Roonie became fat and old, but Ronaldo is fighting with the young adolescent players. How come? 

It is all because of his mindset, his exceptional discipline, and formation that keep him a legend. He practices rigorous training, a strict diet, unwavering mental focus, and a strong work ethic. 

This June, I am turning 44 and today all the more, with 15 years of Priestly experience. How do I feel? Am I getting old? Am I tired? No. The strong training, disciplined lifestyle and joyful mission keep us young, always to compete with the modern world. Today's Priests, nuns should have a disciplined lifestyle in physical, mental and spiritual health. Here is my message;

1. Parable in Matthew 7 presents two types of men: the wise and foolish. The wise men who build their house on a rock, while those who hear and ignore are like a foolish man who builds on sand. The people who have a solid spiritual life and a peaceful fraternal relationship, and a joyful mission will be meant to have their building on rock that resists every storm in life. Invest more in yourself, for you are a great asset to God. Find out your gifts and limitations also. 
2. Your time is limited. Do not spend more time criticizing others, justifying yourselves, and having unnecessary discussions. In today's first reading, we find that Paul is not flexible, compromising with the communities of Corinth with whom he was preaching the Gospel. He is straightforward. He does not worry about protecting his relationship with them. He speaks in the name of Christ. He is contradicting because they are against the values of the Church. He is simply opening up the pure intentions of how they behave against the Gospel.
3. We need to leave out the regrets of the past. A man once told a priest that he was unable to forgive a friend who had hurt him deeply. “I’ve tried praying, I’ve tried letting go, but I can’t. The wound is too deep,” he said. The priest gently led him into the church and pointed to the crucifix. He explained, “The Forgiveness is not about forgetting the wound—it’s about not passing it on.” Risen Lord still bears His wounds. And by His wounds, we are healed. So let us leave the past, but not be the cause of new wounds in others. We often hear that “to forgive is to forget.” But the truth is: even when we cannot forget, the journey of forgiveness begins. And in that moment, we begin to reflect the very heart of God.

Happy Priestly Anniversary!