RELIGIOUS PROFESSION

Carmelite Missionary Sisters, June 5, 2023, Perpetual Profession 

Homily on John 15:1–15

Religious Life as a Garden

John chapter 15, offers us one of the most beautiful images Jesus ever used to describe the life of discipleship: “I am the true vine, and my Father is the vine-grower.” Today, on this joyful day of religious profession, this image speaks to us in a very concrete way.

Recently, I read an article by Sr. Mary, a Franciscan Missionary of Mary with long missionary experience in Peru. She described religious life as a beautiful garden that helps us to grow and bloom. This image resonates deeply with today’s Gospel and with the experience of consecrated life itself. A congregation is indeed like a garden: rich, diverse, living, and always in need of care.

The Carmelite family is such a garden. In the history of the Church, saints are often associated with flowers, and Carmel has given the Church many beautiful ones: Saint Teresa of Avila, Saint Thérèse of the Child Jesus, Saint Teresa Benedicta of the Cross, Saint John of the Cross, and many others. Today, dear sisters, we pray that one day you too will become flowers in this garden—each with your own color, fragrance, and season.

Let me reflect with you on three understandings of religious life as a garden.

1. God the Father is the Good Gardener

A garden does not grow by itself. It needs a gardener. We may see many gardeners working in our institutions, but Jesus is clear: the true gardener is God the Father. Even formators and superiors—despite their dedication—are not the ultimate gardeners. God alone truly knows the soil of your heart.

A good gardener knows when to plant, how to water, how to protect, and when to wait. God knows what kind of garden you are meant to be, because He knows you better than you know yourselves. As the prophet reminds us, “Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you.” Your vocation, your charism, is first God’s gift before it is your response.

Therefore, dear sisters, give yourselves fully to the hands of this Gardener. Allow Him to form you. Stay connected with Him through regular times of prayer—moments of being alone with the One whom you know loves you. Trust Him enough to surrender yourselves, as your founder said, “wherever the glory of God calls me.”

But remember: the gardener also prunes. Jesus tells us that every branch that bears fruit is pruned so that it may bear more. Pruning is not punishment; it is care. It can be painful, but it is necessary. Formation, community life, obedience, and even disappointments are all part of this loving pruning. Be ready to be formed, transformed, and purified.

2. Jesus Christ is the True Vine

Jesus does not say, “I am one vine among many.” He says, “I am the true vine.” Without Him, there is no life.

Think of the passion fruit vine, well known in Vietnam. It cannot grow upright by itself; it needs support. In the same way, religious life cannot be lived as an isolated or self-sufficient project. “No branch can bear fruit by itself unless it remains in the vine.”

Your vocation is fundamentally a relationship—a friendly, spousal, and loving relationship with Christ. This relationship is nourished by concrete means: the Word of God, which becomes your daily bread; the Eucharist, the sign of your spousal union with Christ; and Marian devotion, which teaches you how to remain faithful and trusting.

Jesus says clearly, “Apart from me, you can do nothing.” If you wish to remain faithful Carmelites throughout your life, stay rooted in Him. Resist the temptation to grow as independent plants. You grow only by remaining in Christ.

3. Each Plant Is Called to Bear Fruit

Finally, every plant in the garden has a purpose: to bear flowers or fruit. Flowers give beauty; fruits give nourishment. After your profession, you will be sent on mission—to education, healthcare, social and pastoral ministry, spirituality, and missionary service. You will give to others what you yourselves receive today: the life of Christ.

Your founder emphasized love for the Church, saying, “I will live for the Church, and I will die for her.” We walk with the Church—not ahead of the people, not behind them, but at their side. This requires communion, patience, and respect for differences.

Not all plants grow at the same pace. Some bloom quickly; others take years. In India, the Kurinji flower blooms only once every twelve years. Each of you is different, and each is precious. The gardener waits patiently, as in the parable of the fig tree, giving time, care, and nourishment.

Pope Francis often reminds consecrated persons of a difficult reality: many leave religious life today. This is not to discourage you, but to invite you to realism. Crises of faith, community tensions, and cultural pressures are real. If the world is strong, your faith must be stronger. Stay together. Live communion. Support one another. As your founder desired, be “one heart, animated by one and the same spirit.”

Before concluding, we turn with gratitude to the parents and families. You were the first gardeners. You watered these young lives with love, faith, sacrifice, and example. Today, you offer them to the Carmelite family, trusting that God will continue what you began. For this gift, the Church thanks you.

Dear sisters, may your lives be holy and fruitful in this garden of Carmel. May you grow, bloom, and bear fruit for God, for the Church, and for the poor.

May the Good Gardener bless you and keep you.

PARABLE OF TEN VIRGINS (MATTHEW 25:1-13), Charitas Sisters of Jesus, February 2021

Homily on the Parable of the Ten Virgins

The Gospel parable of the ten virgins offers us a powerful and demanding image for a day of religious consecration. In many Gospel passages, Jesus tells us that He will come like a thief in the night. Yet here, He chooses a far more tender and beautiful image: the Bridegroom.

This image belongs to the very heart of biblical revelation. Throughout Scripture, God describes His relationship with His people in spousal terms. He presents Himself as the faithful husband, and Israel as the beloved bride. Through the prophet Jeremiah, the Lord says: “I remember the devotion of your youth, how you loved me as a bride and followed me in the wilderness.”

This is not a distant or functional relationship; it is intimate, personal, and loving.

1. Jesus, the Bridegroom of Your Heart

Dear sisters, the first invitation I place before you today is this: look honestly into your own hearts. Ask yourselves: What do I truly desire? Who is God for me? Who is Jesus for me?

Do not be satisfied with answers borrowed from others. Faith and vocation cannot remain second-hand. Religious life demands a personal discovery of Christ. Only when you allow your deepest desires to surface will you recognize that Jesus alone is capable of fulfilling them. He is not simply one value among many; He is the Bridegroom of your life, the One who gives meaning to everything else.

Consecrated life is not primarily about renunciation; it is about choosing the One who satisfies the deepest longings of the human heart.

2. Prepare Your Oil: Consecration Is Personal

In the parable, everything depends on oil. In Scripture, oil is always a sign of consecration. Priests were anointed with oil as a sign that they belonged totally to God. The Book of Exodus tells us: “You shall take the anointing oil and pour it on his head and anoint him.” And in Leviticus, we read that Moses anointed Aaron to consecrate him.

Your vocation, dear sisters, is such an anointing. It is a gift, not a possession. It is personal and irreplaceable. This is why the wise virgins could not share their oil—not because they lacked charity, but because no one can live your vocation in your place.

The time of aspirancy and formation is precisely this: a time to receive, protect, and deepen your own oil. You cannot borrow faith, conviction, or commitment from others. Each of you must prepare your own heart, because God calls you by name.

3. Knocking at the Door of Religious Life

In the Gospel of John, the first disciples ask Jesus a simple but profound question: “Where do you live?” Jesus answers, “Come and see.” This is exactly what you are doing now. You are knocking at the door of the Charitas Sisters, peeping inside, asking yourselves whether this is the place where the Lord invites you to dwell with Him.

At this stage, I offer you another question for reflection: What do you see around you—and within you?

If Jesus were standing physically among us today, what would He say to you?

Perhaps he would begin by acknowledging the reality of our time. Society has changed rapidly, especially in recent years. You are young, formed in faith, yet called to live that faith in a world very different from that of your parents or predecessors. Jesus would assure you: “I will be near you. I will give strength to your desire to respond to the wounds of today’s world.”

Pray that Jesus may lend you His eyes, so that you can truly see the needs of society. Ask yourselves: What are the most urgent needs of humanity today, so that the Gospel values may become real and visible? In answering this question, you will discover your personal vocation—a response both to Jesus and to humanity.

Journeying Together

Finally, remember this: you do not begin your mission from nothing, and you do not walk alone. You are entering a community. The Charitas family is here to accompany you, to help you live with joy, courage, and perseverance in your desire to follow Christ and to serve the world.

Dear sisters, keep your lamps burning. Guard your oil. Listen for the voice of the Bridegroom. And when He comes, may He find you ready.

Have a blessed and faithful journey.

(Fr. David Anbu SdC, the delegate Superior, in his homily on Perpetual profession)

My dear friends in Christ, today is a day of great joy! We gather to witness a profound act of faith and love as our dear Brother Harry is going to make his perpetual profession. This is not just a personal achievement — it’s a gift of God’s grace, a sign of His faithfulness, and a brave 'yes' to His call."

In a world where many seek success, wealth, and comfort, power and titles. Our brother has chosen a different path—a radical one. He is saying “yes” to a life of poverty, chastity, and obedience. To some, this may seem like a waste or foolish. But in the eyes of faith, it is the greatest wisdom.

1. "Sayang" or Sagrado?

Filipinos often say, "Sayang naman!" (What a waste!) when a bright young man enters religious life. “He could have been a doctor, an engineer, a businessman.” But is it truly a waste?

What is truly sayang — a life chasing only Personal success alone, or a life offered to serve God and others? The world measures success by titles, wealth, and achievements. But God measures it by love, sacrifice, and faithfulness. A life given to God, a life lived for others, is never wasted. It is Sagrado — sacred.

Brother Harry, the world may say "Sayang," but today, heaven says "Salamat!" Thank you for giving your life to God. Your vocation is not a loss; it is a sacred gift.

A Life Built on Love: Filipinos are known for utang na loob—a deep sense of gratitude and loyalty. We feel indebted to those who love us. Brother Harry has experienced the overwhelming love of God, and this is his way of responding. He is giving his whole life as an act of utang na loob—not out of obligation, but out of love.

The Vows: A Radical Witness

Dear Bro. N, The vows you are about to make are countercultural, meaning they go against the values of the world. They challenge societal norms and serve as a powerful witness to a different way of living. By embracing them, you become a sign of contradiction-choosing faith over comfort, service over self-interest, and commitment over temporary satisfaction. Your vows are not just personal promises; they are a prophetic message to the world, proclaiming that true fulfillment comes from God, not from material success or fleeting pleasures."

By the vow of poverty, you tell us that God is my treasure. In a materialistic and consumeristic world, you show us that real wealth is not found in money or possessions, but in God alone.

By the vow of chastity, you tell us that God is my deepest love. In a world confused about the meaning of love, you show us that true love is more than romance — it is a total gift of self to God and others.

By the vow of obedience, you tell us that God’s will is my will. In a culture that values personal freedom above all, you show us that real freedom comes from trusting and surrendering to God's loving plan.

That’s a great theme! "Let us be open to God's version and not stick to our own version when God calls us for a ministry."When God calls, He often rewrites our plans. 

1. Peter: From Fisherman to Shepherd of the Church

Peter’s version: A simple fisherman, casting his nets daily, providing for his family.

God’s version: "Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men." (Matthew 4:19)

Reality check: Peter had to leave behind his trade, face persecution, and even walk on water in faith (Matthew 14:29). Despite his failures, Christ made him the rock of the Church.

• Matthew: From Tax Collector to Gospel Writer
• Matthew’s version: A tax collector, earning wealth, possibly disliked by many but financially secure.
• God’s version: "Follow me." (Matthew 9:9)

Matthew misused his skill with the pen by making false accounts to gain wealth as a tax collector. However, when he was open to God's plan, he used the same skill to write the Gospel."

• Moses: From Shepherd to Leader of a Nation
• Moses’ version: A quiet life in Midian, tending sheep after fleeing Egypt.
• God’s version: "Go, I am sending you to Pharaoh to bring my people out of Egypt." (Exodus 3:10)

Reality check: Moses argued with God ("I am not eloquent!" – Exodus 4:10), but in the end, he led an entire nation to freedom and spoke with God face to face (Exodus 33:11).

• Jonah: From Running Away to Preaching Repentance
• Jonah’s version: Serve God, but not in Nineveh!
• God’s version: "Go to Nineveh and preach against it." (Jonah 1:2)

Reality check: He tried to escape, ended up in a whale’s belly, and eventually obeyed—leading an entire city to repentance!

• Mary: From Humble Servant to Mother of God
• Mary’s version: A simple, quiet life in Nazareth.
• God’s version: "You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you will call him Jesus." (Luke 1:31)

Reality check: She risked scandal, hardship, and sorrow, but her "Yes" changed history and eternity.

Conclusion: God's Version is Always Greater

When God calls us, He often asks us to let go of our plans and trust His greater purpose. And when you feel unworthy or uncertain, remember: God does not call the qualified; He qualifies the called. When you are open to God's plan in your life, he will bless you more than you could ever imagine.

Dear bro. Harry, ask yourself this question: Am I willing to trust His plan, even when it challenges my expectations?

4. Be a Blessing Wherever You Are Sent

You may be sent to another country as a missionary or asked to serve here in the Philippines. You may be assigned to work in a big or small community. You may be asked to serve the elderly, special children, or become a formator for seminarians. No matter where God places you, be a blessing.

There will be days when you feel abandoned, when your prayers seem unheard, and when it will be difficult to live out your vows. But remember: your vows were not made in comfort — they were made at the foot of the Cross. You are not going to make your vows in a resto-bar, beach resort, Manila Resort World, or a five-star hotel.

I am reminded of my Jesuit retreat preacher, Fr. Selvaraj, who facilitated our retreat before our perpetual profession. I was the one who asked him a simple question: "What is your greatest joy in religious life?" He immediately replied, "I did not leave."

Religious life is not always easy. The struggles are real — loneliness, misunderstanding, spiritual dryness, and even moments of doubt. You may experience slander, calumny, betrayal, humiliation, and pain. But hold firm, my brother. Remember, the Cross is not a sign of defeat; it is the road to glory.

Brother, today, you say "Yes" to God forever. Let it be a "Yes" that endures — in joy and sorrow, in strength and weakness, in certainty and doubt.

The World Needs Another Christ

The World Needs Kindness, Not Just Habits

The world today doesn't need more religious men who just wear a habit on the outside.

It needs men whose hearts are on fire with love for Christ — men who are ready to serve, to love, and to get their hands dirty for others.

The Good Samaritan: What the World Needs

In the story of the Good Samaritan, the man left beaten on the road did not need:

• Someone to preach to him about God,
• Someone to argue about doctrine,
• Someone to tell him what's right or wrong.

He needed:

• Someone to clean his wounds (even if it was messy!),
• Someone to carry him to safety,
• Someone to pay for his care.

He didn’t need a priest./ He didn’t need a preacher./ He needed a kind person. A servant.

And that’s what the wounded world needs today.

Be Clothed with Compassion

The Bible says: "You are the people of God; He loved you and chose you for His own. So then, you must clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience." (Colossians 3:12)

• Because this is how the world will see Jesus — through our love and kindness.
• Jesus Walked Among the Broken
• Jesus didn’t stay inside the synagogue or in comfortable places.

He walked among sinners, He healed the sick, He forgave the lost, He served the broken. Your vocation — whether as a priest, a brother, a sister, or a layperson — is not to escape the world, but to bring Jesus into the world.

6. A Challenge for All of Us

Brother [Name] is giving his life completely to God. But what about us? Are we willing to give God even a part of our lives?

Parents, do you support your children if they feel called to religious life?

Young people, do you have the courage to ask, “Lord, what do You want me to do?”

The Greatest Yes: Brother [Name], today, you say your final “yes” to God. This yes is forever. It is a yes that will have struggles, but also deep joy. It is a yes that will demand sacrifice, but will also bring fulfillment.

May your life be a witness to all of us—that nothing is wasted when given to God.

John 21:15-19

 This Gospel occurs only in the Gospel of John. Why? 

Because it happens only when they are alone. The disciples are napping (siesta) after breakfast, Jesus calls John for a personal dialogue and asking his love proposal. There would not be anybody around them and so did not record other evangelists. 

Some also say John wrote this particular incident of love because there was a kind of tension between John's and Peter's communities. This is written by John to authenticate John's community Jesus' call to the early Church because they thought that the Church was scandalized by the denial of Peter. John's three love proposals equalize the three denials of Peter.  

Though the word ‘love’ is given three times, in the original text there is a difference. In the first two instances, we have the word ‘agapao’ (‘selfless love’), while in the third instance, we have ‘phileo’ (‘friendship’ or ‘friendly love’). In the third question, Jesus asks Peter about his personal relationship with him. There, Peter surrenders, saying, “Lord, you know everything!” Our relationship with Jesus, though it begins at a functional level, moves towards a relational or personal level.

1. Jesus comes down to have a friendly relationship with John. He proposes a friendly model to all other followers. 

Jesus aims from us the personal relationship, 

Feast of Matthias

 Feast of Matthias

Liverpool, one of the famous English Premier League teams has a consistent strategy for their winning.  They are known for sending last-minute substitutes in the football game. The best players like Harvey Elliot, Neymar, Ibrahimovic and Salah used to sit on the benches and watch the game until 70-80 minutes. When they enter into the field, all the other players are almost tired. The statistics tell that this kind of last-minute substitute players score many goals. 

Matthias is also like the last-minute substitution player who was chosen to be the apostle at the last moment by lot. Why? Knowing the will of God through lots was a Jewish custom. The Apostles wanted to retain the original number of followers of Jesus to 12, in continuation with the understanding of the Church as the New Israel. at the last moment, Matthias entered into the field and became the twelfth apostle.

What are the lessons for us?

(a) Everyone of us can become an apostle. It is enough that you wait for your opportunity. He was not in the list of other disciples who had not seen Jesus, who were not called by him, and who did not follow him during his earthly ministry. Matthias represents every one of us – Being called an apostle means being raised to the level of a friend. 

(b) Do not blame attitude - but wait for your opportunity and grab it and perform well. Events happen to us in life. At times, events are out of our control. We should not lament about the situation and spend time worrying about it, rather We need to accept the events not as occurrences but as our responsibilities. We have to wait for the opportunity and perform the best in this opportunity. Matthias did not blame for Judas, neither the early community, but focus on someone who would perform the rest of the works of Jesus. 

(c) Jesus says to his apostles, “I have loved you, chosen you, and appointed you.” The initiative is from God. Allowing the initiatives of God to take their place in our lives demands surrender and obedience.

Sixth Week of Easter

Lydia becomes a symbol of today's evangelization. The work of the apostles was done both in sacred places and secular places. Sacred places because the evangelization was done primarily in the temple of Jerusalem, synagogues and in the temples of other Gods. But also it was done in secular places like dusty roads, banks of the river, households, and in the courtyards of the rulers.

The first reading brings before us the event of Paul preaching the gospel of Jesus along the banks of the river on the outskirts of Philippi. The women who were at the river banks listened to Paul’s teaching – all those who were washing their clothes, taking baths, bathing the children, watering the cattle, and cleaning the utensils – were listening to Paul. Evangelization can be done in simplest ways not always in rigid ways. 

Luke writes about a woman named ‘Lydia’: Lydia was a businesswoman or an entrepreneur, a dealer of purple cloth. She could be compared to the owners of textiles in our Country. The pink colour was worn by the high class and the elites.

Lydia was listening to Paul intentionally and intensively. God transforms her heart. She, along with her entire household, receives baptism, which may be in the river. Baptism is administered there in its simplest form—without a candle, sponsors, chrism, oil of catechumenate, white dress, and photographer.

Even the banks of the river become the spaces of God experience.

Lydia, who accepted the Lord’s word into her heart, also accepted the Lord’s servant into her home. Luke records: “She offered us an invitation, ‘If you consider me a believer in the Lord, come and stay at my home,’ and she prevailed on us.

We see here another good quality in Lydia. She did not want to receive salvation ‘freely.’ She wanted to repay it with her generous hospitality. When we receive an act of goodness or kindness, we must always give it back. This is the Law of the Universe.

Lydia teaches us the following lessons:

• Openness to accept new things and people – shown in her conversion of heart.

• Hospitality to the strangers – revealed through her welcome to the apostles.

• Immediate recompense – giving back to the world what she has received as kindness.

In the gospel reading, Jesus talks about the coming of the Holy Spirit, and warns the disciples about the crises and conflicts that they may have to face. / Jesus warns them that they will be expelled from the synagogues. Being expelled from the synagogue was a problem, but Paul converted into an opportunity. He takes the gospel to the river banks. Proclamation of the word is possible everywhere.

Holy Thursday Homilies

Holy Thursday Homily 2023, Manila

There is a long weekend. Maraming bakasyon. Families travel, reunite, and millions of Catholics gather in faith. But the Church invites us to see this time not simply as a holiday, but as a holy passage.

After forty days of Lent—apatnapung araw—we now enter the Triduum: Huwebes Santo, Biyernes Santo, at ang Easter Vigil.

These are not three separate feasts, but one single mystery unfolding: from supper, to cross, to resurrection.

1. Maundy Thursday — The Command of Love

“Maundy” comes from the Latin Mandatum—commandment. “I give you a new commandment: love one another as I have loved you.” But Jesus does not only say this—He demonstrates it. He bends down and washes the feet of His disciples.

This is not just humility. It is a new way of loving: not from above, but from below, not with power, but with service and not in words, but in action.  Pagmamahal na may gawa, hindi lang salita.

2. From Passover to Eucharist — One History of Salvation

The First Reading takes us back to the first Passover. The Israelites, still in slavery, were commanded: to sacrifice a lamb, to mark their doors with its blood, “When I see the blood, I will pass over you.”

This is the meaning of Passover: God passes from death to life.

Now, in the Last Supper, Jesus transforms this meaning: He becomes the Lamb, His blood becomes the new covenant, the meal becomes the Eucharist. As Saint Paul reminds us in the Second Reading: “This is my body… this is my blood… do this in memory of me.” This is not just remembrance. Hindi lang alaala. In biblical language, “memory” means participation. Every Mass makes us part of that one saving event.

So when we celebrate the Eucharist: we stand with Israel in Exodus, we sit with the apostles at the Last Supper and we unite with the Church across 2,000 years. that is why we are inside the history of salvation.

3. The Eucharist — Not a Symbol, but a Source

The Eucharist is not an invention of the Church. It is not a simple symbol or souvenir—hindi pasalubong. For Catholics, it is: the source, the center and the heart of Christian life

Other Christian traditions also revere the Eucharist. But the Catholic faith uniquely insists: Christ is truly present, and He is received. This is why the Mass cannot be reduced to a gathering. It is always Christ’s action, not ours.

4. The Gift of the Priesthood

This leads to an important question:

Can there be Mass without a priest? There can be prayer services, Scripture reflections, even devotions—but not the Eucharistic sacrifice. Because the priest acts in persona Christi—in the person of Christ. Tonight, we also remember: the institution of the Eucharist and the institution of the priesthood

The priest is not simply a leader or organizer. He is a sacramental presence of Christ the High Priest. His dignity is symbolized by the stole. His mission is symbolized by the towel.

• The stole: the gift of Christ
• The towel: the call to serve

Dangal at tungkulin. Grace at service.

5. The Reality of the Priest — Human and Called

This morning, in many dioceses, priests gathered for the Chrism Mass, renewing their promises. They were asked: to be united with Christ, to serve without seeking personal gain, to live for God and for His people

But priests remain human: they struggle, they grow, they carry their own crosses. Yet through ordination, they receive an indelible character—a permanent belonging to Christ. Saint John Vianney once said: “The priest is not for himself; he is for you.”

So the Church invites us today:

• Do not judge only the weakness of the priest.
• Recognize the grace he carries.
• Ipanalangin ninyo ang inyong mga pari.

Pray for: priests who feel alone, missionaries far from home, elderly and sick priests, those who are struggling silently.

6. From the Altar to the Basin:

Finally, the Gospel brings us back to the central gesture: Jesus washes the feet of all: Peter, who will deny Him and Judas, who will betray Him. No exceptions, No conditions.

This reveals the deepest truth: The Eucharist leads to service. The altar leads to the basin. We cannot separate: worship from charity, prayer from service, communion from love. To receive the Body of Christ means: to become the Body of Christ for others.

Conclusion:  Tonight, we celebrate great mysteries:

• the Eucharist
• the priesthood
• the commandment of love

But all of them converge in one simple act: Jesus kneels, Jesus serves and Jesus loves to the end.

In a world that seeks power, He chooses humility. In a world that seeks comfort, He chooses sacrifice.

And He tells us: “I have given you an example… do as I have done.” So after this Mass, the question is not only what we have received, but what we are ready to become.

• Mula sa hapag ng Eukaristiya, pumunta tayo sa paglilingkod.
• From the table of the Eucharist, let us go to serve.

Amen.

Holy Thursday Homily 2024, Manila

Tapos na ngayon, apat na pung araw, sinisimulan na natin ang Triduum, tatlong araw na pagdiriwang; ang kapistahan ng Huwebes Santo, Biyernes Santo, at ang Easter Vigil—Pasko ng Pagkabuhay. 

Today is also called Maundy Thursday; Maundy comes from the Latin word Mandatum, which means to command. It refers to the new law given by the Lord during supper, “binigyan ko kayo ng halimbawa at itoy dapat ninoyng tularan”.  Today is a love celebration day, a Love lesson through the example of washing. 

Today is the last supper day, day of the Eucharist. Ano ang Eucharistiya, hindi na ito isang pasalubong or gift pero it is a memorial. It means participation/sacrifice in death. we do this, in obedience to him, what he said, gawin mo ito pag-alala sa akin, kaya wag natin isipin bilang misa kulang o misa lang ng servants/mass of priest…. Ang bawat misa ay ang misa ni Jesus o ng simbahan. 

Every time you participate in the Eucharist, remember we are part of the history of salvation. Since the Israel people celebrated the Passover, Since Jesus celebrated the Last Supper, then Paul and Peter and all the apostles have celebrated the memorial of the Lord of Jesus up to this time. Whenever we celebrate mass, we join with all the billions of people who were ahead of us in the past 2,000 years ago, who will come after us until the Lord comes again, 

Today, Jesus tells Eucharist in action, sabi ng ebanghelyo when Jesus had finished watching their feet he again went back to the table, said, “Tinatawag Ninyo akong guro ang …. 

yung araw na ito, na ipinagdiriwang natin ang pagtatatag ng eukaristiya, ang ebanghelyo ay hindi pa tungkol sa institusyon ng eukaristiya, hindi po ito “ang take this love, you eat it,  hindi po ito yung salita na sinabi ni Hesus sa huling hapunan, kundi ang paghuhu’gas ng paa, dahil malaking reminder sa ating lahat, na huwag limitahan ang yukaristiya  sa isang ritwal at dasal na ginagawa po natin /sa tuwing tayo nagmimisa ang banal na yukaristiya ay nagaganap sa dalawang bahagi na ng buhay natin/ first part is prayer, second part is action,

because Right after ang ikalawang yugto ng yukaristiya ay nagaganap sa labas, kapag tayo ay tulad ni Jesus, lumuluhod ang naglilingkod, naghuhugas ng paa, Hindi po, nararamdaman na tayo ay mataas kaysa iba na tayo ay importante pa kaysa iba, (kneels down..)

Dine in or take out: THE STORY is told about a priest who, in giving communion to the faithful, would sometimes encounter communicants who would approach him with open hands and also with open mouths. How did he deal with the confusion? After saying, “The Body of Christ,” he would tell them, “OK. Make up your mind. Dine-in or take-out?”

In fact, the question “Dine-in or take-out?” underlines a very important point about our reception of the Eucharist, and that is, that the Eucharist should be both a dine-in and a take-out experience. We revere the Eucharist (devotional), and we also live the Eucharist in our daily lives (actual). We must integrate the contemplative and active aspect of the Eucharist in our lives. All our actions should lead to the Eucharist, and all our actions must proceed from our encounter and empowerment from the Lord in the Eucharist. 

Do you Understand What I have done? I was touched by this gospel word today: “Do you understand?” 

After washing the feet of the disciples, Jesus said to them Do you understand what I have done to you? It has many meanings to tell us. Lord is asking, Do you really understand ang ginawa ko para sayo… Naintindihan mo na ako ang iyong Panginoon, ngunit lumuhod ako sa iyong harapan, binaba ang iyong sarili ko upang ikaw ay Linisin,  upang ikaw ay mahalin, upang iparamdam sayo, kung gaano ka kahalaga sa aking 

Do you really understand kung gaano kang importante para sa akin, at na hinubad ang aking sariling karangalang para lang maging parang Alipin sa iyong paa, (Do you really understand how important you are to me, and that stripped my own honor just to be like a Slave at your feet)

ito pong ginagawa ng nanay sa kanyang anak ng maliit, lumuluhod Dahil sa pagmamahal, (this is what the mother does to her little child, kneeling because of love,) Do you understand how important you are, do you understand how humble I am, 

We need to pray this during the adoration? Why This feeling na Wala kang kwentang tao feeling na hindi ka mahalaga sa akin bakit yung damdamin at pinabayaan kita o di kaya Bakit yung yung pride mo, (Why This feeling that you are a worthless person feeling that you are not important to me why the feeling and I let you down or maybe Why is it your pride,)

hindi mo kayang ibaba ang sarili mo/ di mo kayang patawarin ang anak mo/ di mo kayang makipagkasundo sa kapitbahay mo, pinakaworst na bagay na ginawa sayinyo, na hindi mo kapatawad. 

Please When you go home, don’t wash the ang pa ani your mother, listen to her, ask pardon, say sorry, I love you, 

Today, pray for priests. This morning, in the Good Shepherd, Novalichese Diocese, all the priests renewed the priestly promises, Yung paglilingkod ay walang retirement. God will give them grace to continue the service. 

Pray for priests; new priests, sick priests, priests in mission, priests in loneliness, elderly priests.

WASHING OF THE FEET (Jn 13, Fr. Rajesh' conference to the religious family, 2022, Manila)

Introduction: The washing of the feet in John 13 is not a simple act of humility alone. It is a revelation. On the eve of His Passion, Jesus does not explain Himself through words, but through a gesture—one that contains intimacy, service, and communion.

If we read this passage only as an example of humility, we reduce its depth. John presents it as a summary of the entire mystery of Christ: how He loves, how He saves, and how He forms His disciples.

1. A Gesture of Intimacy:  In the Jewish world, washing feet was the task of a servant. Yet Scripture also shows another dimension—an expression of deep personal love.

In Luke 7:37–38, a sinful woman approaches Jesus:

• She loosens her hair
• She weeps over His feet
• She wipes them and kisses them

In that cultural context, such gestures were highly intimate and even scandalous. A woman did not loosen her hair in public (a Semitic law); it was a sign reserved for private, personal space. The reaction of the Pharisees shows that they understood the intensity of the moment.

Now, in John 13, Jesus Himself takes that place. What the woman did out of love, Jesus now does deliberately for His disciples. This is not only humility. It is a declaration of love: “Having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end” (Jn 13:1).

The washing of the feet reveals a relationship that is personal, reciprocal, and total. Before the Passion, Jesus draws His disciples into His intimacy.

2. A Gesture of Service: John describes the action with great care:

• Jesus rises from the table
• Removes His outer garment
• Takes a towel
• Pours water
• Washes and wipes their feet

These transitional verbs are deliberate. They echo the movement of the Good Samaritan (Lk 10:34), who bends down, pours oil and wine, and cares for the wounded man.

Jesus is not only washing feet—He is healing the human heart, especially its pride, rivalry, and self-centeredness. 

The detail of the towel around His waist is important. In Scripture, to “gird oneself” is a sign of readiness for action and service (cf. Gen 3:7). Jesus takes the position of a servant—not symbolically, but concretely.

Peter resists. He cannot accept a Master who lowers Himself. Jesus replies: “What I am doing you do not know now, but you will understand later” (Jn 13:7). This is a key Johannine theme. Like Nicodemus (Jn 3) and the Samaritan woman (Jn 4), Peter misunderstands because he sees only the surface.

Only after; the Passion, the Cross, and the Resurrection, will Peter understand. Indeed, in John 21:7, when Peter finally recognizes the Risen Lord, he again girds himself and moves toward Him. Now he understands: To belong to Christ is to serve.

3. A Gesture of Communion: Jesus makes a striking statement: “Unless I wash you, you have no part in me” (Jn 13:8). This is not about external cleanliness. It is about participation in His life.

The “washing” points to: Baptism (initial cleansing) and the ongoing purification of discipleship

The Fathers of the Church, like Augustine and Cyprian, saw here a distinction:

• The full bath Baptism: entry into new life
• The washing of feet: continual purification in relationship

Communion, therefore, is not automatic. It requires that we allow Christ to serve us first. Only the one who accepts being loved and cleansed by Christ can truly serve others.

4. Communion Without Preference

Jesus washes every disciple’s feet:

• Peter, who will deny Him
• Judas, who will betray Him

This is crucial. The act is not selective. It is not based on worthiness.

Earlier, the disciples had argued about who was the greatest. None of them would have chosen to wash another’s feet. Jesus breaks this logic.

True Christian service is:

• not based on preference
• not limited to the deserving
• not conditioned by reciprocity

It is easy to serve those far from us. It is far more difficult to serve those close to us—especially those who hurt us or compete with us.

Yet this is precisely where communion is tested.

5. The Eucharistic Meaning

In the Synoptic Gospels, the Last Supper emphasizes the institution of the Eucharist. In John, instead, we are given the washing of the feet. This is not a replacement—it is an interpretation.

John shows the Eucharist in action.

• The table becomes a place of self-giving
• The bread broken becomes a life poured out
• Worship becomes service

The Eucharist and the washing of the feet cannot be separated: The altar leads to the basin. The Body of Christ becomes the Body of Christ served.

To say: “This is my body given for you” means that the disciple must also become: “a body given for others.” Without this movement, Eucharistic life remains incomplete.

6. The Identity of the Church: Jesus concludes, “I have given you an example, that you also should do as I have done to you” (Jn 13:15).

This is not simply moral instruction. It is ecclesial identity. The Church is recognized not first by its structures, but by this: it is a community that washes feet. Service is not one activity among many—it is the defining characteristic. Every charism, every ministry, every vocation must reflect this pattern.

Conclusion: The washing of the feet reveals three inseparable truths:

• It is a gesture of intimacy: Christ loves personally and completely
• It is a gesture of service: He lowers Himself to heal and restore
• It is a gesture of communion: He draws us into His very life

To participate in the Eucharist is to enter this movement. We cannot remain at the table. We must move to the basin. We cannot receive without becoming. We cannot be served without serving.

The true disciple is recognized not by knowledge alone, but by this simple and demanding sign: he or she bends down to wash the feet of others.

பெரிய வியாழன். – Fr. Yesu Karunanidhi

நம் ஆண்டவராகிய இயேசு கிறிஸ்து பணிக்குருத்துவத்தை ஏற்படுத்திய இந்நாளில், ஒவ்வொரு ஆண்டும் திருத்தைலத் திருப்பலியைக் கொண்டாடும் தாய்த் திருச்சபை, இந்த நாளை குருத்துவத்தின் ஆண்டுவிழாவாக நினைவுகூர்ந்து, தன் அருள்பணியாளர்களின் குருத்துவ வாக்குறுதிகளைப் புதுப்பிக்க அழைக்கிறது.

அருள்பணியாளர்கள் ('presbyter,' or 'priest') என்றால் 'மறைமாவட்ட அருள்பணியாளர்கள்.' துறவற சபை குருக்களை துறவிகள் ('religious') என்றுதான் திருச்சபை அழைக்கிறதே தவிர, அவர்களை 'அருள்பணியாளர்கள்' என அழைப்பதில்லை. 

திருவழிபாட்டு அறிவுரைப்படி இந்த திருத்தைல திருப்பலி நிகழ்வு பெரிய வியாழன் அன்றுதான் நடைபெற வேண்டும் என்றாலும், தங்கள் தலத்திருஅவையின் தேவை கருதி ஆயர்கள் இதை புனித வாரத்தின் திங்கள், செவ்வாய் அல்லது புதன் கிழமைகளில் கொண்டாடலாம். 

அருள்பணியாளர்கள் வாக்குறுதிகள் புதுப்பிக்கும் சடங்கில் ஆயர் அவர்கள் அருள்பணியாளர்களைப் பார்த்துக் கேட்கும் மூன்று கேள்விகளை நம் சிந்தனைக்கு எடுத்துக்கொள்வோம். தமிழ் திருப்பலி புத்தகத்தில் உள்ள மொழிபெயர்ப்பு நன்றாக இல்லை. மூல மொழியாம் இலத்தீனிலும், அதை மிக ஒட்டிய இத்தாலியனிலும் வாசிக்கும்போது இவ்வாக்குறுதிகள் ஆச்சர்யமாக இருக்கின்றன. 

கேள்வி 1: ஆயர்: அன்பிற்கினிய அருள்பணியாளர்களே,

இயேசு கிறிஸ்து தன் குருத்துவத்தை திருத்தூதர்களுக்கும், நமக்கும் பங்கிட்டுக்கொடுத்த நாளின் ஆண்டு நினைவை புனித திருச்சபை கொண்டாடுகிறது. (இந்நாளில்) நீங்கள் உங்கள் திருநிலைப்பாட்டு நிகழ்வின்போது உங்கள் ஆயர் முன்னிலையிலும், இறைவனின் புனித மக்கள் முன்னிலையிலும் கொடுத்த வாக்குறுதிகளைப் புதுப்பிக்க விரும்புகிறீர்களா?

அருள்பணியாளர்கள்: ஆம், விரும்புகிறேன்.

இங்கே மூன்று கூறுகள் முக்கியமானவை:

அ. ஓர் அருள்பணியாளர் இயேசுவின் குருத்துவத்தில் பங்கேற்கிறார். இது ஒரு புதிய புரிதல். ஏனெனில், இரண்டாம் வத்திக்கான் சங்கத்திற்கு முன் வரை, 'ஒரு அருள்பணியாளர் தலத்திருச்சபையின் ஆயரின் குருத்துவத்தில் பங்கேற்கிறார்' என்ற புரிதலே இருந்தது. இந்தப் புதிய புரிதலில், எல்லா அருள்பணியாளர்களையும் இணைப்பவர் கிறிஸ்துதான் என்பதும், அருள்பணியாளர்கள் மனித இயல்பில் அல்ல, மாறாக, இறை இயல்பிலேயே பங்கேற்கிறார்கள் என்பதும், அருள்பணி நிலையில் உயர்ந்தவர் - தாழ்ந்தவர் இல்லை என்பதும் அடிக்கோடிடப்படுகிறது.

ஆ. அருள்பணியாளர்கள் தருவது 'வாக்குறுதி' ('promise') இதை துறவிகளின் 'பொருத்தனை' ('vow')-யிலிருந்து வேறுபடுத்த வேண்டும். 'பொருத்தனை' என்பது நாம் ஆலயத்தில் இறைவனுக்குச் செலுத்தும் நேர்ச்சை ('votive') போன்றது. 'பொருத்தனையை' விட 'வாக்குறுதி' அதிக நம்பகத்தன்மையை உள்ளடக்கியது.

இ. அருள்பணியாளர்கள் தங்கள் வாக்குறுதியை ஆயர் முன்னிலையில், இறைமக்கள் முன்னிலையில் தங்கள் இறைவனுக்கே நேரிடையாகத் தருகின்றனர். ஆனால், துறவியர் தங்கள் 'பொருத்தனைகளை' தங்கள் மாநில முதல்வரிடம்தான் ('provincial' or his / her representative) கொடுக்கின்றனர். மேலும், இங்கே ஆயரும், இறைமக்களும் நான் கொடுக்கும் வாக்குறுதிக்கு சாட்சிகளாய் ('witnesses') இருக்கிறார்கள்.

கேள்வி 2: ஆயர்: நீங்கள் உங்களையே மறுத்தும், கிறிஸ்துவின் அன்பினால் தூண்டப்பெற்று எவ்வித வற்புறுத்தலுமின்றி நீங்களே விரும்பி, அவரின் திருச்சபைக்காக ஏற்றுக்கொண்ட தூய பொறுப்புக்களை நிறைவேற்றியும், நம் குருத்துவத்தின் முன்மாதிரியாய் இருக்கின்ற ஆண்டவர் இயேசுவோடு, உங்களையே நெருக்கமாக்கி இணைத்துக்கொள்ள விரும்புகிறீர்களா?

அருள்பணியாளர்கள்: ஆமென்.

இங்கேயும் மூன்று கூறுகள் முக்கியமானவை:

அ. குருத்துவம் என்பது ஒரே நாளில் அடைந்துவிடும் நிலை அல்ல. அது ஒவ்வொரு நாளும் ஒரு அருள்பணியாளர் மேற்கொள்ளும் பயணம். இந்தப் பயணத்தின் இலக்கு ஆண்டவர் இயேசுவோடு தன்னையே இணைத்துக்கொள்ளுதல். ஆக, ஓர் அருள்பணியாளர் முதலில் தன்னையே கிறிஸ்துவோடு இணைத்துக்கொள்ள வேண்டும். (அப்படி இணைத்தால்தான் தன் மக்களை இறைவனோடு இணைக்க முடியும்).

ஆ. 'உங்களையே மறுத்தல்' என்றால், 'இனி நான், எனது, எனக்கு' என்று எதுவும் இல்லை என்பது பொருள்.

இ. 'எவ்வித வற்புறுத்தலுமின்றி.' என் ஏழு ஆண்டு அருள்பணி வாழ்வுப் பயணத்தில் இந்த வார்த்தைதான் இன்று எனக்கு ரொம்ப முக்கியமானதாகத் தெரிகின்றது. நானாக விரும்பி, யாருடைய வற்புறுத்தலுமின்றிதான் அருள்பணிநிலையை ஏற்றுக்கொள்கிறேன் என்றால், நான் எவ்வித முணுமுணுப்பும், எதிர்பார்ப்பும் இன்றி பணி செய்ய வேண்டும். மேலும், ஒன்றை விரும்பி ஏற்றுக்கொண்டபின், அதில் நிலைத்திருக்க வேண்டுமே தவிர, 'இன்னொன்றையும் நான் விரும்புகிறேன், அதுவும் எனக்கு வேண்டும்' என நினைப்பது மேன்மையன்று.

கேள்வி 3: தலையும், மேய்ப்பருமான கிறிஸ்துவின் மாதிரியைப் பின்பற்றி, மனித விருப்பங்களால் வழிநடத்தப்படாமல், உங்கள் சகோதரர்கள்மேல் கொண்ட அன்பினால் (வழிநடத்தப்பட்டு), கடவுளின் மறைபொருள்களை புனித நற்கருணை மற்றும் மற்ற வழிபாட்டு செயல்பாடுகள் வழியாக நிறைவேற்றும் நம்பிக்கைக்குரிய பணியாளர்களாக இருக்கவும், மீட்பின் வார்த்தையின் பணியை பற்றுறுதியடன் நிறைவேற்றவும் விரும்புகிறீர்களா?

அருள்பணியாளர்கள்: ஆமென்.

இங்கேயும் மூன்று கூறுகள் முக்கியமானவை:

அ. முதல் வாக்குறுதி (கேள்வி 2) அருள்பணியாளரின் தனிநபர் வாழ்வையும், இரண்டாம் வாக்குறுதி (கேள்வி 3) அவரின் பணிவாழ்வையும் மையப்படுத்தி இருக்கிறது. பணிவாழ்வு 'மனித விருப்பங்களால்' உந்தப்படக்கூடாது. அதாவது, தான் செய்யும் ஒவ்வொரு (வழிபாட்டு) செயலிலும், 'எனக்கு என்ன கிடைக்கும்?' என்று அருள்பணியாளர் எண்ணக் கூடாது. 'இந்தப் பூசை வைத்தால் எனக்கு என்ன கிடைக்கும்?' 'வீடு சந்திக்கச் சென்றால் என்ன கிடைக்கும்?' 'இவரிடம் நான் நல்ல நட்பை வளர்த்துக்கொண்டால் எனக்கு என்ன கிடைக்கும்?' என்ற எண்ணங்கள் அறவே கூடாது. இப்படிப்பட்ட கேள்விகள் ஓர் அருள்பணியாளரை ஒரு முதலாளியாக ('capitalist') ('எதில் நான் இன்வெஸ்ட் செய்தால் எனக்கு அதிக பலன் கிடைக்கும?') அல்லது நுகர்வோராக ('consumer') ('இவரிடமிருந்து எனக்கு என்ன கிடைக்கும்?') மாற்றிவிடும். அருள்பணியாளர் தன் சகோதரர்கள்மேல் கொண்ட அன்பினால் உந்தப்பட வேண்டும். பங்குத்தளத்தில் பணியாற்றும் ஓர் அருள்பணியாளர் அந்தப் பங்குத்தளத்தின் 'பாஸ்' அல்ல. மாறாக, சகோதரர். அந்த நிலையில்தான் அவர் தன் திட்டங்களைச் செயல்படுத்த வேண்டும்.

ஆ.கடவுளின் மறைபொருள்களையே அருள்பணியாளர் நிறைவேற்றுகின்றார். 'மறைபொருள்' என்பதால் இங்கே நம்பிக்கை மிக முக்கியமானது. கடவுளின் மறைபொருள்கள் மேல் எனக்குள்ள நம்பிக்கை முதலில் ஆழப்பட வேண்டும். மேலும், இது கடவுளின் மறைபொருள் என்பதால், நான் என் மூளையைக் கசக்கி விடை கண்டுபிடிக்க வேண்டிய அவசியம் இல்லை.

இ. 'நம்பகத்தன்மை.' 'பற்றுறுதி.' மக்கள் தாங்கள் கஷ்டப்பட்டு சேர்த்த பணத்தை ஒரு வங்கியில் போடுகிறார்கள் என வைத்துக்கொள்வோம். அந்த வங்கியின் மேல் அவர்களுக்கு முதலில் நம்பகத்தன்மை வரவேண்டும். அந்த வங்கியும் தங்கள் வாடிக்கையாளரின் நம்பிக்கைக்குப் பிரமாணிக்கமாய் இருக்க வேண்டும். தாங்கள் மக்களுக்கு கொடுக்கும் வாக்குறுதியில் பற்றுறுதியோடு இருத்தல் வேண்டும். ஓர் அருள்பணியாளர் ஒரு வங்கி அதிகாரியைவிட அதிக பொறுப்பு கொண்டவர். நான் என் நண்பனிடமும் சொல்லத் தயங்கும் என் இரகசியத்தை, என் தனிவாழ்வை ஓர் அருள்பணியாளரிடம் பகிர்ந்து கொள்கிறேன் என்றால், அது என் குளியலறையை அவருக்குத் திறந்து காட்டுவது போன்றது. 'இதுதான் நான்!' என்று என்னிடம் மக்கள் தங்களையே முழுமையாக நிறுத்துகிறார்கள் என்றால், நான் எவ்வளவு நம்பகத்தன்மை கொண்டவராகவும், நான் தரும் வாக்குறுதியில் பற்றுறுதி கொண்டவராகவும் இருத்தல் வேண்டும்.

நீண்ட கதையை ஒற்றை வாக்கியத்தில் சுருக்கினால், எனக்கும் எனக்கும், எனக்கும் இறைவனுக்கும், எனக்கும் என் சகோதரர்களுக்கும் உள்ள உறவு என்பது ஒரு வாக்குறுதி. நான் காப்பாற்றும் ஒவ்வொரு வாக்குறுதியும் அருள்பணிவாழ்வு என்ற ஓவியத்தில் நான் தூரிகையால் தீட்டும் வண்ணக் கோடுகள். நான் தவறும் ஒவ்வொரு வாக்குறுதியும் அந்த ஓவியத்தில் நான் கத்தியால் இழுக்கும் கீறல்கள்.

'இந்தச் செல்வத்தை மண்பாண்டங்கள் போன்ற நாங்கள் கொண்டிருக்கிறோம். இந்த ஈடு இணையற்ற வல்லமை எங்களிடமிருந்து வரவில்லை. அது கடவுளுக்கே உரியது என்பது இதிலிருந்து விளங்குகிறது' (பவுல், 2 கொரி 4:7).

The Wicked and the righteous (John 7:25-30)

The first reading is taken from the Wisdom of Solomon, a Deutero-canonical book written in the context of Hellenization (Greek language, culture, religion, and philosophy) propagated by Alexander the Great. The author calls the Jews who left their religion to cling on to the Greek way of life wicked and calls those who clung to Judaism righteous.

Though the righteous were small in number, they were pebbles in the shoes of the wicked, who wanted to get rid of them at any cost. The author encourages the righteous to remain in their righteousness, giving them the message that God is at their side and he will not abandon them.

What are the harms that the wicked do to the righteous? (a) They consider them trouble; (b) They plot against them; and (c) They await their death.

The author concludes that it is not the plot of the wicked that wins, but the plan of God that wins in the end.

In the gospel reading, the first tension between the Jews and Jesus comes to an end. The conflict, which began with the event of Jesus healing a sick man at Bethesda, continues through Jesus multiplying the loaves. The Jews want to arrest Jesus and confine him, but they do not.

Both readings acknowledge the fact that there is a conflict between the wicked and the righteous.

The lessons for us are: Whatever evil befalls us, let us be firm because God is at our side; everything happens not according to the plot of the wicked but according to the plan of God.

Luke 4:24-30

2 Kings 5:1-15. Luke 4:24-30.

1. There was a debate show on Television; Too much familiarity can be a hindrance to family unity or not. Finally, the judgment was given saying Yes. The extended family that lives as neighbors fight very often and they separate themselves very often. That is called 'Familiarity Bias'. Sometimes the more familiar we are with someone the harder it is to actually see their goodness and the presence of God in their lives. (a) Familiarity will be a hindrance in our faith journey. People of Jesus’ hometown were so familiar with Jesus that they were not able to believe in Him. But,  two Gentiles – a widow of Zarephath and Naaman – who were distant became the examples of faith. In our lives as well, familiarity may distance us from God. 

2. Attitude of listening to Servants: Naaman’s attitude of listening to three servants could be appreciated and imitated. He listened to the servant girl of his wife, servant of his army, and servant of the Lord. Naman, an army commander, and soldier, listened to a girl, the Scripture says she is a foreigner, slave and little girl. Yet he listened to her. Prophet Elijah, discouraged and hopeless, was sent by the Lord not anywhere to the house of the poor widow, even though she did not have anything to eat, she was hospitable and gave him food and drink. What is our attitude toward listening to the familiar and small persons around us? sharpen your listening and learning. 

3. Spiritual Healing is greater than physical healing: Physical healing is good, but spiritual healing: Naaman starts his journey to Israel with a lot of gold and silver that he would ‘buy’ the healing. He didn’t know that healing was given free in Israel. The real treasure is self-realization. The miracle happens. His flesh becomes like that of a child. Naaman acknowledges that the God of Israel is the true God. Naaman’s physical healing turns out to be his spiritual healing. A person who was distant from the God of Israel becomes a believer.