Trusting in God’s Guidance

Saint Teresa of Kolkata, Memorial

1 Corinthians 3:18-23. Luke 5:1-11

We all have our limited experiences – experiences of hitting the wall, reaching the dead end, and touching the bottom of the well. In such circumstances, we are called to look up to God and trust God’s guidance. Today’s readings offer us profound lessons on the importance of trusting God’s guidance over our understanding. They remind us that true wisdom and fulfilment come from following God’s direction, even when it challenges our human reasoning.

1. The Wisdom of God vs. The Wisdom of the World

In the first reading (1 Corinthians 3:18-23), St. Paul warns us not to be deceived by the wisdom of this world. He challenges the Corinthians – and us – to become “fools” in the eyes of the world so that we may be truly wise in God’s eyes. The world often values intelligence, status, and self-reliance, but Paul reminds us that these can be stumbling blocks if they lead us away from trusting in God.

Trusting in God’s guidance means recognizing that His wisdom surpasses our own. It requires humility, acknowledging that our human understanding is limited and that God’s ways are higher than ours. By surrendering our pride and relying on God’s wisdom, we open ourselves to His divine plan, which ultimately leads to true wisdom and life.

2. Obedience Even When It Doesn’t Make Sense

The gospel reading (Luke 5:1-11) illustrates the power of trusting in God’s guidance through the story of Peter and the miraculous catch of fish. After a night of fruitless fishing, Peter is tired and skeptical when Jesus tells him to lower the nets again. Yet, despite his doubts, Peter obeys Jesus’ command and is rewarded with an overwhelming catch.

This passage teaches us that trust in God often requires us to act in faith, even when His instructions seem illogical or contrary to our own experiences. Peter might have thought how come a carpenter order a fisherman! Peter’s obedience, despite his initial hesitation, demonstrates the blessing that comes from trusting in Jesus’ word. We are reminded that God sees beyond our circumstances and knows what is best for us. Our role is to trust and obey, even when it’s difficult or doesn’t make sense.

3. God’s Guidance Leads to Abundance and Mission

Finally, both readings show us that trusting in God’s guidance leads to abundance and a deeper sense of mission. In Luke 5:10, after witnessing the miracle, Peter is called by Jesus to become a “fisher of men.” Peter’s willingness to trust Jesus not only results in a miraculous catch of fish but also in a new calling that will change his life forever.

Similarly, when we trust in God’s guidance, we experience His blessings in ways we might not have imagined. But more than that, we are often called to participate in His work in the world. Trusting in God opens us to His purpose for our lives, leading us to serve Him and others in ways that bring true fulfilment and joy.

Reflection on Mother Teresa

As we consider the theme of trusting in God’s guidance, we can look to the example of St. Teresa of Kolkata, known affectionately as Mother Teresa, whose memory we recall today. Her life was a witness to radical trust in God’s will, even in the face of doubt, hardship, and inner darkness. Despite the challenges she faced, Mother Teresa continued to follow God’s guidance in serving the poorest of the poor, believing that each act of love and service was a response to God’s call. Her legacy teaches us that trusting in God’s guidance often leads us to a life of profound impact, even in the most humble and hidden ways.

I will open your graves and I will put my Spirit

Ezekiel 37: 1-14/ Matthew 22: 34-40

Mediterranean Sea is the sea which starts from the Atlantic Ocean to Asia and Separate Europe from Africa. It has been considered the cradle of world civilization. But in the recent years, This sea is also becoming a graveyard for many refugees and immigrants who were traveling to Europe with the hope of life. Many migrants/refugees who want to travel Europe for the life, become food for the sea animals. UN report says, only one-year 2021, it was estimated that 1,369 migrants died while crossings the Mediterranean Sea. the Pope Francis said Sunday that the recent deaths of 130 migrants crossing the Mediterranean Sea marked “a moment of shame." 

Once the pope referred and said: “I confess I am extremely sad over the tragedy that has once again taken place in the Mediterranean. One hundred thirty migrants died in the sea. They are people. They are human beings who begged for help in vain for two whole days -- help that never arrived.”

How the Church and leaders are able to play the role of Ezekiel preaching God’s word to give life to the dried bones.

The burial is the sacred rite for the Jews. The Jewish Cemetery on Mount of Olives is the oldest Jewish Cemetery in the world and has some tombs that are 3,000 years old dating back to the time of King David. There are 150,000 graves in the Jewish cemetery. Many wealthy Jews still ask to be buried in this cemetery, with the hope that at the end of time, on the day of judgment. According to Jewish tradition, the Messiah will come from the Golden Gate they will rise earlier than those who are buried elsewhere.

Such a people experienced undignified burials during the time of Exile. They were not given tombs to be buried. God does not want them to be buried under the earth. He wants to give them life. This time He sends his prophet to prophesy the word of God to them (God does not do directly like the creation of Adam). Here creation takes place in two processes. The first time when Ezekiel prophesies bones came together, bone joining bone, flesh comes upon them, and the skin covers them. but there was no spirit in them.

The love of neighbour is the second commandment that binds our human relationship into the world. It is like a skeleton without spirit. 

Here starts the second process. Prophesying again, the sprit came upon them. They become alive. 

What an analogy?  In exile, Israelites found hope in Prophet Ezekiel’s Word of God. The prophet's visions after the fall of Jerusalem led to the creation of a new Jewish identity.

How do I prophesy like the Prophet Ezekiel? 

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When you go from your country to another foreign country, you face a lot of difficulties like the people of Israel. Today's first reading. the passage of Ez 37 should be understood in the context of the Babylonian Exile. The People of Israel experienced for the first time the Babylonian captivity for 50 years (not like the Egyptian 400). Many people experienced famine, starvation and died. the people were not given a good burial. they were thrown for the animals and birds. 

The burial is the sacred rite for the Jews. The Jewish Cemetery on Mount of Olives is the oldest in the world and has some tombs that are 3,000 years old dating back to the time of King David. There are 150,000 graves in the Jewish cemetery. Many wealthy Jews still ask to be buried in this cemetery, with the hope that at the end of time, on the day of judgment. According to Jewish tradition, the Messiah will come from the Golden Gate they will rise earlier than those who are buried elsewhere.

Such a people experienced undignified burials during the time of Exile. They were not given tombs to be buried. God does not want them to be buried under the earth. God is asking the Prophet to prophesy to the bones and give them hope so that they may not return to the land with the bones alone. How to encourage, console, and inspire them, ask the prophet to prophesy... 

To prophesy in two processes. (God does not do directly like the creation of Adam). Here creation takes place in two processes. The first time when Ezekiel prophesies bones came together, bone joining bone, the flesh comes upon them, and the skin covers them. but there was no spirit in them. Love of God and Love of humanity. 

He who has hope, everything. do not lose hope, if you lose hope, you lose everything, do not think that the prophesy will change the persons, the place and everything. 

God's generosity through the unexpected wages

Ezekiel 34:1-11. Matthew 20:1-16

Today’s Gospel reading presents us with the Parable of the Workers in the Vineyard. This parable, as told by Jesus, challenges our understanding of justice, fairness, and the boundless generosity of God.

In the story, a landowner goes out early in the morning to hire labourers for his vineyard. He agrees to pay them a denarius for the day’s work—a fair wage. As the day progresses, he goes out again at the third, sixth, ninth, and even eleventh hour, hiring more workers and promising to pay them “whatever is right.” At the end of the day, he pays each worker the same wage, regardless of how many hours they worked. Naturally, those who worked all day grumble, feeling it is unfair that those who worked only one hour receive the same pay.

This parable might resonate with us in a world that values fairness and equal pay for equal work. We are inclined to sympathize with those who laboured longer, thinking they deserve more. But Jesus uses this parable to reveal a deeper truth about the Kingdom of Heaven—God’s ways are not our ways.

God’s Generosity: At the heart of this parable is the extraordinary generosity of God. The landowner in the story represents God, who pours out His love and grace abundantly and freely. Just as the landowner gave equally to all, God offers His mercy, forgiveness, and salvation to everyone, no matter when they come to Him. It is a reminder that we cannot earn God’s grace by our own efforts. The denarius given to the workers is not merely a reward for their labour; it symbolizes the gift of eternal life. Whether we have served God our whole lives or only come to faith later, the reward is the same, eternal union with God.

The Call to Humility: The parable also calls us to humility. The early labourers grumble because they compare themselves to others. How often do we, too, fall into the trap of comparing our lives, our works, our faith, to those of others? This comparison leads to jealousy, resentment, and a sense of entitlement, forgetting that everything we have is a gift from God. God’s Kingdom operates on principles of grace, not human merit. Our worth before God is not based on our accomplishments or the number of hours we have served but on His unmerited love for each of us.

Invitation to Trust in God’s Ways: Finally, this parable invites us to trust in God’s ways, even when they seem mysterious or unfair by human standards. God’s justice is always tempered with mercy. He sees the hearts of all His children and knows their needs. He is more concerned with our salvation than with a strict calculation of our deeds.

In this way, the parable encourages us to rejoice in God’s generosity to others and to recognize that His blessings are not diminished when shared. We should be grateful that God’s love knows no bounds, that He is patient, and that He calls us at every stage of life. God’s Kingdom is not about what we deserve but about what God generously gives. May we open our hearts to receive His grace with gratitude and humility. In God’s vineyard, there is room for everyone, and the reward is eternal life with Him. 

John 15 (the First religious Profession)

Carmelite Missionary Sisters 

Recently I read an article by Sr. Mary, titled “Religious life as a garden” and she is a Franciscan Missionaries of Mary, who had many years of missionary experience in Peru, “I have experienced religious life as a beautiful garden that is helping us to grow and bloom.” Today’s gospel John 15 reminds us that life in the religious life (Congregation) is like life in a garden; a variety of plants, flower plants, vegetable plants, etc. The Carmelite family has various flowers in the garden (in Church history, the saints are often associated with particular flowers); St. Teresa of Avila, Teresa of Child Jesus, St. Teresa Benedicta, John of the Cross, etc. We wish and pray for you that one day you may also become a flower in this garden.     

There are three understandings of religious life as a garden

1. God, the Father is the good gardener: 

We have many gardeners sa Servants; kuya Bulit, Mateo Tam, Cuong, Who is the good gardener? We are all not good gardeners. Good gardeners should test the soil, protect it from tupa, water it and care for it. Even we, the formators and superiors are not certainly good gardeners. God is a good gardener. He knows the type of garden, and what is good for you, God knows what is best for you, because he knows better than we know ourselves.

God is the source of charism, “I knew you, when you were in your mother’s womb” (Jer 2:5). He has granted you this gift of charism, Therefore, he is a good gardener of your religious life. 

Give your full availability to the action of the gardener. Allow yourselves to be formed by the hands of the gardener. Have your connection with the gardener, talking time frequently to be alone with Him, who we know loves us. Trust him, be open and give your availability to “wherever the glory of God calls me” the words of your founder, Surrender yourselves to the gardener,

Gardener is pruning also: This gardener not only waters, and cares but also prunes, “He cuts off every branch that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful”, pruning is part of the gardener’s care. Let us be ready for this process of allowing ourselves to be formed/transformed/pruned. 

2. Jesus, the real vine: 

Have you known about the Passion fruit, which is popular in Viet Nam? Recently I read the news, that Vietnamese farmers in Gia Lai Province abandoned coffee gardens for passion fruit because it gives more profit. 

The Passionfruit plant needs something to climb on other trees or another vine. Our religious life is also built-in support of Jesus. He says, “No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the me. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.” 

Jesus has called you to for this friendly, spousal, and loving relationship with him by listening to his Word, The Word of God is your bread for support. Eucharist is the sign of your spousal union with Jesus. “without me, you can do nothing” 15:5, remain in him rooted, if you want to be a Carmelite nun forever. Do not fall into the temptation of growing like an individual plant but being supported with Jesus. 

We need these supplies for plant growth. Water, sunlight, fertilizers, In our religious life also, we need the Word of God, the Eucharist and Marian devotion. They are helping you with your personal growth and maturation process. 

3. Now the responsibility of each plant is to bear fruits/flowers: 

People love only these two parts; Flowers and fruits. Flowers are useful for decoration; fruits are served to eat. After the profession, you will be assigned to the mission. You are going to work in the following categories of ministry: Catholic education, health care ministry, socio-pastoral ministry, ministry of spirituality, and missionary. You are going to share with the people what you will receive now that is Jesus and his care. 

Unlike the other congregations, your founder stressed very much ecclessiality, for he said, “I will live for the Church and I will die for her.”  Remember we are walking with the Church. Today we need a church not simply walk in front of the people or behind the people but is capable of walking at people’s side.

We need to accept the reality that everyone is different, we are made in human likeness, communion is important, and be patient like the gardener who waits for looking for the fruits (Luke 13). So, he said to the gardener, 'See here! For three years I have come looking for fruit on this fig tree, and still, I find none”. The gardener says let us wait this year also, I will put manure and work. 

There are some plants giving flowers throughout the year. Some flowers will bloom only after so many years. The Kurinji flower is one of the rarest flowers that bloom once every 12 years in India. Every one of you is a creature of God; you are different, and everyone is a treasure in our eyes. 

Pope Francis expresses this fear every time he meets consecrated people, “Many are abandoning the religious life today”. He is not discouraging you, but telling the reality. Many are leaving religious life, because of the crisis of faith; no hunger for God, not able to face the disappointments of community life, influence of modern culture. If the world is strong, we need to fight with our faith. 

Be together and live the life of communion. Hold one another. The desire of your founder, “One heart animated by one and the same spirit” to encourage one another, and work hard every day without being satisfied with the results.  

We wish you a successful and holy life in the garden. 

We remember and thank your parents, who once used to water the plant, providing sunlight for you to grow and giving fertilizers; they nurtured you in faith so that one day you could become a tree and that you live a saintly life in serving God and the Poor. we thank you for offering these young girls for offering to the Carmelite garden of the family.  

God bless you!

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.