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. 

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.