Cain and Abel (Genesis 4):

The usual question of the students; Adam and Eve had only two Sons; Cain and Abel. Abel was killed. How come the generation grew with the only presence of Cain?. It does not mean that there was only one society living after their exit from the Garden. God would send providence every time according to the need. 

The theme of the Fourth chapter of Genesis is the first murder takes place in humanity, Abel was killed by his own brother, and he gave the reason it was God. He was pleased with the offering of Abel, not Cain. Cain becomes jealous. Jealousy leads to anger, and anger leads to murder. 

In the time the book of Genesis was written, there were two traditions, agricultural and shepherd traditions, that were living nearby, and they had tension among them. Cain was working on the land, and Abel was taking care of the sheep. Even the priestly tradition was part of the Shepherdic tradition because the Priestly/Leviticus tradition believed that blood offerings were pleased to God, 

God is warning Cain, that sin is a demon lurking at the door: his urge is toward you, yet you can be his master» You can control the demon.

Cain killed Abel in the field, in his land, supposed to be his agricultural land, leaving his blood on the land. 

God says, «What have you done! Listen: your brother’s blood cries out to me from the soil! Therefore you shall be banned from the soil that opened its mouth to receive your brother’s blood from your hand. 

In Hebrew damim means, blood in the plural, the bloods of your brother, whenever you take away a life, you become responsible for all the blood of humanity, because You are insulting the one who gave his breath, created life, 

In all the ethnic traditions, murder is the gravest sin. 

Sin alienates us—from God, from others, and ourselves.

The most violent year was the time of Jesus, the war between Jews and Romans many poor people were killed. 

Time of Herod, many children’s blood was thrown down, and women were killed, according to historians, 

Jesus says no sign will be given to the generation that wage a war. 

Yet, God does not abandon him. Instead, He places a sign on Cain—not as a punishment, but as a mark of protection. This shows that even after sin, God’s mercy remains.

If you don’t end the war, the war will end us, In war, there is no winner, we are all losers. 

BLESSED CLARE BOSATTA

HOMILY ON THE FEAST OF BLESSED CHIARA

• Today’s young people often want to display “Instagram strength”—the number of likes and views they want to show others. But this is only an external strength.
• There is also an “inner power”—the internal strength of people, especially those who spend less time on social media and more time developing real skills and depth. Blessed Clare Bosatta is known for this inner power.

1. மென்மையான இதயம், சிங்கத்தின் வீரம்!

Who is truly strong? Today, we celebrate the feast of a young woman who was once rejected as “unfit” to enter a religious order. Yes, she was rejected from the first Canossian convent because she was considered weak.

In a world obsessed with physical fitness and “muscle” energy, Blessed Clare Bosatta reminds us that a lean body can hold a giant spirit. It is not the body you train, but how you train the soul to meet God and serve the poor.  Don Guanella believed that உடல் பலத்தை விட மன பலமே பெரிது—inner strength is greater than physical strength. What truly makes a person beautiful is the strength of the mind and heart.

When Don Guanella learned that Sister Chiara had resolved a difficult situation before the judge of Dongo regarding rumors about the Pianello Lario Hospice, he admired Clare and said, “How much honesty in that little soul!” He felt that Clare had a gentle heart with the bravery of a lion. That was her strength.

Our value is not defined by our “fitness” in the eyes of people, but by our faithfulness in the eyes of God. Don Guanella looked at Sister Chiara with admiration and saw a mysterious soul like a “dove,” yet also like an “eagle”: gentle, yet capable of soaring to great heights. Today, we care so much about physical health, but often ignore or criticize inner health. Yet this inner strength is the true power seen in most of the saints.

2. முழுமையான அர்ப்பணிப்பு – Surrendering to God is the real victory!

Chiara’s greatest strength was not her own plan, but her radical obedience. She desired a quiet, hidden life, yet she was sent to the busy mission in Dongo. She cried, she struggled, but she said “Yes.”

Wherever Don Guanella sent her, she gave her whole heart, even in suffering. We live in a world that says: “my life, my choice, my privacy.” But Chiara shows that true freedom is found in the sacrifice of the heart. When she stopped resisting God’s will, her soul caught fire. God does not need your ability; He needs your availability.

Even while dying of a contagious disease, Clare’s focus remained on others. She memorized the names of the poor and the children, refusing to let others serve her.

She proved that you do not need muscles to carry another’s burden—you only need a heart, and that heart must be given fully to God.

3. Prayer and Sacrifice

Another essential quality that Don Guanella saw shining in Sister Chiara and in all his first sisters was constant prayer, with complete trust in Divine Providence.

Don Guanella once asked, “What are these daughters doing?” And he answered, “They pray.” Sister Chiara animated this spirit of prayer from morning to evening for the sake of the Institutes. The house itself became a place of continuous prayer.

Don Guanella personally experienced the power of this prayer. For example, he attributed the successful purchase of land for his first house in Como to their prayers. Chiara lived a profound “mystical suffering” that even Don Guanella found difficult to guide. She did not seek comfort at any cost; she sought God at any cost.

Dear brothers and sisters,  today, we run away from pain. But Chiara moved toward suffering because she saw the face of Christ in it. She shows us that a simple smile and a kind word can become the greatest miracles of a holy soul.

Feast of Blessed Clare, Manila, April 20, 2023

The Lion-Hearted Soul

1. The Mystery of the Call (Ang Misteryo ng Pagtawag)

Sister Chiara received an extraordinary grace, but holiness is always a collaboration. God traces the path, but it is up to us how we respond. Her life was short—only a few years (28) —but she gave her life and soul completely before the "branches" could even fully grow.

Vocation is often a surprise. Sometimes we think we know where we are going, but God continuously calls in mysterious ways. Minsan akala natin sarado na ang pinto, pero may binubuksan palang bago ang Diyos. (Sometimes we think the door is closed, but God is actually opening a new one.)

The Hour of Mercy: For Guanella, it took around twenty years after his priesthood to arrive at the hour of mercy. For Clare, the whole life she waited. From age 13, she sought consecrated life. The Canossians said "No" due to her health and withdrawn personality.

The Shift: We join religious life with many motivations, but we must orient them toward only one person: God. Vocation is not about our rules or our comfort; it is about recognizing the Divine Call as it is gradually revealed.

2. Who is Truly Strong? (Sino ang Tunay na Malakas?)

• In our community of Servants and Daughters of St. Mary of Providence, we often look at physical size/strength. A superior told me if you want to be a missionary, you should have a perfect body.
• Clare was known for her physical frailty. She was rejected because she was "unfit." It is hard to accept refusal. The natural human response is to say, "No, I will prove I am fit! We want to take it a challenge to perform better next time. 

But Clare did not fight with her fists; she fought with her spirit. Ang bawat buhay, kahit ang pinakamahina, ay isang regalo. (Every life, even the weakest, is a gift.) Don Guanella saw this "delicacy of soul" and realized that while her body was thin, her soul was like a lion.

3. Spiritual Health Over Physical Power

A healthy body does not always keep a healthy soul. Clare focused on spiritual health, creating a vibrant soul that no one could harm or destroy.

Suffering as Charity: She lived her sickness with transparency. Even with a contagious disease, she refused to be served. Instead, she served others through her concern, remembering the names of every child and beneficiary in Como.

Strength in "I Cannot": In the 19th century, submission was expected, but Clare took it to a divine level. To say "Hindi ko alam" (I don't know) or "Hindi ko kaya" (I am not able) is not a sign of failure. It is the highest form of humility—the Fiat of Mary.

4. The Angelic Soul: The Crystal Soul

Don Guanella compared her to the great mystics like St. John of the Cross and St. Teresa of Avila. Why? Because she was like water—clear and transparent. Walang bahid ng pride. (Not a single drop of pride, said Guanella, his spiritual director)

A soul agitated by pride goes astray, but a transparent soul like Clare’s allows the light of God to pass through perfectly. She proved that you do not need a "macho" body to carry the heavy cross of Christ; you only need a soul that is willing to say "Yes."

Homily, DSMP Manila, March 20, 2022

Ang Tunay na Lakas: The Strong Soul of Blessed Clare Bosatta

Sino ang mas malakas dito? Who is stronger? We often focus on those who develop their physical frame—the "macho" or the "pogi." We tend to assume that thin people are soft, weak, or sick. But physical strength is tangible; you see it grow with proper training. Willpower is invisible, yet it governs everything. Mas madaling palakasin ang katawan kaysa sa kalooban. (It is easier to strengthen the body than the will.) A good soul may lead to a healthy body, but a healthy body does not always guarantee a healthy soul.

1. Weakness as a Gift (Ang Kahinaan bilang Biyaya)

Blessed Clare Bosatta was defined by physical fragility. After eight years with the Canossian sisters, she was rejected. They told her she was unfit for religious life because of her withdrawn personality and weak health. The Temptation of Pride: Most would react with anger to prove they are "fit." But Clare did not do like that.  She understood that every life, no matter how humble or weak, is a gift. Don Guanella described her as having a "delicacy of soul," yet possessing the "strength of a lion." Strength is not about being "fit" in the eyes of the world; it is about a vibrant spirit that no rejection can destroy.

2. Prayer as the Life-Force (Panalanging Walang Patid)

Don Guanella noted that Sister Chiara was the "life" of the house because of her prayer.

Trust in the Providence: Her prayer wasn't just words; it was the engine that allowed Don Guanella to perform miracles, like acquiring the first house in Como.

For Clare, obedience was simply prayer in action. She learned the meaning of sacrifice not through grand gestures, but through the daily "yes" to God’s grace.

3. The Mandate to Pray and Suffer (Ang Misteryo ng Paghihirap)

In the Guanellian charism, prayer and suffering are inseparable from charity. Without them, our work becomes mere social activity.

Service in Sickness: Even when her body was failing, Clare refused to be served. Kahit mahina ang katawan, nag-uumapaw ang kanyang pagmamahal. (Even if the body is weak, her love overflows.)

Compassion in Isolation: When she had a contagious disease, she wanted others not to enter her room - not out of fear, but to protect the community. She remained focused on the names of the poor and the children, even in her agony.

4. Transparency and the "Fiat" (Katapatan at Pagpapakumbaba)

Clare was like crystal—pure and transparent. Her strength lay in her ability to be humble. She had the Power to say to God and men "I Don't Know": To say "I am not able" or "I do not know" is not weakness (many times we think it is a shame); it is the highest form of humility. We need the courage to say the truth about oneself. 

Reflection for the faithful: Do not fear your physical limitations/inabilities/ the rejections of the world. Like Blessed Clare, remember that ang biyaya ng Diyos ay sapat sa iyong kahinaan. (God's grace is sufficient in your weakness.) Are you training your body more than your soul? Seek the "delicacy" of Clare, which is the only strength that can move mountains.

Jesus calms the storm (Mark 4: 35-41

Mark 4: 35-41

In today’s Gospel passage, we read about Jesus calming the storm. When we look at the Gospel passage in the context of Mark’s Gospel, the section of parables ends and here begins the section of miracles (signs or wonders). 

There are three types of miracles (healing miracles, exorcism miracles and miracles over nature). This extraordinary miracle and mighty act indicates that Jesus had power over nature. 

Moreover, this passage can also be taken as a parable. Jesus sleeps here. This is the only place where it is mentioned Jesus slept, another place, Jesus rested for a while. In this case, Jesus sleeps with a pillow. Natutulog si Hesus na may u’nan. ‘Sleep’ refers to ‘death’ or ‘absence’. After Jesus’ death or ascension, Mark’s community faces many problems. Their boat ride was not pleasant. They felt the absence of God. Through this incident, Mark encourages his community. Sino sa inyo ang nakasakay sa bangka? Jesus still cares for us even when he has left us (and has fallen asleep). We can face any adversity in His presence (and absence).

A) Continue to travel, not to stop: At the beginning of the Gospel passage, sinabi ni Jesus sa mga alagad, “Tumawid tayo sa ibayo.” “Let us go across to the other side.” Jesus invites the disciples to be always in movement. With care, he leads them there. When we become frozen by life’s events, Jesus invites us to “go across to the other side.” We must get up often and go to the other side. Keep moving forward, successful people do not have time to worry,  

The first reading gives an example of not worrying, but putting faith in God, the best model is Abraham. Isaac is questioning the father, “The fire and wood are here,” Isaac said, “but where is the lamb for the burnt offering?” Abraham answered, “God himself will provide the lamb for the burnt offering, my son.” And the two of them went on together. Let us continue to travel, God will provide on his part, he will not abandon us, Keep moving forward, successful people do not have time to worry,  

b. In their fear, the disciples cry out: ‘Teacher, we are about to die!’ what should we do? the young man in the Gospel was asking different in Mark 10:17, ‘Lord, we are going to live! What should I do?’ both are life but different levels, There is no place for death in God’s presence. PUSJ members, Lord help us to prepare for death, Mark says that there was a great storm and brings before us two situations: one, the peaceful situation. In that situation, Jesus is sleeping with a pillow in the boat. The second is the opposite, fear situation. The disciples are terrified and frightened. “Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?” They see Jesus as just a teacher (Rabbi). Here we see the concern of Jesus. First, he makes the storm calm. Then he gives hope to his disciples. First, he removes their painful situation. 

Jesus gets up and rebukes the sea. ‘Peace, be still!” is the formula for exorcism rebuke. Jesus calms the sea with the same words. Because, for the Jewish people, the sea was considered a place of demons. Jesus continues to rebuke his disciples: ‘Why are you afraid? Do you still not believe?’ Jesus rebukes them for their lack of faith. That is, they refused to believe that they could not die when Jesus was with them. This is their lack of trust. These questions were not asked just by looking at the disciples. Each of us who reads this text is asked. You and I must answer these two questions individually. The answer to the question, “Who sleeps in a boat and rebukes the wind?” depends on the answer we give.

Mark 1:29-39

Continuous temptation!

We think Jesus was tempted only in the desert. After healing Simon’s mother-in-law and many others, Simon and the others interrupt His prayer with an urgent plea: “Everyone is looking for you!” They invite Him to stay where He is, among those who already appreciate His presence and miracles. This scenario highlights a subtle but powerful temptation: to remain in the comfort of the familiar.

1. The temptation to stay in the familiar:

“Everyone is looking for you!” – the disciples’ words sound both flattering and reassuring. It’s always tempting to remain in places where people already know us, congratulate us, love us, and applaud what we do—be with like-minded people. I did regency in GH, mabait sila, I want to remain with them, But Jesus discerns that this can become a snare, keeping Him from His larger mission.

Jesus responds, “Let us go on to the neighboring towns (Tyre and Sidon, synogogues), so that I may proclaim the message there also; for that is what I came out to do.” His answer shows He refuses to settle for popularity or comfort. Instead, He looks to the larger horizon of God’s will.

Avoid risks: In economics, there’s a principle called the “loss aversion fallacy.” We naturally avoid risks because losing something we have feels worse than the joy of gaining something new. Spiritually, this manifests when we fear stepping into the unknown or giving up our comfortable routines—even if doing so could bring greater fruit or deeper union with God.

We see this “loss aversion” in the parable of the talents (cf. Mt 25:14–30). The third servant buries his talent rather than risking it. He clings to the security of keeping what he has—yet he ends up losing it anyway. In our own lives, how often do we bury our gifts and remain in spiritual comfort zones simply because we are afraid of what lies beyond?

3. Jesus the High Priest: merciful and faithful

The first reading (cf. Heb 2:14–18) reminds us that Jesus, our High Priest, was like us “in every respect,” tempted as we are, yet without sin. He was merciful to the people He served and faithful to God’s plan. That faithful obedience required constant discernment—choosing the Father’s will over human praise or personal comfort.

Summing up, Jesus knew the subtle temptation of settling in a place where people cheered for Him. He overcame it by choosing the Father’s mission over personal comfort. As our merciful and faithful High Priest, He understands our own struggles with fear and complacency. Today, let us ask for the grace to follow Him into the unknown—beyond our routines, beyond our fears—trusting that God’s plans far surpass any temporary comfort we might cling to. Then, like Jesus, we will fulfil our true calling and experience the joy of doing the Father’s will.

New Teaching with authority

New Teaching with authority in Today's Gospel Mk 1:21-28;  

Today's Church needs a new way of evangelization according to the needs of the modern and present church. The Popes of different times published different texts according to the issues and problems of their time. The Jubilee year asks for a new way of teaching. 

Teaching with learning; sharing thoughts, teaching without speaking, teaching through actions, testimonies, the limit of giving a sermon in 7-10 minutes, 

Teaching puts attention on the word of God, not our own way of exhibiting ourselves, scribes teaching focused on their respect, Jesus’ name of Jesus, glorify, when i was in USA, when i was in francis, when i met Pope, 

Teaching keeps the sin away: the common enemy is the sin not individuals, 

Feast to Francis Xavier

Today, we in India celebrate the solemnity of Saint Francis Xavier, patron of missionaries, who brought the light of Christ to our forefathers. This year is very particular because his body is kept out for public veneration, it was done during a decennial exposition in Goa, India in 1964. 

In the Office of the Day, the second reading presents a letter written by Saint Francis Xavier to Saint Ignatius, his Superior General. Through this letter, we glimpse the context of our country during his time of deep poverty, illiteracy, and the many challenges the Saint faced in his mission; 

The world in which Saint Francis Xavier lived was very different from ours. At that time, the Church taught that salvation was possible only within its fold, making evangelization its primary mission. The focus was that through teaching the basics of faith: the Creed, Our Father, and the Hail Mary. Today, the Church has a broader understanding, recognizing God’s presence and revelation in different ways and faith traditions. Evangelization now emphasizes living as witnesses to Christ, reflecting the teaching that “time is greater than space” (cf. Evangelii Gaudium).

The coastal areas were full of Parava communities where the community of fishermen who had suffered persecution and were eager for the protection of Portughese. He faced a language barrier, and lack of formal church structures. He wanted to gather the children first, ringing a small handbell to attract attention. the sound drew children and villagers out of their homes about man of God. 

Religious fundamentalism and Hinduism was very strong in those places. In Saint Francis Xavier’s time, the mission was about baptizing thousands. Today, such methods are neither feasible nor appropriate. Religious fundamentalism dominates many spheres, making public proclamation of Jesus difficult, even dangerous. Anti-conversion bills are passed, you will be arrested if you proclaim the religion publicly.

Francis desired to go to India when no missionaries knew well of all the commodities and challenges. His passion to live the Gospel in the midst of inconveniences. 

So, we cannot simply conclude that we must be missionaries like Saint Francis Xavier. Times have changed. Today, Christianity faces challenges of relevance and survival. Through initiatives like the Synod and the call to journey together as brothers and sisters, the Church seeks new ways to engage with the world and remain faithful to the Gospel.

As we honour Saint Francis Xavier and flock to see his sacred relics, let us seek his intercession. May his example inspire us to live as joyful witnesses of Christ in our own time.

Dishonest servant (Luke 16:1-13)

Luke 16:1-13 the parable of the unjust/dishonest steward, It has been considered the most controversial and confusing teaching in the NT. It is a challenging parable to understand the right explanation of the author. The parable is about a rich man who calls his dishonest steward to remove him from his job for his dishonesty, but he reduces the debts of the master’s servants and he is praised by the master for his prudence and wisdom. What is the teaching of Jesus here? How can we understand the intention of the author through this parable? 

a. To be wise and prudent to do good, not only honest and truthful: in the parable, the master hears about the stewards’ dishonesty, he did not catch him while he stole the money, he did not investigate also, he hears about dishonesty from someone. but most of the time, the gossip travels faster, rather, the steward acknowledges and continues to forgive the debts of the debtors using the wealth of the master.

b. Using the means to achieve the end, Prioritizing eternal values: We need to differentiate means from ends and this requires discernment. We have so many means in our life; Resources, property, responsibilities, knowledge-studies, and relationships are not end in themselves but are means to reach a greater purpose—such as the Kingdom of God, heaven, or God Himself. Here, forgiveness is the goal, using the money of the master, he achieves a good name, and he wants to be generous by applying the wealth of the master. 

c. In all the parables of Luke, the rich people are condemned, they cannot enter the kingdom of God, because the Poor in Luke are not only in spirit but also poor in economic condition. We listen to some politicians, abusing state resources. The parable is not about abusing the resources, or some people ‘manipulating’ the resources for our self-interest and growth.