First Sunday of Lent
Lent did not begin well for me. I decided that I would abstain from meat all the fourty days Lent. So on Monday before Lent I decided that my fat Tuesday would indeed be fat. Since Monday was my day off, I decided to cook the most sumptuous lamb shank. In fact, my fat Tuesday began in earnest on Monday night as I dug into my delightful culinary creation. I am not sure what went wrong but by Tuesday morning I was sicker than a sick dog. My fat Tuesday was anything but fat. I spent most of fat Tuesday in bed. In fact, fat Tuesday seemed like Ash Wednesday. I think that for my sins God struck me a day earlier than everybody else.
Eighth Sunday in Ordinary Time
One of the challenges we face when we read scripture is interpreting it for contemporary times. For example, today’s gospel reading has two very black and white scenarios. First, Jesus says, “No one can serve two masters. … You cannot serve God and mammon.” Jesus simply does not leave room for anything in between. Again, after his teaching about not worrying about what to eat, drink and wear, Jesus says, “All these things the pagans seek.” And then, contrasting the pagans with the disciples, he says to his disciples, “Seek first the kingdom of God.” In the Jewish world view, there were only two kinds of people – the Israelites and the Pagans. As far as the Israelites were concerned, there were no in-betweens.
Seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time
I am going to ask you to put your hands up as I ask you a few questions. How many of you think that you are perfect? How many of you think you are holy? This question is for couples? How many of you think that your spouse or partner is holy? This is for children. How many of you think that your parents are holy? Are they perfect? And here is the last question. What makes somebody holy? What do I expect to see in a holy person?
Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time
It would take a weekend retreat to do justice to the depth of today’s readings. And for that reason, I have decided to go directly into the three practical implications. My vantage point in reflecting upon these reading is the phrase – “Immense is the wisdom of the Lord” (Sir 15:18). In fact, if we reflect upon all the three readings together we realize that they all talk about the wisdom of God made know to us by God, because God loves us. In today’s second reading too, Paul talks about God’s wisdom – mysterious and hidden (1 Cor 2:7). Jesus too, in today’s gospel reading refers to God’s Law as something eternal. That is why he says that, “not the smallest letter or the smallest part of a letter will pass from the law, until all things have taken place.” (Mt 5:17-18)
Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time
I grew up India. American sports like football and baseball have been alien to me the fourteen years I have been in America. I am getting am too tired of being embarrassed at not knowing the difference between the Bengals and the Reds. The other day, Fr. Dave wanted to know if I would like to go with him to a Reds game and I said to him that I did not like football. So this Super Bowl, I decided to make a heroic effort to get into the great American sports tradition. I watched most of the Super Bowl. After the game, I pondered that I must continue to live in my blissful ignorance. I even watched the ads and the half-time show just as I was told. Even that hat did not do it for me. The only ad I really like was for alcohol and that made me cringe. I thought that Super Bowl LXVIII was boring, disappointing and over rated. I have the funny feeling that I will continue to embarrass myself for quite some time more.
Feast of the Presentation of the Lord
In some ways we are making a retreat back to the Christmas season. Feb 2nd is the feast of the presentation of Jesus in the Temple. This year Feb 2nd happens to fall on a Sunday. So here we are once again back to the childhood of Jesus, when just last week we heard about the call of the disciples.
I want to approach the feast of the presentation of Jesus in the temple as an extension of the feast of the Epiphany. The difference between the two feasts is that whereas at the Epiphany Jesus is manifested to the whole world, at his presentation in the temple, he is manifested to his own people. Simeon’s prophecy in today’s gospel foretells what Christ will accomplish for Israel as a nation. Simeon’s prophecies suggest that Jesus will be glory to the people Israel, and that he will be responsible for the rise and fall of many in Israel. Simeon also has a very different prophecy for Mary as opposed to what the angel has told her at the annunciation. He says to her, “… And you yourself a sword will pierce— so that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.” Anna, the prophetess also focuses on the internal ministry of Jesus. She “spoke about the child to all who were awaiting the redemption of Jerusalem.”
Third Sunday in Ordinary Time
During my last visit to India, I had the most amazing experience. Perhaps you remember that last Lent, our parish raised funds for Mercy Home in my hometown in India. We were able to donate $15,000 for renovation and some new construction for the severely handicapped residents. I visited Mercy Home to see the progress they had made. I had barely stepped into the main campus building when out of nowhere there appeared the most angelic looking face. At first glance no one would think that three year old Sowmya was in need of special attention. And so it was only when she began to walk awkwardly toward me that I realized that she was a resident at Mercy Home. Slowly, she walked toward me, clasped my legs and for a moment just stood there motionless. I was taken aback. She had never seen me before. And then she gestured with her little fingers. It looked as if she was waving at me. The sister superior told me that she was asking me to bend down. As I did, she planted the gentlest kiss on my cheeks. A kiss has never felt more angelic. And then she whispered, “Eesho Mishiyaek stuthi aieyrekette.” into my ears. It translates, “To Jesus Christ be praise!” For a moment I froze in heavenly bliss. For me, this was not just an experience; it was a God-experience!
Second Sunday in Ordinary Time
Mikhail Kalashnikov died last month at the age of 94. For those of you are not familiar with this name, he is the inventor of the world's most familiar and widely used weapon – the AK 47. Mikhail Kalashnikov spent a lifetime designing and perfecting assault rifles and more than a 100 million Kalashnikovs were been sold. After his death, it was revealed that In May 2012, he wrote a letter to the head of the Russian Orthodox Church. I want to read parts of the letter for you. He says, "I keep having the same unsolved question: if my rifle claimed people's lives, then can it be that I... a Christian and an Orthodox believer, was to blame for their deaths?" "The longer I live," he continues, "the more this question drills itself into my brain and the more I wonder why the Lord allowed man to have the devilish desires of envy, greed and aggression". He also reveals in this letter that he first went into a church at the age of 91 and was later baptized. He signs this letter, “A slave of God, the designer Mikhail Kalashnikov."
Feast of the Baptism of the Lord
Nelson Mandela is one of my modern day heroes. I like him not only because of his struggle for freedom but I admire his character. I admire his political maturity, his patience and his single-minded devotion to the cause of freedom. I learnt after his death that while he was in prison he was actually very submissive. He submitted to hard labor in a stone quarry and to the very demanding prison regimen. But his dignified submission was also the secret of his authority. He was able to have influence over prison wardens and over fellow prisoners. He used the time to study Afrikaans, to know his oppressors, understand their philosophy, and gain absolute mastery over the situation. This dignified submission along with his knowledge of his oppressors helped him transition South Africa peacefully from an oppressive society into a democracy. At his inauguration as President of South Africa, he invited his prison warden to the ceremony, forgave him, and invited the rest of South Africa to do the same. His forgiveness of his oppressors was one reason that South Africa did not slide back into racial violence. Submission is powerful.
Solemnity of the Epiphany of the Lord
Of all the gifts you received this Christmas, was there one gift that pulled at your heart string? This Christmas, I had requested that instead of buying gifts for me, people make a donation to the recovery efforts in The Philippines. The response has been overwhelming. But there was one that is my favorite. Little Isabelle George, a seven year old in the parish religion class, broke her piggy-bank. She had all of $50 in it. She gave it all to me to send it the Philippines. Now, that was more than a donation! That was more than a gift! This girl transformed me. That one gift has had the most impact on me this Christmas.
Feast of the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph
Today is the feast of the Holy Family. The very word ‘family’ evokes mixed feelings. On the one hand, our family is our most prized possession. On the other hand, each member of our family is unique and different. Some of them are more unique and different than others. Every family has at least one person who is more than a challenge. You have yours and I have mine. I call home every day to speak to mom and dad. On Christmas day, I called home twice, both because my parents are by themselves, and because I really missed them. Dad hardly spoke two sentences the second time I called, and said, “We are praying the rosary. We will talk to you tomorrow.” And he hung up! I said to myself, “Thanks for calling!” If we could all tell our family stories right now, we would be here all day. Don’t you think?
Solemnity of the Nativity of the Lord (Christmas)
Early this December, Pope Francis issued an apostolic exhortation. In lay person’s terms, an apostolic exhortation is a teaching in the tradition of the apostles. In the Catholic Church, only the Pope issues such a teaching. The 200 page long exhortation is entitled, “Evangelii Gaudium,” or The Joy of the Gospel. The exhortation begins with the statement, “The joy of the gospel fills the hearts and lives of all who encounter Jesus.” This is very similar to the message of the angel the night Christ was born: “Do not be afraid; for behold, I proclaim to you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For today in the city of David a savior has been born for you who is Christ and Lord.”
Fourth Sunday of Advent
This holiday season, there was one sales-pitch that got under my skin. It went something like this: “Get more Christmas this Christmas,” or as some even said, “Get more Christmas for less.” Some stores invited people to begin their shopping early and begin paying in installments so that when Christmas arrived they would have more Christmas. I hate, abhor, detest, despise, loathe statements like these. It is great sales pitch, but don’t call it Christmas. As it is, St. Nicholas has been stolen from us and gimmicked into the mascot of free market. And now “How the Grinch stole Christmas,” looks like a real possibility. I get this very bad sense that Christmas very soon will go the Santa way. Part of the blame lies on us. Many Christians have succumbed hook, line, and sinker to the lure of a bargain Christmas. But the reality is this – you cannot get more Christmas for less. Christmas is about God becoming one of us, God coming to dwell among us, God taking birth in every human heart. If Christmas must happen then we need more than a bargain.
Third Sunday of Advent
There is an irony we have to contend with. Almost always, the most important things are the least reflect upon. Hope, for example; it is not every day that we reflect upon hope. Yet, think about it! Hope is to every human person what breath is to life. These days when I visit my parents in India, returning back to ministry in Dayton is a gut-wrenching experience. I am not sure how I actually walk out of my home leaving my aging parents behind. But I do so in the HOPE that I will see my parents again. In fact, HOPE is the ONLY reason I am able to leave. This week the world buried Nelson Mandela. He spent twenty-five years in prison for standing up for equality. How does a person not lose his or her mind after being confined in a cell for twenty-five years? This week was the first anniversary of the children killed by the gunman in Newtown. How can these people move on? I think the answer is HOPE. For that matter, if you have ever been in a crisis – cancer, tumors, surgeries, accidents, divorce, and death – what is the only thing that sustains you? The HOPE that tomorrow will be better than today! Hope… Hope is to us what breath is to life. A pregnant mother hopes that the baby inside her is well; a young man or woman hopes that someday he or she will be married; a student hopes that he or she will pass the exam; a poor person hopes that tomorrow he or she will be a little less poor; even a dying person hopes that the other side is better. Hope… without hope there is no reason to go on.
Second Sunday of Advent
Watching America from above while landing in Chicago last night really brought the sharp contrast between how America prepares for Christmas and how India prepares for Christmas. And I found myself caught right in the middle. As the airplane gradually descended over Chicago, I could see the many Christmas lights and the glitter that goes with it. In India, Advent is rather somber, almost equaling Lent. This is a time for abstinence, novenas and heightened religious devotions. Christmas decorations will only be up between the twenty-third and twenty-fourth of Dec. The day before I left, my dad mom and I had our Christmas meal. Our neighbors got a whiff of the food and asked us if we not observing our advent obligations. Of course I found my way out of the sticky situation saying that since I was a priest in America, I was not bound by the local customs. I am sorry folks, but just like Adam blamed eve for eating the fruit of the garden, I blamed it on America.
First Sunday of Advent
News from the Black Friday sales this year was the worst we have ever heard. There were shootings, stabbings, robberies, pepper sprays, and serious injuries. A Brazilian tourist, Luis Figueiro, who witnessed the mobs at the Macy’s store in New York remarked, "This is madness.” We do not know whether those in the news are Christians or mere deal seekers, but I am sure that, like me, most of you agree with the Brazilian tourist that, “This is madness.” For me, this madness is not the only problem. I also wish this shopping frenzy was somehow not associated with Christmas. I wish Black Friday happened sometime in the summer. I am sad that the birth of Christ, which symbolizes self-giving, humility, sacrifice and love, has been forever tainted by this commercial madness. The appropriation of Saint Nicholas by the business interest is tragic. I wish we got an opportunity to celebrate Christmas independent of what it has come to mean commercially.
Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe
Does the gospel reading chosen for such a majestic feast strike you as unusual? Why would the church choose the most shameful moments of Christ’s life as the gospel reading for the Solemnity of Christ the King? When we celebrate anniversaries, birthdays, and events connected with our loved ones, don’t we normally focus on the positive? The gospel says about Jesus that the rulers sneered at him, the soldiers jeered at him, and one of the criminals reviled him, saying “Are you not the Christ?” To a certain extent, this criminal is justified in his question. How could this man sharing the fate of criminals be God? The plaque above his head said, “This is the King of the Jews.” How could a man hanging from a cross be a king? This man groaning with pain – how could he be “the Christ?” Why could the Church not have chosen a reading that showcases Christ’s splendor?
Thirty-third Sunday in Ordinary Time
My hope is that in some ways you have been keeping abreast of the devastation created by super-storm Haiyan. I have heard numerous heart-breaking conversations over the media. It is hard to imagine the devastation and tragedy. There is something I am struggling with. On the one hand, millions of people who survived the storm are now facing death because of hunger, thirst and disease; on the other hand, for us, the holidays are approaching. If you are not ready yet, the high-pitched TV commercials will soon enough get you there. On the one hand I see unimaginable misery, and on the other hand I see superficial, profit-obsessed commercial glitter. The misery and the fake glitter do not seem to be adding up for me. I do believe in hope, but sometimes, just sometimes it is good for the rest of humanity not go on with business as usual unless those who are left behind have caught up with us. But I do not think that is what is going to happen.
Thirty-second Sunday in Ordinary Time
I just concluded the ten-week discipleship training seminar at the parish. Fourty-four people began this journey and fourty-two people completed it. The primary reading for this seminar was Dietrich Bonhoeffer’s book, The Cost of Discipleship. Bonhoeffer lived in Nazi Germany and was put to death in a concentration camp. This is very dense book to comprehend but his main contribution is the idea of ‘cheap grace’ and ‘costly grace.’ Cheap grace, according to Bonhoeffer is, “the preaching of forgiveness without repentance, baptism without church discipline, communion without confession. Cheap grace is grace without discipleship, grace without the cross, grace without Jesus Christ, living and incarnate.” Costly grace is grace for which a price has to be paid. “It is the call of Jesus at which the disciples leaves his nets and follows him.” Costly grace is when the disciple realizes the price that has been paid for his or her redemption – the cross of Jesus Christ. Today’s readings are all about cheap and costly grace.
Thirty-first Sunday in Ordinary Time
Recently, there has been stunning news about extra-terrestrial discoveries. Scientists are telling us that in the last few years they have discovered expoplanets. Exoplanets, or alien planets, are those planets that exist outside of our Solar System but have their own stars like we have ours. So far, scientists have discovered 1,028 confirmed exoplanets. The reason for beginning my homily this way is to impress upon you a sense of perspective. From the perspective of recent discoveries, the earth is like a speck of dust. And in relation to the magnitude of planet earth, each of us is speck of dust. So really, human beings are specks within a speck. Yet, inside us is a whole world, a universe, a cosmos. How the vastness of the universe somehow connects with the world within us – this is a fascinating thought.