16th April

As we continue reading from the Acts of the Apostles we see that with the conversion of Saul (who now goes by his Roman name of ‘Paul’ rather than the Jewish ‘Saul’) the Christians are now free to preach and to proclaim the Risen Christ. St Peter continues his travels and in the name of Christ he cures people and restores the dead to life. In our gospel text for today we come to the end of our reading of St John’s sixth chapter and we see that many who have been listening to Christ are unable to believe or to accept what he has been saying about being the bread of life. When he asks the apostles what they think, Peter replies that there is nobody else to go to for he is the one who has the message of eternal life. This is the faith that we are called to profess.

26th April

Today’s reading from the Acts of the Apostle tells of the ongoing mission.  In Acts, the apostles are on the mission to spread the Good News. As usual there are hurdles on the way which makes it difficult for them. But this hurdle doesn’t terminate their mission. The apostles still move on with the Good News and open the doors of faith to the pagans.

In the gospel tells of the accomplished his mission given to Him by His Father. And He has successfully handed the baton to His apostles, who are to spread the peace of Christianity to the whole world. This still carries on till now. Our world is torn apart with anger and hatred; it has lost its peace. Let us be agents of unity and peace and build this world to a better place where love and peace reigns.

19th April

When were the first believers in Christ first called Christians? In Today’s 1^st reading Acts 11.26 gives us the answer, it was at Antioch that the disciples were first called ‘Christians’. I believe we believers in Christ are privileged to be called Christians. In the gospel Jews considered themselves as gods chosen people. They were blinded in their pride that they couldn’t recognize the Messiah right in front of their eyes.

Even as we call over selves as Christians, being Christians is not our right, but it’s a gift of God. And we should thank God for it. Christianity does not give a free ticket t heaven, and the rest of the people to hell, this is what some of our Christians think.

It’s not our religion but our deeds and actions will mark our destiny. Thank God for this gift and follow His will.

4th April

Today we celebrate the Solemnity of the annunciation. After the sin of Adam and Eve, sin became the barrier between God and men. In the Old Testament the Israelites used to make sacrifices by shedding the blood of animals in order to atone their sins. A question arises in my mind can animal’s blood take away human sin? Well I don’t think that’s possible. Hence God sent his only son Jesus Christ to take away the sins of the world. And it was on this day that angel Gabriel  appeared to Mother Mary and asked her consent where she said ‘ Yes’ and Jesus entered into the womb of Mary and finally this world. Thus making the prophesy come true come true which prophet Isaiah proclaimed ‘Behold a virgin shall conceive and she will call Him Immanuel (Is . 7:14) Mary submitted to Gods will and God gave her strength  and grace to accomplish this task of being the Mother of God.

Do we trust God that He will help us in doing His will? Do we respond to His will or we run away from it?