Ash Wednesday- Matthew 6:1-6, 16-18

Dear friends in Jesus Christ, today we begin the spiritual journey of 40 days.

Lent begins with the Ash Wednesday.

Today, During the Mass, the celebrant says these words: “You are dust and to dust you shall return,”

And you know that the ashes are made from the palms used at the previous Passion Sunday ceremonies.

Ashes remind us that our life is momentary on the earth.

No matter how great or glorious our background or life may be, in the end, all of us will have to face death and the end of our earthly existence.

So, we need to purify ourselves, our body and mind so that through proper repentance we can grow into the status of the sons and daughters of God. We can regain the dignity that God has given us. We are his chosen people who are to be holy and to be seen worthy in his sight.

It’s a time to be with the lord…in secret. Because Bible says whatever you do these days for the lord, will be rewarded. Not for pleasing others but the Lord. Human has the tendency to make a show off themselves- through reels, daily fb uploads, WhatsApp status etc.

First reading through Joel God says, return to me with all your heart…God wishes that we should understand his mind and live as he wishes

In the second reading, Paul reminds us; indeed, it’s the favourable time to seek God’s mercy and forgiveness.

What St. Paul told to the faithful among the Corinthians is also a reminder for all of us that we should not procrastinate or delay in our efforts to seek the Lord, as some among us may delay in doing so because we think that we still have ample amount of time in our lives to be forgiven from our many sins and wickedness.

During the days of Lent, let’s ask ‘Which are the areas where we need to come back to the Lord?

In order to make a proper examination of conscience, we have to practice three things during this Lenten season- we have to go deep into our prayer life, we have to fast from food and the things that disturbs us, and we have to do almsgiving, that’s we have to help the needy.

That’s why he reminds us,

1 "Beware of practicing your piety before men in order to be seen by them; for then you will have no reward from your Father who is in heaven.

Prayer, fasting and almsgiving should be done in secret. Its not a show time.

These actions can be performed only by those who really love God and his word

"Thus, when you give alms, sound no trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may be praised by men. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. 3 But when you give alms, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing,

"And when you pray, you must not be like the hypocrites; for they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and at the street corners, that they may be seen by men. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. 6 But when you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you. "

And when you fast, do not look dismal, like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces that their fasting may be seen by men. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, that your fasting may not be seen by men but by your Father who is in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you.

Brothers and sisters in Christ, the Lord can ask the account of our lives at any moment.

But we do not know how many days we have here on earth...so, we need to be prepared always.

Many people live a life as if there is no hope after our death. So, they do anything whatever they like.

But our lord has shows us a future life, eternal life by his resurrection

nobody thinks what will happen to our soul if we are not prepared

So, we must not wait until it is too late…

There are some few things that we can do during this lent. Some of them are-

… Reading a portion of the Bible daily

… Learn by heart, some verses of the Bible and make it a personal prayer

… Try to frequent Holy Mass / spend time with the Eucharistic Lord, as much as possible

… 40 simple acts of kindness

… Abstain from something that is “dear” it can be food items or social media items

… have family prayer/rosary

… Visit a hospital in our vicinity and help someone if possible

… Abstain from gossiping

… and try to please God and not men by your acts and words

So, let’s try to do everything to please God…he only can give you reward…because he alone sees you whatever you do.

With a sinful heart let us begin our journey and pray to God that please help me to be strong during the days of lent.

Great are those who teach and obey the commandments

Scripture: Matthew 5:17-37

The first reading emphasizes free will. A person is free to choose whether to follow God’s commandments or not. The respective outcomes of this choice are vividly described through two sets of graphic antitheses – fire and water, life and death.

Jesus’ mission is to continue what God has begun with revelation to the people of Israel, and to bring it to completion. The novelty of Jesus’ work lies not in the introduction of an alternative set of precepts to guide human life, but in teaching the right way to fulfill what had already been revealed.

17- I have come not to abolish them but to fulfill them. It was difficult for the Israelites to obey the OT 613 laws…Jesus gives us a new version of the old laws

18 For truly, I say to you, till heaven and earth pass away, not an iota, not a dot, will pass from the law until all is accomplished. Can you believe this? Whatever is written in the Bible will be fulfilled, it’s not I who say but Jesus says…

19 Whoever then relaxes one of the least of these commandments and teaches men so shall be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but he who does them and teaches them shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.

-Do you want to become great in the kingdom of God?

 20 For I tell you, unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. If you are living a normal life like others and if you don’t understand how a Christian should live, then Jesus says, you will not enter…

-The focus point of Jesus is ‘the kingdom of God’ which he often mentions

-To understand the teachings of Jesus first of all we need to know what the kingdom of God is? It’s the state where God reigns over our lives, God is the control of our actions, it’s the awareness that God is always watching over me etc.

21 "You have heard that it was said to the men of old (which means what OT teaches is), `You shall not kill; and whoever kills shall be liable to judgment.' 22 But I say to you that everyone who is angry with his brother shall be liable to judgment; whoever insults his brother shall be liable to the council, and whoever says, `You fool!' shall be liable to the hell of fire.

Jesus immediately identifies the root cause of murder – anger. Without anger, murder and violence would not occur at all; the commandment would be fulfilled and followed.

23 So if you are offering your gift at the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you, 24 leave your gift there before the altar and go; first be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift.

-To be noted that it’s not you have any problem with others but if others have any problem with you, you have to take initiative to reconcile with the other

26 truly, I say to you, you will never get out till you have paid the last penny.

27 "You have heard that it was said, `You shall not commit adultery.' 28 But I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart. 

Again, Jesus identifies the root cause of adultery – lust. Using the metaphor of “tearing out the eye and cutting off the hand”, he emphasizes that sexual lust and other disruptions of the family life, such as divorce, must be avoided at all cost because they destroy the fundamental building block of the human community, the family.

 29 If your right eye causes you to sin, pluck it out and throw it away; it is better that you lose one of your members than that your whole body be thrown into hell.

30 And if your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away; it is better that you lose one of your members than that your whole body go into hell. 

Jesus made it very clear that the essence of God's law - flows from his love, goodness, and holiness. To get these Godly qualities one must follow it.

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,

Last Sunday, I reminded you about our identity, Christian identity.

In today’s readings, a follower of Christ is reminded of this reality: who we are and how we are to live out that identity.

Jesus tells us in the Gospel of Matthew, “You are the salt of the earth… You are the light of the world.” These are not mere compliments; they are commissions.

Salt preserves and gives flavour. Light reveals and guides. Both are simple, everyday elements — yet both transform everything they touch.

When our words and deeds draw attention not to ourselves but to God, we fulfil the purpose of both the salt and the light.

But then we hear St. Paul in the First Letter to the Corinthians say something seemingly opposite: “When I came to you, brothers and sisters, I did not come with eloquence or human wisdom… My message and my preaching were not with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit’s power.”

Paul reminds us that being salt and light does not depend on human strength or brilliance. It is not about how impressive we are, but about how transparent we are to God’s presence. Salt works only when it dissolves; light shines most clearly when it is unobstructed. Likewise, the Christian’s influence grows as self-importance fades and the Spirit takes centre stage.

So, when He now tells His disciples, “You are the light of the world,” He is not replacing Himself, but sharing His light with them.

Just as the moon reflects the light of the sun, we are called to reflect the light of Christ in a world that often walks in darkness — the darkness of sin, fear, confusion, and despair. Our goodness, mercy, and faith become visible signs of God’s presence in daily life.

Light helps people see clearly. When Jesus calls us to be light, He is calling us to reveal God’s truth and love wherever we are.

Jesus continues, “A city built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl.” In other words, our faith is not meant to be private or hidden.

We are not to hide our Christian identity out of fear or indifference. The world needs witnesses — people who live their faith joyfully and visibly. We don’t have to preach with loud words; our lives can be the sermon.

As St. Francis of Assisi said: “Preach the Gospel at all times, and if necessary, use words.”

A simple reflection: Imagine entering a dark room with a small candle. Even a tiny flame changes everything. Likewise, one act of kindness, one word of encouragement, one gesture of mercy — can illuminate someone’s darkness.

So, Jesus is really saying: “Be My reflection in the world. Let My light shine through you — wherever you go, in whatever you do.”

Jesus says “You are the salt of the earth,” Salt was precious in the ancient world — not only for flavour, but for preservation and purity.

In Jesus’ time, there were no refrigerators. Salt was used to preserve food and prevent it from spoiling.

So, when Jesus says, “You are the salt of the earth,” He is telling His followers:

“You are what keeps the world from rotting.”

In a world that can easily decay through sin, greed, and hatred, Christians are called to preserve what is good — to uphold truth, justice, and love. Through your faith, integrity, and compassion, you keep the world from losing its moral and spiritual health.

Salt gives flavor to food. Without it, everything tastes bland. Jesus is saying that our faith should give flavor and zest to life — our own and others’.

A Christian who lives with joy, hope, and love makes the world more beautiful and meaningful. When people encounter someone who radiates peace, patience, and kindness, they “taste” something of God.

In biblical times, salt was also used in purification — for sacrifices, healing wounds, and cleaning.

So, salt also symbolizes purity and healing.

 Jesus warns, “If salt loses its taste, how can it be made salty again?” In other words, if we lose our distinct Christian character — our integrity, our love, our moral courage — we become like tasteless salt: ineffective and irrelevant.

A disciple who blends in so much with the world that there is no difference between them and others no longer fulfils their mission. Our strength lies in being different — not in a superior way, but in a way that points to Christ.

Salt works only when it is poured out and mixed in. In the same way, we can’t be the salt of the earth if we stay isolated or fearful. We must enter into the world’s “messiness” — schools, workplaces, families, communities — and bring God’s love there.

Salt hidden in a container does nothing; faith kept private changes nothing.

A Reflection-Just as salt disappears into food but transforms its taste, so should we live humbly but powerfully — quietly influencing our families, schools, and communities with Christ’s love.

The world may not always see us working, but if we truly live as salt, it will feel the difference.

Jesus says, “they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:16). Let us notice carefully: Jesus does not say people will praise us; he says they will praise the Father. Parents feel honoured when their children do good; in the same way, our Heavenly Father is glorified when we live lives of love, mercy, and sacrifice.

Sometimes I used to ask myself, We Christians have built so many institutions in this world — hospitals, schools, colleges, orphanages, homes for the aged. Through these, we serve millions of people. But are they, seeing our works, glorifying our Heavenly Father? Or are some slowly drifting away from God? Are our institutions only giving education and treatment, or are they also giving witness to Christ?

Think of Saint Teresa of Calcutta: people who watched her pick up the dying from the streets did not praise her alone, but many began to believe again in Jesus, because they saw His love alive in her hands.

Saint Francis of Assisi lived this Gospel in a striking way. His simplicity, care for the poor, and joyful humility touched even hardened hearts. Many who met him did not merely admire Francis; they began to love Christ, because his life pointed away from himself and toward Jesus.

But today, we often see a counter-witness. We may go to church, we may pray, we may receive the sacraments — yet we are not ready to forgive. We ignore small mistakes of our family members. We carry anger in our hearts. Sometimes people look at us and ask, “Why does he go to church and still behave like this?”

Dear brothers and sisters, Christianity is not first about beautiful prayers or impressive buildings. It is about living love in ordinary moments — forgiving at home, speaking gently, helping quietly, and serving without seeking recognition. That is our mission: to become living witnesses, so that through our small acts of goodness, others may discover the goodness of our Father in heaven. Let our lives quietly teach others to say, “Thanks be to God.”

4th Sunday ordinary time, 1Feb-2026

Matthew 5:1–12

In the Gospel today, Again and again, he says, “Blessed” (Matthew 5:3–11). But the people he calls blessed are not those whom society celebrates. He does not say blessed are those who have everything. He says, “Blessed are the poor in spirit” (Matthew 5:3), “Blessed are those who mourn” (Matthew 5:4), and “Blessed are the meek” (Matthew 5:5).

Last Sunday I was telling about the spiritual updation or the acceleration of the gear…remember?

The Beatitudes are not just a list of blessings;

1-The Beatitudes describe the character of a true disciple

Pope Francis tells about these beatitudes as ‘Christian’s identity card’ because these sayings tell us what it means to be a follower of Jesus.

Today, many people have large houses, growing bank balances, and every comfort they desire. The world looks at them and calls them blessed. Yet many of them cannot sleep in peace. Their minds remain restless. Their hearts feel empty. We hear more and more of lives that seem successful from outside, yet collapse quietly inside. Even among the wealthy and admired, loneliness grows, anxiety deepens, and the number of suicides increases. These are painful signs that comfort alone does not bless the heart.

For him, blessing is not about how much we have, but about how free our heart is before God.

Each “Blessed are…” statement shows a quality that belongs to those who belong to Jesus.

2. They turn the world’s values upside down

In the world’s eyes:

• The powerful, the rich, and the successful are “blessed.”
• The poor, the meek, the persecuted are “unfortunate.”

But Jesus reverses this logic. He says that God’s blessing is upon those who are humble, merciful, pure-hearted, and peacemakers — those who may seem weak or insignificant, but who live close to God and depend on Him.

The Beatitudes teach that real happiness comes not from possessions or status, but from living in God’s grace and doing His will.

3. Each Beatitude shows a step in the journey of discipleship. Let’s briefly look at each one

1. “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”

Poor in spirit- what is the spirituality or condition of your soul?

What is physical poverty? Imagine that I am poor having no money and I feel hungry. In the eyes of the world, I am poor and why my poverty? Because I have nothing of my own, nothing is in my hand. So I am begging…each time

Spiritual poverty is- I cannot do anything even pray, help, come for mass etc. so I depend on God, without his help I can’t do anything…

A person not depending on his own self but always depending on God is called spiritual poverty.

Moses was the man who faced this blessing and trouble who depended on himself. When he beat the rock, the water was flowing like anything but the second time he was not asked to beat the rock but Moses bet it and water didn’t come, Moses was over confident.

Jesus himself says, ‘you can do nothing apart from me’

Dead work- it is the spiritual activities that we do without depending on God. Whether it is Rosary, Mass, fasting, charity etc- → Recognize your dependence on God. True disciples know they need Him.

1. “Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.” → Be sensitive to sin and suffering; you cry not because you lost something but of your sins…
2. “Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.” → Practice gentleness and humility, not aggression or pride. Why we remember St. Therese here who was born in f
3. “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.”
   → Desire goodness, justice, and holiness above all else.
4. “Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.” → Show forgiveness and kindness, as God has shown to you.
5. “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.” → Live with sincerity and integrity, with undivided love for God.
6. “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called children of God.” → Work to bring harmony, healing, and reconciliation wherever you are.
7. “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake…” → Stand firm in faith, even when it costs you something, knowing your reward is eternal.

“Consider your own call, brothers and sisters:

Paul reminds the Corinthians that God does not operate by the world’s categories of success, power, or intelligence. “Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord.” (v.31)

Paul’s conclusion is that the Christian’s confidence and joy are grounded in what God has done, not in what we can do.

Here’s the parallel:

An elderly person was given a latest model of a mobile phone, on his birthday by his son who lived abroad.

 Seeing the phone, the man exclaimed: “Oh son! This piece of technology is just of no use for me!

I do not belong to your generation. This gadget is too complicated for me!”

I know that you will react by saying it is of no use for me. But knowing you, I have also attached a simple-to-use manual… a booklet, that I myself have prepared so that you can use the phone without any hassles. Wish you a happy time using the phone and hope to hear you soon!”

booklet which read “Manual for use” with its table of contents:

1. Usage instructions,

2. Safety instructions

3. Assembly and Installation instructions

4. Maintenance instructions.

5. Troubleshooting instructions

6. Service locations

7. Product technical specifications.

8. Warranty information

These 8 instructions were to help the man to make the best use of the product and get the maximum out of it. Seeing the 8 instructions, the man immediately exclaimed: “Oh, this is so wonderful!

These 8 instructions are just like the 8 beatitudes that Jesus had given, for make the best use of our life here on earth and get the maximum out of it!”

We have manuals for phone, vehicle, electrical things, for everything…and the service manual of Christian life is these 8 beatitudes, the Central teaching of Jesus. Just follow it, life will be happy…

The Beatitudes are a call to live differently: To put God first. To care for others with mercy and humility. To seek justice and peace. To trust God even in suffering.

To be blessed in the eyes of God is far more precious than being called blessed by the world…

May God bless you all…Amen.

Now when he heard that John had been arrested, he withdrew into Galilee;

John the Baptist's enemies had sought to silence him, but the good news of God's kingdom of salvation cannot be silenced.

As soon as John had finished his testimony Jesus began his in Galilee.

Each one is given with an opportunity to give testimony to Jesus in our daily lives. And Jesus will work in certain people’s life only when we give these life testimonies…

Lieutenant Sameul Kamalesan, a Christian officer, had been dismissed from the Indian Army for refusing to participate in the religious ceremonies of his regiment. On 25 November, the Supreme Court disposed of the challenge against his dismissal and endorsed the Army’s views that his conduct amounted to serious indiscipline inconsistent with leadership responsibilities. 

Those who know driving, better knows when can one shift the gear from 2nd to 3rd and 4th. Vehicle will automatically demand the shifting of the gear. This movement should be recognized in our spiritual life also. Some people continue to drive in the same speed with 2nd gear…

17 From that time Jesus began to preach, saying, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand."

In announcing the good news, Jesus makes two demands: repent and believe! 

“Repent! - Jesus uses exactly the same words as John the Baptist (3:2).

Only if you repent, you can believe in the gospel or you will understand the Good News

“Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.”

This is not merely a call to feel sorry for past sins. The Greek word metanoia — repentance — means a complete change of heart and direction. Jesus is inviting us to turn around, to reorient our lives toward God, to see differently, and to live differently.

And as he was walking through the sea of Galilee, he saw them and said,

"Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men." 20 Immediately they left their nets and followed him.

This is one of the most striking moments in the Gospel. No debates, no hesitation, there are no explanations, no promises of comfort, no guarantees of success — just trust.

Why these people left eth? They have not seen the person of Jesus before, but still?

And yet, something in his voice, something in his presence, compels them. They leave their nets, their boats, even their father, and follow him immediately.

Today, how do, you choose people in the schools and in the companies? How many interviews do you attend how many degrees and qualifications you have to carry to get a job!

Last day when some parents came to take new admission, after seeing the school, they were making comments, no ac in in all the classes, no smart board in nursery etc. they all look at the external comforts, not thinking about the internal formation of their child…

What kind of person did Jesus’ call? They were ordinary men–fishermen.  He could have chosen scholars or wealthy people or great leaders, but he chose ordinary men. 

Their boat and father constitute their worldly security. Their boat, of course, represents their livelihood—their way to make a living—probably a comfortable living. Their father represents their connection to family, a precious connection, indeed.

The invitation is to become a disciple (a learner–a follower).  Jesus offers these men the opportunity to observe him at close hand on a daily basis. By doing so, they will learn more than his thinking. They will become familiar with his moods. They will unconsciously copy his manner of speaking—his gestures—his dealings with people. They will see how he solves problems and counters opposition. Slowly but surely, they will become like Jesus in thought, word and deed. That speaks powerfully about discipleship. It is not enough to learn facts about Jesus. We must spend time with him. Discipleship is less an affair of the head than of the heart.

23 And he went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues and preaching the gospel of the kingdom and healing every disease and every infirmity among the people.

-The gospel passage presents us with picture of Jesus continu­ously engaged in three activities: Proclaiming, Healing, Gathering.

Teaching and preaching –what is the difference between these?

Preaching is done to a great group.

Teaching is done to a small group. Teach and preach, both are important

Republic day…do we really enjoy the real freedom? Pray for its leaders

In the second reading, Paul says that there is no unity among the Corinthians and this division is because they are not united in Christ but earthly leaders. Sometimes people used to say ‘he is of that pastor; she is of this pastor etc.…. are we of any pastors? Are we not Christ’s?

Jesus chose to begin his ministry in this deeply divided land. The land was divided by foreign invasion, like divide and rule (the present India), all the lands are part of Galilee

Jesus tells, I will make you fishers of men- we know when we cast a net, there gets different typed of fishes…in the divided world, Jesus calls this fisher men to unite them…

Both inside the church and in the society also we can see a lot of divisions, its here Jesus tells us to become an instrument of unity.

For this we have to leave behind and throw away many nets like the disciples-daily habits, fears, comforts, etc.

And let us pray that God may make use of us and we may give witness to his gospel through our lives.

Last Sunday we saw the baptism of Jesus and the words from heaven saying, my beloved with whom I’m well pleased.  john saw the holy spirit descending on him in the form of a pigeon. And when Jesus was coming out of the Jordan, John said to all who were standing there,

"Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of …

If a great person comes to the church, how do we introduce him? We may say, the bishop of Jaipur diocese, the principal of St. Joseph’s school, the MLA of Hanumanngarh etc.…because we know them who they are. We are not saying in which car he came or what dress he is worn, or what food he likes etc. but we say the main thing.

But here John introduces Jesus telling- ‘the lamb of God’. John has not seen Jesus. It’s his first time that he meets Jesus. So how can he say that he is the Lamb of God? Because John is the one who is to introduce Jesus to others

What does this ‘lamb of God does?

We can say, from the time of Abel they used to make the animal sacrifice and they used to offer the best for God.

From the time of Abraham- the lamb provided by God to Abraham for sacrifice in place of Isaac (Gen 22:8-13).

We see the Israelites going to Jerusalem temple every year to offer an animal and shed its blood for their sins, for this they select the spotless animal. Knowing this, John is telling to the people- behold…

It is significant that John was the son of Zachariah, a priest of Israel who participated in the daily sacrifice of a lamb in the temple for the sins of the people (Exodus 29).

John recognized that Jesus was the perfect unblemished lamb offered by the Father in heaven as the one and only sacrifice that could cancel the debt of sin, and free us from death and the destruction of body and soul in hell.

4 things happen in the life of John with the meeting of Jesus

-First, he sees- Many people have heard about Jesus and they have seen the picture or statue of Jesus but we don’t see any changes in their life.

-Second he recognizes the person who he is- Realizes he is the son of God and the savior of the world. Many people know that Jesus is the son of God, he is a great teacher, he can heal us but many consider him as one among the teachers or Gurus

-Thirdly- he experiences the person of Jesus. He believes in Jesus. We have sacraments, esp. Eucharist, confession, we have Rosary, Bible etc. do we try to experience him more.

-Fourthly- he becomes one with Jesus. Gala 2:20- Paul says ‘it’s no longer I who lives but Christ lives in me-. Jesus says, I am the vine and you are the branches. ‘I am the living bread, whoever eats me, and I live in them’…

He could have attracted people to himself but he points others to Jesus telling he must grow and I must decrease

In our life also, we have these four stages. We need to think in which stage am I?

To give witness to the lord, we need this great experience. Without this, we won’t be, nobody will be able to give Jesus to the world.

We have to meet Jesus to grow in our spiritual life. For this-

-we have to read the word of God. He talks to us through his word. Do you read the word of God?

-we have to receive the Holy Eucharist

- We have to confess and stay away from sins

-and we have to pray always.

When we don’t take lunch, when we don’t take bath, when we don’t use mobile for one hour, we feel that as if we are missing something. In the same way, we should feel that we missed something when we don’t read Bible, when we don’t pray at home, when we don’t confess, when we don’t go for mass on Sundays…

People, who don’t miss this, are very far away from God, if we really love someone, surely, we will miss if we don’t meet or call at least once in a day or in a week…do you?

Each one on this earth is born with a special duty or purpose?

John says what his purpose was. 31- That he might be revealed to Israel.

Paul reminds us that we got this identity as Christians to live for God

– God knows us from our mother’s very womb. From the moment of conception God made each one of us a special child, entrusted with a particular task and mission in the world.

If we are not doing this, we are not giving glory to God and we are not responding to the call of God.

Every time before the reception of the Eucharist, we proclaim that he is the lamb who takes away my sins. Let’s be thankful to God always for forgiving and taking away our sins.

Dear friends, like john who pointed out Jesus to the world, we have a duty to show Jesus to others whatever way possible.

let’s pray that we may get the strength to live like john so that we may give Christ to the world.’

“I need to be baptized by you, and yet you come to me?” But Jesus insists: “Let it be so now; it is proper for us to do this to fulfil all righteousness.”

This is not a story about Jesus needing forgiveness; it is about Jesus entering fully into our human condition. He identifies Himself with us—broken, weak, and in need of God’s mercy—so that we might one day share His holiness.

Jesus steps into the Jordan, he is not washed of sin, but He sanctifies the waters for us.

when Jesus comes out of the water, the heavens open, the Spirit descends like a dove, and the Father’s voice is heard saying, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased” (Matthew 3:17). Let us remain with that one word, beloved, because it carries the heart of today’s feast.

God does not speak these words after Jesus performs miracles or teaches the crowds. He speaks them at the very beginning. Jesus is beloved not because of what he has done, but because of who he is. His identity as Son comes before his mission. His relationship with the Father comes before his work for the world. This order is very important for our faith and for our daily life.

Through baptism, the same loving word is spoken over each one of us. Only those who know they are children can pray like that with trust. Baptism makes us children of God and gives us a new way of living, not from fear but from belonging.

Christian life begins with one’s baptism. Through baptism one becomes the member of the church, He gets all the rights and blessings form the lord, He is willing to take up the cross by receiving the baptism of the lord.

But why Jesus needs a baptism?

We need a baptism? Because we all are born with sinful nature, but Jesus was not

Only people who are sinners were receiving the baptism from John then why Jesus is going to John?

1. To gain the sinners he became one among the sinners though having no sin

St Paul became a gentile to gain the gentiles for Jesus…in the same way; Jesus became one among the sinners.

Pope Francis once reminded the faithful that every Christian should remember the date of baptism and thank God for the gift of faith (Angelus address on the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord, 7 January 2024).

I, Thomas (shan) was baptised on 17-11-1985.

 Many of us remember our birthday, feast, jubilee, anniversary etc. but we forget the day when God claimed us as his own. Baptism is not only an event from the past. It is a living truth that shapes how we think, how we pray, and how we face life each day. Do you remember your baptism date?

We listen to a lot of voices in our day-to-day life but do we listen the voice of God saying that you are my beloved, you need not worry…?

When we remember that we are beloved, prayer becomes simple, forgiveness becomes possible, and courage quietly grows in the heart. Let us live as God’s children, worrying less about what others say and holding firmly to what God has already said over us at baptism. You are my beloved.

Jesus, make me fully aware that I am your beloved. Amen.

The baptism of Jesus reminds us of our own baptism—the day when we, too, were claimed by God as His beloved sons and daughters.

In baptism:

• The heavens open for us.
• The Holy Spirit descends upon us.
• The Father calls us His beloved.

Every time we make the sign of the cross, we remember who we are and whose we are. Baptism gives us identity and mission:

• Like Jesus, we are called to serve humbly.
• Like Jesus, we are called to stand with those on the margins.
• Like Jesus, we are called to bring God’s love into everyday life—our homes, schools, workplaces, and communities.

The 500 Rs not was crushed, put down and trampled but still they said, we want it…because it had not lost its value. Value of Christian life is not diminished since the Holy Spirit is given to you though you might have gone away from the love of God.

We need Holy Spirit to lead a holy life…and it’s not because of our good and holy life, that we received the gift of the Holy Spirit…

May God bless you, Amen.

Epiphany means appearance or manifestation. First, the angels revealed Jesus to the shepherds. Baptism of Christ where the Father and the Holy Spirit gave combined testimony to Jesus ‘identity as Son of God. Later, at Cana he revealed his Divinity by transforming water into wine. These multiple revelations are all suggested by the Feast of the Epiphany. 

The magi were pagans still followed the star they saw …last day one of the youth was telling – Fr ji, I have not received baptism but I trust in Jesus. I too am a son of God, those who believe in Jesus is a Christian

It’s almost 2000 years that Jesus came to us …feast of Epiphany

A well-known story goes of a holy monk, who was once visited by a young man. I want you to tell me how to find God”. The monk was a muscular person. So, the monk took the man to the river. When they reached the place, the monk grabbed the young man by the neck, and held his head down water. At first the man thought, that this was a special ritual. Finally, after a long time of struggle, the monk pulled out the young man from the waters and told him:” When you desire God as much as you longed for the air, then you will have the Epiphany of God!”

The Lord makes Himself known to the one who desires and longs, sincerely, honestly and faithfully!

1. WHAT do we seek? -The Magi from the East had just one purpose in their long journey: to meet the New Born King and pay Him homage and worship. (Mt 2:2)

2. WHERE do we seek? - Following the Star – a sign to lead them to their destination (Mt 2:2b) As long as they followed the Star, they remained on the right track.

There were three groups of people who reacted to the Epiphany of Christ’s birth. The first group headed by King Herod tried to eliminate him, the second group, priests and scribes, ignored him and the third group, represented by the shepherds and the Magi, came to adore him.

(1) Let us make sure that we belong to the third group: 

a) By worshiping Jesus at Mass with the gold of our love, the myrrh of our humility and the frankincense of our adoration;

b)  By following the direction of the angel: as the Magi chose another route to return to their homes, a better way of life, abstaining from proud and impure thoughts,

c) By becoming stars leading others to Jesus, as the star led the Magi to Jesus (removing the darkness of the evil around us and radiating Jesus’ love through selfless service, unconditional forgiveness and compassionate care).

When Jesus came into the world the world knew him not and his own people received him not (John 1:10-11). Jesus was born in obscurity. Only the lowly shepherds recognized him at his birth. Some wise men also found their way to Bethlehem to pay homage to the newborn King of Israel.

Can you become the star for Jesus? The star was needed to manifest and illumine the lowly place, until they had reached their destination at the manger.  The wise men saw the star; they journeyed from Jerusalem to Bethlehem by the guidance of the star. From all this we learn that this was not an ordinary star, for no other star has this capacity to guide, not merely to move but to beckon, to “go before them,” drawing and guiding them along their way. The star remained after bringing them to the place, in order that the child might also be seen.

In their thirst for knowledge of God, the wise men from the East willingly left everything, their home and country, in pursuit of that quest. –sometimes I hear nobody at home so I did not come to church…We have lot of silly reasons

To know and to encounter Jesus Christ is to know God personally. In the encounter of the wise men with Jesus, we see the plan of God to give his only Son as King and Savior, not just for the Jewish people but for all the nations as well.

 Children, why they enjoyed reading Harry Potter novels and watching Harry Potter movies. The most common answer was, “Because you never know what’s going to happen next.” The same element of suspense marked the journey of the Magi, who never knew what road the Spirit was going to take them down

We should be like the magi every day searching for the lord…

Let’s offer a heart full of love, time and service to Jesus. He does not expect gold, silver incense etc. Let’s offer what we have

- Through His Commandments, Teachings of the Church, many people in our life and the situations of life

- Do I seek His Love in the wonderful sacraments that the Church offers

3. WHAT GIFTS do we offer Him?

In the Holy Mass…-Do we really offer Him our pains, struggles, our little sacrifices, our honest longings? … or, is the Holy Mass become just a customary ritual, without anything to offer

The Lord wishes, desires and deserves the best gifts from us.

There were three groups of people who reacted to the Epiphany of Christ’s birth. The first group headed by King Herod tried to eliminate him, the second group, priests and scribes, ignored him and the third group, represented by the shepherds and the Magi, came to adore him. To which group do you belong…?