Cycle [C] 21st Sunday in Ordinary Time

 Is. 66:18-21; Heb. 12:5-7, 11-13; Lk. 13:22-30

Strive to enter through the narrow door. These are the words of Jesus, occasioned by a question that was proposed to him in the following terms: "Lord, are there few that be saved?" Who it was that asked this question, or what his views therein were, we are not particularly informed. 

Luke chooses to remind us today that Jesus is still on his way to Jerusalem. What awaits him in Jerusalem is the Cross. It is through the Cross that he would depart this world, and reach his Glorious state.

Unfortunately, many of us decide to look for alternative wider gates to get immediate but temporal solution instead of remaining at the narrow gate to wait for their turn to cross over to their victory.

All these gates promise us escape routes away from the Cross. That is the danger inherent in those adulterated gates. It is through the Cross that Jesus was glorified. Anyone who wants to enter into his kingdom to share his glory must be patient to

Cycle [C] Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Rev. 11:19a, 12:1-6ab, 10ab; 1 Cor. 15:20-26; Lk. 1:39-56

Today, we are commemorating the Feast of the "Assumption of Mary." This Marian Doctrine was defined by Pope Pius XII on November 1, 1950. Through this Doctrine, the Catholic Church proclaimed that when the course of her earthly life was finished, Mary was taken up body and soul into Heavenly glory. When the Catholic Church addressed the Doctrine of the Assumption of Mary, it was aware of the fact that both, Enoch and Elijah, were physically taken to paradise from this world. Considering that the Blessed Virgin Mary was the mother of God in His incarnated human nature and she was free from all stain of original sin from the moment of her conception, the Church concluded that it was appropriate to define that Mary was elevated in glory and honour above all the prophets, the apostles, the saints and the angels of Heaven. The Church has believed in Mary’s Assumption for centuries, although it was only proclaimed a dogma in 1950 by Pope Pius XII.

Today's reading from the Book of Revelation describes a woman, clothed with the sun, with the moon under her feet, and on her head a crown of twelve stars. And she gave birth to a son, a male child, who is to rule all the nations with a rod of iron.

Cycle [C] August 15 Independence Day

 August 15. Independence Day

Today is a great day for us. When we celebrate our Independence Day, we should remember those who have fought for freedom. Thousands of people sacrificed their time, talent, energy, freedom and life so that   we will enjoy freedom. The freedom that we enjoy today is built on the sweat and blood of many.

Today, we have the freedom to follow our Right to Education, right to speak, and many more. Our country is one of the largest democracies in the world. India is one of the largest countries in the world of doctors, engineers, and Scientists. We’ve come a long way after independence.

Our freedom fighters have also taught us many lifelong lessons. They were fearless to take a stand for what they trusted in – If Mahatma Gandhi didn’t take a stand for us or if Bhagat hadn’t spoken for us, where we would’ve been. So do not be afraid to speak. Do not hesitate to take a stand, if you think something is wrong.

We should all be proud to be Indian, and we should admire our fortune to have been born in the land of Independent India.

Cycle [C] 20th Sunday in Ordinary Time

 Jer. 38:4-6, 8-10; Heb. 12:1-4; Lk. 12:49-53

The Bible tells us that Jeremiah, like many of the prophets of the Old Testament, was frequently persecuted during his lifetime. He was mistreated by the king and his officials. He was caught between his obligation to be a prophet and fear of his life. But he served the Lord until the end. The first reading shows that God’s message would bring discomfort for many. The Gospel emphasizes the same message.

During today's reading from the Gospel of Luke, Jesus says, "I came to bring fire to the earth, and how I wish it were already kindled!"

From Genesis to Revelations the Biblical Books speak of Fire.  Fire is often used, either symbolically or literally, as an instrument of divine wrath, exercised against sinners, both Israelites and Gentiles.

Isiah prophesied, “For with FIRE and with his sword the Lord will execute judgment upon all men, and many will be those slain by the Lord.” In Lamantations we read, “The Lord has given full vent to his wrath; he has poured out his fierce anger.

Cycle [C] 19th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Wis. 18:6-9; Heb. 11:1-2, 8-19; Lk. 12:32-48

Today’s readings are closely connected. They all talk about faith and trust in God. The first reading recalls how God has used His power to protect and save His people. The second reading is an explanation about faith, using Abraham as the concrete example. The Gospel is invitation to trust God and cast out all fear. 

Jesus' instructions on how to be ready for the coming judgment continue in the stories and sayings found in today's Gospel. The way to be ready for the coming judgment is to be watchful. In Luke's Gospel, Jesus tells a parable about watchfulness to begin making this point. We must be like servants waiting for the master's return from a wedding banquet. We must be watchful so that even if the master comes after midnight, we will be ready for him. Hence it is important to set our