Bali Dhaanam - Way of the cross from Poomkavu
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Saturday, February 20, 2010
Friday, February 19, 2010
Sermon Thoughts – 1st Sunday in Lenten Season
Jesus is being tempted. The passage is common to us, especially in connection with fasting and penance. We read the detailed description of the event by the gospel narrator Luke in some 13 sentences.
Jesus was taken to the desert. There he was tempted by the devil and he ate nothing in that 40 days.
The three connected temptations those Jesus faced are also familiar to us. These are not the temptations of Jesus, but these are ours too.
Devil asks Jesus to do wonder and to make the stones to bread, so that he may allay his hunger. Many interpret this as the temptation towards our desires of Body. It mentions not only our uncontrolled hunger for food but for sex, pleasures and our new age “body Worship”. Body is the temple of God. Jesus was able to say no to the temptations of his Body. Has this temple lost its purity and sanctity unfortunately in our ages?
The next one was regarding Worship. Jesus was taken to the top of a mountain and he was asked to worship the devil to acquire the power over the world. Another temptation Jesus had to face through out his whole life. Many tried to make him King and ruler over them. Jesus questioned them on the spot too. He says “no” to the devil not only in the desert, but through out his life, when he was tempted by these worldly attractions.
Is it not the biggest reason of today’s peace less world? All are claiming their heritage on particular land or property. For a piece of land, brothers fight each other; relations are rejected and denied. Countries amass their weapons…
Jesus survived the Test of Satan. But we are falling…
In the third level, Satan questions the faith of Jesus in his Father.
“If you are the Son of God...”
Jesus was very sure of his origin. He knew his life is fully on God’s protecting hand. And now this provocation of the devil is really another humorous situation for Jesus. Jesus knew, he must not jump from somewhere to know the care of his God, because his life was the mission, entrusted by God the father. If the people of Israel knew the caring God, YHWH in this same desert throughout their 40 years of wandering,
how can he doubt on the fatherly care in his son’s mission?
Jesus could face the temptations so easy, according to the narrations. But it was not that easy. All these temptations were his life long temptations during his ministry, because Jesus was Man and God at the same time. The human nature of Jesus met with such weak points in his mission. But Jesus never compromised to them. In all these situations he sought after the power of the Spirit.
Jesus won in keeping the spirit that he attained in the Baptism.
He enters in his desert with this spirit.
He also enters in to his public life with this Spirit.
He recharged it thorough prayers and uninterrupted connection to his divine father.
Temptation is not a sin. Remaining in it is the sin.
By remaining in them, we deny our sanctity.
We worship not God, but the power on this earth and other matters connected to it. Our senses become heavier, so that we can raise them to God and his purity. As the last step we may question his power.
Jesus is ready to help us. He asks us to receive his spirit.
We have received it once in our baptism. Now we have to refresh it. Creating an Awareness of the divine spirit in us is very important.
This Lenten season may help us to find out the divinity in us and divine call to us. Accepting God as our divine father is the first step for that.
Let us receive his powerful spirit, and enter the deserts of our life.
We have nothing to fear, because we are not weak and powerless.
Our power is in the Spirit of God.
Let this Lenten season help us all in rediscovering the spiritual life. Amen!
-
Fr Thomas Kalathil
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Sermon Thoughts - Ash Wednesday 2010
It is again another Lent. The readings and the liturgy guides us through out the recurring theme “Repent”. On this day this theme is strongly represented in the symbolic of ash cross on the head. The liturgical colors and the omission of certain parts do add to this.
Penance was also the main theme of the preaching of Jesus. John the Baptist too preaches this and makes the people of Israel aware of the kingdom of God.
We know, the term used for this is “metanoia”. It is not simply a daily repetition of some penitential act. It is a whole person act. This is complete turning back to god in thoughts, words and in action. And if it is really happened, there is nothing in between the God – Man- Relationship. Because it is happening in the whole level. Jesus proclaims that radical change. Prophets’ desire was that for their people. The same proclaimed the apostles later on in their mission.
The Church uses the symbolic object- ASH. It represents nothingness. But it reminds us of the existence of an object.
Now in this period, this ash represents our minds.
It should move us to give up “some” old unnecessary Existences.
It should motivate us to accept our nothingness in front of God.
It should motivate us to start anew.
But what can some Ash do?
Yes, ash alone is nothing. If a wind blows, it is scattered.
But if can be a good manure for plants and trees too.
Now let us pray for it.
Let us turn to be good manure for our faith.
Let us promote the good news of our redeemer throughout our lives.
Let us become ash for the growth of his kingdom of peace and love and humanity.
Let this Lenten season help us for a change! Amen.
--
Fr Thomas Kalathil
Penance was also the main theme of the preaching of Jesus. John the Baptist too preaches this and makes the people of Israel aware of the kingdom of God.
We know, the term used for this is “metanoia”. It is not simply a daily repetition of some penitential act. It is a whole person act. This is complete turning back to god in thoughts, words and in action. And if it is really happened, there is nothing in between the God – Man- Relationship. Because it is happening in the whole level. Jesus proclaims that radical change. Prophets’ desire was that for their people. The same proclaimed the apostles later on in their mission.
The Church uses the symbolic object- ASH. It represents nothingness. But it reminds us of the existence of an object.
Now in this period, this ash represents our minds.
It should move us to give up “some” old unnecessary Existences.
It should motivate us to accept our nothingness in front of God.
It should motivate us to start anew.
But what can some Ash do?
Yes, ash alone is nothing. If a wind blows, it is scattered.
But if can be a good manure for plants and trees too.
Now let us pray for it.
Let us turn to be good manure for our faith.
Let us promote the good news of our redeemer throughout our lives.
Let us become ash for the growth of his kingdom of peace and love and humanity.
Let this Lenten season help us for a change! Amen.
--
Fr Thomas Kalathil
Thursday, February 11, 2010
Sermon thoughts - 6th Sunday in Ordinary Time C (Lk 6, 17. 20-26)
“Jesus came down from the mountain and stood in the plain”. This is the starting sentence of today’s gospel passage. This shows the great attitude of our God towards humanity. Till the incarnation of Jesus, the humanity knew and worshipped “a” God from far away, from downwards only. They were unable to look at him. Now Jesus is correcting `this God figure of the old times´. He took the human form. Now he is coming down with his followers. It is a symbol of his continuous presence, through-out our life. He is there in our happiness; he is with us in our sorrowful days too.
But the rest of today’s Gospel passage may irritate some of us, especially its second half. In the first half of the sermon on the mountains we hear the praising words. But the second half is a curse. This may arise many questions among the simple believers. Does Jesus really hate the rich? Can’t they come in to the heaven?
I may say, it is only a half truth. Jesus cannot deny and classify a certain group of people eligible for the heaven and some others cursed, only because they are poor and others rich. He has got some other measurement.
Then what does it mean? For that we must seek the answer for a particular question. When does become `Richness´ a Sin? Finding an answer to this may help us to understand Jesus’ position.
We can divide richness in to two. To the first group belong people with money and property earned by their valuable work and dedication. They earn and spend it for their happy family. They may give people chances to live, by providing business or works. They may do humanitarian works with their earning. This group comes not under the curse as they live according to justice.
There is a second group. They too have money and property. They earn and earn. During this process, they forget the people and their surroundings. They may `buy´ justice and law for their well being. Their eyes and ears are closed towards the tears and cries of the poor and needy. They behave unjustly and inhuman. Thought of love and humanity don’t disturb their life.
Jesus might have seen the second group of people in Israel at that time. The first class people like Pharisees, scribes and Politicians were less interested in the well being of the common. They lived at the cost of these people and the burden was accumulated upon the poor again and again. Jesus raises his prophetic and humanitarian voice against them. He saw love towards the neighbour is neglected. Human weakness is misused in various ways. And the thoughts on it become a curse while Jesus loved them so much. In this context, the merry making and feasts of this rich group becomes a curse to them.
Not only these people, but many are powerless before money and property. It is not only in the politic, but the religion too is hit by this.
A Bishop called his priests together. He asked some of his senior priests, how they manage their Sunday collections. One said: “I give it fully to God, in the heavens.” “How?” asked the bishop eagerly. “I thorough the whole collection to the air and will say, take the amount you want. The amount that goes up belongs to him. I take only that comes down”.
The other one had another method. He said. “At first I take the whole money from the box and climb to the pulpit above. Then I will throw the money to the box. The amount that falls in to the box is for God,
the rest is for his poor priest!”
Bishop smiled and asked the next one. He was practical theologian. He said, “His Excellency, you know that we have always issues with thieves. So I have started an account in the name of God and put the whole amount in it. I just manage it as his partner. He can take at any time the amount he needs. But to the surprise, he seems to be not in need of money.”
Bishop had enough “ideas” about the “financial management” of his priests and cancelled the meeting…
It is a story. But regarding money and its business, many are weak.
And it is the question, how we manage our money. Are our deposits in the earthly banks or we use them for the heavenly fixed deposit?
We are nearing to our lent season. Before that there comes the Carnival. It aims at “to be cheerful and to do good”. It is not bad in its originality. We should be joyful in our life. Only a person who enjoys life can enjoy God’s joyful presence. Spirituality is not to be sad, but it guides us to rejoice.
Jesus came to proclaim “good news”. Good news is something that makes us joyful. In this way the celebrations are not bad in itself.
In all these merry making, let us not lose ourselves. Let us not act forgetful. All our happiness and merriness should return to Jesus and his love of God and love of Mankind.
I wish all of us a joyful heart and pleasant week. Amen.
-
Fr Thomas Kalathil
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
Friday, February 5, 2010
Sermon thoughts – 5th Sunday in Ordinary Time C
During a personal discussion with an old religious priest he opened his heart. He told, “Dear, it is not the celibacy or poverty which is the toughest vow to follow, but it is the obedience. We can obey our parents, we can obey our relatives or we can obey our teachers. But to obey some one, totally different and personally unrelated with “my self” for a long period of life is the most difficult one in the life of most religious persons”.
Yes it is a sacrifice. We can call the sacrifice of Ego as the biggest and most difficult one.
In oriental religions the element sacrifice has got an important role. Man sacrificed beasts, fruits and similar items to the Deity of their worship. Human beings were also offered in certain cases.
We may remember the story of Abraham and his son Isaac. Abraham was on the way to offer his only one son in his old ages. It points out to the practice of human sacrifices. That story has got another interpretation for our spirituality today. We may interpret this story as the best example of offering ones Ego – Self. Abraham might have got a special figure among his fellow people as he was specially blessed by God through God’s visit and the birth of a child. May be Yahweh wanted to test his Ego level. Abraham overcomes this test. He shows his mind is not blind in the shadows of fake Ego. He proves his heart is still rooted in his Lord God.
The three figures we come across in today’s 3 readings are commenting to this feature positively and constructively. At first we hear the reading from the great prophet Isaiah. We know how God counts this prophet in his mission. Still Isaiah affirms his fallibility in the starting lines. He doesn’t hesitate to say, “Woe is me! For I am undone; because I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips: for mine eyes have seen the King, the LORD of hosts.” A statement that we can add to the life of Egoless Abraham!
The same is reflected in the words of St Paul, as he says: “For I am the least of the apostles, that am not meet to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God”. But he adds soon “by the grace of God I am what I am”. Grace is the Blessing of God. That shows God is with the person.
Certainly it is the clear picture we see in the Gospel Passage. God is with Peter. God shows his Grace to that poor fisherman through Jesus.
Peter was an experienced man in fishing. No doubt. We know Jesus hadn’t this experience of life, which Peter had.
Still Peter says, “nevertheless at thy word I will let down the net”.
What a great mind he had. Yes that was the test that Peter won first in his faith Exam. He had 100 out of 100. The best man, who is able to receive the Message of Jesus, as he had no wrong Ego. May be that is the reason for his succession to the supreme Apostleship. He was less intelligent considering Paul, but pure in selfless love. And even in his failure he accepts it.
All these figures point us to a peculiar behaviour. All of them asserts one and same matter. If you want to be an instrument of God, then avoid your fake Ego. Make yourself ready.
Prepare a place for God to sit, as peter prepared his Boat for Jesus Preaching. Yes, at first his small Boat, then his entire life becomes the platform for the Word of God. Even his shadow becomes the powerful instrument of divine healing.
It is the wonder. It is the wonderful change, which occurs in us though the presence of God.
Everything we do and say gets a divine touch. That happens only through this special sacrifice.
Peter and others are good examples for our faith progress. Many may find peter easy to follow, because many are just like him.
Not powerful, still loving God from the whole heart.
God might have his concept in selecting such person for his mission, as he wants to continue his mission of Love and humanity. He wants to show mercy to the needy. This is done only with the help of this great selfless mission. This happens only in a selfless heart.
Peter shared his Joy by sharing his fishes on the net with his friends. Peter enjoys this Joy at its next level, by leaving the boat and earthly connections.
This ends up in his ultimate Joy, as he offered his life on the cross, head down (to earth). Still his biggest sacrifice remains the sacrifice of Ego.
I wish all of us great courage for this step. God bless us all. Amen!
- Fr Thomas Kalathil
Yes it is a sacrifice. We can call the sacrifice of Ego as the biggest and most difficult one.
In oriental religions the element sacrifice has got an important role. Man sacrificed beasts, fruits and similar items to the Deity of their worship. Human beings were also offered in certain cases.
We may remember the story of Abraham and his son Isaac. Abraham was on the way to offer his only one son in his old ages. It points out to the practice of human sacrifices. That story has got another interpretation for our spirituality today. We may interpret this story as the best example of offering ones Ego – Self. Abraham might have got a special figure among his fellow people as he was specially blessed by God through God’s visit and the birth of a child. May be Yahweh wanted to test his Ego level. Abraham overcomes this test. He shows his mind is not blind in the shadows of fake Ego. He proves his heart is still rooted in his Lord God.
The three figures we come across in today’s 3 readings are commenting to this feature positively and constructively. At first we hear the reading from the great prophet Isaiah. We know how God counts this prophet in his mission. Still Isaiah affirms his fallibility in the starting lines. He doesn’t hesitate to say, “Woe is me! For I am undone; because I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips: for mine eyes have seen the King, the LORD of hosts.” A statement that we can add to the life of Egoless Abraham!
The same is reflected in the words of St Paul, as he says: “For I am the least of the apostles, that am not meet to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God”. But he adds soon “by the grace of God I am what I am”. Grace is the Blessing of God. That shows God is with the person.
Certainly it is the clear picture we see in the Gospel Passage. God is with Peter. God shows his Grace to that poor fisherman through Jesus.
Peter was an experienced man in fishing. No doubt. We know Jesus hadn’t this experience of life, which Peter had.
Still Peter says, “nevertheless at thy word I will let down the net”.
What a great mind he had. Yes that was the test that Peter won first in his faith Exam. He had 100 out of 100. The best man, who is able to receive the Message of Jesus, as he had no wrong Ego. May be that is the reason for his succession to the supreme Apostleship. He was less intelligent considering Paul, but pure in selfless love. And even in his failure he accepts it.
All these figures point us to a peculiar behaviour. All of them asserts one and same matter. If you want to be an instrument of God, then avoid your fake Ego. Make yourself ready.
Prepare a place for God to sit, as peter prepared his Boat for Jesus Preaching. Yes, at first his small Boat, then his entire life becomes the platform for the Word of God. Even his shadow becomes the powerful instrument of divine healing.
It is the wonder. It is the wonderful change, which occurs in us though the presence of God.
Everything we do and say gets a divine touch. That happens only through this special sacrifice.
Peter and others are good examples for our faith progress. Many may find peter easy to follow, because many are just like him.
Not powerful, still loving God from the whole heart.
God might have his concept in selecting such person for his mission, as he wants to continue his mission of Love and humanity. He wants to show mercy to the needy. This is done only with the help of this great selfless mission. This happens only in a selfless heart.
Peter shared his Joy by sharing his fishes on the net with his friends. Peter enjoys this Joy at its next level, by leaving the boat and earthly connections.
This ends up in his ultimate Joy, as he offered his life on the cross, head down (to earth). Still his biggest sacrifice remains the sacrifice of Ego.
I wish all of us great courage for this step. God bless us all. Amen!
- Fr Thomas Kalathil
Monday, February 1, 2010
The Most Holy Trinity – Solemnity – Year B
Sermonthoughts – Holy Trinity
Our Universe is full of information. This information is transferred through many ways. Man use Gestures, languages, symbols, pictures, lights etc.
We too make many pictures and symbols for our daily communications.
In the parish atmosphere we have so many examples for that.
Just take an example: the occasion is the transfer of a young priest from one parish to other. Even though this priest tried to do his best, there may be divided opinions about him. He may be acceptable to many, human and friendly, but some may find it inappropriate to a priest.
We know the story of some blind friends, who wanted to know how the elephant look like. They had different opinions, as they tried to get a picture of the elephant from a special point of angle.
Such experiences are not rare in our life. This is because, we human being have a limited perception. If we cannot perceive some elements that are visible here on earth, how we can “understand “God, the Super-Natural Power?
„God“is today a mixture of several experiences, theories, Meditations, visions. These may have several historical – contextual – personal – spiritual dimensions. Some of them may “contradict” each other.
Even then we cannot just discard them.
Also in the spirituality and theology of Christianity there are several God-Images. Holy Trinity is the important God-Concept, of the Church throughout centuries.
This God Concept is much „conceptual“and above human mathematics and calculations. 1 + 1+ 1 make 3. That is known to children. This is but the calculation of the World; Church has but her own method. This may not be the same as the world.
This mathematical problem is still now a subject of dispute. Sadly we have to acknowledge that, this great God Concept of Unity itself was one among the Obstacle of the “unity” of the faithful. This is a big tragedy in the church history.
What is the meaning of much discussion? The question is not from me. But from many faithful, who see the issue seriously.
How near I come to God through this God concept? How much it works in my life as a Christian?
My personal sorrow is this. Even God could unite in to one. They are in the unity and peace. But we, humans cannot achieve this. We are separating from our brothers and sisters, from God, from Nature, and finally from ourselves.
Why?
I think the main issue is the Egoism. That is the basic problem of the World disorder, for terrorism, War and destructions, Poverty and severe diseases…
Yes, our Egoism is seen allover.
What is important for us today?
What does the Holy Trinity wants from us?
Is it separation and hatred?
Or humanity and love and peace?
Is it not a repeated call to work together with God in Hand in hand?
I do meditate this day as a call to be with God, to be with Human beings. A call to bring the people scattered in the name of God, together.
We will be able to experience our God then, in our families, in our Communities, in our Societies, in our Countries and in the World. Then we can proclaim it with no fear:
”I am with you till the end of the World!”
May this Feast be a feast of unity, not one of Hatred and division. Amen!
Our Universe is full of information. This information is transferred through many ways. Man use Gestures, languages, symbols, pictures, lights etc.
We too make many pictures and symbols for our daily communications.
In the parish atmosphere we have so many examples for that.
Just take an example: the occasion is the transfer of a young priest from one parish to other. Even though this priest tried to do his best, there may be divided opinions about him. He may be acceptable to many, human and friendly, but some may find it inappropriate to a priest.
We know the story of some blind friends, who wanted to know how the elephant look like. They had different opinions, as they tried to get a picture of the elephant from a special point of angle.
Such experiences are not rare in our life. This is because, we human being have a limited perception. If we cannot perceive some elements that are visible here on earth, how we can “understand “God, the Super-Natural Power?
„God“is today a mixture of several experiences, theories, Meditations, visions. These may have several historical – contextual – personal – spiritual dimensions. Some of them may “contradict” each other.
Even then we cannot just discard them.
Also in the spirituality and theology of Christianity there are several God-Images. Holy Trinity is the important God-Concept, of the Church throughout centuries.
This God Concept is much „conceptual“and above human mathematics and calculations. 1 + 1+ 1 make 3. That is known to children. This is but the calculation of the World; Church has but her own method. This may not be the same as the world.
This mathematical problem is still now a subject of dispute. Sadly we have to acknowledge that, this great God Concept of Unity itself was one among the Obstacle of the “unity” of the faithful. This is a big tragedy in the church history.
What is the meaning of much discussion? The question is not from me. But from many faithful, who see the issue seriously.
How near I come to God through this God concept? How much it works in my life as a Christian?
My personal sorrow is this. Even God could unite in to one. They are in the unity and peace. But we, humans cannot achieve this. We are separating from our brothers and sisters, from God, from Nature, and finally from ourselves.
Why?
I think the main issue is the Egoism. That is the basic problem of the World disorder, for terrorism, War and destructions, Poverty and severe diseases…
Yes, our Egoism is seen allover.
What is important for us today?
What does the Holy Trinity wants from us?
Is it separation and hatred?
Or humanity and love and peace?
Is it not a repeated call to work together with God in Hand in hand?
I do meditate this day as a call to be with God, to be with Human beings. A call to bring the people scattered in the name of God, together.
We will be able to experience our God then, in our families, in our Communities, in our Societies, in our Countries and in the World. Then we can proclaim it with no fear:
”I am with you till the end of the World!”
May this Feast be a feast of unity, not one of Hatred and division. Amen!
Pentecost Sunday – Solemnity Year B
1st reading : Acts of the Apostles 2:1-11.
When the time for Pentecost was fulfilled, they were all in one place together.
And suddenly there came from the sky a noise like a strong driving wind, and it filled the entire house in which they were.
Then there appeared to them tongues as of fire, which parted and came to rest on each one of them.
And they were all filled with the holy Spirit and began to speak in different tongues, as the Spirit enabled them to proclaim.
Now there were devout Jews from every nation under heaven staying in Jerusalem.
At this sound, they gathered in a large crowd, but they were confused because each one heard them speaking in his own language.
They were astounded, and in amazement they asked, “Are not all these people who are speaking Galileans?
Then how does each of us hear them in his own native language?
We are Parthians, Medes, and Elamites, inhabitants of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia,
Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the districts of Libya near Cyrene, as well as travelers from Rome,
both Jews and converts to Judaism, Cretans and Arabs, yet we hear them speaking in our own tongues of the mighty acts of God.”
Psalms 104:1.24.29-30.31.34.
Bless the LORD, my soul! LORD, my God, you are great indeed! You are clothed with majesty and glory,
How varied are your works, LORD! In wisdom you have wrought them all; the earth is full of your creatures.
When you hide your face, they are lost. When you take away their breath, they perish and return to the dust from which they came.
When you send forth your breath, they are created, and you renew the face of the earth.
May the glory of the LORD endure forever; may the LORD be glad in these works!
May my theme be pleasing to God; I will rejoice in the LORD.
2nd reading : Letter to the Galatians 5:16-25.
I say, then: live by the Spirit and you will certainly not gratify the desire of the flesh.
For the flesh has desires against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; these are opposed to each other, so that you may not do what you want.
But if you are guided by the Spirit, you are not under the law.
Now the works of the flesh are obvious: immorality, impurity, licentiousness,
idolatry, sorcery, hatreds, rivalry, jealousy, outbursts of fury, acts of selfishness, dissensions, factions,
occasions of envy, drinking bouts, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.
In contrast, the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness,
gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law.
Now those who belong to Christ (Jesus) have crucified their flesh with its passions and desires.
If we live in the Spirit, let us also follow the Spirit.
Holy Gospel of Jesus Christ according to Saint John 15:26-27.16:12-15.
When the Advocate comes whom I will send you from the Father, the Spirit of truth that proceeds from the Father, he will testify to me.
And you also testify, because you have been with me from the beginning.
I have much more to tell you, but you cannot bear it now.
But when he comes, the Spirit of truth, he will guide you to all truth. He will not speak on his own, but he will speak what he hears, and will declare to you the things that are coming.
He will glorify me, because he will take from what is mine and declare it to you.
Everything that the Father has is mine; for this reason I told you that he will take from what is mine and declare it to you.
Sermons Thoughts….Coming Soon
Todays readings are full of symbols and images.
We see fire, strong wind and the spirit of god inspiring the disciples of Jesus today.
They speak in different languages and it is all well listened by many.
This gives us some special God concepts.
At first we have a new “human – Concept”. In the Acts we come across with a “large crowd”. For Jews they were Gentiles;
for Romans they were foreigners;
for a normal observer they were large crowd.
But through the mediation of the Holy Spirit,
They were united to one.
This unity is a special one.
They were still foreigners;
They spoke still different languages;
They had different cultures.
But the Message of Jesus gave them a “UNITY”.
With this changed “human-concept” the concept of God too changed.
If the people of Israel considered God as their private heritage,
this is now changed with Jesus and His Spirit.
God is now universal, he is “catholic”, yes for all.
For all the people on this earth.
This is the new testament.
This is what Jesus asked for, to proclaim him as the “universal God”.
The old barriers are no more there.
It is not cultures, languages and heritages that are important.
But the guiding spirit.
That is from Jesus.
That is Jesus.
Pentacost was the feast of Weeks, a closing feast of the harvest time.
Now it is a new harvest time.
We are in the field to spread the Word and Works of God.
We are in this world to proclaim his special Love that
embodied as Jesus.
Let this Feast be a special feast of the Spirit.
Let us pray for the uniting spirit, even in much diversity.
He can unite us in his love.
Let it be our Prayer for the day. Amen
Seventh Sunday of Easter Year B
1st reading: Acts of the Apostles 1:15-17.20-26.
During those days Peter stood up in the midst of the brothers (there was a group of about one hundred and twenty persons in the one place). He said,
“My brothers, the scripture had to be fulfilled which the holy Spirit spoke beforehand through the mouth of David, concerning Judas, who was the guide for those who arrested Jesus.
He was numbered among us and was allotted a share in this ministry.
For it is written in the Book of Psalms: ‘Let his encampment become desolate, and may no one dwell in it.’ And: ‘May another take his office.’
Therefore, it is necessary that one of the men who accompanied us the whole time the Lord Jesus came and went among us,
beginning from the baptism of John until the day on which he was taken up from us, become with us a witness to his resurrection.”
So they proposed two, Joseph called Barsabbas, who was also known as Justus, and Matthias.
Then they prayed, “You, Lord, who know the hearts of all, show which one of these two you have chosen
to take the place in this apostolic ministry from which Judas turned away to go to his own place.”
Then they gave lots to them, and the lot fell upon Matthias, and he was counted with the eleven apostles.
Psalms 103(102):1-2.11-12.19-20.
Of David. Bless the LORD, my soul; all my being, bless his holy name!
Bless the LORD, my soul; do not forget all the gifts of God,
As the heavens tower over the earth, so God’s love towers over the faithful.
As far as the east is from the west, so far have our sins been removed from us.
The LORD’S throne is established in heaven; God’s royal power rules over all.
Bless the LORD, all you angels, mighty in strength and attentive, obedient to every command.
2nd reading: First Letter of John 4:11-16.
Beloved, if God so loved us, we also must love one another.
No one has ever seen God. Yet, if we love one another, God remains in us, and his love is brought to perfection in us.
This is how we know that we remain in him and he in us, that he has given us of his Spirit.
Moreover, we have seen and testify that the Father sent his Son as savior of the world.
Whoever acknowledges that Jesus is the Son of God, God remains in him and he in God.
We have come to know and to believe in the love God has for us. God is love, and whoever remains in love remains in God and God in him.
Holy Gospel of Jesus Christ according to Saint John 17:11-19.
And now I will no longer be in the world, but they are in the world, while I am coming to you. Holy Father, keep them in your name that you have given me, so that they may be one just as we are.
When I was with them I protected them in your name that you gave me, and I guarded them, and none of them was lost except the son of destruction, in order that the scripture might be fulfilled.
But now I am coming to you. I speak this in the world so that they may share my joy completely.
I gave them your word, and the world hated them, because they do not belong to the world any more than I belong to the world.
I do not ask that you take them out of the world but that you keep them from the evil one.
They do not belong to the world any more than I belong to the world.
Consecrate them in the truth. Your word is truth.
As you sent me into the world, so I sent them into the world.
And I consecrate myself for them, so that they also may be consecrated in truth.
Sermon Thoughts:
In today’s gospel passage we meet Jesus in 2 stages.
The first stage is his preparation for “departure”.
“I will no longer be in the world, but they are in the world”
So he asks his “Holy Father” to keep them in his name”,
so that they may be one.
Man – God Union is mentioned here.
Jesus could happen it to some extend. Jesus asserts that he protected them except Judas, “in order that the scripture might be fulfilled. “
And is disturbed by the difficulties, his followers have to face.
He is anticipates the denial of the Word and its followers in the world, as he says: “I gave them your word, and the world hated them, because they do not belong to the world any more than I belong to the world.“
Jesus took the form of a man by this Word. He lived and suffered for it. His Life was the “word”. Finally Jesus achieved his victory through the “Word”. The suffering is still alive and Jesus is disturbed, how his followers are going to suffer for it. His concern regarding his followers is mirrored in this passage.
In order to face this big challenge,
to be in the world and still behave not like,
Jesus mediates for them. He prays to,
“Consecrate them in the truth. Your word is truth. “
There are many prayers of Jesus.
Our father is the famous one. He also prays in Gethsemane and on the cross.
But this prayer is centered on the Sanctification of his followers and of the church surely.
Jesus’ concern is really expressive in the words in the repeated use of some words.
Jesus proves, he is the “shepherd” through this passage.
Jesus calls St. Peter to lead his sheep. But this part is somehow ignored in many parts of the churches. So we experience so many reports against churches and its institutions. This happens only when we ignore this “pastoral” aspect of our mission.
In these days, we came across with the tragic events that happened from Ireland. The misuse of the children, both physically and mentally-was reported in the European media.
( http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/northern_ireland/8059973.stm )
Such incidents will never glorify the church. On the contrary it will mislead the people from the church.
May be we can say it may lead us to “sanctification”, having a rethinking on the various policies of the hierarchy. But the “injuries” will be present in the many victims.
Why there are increased numbers of such incidents in the church?
I think first of all many are lacking the pastoral care.
Jesus’ prayers was one that of a real pastor.
He cared his disciples as his own and even he could separate from them only with such a heavy mind.
Jesus expresses his human nature of concern, his humanity here.
Many- yes, sad to confess that, many priests and nuns and persons who have dedicated their lives for serving the people and God, are some times far away from the humanity. Some are unable to understand their needs. Now we are not analyzing its reasons. But it must be revised seriously and urgently.
Today Jesus prays not only for the external danger to his Church, his sheep.
But he is deeply irritated and worried and afraid of the danger from its followers.
We can decide ourselves what kind of Church we need.
A Church without human concerns or a Church of controversies?
I think Jesus would prefer a church, praying together for each other,
Protecting each other, looking with concern each other.
Together with Jesus let us pray to “consecrate us” in his Love. Amen
During those days Peter stood up in the midst of the brothers (there was a group of about one hundred and twenty persons in the one place). He said,
“My brothers, the scripture had to be fulfilled which the holy Spirit spoke beforehand through the mouth of David, concerning Judas, who was the guide for those who arrested Jesus.
He was numbered among us and was allotted a share in this ministry.
For it is written in the Book of Psalms: ‘Let his encampment become desolate, and may no one dwell in it.’ And: ‘May another take his office.’
Therefore, it is necessary that one of the men who accompanied us the whole time the Lord Jesus came and went among us,
beginning from the baptism of John until the day on which he was taken up from us, become with us a witness to his resurrection.”
So they proposed two, Joseph called Barsabbas, who was also known as Justus, and Matthias.
Then they prayed, “You, Lord, who know the hearts of all, show which one of these two you have chosen
to take the place in this apostolic ministry from which Judas turned away to go to his own place.”
Then they gave lots to them, and the lot fell upon Matthias, and he was counted with the eleven apostles.
Psalms 103(102):1-2.11-12.19-20.
Of David. Bless the LORD, my soul; all my being, bless his holy name!
Bless the LORD, my soul; do not forget all the gifts of God,
As the heavens tower over the earth, so God’s love towers over the faithful.
As far as the east is from the west, so far have our sins been removed from us.
The LORD’S throne is established in heaven; God’s royal power rules over all.
Bless the LORD, all you angels, mighty in strength and attentive, obedient to every command.
2nd reading: First Letter of John 4:11-16.
Beloved, if God so loved us, we also must love one another.
No one has ever seen God. Yet, if we love one another, God remains in us, and his love is brought to perfection in us.
This is how we know that we remain in him and he in us, that he has given us of his Spirit.
Moreover, we have seen and testify that the Father sent his Son as savior of the world.
Whoever acknowledges that Jesus is the Son of God, God remains in him and he in God.
We have come to know and to believe in the love God has for us. God is love, and whoever remains in love remains in God and God in him.
Holy Gospel of Jesus Christ according to Saint John 17:11-19.
And now I will no longer be in the world, but they are in the world, while I am coming to you. Holy Father, keep them in your name that you have given me, so that they may be one just as we are.
When I was with them I protected them in your name that you gave me, and I guarded them, and none of them was lost except the son of destruction, in order that the scripture might be fulfilled.
But now I am coming to you. I speak this in the world so that they may share my joy completely.
I gave them your word, and the world hated them, because they do not belong to the world any more than I belong to the world.
I do not ask that you take them out of the world but that you keep them from the evil one.
They do not belong to the world any more than I belong to the world.
Consecrate them in the truth. Your word is truth.
As you sent me into the world, so I sent them into the world.
And I consecrate myself for them, so that they also may be consecrated in truth.
Sermon Thoughts:
In today’s gospel passage we meet Jesus in 2 stages.
The first stage is his preparation for “departure”.
“I will no longer be in the world, but they are in the world”
So he asks his “Holy Father” to keep them in his name”,
so that they may be one.
Man – God Union is mentioned here.
Jesus could happen it to some extend. Jesus asserts that he protected them except Judas, “in order that the scripture might be fulfilled. “
And is disturbed by the difficulties, his followers have to face.
He is anticipates the denial of the Word and its followers in the world, as he says: “I gave them your word, and the world hated them, because they do not belong to the world any more than I belong to the world.“
Jesus took the form of a man by this Word. He lived and suffered for it. His Life was the “word”. Finally Jesus achieved his victory through the “Word”. The suffering is still alive and Jesus is disturbed, how his followers are going to suffer for it. His concern regarding his followers is mirrored in this passage.
In order to face this big challenge,
to be in the world and still behave not like,
Jesus mediates for them. He prays to,
“Consecrate them in the truth. Your word is truth. “
There are many prayers of Jesus.
Our father is the famous one. He also prays in Gethsemane and on the cross.
But this prayer is centered on the Sanctification of his followers and of the church surely.
Jesus’ concern is really expressive in the words in the repeated use of some words.
Jesus proves, he is the “shepherd” through this passage.
Jesus calls St. Peter to lead his sheep. But this part is somehow ignored in many parts of the churches. So we experience so many reports against churches and its institutions. This happens only when we ignore this “pastoral” aspect of our mission.
In these days, we came across with the tragic events that happened from Ireland. The misuse of the children, both physically and mentally-was reported in the European media.
( http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/northern_ireland/8059973.stm )
Such incidents will never glorify the church. On the contrary it will mislead the people from the church.
May be we can say it may lead us to “sanctification”, having a rethinking on the various policies of the hierarchy. But the “injuries” will be present in the many victims.
Why there are increased numbers of such incidents in the church?
I think first of all many are lacking the pastoral care.
Jesus’ prayers was one that of a real pastor.
He cared his disciples as his own and even he could separate from them only with such a heavy mind.
Jesus expresses his human nature of concern, his humanity here.
Many- yes, sad to confess that, many priests and nuns and persons who have dedicated their lives for serving the people and God, are some times far away from the humanity. Some are unable to understand their needs. Now we are not analyzing its reasons. But it must be revised seriously and urgently.
Today Jesus prays not only for the external danger to his Church, his sheep.
But he is deeply irritated and worried and afraid of the danger from its followers.
We can decide ourselves what kind of Church we need.
A Church without human concerns or a Church of controversies?
I think Jesus would prefer a church, praying together for each other,
Protecting each other, looking with concern each other.
Together with Jesus let us pray to “consecrate us” in his Love. Amen
The Ascension of the Lord – Solemnity – Year B
1st reading: Acts of the Apostles 1:1-11.
In the first book, Theophilus, I dealt with all that Jesus did and taught
until the day he was taken up, after giving instructions through the holy Spirit to the apostles whom he had chosen.
He presented himself alive to them by many proofs after he had suffered, appearing to them during forty days and speaking about the kingdom of God.
While meeting with them, he enjoined them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for “the promise of the Father about which you have heard me speak;
for John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the holy Spirit.”
When they had gathered together they asked him, “Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?”
He answered them, “It is not for you to know the times or seasons that the Father has established by his own authority.
But you will receive power when the holy Spirit comes upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, throughout Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”
When he had said this, as they were looking on, he was lifted up, and a cloud took him from their sight.
While they were looking intently at the sky as he was going, suddenly two men dressed in white garments stood beside them.
They said, “Men of Galilee, why are you standing there looking at the sky? This Jesus who has been taken up from you into heaven will return in the same way as you have seen him going into heaven.”
Psalms 47(46):2-3.6-7.8-9.
All you peoples, clap your hands; shout to God with joyful cries.
For the LORD, the Most High, inspires awe, the great king overall the earth,
God mounts the throne amid shouts of joy; the LORD, amid trumpet blasts.
Sing praise to God, sing praise; sing praise to our king, sing praise.
God is king over all the earth; sing hymns of praise.
God rules over the nations; God sits upon his holy throne.
2nd Reading: Letter to the Ephesians 4:1-13.
I, then, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to live in a manner worthy of the call you have received,
with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another through love,
striving to preserve the unity of the spirit through the bond of peace:
one body and one Spirit, as you were also called to the one hope of your call;
one Lord, one faith, one baptism;
one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.
But grace was given to each of us according to the measure of Christ’s gift.
Therefore, it says: “He ascended on high and took prisoners captive; he gave gifts to men.”
What does “he ascended” mean except that he also descended into the lower (regions) of the earth?
The one who descended is also the one who ascended far above all the heavens, that he might fill all things.
And he gave some as apostles, others as prophets, others as evangelists, others as pastors and teachers,
to equip the holy ones for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ,
until we all attain to the unity of faith and knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the extent of the full stature of Christ,
Holy Gospel of Jesus Christ according to Saint Mark 16:15-20.
He said to them, “Go into the whole world and proclaim the gospel to every creature.
Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved; whoever does not believe will be condemned.
These signs will accompany those who believe: in my name they will drive out demons, they will speak new languages.
They will pick up serpents (with their hands), and if they drink any deadly thing, it will not harm them. They will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover.”
So then the Lord Jesus, after he spoke to them, was taken up into heaven and took his seat at the right hand of God.
But they went forth and preached everywhere, while the Lord worked with them and confirmed the word through accompanying signs.)
Sermon Thoughts:
The story of an old Indian “Guru” and some of his students may be known to many.
One day he took his students to a forest area.
He wanted to teach them some techniques of archery, for their later days as warriors.
The “guru” took them one by one and asked the same question by showing a tree.
“What do you see?”
“A big tree, with full of fruits, branches and a clear blue sky as the background to it. That is all I see…”
All of them answered almost like this, except one.
This one said; “I see a small bird sitting on the tree”.
The Guru gave him the Bow and an Arrow and he met his aim.
The guru congratulated this one and asked others to follow his model.
Today as we celebrate the feast of the ascension of Jesus in to the “heavens” I remember this story. Even though the Evangelist describes very shortly this event of Jesus’ ascension, later on this got so many colors and interpretations.
But I think as real followers we have to see and follow the “core- message” of this narration.
When we celebrate the Ascension, we should take in consideration, what Jesus really wants to convince us through his Incarnation, life, Sufferings and resurrection. Does he really say that he was “taken to somewhere above, to the sky?” I don’t think so.
More over that he want to show us a model of Man – God relation.
He wanted to show how it should be.
A life model, that is to be called “Christian”.
To visit the church and reading Bible never makes one a real Christian. It will make us a “nominal Christian” only. Jesus saw such believers during his life time. Of course not Christians but Jews and others. His discussion with the woman in Samaria was the guideline for the meaning of practicing religion. Adoration in the Spirit of God stood above all the sacrifices offered on the Mountains and many of the spoken – habitual Prayers. Surely, Jesus was and also is not against these kinds of prayers. We need these prayers, surely. But his aim is to “uplift” his followers from this “infantile – Spirituality” to the real worship. All these must be seen as the way to the “contemplative” way to understand and live the Spirit of God.
Jesus lived and taught many of his fellow humans, to get out of the bounds of the normality. Surely he will have to show that; he will have to live that to his last moments on this earth. And that was his mission on earth. To present the people, the new way to God; the meaningful way to God; to uplift them to this new God Realm.
Yes, to uplift the people from the “slavery” of the old practices.
It is more than the work done by Moses,
for the freedom of the People of Israel, from the Egyptian slavery.
Moses was just a mediator between Yahweh and the people of Israel.
Jesus uplifts, but with his own life Model.
Through his willingness to be a man and to live like a man.
Through his willingness to share the eternal and living sharing of the Word of God, Life of God and the Spirit of God. All these were pointing to the one and only aspect. To bring the people of God together, to one AIM. To the higher aim – Closer to GOD.
And the last message, Jesus gives to his followers was clear enough of their Mission. He instructs them to proclaim his word and to baptize them.
Yes, to follow the life that he lived here.
As the first step, to proclaim the life giving word: the word of God the father,
spoken and lived through Jesus the son, and blessed and inspired with the Holy Spirit.
Then to baptize them: baptizing means to accept to the “Communio”,
to the unity.
And now when Jesus leaves the world, he entrusts this mission to his followers. At first to the Apostles, then to all of us, who enjoy the “communio” in the Church.
My dear brothers and sisters,
Jesus wants us to be the sharers of this Ascension-Experience.
He invites us to spiritualize this feast.
Let us make it happen, following his words, and living in the “communio”, with men and GOD. Amen
In the first book, Theophilus, I dealt with all that Jesus did and taught
until the day he was taken up, after giving instructions through the holy Spirit to the apostles whom he had chosen.
He presented himself alive to them by many proofs after he had suffered, appearing to them during forty days and speaking about the kingdom of God.
While meeting with them, he enjoined them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for “the promise of the Father about which you have heard me speak;
for John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the holy Spirit.”
When they had gathered together they asked him, “Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?”
He answered them, “It is not for you to know the times or seasons that the Father has established by his own authority.
But you will receive power when the holy Spirit comes upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, throughout Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”
When he had said this, as they were looking on, he was lifted up, and a cloud took him from their sight.
While they were looking intently at the sky as he was going, suddenly two men dressed in white garments stood beside them.
They said, “Men of Galilee, why are you standing there looking at the sky? This Jesus who has been taken up from you into heaven will return in the same way as you have seen him going into heaven.”
Psalms 47(46):2-3.6-7.8-9.
All you peoples, clap your hands; shout to God with joyful cries.
For the LORD, the Most High, inspires awe, the great king overall the earth,
God mounts the throne amid shouts of joy; the LORD, amid trumpet blasts.
Sing praise to God, sing praise; sing praise to our king, sing praise.
God is king over all the earth; sing hymns of praise.
God rules over the nations; God sits upon his holy throne.
2nd Reading: Letter to the Ephesians 4:1-13.
I, then, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to live in a manner worthy of the call you have received,
with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another through love,
striving to preserve the unity of the spirit through the bond of peace:
one body and one Spirit, as you were also called to the one hope of your call;
one Lord, one faith, one baptism;
one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.
But grace was given to each of us according to the measure of Christ’s gift.
Therefore, it says: “He ascended on high and took prisoners captive; he gave gifts to men.”
What does “he ascended” mean except that he also descended into the lower (regions) of the earth?
The one who descended is also the one who ascended far above all the heavens, that he might fill all things.
And he gave some as apostles, others as prophets, others as evangelists, others as pastors and teachers,
to equip the holy ones for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ,
until we all attain to the unity of faith and knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the extent of the full stature of Christ,
Holy Gospel of Jesus Christ according to Saint Mark 16:15-20.
He said to them, “Go into the whole world and proclaim the gospel to every creature.
Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved; whoever does not believe will be condemned.
These signs will accompany those who believe: in my name they will drive out demons, they will speak new languages.
They will pick up serpents (with their hands), and if they drink any deadly thing, it will not harm them. They will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover.”
So then the Lord Jesus, after he spoke to them, was taken up into heaven and took his seat at the right hand of God.
But they went forth and preached everywhere, while the Lord worked with them and confirmed the word through accompanying signs.)
Sermon Thoughts:
The story of an old Indian “Guru” and some of his students may be known to many.
One day he took his students to a forest area.
He wanted to teach them some techniques of archery, for their later days as warriors.
The “guru” took them one by one and asked the same question by showing a tree.
“What do you see?”
“A big tree, with full of fruits, branches and a clear blue sky as the background to it. That is all I see…”
All of them answered almost like this, except one.
This one said; “I see a small bird sitting on the tree”.
The Guru gave him the Bow and an Arrow and he met his aim.
The guru congratulated this one and asked others to follow his model.
Today as we celebrate the feast of the ascension of Jesus in to the “heavens” I remember this story. Even though the Evangelist describes very shortly this event of Jesus’ ascension, later on this got so many colors and interpretations.
But I think as real followers we have to see and follow the “core- message” of this narration.
When we celebrate the Ascension, we should take in consideration, what Jesus really wants to convince us through his Incarnation, life, Sufferings and resurrection. Does he really say that he was “taken to somewhere above, to the sky?” I don’t think so.
More over that he want to show us a model of Man – God relation.
He wanted to show how it should be.
A life model, that is to be called “Christian”.
To visit the church and reading Bible never makes one a real Christian. It will make us a “nominal Christian” only. Jesus saw such believers during his life time. Of course not Christians but Jews and others. His discussion with the woman in Samaria was the guideline for the meaning of practicing religion. Adoration in the Spirit of God stood above all the sacrifices offered on the Mountains and many of the spoken – habitual Prayers. Surely, Jesus was and also is not against these kinds of prayers. We need these prayers, surely. But his aim is to “uplift” his followers from this “infantile – Spirituality” to the real worship. All these must be seen as the way to the “contemplative” way to understand and live the Spirit of God.
Jesus lived and taught many of his fellow humans, to get out of the bounds of the normality. Surely he will have to show that; he will have to live that to his last moments on this earth. And that was his mission on earth. To present the people, the new way to God; the meaningful way to God; to uplift them to this new God Realm.
Yes, to uplift the people from the “slavery” of the old practices.
It is more than the work done by Moses,
for the freedom of the People of Israel, from the Egyptian slavery.
Moses was just a mediator between Yahweh and the people of Israel.
Jesus uplifts, but with his own life Model.
Through his willingness to be a man and to live like a man.
Through his willingness to share the eternal and living sharing of the Word of God, Life of God and the Spirit of God. All these were pointing to the one and only aspect. To bring the people of God together, to one AIM. To the higher aim – Closer to GOD.
And the last message, Jesus gives to his followers was clear enough of their Mission. He instructs them to proclaim his word and to baptize them.
Yes, to follow the life that he lived here.
As the first step, to proclaim the life giving word: the word of God the father,
spoken and lived through Jesus the son, and blessed and inspired with the Holy Spirit.
Then to baptize them: baptizing means to accept to the “Communio”,
to the unity.
And now when Jesus leaves the world, he entrusts this mission to his followers. At first to the Apostles, then to all of us, who enjoy the “communio” in the Church.
My dear brothers and sisters,
Jesus wants us to be the sharers of this Ascension-Experience.
He invites us to spiritualize this feast.
Let us make it happen, following his words, and living in the “communio”, with men and GOD. Amen
Sixth Sunday od Easter Year B
1st Reading: Acts of the Apostles 10:25-26.34-35.44-48.
When Peter entered, Cornelius met him and, falling at his feet, paid him homage.
Peter, however, raised him up, saying, “Get up. I myself am also a human being.”
Then Peter proceeded to speak and said, “In truth, I see that God shows no partiality.
Rather, in every nation whoever fears him and acts uprightly is acceptable to him.
While Peter was still speaking these things, the holy Spirit fell upon all who were listening to the word.
The circumcised believers who had accompanied Peter were astounded that the gift of the holy Spirit should have been poured out on the Gentiles also,
for they could hear them speaking in tongues and glorifying God. Then Peter responded,
“Can anyone withhold the water for baptizing these people, who have received the holy Spirit even as we have?”
He ordered them to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ.
Psalms 98:1.2-3.4.
Sing a new song to the LORD, who has done marvelous deeds, Whose right hand and holy arm have won the victory.
The LORD has made his victory known; has revealed his triumph for the nations to see,
Has remembered faithful love toward the house of Israel. All the ends of the earth have seen the victory of our God.
Shout with joy to the LORD, all the earth; break into song; sing praise.
2nd Reading: First Letter of John 4:7-10.
Beloved, let us love one another, because love is of God; everyone who loves is begotten by God and knows God.
Whoever is without love does not know God, for God is love.
In this way the love of God was revealed to us: God sent his only Son into the world so that we might have life through him.
In this is love: not that we have loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as expiation for our sins.
Holy Gospel of Jesus Christ according to Saint John 15:9-17.
As the Father loves me, so I also love you. Remain in my love.
If you keep my commandments, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and remain in his love.
I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and your joy may be complete.
This is my commandment: love one another as I love you.
No one has greater love than this, to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.
You are my friends if you do what I command you.
I no longer call you slaves, because a slave does not know what his master is doing. I have called you friends, because I have told you everything I have heard from my Father.
It was not you who chose me, but I who chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit that will remain, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name he may give you.
This I command you: love one another.
Sermon Thoughts
Is Christianity an Ideology? Some may think so, and express their „anxiety“,
Will the church be helpful for the world today?
Will the words of Jesus get acceptance?
But there are also people, who wonder about the presence of the church.
In reality it is well known, how much the world is influenced by the church?
This truth cannot be avoided.
But Christianity is not simply an ideology. More than that, it is life based on the life of Jesus Christ. The life of Jesus reflects in that.
A life, that is so deeply with the Love and God- bound.
„Remain in my Love” Jesus speaks so today.
There are 2 messages in this simple sentence.
„Life“ and „remain“…
Jesus’ petition to us can be shortlisted to the above words. Through these words he reveals two thoughts.
At first we see the life of Jesus, who loved his „FATHER” in Love.
Then he shares this way with us to follow him.
We can speak hours and hours about the Love. We know there are so many ways to express love. But many of them “remain” not long because they are not deep at all.
But the love between Jesus and his father was very special.
Jesus lived this love with full “sense” to show an example for the people of Israel.
In the history of Israel, Yahweh did so many wonders for his people.
They were with this God “on the way”. They had His Presence in the “covenant”. They adored him in the temple.
But God was not a “remaining” or “dwelling” factor for them. They remained a people of Rituals and laws.
They went away “from god” and denied this Love.
Still God accept these people as his own. And that is the great wonder for me.
Now Jesus gives them a good example- Example of Love and “remaining” in it. He “provokes” them in that way:
a provocation to return to the originals.
„One cannot love properly, when the love is not really felt.
One cannot love properly, when the love is not lived.” Once told me a friend. Yes, Love is a “transaction, a give and take”.
But the “durability is very important for that.
Change is “modern” and normal in our world today. There are philosophers, say that change is the basic principle of the universe.
Is love too changeable? How much it brings?
I think these continual changes makes one only restless and will take the happiness away. Where is the time to “love” the love?
Jesus says, „remain in my love“, to enjoy the peace and Happiness in the reality.
Men who found this „dwelling place” remain in Jesus. They have their Peace in Christ and they can give it to others.
The Apostles are good example for this. We heard Peters’ words and deeds in the first reading and it is enough to state this.
To be a People with „Spirit“, yes, with the „divine spirit“, are our call. We can achieve it with Christ, yes with Christ only.
Let us try to remain in his love in this Easter time. Amen
When Peter entered, Cornelius met him and, falling at his feet, paid him homage.
Peter, however, raised him up, saying, “Get up. I myself am also a human being.”
Then Peter proceeded to speak and said, “In truth, I see that God shows no partiality.
Rather, in every nation whoever fears him and acts uprightly is acceptable to him.
While Peter was still speaking these things, the holy Spirit fell upon all who were listening to the word.
The circumcised believers who had accompanied Peter were astounded that the gift of the holy Spirit should have been poured out on the Gentiles also,
for they could hear them speaking in tongues and glorifying God. Then Peter responded,
“Can anyone withhold the water for baptizing these people, who have received the holy Spirit even as we have?”
He ordered them to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ.
Psalms 98:1.2-3.4.
Sing a new song to the LORD, who has done marvelous deeds, Whose right hand and holy arm have won the victory.
The LORD has made his victory known; has revealed his triumph for the nations to see,
Has remembered faithful love toward the house of Israel. All the ends of the earth have seen the victory of our God.
Shout with joy to the LORD, all the earth; break into song; sing praise.
2nd Reading: First Letter of John 4:7-10.
Beloved, let us love one another, because love is of God; everyone who loves is begotten by God and knows God.
Whoever is without love does not know God, for God is love.
In this way the love of God was revealed to us: God sent his only Son into the world so that we might have life through him.
In this is love: not that we have loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as expiation for our sins.
Holy Gospel of Jesus Christ according to Saint John 15:9-17.
As the Father loves me, so I also love you. Remain in my love.
If you keep my commandments, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and remain in his love.
I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and your joy may be complete.
This is my commandment: love one another as I love you.
No one has greater love than this, to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.
You are my friends if you do what I command you.
I no longer call you slaves, because a slave does not know what his master is doing. I have called you friends, because I have told you everything I have heard from my Father.
It was not you who chose me, but I who chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit that will remain, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name he may give you.
This I command you: love one another.
Sermon Thoughts
Is Christianity an Ideology? Some may think so, and express their „anxiety“,
Will the church be helpful for the world today?
Will the words of Jesus get acceptance?
But there are also people, who wonder about the presence of the church.
In reality it is well known, how much the world is influenced by the church?
This truth cannot be avoided.
But Christianity is not simply an ideology. More than that, it is life based on the life of Jesus Christ. The life of Jesus reflects in that.
A life, that is so deeply with the Love and God- bound.
„Remain in my Love” Jesus speaks so today.
There are 2 messages in this simple sentence.
„Life“ and „remain“…
Jesus’ petition to us can be shortlisted to the above words. Through these words he reveals two thoughts.
At first we see the life of Jesus, who loved his „FATHER” in Love.
Then he shares this way with us to follow him.
We can speak hours and hours about the Love. We know there are so many ways to express love. But many of them “remain” not long because they are not deep at all.
But the love between Jesus and his father was very special.
Jesus lived this love with full “sense” to show an example for the people of Israel.
In the history of Israel, Yahweh did so many wonders for his people.
They were with this God “on the way”. They had His Presence in the “covenant”. They adored him in the temple.
But God was not a “remaining” or “dwelling” factor for them. They remained a people of Rituals and laws.
They went away “from god” and denied this Love.
Still God accept these people as his own. And that is the great wonder for me.
Now Jesus gives them a good example- Example of Love and “remaining” in it. He “provokes” them in that way:
a provocation to return to the originals.
„One cannot love properly, when the love is not really felt.
One cannot love properly, when the love is not lived.” Once told me a friend. Yes, Love is a “transaction, a give and take”.
But the “durability is very important for that.
Change is “modern” and normal in our world today. There are philosophers, say that change is the basic principle of the universe.
Is love too changeable? How much it brings?
I think these continual changes makes one only restless and will take the happiness away. Where is the time to “love” the love?
Jesus says, „remain in my love“, to enjoy the peace and Happiness in the reality.
Men who found this „dwelling place” remain in Jesus. They have their Peace in Christ and they can give it to others.
The Apostles are good example for this. We heard Peters’ words and deeds in the first reading and it is enough to state this.
To be a People with „Spirit“, yes, with the „divine spirit“, are our call. We can achieve it with Christ, yes with Christ only.
Let us try to remain in his love in this Easter time. Amen
Fifth Sunday of Easter Year B
1st Reading: Acts of the Apostles 9,26-31.
When he arrived in Jerusalem he tried to join the disciples, but they were all afraid of him, not believing that he was a disciple.
Then Barnabas took charge of him and brought him to the apostles, and he reported to them how on the way he had seen the Lord and that he had spoken to him, and how in Damascus he had spoken out boldly in the name of Jesus.
He moved about freely with them in Jerusalem, and spoke out boldly in the name of the Lord.
He also spoke and debated with the Hellenists, but they tried to kill him.
And when the brothers learned of this, they took him down to Caesarea and sent him on his way to Tarsus.
The church throughout all Judea, Galilee, and Samaria was at peace. It was being built up and walked in the fear of the Lord, and with the consolation of the holy Spirit it grew in numbers.
Psalms 22(21),26-27.28.30.31-32.
I will offer praise in the great assembly; my vows I will fulfill before those who fear him.
The poor will eat their fill; those who seek the LORD will offer praise. May your hearts enjoy life forever!”
All the ends of the earth will worship and turn to the LORD; All the families of nations will bow low before you.
All who sleep in the earth will bow low before God; All who have gone down into the dust will kneel in homage.
And I will live for the LORD; my descendants will serve you.
The generation to come will be told of the Lord, that they may proclaim to a people yet unborn the deliverance you have brought.
2nd Reading: First Letter of John 3,18-24.
Children, let us love not in word or speech but in deed and truth.
(Now) this is how we shall know that we belong to the truth and reassure our hearts before him
in whatever our hearts condemn, for God is greater than our hearts and knows everything.
Beloved, if (our) hearts do not condemn us, we have confidence in God
and receive from him whatever we ask, because we keep his commandments and do what pleases him.
And his commandment is this: we should believe in the name of his Son, Jesus Christ, and love one another just as he commanded us.
Those who keep his commandments remain in him, and he in them, and the way we know that he remains in us is from the Spirit that he gave us.
Holy Gospel of Jesus Christ according to Saint John 15,1-8.
I am the true vine, and my Father is the vine grower.
He takes away every branch in me that does not bear fruit, and everyone that does he prunes so that it bears more fruit.
You are already pruned because of the word that I spoke to you.
Remain in me, as I remain in you. Just as a branch cannot bear fruit on its own unless it remains on the vine, so neither can you unless you remain in me.
I am the vine, you are the branches. Whoever remains in me and I in him will bear much fruit, because without me you can do nothing.
Anyone who does not remain in me will be thrown out like a branch and wither; people will gather them and throw them into a fire and they will be burned.
If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask for whatever you want and it will be done for you.
By this is my Father glorified, that you bear much fruit and become my disciples.
Sermon thoughts:
Jesus speaks today „organic“. About the Vine and its branches is his talk.
I think Jesus had not talk too much about it, as the people were used with that situation.
I think many of you too have some knowledge of the same.
So I start with a small incident:
There was a farmer, who was very generous. He helped each and every one who asked him for a help. Day after day there came so many, but he and his family were only happy to help them. They listened to their problems and gave advices and helps.
Years gone; the family lived in peace and happiness.
One day he had a thought: was my dealings right? Was I so generous? Even if I could judge some people, I never did that. Was it right? Why?…” All such kind of thoughts made him restless and he found no answer. In the night he had a vision.
He saw a beautiful vine with healthy Grapes. There came so many and enjoyed it and set their journey with gratitude and happiness.
the farmer heard “ you are a vine for many. Give people joy and happiness with this gift.”
A small experience, but it has meaning.
Just as vine and ist branches – we are called to transfer life and joy. There are so many trees and plants, but we are selective,
because we know some are unhealthy and some are healthy; some are good and some bad.
Jesus reminds his followers, that we should be fruitful, healthy for others. For that we have to be with Jesus.
To be with some one gives us more security.
If we are alone in a dark street, we feel unsafe. If we have a friend with us, we feel better.
The church experienced the same, in her first time. But later they felt safe with Jesus.
The word Church comes from Greek word „Kyriakä „ and it means Lord’s House, or to be with the risen Lord“.
There are so many people who think that the Technology save their lives. Safer houses, safer vehicles, safer medicines…
It is not bad. But what is our position to God?
Are creatures greater than the creator?
Who gives us ultimate safety?
Let us enjoy the safety side of the church and God.
Let us be human beings with divine – life and joy.
That will make our participation in the sacraments fruitful.
When he arrived in Jerusalem he tried to join the disciples, but they were all afraid of him, not believing that he was a disciple.
Then Barnabas took charge of him and brought him to the apostles, and he reported to them how on the way he had seen the Lord and that he had spoken to him, and how in Damascus he had spoken out boldly in the name of Jesus.
He moved about freely with them in Jerusalem, and spoke out boldly in the name of the Lord.
He also spoke and debated with the Hellenists, but they tried to kill him.
And when the brothers learned of this, they took him down to Caesarea and sent him on his way to Tarsus.
The church throughout all Judea, Galilee, and Samaria was at peace. It was being built up and walked in the fear of the Lord, and with the consolation of the holy Spirit it grew in numbers.
Psalms 22(21),26-27.28.30.31-32.
I will offer praise in the great assembly; my vows I will fulfill before those who fear him.
The poor will eat their fill; those who seek the LORD will offer praise. May your hearts enjoy life forever!”
All the ends of the earth will worship and turn to the LORD; All the families of nations will bow low before you.
All who sleep in the earth will bow low before God; All who have gone down into the dust will kneel in homage.
And I will live for the LORD; my descendants will serve you.
The generation to come will be told of the Lord, that they may proclaim to a people yet unborn the deliverance you have brought.
2nd Reading: First Letter of John 3,18-24.
Children, let us love not in word or speech but in deed and truth.
(Now) this is how we shall know that we belong to the truth and reassure our hearts before him
in whatever our hearts condemn, for God is greater than our hearts and knows everything.
Beloved, if (our) hearts do not condemn us, we have confidence in God
and receive from him whatever we ask, because we keep his commandments and do what pleases him.
And his commandment is this: we should believe in the name of his Son, Jesus Christ, and love one another just as he commanded us.
Those who keep his commandments remain in him, and he in them, and the way we know that he remains in us is from the Spirit that he gave us.
Holy Gospel of Jesus Christ according to Saint John 15,1-8.
I am the true vine, and my Father is the vine grower.
He takes away every branch in me that does not bear fruit, and everyone that does he prunes so that it bears more fruit.
You are already pruned because of the word that I spoke to you.
Remain in me, as I remain in you. Just as a branch cannot bear fruit on its own unless it remains on the vine, so neither can you unless you remain in me.
I am the vine, you are the branches. Whoever remains in me and I in him will bear much fruit, because without me you can do nothing.
Anyone who does not remain in me will be thrown out like a branch and wither; people will gather them and throw them into a fire and they will be burned.
If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask for whatever you want and it will be done for you.
By this is my Father glorified, that you bear much fruit and become my disciples.
Sermon thoughts:
Jesus speaks today „organic“. About the Vine and its branches is his talk.
I think Jesus had not talk too much about it, as the people were used with that situation.
I think many of you too have some knowledge of the same.
So I start with a small incident:
There was a farmer, who was very generous. He helped each and every one who asked him for a help. Day after day there came so many, but he and his family were only happy to help them. They listened to their problems and gave advices and helps.
Years gone; the family lived in peace and happiness.
One day he had a thought: was my dealings right? Was I so generous? Even if I could judge some people, I never did that. Was it right? Why?…” All such kind of thoughts made him restless and he found no answer. In the night he had a vision.
He saw a beautiful vine with healthy Grapes. There came so many and enjoyed it and set their journey with gratitude and happiness.
the farmer heard “ you are a vine for many. Give people joy and happiness with this gift.”
A small experience, but it has meaning.
Just as vine and ist branches – we are called to transfer life and joy. There are so many trees and plants, but we are selective,
because we know some are unhealthy and some are healthy; some are good and some bad.
Jesus reminds his followers, that we should be fruitful, healthy for others. For that we have to be with Jesus.
To be with some one gives us more security.
If we are alone in a dark street, we feel unsafe. If we have a friend with us, we feel better.
The church experienced the same, in her first time. But later they felt safe with Jesus.
The word Church comes from Greek word „Kyriakä „ and it means Lord’s House, or to be with the risen Lord“.
There are so many people who think that the Technology save their lives. Safer houses, safer vehicles, safer medicines…
It is not bad. But what is our position to God?
Are creatures greater than the creator?
Who gives us ultimate safety?
Let us enjoy the safety side of the church and God.
Let us be human beings with divine – life and joy.
That will make our participation in the sacraments fruitful.
Fourth Sunday of Easter Year B
1st reading: Acts of the Apostles 4,8-12.
Then Peter, filled with the holy Spirit, answered them, “Leaders of the people and elders:
If we are being examined today about a good deed done to a cripple, namely, by what means he was saved,
then all of you and all the people of Israel should know that it was in the name of Jesus Christ the Nazarean whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead; in his name this man stands before you healed.
He is ‘the stone rejected by you, the builders, which has become the cornerstone.’
There is no salvation through anyone else, nor is there any other name under heaven given to the human race by which we are to be saved.”
Psalms 118,1.8-9.21-23.26.28.29.
Give thanks to the LORD, who is good, whose love endures forever.
Better to take refuge in the LORD than to put one’s trust in mortals.
Better to take refuge in the LORD than to put one’s trust in princes.
I thank you for you answered me; you have been my savior.
The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone.
By the LORD has this been done; it is wonderful in our eyes.
Blessed is he who comes in the name of the LORD. We bless you from the LORD’S house.
You are my God, I give you thanks; my God, I offer you praise.
Give thanks to the LORD, who is good, whose love endures forever.
2nd reading: First Letter of John 3,1-2.
See what love the Father has bestowed on us that we may be called the children of God. Yet so we are. The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him.
Beloved, we are God’s children now; what we shall be has not yet been revealed. We do know that when it is revealed we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is.
Holy Gospel of Jesus Christ according to Saint John 10,11-18.
I am the good shepherd. A good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.
A hired man, who is not a shepherd and whose sheep are not his own, sees a wolf coming and leaves the sheep and runs away, and the wolf catches and scatters them.
This is because he works for pay and has no concern for the sheep.
I am the good shepherd, and I know mine and mine know me,
just as the Father knows me and I know the Father; and I will lay down my life for the sheep.
I have other sheep that do not belong to this fold. These also I must lead, and they will hear my voice, and there will be one flock, one shepherd.
This is why the Father loves me, because I lay down my life in order to take it up again.
No one takes it from me, but I lay it down on my own. I have power to lay it down, and power to take it up again. This command I have received from my Father.”
Sermon Thoughts:
We see today the Good Shepherd and his sheep. We also hear Jesus’ comments on the paid shepherd.
Can a paid shepherd be a Good shepherd?
I think Jesus concentrate not on the payment.
Moreover he thinks about the Attitude of the shepherd.
That is the main aspect Jesus wants to differentiate.
We know that the sheep are different from some other animals.
I visited some days ago a Zoo in Frankfurt, together with some friends. There we could watch that some animals follow its “head”.
We too watched some goats and Sheep.
They follow their “Head”.
But the difference I noted was this.
The other animals, .like Monkey or Lion or Tiger could guide other “fellow-animals”.
But I never saw a Sheep, who was able for that.
There are many sheep in our society, who are unable to go and find their destiny. In this case we need some one to guide them.
So there are Shepherd, who are paid, who are called to work outside their Home, just as Jesus went to other sheep.
Dear ones,
It is not the payment or some other attractions that make us good shepherd, but the attachment and dedication to our sheep.
We know many “bad shepherd” in this changed world. We often criticize them too. Many are subjects of our “discussions”.
How we differentiate from them?
Are we good enough?
Are we brave enough, to live for our sheep?
That is our call. Let us not forget it…
Then Peter, filled with the holy Spirit, answered them, “Leaders of the people and elders:
If we are being examined today about a good deed done to a cripple, namely, by what means he was saved,
then all of you and all the people of Israel should know that it was in the name of Jesus Christ the Nazarean whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead; in his name this man stands before you healed.
He is ‘the stone rejected by you, the builders, which has become the cornerstone.’
There is no salvation through anyone else, nor is there any other name under heaven given to the human race by which we are to be saved.”
Psalms 118,1.8-9.21-23.26.28.29.
Give thanks to the LORD, who is good, whose love endures forever.
Better to take refuge in the LORD than to put one’s trust in mortals.
Better to take refuge in the LORD than to put one’s trust in princes.
I thank you for you answered me; you have been my savior.
The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone.
By the LORD has this been done; it is wonderful in our eyes.
Blessed is he who comes in the name of the LORD. We bless you from the LORD’S house.
You are my God, I give you thanks; my God, I offer you praise.
Give thanks to the LORD, who is good, whose love endures forever.
2nd reading: First Letter of John 3,1-2.
See what love the Father has bestowed on us that we may be called the children of God. Yet so we are. The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him.
Beloved, we are God’s children now; what we shall be has not yet been revealed. We do know that when it is revealed we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is.
Holy Gospel of Jesus Christ according to Saint John 10,11-18.
I am the good shepherd. A good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.
A hired man, who is not a shepherd and whose sheep are not his own, sees a wolf coming and leaves the sheep and runs away, and the wolf catches and scatters them.
This is because he works for pay and has no concern for the sheep.
I am the good shepherd, and I know mine and mine know me,
just as the Father knows me and I know the Father; and I will lay down my life for the sheep.
I have other sheep that do not belong to this fold. These also I must lead, and they will hear my voice, and there will be one flock, one shepherd.
This is why the Father loves me, because I lay down my life in order to take it up again.
No one takes it from me, but I lay it down on my own. I have power to lay it down, and power to take it up again. This command I have received from my Father.”
Sermon Thoughts:
We see today the Good Shepherd and his sheep. We also hear Jesus’ comments on the paid shepherd.
Can a paid shepherd be a Good shepherd?
I think Jesus concentrate not on the payment.
Moreover he thinks about the Attitude of the shepherd.
That is the main aspect Jesus wants to differentiate.
We know that the sheep are different from some other animals.
I visited some days ago a Zoo in Frankfurt, together with some friends. There we could watch that some animals follow its “head”.
We too watched some goats and Sheep.
They follow their “Head”.
But the difference I noted was this.
The other animals, .like Monkey or Lion or Tiger could guide other “fellow-animals”.
But I never saw a Sheep, who was able for that.
There are many sheep in our society, who are unable to go and find their destiny. In this case we need some one to guide them.
So there are Shepherd, who are paid, who are called to work outside their Home, just as Jesus went to other sheep.
Dear ones,
It is not the payment or some other attractions that make us good shepherd, but the attachment and dedication to our sheep.
We know many “bad shepherd” in this changed world. We often criticize them too. Many are subjects of our “discussions”.
How we differentiate from them?
Are we good enough?
Are we brave enough, to live for our sheep?
That is our call. Let us not forget it…
Third Sunday in Easter (Year B)
1st Reading: Acts of the Apostles 3,13-15.17-19.
The God of Abraham, (the God) of Isaac, and (the God) of Jacob, the God of our ancestors, has glorified his servant Jesus whom you handed over and denied in Pilate’s presence, when he had decided to release him.
You denied the Holy and Righteous One and asked that a murderer be released to you.
The author of life you put to death, but God raised him from the dead; of this we are witnesses.
Now I know, brothers, that you acted out of ignorance, just as your leaders did;
but God has thus brought to fulfillment what he had announced beforehand through the mouth of all the prophets, that his Messiah would suffer.
Repent, therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be wiped away,
Psalms 4,2.4.7.9.
Answer when I call, my saving God. In my troubles, you cleared a way; show me favor; hear my prayer.
Know that the LORD works wonders for the faithful; the LORD hears when I call out.
Many say, “May we see better times! LORD, show us the light of your face!” Selah
In peace I shall both lie down and sleep, for you alone, LORD, make me secure.
2nd Reading: First Letter of John 2,1-5.
My children, I am writing this to you so that you may not commit sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous one.
He is expiation for our sins, and not for our sins only but for those of the whole world.
The way we may be sure that we know him is to keep his command ments.
Whoever says, “I know him,” but does not keep his commandments is a liar, and the truth is not in him.
But whoever keeps his word, the love of God is truly perfected in him. This is the way we may know that we are in union with him:
Holy Gospel of Jesus Christ according to Saint Luke 24,35-48.
Then the two recounted what had taken place on the way and how he was made known to them in the breaking of the bread.
While they were still speaking about this, he stood in their midst and said to them, “Peace be with you.”
But they were startled and terrified and thought that they were seeing a ghost.
Then he said to them, “Why are you troubled? And why do questions arise in your hearts?
Look at my hands and my feet, that it is I myself. Touch me and see, because a ghost does not have flesh and bones as you can see I have.”
And as he said this, he showed them his hands and his feet.
While they were still incredulous for joy and were amazed, he asked them, “Have you anything here to eat?”
They gave him a piece of baked fish;
he took it and ate it in front of them.
He said to them, “These are my words that I spoke to you while I was still with you, that everything written about me in the law of Moses and in the prophets and psalms must be fulfilled.”
Then he opened their minds to understand the scriptures.
And he said to them, “Thus it is written that the Messiah would suffer and rise from the dead on the third day
and that repentance, for the forgiveness of sins, would be preached in his name to all the nations, beginning from Jerusalem.
You are witnesses of these things.
Sermon Thoughts:
We are in the 3rd week of Easter. We are experiencing each time the Apostles, who are experiencing the Resurrected Jesus in their life in a progressive way.
In the readings of this Sunday liturgy, we come across with the same.
To understand this progress, we must go through the texts in a reversed way.
This reversed way can be chronologically right.
At first we see the Gospel text.
There we meet Jesus and Apostles. Jesus wishes Peace for his disciples.
The text says:
“But they were startled and terrified and thought that they were seeing a ghost.
Then he said to them, “Why are you troubled? And why do questions arise in your hearts?
Then he said to them, “Why are you troubled? And why do questions arise in your hearts?
”
We see here people, who are really uncertain of their future.
Jesus tries to make the situation little bit easier and informal with his words:
“Have you anything here to eat?”
Even though they share time and food with Jesus, the Risen Lord, they are still certain of their future.
By entrusting the Proclamation mission, he want to make them sure of their call; their life to come.
Now we see in the Acts, another face of the disciples.
They are courageous enough to proclaim Jesus’ relevance in the Salvation History
and his originality and continuity of the mission of his forefathers.
They are even courageous to say to Jews:
“You denied the Holy and Righteous One and asked that a murderer be released to you.
The author of life you put to death, but God raised him from the dead; of this we are witnesses.”
The author of life you put to death, but God raised him from the dead; of this we are witnesses.”
But the beauty of the text is at the end – passage:
“Now I know, brothers, that you acted out of ignorance, just as your leaders did; but God has thus brought to fulfillment what he had announced beforehand through the mouth of all the prophets, that his Messiah would suffer. Repent, therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be wiped away…”
This is the special Grace – To forgive and reconcile with their “enemies”- that the Apostles acquired from theRisen Christ.
From his life style.
From following Jesus for last 3 years.
This is also the work of the Holy Spirit,
they received through Jesus,
through their prayerful and painful ways…
The same pattern is followed by the apostle of Divine Love, St John.
He says:
“My children, I am writing this to you so that you may not commit sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous one.”
He shows the limitless mercy of Jesus, the Eternal Teacher of Mercy.
And he completes it by saying: “He is expiation for our sins, and not for our sins only but for those of the whole world.”
Yes, through Jesus, everyone is worthy to receive this “life”.
It is no more reserved for Jews.
Salvation is now “universal”.
It is “catholic” for all…
St John doesn’t forget to assert his “master word”.
“But whoever keeps his word, the love of God is truly perfected in him. This is the way we may know that we are in union with him:”
Yes, Resurrected Jesus moves his disciples to Humanity, Love and Mercy.
This is not reserved for some. This experience is open for all.
Just as John says, we must be able to keep HIS Word,
in Love,
in His Blessed Spirit.
“Resurrection” can be “experienced” with that Spirit.
We too can change a lot, as the Apostles could.
With Love, Humanity and Mercy we can “give life to our World”.
Let’s try for it, together with the Apostles. Amen!
Second Sunday of Easter
April 16, 2009
1st Reading: Acts of the Apostles 4,32-35.
The community of believers was of one heart and mind, and no one claimed that any of his possessions was his own, but they had everything in common.
With great power the apostles bore witness to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great favor was accorded them all.
There was no needy person among them, for those who owned property or houses would sell them, bring the proceeds of the sale,
and put them at the feet of the apostles, and they were distributed to each according to need.
Psalms 118(117),2-4.16-18.22-24.
Let the house of Israel say: God’s love endures forever.
Let the house of Aaron say, God’s love endures forever.
Let those who fear the LORD say, God’s love endures forever.
the LORD’S right hand is raised; the LORD’S right hand strikes with power.”
I shall not die but live and declare the deeds of the LORD.
The LORD chastised me harshly, but did not hand me over to death.
The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone.
By the LORD has this been done; it is wonderful in our eyes.
This is the day the LORD has made; let us rejoice in it and be glad.
2nd Reading: First Letter of John 5,1-6.
Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ is begotten by God, and everyone who loves the father loves (also) the one begotten by him.
In this way we know that we love the children of God when we love God and obey his commandments.
For the love of God is this, that we keep his commandments. And his commandments are not burdensome,
for whoever is begotten by God conquers the world. And the victory that conquers the world is our faith.
Who (indeed) is the victor over the world but the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?
This is the one who came through water and blood, Jesus Christ, not by water alone, but by water and blood. The Spirit is the one that testifies, and the Spirit is truth.
Holy Gospel of Jesus Christ according to Saint John 20,19-31.
On the evening of that first day of the week, when the doors were locked, where the disciples were, for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood in their midst and said to them, “Peace be with you.”
When he had said this, he showed them his hands and his side. The disciples rejoiced when they saw the Lord.
(Jesus) said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you.”
And when he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the holy Spirit.
Whose sins you forgive are forgiven them, and whose sins you retain are retained.”
Thomas, called Didymus, one of the Twelve, was not with them when Jesus came.
So the other disciples said to him, “We have seen the Lord.” But he said to them, “Unless I see the mark of the nails in his hands and put my finger into the nailmarks and put my hand into his side, I will not believe.”
Now a week later his disciples were again inside and Thomas was with them. Jesus came, although the doors were locked, and stood in their midst and said, “Peace be with you.”
Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here and see my hands, and bring your hand and put it into my side, and do not be unbelieving, but believe.”
Thomas answered and said to him, “My Lord and my God!”
Jesus said to him, “Have you come to believe because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and have believed.”
Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of (his) disciples that are not written in this book.
But these are written that you may (come to) believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that through this belief you may have life in his name.
Sermon Thoughts:
The community of believers was of one heart and mind, and no one claimed that any of his possessions was his own, but they had everything in common.
With great power the apostles bore witness to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great favor was accorded them all.
There was no needy person among them, for those who owned property or houses would sell them, bring the proceeds of the sale,
and put them at the feet of the apostles, and they were distributed to each according to need.
Psalms 118(117),2-4.16-18.22-24.
Let the house of Israel say: God’s love endures forever.
Let the house of Aaron say, God’s love endures forever.
Let those who fear the LORD say, God’s love endures forever.
the LORD’S right hand is raised; the LORD’S right hand strikes with power.”
I shall not die but live and declare the deeds of the LORD.
The LORD chastised me harshly, but did not hand me over to death.
The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone.
By the LORD has this been done; it is wonderful in our eyes.
This is the day the LORD has made; let us rejoice in it and be glad.
2nd Reading: First Letter of John 5,1-6.
Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ is begotten by God, and everyone who loves the father loves (also) the one begotten by him.
In this way we know that we love the children of God when we love God and obey his commandments.
For the love of God is this, that we keep his commandments. And his commandments are not burdensome,
for whoever is begotten by God conquers the world. And the victory that conquers the world is our faith.
Who (indeed) is the victor over the world but the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?
This is the one who came through water and blood, Jesus Christ, not by water alone, but by water and blood. The Spirit is the one that testifies, and the Spirit is truth.
Holy Gospel of Jesus Christ according to Saint John 20,19-31.
On the evening of that first day of the week, when the doors were locked, where the disciples were, for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood in their midst and said to them, “Peace be with you.”
When he had said this, he showed them his hands and his side. The disciples rejoiced when they saw the Lord.
(Jesus) said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you.”
And when he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the holy Spirit.
Whose sins you forgive are forgiven them, and whose sins you retain are retained.”
Thomas, called Didymus, one of the Twelve, was not with them when Jesus came.
So the other disciples said to him, “We have seen the Lord.” But he said to them, “Unless I see the mark of the nails in his hands and put my finger into the nailmarks and put my hand into his side, I will not believe.”
Now a week later his disciples were again inside and Thomas was with them. Jesus came, although the doors were locked, and stood in their midst and said, “Peace be with you.”
Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here and see my hands, and bring your hand and put it into my side, and do not be unbelieving, but believe.”
Thomas answered and said to him, “My Lord and my God!”
Jesus said to him, “Have you come to believe because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and have believed.”
Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of (his) disciples that are not written in this book.
But these are written that you may (come to) believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that through this belief you may have life in his name.
Sermon Thoughts:
Many of us pass simply the judgement an call St Thomas the Apostle “doubting thomas“. But I say this is only a partial truth. If we accept Thomas was doubing, who was there among the Apostles really believed on Jesus’ Resurrection? St John (20, 20) himself reports that Jesus showed his hands and his side. How we will justify this? Thomas was not there. That’s a truth. But that doesn’t mean that he should be denied to witness and watch Jesus, face to face.
I think Apostles will not pass such a judgement. Then they will remember Jesus words (Joh 8,7) “He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her.“ The same sentence through which Jesus saved the woman in adultery.
But this doesn’t mean that Thomas is free from failure. No, on the contrary, I see an Absence of Thomas in the community. We don’t know, why Thomas went out. Normally all the Apostles were afraid of the Jews and were staying secure in a House at that time. To go out in that particular means there might have some urgent need. But all are our speculations only.
But through this absence Thomas is missing a chance to meet the Risen Christ. Not only that, he puts his faith in accordance with the sensual realization.
He states that clearly, that he will believe in Jesus, only certain things are fulfilled. What made him say that? Why he was so stubborn?
Any way he was heard. He gets the opportunity to touch Jesus.
He is the only Apostle who touches Jesus after he is resurrected.
There are many people, who are really not in the “communio”. And they pass judgements against Faith and God.
Are they worthy to do that?
Thomas was lucky. He got this special blessing from Jesus.
His declaration is also in that way unique. Jesus is proclaimed as “the Lord and the God!” Thomas meets his Personal God and Lord in Jesus. He is no more scrupulous. And his life is only for his Master.
Dear ones,
That was the speciality of the Apostles. Not only Thomas, but all the Apostles lived after the words of Jesus, after their unfaith and weakness.
We can distinguish these events better than these people.
We too have too many opportunities to meet and live Jesus.
Still where we are?
Still we pass judgment, that Thomas is doubting.
Actually who is doubting? Who is believing?
Wish a blessed Easter!
Easter Sunday -Year B
Easter Thoughs:
„Don’t fear, He is not here. He is Risen, Jesus of Nazareth”.
That is the Sum up of today’s Gospel. He is not here. Where is he then? How it is possible.
Certainly such questions will be frequently asked today.
So many people questioned this earlier in the History and it is not new to Christianity.
Some have found their answers. Some not. S
ome are happy with their answer. Some, but not.
Easter… What is this?
This is he celebration of the People, who are externally week, but innerly powerful.
We have come across with so many figures in the liturgy. The many Jews, Priests, Pharisees, Scribes, Pilate, Herod, disciples of Jesus, some women. And Jesus in the center. Some thought, they were powerful. They could do something. But in the reality, they were too weak.
Some were seen as weak, but they proved that they are better than the other group. But in TIME.
The Jews, Priests, and company thought, they “finished” this “Jesus – Story” and nothing to be feared. But after three days all their thoughts were upside down.
Sad to say, we see some disciples of Jesus in this category. Even Peter remains for a short time in this category. He was so sure about his faith in Jesus. He promised, that he won’t deny Jesus. But he proved that he was not powerful. But he recognizes this and retun to the other group.
In the other group, there were only some women, together with John. Some traditions say that, there was the young Mark together with them. Any way it was a group of weak people. Later join the Josef of Arimathea and Nicodemus.
But Jesus was in their midst. The one who suffered all the degradation on the cross. The one who was naked. The one, who had no Grave for his last rest. A “king of the poor”.
But now everything is changed. The message is no more “bad news”. “Don’t fear, he is risen”!
This message arrives at first to the women. They were “nothing special” for the Jewish society. Still Jesus chooses them – The weak.
There is a humor regarding this: “ There were no Emails, Internet, no TV. Still Jesus wanted to share this news. He knew, that the women were the best and fastet Media” (Don’t take it as a degradation, Please!)
But this happened in the reality. The “good news” reached many in short time. Jesus gave this poor, weak people, such a blessing. To hear his “resurrection”. Because they were “together with Jesus”.
Dears in Jesus, We live in a world of communication. There are mainly “badnews” comparing to “good news”. Today we have a “good news” We celebrate it. We live it. Easter gives us a clear messge: Give good news, be good news, good news of life and Love. Some may think that we are not powerful enough. But it doesn’t matter, if Jesus is with us.
Wish you a Blessed Easter, to all.
„Don’t fear, He is not here. He is Risen, Jesus of Nazareth”.
That is the Sum up of today’s Gospel. He is not here. Where is he then? How it is possible.
Certainly such questions will be frequently asked today.
So many people questioned this earlier in the History and it is not new to Christianity.
Some have found their answers. Some not. S
ome are happy with their answer. Some, but not.
Easter… What is this?
This is he celebration of the People, who are externally week, but innerly powerful.
We have come across with so many figures in the liturgy. The many Jews, Priests, Pharisees, Scribes, Pilate, Herod, disciples of Jesus, some women. And Jesus in the center. Some thought, they were powerful. They could do something. But in the reality, they were too weak.
Some were seen as weak, but they proved that they are better than the other group. But in TIME.
The Jews, Priests, and company thought, they “finished” this “Jesus – Story” and nothing to be feared. But after three days all their thoughts were upside down.
Sad to say, we see some disciples of Jesus in this category. Even Peter remains for a short time in this category. He was so sure about his faith in Jesus. He promised, that he won’t deny Jesus. But he proved that he was not powerful. But he recognizes this and retun to the other group.
In the other group, there were only some women, together with John. Some traditions say that, there was the young Mark together with them. Any way it was a group of weak people. Later join the Josef of Arimathea and Nicodemus.
But Jesus was in their midst. The one who suffered all the degradation on the cross. The one who was naked. The one, who had no Grave for his last rest. A “king of the poor”.
But now everything is changed. The message is no more “bad news”. “Don’t fear, he is risen”!
This message arrives at first to the women. They were “nothing special” for the Jewish society. Still Jesus chooses them – The weak.
There is a humor regarding this: “ There were no Emails, Internet, no TV. Still Jesus wanted to share this news. He knew, that the women were the best and fastet Media” (Don’t take it as a degradation, Please!)
But this happened in the reality. The “good news” reached many in short time. Jesus gave this poor, weak people, such a blessing. To hear his “resurrection”. Because they were “together with Jesus”.
Dears in Jesus, We live in a world of communication. There are mainly “badnews” comparing to “good news”. Today we have a “good news” We celebrate it. We live it. Easter gives us a clear messge: Give good news, be good news, good news of life and Love. Some may think that we are not powerful enough. But it doesn’t matter, if Jesus is with us.
Wish you a Blessed Easter, to all.
Good Friday of the Lord’s Passion – Year B
Book of Isaiah 52,13-15.53,1-12.
See, my servant shall prosper, he shall be raised high and greatly exalted.
Even as many were amazed at him– so marred was his look beyond that of man, and his appearance beyond that of mortals–
So shall he startle many nations, because of him kings shall stand speechless; For those who have not been told shall see, those who have not heard shall ponder it.
Who would believe what we have heard? To whom has the arm of the LORD been revealed?
He grew up like a sapling before him, like a shoot from the parched earth; There was in him no stately bearing to make us look at him, nor appearance that would attract us to him.
He was spurned and avoided by men, a man of suffering, accustomed to infirmity, One of those from whom men hide their faces, spurned, and we held him in no esteem.
Yet it was our infirmities that he bore, our sufferings that he endured, While we thought of him as stricken, as one smitten by God and afflicted.
But he was pierced for our offenses, crushed for our sins, Upon him was the chastisement that makes us whole, by his stripes we were healed.
We had all gone astray like sheep, each following his own way; But the LORD laid upon him the guilt of us all.
Though he was harshly treated, he submitted and opened not his mouth; Like a lamb led to the slaughter or a sheep before the shearers, he was silent and opened not his mouth.
Oppressed and condemned, he was taken away, and who would have thought any more of his destiny? When he was cut off from the land of the living, and smitten for the sin of his people,
A grave was assigned him among the wicked and a burial place with evildoers, Though he had done no wrong nor spoken any falsehood.
(But the LORD was pleased to crush him in infirmity.) If he gives his life as an offering for sin, he shall see his descendants in a long life, and the will of the LORD shall be accomplished through him.
Because of his affliction he shall see the light in fullness of days; Through his suffering, my servant shall justify many, and their guilt he shall bear.
Therefore I will give him his portion among the great, and he shall divide the spoils with the mighty, Because he surrendered himself to death and was counted among the wicked; And he shall take away the sins of many, and win pardon for their offenses.
Psalms 31,2.6.12-13.15-16.17.25.
In you, LORD, I take refuge; let me never be put to shame. In your justice deliver me;
Into your hands I commend my spirit; you will redeem me, LORD, faithful God.
To all my foes I am a thing of scorn, to my neighbors, a dreaded sight, a horror to my friends. When they see me in the street, they quickly shy away.
I am forgotten, out of mind like the dead; I am like a shattered dish.
But I trust in you, LORD; I say, “You are my God.”
My times are in your hands; rescue me from my enemies, from the hands of my pursuers.
Let your face shine on your servant; save me in your kindness.
Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the LORD.
Letter to the Hebrews 4,14-16.5,7-9.
Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast to our confession.
For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who has similarly been tested in every way, yet without sin.
So let us confidently approach the throne of grace to receive mercy and to find grace for timely help.
In the days when he was in the flesh, he offered prayers and supplications with loud cries and tears to the one who was able to save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverence.
Son though he was, he learned obedience from what he suffered;
and when he was made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey him,
Holy Gospel of Jesus Christ according to Saint John 18,1-40.19,1-42.
When he had said this, Jesus went out with his disciples across the Kidron valley to where there was a garden, into which he and his disciples entered.
Judas his betrayer also knew the place, because Jesus had often met there with his disciples.
So Judas got a band of soldiers and guards from the chief priests and the Pharisees and went there with lanterns, torches, and weapons.
Jesus, knowing everything that was going to happen to him, went out and said to them, “Whom are you looking for?”
They answered him, “Jesus the Nazorean.” He said to them, “I AM.” Judas his betrayer was also with them.
When he said to them, “I AM,” they turned away and fell to the ground.
So he again asked them, “Whom are you looking for?” They said, “Jesus the Nazorean.”
Jesus answered, “I told you that I AM. So if you are looking for me, let these men go.”
This was to fulfill what he had said, “I have not lost any of those you gave me.”
Then Simon Peter, who had a sword, drew it, struck the high priest’s slave, and cut off his right ear. The slave’s name was Malchus.
Jesus said to Peter, “Put your sword into its scabbard. Shall I not drink the cup that the Father gave me?”
So the band of soldiers, the tribune, and the Jewish guards seized Jesus, bound him,
and brought him to Annas first. He was the father-in-law of Caiaphas, who was high priest that year.
It was Caiaphas who had counseled the Jews that it was better that one man should die rather than the people.
Simon Peter and another disciple followed Jesus. Now the other disciple was known to the high priest, and he entered the courtyard of the high priest with Jesus.
But Peter stood at the gate outside. So the other disciple, the acquaintance of the high priest, went out and spoke to the gatekeeper and brought Peter in.
Then the maid who was the gatekeeper said to Peter, “You are not one of this man’s disciples, are you?” He said, “I am not.”
Now the slaves and the guards were standing around a charcoal fire that they had made, because it was cold, and were warming themselves. Peter was also standing there keeping warm.
The high priest questioned Jesus about his disciples and about his doctrine.
Jesus answered him, “I have spoken publicly to the world. I have always taught in a synagogue or in the temple area where all the Jews gather, and in secret I have said nothing.
Why ask me? Ask those who heard me what I said to them. They know what I said.”
When he had said this, one of the temple guards standing there struck Jesus and said, “Is this the way you answer the high priest?”
Jesus answered him, “If I have spoken wrongly, testify to the wrong; but if I have spoken rightly, why do you strike me?”
Then Annas sent him bound to Caiaphas the high priest.
Now Simon Peter was standing there keeping warm. And they said to him, “You are not one of his disciples, are you?” He denied it and said, “I am not.”
One of the slaves of the high priest, a relative of the one whose ear Peter had cut off, said, “Didn’t I see you in the garden with him?”
Again Peter denied it. And immediately the cock crowed.
Then they brought Jesus from Caiaphas to the praetorium. It was morning. And they themselves did not enter the praetorium, in order not to be defiled so that they could eat the Passover.
So Pilate came out to them and said, “What charge do you bring (against) this man?”
They answered and said to him, “If he were not a criminal, we would not have handed him over to you.”
At this, Pilate said to them, “Take him yourselves, and judge him according to your law.” The Jews answered him, “We do not have the right to execute anyone,”
in order that the word of Jesus might be fulfilled that he said indicating the kind of death he would die.
So Pilate went back into the praetorium and summoned Jesus and said to him, “Are you the King of the Jews?”
Jesus answered, “Do you say this on your own or have others told you about me?”
Pilate answered, “I am not a Jew, am I? Your own nation and the chief priests handed you over to me. What have you done?”
Jesus answered, “My kingdom does not belong to this world. If my kingdom did belong to this world, my attendants (would) be fighting to keep me from being handed over to the Jews. But as it is, my kingdom is not here.”
So Pilate said to him, “Then you are a king?” Jesus answered, “You say I am a king. For this I was born and for this I came into the world, to testify to the truth. Everyone who belongs to the truth listens to my voice.”
Pilate said to him, “What is truth?” When he had said this, he again went out to the Jews and said to them, “I find no guilt in him.
But you have a custom that I release one prisoner to you at Passover. Do you want me to release to you the King of the Jews?”
They cried out again, “Not this one but Barabbas!” Now Barabbas was a revolutionary.
Then Pilate took Jesus and had him scourged.
And the soldiers wove a crown out of thorns and placed it on his head, and clothed him in a purple cloak,
and they came to him and said, “Hail, King of the Jews!” And they struck him repeatedly.
Once more Pilate went out and said to them, “Look, I am bringing him out to you, so that you may know that I find no guilt in him.”
So Jesus came out, wearing the crown of thorns and the purple cloak. And he said to them, “Behold, the man!”
When the chief priests and the guards saw him they cried out, “Crucify him, crucify him!” Pilate said to them, “Take him yourselves and crucify him. I find no guilt in him.”
The Jews answered, “We have a law, and according to that law he ought to die, because he made himself the Son of God.”
Now when Pilate heard this statement, he became even more afraid,
and went back into the praetorium and said to Jesus, “Where are you from?” Jesus did not answer him.
So Pilate said to him, “Do you not speak to me? Do you not know that I have power to release you and I have power to crucify you?”
Jesus answered (him), “You would have no power over me if it had not been given to you from above. For this reason the one who handed me over to you has the greater sin.”
Consequently, Pilate tried to release him; but the Jews cried out, “If you release him, you are not a Friend of Caesar. Everyone who makes himself a king opposes Caesar.”
When Pilate heard these words he brought Jesus out and seated him on the judge’s bench in the place called Stone Pavement, in Hebrew, Gabbatha.
It was preparation day for Passover, and it was about noon. And he said to the Jews, “Behold, your king!”
They cried out, “Take him away, take him away! Crucify him!” Pilate said to them, “Shall I crucify your king?” The chief priests answered, “We have no king but Caesar.”
Then he handed him over to them to be crucified. So they took Jesus,
and carrying the cross himself he went out to what is called the Place of the Skull, in Hebrew, Golgotha.
There they crucified him, and with him two others, one on either side, with Jesus in the middle.
Pilate also had an inscription written and put on the cross. It read, “Jesus the Nazorean, the King of the Jews.”
Now many of the Jews read this inscription, because the place where Jesus was crucified was near the city; and it was written in Hebrew, Latin, and Greek.
So the chief priests of the Jews said to Pilate, “Do not write ‘The King of the Jews,’ but that he said, ‘I am the King of the Jews.’”
Pilate answered, “What I have written, I have written.”
When the soldiers had crucified Jesus, they took his clothes and divided them into four shares, a share for each soldier. They also took his tunic, but the tunic was seamless, woven in one piece from the top down.
So they said to one another, “Let’s not tear it, but cast lots for it to see whose it will be,” in order that the passage of scripture might be fulfilled (that says): “They divided my garments among them, and for my vesture they cast lots.” This is what the soldiers did.
Standing by the cross of Jesus were his mother and his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary of Magdala.
When Jesus saw his mother and the disciple there whom he loved, he said to his mother, “Woman, behold, your son.”
Then he said to the disciple, “Behold, your mother.” And from that hour the disciple took her into his home.
After this, aware that everything was now finished, in order that the scripture might be fulfilled, Jesus said, “I thirst.”
There was a vessel filled with common wine. So they put a sponge soaked in wine on a sprig of hyssop and put it up to his mouth.
When Jesus had taken the wine, he said, “It is finished.” And bowing his head, he handed over the spirit.
Now since it was preparation day, in order that the bodies might not remain on the cross on the sabbath, for the sabbath day of that week was a solemn one, the Jews asked Pilate that their legs be broken and they be taken down.
So the soldiers came and broke the legs of the first and then of the other one who was crucified with Jesus.
But when they came to Jesus and saw that he was already dead, they did not break his legs,
but one soldier thrust his lance into his side, and immediately blood and water flowed out.
An eyewitness has testified, and his testimony is true; he knows that he is speaking the truth, so that you also may (come to) believe.
For this happened so that the scripture passage might be fulfilled: “Not a bone of it will be broken.”
And again another passage says: “They will look upon him whom they have pierced.”
After this, Joseph of Arimathea, secretly a disciple of Jesus for fear of the Jews, asked Pilate if he could remove the body of Jesus. And Pilate permitted it. So he came and took his body.
Nicodemus, the one who had first come to him at night, also came bringing a mixture of myrrh and aloes weighing about one hundred pounds.
They took the body of Jesus and bound it with burial cloths along with the spices, according to the Jewish burial custom.
Now in the place where he had been crucified there was a garden, and in the garden a new tomb, in which no one had yet been buried.
So they laid Jesus there because of the Jewish preparation day; for the tomb was close by.
See, my servant shall prosper, he shall be raised high and greatly exalted.
Even as many were amazed at him– so marred was his look beyond that of man, and his appearance beyond that of mortals–
So shall he startle many nations, because of him kings shall stand speechless; For those who have not been told shall see, those who have not heard shall ponder it.
Who would believe what we have heard? To whom has the arm of the LORD been revealed?
He grew up like a sapling before him, like a shoot from the parched earth; There was in him no stately bearing to make us look at him, nor appearance that would attract us to him.
He was spurned and avoided by men, a man of suffering, accustomed to infirmity, One of those from whom men hide their faces, spurned, and we held him in no esteem.
Yet it was our infirmities that he bore, our sufferings that he endured, While we thought of him as stricken, as one smitten by God and afflicted.
But he was pierced for our offenses, crushed for our sins, Upon him was the chastisement that makes us whole, by his stripes we were healed.
We had all gone astray like sheep, each following his own way; But the LORD laid upon him the guilt of us all.
Though he was harshly treated, he submitted and opened not his mouth; Like a lamb led to the slaughter or a sheep before the shearers, he was silent and opened not his mouth.
Oppressed and condemned, he was taken away, and who would have thought any more of his destiny? When he was cut off from the land of the living, and smitten for the sin of his people,
A grave was assigned him among the wicked and a burial place with evildoers, Though he had done no wrong nor spoken any falsehood.
(But the LORD was pleased to crush him in infirmity.) If he gives his life as an offering for sin, he shall see his descendants in a long life, and the will of the LORD shall be accomplished through him.
Because of his affliction he shall see the light in fullness of days; Through his suffering, my servant shall justify many, and their guilt he shall bear.
Therefore I will give him his portion among the great, and he shall divide the spoils with the mighty, Because he surrendered himself to death and was counted among the wicked; And he shall take away the sins of many, and win pardon for their offenses.
Psalms 31,2.6.12-13.15-16.17.25.
In you, LORD, I take refuge; let me never be put to shame. In your justice deliver me;
Into your hands I commend my spirit; you will redeem me, LORD, faithful God.
To all my foes I am a thing of scorn, to my neighbors, a dreaded sight, a horror to my friends. When they see me in the street, they quickly shy away.
I am forgotten, out of mind like the dead; I am like a shattered dish.
But I trust in you, LORD; I say, “You are my God.”
My times are in your hands; rescue me from my enemies, from the hands of my pursuers.
Let your face shine on your servant; save me in your kindness.
Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the LORD.
Letter to the Hebrews 4,14-16.5,7-9.
Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast to our confession.
For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who has similarly been tested in every way, yet without sin.
So let us confidently approach the throne of grace to receive mercy and to find grace for timely help.
In the days when he was in the flesh, he offered prayers and supplications with loud cries and tears to the one who was able to save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverence.
Son though he was, he learned obedience from what he suffered;
and when he was made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey him,
Holy Gospel of Jesus Christ according to Saint John 18,1-40.19,1-42.
When he had said this, Jesus went out with his disciples across the Kidron valley to where there was a garden, into which he and his disciples entered.
Judas his betrayer also knew the place, because Jesus had often met there with his disciples.
So Judas got a band of soldiers and guards from the chief priests and the Pharisees and went there with lanterns, torches, and weapons.
Jesus, knowing everything that was going to happen to him, went out and said to them, “Whom are you looking for?”
They answered him, “Jesus the Nazorean.” He said to them, “I AM.” Judas his betrayer was also with them.
When he said to them, “I AM,” they turned away and fell to the ground.
So he again asked them, “Whom are you looking for?” They said, “Jesus the Nazorean.”
Jesus answered, “I told you that I AM. So if you are looking for me, let these men go.”
This was to fulfill what he had said, “I have not lost any of those you gave me.”
Then Simon Peter, who had a sword, drew it, struck the high priest’s slave, and cut off his right ear. The slave’s name was Malchus.
Jesus said to Peter, “Put your sword into its scabbard. Shall I not drink the cup that the Father gave me?”
So the band of soldiers, the tribune, and the Jewish guards seized Jesus, bound him,
and brought him to Annas first. He was the father-in-law of Caiaphas, who was high priest that year.
It was Caiaphas who had counseled the Jews that it was better that one man should die rather than the people.
Simon Peter and another disciple followed Jesus. Now the other disciple was known to the high priest, and he entered the courtyard of the high priest with Jesus.
But Peter stood at the gate outside. So the other disciple, the acquaintance of the high priest, went out and spoke to the gatekeeper and brought Peter in.
Then the maid who was the gatekeeper said to Peter, “You are not one of this man’s disciples, are you?” He said, “I am not.”
Now the slaves and the guards were standing around a charcoal fire that they had made, because it was cold, and were warming themselves. Peter was also standing there keeping warm.
The high priest questioned Jesus about his disciples and about his doctrine.
Jesus answered him, “I have spoken publicly to the world. I have always taught in a synagogue or in the temple area where all the Jews gather, and in secret I have said nothing.
Why ask me? Ask those who heard me what I said to them. They know what I said.”
When he had said this, one of the temple guards standing there struck Jesus and said, “Is this the way you answer the high priest?”
Jesus answered him, “If I have spoken wrongly, testify to the wrong; but if I have spoken rightly, why do you strike me?”
Then Annas sent him bound to Caiaphas the high priest.
Now Simon Peter was standing there keeping warm. And they said to him, “You are not one of his disciples, are you?” He denied it and said, “I am not.”
One of the slaves of the high priest, a relative of the one whose ear Peter had cut off, said, “Didn’t I see you in the garden with him?”
Again Peter denied it. And immediately the cock crowed.
Then they brought Jesus from Caiaphas to the praetorium. It was morning. And they themselves did not enter the praetorium, in order not to be defiled so that they could eat the Passover.
So Pilate came out to them and said, “What charge do you bring (against) this man?”
They answered and said to him, “If he were not a criminal, we would not have handed him over to you.”
At this, Pilate said to them, “Take him yourselves, and judge him according to your law.” The Jews answered him, “We do not have the right to execute anyone,”
in order that the word of Jesus might be fulfilled that he said indicating the kind of death he would die.
So Pilate went back into the praetorium and summoned Jesus and said to him, “Are you the King of the Jews?”
Jesus answered, “Do you say this on your own or have others told you about me?”
Pilate answered, “I am not a Jew, am I? Your own nation and the chief priests handed you over to me. What have you done?”
Jesus answered, “My kingdom does not belong to this world. If my kingdom did belong to this world, my attendants (would) be fighting to keep me from being handed over to the Jews. But as it is, my kingdom is not here.”
So Pilate said to him, “Then you are a king?” Jesus answered, “You say I am a king. For this I was born and for this I came into the world, to testify to the truth. Everyone who belongs to the truth listens to my voice.”
Pilate said to him, “What is truth?” When he had said this, he again went out to the Jews and said to them, “I find no guilt in him.
But you have a custom that I release one prisoner to you at Passover. Do you want me to release to you the King of the Jews?”
They cried out again, “Not this one but Barabbas!” Now Barabbas was a revolutionary.
Then Pilate took Jesus and had him scourged.
And the soldiers wove a crown out of thorns and placed it on his head, and clothed him in a purple cloak,
and they came to him and said, “Hail, King of the Jews!” And they struck him repeatedly.
Once more Pilate went out and said to them, “Look, I am bringing him out to you, so that you may know that I find no guilt in him.”
So Jesus came out, wearing the crown of thorns and the purple cloak. And he said to them, “Behold, the man!”
When the chief priests and the guards saw him they cried out, “Crucify him, crucify him!” Pilate said to them, “Take him yourselves and crucify him. I find no guilt in him.”
The Jews answered, “We have a law, and according to that law he ought to die, because he made himself the Son of God.”
Now when Pilate heard this statement, he became even more afraid,
and went back into the praetorium and said to Jesus, “Where are you from?” Jesus did not answer him.
So Pilate said to him, “Do you not speak to me? Do you not know that I have power to release you and I have power to crucify you?”
Jesus answered (him), “You would have no power over me if it had not been given to you from above. For this reason the one who handed me over to you has the greater sin.”
Consequently, Pilate tried to release him; but the Jews cried out, “If you release him, you are not a Friend of Caesar. Everyone who makes himself a king opposes Caesar.”
When Pilate heard these words he brought Jesus out and seated him on the judge’s bench in the place called Stone Pavement, in Hebrew, Gabbatha.
It was preparation day for Passover, and it was about noon. And he said to the Jews, “Behold, your king!”
They cried out, “Take him away, take him away! Crucify him!” Pilate said to them, “Shall I crucify your king?” The chief priests answered, “We have no king but Caesar.”
Then he handed him over to them to be crucified. So they took Jesus,
and carrying the cross himself he went out to what is called the Place of the Skull, in Hebrew, Golgotha.
There they crucified him, and with him two others, one on either side, with Jesus in the middle.
Pilate also had an inscription written and put on the cross. It read, “Jesus the Nazorean, the King of the Jews.”
Now many of the Jews read this inscription, because the place where Jesus was crucified was near the city; and it was written in Hebrew, Latin, and Greek.
So the chief priests of the Jews said to Pilate, “Do not write ‘The King of the Jews,’ but that he said, ‘I am the King of the Jews.’”
Pilate answered, “What I have written, I have written.”
When the soldiers had crucified Jesus, they took his clothes and divided them into four shares, a share for each soldier. They also took his tunic, but the tunic was seamless, woven in one piece from the top down.
So they said to one another, “Let’s not tear it, but cast lots for it to see whose it will be,” in order that the passage of scripture might be fulfilled (that says): “They divided my garments among them, and for my vesture they cast lots.” This is what the soldiers did.
Standing by the cross of Jesus were his mother and his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary of Magdala.
When Jesus saw his mother and the disciple there whom he loved, he said to his mother, “Woman, behold, your son.”
Then he said to the disciple, “Behold, your mother.” And from that hour the disciple took her into his home.
After this, aware that everything was now finished, in order that the scripture might be fulfilled, Jesus said, “I thirst.”
There was a vessel filled with common wine. So they put a sponge soaked in wine on a sprig of hyssop and put it up to his mouth.
When Jesus had taken the wine, he said, “It is finished.” And bowing his head, he handed over the spirit.
Now since it was preparation day, in order that the bodies might not remain on the cross on the sabbath, for the sabbath day of that week was a solemn one, the Jews asked Pilate that their legs be broken and they be taken down.
So the soldiers came and broke the legs of the first and then of the other one who was crucified with Jesus.
But when they came to Jesus and saw that he was already dead, they did not break his legs,
but one soldier thrust his lance into his side, and immediately blood and water flowed out.
An eyewitness has testified, and his testimony is true; he knows that he is speaking the truth, so that you also may (come to) believe.
For this happened so that the scripture passage might be fulfilled: “Not a bone of it will be broken.”
And again another passage says: “They will look upon him whom they have pierced.”
After this, Joseph of Arimathea, secretly a disciple of Jesus for fear of the Jews, asked Pilate if he could remove the body of Jesus. And Pilate permitted it. So he came and took his body.
Nicodemus, the one who had first come to him at night, also came bringing a mixture of myrrh and aloes weighing about one hundred pounds.
They took the body of Jesus and bound it with burial cloths along with the spices, according to the Jewish burial custom.
Now in the place where he had been crucified there was a garden, and in the garden a new tomb, in which no one had yet been buried.
So they laid Jesus there because of the Jewish preparation day; for the tomb was close by.
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