Sermon Thoughts – 5th Sunday in the Easter Season
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I remember a lady. She used to come to the Church regularly very early in the morning, actually before the sacristan comes. She attended daily mass holding cross in her hands. She spent long time in the Church in prayers even the mass was over. She was almost in all pious associations in the parish. She collected money for the Mission Sunday so that the poor children in Africa and South America … a really saintly life…
But when she comes to the family,..
She has no time to care her children…She has only time to fight with her mother in law.
We may know many people like this lady. Proud to be Christians; Ready to do this and that social projects…For Africa, for Asia, for South America and so on. They are conscious about the poverty around the world. It is not bad at all. But many a time, they avoid the needs of their own society. Some times they are helpless too…
Why to tell all these here? Let us look, if the readings of this Sunday help us somehow.
St Paul proclaimed the good news but in very hard formulations. This hardness is nothing against the humanity. But it has its origin in his zealous faith in Jesus. He says today, “It is necessary for us to undergo many hardships to enter the kingdom of God.” His words are important and powerful. It asks from us Courage, Faithfulness and readiness to accept hardships in life. We explain it so easily. But each word represents a World.
All of us know that our faith in God needs certain sacrifices. Just as Jesus; just as the Apostles; just as many saints showed us… Our faith demands certain sacrifices…
But just as the lady, I mentioned above, we are unaware about it. Simply to explain we don’t realize the many sacrifices behind our faith, which we enjoy now.
Jesus exhorts his disciples nothing bombastic. He demands to keep his “love”. Actually what was nothing special in his teaching? In the Old Testament we hear “love your neighbour” (Lev 19,18). Now Jesus says, I am giving a new covenant! What is it? “As I loved you”…Yes, that is it. The Old Testament had enough theories…enough rules and rituals. But it lacked the very examples. If there were some, they were not powerful too.
Now Jesus says, “Love, live as I loved”.
The Apostles had clear picture of this Love before them…Paul hadn’t direct contact with Jesus; still he got this Love through his “special vision”. And all these made them so energetic in their faith. And they lived it in its full power!
The Revelation of John says, “Behold, I make all things new”. How is it possible?
Yes, there in only one way for that. It is possible through the unchangeable love of Jesus.
The disaster of our world is the lack of “examples”. We look for here and there. But just as Apostles did, look at Jesus. He is the example.
“As I loved you” he repeats it. Not as PP John Paul II loved, not as PP Benedict loved, not like Padre Pio or any other saints. I am not against them. But the truth is, if we go after for such earthly examples, we may find in them some human failures. It is because they are human and have their weak sides too.
Our Way and Light is Jesus. He is our Example.
He invites us, “Love as I loved”.
Let us start it from our surroundings… in our family… in our parishes…in our workplaces…Then it will automatically transcend to other parts.
Let us look at Jesus, the uncorrupted example…the unfading light…and be a living part in the new World…Amen!
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Fr Thomas Kalathil
Thursday, April 29, 2010
Saturday, April 24, 2010
Sermon Thoughts – 4th Sunday in the Easter Season
Sermon Thoughts – 4th Sunday in the Easter Season
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Israel was a shepherd – and nomadic people. Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Moses, David, were shepherds. To be a Shepherd means lot of responsibility.
Jesus also describes himself as a shepherd.
But Jesus is unlike the paid pastors who leave their herd when it gets tight; he fights for his flock, with his life; he is ready to give everything to to protect and to lead his flock – that is his people. Jesus is the good shepherd who heals the sick, embraces the lepers and forgives the guilty.
In the catacombs of Rome, on the various burial sites of the persecuted Christians of the first centuries, appear two symbols mainly: the fish, the sign of Christ and Jesus as the Good Shepherd, who carries a sheep on his shoulders.
These pictures are older than the image of the crucified Christ, which is for us the symbol of the Christian faith today. The image of Good Shepherd, however, is almost gone. This is probably because that the biblical shepherd image was superimposed over the past centuries by the romantic pastoral idyll; on the other hand, we defend ourselves in an age of individualism.
The pastoral picture today embodies peace and tranquility. The many criticisms and errors come from this lifestyle. But in ancient Israel shepherds stand for courage and valor; they were ready to protect their flock from predators and wild animals.
This courage we will see in the deeds and words of the apostles, especially in Peter, Paul. But according to the time, our pastoral images are also changed. Together with that our lifestyle too. And our witnessing power too got weakened. When some one says that a priest- not only in the Catholic Church but also in all religions- loses his “dignity”, then it has to do with his life. And if somewhere a priest is accepted, it is only because he has a credible and convincing lifestyle.
In this sense, Jesus does as our shepherd provide us with care and divine protection. His words have authority, not as of a political authoritarian, but authority based on the real love.
He fights for our dignity. He knows what we lack. Not anything, but God. Jesus sees the lack of “divine intervention” in us. So he suffers this misery on the cross and identifies with our deepest need…
… We can carry out a lot of criticism. But ultimately it does not help. But we can help each other and help to live. Then he takes everything in our lives to God. Then Jesus the Good Shepherd is there in our deepest distress, with his love
He wants to “infect” us with his love. He wants us to be good shepherds for each other and “love each other, as he has loved us.”
May the Good Shepherd, help us! Amen!
–Fr Thomas Kalathil
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
Sermon Thoughts – 3 rd Sunday in the Easter Season
Sermon Thoughts – 3 rd Sunday in the Easter Season
Suppose you are the boss of a Firm. Whom will you appoint as the executive? Whom you will appoint as your staff? No doubt they will be the best personal whom you can engage within your selection and financial settings. And your expectations from this team will be the best, not only for you and your firm but also for their existence too.
The Gospel passage of this 3rd Sunday in the Easter season is a starting of a great Institution. Jesus is calling and entrusting his mission of Church to his apostles. But in this narration, if some doubt on the qualification of these Apostles in this great mission, it is quite natural. Because we are meeting certain weak and unsteady persons in its first part. “I go for fishing”. So decides Apostle Peter and others are following him without arguments.
They were hardworking people. But their hard work of the whole night was unproductive. They had a same night before some years. But this doesn’t remind them that early experience with Jesus. Even then Jesus appears to them in the morning hours and reminds them their past. He is regaining them and strengthening them for their mission.
The characters of Peter and Jesus and some of their expressions are very special here. We note that the narration begins in the night and ends up in the morning. It has got some spiritual meaning too. Night represents not only the darkness around them. It is a mention of the mental situation of the apostles. They were going through a night situation in their faith. Their great teacher Jesus was crucified, whom they trusted much, that he may liberate them politically. Not only that, his body “got lost” from the tomb. They were also confused through the apparitions from the “Risen Jesus” too.
Yes, this is the night hours of their faith; a situation in which they are unable to go forward.
But the picture of Jesus is something genuine and unique. He is there on the shore, on the right side. He is there to guide them to the right shore. His question indicates that he expects a negative answer. He knew that they were unsuccessful in their job. Now it is his turn to support them. Not only in fishing but also in their faith too.
Jesus is recognized by John. But it is Peter who reaches first; it is peter whom Jesus entrusts his Mission and his Church. The threefold question of love towards Jesus now balances his threefold rejection during the trial of Jesus.
Jesus was entrusting his mission to care his sheep. He elects not a perfect man for this mission, but one who has no self love; one who can follow the guidelines of others; one who is ready to correct his failures. Yes it is Peter, fallible, but easily gets up and proceeds to his goal with much more love and dedication. And his motto is “to obey God than men”. He was forgiven by Jesus many times. Now it is his turn to show mercy to his fellow beings.
I think this is the great call and challenge of the Church today.
Jesus calls not only peter and his friends, but also you and me to be the carriers of this good news. Jesus is not a “Boss” of “our world” as I mentioned above. He is different. He is waiting for us on the right shore. He is the only one boss who prepared meals for his followers.
What about our faith in his presence? Is it naked, without mantel? Is it bright enough to recognize him?
Let us Pray and work for his Kingdom in us, around us; which forgives, which rehabilitates, which heals, which understands and enacts according to the needs of his sheep! Let us pray wholeheartedly “thy kingdom come”. Amen!
–
Fr Thomas Kalathil
Suppose you are the boss of a Firm. Whom will you appoint as the executive? Whom you will appoint as your staff? No doubt they will be the best personal whom you can engage within your selection and financial settings. And your expectations from this team will be the best, not only for you and your firm but also for their existence too.
The Gospel passage of this 3rd Sunday in the Easter season is a starting of a great Institution. Jesus is calling and entrusting his mission of Church to his apostles. But in this narration, if some doubt on the qualification of these Apostles in this great mission, it is quite natural. Because we are meeting certain weak and unsteady persons in its first part. “I go for fishing”. So decides Apostle Peter and others are following him without arguments.
They were hardworking people. But their hard work of the whole night was unproductive. They had a same night before some years. But this doesn’t remind them that early experience with Jesus. Even then Jesus appears to them in the morning hours and reminds them their past. He is regaining them and strengthening them for their mission.
The characters of Peter and Jesus and some of their expressions are very special here. We note that the narration begins in the night and ends up in the morning. It has got some spiritual meaning too. Night represents not only the darkness around them. It is a mention of the mental situation of the apostles. They were going through a night situation in their faith. Their great teacher Jesus was crucified, whom they trusted much, that he may liberate them politically. Not only that, his body “got lost” from the tomb. They were also confused through the apparitions from the “Risen Jesus” too.
Yes, this is the night hours of their faith; a situation in which they are unable to go forward.
But the picture of Jesus is something genuine and unique. He is there on the shore, on the right side. He is there to guide them to the right shore. His question indicates that he expects a negative answer. He knew that they were unsuccessful in their job. Now it is his turn to support them. Not only in fishing but also in their faith too.
Jesus is recognized by John. But it is Peter who reaches first; it is peter whom Jesus entrusts his Mission and his Church. The threefold question of love towards Jesus now balances his threefold rejection during the trial of Jesus.
Jesus was entrusting his mission to care his sheep. He elects not a perfect man for this mission, but one who has no self love; one who can follow the guidelines of others; one who is ready to correct his failures. Yes it is Peter, fallible, but easily gets up and proceeds to his goal with much more love and dedication. And his motto is “to obey God than men”. He was forgiven by Jesus many times. Now it is his turn to show mercy to his fellow beings.
I think this is the great call and challenge of the Church today.
Jesus calls not only peter and his friends, but also you and me to be the carriers of this good news. Jesus is not a “Boss” of “our world” as I mentioned above. He is different. He is waiting for us on the right shore. He is the only one boss who prepared meals for his followers.
What about our faith in his presence? Is it naked, without mantel? Is it bright enough to recognize him?
Let us Pray and work for his Kingdom in us, around us; which forgives, which rehabilitates, which heals, which understands and enacts according to the needs of his sheep! Let us pray wholeheartedly “thy kingdom come”. Amen!
–
Fr Thomas Kalathil
Sermon Thoughts – 2nd week in Easter time
Sermon Thoughts – 2nd week in Easter time
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Today’s Gospel has got 2 parts. But both of them describe the apparition of the risen Lord to his friends. In the first part we see Jesus appears to the apostles and sends the Spirit upon them. The second part gave the apostle Thomas his everlasting name “Doubting Thomas”.
Both of these parts describe the apparition of Jesus in a special way. There are some matters in common.
Jesus poses central to the apostles. By taking this central position all may be able to see Jesus. But the evangelist places another but great message in it. It is the central nature of Jesus to our faith.
It may be noted that Jesus in not so strictly pictured in the central position during his trips with his friends. This tells us that the risen Jesus is the centre of our faith; he only is the central point of our spiritual gatherings.
The way of greeting is the next common factor. Jesus greets “Peace be with You!” He repeats this message. Peace; it was the life-desire of Jesus. All his wonder-works were to give human race this peace. He was guiding them to the Peace of His Father in Heaven. The life of Jesus- from the annunciation to the Ascension- can be shortened to two words;
Peace and Love.
Jesus appears repeatedly to his friends to make them sure of his new life. The reason of Apostle Thomas’s absence in the first part is unknown to us. John the evangelist is not describing it seriously. But Jesus is serious about it. He wants to convey his message to every one; also to Thomas. He wants none of them to be lost, just as Judas.
Thomas was missing a chance to meet Jesus. His absence in the community caused it. Of course today’s theologians may not find the reaction of Thomas not as the lack of faith. His disappointment in missing this chance might have made him crazy. And I am sure, from that time onwards Thomas might not have left the community. Because he loved Jesus so much! The name “Didymus” is sign for that.
Thomas reminds me some critics of the church in these days. They are using all their means to oppose and criticize her teachings. But many of them are really out of this community and away from experiencing Jesus in their lives. So their understanding of faith is not like that of a faithful. It is not based on faith: it is based on reason alone.
Thomas reminds us, any way one special matter. Jesus and his salvation are experienced at full power only in a spiritual community. Missing it makes us bitter or unfaithful towards God.
Thomas remained in the community and experienced Jesus in a very special way.
None of the apostles are said to have a physical contact with the Risen Lord other than Thomas. Even Mary Magdalene was forbidden from that by Jesus. Jesus breathes his spirit on others, but gave his special “touch” to Thomas. And Thomas Worked for Him, moved by this touch.
God is willing to give many of us this special touch. Just to be in the community and in faith is the step for that golden chance. Let us try to refresh our faith. He will help our faithlessness. He will touch us and bless us. Let us pray for that Grace. Amen!
—-– Fr Thomas Kalathil
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Today’s Gospel has got 2 parts. But both of them describe the apparition of the risen Lord to his friends. In the first part we see Jesus appears to the apostles and sends the Spirit upon them. The second part gave the apostle Thomas his everlasting name “Doubting Thomas”.
Both of these parts describe the apparition of Jesus in a special way. There are some matters in common.
Jesus poses central to the apostles. By taking this central position all may be able to see Jesus. But the evangelist places another but great message in it. It is the central nature of Jesus to our faith.
It may be noted that Jesus in not so strictly pictured in the central position during his trips with his friends. This tells us that the risen Jesus is the centre of our faith; he only is the central point of our spiritual gatherings.
The way of greeting is the next common factor. Jesus greets “Peace be with You!” He repeats this message. Peace; it was the life-desire of Jesus. All his wonder-works were to give human race this peace. He was guiding them to the Peace of His Father in Heaven. The life of Jesus- from the annunciation to the Ascension- can be shortened to two words;
Peace and Love.
Jesus appears repeatedly to his friends to make them sure of his new life. The reason of Apostle Thomas’s absence in the first part is unknown to us. John the evangelist is not describing it seriously. But Jesus is serious about it. He wants to convey his message to every one; also to Thomas. He wants none of them to be lost, just as Judas.
Thomas was missing a chance to meet Jesus. His absence in the community caused it. Of course today’s theologians may not find the reaction of Thomas not as the lack of faith. His disappointment in missing this chance might have made him crazy. And I am sure, from that time onwards Thomas might not have left the community. Because he loved Jesus so much! The name “Didymus” is sign for that.
Thomas reminds me some critics of the church in these days. They are using all their means to oppose and criticize her teachings. But many of them are really out of this community and away from experiencing Jesus in their lives. So their understanding of faith is not like that of a faithful. It is not based on faith: it is based on reason alone.
Thomas reminds us, any way one special matter. Jesus and his salvation are experienced at full power only in a spiritual community. Missing it makes us bitter or unfaithful towards God.
Thomas remained in the community and experienced Jesus in a very special way.
None of the apostles are said to have a physical contact with the Risen Lord other than Thomas. Even Mary Magdalene was forbidden from that by Jesus. Jesus breathes his spirit on others, but gave his special “touch” to Thomas. And Thomas Worked for Him, moved by this touch.
God is willing to give many of us this special touch. Just to be in the community and in faith is the step for that golden chance. Let us try to refresh our faith. He will help our faithlessness. He will touch us and bless us. Let us pray for that Grace. Amen!
—-– Fr Thomas Kalathil
Sermon Thoughts – Easter 2010
Sermon Thoughts – Easter 2010
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We are celebrating Easter again. The great moments of the resurrection of Jesus are now proclaimed with proud. When we analyse the liturgy we see this celebration is close related with the fire element. We start our liturgy (normally) when it is dark. And when we leave the church after this ceremony, there will be light. (Light in the physical sense if it is morning.) Light in the Church; Light of Hope and faith in our hearts…
The Church sees at first the light of the Easter Candle. Then during the Gloria it is properly bright enough. As this happens step by step, our minds too acquire the light of risen Lord slowly.
Light is very much related with the Christian liturgy. The Easter candle symbolizes Jesus. Not only this Easter liturgy, but also the Christmas is related to light, we know it.
Light spreads so fast. We know it. It expels the darkness. It brings new life. All such characteristics attribute a lot to the celebration.
The Greek Orthodox Church celebrates on this day the Blessing of the Fire. In the Church of Holy Sepulchre, in the total darkness, a flame springs up in the very place where the dead body of Jesus once lay. From this flaming torch raised by the patriarch are lit thousands of candles, lamps and tapers so that the vast crowd of the faithful gathered there is transformed immediately in to a sea of light, as if in memory of that hour when those who lay “ in the shades of death” saw the redeeming light fall upon them. Some decades ago it was a custom to carry the torch lit at the Holy Sepulchre, stage by stage, on horseback to Athens, Constantinople, Kiev and Moscow. Together with this Light the good news of the living Jesus was spread.
The same is experienced in the Gospels narrations. The pious Women come to the Grab of Jesus in the early Morning. This happened on a Sunday Morning in the month of April. And Golgotha was not a safe place for women at that time. It was situated outside the city of Jerusalem. Moreover the memories and pictures of the crucified Jesus and their pains are still fresh. There were also soldiers and a Centurion to protect the Grab, as per the wish of Jews. So the women waited till morning. And they prepared everything to anoint the body of Jesus, according to Jewish custom. It was the typical loving nature of Women expressed in their deeds.
In the garden they recognize the body of Jesus is not there. Again their love is clearly seen here. This news was a fire, a flame in the whole Palestine. Now the fearful disciples are remembering the words of Jesus. Slowly they recognize his resurrection.
This recognition is the central point of Jesus’ Resurrection. Jesus lives. He is powerful than any power on this earth. He is stronger than any rock.
Jesus is the light of the world. He is the one who enlightens the world. Ernest Renan said it in another words: “All history is incomprehensible without Christ”.
The light of Jesus cannot be hidden. It works unceasingly.
This Easter is meaningful, in the realization of this eternal truth. Then we can enjoy the living presence of our Risen Lord in our families.
Then our churches will turn to be lively.
Let us receive His light in to our dark corners of Ego.
Let us entrust our lives in to His hands. He will make it alive with his new life.
Let us pray for the grace, not only in this Easter season.
Let us continue to pray for this grace.
Let us try to live it in our lives.
May the risen Lord bless us for ever! Amen.
-
Fr Thomas Kalathil
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We are celebrating Easter again. The great moments of the resurrection of Jesus are now proclaimed with proud. When we analyse the liturgy we see this celebration is close related with the fire element. We start our liturgy (normally) when it is dark. And when we leave the church after this ceremony, there will be light. (Light in the physical sense if it is morning.) Light in the Church; Light of Hope and faith in our hearts…
The Church sees at first the light of the Easter Candle. Then during the Gloria it is properly bright enough. As this happens step by step, our minds too acquire the light of risen Lord slowly.
Light is very much related with the Christian liturgy. The Easter candle symbolizes Jesus. Not only this Easter liturgy, but also the Christmas is related to light, we know it.
Light spreads so fast. We know it. It expels the darkness. It brings new life. All such characteristics attribute a lot to the celebration.
The Greek Orthodox Church celebrates on this day the Blessing of the Fire. In the Church of Holy Sepulchre, in the total darkness, a flame springs up in the very place where the dead body of Jesus once lay. From this flaming torch raised by the patriarch are lit thousands of candles, lamps and tapers so that the vast crowd of the faithful gathered there is transformed immediately in to a sea of light, as if in memory of that hour when those who lay “ in the shades of death” saw the redeeming light fall upon them. Some decades ago it was a custom to carry the torch lit at the Holy Sepulchre, stage by stage, on horseback to Athens, Constantinople, Kiev and Moscow. Together with this Light the good news of the living Jesus was spread.
The same is experienced in the Gospels narrations. The pious Women come to the Grab of Jesus in the early Morning. This happened on a Sunday Morning in the month of April. And Golgotha was not a safe place for women at that time. It was situated outside the city of Jerusalem. Moreover the memories and pictures of the crucified Jesus and their pains are still fresh. There were also soldiers and a Centurion to protect the Grab, as per the wish of Jews. So the women waited till morning. And they prepared everything to anoint the body of Jesus, according to Jewish custom. It was the typical loving nature of Women expressed in their deeds.
In the garden they recognize the body of Jesus is not there. Again their love is clearly seen here. This news was a fire, a flame in the whole Palestine. Now the fearful disciples are remembering the words of Jesus. Slowly they recognize his resurrection.
This recognition is the central point of Jesus’ Resurrection. Jesus lives. He is powerful than any power on this earth. He is stronger than any rock.
Jesus is the light of the world. He is the one who enlightens the world. Ernest Renan said it in another words: “All history is incomprehensible without Christ”.
The light of Jesus cannot be hidden. It works unceasingly.
This Easter is meaningful, in the realization of this eternal truth. Then we can enjoy the living presence of our Risen Lord in our families.
Then our churches will turn to be lively.
Let us receive His light in to our dark corners of Ego.
Let us entrust our lives in to His hands. He will make it alive with his new life.
Let us pray for the grace, not only in this Easter season.
Let us continue to pray for this grace.
Let us try to live it in our lives.
May the risen Lord bless us for ever! Amen.
-
Fr Thomas Kalathil
Sermon Thoughts – Maundy Thursday – 2010
Sermon Thoughts – Maundy Thursday – 2010
We have heard about a bird called Pelican. It is believed that, this bird hurts herself in order to feed her children.
Not long ago I saw a film. The name of the film is not in my memory. But I remember a scene from it. A soldier finds his deadly injured comrade in need of water. He finds no water around him. So he makes a wound on his hand and as his hands near the lips of his friend he dies.
In my home land and in the neighbouring countries in Asia, people go for Arabian countries in search of some Job to earn for their family.
All kind of such pictures of sacrifice explains one thing. Survival of some beloved is the motivation in all sacrifices.
We meet today Jesus. He is celebrating his life and they are around a table. In Gospel Jesus’ name is mentioned with bread at least in 6 situations.
1. during his temptation.
2. first wonder of bread
3. second wonder of bread
4. Last supper
5. at Emmaus
6. After resurrection on sea shore
In all these narrations there is one thing in common. Jesus never uses “bread” for his own need. He denies it at first at the temptation of the evil spirit. And this commitment is kept till the end of His life.
This is the very aspect of His meal; His divine Sharing. And it is the wonder of His teaching. This is made a sign on this special day of Passover.
Dear ones, if we notice that our faith, our Christian faith is facing problems in this world, there is only one reason. The reason is that, we are “consuming our bread”. We are less interested in sharing the bread.
This “bread” is not only something perishable, but it denotes our values, our Christian values; our way of life; our witnessing existence in a society.
Jesus shared his Bread. That is his greatness. And this greatness is commemorated eternally.
Moreover this is a Family Feast. The Passover, in its origin, celebrated in a family. Children asked questions and the eldest one shares his Faith in YHWH.
My dear friends, we need, yes, still need this family feeling in our church. There we respect each other; there we share our daily means. There we struggle and there we experience the love.
Let us pray for this grace. Christ shared his Bread; His life. Let us learn it again and again. May God Bless us all! Amen.
– Fr Thomas Kalathil
We have heard about a bird called Pelican. It is believed that, this bird hurts herself in order to feed her children.
Not long ago I saw a film. The name of the film is not in my memory. But I remember a scene from it. A soldier finds his deadly injured comrade in need of water. He finds no water around him. So he makes a wound on his hand and as his hands near the lips of his friend he dies.
In my home land and in the neighbouring countries in Asia, people go for Arabian countries in search of some Job to earn for their family.
All kind of such pictures of sacrifice explains one thing. Survival of some beloved is the motivation in all sacrifices.
We meet today Jesus. He is celebrating his life and they are around a table. In Gospel Jesus’ name is mentioned with bread at least in 6 situations.
1. during his temptation.
2. first wonder of bread
3. second wonder of bread
4. Last supper
5. at Emmaus
6. After resurrection on sea shore
In all these narrations there is one thing in common. Jesus never uses “bread” for his own need. He denies it at first at the temptation of the evil spirit. And this commitment is kept till the end of His life.
This is the very aspect of His meal; His divine Sharing. And it is the wonder of His teaching. This is made a sign on this special day of Passover.
Dear ones, if we notice that our faith, our Christian faith is facing problems in this world, there is only one reason. The reason is that, we are “consuming our bread”. We are less interested in sharing the bread.
This “bread” is not only something perishable, but it denotes our values, our Christian values; our way of life; our witnessing existence in a society.
Jesus shared his Bread. That is his greatness. And this greatness is commemorated eternally.
Moreover this is a Family Feast. The Passover, in its origin, celebrated in a family. Children asked questions and the eldest one shares his Faith in YHWH.
My dear friends, we need, yes, still need this family feeling in our church. There we respect each other; there we share our daily means. There we struggle and there we experience the love.
Let us pray for this grace. Christ shared his Bread; His life. Let us learn it again and again. May God Bless us all! Amen.
– Fr Thomas Kalathil
Good Friday Thoughts on the cross of Jesus
Good Friday Thoughts on the cross of Jesus
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As the cross is made of two pieces of heavy wood, my mind is immersed in two heavy thoughts on the cross of Jesus. The vertical piece of the cross is the relation to God as it stays vertically; the horizontal piece symbolizes the human nature, as it is parallel to the earth. Many interpret the two dimensions of the cross in this way.
The same divine and human aspects of the Cross of Jesus come to my mind in this Good Friday. How Jesus faced the cross? What was his mind setup then? Such questions come one after another in my head.
In the spirituality we are tuned to the picture of a Jesus, who was weakened by the brutalities of the roman soldiers and the opponent Jews. A poor man, who kept silence in front of the injustice. A human side of Jesus is depicted here.
The pride and the innocence of Jesus were revealed to degradation as his clothes were removed in front of a public.
He was denied some drops of water at his last moments…
What he hears is only denouncements and rejection even in that last hours.
A poor man who cries to God the Father in condemnations?
All these human sides of Jesus are nothing when I meditate on his Power.
In all these bitter moments He was powerful as earlier.
He was sure of his, this moment. Actually he took the human form in order to pass through these situations too. But He was very sure that it was not an end. It is only a stage in his mission.
Or it was only a start. A divine start of something new and divine.
For this divine cause he was willing to offer everything.
Jesus stood in front of the Courts and unjust accusations unmoved, because he was sure of his mission. He was sure of the plan of God the father.
Yes, at last this divine side of Jesus is victorious… We will celebrate it as his resurrection.
Jesus teaches me this truth again and again: There is a cross and suffering behind every resurrection.
My mind is clear now…
I know why he was silent..
I know the value of his cross…
I know how he got his power for these moments…
Let us look at his cross… Let us stop crying for him…He doesn’t want it for him… He asks from us a powerful mind… a powerful faith… to stand against injustice… to fight for the Life…in silence!
- Fr Thomas Kalathil
———————————
As the cross is made of two pieces of heavy wood, my mind is immersed in two heavy thoughts on the cross of Jesus. The vertical piece of the cross is the relation to God as it stays vertically; the horizontal piece symbolizes the human nature, as it is parallel to the earth. Many interpret the two dimensions of the cross in this way.
The same divine and human aspects of the Cross of Jesus come to my mind in this Good Friday. How Jesus faced the cross? What was his mind setup then? Such questions come one after another in my head.
In the spirituality we are tuned to the picture of a Jesus, who was weakened by the brutalities of the roman soldiers and the opponent Jews. A poor man, who kept silence in front of the injustice. A human side of Jesus is depicted here.
The pride and the innocence of Jesus were revealed to degradation as his clothes were removed in front of a public.
He was denied some drops of water at his last moments…
What he hears is only denouncements and rejection even in that last hours.
A poor man who cries to God the Father in condemnations?
All these human sides of Jesus are nothing when I meditate on his Power.
In all these bitter moments He was powerful as earlier.
He was sure of his, this moment. Actually he took the human form in order to pass through these situations too. But He was very sure that it was not an end. It is only a stage in his mission.
Or it was only a start. A divine start of something new and divine.
For this divine cause he was willing to offer everything.
Jesus stood in front of the Courts and unjust accusations unmoved, because he was sure of his mission. He was sure of the plan of God the father.
Yes, at last this divine side of Jesus is victorious… We will celebrate it as his resurrection.
Jesus teaches me this truth again and again: There is a cross and suffering behind every resurrection.
My mind is clear now…
I know why he was silent..
I know the value of his cross…
I know how he got his power for these moments…
Let us look at his cross… Let us stop crying for him…He doesn’t want it for him… He asks from us a powerful mind… a powerful faith… to stand against injustice… to fight for the Life…in silence!
- Fr Thomas Kalathil
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