Sermon Thoughts – 4th Sunday in OT A (Mt 5, 1-12a)

Sermon Thoughts – 4th Sunday in OT A (Mt 5, 1-12a)

What makes someone great?
Is it Wealth, property or reputation?
What makes the Church significant and important in our time?
Is that the various ceremonies and celebrations or great cathedrals?
I do not mean to say that all these things are bad.
Never: But there is something important.

To live God's way in humility:

You may recall an important moment of the Church in some years past.
The late Pope John Paul II apologized once for all the errors of the Church in the past. Many people found it really great. This was an example ...

How can one be great?
The Church teaches us today in the readings of this Sunday.

Poverty in spirit, sorrow, nonviolence, hunger and thirst, be merciful, to have clean heart, peacemakers, live for justice, to be insulted and persecuted ...
Certainly, all these things are not pleasant experiences.
But there is a clear message:
If you want to be great then you have to be small. You have to take its pain.
It is not something for some eulogy.
It is a call to return to the origins.
So Jesus calls them "Blessed".

Was it only a "sermon" of Jesus?
No, if we carefully look in to his life, we see that everything here he “blesses”, were experience in his own body and soul. He lived that.

For Mahatma Gandhi Jesus was special to him because of the Sermon on the Mount... not only Mahatma Gandhi, but there are many other people who lived according to this. Martin Luther King and Bonhoeffer are few in this list.

Many will ask: Is the Sermon on the Mount reasonable?
For some, it is not pragmatic. Because it is not that easy to follow. All that one can not follow can be quickly categorized as "unreasonable".
St. Thomas Aquinas says: “If you seek an example of humility, then you have to look at the crucifix”. For him, the suffering and death of the Son of God, is an example that shows us how to live.

We are looking for God; our goal is to “have” him.
Peace, freedom, mercy ...
We need everything that Jesus speaks.
But how far are we ready to follow his words?

Paul writes, then when I am weak, then I am strong in Jesus (2 Cor 12, 10). Is he really our strength? Or are his words something nice, but impractical?

As this cold winter is over, we see that our earth is alive again. The “weak” plants flourish and grow, because they survive the harshness of the weather and the earth, with their inner strength: with the life in them.

In the eyes of some people we could be weak just as these plants are,
because we pray regularly,
because we go to church and do good things.

But as believers, we value God's approval more than
any recognition from the people.

Then our reward is in heaven and that is greater than everything.

Do we live in hope in Jesus and in his Life-giving Word?
Do we live in humility? Do we feel his presence everywhere?
God bless us all with his humility and hope. Amen!
-

Fr Thomas Kalathil

Sermon Thoughts – 3rd Sunday - Ordinary time A (Mt 4, 12-23)

Sermon Thoughts – 3rd Sunday - Ordinary time A (Mt 4, 12-23)


"The show must go on". We know this sentence:
in a song, or in some movies or sometimes in the print media.
These four words transfer a great message of life.
No matter what happens, one must continue, which is started.
It is the message of continuity.
When I read today's Gospel passage, I get the same message.
“The show must go on” ...
Yes, it must go further, and at any cost ...

The context of our gospel is clear:
John the Baptist, who “made known Messiah” or “Voice of the Messiah” is no longer alive. Some tried to bring that voice into silence. They have thrown him into prison and eventually murdered, with the thought of put an end to this annoying "preacher"; “Now I can continue to live in the peace and freedom”.
But the entry of Jesus will change everything.
He is dangerous than John the Baptist.
Because Jesus had a clear mission and task:
What the Baptist began is now found recommitted.
A strong and courageous personality is needed.

Of course, this task is left for Jesus.
For John has expressed in clear text:
“This is he of whom I said: After me cometh a man, who is preferred before me, because he was before me.” (Jn 1, 30)

Jesus proclaimed the message of joy,
- at first repent and then accept God and his Word.

Jesus chooses a different place for his start. He comes from Nazareth to Capernaum. This was a fishing village; but not only Jews lived there.

Maybe that was a major attraction that Jesus chose;
Then people who lived there were in search of a hope of life.
They sought freedom and joy especially politically and religious.
Then the people were very oppressed, first by the "foreign rulers, the Romans. Capernaum was also under the Romans rule.
More than that, they were repeatedly controlled by the rules and customs of their own religious and political leaders. They were at the "end" ...

Jesus knew he could start here: or he must start here.
His mission was for men; to proclaim and spread divine life and joy.
He had the message of hope to share, which revived in them a confidence in God.

We see that was not a bad decision of Jesus: tells us the gospel.
Then Jesus got five of his disciples from this area.
Through selecting Capernaum Jesus asserted another important and revolutionary message: God and his salvation is not restricted only to Jews, each and every one yearn for God will “see him”...

“The show must go on”. We can certainly add it as “The show must grow “..
Yes it has to go on ... It must continue to grow.

For that he calls people: people with courage and motivation.
We see this growth in the salvation history.
Jesus got more followers. His words brought life and revival.
Not only in Galilee, but the whole world was renewed in and through His Spirit. What he dreamed in a small fishing village in Capernaum became true; of course with the help of the people.
People who respected God and his words more than their own lives were co-workers of Jesus.
Dear friends, Jesus calls people to be his co-workers.
He is looking for faithful and courageous people of his kingdom.
This applies to us. This is an mission for us.
Are we ready to “leave” everything for him?

We have heard, the disciples have left everything immediately.
We had enough time to think. We have many examples in front of us.
“The show must go on”, “The show must grow “...

Jesus is calling! Come and follow me.
Let us hear his voice today, every day. Amen!

-

Fr Thomas Kalathil

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Sermon Thoughts – 2nd Sunday in Ordinary Time - A- (Jn 1, 29-34)

Sermon Thoughts – 2^nd Sunday in Ordinary Time - A- (Jn 1, 29-34)


"Man, know thyself": many of us know this statement:
It is a philosophical statement with which many people had occupied for decades ... or are still dealing.
Then man is “continually in search of his BEIN”.

Religiously expressed: “Enlightenment” ...

This can be as different as:

1. “Self recognition”: knowing who I am, what are my skills and weakness.
2. “Recognizing the surroundings”: there I get to know other people and my surroundings as well...
3. God-Recognition: this is not the last but the most important one.
For this one needs the first 2 of course.

I don’t want to give a lecture on this “Recognition of selves” here:
but in today's Gospel we come across with a person in whom all these are perfectly harmonized. It is John the Baptist.
He knew at first who he is. Even many considered him as the Messiah he rejects it.

He knew that the Messiah is highly expected in that time.

But knew that he is the preparer for the Messiah.

“Recognition of the Surroundings” happens here.
He knew where and for what he is born. He accomplishes this task wonderfully.

He now says quite clearly, “I did not know him,
but the one who sent me to baptize with water told me…”

Here we see two features John.
John admits what he is. John may know Jesus as person, because they were relatives, but not his divinity. His knowledge of Jesus as Messiah is' not for his “ability” but it's more of a “Divine revelation.”
Here we see not only his frankness that only accepts what he is, but also what God can ...
There is a clear message ... for all of us.
One comes to faith only by God. Faith is God's grace.
That was his God-recognition:

“Recognition / Enlightment” is important in our daily lives.

If I know who I am, then I can slowly understand others.

If someone believes that he is bigger and greater than others, it is a beginning of a problem.

Not only in Iran or the United States or in other Political spheres...
but also in our families, in our company,
or so even in the churches, unfortunately, this is present as a “disease”.

Man thinks and acts like “God” ... and our world transforms in to a world of small gods.

When we realize we are only instruments of God, then we have peace ... and it is the Message of John the Baptist.
My friends, in that sense, I think John the Baptist is an important example for us ... is not for Catholics or Christians ... but for all who long for peace, happiness and freedom.

He exhorts:
Know thyself ...
don’t go after wrong and mismatching positions.
It will destroy your peace and life.

Know your surroundings: in the family, in society, in your job, in faith ... bring peace and joy.

Know your God.
Faith is not a product of the brain, and sciences.
Theology can produce many more dogmas but it is God who plants the faith in him in our hearts.

May God of Wisdom, help us all. Amen!

-

Fr Thomas Kalathil

Sermon Thoughts - Baptism of Jesus-JK A

Sermon Thoughts - Baptism of Jesus-JK A


Today we celebrate the baptism of Jesus.
Jesus is coming like a normal person to John to be baptized.
John resists at first and was reluctant to allow it.
But Jesus wants the justice to be done.
He makes him equal to other people:
to the sick, the poor people who gathered before John.

Many theologians understand this passage as the “Call” or “rebirth” of Jesus -
It is the fulfilment of the prophet Isaiah:
“I, the LORD, have called you for the victory of justice, I have grasped you by the hand; I formed you, and set you as a covenant of the people, a light for the nations.
To open the eyes of the blind, to bring out prisoners from confinement, and from the dungeon, those who live in darkness“
It is from the first reading.
Yes, Jesus is then available or the people who needed him.
As a healer, a comforter, as a teacher, he lives with them.

Jesus is changing or is revealing at his baptism:
He comes in human form and returns from the water as the Son of God, confirmed by God.
He says “yes” to his “Call”:
The call, to proclaim the kingdom of God.
The call to show justice and mercy of God
He becomes one among them and shows his solidarity with the poor, the sick and sinners.

A few days ago we celebrated his “Epiphany” and have announced that Jesus came as God and man to us.
In his baptism, we believe in his revelation as the Son of God.

My dear friends,
this is not only the "call to Jesus."
It is also our "true call and destiny"
The call to be transformed as the Children of God.


How can we become children of God?

Our participation and commitment is needed for that.
This can start in the Church and in Prayers.
That grows in the family.
Then it will be “reaching” the people in form of Charity.

The baptism in the Jordan means change.
God strengthened and renewed Jesus with his Holy Spirit.
It reveals him as his beloved son.

Encouraged by this experience, Jesus begins his public ministry.
His words and his deeds were proclaiming the people, from the love of God.
Everything he does get “the Seal of God”, his blessings.
He works in the "name of God."

Also, we too received this love of God in our heart: in our Baptism and Confirmation. No baptized Christian stands alone.
Every human being is divinely assisted.
God is with us and he shows us his love in his Sacrament.

As receivers, we must learn to give that love to others,
which we received from God.

Then, after the baptism of Jesus went to the people,
who were in need to help them.

Let's celebrate today in this church that God's love for his people,
by listening to his word and receiving him in Sacrament.

God bless us all! Amen.

-
Fr Thomas Kalathil

Sermon Thoughts – Epiphany – Year A

Sermon Thoughts – Epiphany – Year A

How the Magi come to the manger?.
If you remember the Gospel:
we see only a king in mentioned there, and it is Herod.
But he did not go to worship Jesus.

Moreover, we call them “kings” but Gospel says, “Magi”, probably meant to wise men, come from distant lands.
They do not belong to the chosen people of Israel.
Obviously, they understood it,
to interpret the signs of the times.

How many were there, is also not mentioned.
Whether it was three or more?
And that they came to Bethlehem can be not that correct at all, then they needed a long time for their journey. The star stood not above the stable, but on a house says Gospel.
So the wise men could have visited, Mary and Joseph in Nazareth and not in Bethlehem.
Then, how come our three wise men to the manger? Something seems wrong.

Well, I don’t want you get confused? And the details are not the issue at all.. For the intention of Evangelist Matthew, the only one who tells this story,
was not to tell an historical event. Matthew is a theologian.
He tells something important for the faith, namely this:
The Messiah was indeed expected from the chosen people of Israel, but when he was there, he was rejected by his own people.
In nutshell: wisdom and power of this world should give priority to God.

Did God come at an “inconvenient” time? It seems so: his presence disturbed Herod and brought him anxiety. Also for the chief priests and scribes, he remained a troublesome rebel.

God is stranger to many people; he is not welcome in our highly technologically advanced time. Many people of our age cannot tolerate His morals and teachings, because they can be an obstacle in their "business".


God becomes man, that's Christmas.
Now he "appears" to the people. He is visible.
The world recognizes in Jesus the Son of God.

In the Old Testament, it would be equal to death as no one was meant to look at God.
Now everything is different.
God shows himself and that as a child.
Even then people continue to “live”.
They are not dead..
No, he came to give life…in its fullness…in his fullness.
And with his coming, some learned to live cheerful and lively than before.
Epiphany of the Lord invites us all to the divine life.


Epiphany is not just a celebration in Christmastime.
It should prompt us to ask ourselves every day whether we recognize our God in the people, in their needs, in our prayers, in our churches, in our families ...
where ever we are…

And this knowledge should move us to Him. As the magi did.
On that way we can meet him, adore him…
And forget not;
“Herod, the forces against God”, is still waiting for us ...
But they must not stop us! Let us pray for that grace! Amen.
-
Fr Thomas Kalathil

Sermon thoughts – 2nd Sunday after Christmas - John 1, 1-18

Sermon thoughts – 2^nd Sunday after Christmas - John 1, 1-18

“He was in the world, *and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not.“  God, is and remains a problem for many.
Take the example of people in the Old Testament.
They experienced God as Yahweh. He was powerful and strong.
He did wonders with their forefathers ... and was together with them.
But the people remained disobedient to God.

Then came many prophets, proclaiming God's infinite love towards his people. They invited the people to God's love.
Still God was “something” in "distance" for many of them.

Through Jesus it gets twisted. He gave a new image of God.
He was one with people. He was close to people.
He lived like one of among them.
What separated him from others was not only his natural and divine innocence, but his inseparable love of God and fellow man.
And he worked tirelessly for the people, for their needs, showing them he is there for them. He knew what his people wanted and what kind of trouble they had.

He had bread for the hungry... He gave light to the blind.
He gave life to the dead. He healed many in need of it.
He knew the sufferings of his fellow men.

“And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us: we saw his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.” We can understand this testimony of John on God, only because Jesus became man.

It was a new revelation of God to the people, something that man can understand.

But do we still recognize him?
“And she brought forth her first-born son, and wrapped him up in swaddling-clothes, and laid him in a manger: because there was no room for them in the inn.“
Here we learn how unfriendly and unkind he was rejected.
John describes the same thing when he says:
"He came unto his own, but his own received him not."
This is actually the fate of Jesus to this day:

He is not taken seriously. Man holds his doctrine of nonviolence and love of enemies as Utopian. As we celebrate Christmas - Jesus is kept outside the door.

You see, it is Christmas when we give him a place in our lives. There are many people who welcome God in to their lives. Through them God's goodness and kindness is spread in our world today, they are bringing light to people.

How do we do with us? Do we welcome God to our lives?
How can we make room for him?
That requires preparation and silence.
We need to make room for God in our lives, in our work, in our everyday lives.
Perhaps it can best be compared with how a family accommodates a newborn child: all on a sudden everything is changed. The child by his cries, his hunger, determines the life cycle of the family. It mostly done with joy because they love the child and out of it they do everything for the child.

Well,
how do we feel God in our lives?
Does he ask for some change in my life?
Has he got "place" in my life?

In the beginning of this New Year, let us examine ourselves and find a solution. May the good God bless us all. Amen.
-
Fr Thomas Kalathil

Homily - Feast of the Mother of God - New Year

Homily - Feast of the Mother of God - New Year

Today is a beginning.
The New Year begins. We are in a festive mood ...
it is a solemn mood for the beginning of the year
so that it starts with joy ...


The church too welcomes the new year in this mood ...
Maybe in little silence ... not with much celebrations and ceremonial methods outside.

We celebrate the Feast of the Virgin Mary.

Mary is also in a beginning. So far Mary’s experience of God was in prayers.
Now He is with her in physical presence. This is a new life for her.
likely a special experience, Mary.

“And Mary kept all these things, reflecting on them in her heart.“ says the Gospel.
This is a durable and sustaining statement on her life.
Then she had not only nice experiences in her life.
She also bore suffering and "sword" in her heart.
Amongst all these experiences ... she kept quiet.
She never discussed about it.
She had no complaints.
She was able to behave so because she was with God.
She could listen to God's will and understand it exactly.

We are in the new year ...
The past is gone.
But it's not quite gone to the past.

Like Mary we also need to live in reflecting on our experience ...
Not only on certain events, but also on many persons who were with us.

Then the New Year is not “new time”. It is a continuation of the old.

Let us, like Mary, keep everything in the heart, which we need in the New Year, which may help us somehow, assist and support our life.
Some experience can be bitter ...
even these too are needed, because those are too a part of life.

Mary kept all in her heart.
Her life was not an easy one...
She had suffered very much ...

but she remained her strength.…Strength from God.
She was with God, walked with God.

In this new year, I wish all of us, this grace
that we may walk with God;
that we form our lives with God's help.

This celebration here is therefore very important.

We begin this new time with God ...
We put our hands into the hand of God ...
We place our hopes in his heart ...
We take the time and everything as his grace and gift.
We are then strengthened as Mary and Joseph, and many other saints.
Then we can say with Paul:
"What can separate me from the love of Christ?"

Let us begin with God, our new time ...
then God is on our side ...
He gives us strength and hope.

May the new time in 2011 be a time with God. Amen.

-

Fr Thomas Kalathil