17th Ordinary Sunday

PEARL OF WISDOM

We are called to reflect on the God-given gifts of wisdom, faith and the Kingdom of God itself. From the First Book of Kings we understand that Solomon has understood the ways of God and the usefulness in his life and therefore he asks God for wisdom so that he can discern the will of God. He does not need honours or luxury goods. Solomon is aware of the situation of God’s people but how is he to know what is right and just? God also promises that there will never be anyone else wiser and more discerning than Solomon. Paul tells us that we also shall share his glory if we love him. God will turn everything to their good as He co-operates with all those who love Him. Our faith will not be in vain. Jesus uses four short parables to tell us about the Kingdom of Heaven and its meaning in our life. It is a great opportunity for us to think about the gifts of faith and wisdom. How do they help us bring about the Kingdom of Heaven on earth for the people around us, especially for those who are searching for the Lord?

Liturgical materials for 17th Sunday in Ordinary Time.

https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/18KLb6FEMTK1nV5CjUbg0pIT5hGVgIz37?usp=sharing

Tamil Response Hymn - https://youtu.be/1ZnpG1YFg-o

16th Ordinary Sunday

TO PRODUCE FRUITS

God sows the seeds of holiness in our hearts. These seeds have the potential to grow and produce fruits of goodness. By growing in holiness, we become shade and shelter to others. Thus, the reign of God grows and takes root in us, producing fruits of goodness. But the enemy of God, the devil, is also active and he sows the weeds of destruction in our hearts. The moment we cooperate with evil, it gains an upper hand and chokes the goodness in us. But when we, in the power and wisdom of the Holy Spirit, cooperate with God, goodness grows and evil fades away. Let this Eucharistic celebration help us identify the destructive weeds in us, so that in the power of the Holy Spirit we may outsmart and outgrow them and gain victory of good over evil.

Liturgical materials for the 16th Sunday in Ordinary Time.

https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1DhUgtrvCMrt8PzNrkyHMaSRWuJVavH0o?usp=sharing

Tamil Response Hymn - https://youtu.be/VlR7VJhYb38

15th Ordinary Sunday

WORD OF GOD

Dear brothers and sisters, God’s Word has been sown into our hearts. But too often our hearts have not been the ideal soil for the growth of the Word. We have proved ourselves to be infertile and arid ground. Not only have we been indifferent and cold towards the Word but at times we have even deliberately choked its growth. The Readings of today speak of the effectiveness of God’s word. Isaiah plainly tells us that God’s word won’t return unless it has “accomplished” its purpose. St Paul describes salvation using the imagery of “waiting with eager longing” in confident hope that creation itself, being freed from “corruption” will “obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of God”. The Gospel points to how the Word of God, despite encountering obstacles, will continue to flourish and bear fruit a “hundredfold”.

Liturgical materials for the 15th Sunday in Ordinary Time.

https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/18NFnOo0J3UCkVyGYW18RSJj5n7DQKWaX?usp=sharing

Response Hymn - https://youtu.be/4bF3dM-q8Uc

14th Ordinary Sunday

COME TO ME!

The Gospels present Jesus as a person of power, an able teacher and a powerful healer. No sooner Jesus begins his ministry, than his fame spreads all over Palestine and in the neighbouring cities and towns known as the Decapolis. Jesus does things that nobody else has ever done or can do, such as exercising power over demonic spirits, exercising control over the sea and the winds and healing people affected by various illnesses. Yet Jesus is a humble person and for his triumphant entry into Jerusalem, he chooses an ass to ride as visualized by prophet Zechariah concerning the future Messiah. Hence when Jesus invites the weary and troubled to come to him for comfort and rest, they are very realistic invitations. Generations after generations of Christians have given heed to the voice of the Lord Jesus and have found rest for their souls. What are our experiences?

Liturgical materials for the 14th Sunday in Ordinary Time.

https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1A-WMsdVC_BDipgvtxZLqpcf7l9gqzOdX?usp=sharing

Tamil Response Hymn - https://youtu.be/7MJtfz3m8mg