Easter 5th Sunday

BEARING FRUIT

Christian life is centred on Jesus, and it is he who makes this life possible. The resurrection of Jesus has in it a pivotal role to play. Jesus who called disciples, taught them, and who healed the people of their infirmities has now become the living Lord. The living Lord is inviting us to abide in him as a branch is attached to the tree in order to bear fruit. Only a branch that is attached to the plant has any chance of bearing fruit. In the same way we who believe in the Lord Jesus has life only when we remain attached to him otherwise, we become like dead branches that will be cut away and discarded. The branches that remain attached to the tree draw nourishment from the tree, and the tree will continuously provide nourishment to the branch. In the same way Jesus will provide everything needed for our spiritual life. Otherwise, we will become useless. In the First Reading Paul speaks about the obstacles that he faced after his conversion. But Paul turned from a persecutor to be a fruit-bearing person. In the Second Reading Saint John instructs his community to love one another for such a quality comes from God.

Liturgical materials for the Fifth Sunday of Easter.

https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/18C-DZdJLjr90G40wXnE8N6fMUrOnHZTg?usp=sharing

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

Easter 4th Sunday

PASTORS WHO CARE FOR PEOPLE

The parable of the Good Shepherd teaches us many important lessons. First of all, Jesus is our Good Shepherd. Giving protection for the sheep is the duty of a shepherd and the good shepherd will even give up his life to save his sheep compared to a hireling who will flee when he sees danger coming. Jesus has laid down his life for his people; his death and resurrection has already occurred. We have experienced all this and it is our duty to proclaim the message in which we have found life and salvation. We have the responsibility to take this message forward. The First Reading records a speech by Peter. In this speech Peter boldly affirms that the Name of Jesus is the only one Name by which human beings are saved. In the Second Reading St John writes that because God loves us, He has made us His Children.

Liturgical materials for the Fourth Sunday of Easter.

https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1UZoQv9hf1kRpMvXboitTnv622r0jjnmE?usp=sharing

Tamil Response Hymn - https://youtu.be/fcumrdejmc8

Easter 3rd Sunday

EMPOWERED WITH TRUST

As Peter addresses the people after he had cured the lame man, he accuses the Jewish people who are responsible for the death of Jesus. The intensity of their resolve to kill is seen from their actions. Pilate before whom they have accused Jesus actually has the intention to release Jesus having become aware of his innocence. What is baffling in their behaviour is that they ask for a murderer to be released in the place of Jesus who is innocent. Peter says that all these have happened but still suggests a way out for them. By repenting of their actions they can actually win God’s favour. The lesson for us is that God is willing to forgive all that we do to offend Him provided we repent. Repentance is something we should always give a thought to. In the gospel of today we have an appearance of Jesus to his disciples. When he appears the first thing he does is removing fear and anxiety from his disciples and making them comfortable, and speaking about the necessity for Christ to suffer and rise. He then sends them into the world to preach repentance and forgiveness of sins.

Liturgical materials for the Third Sunday of Easter.

https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1RMNttF3fAtc3GV3OIn8QxhVTnQ-QNapI?usp=sharing

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

Easter 2nd Sunday

UNLOCKING OUR DOORS

We have two appearances of Jesus to his disciples given in one long passage from the Gospel of John. Jesus does several things: Jesus stands in the midst of the disciples who are utterly frightened and wishes them peace. He then shows them his hands and side where they can see the marks left by the nails and the spear. He wishes them peace a second time and breathes on them the Holy Spirit and sets them on their mission. The second appearance takes place eight days later because on his first appearance Thomas was not with them and he expressed his doubts about the Lord’s resurrection. The second appearance is to remove the doubts of Thomas. Thomas is overwhelmed by this act of Jesus and he expresses his faith in him. He no more doubts but believes which is a quality required of all of us. The First Reading describes the strong faith and the strong communion among the early Christians. In the Second Reading we have Saint John telling us that God’s commandments are not burdensome for those who love Him.

Liturgical materials for the Second Sunday of Easter - Divine Mercy Sunday.

https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1il88UC49JzvOGtQhbmAw5CdPNdQPtV4B?usp=sharing

Easter Song of St. Thomas - https://youtu.be/lPU2IaQvSxs