FEAST OF THE MOST HOLY BODY AND BLOOD OF CHRIST: WE ARE PEOPLE OF COVENANT OF LOVE.

 

Today’s first reading talks about God’s covenant with the Israelites through his servant Moses. After reading the ordinances of the Lord, the people with one gave their consent saying: “We will do everything that the Lord has told us.”. What did the Lord tell them? The 10 Commandments or Gift of 10 Words. The sign or symbol of this covenant were: an altar with 12 pillars representing the 12 tribes of Israel, and sacrifice of animals. Moses took half of the blood of the animal and splashed on the altar, and on the people saying “This is the blood of the covenant which the LORD has made with you in accordance with all these words of His.

In this feast of the Solemnity of the Body and Blood of Christ, I invite us to focus on this idea of Covenant, its symbols, the power of words pronounced. God’s covenant with the Israelites lasted for years until the appointed time, when God concluded a New Covenant in his Son Jesus Christ.

 Every Christian enters this relation of covenant of Love by Baptism. Some of us were baptised as infants. Those married reinforce this covenant of Love by the promise made during the cerebration of their union of Love. For those who are religious, this covenant relation is given a new meaning by vows: we become consecrated persons: set apart for Christ and His Gospel. We all promise faithfulness to God, renounce satan and his works.  

The letter to the Hebrew underlines the uniqueness of the new covenant God concluded in Christ with us: Jesus offered himself as a victim for expiation of sins. He is the mediator of a new covenant.

Holy Thursday: we remember that on the eve of his passion, during the last super, Jesus concluded a New Covenant with all his followers. From that very moment, everyday, the Church celebrated the gift of the Body and Blood of CHRIST repeating the words of consecration saying: “Take this all of you and drink from it, for this is the chalice of my blood, the blood of the New and Eternal Covenant, which will be poured out for you and for many for the forgiveness of sins. Do this in memory of me.”

This is the greatest prove of God’s love for us: “No greater love than this: to give one’s life for his friends”, say the Lord. The celebration of this solemnity is an invitation for us to meditate deeply on the Holy Eucharist. Are we always aware of the price Jesus paid to save us? Jesus rescued us by his sufferings, death and resurrection. How do I prepare myself to encounter Jesus in each Mass, receive His most holy body and blood? Do I find time to talk with him? Is Jesus really a friend or someone I heard of several times but who remains a stranger to me?

Think about what I am going to say now: “Each time we receive the body of Christ, we become moving tabernacles because Jesus dwells in us.” All of us who receive his body, are invited to welcome her like Mother Mary at the moment of Incarnation, when the Word took flesh in Her womb. 

In the Eucharist, Jesus reveals himself as God of Love. He is not only present in the Holy Eucharist; He is the Holy Eucharist. The Mass we celebrate is Him, the blood we drink the flesh we eat is him. We remember Jesus said in John 6:53 “Truly I tell you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you do not have life in yourselves.”

It has been the eternal longing of Christ to give himself to us wholly and entirely. He gives himself entirely to us in the Eucharist, a gift of all that he has and is in the simplest and most comprehensive manner. He gives himself to us in order to save and service us, redeem us from sin and unite us to himself: “whoever eats my blood and drinks my blood dwell in me and I in him”, John 6, 56.

Jesus gives himself to us in order to unite us to the Father, so that the Holy Spirit will live in us.  He gives himself to us to unite us with all in heaven, the angels and saints. He gives himself to us in order to change us, recreate us, change the face of the earth.

For this reason, all those who participate in the Eucharist devotedly with open hearts and mind are completely renewed. They are taken in an unapproachable light, wonderful light. They are all purified and sanctified. Their hearts are set on fire like the disciples of Emmaus. It is this fire of love that will cleanse the world of evil, remove every taint of hatred, wickedness and sin. Remember Jesus said: “I have come to set fire on earth and how I wish it were burning.” Is the fire of his love burning in our hearts? 

Think about this today: I believe that all us, we want to go to heaven. Do we realise that in the Eucharist, it is heaven that comes to us?  In heaven we hope to see God. Right?  God has made himself visible to us in the simplest manner in the Eucharist.

He is our Heaven. He Heaven in our midst. Do we expect to meet any person more glorious in Heaven than Christ? Do we expect to get a joy more glorious in Heaven than from Christ? The promise of Christ to be with us always until the end of times is fulfilled in a very unique way through the gift of His Body and Blood in the Eucharist.

The worst sin of the Church, the worst sin of Christians, the worst sin is the neglect of Love of Jesus for us, especially in the Holy Eucharist. Do you know the worst sins of Priest?

   To celebrate the Holy Eucharist without Love. Any celebration of the Holy EUCHARIST without Love is worse than the crucifixion of Jesus.  This is the reason why Priest should never rush mass. And the faithful should never ask them to rush mass because they want to other things.

   The worst sin of Christians is lack of belief in Christ’s Love in the Holy Eucharist. The worst danger to Christians today is forgetfulness of what Jesus has done and what he has suffered for us in the Holy Eucharist. The worst danger to the existence of the world is the abolition of the Holy Eucharist.

Any move by any person or group of persons to remove or reduce the Love people should have for the Holy Eucharist is not from God. Any move by any person to remove or reduce the respect, the worship, the honour given to Jesus in the Holy Eucharist is not from God.

The same enemy of Christ who was active in Judas Iscariot, blaming Mary for anointing the Body of Christ with precious oil, is active in the world, doing everything possible so that Jesus may not be honored and loved in the Eucharist.  To unite our sacrifice to the Sacrifice of Jesus in the Holy Eucharist is the greatest sacrifice we can make. To spend time with Jesus in the Eucharist, in the tabernacle, is the greatest possible act, the glorious act human being can perform in the world.

The greatest action of the Holy Spirit is the Incarnation and transubstantiation of bread and wine into the Body and Blood. The greatest joy of Mother Mary is to bring people to the Holy Eucharist - You remember the miracle at Kana. That miracle is a miracle that points to the Holy Eucharist. What did Mother Mary say: DO WHATEVER HE TELLS YOU!

The Holy Eucharist depends on Christ, and on Christ alone. But us benefiting from it depends on our Love, our Faith, our Hope in Him.

Anybody who receives the Holy Eucharist with Love, purity and holiness is automatically in the company of the angels and saints. 

So, let us meditate on this great mystery: the source and summit of the life of the Church. Let's try to keep this covenant of Love by observing God's commandments and we will experience God's faithfulness to His promises at all times! 

 

Strengthened by Divine Covenant: God’s Promise and our Response.

In today's first reading, (Deuteronomy 4:32-40), we hear God speak to the Israelites, and his message is also relevant to us today. Through Moses, God asks the Israelites to be aware of their identity: who they are, what God has done for them, and the consequences of God's call. They are God's chosen people, elected to reveal Himself to the world. Because of this, God saved them from their enemies.

Being aware of their identity has several implications for the Israelites. First, they should fix their hearts on the LORD as the one and only true God. This means avoiding any form of idolatry, the gravest sin before God. As Christians, it is important  that we examine our lives always: "is there any idol in my life?  Anything that takes the rightful place of God in my life become my idol. And this  become an obstacle in my relationship with God. Therefore, identifying my idoles and getting rid of them is key step in our spiritual life and growth.

 Second, the Israelites are to keep God's statues and commandments, not just themselves, but also their children and household.  We have here one of the primary duties of Parents: Faith upbringing and education of their children. Parents have a responsibility to teach their children, in words and actions, who God is and who they are. This is vital because children are gifts from God entrusted to the care of parents. 

Today, in many parts of the world, the transmission of faith within the family, which is supposed to be the “domestic church, where children learn to pray, to relate to God and have a sense of purpose, is in crisis.  Parents are really struggling to fulfill this mission, and some have already abdicated because they themselves no longer believe. As a result, children grow up lost and confused, and society bombards them with ideologies that can be brainwashing.

The third consequence of awareness is connected to the divine promise: by keeping God's commandments, Israelites will prosper and have a long life in the land He has given them forever. This same promise is relevant for us also. We can be sure that God is always faithful to His promises. In Psalm 81:13, we read: "If my people would only listen to me, if Israel would only follow my ways, 14 how quickly I would subdue their enemies and turn my hand against their foes!" Those who live their Christian faith with consciousness of the “Divine Covenant” and really try to be faithful to it, benefit from special divine protection and favour. For there is no way God will not protect those who put their trust in Him and answer their prayers. Let's remember here what St James wrote: "The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effectives", James 5:16-17. To be a righteous person does not mean to be without sin ( Proverb 24: 16) rather it means authentically and humbly believing in God as Abraham and many others did. 

Therefore, it's important for us to try to keep God’s commandments and follow His ways, revealed to us through Jesus Christ.  This becomes possible by constantly reminding ourselves that God has made a covenant with each of us, with our families: "He is our God, and we are His children." (Jeremiah 32:38). When we remember this convenant with God, our Consecration realized first through baptism and consecration then we will avoid sins and occasions of sins; we will deploy our energy in living the commandment of love: Of God that is trinity of Love and of others, including the ennemies. 

God the Father created the Universe, Christ the son came to reveal God the Father and save the Universe, and the Holy Spirit continues to divine revelation and salvation.  St Paul in the second reading tells us that “we have received a Spirit of adoption, through whom we cry “Abba, Father!”. I encourage us to meditate more on the prayer of “Our Father, who art in heaven”, say it slowly and meditatively today and in the coming day!

          Jesus himself said in the Gospel today, "Behold, I am with you always, until the end of the ages!"  Because of this, no matter the challenges we face, we can be sure that God is with us and will always fulfill His promises.  May we find renewed strength for our lives and faith today in the word of God, especially in Psalm 138:3: "When I called, you answered me; you made my soul grow strong."

Contempler la Profondeur de l'Amour et du Pardon du Christ : Du Reniement du Pierre à sa Restauration (Jean 21, 15-19).

La paix et l'amour de Jésus-Christ ressuscité soient avec vous, chères sœurs et frères en Christ !!!

Aujourd'hui, nous réfléchissons sur un moment profond et émouvant de l'Évangile de Jean, chapitre 21, versets 15 à 19. Ce passage nous présente une rencontre personnelle entre Jésus et Pierre, une rencontre qui nous parle de pardon, de restauration et l'amour profond que Jésus a pour chacun de nous.

Pour planter le décor, ce passage se déroule après la résurrection de Jésus. Les disciples sont au bord de la mer de Galilée, après avoir partagé une pêche miraculeuse et un petit-déjeuner avec le Seigneur ressuscité. Dans ce décor à la fois ordinaire et extraordinaire, Jésus se tourne vers Pierre et lui demande : « Simon, fils de Jean, m'aimes-tu plus que ceux-ci ?

La question de Jésus transperce les couches du cœur de Pierre. Rappelons que Pierre avait renié Jésus à trois reprises durant la nuit de son arrestation. Peter, qui avait autrefois déclaré sa loyauté inébranlable, s'est retrouvé brisé par ses propres faiblesses et sa peur. Il était trop sur de lui-même ; il comptait sur ses propres forces.  En ce moment, Jésus ne cherche pas d’informations mais offre une invitation : une chance pour Pierre de faire face à son échec et de trouver la rédemption.

« Simon, fils de Jean, m'aimes-tu plus que ceux-ci ? demande Jésus. Pierre répond : « Oui, Seigneur, tu sais que je t'aime. » Jésus dit alors : « Pais mes agneaux ».

Cet échange se répète encore deux fois, plongeant chaque fois plus profondément dans l'âme de Peter. À chaque question, Pierre ressent le poids de ses dénégations passées, mais aussi la profonde opportunité de réconciliation. La troisième fois, Pierre est attristé et répond : « Seigneur, tu sais tout ; tu sais que je t'aime." La réponse de Jésus reste cohérente : « Pais mes brebis ».

En présentant ce dialogue, Jean souligne le fait que dans les deux premières fois, Jésus utilise le mot grec ἀγαπάω (agapaō). Chaque fois que Pierre répondait en utilisant l'expression φιλέω (phileō ). Agape (ἀγαπάω) fait référence à un amour altruiste, inconditionnel et sacrificiel. Il est souvent décrit comme une sorte d’amour radical ou divin. Tandis que Philia (φιλέω ) représente un amour d'amitié, d'affection ou de lien étroit. C'est plus émotionnel. Jésus recherche un engagement plus profond de la part de Pierre, un amour qui reflète l'amour (agape) de Dieu. Tandis que Pierre exprime une véritable affection (philia). Jésus enfin accepté l'amour de l'amitié que Peter offre lui.

Ici, nous sommes témoins de la tendre miséricorde du Christ. Jésus ne se contente pas de pardonner à Pierre ; Il est en train de le restaurer. Chaque affirmation d'amour de Pierre correspond à ses dénégations précédentes, effaçant symboliquement sa culpabilité et le remettant en service. Jésus confie à Pierre le soin de ses disciples, soulignant que l'amour pour le Christ doit s'exprimer à travers le service et le berger de son peuple.

Ce passage nous appelle à réfléchir sur nos propres vies. Combien de fois avons-nous, comme Pierre, échoué à respecter nos engagements et nos convictions en tant que chrétiens, disciples de Jésus ? Combien de fois avons-nous laissé la peur, le doute ou le péché créer un gouffre entre nous et notre Sauveur Jésus-Christ ? Pourtant, dans cette histoire, nous trouvons de l’espoir. Jésus ne nous abandonne pas dans nos échecs. Au lieu de cela, il nous cherche, nous invitant à réaffirmer notre amour pour lui et nous réengageant dans sa mission chaque jour.

Remarquez également la nature de l’amour que Jésus demande à Pierre. C'est un amour qui va au-delà des mots et des sentiments ; cela exige une action : « Nourrissez mes agneaux, soignez mes moutons. » Notre amour pour Jésus doit se manifester dans la manière dont nous prenons soin les uns des autres, dont nous servons ceux qui sont dans le besoin et dont nous nourrissons la foi des autres. C’est un appel à être des bergers à part entière, dans toutes les capacités possibles, au sein de nos familles, de nos communautés, nos lieux de travail et de notre monde.

Enfin, Jésus préfigure l'avenir de Pierre, faisant allusion aux sacrifices qu'il fera. « Quand tu étais plus jeune, tu attachais ta propre ceinture et tu allais où tu voulais. Mais quand tu seras vieux, tu étendras les mains, et quelqu'un d'autre attachera une ceinture autour de toi et t'emmènera là où tu ne veux pas aller. La prédiction de Jésus signifie le genre de mort par laquelle Pierre glorifierait Dieu. Ce rappel du sacrifice et de l’engagement s’adresse à nous tous, nous mettant au défi de considérer le coût de la vie de disciple et la profondeur de notre dévouement à suivre le Christ.

L'expérience de Pierre avec Jésus me rappelle le célèbre livre de Dietrich Bonhoeffer, The Costly of Discipleship,[1] qu’il oppose à la «grâce à bas prix». Bonhoeffer décrit la grâce bon marché comme une grâce auto-accordée – prêchant le pardon sans repentance, le baptême sans discipline ecclésiale, la communion sans confession, l'absolution sans responsabilité personnelle.

La grâce bon marché est une grâce sans vivre en disciple, sans croix, sans Jésus-Christ vivant et incarné. C'est une grâce qui ne nous transforme pas et n'exige pas un changement de style de vie. Certains dans notre société acceptent volontiers de parler de la miséricorde de Dieu mais rejettent l'idée que cette miséricorde divine offre une chance de salut, une issue au péché (Romains 6 : 2).

Oui, il est important de se consoler dans la miséricorde illimitée de notre Seigneur, mais cela ne doit pas se faire dans une négligence totale du sacrifice de la Croix. Si nous aimons vraiment Jésus, nous garderons ses commandements (Jean 14 : 15-24). Inspirés par le parcours de Pierre, du déni à la restauration, comprenons qu'aucun échec n'est trop grand pour le pardon de Dieu. Et soyons poussés à l'action, en exprimant notre amour pour Jésus à travers notre souci des autres, en particulier des plus les plus vulnérables, les plus pauvres, les abandonnés dans notre société d'aujourd'hui.

Que la grâce de notre Seigneur Jésus-Christ nous donne le pouvoir d’aimer plus profondément, de servir plus fidèlement et de le suivre de plus près, tous les jours de notre vie.

Amen🙏🙏🙏

 

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[1]Bonhoeffer, Dietrich, The Cost of Discipleship, traduit par RH Fuller, Rév. Ed. New York : Macmillan, 1963. (Initialement publié sous le titre Nachfolge en 1937).

Contemplating the Depth of Christ’s Love and Forgiveness: From Denial to Restoration (John 21, 15-19).

Peace and Love of the Risen Christ Jesus be with you, dear Sisters, and Brothers in Christ!!!

Today, we reflect on a profound and heart-touching moment in the Gospel of John, chapter 21, verses 15 to 19. This passage presents us with an intimate and powerful encounter between Jesus and Peter, one that speaks to us about forgiveness, restoration, and the deep love that Jesus has for each of us.

To set the scene, this passage takes place after Jesus' resurrection. The disciples are by the Sea of Galilee, having just shared a miraculous catch of fish and breakfast with the risen Lord. Amidst this ordinary yet extraordinary setting, Jesus turns to Peter and asks, "Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?"

Jesus' question pierces through the layers of Peter’s heart. Recall that Peter had denied Jesus three times during the night of His arrest. Peter, who had once declared his unwavering loyalty, found himself broken by his own weaknesses and fear. In this moment, Jesus is not seeking information but offering an invitation—a chance for Peter to confront his failure and find redemption.

“Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?” Jesus asks. Peter responds, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.” Jesus then says, “Feed my lambs.”

This exchange repeats two more times, each time touching deeper into Peter's soul. With each question, Peter feels the weight of his past denials, but also the profound opportunity for reconciliation. By the third time, Peter is grieved and replies, “Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you.” Jesus’ response remains consistent: “Feed my sheep.”

In presenting this dialogue, John highlights the fact that in the first two times, Jesus' uses the Greek word ἀγαπάω (agapaō). Each time Peter responded using the expression φιλέω (phileō). Agape (ἀγαπάω) refers to a selfless, unconditional, and sacrificial love. It's often described as a radical or divine kind of love. While Philia (φιλέω) represents a love of friendship, affection, or close bond. It's a more emotional. Jesus seeks a deeper commitment from Peter, a love that reflects God's own love (agape). While Peter expresses genuine affection (philia). Jesus finally accepted the love of friendship Peter offers him.

Here, we witness the tender mercy of Christ. Jesus is not merely forgiving Peter; He is restoring him. Each affirmation of love from Peter corresponds to his previous denials, symbolically erasing his guilt and commissioning him anew. Jesus entrusts Peter with the care of His followers, emphasizing that love for Christ must be expressed through service and shepherding of His people.

This passage calls us to reflect on our own lives: is our love for Jesus radical? Do you love him above all?  How often have we, like Peter, failed to live up to our commitments and convictions as Christians, disciples of Jesus? How often have we let fear, doubt, or sin create a chasm between us and our Savior Jesus Christ? Yet, in this story, we find hope. Jesus does not abandon us in our failures. Instead, He seeks us out, inviting us to reaffirm our love for Him and recommitting us to His mission.

Notice also the nature of the love Jesus asks of Peter. It is a love that goes beyond words and feelings; it demands action : “Feed my lambs, tend my sheep.” Our love for Jesus must manifest in how we care for one another, how we serve those in need, and how we nurture the faith of others. It is a call to be shepherds in our own right, in whatever capacity we can, within our families, our communities, and our world.

Finally, Jesus foreshadows Peter's future, hinting at the sacrifices he will make. “When you were younger, you used to fasten your own belt and go wherever you wished. But when you grow old, you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will fasten a belt around you and take you where you do not wish to go.” Jesus’ prediction signifies the kind of death by which Peter would glorify God. This reminder of sacrifice and commitment speaks to us all, challenging us to consider the cost of discipleship and the depth of our dedication to following Christ.

Peter's experience with Jesus reminds me of Dietrich Bonhoeffer's famous book, The Cost of Discipleship,[1] which critiques "cheap grace." Bonhoeffer describes cheap grace as self-bestowed grace – preaching forgiveness without repentance, baptism without church discipline, communion without confession, absolution without personal accountability.

Cheap grace is grace without discipleship, without the cross, without the living, incarnate Jesus Christ. It's a grace that doesn't transform us or demand a change in lifestyle. Some in our society readily embrace talk of God's mercy but reject the idea that this divine mercy offers a chance for salvation, a way out of sin (Romans 6:2).

Yes, it is important to take comfort in the boundless mercy of our Lord, but this should not be done in total negligence of the sacrifice of the Cross. If we truly love Jesus, we will keep his commandments (John 14:15-24). Inspired by Peter's journey from denial to restoration, let us understand that no failure is too great for God's forgiveness. And let us be moved to action, expressing our love for Jesus through our care of others, especially the most vulnerable, the poorest, the abandoned in our society today.

May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ empower us to love more deeply, serve more faithfully, and follow Him more closely, all the days of our lives.

Amen.

 

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[1] Bonhoeffer, Dietrich, The Cost of Discipleship, Translated by R.H. Fuller, Rev. Ed. New York: Macmillan, 1963. (Originally published as Nachfolge in 1937).

Consecrated In the Truth And Saved In His Name. (John 17:11-19).

Brothers and sisters, today, we have the opportunity to reflect on Jesus priestly prayer, his most intimate conversation, a prayer whispered to the Father on our behalf. Jesus, knowing the world's harsh winds can snuff out even the sturdiest faith, pleads, “Holy Father, keep them in your name that you have given me, so that they may be one just as we are one.”  This isn't just about physical safety, but about finding refuge in God's presence, a place where doubt and fear cannot touch us. Jesus reveals to us that in His name we find refuge because at the mention of his name every knee must bow! This is a revelation that there is power in the name of Jesus.

The world today is no less hostile than it was for the early disciples. We face challenges that can threaten our faith and our unity as believers. Perhaps our lives have become so comfortable that our faith feels like a flickering candle in the midday sun.  Have we become complacent, forgetting the fire that first ignited our hearts?  Jesus' prayer for us is a reminder that despite these challenges, we are not alone. God is our sturdy oak sheltering us from the storm, and His name remains a powerful anchor in the roughest seas. Therefore, it is important to pray the name of Jesus over our lives, over every situation that trouble our soul.

Moreover, this unity Jesus prays for isn't just an absence of conflict. The divisions we experience at various level in the world today are the consequences of our sins. Jesus calls us to be united in purpose, love, and truth, learning from the unity that exist between him and the Father. We are called to celebrate our differences, understanding that together we form a richer picture of God's love in the world.

Jesus prays, “I do not ask that you take them out of the world, but that you keep them from the evil one.” This means that we are in the world, but not of it. Our mission is to be the light and salt of the earth, witnessing to God's love and truth. However, Jesus acknowledges the reality of spiritual warfare. Christians are not always aware of this spiritual warfare. Ephesians 6:12 says: “For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places”. Jesus’ prayer reassures us that God is actively working to guard our hearts and minds against the attacks of the enemy. Similarly, we have to cooperate with God in order to experience fully His divine protection.

This leads us to the central theme of Jesus' prayer: “Consecrate them in the truth; your word is truth.” To be consecrated means to set be set apart for a holy purpose. Jesus asks the Father to sanctify us through His truth, found in His Word. In a world where truth is often subjective and relative, where we experience clash of values, cultures, opinions, we are called to stand firm in the absolute truth of God's Word. This truth is not just a set of doctrines or moral guidelines; it's the living and active Word of God that transforms and renews us. By immersing ourselves in the Sacred Scripture, we are made holy, equipped to fulfill our mission in the world. We need to constantly grow in the consciousness of our identity as “consecrated persons.” Reminding ourselves constantly that we have been consecrated in the Truth to God helps us to avoid any occasion of sin, to seek to do God’s will always and every where.

Jesus also prays for our mission: “As you sent me into the world, so I have sent them into the world.”  Our calling as Christians is to be sent ones, just as Jesus was sent. We are commissioned to continue His work, sharing the gospel, serving others, and embodying the love and truth of Christ in every aspect of our lives. This mission is not optional; it is an essential part of our identity as followers of Jesus.

Jesus' prayer in John 17:11-19 is a profound expression of His love and care for us. He prays for our preservation in God's name, our protection from evil, our sanctification in the truth, and our commissioning to continue His mission. As we meditate on this prayer, let us be encouraged and strengthened, knowing that Jesus Himself intercedes for us. May we strive to live in unity, rooted in the truth of God's Word, and faithfully fulfill our calling as His disciples in the world.

Amen.

RELEVANCE OF THE MESSAGE OF FATIMA FOR OUR WORLD TODAY.

 

May 13^th was the feast of first apparition of Blessed Mother Mary at Fatima, in Portugal.  I would like to focus my meditation on this event that has greatly contributed to shaping the life of Christians all over the world.  It all started in a small village of Fatima, Portugal, where three shepherd children – Lucia, Francisco, and Jacinta – witnessed extraordinary events. From May 13^th to October 13^th, the received apparitions of the Blessed Mother Mary. These ordinary children, raised in a simple Catholic family, were accustomed to prayer. Reflecting on their story, I’d like to highlight some key points that capture my attention.

Divine Manifestations and a Call to Renewal:

Just as Moses encountered the burning bush (Exodus 3: 1 – 15), and Bernadette witnessed a miraculous vision in Lourdes on February 11^th, 1858, these children had their own encounter with the divine. Lucia describes a flash of light, followed by the appearance of a beautiful lady on an oak tree.  Lucia recounts: “We saw a flash of lightening towards the East, and fearing that thunder was coming, although the weather was fine, I told Francisco that we had better go home and collect the cattle”.  Lucia further reports: “When we reached the middle of the farm, there was another flash of lightning, and two steps ahead, we saw a lady on top of a holm oak tree, approximately one meter high”. This experience highlights God’s subtle ways of revealing Himself, often through unexpected encounters.

“The flash of light” seen by the children could represent a new creation – God’s desire to renew the world with His love, pushing back darkness and sin. It might also symbolize the Holy Spirit, as pray: “Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of the faithful and kindle the fire of your love within us. Send forth your Spirit and they shall be created. And you will renew the face of the earth.” Like the children of Fatima, with open hearts, humility, and simple faith, we too can learn to recognize the divine manifestations in our daily lives.

Holm oak tree:  A Symbol of Hope:

The choice of the holm oak tree by our Lady is quite intriguing. In ancient Greece, its leaves were used for divination and honoring individuals. Here, “Lady on top of the holm oak”, seen as our Mother Mary, reveals humanity’s future. Appearing amidst the turmoil of the World War 1 (1914-1918), she offered a message of hope, assuring us that solutions exist even for global conflicts and disasters. Looking at today’s events, countries in conflicts, war, various disasters in the world, we see how actual the message of Fatima is.

The message of Fatima aligns closely with the message of Lourdes. Both call us to prayer, especially the Rosary, for peace and an end to war. They emphasize offering ourselves to God, enduring suffering for our faith, making reparations for sins, and praying for sinners’ conversion. The Fatima prayer beautifully captures this spirit: “My God, I believe, I adore, I hope, I love you. I ask for forgiveness for those who do not believe, nor adore, nor hope, nor love…”.

 A Call to Action:

Mary spoke to the children reassuringly, revealing their mission: “You will have much to suffer, but the grace of God will be your comfort.”  Mother Mary’s message is the actualization of today’s Gospel (John 16:29-33). Jesus said to his disciples: “In the world you will have trouble, but take courage, I have conquered the world.” It is very heart-warming to know that God always grants us strength, grace that is proportionate to the suffering we may be called to endure for the Gospel. Therefore, let us welcome this message of Fatima in our lives, praying for peace, conversion of sinners, and bringing hope to those who feel hopeless. 

Growing Together: Lessons from the Early Christian Community on Diversity Management and Justice, (Acts 6:1-7).

 

Acts of the Apostles paint a beautiful picture of the early Church, a community vibrant with faith and overflowing with love, (Acts 4: 32-35). This idyllic scene of oneness and shared possession is challenged in Acts 6: 1-7. As the number of disciples grew, so did the complexities of caring for the community. Grumbling arose among the Greek-speaking Jews (Hellenists) who felt their widows were being neglected in the daily food distribution. This incident challenges the earlier image of perfect unity, highlighting the inevitable friction that arises in any growing community, even one bound by love.

Addressing Community Needs: The Apostolic Solution: Faced with crucial challenge, the Twelve Apostles summoned the whole Community of Disciples and proposed the selection of seven men of good standing, full of the Spirit and of Wisdom, to oversee this task, allowing the Apostles to dedicate themselves to prayer and the ministry of the Word. This decision was well received by the whole community, and Stephen, along with six others, was chosen for this service.

Reflecting on this passage, we see the early Church facing challenges that are strikingly contemporary: issues of justice and fairness, distribution of resources, and the need for organizational structures within a community of faith. The apostle’s response teaches us the importance of addressing community needs promptly, ensuring that no one is neglected. Problems in Christian communities get worse sometimes because they’ve been allowed to fester without proper attention.

Roles and Responsibilities within the Church: This passage also highlights the significance of everyone’s specific role within the community. The apostles did not see the distribution of food as their primary mission but recognized that their calling to preach the Word and Pray required full dedication, necessitating others to take on different, yet equally vital roles for the spread of the Good News in all its ramifications. Our Church needs more than ever collaborative ministry.

Spiritual Discernment in Leadership: The selection of Stephen and the six others is a strong reminder of the need for spiritual discernment in leadership role within the Church. These men were not chosen based on their ability to manage resources, or their social standing but were selected for being “full of the Spirit and Wisdom”. This underscores the belief that effective service in the Church requires not just practical skills but a heart and mind attuned to God’s guidance, capable of seeing the Church from spiritual perspective, as family of God. 

Furthermore, this passage illustrates the early Church’s commitment to communal decision-making. The apostles involved the whole community in the selection process, showing respect for their opinions and fostering a sense of unity and shared responsibility. This democratic aspect of the church governance is a model for how modern Christian communities can approach challenges and decisions: by listening, respecting, and valuing each member’s voice. The laying of hands by the Apostles on those chosen is a gesture connected to the invocation of the Holy Spirit, (Act 8:17). Thus, they are blessed and commissioned in their mission.

The Impact of Inclusive Governance for Church Growth: Lastly, the outcome of the decision taken by the community of disciples shows that “the word of God continued to spread; the number of the disciples increased greatly in Jerusalem; even a large group of priests became obedient to the faith.” This growth is attributed not just to the preaching of the apostles but to the smooth functioning of the community as a whole. When all members of the community have the sense of belonging, they contribute according to their gifts and callings, the community flourishes. The fraternal love in action is the hallmark of Christian life as revealed by Jesus in John 13, 34-35.

Therefore, let us receive this passage, not just as a historical account of early Church’s administrative adjustments, but as an invitation to meditate and reflect on the diverse roles each member of the Church plays in the body of Christ. It is a call to grow as a community of believers in Christ and find meaningful ways to contribute, guided by Widom and Spirit, in managing diversity in our Christian communities.