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St. Joseph's Catholic Parish Mlolongo Kenya, 312, Machakos (2026)

19/06/2021

TWELFTH SUNDAY, 20 JUNE 2021: JOB 38. 1, 8-11; 2 COR 5. 14-17; MARK 4. 35-41

Focus: Life is never free from storms and tumults. Because of the possible troubles, we cannot stop sailing. The solution is not to avoid sail but to sail along with the Lord

1. In the gospel, the scene is dramatic and vivid. The disciples are sailing in a boat. Jesus too is with them. It is hit by heavy storms. The boat is on the verge of sinking. They stand at the door of perishing. They get panicky. They look for Jesus. He is “peacefully” sleeping on a cushion. The natural human feelings rise up. They get all the more annoyed. They feel bad at this apparent indifference toward their desperate fate. They give vent to their displeasure and frustration. They wake him up and confront him, saying, “do you not care that we are perishing?”

2. Their situation very much represents our own life situation as well. Life is a boat in a constant sea-sail, surmounted by storms. The sail gets harder and harder. The storms will threaten to sink the boat and perish life as well. What is interesting and subject to questioning is, the Lord himself asks them, “Let us go across to the other side”. It is he who proposes the sail and initiates them. But what is more worrisome is that the Lord himself seems unbothered and unconcerned about it.

3. Fear grips and faith wavers. The boat of life is hit hard. Problems and afflictions enter violently into the boat. They frighten to drown it. We feel lost and gone. In such situations, we even forget the truth that as long as the Lord is with us, nothing can harm us and destroy us. Like the disciples, we too get annoyed that he is resting peacefully while we are restless in tension. We may also confront and question him many times that he is not bothered about us.

4. In such frightening and losing moments, what to do and how to counter such a situation? Be focused on the Lord. Deep within, remember that the Lord is present with us in the same boat, and as long as he is with us, no harm can betide us, no storm can drown us. Be confident that he will never allow us to sink and perish. We may come under pressure. We may feel that God is not attentive toward our gripping situations, that he does not understand the gravity of them. But listen to him what he tells the disciples, “Why are you so afraid? Have you still no faith?” The Lord repeats the same words to us as well in our stormy times: “Why are you afraid? Am I not with you? Will I leave you to your fate? Will I allow you to struggle helplessly? Will I deliver you to misery? Have faith in me. I will deliver you. I will sustain your journey. I will calm the storms, I will restore peace and serenity. I will remove your fears”

5. Therefore, let us not entertain wishful thinking that there should be no storms, no struggles, and adversities in life. Let us not be unrealistic that life should be always smooth sailing. Rather, what is needed is to sail ahead through all the possible and expected inclement and unfavourable situations. This is possible only when we have a strong rudder and weapon and a clear beacon of faith. In the words of Paul in the second reading from 2 Cor 5. 14-17, this means to “become a new creation in Christ, where the old has passed away and the new has come”.

6. There is also another notable factor in the whole episode. As soon as the disciples awoke the Lord expressing their annoyance, Jesus does not get into argument. He does not begin to admonish them about their lack of faith. There is no discourse. Instantly and immediately, he attends to their need. He rebukes the sea and calms the storm. He commands and controls, “Peace! Be still!” And only then, he does the corrective. This is also a useful lesson for all of us, especially when we have the sacred duty of correcting and guiding others. Before giving them big moral instructions, let us understand their problem and situation. Let us cater to their need. Let us instill confidence and calm in them. There is no use in moralizing the whole issue without understanding and resolving the issue. It will only demoralize those concerned.

7. We can also draw another profitable lesson for us from the beginning statement of Jesus. Jesus initiates and encourages the disciples, “Let us go across to the other side”. Let us not comment that if they did not go across to the other side, then there would be no storm and no problem. Rather, let us note a significant directive for our life. Many times, we prefer to play it safe, we do not want to sail to the other side. We do not want to face possible risks. We want to remain on one side only, settled and in comfort zones. But let us remember that unless we sail to the other side, we will not experience the power of Jesus that which controls everything, and thus experience the calm and serenity that he alone can restore.

Direction: The value of life does not consist of not facing any storms and hard times, or trying to avoid them. Rather, the quality of our life is tested and testified in confronting them with deep faith in God and remaining calm and strong

18/06/2021

19 JUNE 2021: 2COR 12. 1-10; MATTHEW 6. 24-34

Focus: Anxiety is a dominant human phenomenon that rules life. It is natural and understandable. But the real question is about what and to what extent this anxiety is

Life on this earth is often wrapped in much worry and anxiety. Perhaps there is no sphere of life that is exempted from this. As humans on this earth, surely there are many needs, concerns, and difficulties. In that sense, surely we feel anxious since everything is not totally in our hands and is subject to many factors. There are duties to fulfill, tasks to perform, troubles to confront, afflictions to bear, perplexities to make sense, challenges to address, and problems to overcome.

But often the problem is, this anxiety is about the secondary or even worthless and destructive things. And it is exaggerated. Often, many are anxious about physical and material things like food, drink, cloth, and money. Today the Lord is exhorting us that such anxiety is not right because it does no good. No one can change a situation or resolve a problem by being anxious about it. More than this reason, we need not excessively bother about anything because our God is a loving, caring, and providential Father. He knows what we need, He knows the struggles of this life, and He also knows the human cravings. Therefore, why be overanxious when God is there to take control of everything? Left to ourselves, we are weak, as St Paul admits in the first reading from 2 Cor 12. 1-10. But, our weakness is supplied with enormous strength from God. Our weakness is turned into strength because of the surpassing grace of God. It is not that we become complacent with our human weakness. Rather our fragility accepted in humility becomes an entrance and opportunity for God’s grace to work on our weakness. Thus, when we are weak, then we are strong.

Therefore, it is better to surrender everything to God. It is wise to clarify the scale of priorities. We need to seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness. The logic is simple: if we take care of God’s concerns, God will certainly take care of our valid concerns.

Direction: We never lack God’s grace. It is always available and abundant. It is never less but always more than enough. What is important is that we join our human fragility with His divine nobility and cooperate with His grace

17/06/2021

18 JUNE 2021: 2 COR 11. 18, 21-30; MATTHEW 6. 19-23

Focus: The eye is the lamp of the body. It directs the body. In the same way, the perspective or inner vision is that eye that directs one’s life. Wisdom is that sight that helps one to discern between what is worth-seeking and what is worth discarding and to follow what is worth

In the gospel, Jesus directs our attention to one greatest temptation that strikes many. That is, seeking and accumulating treasures on earth. It is foolish because they are temporary and transient. They are unreliable and unstable, and liable to loss and ruin. If not careful, they will easily distort one’s clarity of vision and deviates his way of life. Those who place their trust in them are like those whose eyesight is blurred and stumble in darkness.

Therefore, we need the light of the wisdom that gives us sound eye-sight. Wisdom is that sound eye that makes us see and realize that the treasures of heaven are far more worth than the treasures on earth, and they alone are worth-seeking. They are imperishable and permanent. Wisdom not only gives us the clarity of priorities but also enables us to pursue the treasures of heaven with perseverance to the end. It is this wisdom that overwhelmed St Paul so that he was maddened and possessed with passion for Christ. Nothing could stop his undaunted spirit. No labours, no imprisonments, no beatings, no lashes, no stoning, no shipwreck, no dangers of all sorts, no sleepless nights, no toil and hardship, no hunger and thirst, no exposure to cold, no pressures, no anxiety for the churches, no weaknesses – nothing of these would discourage him or decrease his spirit of determination and dedication, conviction, and commitment.

Direction: One who is wise will know clearly that the treasures of heaven are the greatest priority in life. It is very sad this inner sight of many is blurred because they are not rooted in God. Consequently, they are misled by the pursuit of the impermanent earthly riches

15/06/2021

16 JUNE 2021: 2 COR 9. 6-11; MATTHEW 6. 1-6, 16-18

Focus: Seeking recognition and reward for one’s goodness or good works may be natural to some extent, but an excess seeking would make even the good a shallow show

There may be some who are indifferent and are not much bothered to be engaged in doing good works or some spiritual practices. But there are some others who may do actively something good and spiritual, but with an impure motive of seeking recognition and applause. This takes away the merit and beauty of their good practice. Jesus in the gospel warns of such people especially in reference to prayer, almsgiving, and fasting, which are the three fundamental pillars of the religion. The fault is not doing them because they are praiseworthy and highly recommendable. The fault is but doing them with an impure heart with a lot of negativities and without any desire and decision to change for the better. We must always remember that ultimately all our external practices must deepen our interior purity leading to a clean and selfless action and living. In this context, we must constantly check and see whether our prayers are helping us to grow in the spirit of closeness and communion with God, surrender, and loyalty to Him, in dedication and witness to Him; whether our almsgiving fosters in us a consistent spirit of sensitivity and charity towards the needs and difficulties of others; whether fasting enhances the spirit of self-discipline and restraint within us.

Therefore, all our spiritual or good activities must proceed from a heart that is genuine and gives generously and cheerfully. They must be produces of an abundant harvest of righteousness. We must bear in mind that we receive as we give. If we give generously, we will also receive abundantly. If we give only little and that too reluctantly, we will also receive little. That is why, St Paul affirms: he who sows sparingly, will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. God loves a cheerful giver and He will enrich in every way every great generosity.

Direction: It is not proper to disregard and discard all religious practices, arguing that they are not bringing out any concrete change of life, or that the spirit and heart are more important than all the formal actions. It is better that both the interior purification and exterior transformation take place

15/06/2021

St. Francis de sales (SFS) quote of the day

14/06/2021

St. Francis de Sales (SFS) Quotes

14/06/2021

15 JUNE 2021: 2 COR 8. 1-9; MATTHEW 5. 43-48

Focus: The outstanding difference between God and man is the depth and extent of God’s mercy which forgives, loves, and helps even the greatest enemy

We are living in a world of three dominant trends, namely, comparison, competition, and imitation. These prevail even from very childhood itself. It can be with regard to anything, be it a simple dress, education, opportunities, skill and talent, intelligence and competence, social status, earning money, power, position, popularity, etc. And everyone tries for excellence and perfection. But this is mostly to outsmart and out-beat others. Thus, unfortunately, these tendencies to compare, compete, and imitate are mostly with regard to worldly things and self-interests. Accordingly, pursuit for perfection often degenerates into selfishness, jealousy, greed, deception, and corruption.

It is in such a context, Jesus is proposing today the best and perfect model to compare with, compete with, and imitate. It is God the Father Himself. “Be merciful AS your heavenly Father is merciful”. “Be perfect as your heavenly Father is perfect”. God has a contrasting and disconcerting style of functioning. He loves and forgives even the most destructive enemy. He is benevolent and equitable to “let His rain and sunshine upon all, both the good and the bad”. Therefore, our model is God Himself in His compassion, mercy, and perfection. We are thereby invited to put on God’s own mindset. That is, to cultivate a selfless love even to embrace the enemy, to bless them, to pray for them, to be courteous to all and to help all, to show equity toward all without any discrimination. This is the excellence for which St Paul praises the churches of Macedonia, where he refers to their generosity to support others

Direction: It is good to be just in following and demanding what is lawful, rightful, and reasonable. But it is better to be loving in being merciful and compassionate. A “dry justice” condemns, while a “fertile charity” condones

22/10/2020

23 OCTOBER 2020: EPHESIANS 4. 1-6; LUKE 12. 54-59
Focus: Human intelligence and knowledge should be raised and oriented to a higher level beyond the earth and mere secular concerns

Certainly commendable is the human intelligence which acts brightly from simple common sense to the great scientific and technological progress. In his intelligence, man is able to read and ascertain seasons and times, assess many practical situations and dissolve many complexities. He is able to regulate and master many conditions to his advantage and ease of life. But how much this great sense and intelligence is used for something higher and loftier? Most of the considerations and efforts are often earth-bound and are driven by worldly motives and gains. How is it that man who acts cautiously and judiciously in earthly and transient matters, fails to act wisely and diligently toward the spiritual and eternal concerns? Devoid of focus, foresight and heaven-directedness, man runs the risk of eternal judgment and condemnation. In the gospel, Jesus very strongly objects to such a shallow human enterprise. This is truly the shallowness and superficiality of the present times as well. They are able to read, understand, interpret and assess, and thus control the seasons and times. But how sadly they fail to recognize the signs of the times and learn and grow from them! They gain mastery over the forces of nature, but they become slaves to the pressures of their own nature. They claim and pretend to be masters and freemen. But little they realize that they lose the true interior freedom in the name of the very freedom they seek. The freedom which they glorify is nothing but a disguised yoke of slavery to sin and evil. In the light of the first reading, to truly read the signs of the times is “to live the vocation we have received. It is to be humble, kind, patient and to bear one another in love”.

Direction: We live often in a world of shallow intelligence and superficial knowledge because they are so short-sighted and so badly limited to the material concerns

16/10/2020

17 OCTOBER 2020: EPHESIANS 1. 15-23; LUKE 12. 8-12

Focus: Owning up God and testifying to our belonging to the Lord, is a fundamental sign of faith. A Faith which falls to compromises and lives away from God, is nothing but a fake faith

Today in the name of modernity, many feel shy and even ashamed to let others know about their adherence to God and religion. Some others do not adhere because they nurture a heightened sense of complacency that they do not need. Some others remain indifferent because they are afraid of any possible risk and troubles. Many faithful have become nominal and the faith of many became very shallow and superficial. For many, faith and prayer are matters of some devotion or tradition or means of some divine assistance and consolation. For some, God is more a concern at one’s convenience and will. But today the Lord is very clear that failure to accept him and own him up is very grave, which results in God’s own disowning us. The reason is, it is not merely a failure to recognize Jesus in flesh and blood but to identify the presence and the power of the Holy Spirit that is working in and through Jesus. It amounts to a rejection of the very nature of power and wisdom of God. Those who are rejecting and standing against the Holy Spirit, are actually blaspheming against the Holy Spirit. It is denying the very spiritual presence and power of God Himself. In the gospel, the matter is not that denying Jesus is pardonable, while denying the Holy Spirit is not so. It is a caution against the lack of light to see clearly and rejecting God in his holy and spiritual ways. God ceaselessly acts through His Spirit, who enlightens us and embolden us to stand firm and wise.

Direction: Those who confide in God, can stand serene, because God Himself will personally protect them, guide them and strengthen them.

15/10/2020

16 OCTOBER 2020: EPHESIANS 1. 11-14; LUKE 12. 1-7

Focus: Christian life is a constant call to bear witness in word and deed. Certainly it is a tough task. But there is no need to worry or be frightened, for God is always with us

The Word of God today once again reminds us that we are people, specially chosen and destined by God. In simple, it is to inherit redemption, and to become God’s own possession. Accordingly, we exist and live for the praise of His glory. This is in perfect accord with the eternal purpose and will of God for us. In accomplishing this, surely we will come across many opposing and crushing forces. Like the leaven of hypocrisy of the Pharisees, which Jesus mentions in the gospel, we too will confront a prevailing hypocrisy and deception. And this has a devastating pervasive influence, vitiating the whole atmosphere of our human society. So, as Jesus cautions us, we need to be cautious, judicious and firm. The evil time again will worry and scare us, casting so much fear and loss of hope into our hearts. But we need not lose heart and hope, because God meticulously takes care of us. He who takes care of even small creatures like sparrows, will He not take care of us? We are people of respect and dignity. He will not let us down. He will keep a count even of our hairs. To the extent we are faithful to God, to the extent we bear witness to Him, to that extent we will experience the light and power of God. Is it not foolish to save our bodies but lose our souls? Is it not unwise to have fear of those who can harm us only externally but have no fear of God who can change our destiny entirely?

Direction: True faith must constantly guard oneself against all the hypocritical forces, and foster a spirit of authenticity. It must help a person to courageously bear witness to the Lord, in whom one believes

14/10/2020

15 OCTOBER 2020: EPHESIANS 1. 1-10; LUKE 11. 47-54, MEMORY OF ST TERESA OF AVILA

Focus: Doing a wrong is already bad. But hiding it or justifying it or glorifying it is all the more bad. Doing bad is enough bad, but not tolerating anyone doing good, and not allowing them to do good, is worst

Jesus’ hard rebuke of hypocrisy continues. He exposes two more aspects of the hypocrisy of the Pharisees and scribes. One is, “religiosizing” or “spiritualizing” the killing of the prophets of the past by building monuments in their honour. Thereby they cleverly mitigate the gravity of the wrong. Another aspect of hypocrisy is: they become blocks and hindrances to the people to enter the kingdom, instead of becoming guides and animators. Their knowledge should be like the key that opens up the door of the kingdom to the people. Instead, they use this key of knowledge to close the door and misguide the people. They themselves do not enter and even prevent others from entering. In the words of the first reading from the letter to the Ephesians, this is in fact thwarting and acting against the very purpose and destiny of God for us: In His eternal design, from the very foundations of the world, He has willed to cleanse us and adopt us as His children through the blood of His only Son Jesus. He has destined us to be holy and blameless before Him.

But very sadly, this rupturing of God’s eternal design continues even now. People in the name of religion, can shamelessly become unholy and blameworthy. Even the inhuman and selfish acts and behaviour can be spiritualized as a matter of religiosity. Knowledge and competence are often used, not as keys to open up a new society of love and peace, but as keys to shut the doors.

It was in such a time, there arose an iron woman, in the person of St Teresa of Avila. She stood firm against all the pressures of evil and error. Through her keys of prayer and passion for reform, she opened up a new world of devotion and renewal.

Direction: Not walking the right way is serious enough. But misleading others in the wrong way is abominable. Blocking those who try to walk the right way, and persecuting them, is detestable

St. Joseph's Catholic Parish Mlolongo Kenya

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