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A space for deepening our faith through reflections on the Sunday readings and major feast days. Explore insights, spiritual lessons, and practical takeaways to enrich your journey with Christ. Let every Sunday and feast day be a moment of grace and renewal The Presentation of the Lord Mary and Joseph presented Jesus in the Temple Third Sunday in Ordinary Times- Year C Jesus announces his public ministry Second Sunday in Ordinary Times - Cycle C Jesus presence at Wedding at Cana Baptism of the Lord At the time of Baptism, the Holy Spirit came upon Jesus and voice from heaven said "You are my beloved Son. My favour rest on you The Solemnity of the Epiphany of the Lord The Magi from East visited Baby Jesus, presented gifts and worshipped him The Solemnity of the Epiphany of the Lord Magi from East paying a visit to Baby Jesus St. Teresa of Calcutta St. Teresa of Calcutta - the salt and light of the world Jesus the Lamb of God Jesus is the unblemished Lamb of God who offered himself for our sins Bible The word of God is alive and living

Reflection on the Solemnity of the Epiphany The Epiphany of the Lord The Journey of Faith: Humility and Transformation in the Light of Christ The Gospel reading for the Feast of the Epiphany contrasts the humility of the wise men with the pride and indifference of King Herod, the chief priests, and the scribes. It challenges us to reflect on how we approach Christ: with faith and humility or with pride and complacency. The Humility of the Wise Men The wise men, despite being kings or scholars of high status, embarked on a long, uncertain journey guided only by a star. They sought the infant King with faith and determination, saying, “We have seen His star in the east and have come to pay Him homage.” Their humility and wisdom are evident in their willingness to acknowledge the greatness of the Christ child and worship Him, offering precious gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. Though they didn’t know the exact place of His birth, their faith led them to Bethlehem. This demonstrates that true wisdom comes not from worldly knowledge but from a heart open to God’s guidance. The Pride and Fear of Herod In contrast, King Herod, consumed by pride and fear, saw the newborn King as a threat to his throne. Instead of rejoicing in the fulfillment of God’s promise, he was disturbed. His reaction was driven by a desire to protect his earthly power at all costs. Herod represents those who allow pride and fear to blind them to the truth, resisting God’s plan rather than embracing it. The Indifference of the Chief Priests and Scribes Equally striking is the indifference of the chief priests and scribes. Though they had the knowledge of the Scriptures and knew where the Messiah was to be born, they did not make any effort to seek Him. They were physically close to the Lord, yet spiritually distant—so near, yet so far. Their behavior highlights a stark reality: knowledge without faith or action is empty. Their lack of humility and disinterest stand in contrast to the wise men, who traveled great distances and faced uncertainties to worship the Lord. A Lesson for Us: Near Yet Far The chief priests, scribes, and Herod symbolize those who are close to the Lord in knowledge or proximity but remain far in faith and humility. They knew of the Messiah but lacked the heart to seek Him. This serves as a reminder for us that being "near" God through religious rituals or intellectual understanding is not enough. True closeness comes from a humble and faithful heart willing to follow His light. The Wise Men’s New Path After finding and worshiping the Christ child, the wise men returned home by a different route, avoiding Herod. This symbolizes the transformation that occurs when we encounter Christ. True worship calls for a change in direction—a break from old habits, pride, or attachments that keep us from fully living in the light of faith. A Warning About the ‘Herods’ in Life Herod represents the forces in our lives that attempt to rob us of faith: pride, fear, complacency, or worldly distractions. Just as the wise men avoided Herod, we too must avoid old paths, relationships, or circumstances that keep us distant from Christ. Faith requires courage to leave behind what no longer serves our spiritual growth. Practical Applications The Gospel invites us to examine our own hearts: Are we like the wise men, humbly seeking and worshiping Christ with faith? Or are we like Herod, the chief priests, and scribes—near in knowledge but far in spirit, hindered by pride or indifference? The wise men remind us that distance, uncertainty, or lack of knowledge is no obstacle for those with faith and humility. On the other hand, those who stay away from coming to the Lord, like Herod and the religious leaders, are often held back by their pride, lack of faith, or unwillingness to change. As we celebrate the Feast of the Epiphany, let us resolve to seek Christ with humility and faith, allowing His light to transform our lives. May we have the wisdom to draw near to Him, not just in knowledge but in heart, and the courage to walk a new path that leads to His eternal presence. Fr. Vincent Barboza

Jesus reveals to us our identity in the world. He says "you are the salt of the earth and the light of the world". We have a good example in St. Teresa of Calcutta who became the salt and light to the poorest of the poor in Calcutta. St. Teresa of Calcutta - the salt and light of India and the world Jesus, in today’s gospel, is revealing to us our identity in the world. He says "you are the salt of the earth and the light of the world." If you read this carefully, he is not saying try to become like salt and light; he is saying you are the salt and light. He considers us as worthy of being salt and light after his example, who lived in this world as the Salt of the earth and the Light of the world. Be the salt and light of the world When Jesus says, “you are the salt of the earth,” he is telling us that we have the task on this earth to bring flavour to the people, to spice the lives of people around us. And when he says "you are the light of the world" , he is telling us to enlighten the lives of the people around us and help them to come out of darkness. Our lives have been flavoured and enlightened by Jesus Jesus has been gracious to us. He has blessed us and made our lives full of flavor with his saltiness. If he has blessed us so generously why not become his channel to spice the lives of people around us with his loving-kindness, mercy, forgiveness, kindness, compassion, and love. Similarly, if he has brought us out of darkness into his marvelous light, we should also reflect his light to others. May Jesus, the Light of the world dispel the darkness of hatred, jealousy, untruth, unbelief, pride, discrimination and violence in our world through us. St. Teresa of Calcutta – truly th e salt of the earth and light of the world St. Teresa of Calcutta is the one who made an impact on the world by being the salt and light of the world. Through her works of charity among the poorest of the poor in Calcutta she truly lived up to the calling of Jesus as the salt and light of the world. She brought joy and happiness to neglected people all over the world. And because of her work, she was honoured and respected by state, national, and international civil authorities. She went from being an ordinary person to becoming extraordinary by being the salt and light to others. Though she was not born in India, she came to India to serve the poorest of the poor in Calcutta. And this is what she said about herself: “By blood, I am an Albanian. By citizenship, an Indian. By faith, I am a Catholic nun. As to my calling, I belong to the world. As to my heart, I belong entirely to the Heart of Jesus.” Though small in stature yet with a rocklike faith, St. Teresa of Calcutta brought smile on the faces of so many people all over the world. She was truly the salt and light to the people of India and the world. We too are called to be like her in a smaller way in bringing flavour and meaning to the lives of people. If not, then our Lord will say the hard-hitting words “if the salt loses its saltiness, what can make it salty again? It is good for nothing and can only be thrown out to be trampled underfoot by men” (Mt. 5:13). God bless you Fr. Vincent Barboza

Discover the meaning of the Epiphany, the revelation of Christ to the world. Reflect on the journey of the wise men and how encountering Jesus calls for a change of heart and direction THE EPIPHANY OF THE LORD On this Solemnity of the Epiphany, we reflect on the visit of the wise men to Baby Jesus. As per church tradition, these wise men were kings from the East who decided to look for the infant king who was born in Bethlehem. Without any Google Map or GPS, they reached their destination to adore Baby Jesus Without a GPS or Google Maps to help them, the wise men went to find Baby Jesus, relying instead on their faith in the star. They left their comfortable palaces behind in search of the King of All Rulers, who was born today in the manger. Although, they encountered several obstacles along the road, their desire to see Jesus made the journey simple and tolerable. Meeting and Adoring Baby Jesus The wise men reached their goal at last. When they arrived at the home and saw the baby lying there with his mother, Mary, they were overjoyed. They got their wish to see the baby Jesus. They were greeted at the home by his innocent baby gaze rather than words. It was a blessing for the earthly rulers to be in the presence of the Holy One, the Universal King. They bowed down and worshipped him. They humbled themselves before the Lord and submitted their kingship to the one and only King of all kings. Offering their gifts to Baby Jesus Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. The gold for royalty represents Jesus' kingship; the frankincense used in worship represents Jesus' divinity; and the myrrh, a burial ointment, represents Jesus' humanity, particularly his passion and death. Returning home through another route They took a different path home after receiving a warning in a dream not to return to Herod. Although it would have been simpler for them to go back home via their original route, they obeyed God and chose a new route. Once more, without a GPS or Google map to direct them, they managed to safely make it back home thanks to his divine presence. TAKE AWAYS FROM THE VISIT OF WISE MEN TO BABY JESUS 1) To prepare ourselves in mind and heart to encounter Jesus Before we enter his house (church), we have a burning desire to see him and meet him. We prepare ourselves in mind and heart to meet him especially in the Eucharist. 2) To surrender ourselves to him when we meet him. When we meet him, in humility, we surrender to him our entire lives, our possessions, our families, our jobs, and our abilities. He owns everything that we possess. Through our worship in the Eucharist, we submit ourselves to the Creator. 3) To present him with a gift When we approach him, we do not come before him empty-handed. We bring something to him. Along with the bread and wine we also bring our individual praise, our thanksgiving, our struggles, our hardship, and also our sins. 4) To receive his blessings and return home through another route He welcomes us and doesn't send us away empty-handed. He blesses us and sends us home in a different way. Every encounter with him in the Mass changes us and we are told to take a new path, different from old path. In our new path, we are not alone. He walks with us through his guidance, grace, and strength. God bless you. Fr. Vincent Barboza

In the Mass, during Communion Rite we recite "Lamb of God"four times. Why this title used for Jesus during the Mass? In this article you will read some of the reasons for using this title for Jesus. JESUS, THE LAMB OF GOD IN THE MASS At every Mass during the Communion Rite, we say three times, "Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world." And then again the Priest raises the eucharistic species and says aloud: ‘’Behold the Lamb of God; behold him who takes away the sins of the world.’’ In less than a minute, we say four times, "Lamb of God.” Why is this title "Lamb of God" important enough to be mentioned here in the Communion Rite of the Mass? It is for two reasons: 1) The Eucharist is a meal, but it is also a sacrifice of the Lamb, who is Jesus Christ, and 2) The title "Lamb of God" has the connotation of sacrifice from the Old Testament. 1) Eucharist as both a Meal and a Sacrifice The Eucharist is both a meal and the sacrifice of Jesus. It is to emphasise the sacrificial and salvific dimension of the Eucharist. The sacrificed body of Jesus Christ, the lamb sacrificed for our sins, is given to us as nourishment in the Eucharist. It combines the Eucharistic meal and sacrifice dimensions. In this way, Jesus Christ makes of Himself a sacrificed body to be eaten in the Eucharist. 2. The significance of the title 'Lamb of God' in the Scriptures To get a better understanding of the title Lamb of God, we must see the Scriptures. In the entire New Testament, Jesus is called the Lamb of God only in the Gospel of John and in the Book of Revelation. In the Gospel of John, it is mentioned twice. It is John the Baptist who addresses Jesus with this title, and it is from here the phrase is borrowed in the Mass. And in the Book of Revelation, it is mentioned 28 times. No other title except this one is mentioned 28 times in the Book of Revelation. When John used the title "Lamb of God" for Jesus, the Jewish people understood instantly because of the sacrifices of the Old Testament, particularly the Sacrifice of Passover. At the Passover, the blood of a lamb protected the faithful Israelites from the Angel of Death. For John, Jesus is now the Lamb of the New Passover. He is truly the Lamb of God. To this title, John adds the universality of the purpose: "Who takes away the sins of the world," and not alone of Israel. Later, in Isaiah 53:7, the prophet Isaiah used this image of the lamb to describe the Messiah. The Messiah would be both the sacrificial lamb to atone for sin and the suffering servant. John identifies Jesus as "the lamb of God" in the sense of both the sacrificial offering for sin and the suffering servant. Interestingly, when speaking to the Ethiopian eunuch, who was reading this same passage from Isaiah, St. Philip explained how it referred to Christ and how He fulfilled it (Acts 8:26ff). In St. John's gospel, Jesus was condemned to death by Pilate on the preparation day for Passover at noon (Jn 18:28, 19:14), the hour when the priests began to slaughter Passover lambs in the temple. Also, the Gospel records that after the crucifixion, the soldiers did not break any of Jesus' bones in fulfilment of Scripture in the Old Testament where none of the Passover lamb's bones were broken. But the soldier thrust forward his lance, piercing the heart of our Lord; out flowed blood and water (Jn 19:34), always interpreted as signs of the life-giving sacraments of Holy Eucharist and Baptism. In the book of Revelation, the Lamb of God used for Jesus is mentioned 28 times. John sees in the vision of heaven Jesus as the Lamb in the liturgical worship of the heavenly assembly. He is the Passover Lamb of the New Covenant. This image of the Lamb of God in the Book of Revelation is one of victory. It is highlighting this notion by picturing the Lamb surrounded by angels, the "living creatures," and elders, who cried out, "Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power and riches, wisdom and strength, honour and glory, and praise!" (Rev 5:12) Invitation to “Behold” In the Communion Rite, when the Priest invites people to partake of the meal, he says, "Behold." To look and really see who Jesus Christ is and what his Paschal Mystery is all about, behold the man! Look at the wood of the cross, where our Savior is hung! Also, it is a reminder of Jesus’ invitation in the Book of Revelation: "Behold, I stand at the door and knock. I'll come in and eat with him if anyone hears my voice and opens the door." And then the Priest adds the words, "Blessed are those who are called to his supper." He is saying, according to the Apocalypse, "Blessed are those who have been called to the wedding feast of the Lamb." (cf. Apoc. 19:1–9) The faithful then reply with the words of the Roman centurion, who was awestruck by Christ’s humility and daring trust: "Lord, I am not worthy to receive you, but only say a word and I shall be healed." (Mt. 8:8-10) May this understanding of the title Lamb of God help us to enter into deeper communion with the Lord and help us to focus on the Lamb who suffered, died, and rose for our salvation. As we gather around the altar of the Lamb, offering to Him our own hearts and pledging to be His servants, we may welcome him and become wedded to him in the Holy Eucharist. God bless you. Fr. Vincent Barboza

Discover the Jesus'mission of bring Good News to the poor, freeing captives, restoring sight and lifting the oppressed in the year of Jubilee "Living the Mission: Embracing Jesus’ Call in the Jubilee Year Today, we reflect on a profound moment in the Gospel of Luke, where Jesus announces His mission to the world. In Luke 4:14-21, we read how Jesus, filled with the Spirit, returns to Galilee after His time in the wilderness. News of His teachings spreads like wildfire, and He is welcomed with admiration. When He enters the synagogue in Nazareth, His hometown, all eyes are on Him. He reads from the scroll of Isaiah and declares: “Today this scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing.” This moment is not just an announcement but an invitation—to recognize who Jesus is and what He came to do. Jesus’ Mission This passage reveals two profound truths: 1.It highlights the salvation God promises to His people. 2.It identifies Jesus as the one anointed by God to bring this salvation to life. In Jesus, the message and the messenger are one. He is the Good News. His words, His actions, and His very being embody the Good News. When Jesus speaks of liberation, healing, and hope, He is not describing a distant future. He is bringing that reality into the present. The Year of the Lord’s Favor When Jesus proclaims “the year of the Lord’s favor,” He refers to the Jubilee Year described in Leviticus 25. This was a sacred time observed every 50th year—a year of rest, restoration, and renewal. Debts were forgiven, slaves were freed, and land was returned to its original owners. But Jesus takes this concept further. He ushers in a new era—an age of grace and redemption that begins with Him and extends into eternity. This is not merely about social or economic restoration. It is about the deeper liberation of our souls.The Jubilee Year reminded God’s people of His provision and their call to live as a community of love and equality. Similarly, as we celebrate the Jubilee Year this year, it is an opportunity to reconnect with the redemption Christ offers. It reminds us of the mercy and freedom we are invited to experience, not only in this life but in the fullness of eternal life. Living the Mission Today Jesus’ mission speaks directly to our lives today. He calls us to: •Bring Good News to the Poor: Jesus’ mission begins with the poor. The poor are not just those lacking material wealth but also the spiritually impoverished, the marginalized, and those yearning for God’s presence. In a world where inequality persists, we are challenged to be bearers of good news—to share resources, offer compassion, and affirm the dignity of every person. •Release to the Captives: Jesus speaks of freedom from all that binds us—sin, fear, addiction, and oppression. In the Jubilee spirit, we are called to break chains, advocate for justice, and stand with those who are voiceless. •Restore Sight to the Blind: This refers not only to physical healing but also to spiritual awakening. Many are blinded by pride, greed, or despair. Jesus restores sight, allowing us to see God’s truth and love. Let us open our eyes to the needs of our brothers and sisters and to God’s presence in our lives. •Freedom to the Oppressed: Jesus identifies with the oppressed and lifts them up. In our communities, there are many who feel crushed by life’s burdens. We are called to be instruments of encouragement and hope, reflecting the compassion of Christ. •Proclaiming the Year of the Lord’s Favor: The Jubilee is a time to realign our lives with God’s will. Jesus proclaims that God’s favor is here and now. This is a call to repentance, renewal, and action. Conclusion “Today this scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing.” These words challenge us to recognize that the salvation Jesus offers is here and now. As we walk through this Jubilee Year, let us embrace His mission as our own. Let us be bearers of good news, agents of freedom, and witnesses to God’s unending mercy. May our lives proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.

At Cana, Jesus turned water into wine, revealing his divine glory and God's abundant grace. And Mary our spiritual mother tells us "Do whatever he tells you" The Wedding at Cana: A Revelation of Glory, Grace and Transformation My dear brothers and sisters in Christ, Last Sunday, we stood at the banks of the Jordan River, witnessing the profound moment when Jesus' mission was set in motion through His Baptism, marked by the Father’s declaration of love and identity. Today, we are invited to a joyful celebration—a wedding at Cana—where Jesus takes another significant step in revealing who He is. Through this first public miracle, He not only demonstrates His divine power but also offers a glimpse of the abundant grace that flows from Him. This event builds upon the theme of Epiphany, as Jesus progressively unveils His mission and glory to the world, moving from obedience to action, from promise to fulfillment. Let us reflect on the key moments of this passage and what they teach us about Jesus, His mission, and our response as His followers. 1. The Significance of Jesus’ Presence at the Wedding Jesus’ presence at the wedding in Cana is deeply significant. By attending this celebration, Jesus affirms the goodness of marriage as part of God’s design for humanity. More than that, His miraculous intervention at the wedding announces that marriage will now become an effective sign of His presence and His covenant with the Church. The Church sees Christian marriage as a sacrament, a living symbol of Christ’s love for His people. By being present at this wedding and performing His first miracle there, Jesus elevates marriage to a sacred union, filled with His grace and blessing. Practical Application: For married couples, see your marriage as a reflection of Christ’s love for the Church. Make your relationship a testimony of faith, love, and commitment. For all of us, honor and support the vocation of marriage, recognizing its significance in God’s plan for humanity. 2. The Role of Mary: Faith and Intercession Mary notices the need of the newlyweds—they have run out of wine. With simple confidence, she brings this need to Jesus. Her words to the servants, “Do whatever He tells you,” show her profound trust in Jesus’ ability to act, even though He initially says, “My hour has not come yet.” Mary’s role here is a powerful reminder of her place as our intercessor. She notices our needs and brings them to Jesus on our behalf. Like Mary, we are called to have faith that Jesus will act, even when the timing or the way He works is not immediately clear to us. Practical Application: Bring your worries and needs to Jesus through Mary’s intercession . Develop the habit of praying the Rosary, especially in moments of doubt or need. Trust in God’s timing. Like Mary, be patient and confident, knowing that Jesus will work for our good, even if we don’t see immediate results. 3. Jesus’ Address to Mary: “Woman” When Jesus calls Mary “Woman,” it may seem unusual, but it is actually a title of respect. John uses this title here at Cana and later at Calvary, linking the beginning and the end of Jesus’ ministry. This connection highlights Mary’s unique role in salvation history. John’s use of the term “Woman” also recalls the creation story, where Eve is referred to as “woman” and mother of all living but brought sin into the world through disobedience. Mary, as the new Eve, becomes the spiritual mother of all believers, fully cooperating in the mission of Christ. Through her “yes” to God, Mary becomes a vital part of God’s plan to bring salvation to the world. Practical Application: Reflect on Mary’s role as the new Eve and our spiritual mother. Turn to her for guidance and inspiration as you follow Christ. Recognize the significance of Jesus’ words, linking Mary’s role from the wedding at Cana to Calvary, and allow this connection to deepen your devotion to her. 4. The Transformative Power of Jesus The miracle of turning water into wine is not just an impressive act—it is a sign of transformation. Ordinary water becomes the finest wine. This miracle prefigures the new covenant in Jesus, where He transforms not only elements like water into wine but also our lives, filling them with His grace. The steward’s words, “You have kept the best wine until now,” remind us of the abundance and goodness of God’s gifts. Jesus doesn’t just meet our needs—He exceeds them, pouring out His grace in ways that surpass our expectations. Practical Application: Reflect on areas of your life where you feel like “the wine has run out”—your relationships, work, faith, or health. Invite Jesus into these areas, asking Him to transform them with His grace. Recognize the blessings in your life. Sometimes, we fail to notice the “best wine” God has given us because we are focused on what we lack. Cultivate gratitude. 5. The Revelation of Jesus’ Glory This miracle is described as the first of Jesus’ signs, where He “let His glory be seen, and His disciples believed in Him.” The disciples’ faith deepened as they witnessed this act of divine power. In the same way, Jesus continues to reveal His glory to us today—through the sacraments, Scripture, the Church, and even the ordinary moments of our lives. Like the disciples, we are invited to believe more strongly in Him and to share this faith with others. Practical Application: Pay attention to the ways Jesus reveals His glory in your life. It could be through answered prayers, moments of peace, or the love of those around you. Deepen your faith by spending time with the Word of God. The more we know Jesus, the more we recognize His presence and glory in our lives. Conclusion The wedding at Cana is not just a story from long ago. It is a living reminder of Jesus’ abundant grace, His power to transform, and His deep love for us. Let us take Mary’s advice to heart: “Do whatever He tells you.”May Jesus reveal His glory in your life, transform your water into wine, and strengthen your faith. Like the disciples, may we believe in Him more strongly and share His love with the world. Amen What is the Catholic understanding of marriage? How to Prepare for Marriage? What are the Documents needed before Marriage? Why Church-Issued Marriage Certificates Need Registrar Attestation? How to get attestation of a Church issued Marriage Certificate by a Christian Civil Registrar of marriages (Government of Maharashtra, India)

Discover the powerful message of the Baptism of the Lord: how Jesus baptizes us with the Holy Spirit and fire, claims us as beloved children of God and ignites a passion for his mission in our lives Jesus Baptizes Us with the Holy Spirit and Fire Introduction Today, we reflect on a profound truth revealed by John the Baptist in Luke 3:16: Jesus is the one who baptizes with the Holy Spirit and fire. This isn’t just a theological concept—it’s a life-transforming reality for every Christian. When we were baptized , it wasn’t simply a human act performed by a priest. It was Jesus Himself who baptized us, filling us with the Holy Spirit and igniting a fire within us to live as children of God. Let us understand what it means to be baptized by Jesus. 1. Jesus as the Source of Our Baptism When John said, “I baptize you with water, but one who is more powerful than I is coming... He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire,” he acknowledged the limits of his ministry. John's baptism was symbolic, calling people to repentance. But Jesus' baptism is transformative, filling us with divine grace. When we say, "Jesus baptized me," we affirm that He is the one who gives life to our baptism. Through His death and resurrection, Jesus made it possible for us to be cleansed of sin and made new in the Spirit. The priest acts as an instrument, but Jesus is the one who truly baptizes. Question for reflection: Do we see our baptism (even though some of us were baptised as infant ) as a personal encounter with Jesus, who lovingly claimed us as His own? 2. Baptized with the Holy Spirit When Jesus baptizes us, He fills us with the Holy Spirit. This isn’t just a one-time event. It’s the beginning of a lifelong relationship with the Spirit who empowers, guides, and sanctifies us. The Holy Spirit equips us with gifts to live as disciples: wisdom, courage, faith, and love. The Spirit reminds us that we are never alone. Jesus is always present with us through the Spirit, walking with us in every trial and decision. Challenge: Are we open to the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives, or do we resist His promptings? 3. Baptized with Fire The "fire" John speaks of symbolizes purification and passion. When Jesus baptizes us, He refines us like gold in a furnace. He burns away what is sinful, selfish, or impure, so we can truly reflect His image. This fire is also the passion that fuels our love for God and neighbor. It drives us to live boldly for Christ, to serve the poor, forgive others, and proclaim the Gospel. Being baptized with fire means embracing a life that isn’t always comfortable but is deeply fulfilling and aligned with God’s purpose. Reflection : Are we allowing Jesus to refine us and reignite our passion for Him? 4. Affirmed as Beloved by the Father At His baptism, Jesus hears the voice of the Father saying, “You are my Son, the Beloved; with you, I am well pleased” (Luke 3:22). This moment isn’t just about Jesus—it reflects the reality of our own baptism. When Jesus baptizes us, we are also claimed as beloved children of God. The Father’s words remind us that our identity doesn’t come from what we achieve, but from who we are: beloved sons and daughters of God. God looks at us with the same love He has for Jesus. We are His, and He is pleased with us—not because we are perfect, but because we are His children. Reflection: Do we live with the confidence of being God’s beloved, or do we seek affirmation in the world’s fleeting opinions? 5. Living Out Our Baptism Baptism isn’t just a ceremony or a memory; it’s a lifelong call. Parents and Godparents have great responsibility in helping the baptized person to live out the baptism. Jesus baptized us so we can share in His mission. We are called to: Live as children of God, knowing we are deeply loved. Be witnesses of Christ’s light in the world. Rely on the Holy Spirit daily for strength and guidance. When we embrace this call, we live as people who know they have been personally touched by Jesus. Conclusion As we reflect on the Baptism of the Lord, let us remember that Jesus didn’t just undergo baptism; He made it the foundation of our new life. He baptized us with the Holy Spirit and fire, transforming us into His beloved disciples. Let us remind us today with hearts rekindled by this truth: "Jesus baptized me." He claimed us, filled us with His Spirit, and ignited a fire within us to live for His glory. May we embrace this gift and live as His faithful followers every day. "Was Jesus baptized by immersion or pouring?" Read additional article on "Is Baptism by Immersion or Pouring?"

Discover the significance of the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord, celebrating Jesus' dedication in the Temple. A feast of faith, obedience, and light, reminding us to trust in God’s plan and recognize Christ in our daily lives. The Feast of the Presentation of the Lord Introduction: After 40 days of Christmas, we celebrate the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord, an event that marks the moment when Mary and Joseph brought the infant Jesus to the Temple, fulfilling the requirements of the Jewish Law. This passage from Luke’s Gospel (2:22-38) provides profound insights into Jesus' identity, the faithfulness of His parents, and the prophetic revelations of Simeon and Anna. Let us reflect on its significance and what it teaches us in our daily walk with Christ. 1. Obedience and Humility: Mary and Joseph followed the Law of Moses by presenting Jesus in the Temple and offering the prescribed sacrifice. Though strictly speaking, Mary had no legal impurity to atone for. She nevertheless conformed herself to the Mosaic Law to avoid scandalizing others. Her submission was similar to that of Jesus, who was sinless yet received John's baptism of repentance (Mt 3:13-15). Their example teaches us that true humility is shown through obedience and a willingness to follow God's path, even when we may not fully understand it. 2. Trust in God’s Providence: Mary and Joseph could not afford a lamb for the offering and instead gave the sacrifice of the poor—two turtledoves. This reminds us that Jesus was born into a family that experienced financial struggle. Parents and caregivers facing difficulties in providing for their children can take comfort in knowing that even the Holy Family lived with material limitations. Yet, they trusted in God’s provision, showing us that faith is greater than material wealth and that God's grace sustains us in all circumstances. 3. Encountering Christ in Daily Life: Simeon and Anna recognized Jesus as the Messiah, though He was only a child. Their eyes were opened by faith, and they saw what others overlooked. In our lives, we are called to cultivate the same spiritual vision—to recognize Jesus in the ordinary, in the poor, the sick, and the lonely. Also, by seeking His presence in prayer, Scripture, and the sacraments, we deepen our relationship with Him and grow in faith, seeing His hand at work in all aspects of life. 4. Christ, the Light to the Nations: Simeon’s prayer, the Nunc Dimittis (in Latin "Now Dismiss"), declares that Jesus is a light to the Gentiles and the glory of Israel. This prophecy reminds us that Christ’s mission is for all people. The blessing of candles on this feast, also known as Candlemas, symbolizes this light. Just as a candle dispels darkness, Jesus illuminates our lives with truth and grace. As followers of Christ, we are also called to be light in the world, sharing the Gospel not only with words but through our actions of love, forgiveness, and service. 5. The Reality of Suffering and the Cross: Simeon prophesies that Jesus will be a sign of contradiction and that a sword will pierce Mary’s heart. This foreshadows the suffering of Christ and His mother. As Christians, we must be prepared for suffering, rejection, and opposition when we stand for truth. But just as Mary’s sorrow was part of God’s redemptive plan, our struggles, when united with Christ, have meaning and purpose. 6. Perseverance in Faith: Anna, an elderly prophetess, spent decades in the Temple worshiping, fasting, and praying. Her faithfulness was rewarded when she encountered the Messiah. In a world that seeks instant gratification, we are called to steadfastness in our faith. Instead of growing weary in prayer, we are invited to persist with trust, knowing that God reveals Himself in His perfect time. Through patience and devotion, we open our hearts to His grace and remain firm in hope, just as Anna did. Conclusion: The Feast of the Presentation is a call to deeper faith, trust, and perseverance. It invites us to see Christ in our daily lives, to be lights in the world, and to embrace both the joys and sufferings of our faith journey. Like Mary and Joseph, may we be faithful to God’s calling. Like Simeon and Anna, may we remain steadfast in hope. And like Jesus, may our lives be wholly dedicated to the Father. Amen.

Bring Alive the Word of God is a journey to deepen our faith by immersing ourselves in Scripture. Discover how God’s Word speaks to us today, transforming hearts and lives. Through reflection, study, and practical application, we seek to make the Bible a living reality in our daily walk with Christ. BRING ALIVE THE WORD OF GOD TO BEAR FRUITS The gospel of John 1:1-3 says “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. …..and all things were made through him.” If the word is God who created everything, including us, then it would be appropriate to keep that word in our hearts like Mary. The fitting place for the word of God should be in the person’s heart, mind, spirit, and soul and not in the “book.” The book is just a container to collect the word of God to be used for future but it lies there dormant. The real container or vessel for God’s words is the human person where it should live and should come alive. The end product of the word of God should always be the human person to whom it was addressed. Relationship between the human person and human word To understand better the relationship between the word of God and the human person, it is worth looking at the relationship between the human person and the human word. As human beings, we are gifted with the speech of a word. We communicate with other human beings and sometimes with other living beings in words. We express ourselves and our feelings through words. These words are our extension which goes out into the world. The Power of Words We communicate with the outside world through our words, and it is a powerful force given to us by God who created us in his image and likeness. (Gen 1:26-27). Our words have power. It has the power to do good or evil, to break or build, and to make happy or sad. Both ways we can use this tool for the good or detriment of others and ourselves. Words from others in our daily life Words do matter to us. Words are used in our relationships in family, office, community, and everywhere. Our relationship depends on our words and the words of others. We love and appreciate a person who uses words of love, affection, concern, care, motivation, courage, praise, thanks etc. Good words are effective for the speedy recovery of those who are sick. Beside them we also need positive words to keep us motivated and healthy What the word of God says about the human word There are scriptures from the old and new testaments telling us about the power of the human word. The power of the word is given to us by God and we are responsible for it how we use it. The word of God warns us against the wrong use of our words. James in his letter says “tongue is a small member, yet it boasts of great things. How great a forest is set ablaze by such a small fire.” (Jam 3:5). The small member of our body, the tongue can cause great damage to others. We should always be careful with our words before we speak because we are accountable for words which can do good or harm to other. There is no doubt why Jesus said, “on the day of judgment people will give account for every careless word they speak.”(Mt 12:36). It is we who are responsible for others' well-being and destruction. What the scientific community say about the power of human word What the word of God has said already in the Scripture about the power of human words, scientific studies now confirm it. Some of the studies show the power of words and their effect on physical and mental well-being. It shows that positive and negative words not only affect us on a deep psychological level, but they have a significant impact on the outcome of our lives. There are other scientific experiment that says our words affect things like water, plants and other living beings. The Power of the Spoken Word Human beings have always expressed words in oral and written form. But the oral or spoken word is more effective than the written word. In the spoken word we see the words lively and effective. This form is used very effectively by teachers, preachers, orators, politicians, salespersons and actors to communicate and convince listeners. If the person is a good speaker, it is more effective. The more you master this skill more you are effective. The Oral Word of God in the Scripture The oral tradition of the Scripture shows us the powerful impact of the oral word of God in the life of the church. The word of God first existed in the oral form. The written word of God is a record of the oral word of God for the future generation. In case of Jesus we see him speaking to his people orally. At the later stage, his spoken words were put down in writing for the benefit of his future followers. We see the wonderful thing about the oral word of God in the first four centuries of the church. The believers without the written word of God were more effective and powerful in converting people to the Lord than now with the whole written word of God in the Bible. The written word of God in the Bible came into existence at the end of the fourth century when the Church at the Council of Hippo (393) and Carthage (397) declared 73 books as inspired. The early believers had the good news in the oral form in their hearts and minds. Through these spoken words they performed powerfully wonders and miracles to draw more people to the Lord. How to bring alive the word of God to bear fruits in our life? If we need miracles to happen in our life, we need to bring alive the word of God from the Bible. This we do it by reading the word of God daily. By reading the Bible daily, we bring the words out from the Bible into our hearts, minds, spirits and souls. By reading the word of God we are shifting it from the written form into the oral form which was the original form of our Lord. As the liturgy of the word in the Mass is a preparation for the liturgy of the bread, similarly daily reading of the word of God in our personal life will be preparation for rest of the day. The word of God meditated by us remains in our hearts and minds like the early believers which will help us to face any challenges of the day. The reading of the word of God should always be accompanied by prayer as Vat II in Dei Verbum 21 says “we speak to him when we pray; we listen to him when we read the divine oracles.” Finally, do it as a daily exercise. Repeat some of the scripture passages which are comforting and edifying. When you feel low, the word of God will lift you. More than any human words, God’s word will be strong enough to motivate you. Instead of negative self-talk which keeps you back substitute it with the word of God which will help you to go through your day's journey. Do not allow anyone or anything around you to make you unhappy rather allow the Lord to make you happy for his words are very empowering to keep you happy.

Explore the Sacrament of Holy Orders, its significance, and the calling to serve Christ and His Church. Learn about the three degrees of ordination—deacon, priest, and bishop—their roles, responsibilities, and the path to answering God’s call to ordained ministry Holy Orders Ordination , or Holy Orders , is a sacrament that is available only to men who are being ordained as deacons , priests , or bishops . As with Baptism and Confirmation, the sacrament is said to convey a special indelible “character” on the soul of the recipient. During the rite a prayer and blessing is offered as a bishop lays his hands on the head of the man being ordained. In the case of the ordination of priests and bishops, this act confers the sacramental power to ordain (for bishops), baptize, confirm, witness marriages, absolve sins, and consecrate the Eucharist . Deacons can baptize, witness marriages, preach, and assist during the mass, but they cannot consecrate the Eucharist or hear confessions. With the exception of married deacons, an order restored by the Second Vatican Council , all ordained men are to be celibate . Bishops Bishops are successors of the apostles and, in their own dioceses, they are the chief teachers, sanctifiers and shepherds of God's people. Each bishop works in his particular diocese in a priestly, shepherding and teaching role. He possesses the fullness of the priesthood and so is the principal celebrant of the Sacraments Priest A priest is a man, taken from among men, who is consecrated by God for the sacred action of sanctification. The Catholic Priesthood was instituted by Christ at the Last Supper as a means by which those men whom He calls to stand in His place carry on His ministry in the world. Deacon There are two types of deacons in the Catholic Church: permanent deacons and transitional deacons. Permanent deacons are ordained to the Catholic Church and have no intentions of becoming a priest. Deacons may be married or single. However, if they are not married at the time they are ordained, they cannot marry after and are expected to live a life of celibacy. In the Archdiocese of Bombay we have 18 permanent deacons. Transitional deacons are those who become priests

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