Reflections

  Light that Clears out Darkness for GOODNESS Bible Reading: Isaiah 42:5-10 6. “I, the Lord, have chosen you to do what is right. . . You will put into effect my covenant with the people of Israel.     And you will be a light for the Gentiles. 7. You will open eyes that can’t see.     You will set prisoners free.     Those who sit in darkness will come out of their cells. DEVOTION The difference between a dark, cloudy day and a sunny day, the difference between a dark and a well-lit room is clear. The function of light is to give clarity and transparency. This is an overarching theme of scripture, where darkness is seen as a sad, lonely, and generally separate state of being that is contrary to GOD’S desire for HIS people to be fascinated in, indeed, this separation is ultimately death eternal, from which no one can be rescued. Now the function of our eyes is, in itself, a complex camera; in the darkness the eyes are limited. For someone like me, compl...

  JESUS CHRIST WHO GRANTS FULLNESS OF HUMANITY Bible Reading:  1 Peter 1:18-25 Vs 18:knowing that it was not with corruptible things, with silver or gold, that you are redeemed from your vain  manner of life handed down from your fathers, but with precious blood as of a lamb without blemish and without spot, the blood of Christ: DEVOTION  This passage encourages believers  to recognize the  significance of Christ's sacrifIce and the importance of living  their faith through love and adherence to God's word. Integrating the topic of Jesus Christ as the one who grants the fullness of humanity , can be approached by understanding the themes of redemption, identity, and transformative power of Christ's  sacrifice.  We can try to study under four themes. 1 .REDEMPTIVE SACRIFICE :    In the passage we study,  about being redeemed not with perishable things, but with the precious blood of Christ. This idea can be linked to the fa...

  FULLNESS OF HUMANITY IN CHRIST Bible Reading:  Luke  13:10-17 Vs12 :And Jesus,seeing her,called her to Him and said to her, woman, you are released from your infirmity DEVOTION   This passage narrates the story of Jesus healing a woman who was crippled for eighteen years. This portion gives us a deep insight into the concept of compassion and mercy – the nature of true rest -  a rest  that is more restorative and deeper. It also depicts the conflict between religious law and the human need, and the divine character of Jesus the son of God. Let us consider an overview of  salient points: 1 .COMPASSION AND HEALING:    Jesus was teaching in a synagogue on a sabbath day. During the sermon, he noticed  a woman bent over and unable to stand straight. Jesus called her forward, demonstrated his compassion and willingness to address her bondage.  This is in contrary to the normal picture where a sufferer comes to Jesus asking for a deliver...

  Source of Joy and salvation for humanity  Bible Reading:  Isaiah 66:12-15 Vs14:And when ye see this your hearts shall rejoice.... DEVOTION In Isaiah 66 we see a God who is kind, compassionate and generous to those who are faithful to Him; while those who defy Him encounter a God who is furious and punishes without mercy. We also see God drawing comparison of His love for his servants to the love of a mother. The mother provides nourishment, love and care  and the baby enjoys love, joy and peace when he is with his mother. Our father in Heaven is just like a mother to us and when we live with Him, He provides for our every need and His word nourishes us.  God’s love for us is so great that He sacrificed His only Son for us and that is a love that is limitless. He is our source of joy and our salvation. Isaiah 66:12-14 specifically talks of God’s love, generosity and peace that his servants experience in their walk with the Lord and the resultant joy and prosper...

  New Birth Through Christ Bible Reading:  Galatians  6:11-17 "May I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world." - Galatians 6:14 DEVOTION   In the final verses of Galatians Paul exposes the true motives of false Christians(Judaizers). Paul begins by telling the Christians in Galatia that the reason these Jewish Christian agitators are telling them to be circumcised was to avoid persecution themselves from the Jews and maintain a good reputation by making converts adhere to the law. Their focus was on outward appearances and Paul emphasizes that true faith is not about outward religious acts but about inner transformation through Christ. This brings Paul to his declaration : “May I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ.”. The cross in those days was a symbol of shame, suffering, and death. Yet for Paul, it became his only source of identity and glory because throug...

    The Gaze at the crucified one Bible Reading: Numbers 21:4-9 8 The Lord said to Moses, “Make a snake and put it up on a pole; anyone who is bitten can look at it and live.” 9 So Moses made a bronze snake and put it up on a pole. Then when anyone was bitten by a snake and looked at the bronze snake, they lived DEVOTION  In the scripture above we read where a bronze serpent becomes the instrument of healing, offers a profound reflection on sin, divine mercy, and the essence of faith. The Israelites, burdened by their own discontent and rebellion, faced the dire consequences of their grumbling: venomous snakes and widespread death. Yet, even in their self-inflicted suffering, God extended a path to redemption. He instructed Moses to craft a bronze serpent and elevate it on a pole, a seemingly simple act that held immense symbolic weight. This act was a test of faith. The healing was contingent on the people’s willingness to look upon the serpent, an act of acknowledging t...

  The Embodiment of the Word Bible Reading:   Galatians 4: 1-7  Galatians 4:7  “So you are no longer a slave, but God’s child; and since you are his child, God has made you also an heir.” DEVOTION    “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God”(John 1:1). The Book of Genesis describes God’s Creation.  It is by the Word of God that Creation occurs.  So St. John’s introduction of Jesus as Word is apt.  God’s son equaling the Father inherits the Kingdom of God.  He is the true heir.  St. Paul wants Galatians to understand the importance and honor they derived by relinquishing their worldly condition of being slaves and by accepting Jesus Christ, the embodiment of the Word, as their master and the lord.  They got the privilege of becoming the children of God, by which they became heirs of God’s Kingdom.  Paul asks them to trust in Jesus implicitly.  They should not go back to their...

  JUSTIFICATION THROUGH FAITH IN JESUS Bible Reading:  Romans3:23-31 V23 For all have sinned and fall short of glory of God, being justified freely by His grace through the redemption which  is in Christ Jesus: DEVOTION    Let us begin with the universal need for salvation, because all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God., because sin affects everyone regardless of their background or status.    1.  .REALITY OF OUR SINFULLNESS   Through Adam sin entered the world, and since then the world is in chaos, alienated from the creator, lost the fellowship with Him,  thus missing the mark of God's glory.  Through second Adam, came the doctrine of Justification by faith which is the heart of the gospel. THE GIFT OF JUSTIFICATION :  The righteousness that God requires for  for our justification is not the righteousness we perform, even by sovereign grace, but it is the righteousness of Jesus Christ imputed to us when...

  Redemption through the wisdom of the cross Bible Reading: 1 Cor 1:18-25 Key Verse “For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God” (I Cor  1:18 ). DEVOTION As we are in the Great Lent for fasting and praying, it is a time of spiritual preparation and reflections leading up to the events of ‘Good Friday’ and  the ‘Easter Sunday.’ St. Paul  in his 1st letter to Corinthians describes the wisdom and the power of God in events leading up to the crucifixion of  Jesus and His resurrection. Therefore, the death of Jesus on the cross and His resurrection  reveal the wisdom, and the power of God.  The cross of Christ  is not two planks of wood and three nails. At the centre of the  cross  we find a loving and caring Son of God. On the cross Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing” ( Lk  23: 34 ). It happened this way because “Fo...

  A Heart That Sees Beyond   Bible Reading:  Matthew 15:21-28 “O woman, great is your faith!” DEVOTION Matthew 15:21-28 presents a miraculous act of Jesus Christ during his public ministry. The passage describes a non-Jewish woman who approaches Jesus, seeking healing for her daughter. Despite being a woman and a non-Jew, she boldly approaches Jesus, undiscouraged by the potential ridicule and persecution. The woman's response to Jesus' initial hesitation is remarkable. She acknowledges that God is the creator of all things and that some may receive more blessings than others. However, she also notes that even the crumbs that fall from the master's table can be a blessing to those who are not at the table. In a moment of despair, she stood at the crossroads of hope and disappointment. Yet, her unwavering faith in Jesus propelled her to plead with Him once more. How often do we falter in the face of adversity? This courageous woman's example beckons us to cling to faith,...

  Healing: A signpost for redemption Bible Reading: Acts  5:12-16 Verse 16 - Crowds gathered also from towns around Jerusalem bringing those who were ill and those tormented by impure spirits, and all of them were healed. DEVOTION When God Almighty created Adam and Eve in His image and likeness, they were given a wholesome body and spirit. However, they were also given a mind to reason and make choices. God did put some restrictions in the conduct of their daily life in the Garden of Eden. The restrictions served both as a protection and a test. The first humans miserably failed in the test of obedience as the serpent enticed Eve with the forbidden fruit. Thereafter, the whole of humanity has to bear the burden of sin. As the humans increased in number, sins also multiplied along with. Sin had impaired the human soul from communicating with God freely and it corrupted the body with diverse diseases. Eventually, as sins multiplied in the world, God reduced the length of days of...

  Theme: Redemption as Restoration and Renewal Bible Reading: Hosea  2:16-23 Key verse: vs 23 “I will plant her for myself in the land; I will show my lover to the one I called ‘Not my loved one, I will say to those called ‘Not my people, you are my people; and they will say “You are my God" DEVOTION The book of Hosea is a prophetic book recounting God’s relentless love for His children. It is a love story of how God loves and treats His people. Since the beginning of time, God’s ungrateful and undeserving creation has been accepting God’s love, grace, and mercy while still unable to refrain from sin and wickedness. Hosea reminds the Israelites and the present generation that our God is a loving God whose loyalty to His covenant people is unwavering in spite of Israel and us turning to false gods. God’s steadfast love is portrayed in the long - suffering husband of the unfaithful wife. Hosea’s message is also one of warning to those who turn their backs to God’s love. Through ...

  Redemption for All Nations  Bible Reading: Psalms :87 All my springs are in you’ Psalm 87:7  DEVOTION Psalm 87 is a a beautiful song depicting the redemption of all nations. Jerusalem is God’s Holy city chosen by God where at the end all nations will come together to worship the Lord. Psalm 87 says that God has founded this city, Zion on the holy mountains. Lord loves the holy city.  Zion’s spiritual significance is that it is the center of God’s redemptive work. The people from all nations Egypt, Babylon, Philistia, Tyre, Ethiopia and all will be part of Zion. This is God’s redemptive plan to bring everyone together as part of His kingdom. As Galatians 3:28 says: ‘There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male or female, for you are one in Christ’. This is the prophetic image of God’s redemptive plan. As Revelation 7:9 says, ‘After this I looked, and behold, a great multitude that no one could number, from every nation, from all ...

  Redemption Unites all in Christ Bible Reading: Galatians 3:26-29 Key Verse :Verses 26-27:  “You are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus, for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ.” DEVOTION According to Websters Dictionary, the word “Redeem” means to buy back, to free from captivity usually by paying a ransom, to free from the bondage of sin, etc.  “Redeemed is the terminology used for the way slaves gained their freedom in Greco-Roman society as well as for Israel’s deliverance from bondage in Egypt (Exodus 15:13; Psalm 77:15), and the servitude in Babylon (Isaiah 42:1).  The Redeemer has to pay a price in order to secure the release of something or someone.  It connotes the idea of paying what is required in order to liberate from oppression, enslavement, or another type of binding obligation.    1.   Christ the Redeemer: The apostle Paul provides the fullest explanation connecting the rede...

  Hope for a Redeemer Bible Reading: Ruth 4:1-10) Vs 8: So the Kinsman redeemer said to Boaz "Buy it yourself " and he removed the sandal. DEVOTION The word ‘Redemption’ is a scriptural theme that encompass the history of the world, starting from the fall of Lucifer in heaven to the second coming of Christ and the ‘New Earth’. Redemption spans the entire human history, began from Adam’s first breath in the garden of Eden to the final days of life on earth. It continues to narrate the lives of many kings who were crowned, and later deposed, many nations who stood high and later fell sadly, sparkling dynasties raised up and broken up into pieces, and leaders and even prophets who have fallen at certain points. Redemption is the story that covers it all, expressing God’s great LOVE for humanity and how He sent HIS SON JESUS to be the sacrifice for our sins The story of Ruth and Boaz in the Bible teaches us about God's love, redemption, and faithfulness. It also shows how God...

  Jesus Christ Who Gives Healing and Redemption From Sin Bible Reading: John 4:6-11 Key Verse: “Jesus answered her, if you knew the gift of God and who it is that asks you for a drink, you would have asked him and he would have given you living water”(Vs 10) DEVOTION The story of Jesus and the Samaritan woman at the well is one of the most iconic encounters in the Bible. While traveling through Samaria on His way to Galilee, Jesus stopped at a well in Sychar  around noon  as His disciples went in to buy food. There, He encountered a Samaritan woman who had come to draw water. She was an outcast, burdened by her past and defined by society's judgment. Yet when Jesus met her He did not condemn her. Instead, with compassion, He revealed her brokenness and offered her the living water, transforming her from spiritual desolation to divine fulfillment. Jesus Christ Breaks all Barriers that Separate People: The Jews and Samaritans were historic enemies. By speaking to the Samari...

  Jesus’ authority to forgive and heal Bible Reading: St. Mark 2:1-12 V1 ‘A few days later, when Jesus again entered Capernaum, the people heard that he had come home. 2 So many gathered that there was no room left,’  DEVOTION As Jesus said at the outset of his ministry, 'The kingdom of God has come near; repent, and believe in the good news" ( 1:15 ). The prophets too had called for the people to "return" (swb) in order that they might know God's compassion and forgiveness.  In his house at Capernaum, Mark presents a picture of hospitality. Jesus opened his home to friends and strangers alike, so he could discuss the God's Kingdom. The effect was twofold. First, Jesus welcomed all. Secondly, the approach of the ones who resisted Jesus’ teachings was displayed on site. Their position as experts in the Law gave them the power of judgments (i.e., declaring God's will) in community life. In his house at Capernaum, Jesus takes this process in his sense of pri...

  Deliverance from Spiritual bondage  Bible Reading: Acts  16:16-18 Key Verse :Acts 18 At  that moment the spirit left her . DEVOTION Bondage is defined as the state of being a slave. Although the Bible does not specifically mention spiritual bondage, this term refers to anything that keeps us from being fully submitted to the lordship of Jesus in our life. The passage talks about a girl who was in physical bondage and was also enslaved by a demonic spirit.  Believers are not slaves to sin because we have been saved by the blood of Jesus Christ. However as long as we live in this earthly body, we will be exposed to the Devil's schemes.   If believers allow anger, greed, jealousy, bitterness to remain in their hearts, it gives the devil a foothold. We need to HUMBLY SEEK the Lord everyday and when we are encountering these negative emotions, so God can help us not to succumb to them. Sinful habits may continue to manifest in the life of a believer. FULL...

  Redemption Through Christ’s Sacrificial Love Bible Reading: Romans 5:6-11  Key Verse V8“But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”  DEVOTION Today's passage invites us to reflect on the greatest demonstration of love ever shown – God's love revealed through His Son, Jesus Christ. Often, when we think of love, we view it through a human perspective, shaped by acts of care and affection. We might imagine love as something that requires constant presence or meeting someone’s needs. However, the love displayed in Scripture is beyond these human expectations. It is an unconditional, sacrificial love that goes beyond our understanding. This love is not just a concept; it is made a reality to us because of the freedom we have received through Christ. Romans 5:6-11 highlights this by reminding us that, “while we were still sinners, Christ died for us”—an act of love so profound it redefines what love truly is. From the be...

  Seeking God's mercy for redemption Bible Reading: Psalms 25:1-9 Vs 7  "according to your love remember me " DEVOTION Psalm 25:1-9, it's full of humility, trust in God, and a desire for guidance. In the opening verses of Psalm 25, David begins with a heartfelt prayer, "To You, O Lord, I lift up my soul." This is a posture of complete surrender, acknowledging God as the one who holds the future. It’s a beautiful reminder that no matter what we're facing, we can trust God to guide us. 1.  Trust in God’s Guidance  (vs. 4-5) David asks God to show him His ways and teach him His paths. In a world where we're constantly bombarded with decisions and distractions, this is a powerful reminder that we don’t have to figure everything out on our own. God’s guidance is always available to us when we humbly seek it. We don't need to rely on our own understanding; instead, we can trust in His wisdom and His timing. 2.  God’s Steadfast Love and Faithfulness  (v...

  Healing through faith and obedience” Bible Reading: 2 Kings 5:1-14 V14: "So he went down and dipped himself in the Jordan seven times, as the man of God had told him, and his flesh was restored and became clean like that of a young boy”.  DEVOTION In 2 Kings 5:1-14 we read about a powerful man Naaman who humbled himself by listening to his servants and being convinced that he should try and act upon the words of prophet Elisa. Naaman thought that with his power he could be healed without undertaking the task that was handed out to him by the prophet. However, we read that healing was achieved by listening, being obedient and faithful. In Jesus’ healing ministry we see the pattern of faith, action, and obedience repeated on several occasions. One such instance is described in Luke 5:17-26: Jesus healing a paralytic man in Capernaum. Jesus was moved by the faith of the people who brought the paralyzed man to him. They were steadfast in their faith that Jesus could heal the par...

  Jesus, who cleanses and saves Walk in the Light, as He is in the light ~ 1 John 1: 6 - 9 Key Verse : Verse :7 But if we walk in the light as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another. DEVOTION Today, 1 John 1: 6 – 9 calls us to "walk in the light, as He is in the light." This powerful invitation isn’t just about shining light on our actions— but embracing Jesus. What does it mean to walk in the light? 1.  Walking in Truth  – Jesus, the Truth. To walk in the light means living in truth. When we walk in the light of Jesus, means living authentically, reflecting His truth in a world full of lies. 2.  Walking in Purity  – Jesus, Who Cleanses Us. God’s light is pure, and Jesus cleanses us. His blood cleanses our sins, making us pure before God. Only through Jesus can we walk in the light and live in holiness. 3.  Walking in Fellowship  – Jesus, Who Saves. Walking in the light means living in fellowship with God and one another. Jesus sa...