Reflections

  Challenging Stigma: Changing perceptions in Society  Bible Reading: James 2:1-7 Key verse:  James 2:1 My brothers, show no partiality as you hold the faith in our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory DEVOTION Mahatma Gandhi, initially drawn to Christianity as a solution to the caste system, was upset when asked to “worship with his own kind” and denied a seat in a church which then led him to remain a Hindu. Gandhi’s experience makes me wonder, have we as Christians made ourselves an “elite” group? Have we contributed to creating an environment that values some people more than others? Partiality is the product of our pride and ignorance. Both are ways we, as humans, assign value to others, a job that belongs only to God.      In James 2:1-7, James clearly admonishes us from showing any forms of partiality and encourages us to change our perceptions of those around us. It is a challenge for each of us to look not into the outward appearance but at th...

  Role of Compassion in Faith Bible Reading: Philippians 2:25-27 Key verse:  V27“Indeed he was ill, near to death. But God had mercy on him, and not only on him but on me also, lest I should have sorrow upon sorrow.” Philippians 2:27  DEVOTION Paul’s letter to the church in Philippi is broken into four sections, joy in: suffering, serving, believing, and giving. Today’s passage comes from Paul’s section on the “joy in serving.” He shows them that true joy comes from Jesus Christ alone despite one’s circumstances. Timothy and Epaphroditus faithfully served with Paul in the work of the gospel showing compassion to all whilst foregoing their own interests and needs. Paul shows compassion by sending back the church in Philippi one of their own (Epaphroditus). He showed this virtue by taking care of Paul’s needs and serving him despite almost dying in the process for the work of Christ. God also reveals his own compassion by sparing Epaphroditus’ life. Paul’s hope is that...

  Promote Inclusion and Accessibility Bible Reading: Luke  14:13-14 Key verse:  V13-14” But when you give a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind, and you will be blessed. Although they cannot repay you, you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous."  DEVOTION Jesus's directive to invite those who are often marginalized—such as the poor and disabled—highlights a significant shift from conventional social norms. In a society that typically valued reciprocity and social status, Jesus challenges His followers to extend their hospitality to those who cannot return the favor. This act of inviting the marginalized is not merely an act of charity; it signifies their inherent dignity and worth as individuals deserving of community and fellowship.  The invitation serves as a foretaste of the inclusive nature of God's kingdom. It was common then, and even today, to invite friends and wealthy neighbours to ensure mutual benefit. Howeve...

  Embracing Diversity in God's Creation Bible Reading: 1 Cor.  12:12-13 Key verse:  V12 “Just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its many parts form one body, so it is with Christ.   DEVOTION The theme for the day is “Embracing diversity in God’s Creation.” Paul compares the Church, the body of Christ to the human body with numerous parts that perform the integrated physiology for a healthy living. Though each part is structurally and functionally different, they must work together to keep the body healthy. The church is composed of people of different backgrounds with diverse abilities. Despite our different backgrounds and talents, we have one thing in common—faith in Jesus Christ. On that essential truth, Church must find unity and growth, and Christ is the source for the spiritual nourishment of all.  This “unity in diversity” is seen in God’s majestic creation in the universe also.  It is on this same principle that God created differe...

  Created in the Image of God - Human Dignity Bible Reading: Genesis 1:26-28 Key verse:  V27 “So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.”  DEVOTION In Genesis 1:26-28, we are reminded that every human being is made in the image of God. This truth not only sets humanity apart from the rest of creation but also calls us to recognize the inherent worth and dignity in every person. Having visited mission fields in India, we have seen firsthand how society often overlooks or diminishes the dignity of the vulnerable, those in old age homes, children in need, and people affected by diseases like HIV/AIDS. Yet, in those faces, we could still see the beauty of God’s image. It’s easy to forget that the value God places on each life transcends circumstances, health, or social status. When we visited the de-addiction center, we were reminded that no one is too broken or forgotten for God’s love. Each individual,...

  Called to be a Witness Bible Reading:   Rev. 14: 1-5 Key verse:  Rev. 14: 3 “And they sang a new song before the throne and before the four living creatures and the elders.  No one could learn the song except the 144,000 who had been redeemed from the earth.” DEVOTION ‘Revelation’ is the closing book of the Bible.  John, the Apostle, is the author of this book.  The book contains so many prophesies.  The book is presented as a vision of St. John in his sleep.  Jesus Christ makes His glorious appearance before John.  In Revelation, Chapter14, Lord Jesus Christ is seen as the head of his faithful followers.  He appears as a Lamb standing upon Mount Zion.  He is the sacrificial lamb.  His faithful 144,000 followers who are pure and sealed, are seen praising him with a divine song, constantly witnessing Christ.  They once belonged to the earth. They had been redeemed for ever.  Just like these saintly singing peopl...

  Called to be a witness Bible Reading: St.  Luke 9: 1-6 DEVOTION The scripture passage for today’s meditation reminds us about the importance of witnessing in context. When Jesus sent out his 12 disciples for mission, He gave them instructions, power and authority to caste out demons and cure diseases.  Jesus reminded the disciples that the power and authority they have are not for self serving, rather for witnessing the Kingdom of God in context. The same principle holds true today: whom God calls, God equips. Jesus told them to preach about the Kingdom of God. Anyone who repents and believes can be part of the Kingdom of God. When disciples went for mission journeys they had to have complete faith in God’s providence. Jesus said to them, “Take nothing for the journey, neither staffs nor bag nor bread nor money; and do not have two tunics apiece.” St. Luke 9:3. In other words, Jesus exhorted his disciples to practice simplicity, urgency and sincerity when they were...