The Transfiguration of Jesus is a glimpse of His divine glory, revealing His true nature as the Son of God. On Mount Tabor, Peter, James, and John witness Jesus shining in radiant light, speaking with Moses and Elijah. This moment strengthens their faith, preparing them for the trials ahead. The Father's voice from the cloud declares: "This is my chosen Son; listen to him." In the first reading, God makes a covenant with Abraham, promising him descendants as numerous as the stars. Abraham’s unwavering faith in God’s word is counted as righteousness, reminding us of that trust in God leads to the fulfillment of His promises. The second reading calls us to keep our eyes fixed on Christ. St. Paul warns against being preoccupied with earthly things, urging us to live as citizens of heaven, where our true glory awaits.
The Transfiguration reminds us that Lent is not just a time of sacrifice but also of transformation. Through prayer, fasting, and almsgiving, we allow Christ’s light to shine in us. By listening to Him and following His path, we prepare our hearts to share in His glory. May this Lenten season deepen our faith and lead us closer to the radiant glory of Christ.
Many blessings and prayers Fr. Anil Alexander
03/09/2025
Turning to God in the Desert of Life
The season of Lent begins with Jesus’ journey into the wilderness, where He fasts and prays for forty days. In the Gospel, Jesus is tempted by the devil, yet He remains steadfast in His trust in God. His response to temptation teaches us how to resist evil by relying on God’s Word and strength.
The first reading recalls how God saved His people from slavery in Egypt and led them to the Promised Land. This reminds us that God remains faithful, guiding us even in difficult times. The second reading highlights the importance of faith: those who believe in Christ will be saved.
Lent is a time for self-examination, repentance, and renewal. Like Jesus, we will face temptations, but with prayer, fasting, and trust in God’s Word, we can overcome them. As we begin this holy season, let us turn to God, seeking His grace to strengthen us in our spiritual journey.
May this Lent be a time of transformation, leading us closer to Christ.
With many blessings and prayers Fr. Anil Alexander
03/02/2025 As we approach the season of Lent, beginning with Ash Wednesday, the readings of this Eighth Sunday of Ordinary Time invite us to reflect on the transformation that God desires in our lives. Lent is a sacred time of renewal, calling us to conversion through prayer, fasting, and almsgiving. It is not merely a season of external observances but a journey toward a deeper relationship with Christ.
The first reading from Sirach, offers a powerful lesson on integrity and self-examination. “When a sieve is shaken, the husks appear; so, do one's faults when one speaks.” This reminds us that our words reveal the state of our hearts. Lent is a time to examine our thoughts, words, and actions, ensuring they reflect Christ’s love and truth. Just as a sieve separates what is useful from what is waste, we are called to sift out sin and spiritual complacency from our lives.
In today’s Gospel, Jesus expands on this theme, emphasizing that “a good tree does not bear rotten fruit.” As we enter Lent, this passage challenges us to consider what kind of fruit we are producing in our lives. Are we growing in faith, love, and mercy, or are we bearing fruit of selfishness and indifference? Just as a tree must be pruned to bear good fruit, Lent calls us to remove spiritual obstacles and grow in holiness.
Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of this journey. The ashes placed on our foreheads are a reminder of our mortality and our need for repentance: “Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return.” This solemn moment is not just a ritual but a call to humility, to turn away from sin and embrace the Gospel. The words of St. Paul in the second reading, reinforce this message of transformation, reminding us that our ultimate victory comes through Christ.
As we prepare for Lent, let us resolve to make this season more than a time of external practices. Let our fasting be accompanied by a genuine hunger for God; let our prayer deepen our trust in His mercy; let our almsgiving be an act of love that reflects Christ’s compassion. May this season of grace purify our hearts so that we may bear good fruit and truly walk in the light of Christ.
Let us begin this Lenten journey with sincerity, allowing the Lord to shape us into the disciples He calls us to be. Amen.
Many blessings and prayers Fr. Anil Alexander
02/23/2025 "Be merciful, just as your father is merciful." In the Gospel of Seventh Sunday ordinary time, Jesus presents one of the most radical teachings of the Christian life: love your enemies. He calls His disciples to a love that goes beyond human expectations, one that mirrors the boundless mercy of God. This love is not limited to those who treat us well but extends even to those who hurt us. This command challenges us because it contradicts our natural instincts. The world teaches us to retaliate when wronged, but Jesus tells us to turn the other cheek, to do good to those who hate us, and to bless those who curse us. Such love is not weakness but strength—it requires faith, humility, and the grace of God. The first reading illustrates this teaching through the example of David, who had the opportunity to kill King Saul, his enemy. Instead, he chose mercy, recognizing that vengeance belongs to the Lord. In the second reading St. Paul reminds us that we are called to bear the image of Christ, the new Adam, who embodied divine mercy. Jesus' words call us to a higher standard of discipleship. He reminds us: "Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful." Our love must reflect the father’s love—a love that forgives, that seeks peace, and that transforms hearts. This is how we become true children of God, shining as witnesses of His mercy in a broken world. May the Lord give us the grace to love, even when it is difficult, and to reflect His divine mercy in our lives.
With many blessings and prayers Fr. Anil Alexander
02/16/2025 The readings for this Sixth Sunday of Ordinary Time draw a sharp contrast between two paths: trusting in human power versus trusting in God. Jeremiah’s vivid imagery of a barren bush in the desert versus a flourishing tree by the waters reminds us that a life rooted in the Lord is sustained, no matter the trials. Trust in human strength alone leaves us parched, seeking fulfillment where it cannot be found.
Paul’s words to the Corinthians bring hope as he proclaims the reality of Christ’s resurrection. If Christ has not been raised, our faith is in vain. But Christ has indeed risen, affirming that our trust in Him leads to life eternal.
In the Gospel, Jesus presents the Beatitudes and corresponding woes, offering a vision of God’s kingdom that upends worldly values. Those who are poor, hungry, and sorrowful are blessed, for their dependence on God brings divine favor. Yet, those who trust solely in wealth, comfort, and human praise face warnings of emptiness ahead.
As we reflect on these readings, let us examine where our trust truly lies. Do we seek security in fleeting things, or do we place our hope in the Lord, whose love and promises endure forever? May our faith root us like a tree by the waters, bearing fruit in every season.
With many blessings and prayers Fr. Anil Alexander
02/09/2025 The call to discipleship is central to today’s readings. From Isaiah’s awe-filled vision of God’s majesty to Paul’s humble recognition of grace, to Simon Peter’s transformative encounter with Jesus, we see how God meets us where we are and calls us to His mission.
Prophet Isaiah in the first reading, stands before the throne of God, overwhelmed by His holiness and his own unworthiness. Yet, when the Lord asks, “Whom shall I send?” Isaiah responds with faith: “Here I am, send me!” This moment reminds us that God often calls those who feel inadequate, transforming them through His grace.
St. Paul in the second reading, recounts his own calling as an apostle. Despite being "the least of the apostles" due to his past persecution of the Church, Paul emphasizes that God’s grace is transformative. His life and ministry serve as a testament to the power of God working through those who open their hearts to Him.
In the Gospel we see the miraculous catch of fish shows Peter, James, and John the abundance that comes from following Jesus. At first, Peter is overwhelmed by his own sinfulness, saying, “Depart from me, Lord, for I am a sinful man.” Yet, Jesus calls him not to fear but to trust, saying, “From now on you will be catching men.”
Each of us is called to be a disciple, just as Isaiah, Paul, and Peter were. God doesn’t call the perfect—He perfects those He calls. The key is our willingness to say, “Here I am, Lord.” Like Peter, we may feel unworthy, but Jesus invites us to trust in His power and follow Him.
Let this Sunday remind us that God’s call is both a privilege and a responsibility. May we echo Isaiah’s response, “Here I am, send me,” and follow the Lord with hearts full of trust and courage.
With prayers and many blessings Fr. Anil Alexander
02/02/2025 The Feast of the Presentation of the Lord is a celebration rich in meaning. It recalls the moment when Mary and Joseph, in obedience to Jewish law, bring the infant Jesus to the Temple in Jerusalem. This act of dedication reflects their humility and faithfulness to God’s covenant.
The Gospel of Luke introduces us to two remarkable figures, Simeon and Anna, whose lives embody the virtues of patience and hope. Guided by the Holy Spirit, Simeon recognizes Jesus as the long-awaited Messiah, proclaiming Him as “a light for revelation to the Gentiles and glory for your people Israel.” Anna, a prophetess, confirms this revelation and spreads the news of the child’s significance.
In the first reading, the prophet Malachi foretells the coming of the Lord to His Temple. He speaks of a refining fire that purifies and prepares God’s people to offer fitting worship. This prophecy is fulfilled in Jesus, who enters the Temple as a child but will later transform it as the place of His Father’s glory.
The second reading from Hebrews emphasizes the humanity of Jesus. By becoming one of us, He shares in our struggles and overcomes sin and death. His sacrifice is the ultimate act of purification, reconciling us to God.
For us today, the Feast of the Presentation is a reminder of our own call to be light in the world. Like Simeon and Anna, we are invited to recognize Christ in our midst and share His light with others. It is also an opportunity to reflect on how we dedicate our lives to God.
This week, let us follow the example of Mary and Joseph, offering ourselves and all we have to the Lord. Let us be attentive to the Spirit, like Simeon and Anna, so that we may proclaim the Good News with joy. May Christ, the Light of the World, shine through us and guide us on our journey of faith.
With many blessings and prayers Fr. Anil Alexander.