Aneel Aranha is an author and preacher who endeavours to bring a knowledge of God and his great love to the people of the world. 

Aneel Aranha

Our extra focus on accomplishing the externals should not dilute the essence of what actually matters to God. #Reflectonthis #DailyReflection https://youtu.be/-wpd9XbqhN4 
 
Scripture Reading: Mark 7:1-13 
 
Now when the Pharisees and some of the scribes who had come from Jerusalem gathered around him, they noticed that some of his disciples were eating with defiled hands, that is, without washing them. (For the Pharisees, and all the Jews, do not eat unless they thoroughly wash their hands, thus observing the tradition of the elders; and they do not eat anything from the market unless they wash it; and there are also many other traditions that they observe, the washing of cups, pots, and bronze kettles.) So the Pharisees and the scribes asked him, “Why do your disciples not live according to the tradition of the elders, but eat with defiled hands?” He said to them, “Isaiah prophesied rightly about you hypocrites, as it is written, ‘This people honors me with their lips,     but their hearts are far from me;  in vain do they worship me,     teaching human precepts as doctrines.’ You abandon the commandment of God and hold to human tradition.” Then he said to them, “You have a fine way of rejecting the commandment of God in order to keep your tradition! For Moses said, ‘Honor your father and your mother’; and, ‘Whoever speaks evil of father or mother must surely die.’ But you say that if anyone tells father or mother, ‘Whatever support you might have had from me is Corban’ (that is, an offering to God)— then you no longer permit doing anything for a father or mother, thus making void the word of God through your tradition that you have handed on. And you do many things like this.” 
–The Gospel of the Lord. 
 
Reflection 
 
If you observe carefully, each time the Pharisees, scribes or their counterparts approached Jesus to question him, he never offered a straight answer. Obsessed as they were about maintaining external appearances, he often held up a mirror, giving them an opportunity to examine facts and find answers for themselves. Being law ‘experts’, that should have been simple for them to do, or was it? Today the mirror he held up was the fifth commandment; this is in fact the first commandment with an explicit promise attached to it. It says “Honour your father and your mother, so that your days may be long in the land that the Lord your God is giving you. (See Exodus 20:12, Deuteronomy 5:16, Ephesians 6:2-3) Scripture is also very clear about the consequences of disobedience to this commandment (See Proverbs 30:17, Proverbs 20:20, Exodus 21:15, 17). Now as per ancient Hebrew custom, Korban is a gift or an offering made to God and the law experts had conveniently used this to twist the fifth commandment. They altered it to mean that if an amount of money was set aside for God, it was alright not to use that money to take care of ones parents. How’s that for a twist?   I recall an incident about a lady on her way to church to attend mass offered in memory of her beloved father. On the way, she encountered an elderly man who hurt himself having tripped on the sidewalk. Seeing him alone, helpless and in pain, the lady was moved with compassion; she took him to the nearest doctor to get his wound dressed, dropped him home and then rushed to church. She realized she had spent the money intended to offer in church; she also missed the mass due to the ensuing delay - feeling awful about it she broke down into tears. On listening to her story, the priest reassured her that there was no reason to cry - her dad was in fact rejoicing in heaven at her act of being a good Samaritan to someone in need; never know, that old man could have been an angel. (See Hebrews 13:2) The money could be restored, the mass would be reoffered another day, but the opportunity she got to reach out in love and service that day was priceless and irreplaceable. That is what Jesus was trying to explain to the Pharisees. We are human ‘beings’ not human ‘doings’. While external traditions and obligations are important, let’s emphasize more on the internal cleansing we need for our hearts and minds. On its own the former is mere lip service, but combined together they lead to living and loving service to our Lord and His creation. God bless you!

Our extra focus on accomplishing the externals should not dilute the essence of what actually matters to God. #Reflectonthis #DailyReflection https://youtu.be/-wpd9XbqhN4

Scripture Reading: Mark 7:1-13

Now when the Pharisees and some of the scribes who had come from Jerusalem gathered around him, they noticed that some of his disciples were eating with defiled hands, that is, without washing them. (For the Pharisees, and all the Jews, do not eat unless they thoroughly wash their hands, thus observing the tradition of the elders; and they do not eat anything from the market unless they wash it; and there are also many other traditions that they observe, the washing of cups, pots, and bronze kettles.) So the Pharisees and the scribes asked him, “Why do your disciples not live according to the tradition of the elders, but eat with defiled hands?” He said to them, “Isaiah prophesied rightly about you hypocrites, as it is written,‘This people honors me with their lips,    but their he

February 09, 2021 – Lip service - A Reflection on Mark 7:1-13

Scripture often says that Jesus healed all who came to him. However, there are occasions when he did not heal everyone. Why? #Reflectonthis #DailyReflection https://youtu.be/ood-IFP3vX0 
 
Scripture Reading: Mark 6:53-56 
When they had crossed over, they landed at Gennesaret and anchored there. As soon as they got out of the boat, people recognized Jesus. They ran throughout that whole region and carried the sick on mats to wherever they heard he was. And wherever he went—into villages, towns or countryside—they placed the sick in the marketplaces. They begged him to let them touch even the edge of his cloak, and all who touched it were healed. 
 
Reflection 
Today's reflection is for those who have wondered why some prayers for healing are answered and others are not. Especially because in the passage we are reflecting upon today, it says that ALL who touched the edge of Jesus' cloak were healed. On another occasion, people who had various kinds of sickness were brought to Jesus, and laying his hands on them, he healed them all (see Luke 4:40). A little later, when he was giving his sermon on the mount, people came to hear him and to be healed of their diseases, and again, he healed them all (see Luke 6:19). 
 
The first thing to realize is that although there were occasions when Jesus healed everybody who came to him, there were other occasions when he did not. One notable example was when he was in his hometown in Galilee; Scripture says "he did not do many miracles there because of their lack of faith" (Matthew 13:58). But even apart from this, Jesus certainly didn't heal everyone everywhere. For instance, when he was in Jerusalem, he healed an invalid lying by the pool in Bethesda, but other sick people were there whom he did not heal (see John 5:1-15). He also did not heal on demand! 
 
Consequently, we realize that his healing was not indiscriminate. It was always with the purpose of authenticating who he was and what he had come for. It was to let us know that he was the Messiah and that he had come to save the world. If we keep this in mind, we will not be offended if we are not healed, although we pray fervently for it. We will also not be offended if he does not answer our prayers to heal others. Jesus is not so concerned about our physical well being as he is with the well being of our souls. Our bodies will perish; our souls will not. 
 
Besides, even if he heals us, it doesn't mean we won't fall sick again, no? Consider Lazarus. Jesus performed the "ultimate" healing miracle with him. Jesus brought Lazarus back to life after he had spent four days in the tomb. But Lazarus died again, didn't he? However, in another way, he had received eternal life. "I am the resurrection and the life," Jesus declared on this occasion. "The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die" (John 11:25). "Do you believe this?" he asked. 
 
Do we believe this? Then we truly are healed. Forever. 
 
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Today's devotional — Forever Healed — is based on Mark 6:53-56, the gospel reading for the day. The reflection is by Aneel Aranha, founder of Holy Spirit Interactive (HSI). Follow him on Facebook: fb.com/aneelaranha 
 
Subscribe to Daily Reflection with Aneel Aranha and receive this every morning to your WhatsApp account. Save +91 9321456817 to your contacts. Message SUBSCRIBE to this number. It’s FREE!

Scripture often says that Jesus healed all who came to him. However, there are occasions when he did not heal everyone. Why?

February 8, 2021 - Forever Healed - A Reflection on Mark 6:53-56 by Aneel Aranha

Why do we seek Jesus? #Reflectonthis #DailyReflection https://youtu.be/6qYrjHPf1i8 
 
Scripture Reading: Mark 1:29-39 
As soon as they left the synagogue, they entered the house of Simon and Andrew, with James and John. Now Simon’s mother-in-law was in bed with a fever, and they told him about her at once. He came and took her by the hand and lifted her up. Then the fever left her, and she began to serve them. That evening, at sunset, they brought to him all who were sick or possessed with demons. And the whole city was gathered around the door. And he cured many who were sick with various diseases, and cast out many demons; and he would not permit the demons to speak, because they knew him. In the morning, while it was still very dark, he got up and went out to a deserted place, and there he prayed. And Simon and his companions hunted for him. When they found him, they said to him, “Everyone is searching for you.” He answered, “Let us go on to the neighboring towns, so that I may proclaim the message there also; for that is what I came out to do.” And he went throughout Galilee, proclaiming the message in their synagogues and casting out demons. 
 
Reflection 
Before coming to Simon's house, Jesus had been teaching in the Synagogue on the Sabbath. Here he heals a man with an unclean spirit. The people were so astounded at his teachings and amazed by his power to heal, his fame spread everywhere throughout all the surrounding region. When Jesus arrives at Simon's house, he immediately heals Simon's mother-in-law from her sickness. Now it just happened to be the Sabbath when Jesus healed these two people.He did not wait for the Sabbath to be over. Have we ever thought of his immediate response to our needs? Wherever we are, whatever the time of the day or night, when we call to Jesus, he is there. 
 
The fame of Jesus had already spread, so the people would have heard of Jesus and his healing powers but bound by law, everyone, including the disciples, waited for sunset since it was the Sabbath. This is even though Jesus had already healed two others on the Sabbath. Are we quick to seek Jesus? Or do we also like to wait? And why do we wait? Perhaps there are other matters to be taken care of first with the knowledge that our God will be there when we call out to him. And we can see this happening here. When the people did arrive at Simon's house, he healed all who came. We are told that the entire city was at the door. They reached out to him, and Jesus met their needs. 
Jesus meets our needs too. We have seen him healing the blind and the deaf, and feeding the hungry multitude (see Mark 6: 30-43). Scripture says, "God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:19). But let us ensure we seek him for the reason he came, because Scripture also says, "Seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you." (Matthew. 6:33). 
 
We find this instruction reflected in today’s passage. The next morning, when the people did not find Jesus, they went desperately searching for this great miracle worker. When the apostles told Jesus that everybody was now searching for him, he said, "Let us go to the neighboring towns, so that I may proclaim the message there. for that is why I came" His primary focus was the salvation of mankind (see Mark 1:38). 
 
So, let us not wait. Let us seek him for the right reasons. We don't want to be left searching. Do we ?

Why do we seek Jesus? #Reflectonthis #DailyReflection https://youtu.be/6qYrjHPf1i8

Scripture Reading: Mark 1:29-39
As soon as they left the synagogue, they entered the house of Simon and Andrew, with James and John. Now Simon’s mother-in-law was in bed with a fever, and they told him about her at once. He came and took her by the hand and lifted her up. Then the fever left her, and she began to serve them. That evening, at sunset, they brought to him all who were sick or possessed with demons. And the whole city was gathered around the door. And he cured many who were sick with various diseases, and cast out many demons; and he would not permit the demons to speak, because they knew him. In the morning, while it was still very dark, he got up and went out to a deserted place, and there he prayed. And Simon and his companions hunted for him. When they found him, they said to him, “Everyone is searching for you.” He answered, “Let us go on to the neighboring towns, so that I may proclai

February 7, 2021- Searching for Jesus? – A Reflection on Mark 1:29-39

Real compassion is not pity or empathy, but suffering with the sufferer. This often takes experience. #Reflectonthis #DailyReflection https://youtu.be/McY-TyeB93s 
 
Scripture Reading: Mark 6:30-34 
The apostles gathered around Jesus and reported to him all they had done and taught. Then, because so many people were coming and going that they did not even have a chance to eat, he said to them, “Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.” So they went away by themselves in a boat to a solitary place. But many who saw them leaving recognized them and ran on foot from all the towns and got there ahead of them. When Jesus landed and saw a large crowd, he had compassion on them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd. So he began teaching them many things. 
 
Reflection 
Surely, you would have heard the word "compassion" several times. What is your understanding of what it means? I'd like you to take a moment to think about it because it is an important word in the Christian lexicon. As we read in today's passage, he felt compassion for the people, so he began to teach them many things. If we are to lead lives in imitation of Christ, then we also need to feel compassion, which is why we need to have a proper understanding of what it means. 
 
We often confuse compassion with pity. Imagine you are walking along the road and see a beggar who is very emaciated — very thin and weak — and you feel sorry for him, but without really understanding his state of being or sharing what he might be feeling. That's pity. The more sensitive among us might attempt to become aware of the beggar's emotions or understand how he feels. That's empathy, which is also very often confused with compassion. However, compassion is a very deep, gut-wrenching response to the suffering we see in others, making us suffer with them! 
 
This is most easily felt when we have experienced the particular pain ourselves. For instance, if we have gone through the pain of a messy divorce, we will KNOW what a friend feels when she goes through a divorce. If we haven't gone through it, not only would we not feel the pain of the person, we might find ourselves being judgmental instead of even sympathetic. Similarly, we will never know what the loss of a loved one feels like unless we have gone through it ourselves. And in this knowing, which is experiential, we will be able to comfort the distressed person. 
 
Jesus may not have gone through everything we have gone through when he walked upon this earth as a human, but as God, he feels everything we feel just like we feel it, so he can be genuinely compassionate. And he comforts us. How? By teaching us that he is there through the storm, and if he doesn't calm the storm, he will calm us! And then, we should say along with Paul, "Praise be to God, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God: (2 Corinthians 1:4). 
 
We all suffer, but we can use our suffering for the good of others. All it takes is compassion. 
 
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Today's devotional — Real Compassion — is based on Mark 6:30-34, the gospel reading for the day. The reflection is by Aneel Aranha, founder of Holy Spirit Interactive (HSI). Follow him on Facebook: fb.com/aneelaranha 
 
Subscribe to Daily Reflection with Aneel Aranha and receive this every morning to your WhatsApp account. Save +91 9321456817 to your contacts. Message SUBSCRIBE to this number. It’s FREE!

Real compassion is not pity or empathy, but suffering with the sufferer. This often takes experience.  #Reflectonthis #DailyReflection https://youtu.be/McY-TyeB93s

Scripture Reading: Mark 6:30-34
The apostles gathered around Jesus and reported to him all they had done and taught. Then, because so many people were coming and going that they did not even have a chance to eat, he said to them, “Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.” So they went away by themselves in a boat to a solitary place. But many who saw them leaving recognized them and ran on foot from all the towns and got there ahead of them. When Jesus landed and saw a large crowd, he had compassion on them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd. So he began teaching them many things.

Reflection
Surely, you would have heard the word "compassion" several times. What is your understanding of what it means? I'd like you to take a moment to think about it because it is an important word in the C

February 6, 2021 - Real Compassion - A Reflection on Mark 6:30-34 by Aneel Aranha

Sin brings with it feelings that could haunt us forever — and burying them doesn’t solve the problem. #ReflectOnThis #DailyReflection https://youtu.be/sTnarIcXzLw 
 
Scripture Reading: Mark 6:14-29 
King Herod heard of it, for Jesus’ name had become known. Some were saying, “John the baptizer has been raised from the dead; and for this reason these powers are at work in him.” But others said, “It is Elijah.” And others said, “It is a prophet, like one of the prophets of old.” But when Herod heard of it, he said, “John, whom I beheaded, has been raised.”For Herod himself had sent men who arrested John, bound him, and put him in prison on account of Herodias, his brother Philip’s wife, because Herod had married her. For John had been telling Herod, “It is not lawful for you to have your brother’s wife.” And Herodias had a grudge against him, and wanted to kill him. But she could not, for Herod feared John, knowing that he was a righteous and holy man, and he protected him. When he heard him, he was greatly perplexed; and yet he liked to listen to him. But an opportunity came when Herod on his birthday gave a banquet for his courtiers and officers and for the leaders of Galilee. When his daughter Herodias came in and danced, she pleased Herod and his guests; and the king said to the girl, “Ask me for whatever you wish, and I will give it.” And he solemnly swore to her, “Whatever you ask me, I will give you, even half of my kingdom.” She went out and said to her mother, “What should I ask for?” She replied, “The head of John the baptizer.”. Immediately she rushed back to the king and requested, “I want you to give me at once the head of John the Baptist on a platter.” The king was deeply grieved; yet out of regard for his oaths and for the guests, he did not want to refuse her. Immediately the king sent a soldier of the guard with orders to bring John’s head. He went and beheaded him in the prison, brought his head on a platter, and gave it to the girl. Then the girl gave it to her mother. When his disciples heard about it, they came and took his body, and laid it in a tomb. 
 
Reflection 
If Herod were to rise from his grave today, he probably wouldn't be too happy. After all, the world remembers him pretty much only as the guy who ordered the death of John the Baptist. But, as today’s gospel passage tells us, there’s more to Herod than meets the eye. Take the complicated relationship between Herod and John, for instance. Scripture says King Herod feared John, but oddly, he also liked to listen to him. Why do you think that was? It was probably because John himself had no fear of Herod! John had been telling Herod that it was unlawful for him to be with Herodias, his brother’s wife. And it takes a fearless man to point out to a king that he’s making some poor life choices! So Herod probably admired John for this – he knew that the reason that John was able to so fearlessly call him out on his sin, was because John himself was a “righteous and holy man”. And so, hoping perhaps to become fearless like him, Herod had liked to listen to John the Baptist speak. 
 
But everything that John had said – his entire mission – had been to point to Jesus’s coming. So when Jesus did come, shouldn't those who had been listening to John (including Herod) have instantly recognised him? The crux of John’s message had been this – “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near”, but Herod seems to have heard only the first part – about repenting – and shut his ears. He didn’t want to repent – he wanted to keep his life with Herodias. And so, when Herod did hear about Jesus and all that he was doing, he was unable to recognise that Jesus was the second part of John’s message; Jesus was the kingdom of heaven, that had come near. 
 
But since he had shut his ears, and his heart, to John’s message of repentance, Herod’s response to Jesus was one of fear. “John, whom I beheaded, has been raised.”, he said – seeing in Jesus, his sins coming back to haunt him! Sin will do that, won’t it – it brings with it fear, guilt and shame. Jesus came to take away precisely these things, bringing with him hope and salvation. As the gospel writer John tells us, “God did not send the Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.” 
 
But unless we accept John the Baptist’s message of repentance, and acknowledge our sins, like Herod, we will not be able to recognise Jesus and the salvation he brings. Think of it like this – Jesus’ sacrifice is like his having already paid the bill for us. But we need to put our sins on the tab for it to be cleared! King Herod saw in Jesus, his sins coming back to haunt him – let us not make that mistake. Let us understand that Jesus wants us to acknowledge our sin…not to haunt us, but to change us. 
God bless you.

Sin brings with it feelings that could haunt us forever — and burying them doesn’t solve the problem. #ReflectOnThis #DailyReflection https://youtu.be/sTnarIcXzLw

Scripture Reading: Mark 6:14-29
King Herod heard of it, for Jesus’ name had become known. Some were saying, “John the baptizer has been raised from the dead; and for this reason these powers are at work in him.” But others said, “It is Elijah.” And others said, “It is a prophet, like one of the prophets of old.” But when Herod heard of it, he said, “John, whom I beheaded, has been raised.”For Herod himself had sent men who arrested John, bound him, and put him in prison on account of Herodias, his brother Philip’s wife, because Herod had married her. For John had been telling Herod, “It is not lawful for you to have your brother’s wife.” And Herodias had a grudge against him, and wanted to kill him. But she could not, for Herod feared John, knowing that he was a righteous and holy man, and he protected him. When he heard him

February 5, 2021 - Haunted - A Reflection on Mark 6:14-29

Why did Jesus send out his apostles in pairs? Why is this a good thing for us to do today? #Reflectonthis #DailyReflection https://youtu.be/ISE_w3JJARY 
 
Scripture Reading: Mark 6:7-13 
Calling the Twelve to him, he began to send them out two by two and gave them authority over impure spirits. These were his instructions: “Take nothing for the journey except a staff—no bread, no bag, no money in your belts. Wear sandals but not an extra shirt. Whenever you enter a house, stay there until you leave that town. And if any place will not welcome you or listen to you, leave that place and shake the dust off your feet as a testimony against them.” They went out and preached that people should repent. They drove out many demons and anointed many sick people with oil and healed them. 
 
Reflection 
Jesus sent his apostles out in pairs — two by two. Why? Because as a wise man once said, "Two are better than one" (Ecclesiastes 4:9). Two men working together will work more efficiently and do more work than two men singly. But more than this, they can be of vital assistance to each other, especially spiritually. Working in the vineyard of God is arduous, even dangerous work that can lead workers to stumble. However, as the same wise man also said, "If either of them falls down, one can help the other up" (Ecclesiastes 4:10). 
 
Another reason is presumably because Jesus wanted people to learn to work together. Not only did this avoid the risk of solo players getting inflated egos, but each person's skills or abilities could also compensate for what the other lacked. The early church took this advice seriously, and, with rare exception, none of the apostles worked alone. These days, with a scarcity of laborers in the harvest, there is the tendency to go out alone, but we may have been able to reap a far greater harvest if we had followed Jesus' method of sending people out in pairs. 
 
Now, this advice is good, not only for the missionary but also for the believing Christian. Following Christ can also be a challenging task — the road that leads to life is, after all, narrow (see Matthew 7:14) — and having a like-minded spiritual brother or sister traveling with us can make the journey easier. They can serve as prayer partners, or people that one can hold oneself accountable to, or somebody to share one's struggles with — especially those struggles that hamper our spiritual growth. 
 
And once we have grown in our faith to the point where we would like to share it with others, having a partner with us will help us gain the confidence to do so. Let us remember when we do this that the key message is one of repentance. And when we do that, we can expect the miracles to follow, as happened in the apostles' case. But as Jesus told them, when they returned home rejoicing after a successful mission. "Do not rejoice that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven" (Luke 10:20). 
 
So, if you haven't got one, find yourself a partner today! 
 
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Today's devotional — Two By Two — is based on Mark 6:7-13, the gospel reading for the day. The reflection is by Aneel Aranha, founder of Holy Spirit Interactive (HSI). Follow him on Facebook: fb.com/aneelaranha 
 
Subscribe to Daily Reflection with Aneel Aranha and receive this every morning to your WhatsApp account. Save +91 9321456817 to your contacts. Message SUBSCRIBE to this number. It’s FREE!

Why did Jesus send out his apostles in pairs? Why is this a good thing for us to do today?  #Reflectonthis #DailyReflection https://youtu.be/ISE_w3JJARY

Scripture Reading: Mark 6:7-13
Calling the Twelve to him, he began to send them out two by two and gave them authority over impure spirits. These were his instructions: “Take nothing for the journey except a staff—no bread, no bag, no money in your belts. Wear sandals but not an extra shirt. Whenever you enter a house, stay there until you leave that town. And if any place will not welcome you or listen to you, leave that place and shake the dust off your feet as a testimony against them.” They went out and preached that people should repent. They drove out many demons and anointed many sick people with oil and healed them.

Reflection
Jesus sent his apostles out in pairs — two by two. Why? Because as a wise man once said, "Two are better than one" (Ecclesiastes 4:9). Two men working together will work more efficiently and do more wor

February 4, 2021 - Two By Two - A Reflection on Mark 6:7-13 by Aneel Aranha

Do not feel dejected because you are rejected by your own. Keep moving ahead and let others receive Christ through you.  #Reflectonthis #Dailyreflection https://youtu.be/bKBQIvmtGO4  
 
Scripture Reading: Mark 6:1-6 
He left that place and came to his hometown, and his disciples followed him. On the sabbath he began to teach in the synagogue, and many who heard him were astounded. They said, “Where did this man get all this? What is this wisdom that has been given to him? What deeds of power are being done by his hands! Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary and brother of James and Joses and Judas and Simon, and are not his sisters here with us?” And they took offence at him. Then Jesus said to them, “Prophets are not without honor, except in their hometown, and among their own kin, and in their own house.” And he could do no deed of power there, except that he laid his hands on a few sick people and cured them. And he was amazed at their unbelief. Then he went about among the villages teaching.”  
 
Reflection 
A person surely cannot deny of having judged a book by its cover at least once in a life time. Most of us would have thought that a book with many pictures would make for interesting reading than the one with only words in it. Then there are people who characterise other people in certain ways. For example, to those fascinated with zodiac signs, getting to know a person does not really matter. Just a few behaviour patterns are enough and they’ll make an opinion about that person. Well guess what, nobody wants to be judged by anybody, and yet those who are the closest to us, many a times keep judging us quite intensely.  Again, many people choose to swim along in the current of stereotypes. “Since this is how you are, you won’t be able to do that. Because you are from there, that’s why you behave like that. Oh the way you speak, you must be from that community, right?” So on and so forth. Surely this might sound familiar to you. It sure does to me from personal experiences. In the process of making stereotypes of people, we build certain invisible walls around us and walls so strong that even we ourselves are unable to take help to break them when we desperately need to. Thus, failing to experience something good, someone valuable, somewhere memorable.  Our Blessed Lord was no stranger to the stereotypes of his time, culture, place and people. Which is why many couldn’t see beyond his family ties and his Dad’s profession. The result was that the savior of the world could not give much to his own, in His hometown, as He did in several other places for the salvation of men. Therefore, His own people could not experience the power and glory of the living presence of God reaching out to them all, several times. And so, He counted Himself among those messengers of God, who are not welcomed by their own, in their own land.  As as result of their unwelcoming attitude, the people in Lord’s hometown, experienced only a tiny measure of the work of salvation from the God who gives freely in abundance. My dear friends, there were people who amazed Jesus with their faith then and amaze Him even now. Then there are those whose unbelief amazed Jesus then and amazes Him even now. When we realise in which of these two categories we fall into, we would have come close to making the choice of either judging Jesus and helplessly see Him pass by towards others or having entrusted ourselves to Him, receive the abundant merits of His work of salvation, now and forever.  God bless you!

Do not feel dejected because you are rejected by your own. Keep moving ahead and let others receive Christ through you. #Reflectonthis #Dailyreflection https://youtu.be/bKBQIvmtGO4

Scripture Reading: Mark 6:1-6
He left that place and came to his hometown, and his disciples followed him. On the sabbath he began to teach in the synagogue, and many who heard him were astounded. They said, “Where did this man get all this? What is this wisdom that has been given to him? What deeds of power are being done by his hands! Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary and brother of James and Joses and Judas and Simon, and are not his sisters here with us?” And they took offence at him. Then Jesus said to them, “Prophets are not without honor, except in their hometown, and among their own kin, and in their own house.” And he could do no deed of power there, except that he laid his hands on a few sick people and cured them. And he was amazed at their unbelief. Then he went about among the villa

February 3, 2021 - Home Bitter Home - A Reflection on Mark 6:1-6

Freedom from the shackles of sin is what Jesus offers us. Are we willing to accept Him? Or do we have our own plans? #Reflectonthis #DailyReflection  https://youtu.be/Vh-LohbNHhM 
 
Scripture Reading: Mark 5:1-20 
They came to the other side of the sea, to the country of the Gerasenes. And when he had stepped out of the boat, immediately a man out of the tombs with an unclean spirit met him. He lived among the tombs; and no one could restrain him anymore, even with a chain; for he had often been restrained with shackles and chains, but the chains he wrenched apart, and the shackles he broke in pieces; and no one had the strength to subdue him. Night and day among the tombs and on the mountains he was always howling and bruising himself with stones. When he saw Jesus from a distance, he ran and bowed down before him; and he shouted at the top of his voice, “What have you to do with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? I adjure you by God, do not torment me.” For he had said to him, “Come out of the man, you unclean spirit!” Then Jesus asked him, “What is your name?” He replied, “My name is Legion; for we are many.” He begged him earnestly not to send them out of the country. Now there on the hillside a great herd of swine was feeding; and the unclean spirits begged him, “Send us into the swine; let us enter them.” So he gave them permission. And the unclean spirits came out and entered the swine; and the herd, numbering about two thousand, rushed down the steep bank into the sea and were drowned in the sea. The swineherds ran off and told it in the city and in the country. Then people came to see what it was that had happened. They came to Jesus and saw the demoniac sitting there, clothed and in his right mind, the very man who had had the legion; and they were afraid. Those who had seen what had happened to the demoniac and to the swine reported it. Then they began to beg Jesus to leave their neighborhood. As he was getting into the boat, the man who had been possessed by demons begged him that he might be with him. But Jesus refused, and said to him, “Go home to your friends, and tell them how much the Lord has done for you, and what mercy he has shown you.” And he went away and began to proclaim in the Decapolis how much Jesus had done for him; and everyone was amazed. – The Gospel of the Lord 
 
Reflection 
This is a very interesting story which throws up a lot of questions, so let’s answer a couple of them. Do you wonder why Jesus allowed the evil spirits to enter the pigs instead of just casting them out? Now Jesus was in Gerasa, one of the cities of the Decapolis on the other side of the sea. What Jesus did was symbolic of his own mission where, in order to free mankind from the shackles and torment of sin, he would become the sacrificial Lamb of God (John 1:29). Therefore he sent the spirits into a herd of pigs who were sacrificed to set the man free from his slavery to evil and to give him new life. His purpose of coming into this Gentile town was to demonstrate that his gift of salvation is open to all people and not just reserved for the Jews. 
 
And why were the locals so hostile toward Jesus after this incident? The man had been torturing himself and was a source of distress for everyone around since years. Seeing him healed completely should have been a cause of joy and relief. But Scripture says they were afraid! (Mark 5:15) Come to think of it, when would fear occur? To answer this, let’s look at two places in Scripture, though there are more. First, in the Garden of Eden when Adam and Eve were afraid to face God after they sinned and hid themselves (See Genesis 3:8-10). Second, in the story of the Epiphany when Herod heard from the wise men about the birth of the king of the Jews, he was frightened - insecure about the possible loss of his power (See Matthew 2:3). When the darkness of sin is upon us, fear enters our hearts and minds and we are afraid to face the light.   
 
The people sensed the presence of God amidst them. Accepting him as Lord would mean changing their way of life which wasn’t something they were particularly inclined to do. It was easier to choose the convenient option and continue walking through the wide gate, than changing course and opting for the difficult path through the narrow gate (See Matthew 7:13-14). Hence they urged Jesus to leave them alone which he did. However, as he was leaving, he commissioned the healed man to be his representative and spread the good news around. 
 
 How open are we to break free from sin and accept Jesus’ gift of salvation? And how willing are we to make tough changes in our lives to accommodate him? Let’s think about it - God bless you!

Freedom from the shackles of sin is what Jesus offers us. Are we willing to accept Him? Or do we have our own plans?#Reflectonthis #DailyReflection https://youtu.be/Vh-LohbNHhM

Scripture Reading: Mark 5:1-20
They came to the other side of the sea, to the country of the Gerasenes. And when he had stepped out of the boat, immediately a man out of the tombs with an unclean spirit met him. He lived among the tombs; and no one could restrain him anymore, even with a chain; for he had often been restrained with shackles and chains, but the chains he wrenched apart, and the shackles he broke in pieces; and no one had the strength to subdue him. Night and day among the tombs and on the mountains he was always howling and bruising himself with stones. When he saw Jesus from a distance, he ran and bowed down before him; and he shouted at the top of his voice, “What have you to do with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? I adjure you by God, do not torment me.” For he had said to him, “Come

February 1, 2021 - Break Free - A Reflection on Mark 5:1-20

Jesus spoke with authority because he was God. However, we can speak with a certain degree of authority too. Here’s how. #Reflectonthis #DailyReflection https://youtu.be/I7Esj4iAEFo 
 
Scripture Reading: Mark 1:21-28 
They went to Capernaum; and when the sabbath came, he entered the synagogue and taught. They were astounded at his teaching, for he taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes. Just then there was in their synagogue a man with an unclean spirit, and he cried out, “What have you to do with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are, the Holy One of God.” But Jesus rebuked him, saying, “Be silent, and come out of him!” And the unclean spirit, convulsing him and crying with a loud voice, came out of him. They were all amazed, and they kept on asking one another, “What is this? A new teaching—with authority! He commands even the unclean spirits, and they obey him.” At once his fame began to spread throughout the surrounding region of Galilee. 
 
Reflection 
Jesus taught like no other person in human history. Little wonder, because he was like no other person in human history. He was sent by God from heaven to live among man, not as part-human, part-God, but fully divine and fully human. He was sent not just to deliver a message, but to be the message. Consequently, when he spoke, he spoke with tremendous authority. It impressed his listeners so much they marveled. It impressed even his enemies. When temple police were sent to arrest Jesus but returned without their prisoner, the chief priests who sent them asked: “Why did you not arrest him?” The police answered, “Never has anyone spoken like this!” (see John 7:45-46). 
 
The question for us is: Can we speak with authority? Although we can never speak with the authority of Jesus — he is, after all, God — we can speak with a reasonable degree of authority. This comes from understanding and experience. We may be able to talk about how to cook a meal because we saw a recipe on YouTube, but we won’t speak with the authority that a chef with five Michelin stars has. He understands the elements of cooking that we don’t and has an experience that we cannot match. However, if we were to study and learn and practice, we might speak with authority one day. 
 
Ditto for the faith. We cannot preach effectively if our teaching consists of what we learned on Google! Our teaching has to come from what we have learned from Jesus: through his word and by the personal relationship that we have established with him through prayer. Then we practice what we have learned. When we can successfully forgive people for the hurts they have caused us, we can teach others how to do it because now we don’t just know we need to do it; we know HOW to do it! And because we have been able to forgive only because of the grace of Jesus, everything becomes about him! 
 
Then, we need to depend on the Holy Spirit. Jesus told his apostles not to worry about what they were to say when hauled before courts because the Holy Spirit would teach them what they ought to say (see Luke 12:12). Later Paul would say, “My speech and my proclamation were not with plausible words of wisdom, but with a demonstration of the Spirit and power, so that your faith might rest not on human wisdom but on the power of God” (1 Corinthians 2:4-5). We see this “power of God” on display in Peter’s first sermon. That day about three thousand persons accepted Christ as their savior (see Acts 2:41). Peter’s sermon was so powerful because he was full of the Holy Spirit and empowered by him. 
 
So, let our preaching be Christ-centered, Spirit-powered, and Scripture-based. If we know Christ, the Holy Spirit, and Scripture, then our preaching will be powerful. 
 
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Today's devotional — Power Preaching — is based on Mark 1:21-28, the gospel reading for the day. The reflection is by Aneel Aranha, founder of Holy Spirit Interactive (HSI). Follow him on Facebook: fb.com/aneelaranha 
 
Subscribe to Daily Reflection with Aneel Aranha and receive this every morning to your WhatsApp account. Save +91 9321456817 to your contacts. Message SUBSCRIBE to this number. It’s FREE!

Jesus spoke with authority because he was God. However, we can speak with a certain degree of authority too. Here’s how.  #Reflectonthis #DailyReflection https://youtu.be/I7Esj4iAEFo

Scripture Reading: Mark 1:21-28 
They went to Capernaum; and when the sabbath came, he entered the synagogue and taught. They were astounded at his teaching, for he taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes. Just then there was in their synagogue a man with an unclean spirit, and he cried out, “What have you to do with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are, the Holy One of God.” But Jesus rebuked him, saying, “Be silent, and come out of him!” And the unclean spirit, convulsing him and crying with a loud voice, came out of him. They were all amazed, and they kept on asking one another, “What is this? A new teaching—with authority! He commands even the unclean spirits, and they obey him.” At once his fame began to spread throughout the surrounding region of

January 31, 2021 - Power Preaching - A Reflection on Mark 1:21-28

Isaiah said, “Those of steadfast mind you keep in peace, in peace because they trust in you.” Are we at peace in the middle of a storm? (Isaiah 26:3). #Reflectonthis #DailyReflection https://youtu.be/_Wei7Nhhetg 
  
Scripture Reading: Mark 4:35-41 
On that day, when evening had come, he said to them, "Let us go across to the other side." And leaving the crowd behind, they took him with them in the boat, just as he was. Other boats were with him. A great gale arose, and the waves beat into the boat so that the boat was already being swamped. But he was in the stern, asleep on the cushion; and they woke him up and said to him, "Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?" He woke up and rebuked the wind and said to the sea, "Peace! Be still!" Then the wind ceased, and there was a dead calm. He said to them, "Why are you afraid? Have you still no faith?" And they were filled with great awe and said to one another, "Who then is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?" 
  
Reflection 
Jesus had chosen twelve men to be his disciples: to live with him, learn from him, and then to go out and teach others. They would even be given authority to heal the sick and cast out demons (see Matthew 10:1). The story described in today's passage is a lesson for them. By this time, the disciples have witnessed Jesus teaching large crowds of people in many places with great power. They have also seen Jesus heal several people with infirmities and work other great miracles, so they had some idea of what Jesus was capable of doing. What they still don't know is how far his capabilities stretched. And they were about to learn. 
 
After teaching a large crowd, Jesus and the disciples set sail. There were other boats on the sea too. When they were away from the shore, a great storm arose, and the disciples panicked. The storm was a harsh one with strong winds, and the boat started filling with water.  While all this was happening, Jesus was sleeping at the back of the boat. The disciples woke up Jesus, asking him if he wasn't concerned for their lives. Jesus got up, rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, "Peace! Be still," And immediately, everything became calm. 
 
He then turned to his disciples and asked them, "Why are you afraid? Have you still no faith?" This is a question we need to ask ourselves every time we face a storm in our lives and begin to panic. What were the disciples doing as the storm built up? Since most of them were seasoned fishermen, they obviously thought they could handle the situation. But then the storm grew more violent. Their own resources didn't work, and they began to panic. They may have had reason to, but they forgot one vital element: the miracle worker Jesus was with them! Little wonder that he questioned their faith. What would he say about our faith? 
 
The fear that we see described here would have also affected the sailors in the other boats on the sea. One wonders about their state of mind. They would have been positively maddened with fear with no hope of salvation. A few days ago, I read a post that said: "We are not all in the same boat; we are in the same storm." How true! For those of us who have Jesus in our boats, let us know that he is with us, even if he appears to be asleep, and be at peace. For those of us who don't, let us invite him in. 
 
Because, as the song goes, with Jesus in our boat, we can smile in the storm. If we truly believe who he is and what he is capable of doing.

Isaiah said, “Those of steadfast mind you keep in peace, in peace because they trust in you.” Are we at peace in the middle of a storm? (Isaiah 26:3). #Reflectonthis #DailyReflection https://youtu.be/_Wei7Nhhetg
 
Scripture Reading: Mark 4:35-41
On that day, when evening had come, he said to them, "Let us go across to the other side." And leaving the crowd behind, they took him with them in the boat, just as he was. Other boats were with him. A great gale arose, and the waves beat into the boat so that the boat was already being swamped. But he was in the stern, asleep on the cushion; and they woke him up and said to him, "Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?" He woke up and rebuked the wind and said to the sea, "Peace! Be still!" Then the wind ceased, and there was a dead calm. He said to them, "Why are you afraid? Have you still no faith?" And they were filled with great awe and said to one another, "Who then is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?"
 
Reflection 

January 30, 2021 - Peace! Be Still! - A Reflection on Mark 4:35-41

God’s word will change us if we receive it. But how do we receive it fruitfully? #Reflectonthis #DailyReflection https://youtu.be/cTcsiHLPr2A 
 
Scripture Reading: Mark 4:26-34 
He also said, “The kingdom of God is as if someone would scatter seed on the ground, and would sleep and rise night and day, and the seed would sprout and grow, he does not know how. The earth produces of itself, first the stalk, then the head, then the full grain in the head. But when the grain is ripe, at once he goes in with his sickle, because the harvest has come.” 
He also said, “With what can we compare the kingdom of God, or what parable will we use for it? It is like a mustard seed, which, when sown upon the ground, is the smallest of all the seeds on earth; yet when it is sown it grows up and becomes the greatest of all shrubs, and puts forth large branches, so that the birds of the air can make nests in its shade.” 
With many such parables he spoke the word to them, as they were able to hear it; he did not speak to them except in parables, but he explained everything in private to his disciples. 
 
Reflection 
The Parable of the Growing Seed can be found only in the Gospel of Mark. Although Mark doesn’t tell us what the seed is, we know from other passages that this is the word of God (see Luke 8:11). And although the growth is gradual, the effects of the word are powerful and transformational, not only in the individual but also in the society. The author of the letter to the Hebrews says that ”the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart” (Hebrews 4:12). There is no way that God’s word cannot change us if we are open to receiving it. 
 
But how do we receive the word? Scripture has a few interesting things to say. One, as Luke says, we need to receive it with “a good and noble heart” (Luke 8:15). Two, we need to receive it with “great eagerness” (Acts 17:11). Luke wrote about how “the Berean Jews were of more noble character than those in Thessalonica, for they received the message with great eagerness! They then examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true” (Acts 17:11). There is an important lesson contained in this for us. We should not accept what preachers teach us blindly but verify their words in Scripture. 
 
Three, as James says, we need to receive it with “meekness” or, if you prefer, with “humility” (James 1:21). This essentially means that we don’t act like know-it-alls, but as people who would like to know as much as possible. Four, as Peter puts it very poetically, we need to crave it like newborn babies crave milk, so that we may grow in our salvation now that we have tasted that the Lord is good (see 1 Peter 2:2). And once we have become strong with milk, we need to graduate to solid food (see Hebrews 5:12). 
 
But we cannot just be receivers; no? We need to be givers too; we need to be sowers. We need to scatter the seed. We needn’t concern ourselves with how the seed sprouts and grows; that is God’s work. Our job is just to scatter. Consider these reflections. They are going out to thousands of people in dozens of different languages each day. While some people let us know how much the reflections impact them, we don’t know how they affect others. Maybe they fall on hard hearts; maybe on fertile hearts; it doesn’t matter. That’s God’s responsibility. Ours is simply to scatter. 
 
So, start scattering the seeds if you aren’t already. And watch the kingdom grow. 
 
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Today's devotional — Receiving the Word — is based on Mark 4:26-34, the gospel reading for the day. The reflection is by Aneel Aranha, founder of Holy Spirit Interactive (HSI). Follow him on Facebook: fb.com/aneelaranha 
 
Subscribe to Daily Reflection with Aneel Aranha and receive this every morning to your WhatsApp account. Save +91 9321456817 to your contacts. Message SUBSCRIBE to this number. It’s FREE!

God’s word will change us if we receive it.  But how do we receive it fruitfully?  #Reflectonthis #DailyReflection https://youtu.be/cTcsiHLPr2A

Scripture Reading: Mark 4:26-34 
He also said, “The kingdom of God is as if someone would scatter seed on the ground, and would sleep and rise night and day, and the seed would sprout and grow, he does not know how. The earth produces of itself, first the stalk, then the head, then the full grain in the head. But when the grain is ripe, at once he goes in with his sickle, because the harvest has come.”
He also said, “With what can we compare the kingdom of God, or what parable will we use for it? It is like a mustard seed, which, when sown upon the ground, is the smallest of all the seeds on earth; yet when it is sown it grows up and becomes the greatest of all shrubs, and puts forth large branches, so that the birds of the air can make nests in its shade.”
With many such parables he spoke the word to them, as they were able to hear it; he did

January 29, 2021 - Receiving the Word - A Reflection on Mark 4:26-34

When others see the light in us – the Christ in us – there will be no darkness left in the world. Are we burning bright enough to put out the dark? #ReflectOnThis #DailyReflection https://youtu.be/Ui2kmfWOnMA   
 
Scripture Reading: Mark 4:21-25 
 He said to them, “Is a lamp brought in to be put under the bushel basket, or under the bed, and not on the lampstand? For there is nothing hidden, except to be disclosed; nor is anything secret, except to come to light. Let anyone with ears to hear listen!” And he said to them, “Pay attention to what you hear; the measure you give will be the measure you get, and still more will be given you. For to those who have, more will be given; and from those who have nothing, even what they have will be taken away.” 
 
Reflection 
 Have you ever had a “lightbulb” moment? It’s depicted in cartoons as a big, bright bulb that comes on over a person’s head – usually with a “ding!” sound. You can see why these sudden moments of realization are called “lightbulbs" – they are like a bulb - lighting up in a dark corner of the mind. And in that light, the things that puzzled us before suddenly seem bright and clear. And then, in our excitement, we want to share these things that we’ve discovered with everyone else, don’t we? After all, what’s the point of having a lightbulb moment if we don't share it? Think of Archimedes and his “lightbulb” moment! He apparently had it when he was in a bathtub and ran into the streets crying, “Eureka”.  Jesus seems to be making a similar point in today’s gospel reading. “Is a lamp brought in to be put under the bed, and not on the lampstand?”, he asks. If we have received the light (or experienced Christ), we cannot conceal it – we have to share it. Otherwise what’s the point? And how do we share it? By becoming the light ourselves. If you were walking through a lonely, dark forest, and you saw a light, wouldn’t you make a bee-line for it? So when we become the light in a dark world, others are attracted to us – to the light in us. In an expanded version of this parable, Jesus says, “You are the light of the world. Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven."  And finally Jesus says something very curious. “For to those who have, more will be given; and from those who have nothing, even what they have will be taken away.” It sounds odd, and somewhat unfair, doesn’t it? But not really — if we think about it. We cannot “have” what we do not accept. So those who “have”, are the ones that have accepted the light, which is Christ. But accepting him means also accepting what he says, which is why he says, “pay attention to what you hear”. So when Jesus says “love your neighbour” we must be willing to accept those in jail, those with special needs, those who have wronged us deeply, those who are not like us, those who don’t share our beliefs. In short, everybody. Because these are all our neighbours.   And when we do, we will burn bright. And then he will make us burn even brighter. Farewell, darkness.   ***

When others see the light in us – the Christ in us – there will be no darkness left in the world. Are we burning bright enough to put ...

January 28, 2021 - Farewell, Darkness- A Reflection on Mark 4:21-25

Do not be satisfied with receiving God’s word, but bear abundant fruit of what is sown in you. #Reflectonthis #Dailyreflection https://youtu.be/fzN_lWfVDf8  
 
Scripture Reading: Mark 4:1-20 
“Again he began to teach beside the sea. Such a very large crowd gathered around him that he got into a boat on the sea and sat there, while the whole crowd was beside the sea on the land. He began to teach them many things in parables, and in his teaching he said to them: “Listen! A sower went out to sow. And as he sowed, some seed fell on the path, and the birds came and ate it up. Other seed fell on rocky ground, where it did not have much soil, and it sprang up quickly, since it had no depth of soil. And when the sun rose, it was scorched; and since it had no root, it withered away. Other seed fell among thorns, and the thorns grew up and choked it, and it yielded no grain. Other seed fell into good soil and brought forth grain, growing up and increasing and yielding thirty and sixty and a hundredfold.” And he said, “Let anyone with ears to hear listen! When he was alone, those who were around him along with the twelve asked him about the parables. And he said to them, “To you has been given the secret[a] of the kingdom of God, but for those outside, everything comes in parables; in order that ‘they may indeed look, but not perceive and may indeed listen, but not understand; so that they may not turn again and be forgiven.’” And he said to them, “Do you not understand this parable? Then how will you understand all the parables? The sower sows the word. These are the ones on the path where the word is sown: when they hear, Satan immediately comes and takes away the word that is sown in them. And these are the ones sown on rocky ground: when they hear the word, they immediately receive it with joy. But they have no root, and endure only for a while; then, when trouble or persecution arises on account of the word, immediately they fall away. And others are those sown among the thorns: these are the ones who hear the word, but the cares of the world, and the lure of wealth, and the desire for other things come in and choke the word, and it yields nothing. And these are the ones sown on the good soil: they hear the word and accept it and bear fruit, thirty and sixty and a hundredfold.””  
 
Reflection 
If you are familiar with the game Chinese whispers, you know that the message circulated around is distorted and the final recipient receives a message which is not even close to what the original message was. Many a times information gets lost in translation when it is passed on through multiple channels or mediums without being tracked for preserving its authenticity. When Jesus uses the style of parables to explain the truths of His Kingdom, He expects those who have ears to listen and not simply hear the message, so that the meaning of His word is not lost amidst the noise of the world.  The word of God, in today’s gosple is presented as seed which is sown by God the sower. People who receive it are represented as different types of soil, and it is only the good soil which is able to bear fruit, thirty, sixty and a hundred fold. In other words, Jesus, in what seems to be His favourite style of teaching about the Kingdom, provides a word of counsel as well as caution to His listeners. His counsel is to be those who not only receive His message but also bear the fruit of obedience to His word. His caution is about the various attacks of the enemy by which His message, if not guarded and practiced, will either be stolen, uprooted, choked or will simply die away.  When we tread on the path of the one whose example we wish to follow, we should familiarise ourselves with the essence of all that we are taught. So much so that even when the message is not provided in clear terms, we should still be able to understand its meaning. How is this possible , you may ask, when it comes to understanding the complexity of the parables taught by Jesus? It is possible when we have a personal relationship with Christ. Then we not only receive the message but also receive the wisdom to understand it and more importantly we receive the faith to put His word into practice.  Dear Friends, this parable of the sower unambiguously explains that impulsive or momentary excitement, short lived enthusiasm, obedience without perseverance or the contemporary attitude of familiarising with the word of God, to simply use it as an inspiring quote on Facebook or other social media handles, will bear almost zero fruit in life. God expects His word to take root in us, to bear mighty & abundant fruit through us and bring great glory to His kingdom. Only then neither thieves, nor calamities nor suffering or atrocities can ever deprive us of its bountiful richness. Let anyone with ears to hear, listen and the will to do it, persevere.  God bless you!

Do not be satisfied with receiving God’s word, but bear abundant fruit of what is sown in you.#Reflectonthis #Dailyreflection https://youtu.be/fzN_lWfVDf8

Scripture Reading: Mark 4:1-20
“Again he began to teach beside the sea. Such a very large crowd gathered around him that he got into a boat on the sea and sat there, while the whole crowd was beside the sea on the land. He began to teach them many things in parables, and in his teaching he said to them: “Listen! A sower went out to sow. And as he sowed, some seed fell on the path, and the birds came and ate it up. Other seed fell on rocky ground, where it did not have much soil, and it sprang up quickly, since it had no depth of soil. And when the sun rose, it was scorched; and since it had no root, it withered away. Other seed fell among thorns, and the thorns grew up and choked it, and it yielded no grain. Other seed fell into good soil and brought forth grain, growing up and increasing and yielding thirty and sixty and a hundr

January 27, 2021 - Sower's Bounty - A Reflection on Mark 4:1-20

The world chases external glitz and glamour to be famous. In our pursuit of fame, let us find the source of infinite power that lies right within us. #Reflectonthis #DailyReflection https://youtu.be/Rb8w82yGZ-c 
 
Scripture Reading: Mark 3:31-35 
Then his mother and his brothers came; and standing outside, they sent to him and called him. A crowd was sitting around him; and they said to him, “Your mother and your brothers and sisters are outside, asking for you.” And he replied, “Who are my mother and my brothers?” And looking at those who sat around him, he said, “Here are my mother and my brothers! Whoever does the will of God is my brother and sister and mother.” 
 
Reflection:: 
If we observe the passages in the Gospel of Mark Chapter 3, we find people reacting differently to all that Jesus was teaching and doing. In each set of reactions, we might find areas to self-introspect. 1. There were some people who began to plot against him; they were the ones threatened by his teaching. Their own power and influence over the crowd was at stake, so instead of validating the new teaching, they sought to eliminate the one causing the frenzy before it got out of hand. (Mark 3:6) 2. Next was a multitude of people who, having heard of his mighty works, were trying to reach or touch him to obtain a miracle themselves. So desperate were they for their own selfish needs that they couldn’t care less if they were physically crushing him or not even allowing him to eat. How many of them actually stayed back with him after being healed is something to think about. (Mark 3:9-10, 20) 3. There was another set of people who began spreading false rumors about him saying he was ‘out of his mind’. This was yet another tactic employed to malign his reputation so people wouldn’t take him seriously. When we cannot hurt someone physically, the next best option is to spread false allegations to destroy them, yes? (Mark 3:21-22) Having heard all this, Jesus’ family was obviously disturbed and came to check on him (Mark 3:21). When informed of their arrival, he didn’t immediately go to meet them. Jesus, being who he was, never let go of an opportunity to cite an example or to convey a message. Being fully aware of the varied intentions of the people around him, he chose to use that moment to impart a crucial lesson. He had just appointed a set of apostles who left everything and followed him in order to learn from him and proclaim his message (Mark 3:14). Pointing towards them, he said that those who sincerely sought to do the will of his heavenly Father were the ones he considered his family (Matthew 12:49-50). He was seeking devout followers, not people with hidden agendas. And yes, Jesus in no way meant to dishonor or to ignore his mother and family. Having made his point to the crowd, I am sure Jesus went outside and met his family, gently reminding them that he was on his divine mission and brickbats were part of the deal. He also reassured them that his Father was with him, so they had nothing to fear. Do you desire to be part of Jesus’ family? Well, you know the criteria. God bless you!

The world chases external glitz and glamour to be famous. In our pursuit of fame, let us find the source of infinite power that lies ...

January 26, 2021 - Being Family - A Reflection on Mark 3:31-35

Though the world might hate us and persecute us because we do not belong to the world, we have the assurance that God will love us. What’s more important? #Reflectonthis #DailyReflection https://youtu.be/mwGtoUqpcv8 
 
Scripture Reading: Mark 16:15-18 
And he said to them, “Go into all the world and proclaim the good news to the whole creation. The one who believes and is baptized will be saved; but the one who does not believe will be condemned. And these signs will accompany those who believe: by using my name they will cast out demons; they will speak in new tongues; they will pick up snakes in their hands, and if they drink any deadly thing, it will not hurt them; they will lay their hands on the sick, and they will recover.” 
 
Reflection 
Today we honor the conversion of Paul. You might know that Paul, also known as Saul, was a devout Jew who was a persecutor of the early Church. Then one day, he had an encounter with Jesus on the road to Damascus, and overnight he went from persecutor to evangelist and is one person who did more to spread the gospel than perhaps anybody else. He made three missionary journeys across the ancient world, sowing the faith and planting churches wherever he went, despite all the obstacles and hindrances that came his way. 
 
In addition to travel challenges that included shipwrecks, he faced cultural resistance, imprisonment, beatings, sleepless nights, false prophets, and much else. Yet, he remained undeterred in his zeal to see Christ proclaimed. We honor men like Paul, often not realizing that the commission Jesus gave him was also a commission that he gave us. Every single gospel ends with a command — and it is a command, not a request — to go into all the world and proclaim the good news to all of creation. We have some beautiful assurances given to us as well. One is that he will be with us; two is that signs and wonders will take place through him. 
 
At the end of the Gospel of Matthew, when Jesus gives us — notice I said "us" — the Great Commission to make disciples of all nations, he concludes with the words, "And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age" (Matthew 28:20). Anyone who has chosen to follow Jesus can expect persecution as certainly as we can expect the sun to rise in the morning. Jesus said, "If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also" (John 15:20). But we can also expect Jesus to be with us through it all and give us victory in the end. "I will prepare a banquet before you in the presence of your enemies," he says (see Psalm 23:5). 
 
And at the end of today's Gospel, as we read, signs and wonders will follow us. These need not always be healing and deliverance, although Jesus tells us these will take place too, but also by the lives that are changed by the word sown into their heart. They are born again, no longer living according to the world's rules but by the rules of heaven. This will, of course, bring persecution in turn because Jesus also said, "If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first. If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you" (John 15:18-19). 
 
Let it not bother us. It didn't bother Paul. And look at what he did. 
 
........................................................................................................ 
 
Today's devotional — Hated, Yet Loved — is based on Mark 16:15-18, the gospel reading for the day. The reflection is by Aneel Aranha, founder of Holy Spirit Interactive (HSI). Follow him on Facebook: fb.com/aneelaranha 
 
Subscribe to Daily Reflection with Aneel Aranha and receive this every morning to your WhatsApp account. Save +91 9321456817 to your contacts. Message SUBSCRIBE to this number. It’s FREE!

Though the world might hate us and persecute us because we do not belong to the world, we have the assurance that God will love us. What’s more important?  #Reflectonthis #DailyReflection https://youtu.be/mwGtoUqpcv8

Scripture Reading: Mark 16:15-18 
And he said to them, “Go into all the world and proclaim the good news to the whole creation. The one who believes and is baptized will be saved; but the one who does not believe will be condemned. And these signs will accompany those who believe: by using my name they will cast out demons; they will speak in new tongues; they will pick up snakes in their hands, and if they drink any deadly thing, it will not hurt them; they will lay their hands on the sick, and they will recover.”

Reflection
Today we honor the conversion of Paul. You might know that Paul, also known as Saul, was a devout Jew who was a persecutor of the early Church. Then one day, he had an encounter with Jesus on the road to Damascus, and overnight he went from persecut

January 25, 2021 - Hated, Yet Loved - A Reflection on Mark 16:15-18

Jesus said the strangest things. How are we to understand him? #Reflectonthis #DailyReflection https://youtu.be/S_fu4fUQGQQ 
 
Scripture Reading: Mark 3:20-21 
And the crowd came together again so that they could not even eat. When his family heard it, they went out to restrain him, for people were saying, "He has gone out of his mind." 
 
Reflection: 
As Jesus goes about the countryside, preaching and teaching and healing the sick, he becomes very popular. So popular that he is always besieged by crowds who do not even allow him to eat in peace. They long to hear him speak because he spoke like nobody they had heard before. However, not everyone was as enamored by him. Jesus' words were so strange to them; they complained to his family that he had gone out of his mind. So, they went out to "restrain him." 
 
Why? Because at times, Jesus spoke strangely. He talked about repentance, forgiveness, and love, which his listeners could understand. But he also said things like: "Sell your cloak to buy a sword" (see Luke 22:36); "Hate your father and mother" (see Luke 14:26); "Eat my flesh and drink my blood" (see John 6:54). Don't you find these things he said weird? So, if WE feel this way, little wonder then that people thought he was out of his mind. But, quite obviously, he wasn't. So, how do we understand what Jesus said? 
 
Through the Holy Spirit. Shortly before Jesus died, he promised us the Holy Spirit. "The Advocate," he said, "the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you (John 14:26). Before that, in the same passage, Jesus said, "If you love me, you will keep my commandments. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate, to be with you forever. This is the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him because he abides with you, and he will be in you" (John14:15-17). 
 
The Holy Spirit abides in us to help us in many ways. Understanding the word of God is one of them. But we also need to have the right relationship with the Word, who is Jesus. The more we read Scripture, the more we will know Jesus and understand the things he says. The words of Jesus lead us towards our salvation on a path of repentance, forgiveness, and love. The path could be narrow and challenging, but the destination is always God's kingdom and not an earthly kingdom. Without this knowledge and wisdom, there is a danger we will misunderstand, misquote, and even misuse Scripture to prove a point. 
 
And we have done this so often. Haven't we?

Jesus said the strangest things. How are we to understand him? #Reflectonthis #DailyReflection https://youtu.be/S_fu4fUQGQQ 

Scripture Reading: Mark 3:20-21
And the crowd came together again so that they could not even eat. When his family heard it, they went out to restrain him, for people were saying, "He has gone out of his mind."

Reflection:
As Jesus goes about the countryside, preaching and teaching and healing the sick, he becomes very popular. So popular that he is always besieged by crowds who do not even allow him to eat in peace. They long to hear him speak because he spoke like nobody they had heard before. However, not everyone was as enamored by him. Jesus' words were so strange to them; they complained to his family that he had gone out of his mind. So, they went out to "restrain him."

Why? Because at times, Jesus spoke strangely. He talked about repentance, forgiveness, and love, which his listeners could understand. But he also said things like: "Sell your cloak to b

January 23, 2021 - Strange Words- A Reflection on Mark 3:20-21

The twelve men Jesus chose 2,000 years ago changed the world. God is looking for people to do that today. Are you one of them? #Reflectonthis #DailyReflection https://youtu.be/o9bP1OQJgpY 
 
Scripture Reading: Mark 3:13-19 
He went up the mountain and called to him those whom he wanted, and they came to him. And he appointed twelve, whom he also named apostles, to be with him, and to be sent out to proclaim the message, and to have authority to cast out demons. So he appointed the twelve: Simon (to whom he gave the name Peter); James son of Zebedee and John the brother of James (to whom he gave the name Boanerges, that is, Sons of Thunder); and Andrew, and Philip, and Bartholomew, and Matthew, and Thomas, and James son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus, and Simon the Cananaean, and Judas Iscariot, who betrayed him. 
 
Reflection 
Simon, James, John, Andrew, Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew, Thomas, another James, another Simon, and Judas. What a strange assortment of people. Four fishermen, one tax collector, one political radical, and six other men whose names never appear again in Mark’s gospel except to reveal one as a betrayer. These were twelve men who changed the world, even Judas, because he too played a part in the story of salvation. How did they get to become world-changers? Well, we see there is a progression here. 
 
First, Jesus calls them. And they come. Second, Jesus names them apostles. The word apostle comes from the Greek word apostolos, which means to be sent. Third, they are called “to be with him.” During this time, they will live with him, and they will learn from him. And then, fourth, they will be sent out to proclaim the message of salvation with all the authority they need to work miracles in the name of Jesus. We see how effectively and powerfully they do this in the Acts of the Apostles. Through them, Christ is proclaimed throughout the world. 
 
Cut to the present. Jesus is still calling to him those he wants, not necessarily to be his apostles because he has many portfolios to fill. Paul says that God called some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, some pastors, some teachers — but all with a common purpose: to build the body of Christ (see Ephesians 4:11-13). He also wants us to walk in the power of the apostles of old. But for this, we need to answer his call to follow him, then be with him, before finally going out like the apostles were sent, with the message of salvation. 
 
Have you heard his calling? No? Well, listen to it now because he is speaking to you at this very moment in time, and he is saying: “Come.” You don’t need me to tell you that we are a broken people living in a broken world. There is only one thing that can bring healing to both the world and those who live in it, and that is love. But it has to be a divine love that is filled with patience and kindness. A love that is not envious, or boastful, or proud. A love that does not delight in evil but rejoices in the truth. A love that keeps no record of wrongs. If we remain with Jesus, he will teach us to love like this. 
 
Do you need healing? Do you want to heal the world? Then come. Jesus is calling. 
 
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Today's devotional — When Jesus Calls — is based on Mark 3:13-19, the gospel reading for the day. The reflection is by Aneel Aranha, founder of Holy Spirit Interactive (HSI). Follow him on Facebook: fb.com/aneelaranha 
 
Subscribe to Daily Reflection with Aneel Aranha and receive this every morning to your WhatsApp account. Save +91 9321456817 to your contacts. Message SUBSCRIBE to this number. It’s FREE!

The twelve men Jesus chose 2000 years ago changed the world. God is looking for people to do that today. Are you one of them?

January 22, 2021 - When Jesus Calls - A Reflection on Mark 3:13-19

Music can bring people together and make them forget their pain for a while – but did you know we all have tickets to something that can take away our pain permanently? #ReflectOnThis #DailyReflection https://youtu.be/QjvvGPynbp0 
 
Scripture Reading 
 
Jesus departed with his disciples to the sea, and a great multitude from Galilee followed him; hearing all that he was doing, they came to him in great numbers from Judea, Jerusalem, Idumea, beyond the Jordan, and the region around Tyre and Sidon. He told his disciples to have a boat ready for him because of the crowd, so that they would not crush him; for he had cured many, so that all who had diseases pressed upon him to touch him. Whenever the unclean spirits saw him, they fell down before him and shouted, “You are the Son of God!” But he sternly ordered them not to make him known. 
—The Gospel of the Lord 
 
Reflection 
 
This little passage reminds me of a time before Covid 19 – remember concerts before this pandemic began? Before everything went online, concerts were all about the energy and the people – a now totally illegal amount of people –gathered together in one cramped space! But music has that effect, doesn’t it – it speaks to people individually; and a concert just brings everyone together. Well, Jesus had that ability to bring people together too, as today’s passage shows us. News about him spread almost as fast then as it does on Twitter now! 
 
And for good reason. If you thought a music concert could draw the people in, imagine a show where the artist wouldn't just take away your heartache for a few hours – he could take away your pain, your physical pain, permanently! And with free entry for all! What would you do if you heard of such a show? You’d drop everything to make it, wouldn't you? Well, the people from all the towns we heard about today – Judea, Jerusalem, Idumea – did just that. But if you were at the venue and still in pain, what then? You’d try and move closer to the stage, right? – to the source of the healing. Now Jesus didn't have bouncers, or bodyguards, so he did the next best thing to avoid being crushed by the people who were trying to get close to him. He took the ‘stage’ to the middle of the sea! 
 
Jesus got into a boat and began to teach from there – he hadn't intended for it to be a ‘show’, but he certainly got himself a formidable audience. And there are two kinds of people that make up any audience – the fans and the critics. The critics are those who will come to rate the show; to check out what the big deal is about anyway. Likewise, a similar set of people came to the Jesus show too. One kind were the fans – the people that recognised what Jesus could do FOR them. The other kind were the critics – the unclean spirits – that ended up recognising instead what Jesus could do TO them! So while the fans flocked to Jesus and pressed closer to touch him, the unclean spirits fell down in fear before him. 
 
Now where would we find ourselves in this audience? Because, unlike those people two thousand years ago, who had to travel all that distance to meet him, we don’t have to go anywhere to find Jesus – he’s with us all the time. But do we appreciate what he does FOR us, every single day? Every day that we wake up, is a gift, isn't it? And do we know what he could do TO us, instead – if he so chose? It is only when we recognise Jesus as the Son of God – as someone who has the power to destroy us for our sins, but who shows us mercy and love every day instead – that we can begin to know him. And only when we truly know Jesus, will we begin to ask what we can do for him, instead! Even if it is something as simple as sharing these reflections with others. 
 
Because honestly, can you think of a bigger superstar to talk about? 
 
God bless you.

Music can bring people together and make them forget their pain for a while – but did you know we all have tickets to something that can take away our pain permanently? #ReflectOnThis #DailyReflection https://youtu.be/QjvvGPynbp0

Scripture Reading

Jesus departed with his disciples to the sea, and a great multitude from Galilee followed him; hearing all that he was doing, they came to him in great numbers from Judea, Jerusalem, Idumea, beyond the Jordan, and the region around Tyre and Sidon. He told his disciples to have a boat ready for him because of the crowd, so that they would not crush him; for he had cured many, so that all who had diseases pressed upon him to touch him. Whenever the unclean spirits saw him, they fell down before him and shouted, “You are the Son of God!” But he sternly ordered them not to make him known.
—The Gospel of the Lord 

Reflection 

This little passage reminds me of a time before Covid 19 – remember concerts before this pandemic began? Before everyth

January 21, 2021 - Jesusfest!- A Reflection on Mark 3:7-12.

Let us come forward to do good all the time, to move closer to God who is good all the time. #Reflectonthis #Dailyreflection https://youtu.be/WQiTnR0Btt0  
 
“Again he entered the synagogue, and a man was there who had a withered hand. They watched him to see whether he would cure him on the sabbath, so that they might accuse him. And he said to the man who had the withered hand, “Come forward.” Then he said to them, “Is it lawful to do good or to do harm on the sabbath, to save life or to kill?” But they were silent. He looked around at them with anger; he was grieved at their hardness of heart and said to the man, “Stretch out your hand.” He stretched it out, and his hand was restored. The Pharisees went out and immediately conspired with the Herodians against him, how to destroy him.”  
 
We get upset because of many things on a daily basis? Those who get angry for everything that’s contrary to their choice, easily get attracted to all that is negative, they become curious about irrelevant matters, they fail to respect little things in life and also become very critical about people and situations all the time. It is very tough for such personalities to be reasonable and responsive to what life has to offer. In today’s gospel we learn that Jesus looked at those around him with anger, because these people were critical of the good He desired for those in need.  Just like the Pharisees around Jesus, there are those in our own surroundings, communities and families, wait and watch to see who commits a mistake and how we can pin point those errors to attack them. They cannot stand neither the person who does good nor tolerate the fruit for his good deeds. The watchers in todays’ gospel who were waiting for a reason to accuse Jesus were convinced that He would have corrupted the Sabbath if He heals the man with a withered hand. But on the contrary Jesus gives them one more chance to have the right approach towards the Law before healing the man. But their response to His question was silence.  This hardness of heart, this stubborn withdrawal from doing good for the needy, angers God. This is the sin of omission and many people are ignorant of this fact and therefore do not recognise the need to repent for it and confess. By helping someone experience the power of God is one way to keep the Sabbath holy, and that is exactly what Jesus taught in today’s gospel by restoring perfect health to the withered hand of this man. But this is precisely what the Pharisees were least interested to do and that too under the pretext of breaking the Law of the Sabbath.  Dear Friends, there is a lot of brokenness in the world. There are a lot many people not only with withered hands but also with withered hearts. Some have the inability to do physical work due to ailments but many show inability to even desire the good of the other. They even discourage those who have the desire to do good. This is because of the hardness of their heart. God who gives to us freely, wants us to share the goodness with others freely and willingly. Let us not use God’s message to obstruct goodness in life, rather may we construct a world with doers of good in life.

Let us come forward to do good all the time, to move closer to God who is good all the time.#Reflectonthis #Dailyreflection https://youtu.be/WQiTnR0Btt0

“Again he entered the synagogue, and a man was there who had a withered hand. They watched him to see whether he would cure him on the sabbath, so that they might accuse him. And he said to the man who had the withered hand, “Come forward.” Then he said to them, “Is it lawful to do good or to do harm on the sabbath, to save life or to kill?” But they were silent. He looked around at them with anger; he was grieved at their hardness of heart and said to the man, “Stretch out your hand.” He stretched it out, and his hand was restored. The Pharisees went out and immediately conspired with the Herodians against him, how to destroy him.”

We get upset because of many things on a daily basis? Those who get angry for everything that’s contrary to their choice, easily get attracted to all that is negative, they become curious about irrel

January 20, 2021 - Repulsive Heart- A Reflection on Mark 3:1-6.

Our zeal to ensure adherence to the finer points in life should not make us rigid fault finders and lose sight of humanity. #Reflectonthis #Daily Reflection https://youtu.be/a6oua3hq5Ic 
 
Scripture Reading: Mark 2:23-28 
23 One sabbath he was going through the grainfields; and as they made their way his disciples began to pluck heads of grain. 24 The Pharisees said to him, “Look, why are they doing what is not lawful on the sabbath?” 25 And he said to them, “Have you never read what David did when he and his companions were hungry and in need of food? 26 He entered the house of God, when Abiathar was high priest, and ate the bread of the Presence, which it is not lawful for any but the priests to eat, and he gave some to his companions.” 27 Then he said to them, “The sabbath was made for humankind, and not humankind for the sabbath; 28 so the Son of Man is lord even of the sabbath.” – The Gospel of the Lord. 
 
Reflection: 
It was God himself who created a day of rest and commanded us to put aside our daily tasks to honor him and to delight in his presence. The law of the Lord provides guidelines and boundaries for people to lead orderly, decent and holy lives. And the Lord promises to bless those who sincerely keep his laws. (See Genesis 2:2-3, Exodus 20:8-11, Isaiah 58:13-14) However, if we choose to emphasize only on the fine print and ignore the big picture, then it means that we focus only on ticking off checkboxes to make ourselves look and feel good, and neglect the underlying purpose and intention which is the spirit of the law. On Saturday we saw the Pharisees question Jesus about the people he chose to eat with. Yesterday, they pointed out how his disciples did not observe a fast like the others. Today the disciples are questioned about picking heads of grain on the Sabbath which broke the law. Matthew in his version of this gospel mentions they did this since they were hungry. (Matthew 12:1) As we can see, the Pharisees always seemed to be following Jesus around, not with any noble intention though. They kept an eagle eye on him and his disciples watching their every move, even their eating habits, only to find fault and pass judgment. As per the Jewish law, there is a list of tasks that are forbidden on the Sabbath; plucking heads of grains falls into the category of reaping, which is a part of that list. The Pharisees must have been delighted to find an area where Jesus seemed to have defaulted, so they promptly questioned him. As always, they were tripped over by their own query; he replied by drawing a parallel from Scripture and questioning their knowledge of the law when David and his men broke the rule to feed themselves (1 Samuel 21:6) – they obviously had no explanation to offer. It’s actually quite amusing that they kept questioning the law maker himself about his compliance to the law! (Mark 2:28) In all he did or said, Jesus never disrespected or disregarded the law - all he wanted was people to stop being so uptight and rigid about it, especially when it was about basic human needs, which in this case was hunger. He was only reminding the nitpickers to look at the big picture, which is what truly mattered. It is indeed important to abide by the rule book however we can’t let the rule book blind us to humanity (Mark 2:27) God bless you!

Our zeal to ensure adherence to the finer points in life should not make us rigid fault finders and lose sight of humanity. #Reflectonthis #Daily Reflection https://youtu.be/a6oua3hq5Ic

Scripture Reading: Mark 2:23-28
23 One sabbath he was going through the grainfields; and as they made their way his disciples began to pluck heads of grain. 24 The Pharisees said to him, “Look, why are they doing what is not lawful on the sabbath?” 25 And he said to them, “Have you never read what David did when he and his companions were hungry and in need of food? 26 He entered the house of God, when Abiathar was high priest, and ate the bread of the Presence, which it is not lawful for any but the priests to eat, and he gave some to his companions.” 27 Then he said to them, “The sabbath was made for humankind, and not humankind for the sabbath; 28 so the Son of Man is lord even of the sabbath.” – The Gospel of the Lord.

Reflection:
It was God himself who created a day of rest and commanded us to p

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