Homily: January 6, 2022, Thursday after Epiphany.

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For readings: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/010622.cfm

“Beloved, we love God because he first loved us.”

St. John’s epistle of love is so wonderful to help us begin the new year. Throughout this week, we have heard more than 50 times the word ‘Love’. In today’s first reading alone, we hear the word ‘Love’ 13 times.

St. John was the only apostle who probably did not die a martyr’s death. Tradition says he lived almost 100 years. And at the end of his life, his repeated preaching during breaking of the bread with the early Christian community was simply, “Dear children, let us love one another.” His focus was clearly this: God is love, He loves us, we love others.

What is real love?

Psychologists have identified various types of love between humans, and the greatest of these is agape love – selfless, self-sacrificing, unconditional love.

Who can love like that? God can. Jesus did. And so did His disciples. Parents do so very often. So can everyone of us.

Traditionally, Indian women wear the saree. It is a very long piece of beautiful vestment about 6 metres long. Ladies would wear a nice short blouse, then wrap the saree a few times around the waist, pleating around into a graceful long dress, like petals of a budding flower, and then drape the loose end over the shoulder like a shawl. Sometimes they drape the loose end over their heads or their bodies to protect from the heat or cold or use it like a veil when they attend Holy Mass.

I remember once when I was about 4 years old. I was out with mommy and it started raining. Mommy quickly used her saree to cover me, I was kept dry while she herself got totally drenched. It was a very simple act, but it was great love. I can never forget that moment, feeling safe, secure and precious.

Ask God, “How much do you love me?” He extends His hands on the cross and says, “this much.”

Ask God, “How should I receive your love?” He gives His body and says, “eat this.”

Ask God, “How shall I love you back?” He turns into a poor lonely soul and says, “love me.”

Love at its zenith took place on the cross. Love at its best takes place at every Mass. Love, real love, takes place whenever we give to others, the same way Jesus gave to us.

Dear children, let us love one another. Amen.

Fr. Nivin Scaria


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Preached at Holy Family Catholic School Des Moines.   "Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites. You are like whitewashed tombs, which appear beautiful on the outside but inside are full of dead men's bones and every kind of filth.” Wow. Did Jesus really say these harsh words? He seems very angry. Why?  Since I was little, till now, I have been fearful of aggressive people. I would usually steer clear of them. If Jesus were to say those words to me angrily, I would have tried to keep a distance from Him. But Jesus’ anger is always reasonable. My mom used to get very angry with me too, because I was very mischievous and created lots of trouble. Although she was very frightening in those moments and I would always run far away from her, I would also always return, because I knew she would calm down. I knew she loved me. We know that Jesus is the most compassionate and loving person. He could forgive the worst sinners and showed gentle kindness towards them. He fed,...
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