lifestyle was based on justice but now it is based on love.

Seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time.

First Reading. Lev. 19: 1-2, 17-18.

The Lord wants His people to be holy because He is holy. For this reason they should love their neighbor, hold no grudges against them.

Second Reading. 1 Cor. 3: 16-23.

St. Paul writes to the Corinthian community reminding them that they are temples of God, and that the Holy Spirit lives in them. This is God’s gift and anyone who destroys them, will be treated harshly.

Gospel. Mt. 5: 38 -48.

Jesus presents His way of life. Earlier, one’s lifestyle was based on justice but now it is based on love. Here Jesus calls on his followers for a greater and more perfect way of living.

Jesus tells His disciples to avoid sin.

Sixth Sunday in Ordinay Time.

First Reading. Sir. 15: 15-20.

God through Sirach points out two ways by which we could choose either God or the world. The choice is ours. Here we are advised to act out of true wisdom. This implies that we choose God and gain eternal life.

Second Reading. 1 Cor. 2: 6-10.

St. Paul writes to the Corinthian community advising them to act through God’s wisdom. This wisdom is hidden, but those who are faithful will benefit by observing God’s laws and commands revealed through the Spirit.

Gospel. Mt. 5: 17-37.

Jesus tells His disciples to avoid sin. Therefore he demands purity of heart and not mere external observance of the law.

Reflection.

Today’s readings invite us to live a higher form of life avoiding all forms of sin. We are advice's to listen to the Spirit and act through God’s wisdom by avoiding sinful thoughts.

We have to be useful like the light of the world........

Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time.

First Reading. Is. 58: 7-10.

Prophet Isaiah reveals to the Israelites about the perfect life that they should live if they are to show their true love towards God and the way in which they could reap God’s blessings.

Second Reading. 1 Cor. 2: 1-5.

St. Paul in all simplicity reveals to the Jews how God’s power became active through the Spirit because he became humble enough not to use God’s power and wisdom in order to preach the Gospel.

Jesus preaches to the disciples about the importance of living useful and worthwhile lives. For this reason we like the sault and the light ought to be worthwhile and useful.

Reflection.

Feast of the Presentation of the Lord.

First Reading. Mal. 3: 1-4.

Prophet Malachi proclaims the message of God regarding the coming of the Lord. The Lord would come as the refiner and purifier. He would refine and purify the Israelites and accept them as in former days.

Second Reading. Heb. 2: 14-18.

Jesus took flesh and blood so that He could share the same brotherhood with us. He did not come as an angel but as one of us. He himself has gone through all temptation; therefore He is able to help others who are tempted.

Gospel. Lk. 2: 22-40.

Jesus is brought to the Temple to be purified. There at the Temple Simeon recognizes the Lord and pronounces his proclamation. Prophetess Anna too recognizes the Lord and praises the Lord for his blessing upon her.