Arockia Aro

25th Sunday of Ordinary time What is True Wealth? Dear brothers and sisters, Today's readings compel us to ask a crucial question: What is the true wealth in our lives? Who do we serve—God, or the wealth of this world? In the first reading, the prophet Amos harshly condemns the wealthy who exploit the poor and the needy to increase their riches. He asks, "Can we buy the poor for silver, and the needy for a pair of sandals?" The condemnation here isn't on wealth itself, but on the mindset that tramples on humanity, mercy, and justice for the sake of money. The Book of Proverbs tells us, "He who is kind to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will reward him for what he has done" (Proverbs 19:17). This is a beautiful truth. Our possessions—be it money, time, or talent—are not truly our own. God has entrusted them to us as a steward. Just as the dishonest steward in the Gospel parable acted shrewdly for his future, we too must be wise. We must use our resources t...

  24th Sunday of Ordinary time The Profound Glory of the Cross: A Journey of Sin, Redemption, and Eternal Life My channel: https://youtu.be/bgkE0Ebapbc?si=3yilYfYpuMokB8IX (Video in YouTube for better understanding of the Feast day) On this solemn feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross, the readings offer a profound theological journey from the shadows of sin to the light of salvation. The Old Testament serves as a prefiguration, setting the stage for the ultimate redemptive act on the Cross. The Prefiguration of Sin and Grace: In Numbers 21:4-9, the Israelites, weary and impatient in the desert, spoke against God and Moses. Their impatience led to a direct consequence: a plague of venomous snakes that bit and killed many. This narrative starkly illustrates that sin is not merely a transgression but a deadly poison that brings destruction. Yet, God, in His mercy, did not abandon His people. When they repented, He commanded Moses to fashion a bronze serpent and mount it on a pole...

23rd Sunday of Ordinary time   The Cost of Discipleship My dear brothers and sisters in Christ, Today's readings from the Word of God challenge us to reflect deeply on our lives, our priorities, and our ultimate purpose. Jesus calls us to a radical way of living, a path of true discipleship that requires nothing less than our whole selves. The Call to Wisdom In the reading from the Book of Wisdom, we are reminded of the limitations of human understanding. We are told, "For who can know God’s plan, or who can discern the will of the Lord?" Our earthly thoughts are fleeting, and our human plans are fallible. Our bodies, like a tent of clay, weigh down our spirits. We struggle to understand even the things of this world, so how can we possibly comprehend the things of heaven? The answer lies not within ourselves, but in God's grace. "Unless you give Wisdom and send your holy Spirit from on high, no one can come to a knowledge of your will." This is a profound ...

20th Sunday  of Ordinary time  Faithfulness and Wholeness (A Call to Surrender) Dear brothers and sisters, Today's readings offer two powerful lessons: the importance of faithfulness to God and the call to wholeness. The First Reading from Judges shows how the Israelites repeatedly turned away from God to worship Baals and Ashtaroth. This faithlessness led to suffering and hardship. Their story reminds us that true security comes only from being loyal to God, not from worldly distractions. The Gospel tells of a rich young man who had followed all the commandments but was still lacking. Jesus told him, “If you wish to be perfect, go, sell what you have and give to the poor...Then come, follow me.” The young man, attached to his wealth, turned away sadly. This story challenges us. Our "wealth" isn't just money; it's anything we value more than God. It could be our pride, status, or comfort. Jesus calls us to let go of these attachments and follow Him completely. Let...

  Sunday Liturgy 18th Sunday of Ordinary time  Faith and Readiness The source text is a meticulously designed, child-friendly exposition of two foundational Christian theological concepts: "Faith," primarily referencing Hebrews 11:1-2, 8-19, and "Being Ready for Jesus," derived from Luke 12:32-48. It employs a warm, pastoral, and sermon-like style, specifically tailored for a young audience through direct address, such as "my dears" and "my dear children." The text's pedagogical strength lies in its use of relatable analogies (e.g., "superpower" for faith, the "seed" analogy), engaging biblical storytelling (Abraham's journey, the master and servants parable), and a clear breakdown of complex ideas into simple, actionable components. This approach effectively bridges abstract theology with practical, daily-life applications pertinent to children, such as helping with chores, being kind to siblings, attending Mass, pray...

  Sunday Liturgy 18th Sunday of Ordinary time  Vain Wealth and True Life Today's readings offer a powerful lesson on where we place our true value. The core message is clear: worldly wealth is temporary and ultimately empty, but a life focused on God is true wealth.   The Folly of Worldly Wealth    The author of Ecclesiastes reminds us, "Vanity of vanities; all is vanity!" The possessions we spend our lives accumulating aren't truly ours; we simply leave them behind for others. The focus on houses, cars, and investments can distract us from our ultimate purpose. Seeking What is Above    The Apostle Paul tells us our real life is "hidden with Christ in God." This earthly existence is temporary. Our bodies will turn to dust, but our souls will go to God. Our call, then, is to live for things that last—to do what pleases the Lord.   The Parable of the Rich Fool    Jesus delivers a severe warning with the parable of the rich man who hoards h...