Arockia Aro

  Sunday Liturgy 17th  Sunday of Ordinary time  Prayer Today's readings give us a powerful lesson on the importance of prayer, reminding us that we can approach God with confidence and persistence. In the Gospel, the disciples ask Jesus to teach them to pray, and he gives us the "Our Father." This isn't just a prayer to be recited; it's a blueprint for how to talk to God. It begins with praise, then moves to our needs, to our forgiveness, and to our protection from evil. Jesus then follows with a parable about a friend who, through sheer persistence, gets bread from a neighbor at midnight. This teaches us that we should be bold and relentless in our prayer. The First Reading from Genesis shows us Abraham doing just that, haggling with God to save the city of Sodom. Abraham's prayer isn't timid; it's a courageous conversation with God, based on faith in God's mercy and justice. Finally, St. Paul in his letter to the Colossians gives us the reason fo...

  Sunday Liturgy 16th Sunday of Ordinary time  Welcoming Christ in Hospitality and Contemplation First Reading: Genesis 18:1-10 In this passage, Abraham's hospitality to the three visitors, who turn out to be messengers of God, exemplifies the virtue of welcoming strangers with open hearts and generous spirits. Abraham's actions demonstrate that true hospitality is about recognizing the presence of God in others and serving them with love and respect. This story challenges us to see the face of Christ in everyone we meet and to respond with kindness and generosity. Second Reading: Colossians 1:24-28 St. Paul's reflection on his ministry highlights the mystery of Christ, which is Christ Himself living within us. Paul's suffering and labor are seen as a participation in the sufferings of Christ, and he is driven by a desire to present everyone perfect in Christ. This reading encourages us to embrace our own struggles and challenges as opportunities to grow in our relation...