2020 archive of Blog
My Homily - 6th Sunday of Easter
Posted by Arul Rajan Peter on 5/16/20
If you love me, you will keep my commandments says Jesus. I try to apply these words to our situation today. If you love me, your Jesus, you will keep your trust in me; you will feel my presence in you; you will hold on to my finger during ... Read More »
A Note of Thanks
Posted by Arul Rajan Peter on 5/16/20
Dear St. Teresa of Calcutta Parishioners,“I am not good at two things: one is dancing; another is fundraising. So, please give what you can .” Monsignor Toner, my beloved pastor, used to say this every time he asked for money. I too can say the same, because I am ... Read More »
My Homily - 5th Sunday of Easter
Posted by Arul Rajan Peter on 5/09/20
“Do not let your hearts be troubled.” If these are my words, they are merely words of consolation. But it is the Son of God who said this. His word is life and truth; it never returns empty, but achieves the purpose of God. So, do not let your ... Read More »
My Homily - 4th Sunday of Easter
Posted by Arul Rajan Peter on 5/02/20
“I am the gate for the sheep,” says Jesus. The real audience of Jesus in those days rightly understood its meaning. The modern generation would hardly know about shepherds and sheep. They see the meat; not the live cattle. The relationship between a shepherd and his sheep needs explanation. ... Read More »
MONTH OF MA(R)Y
Posted by Arul Rajan Peter on 4/30/20
It has been a long-standing Catholic tradition to honor the Blessed Virgin Mary in May. The tradition dates back to the ancient Greeks who dedicated this month to Artemis, the goddess of fertility. In May, Romans honored Flora, the goddess of blossoms. In the Middle Ages (11th century) the ... Read More »
How are you?
Posted by Arul Rajan Peter on 4/26/20
How are you? It is a simple greeting. Many a time we walk by without waiting for the answer. Now the connotation of this greeting has become serious and profound. Nowadays ‘How are you?’ means ‘you had me worried;’ ‘I am truly concerned about your health;’ ‘I pray for ... Read More »
My Homily - Divine Mercy Sunday
Posted by Arul Rajan Peter on 4/18/20
“Peace be with you!” Every time Jesus appeared after his resurrection; this was his message.I too say to you, “Peace be with you!” Thomas wanted to see Jesus. Jesus appeared. It would be too simplistic to think that Thomas saw Jesus and that is why he believed. We should ... Read More »
My homily - Easter
Posted by Arul Rajan Peter on 4/12/20
Mary Magdalene went to the tomb to anoint the body of Jesus. She wondered who would move the tomb stone. She was sorrowful and hopeless. She searched for a dead body and feared that her journey would come up against a stone. But to her astonishment, the stone had ... Read More »
My homily -Easter Vigil
Posted by Arul Rajan Peter on 4/11/20
In the beginning, God said: Let there be light, and there was light. From early Christian times, fires and lights served important functional and symbolic roles in the Easter Vigil. Not only did lamps, candles, and torches light up the darkness, but they also served as symbols of Christ. ... Read More »
My Homily - Good Friday
Posted by Arul Rajan Peter on 4/10/20
The globe looks like a massive drop of tear. The tearful world is at the foot of the Cross, gazing at the embodiment of love, hanging between heaven and earth. Humanity looks through the Suffering Servant into eternity, seeking response for several unanswered questions. As it looks around, it ... Read More »