sunday 17th C

17TH SUNDAY IN C 

Good morning everyone, I am happy to welcome you all for today’s Holy Mass.  

I was saying to some people how we who believe in Christ should not think about becoming first in everything because second is the best for us. The second Adam, Christ is the best. The second birth called baptism, is the best and the second coming of Christ, is the best. Then one wonderful woman said, “And that’s why my husband understands the best the second time”. I said, “I am making a spiritual statement and I don’t want to involve with family feud”. 

Dear friends in Christ Jesus, 

Our Lord Jesus Christ the only Son of God, the Alpha and Omega, wants us to be happy. He wants us to enjoy our life to the fullest. And that’s why, God made us in His own image and likeness. And that’s why, He did many miracles and wonders among His people and is doing millions and millions of miracles to those who believe in Him, every minute of the day. And that’s why, He teaches us to know the value of prayers and spiritual importance in our daily lives. 

In today’s gospel, the apostles are asking Christ saying, “Jesus, Master, you pray to God Father and we see how other Rabbis are teaching their followers to pray and John the Baptist is also teaching his followers to pray. There is something in connecting oneself with God. We are basically spiritual beings and as we explore our spiritual life more and more, your family life will become so awesome and wonderful and your business life and your social life will also begin to benefit a lot. Yes, spiritual life is the foundation for a good family, business and social life. 

Then our Lord Jesus Christ gave them the courage to call God, Father. Yes, He taught our Father prayer. 

Once a mother noticed her son as he was praying often saying, “Tokyo...Tokyo”. The mother said, “Son, why are you keep saying Tokyo...Tokyo, in your prayer?” The Son said, “Mom, I have just finished my exam and I ask God to make Tokyo the capital of France”. 

What is prayer? 

Suppose if you have a friend who refuses to help you because it's too late. He will eventually help you because of your persistence. Because of your persistence, you will get what you want. And that’s called prayer. Persistence is also translated into boldness or shamelessness.  

Prayer is more like having a conversation with your friend. God answers all your prayers. Sometimes He says, “Yes” to our prayers. Sometimes, He says, “No” to our prayers and sometimes, He says, “You got to be kidding”.  God loves us so, so much and He fulfills all our needs. Christ our Lord says, “which of you when one of your children comes to you and asks for a fish, will give him a snake or for bread, a stone”. If you who are evil and limited know how to give good things and imagine how much more your heavenly Father will give to those who ask Him, the Holy Spirit. And that is our God who even sent His only Son to die on the cross for us.  so, ask you will receive, search, you will find and knock, the door will be opened for you.