Faith that Disturbs and Transforms

20th Sunday in Ordinary Time: August 17, 2025

Readings: Jeremiah 38:4–6, 8–10; Psalm 40:2–4, 18; Hebrews 12:1–4; Luke 12:49–53

Sometimes faith unsettles us. We are rattled by the very faith that we have when we are in the troubled waters. We call it "faith crisis." The undimmed faith is the one that can withstand the strong winds of doubt and disbelief. We are tossed by the fear of imminent fall or a longer period of suffering in our lives. There is no other cure or remedy except accepting what life is all about. To overcome the fear of doubt and suffering, we must inculcate in ourselves a strong sense of faith in a God in whom we put our trust. The liturgical readings for this Sunday do exactly what we have in mind. Prophet Jeremiah suffered from his own people and yet he overcame the fear of doubt and faith in Yaweh, who had called him to do His Will. Jesus puts very strongly that aspect of division which would occur because of faith in him. The letter to the Hebrews points to those people who have struggled to keep their faith and yet were successful and now enjoy the heavenly realm. In sum, all the readings encourage us to keep our focus and attention on Him and Him alone. 

1. God’s Rescue in the Darkest Pits

We see prophet Jeremiah in Ch. 38 being thrown into a cistern not because he had committed a crime, but because he dared to speak God’s truth in a time when it was unwelcome. He stood for God's justice. He spoke the truth. Unfortunately, truth hurts. Sadly, Jeremiah’s fidelity towards God is not rewarded with applause but with persecution. Poor prophet was always at the receiving end. St Oscar Romero said. "We know that every effort to improve society…is an effort that God blesses; that God wants; that God demands of us."

However, the truth is that God never lets his servants down. Those who trust Him are raised. God comes to Jeremiah's rescue in the person of Ebed-melech, who pulls him out of the cistern. There are always pits everywhere, which are dark and deadly. They might turn to us the darkest pits of life In fact, God sends rescuers—often from unexpected places. It is not always those who received help from us who will come to our rescue. And yet God knows whom to send us at the right moment, the right people.

2. Running the Race with Eyes Fixed on Christ

The letter to the Hebrews (12:1–4) shifts our gaze to the “great cloud of witnesses” who have endured before us and have received the glory. They have gone through pain and suffering, persecution and torture. And yet they are our models, inspiration and stand tall before us. Just like them, we are told to run our race with perseverance, patience, and putting our complete trust in God, our Lord. Keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus, we must run the race of life, including our rat race, which is often stressful and painful.

Christian living is not a stroll in a garden—it is a marathon through storms, hills, and fierce winds. Christian discipleship means shedding the weights that slow us down—sins, evil, grudges, distractions, jealousies, wickedness—and finding the stamina to keep moving forward, even when the world pulls us in the opposite direction.

3. The Holy Disturbance of the Gospel

In the Gospel of Luke Chapter 12, Jesus shocks us with the words: “I have come to bring fire on the earth… Do you think I have come to bring peace? No, but division.” The fire is not one of destruction, but of change, purification and transformation. It is the fire of truth that exposes lies, the fire of love that consumes selfishness, the fire of the Spirit that compels action to bring change around us. And that fire will inevitably cause division, misunderstanding—not because God delights in conflict, but because truth challenges comfort, and love demands conversion.

For Christian living today, this means we cannot reduce faith to something polite, nostalgic, private, and unnoticeable. Following Christ will disturb us, unsettle our surroundings, and sometimes alienate us from those who do not share our faith convictions. This is what is happening today. We will have to pay our price for this. But this disturbance is holy—it wakes us from complacency and drives us toward deeper compassion, greater courage, and unwavering hope. To overcome the fear in the wake of these things, Christ’s fire must burn within us. Certainly, the “cloud of witnesses” and the Spirit of God will always inspire us and strengthen us. 

Questions for self-reflection:

1. Who are the “cloud of witnesses” in my life—people whose faith inspires me to persevere?
2. Do I keep my eyes fixed on Jesus in life’s storms, or do I get distracted by the “rat race” around me?
3. What “pits” in life have I experienced, and how have I seen God send help—sometimes from unexpected people?
4. When the world pulls me in the opposite direction, where do I draw my stamina to keep running the race of faith?

Prayer:

Lord Jesus, set my heart on fire with Your love. Give me the courage to speak Your truth even when it is unwelcome, the perseverance to run the race when it is hard, and the faith to trust You when the world resists Your ways. Let my life burn brightly for You. I make this prayer in Jesus our Lord,  Amen.

- Olvin Veigas, SJ

15 August 2025

The Gift of Faith and the Call

19th Sunday in Ordinary Time: August 10, 2025

Readings: Wisdom 18:6–9; Psalm 33:1, 12, 18–22; Hebrews 11:1–2, 8–19; Luke 12:35–40

 To listen to my audio-video reflections via YouTube, please click here: https://youtu.be/9YbHdgU9B0k

Before you express your faith in someone else, you must express it in yourself. Being confident, having faith in oneself, is as essential as oxygen to one's heart. Our life experience tells us that unless and until you believe in yourself and in your abilities, no one can help you to develop confidence by giving a lecture or some exercise. It is the faith and belief that one has that makes the person who he or she is. Our bodies are built to sense and respond to threats. While fear can protect us, it can also paralyze, rob us of peace, and create division. The ultimate goal of our lives is to live our lives fully and faithfully. St. Irenaeus’ famous insight on the vocation of the human person, “The glory of God is man fully alive”, fits perfectly with the heart of today's liturgical readings.

1. Being alive means being confident

Jesus’ call to be awake, active, and ready is exactly what it means to be “fully alive” in faith. A “fully alive” Christian is not simply breathing and existing but is alert in love, generous in service, and anchored in the hope of God’s Kingdom. Readiness for the Master’s return is not about fearful waiting—it’s about living each moment vibrantly in Christ, allowing His grace to animate our thoughts, words, and deeds.

A Rich Fool Being Fooled by God

18th Sunday in Ordinary Time: August 03, 2025

Readings: Ecclesiastes 1:2; 2:21–23; Psalm 90:3–17; Colossians 3:1–5, 9–11; Luke 12:13–21

 To listen to my audio-video reflections via YouTube, please click here: https://youtu.be/UVVhworHsOc

Believing in oneself is a sign of courage and determination—a commitment to live life with purpose and depth. It reflects a healthy self-awareness, where one recognizes both strengths and limitations, and learns to navigate the complexities of the world with wisdom. However, trouble arises when our belief shifts from inner conviction to external possessions—when we place our trust in material wealth, power, or status. These, as life often reminds us, are fleeting and uncertain. Nothing in this world is permanent, not even life itself. What endures is the love we show, the care we extend, and the compassion we offer to those around us. To live meaningfully is to live for others—feeding the hungry, clothing the naked, sheltering the homeless, and acknowledging that every person has a place in this world. The readings on this 18th Sunday in Ordinary Time invite us to reflect deeply on these truths and challenge us to embrace a life rooted in divine wisdom and genuine care for others.

1. The Uncertainty of Earthly Security 

We have this beautiful Gospel reading from St Luke 12:13-21. It's a parable about the rich man who cared very little about others. He believed in his wealth, harvest, grains and the barns that he had built. The parable of the rich fool is not just about money — it’s about where we place our ultimate trust. The man had a great harvest, bigger barns, and grand plans. He was big in terms of material things, and now he wants to be even bigger. But he failed to realize that life is fragile and fleeting, and true security can never be stored in a barn.

The Holy Courage: The Boldness of Prayer and the Generosity of God

17th Sunday in Ordinary Time(Year C): July 27, 2025

Readings: Genesis 18:20–32; Psalm 138:1–3, 6–8; Colossians 2:12–14; Luke 11:1–13

 To listen to my audio-video reflections via YouTube, please click here: https://youtu.be/wepJyRaSB3s

Prayer is a conversation with God. Prayer is opening oneself to the mercy of God. When we realize that we are made of finite, limited, mortal and dependent beings, naturally, there is an inner urge to look for something eternal, immortal, infinite, unlimited and independent. That is where we find the fulfilment of our lives. Only a higher being can satisfy our wants and needs. All that we hope to achieve is possible only by the grace of God. The readings of today are very special. They emphasize the breadth and depth of God, and moreover, the capacities of God. Even long ago, Abraham, the Father of Faith, made great strides in trying to convince God, in order, to save the cities in which he lived, namely Sodom and Gomorrah. On the other hand, Jesus teaches his disciples the simple truths of prayer. As we delve deeper into the readings of today, we see how God is truly caring for us.

1. “Lord, teach us to pray.”

St Luke writes (Luke 11:1–13) about the tender request made by one of Jesus' disciples. This request stems from a deeper longing and intimate connection with the Divine. The disciple did not ask, “Teach us how to preach,” or “Teach us how to perform miracles,” but “Teach us to pray.” It reveals a desire for intimacy with God, a longing to dwell in the mystery of His presence. In other words, the disciples had seen their master praying. So they wanted to imitate him, for they had seen the power of prayer in his preaching and healing. Often the world reminds us of our failures, inadequacies, and debts but Jesus gives us the liberating truth: You are not your past. You are not your mistakes. In Christ, your story has been rewritten.

Welcoming God with Heart and Listening with Love

16th Sunday in Ordinary Time: July 20, 2025

Readings: Genesis 18:1–10; Psalm 15:2–5; Colossians 1:24–28; Luke 10:38–42

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What is the true rhythm of an authentic Christian life? It is the one that welcomes, listens, makes one feel comfortable, happy, and offers possibilities. On the 16th Sunday in Ordinary time, the Church invites us to conduct a true rhythm of a Christian life. The Word of God gives us immense possibilities to imitate those holy men and women who embraced the true vision of God. We see in Abraham the beauty of hospitality and the blessings that flow from welcoming God and others with a generous heart. In St. Paul, we are reminded that suffering, when united with Christ, becomes part of our mission to reveal His presence to the world. And in Mary, we discover the power of stillness and the importance of choosing intimacy with Jesus above all else. As we gather this Sunday in our churches, let us open our hearts to receive God's Word, embrace the call to serve and suffer with purpose, and find rest at the feet of Christ — for there we encounter not only the Lord but the fullness of life He brings. These three readings invite us into a rhythm of Christian life.

1. Hospitality as a Door to Divine Encounter

In the passage Genesis 18:1–10a, Abraham welcomes three unknown visitors at the oak of Mamre. Though he doesn’t immediately recognize them as divine, he hastens to offer generous hospitality. His openness to strangers becomes the very channel through which God confirms His promise of new life — the birth of Isaac. In theology, this episode is also likened to the concept of the Holy Trinity. Three people taking the hospitality of Abraham are richly rewarded with a new lease of life for Abraham.

Being a Good Samaritan: Go and do likewise

15th Sunday in Ordinary Time: July 13, 2025

Readings: Deuteronomy 30:10–14; Psalm 69:14–37; Colossians 1:15–20; Luke 10:25–37

 To listen to my audio-video reflections via YouTube, please click here: https://youtu.be/LlKrPCAUoDA

Being self-righteous is good. However, being self-righteous may not necessarily mean being honest and truthful. Awfully self-righteousness might dupe us. It may not bring good to oneself and others as well. It could be just wishful thinking. Hence, practical wisdom combined with the experience of the realities of the world with a human touch is essential. This will make a person great. As we delve deeper into the liturgical readings on the 15th Sunday in ordinary time, they do exactly the same. The story of the Samaritan nursing the wounded Jew tells us that all the other characters, the priest and Levite, were self-righteous but not honest in expressing their human concern. They lacked the practical wisdom to nurse the fallen fellow Jew, while the Samaritan, who belonged to the opposite group, expressed concern and solidarity with the Jew who needed immediate care. We cannot save the world in one day. However, we can act with compassion in the situations we encounter even though they are rare!

1. Being a Wounded man on the street and the care from the Unknown.

In the Gospel reading of today, Luke 10:25–37, a scholar of the law approaches Jesus with a question: “What must I do to inherit eternal life?” It is a noble question, one that should stir the heart of every Christian. But Jesus, as He often does, turns the question back to the seeker: “What is written in the Law? How do you read it?”  The scholar responds correctly: "Love the Lord your God with all your heart... and your neighbour as yourself." Jesus affirms the answer, not as a theory, but as a way of life: “Do this and you will live.”

Sent with a Purpose, Rejoicing in the Truth

14th Sunday in Ordinary Time: July 06, 2025

Readings: Isaiah 66:10-14; Psalm 66:1-7, 16, 20; Galatians 6:14-18; Luke 10:1-12, 17-20

 To listen to my audio-video reflections via YouTube, please click here: https://youtu.be/SGPQEWgG3wA

What is it like listening to a master and then the master asks the disciples to follow in his footsteps, including doing those unimaginable things like healing the sick and driving out the demons? Listening to the master means following what the master does. This is called true discipleship. For this, the disciples need a deep faith and a strong conviction. In fact, the disciple has to learn more from the master and unlearn what is not necessary, in order to possess the content and connection of the master. This is the experience of the disciples of Jesus when they were sent on a mission of preaching and healing. The liturgical readings of this Sunday are not only rich in content but also beautiful and tell us how God is nursing and caring for us through the Prophet Isaiah. And St Paul finds his abundance and fullness only in Christ Jesus of Nazareth. His radical love for Jesus is truly transformative and motivating for all of us who profess Christ as our Lord and Master.

1. Being moved to transform the world

In Luke 10:1-12, 17-20, Jesus sends out seventy-two of his disciples ahead of him, two by two, into every town and place he himself intended to go. It’s not just a logistical move—it's a deeply spiritual commissioning. These disciples are not simply messengers; they are the torchbearers of Christ’s peace, his patience, his perseverance, his presence, and his power. They go out with nothing but trust and obedience, called to rely not on earthly resources or managerial plans, but on the hospitality of strangers and the movement of God. They have to listen to God alone. 

Preciousness of People and their Love in our Lives

People come into our lives and leave indelible marks. They are the precious people who have come into our short lives and made them beautiful. They continue to glow in our lives in spite of their passing. They continue to immortalize their love, compassion, care, and concern in our lives. In fact, they live in our lives through these aspects, which continue to keep their fresh memories in our lives.

This has been the experience of two of my friends who passed away: One recently in Russia due to a massive brain hemorrhage, and the other in Ukraine in a car accident in the war-stricken country a year ago. Both played a vital role in my Jesuit life. Both were family people. They had great compassion and love towards me, and they showed it in various ways. 

Death is a cruel nail in our lives. Death puts an end to our precious lives. However, death does not win. The life of the person wins as it continues to live by the acts and the intentions the person has lived by. When death comes into life so suddenly, there is not even much time to say goodbye to the person or at least to have some conversations before the person moves into the other world. This gives sadness and remorse. Sadness because the death came in so early in one’s life, whereas remorse because a feeling of emptiness continues to haunt, “wish if I knew I would have talked to the person, had responded to the person,” etc. The list goes on.

What is eternal is the friendship that we experience and cherish, either in person, living in close proximity or far away through communication channels. Both of my friends who are no more have been very special to me. We came from different countries, languages and cultures, but our bond as Christians brought us all the more closer. We have shared our joys and sorrows, our agony and beautiful moments of peace together. Listened to the painful episodes of life, but also laughed at the lighter moments and shared the meals, walks and eucharist together. All has its purpose. 

May they rest in peace!

Olvin Veigas, SJ

July 01, 2025

Grace and Grit: The Apostolic Fire of Saints Peter and Paul

Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul, Apostles: June 29, 2025

Readings: Acts 12:1-11; Psalm 34:2-3, 4-5, 6-7, 8-9; 2 Timothy 4:6-8, 17-18; Matthew 16:13-19

 To listen to my audio-video reflections via YouTube, please click here: https://youtu.be/zSmCDdKjDcI

Today, the Church invites us to celebrate two giants of our faith, two pillars of the Church, two very different men, called and united by one Lord—Saint Peter and Saint Paul. It is rare and beautiful that these two apostles are remembered together on one solemn feast. And this year, the celebration is all the more special—falling on a Sunday—when the Church gathers in her fullest form to honour them. Let us begin by falling in love with these saints—not just admiring their heroism from a distance, but allowing them to speak into our lives.

1. Saint Peter: The Rock who Fell, then Rose

Peter, the fisherman from Galilee, was impulsive, emotional, often confused, but deeply faithful. When Jesus asked, “Who do you say that I am?” Peter answered with a boldness that shook the heavens: “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God” (Matthew 16:16). And yet, this same Peter denied Jesus three times. He wept bitterly. But his story did not end in failure. The risen Christ looked at Peter not with condemnation, but with love, and entrusted him again: “Feed my sheep.”