Soul Food from Father Tomy
We are sent forth as joyful missionary disciples.
My dear brothers and sisters,
Today we celebrate the Ascension of the Lord. Before returning to the Father, Jesus gives His disciples one final mission: “Go and make disciples of all nations.” These are not simply farewell words; they are a mission entrusted to every Christian. The Ascension is not Jesus leaving the world behind. It is Jesus entrusting the world to us.
First, the Ascension reminds us that Jesus opens heaven for us. Jesus came down to earth so that one day we could rise with Him to the Father. In His Ascension, He carries our humanity into God’s presence. This world is not our final home. Many people today live only for success, comfort, money, or popularity. But Jesus reminds us that we are made for something greater. A Christian life must be purpose-filled. The
Ascension gives us hope that no suffering is wasted, no cross is meaningless, and no faithful life goes unnoticed by God.
Second, Jesus assures us that He remains with us. Before ascending, He promises: “I am with you always.” Though no longer physically visible, He is spiritually closer than ever. He walks with us in our struggles, family worries, hidden tears, and daily
responsibilities. Jesus intercedes for us before the Father. Therefore, we should never think, “I am alone,” or “My prayers are useless.” Christ remains our strength and companion every day.
Third, the Ascension sends us out as missionary disciples. Jesus says, “Go,” not “sit,” “watch,” or “wait.” The angels asked the disciples, “Why are you standing there looking at the sky?” In other words: do not remain spectators; become witnesses. Pope Francis reminds us that every Christian is called to be a missionary disciple — someone who knows Jesus, loves Jesus, and brings Jesus to others. Christianity is not just attending Mass once a week. It is carrying Christ into the world every day through the way we speak, forgive, help, encourage, and love. Many people may never read the Bible, but they read our lives every day.
Three practical and feel-good suggestions to become missionary disciples this week:
1) Start one faith conversation this week. Gently bring God into one conversation. Simply say:
• “I’ll pray for you,”
• “God has been good to me,”
• “Come to Mass with me,”
• or share something beautiful God has done in your life.
2) Bring prayer into one ordinary moment. Before starting your car, before a meal, before work, or before sleeping— pause for 15 seconds and invite Jesus into that moment. Missionary disciples carry Jesus into ordinary life.
3) Bring someone with you toward Jesus. This week, intentionally bring one person closer to God:
• invite someone to Mass,
• pray together as a family,
• encourage someone to return to church,
• share a meaningful Gospel verse,
• or ask someone, “How can I pray for you?”
The Ascension is not the end of Jesus’ work. It is the beginning of our mission. Jesus says to us today: “Go out. Live with purpose. Be my witness. And remember — I am with you always.” Amen.
Fr. Tomy Philip
May 15, 2026
My dear brothers and sisters,
Today we celebrate the Ascension of the Lord. Before returning to the Father, Jesus gives His disciples one final mission: “Go and make disciples of all nations.” These are not simply farewell words; they are a mission entrusted to every Christian. The Ascension is not Jesus leaving the world behind. It is Jesus entrusting the world to us.
First, the Ascension reminds us that Jesus opens heaven for us. Jesus came down to earth so that one day we could rise with Him to the Father. In His Ascension, He carries our humanity into God’s presence. This world is not our final home. Many people today live only for success, comfort, money, or popularity. But Jesus reminds us that we are made for something greater. A Christian life must be purpose-filled. The
Ascension gives us hope that no suffering is wasted, no cross is meaningless, and no faithful life goes unnoticed by God.
Second, Jesus assures us that He remains with us. Before ascending, He promises: “I am with you always.” Though no longer physically visible, He is spiritually closer than ever. He walks with us in our struggles, family worries, hidden tears, and daily
responsibilities. Jesus intercedes for us before the Father. Therefore, we should never think, “I am alone,” or “My prayers are useless.” Christ remains our strength and companion every day.
Third, the Ascension sends us out as missionary disciples. Jesus says, “Go,” not “sit,” “watch,” or “wait.” The angels asked the disciples, “Why are you standing there looking at the sky?” In other words: do not remain spectators; become witnesses. Pope Francis reminds us that every Christian is called to be a missionary disciple — someone who knows Jesus, loves Jesus, and brings Jesus to others. Christianity is not just attending Mass once a week. It is carrying Christ into the world every day through the way we speak, forgive, help, encourage, and love. Many people may never read the Bible, but they read our lives every day.
Three practical and feel-good suggestions to become missionary disciples this week:
1) Start one faith conversation this week. Gently bring God into one conversation. Simply say:
• “I’ll pray for you,”
• “God has been good to me,”
• “Come to Mass with me,”
• or share something beautiful God has done in your life.
2) Bring prayer into one ordinary moment. Before starting your car, before a meal, before work, or before sleeping— pause for 15 seconds and invite Jesus into that moment. Missionary disciples carry Jesus into ordinary life.
3) Bring someone with you toward Jesus. This week, intentionally bring one person closer to God:
• invite someone to Mass,
• pray together as a family,
• encourage someone to return to church,
• share a meaningful Gospel verse,
• or ask someone, “How can I pray for you?”
The Ascension is not the end of Jesus’ work. It is the beginning of our mission. Jesus says to us today: “Go out. Live with purpose. Be my witness. And remember — I am with you always.” Amen.
Fr. Tomy Philip
May 15, 2026
“From a Mother’s Embrace to the Spirit’s Presence: Love That Stays.”
My dear brothers and sisters,
St. Mother Teresa once said, “The greatest poverty in the world today is the poverty of not being loved.” In today’s Gospel, Jesus gives us a powerful promise: “I will not leave you orphans.” One of the deepest fears in life is to feel alone, abandoned, or forgotten.
On this Mother’s Day, this promise becomes very meaningful. Who first makes sure we are never alone? It is our mother. A mother does not just give life — she gives love, presence, protection, and sacrifice. She understands us even without words. Her love says: “You are not alone.” And Jesus says: “That is how I am with you.”
Jesus speaks about the Holy Spirit as the Paraclete — comforter, advocate, and helper. He says, “He dwells with you and will be in you.” The Holy Spirit is not a
visitor but a constant companion. Like a loving mother, He never abandons us, even when we fall. He is patient, faithful, and always near.
The Holy Spirit is also our defender. We often hear accusing voices — from others, from the world, and from within: “You are not good enough… you have failed…” But the Spirit reminds us of the most important truth: “You are a beloved child of God.” Even when He corrects us, He does it gently, with tenderness and hope, helping us begin again.
Today, we thank all mothers. We also remember those who are not biological mothers but live with a mother’s heart — teachers, caregivers, and women who love and sacrifice. As Pope Francis reminds us, a mother’s love is a remedy for loneliness. We thank our mothers, pray for those who have died, and entrust all mothers to Mary.
Jesus reminds us: “If you love me, you will keep my commandments.” Love is not just words — it is action. A mother shows love through sacrifice, patience, and
forgiveness. We are called to love in the same way.
Let me give you three simple and meaningful ways to live this message:
1) Be Someone’s “Paraclete”.
Stand by someone who is struggling. Defend them, encourage them, support them —especially when they feel judged or alone. Be that quiet strength in someone’s life.
2) Let the Holy Spirit Speak Louder Than Your Inner Voice.
During the day, when you feel discouraged, judged, or burdened, pause for a moment. Instead of listening to negative thoughts, gently say: “Holy Spirit, remind me who I am.” Then recall one truth from the Gospel: “I am a beloved child of God.”
Do this especially in moments of stress, failure, or confusion. Let the Spirit’s voice become stronger than the voices that pull you down.
3) Honor Love with Words, Not Just Gifts.
Today, many will give flowers, cards, or gifts — and that is beautiful. But go one step deeper. Children, take a moment and tell your mother one specific sacrifice she made for you that you will never forget. Say it clearly. Let her hear it. Husbands, honor your wife — not just as your spouse, but as the one who made you a father. Speak your gratitude. Affirm her. Because love becomes powerful… when it is spoken.
And if your mother is no longer with you, remember her in prayer and thank God for her.
My dear friends, Jesus keeps His promise: you are not alone — you are deeply loved. Let us receive that love, share it, and become it for others. Amen.
Fr. Tomy Philip
May 8, 2026
My dear brothers and sisters,
St. Mother Teresa once said, “The greatest poverty in the world today is the poverty of not being loved.” In today’s Gospel, Jesus gives us a powerful promise: “I will not leave you orphans.” One of the deepest fears in life is to feel alone, abandoned, or forgotten.
On this Mother’s Day, this promise becomes very meaningful. Who first makes sure we are never alone? It is our mother. A mother does not just give life — she gives love, presence, protection, and sacrifice. She understands us even without words. Her love says: “You are not alone.” And Jesus says: “That is how I am with you.”
Jesus speaks about the Holy Spirit as the Paraclete — comforter, advocate, and helper. He says, “He dwells with you and will be in you.” The Holy Spirit is not a
visitor but a constant companion. Like a loving mother, He never abandons us, even when we fall. He is patient, faithful, and always near.
The Holy Spirit is also our defender. We often hear accusing voices — from others, from the world, and from within: “You are not good enough… you have failed…” But the Spirit reminds us of the most important truth: “You are a beloved child of God.” Even when He corrects us, He does it gently, with tenderness and hope, helping us begin again.
Today, we thank all mothers. We also remember those who are not biological mothers but live with a mother’s heart — teachers, caregivers, and women who love and sacrifice. As Pope Francis reminds us, a mother’s love is a remedy for loneliness. We thank our mothers, pray for those who have died, and entrust all mothers to Mary.
Jesus reminds us: “If you love me, you will keep my commandments.” Love is not just words — it is action. A mother shows love through sacrifice, patience, and
forgiveness. We are called to love in the same way.
Let me give you three simple and meaningful ways to live this message:
1) Be Someone’s “Paraclete”.
Stand by someone who is struggling. Defend them, encourage them, support them —especially when they feel judged or alone. Be that quiet strength in someone’s life.
2) Let the Holy Spirit Speak Louder Than Your Inner Voice.
During the day, when you feel discouraged, judged, or burdened, pause for a moment. Instead of listening to negative thoughts, gently say: “Holy Spirit, remind me who I am.” Then recall one truth from the Gospel: “I am a beloved child of God.”
Do this especially in moments of stress, failure, or confusion. Let the Spirit’s voice become stronger than the voices that pull you down.
3) Honor Love with Words, Not Just Gifts.
Today, many will give flowers, cards, or gifts — and that is beautiful. But go one step deeper. Children, take a moment and tell your mother one specific sacrifice she made for you that you will never forget. Say it clearly. Let her hear it. Husbands, honor your wife — not just as your spouse, but as the one who made you a father. Speak your gratitude. Affirm her. Because love becomes powerful… when it is spoken.
And if your mother is no longer with you, remember her in prayer and thank God for her.
My dear friends, Jesus keeps His promise: you are not alone — you are deeply loved. Let us receive that love, share it, and become it for others. Amen.
Fr. Tomy Philip
May 8, 2026
From Troubled Hearts to Trusting Hearts: Finding Peace in Christ, the Way
My dear brothers and sisters in Christ,
Life is not always easy. One of the greatest challenges we face in our journey with Christ comes from the words of Jesus in today’s Gospel: “Do not let your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me.” (John 14:1)
It is a beautiful command — but also a difficult one. When bills pile up, when family struggles weigh heavily, when work pressures never seem to ease, this command can feel almost impossible. We may ask: Lord, how can my heart not be troubled?
Jesus is not asking us to deny reality. He is not saying, “Pretend everything is fine.” Instead, he invites us to shift our focus — not from reality, but from fear to faith; not from our problems to his presence. A troubled heart often cries out: “Lord, I see no way out.” “I feel trapped in anxiety and fear.” “I am overwhelmed.” We have all experienced this.
And it is precisely in those moments that the Word of God reminds us: “You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are fixed on you, because they trust in you.” (Isaiah 26:3)
Here is the key: peace does not come from a problem-free life. Peace comes from a God-centered mind. Jesus does not say, “I will show you a way.” He says, “I am the Way.” Christian life is not about controlling everything — it is about walking with a person: Jesus.
If we focus only on our problems, our thoughts begin to spiral. Anxiety grows like a snowball rolling downhill. But faith can grow in the same way. A small act of trust leads to another. A small prayer leads to deeper peace. The world today often feels uncertain and fragile. Many carry restless and fearful hearts. We realize we do not control everything. Life itself is a gift — fragile and finite.
But this is where faith becomes real. God has not promised a life without storms. But he has promised: “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” That is our anchor.
Let us live more consciously and gratefully. Let us show compassion, patience, and solidarity. And above all, let us place our hope in the Lord.
Three Practical Suggestions
1. “Name it, then place it” (A daily surrender habit). At the end of each day, take one minute and name what troubled your heart today—just one thing. Then consciously place it in God’s hands with a simple prayer: “Lord, I give this to you.” This trains
the heart not to carry everything overnight.
2. “Interrupt anxiety with presence” (A 10-second reset). Whenever you feel anxious during the day, pause for 10 seconds and say slowly: “Jesus, you are here.” Not long prayers — just awareness. This shifts your focus from the problem to the presence of Christ.
3. “Be peace for someone else” (Weekly practice). Each week, intentionally reach out to one person who may be troubled — a call, a message, a visit. When you become a source of peace for someone else, your own heart begins to heal and trust more deeply.
Fr. Tomy Philip
May 1, 2026
My dear brothers and sisters in Christ,
Life is not always easy. One of the greatest challenges we face in our journey with Christ comes from the words of Jesus in today’s Gospel: “Do not let your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me.” (John 14:1)
It is a beautiful command — but also a difficult one. When bills pile up, when family struggles weigh heavily, when work pressures never seem to ease, this command can feel almost impossible. We may ask: Lord, how can my heart not be troubled?
Jesus is not asking us to deny reality. He is not saying, “Pretend everything is fine.” Instead, he invites us to shift our focus — not from reality, but from fear to faith; not from our problems to his presence. A troubled heart often cries out: “Lord, I see no way out.” “I feel trapped in anxiety and fear.” “I am overwhelmed.” We have all experienced this.
And it is precisely in those moments that the Word of God reminds us: “You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are fixed on you, because they trust in you.” (Isaiah 26:3)
Here is the key: peace does not come from a problem-free life. Peace comes from a God-centered mind. Jesus does not say, “I will show you a way.” He says, “I am the Way.” Christian life is not about controlling everything — it is about walking with a person: Jesus.
If we focus only on our problems, our thoughts begin to spiral. Anxiety grows like a snowball rolling downhill. But faith can grow in the same way. A small act of trust leads to another. A small prayer leads to deeper peace. The world today often feels uncertain and fragile. Many carry restless and fearful hearts. We realize we do not control everything. Life itself is a gift — fragile and finite.
But this is where faith becomes real. God has not promised a life without storms. But he has promised: “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” That is our anchor.
Let us live more consciously and gratefully. Let us show compassion, patience, and solidarity. And above all, let us place our hope in the Lord.
Three Practical Suggestions
1. “Name it, then place it” (A daily surrender habit). At the end of each day, take one minute and name what troubled your heart today—just one thing. Then consciously place it in God’s hands with a simple prayer: “Lord, I give this to you.” This trains
the heart not to carry everything overnight.
2. “Interrupt anxiety with presence” (A 10-second reset). Whenever you feel anxious during the day, pause for 10 seconds and say slowly: “Jesus, you are here.” Not long prayers — just awareness. This shifts your focus from the problem to the presence of Christ.
3. “Be peace for someone else” (Weekly practice). Each week, intentionally reach out to one person who may be troubled — a call, a message, a visit. When you become a source of peace for someone else, your own heart begins to heal and trust more deeply.
Fr. Tomy Philip
May 1, 2026
Called by Name, Carried by Love
On this Fourth Sunday of Easter, the Church invites us to reflect on one of the most beautiful and comforting images of Jesus: the Good Shepherd. Among all the titles he could have chosen, Jesus says, “I am the Good Shepherd.” This is not merely a poetic image; it reveals the very heart of who he is.
A shepherd is never distant from the flock. He walks with them, knows them, protects them, feeds them, and stands between them and danger. This is exactly what
Jesus has done for us. He did not save us from a distance. He entered into our human life, shared our pain, carried our burdens, and finally laid down his life for us on the Cross.
The beauty of Good Shepherd Sunday in the Easter season is that the risen Christ before us is the same Shepherd who passed through suffering, death, and resurrection for each one of us. He did it personally — for our wounds, our fears, our struggles, and even the silent tears no one else sees.
The Good Shepherd knows each of his sheep by name. He does not see us as a crowd but as persons. He knows our story, our worries, our weaknesses, and our hopes. Yet, in the midst of all this, he lovingly reminds us: “You are mine.”
In a world where people are often reduced to numbers and faces in a crowd, Jesus knows us intimately and loves us unconditionally. He does not love us because we are perfect; he loves us because we belong to him.
The Gospel also reminds us that his sheep hear his voice. Amid the many voices of fear, anger, selfishness, and confusion in our world, the voice of Jesus is different. His voice brings peace, forgiveness, courage, and hope. He speaks to us in prayer, through Scripture, in the Eucharist, through the Church, and sometimes even through our suffering.
This Sunday also reminds us that Jesus entrusts his flock to human shepherds —priests, bishops, parents, teachers, and all who care for others. True shepherding is never about power or self-interest; it is about love, sacrifice, service, and protection.
Jesus tells us, “I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.” He does not want us merely to survive but to truly live—with peace in our hearts, healing in our relationships, and hope in our darkness. Even when we feel lost, guilty, or far from God, the Good Shepherd never gives up on us. He goes in search of the lost sheep and gently calls us back — to prayer, to confession, to Mass, and to faith. He is not waiting to condemn us, but to carry us home.
Three Practical Suggestions
1. Listen to the voice of the Good Shepherd every day Spend a few minutes each day in silence with the Lord. Read a passage from the Gospel. Ask yourself: What is Jesus saying to me today? The sheep know the Shepherd’s voice only because they stay close to him.
2. Pray for priests and for vocations today in a special way, let us pray for all priests, bishops, deacons, and religious. Pray that they may be holy, compassionate, and faithful shepherds. And let us pray for young men and women whom God may be calling to the priesthood and consecrated life.
3. Become shepherds to one another Look around you this week. Who needs your care? Who needs encouragement? Be the voice of the Shepherd for them.
Fr. Tomy Philip
April 22, 2026
On this Fourth Sunday of Easter, the Church invites us to reflect on one of the most beautiful and comforting images of Jesus: the Good Shepherd. Among all the titles he could have chosen, Jesus says, “I am the Good Shepherd.” This is not merely a poetic image; it reveals the very heart of who he is.
A shepherd is never distant from the flock. He walks with them, knows them, protects them, feeds them, and stands between them and danger. This is exactly what
Jesus has done for us. He did not save us from a distance. He entered into our human life, shared our pain, carried our burdens, and finally laid down his life for us on the Cross.
The beauty of Good Shepherd Sunday in the Easter season is that the risen Christ before us is the same Shepherd who passed through suffering, death, and resurrection for each one of us. He did it personally — for our wounds, our fears, our struggles, and even the silent tears no one else sees.
The Good Shepherd knows each of his sheep by name. He does not see us as a crowd but as persons. He knows our story, our worries, our weaknesses, and our hopes. Yet, in the midst of all this, he lovingly reminds us: “You are mine.”
In a world where people are often reduced to numbers and faces in a crowd, Jesus knows us intimately and loves us unconditionally. He does not love us because we are perfect; he loves us because we belong to him.
The Gospel also reminds us that his sheep hear his voice. Amid the many voices of fear, anger, selfishness, and confusion in our world, the voice of Jesus is different. His voice brings peace, forgiveness, courage, and hope. He speaks to us in prayer, through Scripture, in the Eucharist, through the Church, and sometimes even through our suffering.
This Sunday also reminds us that Jesus entrusts his flock to human shepherds —priests, bishops, parents, teachers, and all who care for others. True shepherding is never about power or self-interest; it is about love, sacrifice, service, and protection.
Jesus tells us, “I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.” He does not want us merely to survive but to truly live—with peace in our hearts, healing in our relationships, and hope in our darkness. Even when we feel lost, guilty, or far from God, the Good Shepherd never gives up on us. He goes in search of the lost sheep and gently calls us back — to prayer, to confession, to Mass, and to faith. He is not waiting to condemn us, but to carry us home.
Three Practical Suggestions
1. Listen to the voice of the Good Shepherd every day Spend a few minutes each day in silence with the Lord. Read a passage from the Gospel. Ask yourself: What is Jesus saying to me today? The sheep know the Shepherd’s voice only because they stay close to him.
2. Pray for priests and for vocations today in a special way, let us pray for all priests, bishops, deacons, and religious. Pray that they may be holy, compassionate, and faithful shepherds. And let us pray for young men and women whom God may be calling to the priesthood and consecrated life.
3. Become shepherds to one another Look around you this week. Who needs your care? Who needs encouragement? Be the voice of the Shepherd for them.
Fr. Tomy Philip
April 22, 2026
My dear brothers and sisters in Christ
Today’s Gospel, the journey to Emmaus, is not only the story of two disciples long ago; it is our story too. At some point, all of us walk the road of disappointment,
confusion, and pain. Like those disciples, we may feel burdened by unanswered prayers, sickness, broken relationships, or shattered hopes.
Yet the great consolation of Easter is this: Jesus comes near precisely when we feel most lost. Even before the disciples recognized Him, He was already walking beside them. So too in our lives, the Risen Lord walks with us in grief, fear, and uncertainty. Even in our darkest moments, He never abandons us.
The heart of today’s Gospel is the moment at the table: He took bread, blessed it, broke it, and gave it to them. These are the very actions of the Eucharist. It was in the breaking of the bread that the disciples recognized Jesus. Every Mass is our Emmaus experience: first, Jesus speaks to us through the Scriptures; then He reveals Himself in the Eucharist.
At Mass, Jesus does not merely give advice—He gives Himself. In the Holy Eucharist, He is truly, really, and substantially present. He remains with us because
love seeks union with the believed. He continues to answer our prayer: “Stay with us, Lord.”
Let me offer three practical ways to live this Gospel:
1. Bring your daily burdens consciously to the altar Every Mass, bring one real burden in your heart—a worry, grief, fear, or struggle. Place it spiritually on the
altar and say, “Lord, walk with me in this.” Let every Mass become your Emmaus Road.
2. Spend five extra minutes with Jesus after Mass After Holy Communion, remain with Jesus for just five minutes in silence. No phone, no distractions. Simply pray: “Stay with me, Lord, and help me stay with You.” Those few moments can transform your entire day.
3. Become Eucharist for others through your presence. The Eucharist sends us on mission. This week, be Christ’s presence for someone who is lonely, grieving, or discouraged. Visit, call, listen, and encourage. Sometimes Jesus walks with people today through us. My dear friends, the question remains: Does our heart still burn for Jesus? Do we come to Mass expecting to meet Him? Today Jesus gently says, “Stay with Me.” Not only on Sunday, but throughout the day.
May the Eucharist become the center of our life, the source of our strength, and the fire of our hope.
“Stay with us, Lord.” Amen.
Fr. Tomy Philip
April 16, 2026
Today’s Gospel, the journey to Emmaus, is not only the story of two disciples long ago; it is our story too. At some point, all of us walk the road of disappointment,
confusion, and pain. Like those disciples, we may feel burdened by unanswered prayers, sickness, broken relationships, or shattered hopes.
Yet the great consolation of Easter is this: Jesus comes near precisely when we feel most lost. Even before the disciples recognized Him, He was already walking beside them. So too in our lives, the Risen Lord walks with us in grief, fear, and uncertainty. Even in our darkest moments, He never abandons us.
The heart of today’s Gospel is the moment at the table: He took bread, blessed it, broke it, and gave it to them. These are the very actions of the Eucharist. It was in the breaking of the bread that the disciples recognized Jesus. Every Mass is our Emmaus experience: first, Jesus speaks to us through the Scriptures; then He reveals Himself in the Eucharist.
At Mass, Jesus does not merely give advice—He gives Himself. In the Holy Eucharist, He is truly, really, and substantially present. He remains with us because
love seeks union with the believed. He continues to answer our prayer: “Stay with us, Lord.”
Let me offer three practical ways to live this Gospel:
1. Bring your daily burdens consciously to the altar Every Mass, bring one real burden in your heart—a worry, grief, fear, or struggle. Place it spiritually on the
altar and say, “Lord, walk with me in this.” Let every Mass become your Emmaus Road.
2. Spend five extra minutes with Jesus after Mass After Holy Communion, remain with Jesus for just five minutes in silence. No phone, no distractions. Simply pray: “Stay with me, Lord, and help me stay with You.” Those few moments can transform your entire day.
3. Become Eucharist for others through your presence. The Eucharist sends us on mission. This week, be Christ’s presence for someone who is lonely, grieving, or discouraged. Visit, call, listen, and encourage. Sometimes Jesus walks with people today through us. My dear friends, the question remains: Does our heart still burn for Jesus? Do we come to Mass expecting to meet Him? Today Jesus gently says, “Stay with Me.” Not only on Sunday, but throughout the day.
May the Eucharist become the center of our life, the source of our strength, and the fire of our hope.
“Stay with us, Lord.” Amen.
Fr. Tomy Philip
April 16, 2026
My dear brothers and sisters in Christ, Happy Easter once again!
Today the Church celebrates the beautiful feast of Divine Mercy Sunday, so fittingly placed immediately after Easter, for Easter itself is the greatest revelation of
God’s mercy: the Cross shows the depth of His love, and the Resurrection reveals its victory. In today’s Gospel, the risen Lord comes to His frightened and ashamed
disciples with one repeated message: “Peace be with you.” He does not scold them for their failure, denial, or doubt, but comes with mercy, peace, and restoration. This is the heart of Divine Mercy: God comes not first to judge, but to heal and restore, calling us, as Pope John Paul II said, to become day by day men and women of mercy.
In many ways, all of us are like those disciples. Sometimes we too live behind closed doors—the doors of fear, guilt, disappointment, and old wounds. We carry
memories of failures, broken relationships, unanswered prayers, and hidden sorrows. Yet today’s Gospel tells us something beautiful: Jesus enters even through closed
doors. No door is closed to His mercy. No heart is too wounded for His love.
Then comes the beautiful moment with Thomas. He says he cannot believe unless he sees and touches the wounds. Jesus comes back for Thomas and invites him: “Put your finger here… see my hands.” Even after the Resurrection, Jesus still carries His wounds. Why? Because those wounds are the eternal proof of His love. They are not marks of weakness, but marks of mercy. They tell us that He understands our pain, our
loneliness, and our wounds.
Touching those wounds, Thomas makes one of the most beautiful professions of faith: “My Lord and my God!” Today, we are invited to make that same prayer. But Divine Mercy is not only something to receive; it is something to share. Mercy must move from our hearts into our lives.
So let me leave you with three very practical invitations for this week:
1. Come back to the Lord with trust Do not let guilt keep you away from God. Sometimes people say, “Father, I have done too much.” No. No one has done too much for God’s mercy. His mercy is always greater. Come to Him in prayer. Come to
confession. Let Him heal your heart. Trust His mercy more than your weakness.
2. Bring mercy into your family The first place to practice mercy is at home. Be gentle in your words. Forgive quickly. Do not hold on to resentment. Avoid gossip and hurtful speech. Sometimes one kind word can heal a wounded relationship. Ask yourself today: Whom do I need to forgive? That is where Divine Mercy begins.
3. Touch the wounds of Christ in others Jesus’ wounds are still present in the suffering people around us. The sick. The lonely. The elderly. The grieving. The poor. The person silently carrying depression or anxiety. When we comfort them, visit them, listen to them, and stand with them, we touch the wounds of Christ. Mercy becomes real when it becomes practical.
My dear brothers and sisters, may this week find us not only receiving mercy, but becoming mercy for others. Amen.
Fr. Tomy Philip
April 10, 2026
Today the Church celebrates the beautiful feast of Divine Mercy Sunday, so fittingly placed immediately after Easter, for Easter itself is the greatest revelation of
God’s mercy: the Cross shows the depth of His love, and the Resurrection reveals its victory. In today’s Gospel, the risen Lord comes to His frightened and ashamed
disciples with one repeated message: “Peace be with you.” He does not scold them for their failure, denial, or doubt, but comes with mercy, peace, and restoration. This is the heart of Divine Mercy: God comes not first to judge, but to heal and restore, calling us, as Pope John Paul II said, to become day by day men and women of mercy.
In many ways, all of us are like those disciples. Sometimes we too live behind closed doors—the doors of fear, guilt, disappointment, and old wounds. We carry
memories of failures, broken relationships, unanswered prayers, and hidden sorrows. Yet today’s Gospel tells us something beautiful: Jesus enters even through closed
doors. No door is closed to His mercy. No heart is too wounded for His love.
Then comes the beautiful moment with Thomas. He says he cannot believe unless he sees and touches the wounds. Jesus comes back for Thomas and invites him: “Put your finger here… see my hands.” Even after the Resurrection, Jesus still carries His wounds. Why? Because those wounds are the eternal proof of His love. They are not marks of weakness, but marks of mercy. They tell us that He understands our pain, our
loneliness, and our wounds.
Touching those wounds, Thomas makes one of the most beautiful professions of faith: “My Lord and my God!” Today, we are invited to make that same prayer. But Divine Mercy is not only something to receive; it is something to share. Mercy must move from our hearts into our lives.
So let me leave you with three very practical invitations for this week:
1. Come back to the Lord with trust Do not let guilt keep you away from God. Sometimes people say, “Father, I have done too much.” No. No one has done too much for God’s mercy. His mercy is always greater. Come to Him in prayer. Come to
confession. Let Him heal your heart. Trust His mercy more than your weakness.
2. Bring mercy into your family The first place to practice mercy is at home. Be gentle in your words. Forgive quickly. Do not hold on to resentment. Avoid gossip and hurtful speech. Sometimes one kind word can heal a wounded relationship. Ask yourself today: Whom do I need to forgive? That is where Divine Mercy begins.
3. Touch the wounds of Christ in others Jesus’ wounds are still present in the suffering people around us. The sick. The lonely. The elderly. The grieving. The poor. The person silently carrying depression or anxiety. When we comfort them, visit them, listen to them, and stand with them, we touch the wounds of Christ. Mercy becomes real when it becomes practical.
My dear brothers and sisters, may this week find us not only receiving mercy, but becoming mercy for others. Amen.
Fr. Tomy Philip
April 10, 2026
Return to Galilee: Hope Begins Again
Alleluia! Christ is risen! He is truly risen!
Today we celebrate the heart of our faith: the tomb is empty, and Jesus is alive. The Resurrection is not merely an event from the past; it is the living source of our hope today.
In the Gospel, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary go to the tomb early in the morning, carrying sorrow in their hearts. For them, everything seemed over. The Lord whom they loved had been crucified and laid in the tomb. They went expecting death, but instead they encountered life. The stone had been rolled away, and the angel announced the joyful news: “He is not here, for He has been raised.” These words echo through every age and speak directly to our hearts today.
So often, we too carry heavy stones in our lives, the stone of grief, fear, disappointment, sin, or uncertainty about the future. At times, these burdens seem too heavy to move. Yet Easter reminds us that no stone is too heavy for God. Before the women even reached the tomb, the stone had already been rolled away. This is the power of the Resurrection: God does for us that we cannot do for ourselves. No darkness is too deep, no wound beyond healing, and no grave final in the presence of the Risen Lord.
One beautiful detail in today’s Gospel is Jesus’ instruction to the women: “Go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee; there they will see me.” Why Galilee? Galilee was the place where everything began for disciples. It was there, by the shore, that Jesus first called them. It was the place of their first encounter, the place where they first experienced His love and heard His invitation: “Follow me.”
After the pain of Good Friday and the confusion of the tomb, Jesus calls them back to Galilee — to the place of first love, first calling, and first hope. Each one of us also has our own “Galilee.” It may be the memory of childhood prayer, our First Communion, a retreat, a moment of grace in suffering, or a time when we deeply felt the Lord’s presence. Easter invites us to return there in our hearts.
When we remember our first encounter with Jesus, despair begins to lose its power and hope rises again. Memory becomes healing, and remembrance becomes resurrection. The same Lord who called the disciples then calls us now. He enters our fears, our wounds, and our struggles, and speaks once again to our hearts: “Do not be afraid.”
As St. Augustine beautifully reminds us, “We are an Easter people, and Alleluia is our song.” May this Easter renew our hearts, restore our hope, and lead us back to our own Galilee, where we first met the Lord and where He continues to call us into new life. Alleluia! Amen.
Fr. Tomy Philip
April 3, 2026
Alleluia! Christ is risen! He is truly risen!
Today we celebrate the heart of our faith: the tomb is empty, and Jesus is alive. The Resurrection is not merely an event from the past; it is the living source of our hope today.
In the Gospel, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary go to the tomb early in the morning, carrying sorrow in their hearts. For them, everything seemed over. The Lord whom they loved had been crucified and laid in the tomb. They went expecting death, but instead they encountered life. The stone had been rolled away, and the angel announced the joyful news: “He is not here, for He has been raised.” These words echo through every age and speak directly to our hearts today.
So often, we too carry heavy stones in our lives, the stone of grief, fear, disappointment, sin, or uncertainty about the future. At times, these burdens seem too heavy to move. Yet Easter reminds us that no stone is too heavy for God. Before the women even reached the tomb, the stone had already been rolled away. This is the power of the Resurrection: God does for us that we cannot do for ourselves. No darkness is too deep, no wound beyond healing, and no grave final in the presence of the Risen Lord.
One beautiful detail in today’s Gospel is Jesus’ instruction to the women: “Go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee; there they will see me.” Why Galilee? Galilee was the place where everything began for disciples. It was there, by the shore, that Jesus first called them. It was the place of their first encounter, the place where they first experienced His love and heard His invitation: “Follow me.”
After the pain of Good Friday and the confusion of the tomb, Jesus calls them back to Galilee — to the place of first love, first calling, and first hope. Each one of us also has our own “Galilee.” It may be the memory of childhood prayer, our First Communion, a retreat, a moment of grace in suffering, or a time when we deeply felt the Lord’s presence. Easter invites us to return there in our hearts.
When we remember our first encounter with Jesus, despair begins to lose its power and hope rises again. Memory becomes healing, and remembrance becomes resurrection. The same Lord who called the disciples then calls us now. He enters our fears, our wounds, and our struggles, and speaks once again to our hearts: “Do not be afraid.”
As St. Augustine beautifully reminds us, “We are an Easter people, and Alleluia is our song.” May this Easter renew our hearts, restore our hope, and lead us back to our own Galilee, where we first met the Lord and where He continues to call us into new life. Alleluia! Amen.
Fr. Tomy Philip
April 3, 2026
From Hosanna to Crucify: A Call to Purify Our Words
Today we begin Holy Week with great joy. We carried palms, we sang “Hosanna,” and we welcomed Jesus into our lives just as the people of Jerusalem did. It was beautiful. And on Wednesday, many of you had a deep and grace-filled experience in the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Your hearts were renewed. You tasted God’s mercy.
But the Gospel places before us a hard truth. How striking the change in their voices: today they acclaim Him as “King of Israel,” and within a few days they will cry out, “We have no king but Caesar.” What a stark contrast—between the green branches and the Cross, between the flowers and the thorns. A moment ago, they spread their cloaks before Him in honor; so soon after, they strip Him of His garments and cast lots for them. The same crowd that shouted “Hosanna” on Palm Sunday cried out “Crucify Him” on Good Friday. The same lips that praised Jesus condemned Him just a few days later.
That is not just their story—it can be ours. We too bless God… and then wound others with our words. We appreciate people… and then speak ill of them behind their backs. We fall into gossip. As Pope Francis has said very strongly: gossip is not something small, a kind of mortal sin—it destroys. It is like killing. When we gossip, we kill a person’s reputation, their dignity, their good name. And once words are spoken, they cannot be taken back.
There is a powerful story from the life of St. Philip Neri. A woman once came to him, deeply sorry for her habit of gossiping. He gave her a strange penance: “Take a chicken, pluck its feathers one by one as you walk, and then come back.” She did it. When she returned, the chicken was bare. Then he told her, “Now go back and collect every feather.” She said, “That’s impossible! The wind has carried them away.” Philip Neri replied, “So it is with your words. Once spoken, they cannot be gathered back.”
My dear friends, how true this is. Today we hold palms in our hands. We sing “Hosanna.” But let us ask: do we also, by our words, crucify our brothers and sisters? The Letter of James the Apostle tells us: “With the tongue we bless the Lord… and with it we curse those made in God’s image. This should not be so.” This Holy Week, the Lord invites us to something very concrete—not just to pray more, but to speak
differently.
Let me offer you three simple decisions:
First, before you speak about someone, pause and ask: Is it true? Is it kind? Is it necessary? If not, do not say it.
Second, when you feel the urge to gossip, do what Pope Francis humorously advises: bite your tongue. Offer that struggle to Jesus as a sacrifice.
Third, make it a habit to speak good about others. If you cannot praise, remain silent. Let your words heal, not wound.
During this Mass, as we place our palms before the Lord, let us also place our tongues—our words—into His hands. Let us ask Him: “Lord, take away from me the habit of gossip. Purify my speech. Let my words bless, not curse.” So that this week, we will not move from “Hosanna” to “Crucify,” but from “Hosanna” to faithful love at the foot of the Cross. Amen.
Fr. Tomy Philip
March 27, 2026
Today we begin Holy Week with great joy. We carried palms, we sang “Hosanna,” and we welcomed Jesus into our lives just as the people of Jerusalem did. It was beautiful. And on Wednesday, many of you had a deep and grace-filled experience in the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Your hearts were renewed. You tasted God’s mercy.
But the Gospel places before us a hard truth. How striking the change in their voices: today they acclaim Him as “King of Israel,” and within a few days they will cry out, “We have no king but Caesar.” What a stark contrast—between the green branches and the Cross, between the flowers and the thorns. A moment ago, they spread their cloaks before Him in honor; so soon after, they strip Him of His garments and cast lots for them. The same crowd that shouted “Hosanna” on Palm Sunday cried out “Crucify Him” on Good Friday. The same lips that praised Jesus condemned Him just a few days later.
That is not just their story—it can be ours. We too bless God… and then wound others with our words. We appreciate people… and then speak ill of them behind their backs. We fall into gossip. As Pope Francis has said very strongly: gossip is not something small, a kind of mortal sin—it destroys. It is like killing. When we gossip, we kill a person’s reputation, their dignity, their good name. And once words are spoken, they cannot be taken back.
There is a powerful story from the life of St. Philip Neri. A woman once came to him, deeply sorry for her habit of gossiping. He gave her a strange penance: “Take a chicken, pluck its feathers one by one as you walk, and then come back.” She did it. When she returned, the chicken was bare. Then he told her, “Now go back and collect every feather.” She said, “That’s impossible! The wind has carried them away.” Philip Neri replied, “So it is with your words. Once spoken, they cannot be gathered back.”
My dear friends, how true this is. Today we hold palms in our hands. We sing “Hosanna.” But let us ask: do we also, by our words, crucify our brothers and sisters? The Letter of James the Apostle tells us: “With the tongue we bless the Lord… and with it we curse those made in God’s image. This should not be so.” This Holy Week, the Lord invites us to something very concrete—not just to pray more, but to speak
differently.
Let me offer you three simple decisions:
First, before you speak about someone, pause and ask: Is it true? Is it kind? Is it necessary? If not, do not say it.
Second, when you feel the urge to gossip, do what Pope Francis humorously advises: bite your tongue. Offer that struggle to Jesus as a sacrifice.
Third, make it a habit to speak good about others. If you cannot praise, remain silent. Let your words heal, not wound.
During this Mass, as we place our palms before the Lord, let us also place our tongues—our words—into His hands. Let us ask Him: “Lord, take away from me the habit of gossip. Purify my speech. Let my words bless, not curse.” So that this week, we will not move from “Hosanna” to “Crucify,” but from “Hosanna” to faithful love at the foot of the Cross. Amen.
Fr. Tomy Philip
March 27, 2026
Jesus does not do funerals. He does resurrections.
As we come to the 5th Sunday of Lent, the Church places before us one of the most powerful moments in the Gospel — the raising of Lazarus in Gospel of John chapter 11. This is not just a miracle story; it is a revelation and a turning point. Here, Jesus begins to set the stage for His own death and resurrection.
Amid grief, confusion, and our cry, “Lord, where were you?”, Jesus meets our pain with the profound truth that He is not merely a giver of life but “the resurrection and
the life” — the very source of life itself.
Then comes the climax. Jesus stands before a tomb — a place of death, finality, and sealed hope — and cries out, “Lazarus, come out!” And the dead man walks out. This reveals something essential: Jesus does not do funerals. He does resurrections.
But this Gospel is not only about Lazarus. It is about each of us. Where is the tomb in your life? What part of your life feels dead, buried, or hopeless? It could be a
broken relationship, a cold marriage, an unhealed wound, an addiction, a lifeless faith, or a heart closed to God and others. Sometimes even materialism or selfishness quietly drains life within us.
Yet today, Jesus stands before your tomb. He does not condemn or walk away. He calls your name and says, “Come out.”
The second reading from the Letter to the Romans reminds us that the Spirit who raised Jesus from the dead lives in us. The Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC 1017) teaches that we believe in the true resurrection of this very body. This is real. And as Pope Francis reminds us, the resurrection is our greatest hope because it assures us that sin, evil, and death do not have the final word.
As Catholics, we believe Jesus rose from the dead, raised Lazarus, and will raise us. Our life is not limited to this world; we are made for eternity. But resurrection is not only for the future — it begins now. Jesus wants to bring life into the dead areas of our lives today.
So, what do we do with this Gospel? Let me leave you with three simple but powerful steps for this week:
1. Name your tomb. Be honest before God. What is that one area in your life that feels dead or lifeless? Don’t avoid it. Don’t hide it. Bring it into the light.
2. Meet Jesus there in prayer Every day, take just 5 minutes: • Read John 10 (“I came that they may have life”) • Slowly reflect on John 11. Sit in silence. Hold a
crucifix if you can. Let it remind you: He gave His life to give you new life. Then speak to Him — simply and honestly: “Jesus, bring life into this part of my life.” And ask a saint to pray with you.
3. Come out through the Sacrament. Do not stay in the tomb. Come to the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Because confession is not about guilt — it is about resurrection. It is where stones are rolled away. It is where Jesus calls you out into freedom.
As we approach Holy Week, remember we do not simply believe that Jesus raised Lazarus — we believe He will raise us. Even now, He is calling us out of our tombs.
Fr. Tomy Philip
March 20, 2026
As we come to the 5th Sunday of Lent, the Church places before us one of the most powerful moments in the Gospel — the raising of Lazarus in Gospel of John chapter 11. This is not just a miracle story; it is a revelation and a turning point. Here, Jesus begins to set the stage for His own death and resurrection.
Amid grief, confusion, and our cry, “Lord, where were you?”, Jesus meets our pain with the profound truth that He is not merely a giver of life but “the resurrection and
the life” — the very source of life itself.
Then comes the climax. Jesus stands before a tomb — a place of death, finality, and sealed hope — and cries out, “Lazarus, come out!” And the dead man walks out. This reveals something essential: Jesus does not do funerals. He does resurrections.
But this Gospel is not only about Lazarus. It is about each of us. Where is the tomb in your life? What part of your life feels dead, buried, or hopeless? It could be a
broken relationship, a cold marriage, an unhealed wound, an addiction, a lifeless faith, or a heart closed to God and others. Sometimes even materialism or selfishness quietly drains life within us.
Yet today, Jesus stands before your tomb. He does not condemn or walk away. He calls your name and says, “Come out.”
The second reading from the Letter to the Romans reminds us that the Spirit who raised Jesus from the dead lives in us. The Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC 1017) teaches that we believe in the true resurrection of this very body. This is real. And as Pope Francis reminds us, the resurrection is our greatest hope because it assures us that sin, evil, and death do not have the final word.
As Catholics, we believe Jesus rose from the dead, raised Lazarus, and will raise us. Our life is not limited to this world; we are made for eternity. But resurrection is not only for the future — it begins now. Jesus wants to bring life into the dead areas of our lives today.
So, what do we do with this Gospel? Let me leave you with three simple but powerful steps for this week:
1. Name your tomb. Be honest before God. What is that one area in your life that feels dead or lifeless? Don’t avoid it. Don’t hide it. Bring it into the light.
2. Meet Jesus there in prayer Every day, take just 5 minutes: • Read John 10 (“I came that they may have life”) • Slowly reflect on John 11. Sit in silence. Hold a
crucifix if you can. Let it remind you: He gave His life to give you new life. Then speak to Him — simply and honestly: “Jesus, bring life into this part of my life.” And ask a saint to pray with you.
3. Come out through the Sacrament. Do not stay in the tomb. Come to the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Because confession is not about guilt — it is about resurrection. It is where stones are rolled away. It is where Jesus calls you out into freedom.
As we approach Holy Week, remember we do not simply believe that Jesus raised Lazarus — we believe He will raise us. Even now, He is calling us out of our tombs.
Fr. Tomy Philip
March 20, 2026
“Joy is not the absence of suffering. It is the presence of God.” – Pope Leo XIV
Today the Church interrupts the seriousness of Lent with a beautiful word: Rejoice! This Fourth Sunday of Lent is called Laetare Sunday. The entrance antiphon begins with the words, “Rejoice, Jerusalem.” In the middle of this penitential season, the Church invites us to taste already the joy of Easter.
Why this joy in the middle of Lent? Because when we return home to the Father, we rediscover who we truly are. Throughout this Lenten journey we have been reflecting on Returning Home to the Father. Today the Church reminds us that the end of that journey is not sadness but joy — the joy of being restored as God’s beloved children.
In the first reading, God sends Samuel to anoint a king from the family of Jesse. One by one the strong and impressive sons pass before the prophet. But God says
something surprising: “Do not judge by appearance… God looks at the heart.” Finally, the youngest and least expected son, David, is chosen. In the eyes of the world he seemed insignificant, but in God’s eyes his heart was ready. This reminds us of a beautiful truth: God does not look at appearances; He looks at the heart.
The Gospel gives us the powerful story of the man born blind. This miracle is not only about physical sight; it is about spiritual sight. The blind man gradually discovers
who Jesus is — first a man, then a prophet, and finally the Son of Man. His eyes are opened, but more importantly his heart begins to see.
Meanwhile, the Pharisees remain blind. They believe they see clearly, yet their pride prevents them from recognizing the truth standing before them. This is the
paradox of the Gospel: those who think they see may become blind, and those who know they are blind begin to see.
St. Paul reminds us in the second reading: “You were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light.”
This blindness also reflects our own lives. We carry inner blindness — our sins, wounds, and prejudices. Sometimes pride blinds us, sometimes anger blinds us, and
sometimes hurt blinds us. But the good news today is that Jesus is the Light of the world. When His light enters our hearts, the darkness slowly disappears.
This is why our daily reading of the Bible is so important in this Lenten journey. The Word of God is like a lamp that removes darkness from our hearts and leads us into God’s light. When we read the Scriptures every day, our eyes begin to open like the blind man in the Gospel. Slowly we discover the truth expressed in today’s Psalm: “The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I shall want.” When this truth settles in our hearts, fear fades and a deep joy begins to grow within us.
This is why the Church tells us today: Rejoice! Our joy does not come from our merits. Like the blind man, we come with our weakness; like the prodigal son, we come with our brokenness. Yet the Father does something extraordinary — He restores our dignity.
The Sacrament of Reconciliation is a beautiful moment of this restoration. When we confess our sins, heaven rejoices. God rejoices because His child has come home, and we rejoice because the burden of sin is lifted from our hearts. That is why on March 25th we will have our Confession Night in the parish. It will be a special moment of grace. The Father is waiting to embrace us.
Three simple suggestions for this week:
First, ask Jesus to heal your inner blindness. Spend a few minutes each day in prayer saying, “Lord, help me to see.”
Second, continue faithfully your daily Bible reading during this Lent. Allow the Word of God to illuminate your mind and heart. The more we read the Scriptures, the more the darkness within us disappears and the light of Christ begins to guide our life.
Third, bring your darkness to the Lord in Confession on March 25th. Do not be afraid. The Father is waiting to restore your joy. And also try to be a light for someone else — forgive someone, encourage someone, or help someone who is struggling.
When we return home to the Father, darkness becomes light, fear gives way to hope, and our hearts learn again how to rejoice.
Fr. Tomy Philip
March 13, 2026
Today the Church interrupts the seriousness of Lent with a beautiful word: Rejoice! This Fourth Sunday of Lent is called Laetare Sunday. The entrance antiphon begins with the words, “Rejoice, Jerusalem.” In the middle of this penitential season, the Church invites us to taste already the joy of Easter.
Why this joy in the middle of Lent? Because when we return home to the Father, we rediscover who we truly are. Throughout this Lenten journey we have been reflecting on Returning Home to the Father. Today the Church reminds us that the end of that journey is not sadness but joy — the joy of being restored as God’s beloved children.
In the first reading, God sends Samuel to anoint a king from the family of Jesse. One by one the strong and impressive sons pass before the prophet. But God says
something surprising: “Do not judge by appearance… God looks at the heart.” Finally, the youngest and least expected son, David, is chosen. In the eyes of the world he seemed insignificant, but in God’s eyes his heart was ready. This reminds us of a beautiful truth: God does not look at appearances; He looks at the heart.
The Gospel gives us the powerful story of the man born blind. This miracle is not only about physical sight; it is about spiritual sight. The blind man gradually discovers
who Jesus is — first a man, then a prophet, and finally the Son of Man. His eyes are opened, but more importantly his heart begins to see.
Meanwhile, the Pharisees remain blind. They believe they see clearly, yet their pride prevents them from recognizing the truth standing before them. This is the
paradox of the Gospel: those who think they see may become blind, and those who know they are blind begin to see.
St. Paul reminds us in the second reading: “You were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light.”
This blindness also reflects our own lives. We carry inner blindness — our sins, wounds, and prejudices. Sometimes pride blinds us, sometimes anger blinds us, and
sometimes hurt blinds us. But the good news today is that Jesus is the Light of the world. When His light enters our hearts, the darkness slowly disappears.
This is why our daily reading of the Bible is so important in this Lenten journey. The Word of God is like a lamp that removes darkness from our hearts and leads us into God’s light. When we read the Scriptures every day, our eyes begin to open like the blind man in the Gospel. Slowly we discover the truth expressed in today’s Psalm: “The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I shall want.” When this truth settles in our hearts, fear fades and a deep joy begins to grow within us.
This is why the Church tells us today: Rejoice! Our joy does not come from our merits. Like the blind man, we come with our weakness; like the prodigal son, we come with our brokenness. Yet the Father does something extraordinary — He restores our dignity.
The Sacrament of Reconciliation is a beautiful moment of this restoration. When we confess our sins, heaven rejoices. God rejoices because His child has come home, and we rejoice because the burden of sin is lifted from our hearts. That is why on March 25th we will have our Confession Night in the parish. It will be a special moment of grace. The Father is waiting to embrace us.
Three simple suggestions for this week:
First, ask Jesus to heal your inner blindness. Spend a few minutes each day in prayer saying, “Lord, help me to see.”
Second, continue faithfully your daily Bible reading during this Lent. Allow the Word of God to illuminate your mind and heart. The more we read the Scriptures, the more the darkness within us disappears and the light of Christ begins to guide our life.
Third, bring your darkness to the Lord in Confession on March 25th. Do not be afraid. The Father is waiting to restore your joy. And also try to be a light for someone else — forgive someone, encourage someone, or help someone who is struggling.
When we return home to the Father, darkness becomes light, fear gives way to hope, and our hearts learn again how to rejoice.
Fr. Tomy Philip
March 13, 2026
Feast of Forgiveness!
On this Third Sunday of Lent, the Word of God speaks to us about thirst—an inner thirst for reconciliation, the second point of our Lenten journey.
The Israelites thirsted in the desert and questioned God’s presence: “Is the Lord in our midst or not?” The Samaritan woman thirsted at the well of Sychar—not only for water, but for love, dignity, forgiveness, and peace. And we too thirst. We long for healing from our past, freedom from guilt, reconciliation in our families, and peace in our hearts.
In today’s Gospel, Jesus, tired from His journey, says to her: “Give me a drink.” With those simple words, He breaks barriers — between Jews and Samaritans,
between men and women, between the “righteous” and the “sinner.” Jesus is not afraid. He approaches because He loves. Mercy is greater than prejudice.
The woman carried shame. She came at noon to avoid others. Yet Jesus does not condemn her. He gently reveals her truth, not to humiliate her, but to restore her
dignity. He makes her feel seen and valued. Jesus’ thirst was deeper than water. He thirsted for her heart. By asking for a drink, He awakens her own deeper thirst. She begins to ask real questions — the kind we often bury inside ourselves. Lent is the time to bring those questions to the Lord.
When Pope Francis was asked, “Who are you?” he answered, “I am a forgiven sinner.” What a beautiful identity — not perfect, but forgiven. Returning home to the Father begins by admitting our thirst and saying, “Lord, I need You.”
After encountering Jesus, “the woman left her water jar.” That jar symbolized her burdens, her past, her sins. She leaves it at His feet. Reconciled and free, she runs
back to the village that once judged her and becomes a joyful witness: “Come and see a man who told me everything I have done.” She is no longer hiding. Every encounter with Jesus changes our life. It brings lasting joy. If God alone makes us happy, we can be truly happy always.
My dear friends, what is your water jar? Guilt? Resentment? A secret sin? Fear? Lent invites us to lay it down at Jesus’ feet.
On March 25th, our parish will celebrate a great “Feast of Forgiveness.” Fifteen priests will be here from 6:00 to 8:00 PM. At 5:30 PM, there will be a presentation on the Sacrament of Reconciliation and Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament. It will be outdoors in our parking lot — a powerful sign that mercy is open and accessible to all. Perhaps for the first time in our Diocese, we are organizing something like this. St.
Thomas and St. Mary Parishes are called to lead the Diocese of Springfield in celebrating forgiveness — to reconcile with God and with one another, to reclaim our
dignity as children of God. That is going to be a great spiritual awakening in our parish.
Confession is not a place of shame. It is where the Father runs towards us. Jesus will never condemn us there. He restores dignity, gives living water, and sets us free.
Last week I gave you the stickers as a reminder. Jesus says there will be greater joy in heaven over one repentant sinner. Let us make heaven rejoice.
Three practical suggestions:
1. Admit your thirst. Spend five minutes daily in silence and ask, “Where am I spiritually thirsty?” Speak honestly to the Lord. Let our Bible reading awaken that
thirst and lead you to Christ.
2. Examine your water jar. Make a simple examination of conscience. Write down what burdens you. Naming it reduces its power.
3. Come to the Feast of Forgiveness on the 25th. Mark your calendar. Bring your family. Encourage a friend. Do not delay. Mercy is waiting.
May we leave our jars at Jesus’ feet and one day say with joy: “I am a forgiven sinner.” Amen.
Fr. Tomy Philip
March 6, 2026
On this Third Sunday of Lent, the Word of God speaks to us about thirst—an inner thirst for reconciliation, the second point of our Lenten journey.
The Israelites thirsted in the desert and questioned God’s presence: “Is the Lord in our midst or not?” The Samaritan woman thirsted at the well of Sychar—not only for water, but for love, dignity, forgiveness, and peace. And we too thirst. We long for healing from our past, freedom from guilt, reconciliation in our families, and peace in our hearts.
In today’s Gospel, Jesus, tired from His journey, says to her: “Give me a drink.” With those simple words, He breaks barriers — between Jews and Samaritans,
between men and women, between the “righteous” and the “sinner.” Jesus is not afraid. He approaches because He loves. Mercy is greater than prejudice.
The woman carried shame. She came at noon to avoid others. Yet Jesus does not condemn her. He gently reveals her truth, not to humiliate her, but to restore her
dignity. He makes her feel seen and valued. Jesus’ thirst was deeper than water. He thirsted for her heart. By asking for a drink, He awakens her own deeper thirst. She begins to ask real questions — the kind we often bury inside ourselves. Lent is the time to bring those questions to the Lord.
When Pope Francis was asked, “Who are you?” he answered, “I am a forgiven sinner.” What a beautiful identity — not perfect, but forgiven. Returning home to the Father begins by admitting our thirst and saying, “Lord, I need You.”
After encountering Jesus, “the woman left her water jar.” That jar symbolized her burdens, her past, her sins. She leaves it at His feet. Reconciled and free, she runs
back to the village that once judged her and becomes a joyful witness: “Come and see a man who told me everything I have done.” She is no longer hiding. Every encounter with Jesus changes our life. It brings lasting joy. If God alone makes us happy, we can be truly happy always.
My dear friends, what is your water jar? Guilt? Resentment? A secret sin? Fear? Lent invites us to lay it down at Jesus’ feet.
On March 25th, our parish will celebrate a great “Feast of Forgiveness.” Fifteen priests will be here from 6:00 to 8:00 PM. At 5:30 PM, there will be a presentation on the Sacrament of Reconciliation and Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament. It will be outdoors in our parking lot — a powerful sign that mercy is open and accessible to all. Perhaps for the first time in our Diocese, we are organizing something like this. St.
Thomas and St. Mary Parishes are called to lead the Diocese of Springfield in celebrating forgiveness — to reconcile with God and with one another, to reclaim our
dignity as children of God. That is going to be a great spiritual awakening in our parish.
Confession is not a place of shame. It is where the Father runs towards us. Jesus will never condemn us there. He restores dignity, gives living water, and sets us free.
Last week I gave you the stickers as a reminder. Jesus says there will be greater joy in heaven over one repentant sinner. Let us make heaven rejoice.
Three practical suggestions:
1. Admit your thirst. Spend five minutes daily in silence and ask, “Where am I spiritually thirsty?” Speak honestly to the Lord. Let our Bible reading awaken that
thirst and lead you to Christ.
2. Examine your water jar. Make a simple examination of conscience. Write down what burdens you. Naming it reduces its power.
3. Come to the Feast of Forgiveness on the 25th. Mark your calendar. Bring your family. Encourage a friend. Do not delay. Mercy is waiting.
May we leave our jars at Jesus’ feet and one day say with joy: “I am a forgiven sinner.” Amen.
Fr. Tomy Philip
March 6, 2026
Returning Home to the Father; Renewal through Scripture
On this Second Sunday of Lent, we are given two powerful moments: the call of Abraham in Genesis and the Transfiguration of Jesus in Matthew’s Gospel. Both are moments of renewal. Both invite us to return home to the Father.
God says to Abraham, “Go forth… to a land that I will show you.” And Scripture simply tells us: “Abram went as the Lord directed him.” Abraham could respond so generously because his heart was attuned to God. He recognized God’s voice. His heart was filled with God’s thoughts.
If our hearts are filled only with noise and distraction, how will we hear God? But when we fill our hearts with His Word, we begin to think as He thinks and act as He wills. Renewal begins in listening.
In the Gospel, Jesus is transfigured before Peter, James, and John. Moses and Elijah appear beside Him. Moses represents the Law; Elijah represents the Prophets. Their presence shows that Jesus fulfills the entire Old Testament. Everything in Scripture leads to Him.
Then the Father’s voice is heard: “This is my beloved Son… listen to Him.” These words remind us of Jesus’ Baptism, when the Father also declared Him His beloved Son. But on the mountain, one command is added: “Listen to Him.”
The Father reveals who Jesus is and tells us what to do. When we listen to Jesus, especially through Scripture, we become more aware of our own baptismal dignity. In Baptism, we too were made beloved sons and daughters of God. We may not hear Jesus through dramatic miracles, but we do hear Him clearly in His Word.
This is why our Bible-in-a-Year Lenten Project is so important. Since Jesus fulfills both the Old and New Testaments, we need to read both. Through this daily reading, we encounter a living Person. We listen to Him. We grow in knowledge and love of Christ as individuals, families, and as a parish.
Peter wanted to remain on the mountain. But Jesus led them down into daily life. To live faithfully in the plains of ordinary life, we need the steady light of God’s Word.
Here are three practical invitations:
1. Make the Bible a daily appointment with Jesus. Do not read it casually. Before you begin, say a simple prayer: “Lord, speak to me.” Read slowly. Even if it is just the assigned portion in our Bible-in-a-Year plan. Consistency matters more than speed. Protect that time.
2. Bring the Word into your family life. At least once a week, gather as a family and read a short passage together. Let each person share one word or sentence that touched them. Children learn to recognize God’s voice when they hear it at home. Renewal of the parish begins with renewal of families.
3. Connect the Word to the Eucharist. What you read during the week, bring to prayer before the Blessed Sacrament. The same Jesus who speaks in Scripture is
present in the Eucharist. Let the Word you read prepare your heart for Sunday Mass. Let the Eucharist strengthen you to live what you have read.
If we listen to Him, we will be renewed. And renewed hearts become a blessing to others.
Fr. Tomy Philip
February 27, 2026
On this Second Sunday of Lent, we are given two powerful moments: the call of Abraham in Genesis and the Transfiguration of Jesus in Matthew’s Gospel. Both are moments of renewal. Both invite us to return home to the Father.
God says to Abraham, “Go forth… to a land that I will show you.” And Scripture simply tells us: “Abram went as the Lord directed him.” Abraham could respond so generously because his heart was attuned to God. He recognized God’s voice. His heart was filled with God’s thoughts.
If our hearts are filled only with noise and distraction, how will we hear God? But when we fill our hearts with His Word, we begin to think as He thinks and act as He wills. Renewal begins in listening.
In the Gospel, Jesus is transfigured before Peter, James, and John. Moses and Elijah appear beside Him. Moses represents the Law; Elijah represents the Prophets. Their presence shows that Jesus fulfills the entire Old Testament. Everything in Scripture leads to Him.
Then the Father’s voice is heard: “This is my beloved Son… listen to Him.” These words remind us of Jesus’ Baptism, when the Father also declared Him His beloved Son. But on the mountain, one command is added: “Listen to Him.”
The Father reveals who Jesus is and tells us what to do. When we listen to Jesus, especially through Scripture, we become more aware of our own baptismal dignity. In Baptism, we too were made beloved sons and daughters of God. We may not hear Jesus through dramatic miracles, but we do hear Him clearly in His Word.
This is why our Bible-in-a-Year Lenten Project is so important. Since Jesus fulfills both the Old and New Testaments, we need to read both. Through this daily reading, we encounter a living Person. We listen to Him. We grow in knowledge and love of Christ as individuals, families, and as a parish.
Peter wanted to remain on the mountain. But Jesus led them down into daily life. To live faithfully in the plains of ordinary life, we need the steady light of God’s Word.
Here are three practical invitations:
1. Make the Bible a daily appointment with Jesus. Do not read it casually. Before you begin, say a simple prayer: “Lord, speak to me.” Read slowly. Even if it is just the assigned portion in our Bible-in-a-Year plan. Consistency matters more than speed. Protect that time.
2. Bring the Word into your family life. At least once a week, gather as a family and read a short passage together. Let each person share one word or sentence that touched them. Children learn to recognize God’s voice when they hear it at home. Renewal of the parish begins with renewal of families.
3. Connect the Word to the Eucharist. What you read during the week, bring to prayer before the Blessed Sacrament. The same Jesus who speaks in Scripture is
present in the Eucharist. Let the Word you read prepare your heart for Sunday Mass. Let the Eucharist strengthen you to live what you have read.
If we listen to Him, we will be renewed. And renewed hearts become a blessing to others.
Fr. Tomy Philip
February 27, 2026
RENEW
1. Commit to the Bible in a Year. Read as a family. Read as individuals. If you have not started, start today. It is not too late.Even if you miss a day, continue. Do not give up. The devil wants interruption; God wants perseverance.
If you do not have a Bible at home, get one. If you need help, approach the parish office. Let this Lent be the season where your home becomes a place where God’s
Word is heard daily. When temptation comes during the day, a verse you read in the morning will return to you — and it will strengthen you.
2. Deny the ego’s need to be right or recognized. In discussions, let someone else have the last word. Don’t correct minor mistakes. Resist the urge to justify yourself immediately. Interior prayer: “Lord, I do not need to win. You are my vindication.” Do one hidden act of charity each day. Don’t mention it. Let God alone see. This crucifies pride gently — but deeply.
3. Make one concrete act of obedience each day. When you face a choice — speak harshly or remain patient, gossip or remain silent, skip prayer or be faithful — consciously choose God. Say interiorly: “Father, I choose You.” Small obediences bring us back home.
Brothers and sisters, Lent is not about punishment. It is about restoration. It is about coming back to the Father who is waiting. The serpent says, “You can be happy
without God.” Jesus shows us, “You are only truly happy with God.” The garden was lost through disobedience. The desert becomes the place of victory through obedience.
Fr. Tomy Philip
February 20, 2026
1. Commit to the Bible in a Year. Read as a family. Read as individuals. If you have not started, start today. It is not too late.Even if you miss a day, continue. Do not give up. The devil wants interruption; God wants perseverance.
If you do not have a Bible at home, get one. If you need help, approach the parish office. Let this Lent be the season where your home becomes a place where God’s
Word is heard daily. When temptation comes during the day, a verse you read in the morning will return to you — and it will strengthen you.
2. Deny the ego’s need to be right or recognized. In discussions, let someone else have the last word. Don’t correct minor mistakes. Resist the urge to justify yourself immediately. Interior prayer: “Lord, I do not need to win. You are my vindication.” Do one hidden act of charity each day. Don’t mention it. Let God alone see. This crucifies pride gently — but deeply.
3. Make one concrete act of obedience each day. When you face a choice — speak harshly or remain patient, gossip or remain silent, skip prayer or be faithful — consciously choose God. Say interiorly: “Father, I choose You.” Small obediences bring us back home.
Brothers and sisters, Lent is not about punishment. It is about restoration. It is about coming back to the Father who is waiting. The serpent says, “You can be happy
without God.” Jesus shows us, “You are only truly happy with God.” The garden was lost through disobedience. The desert becomes the place of victory through obedience.
Fr. Tomy Philip
February 20, 2026
Three Missions to Complete this Week.
1. Reconcile before you worship.
Before next Sunday’s Mass, ask yourself: Is there someone I am avoiding? Is there someone I have hurt — or who has hurt me? Take one small step this week. Send a message. Make a phone call. Say, “I’m sorry.” Or at least begin praying sincerely for that person. Your offering at the altar becomes powerful when your heart is free from resentment.
2. Practice a “no insult” discipline for one week.
No sarcastic put-downs. No demeaning comments. No humiliating jokes — even at home. When anger rises, pause before speaking. Count to five. Breathe. Pray: “Lord, guard my tongue.” You will discover how often words can wound. And how powerful restraint can be.
3. Walk the second mile deliberately.
Every day this week, do one act that is not required. Help someone who cannot repay you. Be kind to someone you disagree with. Serve someone who makes you uncomfortable. As Pope Francis says, the more we serve — especially those who cannot give back — the more we become aware of God’s presence. When we serve, we see Christ in others. And others begin to see Christ in us.
Fr. Tomy Philip
February 13, 2026
1. Reconcile before you worship.
Before next Sunday’s Mass, ask yourself: Is there someone I am avoiding? Is there someone I have hurt — or who has hurt me? Take one small step this week. Send a message. Make a phone call. Say, “I’m sorry.” Or at least begin praying sincerely for that person. Your offering at the altar becomes powerful when your heart is free from resentment.
2. Practice a “no insult” discipline for one week.
No sarcastic put-downs. No demeaning comments. No humiliating jokes — even at home. When anger rises, pause before speaking. Count to five. Breathe. Pray: “Lord, guard my tongue.” You will discover how often words can wound. And how powerful restraint can be.
3. Walk the second mile deliberately.
Every day this week, do one act that is not required. Help someone who cannot repay you. Be kind to someone you disagree with. Serve someone who makes you uncomfortable. As Pope Francis says, the more we serve — especially those who cannot give back — the more we become aware of God’s presence. When we serve, we see Christ in others. And others begin to see Christ in us.
Fr. Tomy Philip
February 13, 2026
Dear Brothers and Sisters,
On a quiet hillside near the Sea of Galilee, Jesus spoke words that were gentle yet demanding. They were words that asked for a choice — between light and darkness, between truth and illusion, between life with God and life without Him.
Looking at ordinary people—fishermen, sinners, the weak and unsure — Jesus says something extraordinary: “You are the salt of the earth. You are the light of the world.” Not you should be, not try to become, but you are. Our Christian identity is not an optional label; it is a mission.
Jesus knows that two voices compete for our souls. One is His voice — gentle, truthful, life-giving. The other is the voice of the world — loud and attractive, promising momentary happiness without God. The world says, “Do whatever feels good.” Jesus says, “Do what gives life.” The world says, “Think of yourself first.” Jesus says, “Love, even when it costs.” The greatest deception today is the belief that we can live fully without God. It leaves people smiling on the outside but empty within.
Jesus tells us the world needs salt. Salt is small and almost invisible, yet without it food is tasteless. In Jesus’ time, salt preserved food from corruption. In the same way, our faith is meant to preserve the world — not with arguments or anger, but with goodness, honesty, forgiveness, and mercy. Isaiah tells us what this looks like: sharing bread with the hungry, caring for the poor, removing harsh words and injustice. Then God promises, “Your light shall rise in the darkness.” Salt works quietly, disappearing into the food. Christians are called not to dominate, but to transform.
Jesus also calls us light. Light does not argue with darkness; it simply shines, and darkness retreats. Faith is personal, but never private. When we stay close to Jesus —especially in the Eucharist — His light flows through us. Saint Paul understood this when he said, “I decided to know nothing except Jesus Christ, and Him crucified.” The Cross, which looks like weakness, becomes the greatest light. When we stay close to it, suffering does not destroy us; it transforms us. Jesus knows our struggles and wounds, and still He says: “You are the salt. You are the light.” Not tomorrow. Now. So let me offer three very practical invitations — not ideas, but decisions of the heart.
Fr. Tomy Philip
February 6, 2026
On a quiet hillside near the Sea of Galilee, Jesus spoke words that were gentle yet demanding. They were words that asked for a choice — between light and darkness, between truth and illusion, between life with God and life without Him.
Looking at ordinary people—fishermen, sinners, the weak and unsure — Jesus says something extraordinary: “You are the salt of the earth. You are the light of the world.” Not you should be, not try to become, but you are. Our Christian identity is not an optional label; it is a mission.
Jesus knows that two voices compete for our souls. One is His voice — gentle, truthful, life-giving. The other is the voice of the world — loud and attractive, promising momentary happiness without God. The world says, “Do whatever feels good.” Jesus says, “Do what gives life.” The world says, “Think of yourself first.” Jesus says, “Love, even when it costs.” The greatest deception today is the belief that we can live fully without God. It leaves people smiling on the outside but empty within.
Jesus tells us the world needs salt. Salt is small and almost invisible, yet without it food is tasteless. In Jesus’ time, salt preserved food from corruption. In the same way, our faith is meant to preserve the world — not with arguments or anger, but with goodness, honesty, forgiveness, and mercy. Isaiah tells us what this looks like: sharing bread with the hungry, caring for the poor, removing harsh words and injustice. Then God promises, “Your light shall rise in the darkness.” Salt works quietly, disappearing into the food. Christians are called not to dominate, but to transform.
Jesus also calls us light. Light does not argue with darkness; it simply shines, and darkness retreats. Faith is personal, but never private. When we stay close to Jesus —especially in the Eucharist — His light flows through us. Saint Paul understood this when he said, “I decided to know nothing except Jesus Christ, and Him crucified.” The Cross, which looks like weakness, becomes the greatest light. When we stay close to it, suffering does not destroy us; it transforms us. Jesus knows our struggles and wounds, and still He says: “You are the salt. You are the light.” Not tomorrow. Now. So let me offer three very practical invitations — not ideas, but decisions of the heart.
- Choose one concrete act of goodness each day. Every morning, say: “Lord, today help me be salt for one person.” It may be a kind word, patience with a difficult person, or forgiveness instead of resentment. Small goodness changes history.
- Protect your light by staying close to Jesus. Decide to reconnect — or deepen— your relationship with Christ: Sunday Mass without excuses, a few minutes of daily prayer, regular confession. Light fades when we drift away. It burns bright when we stay close.
- Stop hiding your faith. Do not be ashamed to be Christian. Let your values be visible — in your family, workplace, and choices. You don’t need to preach. Just live in a way that makes people curious about God.
Fr. Tomy Philip
February 6, 2026
The Road Less Traveled: Poverty of Spirit
Today’s Gospel presents one of Jesus’ most radical teachings: the Beatitudes. They are not mere moral advice; they are a map for discipleship and a blueprint for a different way of living.
Jesus begins with a statement that turns the world upside down: “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the Kingdom of heaven.” Being "poor in spirit" is not about bank accounts; it is about humility, truth, and a total dependence on God.
Two Roads, One Choice
Jesus invites us to choose between two paths:
* The World’s Way: This road is wide and loud, marked by pride, power, and self-promotion. History remembers many who sought greatness through control, but their legacies are often stained with destruction and emptiness.
* Jesus’ Way: This road is quiet and narrow. It is the path of the humble, the merciful, and the truthful — walked by saints like Francis of Assisi and Oscar Romero. True history is shaped by those who dare to walk against the tide.
What Does It Mean to Be Poor in Spirit?
The prophet Zephaniah tells us to seek righteousness and humility. This involves two essential marks:
* Choosing Righteousness over Self-Defense: Saint Paul reminds us that Christ became our righteousness by giving Himself up for us. Even when mocked and crucified, He chose love over revenge. To be poor in spirit means saying, “I would rather lose an argument than lose my soul.”
* A Radical Commitment to Truth: Zephaniah notes that the poor in spirit “speak no lies.” In a world of organized lies, Jesus—who is the Truth—calls us to honesty. A lie might bring a temporary advantage, but it places us outside the Kingdom. There is a beautiful freedom in the truth.
Three Practical Ways to Live This Today:
* Make one daily decision to choose humility. Decide each morning: “Today, I will not defend my ego.” Concretely, this means choosing not to have the last word, not to prove yourself, or not to react immediately when corrected or misunderstood. This one small decision, lived daily, is a powerful way to become poor in spirit.
* Make truth a non-negotiable value. Decide today: I will not lie—no matter the cost. Speak the truth with love and accept inconvenience for the sake of integrity.
* Choose mercy over self-protection. When hurt, resist the urge to retaliate. Protect the dignity of others—even when it costs your pride. This is how Christ became our righteousness.
The road of the poor in spirit is the road less traveled. It may involve misunderstanding or sacrifice, but it is the only path where we discover our deepest strength and God’s abundant blessings.
Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the Kingdom of heaven.
Fr. Tomy Philip
January 30, 2026
Today’s Gospel presents one of Jesus’ most radical teachings: the Beatitudes. They are not mere moral advice; they are a map for discipleship and a blueprint for a different way of living.
Jesus begins with a statement that turns the world upside down: “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the Kingdom of heaven.” Being "poor in spirit" is not about bank accounts; it is about humility, truth, and a total dependence on God.
Two Roads, One Choice
Jesus invites us to choose between two paths:
* The World’s Way: This road is wide and loud, marked by pride, power, and self-promotion. History remembers many who sought greatness through control, but their legacies are often stained with destruction and emptiness.
* Jesus’ Way: This road is quiet and narrow. It is the path of the humble, the merciful, and the truthful — walked by saints like Francis of Assisi and Oscar Romero. True history is shaped by those who dare to walk against the tide.
What Does It Mean to Be Poor in Spirit?
The prophet Zephaniah tells us to seek righteousness and humility. This involves two essential marks:
* Choosing Righteousness over Self-Defense: Saint Paul reminds us that Christ became our righteousness by giving Himself up for us. Even when mocked and crucified, He chose love over revenge. To be poor in spirit means saying, “I would rather lose an argument than lose my soul.”
* A Radical Commitment to Truth: Zephaniah notes that the poor in spirit “speak no lies.” In a world of organized lies, Jesus—who is the Truth—calls us to honesty. A lie might bring a temporary advantage, but it places us outside the Kingdom. There is a beautiful freedom in the truth.
Three Practical Ways to Live This Today:
* Make one daily decision to choose humility. Decide each morning: “Today, I will not defend my ego.” Concretely, this means choosing not to have the last word, not to prove yourself, or not to react immediately when corrected or misunderstood. This one small decision, lived daily, is a powerful way to become poor in spirit.
* Make truth a non-negotiable value. Decide today: I will not lie—no matter the cost. Speak the truth with love and accept inconvenience for the sake of integrity.
* Choose mercy over self-protection. When hurt, resist the urge to retaliate. Protect the dignity of others—even when it costs your pride. This is how Christ became our righteousness.
The road of the poor in spirit is the road less traveled. It may involve misunderstanding or sacrifice, but it is the only path where we discover our deepest strength and God’s abundant blessings.
Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the Kingdom of heaven.
Fr. Tomy Philip
January 30, 2026
"Come After Me" - Following Jesus Together
Today’s Gospel is simple, and precisely for that reason, very powerful. Jesus walks by the Sea of Galilee and calls four ordinary men — Simon Peter and Andrew, James and John. They are not in prayer or searching for something new; they are busy with their nets, doing their daily work. Jesus speaks just a few words: “Come after me.” Immediately, they leave their nets and follow Him. This is the heart of Christianity. It is not first of all about rules, devotions, or preferences, but about following a Person — Jesus Christ.
By the time Saint Paul wrote to the Corinthians, divisions had already begun to appear. People were no longer debating Jesus, but His followers: “I belong to Paul,” “I belong to Apollos,” “I belong to Cephas.” The same temptation exists today when we attach ourselves more to particular leaders, spiritual styles, or preferences than to Christ Himself. Saints, popes, teachers, and preachers are great gifts to the Church, but they are not the destination. They are signposts. Jesus alone is the center.
The Gospel also tells us that the disciples left their nets. James and John even left their father in the boat. Jesus is not asking everyone to abandon family or profession, but He is asking each of us to reflect honestly: What are the “nets” that hold me back from following Him more freely? Habits, fears, resentments, unhealthy attachments — all can prevent us from responding fully to Christ’s call.
Following Jesus always involves letting go. As Pope Benedict XVI said, Christianity begins not with an idea or rule, but with an encounter with a Person who gives life a new direction. When we truly encounter Christ, our circumstances may remain the same, but our hearts are changed.
Today we also remember Saint Vincent Pallotti, whose feast we celebrate on January 22. He believed passionately that every baptized person is an apostle. Each of us is sent to be a fisher of men — through prayer, witness, teaching the faith, service in the Church, and generous support of God’s work. No act is small when done for God’s glory and the salvation of souls.
Let us take this call seriously and live it concretely.
* Choose Jesus daily — before choosing sides.
Before reacting, criticizing, judging, or arguing — ask: “What would help me follow Jesus more closely right now?” In families, in parish life, in society — unity begins when Christ comes first. This is how we live our baptism as apostles in daily life.
* Leave one “net” behind this week.
Identify one small attachment that pulls you away from God — excessive screen time, gossip, resentment, neglect of prayer — and consciously let it go. Make room for Jesus. Letting go makes us free to be instruments in God’s hands for others.
* Go fishing gently.
Bring one person closer to Christ this week — not by preaching, but by kindness, listening, forgiveness, or invitation. Remember Saint Paul’s wisdom: Don’t scare the fish. Let your life quietly point to Jesus. Through prayer, service, witness, or support of the Church, each of us can bring at least one soul closer to Christ.
May we hear again Jesus’ call — “Come after me” — and follow Him with unity, freedom, courage, and joy.
Fr. Tomy Philip
January 23, 2026
Today’s Gospel is simple, and precisely for that reason, very powerful. Jesus walks by the Sea of Galilee and calls four ordinary men — Simon Peter and Andrew, James and John. They are not in prayer or searching for something new; they are busy with their nets, doing their daily work. Jesus speaks just a few words: “Come after me.” Immediately, they leave their nets and follow Him. This is the heart of Christianity. It is not first of all about rules, devotions, or preferences, but about following a Person — Jesus Christ.
By the time Saint Paul wrote to the Corinthians, divisions had already begun to appear. People were no longer debating Jesus, but His followers: “I belong to Paul,” “I belong to Apollos,” “I belong to Cephas.” The same temptation exists today when we attach ourselves more to particular leaders, spiritual styles, or preferences than to Christ Himself. Saints, popes, teachers, and preachers are great gifts to the Church, but they are not the destination. They are signposts. Jesus alone is the center.
The Gospel also tells us that the disciples left their nets. James and John even left their father in the boat. Jesus is not asking everyone to abandon family or profession, but He is asking each of us to reflect honestly: What are the “nets” that hold me back from following Him more freely? Habits, fears, resentments, unhealthy attachments — all can prevent us from responding fully to Christ’s call.
Following Jesus always involves letting go. As Pope Benedict XVI said, Christianity begins not with an idea or rule, but with an encounter with a Person who gives life a new direction. When we truly encounter Christ, our circumstances may remain the same, but our hearts are changed.
Today we also remember Saint Vincent Pallotti, whose feast we celebrate on January 22. He believed passionately that every baptized person is an apostle. Each of us is sent to be a fisher of men — through prayer, witness, teaching the faith, service in the Church, and generous support of God’s work. No act is small when done for God’s glory and the salvation of souls.
Let us take this call seriously and live it concretely.
* Choose Jesus daily — before choosing sides.
Before reacting, criticizing, judging, or arguing — ask: “What would help me follow Jesus more closely right now?” In families, in parish life, in society — unity begins when Christ comes first. This is how we live our baptism as apostles in daily life.
* Leave one “net” behind this week.
Identify one small attachment that pulls you away from God — excessive screen time, gossip, resentment, neglect of prayer — and consciously let it go. Make room for Jesus. Letting go makes us free to be instruments in God’s hands for others.
* Go fishing gently.
Bring one person closer to Christ this week — not by preaching, but by kindness, listening, forgiveness, or invitation. Remember Saint Paul’s wisdom: Don’t scare the fish. Let your life quietly point to Jesus. Through prayer, service, witness, or support of the Church, each of us can bring at least one soul closer to Christ.
May we hear again Jesus’ call — “Come after me” — and follow Him with unity, freedom, courage, and joy.
Fr. Tomy Philip
January 23, 2026
Behold the Lamb of God
Today’s Gospel gives us one of the most powerful titles ever spoken about Jesus. John the Baptist points to Him and says, “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world.” These words are familiar to us, repeated at every Mass, yet the Church invites us to pause and rediscover their depth. John does not call Jesus a teacher or miracle worker; he calls Him the Lamb — a title rich with meaning, sacrifice, and love.
From the beginning of Scripture, the lamb is a sign of salvation. In Exodus 12, during the first Passover, the blood of a spotless lamb saved the Israelites from death.
That event was not only history; it was prophecy. Jesus is the true Passover Lamb. His blood, shed on the cross, saves us not from physical death, but from the deeper death caused by sin and separation from God.
Saint Paul expresses this mystery in 2 Corinthians 5:21: Jesus, though sinless, took our place so that we might become righteous before God. He carried what did not
belong to Him so that we could receive what we did not deserve. This is atonement. This is love.
The prophet Isaiah foresaw this centuries earlier, describing a servant “led like a lamb to the slaughter” who bore the sins of many. Jesus freely chose the cross. He did not resist or flee. Every wound and every breath on Calvary proclaimed His love for us.
The image of the scapegoat from Leviticus 16 deepens our understanding. On the Day of Atonement, the sins of the people were placed on a goat and carried far away
into the wilderness. Jesus fulfills this ritual completely. He does not merely cover sin; He carries it away. He becomes both Lamb and Scapegoat so that sin would no longer define us.
To “behold” the Lamb is more than hearing words; it is allowing our hearts to be moved. When we pray or sing, “Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world,” it
should awaken deep gratitude as we remember the price He paid and the love that held Him on the cross. To follow the Lamb today means allowing our lives to be transformed — replacing malice with innocence, power with love, pride with humility, and status with service.
Three simple and practical ways to live this mystery:
* Come to the Lamb with your sins
Do not carry guilt alone. Jesus already carried it for you. Make regular use of the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Confession is not about shame; it is about freedom.
* Receive the Eucharist with awareness and gratitude
When you come forward for Communion, remember: This is the Lamb who was slain, now given to you as food. Pause. Bow your heart. Whisper a quiet “Thank you, Lord.”
* Stop scapegoating others
In daily life, we often blame others — spouses, children, coworkers, the Church, society. But Jesus has already taken the blame. As forgiven people, we are called to forgive, not accuse; to heal, not wound.
John the Baptist still points to Jesus today and says, “Behold the Lamb of God.” He is not distant or angry, but a loving Lamb — wounded, broken, and given for us.
May our hearts be filled with love and gratitude, and may our lives become a humble response to His sacrifice.
Fr. Tomy Philip
January 16, 2026
Today’s Gospel gives us one of the most powerful titles ever spoken about Jesus. John the Baptist points to Him and says, “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world.” These words are familiar to us, repeated at every Mass, yet the Church invites us to pause and rediscover their depth. John does not call Jesus a teacher or miracle worker; he calls Him the Lamb — a title rich with meaning, sacrifice, and love.
From the beginning of Scripture, the lamb is a sign of salvation. In Exodus 12, during the first Passover, the blood of a spotless lamb saved the Israelites from death.
That event was not only history; it was prophecy. Jesus is the true Passover Lamb. His blood, shed on the cross, saves us not from physical death, but from the deeper death caused by sin and separation from God.
Saint Paul expresses this mystery in 2 Corinthians 5:21: Jesus, though sinless, took our place so that we might become righteous before God. He carried what did not
belong to Him so that we could receive what we did not deserve. This is atonement. This is love.
The prophet Isaiah foresaw this centuries earlier, describing a servant “led like a lamb to the slaughter” who bore the sins of many. Jesus freely chose the cross. He did not resist or flee. Every wound and every breath on Calvary proclaimed His love for us.
The image of the scapegoat from Leviticus 16 deepens our understanding. On the Day of Atonement, the sins of the people were placed on a goat and carried far away
into the wilderness. Jesus fulfills this ritual completely. He does not merely cover sin; He carries it away. He becomes both Lamb and Scapegoat so that sin would no longer define us.
To “behold” the Lamb is more than hearing words; it is allowing our hearts to be moved. When we pray or sing, “Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world,” it
should awaken deep gratitude as we remember the price He paid and the love that held Him on the cross. To follow the Lamb today means allowing our lives to be transformed — replacing malice with innocence, power with love, pride with humility, and status with service.
Three simple and practical ways to live this mystery:
* Come to the Lamb with your sins
Do not carry guilt alone. Jesus already carried it for you. Make regular use of the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Confession is not about shame; it is about freedom.
* Receive the Eucharist with awareness and gratitude
When you come forward for Communion, remember: This is the Lamb who was slain, now given to you as food. Pause. Bow your heart. Whisper a quiet “Thank you, Lord.”
* Stop scapegoating others
In daily life, we often blame others — spouses, children, coworkers, the Church, society. But Jesus has already taken the blame. As forgiven people, we are called to forgive, not accuse; to heal, not wound.
John the Baptist still points to Jesus today and says, “Behold the Lamb of God.” He is not distant or angry, but a loving Lamb — wounded, broken, and given for us.
May our hearts be filled with love and gratitude, and may our lives become a humble response to His sacrifice.
Fr. Tomy Philip
January 16, 2026
The Feast of the Baptism of the Lord
Today we celebrate the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord, a beautiful moment that brings the Christmas season to its fulfillment. Jesus, the Beloved Son of the Father, enters the waters of the Jordan not because He needs repentance, but to stand in deep solidarity with us and to bless the waters of our human life. As He comes up from the water, the heavens open, the Spirit descends like a dove, and the Father’s voice proclaims, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.”
This feast is not only about Jesus; it also turns our attention to our own baptism. Pope Francis often asked a simple but powerful question: “Do you remember the date of your baptism?” For a long time, I did not remember mine either but discovering that I was baptized on 31st May 1974 became a moment of deep gratitude. Pope Francis reminds us that the day of our baptism is even more important than our birthday, because on that day we were reborn into Christ.
Through baptism, we were integrated into the Body of the Church, the holy People of God. The faith we received did not begin with us; it has been handed down from Mary and Joseph, the Apostles, the martyrs, and the saints. The Fathers of the Church beautifully describe this as “the passing of the flame of faith from hand to hand,” reminding us that we carry a living flame meant to be shared.
In baptism, we are also consecrated by the Holy Spirit. To be Christian means to be anointed in the same Spirit who anointed Jesus. Parents and families are called to help children grow immersed in the Holy Spirit, who teaches us how to live, forgive, love, and persevere. A simple daily prayer can transform our lives: “Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful and kindle in them the fire of your love.”
How to Live Our Baptism Daily
1. Live from your baptismal identity
Every baptized person needs to begin the day remembering who he or she is. Before anything else, make the sign of the cross slowly and consciously. Say in your heart: “I am baptized. I belong to Christ.” This awareness changes everything—how we speak, how we treat others, how we face difficulties, and how we make choices. Baptism is not a past ritual; it is our present identity. We no longer live as people without direction, but as sons and daughters who know they are loved.
2. Keep the memory of your baptism alive
What we remember, we value. Know the date of your baptism. Write it down. Celebrate it. Light a candle. Say a prayer of thanksgiving. Tell the story to your children and grandchildren. Use simple signs: bless yourself with holy water when you leave home and when you return. These gestures gently remind us that our whole life flows from that first immersion into Christ. When the memory of baptism is alive, faith does not fade — it grows.
3. Let your baptism flow outward as mission
Baptism never ends with us. The flame we received is meant to be passed on. Every baptized person is sent — into the family, the workplace, the parish, and society. Live your baptism through mercy, forgiveness, kindness, and quiet prayer for others. And above all, walk daily with the Holy Spirit. Invoke Him often — especially in the family. “Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful and kindle in them the fire of your love.”
Christianity is not something we do occasionally; it is someone we are every day.
Fr. Tomy Philip
January 9, 2026
Today we celebrate the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord, a beautiful moment that brings the Christmas season to its fulfillment. Jesus, the Beloved Son of the Father, enters the waters of the Jordan not because He needs repentance, but to stand in deep solidarity with us and to bless the waters of our human life. As He comes up from the water, the heavens open, the Spirit descends like a dove, and the Father’s voice proclaims, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.”
This feast is not only about Jesus; it also turns our attention to our own baptism. Pope Francis often asked a simple but powerful question: “Do you remember the date of your baptism?” For a long time, I did not remember mine either but discovering that I was baptized on 31st May 1974 became a moment of deep gratitude. Pope Francis reminds us that the day of our baptism is even more important than our birthday, because on that day we were reborn into Christ.
Through baptism, we were integrated into the Body of the Church, the holy People of God. The faith we received did not begin with us; it has been handed down from Mary and Joseph, the Apostles, the martyrs, and the saints. The Fathers of the Church beautifully describe this as “the passing of the flame of faith from hand to hand,” reminding us that we carry a living flame meant to be shared.
In baptism, we are also consecrated by the Holy Spirit. To be Christian means to be anointed in the same Spirit who anointed Jesus. Parents and families are called to help children grow immersed in the Holy Spirit, who teaches us how to live, forgive, love, and persevere. A simple daily prayer can transform our lives: “Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful and kindle in them the fire of your love.”
How to Live Our Baptism Daily
1. Live from your baptismal identity
Every baptized person needs to begin the day remembering who he or she is. Before anything else, make the sign of the cross slowly and consciously. Say in your heart: “I am baptized. I belong to Christ.” This awareness changes everything—how we speak, how we treat others, how we face difficulties, and how we make choices. Baptism is not a past ritual; it is our present identity. We no longer live as people without direction, but as sons and daughters who know they are loved.
2. Keep the memory of your baptism alive
What we remember, we value. Know the date of your baptism. Write it down. Celebrate it. Light a candle. Say a prayer of thanksgiving. Tell the story to your children and grandchildren. Use simple signs: bless yourself with holy water when you leave home and when you return. These gestures gently remind us that our whole life flows from that first immersion into Christ. When the memory of baptism is alive, faith does not fade — it grows.
3. Let your baptism flow outward as mission
Baptism never ends with us. The flame we received is meant to be passed on. Every baptized person is sent — into the family, the workplace, the parish, and society. Live your baptism through mercy, forgiveness, kindness, and quiet prayer for others. And above all, walk daily with the Holy Spirit. Invoke Him often — especially in the family. “Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful and kindle in them the fire of your love.”
Christianity is not something we do occasionally; it is someone we are every day.
Fr. Tomy Philip
January 9, 2026
Epiphany: Two Ways of Responding to Christ
On the Solemnity of the Epiphany, the Church celebrates God’s self-revelation to the whole world. The Child of Bethlehem is no longer hidden; He is revealed to the nations. Epiphany proclaims a beautiful and consoling truth: Jesus is born for all.
This is why the Gospel presents not the shepherds, but the Magi — foreigners, outsiders, Gentiles. They come from another land, culture, and religious background, yet they are the first to recognize Christ as King. From the very beginning, the Gospel makes it clear that God’s heart is wider than our boundaries. The Church is catholic —universal — open to all races, languages, cultures, and peoples.
In today’s Gospel, we encounter two contrasting responses to Christ: Herod and the Magi. Herod represents the negative response. Troubled by the news of Jesus’ birth, he feels threatened. Though he appears religious on the outside — consulting Scripture and asking questions — his heart is closed. He seeks not God’s will, but his own power and security. Herod reminds us that religion without openness becomes dangerous when it serves fear, control, or exclusion.
In contrast, the Magi are seekers. Though outsiders, they are open, attentive, and searching. Their hearts are tuned to God, which is why they can recognize the star. They ask the question that opens the door to faith: “Where is the child who has been born?” Faith begins with such questioning — a holy restlessness placed by God in every human heart, across all cultures and nations.
The Magi do not stop with questions; they set out on a journey. Faith is never static. A faith that does not move does not grow. At the end of their journey, they find not a palace, but a Child — poor, vulnerable, and universal in His love. They fall down in worship, and the Gospel concludes with a powerful line: “They returned to their country by another way.” An encounter with Christ always changes our direction. We may return to the same routines, but never with the same heart.
Practical invitations for our lives:
1. Do not sedate your soul
Our world is full of distractions that numb our hearts. Make space for silence. Allow God to awaken holy restlessness within you. A questioning heart is often a heart very close to God.
2. Keep journeying in faith
Faith is not standing still; it is walking with the Lord. Step out of comfort. Be willing to forgive, to serve, to listen, and to learn — even from those who are different from you.
3. Live an open and welcoming faith
Like the Magi, let us cross boundaries. Let us resist fear and exclusion. Let our homes, our parishes, and our hearts reflect the universality of Christ’s love — open to all people, without prejudice of race, culture, or background.
May our encounter with Christ always lead us “by another way”, and may His light shine even in our darkest nights — Jesus Christ, the radiant Morning Star, given for all peoples of the earth. Amen.
Fr. Tomy Philip
January 2, 2026
On the Solemnity of the Epiphany, the Church celebrates God’s self-revelation to the whole world. The Child of Bethlehem is no longer hidden; He is revealed to the nations. Epiphany proclaims a beautiful and consoling truth: Jesus is born for all.
This is why the Gospel presents not the shepherds, but the Magi — foreigners, outsiders, Gentiles. They come from another land, culture, and religious background, yet they are the first to recognize Christ as King. From the very beginning, the Gospel makes it clear that God’s heart is wider than our boundaries. The Church is catholic —universal — open to all races, languages, cultures, and peoples.
In today’s Gospel, we encounter two contrasting responses to Christ: Herod and the Magi. Herod represents the negative response. Troubled by the news of Jesus’ birth, he feels threatened. Though he appears religious on the outside — consulting Scripture and asking questions — his heart is closed. He seeks not God’s will, but his own power and security. Herod reminds us that religion without openness becomes dangerous when it serves fear, control, or exclusion.
In contrast, the Magi are seekers. Though outsiders, they are open, attentive, and searching. Their hearts are tuned to God, which is why they can recognize the star. They ask the question that opens the door to faith: “Where is the child who has been born?” Faith begins with such questioning — a holy restlessness placed by God in every human heart, across all cultures and nations.
The Magi do not stop with questions; they set out on a journey. Faith is never static. A faith that does not move does not grow. At the end of their journey, they find not a palace, but a Child — poor, vulnerable, and universal in His love. They fall down in worship, and the Gospel concludes with a powerful line: “They returned to their country by another way.” An encounter with Christ always changes our direction. We may return to the same routines, but never with the same heart.
Practical invitations for our lives:
1. Do not sedate your soul
Our world is full of distractions that numb our hearts. Make space for silence. Allow God to awaken holy restlessness within you. A questioning heart is often a heart very close to God.
2. Keep journeying in faith
Faith is not standing still; it is walking with the Lord. Step out of comfort. Be willing to forgive, to serve, to listen, and to learn — even from those who are different from you.
3. Live an open and welcoming faith
Like the Magi, let us cross boundaries. Let us resist fear and exclusion. Let our homes, our parishes, and our hearts reflect the universality of Christ’s love — open to all people, without prejudice of race, culture, or background.
May our encounter with Christ always lead us “by another way”, and may His light shine even in our darkest nights — Jesus Christ, the radiant Morning Star, given for all peoples of the earth. Amen.
Fr. Tomy Philip
January 2, 2026