We can all understand the argument the disciples had. We spend much of our lives seeking status, protecting our status, or mourning the loss of status.

Christian leaders say Indian government’s new “road map” for peace in strife-torn Manipur state is too late and too difficult to achieve as warring parties continue “to stick to their guns.” Listen to the story and more in a wrap-up of the weekly news from Asia.

Christ's call for us to take up the cross is an invitation to learn that though suffering is always with us and may make us think God is far from us, it is actually a share in the life of God who also takes up the cross.

Pope Francis wrapped up the longest apostolic journey of his pontificate covering four nations in Asia and Oceania, infusing joy and hope among millions in Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, Timor-Leste and Singapore. Listen to the story and more in a wrap-up of the weekly news from Asia.

The way to make God's love present in this creation is to groan with Christ. Anyone who has tried to share God's love with the world comes to know that.

Pope Francis arrived at the Indonesian capital Jakarta on Tuesday, kicking off the longest apostolic journey of his pontificate covering four nations in Asia and Oceania. Listen to the story and more in a wrap-up of the weekly news from Asia.

Do my devotions, practices and thoughts deepen my understanding of real Christianity, or am I in danger of wandering from the truth? Have the customs I learned from my family, from my community and from the teachers of my faith begun to warp or replace that faith?

Devastating floods left dozens of dead and millions affected in Bangladesh and India in recent days. Listen to the story and more in a wrap-up of the weekly news from Asia.

If Jesus is indeed who he and the Church say he is, then there really is no place else to go. If he is real, then any alternative is unreal. We have no choice. If we accept the truth of Jesus' divinity, we must accept the reality of the Eucharist we share.

Pakistani Christians marked the first anniversary of the anti-Christian violence in Jaranwala with a protest rally, calling for justice and an end to abuses. Listen to the story and more in a wrap-up of the weekly news from Asia.

Would someone watching us at the Eucharist be so stirred or disturbed by our conviction that the sacrament is the real presence of Christ for us that he or she might think I was involved in some form of cannibalism?

Global rights group Human Rights Watch slammed the military junta and rebel forces for atrocities against civilians in the conflict-scarred nation. Listen to the story and more in a wrap-up of the weekly news from Asia.

The Eucharist we share is food like that the angel gave Elijah. It is food that enables us to persevere in our long journey to God. It is the strength of God.

Impoverished Timor-Leste faces criticism for allocating US$12 million for Pope Francis’ visit in September including US$1 million for an altar for a papal Mass. Listen to the story and more in a wrap-up of the weekly news from Asia.

The Lord sets a banquet before me, but all too often, I look over, under and around the table for the sort of nourishment I think I need instead of feasting on what I am offered, the only real nourishment I need.

Indians mourn as a series of landslides destroyed hundreds of homes and killed at least 200 people in India’s southern Kerala state. Listen to the story and more in a wrap-up of the weekly news from Asia.

The Eucharist is the miracle in which Christ takes "the work of human hands" and presents it to the Father as himself. Our own little bit, our own willingness to search out what we can do, becomes part of that. God is looking for the Andrew in each of us.

Bangladesh dismisses controversial civil service quota system after deadly violence, prompting the government to enforce nationwide curfew, deploy military and internet blackout. Listen to the story and more in a wrap-up of the weekly news from Asia.

The Lord tells the apostles and us to pack up the picnic basket, get in the boat and get away from it all. Our bodies, minds and souls all need an occasional break. Sometimes, to find prayer and God's love, all I need do is not do.

At least nine students were killed, and hundreds injured in escalating violence in Bangladesh amid protests for reforms in the government job recruitment policy. Listen to the story and more in a wrap-up of the weekly news from Asia.

It is hard to believe that God is relying upon me, when I thought I was supposed to rely upon God. But, that's the case. God needs me, needs us, to bring the Good News to a world waiting unawares for it. So, Jesus tells us to wear our shoes, ready to go forth and ready to be ready.

The Vatican has approved sainthood process for first Korean Cardinal Stephen Kim Sou-hwan, known for his love for the poor, efforts for lay participation in the Church, and support for democracy. Listen to the story and more in a wrap-up of the weekly news from Asia.

God does not force us to accept love. In today's Gospel, we hear that Jesus could not perform miracles because people would not believe in him. They were not willing to accept the love God offered them because it came in a form they did not expect.

Monsoon flooding hit parts of South and Southeast Asian nations affecting millions of people. Listen to the story and more in a wrap-up of the weekly news from Asia.