28th December to 2nd January

 

28 DECEMBER 2020 – 02 JANUARY 2021, HOLY MASS REFLECTIONS

 

28 DECEMBER 2020, 1 JOHN 1. 5 – 2. 2; MATTHEW 2. 13-18, HOLY INNOCENTS

 

Focus: Love gives life to others, while hatred destroys life. We are constantly to make choice between life and death, between good and evil, between construction and destruction

 

The small children below two years, become the victims of the fury of Herod, in his attempt to kill the child Jesus. We get a better understanding of Herod in the light of the first reading from 1 John. He has no light of God in him, but darkness. He does not walk in the light. Therefore, he is not in fellowship with others, and has no human concern for others, and not even for the little children. And what an irony and contrast: Jesus sheds his own blood, in order to purify us from our sins. But Herod sheds the blood of the innocent children, accumulating sin for himself. Now, one may argue why God allows such a tragedy? What is their fault? But this is not the main issue and it is not so necessary also. What is important to note is, God's plans go ahead in spite of the human cruelty and obstacles. No human powers or evil forces can deter God's ways, even though they may create some temporary blocks, and may appear to dominate God and good. In the process of accomplishing a higher good and God’s holy will, some may need to pay the price and suffer. This is what is seen in the case of the holy innocents. They die in the place of child Jesus. They die on behalf of them. Apparently these innocent children were the helpless victims, brutally murdered. But they were the "saviours" of the Saviour. In fact, they were not even aware of what was happening. This also shows another truth of God’s working. Everyone, even in innocence and silence can help the plan of God, and can bear witness to the Lord. Though They are done away from the earth, from mortal life. But they obtain heaven and eternal life. Yet again, there is a simple contrast between Herod and the small children: Herod, in full knowledge kills the children, to kill Jesus; but the small children, even without any knowledge, die so as to save Jesus.

 

Direction: It is meritorious to suffer something for God, even in silence and innocence. To die for Jesus, even if it be forced, is certainly great

 

29 DECEMBER 2020, 1 JOHN 2. 3-11; LUKE 2. 22-35

Focus: Jesus is presented in the temple, symbolising his own presentation, his self-offering for the salvation of humanity.

We have in today’s gospel passage the purification ceremony of child Jesus in the temple, as per the Law. He undergoes the purification ceremony, signifying our own purification from sin. As a first born male, he is consecrated to God, again indicating his total consecration to God’s will for our sanctification. Now how to merit the fruits of this purification or presentation or consecration? See Simeon and follow his example. In the whole episode, Simeon remains as a key figure. Both the first reading and the gospel depict his person: he is in the light because he loves his brothers and sisters, and awaits their salvation. He knows God and he is true because he fulfils God’s commands. The Holy Spirit was in him. He was upright and devout. That is why he is granted the unique grace of encountering the incarnate Saviour. Indeed, what a grace and privilege it is: to see the Light of the nations, to see the light of salvation, to hold the Saviour himself in his hands. Simeon today teaches all of us that the only way to see the light of salvation is to constantly dispel the shades of our darkness. The more we know Jesus and follow him, the more we allow him to illuminate us and to touch us, the more we love him and live uprightly and devoutly, the more we too will be blessed like Simeon.

Direction: In life, ultimately what counts is not the intelligence or competence or worldly resources, but only a life of truthfulness and faithfulness  

30 DECEMBER 2020, 1 JOHN 2. 12-17; LUKE 2. 36-40

 

Focus: A true Christian life is one, centred around God, and in difference to the world.

 

CHRIST came into the world, to revive the life that is infected by sin. But it will be effective only if we are fully open and responsive. We need to guard ourselves against the evil forces and standards of the world. We need to grow in the knowledge and experience of God. We need to cultivate the right values. Our age and stage may be different, as John in the first reading addresses children, the young and the fathers. The duties and the capacities of each section may be different. But our grace is the same, our salvation is the same, and our faith demands are also the same. All without exception are called not to love the world and to be trapped by its snares. This implies that we should guard against the craving of the flesh, the greed of the senses and the arrogance to dominate and to feel superior. Instead, we need to love the Father, consistently strive to do His will, allow the word of God to live in us, and overcome evil. Further, like Anna, in the gospel, we need to focus our attention always on God and centre our daily life around the temple. Serving God in personal presence, in prayer, in spiritual activities, and transmitting God's love and mercy to others is the fitting way to continue the spirit of Christmas.

 

Direction: We belong to God and so we shall not long for what belongs to the world. The more we fall in love with the world, the more we will be fallen

 

31 DECEMBER 2020, 1 JOHN 2. 18-21; JOHN 1. 1-18

 

Focus: God came down to us, so that we can go up to him. Therefore, we can go up only when we raise ourselves up from being too much earth-bound

 

As we are on the last day of the year, quite fittingly we have the Prologue of St John which summarises the whole plan and action of salvation, the interplay between God and the humans, and the response, and the part that is to be played by us. As we wind up the year, we shall sum up gratefully all the mercies of God, especially the greatest mercy of his incarnation. We remind ourselves of the divinity of Jesus and his intimacy with the Father. We thank God for loving us so much and becoming one of us, as the light that dispels our darkness. We are expected to recognise and accept this Light and bear witness to the Light as John the Baptist. But unfortunately we fail to receive the Light and thus fail to lit up our lives. This is the biggest danger, as John in his first epistle cautions us. This is the danger of falling away from Christ. It is to break the bond of belonging to God and to one another. It is to become an antichrist. The end of this outgoing year should well up within us primarily two greatest feelings. One is, immense gratitude for all the numberless blessings. True it is that the situations that surround us, seem very dark, worrisome and discouraging. A large gloom is painted over our faces because of the frightening pandemic. But that is no reason to lose sight of the enormous mercy of God and the positive in life. The second sentiment should be that of repentance. Let us repent for the lost chances of grace, of virtue, of charity. Thus, we can be better prepared to step into the new year.

 

Direction: Let us not forfeit the greatest grace of becoming God's children by our negligence and mediocrity.

 

01 JANUARY 2021, NEW YEAR, MARY, THE MOTHER OF GOD

 

Focus: We begin the new year, filled with gratitude and geared by hope and vigour. Newness is not the absence and total vanishing of all the old problems, but is a new way of looking at them, and approaching them

 

Another year, 2021. A new year, full of aspirations and visions. Lots of plans and programs on the slate. Certainly we hope for the better and we must. The reason for our hope and confidence is God. As we venerate Mary as the Mother of God and celebrate her divine maternity, as we celebrate the naming of Jesus, we entrust ourselves to them. We are assured of the maternal affection and guidance of Mary, and the security and the power of Jesus. With the Mother holding the responsibility for us and entrusting us to the safest and most powerful name of Jesus, we can always hope against hope. We can always do better than before. Perhaps the reality may not change much. Perhaps the same fears and problems will persist. But what can change and make a difference is our attitude, our approach and handling. Newness is all about a new heart, renewed attitude and values and approach. What is old in the biblical sense must change. That old man, that old nature, that old garb, that old leaven must cease (cf. Eph 4. 19f). Our old spirit of ingratitude, of pride, of jealousy, of selfishness, of loose tongue, of impatience, of insincerity, of crookedness, of revenge and grudge, of aggression and hurt, of greed, indifference of unconcern – only to mention a few – these must change. Therefore, naming the Lord, Motherhood of Mary, which we celebrate on these first moments of new year, clearly gives us the greatest courage and hope. In the name of the Lord, accompanied by his powerful name and power, cared and guided by the Mother’s love, we are safe, secure and serene.

 

Direction: Nothing can take away our hope as long as we are with God. The new year is the greatest assurance that God will never fail us

 

02 JANUARY 2021, 1 JOHN 2. 22-29; JOHN 1. 19-28

 

Focus: The world will always try in different ways to deceive us and to distance us from God.

 

The temptations never vanish or diminish. They are ever prevalent and try to prevail over us. They try to deceive and detract us in subtle and disguised ways. Often the temptation for ego- projection and self- glory is very strong. This is what confronted John the Baptist as well. There was a clear alluring possibility to present himself as the awaited Messiah. The people were already impressed by him and were quite disposed to accept him as the Messiah. He resists and overcomes this bait for self- glory. In all honesty and humility, he denies such presumptions. He truthfully confirms his role as the messenger and precursor who announces and prepares the way of the Lord. The same is our situation as well. Unceasingly, we are also surrounded by many deceptive forces. They discard the truth, disguise the lie as truth, mislead us into the wrong. The remedy to resist and overcome these pressures is to constantly abide in him, to be regenerated by him. This consists in cultivating a deep spirit of humility. This does not put on airs. This is not puffed up. This seeks not undue comfort and self-glory. Rather, we should strive to do right, because that is the real way of being born of God.

 

Direction: As long as we remain in God, nothing can deceive us. Being easily deceived is a clear sign that we are not truthful, and not strongly rooted in truth

 

Feast of Holy family

 

HOLY FAMILY SUNDAY, 27 DECEMBER 2020

1. The immediate Sunday after the holy Christmas is the Holy Family Sunday. Is it a clear indication that the Saviour who is born on earth, must be born in every family, and must be nurtured and taken care by every family? Christ must grow day after day in every family. Christ must “live” in every family, and those greatest Christmas gifts of hope, light and joy must continue to “incarnate” in every family. Every family takes the place of the holy family, and every family can be a holy family, in so far as it embodies the same values and disseminates the same ambience.

2. Our reflection on Holy Family is simple and focused: what does the Holy Family teach the families of today? First of all, how lovely it is to think that the Holy Family perfectly represents the holistic nature of God: paternity, maternity and fraternity. Yes, God is fatherly, motherly, and brotherly, each represented by Joseph, Mary and Jesus. The love between the Father and the Spirit “generates” and “nurtures” the Son, and so also the holy love between Joseph and Mary “regenerates” and “fosters” the son Jesus.

3. Thus, the Holy Family resembles this divine nature, and represents the divine face. Accordingly, in Joseph, we see the fatherly care, guardianship and owning up responsibility for the family, for Mary and Jesus. In Mary, we see the motherly tenderness, affection, and sense of support and standing together with the husband and son. In Jesus, we see the fraternal and filial devotion, openness, trust, belongingness and loving submission.

4. Perhaps the greatest tragedy of many a family of today is, the “loss of this divine and human face”, the loss of love with God, and loss of love with the others in the family. When a family loses this “divine touch” and “human reach”, then there is no beauty, joy and peace. In our times, the life of many families is a story of tension, dissatisfaction and unhappiness, because of the continuous replay of irresponsibility and strife. Why a family becomes a place to avoid or escape from, instead of a refuge to turn to? Why a family becomes a misery, instead of a beauty? Why family life becomes a burden, instead of a lightening experience? It is not enough to glorify the Holy Family of Joseph, Mary and Jesus. But it is more important to verify and rectify the quality of each family in the light of the Holy Family.

5. A husband’s duty is not over, by just earning some money, and ensuring the material wellbeing. A wife’s duty is not over, by just managing the house chores or partnering in the financial concerns. What matters most is, how much they are loving companion and partners, in mutual love, respect, care and forbearance? It is not a wonder that in spite of all increase in education and progress, the bonding between husband and wife is very much “thinning”, with no real vibrations of communication and communion.

6. A parent’s duty is not just over, by giving the children some money, a good dress, a good education, a good job and a comfortable life. Much more than that, how many parents give their children sane values of life, give God, faith and kindness? How many parents teach and make their children to be good human beings? Those parents who are responsible for their children to become irresponsible, without devotion and morals, are the biggest “failed parents”.

7. A son’s or daughter’s duty is not over, by just getting well-educated and well-settled in life. How sad it is that a good number of children turn so ungrateful, disrespectful and even harmful towards their parents! A son or daughter who becomes the cause of sorrow of the parents, is a disgrace before God, even if is rated high before the world. Such children are a great “misery” and “failure”, even if they ride on glory and success.

8. An “about-turn” is then the need of the day: Turn to God, and turn to each other. Return to God’s heart, with faith; Return into each other’s heart, with love! See your partner’s face and heart. See your children’s face and heart. See your parents’ face and heart. Do it daily. Then surely, your face and heart, and the whole face of life and family, will change!

4th week of advent

21 – 26 DECEMBER 2020, HOLY MASS REFLECTIONS

 

21 DECEMBER 2020, SONG 2. 8-14; LUKE 1. 39- 45

 

Focus: True faith receives and enshrines Jesus within. And one who carries Jesus, certainly spreads Holy Spirit and joy

 

At the annunciation, Mary in all docility consents to be the Mother of the Incarnate Saviour. In deep faith and surrender, she receives and enshrines Jesus within her. She is filled by the power of the Holy Spirit. This same Spirit moves her to Elizabeth in charity. Yes, if faith is the gift of the Holy Spirit, charity will be the real fruit of faith. Because, true faith never keeps one sterile and stagnant. It will make one productive in a vibrant journey of charity.

The scene of visitation clearly teaches us that true faith cannot simply remain  

confined to the self but flows out into charity. Mary’s faith leads her to sensitivity, magnanimity, and generosity towards Elizabeth. Mary does not fall into presumption and false dignity of her motherhood. But in humility and nobility, goes to Elizabeth who was in need! Mary perfectly fits into the figure of the beloved in the Song of songs in the first reading. God, the Supreme speaks to her, “Arise, my love, my beautiful one!”. She listens to the voice of God, the Lover. She is filled with the fragrance and radiance of love and joy. With the same, she travels across the mountains and hills, to Elizabeth. Elizabeth sees her lovely face and hears a sweet voice. In fact, this loveliness and sweetness are not only hers but much more of Jesus that she is bearing within. Consequently, she would move both the mother and the child, Elizabeth and John the Baptist, with the Spirit and with joy. This is the simplest spirituality and mission of everyone: to give the Holy Spirit and joy to others.

 

Direction: To radiate the Holy Spirit and joy is possible only when one carries Jesus within. True faith is ever contagious; it will affect and move the self with charity, and will touch and vibrate others with the Holy Spirit and joy 

 

22 DECEMBER 2020, 1 SAMUEL 1. 24-28; LUKE 1. 46-56

 

Focus: When one encounters and experiences the boundless benevolence of God, one cannot but burst into a song of gratitude and joy

 

Today’s gospel passage contains the marvellous Magnificat of Mary. It is truly an intense hymn of joy. It is a profound joy that springs from a deep-seated humility and gratitude. Mary explodes into a song of joyful thankfulness because God had looked graciously upon her lowliness and elevated her. Magnificat reveals to us so beautifully the greatness of both God and Mary at the same time. Mary is great because she sees, accepts and cooperates with God’s great plan of salvation. She is great because she humbly realises that her greatness comes from God. Her humility is her greatness. Her nobility is her glory. True greatness never forgets the roots, never forgets that all is given by God and it is not one’s own exclusive merit or credit. A greatness that rides on pride and self-glory, a greatness that fails to be humble and noble in its attitude and approach, a greatness that is not grateful and does not attribute the due credit to God and others, is a false and destructive greatness. In fact, such greatness is not greatness but only meanness. Thus, Magnificat teaches us on true greatness: it is to humbly accept God’s will, gratefully exalt His greatness and generously cooperate with the same. On the other hand, Magnificat essentially discloses the marvels of God’s greatness. God is great because He is benevolent and just. In benevolence and compassion, He is abundantly generous toward the poor and the humble. And in justice and equity, He also levels the rich and the proud. Thus, Magnificat is also an indicator of social justice and liberation. It is truly a seedbed of true greatness wrapped in the gift pack of exuberant joy.

 

Direction: The Magnificat is a great challenge against all tendencies of arrogance and self-glory on the basis of false greatness, because it teaches that the more we are great, the more we must be humble, because all greatness belongs to God

 

23 DECEMBER 2020, MALACHI 3. 1-4, 23-24; LUKE 1. 57-66

 

Focus: God never abandons those who are humble and just. He changes their misery into glory, shame into honour, weakness into power

 

The birth of John the Baptist is a clear pointer to how God manifests His compassion and power to those who are humble and just. Even in their old age, in a humanly impossible situation, God grants a son to Zachariah and Elizabeth. Yes, He never fails the trust of His faithful. He never forsakes them to their misery. He changes barrenness into fecundity, disgrace into dignity, grief into joy, helpless silence into rejoicing proclamation

The birth of John the Baptist is also a clear indication of how God is deeply concerned for our good and salvation, how He plans and implements this plan through the birth of John as the precursor of the Messiah. He is destined to prepare the way of the Lord.

God is truly passionate for us. He is clear about His purpose. He is meticulous in His planning and execution. He is relentless in His measures.

The birth of John the Baptist is also a reminder of our vocation, mission and destiny as well. God has a plan for each one of us. He has destined us for salvation and eternal bliss and communion. We are called to experience and enhance this saving grace. We ought to strive constantly to retain it and remain graced. We must also radiate the same to others, like John the Baptist. He was humble and faithful to live up to his call, and to carry out his mission.

 

Direction: Blessed are those who never give up their hope but persevere to confide in God, and submit to His holy will!

 

 24 DECEMBER 2020, 2 SAMUEL 7. 1-5, 8B-12, 14a-16; LUKE 1. 67-79

 

Focus: God wants to dwell with us, and He needs a dwelling. But this is not a man-made structure. Rather, it is the human heart and human community.

 

In true devotion and passion for God, David intends to build a magnificent temple for God. But God makes it clear that He prefers to reside not in material buildings and structures, but in the heart and community. He is a God who abides in hearts and in the believing community. He is more interested and committed to building hearts and communities. He wants to reign over hearts. This is the mind and heart of God. And one who reflects and realizes the heart of God, cannot but rejoice and praise Him. This is what happens in the case of Zachariah. God does a super miracle in the life of Zachariah and Elizabeth. He grants them a son in their ripe age. Further, He also grants that son a unique and extraordinary role in the plan of salvation. But this is not just a family favour. This is the way of God's mercy towards the whole people of Israel and the whole humanity itself. One who realizes this God's mercy in action through history, cannot but burst into a song of gratitude, wonder and joy. Zachariah's canticle is not just a pious prayer or praise of devotion. It is an extolling of God's benevolent and powerful ways of intervention in the lives of the humans.

Like Zachariah, we also must constantly extol the marvels of God. But such an exultation is not only in praise and worship, not only in some externals like activities or even structures. Rather, it should be manifested and testified in “building the heart”, one’s own heart and the heart of communities. 

 

Direction: Any favour and blessing from God is not a private affair, but is a sign and indicator of the immensity and perpetuity of His care and mercy.

 

26 DECEMBER 2020, ACTS 6. 8-10; 7. 54- 8.1; MATTHEW 10. 17-22, FEAST ST STEPHEN

 

Focus: When one experiences the love and power of God, nothing will deter him from bearing witness to Him. Love is so powerful that not even death can hold it back

 

Stephen was the first martyr as a follower of Christ. It is so interesting and inspiring. With Christmas, Christ from heaven is born on earth. With his martyrdom, Stephen is born from earth to heaven. Stephen was a man filled with the Holy Spirit. He was chosen to be one of the seven deacons and was totally dedicated to the service of the early church. What marks him is not only his personal qualities and virtue, not only his services. It is much more his deep personal experience and bonding with the Lord. He had a passionate love for the Lord. It is this which makes him unswervingly loyal to him, even to the point of death for his sake. His passion and loyalty are such that he is totally imbued with the very same spirit of Jesus. This makes him imitate Jesus in forgiving even his enemies during his dying moments. His love for the Lord fills him with wisdom and courage to face suffering and death as an honour and grace. One can vividly see a deep passion for the Lord in Stephen. But Passion for the Lord is not a matter of feeling or devotion, but much more. It is giving topmost priority to Jesus, and loving him as the greatest treasure. It is to cling to him, come what may. It is to be deeply convinced that there is nothing greater than him, not even life. It is to imitate his virtues. It is to follow him even to the extent of death. It is to bear witness to him, with unflinching zeal and courage. One who is not ready to die for Christ, cannot live for him.

 

Direction: It is not a fate of misery but a grace of glory, if only we can suffer something for God and good. Suffering for God and good is nothing detestable but honourable.

 

4th Sunday of advent

 IV SUNDAY ADVENT, 20 DECEMBER 2020

LUKE 1. 26-38

Focus: Miracles happen when there is a combination of God’s action and human reception and cooperation

1.      God sends His angel to Mary with His plan of incarnation for salvation. He seeks and awaits her approval. This is precisely the nobility and magnanimity of God: Even though He can do very well without us, yet He wants to involve us, wants us to be His collaborators and sharers. It is only because He loves us. True love values others, respects each person’s dignity and honour.

2.     How much noble and magnanimous we are, being His children? How much we see all others as persons of dignity and respectability? How much we treat others with respect? How often and how easily we despise others, showing a false greatness and sticking to our own ideas, opinions and prejudices?

3.     Then from the part of Mary, what a humility, docility and surrender to God’s grace and plan! What a humility! She does not get puffed up that God Himself is standing at His door for her approval. She does not forget her finitude as a creature before God’s infinity. In all humility, she is aware that the offer of her divine maternity is not her merit or greatness but God’s love and care.

4.     What a docility! She does not contest or argue or reject or doubt God’s plan. Even her question, “how it is possible to bear a son without rapport with her spouse” is a quite normal and legitimate question expected from a simple teenage girl, brought up in faith and morals. Perhaps bearing children outside the marital bond may not be a big issue for many in our modern society. But for her society and tradition, certainly it was a matter of immorality and infidelity. But in her docility, she risked being labelled immoral and unfaithful. For her, what mattered the most was God’s plan and salvation of all, and not her human thinking and reputation.

5.     Then what a surrender: “Behold the handmaid of the Lord! Be it done unto me according to your word!” Often we are so accustomed to these words of Mary that we take for granted and take light the immensity of Mary’s act of acceptance. It needed the guts of the spirit to utter such words of total surrender. What a surrender! She has no discussion, no conditions, no suggestions. She does not clarify how God would safeguard her reputation, or how God would let others know about her virginity and innocence in spite of conception, or how would her family and Joseph take it. She does not request God at least to convince her spouse. She is not much worried about the myriads of uncertainties and risks that await her. Her only concern was to do God’s will and an unconditional ‘Yes’ to God’s will.

6.     Now it is not enough to admire Mary for her humility, docility and surrender. What about our humility, docility and surrender? A little talent, a little capacity, a little money, a little position, how much we become arrogant? Even with regard to spiritual gifts, how easily we succumb to feeling that I am better than others, I am greater than others?

7.     How docile we are? Even though many times God proposes, inspires, advises, admonishes many things, how much we can be obstinate and fixated, clinging to our own ideas and calculations? We give more importance to our human intelligence, reasoning and decisions, rather than God’s wisdom and promptings? Do we know better than God? Can we do better than God?

8.     How often we lack the spirit of surrender? We try to convince God that it is not right and possible to do His will. We have hundred and one reasons to explain and justify why we cannot surrender to God’s ways. We fail to surrender only because I and self-interests become the centre of my whole thinking and not God’s will and the good of others. We may allow ourselves to be carried away by what is false, what is ignominious, what is unjust, what is impure, what is inaffable, what is dishonourable, what is vice and harmful. Instead, as St Paul in his Philippians exhorts us, our focus and striving must be on what is true, noble, just, pure, affable, honourable, virtuous and beneficial. We must put into practice what we have learned, received, heard and seen.

9.     Today let us pray that we may become more and more humble, docile and surrendered like Mary, because only thus, we can receive the Saviour and experience his saving touch.

The word of God

 *The Word of God is worth more than gold!* 

Many years ago, on a Christmas Day, a very Rich man who had no wife,  no children, no other family members, decided to invite all the employees of his Mansion to dinner.

He called the staff and asked them to sit at the table.

In front of everyone there was a BIBLE and a small sum of MONEY.

After everyone had their dinner, the Rich Man asked: "What would you prefer to receive as a gift: this BIBLE or this MONEY Do not be shy, you can choose what you want."

THE SECURITY GUARD WAS THE FIRST TO REACT:

"Sir, I would love to receive the Bible, but since I have not learned to read, the money will be more useful to me."

THE GARDENER WAS THE SECOND TO SPEAK:

"Sir, my wife is very sick and that's why I need more money, otherwise I would choose the Bible for sure!"

THE THIRD WAS THE COOK:

"Sir, I like reading to tell the truth, it's one of the things I like to do, but I work so hard that I never find time to flip through a magazine, let alone the Bible. I will take the money."

IN THE END, IT WAS THE TURN OF THE BOY WHO TAKES CARE OF THE ANIMALS OF THE MANSION.

And as the Rich Gentleman of the villa knew that the boy's family was very poor, he stepped forward and said: "Surely you too want the money, do you not? So that you can buy food to have a good dinner at home and buy new shoes?"

But the boy, as for him, surprised everybody with his answer:

"It would not hurt to buy a turkey and other tasty food to share with my parents and siblings. I also need a pair of new shoes because mine are very old. Even so, I will choose the Bible because I have always wanted one. My mother taught me that the Word of God is worth more than gold and that it is more tasty than a honeycomb."

After receiving the Bible, the boy immediately opened it. He found TWO ENVELOPES inside.

In the first, there was a CHEQUE  that was 10 TIMES  higher than the money on the table.

In the second, there was a DOCUMENT (Will)  that made him (whoever would choose the Bible), the HEIR to all the wealth of the Rich Man!

Faced with the Boy's emotion and the astonishment of the other servants, the Rich Gentleman opened one of  the Bibles and read aloud so that everyone could hear:

*Psalms 19:7-10:*

The law of the LORD is perfect, it restores the soul; the testimony of the Lord is true, he makes wise the ignorant.

The ordinances of the LORD are righteous, they rejoice the heart;

The commandments of the Lord are pure, they light up the eyes.

The fear of the Lord is pure, it subsists forever;

The judgments of the Lord are true, they are all just.

They are more precious than gold, than a lot of fine gold; They are sweeter than honey, than the one that pours rays.

May God give us Wisdom and help us always make the Right Choice.

Two precious diamonds

 *The two precious dìamonds!*

A Merchant wanted to purchase a gorgeous camel in the market and after spotting one began to setlle for it with the seller!

There was a long bargain between the merchant and the camel seller, and finally the merchant bought the camel and took it home!

On reaching home, the merchant called his servant to take out the camel's kajava (saddle) ..!

Under the Kajave, the servant found a small velvet bag which upon opening revealed him to be full of precious diamond gems ..!

The servant shouted, "Boss, you bought a camel, but look what came with it for free!"

The Merchant was also surprised, he saw diamonds in his servant's hands which were shining and twinkling even more in the sunlight!

The Merchant said: "I have bought a camel and not the diamonds, I should return it immediately!"

The servant was thinking in his mind "how stupid my boss is ...!"

He Said: "Nobody will know who the owner is!" However, the merchant did not listen to him and immediately reached the market and returned the velvet bag to the shopkeeper.

The camel seller was very happy, said, "I had forgotten that I had hidden my precious stones under the Kajave!

Now you choose any one diamond as a reward!

The Merchant said, "I have paid the right price for the camel so I do not need any gift and prizes!"

The more the merchant was refusing, the more the camel seller was insisting!

Finally, the merchant smiled and said: In fact, when I decided to bring back the bag, I had already kept two of the most precious diamonds with me!

After this confession, the camel seller was infuriated and he quickly emptied the bag and began to count his diamond gems!

But after his counted with a heavy sigh of relief, he said "These are all my diamonds, so what were the two most precious ones that you kept?"

The Merchant said: ... 

*"My honesty and my self-respect."*

The seller was dumb-struck!

We have to look within ourselves to find out if we possess any of these 2 diamonds.

*Anyone who has these 2 diamonds, HONESTY AND SELF-RESPECT, is the richest person in the world.*

3rd week of advent

14 – 19 DECEMBER 2020, HOLY MASS REFLECTIONS

 

14 DECEMBER 2020, NUMBERS 24. 2-7, 15-17a; MATTEW 21. 23-27

 

Focus: Divine wisdom always prevails over human crookedness, even though men in their wickedness search for ways and means to demean and discard the divine power

 

The evil mindedness of the Jewish leaders and elders is quite evident. They are not concerned about the depth and the power of Jesus' message and works. They are not happy about the immense good he is doing through His mission of comfort, healing and conversion. They find him as a thorn in the flesh. They are afraid of losing their hold over the people. They are displeased at being exposed of their hypocrisy. Hence their whole and constant intention is to put him into trouble, to trap him, to catch him on the wrong foot. But Jesus will not be shaken. No human or diabolic force can surpass or defeat his wisdom, integrity and fervour.

Two aspects can be reflected upon: One, what is our attitude and response toward the spiritual and good?? Are we also not like the Jewish authorities when we do not understand God’s power? Do we distrust and question God’s intervention and providence? Do we also resent and resist spiritual authority, and why? Is it because of prejudice or threat to my own petty self-seeking authority? When some are sincerely doing good, do we appreciate, encourage and support them? Or, out of jealousy, do we try to put them down, and try to misinterpret and criticise?

Secondly, when we too are often surmounted and tormented by so many evil forces, what is our reaction and way out? Do we turn to God's wisdom and power? Or do we depend too much on our own capacities and resources? Or do we easily lose heart, or react violently, and give up?

Perhaps, all that is needed is to be like Balaam, the seer in the first reading from the book of Numbers: to have the Spirit of God come upon us, to hear the words of God, to have the knowledge from the Most High, to see the vision of the Almighty with eyes unveiled.

 

Direction: Divine wisdom is far better than human argumentation and confrontation. Let us not put ourselves against God’s authority or spiritual authority. It is better to humble ourselves and surrender

 

15 DECEMBER 2020, ZEP 3. 1-2, 9-13; MATTHEW 21. 28-32

Focus: The quality of our faith and Christian living does not consist in mere words and promises, even fantastic; What is the use of a bundle of sweet sounding "yes"s, when the concrete life is a series of "no"s, negation of what we believe?

We live in a world of empty words and false promises. There is a constant tendency to impress, and please others with good-sounding affirmations and assurances. But it is only deception in disguise, because all words, not leading to concrete actions, are only inauthentic and hypocritical. What is the use of repeating hundreds of times, “I love you”, but not understanding, not helping the other, and is doing harm to the other? What is the use of promising that I will remove your difficulties, but doing nothing for that? What is the use of proclaiming that I follow God’s ways and values, but living a life of false values and compromises?

Jesus drives home this message very powerfully through his simple story of the two sons in the gospel. The first son who says ‘no’ at first to the father’s command; but then he repents and goes to work; quite evidently, he stands for the gentiles: they repent as God offers His salvation, and turn to a new way of life through faith in Jesus. These are exactly like those, described in the first reading from Zephaniah: the pagan nations, who call on the name of the Lord, and serve him with zeal; a poor and meek people who seek refuge in God. But the second son, who says ‘yes’ but does not do, stands for the Jews: they were the first ones, to whom God offered salvation through His only Son, Jesus; but by rejecting to believe in him, they turn unfaithful. Their fault is exactly what the prophet Zephaniah describes in the first reading. They were rebellious, did not pay attention to God’s call for repentance, did not accept the correction, did not trust in the Lord, did not approach their God.

Perhaps, a little sincere reflection may make it clear to us that we are very much similar to the second son in the gospel. God has been abundantly gracious to us, blessing us with the greatest gift of faith in Jesus, and enriching us with every spiritual blessing. What is expected from our part is a life of authenticity and loyalty. This needs a deep and consistent conversion. How often do we deceive God with mere words and promises which are so tall and loud? How often do we say one thing and do exactly the opposite?!

Direction: How often do we deliberately forfeit God’s grace, being presumptuous and self-complacent? It is a time to check and control

16 DECEMBER 2020, ISAIAH 45. 6c-8, 18, 21c-25; LUKE 7. 18b-23

 

Focus: The more we fail to know and discover God in our lives, the more there will be confusion and loss of meaning and commitment

 

Many think that the issue of God is a mere matter of religion or spirituality or tradition. Consequently, God becomes more a matter of concept, and religion and spirituality become matters of practice of some devotional activities. But, God must become a living reality, a concrete personal experience and relationship. In other words, we must discover the real identity of God in our lives. This is the call that is so forceful in both the readings from Isaiah and Luke. He created everything, he is the Saviour, a God of justice. Yes, He is one who is inseparably connected to us, and involved in our lives. He is the one who is the author of all life and good. He is deeply interested in our lives, attentive and caring toward our struggles. In the gospel, to those who seek to know the identity of Jesus, Jesus reveals it. He draws their attention to what he is doing in compassion and commitment for the good of all. He healed many people of their sicknesses and diseases. He freed them from evil spirit. He gave sight to the blind. Thus, the blind see again, the lame walk, lepers are made clean, the deaf hear, the dead are raised to life, and the poor are given the good news. These are the authentic signs and testimonies of God’s identity.

Today, what then is our duty? Jesus tells those seekers of his identity, to go back and tell what they have seen and heard. We too need to open our eyes to see and hear what God is doing in our lives. we need to be a little more open and receptive. We need to become a little more attentive and sensitive. We need to become a little more positive and appreciative. We need to become a little more grateful and responsive.

 

Direction: We are constantly called to realise the identity of God in our lives, in deep relationship and loyalty. The more we grow in his knowledge and experience, the more we discover and live our own identity.

 

 

17 DECEMBER 2020, GEN 49. 2, 8-10; MATT 1. 1-17

 

Focus: God's ways are always authentic and concrete. He always enters into human history and our own personal history to make our lives authentic and worth-living

 

We have the genealogy of Jesus in the gospel. Its interest or purpose is not mere history or chronology which is of more human realm. Its purpose is of the divine realm, with a salvific orientation. Jesus is truly born of human descent. His incarnation is true and real. It is not mere story or fiction or totally an exclusive matter of faith. Rather, his birth is a verifiable and tangible historical reality. He truly inserts himself into our human history. He belongs to our human line of life. This is something crucial: God becomes part of our human history and shares our own life- predicaments. This human face and humaneness of God is very important. Especially in our own times, where the connectivity with God is more and more declining, where the personal touch with God is reducing, we need to recapture this lost link. Today, in the world of communication, we speak of links. We ask for links to get connected to a particular programme and watch it. How many are really serious about the link for God? How many eagerly search for entering into the site of God? If only one understands the immense significance and value of God entering into our human history, oh! What an unfathomable mystery of love! God becomes part of our human family. He is one of our family. He has a profound and lasting bonding with us. But history is not a mere matter of a bygone past. His birth is not one event which took place once upon a time. His birth among us, is a most authentic testimony that he has inserted himself into our life-story. Accordingly, the genealogy of Jesus for us must not be merely a historical concern, so as to prove his historicity. Rather, it is to confirm the beautiful immersion of God into our human reality. God became part of our history, so that we can live beyond history, with a life that merits one eternity.

 

Direction: To make us like him, God became like us. To elevate our personal and human history, God got inserted into our story.

 

18 DECEMBER 2020, JER 23. 5-8; MATT 1. 18-25

 

Focus: Even though God is all-powerful, yet He never ignores or despises human cooperation and contribution. God's plans always invite for a wholehearted human collaboration

 

The beauty of the style of functioning of God is, He always respects and involves the humans in his plan of salvation. Even though he has total power and control over everything, still he does not despise or ignore the human scope and contribution. Thus, we see how God interacts with the two pillars of his incarnate human family. Through his angel, he discloses his redemptive plan to Joseph and Mary, takes them into confidence, gains their consent, and thus sets out to implement his plan. Mary and Joseph unconditionally submitted and committed themselves to following and fulfilling his sacred designs. Thus, today we have the figure of Joseph who plays a key role in God’s plan of incarnation, precisely to be the spouse of Mary and the foster-father of Jesus. Joseph proves himself worthy of this unique grace, conferred on him, by “being just”. What is this “justice”? The understanding of his being just is so vital for our present times because it can be corrective, preventive and guiding. Joseph’s being just shows very clearly how shallow and defective is our modern concept of justice. We see a dry justice, drained of charity. We see self-interests disguised in the garb of justice. We see aggression, hostility, and violence in the name of justice. This is not the right and just way of being just. This is a false way of pursuing justice which does so much injustice to true justice. On the contrary, the justice of Joseph is seen in being totally transparent and surrendered to God, and also in being understanding, respectful and magnanimous toward Mary. Thus, we must understand and deeply believe that God values human persons. He always gives them a profound sense of respect and treats them with the same spirit. He assigns them a very significant role and function in His eternal plans and designs. He seeks their cooperation and assistance in carrying out these plans. God never undervalues the dignity and the scope of human participation and contribution. It is not because He cannot do without us, but only because He loves us and wants to show it concretely. True love always values the loved ones, safeguards their dignity, elevates it and puts it in play.

 

Direction: Blessed are they who accept God's ways and surrender themselves to them. We need not always search to excel and to do the best. It is enough that we cooperate with God’s best in our little

 

19 DECEMBER 2020, JUDG 13. 2-7, 24-25a; LUKE 1. 5-25

 

Focus: God is always clear and definite about what he plans and how he executes things for our salvation. It is we who often lack both clarity and then loyalty.

 

The story of Samson in the Israel history and the story of John the Baptist in Jesus' time are oriented to their respective liberation and salvation. They both are destined and uniquely consecrated to God's ways of liberation. Both grow in the fear of God and courage and strength to accomplish his will. Both bring liberation, the secular and the spiritual respectively. The same is the purpose of the present disciples of the Lord - liberation and reintegration. It is time to check whether we are liberating or enslaving people, whether we are re-integrating them or dividing them. How this liberation comes, depends totally on how much we are consecrated, like Samson and John the Baptist. This means that we are unceasingly conscious of the value and sacredness of our vocation. We must realise that we are set apart from the rest of the world. If we claim to be set apart, but still we are a part of the world, it is a contradiction. If we believe that we are differentiated from others, but do not live lives, different and contrary to the former life, it is a dichotomy. If we proclaim ourselves to be consecrated, but do not allow God to own us, to take total control of God, it is a fake faith. My consecration invites me to be loyal and committed, and thus bear witness to God.

 

Direction: However big and renowned one may be, all will count as nothing, if it is apart from God's grace