4th Sunday in ordinary time

 IV SUNDAY, 31 JANUARY 2021, DEUT 18. 15-20; 1 COR 7. 32-35; Mk 1. 21-28

 

Focus: When God’s power fills a person, he speaks and acts with an authority which no human authority can give, because it is a power that is from above and beyond the merely human

 

Jesus preaches the gospel and does miracles. Perhaps, there may be some others also who preach and perform miracles. But, the difference of Jesus is his tone of authority, unlike the Pharisees and scribes. People are easily struck by this difference. But, what is this authority? Where does it come from? Jesus had no office or position, and thus no official or juridical power and authority. But he had a tremendous spiritual authority and a moral authority. It is an authority that is rooted in his communion with the Father. In the words of the first reading from Deuteronomy, it is the authority that comes from those words which are directly put in his mouth by God Himself. And in tune with the second reading from the 1 Corinthians, it is the authority that comes from being free from anxieties. It is the authority that comes from being anxious about the affairs of the Lord, how to please the Lord. It is the authority that springs from an undivided devotion to the Lord. This is the profound spiritual authority, rooted in God.   It is also an authority that testifies itself in a sound character and conduct. It is this authority that gives his teaching conviction and clarity, and his acting the power of healing. It is the power of God that is seen in holiness and goodness, in spirituality and integrity, in faith and charity, in devotion and dedication. It is the power that challenges and expels the evil powers. It is the power that directly appeals to the heart, stirs up the interior and transforms a person. It is the real integral authority that embraces in one stretch both God and humanity. Precisely it is this power and authority that was lacking in the Pharisees and scribes, but was abounding in Jesus. Hence the difference!

It is this spiritual and moral authority which is badly needed today from every follower of Christ. Sadly, often, power and authority corrupt persons, make them arrogant and lording over others, and become doorsteps for unhealthy and unholy power politics. Authority is used as a tool to woo or intimidate others, and also as a bait and magic rod to establish and propagate oneself, rather than God and His reign. But, a follower of Christ should be a deeply spiritual and moral person. All the more, those in authority must make sure that their role is not a power-wielding tool, but a grace-building channel.

 

Direction: Spiritual and moral authority are much more important than mere juridical authority. A person who clings to and exercises only the legal authority, but devoid of the spiritual and moral authority will be nothing but shallow and less effective

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3rd week days mass reflection in ordinary

 

25 – 30 JANUARY 2021, HOLY MASS REFLECTIONS

 

25 JANUARY 2021, ACTS 22. 3-16; MARK 16. 15-18 (Conversion of St Paul)

 

Focus: When God's power is in action, nothing and nobody can resist the power and effect of His action

 

The conversion of Paul is an encouraging and challenging example for all of us in getting converted any time and anyhow. It is never late and it is never hopeless. At no moment, we can say that it is no use now; about no one, we can say that it is no hope. It is the power of God's will and plans. All that is needed is transparency and receptivity towards God's power and plan. Paul's conversion was not a mere change of religion or tradition. It is a change of a whole way of life, a change of loyalty and adherence, a change from objects like laws to practice and implement, to the subject of the person of Jesus, and to testify to his mission. It is a new bonding. It is an about turn. There are no compromises. There are no half measures. It is a change of perspective, of orientation, of conviction and commitment. It is a total surrender to the person and mission of Jesus.

Thus, Paul’s conversion is both a captivating testimony and a tall challenge to move away constantly from being an aggressor and transgressor of the way of the Lord, to becoming a humble receiver, a joyful bearer and a zealous promoter of the Lord. It is a turning away from persecutor to the persecuted; from an enemy to a friend; from slavery to law to the freedom of the spirit; from a dry observance of the law to a fertile walking by the spirit; from misguided passion for truths to an illumined passion for the truth, that is Jesus; from false adherence to true conviction; from excessive self-sufficiency to a profound self-insufficiency; from an arrogant self-complacency to a humble self-surrender; from law to faith; from doctrines to person; from a follower of a religion to a follower of a way of life; from a well-informed person to a totally transformed person; from a proponent of laws, to a prophet of the person of Jesus Christ; from a deep searching frustration to a discovered satisfaction. In Paul’s conversion, we are made to rediscover that true conversion is not to expect a sudden intervention from heaven, but consists in a daily cultivation of grace, imitation of the values of Christ and transformation into his person.

 

Direction: O great St Paul, constantly rekindle in us the same fire of passionate love for the Lord and unreserved dedication to work for him.

 

26 JANUARY 2021, REPUBLIC DAY

1.     26 January is a great historic moment and event in the history of India. It is the celebration of the Republic day of India. While 15 August 1947 marks the independence day of India, after decades and decades of slavery under the British colonialism, 26 January 1950 marks the making of the Constitution of India. Thereby India regains full sovereignty, the power for self-governance and self-rule. Power and freedom mark the life and destiny of any nation. No external force or fear. The people of India have the freedom and the power to govern themselves, through electing their own representatives who serve them. People are not slaves or servants. They are the real masters. They are not mere beneficiaries, but the actual designers.

2.     On this joyful day of Republic, first of all, let us admire, appreciate and salute all those great leaders and noble souls, who were relentless and selfless, in sacrificing their own interests, their careers, in toiling assiduously for attaining the liberation, and for steering the destiny of the nation, through a well-articulated and balanced Constitution.

3.     Secondly, deepen and develop a love and loyalty for the country. Sadly, there is a gripping indifference that chokes any positive action, and a lack of concern that obstructs any growth. We are invited once again today, to cultivate a spirit and culture of belonging to the motherland, a social consciousness and responsibility toward the wellbeing of the country, to participate and contribute actively in the various programs and activities that safeguard, and enhance the discipline and the progress of the nation.

4.     Further we are also earnestly called to foster the spirit of unity, fraternity and solidarity, among all the Indians, rising above all the external diversities like religion, region, language, culture etc. we should be cautious and judicious, to guard against all forces and pressures of hostility, violence and destruction. The spirit that should permeate and animate us is: “One nation, “One nation, one vision, one striving!”

 

26 JANUARY 2021, 2 TIMOTHY 1. 1-8; LUKE 10. 1-9

Focus: God calls us always with a purpose and mission; he entrusts us with His own mission; those who are sent on the Lord’s mission, are not sent empty-handed but are vested with His own power

 

Mission is so demanding because it is at odds with the mentality of the world: Against a wild growth of indifference and egoism, mission calls to reap a harvest of good that is plentiful with scarcity of labourers. Against a culture of death, Lord’s mission summons to promote a reign of peace. Against the tendency to look for securities or familiarities or certainties, which appears legitimate, Mission urges one to renounce all such legitimate claims, with the call to “set off without purse or bag or sandals”, and “not to stop at the house of those who know you”

Mission is frightening because the context wherein the mission is carried out, is so pernicious like that of “lambs among wolves”. Mission is difficult and challenging, because the task itself is very vast (‘harvest is plentiful’) and the takers are scarce (‘the labourers are few’), and because the context and the field of its operation is hostile (‘being sent as lambs in the midst of wolves’). Mission of Christ is the harvest to reap. This is enormous and strenuous. But the workers are not many. More are needed to shoulder this sacred duty.

The same Mission of Jesus is entrusted to each disciple – to extend God’s reign by preaching and healing. There is nothing to worry or fear about, because the God who chose us, would Himself be with us to protect us, empower and guide us. Does He not assure? Be not afraid! Courage! I will be with you! However, God had trusted us so much and so entrusted us with so much. He has empowered us as well with the power of Word and healing. It needs a benevolent assiduity to commit ourselves to this vibrant enormity. Can we rise up to the occasion? We are meant and sent to be healers in a world that is possessed and sick, possessed by many evil, demoniac forces and influences, and infected and sickened by many evil defections. The world is in desperate need of healing in its brokenness and sickness. What are the due requirements to carry out Mission?

First of all, no material securities: “No purse, no bags, no sandals”. No wasting time, but a sense of urgency: “Salute no one on the way”. Unfailing trust in God’s providence, and not to be worried about material needs. Unflinching devotion and perseverance, constantly “fanning to flame the inherited gift of faith”. Not to be intimidated or weakened by the pressures, but to be strong and testify to God. And be zealous to labour for the Gospel and serve the Lord (2 Timothy 1. 1-8)

Direction: The mission of the Lord is impelling and compelling: If not we, then who else? If not now, then when? If not here, then where else? If not this, then what else?

 

27 JANUARY 2021, HEBREWS 10. 11-18; MARK 4. 1-20

Focus: Human conditions and situations may be divergent, but disposition should be positive and receptive. Only then, life will be abundantly productive

 

God's grace is constant and abundant. In the words of the first reading from the letter to Hebrews, this is seen in the new covenant which God makes with us. In this new covenant, there is unconditioned mercy and forgiveness from God. He will put his laws on our hearts and write them on our minds. This grace is beyond all the differences and difficulties of the human living situations. It has no discriminations. The seed of God's grace is offered to all the four kinds of the soil in the gospel. But the extent of their receptivity and the way and durability of the care and growth of the seed make the difference in the extent of the production and the product.

There is no use of blaming God's grace or the situations. In fact, these four soil- categories are not exclusive and water-tight compartments. These four types of tendencies and receptivity surround us all in varying degrees. There is a total indifference and lack of openness represented by the wayside soil. There is lack of stability and depth represented by the rocky soil. There is lack of resistance and perseverance amidst the dominance of the evil represented by the bushy soil. And there is the total receptivity and fecundity represented by the fertile soil. It is left to us how to respond to God's grace.

Most of the people are not productive, because they are not receptive and active toward God’s action. Rightly, they are like those described by Jesus in the gospel: They see but do not perceive; they hear, but do not understand. They are so closed and unreceptive. They fail to turn again and to receive God’s forgiveness.

 

Direction: Productivity and abundance of fruit is not a by chance matter, but a matter of choice to be receptive and diligent to produce.

 

28 JANUARY 2021, HEBREWS 10. 19-25; MARK 4. 21-25

 

Focus: Faith is a light that has to be shown and testified in radiance of goodness. True faith surely stirs up one another to love and good works

 

Abundance must be the target of every follower of Christ. The statement, "To the one who has more, more will be given" sounds very unfair against the principle of social justice. But such a problem arises when taken in the material sense. It is not at all in terms of material abundance and affluence. It is the abundance of goodness. If there is goodness, that must be constantly cultivated, nurtured, exercised and fostered. There are no half-measures. It must be shown and shown in plenty. The measure we give will be the measure we get. If we give ourselves generously without tainted considerations, we will also receive abundantly. But if we give only very little because of profitable calculations and self-seeking interests, then surely, what we receive will also be very little. If we have light within, it must shine and radiate, for there is nothing hidden in the sight of God. One day, everything will be made manifest at the appointed time.

But, often in human life, there is a great missing of this abundance and light. It is because our hearts are not sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies are not washed with pure water. It is because we do not hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering. It is because we do not draw near God with a true heart in full assurance of faith.

Ultimately, heeding God and following his ways is free choice and God does not want to force anyone. This is what Jesus implies, when he says, “if anyone has ears, let him hear”

 

Direction: Faith and goodness are like treasures which are not to be just preserved, but are to be shared generously. 

 

29 JANUARY 2021, HEBREWS 10. 32-39; MARK 4.26-34

 

Focus: God wants us to grow and make a progressive progress. The beginnings may be small, but when grown, our life can become very beneficial to many

 

We should constantly plant and nurture the seed of God's kingdom within us. Like any seed, its growth does not entirely depend on us. It is God who puts life into it and gives growth. What we are expected to do is to plant it and provide the necessary care. And like the mustard seed, it grows to a mighty tree to give shelter and shade to many. The beginnings may be small and humble. But the end fruits can be great and plenty. Often, there is a tendency to judge the greatness of persons on the basis of their beginnings and backgrounds. But that is not right. A mustard seed is tiny and insignificant in its beginnings. But as it grows, it becomes huge and sheltering. Seeds are small when planted, but when grown, they become a rich harvest.

In the light of these examples, we are called to flourish and to become productive and beneficial to others. The test of the quality of our life and faith is this criterion of growth and productivity. The first reading from the letter to Hebrews too cautions us not to shrink back, because God is not pleased with shrinking. We must not throw away our confidence. Instead, we must keep our souls and live by faith. We must continue being enlightened. We must endure and do the will of God, in spite of the possible struggles and sufferings, even abuse and affliction. But, that will not be a waste. We will receive a great reward that what is promised.

 

Direction: We reap what we sow. The quality and abundance of fruit depends on the quality of the plant. It is our choice to make between God's kingdom and evil kingdom

 

30 JANUARY 2021, HEBREWS 11. 1-2; 8-19; MARK 4. 35-41

 

Focus: Faith is not a windshield that shields us against all winds and forces. It is not a guarantee against all adversities. Rather, it is a sustainer of our strength and hope amidst such unfavourable situations

 

The disciples in the boat were hit by a great storm and strong waves. They were frightened. They become panicky. They even lose sight of the presence of the Lord in the boat. They shout for help. The Lord rebukes them for their lack of faith and calms the wind. Our life and our faith is no different. Life is a boat in a constant sea-sail, surmounted by storms. The sail gets harder and harder, threatening to sink it and perishing life. What is more worrisome is that the Lord himself seems to be unbothered and unconcerned about it. Fear grips and faith wavers. What to do and how to counter such a situation? Enhance the focus on the Lord. He is with us always and everywhere. The problem is, we shift our focus from him on to the waves and winds. Consequently, they appear big and mighty. They seem to overtake and drown us. Instead, let us rekindle our faith in him. Our God is a God of faith and faithfulness. He is a God who never abandons those who place their faith in him. He is the God of Abraham, a man of profound and unquestioning and unconditioned faith. He is a God who rewarded the faith of Abraham. We need to deepen such true faith which is the assurance of things hoped for, and the conviction of things not seen. It is that faith which constantly hears the Lord’s question, “Why are you afraid?” It is that faith which confides in the Lord’s power commanding the sea, “Peace! Be still!”. When the Lord is with us, when we are focused on him, when we trust in him, nothing can sink us. For sure, he will come to our rescue.  

 

Direction: Life is never free from storms and there is every possibility to be frightened. But never worry. The Lord is ever with us to come to our rescue.

 

 

 

Sunday of ordinary time

 

III ORDINARY SUNDAY, 24 JANUARY 2021: JON 3. 1-5, 10; 1 COR7. 29-31; MARK 1. 14-20

 

 Focus: True faith is nothing but repentance and conversion on one hand, and love and loyalty to God on the other hand. This is truly belonging to the kingdom. This is the mission of Jesus, and our mission as well.

 

1.       "Repentance"! This is the crux of today's word of God. This is the call of God, the urge of the prophets all through the history of salvation. This is the essential condition for obtaining God's grace, mercy and salvation.

 

2.       This is the opening theme of Jesus' preaching ministry as well: “The time has come; the kingdom of God is at hand. Repent and believe the gospel” (Mk 1. 15). Jesus begins his public ministry with the call to “Repent”.

 

3.       And there are several strong calls for repentance all through Jesus’ teachings: “Unless you repent, you will all perish” (Lk 13. 3, 5). “The men of Nineve shall rise up in the judgment with this generation, and shall condemn it; for they repented at the preaching of Jonah, and behold, a greater than Jonah is here” (Lk 11. 32). “Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! For if the mighty works had been done in Tyre and Sidon, which have been done in you, they had a great while ago repented, sitting in sackcloth and ashes” (Lk 10. 13). “Take heed to yourselves. If your brother trespasses against you, rebuke him; and if he repents, forgive him. And if he trespasses against you seven times in a day, and seven times in a day turn again to you, saying, I repent, you shall forgive him” (Lk 17. 3-4). The proclamation of the early church, especially Paul’s preaching would also include this call for repentance: “turn to God in repentance and have faith in our Lord Jesus” (Acts 20. 21).

 

4.       Now, what is repentance? The basic sense, as the term is used, is “being sorry, or grieved” for something that has been done. Both the Hebrew term, naham, and the Greek term, metanoia, contain this sense of “feeling sorry” and “regretting”. Certainly, a deep and strong feeling is good and needed. It is because such a sense and feeling makes the person realize and regret the wrongness of the action, and the gravity and consequence of it.

 

5.        However, true repentance is not just that. A mere feeling sorry and grieving is not enough, because often such a feeling is peripheral, shallow, unstable, fluctuating, inconsistent and transient. Besides, it is not a disturbing sense of remorse. Repentance is not a pressing or depressing sense of guilt. Guilt and remorse are negative, disturbing and pressing while true repentance is something positive: It is elevating, relieving and assuring.

 

6.        True repentance is a deep anguish and pain, over a life of inadequacy, in offence and deviation, against God and others. It is a deep and consistent process. It is where one is stirred within, touched to the core, and struck with a deep anguish over one’s own sinfulness. And it is an about-turn of a whole way of living, in determination and dedication.

 

7.       Repentance opens up a radical change of life, both in spirit and in action. Thus true repentance is both affective and effective. A sincere repentance would mean a “change of mind, change of ways, change of life”. This concretely implies both “turning away from evil” and “turning to God”. Accordingly, we can understand these two aspects in the call to “repent and believe”. Seen in this integral sense, true repentance is integral to conversion, and leads to be concretely committed to a process of transformation.

 

8.       Thus, it is very clear why the faith of many is so inadequate. It fails to change a person’s life, fails to touch his interior and transform his exterior. The whole reason is there is no depth and durability of repentance. Mostly, it is limited to some temporary moments of grieving and weeping.

 

9.       On the other hand, true repentance leads to conversion, true conversion leads to deep faith in God, and that shows itself in a transformed life. This is what is implied in the change of one’s way of life: from being fishermen to becoming fishers of souls. It is not only a new dignity which is the most beautiful effect of God’s call. It is also the concrete evidence of repentance, conversion and faith-filled and faithful life. One who experiences God’s touch, cannot but become an intimate, radical and committed follower of Christ fishing souls for God. This is in fact the spreading of the wings of the Kingdom of God. This is truly the kingdom at hand!

Direction: Depth of faith is not merely shedding buckets of tears in a passing emotional distress, and efficacy of prayer is not merely performing or organizing some spiritual activities. True faith is a converted life in spreading God’s reign.

2nd week in ordinary time.... Year 1

 

18 - 23 JANUARY 2021: HOLY MASS REFLECTIONS

18 JANUARY 2021, HEBREWS 5. 1-10; MARK 2. 18-22

Focus: God is pleased, not so much with external offerings and spiritual activities, but with an obedient heart and a genuine life

External spiritual activities and devotional practices are good and needed. They manifest our love for God and loyalty to Him. They show how much we care for Him and are related to Him. They also help us to grow in our faith and closeness with God. Further, they also inspire, illuminate and strengthen us to change our life for the better, to live a renewed life in tune with our devotion and spirituality. In that way, no one can deny or reduce the importance of the spiritual concerns.

But, many times the problem with many is, there is no correspondence between the spiritual and actual life. One may be very fervent spiritually but indifferent toward others. One may praise and worship God actively, but may be very abusive and blaming toward others. One may be very humble and submissive before God, but arrogant and domineering toward others.

It is a shallow spirituality and a fake devotion. Jesus is always unhappy with such a spirituality. It is this hypocrisy that Jesus reproaches in today’s gospel as well. This is exactly putting a new patch on an old cloth, putting new wine into old wineskins. Without changing the old cloth and wineskins of sin and evil, there is no use of putting on new patches and new wine. Our devotion is not a substitution for dedication. Our spirituality is not a mask for the lack of integrity.

Therefore, what is most important in life and what really counts before God is not mere religious practices or offerings, but obedience to God's will and honesty of living. All our spiritual activities should be directed to abide close to the Lord and to renew life. The presence of the bridegroom is more important than all the other matters of marriage. A thorough renewal of life is more important than mere patch works and temporary adjustments.

Direction: The right and perfect spirituality is not merely a bundle of religious duties, but a humble obedience to God’s will, as Jesus did, though Son of God himself

19 JANUARY 2021, HEBREWS 6. 10-20; MARK 2. 23-28

Focus: There is no greater law and rule in life than the good and happiness of the fellow human being. A law which fails to do good, is no good law

Certainly, laws and rules are needed for the smooth running of any society. They provide order and direction. They check and control against anti-social or selfish tendencies and acts. They guard against indiscipline and irresponsible freedom. A lawless society or person will be chaotic. Thus, every law is meant ultimately for the welfare and progress of human persons. Any law and rule that threatens the dignity and happiness of the person, and subverts and oppresses his life, is not good. Therefore, the value of every rule and regulation should be judged, only on the basis of its usefulness. The true success of a law is not in a meticulous following of it, but in bringing progress and happiness. In simple, a law is good when it does good to the persons, and when it makes good persons. The heart of a rule is the rule of heart. The true efficacy of a rule is the ability to look into the heart, to look at the need of the other. In the words of the first reading, from the letter to the Hebrews, to be truly law-abiding is “not to be sluggish, but to serve others in all love and earnestness”. This is the perfect following of the law: to be steady “imitators of those who inherit the eternal promises, through faith and patience”.

The whole fault of the Pharisees and scribes was failing to see and go beyond the letter to this spirit and purpose of the laws. For them, Sabbath was a law, and that must be followed at any cost, even at the cost of neglect of good. Hence, they criticize Jesus’ disciples for breaking the Sabbath, instead of seeing their hunger.

But, on the contrary, Jesus looks at the heart of the disciples. He sees their deeper simplicity of heart beyond the apparent violation of Sabbath. He sees the need of their hunger beyond the heartless and uncharitable practice of law of the Pharisees. Hence his famous attestation: “Sabbath for man, and not man for Sabbath”.

Direction: Heart is more important than heartless reasoning. Good is more important than dry rule. Loving and helping the other is more important than keeping the law

20 JANUARY 2021, HEBREWS 7. 1-3, 15-17; MARK 3. 1-6, MEMORY, STS SEBASTIAN & FABIAN

Focus: Life is meant to bloom and glow, to blossom and grow, to nourish itself and to flourish in fruits. A withered life is a worthless life!

Gospel of the day presents Jesus healing a man with a withered hand on a Sabbath. The Pharisees and scribes accuse him heavily for violating the Sabbath. They even begin to plot to kill him. Every occasion of preaching and healing turns into an occasion of confrontation and accusation and antagonization. 

Now, what is wrong? Certainly Jesus was not wrong, because he was doing no wrong. He did good, did only good and always did good. For him, doing good always and everywhere is the greatest concern. No law, no force can condition it or restrict it. Therefore, the restrictions of the Sabbath law did not matter for him, since healing a withered hand was more beneficial and important. That is why he poses a challenge, with the question, “Is it lawful on the Sabbath to do good or to do harm, to save life or kill?”. But the Pharisees and the scribes have no such concern and no such perspective. They were blinded by their own self-righteousness. They were prejudiced against Jesus, because of jealousy and hostility. In fact, these were the real withered people, more than the man with the withered hand. They were withered because for them observing the law of Sabbath is more important than doing good and saving life. That is why the healing of the withered man by Jesus, leads them to plot to kill him. One who does not see God's hand and does not confide in His power, is truly a withered person. But, in contrast, we see in St Sebastian and St Fabian, whose memory we keep today, persons full of vitality and selfless benevolence. Filled with passionate faith and fiery charity, they bear witness to Christ by their life and death as well.

Direction: Every perverted, arrogant and evil-minded heart is the real withering. This is more deplorable than the external withering.

21 JANUARY 2021, HEBREWS 7. 25 – 8.6; MARK 3. 7-12

Focus: God is ever ready to touch us and heal us; He is eager to drive out our evil spirits and put in His Spirit. How much are we ready and willing?

Down through the ages, God continues to intervene in the lives of humanity. The purpose is to liberate them, save them, and to give them renewed dignity and joy. But at the appointed time, He incarnates His divinity in human form in the person of Jesus Christ. He is our unique and supreme High priest. Unlike the other high priests, he no more offers other ordinary sacrifices. Rather he offers his own self. He makes himself one among the sinners, but separated from them. He is the high priest, holy, blameless and unstained. This is the excellent ministry of his expiation for our purification and sanctification. This is concretely seen in Jesus’ ministry.  Jesus sets himself on a relentless mission of healing and exorcism. The opposition, the jealousy and the evil of the Pharisees and scribes do not deter him or discourage him. Unconditioned benevolence steers him on a path of immense good. If God is ceaselessly announcing His good news, healing and exorcizing, then why still many continue discomforted and misguided, sick and weak, evil-possessed and evil-driven? See the irony: even the evil spirits acknowledge Jesus as the Son of God, but the humans do not. As long as one does not see and accept one’s sickness and evil, as long as one does not feel the need for healing, and as long as one refuses to approach Jesus for his touch, one will not change and become better. God’s grace and power is abundantly available, but the openness and eagerness to respond and cooperate is lacking!

Direction: Not realizing, not accepting, not diagnosing sickness is worse than the sickness itself. What is sad is preferring to be sick, throwing away the remedies of health!

22 JANUARY 2021: HEBREWS 8. 6-13; MARK 3. 13-19

Focus: Our relationship with God is not a matter of contract for a better transaction and profit, but is a covenant, built on fidelity and our integral benefit

“Called and sent” – this in simple is the whole essence of our vocation. We are specially and personally called by the Lord. We are identified and chosen by name. This shows that each one of us is unique and important for God. We are not just anyone among many. We are someone, special and close to the Lord. We are not just numbers or labels. We are persons, with particular names. A name is not a mere label or usage for practical convenience. It stands for a person’s identity and dignity. Therefore, in identifying and choosing his Twelve disciples by name, Jesus gives them their proper identity. They are no more what they were, identified by their lineage or profession. Rather, they are his disciples and apostles. They receive a new identity, a new dignity. They enter into a new realm of life, a new ambience of grace. This is exactly the new covenant that is spoken of in the first reading from the letter to the Hebrews: “I will establish a new covenant with the house of Israel and the house of Judah… This is the new covenant… I will put my laws into their minds, and write them on their hearts, and I will be their God, and they shall be my people”. This new covenant is already set in motion in Jesus’ choice of the Twelve. They represent the new Israel. God through Jesus puts His laws into their minds, imprints them on their hearts, and makes them His own. But it does not stop there with them. Their call has a purpose and mission. The call of the Twelve is not only “to be with him” but also “to be sent on his mission”. The mission is nothing but to extend the same new covenant to all others, that is, to make all others the recipients, participants of the new covenant. In other words, their mission is to imprint God’s laws on their hearts and make them God’s own people. This is carried out concretely by the twofold channels of preaching and healing.

Direction: What do you and I belong to? Is it the new covenant of passion and fidelity, or the old covenant of sin and waywardness?

23 JANUARY 2021: HEBREWS 9. 2-3, 11-14; MARK 3. 19-21

Focus: Things may go wrong and may frighten and discourage us. But we never need to lose hope, because we have Jesus, the High priest who always pleads and works on our behalf

In today’s gospel, we have an instance of a very typical human experience. Jesus is considered to be out of his senses! He is mad, possessed, out of his mind! Why? What makes the people think so? The obvious reason is: he is totally committed. He is so selfless. He does not think of himself, of his comfort, of his leisure, of his privacy, of his free space and time. He is not organized, he is not planned, he has no control over his time. He does not spend even a little time at home, with his relatives. He finds no time even to have his meals. He is not so systematic as to display a schedule of his available timings. He does not behave big and great, making the people search and wait for him. He is not like the popular figures who make the people feel his importance and greatness. He does not create a comfort-zone and live in it. He does not put on airs. He is not puffed up. He does not ride on his glory. In short, he is passionate, and fully possessed by the Spirit of God. His only concern was God’s will and doing His mission. To do God’s will is his food and drink. This type of behaving and living is totally out of the way, quite contrary to the normal and ordinary. He was a total contrast to others. He was a question mark, a prick of conscience, a thorn in the flesh, a challenge to many others, who were comfort-seeking, self-confined, calculative and mediocre. Therefore, it is quite natural that he was considered off the mind. In fact, this is the way the good and committed people are often considered by the world. This is the price of commitment. What then is the remedy? The first reading from the letter to the Hebrews gives us the direction: Purify your conscience from dead works to serve the living God.

Direction: Our life can become more meaningful and beautiful when we constantly lay ourselves open to the touch of Jesus to purify us from the worldly and lead us on the way of sanctification

2nd Sunday of ordinary time

II ORDINARY SUNDAY, 17 JANUARY 2021,

1 SAMUEL 3.3-10, 19; 1 COR 6.13-15, 17-20; JOHN 1. 35-42

 

Progression of the journey of discipleship. There is a clear progression and maturation in Andrew’s discipleship.

 

1.    (Verse 35): “Already placed in an initial situation of discipleship”: Andrew was already introduced to the way of discipleship, by having been a disciple of John the Baptist.  He was being taught and guided in the conditions and principles of discipleship by John the Baptist. Similarly, a disciple need not always directly and immediately encounter Jesus, know him and follow him. He may be gradually led to Jesus. Discipleship is a progressive ascent, and one should not unduly desire for a sudden growth and full-scale following.

 

2.    (Verses 36-37): “Led by others, led to Jesus”: At the sight of Jesus passing by, John the Baptist declares, “Look, the Lamb of God!” This is both a simple vocative address of an invitation to draw attention to Jesus, and is also a confirmation of Jesus’ identity as the Lamb of God, who carries upon himself the burden of the sins of humanity, in their place and on their behalf. Therefore, an initial disciple is to fix his attention on Jesus who is the Lamb of God. John the Baptist, himself a noble disciple who walks the way of the Lord, like a true disciple does not let the focus be fixed on him; rather he shifts the attention of his disciples toward Jesus. This is the nature and the duty of a good disciple: never keeping himself as the centre of attraction or point of focus but with all self-detachment, lead all to Jesus, the real centre and goal of focus. Andrew too like a good well-disposed disciple, he “hears” the attestation of John the Baptist, “looks at Jesus” as asked by the Baptist, and “followed Jesus”.

 

In his discipleship, a disciple may need many to show him Jesus, teach the truth about him and to lead him to Jesus. There is nothing wrong to take the mediation, guidance and help of others in his knowing and getting closer to Jesus. At times it can happen that some initial disciples, in their self-complacency refuse to seek and accept the help of others, and at times even may not admit that they were helped by others in their following Jesus. However, this initial following is imperfect because still there is not yet any personal knowledge, experience, intimacy and commitment to Jesus. This is more a setting on the journey of discipleship in the spirit of searching to know the Lord personally. It is a search for a deeper way of discipleship.

 

3.    (Verse 38): “A spirit of searching to know where the Master stays”: Seeing the two disciples following him, Jesus asks them, “What are you looking for?” and they answer, “Where are you staying?” Jesus’ question and their question in answer indicate the true spirit of discipleship. A true disciple should be constantly in search, looking for the Master. When a disciple ceases to search and to explore, he ceases to progress and mature in his journey. Andrew and the other disciple were not sure and clear of Jesus’ abode, but they were clear and sure of one thing: they wanted to know it. The desire to know where Jesus stayed was not a mere matter of a location, a place of his stay. It is rather indicative of his life-situation. 

 

Therefore, the question of the disciples was rather a question to see at first hand the life condition, the ambience of Jesus’ way of life. How many disciples of today really know what they are looking for? First of all, is there that motivation, that spirit of search to know the Lord from close? How many disciples are really interested in getting more and more familiar with the way of life Jesus? Is it not true that the way some of the present disciples live, without a sense of purpose and direction, as if they are groping in the dark, shows that they do not really know what and who they are following?

 

4.    (Verse 39): “Go, see and stay with Jesus”: Jesus’ answer to the disciples’ query about his place of stay was, “Come and see”. As an instant response, they go, they see where he stayed and stayed with him. This is a fundamental requirement for any disciple’s progress in following Jesus. They should constantly hearken to the call of Jesus, “come and see”. One who goes and sees where Jesus is, cannot but stay with him. Every day, a disciple of Jesus must go to Jesus, see him intimately, and spend time with him. He must personally experience Jesus. He must share the same life-situation of Jesus. It is not a picnic for site-seeing. It is an invitation for a personal encounter and communion. How many pay heed to the ceaseless invitation of Jesus, “come and see”? How sad it is that this invitation is totally drained of its essential content and unceasing call, and is reduced only to the initial stages of formation, the so-called “come and see” program and stage? After that stage, where do the disciples go and what do they see? Is the staying in the formation house, or in the parish or convent, or for that matter even a family, really a staying with Jesus? Speaking in terms of regularity to the church-going or fidelity to prayer and spiritual devotions, how many followers of Jesus bother to go to the church, stay a while in the intimate presence of Jesus and participate in the spiritual moments of Word and Sacrament?

 

5.    (Verse 41): “Finding the Messiah, the Christ”: Having gone, seen and stayed with Jesus, Andrew declares to Simon Peter, his brother, “We have found the Messiah”. He experienced something profound and personal. Closeness with Jesus touched him. He was deeply affected by the person and life of Jesus. He could not keep it for himself. The power of Jesus’ experience was so overwhelming that he could not but share it with others. He would not wait or delay for long. That is why “early the next morning”, he found his brother and confessed to him his personal discovery. A disciple’s being with Jesus must lead him to a personal discovery of the Lord as the Saviour. It should deepen his knowledge and conviction about the Master. 

Years and years of frequenting the church or participating in different sacraments, and hours and hours of staying with the Lord, bundles and bundles of prayers and spiritual activities – whether all these have led us to find the Lord? Why is it that still many disciples are living lives which are clearly untouched by the Saviour, as if they have not yet met Christ, as if they are still strangers to him? How many disciples today can honestly and confidently say, “We have found the Messiah”?

 

6.    (Verse 42): Following Jesus personally and leading others too to Jesus”: Andrew “brought Simon” as well to Jesus. A true disciple who follows Jesus is not content with his own following the Lord, but is zealous to bring others as well to Jesus to follow him. Discipleship is a discovery of the immense treasure of the Lord, but is not limited only to the individual. The personal communion with the Lord is so intensive that it becomes so extensive, striving passionately to extend the embrace of the Lord far and wide, to one and many. There is something basically wrong when the devotion or the spiritual fervour of a disciple becomes more a private enterprise and does not seek to include and extend to others. A disciple who cares only to maintain and promote himself as a disciple and does not feel concerned to lead others and help them grow in their spiritual journey is rather dubious. In fact, this is the last mission mandate of Jesus at his departure from the earth: “Go therefore and make disciples from all nations” (Mt 28. 19). How many disciples of the Lord today bring others closer to Jesus? Whether they are leading others to the Lord, or misleading them away from the Lord?

 

FIRST WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME

 11 – 16 JANUARY 2021, HOLY MASS REFLECTIONS

 

11 JANUARY 2021, HEBREWS 1. 2-6; MARK 1. 14-20

 

Focus: Kingdom of God is not a location but a situation of a life of faith and conversion. It needs both members to be part of it and promoters to make others part of it

 

Jesus begins his ministry. Immediately he makes very clear the focus and essentials of this ministry.  The goal is the Kingdom of God and to get closer to it. The requirements and means are repentance and faith in the gospel. To repent means not merely feeling sorry for the wrong; rather, it arouses a profound anguish for failing and offending God. Further, it is also a genuine and radical turning away from all sin and evil. A true repentance not only abstains from particular acts of sin, but also cuts off one’s links and clinging to sin. Turning away from evil opens up to turning toward God. Anguish over offence to God opens up to passion and surrender to God. This is what faith is and what faith does. Thus, repentance and conversion on one hand, and love and surrender on the other hand are one whole of a true faith. This is truly belonging to the Kingdom. This is the mission of Jesus.

To carry out this mission, some ministers are needed. Hence he calls some disciples. The invitation to them is both a personal privilege and a mandated mission. That is, upgrading and elevating them from being mere fishermen to being fishers of souls. And their mission is to "fish" souls for God. What is needed from their part is to respond and receive the call, to renounce everything and to dedicate themselves totally to his following.

 

Direction: God's call is always elevating: it raises us to a new dignity. It is His grace to call us, dignify us and empower us. It is also our responsibility to respond and cooperate selflessly to His grace. This is our vocation and mission

 

12 JANUARY 2021, HEBREWS 2. 5-12; MARK 1. 21-28

 

Focus: Real authority is not a matter of some external power to dominate and subjugate others; but it is the experience and exercise of a deep interior and spiritual power

 

People find Jesus different from their authorities - the scribes and Pharisees. What distinguishes him from them is his authority in his teaching and acting. But, it is not a formal or juridical authority which derives from a certain office or position. For, Jesus had no such power and authority. But he had a tremendous spiritual authority and a moral authority. It is an authority that is rooted in his communion with the Father. It is also an authority that blossoms and manifests itself in a sound character and conduct. It is this authority that gives his teaching conviction and clarity, and his acting the power of healing. It is the power of God that is seen in holiness and goodness, in spirituality and integrity, in faith and charity, in devotion and dedication. It is the power that challenges and expels the evil powers. It is the power that changes one to God and impels and fosters the spiritual energies. Precisely it is this power and authority that was lacking in the Pharisees and scribes, but was abounding in Jesus. Hence the difference! It is this spiritual and moral authority which is badly needed today from every follower of Christ. A follower of Christ should be a deeply spiritual and moral person. All the more, those in authority must make sure that their role is not a power-wielding tool, but a grace-building channel.

 

Direction: Preaching eloquently and healing of evil spirits are not mere matters of special gifts of the Spirit but are to be marks of authenticity. Spiritual and moral authority are much more important than mere juridical authority

 

13 JANUARY 2021, HEBREWS 2. 14-18; MARK 1. 29-39

 

Focus: God became one of us and one like us in every respect except sin, so that he knows our fragility and struggle and come to our rescue

 

So touchingly, the letter to Hebrews draws our attention to the infinite sensitivity of God toward us. Being deeply sensitive to our misery of bondage, God sends His Son to be like us, to make expiation for our sins. He is able to help us, because he himself has suffered and been tempted. The whole ministry of Jesus shows this divine sensitivity and solidarity toward the suffering humanity. He preaches the good news, offering comfort and hope to the downcast. He heals the sick. He liberates those in bondage by driving out demons. He cures Peter's mother-in-law of her fever and cures many of their infirmities.

Receiving the gospel and the healing from the Lord, what next? What is our response and duty? When touched and cured by the Lord, we need to share it with others and serve them. This is what Peter's mother-in-law did and those who got healed by Jesus. The world of today needs so much the gospel of comfort and hope. It stands in need of liberation from many oppressing forces. It needs healing from many contagions. The world needs rediscovery, restoration and re-integration of the lost energies and the lost beauty and joy of life. Only that is the real effect of Jesus' redemptive mission.

 

Direction: It is not enough that we listen to God's call and are healed but we need to immediately share the same in constant sensitivity and service.

 

14 JANUARY 2021, HEBREWS 3. 7-14; MARK 1. 40-45

 

Focus: God never despises us because of our misery and despicability due to sin. He is ever compassionate toward us to stretch out his hand and to touch us

 

We need humility and surrender to receive and experience God's presence and power. The leper in the gospel had this humility and surrender. In humility he pleads with Jesus, "If you wish, you can make me clean", and he surrenders himself totally to his healing touch. Jesus too immediately responds in caring assurance, "I wish, be healed". While humility and surrender lead to healing, healing too leads to a duty of spreading the same powerful goodness of the Lord, far and wide, like the healed leper.

But, sadly on the contrary, there is so much hardness of heart and rebellion. This is what the first reading, the letter to Hebrews cautions us. Though the people of Israel abundantly witnessed God’s mercy and benevolence, yet they rebelled so stubbornly again and again. They hardened their hearts and fell away from the living God. The same danger is always very real in our case as well. There are always the forces of sin to deceive us and lead us astray. We may easily become hard-hearted and rebellious. We must ever take care to hold fast and firm to our faith.

 

Direction: There is no need to lose heart at our fragilities and failures. All that is needed is trust, humility and surrender to confide in God and be healed.

 

15 JANUARY 2021, HEBREWS 4. 1-11; MARK 2. 1-12

 

 

Focus: God always promises His abundant blessings, and the greatest is rest and serenity here and now and the eternal “rest” in heaven. It needs faith to believe and to live worthy of those promises

 

In today’s gospel, Jesus heals a paralytic. He not only heals him physically, but also pronounces, “Your sins are forgiven”. This becomes a moment of controversy. While the simple people glorify God, the scribes blame him for blasphemy.  They fail to see Jesus’ power and sinless heart. They do not see the authenticity and depth of his spirituality. They do not appreciate his integrity of life. They do not feel happy at his kindness and selfless service. They cannot tolerate his solidarity with all, in a spirit of equity and justice, rising above all prejudices and discriminations. They feel threatened. They boil with jealousy. They are totally at disease and at loss, because he becomes a question mark, a challenge against their own hypocrisy, shallow spirituality, self-righteousness and lack of sensitivity and charity. They cannot come up to his level. Therefore, the only way is to bring down his level. Consequently, they attribute wrong motives to him. They show him in the wrong light. They blame his intimacy with God as blasphemy, his compassion as breach of law, his mercy as social defiance. They make use of every opportunity to demonstrate their stiff resentment and resistance to him.

It is in this context, Jesus appreciates the friends of the paralytic who carry him and make an opening in the roof to reach Jesus, amidst the crowd. He hints at the lack of faith of the Jews. He also points to the sickening and harmful effect of sin, in declaring, "your sins are forgiven". He further indicates that the release from sin is more important than from any other sickness.

 

Direction: What God wants and aims at is not so much the physical health but much more the spiritual and the holistic health.

 

 

 

16 JANUARY 2021, HEBREWS 4. 12-16; MARK 2. 13-17

 

Focus: God's ways are always mysterious and incomprehensible. It is better to surrender to them. To understand God’s ways, we need to rise beyond the merely human thinking and reasoning

 

God chooses whom He wants, often quite contrary to the human expectations and calculations. Often, we are caught up within our mental frameworks and prejudices. We decide and insist that things should happen only that way, or that others must behave only that way. We apply the same human measurements and calculations to God as well. We tend to put conditions and restrictions even to God’s grace, deciding whom He should bless, how much, when and how. We feel jealous even with regard to God’s mercy and generosity. This is what happens in the case of Levi. The call of Levi, a tax collector is totally unexpected and rather disillusioning for many. When Jesus calls him and goes to feast at his house, the Pharisees and scribes rise on their feet and begin to criticise Jesus, questioning, “Why does he eat with tax collectors and sinners?” But Jesus' choice is unconditioned and gratuitous. He does not go by human labels and categories, mental or social. He chooses not so much on the basis of what one has been and what one has been doing. But his choice is in view of what one will be and what one can be doing. One may be anything or nothing before being called but surely will be somebody and will do something. Jesus came, not to gather and entertain and elevate the righteous but to seek and transform the sinners into the righteous. He declares convincingly: “I came not to call the righteous, but sinners”.

The call of Levi must make us to re-reflect on our own vocation. We must become deeply aware of its immense value and grow in humble gratitude. We must also rededicate ourselves to strive to live worthy of our call. For this, we need to be always open to the reflecting and living of the Word of God, as the first reading from the letter to the Hebrews reminds us. The word of God is living and active, sharper than any double-edged sword, piercing to the soul and spirit. We need honesty and openness to realise what we are and to become what we must be.

 

Direction: The merit of one's vocation is nothing personal, not what one is, but what one will become and do for God. Left to ourselves, no one deserves to be called!