13th week days mass reflection

 

28 JUNE – 03 JULY 2021, HOLY MASS REFLECTION

 

28 JUNE 2021: GEN 18. 16-33; MATTHEW 8. 18-22, Memory of St Irenaeus

 

Focus: The quality of faith is to be measured and tested, not by the abundance of blessings one enjoys, but by the abundance of blessings he brings for others

 

Many may wish to follow Jesus, because truly his life is something different. But not many will be able to follow him, because it is demanding and challenging. Many in the time of Jesus followed him as disciples. But all these cannot be rated as serious-minded. They had varied motives. Some were fascinated by his wondrous powers. Some were excited to be in the company of such a popular figure. Some admired his impressive personality. Some expected some favours and so thought it profitable to follow him. Some sought recognition and name for themselves, being counted among his associates. Some sought to be comforted by his comforting and assuring words. Some were amazed at his profound preaching. Some marvelled at his authoritative teaching. Some wanted to observe him from close and trap him in the wrong. Of course, Some really wanted to learn from him. Some were really touched by his life of holiness and they wanted to walk in God’s ways.

But Jesus is very clear about what he wants from his followers. He does not want half-hearted and ulteriorly interested followers. He is not like many other leaders who want somehow to pull numbers and thus display their greatness. Jesus like them would not make false promises. He would not hide the hard realities for the sake of appeasing them.

That is why, in today’s gospel, to the one who wants to follow him, he declares quite bluntly, “Foxes have holes and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of man has nowhere to lay his head”. This one affirms, “I will follow you wherever you go”. Quite straight, Jesus retorts, “he has nowhere”. Thereby. he asserts that following him would have no securities or guarantees. It would throw one into precarious, uncertain and insecure situations. To the second one who says, “First let me go and bury my father”, he responds, “Follow me and leave the dead to bury their own dead”. This is not demeaning the duties toward the father. Rather, it is a call to set the priorities clear. Following Jesus and working to make the people live is the top priority and it is most urgent.

Following Jesus is offering oneself totally for God and for others. Intimacy with the Lord and benevolence toward others are its topmost norms. This is what is seen in the case of Abraham. He pleads with God not to destroy Sodom for its sinfulness. He bargains with God at least six times, appealing to spare Sodom at least for the sake of a few good people. His persistent prayer of intercession on behalf of others shows his intimacy with God and concern for others. St Irenaeus whom we commemorate today stands as an example for such a life.

 

Direction: Following Jesus should never be with any ulterior motives. The genuineness and depth of it is known by the intensity of intimacy with God and kindness toward others

 

 

29 JUNE 2021: ACTS 12. 1-11; 2 TIM 4. 6-8, 17-18; MATTHEW 16. 13-19; SAINTS PETER AND PAUL

 

Focus: The greatness of faith is not so much in what one does by oneself for the Lord, but in what one allows God to do in and through oneself, in surrender and dedication

 

1.       Today we celebrate the solemnity of Sts Peter and Paul. In a way, they are the two prime craftsmen  of the edifice of the Church,  after the heart of Christ, the real Founder and the Master Architect. They are the master servants of the Supreme Master and the servant leaders of the community of believers.

2.       What is striking and awe-inspiring in both of them is their unbounded passion for Christ. It is this passionate love for him that makes them stand solid like rock even in the face of terrible adversities and persecutions, leading to martyrdom as well. It is this passion that makes Peter announce with conviction, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God”. It is this passion that makes Peter affirm with indefectible loyalty, “To whom shall we go, Lord? You have the words of eternal life” (cf. Jn 6. 68). It is this passion that makes him confess his love with total heart, “Lord, you know that I love you” (cf. Jn 21. 15-19). It is the same passion that keeps his faith undaunted in spite of the imprisonments or other sufferings.

3.       The same passion is amply manifest in Paul as well. See what a fire of love consumes him when he professes his love for Christ, “Who or what can separate us from the love of Christ?” Nothing and no one can ever work against us when Christ is with us and when we love him (cf. Rom 8. 35-39).

4.       However, this passion is not merely sentimental or limited only to words. It is deeply actual and authentic in action. It shows itself in total detachment and sacrifice. That is why, Peter left everything and followed the Lord at his call (cf. Luke 5. 8-11). He would also attest, “You see we have given up everything to follow you” (Mt 20. 27). That is why, Paul would exclaim in Phil 3. 7-8: “But whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ. Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake, I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them as refuse, in order that I may gain Christ”.

5.       Further, this same passion would set them on fire in the same mission of Christ, charged with perseverance, loyalty and commitment. It makes them selfless and fearless in carrying out the mission of Christ. Their passionate mission knew no bounds and so it cut across all boundaries. They remained true to their Master to the end. They testified their love and passion for their Lord by their blood. It is this authenticity of commitment that makes Paul declare in today’s second reading from 2 Timothy 4. 6-8, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith”.

6.       Today, perhaps, this fiery passion of Peter and Paul can be covered under the ashes of fabrics of authority and administration in line with Peter, or under the garbs of eloquent preaching and supervision in line with Paul. We will be doing great injustice to Peter and Paul if we limit them to suit our rungs of power and word. Their passion, their loyalty, their self-emptying commitment should be rediscovered and reactivated.

 

Direction: Passion for Christ should never diminish on account of the other worthless passions. Zeal for the mission of Christ should not be dominated by self-oriented ministries.

 

30 JUNE 2021: GEN 21. 5, 8-20; MATTHEW 8. 28-34

 

Focus: The greatest danger in our present society is an empty religion and shallow piety which does not correspond to a life of goodness towards others

 

In the gospel today we have two demoniacs. How true it is that the world of today is very much like them! Their situation very much indicates our own. The implications are striking: one is, ‘staying among the tombs’. This can indicate to be lifeless, to be dead to the life of God. It further indicates to lead a life that is estranged and cut off from warm and concerned relationships with others. Another detail is, ‘So savage that no one could pass that way’. This can indicate their aggressive and violent behaviour which intimidates others who walk the same road of life. These estrangement and aggression are the typical signs and symptoms of evil possession. Jesus expels the demons and heals the two demoniacs. At the request of the demons, Jesus allows them to enter into a herd of swine. And the possessed swine rushed into the sea and drowned and died. Perhaps, some may wonder why Jesus acted that way. The point here is, whether the demons are in the persons or in the swine, the eventuality is only destruction. One who has evil within, one whom the evil possesses and resides in, will surely be ruined. As a result of the death of the swine, the people beg Jesus to leave their place. Again, this is interesting to note: the people of the city feel more worried about the loss of the swine. They do not rejoice about the healing of the demoniacs. Their material loss weighs more than the spiritual gain. They want to get rid of this Jesus whose presence and intervention are more disturbing and disconcerting, incompatible with their materialistic and non- committal outlook.

Further, a little attention can be given to the first reading as well. Perhaps, some may object, how Sarah could mercilessly drive away her slave woman Hagar who bore a son Ishmael to Abraham? How could she be so jealous and discriminate between her son Isaac and Ishmael? Again, the point is not so much about human imperfections. God is ever compassionate and so he protects Hagar and her son in the wilderness and also blesses Ishmael to make a great nation. Here there is a great lesson about freedom. It is not so much the question of two individuals Sarah, the free woman and Hagar, the slave woman. It is also not so much about the posterity of individuals Isaac or Ishmael. Rather, it is about living and growing in freedom. God wants us to be children of freedom and not slaves of evil. The demoniacs in the gospel were slaves and not free. Jesus frees them.

 

Direction: Very often, it is ironical that people are externally very healthy and sane but internally possessed by evil. They may walk into the temples but their life is amidst the tombs. They offer fat offerings but with so lean goodness and justice!

 

01 JULY 2021: GEN 22. 1-19; MATTHEW 9. 1-8

 

Focus: Though it may look and sound naive and old-fashioned, yet it is true that sin is always destructive

 

Jesus heals a paralytic. But it looks strange and interesting that in his act of healing, he pronounces the words of forgiving. He says, "Your sins are forgiven". In that context, what was needed was physical healing. He could say, “Be healed!” or. “Rise, take up your bed and go home”, which he says toward the end of the episode. This forgiving of sins seems to be totally out of place. But, if we reflect a little deeper, it can have wider implications: every sin causes sickness and suffering though we do not say that every suffering is caused by sin only. This clearly means that every sinful way will reap its unpleasant consequences. No evil will go unaccounted and unpaid for, in the sight of God. Every evil will bring upon us only disastrous results.

This should guard us against our spiritual paralysis that makes us numb and tepid toward God and good. We should become more vibrant and enthusiastic in our life of faith. We should get rid of that inner leprosy that infected the Pharisees and scribes. Their inner vision of goodness, their dynamism of optimism was paralysed by jealousy and obstinacy. Consequently, they lost the sensation for the touch of God's grace and power working in and through Jesus. They do not rejoice about the healing of a paralysed brother. They do not appreciate Jesus for the godly act of healing. Instead, they accuse Jesus of blasphemy.

Physical healing may be easier, quick relief and visibly profiting. But what is more important is inner healing. This is difficult and we should work on it. Jesus does the physical healing which symbolizes the inner healing. In forgiving the sins first and then in healing from paralysis, Jesus makes this abundantly clear.

Abraham in the first reading stands as a contrast to this inner paralysis of sin. He had the vibrancy of faith in which he was ready to offer his only son, the heir of promise.

 

Direction: We shall seek to be healed from the prevailing paralysis of jealousy and seeking human favour. This would lead to distort the truth of God's will and power and to reject it

 

02 JULY 2021: GEN 23. 1-4, 19; 24. 1-8, 62-67; MATTHEW 9. 9-13

 

Focus: God calls anybody and everybody irrespectively, and the purpose is not so much the individual benefit but the higher and larger good

 

In the gospel, we have the narration of the call of Matthew, and we shall reserve an elaborate meditation for 21 September, the feast day of St Matthew. But today, for our reflection, we can pick up some simple pointers. First, Jesus calls Matthew, a tax collector, usually looked down as a sinner by society. Thus, God calls anyone. There is no differentiation or discrimination on the part of God. He does not go by human labels or estimates as righteous or sinner, friend or foe, important or insignificant, rich or poor. etc. Why should we put restrictions and conditions to God’s grace when He Himself offers it to all? How can we be so selfish as to greedily own all of God’s grace? Why do we feel so jealous when someone is blessed by God? All the more, how can we judge that someone does not deserve God’s mercy because he is bad, as if we are so good and only we are good?

Second, Jesus called Matthew while he was sitting at his tax office. This may denote that God calls us any time. His call may come to us, not only when we are immersed in prayer, but also when engaged in our daily routine, in our duties. So let us not wait to catch the voice and message of Jesus not only in the quiet moments of prayer but all through our day, in everything we do.

Third, Jesus called him, “Follow me”, and Matthew rose and followed him. This is very interesting. No conversation is reported. No discussion follows. No preparations are done. It is as if Matthew is just waiting for Jesus to call him and then immediately follows him. No details are given. The point is very clear: the promptness of Matthew’s response. Jesus’ call demands an immediate and unhesitating response. There are no calculations, no discussions, no sorting out the issues, no conditions, no assurances. No pre-plans or future ambitions. God’s call is without conditions, both on the part of God and on the part of the recipient.

Fourth, God calls not the righteous but the sinners. This is interesting because it makes being a sinner itself a qualification to be a follower of Christ. This does not however mean that only sinners become followers, or all the followers are sinners, or the good people will not be called. The point is, our call is not on the basis of human merit. Even holiness is not a qualification! What one is before the call is not the matter, but what one becomes after the call, is the real matter. One who is called by the Lord will not complacently cling to sin, but will strive to become righteous. A sinner becomes an apostle! A despised person becomes venerated! A tax collector becomes a gatherer of souls and witness to the Lord! One who was sitting at the tax office sits at a table with the Lord!

 

Direction: Our call is a life to celebrate. Life becomes a celebration when the Lord is with us, and the Lord will be with us, when we respond to his daily call, “Follow me”, and take him to our house, so as to serve him and then follow him in his footsteps

 

03 JULY 2021: ACTS 10. 24-35; HEB 1. 2-3; JOHN 20. 24-29, St. THOMAS, Apostle of India

 

Focus: A sense of being excluded may be a natural experience and a believer is not exempt from it. It can cause pain and anguish but can lead to purify and solidify one’s faith

 

Today we venerate St Thomas, one of the Twelve Apostles, the Apostle of India. He is popularly known as “doubting Thomas”. Though it is usually mentioned in a lighter vein, yet such a label on him may not be so fair and deserving. First of all, given all his faith and loving intimacy with the Lord, it cannot be really a doubt, though apparently it is. Because, what actually can he doubt? Does he doubt that Jesus is risen and appeared to the apostles? Does he doubt the power of Jesus? Does he doubt his companions’ truthfulness? Why should they tell him lies? Surely, they will not play the fool with him in such a serious matter. Therefore, there isn’t real scope for doubt. Instead, it is a kind of protest out of displeasure. A child may protest when his parents tell him that they went shopping when he was at school. He protests that he will not believe unless he sees something they shopped. Or, a child may protest when his parents tell him that his dearest uncle or aunt came home when he was away. He protests that he will not believe unless he sees some evidence for their visit. It is no doubt but an expression of dissatisfaction, a saddening feeling of missing something very important.

Similar must be the disappointment and frustration of Thomas. He comes home, still under the painful spell of the death and separation of his beloved Master. And behold, his companions excitedly report that the risen Lord appeared to them. His sadness turns into annoyance. In all simple human thinking, he must have thought and felt, “This is not fair! The Lord knows me well. He knows how much I love him and feel the loss of him. How could he miss me out? How would he exclude me from this joy of meeting him? Does he not care for me? Do I not count for him?

Therefore, behind the surface level doubt, there is deep down a profound belonging and longing for the Lord and an anguish at separation from him. That is why, when the Lord appears again, his response was a wholehearted attestation of total belonging and surrender, “My Lord and my God!” It is an expression of inseparable intimacy and unreserved surrender.

This encounter of Jesus with Thomas also becomes an occasion of one of the greatest key tenets of faith. Jesus declares, “Blessed are those who do not see me and yet believe”. Thereby, it is clear that the inner experiences of seeing and experiencing Jesus are more important than the direct visible experiences. The inner eye of faith enables us to believe that God’s grace never excludes us. He would never deprive us of His grace, as we see Cornelius in the first reading from Acts. God’s grace embraces Cornelius, a gentile as he too believes along with his family.

 

Direction: In life, we may not always see God’s presence and His hands working in favour of us. It is in such moments, we need to open wide our inner eye of faith to see that He is always there to touch us, grace us and transform us. He never ceases to assure us, “Peace be with you!”

 

 

 

13th Sunday of ordinary time

13^TH SUNDAY, 27 JUNE 2021: WIS 1. 13-15, 2. 23-24; 2 COR 8. 7, 9, 13-15; MARK 5. 21-43

 

Focus: True faith is not at all a matter of the power of one’s believing and getting things done from God. Rather, it is a matter of believing totally in the power of God, with total humility

 

1.       Very often, faith is regarded as one’s credit.  That is why, we hear compliments like, “Oh, what a faith he has! Oh how great is her faith!” This can easily give an impression that faith is one’s greatness. This is actually a defective conception. The focus should not be on the person who believes but on God whom one believes. The greatness is not of the one who pleads and receives from God, but of God who listens and gives.

2.       In fact, the more faith thinks nothing of itself, the more it is creditable. In other words, a person with true faith must always be humble. He must be deeply conscious of his unworthiness and littleness. One may be great and big in the sight of the world. But before God, before His greatness and holiness, we are all unworthy and undeserving. This is not self-deprecation or self-lowering, that may be negative as poor self-esteem. This is a realistic self-realization and self-acceptance.

3.       Therefore, when faith is devoid of humility, it cannot be sincere and profound. It can easily become arrogant and even self-righteous. Such a humility-lacking faith would make even God’s grace a necessary result of its greatness and not of God’s benevolence. Certainly, very often, Jesus praises the faith of those who seek favours from him. And in today’s gospel also, he compliments the faith of one ruler of a synagogue and one woman with haemorrhage. Jesus does the healing and gives the credit to their faith.

4.       However, this does not mean that it is their faith that does things happen. It is God who makes things happen. Their faith is great in the sense that they are totally open to receive God’s power. Therefore, the greatness of faith does not lie in the person himself but in God. In other words, faith becomes great when there is humility, trust and surrender.

5.       In this sense, let us reflect on the two healings in the gospel: the raising from death to life of the daughter of Jairus, a ruler of the synagogue, and the healing of a woman with haemorrhage. Truly the faith of the official and that of the woman is praiseworthy and meritorious. They place their total trust in Jesus' power and compassion. The official believes. He firmly thinks it is enough that Jesus lays his hands over his daughter. When he approached Jesus, she was at the point of death, and as he was rushing home with Jesus to heal her, she was already dead. But even then, he believes and takes Jesus to his home.

6.       His faith is marked by a deep humility. Seeing Jesus, he falls at his feet and beseeches him. He keeps aside all his authority as a ruler of the synagogue. He does not consider it below his dignity to bend his knee before Jesus. Deep within, he acknowledges and believes the power of Jesus that is far superior to his own as a ruler. He knows that the divine and spiritual power of Jesus surpasses his worldly power. Such a genuine humility is accompanied by an unswerving trust in Jesus’ merciful power. That is why he pleads with Jesus, “Come and lay your hands on her, so that she may be made well, and live”.

7.       The woman with the bleeding disease too believes. She firmly thinks it is enough that she touches the edge of his cloak. Unlike Jairus, her approach to Jesus was a silent act. She touches Jesus’ garment from behind and gets instant healing. But she confesses the healing at Jesus’ query, “Who touched me?”

8.       What is very remarkable in their faith is the extremity of their condition. The ruler believes in Jesus, even at death point, and the woman believes in Jesus even after 12 long years. Even in their most desperate situations, they do not give up hope. There were funebrial cries all around Jairus’ house. And the woman consulted every possible doctor and spent her every penny over her haemorrhage. Both were facing the most desperate and depressing situations.

9.       We can also note on the part of Jesus a couple of simple but significant factors. He shows a personal concern. He goes personally to the house of the ruler. There was a great crowd around him. He was fully engaged. But he does not turn down the plea of the ruler. He takes the girl by the hand as he brings her back to life. He also tells the people to give her something to eat. Yes, Jesus never rejects our pleas. He listens to us. Of course at times, we may not get what we pray for. But that does not mean that he does not care for us. His goodness to us cannot be calculated only in terms of favours.

10.   Another factor is he always transmits his power upon us. It is this power that went to the diseased woman and healed her and raised to life Jairus’ daughter. Further, what is striking is that he seeks no recognition or fame. What a fantastic miracle of raising from death! It is the best means and time to shoot into gigantic popularity. But, he tries to minimize the glory of it, by saying that the girl is not dead but is just sleeping. He puts all the crowd outside the girl’s room, except the girl’s parents and his three disciples Peter, James and John. After the miracle, he strictly charges them not to tell anyone. What a contrast to many of us that do a drop but do bundles of publicity and get mountains of popularity!

11.   At the end of all, what is needed from our part is to approach him in deepest trust and get into the realm of his touch. Jesus’ touch transmits power that gives new life. The diseased woman begins a new life with health, joy and serenity. The ruler’s daughter receives a second life.

12.   Today, Jesus continues the same life-giving words that he pronounced to the dead girl, “Talitha cumi”, “Little girl, I say to you, arise”. Just as the girl instantly got up and walked, so too we must constantly allow Jesus to lay his hands and touch us. Once touched and healed, we must get up and walk steady and sane.

 

Direction: Faith may go through trials and may be tested. But God will never deny and deprive His grace and never frustrates the trust and hope of those who confide in Him

 

12th week days mass reflection

 21 – 26 JUNE 2021, HOLY MASS REFLECTIONS

 

21 JUNE 2021:  GEN 12. 1-9; MATTHEW 7. 1-5

 

Focus: A life that pleases God will be blessed by Him so that the person himself becomes a blessing and a source of blessings for others

 

We are living in a world where humility and sincerity, fairness and goodness toward others are becoming rarities. That is why, when some people show these qualities, it becomes big news as if it is something out of the way. Instead, arrogance and duplicity, injustice, and wickedness are aggressively prevalent. In other words, it is truly a culture of evil and curse.

It is in such a context, the Word of God shows us a surer way to foster a culture of blessing. In the first reading from Genesis, God blesses Abram and makes him a blessing himself and a source of blessing for others. God is pleased with his humility and sincerity, his piety and obedience to God’s ways, and his sense of fairness and kindness toward others.

In the gospel, Jesus addresses one big block against such a culture of blessing. It is the malaise of self-righteousness. This is accompanied by rash and uncharitable judgment of others. Jesus confronts the self-righteous attitude of the Pharisees and scribes. This attitude refuses to do any self-check. It rates themselves better than others. Consequently, it judges and condemns them. It is blind to the weakness of oneself or diminishes their faults. But on the other hand, it magnifies and exaggerates the wrongs of others. It is clearly applying double standards. St Francis de Sales has something wise said about this. He says, many are eager to accuse others even for the slightest mistake, while they excuse themselves even for the greatest blunder. People clamour for justice in the neighbour’s house while they plead for mercy in their own house. So, it is better to place oneself in the place of the other and see and feel from their perspective. Jesus too insists that it is better to "see the log in one's own eye instead of making noise about the speck in other's eye".

 

Direction: In a virulent atmosphere of judgment and condemnation, of which criticism and slander are the offshoots, we must cultivate a humble spirit of self-examination and self-realization

 

22 JUNE 2021, GEN 13. 2, 5-18; MATTHEW 7. 12-14

 

Focus: It needs a deep faith to choose the right path of God and walk it steadily. This includes a benevolent approach toward others

 

Faith and benevolence are the most effective powers of a true follower of God. This is what the Word of God reiterates today. It is a faith that is unswerving and wisely discerning. And it is a benevolence that is empathetic and generous. It is this faith that Jesus speaks as something holy and pearl. This should be preserved without throwing to dogs or swine that indicate the evil and worldly forces. We should be judicious not to expose and submit our faith to the endangering nature and ways of the world. The world does not realize the value of the sacredness and preciousness of faith. The world may trample it underfoot as something useless. It may wrongly show us that faith is not worth it. The world will choose the broader way of ease and pleasure, and will falsely make us think that it is the best way. It is in such situations we should preserve and safeguard our faith. We must wisely discern and choose the narrow way against the broader way. We must persistently walk the narrow way. It is difficult but it alone leads to salvation.

This narrow way of faith involves a life of benevolence. It is a kindness that empathetically understands and thinks of the good of others. In Jesus’ own words, it does to others what it wishes for itself from others. In simple details, true benevolence is marked by empathy and altruism. It gives to others that understanding, respect, concern, love, encouragement, appreciation, and support, which it expects from others. And it is generous as well. In the first reading from Genesis, we have Abram as a concrete example of this empathetic and generous benevolence. He gives preference to his nephew Lot when it comes to the choice of the land to occupy. This is rewarded abundantly by God

 

Direction: Realizing the worth of faith, clarity of priorities, and walking the right way - these are the fundamental norms of a good and godly life

 

23 JUNE 2021: GEN 15. 1-18; MATTHEW 7. 15-20

 

Focus: Those who trust in God even in seemingly impossible situations and live righteously will please God and be blessed by God beyond measures

 

Falsity is always detestable in the sight of God because He knows the humans through and through. Those who are false may disguise themselves in the garbs of holiness. They may be able to fool and deceive others. But they cannot fool God. God will certainly take them to the task. This is how Jesus warns in the gospel about the false people in the holy garb of prophets. These are inwardly violent wolves but outwardly meek sheep. They are bad trees that appear to bear good fruits. But they bear only bad fruits. And they are judged by their bad fruits. Accordingly, just like the bad trees they will be cut down and thrown into the fire.

Therefore, what is important is that we are sincere and authentic with no false disguises. We must grow and live like good trees that bear good fruits. We must prove ourselves by the quality of our fruits. Then surely God will bless us and reward us abundantly. This is what we see in the case of Abram in Genesis. Abram is totally obedient to God. With utter faith, he totally believes in God’s promises and assurances, even though they seem humanly impossible. If not for his faith, how would he believe God’s promise of making him the father of a multitude of descendants, when he is already advanced in age and without an heir? Abram is truly a good tree that bears the abundant fruits of faith and righteousness. That is why, he is rewarded with an heir, numerous descendants, and spacious land.

We find thus a contrast between Abram, a pagan, and the false prophets, of the race of believers. Though pagan, Abram won God’s favour because of his faith in God and the righteousness of life. On the contrary, the Pharisees and the scribes proved themselves to be false prophets, incurred God’s judgment because of their falsity and lack of fruits.

 

Direction: In our life, ultimately what matters is not mere exterior allegiance like race or nation, but the interior spirit of faith that authenticates itself in good fruits

 

 

24 JUNE 2020: ISIAH 49. 1-6; ACTS 13. 22-26; LUKE 1. 57-66: SOLEMNITY OF THE NATIVITY OF JOHN THE BAPTIST

Focus: Our life is not a haphazard or fortuitous existence without a goal and direction but it is the gratuitous and gracious gift of God

 

Today we celebrate the birth of John the Baptist. His is the only birth we celebrate besides the birthdays of the Lord and the Mother. That alone shows the singular importance that is accorded to him. The words of prophets Jeremiah 1. 4-10 and Isaiah 49. 1-6 are true and applicable to his birth and mission. He has been eternally destined by God to be his precursor, who prepares the way for the Messiah, who preaches repentance and converts many to the way of the Lord. He was called and named by the Lord from the mother’s womb. He was made like a sharp sword and like a polished arrow. He was the chosen servant of God, made as a light to the nations, in whom God is glorified. The second reading from Acts 13. 22-26 also indicates that John is a man after God’s own heart who will do all his will like David. God Himself would be his shield and guide. He would hide him in the shadow of His hand, and in His quiver. Hence no fear!

The birth of John the Baptist recalls and reminds us of our own Christian vocation and mission, which can be summarized in three essential aspects: destiny, consecration, and empowerment. We are destined for eternity, destined to be heirs of heaven. In the pursuit of this destiny, we are consecrated to be His own, to be the disciples of Christ on his mission. In carrying out this mission and living out of the life of grace, we are empowered with His own power that emboldens us and illumines us amidst all fears and evil forces. John the Baptist lived and accomplished his destiny, consecration, and empowerment by his undistracted focus, humble surrender, and unflinching loyalty

 

Direction: Life will be joyful and fulfilling to the extent we are profoundly aware and live our project of destiny, consecration, and empowerment in focus, surrender, and commitment

 

25 JUNE 2021, GEN 17. 1-10, 15-22; MATTHEW 8. 1-4

 

Focus: Everyone stands in need of healing and for this, one should be aware of his unhealthy condition, deeply feel the desire for health and the need for healing, and in faith approach the Lord

 

God enters into a covenant with Abram. But this is not like any other covenants or contracts that are usually for mutual benefit. This is a covenant that is totally for the benefit of Abram and his descendants. His life changes completely. This is symbolized explicitly by the change of his name from Abram to Abraham. He would become exceedingly fruitful and the father of many nations. They would inherit Canaan as an everlasting possession. Even at their ripe age of hundred and ninety respectively, Abraham and Sarah would get a son, Isaac. This is a covenant that is not time-bound but everlasting that extends to Isaac and the descendants thereafter.

In return, what is expected from Abraham and his descendants is fidelity and consecration, symbolized by circumcision. They shall consecrate themselves to God as His people and possession. They shall walk before him and be blameless. One need not object that this is a disguised condition. It is not a condition but a natural outflow and expression of their fidelity to the covenant.

If one really loves God, he would respect his sacred covenant with God. He would keep away all that infects this relationship, and foster all that helps him to live it. Every covenanted person would seek to be clean, healthy, and whole. In the light of the gospel, it is to be healed of leprosy that corrodes a person and alienates him from society. One should get rid of the interior and spiritual leprosy that eats away that sanity and wholeness of the person. All of us need healing and restoration of the lost health. For this, like the leper, we need an earnest desire to approach the Lord and to get cleaned and healed by God. We must humbly plead the Lord, “Lord, if you will, you can make me clean”. And the Lord is always ready to heal us, saying, “I will; be clean”. Many a time, many continue unhealed and unclean because they lack this deep desire and turning to God.

 

Direction: In a world that becomes more and more health-conscious and beauty-conscious, one should aim at and strive for an interior and holistic health and beautification

 

26 JUNE 2021, GEN 18. 1-15; MATTHEW 8. 5-17

 

Focus: Faith is not so much a matter of one's greatness but rather total trust in God's greatness and the height of one's littleness

 

Pride is one infection that is attacking many. There are different kinds of pride, such as material, physical, intellectual, social, etc. But there is also another kind of pride, more subtle but more harmful. That is spiritual pride. It is when one feels great and proud of one's spiritual gifts and abilities. It is in this context, one should remember that faith is never a matter of one's credit or merit. The more we are gifted and able, the more we should be humble. See the humility of the centurion in the gospel. He himself is a man in authority. But in all humility, he realizes his littleness before Jesus' divine and spiritual authority. He realizes that Jesus’ authority is such that can subjugate and expel the evil powers even with a single simple word even over distance. In that same humility, he admits his unworthiness and sinfulness. At the same time, he readily acknowledges the holiness and greatness of Jesus. Thus, his humility blended with deep trust in Jesus’ power and mercy brings him the reward of his servant’s healing. This is the real faith which comprises humility and trust.

The same faith is seen in Peter’s mother-in-law and many others sick and possessed. Jesus heals them. This healing spree is very much indicative of the nature of his mission. His mission is vicarious. This is to suffer for our sake, to become expiation on our behalf. He bears the burden of our sins in order to release us from the bondage of sin. He takes our infirmities and bears our diseases.

One who experiences God’s blessing and healing will certainly put himself into good action, into serving. This is what is seen in the instance of Peter’s mother-in-law. No sooner she got cured of her fever, she immediately rose and served Jesus. This is what Abraham does in the first reading from Genesis. Abraham experiences God’s blessing in God’s intimate covenantal relationship, in a steady gradual fulfillment of His promises. He shows this blessedness in a hearty spirit of hospitality and service to three guests who are actually God-sent angels. Again, this service is rewarded by the confirmation of the birth of an heir.

 

Direction: The world of today can be healthy and happy only when it realizes its sickness and vulnerability and approaches God for His healing and renovation

 

12th Sunday of ordinary time

 TWELFTH SUNDAY, 20 JUNE 2021: JOB 38. 1, 8-11; 2 COR 5. 14-17; MARK 4. 35-41

 

Focus: Life is never free from storms and tumults. Because of the possible troubles, we cannot stop sailing. The solution is not to avoid sail but to sail along with the Lord

 

1.      In the gospel, the scene is dramatic and vivid. The disciples are sailing in a boat. Jesus too is with them. It is hit by heavy storms. The boat is on the verge of sinking. They stand at the door of perishing. They get panicky. They look for Jesus. He is “peacefully” sleeping on a cushion. The natural human feelings rise up. They get all the more annoyed. They feel bad at this apparent indifference toward their desperate fate. They give vent to their displeasure and frustration. They wake him up and confront him, saying, “do you not care that we are perishing?”

 

2.      Their situation very much represents our own life situation as well. Life is a boat in a constant sea-sail, surmounted by storms. The sail gets harder and harder. The storms will threaten to sink the boat and perish life as well. What is interesting and subject to questioning is, the Lord himself asks them, “Let us go across to the other side”. It is he who proposes the sail and initiates them. But what is more worrisome is that the Lord himself seems unbothered and unconcerned about it.

 

3.      Fear grips and faith wavers. The boat of life is hit hard. Problems and afflictions enter violently into the boat. They frighten to drown it. We feel lost and gone. In such situations, we even forget the truth that as long as the Lord is with us, nothing can harm us and destroy us. Like the disciples, we too get annoyed that he is resting peacefully while we are restless in tension. We may also confront and question him many times that he is not bothered about us.

 

4.      In such frightening and losing moments, what to do and how to counter such a situation? Be focused on the Lord. Deep within, remember that the Lord is present with us in the same boat, and as long as he is with us, no harm can betide us, no storm can drown us. Be confident that he will never allow us to sink and perish. We may come under pressure. We may feel that God is not attentive toward our gripping situations, that he does not understand the gravity of them. But listen to him what he tells the disciples, “Why are you so afraid? Have you still no faith?” The Lord repeats the same words to us as well in our stormy times: “Why are you afraid? Am I not with you? Will I leave you to your fate? Will I allow you to struggle helplessly? Will I deliver you to misery? Have faith in me. I will deliver you. I will sustain your journey. I will calm the storms, I will restore peace and serenity. I will remove your fears”

 

5.      Therefore, let us not entertain wishful thinking that there should be no storms, no struggles, and adversities in life. Let us not be unrealistic that life should be always smooth sailing. Rather, what is needed is to sail ahead through all the possible and expected inclement and unfavourable situations. This is possible only when we have a strong rudder and weapon and a clear beacon of faith. In the words of Paul in the second reading from 2 Cor 5. 14-17, this means to “become a new creation in Christ, where the old has passed away and the new has come”.

 

6.      There is also another notable factor in the whole episode. As soon as the disciples awoke the Lord expressing their annoyance, Jesus does not get into argument. He does not begin to admonish them about their lack of faith. There is no discourse. Instantly and immediately, he attends to their need. He rebukes the sea and calms the storm. He commands and controls, “Peace! Be still!” And only then, he does the corrective. This is also a useful lesson for all of us, especially when we have the sacred duty of correcting and guiding others. Before giving them big moral instructions, let us understand their problem and situation. Let us cater to their need. Let us instill confidence and calm in them. There is no use in moralizing the whole issue without understanding and resolving the issue. It will only demoralize those concerned.

 

7.      We can also draw another profitable lesson for us from the beginning statement of Jesus. Jesus initiates and encourages the disciples, “Let us go across to the other side”. Let us not comment that if they did not go across to the other side, then there would be no storm and no problem. Rather, let us note a significant directive for our life. Many times, we prefer to play it safe, we do not want to sail to the other side. We do not want to face possible risks. We want to remain on one side only, settled and in comfort zones. But let us remember that unless we sail to the other side, we will not experience the power of Jesus that which controls everything, and thus experience the calm and serenity that he alone can restore.

 

Direction: The value of life does not consist of not facing any storms and hard times, or trying to avoid them. Rather, the quality of our life is tested and testified in confronting them with deep faith in God and remaining calm and strong