02 -07 AUGUST 2021, HOLY MASS REFLECTIONS
02 AUGUST 2021: NUMBERS 11. 4-15; MATTHEW 14. 13-21
Focus: In life, very many times, either the vicissitudes of life or the demand of the duties frighten us. We may feel the burdens are too heavy to carry. But do not worry, because God is with us
1. Walking in the way of the Lord is not smooth. It is very challenging. There will be moments of hunger and thirst, weakness and fatigue, uncertainty and insecurity, scarcity and insufficiency, discouragement and frustration. All the more, the old inclinations and attachments will be strongly pulling us back. This is exactly the people of Israel experienced on their way to the promised land. It was happy to be liberated from the slavery of Egypt.
2. But the story does not end there. Inheriting and enjoying the destined land of bliss would not happen smoothly. They had to travel a long journey through the red sea, through the wilderness, desert, etc. where they experienced all that mentioned above. In such moments, they would easily fall back to their old life and habits. They would fondly recollect and weep for that meat, fish, onions, garlics in Egypt. They would forget all the mighty intervention and benevolence of God. They would find fault with God and His servant Moses. Truly these were the testing times for Moses. He is pressed between the higher demands of fidelity to God, and the all-too-real needs of the people. He feels helpless. That is why, he cries out to God, “I am not able to carry all these people alone, the burden is too heavy for me”.
3. In the gospel Matthew 14. 13-21, the disciples too experience the same sense of helplessness at the hunger of the people. They feel concerned for the people. But at the same time, they are aware of the inadequacy of their resources. They tell Jesus, “We have only five loaves and two fish”.
4. In our life too, we come across similar situations. Like those people, we may feel fragile and fatigued, lacking and discouraged. Or, like Moses and the disciples, we may feel helpless in the face of adverse situations. In such situations, we need to turn to the Lord. We need to confide in him. We need to entrust the case to him. Surely he will intervene and change the situation for the better.
Direction: We need not feel sad or bad about our littleness. All that is needed is to join our littleness to God’s mightiness. He would intervene, touch and transform our five loaves and two fish to feed five thousand
03 AUGUST 2021: NUMBERS 12. 1-13; MATTHEW 14. 22-36
Focus: In the sea of life often strong winds blow against us and fear grips us with the danger of sinking. But as long as God is with us, He will not allow us to sink but lift us up from drowning
1. In the gospel, Matthew 14. 22-36, the disciples of Jesus in a boat are hit by strong winds. Jesus was not with them. In our life also, many times our life boat is assaulted by the winds of problems and afflictions. The sail becomes difficult. We need to check and see whether we too left Jesus behind and went ahead without him. We may be so preoccupied with the winds that we may not even recognize Jesus and mistake him as a ghost, like the disciples.
2. Or, we may be like Aaron and Miriam who were blinded by jealousy and self-pride and not recognize the presence of God in Moses and speak ill of him. At times, we may be like Peter who walks on the waters with focus and trust in Jesus. But this may be only for a while. Sooner or later, we may shift our attention from him on to the winds. We will also begin to sink. As long as we are focused on Jesus, no winds can frighten us or drown us. They may be strong and make our moving difficult and tedious. But they cannot stop our march ahead. We will be able to walk on the waters.
3. However, as humans we are, we too will experience moments of drowning and sinking. But there is nothing to be panicky about. We need to constantly tune our ears to the assuring words of Jesus, “It is I, take heart, do not be afraid!” We can also cry out to him, “Lord, save me!” We need to deepen our focus and trust on the Lord.
4. This is possible only in a deep personal encounter, intimacy and communion with God. Moses was such a man who enjoyed this personal oneness with God. It is this that clothes him with meekness and magnanimity even amidst mounting slanders and defiance. Like Miriam and Aaron, we may feel great and proud about our blessings and gifts and act jealously and self-righteously. Let us learn to be humble to realize that we are so fragile as to sink any moment.
Direction: Like Peter, we must confide in the invitation of Jesus to go to him in the waters. We must be ready to get out of our boats of securities and things of clinging, and throw ourselves into the waters
04 AUGUST 2021: NUMBERS 13. 1-2, 25 – 14. 1, 26-29, 34-35; MATTHEW 15. 21-28, St John Mary Vianney
Focus: Faith may not always meet with favourable responses and positive results. We may feel that God is not concerned for us and does not understand our needs. Persevere in such moments!
1. The Canaanite woman in the gospel Matthew 15. 21-28 stands before us as an example for a faith that is humble and persevering. There is nothing so special in her approaching Jesus for the sake of her possessed daughter. Anyone in need may approach Jesus. That does not guarantee a true and deep faith. It can be a shallow faith which is merely a favour-seeking request. On the contrary, the Canaanite woman demonstrates to us a faith that is genuine and exemplary. In all humility and trust, she cries out, “Have mercy on me, O Lord, Son of David”.
2. Strangely, she is met with a strange response and reaction from the part of Jesus. Three kinds of Jesus’ response are noted: first, there is silence (but he did not answer her a word) – this can indicate an attitude of indifference and unconcern; then there is an indication of discrimination and exclusion (he answered, I was sent only to the lost sheep of the house Israel). But she does not lose heart. She went and knelt before him, saying, Lord, help me. Finally, a very harsh and derogatory remark from Jesus, “it is not fair to take the children’s bread and throw it to the dogs” – an attitude of resentment and rejection.
3. But the Canaanite woman testifies to a commendable contrast response. In response to the silence of Jesus, she continues to cry after him. In response to exclusion by Jesus, she acknowledges him as the Lord of all, and the sure recourse for help. In response to the rejection by Jesus, she persists with utter humility, “Even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their master’s table”.
4. Note that she would not murmur or retort as the people of Israel do in the first reading. Whenever any little thing goes wrong, people can easily grumble and give up. But she would not murmur. Many may find fault with Jesus for his harshness. Perhaps such an insulting reply from Jesus was not warranted. Perhaps he wanted to test her faith. Whatever it be, she got tested and testified. Even in times of humiliation and loss of hope, true faith perseveres.
5. This is the type of faith that St John Mary Vianney bears witness to. It is a faith that is humble, persevering, toiling and fruit-bearing. His lack of brilliance or talent, or the tepidity and the spiritual lethargy of the people did not deter him. He persisted and his hard-labouring faith was rewarded with a radical transformation of all the people around him. What an imitable priest as the patron of all priests!
Direction: At times, in our life also God appears to be indifferent, excluding and rejecting us. We may feel offended and not understood and not accepted. What then is our response?
05 AUGUST 2021: NUMBERS 20. 1-13; MATTHEW 16. 13-23, Dedication of the Basilica of St Mary Major
Focus: True faith is tested for its solidity by its fidelity even amidst all the frustrating experiences. It remains firm like rock against all the assaults of the evil, because it is built on Christ
1. We commemorate the dedication of the rebuilt Basilica of Mary Major by Pope Sixtus III just after the First Council of Ephesus. Accordingly, the gospel passage, Matthew 16. 13-23 revolves around the themes of church and faith. In the gospel, Jesus entrusts the care and guidance of the church to Peter, the head of the apostles. He announces, on this rock I will build my church and the powers of death shall not prevail against it. Jesus also authorizes and empowers Peter, saying, I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.
2. The rock here does not refer so much to the individual Peter. Rather it refers to the faith and the authority of the head of the community of the church. Built on such a solid apostolic foundation, the church remains firm. Her role is tremendous, that is, to be the holder of the keys of the kingdom, to be a dispenser of salvation. But this has no guarantee of her unfailing stability or fidelity.
3. Surely, there will be times without water as for the people of Israel in the wilderness. There will be times of frustration and rebellion. There will be relishing of the old ways of sin. As we see in the gospel, even from among the men in the church, there will be hindrances, not being on the side of God. This is what we see dramatically in the case of Peter. When Peter confesses, You are the Christ, the Son of the living God, Jesus highly praises him, saying, Blessed are you! For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father who is in heaven. But, he rebukes the same Peter when he fails to understand God’s plan of the way of the cross, saying, Get behind me Satan! You are a hindrance to me; for you are not on the side of God, but of men.
4. All these are part of the journey of the church. But one thing is sure: the powers of death shall not prevail against it. This can imply two things: one, no evil powers can overpower and subdue it, even though they will attack and torment it. Second, the church will not die, it will endure through the ages. The church will traverse through all the trying times as the ultimate victor. Meanwhile she has to continue to be the rock that issues water to the thirsty and dried up.
Direction: The greatest secret for the continuity and stability of the church in its faith and mission is very simple: a personal discovery of Who is Jesus for me? and experience him as the Christ, the Saviour, the Son of the living God
06 AUGUST 2021: DAN 7. 9-10, 13-14; 2 PETER 1. 16-19; MATTHEW 17. 1-9, Transfiguration of the Lord
Focus: God allows some occasions of glory and transfigured visions in our life, in order to boost up our drooping spirits, and to remind us of our eternal destiny of glory
1. On mount Tabor, in the presence of three disciples, Jesus is transfigured. His face shone like the sun and his garments became white as light. Moses and Elijah appear talking with him. The purpose of the transfiguration of Jesus is not a power-display, not a show of self-glory, not winning the best impressions of his three disciples. The simplest reason is Jesus is never a show-man. He never seeks self-glory but only the Father’s glory. He is least concerned about the human impressions because he knows the humans well.
2. The key purpose of the event of transfiguration is to strengthen the faith of the disciples. Especially when they have to go through the turbulent times of the ignominy of the cross, they should be strong and deep-rooted. Otherwise, they would easily lose their feet, be shattered and give up their journey. The wonderful transfiguration experience would keep their faith alive and renew it. It would assure and encourage them that Jesus who will suffer helplessly, is not a helpless weak human being. He is not forced to meet a fateful destiny out of inability; but it is all in perfect symphony with God’s will and plan of salvation. Jesus who is their master is the real Christ, the awaited Messiah. He is the Son of God, vested with power and glory.
3. His face and his clothes shone with brilliant light. This signifies radiance and vibrance. Thus, the experience of transfiguration is essentially the change of life to be radiant and vibrant. We too are called to shine, that is, to be radiant and vibrant. A life that is lackluster and lethargic is not a transfigured life but only a disfigured one. Face and clothes together imply the whole person. Face points to the interior, as it is said that face is the index of the soul. Clothes represent the exterior. Thereby, the shining of both indicates that any real change must comprise both the interior and the exterior. Our interior must change and it must be reflected in the exterior life of radiance and vibrance.
4. Jesus meets Moses and Elijah. Moses would signify the Law and Elijah, the prophets. Accordingly, the meeting of Jesus with Moses and Elijah can signify that Jesus is the encounter, the meeting point with the Law and the Prophets. In other words, Jesus is the culmination and the fulfillment of the whole Old Testament. One who meets Jesus lives the law and as a prophet.
5. Peter exclaims, Lord, it is so nice to be here and I will make three tents, one for Jesus and the other two, for Moses and Elijah. It shows the overwhelming and relishing experience of the vision and the glory of the Lord. It recalls the excited sentiment of the psalmist, I rejoiced when I heard the people saying, let us go to the house of the Lord; or, one day within your house is equal to a thousand elsewhere. If just a few moments in the presence of the transfigured Lord can be so awe-enveloping, then can we imagine what an infinite joy it will be in eternal glory!
6. The Father’s voice from heaven attests and summons, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to him”. This shows the intimate union between the Father and the Son. In Jesus, we have the surest guide to listen to and follow, because he is so pleasing to the Father. He listens to the Father and obeys Him. And so, if we listen to him, we are for sure on the path of heaven and reach heavenly glory.
Direction: A constant thought of heaven can keep us not to be entangled in the realms of the earth. Experiences of light and glory can help us to move through the shades of darkness and misery
FEAST OF THE TRANSFIGURATION OF THE LORD (Reflection from Year 2020)
Focus: Glory is our destiny and transfiguration is the way. Let us not be upset at the fact of misery but always raise our hearts to the destiny of glory by constant transfigured life, transformed heart
1. Jesus is transfigured on Mount Tabor in the presence of 3 of his disciples. It is not a display of self-glory but a manifestation of his true identity. It is not to impress them but to confirm them in faith. His glory is not partial but total, both interior and exterior, as indicated by the glow of face and clothes respectively. The experience of divine glory is so relishing, as indicated by Peter’s exclamation: “it is nice to be here; let us make three tents”.
2. Jesus’ transfiguration points to our own transfiguration, being adorned with divine glory. This is possible through a constant integral transformation of our both interior and exterior, by attentive listening and adhering to the Lord.
3. The event of Jesus' transfiguration is a manifestation of his original divinity, identity and glory. The purpose is not to display his glory, not to impress upon the three disciples his greatness. It is not self-directed, seeking self-glory. Rather, it serves as a fount of hope that prepares and strengthens the disciples, in the face of the cross and death of Jesus ahead.
4. The transfigured glory of Jesus illuminates and assures the disciples that Jesus who meets the fate of the cross, is not a helpless failure, forced to such a miserable end; rather he is the glorious Son of God, who willingly and freely accepts the cross as God's will for salvation. It is not a fate of misery and damnation, but a destiny of glory and salvation.
5. Thereby when faced with the ignominy of cross, let them not be shaken or shocked; let them not be dissipated or frustrated. Let them not be stuck with cross and death, but rather let their focus go beyond to glory and eternity. Behind and beyond the disfigured crucified, one should see the transfigured resurrected Lord, re-vested with the original heavenly glory.
6. Thus that simple Jesus, who is walking along with them as an ordinary man, that suffering Jesus, who will be subjected to the humiliation of the cross, is not a disgraced and defeated man. Instead, he is the glorious "beloved Son of the Father", attested so by the Father Himself from heaven. So do not lose faith in him, when things go contrary, but continue to keep trust and hope in him.
7. Jesus' transfiguration is also an indicator, a forecast and foretaste of our own resurrection and the glory of resurrection. It is a prefiguration of our own future glory. The frequent disfiguration of life, with all the vicissitudes and adversities, is not the final or permanent reality. Transfiguration is the ultimate and definitive experience. Misery is not an absolute fate, but glory is our eternal destiny. Therefore, the transfiguring experience must trigger us to direct our focus, beyond the temporary upsets of the cross, to the eternal upheaval of resurrection.
8. This is possible only through a constant REINVIGORATION of our original identity of being God's image and likeness. This in turn is possible through a faithful CONFIGURATION with Jesus. The more we are tuned and communed to him, the more we live and grow like him, the more we adhere to him in "attentive listening to him", the more we shall experience and share the same transfiguring glory.
9. If sin disfigures us, depriving us of our original beauty and dignity of being God's images, grace through Jesus transfigures us, restoring to us that lost light and radiance. The shining light and brightened glow will indicate that our transfiguration is more a matter of illuminating and brightening our darkened selves and false lives. The more we are enlightened, breaking off the sheaths and layers of darkness that often block and blur our radiance, the more we re-discover our real identity, and radiate the light of that true image.
10. Thus real transfiguration lies in a daily process of brightening up our lives. Light up the life, daily on the "mountain" - of vicinity, proximity and intimacy with God, in a spirit and ambience of solitude and serenity, in the heights of our spirits, in the focused moments of prayer, in personal encounter with Moses and Elijah, signifying the Law and Prophets, i.e. the entire Scripture and Tradition. Transform and glorify life, wholly and fully, by changing both the interior, indicated by the change of face, which is the index of the interior, and the exterior, indicated by the change in clothes.
11. Let our everyday be a continuous journey of removing the shades of darkness that reduce our glow. Let it be a vibrant march of regaining our lost radiance. Let the light of Christ make our heart, our life, more bright, with more hope and more renewal.
Direction: Often we want to see only glory and cling to such moments. But only the path of the cross and following Jesus will lead to glory.
07 AUGUST 2021: DEUT 6. 4-13; MATTHEW 17. 14-20
Focus: The greatness of faith is not in the display of great miracles or favours. But true faith certainly brings inner healing
1. The gospel of the day, Matthew 17. 14-20 focuses on the power of faith. Jesus says, faith is so powerful that it can move even the mountains and nothing will be impossible. In order to show how great it is, Jesus uses a simple contrast: even a little faith like a mustard seed can move even big mountains.
2. A man with an epileptic son approaches the disciples but they fail to heal him. And Jesus makes it very clear that it is because of their little faith. True faith certainly heals. Of course, healing need not always be external or physical. But, one thing is sure: when there is genuine faith, inner healing is bound to happen. However, it is not one's capacity. It is God's own power mediated and channeled through the limited human beings.
3. Now, what is this true faith? How does it manifest itself? The first reading from Deuteronomy gives us the answer. True faith is nothing but loving God totally and unconditionally. To have faith is to love God with whole heart, whole soul and whole might. There are no portions or concessions in this. Also it is not space-bound or time-bound. That is, this love should happen every time and everywhere.
4. This love shows itself in deep gratitude and unceasing remembrance of God's compassion and mercy. It leads to a reverential fear for the Lord and the fervour to serve Him.
Direction: Many have a wrong idea of faith and its power. They think the more faith is able to do big things like moving the mountains or obtain big favours, the more it is great and strong. But true faith is humble and loving obedience to God's commandments.
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