THREE MONKS AND THE DEVIL

 3 MONKS AND THE DEVIL

The devil appeared to three monks and said to them: if I gave you power to change

something from the past, what would you change?

The first of them, with great apostolic fervor, replied: "I would prevent you from making Adam and Eve fall into sin so that humanity could not turn away from God."

The second, a man full of mercy, said to him: "I would prevent you from God and you will condemn yourself eternally".

The third of them was the simplest and, instead of responding to the tempter, he got on his knees, made the sign of the cross and prayed saying: "Lord, free me from the temptation of what could be and was not".

The devil, giving a raucous cry and shuddering with pain, vanished.

The other two, surprised, said to him: "Brother, why have you responded like this?"

He replied: "First: we must NEVER dialogue with the devil . Second: NOBODY in the world has the power to change the past. Third: Satan's INTEREST was not to prove our virtue, but to trap us in the past, so that we neglect the present, the only time  God gives us His grace and we can cooperate with Him to fulfill His will ".

Of all the demons, the one that catches the most men and prevents them from being happy is that of "What could have been and was not".

The past is left to the mercy of God and

the future to his Providence. Only the present is in our hands. "Live in the moment"

St. Joseph, Terror of Demons, Pray for us

26week days mass reflection

 27 SEPTEMBER – 02 OCTOBER 2021: HOLY MASS REFLECTIONS

 

27 SEPTEMBER 2021: ZECH 8. 1-8ß LUKE 9. 46-50

 

Focus: Greatness in the sight of God is totally different from greatness in the sight of the world. God looks at the goodness and largeness of heart and life, while world looks at the bigness of status and quantity of things

1.       There arose an argument among the disciples of Jesus as to who is the greatest. Greatness is an issue and temptation that affects and infects everybody. The disciples too were no exception. They too had their human weaknesses and liabilities. In the first place, this clearly shows that just because we are followers of Christ, we are not exempted from the assaults of the evil one. There are no guarantees that we will not be tempted or will not fall. Therefore, we must always be humble and alert, and avoid to be complacent and arrogant. Our status or power is no foolproof or resistant against the evil one.

2.       Greatness does not consist in overriding others to climb to the highest or overbeating them to be first in the race. It is to be the last and the least in terms of human recognition and honor. At times social obligations may obligate us to accept honor and applause. Here the point is that we do not unduly seek such worldly paddings. We should always cultivate a lowly disposition even amidst an elevated position.

3.       A great position does not make one great. Rather, it is the greatness of his heart and dedication that adds greatness to his position. Note it is the heart and conduct that make a position great, and not the other way. An external greatness without this inner greatness is shallow and a sham.

4.       Further, true greatness also implies receptivity toward all, irrespective of their age or importance. In Jesus’ words, this is to receive a child in the Lord’s name. It means to be receptive and respectful toward all, making no difference or discrimination. A child is normally taken lightly, regarded as insignificant.

5.       Most fundamentally, in the light of the first reading from Zechariah, true greatness consists in totally belonging to God. It is to trust wholeheartedly that God would save His people from all. It is to confide in Him even amidst all slavery and misery. It is to become “His people”, in faithfulness and righteousness. It is to do things in favor of him.

 

Direction: In a world where there is a steep competition for greatness crushing over others, the followers of Christ are invited to make space for others to work together for the common good of humanity. Let us remember the words of Jesus: “Do not forbid him (he who casts out demons but

does not follow with us); for he that is not against you is for you”

 

(REFLECTION ON LUKE 9. 46-50 FROM 2020)

 

This was the greatness, of which Jesus teaches in today’s gospel. In Jesus’ words, this is the true greatness which is not based on worldly factors like money, power, position, fame, competence, etc. This is the greatness which humbles itself to be “the least among all”, which does not make a show or display one’s

importance, which does not argue about being the greatest. This is the greatness which acknowledges the greatness of others, which learns to treat everyone with due respect. This is irrespective of one’s age or state. This is what Jesus implies when he says, “Whoever receives a child in my name, receives me”, because normally no one thinks specially of respecting a child, and a child is taken rather lightly.

 

Direction: True greatness does not trumpet or impose one’s greatness on others. It consists in duly recognizing others’ greatness and helping them to become great

 

28 SEPTEMBER 2021: ZECH 8. 20-23; LUKE 9. 51-56

Focus: When our focus is clear and set upon the goal, nothing can stop us on the way. It will be a forward march

 

1. In the gospel we find Jesus is turned, directed toward Jerusalem. Jerusalem was the destined place of his last phase. It is where his ill fate of suffering and death awaits him. But it is not merely a place of his final destiny on earth. It in fact symbolizes his whole sense of focus, direction and determination. He was always conscious of his mission and he would never shirk from it.

2. He was also conscious of the challenge and the struggle of this mission. He never lost sight of the truth that this involves a lot of misunderstanding, rejection, persecution and finally an ignominious death. An impending ill fate would be certainly frightening. But he never allowed himself to be frightened.

3. The rejection by the Samaritans would naturally bring ego hurt. Perhaps this was the case with Jesus' disciples. Their ego was hurt: such a popular master, such a holy teacher was rejected. They feel sad and angry at people's unbelief. They feel they should be punished. Therefore, they wish to bid fire from heaven and consume them.

4. Apparently, it is zeal for their master, to safeguard his honor. It is also a corrective and just measure, to make the people more conscious and responsible. Their punishment would be a lesson to all others about destruction as an effect of rejection.

5. But they did not realize that suffering and death are inevitable for salvation. It is part of God's plans and purposes. Therefore, any attempt that thwarts such a journey of destiny would be indeed against God's mission itself. Jesus would never allow it. That is why, Jesus rebukes his disciples.

6. What God wants is not the destruction of the sinners but the destruction of their sin. He wants their repentance and conversion. In the light of the first reading, God wants His people to recognize that He is their God and is with them, just as the other nations acclaim it.

 

Direction: God always offers His message of salvation and also the needed grace to receive and follow it. But sin rejects it.

 

29 SEPTEMBER 2021: ARCHANGELS: DAN 7. 9-10, 13-14; JOHN 1. 47-51

Focus: Our God is a caring God and in His benevolent and attentive reign, He enters and intervenes in our lives and comes to our aid

1.       29 September we celebrate the feast of the three archangels, namely Michael, Gabriel and Raphael. In our simple modern terminology, each of them heads a particular department or an area of responsibility. Michael is the army chief, and so takes care of the fight against evil. Gabriel is the communication chief and so takes care of the information and annunciations wing. And Raphael is medical chief and so takes care of the health and healing.

2.       But all these are not independent and isolated ministries. The overall owner and the director is God

Himself, under whose wise and efficient rule, all the three work. They are not competitors with God but collaborators. They are not substitutes but agents and instruments of God’s work. In this way, these three symbolize three essential components of God’s own functioning. God battles against evil, He communicates with us and He heals us. These three also show us the nature of God’s functioning. Our God is not a monopoliser. He involves others, and here in this case, His angels to carry out His own will and reign.

3.       The three archangels also indicate to us the sole purpose of God’s working. It is a benevolent mission oriented toward the whole humanity. God works relentlessly for our good. He knows our human struggle against the evil, as fragile beings. So, He assists and sustains us through Michael. He knows our confusion, unclarity and incomprehension with regard to God’s will and ways. So, He communicates, clarifying and enlightening through Gabriel. He knows our sicknesses, our insanities. So, He extends His healing touch through Raphael.

4.       The feast of the three archangels must deepen in us an active sense of gratitude and appreciation toward God’s marvellous care for us. Further, it must make us committed collaborators in the plan of God’s salvation.  In the light of today’s feast, it would imply that we must constantly combat the evil, be receptive to the communication of God and be docile to the healing touch of God.

 

Direction: The expression in the gospel that “angels of God are ascending and descending upon the Son of man” can mean that the angels are constantly on the work of God, mediating between heaven and earth. This can be a firm assurance of God’s deep concern for us

 

(REFLECTION ON ARCHANGELS FROM 2020)

 

Focus: God is ever-caring and ever-providing. He is ever alert and prompt in His attention and care toward us

 

The feast of the three archangels is a clear confirmation of God’s own unfailing concern and providential care toward us. God’s benevolence is not something sporadic that is shown in occasional miracles and isolated favours. His love and compassion are consistent and incessant. Accordingly, the veneration of the archangels is not so much the veneration of 3 individual heavenly beings. Rather it is the veneration of 3 aspects of God’s own benevolence toward us: St Michael stands for the spirit and power of God against the evil, St Raphael, the healing power of God and St Gabriel, the collaborative communication of God’s plans for the human wellbeing. Thus, in St Michael, we see that God is always in battle with evil. This indicates that we too must never side with the evil, but resist and fight against it. The whole struggle of our life must be “against” evil and “for” good and God. Whenever we fight against evil, it would mean that we are on the side of God. Every effort against evil is divine and a collaboration with God. Then, in St Raphael, we see that God is on a relentless mission of healing. He knows that we are constantly wounded and bruised. He knows that we need healing. So, He offers us healing through the archangel Raphael. We are also reminded that we who receive healing, must also extend the same healing to others, who are always under the infective effect of sin and evil. Then, in St Gabriel, we see that God is ever in communion and communication with us. He helps us to receive, understand and follow His messages.

Further, the three archangels also remind us of the “participatory” and “delegating” functioning of God: Even though God is all-powerful and all-efficient, yet He does not absolutize or monopolize power. Rather He makes others partners and participants with Him. This can be a corrective directive for all of us, especially against our frequent tendencies for domination and monopoly over others.

 

Direction: The three C’s of archangels, namely Combatting, Curing and Communicating are symbols of the big C that is the Care of God.

 

30 SEPTEMBER 2021: NEH 8. 1-4a, 5-6, 7b-12; LUKE 10. 1-12

 

Focus: We are on a mission and that is the very same mission of the Lord. In carrying out this mission, he is always with us to sustain us and guide us

 

1.       In the first place, we need to remember that we all received a mission. Therefore, life is duty-bound and must be mission-directed. If so, a life which is not dutiful and missionary, a life which is careless and negligent to duties in life, a life which is not driven by a sense of mission but is purposeless and directionless, is a failure in its very nature and meaning.

2.       Our life is a mission with a destiny. The Lord himself appoints us and sends us on duty. This missionary duty is to establish the kingdom of God. This is like cultivating a field and reaping the harvest. That is why, Jesus uses the metaphor of harvest as he says, “The harvest is plentiful, but the labourers are few”. We are the labourers who have to toil in the field. This would constantly keep us as committed and assiduous labourers.

3.       This mission is not any one’s self-creation or private agenda. It is the mission of the Lord himself. Our mission is nothing but a sharing in his very mission, a continuation of the same. This is to spread God’s kingdom by bearing abundant fruits of the harvest. This will guard us against our privatizing or monopolizing the God-given mission.

4.       This mission is challenging and tough because we will be like lambs among wolves. The world is like the free zone of lot of wolves, always ready to pounce and harm. There are many evil forces and false values that tempt us and torment us. No doubt we need to face a lot of opposition and persecution. Jesus never assured a smooth mission without adversities. He never promised his disciples all success always. In fact, he already warns them of the possible resistance and rejection and prepares them to accept such unsuccessful situations without getting upset. It is enough that they do their duty with utmost dedication and perseverance.

5.       But there is nothing to worry because the Lord himself is with us. He accompanies and sustains us unceasingly. His own power will equip us to preach and to heal. The words of Nehemiah in the first reading from Nehemiah are truly the guiding and strengthening lines in their lives: “Do not be grieved, for the joy of the Lord is your strength”.

6.       Consequently, there is no need at all to depend on the worldly securities like “purse, bag or sandals”. It is not that we do not make use of the available resources that can help us in our mission. It only means that we should not give excessive importance to the material resources or securities, as if the whole mission depends only on them. We should not be overdependent on them. Our primary resourcefulness and equipment is God’s own Spirit.

 

Direction: As disciples of Christ, we share his life and mission as well. Therefore, we are constantly urged to live as authentic disciples and work as effective apostles, equipped with his own power

 

(REFLECTION ON LUKE 10. 1-12 FROM 2020)

 

Today we are reminded that not only the missionaries by the title of their vocation are missionaries, but all of us without exception. Each one called by the Lord to follow His ways is a missionary irrespective of the walk of life. The modes of carrying out this mission may vary depending on whether one is a clergy, religious or layperson, and depending on the different ministries. But the basic and common factor is: every disciple shares the same mission of the Lord. It is to bring everyone closer to the kingdom of God and to bring God’s kingdom closer to everyone. The mission is to grow in the vicinity and intimacy, in loyalty and commitment to God’s reign. This is a strenuous task, like “lambs among wolves”. It involves risk and challenge and even failure and no worldly securities and supports like a purse, bag, etc. count. But nothing to worry. Everything is in God’s purview and He will sustain and steer everything to its destined end. The evil may threaten to devour the good like wolves devour the lambs. But we, the lambs follow the Lamb of God and have nothing to lose.

 

Direction: The more we surrender ourselves to Jesus, the more we will experience and exercise true freedom. Accordingly, our preaching becomes convincing when our life is convinced and committed

 

30 SEPTEMBER 2020: MSFS FOUNDER’S DAY, SERVANT OF GOD, PETER MERMIER

 

Focus: Every celebration is a sacred occasion for a renewed loyalty to the Lord

 

Today the MSFS (Missionaries of St Francis de Sales) celebrate their Founder’s Day. At the outset itself, let us get it clear that the purpose is not merely admiration but imitation, not merely veneration but emulation. Let us have a quick look at a few of his statements which reveal to us his person and life. These quotations must teach us, touch us, inspire us, stir us, affect us, challenge us and change us.

1) “I want missions” – this resolve is rooted in deep conviction and passion. It should make us question our own deficient and wrong motivations, shallow and fluctuating compromises and disorientations and declining dedication. This should charge us to be more motivated, determined, re-oriented and re-dedicated in our missionary zeal.

2) “The heart of education is the education of the heart” – this calls us to check up on the very quality of us as educated persons, and not merely the ministry of education. For real education is a commitment to values, to a holistic growth, it is a cultivation of virtues, it is the promotion and formation of character. Education is a more sacred duty of liberation and transformation of human persons.

3) “You do a thing well when you do it according to God’s will” – the norm or the criterion or the test of performance and excellence of a work does not depend on one’s talent or capacity or competence but on one’s surrender to God’s will.

 

Direction: Quotations of great people are not only to quote and preach eloquently but to inspire us and transform us.

 

01 OCTOBER 2021: ISA 66. 10-14; 1 COR 13. 4-13; MATTHEW 18. 1-4, ST THERESE OF THE CHILD JESUS

 

Focus: If only we understand what is real greatness and the real secret to obtain it, we will experience great joy and fulfilment of life

 

1.       We celebrate the feast of St Therese of child Jesus on every 01 October. She is truly great in the kingdom of heaven, because she truly turned and became like little child; because she humbled herself like a child. This is what Jesus taught: “Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven? ... whoever humbles himself like the child”; “Unless you turn and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven”.

2.       Becoming childlike becomes the essential condition both for the entry as well as greatness in the kingdom of heaven. In the light of the three readings and also childlike character, we can focus on four main characteristics of the childlike Teresa: her passionate love for Jesus, her humility, her surrender and measureless benevolence toward others.

3.       Little Teresa had a big heart for Jesus. She loved him with all her heart with passion. For her, all that mattered was Jesus and to love him in everything and every time. Whatever she did in her community, however small and ordinary it be, was an act of love for Jesus. She poured all her tenderness and affection on Jesus. Like a little child, she would kiss him, embrace him and caress him. She was ever on fire for Jesus. It is this passion that blossoms her in holiness and devotion.

4.       Her humility was remarkable. She always considered herself insignificant and unworthy. She always humbled herself before God and others. There were never traces of pride or arrogance.

5.       An outstanding mark of Teresa’s childlikeness was her total surrender to Jesus. She would consider herself as a little toy in the hands of child Jesus; he is totally free to play with the toy as he likes; she submitted her entire life with all its activities to the will and holy pleasure of God. The misunderstandings, the insults, the criticisms and blames, the jealousies – all that she faced in the community was offered to Jesus as acts of love.

6.       Her holiness was testified in her concrete life of benevolence to others. What a gentleness, patience, magnanimity, forgiveness and generosity she showered upon others! She was truly a missionary of prayer and charity!

 

Direction: Therese of child Jesus is the patron of missions though she never worked in missions. She is doctor of the church though she never mastered degrees. This is a clear testimony that mission and knowledge are matters of love and wisdom of God

 

 

(REFLECTION ON THE FEAST OF TERESA OF THE CHILD JESUS FROM 2020)

 

Focus: The greatness of life is not in the greatness of position but in the greatness of disposition and littleness of heart

Saint Therese of Child Jesus is popularly known as “the Little Flower”. A little flower, fragrant and beautiful, can beautify the whole garland. She is known for her “little way” which is the “way of love” and “way of little virtues”. She did not do extraordinary things but embedded all her way with simple acts of sacrifice, patience, cheerfulness, humility, and forgiveness. Her surrender to Jesus was so childlike and total that she joyfully disposed herself like a little toy in the hands of child Jesus and let him totally free to do with her whatever he likes. Her death at a young age of 24 testifies to the fact that sanctity and sainthood are not so much matters of age or longevity of life but rather matters of spiritual maturity and depth of life. It is this love for the Lord and benevolence toward others that raised her to be the patroness of missions, even though she never worked in any mission outside the convent.

 

Direction: Great saints are not necessarily great by their birth or ability. They are great by their practice of virtues in a great way with a great heart, filled with love for God and benevolence toward others

 

02 SEPTEMBER 2021: EX 23. 20-23; MATTHEW 18, 1-5, 10, GUARDIAN ANGELS

Focus: God always watches over us, guards us against all the evil attacks. The guardian angels are concrete testimonies of God's abiding care for us. He will never abandon us unguarded

1. 02 October we celebrate the memory of the guardian angels. It is believed that God has assigned a guardian angel each to the care of each of us. This shows the personal attention and care that God nurtures for everyone. We are not just numbers for God. We are not one among many, but each one counts for God and in His providential care. Jesus says, "in heaven their angels always behold the face of my Father in heaven". This clearly indicates that the guardian angels are in intimate communion and service of God. Thus they can effectively work on behalf of us.

2. The guardian angels' primary duty is to guard us. This implies that they are ever watchful over us to protect us from the snares and assaults of the evil one. They take care that we are not lost. They assist us and supply the necessary strength to us to combat the evil. This is what we hear in the first reading from Exodus 23. 20-23: Behold, I send an angel before you, to guard you on the way". "The angel will go before you and bring you in to the enemies, so that God will blot them out". Besides, "he will also bring you to the place which I have prepared". Thus, the guardian angel also accompanies us on our way of the Lord. He guards that we are not easily distracted and deviated from the right path. He will also lead us to our eternal destination. He directs and orients us to reach that destination, to "enter the kingdom of heaven", by helping us to "become like little children".

3. Therefore, from our part, we are exhorted to "give heed to him and hearken to his voice, not to rebel against him". In fact, our obedience and adherence is not so much to this or that particular guardian angel, but to God who guards us through them. It is God Himself who is acting through them. That is why,8on I 8 God affirms, "for my name is in him".

Direction: The fact that we are guarded personally by a guardian angel should make us deeply grateful to God for His meticulous concern for us amidst our human fragilities and precarity. We should also become more responsible by being more receptive and cooperative, to be guarded and guided

 

(REFLECTION ON GUARDIAN ANGELS FROM 2020)

 

Focus: God in His love, guards over us and guards us against forces of evil. When the Lord is our refuge and shield, can any evil or harm knock us down or sweep us away?

 

“The angels in heaven always look upon the face of my heavenly Father” – these words of Jesus clearly attest the intimate communion of the angels with God. Today, we commemorate the guardian angels. The guardian angels are the channels and heavenly agents of God’s own guarding over us. They concretely manifest to us that God watches over us always and everywhere. They are our never-leaving companions who travel with us along this journey of life. Each one of us is assigned with one guardian angel and this shows how personally God takes care of us. Through the instrumentality of the guardian angels, God continues to be our guardian and guard. As a guardian, He takes charge of us, cares and sustains us and holds full responsibility for our progress in maturity. As a guard, He protects us and guards us against all opposing and harmful forces of evil and guides us on even and holy paths.

In the light of the gospel, they concretely assist us in “becoming like little children because only thus we can enter the kingdom of heaven”. And specifically, they help us to become “humble like a little child”, and to “receive even a tiny, insignificant child in the Lord’s name”, thereby meaning to treat everyone with respect, regardless of the age or capacity.

Today, we also remember with reverence, admiration, and gratitude the great Mahatma Gandhi on his birthday. He deserves our homage because he too was like guardian angel for the mother India, who was languishing like a little child under the British bondage. His selfless sacrifices and unswerving dedication brought freedom to the enslaved India. Let us not only admire him but also imitate him and in turn become ourselves the guardians and custodians of our dear mother India

 

Direction: Blessed are we to be personally cared for and guided by God! We are safe, secure and serene under His guarding and guiding mantle

 .

26th Sunday of the year B

26 th SUNDAY, 26 SEPTEMBER 2021: NUM 11. 25- 29; JAM 5. 1-6; MARK 9. 38-43, 45, 47-48

 

Focus: Those who do holy and good works in the name of God and with His power, cannot work against God. If they are against God's will and plans, it means they are not really God-centred but self-oriented

 

1. In the gospel, the compelling theme is gravity of sin. Sin is so grave that it is better to “sever those parts of the body that cause to sin”, or to “do away with that person that causes another to sin”. Certainly Jesus sounds stern in his words: “If your hand causes you to sin, cut it off; if your foot causes you to sin, cut it off; if your eye causes you to sin, pluck it off". Then, "if someone leads another to sin, let him be thrown into the sea, with a millstone tied around".

2. Why such a severity? Obviously for two reasons: it causes spiritual ruin because it loses eternity. Second, it causes fraternal ruin becauses it misleads another to sin.

3. This awareness of the gravity of sin and the severity of its penal consequences is very timely and relevant for our times. Truly we are living in a time and a society where the sense of sin, the fear of sin is rapidly diminishing. It is a permissible society where all sin and evil is permitted, justified, glorified and even promoted in the name of fun, enjoyment, modernity and progress. Sin is taken lightly and for granted. 

4. In such a society, we need to reawaken a moral and spiritual consciousness. It is not that we want to moralize whole life, increasing a sense of guilt and remorse. It is also not to promote a punitive or penalizing culture. It is also not policing the human conduct and action. It is more recapturing the lost sensitivity and consciousness, both spiritual and fraternal. We need to become more and more people of spiritual depth and moral responsibility. Only such a culture can save the society from its decadent culture of terror, violence and destruction.

5. Therefore, we need to foster a counter- culture that counters sin and its destructive effects. In what does this remedial culture consist? Some of the components are outlined in today's word of God. First, enhance the spirit of wisdom that clearly realizes that gaining eternal heaven and bliss even though losing a limb is far better than losing heaven, and being thrown into hell even though having all limbs intact. This wisdom is often missing because of which people hastily opt for temporary gratification and forfeit lasting satisfaction and fulfilment.

6. Then, counter two strong evil army chiefs. They are namely jealousy and excessive entanglement with riches. The beauty and happiness is many times reduced mainly because of ego- clashes. Jealousy reigns high in the life of many. They cannot tolerate other's growth and good performance. The same happens in the spiritual realm as well. Unfortunately, many cannot accept and appreciate when some others do well or come up. In the first reading, Moses and in the gospel, Jesus stand as contrary to jealousy. They are not moved by the force of jealousy. Rather, they are so magnanimous to rejoice when others receive gifts of God and excel.

7. The second remedial measure in the letter of St James is to guard against the evil of riches. In fact, riches in themselves are not wrong. What is wrong is excessive lust  for riches and attachment to them. James denounces heavily the rich and how they deal with others. All riches and money are meant for being truthful and faithful. Greed and arrogance are the offshoots and can be two ugly opponents of this false culture. In contrast to them, Learn to remain humble. Cultivate a constant spirit of giving and sacrificing. Learn to good.

Direction: Fear of sin and fear of God are two missing elements in the present society. An aversion toward sin and reverence and love for God are the greatest need of the hour.

25th week days mass reflection

 

20 – 25 SEPTEMBER 2021: HOLY MASS REFLECTIONS

 

20 SEPTEMBER 2021: EZRA 1. 1-6; LUKE 8. 16-18

 

Focus: Faith is the light with which God has dispelled our darkness and illumined our path. So, we can be true to our faith if only we try to lead enlightened and guided lives

 

1.      Jesus says in the gospel, “No one after lighting a lamp covers it with a vessel or puts it under a bed, but puts it on a stand, that those who enter may see the light”. Our life is the lamp and faith is that light that lights up our life. So if we are really people of faith, our life must be lighted and enlightened. This means that we cannot linger on with our shades of the darkness of evil. We cannot continue to love darkness and do works of darkness (cf. Jn 3. 17 ff.). We must love light, walk in the light and do the works of light.

2.      Light also implies truthfulness. Claiming to believe the Lord who is the Truth, we cannot be in friendship with falsity. Jesus clearly tells us that “only truth will set us free”. He also reminds us that Satan is the father of lies and falsity. Therefore, whenever we are false in our attitudes, values, and conduct, we are against truth and the Lord himself.

3.      Light implies vision and clarity. Light spreads brightness and enables us to see clearly. One who does not see stumbles and falls. Lack of sight and clarity pushes one into confusion, failure to discern, and every possibility to be misguided.

4.      Light implies integrity and witness of life. There is nothing hidden or secretive. There are no double-dealings or masks. Life is plain. If one is trying to hide something, it only means that there are some dark areas. Duplicity can work for some time in the sight of the world. But to God’s sight, everything is visible and manifest.

5.      When life becomes witnessing, then the inner light radiates in the outside life of good conduct and actions. This is the effect of being “stirred up” by the Spirit of faith. When one is stirred up, he cannot but act according to what God wills. This is what happened in the case of Cyrus king of Persia and the people in exile being stirred up to rebuild the house of the Lord in Jerusalem. And this is what Jesus means when he says to “put the lamp on a stand”.

 

Direction: “To the one who has will more be given”. Yes, one who has more generosity and the spirit of giving and doing the maximum without reserve more will be given by God

 

21 SEPTEMBER 2021: EPH 4. 1-7, 11-13; MATTHEW 9. 9-13: ST MATTHEW

 

Focus: Oh, how beautiful and precious is the gift of vocation! If only we are a little more conscious and contemplate on it more often, we will appreciate it, and we will also strive to live it well

 

1.      21 September marks the feast of St Matthew, one of the Twelve Apostles, and one of the four evangelists. We had already elaborately meditated on a couple of occasions on his call and mission. However, we shall try to encapsulate the pivotal theme.

2.      The call of Matthew once again evidences God’s initiative and gratuitous offer in every call. It is Jesus who calls. It is he who chooses. One may say, I have consulted, I have prayed and discerned. I have opted for this life, et cetera. Apparently, it looks that it is the personal choice of the concerned person. But, essentially, it is God’s Spirit that moves, inspires, and helps to discern. No one can choose to follow God’s call unless God wills to choose!

3.      Thus, we must always be deeply conscious that our call is not due to our merit but due to His mercy. In calling us, he is not led by any human considerations or calculations or labels or prejudices. Jesus was least bothered about Matthew’s label as a sinner due to his tax collection. This is a great reason for assurance and confidence for us. Our sinful past, our humble backgrounds, our incapacities need not bog us down or discourage us. God looks at us as we are. He accepts us with all our limitations. In fact, he sees not so much what we are but what we can become.

4.      Let us also venerate and admire Matthew for his response to this offer. It was a prompt and generous acceptance of Jesus’ invitation, “Come, follow me!” Certainly, it needed real courage to give up the security and abundance of his job and follow Jesus who had no such stable stay or securities. There was no hesitation. He was quick and prompt. God’s call always carries a sense and tone of urgency. There is no time to waste or delay. At once we need to set ourselves to follow him and serve him.

5.      Therefore, all that is needed is: to be alert to listen to his daily call to follow him, willing and prompt to renounce everything and follow him. The real worth of this call is when we constantly strive to live worthy of our call, and thus to merit it. This is what the first reading from the letter to the Ephesians 4. 1-7, 11-13 exhorts us: “to lead a life worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all lowliness and meekness, with patience, forbearing one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace”.

 

Direction: What we were (sinners) before the call, is not the matter. But what we become after the call is the matter.

 

((REFLECTION ON MATTHEW 9. 9-13 FROM 21 SEPTEMBER 2020)

Focus: God’s grace is no one’s private prerogative but open to all who respond, and once responded in docility and surrender, life changes into a new dignity

 

As we celebrate the feast of St Matthew, one of the Twelve, his call is an indicator and pathway for all of us in our own journey of discipleship. God’s call and grace are gratuitous and not conditioned by our merit or demerit. No one can claim that he deserves God’s grace. It is a free gift and God chooses anyone and equips them with His own power. God does not necessarily call the bright but He brightens those called; He does not necessarily call the strong, but strengthens those called; does not necessarily call the able but enables those called; does not necessarily call the noble, but ennobles those called; does not necessarily call the perfect, but perfects those called; does not necessarily call the holy, but sanctifies those called; does not necessarily call the powerful, but empowers those called; does not necessarily call the great, but makes great those called. He stands by those called, accompanies them always, purifies them from their old self and old ways, dignifies them with a new status, and sanctifies them with His own Spirit. He entrusts them His own mission which is to liberate and integrate the dehumanized humanity. He sustains all their efforts with His light and strength and brings their life to fulfillment.

However, all this is not God’s work alone. His call requires our response. His giving requires our receptivity. His action requires our cooperation. God’s call always demands prompt listening, obedience to His summon, detachment from worldly gains, and a total commitment to Christ. And the greatest testimony of the quality of discipleship is an authentic life witness.

 

Direction: We can be happy disciples if God never regrets having called us to follow Him. The greatest fulfillment and accomplishment of our consecrated life is that God is happy with us

 

(REFLECTION ON MATTHEW 9. 9-13 FROM 03 JULY 2021)

 

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 on 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

22 SEPTEMBER 2021: EZRA 9. 5-9; LUKE 9. 1-6

 

Focus: We are sent on the very same mission of the Lord, to bring a healing touch to the world languishing in sin and precarity.  This is possible only with the power of the Lord

 

1.      Jesus calls us not just to keep us with himself in his personal service. But essentially he trains us in discipleship for a mission. Thus all discipleship is for apostleship. It is his own mission which he himself received from the Father. That is, to establish the kingdom of God here on earth. It is the reign of God’s love, justice, and peace. This reminds us that we should never privatize the mission. We should always bear in mind that we are only stewards and care-makers and not owners and proprietors. This should constantly foster within us a profound sense of humility and accountability toward the mission. It is entrusted and not self-created.

2.      Therefore, in a true mission, there is no scope for self-projection or self- promotion, or self-glory. Any seeking of self-interests is a contradiction to the very sense of mission. A sense of dutifulness and faithfulness marks a true mission. Any attempts at establishing petty kingdoms based on affinities like caste, region, language, culture, rite et cetera are totally hostile to the commitment to the one kingdom of God. And any forces of disunity, division, and discrimination are against the very concept of mission.

3.      This kingdom–mission is carried out through preaching and healing, that is, both by the power of word and deed. Therefore a faithful mission cannot be partial, merely confined to preaching, however powerful it be. It must be blended together with corresponding works of goodness.

4.      Two essential requirements or conditions for this mission are repentance and trust in God’s mercy and detachment and dependence on God’s providence.  It s that profound spirit of repentance and trust exemplified in Ezra’s prayer in the first reading: “Our iniquities have risen higher than our heads, and our guilt has mounted up to the heavens; we have been in great guilt”. “Yet our God has not forsaken us in our bondage, but has extended to us His steadfast love”

5.      Another pre-requisite is detachment and entrustment to God’s providential care. This is seen in Jesus’ exhortation: “Take nothing for your journey, no staff, nor bag, nor bread, nor money, and no extra tunic”. This is not to depend on worldly securities and guarantees, not to be attached to them. It is because we have God Himself, our greatest source and resource, our strength and provider.

6.      When we take up His mission in trust and entrustment, then surely God will equip us with His own power and authority over all demons and sicknesses. However, we need not lose heart when we face resistance and rejection. That is part of the test of our mission. We must accept such experiences with patience and forbearance.

 

Direction: When God is with us, no one and nothing can be against us. In all our missionary endeavors, what should be uppermost in our minds is fidelity to His will and plans. Let us not be caught up with worldly concerns like success or winning

 

(REFLECTION ON LUKE 9. 1-6 FROM 2020)

 

Focus: Our mission is the Lord’s and our power is also his, and blessed are they who are aware of this and do everything in the spirit of surrender and loyalty

 

Today once again, great clarity is given about our mission. First of all, it is the mission of the Lord, and not our personal enterprise or self-made mission. However, this does not go against owning up the mission or assuming personal responsibility. A sense of indifference and non-committal outlook is detrimental to the mission. The fact of being sent by the Lord on his own mission would rather check us against undue tendencies to privatize and monopolize different ministries, to feel puffed up by the successes and accomplishments in the mission, and to seek self-gratification and self-glory. Instead, it would foster a diligent spirit of stewardship, with a spirit of holy detachment. Now, this mission is twofold: to preach and to heal, a mission in word and deed. This indicates that it is an integral and holistic mission because a true mission would be a matter of example by whole life. Any disintegration or dichotomy between one’s faith and concrete actions would be a clear failure and infidelity to the mission. Further, the Lord does not send us empty-handed but empowers and equips us with his own power. Therefore, there is no need at all to depend on worldly securities like “staff, bag, bread, clothes or money”. We have nothing to lack or fear because the Lord’s own power sustains us. As long as God is with us, all the other concerns and pursuits become secondary.

 

Direction: Each of us is a missionary to proclaim God’s love and to promote sanity and sanctity, solely relying on God. The mission is doing God’s will wherever and whatever is entrusted to us

 

23 SEPTEMBER 2021: HAG 1. 1-8; LUKE 9. 7-9: ST PIUS PIETRELCINA (PADRE PIO)

Focus: Many people do not wish to adhere to God’s will and plans because they are not convenient to the comfort and pleasure of their life. That is why they keep God at a safe distance so as not to be disturbed or pricked

1.      The words of Haggai the prophet in the first reading are quite self-penetrating if only we are a little honest. Though the will of the Lord was clear that they should rebuild the temple in Jerusalem, still the people were mediocre and procrastinating. Haggai challenges their cooling of fervor and points to the futility of life and all its good things without God’s blessing.

2.      He declares: “Is it a time for you yourselves to dwell in your paneled houses, while this house (of God) lies in ruins?” “Consider how you have fared. You have sown much, and have harvested little; you eat, but you never have enough; you drink, but you never have your fill; you clothe yourselves, but no one is warm, and he who earns wages earns wages to put them into a bag with holes”.

3.      It is very true that all our efforts without God’s benevolence will amount to nothing. It is exactly like the disciples at fishing without the Lord: they had toiled the whole night but caught nothing. How rightly the psalmist also attests in Ps 127: if the Lord does not build the house, in vain the laborers' labor; if the Lord does not keep vigil, in vain the guards keep vigil. Similarly, all the best of pursuits and enterprises will be futile when not assisted and guided by God’s hand. Even the best of things will not bring satisfaction and fulfillment when they are under the gracious purview of God.

4.      Therefore, what is needed is openness and docility to see and accept God’s will at work. When one lacks this disposition, then there is fear and perplexity at God’s presence. Herod in the gospel is a typical example of this lack of docility. At the presence and power of Jesus, he was perplexed and disturbed. Jesus was a threat to him and not a welcome for conversion.

5.      But we have a contrast in Padre Pio whom we commemorate today.  He was a man, so humble and totally surrendered to God. He was so authentic, with no falsity or malice. He was so modest and moderate, that no worldly abundance could ever attract him or deviate him. He always wanted to rebuild the house of God, the hearts of people, and the communities. He was passionate and joyful to see and remain with Jesus. He became a popular saint, and in a way, a family saint for many families, because his life was as simple as a next-door neighbor.

Direction: The mere desire to see Jesus is not enough. We should see why? Even Herod wanted to see Jesus, but not out of faith

(REFLECTION ON LUKE 9. 7-9 FROM 2020)

Focus: Hearing and knowing about God is no guarantee of a faithful following. Sad it is that people of the world often live in falsities, false guarantees, securities, and vanities, mistaking the unreal to be real, and running after them aimlessly

 

Truth and truthful life are always challenging and displeasing especially to the false and evil-minded. It is noteworthy to see the evil Herod anxious to see Jesus. But his anxiety was a total contrast to the anxiety which Joseph and Mary experienced whether at the time of flight to Egypt or at the missing of Jesus at 12 years (cf. Lk 2. 48). Their anxiety was drawn from a profound love for Jesus, and a clear awareness of the incomparable value of him. On the contrary, Herod’s anxiety sprang from great fear of Jesus and a superficial desire to see his miraculous power. There was also uncertainty and failure to recognize and accept the real identity of Jesus and submit to him.

The example of Herod indicates many who may hear and know much about Jesus, who may also desire strongly to see him. But it is not because of their love for him or submission to him as the Lord, but mostly out of fear or for some self-serving interest. Many want Jesus to be close to them, but the question is why?

 

Direction: Doing the works of the Lord does not necessarily prove one to be a man of God, unless one is focused on the Lord for whom he works; Can fidelity to God and vanity in living go together?

 

24 SEPTEMBER 2021: HAG 1. 15B – 2. 9; LUKE 9. 18-22

Focus: When we personally experience the Lord, then it will express itself in words and concrete actions. Expressions without experience will be only shallow

1.      Today we live in a world of a sea of words. Politicians and other leaders make a lot of promises and speak big and bundles of words. Art of communication assumes so much importance in all the fields, be it in education or business or religion or culture. Certainly, words matter a lot. But the problem is often these words are not seen in actions. That is why we find empty promises, shallow words without the depth of heart, best theories without minimum practice.

2.      The same problem creeps into the practice of spirituality as well. There can be heaps of prayers without really living their spirit. There can be clusters of religious activities without fraternal service. There can be bundles of knowledge without corresponding acts of charity. This is where the practice of religion and spirituality becomes shallow. All this is because of the lack of a deeply personal experience of God.

3.      The two questions of Jesus in the gospel indicate this tension between expression and experience. The first question is: Who do people say I am? The second question is: Who do you say I am? What others say, what we learn and know from other sources helps us to a certain extent. But that is one level. We need to rise to the next level of a profound experience of intimacy with the Lord. What we gather from others’ experience, however genuine and deep it be, will always remain others’.

4.      The various sources of knowledge should only be supplements and complements and not substitutes for our personal experience and relationship with Jesus. All our loud proclamations, eloquent preaching should spring from genuine and profound communion with God. Often our prayers and conventions run the danger of being superficial and mechanical because of the lack of this personal touch. The “art” of communication substitutes the “heart” of communication. The “fire” of proclamation substitutes the “flames” of good conduct.

5.      The declaration of Peter that Jesus is the Christ comes from his openness to God’s revelation. It is also rooted in his personal experience with Jesus. That is why it is authentic and profound. What is this personal experience? What are its ingredients?

6.      Some of them are indicated in the first reading from Haggai 1. 15 – 2.9. It is to trust totally in God’s promises, in the power of His love, in His abiding presence. It is to take courage and place our hope in God’s providential designs even in hopeless situations. See what God promises: “Take courage, for I am with you…My Spirit abides in you; fear not; I will shake everything and I will fill this house with splendor… The latter splendor of this house shall be greater than the former… I will give prosperity”

Direction: “Who do you say I am?” is a personal question of the Lord directed to each one of us in the depths of our hearts. It is not a matter of saying who is but saying who he is to me personally. It is expressing my deep experience

(REFLECTION ON LUKE 9. 18-22 FROM 2020)

Focus: Knowledge and familiarity with Jesus would be deficient if they do not lead to a profound personal experience and conviction

 

In the time of Jesus, certainly, at least some had good knowledge about Jesus, about his greatness, his great teachings, and powers. But they remained only at their knowledge level, and could not go to the experience and relationship level. That is why, they could not see in him the Son of God, the Savior. The situation today is much similar. Today there is a tremendous increase in the knowledge about God and the Word of God. There is so much eloquence and expertise with regard to spiritual matters. But all these should help one to grow in personal experience and intimate relationship with Jesus. Unfortunately, there is a tendency and danger that the knowledge and preaching substitute the experience and intimacy. All our knowledge should confirm and foster us in a steady communion with the Lord and in an authentic transformation of life. Otherwise, our knowledge and efficacy of the spiritual gifts become shallow and points of self-pride and self-glory. This is what we see in the case of some who have an abundance of spiritual knowledge and efficacy, but their life is a contradiction.

In fact, knowledge and experience are not opposites but complements. A true experience and relationship with the Lord enrich us with the right knowledge which is nothing but wisdom. Wisdom enables us to discern what is right at what time and to accept life as a well-planned design of God. As the wisdom of Ecclesiastes reminds us, everything in life has its own time, its own moment, and purpose. It is not a hidden fatalism or predetermination but a realistic and wise sense of timeliness. It is a call to see life integrally and holistically. It is to become more mature and balanced. If only people can grow a little more in this rule, rigor, and rhythm of life, there will not be extremes of reactions, either positive or negative, there will not be undue fluctuations of moods and temperaments, there will not be irrational depression or aggression. People can grow more patient, sober, and sane.

 

Direction: Ultimately what is most important is not mere spiritual knowledge but experience, not mere competence but benevolence, not mere intelligence but forbearance, not mere information but transformation

 

25 SEPTEMBER 2021: ZECH 2. 1-5; 10-11a; LUKE 9. 43-45

 

Focus: In the life of a Christian, the end and the destiny is always glory. But the process is always struggle and suffering. One cannot aspire for glory without going through the path of misery

 

1.      In life, there is always a balancing act between the positive and the negative, between happy things and sad things, between good and bad things. And invariably any good cause, any godly thing will certainly involve a lot of struggle and adversity. This is not the twist of fate or ignominy of human existence. Rather it is the cost of destiny, the price of glory.

2.      This would mean that there is no glory without preceding misery. There is no joy without bouts of sadness. There is no success without the breaches of failure. There is no victory without the lingering fear of defeat. It is not that the glory is at the end of a long road in waiting after a phase of struggles. It would rather mean that it is all an integral process. One cannot aspire for glory without going through the crucible of suffering.

3.      The first reading from Zechariah yet again testifies to the fact that the history of salvation is replete with numerous experiences and instances of misery and damnation as well in the form of slavery, exile, persecution, desolation, destruction, et cetera. Though a chosen race and specially covenanted, though destined for glory, yet they were not exempt from shattering experiences of chastisement.

4.      This is the same theme of the interplay between salvation and affliction, glory and suffering that Jesus underlies in his passion prediction. Certainly, he did great things at which people marvel. Certainly, he is the Son of God vested with power. Certainly, he destines us for the glory that is his. However, suffering is also perfectly within the process. But at the same time, that suffering and misery is not end and we need not be frightened or upset about it.

 

Direction: The real spiritual maturity is to learn to strike a balance between the goal of glory and the means and process of struggle and suffering. The process should not discourage us and the end should not make us utopian