22 – 27 NOVEMBER 2021: HOLY MASS REFLECTIONS
22 NOVEMBER 2021: DAN 1. 1-6, 8-20; LUKE 21. 1-4
Focus: Giving may be considered as loss and deprivation in the sight of the world. But in the sight of God, every act of giving is gaining God’s favor and abundant riches
1. Many do not want to give because they think it reduces what they have. They feel deprived of what they can enjoy for themselves. For them, every act of giving is a loss, reduction, and deprivation. That is why many are driven by a spirit of grabbing and accumulating. This is truly a culture of greed and manipulation.
2. In contrast to such a culture, we have an imitable example of a poor widow in the gospel. In comparison to the other rich people, she gives very little to the temple treasury – just two copper coins. As a number and quantity, it is very insignificant and ignorable. But it comes from an abundant heart, out of an abundance of love, trust, joy, and generosity.
3. In the first reading from Daniel also, we have a similar story in the case of Daniel along with his three companions, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah. They demonstrate the same spirit of giving. It is not merely a matter of giving something. It is much more. It is self-giving to God. They give themselves to God in faith and surrender. They give their loyalty to God. Even in slavery under a pagan king, they do not give up their trust and obedience to God’s ordinances. We are told that they resolved not to defile themselves with the food or the drink of the king.
4. Apparently and practically, every giving will cause some inconvenience and loss. The poor widow loses her means of sustenance, her security for tomorrow. The four young men lose their chance to enjoy rich food, to become strong and fit. They had to content themselves with mere vegetables. They also stood the danger of penalty for defying the king’s order. But their selfless giving with faith in God pleases God and is rewarded.
5. The poor woman merits appreciation by Jesus himself. And the four youths are given surpassing wisdom, understanding, learning, and skill. They win the king’s favor. They become beneficial and exemplary for others. They will become later the channels of testimony to Yahweh, the true God, before the pagans. St Cecilia whom we commemorate today was such a woman who gave testimony to her faith even to the point of martyrdom.
Direction: Those who are greedy and self-centered and refuse to give, do not realize what an immense grace of God they are losing. The more we give, the more we will be given
(REFLECTION 2 FROM 2020)
Focus: The humble and the generous are especially loved, blessed, and recompensed by God. It is better to win God’s favor rather than the human’s
The world may consider the humble and the benevolent people as foolish and imbeciles who do not understand the ways of the world, who do not keep pace with the times, who are not smart enough to make a prosperous life. The reason is simple: they are a contrast to those of the world, and their values are quite contrasted to those of the world. They are a contradiction, a question mark, and a stumbling block by their culture of giving, sacrificing, and altruism, to a world steeped in a culture of grabbing, hoarding, and self-profiting. But only such people are pleasing to God and they are truly appreciated by Him. The poor widow in the gospel is one such. She is a great testimony of a culture of giving – giving lovingly, trustingly, willingly, promptly, totally, generously, cheerfully, magnanimously, and humbly. With the simplest love for God and deep trust in His providential care, she gives away the whole of what she has. She does not keep back anything. She gives in full measures and gives so joyfully. She gives without making a show. Can she prick us a little bit to awaken from our deep-rooted selfishness and indifference? Can she inspire us a little bit to resist our greed and grabbing nature and become a little more generous and sharing?
Direction: It is not the quantity or the position of giving that matters but the disposition and quality of heart.
23 NOVEMBER 2021: DANIEL 2. 31-45; LUKE 21. 5-11
Focus: Worldly glories and human accomplishments may stand tall and great for some time. They may bring honor and popularity for a while. But nothing of these will stand long
1. The temple of Jerusalem was a symbol of pride for all the Jews for its splendor and magnificence. But all this vanished as it was destroyed in 70 AD. No glory and grandeur could spare it from the destruction. This is a stark indicator to all of us about the transience of anything worldly. Everything of this world and earth will pass away. It is futile and foolish to place our trust in them and seek glory from them.
2. The Jews pride themselves as the chosen people, as people of God and people of the temple. They forget the fact that it is not the race or the temple or city or their law or rich heritage that makes them great before God. Nothing of these would be guarantees to obtain God’s grace. Nothing of these would come to rescue in time of trial. Ultimately it is only fidelity to God and walking in His ways.
3. This is the same message that is conveyed through Daniel’s interpretation of the king’s dream. All the earthly kingdoms based on human power and ability will be destroyed. But the kingdom that is set up by God shall never be destroyed. This is the messianic kingdom, the kingdom of God, the reign of God.
4. Therefore, in the face of such perishability and passability of the worldly things, what must be our response? Firstly, to take heed not to be led astray by the worldly pomp and glory. Secondly, not to go after false prophets and false teachings. Thirdly, not to be frightened by the disastrous events like wars, tumults, earthquakes, famines and pestilences. Fourthly, to be firm and persevering in living our life faithfully.
Direction: Let us not bother too much about when will be the end, what will be the signs of the end. Rather let us be more concerned about living a life that is worthy of meeting the end
(REFLECTION 2 FROM 2020)
Focus: Trust in the material and external things of the world will only lead to a deeper disappointment and eventual destruction
Deception and deviation are clearly dominating the human life now. Many are heavily tainted and captured by the world. They are self-conceited, self-seeking, and are highly deviant and manipulative. They also mislead others by exerting a false influence on them. These are exactly the deceivers of whom Jesus cautions us. They project themselves as the saviors, as those who know the ways and times of God. The Pharisees and the scribes, the legitimate teachers and guides, are only false prophets. They had placed their false hopes in their credentials as the chosen people, as the people of the temple. They pride themselves in the splendor and glory of the Jerusalem temple. But it was destroyed. Jesus makes it clear to the Jews that human glories, worldly achievements, false popularity are only temporarily rewarding and they do not last long. Those who place their trust in them and pursue them will only be frustrated and ruined. The main concern should be not so much to predict things with accuracy. Rather, it should be to read the signs of the times, to understand the warnings on the wall, to correct the faulty and faltering ways. What is the use of knowing the times and the events with mathematical precision, but failing to take care to face those moments? What is the use of predicting the end times with exactitude, but not prepared well for the end? We may not know when and how will be the end. But one thing is sure: we will all stand for God’s judgment. We need to submit a strict account of the life lived. Therefore, it is better to remain alert and keep oneself prepared. One should neither be frightened nor indifferent, but be sober and accountable.
Direction: The end times are not so much a chronological matter but an existential concern. It is a situation, surmounted by violence and persecution. It is the fate of those who are injected with the worldly poison of greed and self- glory. But for those who are loyal to God, the end times are salvation.
24 NOVEMBER 2021: DAN 5. 1-6, 13-14, 16-17, 23-29; LUKE 21. 12-19
Focus: Fidelity to truth and to the Lord will certainly bring a lot of opposition and persecution upon those who stand for truth and God. But it is worth standing!
1. Following Christ and his values is not an easy task. It will invite many adversities and afflictions. For that matter, anyone who stands for God and goodwill comes across suffering and persecution. The simple reason is a world whose values are shallow and compromising cannot accept such contrasts and challenges.
2. The same will be the fate of the disciples of Christ. If they are truly faithful to their master, then they too will have the same fate as their master – opposition, persecution, trial, and death. In the gospel, Jesus predicts what would befall his disciples because of their fidelity. They will be unjustly opposed, arrested, put to trial, and persecuted. They will be betrayed even by their own family and even put to death.
3. People of the world turn and rise against the people of God. A sample of this we see in the first reading. King Belshazzar along with his household and a number of his lords commits a sacrilege by drinking from the holy vessels of the temple of Jerusalem. He has lifted himself against the Lord of heaven. They have praised the gods of silver and gold, etc. while they do not honor the true God in whose hand is all breath and all our ways.
4. Similarly, there are many who divinize the merely earthly and the worldly. They desecrate and profane the sacred. They do not honor and adhere to the true God but pose themselves against Him. Naturally, these cause trouble for the true followers.
5. In such times, what must the followers do? Do not be disturbed or waver in your minds. But trust and confide in God’s minute care because “not a hair of our head will perish”. Besides, He will supply the wisdom to confront and defeat the enemy. Endure to the end. Be convinced of the just judgment of God. As in the case of the king, there will be for sure a “writing on the wall” against all who do evil. The same words of judgment, “Mene, Mene, Tekel, and Parsin” will apply to every evil-minded. God numbers the days of every evil kingdom and brings it to an end. Evil people are weighed in the balances and found wanting. Their kingdom, that is all that they possess and hold dear will be dispersed.
Direction: The times of suffering and persecution are not fighting a losing battle. It is indeed an opportune time to bear testimony to our faith and love for the Lord
(REFLECTION 2 FROM 2020)
Focus: When God is with us, what can be against us? When we are for God, who can resist us? When we stand with God and for God, who can strike us down and shatter us?
These are really hard times especially for those who are sincere and loyal to the right values. Fidelity to God's ways in faith and charity is always a great challenge. This readily throws one into adverse and suffering situations. History repeatedly proves this to us. Those who are uncompromising pay a heavy price. Persecution and even death become their lot. Infidelity and betrayal are quite real facts to be expected. Such situations are really painful, frightening and discouraging. But Jesus is assuring us "Do not fear", "Every hair of your head is counted". "My Spirit will give you the wisdom to overcome the adversaries". Therefore, in the face of negative experiences, what is needed is not fear or depression but trust in God's unfailing love and power. We need not fear because God Himself is with us. We need not lose heart because God takes deeply personal care of each one of us. We need not worry about how to counter the opponents, because God’s own wisdom will confound them. Further, our suffering receives a greater motive and merit: they are authentic means of bearing testimony to the Lord. Patience and perseverance in adversities will testify how convinced we are in our faith and how loyal we are to the Lord.
Direction: Struggle and suffering for God and for good are always meritorious. Therefore, we must develop a culture of positive acceptance and joyful atmosphere. A fearful over-concern and tact to avoid and escape from any worthwhile challenge are actually not in tune with our witnessing value.
25 NOVEMBER 2021: DAN 6. 11-26; LUKE 21. 20-28
Focus: In our life, many times many things may go wrong, many may go against us, many tormenting moments will mount over us. But never lose heart or faith!
1. The gospel contains the details of the forthcoming destruction of Jerusalem. It also cautions us about the end times. We need not understand the end chronologically as some fixed time in the future that awaits us. Rather we can understand it as a time of judgment by God. This will be preceded by testing and trying times that will consist of many natural upsets and disasters.
2. When we are ridden by such pressuring situations, what must be our reaction and response? Jesus gives us the answer: “When these things begin to take place, look up and raise your heads because your redemption is drawing near”. This is exactly what Daniel did in the first reading. He was thrown before lions because of his faith. But he trusted in God. He conducted himself blameless before God. He served His living God continually.
3. Daniel was not in panic. He was not shaken in his faith. He raised his head to the God of heaven. He turned the testing time into a trusting time. He firmly believed that his affliction is a time of testimony to the living God and thus also a time of redemption for him.
4. Accordingly, his faith in God was not in vain. God sent His angel and shut the lions’ mouths, and they have not hurt him. Daniel was not only abundantly blessed by God. He not only immensely won the king’s heart but many more marvelous things happened. He became the instrument of bringing many to God. King Darius decrees that “all the peoples, nations and languages that dwell in all the earth, all in his royal dominion shall tremble and fear before the God of Daniel”.
Direction: Faith and hope shall never disappoint us and fail us. God never abandons those who trust in Him. Let us turn our testing times into trusting and testifying times!
(REFLECTION 2 FROM 2020)
Focus: Faith is tested and testified through trying times for its depth and loyalty. It shines bright and firm when it passes through the crucible of suffering
As we are at the threshold of the Holy Advent, the liturgy of the Word of God is insistently pressing upon us the gravity and the perplexity of the end times. We are reminded that true faith is not a guarantee and a shield against the brunt of the problems and painful consequences of violence and calamities. Faith does not exempt one to be spared from them, which are bound to happen. They are in fact part of the human lot and also part of testing and testifying to our faith. Even the spiritual glory like the Jerusalem temple was destroyed. Evil will strike hard against even the spiritual treasures and powers which we hold so sacred and precious. But it is not a sign of the domination of evil over good and God. It is the process of salvation and re-creation. It is the nearing of our redemption. Therefore, two lessons can be very valid for our own times for both the categories of people. For those who indulge in evil: they may feel that theirs is the day, that there is no stop for their evil, that they are prospering. Let them become aware that the reign of evil is not enduring and permanent; that their apparent control of the world is only passing; that they will be taken to task on the appointed day; that they are accountable for every single action of their evil. This is very clearly depicted in the first reading from Revelation: all those who were indulging in evil will receive severe judgment and punishment. Then, for those who are honest and loyal to God: they need not lose heart at the domination of the evil; they need not be frightened at the devastating effects of evil; they also should not expect that their faith and goodness will be foolproof from any difficulty.
Direction: Therefore, we shall not lie down with drooping spirits when adversities and afflictions assault us. Rather "we shall stand erect, look up and raise our heads in hope and assurance"
26 NOVEMBER 2021: DAN 7. 2-14; LUKE 21. 29-33
Focus: Problems and persecutions, terrors, and destruction may cause some fear and worry. But as children of God and followers of Christ, they shall not shake our faith or throw us into dissipation
1. No one’s life is easy and all pleasant. Every life will have its own tales of worry and grief. All the more, the strange logic of the life in this world is those who are on the side of God and goodwill certainly suffer. It is the cost of the high and godly. It is the price that is to be paid.
2. On the other hand, the life on earth is also beset with a lot of unfavorable and adverse natural reversals and happenings. Different explanations may be given. Most of the human suffering like poverty, dehumanization, etc. may be due to human wickedness and selfishness. And most of the natural suffering caused by the natural calamities again may be partly due to the human upsetting of the environmental balance and harmony. However, suffering remains always a mystery that cannot be fully grasped.
3. Whatever be the cause of suffering, suffering is a reality. And for a follower of Christ, suffering for his faith and for the sake of the good of others is always an opportunity to persevere in patience and hopefulness. The adverse situations do not mean that evil dominates God and good. They are testing grounds. They are indicators that “the kingdom of God is near”.
4. The victory of evil and the defeat of good are only temporary. For, as we hear Daniel in the first reading, “To him belongs all dominion, glory, and kingdom; all peoples, nations, and languages should serve him; his dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and his kingdom is one that shall not be destroyed”.
5. “Heaven and earth will pass away, but his words will not pass away”. Therefore, when all these adverse things happen, understand that it is all part of the process. Just as the fig tree’s different stages show the different seasons, so also all the occurrences in life are pointers toward the kingdom of God.
Direction: The negative and unfavorable experiences in life shall not distract or distort us from God and His kingdom. Rather, they work as timely triggers that press our attention on our destiny
(REFLECTION 2 FROM 2020)
Focus: Destruction and pain are not necessarily negative and life-choking but are also challenging and life-promoting. New life can sprout up when the old things cease
No doubt that in human life, there is a lot of element of destruction and the consequent pain. And usually, they are resented and resisted. It is because of their negative effects of deprivation and struggle in different ways. For example, when family life is destroyed, when a business is destroyed, when life- prospects are destroyed, when reputation is destroyed, when material securities like house etc. are destroyed, it is really painful. However, struggle and destruction are also part of growth and fruition as well. A seed struggles and dies to give rise to a new life. People get enlightened, strengthened, courageous, and renewed, going through tough times. Therefore, in the face of adverse situations, what is needed is to see beyond them - the glory that awaits us. The sad and unfavorable situations should not push us into despair. It is not the pleasantness or unpleasantness of the experiences that necessarily decide their quality. There is no guarantee that what is pleasant is good, and that what is unpleasant is bad. Often, what is pleasurable can be bad also. All that is needed is to persist to trust in the Lord, in spite of all the adverse happenings. Let us confide in his assurance: “Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away”.
Direction: The difficult times that we face should not push us into gloom and doom. They should rather ignite us with renewed hope. It is the hope that they are the days of the "nearness of God's kingdom"
27 NOVEMBER 2021: DAN 7. 15-27; LUKE 21. 34-36
Focus: Perishability is a bounden truth of earthly human life. Everything that is earthly will perish and pass. Only God and His kingdom remain!
1. It is really ironic that the human brain that is able to see, calculate, and plan for centuries ahead, fails to see beyond his own death. He who achieves much does not remember much that all that is physical and material is perishable. Consequently often man engrosses himself in what is on earth. He becomes so earth-bound and life becomes so short-sighted. In Jesus’ own words, “hearts get weighed down with dissipation and drunkenness and cares of this life”.
2. These words of Jesus mean a lot. There is a warning to guard against the danger of making our hearts heavy and burdened with worthless weights. There is an invitation to make our hearts light getting rid of all unnecessary loads. Jesus is also very clear about what makes us weighed down? He lists out three main factors: dissipation, drunkenness, and cares of this life.
3. Jesus is very practical and realistic. He knows very well that these often make our life joyless and burdensome. We often fall into bouts of dissatisfaction, discouragement, emptiness, and depression. There is also an increasing drink-culture. However drunkenness can be understood as a comfort and pleasure-seeking culture, and can indicate an easy-going and compromising life. It is being “drunk with worldliness”. And then there is always the trap of over-anxiety about the preoccupations, pursuits and interests of the world.
4. What then is the remedy? Be constantly aware that the end is sure but sudden and unexpected. Therefore, be prepared. Watch at all times. Pray ceaselessly to become strong to stand firm, and to stand worthy before the judgment of God.
Direction: Watchfulness and prayerfulness in faithfulness and goodness are the antidotes for a worrisome life amidst the pulls of pleasures and pressures
(REFLECTION 2 FROM 2020)
Focus: The more one is immersed into unworthy, unhealthy, and deviated interests and pursuits, the more life becomes debased and cursed
“Man is born free but is in chains everywhere”, is a famous philosophical statement. That is very true. Man craves so much for freedom, but often unconsciously loses the same freedom because of his various inclinations and preoccupations of life. Sadly, he mistakes licentiousness with freedom, self-indulgence with self-promotion, self-gratification with self-fulfillment. In the name of modernity, immorality is glorified; perverted passion becomes fashion; vulgarity is defended as self-determination; exhibitionism is promoted as public imaging. Man confuses mindless activity as being enterprising and productive. Real joy is reduced to short-lived pleasures and enjoyments. This is exactly the situation of a defocused and harmful “immersion” of which Jesus warns us in the gospel. He cautions: Don’t immerse yourselves in a life of pleasure, drunkenness, and worldly cares. The danger and the undesirable consequence is that we will be caught unawares like a trap, before God on the day of judgment. To counteract this destructive immersion, what is needed is a constructive “inversion” into God. This implies being ever attentive and on guard, being ever watchful and praying. In the light of the first reading from Revelation, it means to be focused on our eternal destiny and on the immense bliss and joy of it. Those who remain loyal to God, will live in his eternal presence, will see his face, and his name will be on their foreheads. There will be no more night. God Himself will be their light, and they will reign forever.
Direction: What a foolishness it is that man loses one whole eternity for the sake of a fraction of temporality, that he loses the immensity of bliss in exchange for a shallow pleasure!
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