08 – 13 NOVEMBER 2021: HOLY MASS REFLECTIONS
08 NOVEMBER 2021: WIS 1. 1-7; LUKE 17. 1-6
Focus: Bad example is detestable in the sight of God and is liable to God’s judgment
1. One major defect of today’s society is the increase of bad examples and scandals. More and more people get accustomed and tuned to wrong and evil. The pity all the more is, they are least bothered. Many give more importance to their self-gain and pleasure rather than setting a good example. Many do not feel any social and moral obligation to walk a good life and help others to walk the same.
2. This bad example is mainly failing - to trust in the Lord, to seek Him with sincerity of heart, and to love and live uprightness. It is the perversity of thinking. It is cultivating a deceitful soul. It is a body enslaved to sin.
3. The attitude of many who set a bad example is: ‘This is my life and I want it to be happy and undisturbed’. Why should I bother about giving a good example to others? It is their freedom and choice. Let them not be easily influenced by bad example.’
4. There is certainly some truth in their argument. But they cannot simply evade their culpability. In fact, the gravity of their wrong is so great that it invites severe punishment. The Lord pronounces ‘woe’ on them and attests: it would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck and he were cast into the sea.
5. Because as the first reading from the book of Wisdom notes, “wisdom is a kindly spirit and it will not free the scandalous from the guilt of their words or the approach of their unrighteousness”. Their bad example and misleading influence convict them.
6. The cause of such a bad example is clearly the lack of wisdom. The response to those misled and who fall into sin is not to condemn them but to rebuke them, and forgive them generously if they repent. The strong power that works as resistant is deep faith. This will foster “a holy and disciplined spirit which will flee from deceit, from foolish thoughts and unrighteousness”.
Direction: In a world that is increasingly steeped into unrighteous and deceitful living, there is so much scandal and negative influence. We need rock-like faith to stand firm not fall into temptation.
09 NOVEMBER 2021: EZEK 47. 1-9, 12; 1 COR 3. 9-11, 16-17; JOHN 2. 13-22, Dedication of the Lateran Basilica
Focus: In a modern culture that is intensely ridden by secularity and profanity, we need to resurge the sense of the sacred
1. 09 November marks the anniversary of the dedication of the Lateran Basilica, the Mother and Head of all churches. This holy occasion calls us to turn our attention to the temple and holiness. All three readings point to this aspect. The temple of God is a holy place and we should conduct ourselves with reverence and dignity.
2. The first reading from Ezekiel through the symbolism of temple water indicates the greatness of the temple. It is the source of the water of God’s grace that enlivens, refreshes, nourishes, and heals everything it comes across. Thus, the temple is not merely a place of worship, a place where we perform some religious ceremonies and activities. It is much more than that. It is the ambience of divine presence, guidance, and empowerment.
3. The temple is primarily where God reigns in all His holiness and greatness. Therefore, every time we are in the temple, we must experience this atmosphere of sacredness. Today, in the name of socialization or involvement, our churches seem to be reduced to gathering halls, function halls, cultural centers, stage management shows, et cetera.
4. Any such move that reduces the sense of holy displeases God. It may invite the same wrath of God as in the case of Jesus cleansing the temple. The temple also signifies our own person, in the light of the second reading from 1 Corinthians 3. 9-11, 16-17. We must be always conscious that we ourselves are the holy temples of God because we carry His own image and the Holy Spirit dwells within us.
5. Therefore, all the traces of impurity and unholiness, wickedness, and negativities are nothing but desecration of the human temple of God. And all commotion and noise, all acts of commercialization, and mere socialization of our churches are turning the house of prayer into centers of trade.
Direction: Loss of the sense of the sacred is not only a matter that pertains to religion. It leads to the loss of the basic sense of dignity and reverence toward life and human persons themselves.
(REFLECTION 2 FROM 2020)
Focus: God wants us to live a life consecrated and not desecrated, and this requires that we keep our hearts consecrated and not defiled and also demonstrate a true sense of the sacred
Today we celebrate the Feast of the anniversary of Lateran Basilica's dedication. This festivity in the first place reminds us of the holiness of a temple of God. It also urges us to nurture, demonstrate and foster a sense of the sacred towards the temple. Rightly, this brings into question the various modern tendencies that are diluting this holy atmosphere and conduct and turning the churches into function halls, show theatres, stages, and platforms of events and programs. The assembly of God does not mean an assembly of secular sessions and transactions. Certainly, the church is the locus of the faithful and a sphere of their animation and renewal and thus involves participation, communication, and interaction. In this sense, certain modes and elements of the practical organization are understandable. But at any cost, a spiritual ambience must be maintained. A church is primarily a house of God's presence and nothing should turn it into a place of commotion and other interests.
In the second place, in the light of the second reading from Paul’s first letter to the Corinthians, ‘temple’ can signify not only the holy temple of God as the sacred place of worship. The temple stands for three other aspects as well: the community of believers, our own person, and our own heart, as God’s children and disciples of Christ. This idea is attested in Paul’s words, as he declares: “Do you not know that you are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit abides within you? If anyone destroys the temple of God, God will destroy him. God’s temple is holy, and you are this temple”. Therefore, we must honestly and humbly reflect on our sense of reverence and sanctity with regard to our own faith communities, our own persons, and our own hearts. How often do we tend to disrespect and desecrate all these?
Direction: It is not enough that we have beautiful and palatial temples, but the spirit of God and the holy must reign there. It will not be a wonder that today too, Jesus may need a whip to cleanse our temples!
10 NOVEMBER 2021: WIS 6. 1-11; LUKE 17. 11-19
Focus: All that we are, all that we have, and all that we do, everything is given either by God directly or through many others. This obligates us to be profoundly grateful.
1. We live in a world where goodness is often taken for granted. Many receive so much good but they hardly bother to be grateful. They do not realize and appreciate the value of the good done to them. They fail to see the enormous amount of sacrifice those good acts involve. And some others are so indifferent and demanding and think that it is their right to receive. This is what we see in all the fields, in religion, in families, in work circles, in educational centers, in religious communities, in administration circles, et cetera.
2. In the gospel, Jesus too faces a similar experience of ingratitude. He heals ten lepers. But only one of them, that too a Samaritan returns to Jesus to thank him. The other nine are overjoyed at the fact of healing. In the meantime, they forget the healer. The same thing happens in our lives as well. Day in and day out, we receive numberless blessings and favors from God. But conveniently we lose sight of them. We take them for granted. At times, we are so indifferent that we just do not value and appreciate the goodness of the people and the good done to us.
3. We are so engrossed in the good that we receive and enjoy and we ignore the givers and doers of those good things. We do not realize the simple fact that others are not bound to help us. But, still many help us not out of obligation but out of concern. It is not because we have a right for good but only because they are upright. It is not because we deserve those favors but mainly because we need and the givers know that we are in need.
4. True gratitude does not finish with mere thanks but leads to a sincere responsibility. All those who receive so much are bound to give as well, just as they have received abundantly. Therefore, a sense and act of gratitude that does not lead to a sense of responsibility, is defective and deficient gratitude. Those who receive must also learn to give, and giving thanks is the first minimum and doing good in return is the flowering of receiving.
Direction: Let us foster a culture of gratitude because it can rekindle within us a true depth of humility which leads us to be people of giving. As we receive, so too we give!
(REFLECTION 2 FROM 2020)
Focus: Gratitude is a sign of rectitude of heart. Gratitude is not a mere matter of receiving and giving a profuse vote of thanks but fosters a culture of deep humility, prompt recognition of the goodness of others, and also responsibility toward what is received
We are living in a world where the spirit of gratitude is either on the decrease or is very shallow. Often it is just momentary. Today once again Jesus reminds us that gratitude is a fundamental attitude of life. One should not take for granted the good done. This is what the nine lepers did. Jesus heals ten lepers but only one, that too a Samaritan returns to thank Jesus. How easily people can forget the immense good done! In healing the lepers, Jesus not only gives them physical health but much more than that: he restores their lost human dignity. He restores them to their lost family bonding.
Therefore, gratitude is a responsibility and obligation. It is not mere words but a culture of heart. In fact, true gratitude is a matter of depth, humility, and sensitivity. It means that one deeply acknowledges his essential condition of givenness and inadequacy and dependence. It demands that one recognizes the value of goodness and help. It calls to nurture genuine respect and appreciation for the act of kindness. Only thus, one can be authentic and deep in his gratitude. Therefore, an attitude of arrogance and undue autonomy, insensitivity, and indifference is contrary to real gratitude. Real gratitude should increase in our loyalty towards the people who do that good and also responsibility and commitment towards the good done. This implies a responsible use of it and a commitment to do the same kind of good to the person concerned or to anyone. Because one who receives the giving from someone should also learn to give.
Thus, true gratitude can never be dissociated from genuine responsibility. To be grateful is to be responsible. We have received an immense grace of salvation. We who were once slaves to sin are made free. We who were foolish, disobedient and misled, are now made wise, obedient, and well-guided. We who lived in malice and hate, are now made benevolent and loving. Should we not be infinitely grateful about it? And we show this gratitude, not by mere holy desires and great words, but much more, by a changed life. We receive grace gratefully, but we live that grace responsibly.
Direction: Let gratitude be a beautiful ornament that adds splendor to our spirit of humility and sensitivity. The more we receive, the more we grow humble and kind toward others
11 NOVEMBER 2021: WIS 7.22 – 8.1; LUKE 17. 20-25
Focus: Often people are easily carried away by the external displays and shows. Appearances arrest and block their vision and they fail to see the real and the interior
1. People of Jesus’ time were expecting God’s kingdom to come in all pomp and glory. They expected an irresistible intervention of God that would overthrow the Roman empire and re-establish the Judaic reign as in the OT. That is why they would ask Jesus when would it come. But Jesus quite candidly dispels their wrong notions.
2. The kingdom of God is not a place with fixed boundaries and demarcations. It is a situation, an ambience where God reigns. It is not material or social or political. It is essentially spiritual. It is profoundly interior. That is why, Jesus declares, “The Kingdom of God is within you, amidst you”.
3. In the light of the first reading from Wisdom, the kingdom of God is exactly where wisdom reigns in its full splendor. All the features of wisdom perfectly match with God’s kingdom. God’s kingdom is when and where the power of God pervades, when and where the glory of the Almighty purely emanates. It is when and where there is a reflection of eternal light, when and where there is a spotless mirror of the working of God and an image of his goodness. The Kingdom of God is there when evil does not prevail against God and good.
4. We will belong to God’s kingdom to the extent we put on wisdom, clothing ourselves with her lofty qualities like holy, clear, unpolluted, invulnerable, loving the good, keen, irresistible, beneficent, humane, steadfast, free from anxiety, et cetera. We will experience God’s reign within and amidst us when we allow wisdom to penetrate into us and make us friends of God.
Direction: It is really foolish to hear eagerly false prophets and adhere to their false teachings about God’s kingdom. They are for sure false because they tie God’s kingdom to mere places and times. Little do they realize that God’s kingdom is reigning within and amidst us!
(REFLECTION 2 FROM 2020)
Focus: The kingdom of God is not a matter of glow and show but it consists of simple details. The real kingdom is where God and His Spirit reigns
A famous thinker has rightly said that this world is a big stage and all are actors, trying to out beat one another. Show and display, pomp and splendor are the order of the day. People go by the appearances and impressive externals. That is why we see often mega-events and huge organizations to demonstrate one's greatness and power. One who is able to pull large crowds, one who grants immediate and temporary benefits, is deemed great and is applauded. Sadly, the same tendency of excess importance to mere externals and quick impressions and results has crept into the spiritual realm as well. Consequently, it is no wonder that not infrequently spirituality is reduced to the level of displays and mega shows. There are many false prophets who present the kingdom in terms of material and social and wrongly strip it off its essential content of the spiritual and interior. The kingdom of God is within us! It is a treasure to be discovered, nurtured, strengthened, and shared.
And this is the spirit and the reign of the kingdom we see in the person of Paul. How human, tender and affectionate he is! How respectful and noble he is! How forgiving and compassionate he is! Even though Onesimus is a slave, he treats him with respect and dignity, making him equal to him as a brother in faith. Even though Onesimus once did wrong, yet he forgives him, does not retain it but recommends to Philemon on his behalf. Even though he could just command Philemon to do what he asks, because of his moral authority as the spiritual father, yet he only requests him to do him the favor. This is the real kingdom: the reign of unity, respect, equity, compassion, humility, nobility, fraternity, and charity. We must strive for the spread of such a kingdom, power within, and a life concrete.
Direction: False are those prophets who reduce the whole kingdom to mere places and times and to instant material subsidies!
12 NOVEMBER 2021: WIS 13. 1-9; LUKE 17. 26-37
Focus: Quality of life depends on the propriety of our focus and orientation. If we are rightly focused and oriented, certainly life also becomes qualitative
1. As our perspectives are, so will be our direction of life, our interests, pursuits and accomplishments. When our perspectives are short-sighted and earth-bound, what we strive for and accomplish will also be short-sighted and earth-bound. This is the problem with many today. They are so much caught up with the things of this world. Their interests and pursuits revolve around mundane matters like money, possessions, power, position, name, popularity, temporary pleasures, instant gratifications, etc.
2. In simple terms, the meaning and direction of life are reduced to be earth-bound. They do not rise beyond and above the world and the earthly life. This is the same problem that happened in the OT in time of Noah and Lot. People were totally immersed into the worldly preoccupations and peripheral affairs. They lost sight of the spiritual and higher concerns. They busied themselves in eating, drinking, making merry, pursuing mundane interests and seeking worldly gains. They were totally unprepared for the flood or the fire respectively.
3. This is what the author of Wisdom observes and implicates in the first reading as the grave fault of the worldly people. They are intelligent but are deliberately ignorant and arrogant and deviant. Because they ignore the presence and the power of God that is so evident in His created nature. They are arrogant depending on their own human capacities or worldly resources. They are totally deviated because they go astray “as they live among his works they keep searching, and they trust in what they see, because the things that are seen are beautiful”.
4. This is what Jesus cautions about in the gospel. He reminds about the suddenness and unexpectedness of the coming of the Lord. Therefore, let us not be engrossed in merely worldly matters, temporary and temporal interests. Let us raise ourselves to the higher realm, what is more lasting and more noble.
Direction: Let these words of Jesus constantly ring within us: “Whoever seeks to gain his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life (for my sake) will preserve it
(REFLECTION 2 FROM 2020)
Focus: Life becomes qualitative when it transcends the ensnarements and enslavements to what is merely worldly and physically gratifying
Loss of focus, loss of concentration is one of the biggest miseries of the present society. Its immediate consequences are loss of direction and lack of preparation. The life of many has become a constant story of distraction, deviation, distortion, and eventual destruction. Many fail to discern what is primary and essential in their life and run after what is instantly pleasurable and easily available. Consequently, they get engrossed in material pursuits like food and drink, comfort and luxury, sex and gratification. They become defocused and unaware and unprepared. They waste away their time and energies on these secondary or less worthy concerns. They are very much like those people in the time of Noah or Lot, those who were caught unexpectedly and unprepared by God's wrath. It is better to be awakened and be prepared before it is too late.
But all this happens because all such people wrongly think that they are “saving” their life, that they are “gaining” the beauty and happiness of life. All these are imposters, deceivers, and antichrists as St John terms them in his second letter in the first reading. It is because they are blind to the truth and they do not live according to the truth. They do not live by the teaching of Christ, which is to love one another. And to love means to walk according to his commandments. Therefore, whoever does not believe in God, whoever does not follow the ways of God, whoever does not live in love for others, is rejecting the truth. They are under the spell of falsity and evil. The affirmation of Jesus in the gospel makes sense in this context. He says, “Whoever tries to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will gain it”.
Direction: Only one life and only once it is given. So better to be wise to live it worthwhile and prepared to meet our final destiny. It will be sad that we lose an immensity for a triviality
13 NOVEMBER 2021: WIS 18. 14-16; 19. 6-9; LUKE 18. 1-8
Focus: Patience and perseverance are the keys to success and the hallmarks of any successful person. Wavering and impatience will never do any good in any pursuit
1. We are living in a fast-track world. It seeks instant results, quick gains. Speed has become one main determinant of the mentality of today’s world. That is why, it is said that those who do not run the race fast, will not stand in the race. Delay often causes annoyance and impatience. The same thing happens in our prayer life as well. Many pray and do many spiritual activities. But they expect immediate answers and favors from God.
2. There is nothing wrong with making supplications to God. There is also nothing wrong with expecting God to receive our requests and grant favors. But the real problem is what happens when we are not granted what we ask for. What happens when things do not happen when we expect them to happen.
3. What happens when I ask for good health, good job, good education, good match, good business, good prospects, good success, good understanding, good changes in others in families or communities, but they do not happen? What happens when I continue to struggle with my sickness or with my failures, or with negative pressures? How long to wait? Why does God not respond and grant favors as and when I request him so trustingly?
4. In such times, the usual and immediate tendency is to be discouraged, to be shaken in our faith, and to give up our praying. It is then that the poor widow in the gospel stands before us as a great ignition to persevere till the end. She approaches an obstinate and unjust judge for justice. He is in no mood to render justice to her. He continued to refuse her. But as she persisted, he had to yield to her request. At least to get rid of her botheration, he renders her justice. Perseverance pays!
Direction: Perseverance in prayer does not mean that we go on pestering God and make him weary. It means that we should not expect quick favors from God. Rather we must learn to wait!
(REFLECTION 2 FROM 2020)
Focus: True faith is not a quick relief or instant painkiller or speed gain. Favours are not guarantors of the power of prayer or the good mood or good heart of God
The problem of many with regard to prayer is their perspective towards it. They consider it as a readymade tool and solution for their problems. They want things to happen as soon as they ask for them and as they want them. Unconsciously their needs and interests become the center of their prayer and the whole act revolves around those needs. Accordingly, the quality and efficacy of prayer are understood in terms of the favors received. It means your prayer is good and powerful when you get what you want. Further, the consolation and joy of praying are also measured in the same way. That is, people feel comforted and happy when they receive what they ask for. On the contrary, when their desires and intentions are not fulfilled by God, easily many become annoyed and impatient. They give up. But a genuine prayer must be persevering, like that of the widow in the gospel. Refusal and rejection by the judge do not deter her from pleading with him. Only perseverance bears lasting fruit. The quickness of getting a favor is not a guarantee of the efficacy of prayer, and slowness is not a sign of lack of efficacy. In the same way, receiving what we want is not a necessary sign that God is good and favorable to us; and not receiving what we want is not a sign that He is not answering our prayers. Justice delayed is not justice denied. Suffering and continued injustice can be testing and trying times. They can purify us, solidify us and sanctify us. They can brighten and strengthen our faith. They can make us better human persons, more humble and good-hearted. Therefore, the focus in our prayer must be shifted from the answer and favor. Instead, we must focus more on God, on faith in Him, and on our relationship with Him.
Direction: There are no deadlines or failures in true prayer because it is a matter of relationship and not a favor bank; it is a loving interaction and a motivated transaction
No comments:
Post a Comment