17 – 22 JANUARY 2022: HOLY MASS REFLECTIONS
17 JANUARY 2022: 1 SAMUEL 15. 16-23; MARK 2. 18-22
Focus: Obedience to God’s will is more important than all the best of the plans, undertakings, and accomplishments
1. Presumption is a very strong force that often pressures us. Our intelligence, our competence, our resourcefulness easily make us presumptuous. Consequently, we attach too much importance to our judgment and decisions and cling to them. This often leads us to bypass the will and the plans of God and to even go against them.
2. This is the presumption that led king Saul to disobey God’s explicit command not to retain anything of the spoil of his victory against the enemies. But he disobeys the Lord’s voice by not destroying some of the best of the spoil. He defends his disobedient action saying that he preserved them in order to sacrifice to the Lord. This is a clear presumption that the Lord will be pleased with sacrifices and offerings.
3. It is in this context Samuel makes it crystal clear to Saul that his presumption is wrong. For one cannot please God with mere offerings but only with an obedient heart. When there is no docile heart that obeys God’s will, all the other activities will be in vain. It is the offering of heart that makes all the other offerings meaningful and pleasing to God.
4. This was the same sin of presumption that misguided the Pharisees and scribes. They presumed that their mere observance of the laws and spiritual activities would appease God and bring them heaven. That is why they gave more importance to the rules and practices like fasting while they failed to grow closer to God. They fail to realize that the joy of the presence of the bridegroom is more important than the aloofness of fasting. They fail to realize that all our practices are ultimately meant to deepen our relationship with God.
5. Offerings and sacrifices without a humble and renewed heart are like the “new patches” on the old cloth and “new wine” into the old wineskins. The external religious practices must go together with an obedient heart and a changed life. What is needed is “new cloth” and “new wineskins” for the new wine of God’s grace.
Direction: God wants a thorough renewal of the entire life and not mere patchworks. Interior purity and exterior propriety must be blended together
(REFLECTION 2 ON MARK 2. 18-22 FROM 2021)
Focus: God is pleased, not so much with external offerings and spiritual activities, but with an obedient heart and a genuine life
External spiritual activities and devotional practices are good and needed. They manifest our love for God and our loyalty to Him. They show how much we care for Him and are related to Him. They also help us to grow in our faith and closeness with God. Further, they also inspire, illumine, and strengthen us to change our life for the better, to live renewed life in tune with our devotion and spirituality. In that way, no one can deny or reduce the importance of spiritual concerns.
But, many times the problem with many is, there is no correspondence between the spiritual and actual life. One may be very fervent spiritually but indifferent toward others. One may praise and worship God actively, but maybe very abusive and blame others. One may be very humble and submissive before God, but arrogant and domineering toward others.
It is a shallow spirituality and a fake devotion. Jesus is always unhappy with such spirituality. It is this hypocrisy that Jesus reproaches in today’s gospel as well. This is exactly putting a new patch on an old cloth, putting new wine into old wineskins. Without changing the old cloth and wineskins of sin and evil, there is no use in putting on new patches and new wine. Our devotion is not a substitution for dedication. Our spirituality is not a mask for the lack of integrity.
Therefore, what is most important in life and what really counts before God is not mere religious practices or offerings, but obedience to God's will and honesty of living. All our spiritual activities should be directed to abide close to the Lord and to renew life. The presence of the bridegroom is more important than all the other matters of marriage. A thorough renewal of life is more important than mere patchworks and temporary adjustments.
Direction: The right and perfect spirituality is not merely a bundle of religious duties, but a humble obedience to God’s will, as Jesus did, though Son of God himself
18 JANUARY 2022: 1 SAMUEL 16. 1-13; MARK 2. 23-28
Focus: Lack of depth and interiority often blur our perspective and vision; consequently we are deceived and misled by mere external factors and appearances
1. Human thinking and reasoning are good and needed, but cannot supersede divine wisdom and will. Often in spite of the heights of intelligence and capacities, people go wrong in their perception, decision, and action. The reason is they do not get into the deep of their heart and the matter; they do not interiorize. They do not listen and adhere to the promptings of the Spirit. They remain stuck only to the external layers and fail to go beneath and beyond them.
2. They think that they are using their reason and are reasonable. In fact, their reason is “clouded’. They are actually “prejudiced”. Consequently, they fail to see the reality in its depth. This is why many even though well-educated and highly placed, yet are easily carried away by the external and peripheral factors like caste, region, religion, language, culture, et cetera.
3. This is what differentiates God from humans. God states this clearly to Samuel, “the Lord sees not as man sees; man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart”. The context is Samuel choosing a king for Israel from the sons of Jesse. God cautions him not to be carried away by the externals like height and weight. Therein, God provides this corrective about His nature. God looks at the heart and so is not conditioned by the impressing external appearance of other sons of Jesse. Rather He looks at the heart of David.
4. In the gospel too, this contrast is seen between Jesus’ perspective and that of the Pharisees regarding his disciples. Jesus looks at the simple hearts and the hunger of his disciples beyond their apparent breach of the Sabbath. But the Pharisees look at the disciples with a negative eye because of their spiritless practice of law. Jesus makes it clear that all the rules are under God’s reign and control, and no rule is above him. Besides, all the rules are to be benevolent, that is, for the good of humans.
Direction: The simplest test of the good quality of any law and practice is whether it is in submission to God’s authority and whether it leads to the good of others
(REFLECTION 2 ON MARK 2. 23-28 FROM 2021)
Focus: There is no greater law and rule in life than the good and happiness of fellow human beings. A law that fails to do good is no good law
Certainly, laws and rules are needed for the smooth running of any society. They provide order and direction. They check and control against anti-social or selfish tendencies and acts. They guard against indiscipline and irresponsible freedom. A lawless society or person will be chaotic. Thus, every law is meant ultimately for the welfare and progress of human persons. Any law and rule that threatens the dignity and happiness of the person, and subverts and oppresses his life, is not good. Therefore, the value of every rule and regulation should be judged, only on the basis of its usefulness. The true success of a law is not in a meticulous following of it, but in bringing progress and happiness. In simple, a law is good when it does good to the persons, and when it makes good persons. The heart of a rule is the rule of heart. The true efficacy of a rule is the ability to look into the heart, to look at the need of the other. In the words of the letter to the Hebrews 6. 10-20, to be truly law-abiding is “not to be sluggish, but to serve others in all love and earnestness”. This is the perfect following of the law: to be steady “imitators of those who inherit the eternal promises, through faith and patience”.
The whole fault of the Pharisees and scribes was failing to see and go beyond the letter to this spirit and purpose of the laws. For them, Sabbath was a law, and that must be followed at any cost, even at the cost of neglect of good. Hence, they criticize Jesus’ disciples for breaking the Sabbath, instead of seeing their hunger.
But, on the contrary, Jesus looks at the heart of the disciples. He sees their deeper simplicity of heart beyond the apparent violation of the Sabbath. He sees the need of their hunger beyond the heartless and uncharitable practice of law of the Pharisees. Hence his famous attestation: “Sabbath for man, and not man for Sabbath”.
Direction: Heart is more important than heartless reasoning. Good is more important than dry rule. Loving and helping the other is more important than keeping the law
19 JANUARY 2022: 1 SAM 17. 32-33, 37, 40-51; MARK 3. 1-6
Focus: Human strength and capacities can never overpower the all-surpassing power of God. For a while, they may appear to be overwhelming and overpowering, but their success and gain is short-lived and shallow
1. Goliath, the huge and great Philistine warrior trusted in his own human capacities. But David, the inexperienced youth, totally trusted in God. That is why even the small staff and five stones from David's sling could kill the mighty opponent. Goliath depended on his sword and spear but David, on God's power.
2. A heart that does not vibrate to the voice and grace of God, a heart that does not vibrate in sensitivity to the need of the other, a hand that does not extend itself to help the other, are truly withered. In the gospel, Jesus heals a man with a withered hand on a Sabbath day. As a result, the Pharisees and the scribes accuse Jesus of breaking the Sabbath law and begin to plot to kill him. This is truly absurd. They blame him because he did good. They want to kill him because he gave new life to the sick man. He receives only evil in return for his good.
3. And this is the irony: the man with a withered hand was only physically sick. But the Pharisees and the scribes were physically healthy; still, actually, they were the really withered people. They had withered hands because they did not stretch forth to help others. They had withered hearts because they did not feel sensitive and concerned toward the needy and suffering. Thus, while the man with a withered hand got completely healed, the Pharisees and scribes who were healthy become sick and withered.
Direction: We need not feel so happy that we are physically so healthy. It is important to check and see whether we are sick of mind, heart, and soul. Withered hearts and hands are more dreadful than a withered hand!
(REFLECTION 2 ON MARK 3. 1-6 FROM 2021)
Focus: Life is meant to bloom and glow, to blossom and grow, to nourish itself, and to flourish in fruits. A withered life is a worthless life!
Gospel of the day presents Jesus healing a man with a withered hand on a Sabbath. The Pharisees and scribes accuse him heavily for violating the Sabbath. They even begin to plot to kill him. Every occasion of preaching and healing turns into an occasion of confrontation and accusation and antagonization.
Now, what is wrong? Certainly, Jesus was not wrong, because he was doing no wrong. He did good, did only good, and did always good. For him, doing good always and everywhere is the greatest concern. No law, no force can condition it or restrict it. Therefore, the restrictions of the Sabbath law did not matter for him, since healing a withered hand was more beneficial and important. That is why, he poses a challenge, with the question, “Is it lawful on the Sabbath to do good or to do harm, to save the life or kill?” But the Pharisees and the scribes have no such concern and no such perspective. They were blinded by their own self-righteousness. They were prejudiced against Jesus, because of jealousy and hostility. In fact, these were the real withered people, more than the man with a withered hand. They were withered because for them observing the law of the Sabbath is more important than doing good and saving life. That is why the healing of the withered man by Jesus, leads them to plot to kill him. One who does not see God's hand and does not confide in His power is truly a withered person.
Direction: Every perverted, arrogant, and evil-minded heart is the real withering. This is more deplorable than the external withering.
20 JANUARY 2022: 1 SAM 18. 6-9, 19. 1-7; MARK 3. 7-12, Saints Fabian and Sebastian
Focus: Jealousy is the blindness of the heart that closes the eyes to the good a person is or does; often the problem is not the absence of good but the absence of the ability to see the good present
1. Jealousy is a great monster that devours so many. King Saul was no exception to it. He was specially chosen and anointed by God as the king of Israel. But jealousy grips him as David is more praised than him and leads him even to plan to kill David. He feels insulted and gets infuriated when the women singing of David’s victory over the Philistines acclaim, Saul has struck down his thousands, and David his ten thousands”. He conveniently forgets the great risk that David undertook on his behalf. David risked his very life in fighting against Goliath.
2. On the other hand, we find Jonathan, Saul's son who tries to mitigate and dissolve his father's evil intention. He symbolizes the opposite and antidote to jealousy and that is benevolence. It is this benevolence that constantly ignites Jesus. Thereby he sets himself on a relentless mission of healing and exorcism.
3. The benevolence of Jesus knew no bounds, no blocks. The persistent opposition of the Pharisees and scribes could in no way discourage or decrease his fervor. Passion for God’s will and compassion for the struggles of others lead him on an unstoppable march of healing and restoration.
4. Today as the followers of Christ, this is the same spirit that we must inherit and this is the same mission that we must carry on. It is the spirit of unconditioned benevolence. And it is the undaunted mission of liberation and integration. We too will confront numberless opposing forces and assaults. But we shall persevere!
Direction: Hostility and problems may always confront us but nothing shall hinder us on our mission of benevolence.
(REFLECTION 2 ON MARK 3. 7-12 FROM 2021)
Focus: God is ever ready to touch us and heal us; He is eager to drive out our evil spirits and put in His Spirit. How much we are ready and willing to?
Down through the ages, God continues to intervene in the lives of humanity. The purpose is to liberate them, save them, and give them renewed dignity and joy. But at the appointed time, He incarnates His divinity in human form in the person of Jesus Christ. He is our unique and supreme High priest. Unlike the other high priests, he no more offers other ordinary sacrifices. Rather he offers his own self. He makes himself one among the sinners but separated from them. He is the high priest, holy, blameless, and unstained. This is the excellent ministry of his expiation for our purification and sanctification. This is concretely seen in Jesus’ ministry. Jesus sets himself on a relentless mission of healing and exorcism. The opposition, the jealousy, and the evil of the Pharisees and scribes do not deter him or discourage him. Unconditioned benevolence steers him on a path of immense good. If God is ceaselessly announcing His good news, healing and exorcising, then why still many continue discomforted and misguided, sick and weak, evil-possessed and evil-driven? See the irony: even the evil spirits acknowledge Jesus as the Son of God, but the humans do not. As long as one does not see and accept one’s sickness and evil, as long as one does not feel the need for healing, and as long as one refuses to approach Jesus for his touch, one will not change and become better. God’s grace and power are abundantly available, but the openness and eagerness to respond and cooperate are lacking!
Direction: Not realizing, not accepting, not diagnosing sickness is worse than the sickness itself. What is sad is preferring to be sick, throwing away the remedies of health!
21 JANUARY 2022: 1SAM 24. 2-20; MARK 3. 13-19, Saint Agnes
Focus: Those who are on God's side are ever good and magnanimous and never intend evil for others. They resemble Him and continue His own mission of love
1. What a magnanimity we see in David! Even though he knew that Saul was hunting to kill him, even though he knew that terminating Saul would make way for his easy access to the throne, even though he could in one single instant kill Saul, YET he abstains from killing him. Rather he shows so much reverence toward him and makes him realize that he is not an enemy or usurper.
2. Saul himself confesses this in repentant words. He said to David, “You are more righteous than I, for you have repaid me with good, whereas I have repaid you evil … how you have dealt well with me, in that you did not kill me when the Lord put me into your hands. For if a man finds his enemy, will he let him go away safe?”
3. That is why God raises David to heights. This magnanimity and fairness of dealing are the typical traits of a true disciple of Christ. In the gospel, we find Jesus choosing his twelve apostles, each by name. He personally calls each one by name to be with him and to be sent and set on his mission. We are not mere numbers or members of a crowd. Each one is significant and personal.
4. In simple, every disciple puts on the same nature of his master and acts as the master would act. David was a true disciple of the real Master. God called us to be in intimacy with him and to do his work. Thus we become like him. We are not expected to work wonders or to create new domains. It is to enrobe ourselves with the same spirit and continue the same kingdom of love, justice, and peace.
Direction: The more we are with the Lord, the more we will become like him. The more we are like him, the more we will make others like him and bring them to him
(REFLECTION 2 ON MARK 3. 13-19 FROM 2021)
Focus: Our relationship with God is not a matter of contract for a better transaction and profit, but is a covenant, built on fidelity and our integral benefit
“Called and sent” – this in simple is the whole essence of our vocation. We are specially and personally called by the Lord. We are identified and chosen by name. This shows that each one of us is unique and important to God. We are not just anyone among many. We are someone, special and close to the Lord. We are not just numbers or labels. We are persons, with particular names. A name is not a mere label or usage for practical convenience. It stands for a person’s identity and dignity. Therefore, in identifying and choosing his Twelve disciples by name, Jesus gives them their proper identity. They are no more what they were, identified by their lineage or profession. Rather, they are his disciples and apostles. They receive a new identity, a new dignity. They enter into a new realm of life, a new ambiance of grace. This is exactly the new covenant that is spoken of in the letter to the Hebrews 8. 6-13: “I will establish a new covenant with the house of Israel and the house of Judah… This is the new covenant… I will put my laws into their minds, and write them on their hearts, and I will be their God, and they shall be my people”. This new covenant is already set in motion in Jesus’ choice of the Twelve. They represent the new Israel. God through Jesus puts His laws into their minds, imprints them on their hearts, and makes them His own. But it does not stop there with them. Their call has a purpose and mission. The call of the Twelve is not only “to be with him” but also “to be sent on his mission”. The mission is nothing but to extend the same new covenant to all others, that is, to make all others the recipients, participants of the new covenant. In other words, their mission is to imprint God’s laws on their hearts and make them God’s own people. This is carried out concretely by the twofold channels of preaching and healing.
Direction: What do you and I belong to? Is it the new covenant of passion and fidelity, or the old covenant of sin and waywardness?
22 JANUARY 2022: 2 SAM 1. 1-4, 11-12, 19, 23-27; MARK 3. 20-21
Focus: Those who are humble, honest, and committed are certainly different from the world. The world misunderstands and misjudges them only according to its perspective and standards
1. There is always a sharp contrast between the ways of God and the ways of the world. The ways of those who follow the Lord are not rightly understood or appreciated by those who follow the ways of the world. The reason is quite clear: Those who are on God’s side are in the light and truth. Their ways are just and fraternal. They are sincere and authentic. But those who are infected by the world are in the dark and falsity. They are unjust and uncharitable. They are dishonest and hypocritical.
2. This difference causes a big distaste and resentment against those who are godly. In consequence, they are misjudged and even criticized and labeled to be “out of their senses”. They are considered to be foolish, not shrewd and prudent enough, not tactical and clever. They are thought to be unrealistic, mad, and crazy.
3. These are different ways of self-defense and self-justification. The presence of sincerity pricks insincerity. The presence of altruism challenges egoism. The presence of patience and gentleness poses a question to anger and rudeness. The presence of authenticity exposes duplicity. Therefore, the only way is to put down those who are in the right and take away the credit for their virtue.
4. This is what happens in the case of Jesus in the gospel. He was thought to be “out of mind” by his relatives. It was because he was not fitting into their judgment modes. He was so selfless and committed that he would not bother even about his meals. This is really madness according to worldly calculations. Similar is the case of David in the first reading. At the death of Saul, David mourns so much. He would not remember all the evil that Saul caused for him. Instead, he would exalt him. This is the way of the good-hearted and godly people.
Direction: Those who live “out of their heart” will certainly be regarded as “out of their mind”. It is because they are not led by mere senses or brains but by heart and spirit
(REFLECTION 2 ON MARK 3. 20-21 FROM 2021)
Focus: Things may go wrong and may frighten and discourage us. But we never need to lose hope, because we have Jesus, the High priest who always pleads and works on our behalf
In today’s gospel, we have an instance of a very typical human experience. Jesus is considered to be out of his senses! He is mad, possessed, out of his mind! Why? What makes the people think so? The obvious reason is: he is totally committed. He is so selfless. He does not think of himself, of his comfort, of his leisure, of his privacy, of his free space and time. He is not organized, he is not planned, he has no control over his time. He does not spend even a little time to be at home, with his relatives. He finds no time even to have his meals. He is not so systematic as to display a schedule of his available timings. He does not behave big and great, making the people search and wait for him. He is not like the popular figures who make the people feel his importance and greatness. He does not create a comfort zone and lives in it. He does not put on airs. He is not puffed up. He does not ride on his glory. In short, he is passionate and fully possessed by the Spirit of God. His only concern was God’s will and doing His mission. To do God’s will is his food and drink. This type of behaving and living is totally out of the way, quite contrary to the normal and ordinary. He was a total contrast to others. He was a question mark, a prick of conscience, a thorn in the flesh, a challenge to many others, who were comfort-seeking, self-confined, calculative, and mediocre. Therefore, it is quite natural that he was considered off the mind. In fact, this is the way good and committed people are often considered by the world. This is the price of commitment. What then is the remedy? The first reading from the letter to the Hebrews gives us the direction: Purify your conscience from dead works to serve the living God.
Direction: Our life can become more meaningful and beautiful when we constantly lay open to the touch of Jesus to purify us from the worldly and lead us on the way of sanctification
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