3rd week of Eastertide

 02 - 07 MAY 2022, HOLY MASS REFLECTION

02 MAY 2022: ACTS 6. 8-15; JOHN 6. 22-29

 

Indicative: Those who are on God’s side will be full of grace and power. The people of the world cannot withstand and defeat their wisdom and Spirit

 

1.      Evil is always against good, falsity is against truth and Satan’s way is always against God’s way. That is why, those who were religiously stubborn and distorted could not tolerate Stephen who was filled with God’s grace, power of the Spirit, and wisdom, and was preaching God’s way and was doing wonders and miracles.

2.      Their blameworthy human knowledge could not stand before his Spirit-filled proclamation. So, crookedly they fabricated false witnesses, blamed him for blasphemy, and stood him as an accused before the Council. What hypocrisy!

3.      The main purpose of the preaching and miracles of Jesus was to reignite in the people the power of wisdom to discern and to enable them to follow the right values. Why? People are not still able to distinguish between the material and spiritual, temporal and eternal, perishable life and imperishable life, cheap works and divine signs. They are lacking the wisdom to discern. Consequently, they are inclined and succumb to what are worldly, temporary, and showy displays.

4.      That is why Jesus is sternly warning: it is futile to toil for what perishing food that can fill the stomach and satisfy only for a while. Rather strive for imperishable food that gives eternal life. Only God and the Son anointed and sent by God can give it. Therefore it is wise to trust Him totally.

5.      The people who had stomach-full searched for Jesus with motives of physical satisfaction and temporary gain. So the Lord admonished them to turn and raise their sight, perspective and search for higher motives and realm.

 

Imperative: What about us? What for is our search and race? What are our values and what is their level? What things do give us satisfaction?

 

(REFLECTION 2 FROM 2021, 19 APRIL)

 

Focus: The quality of life and its direction depends on the height and the propriety of the goal and the purpose

 

We often find that the life of many is not qualitative and it is not well-directed. We find them often in wrong pursuits and faulty ways. It is all because they have faltered in the very purpose of life: they have set wrong goals and targets, and accordingly, they seek satisfaction and the fulfillment of life in shallow and superficial matters. It is such people that Jesus sternly and directly warns: Do not work for the worldly and material things which do not last long but perish; rather strive for what is imperishable. What can obtain for one eternal life thereafter? What can also here and now give a sense of meaning and fulfillment? It is only the Lord, it is only faith in him and love for him, it is only in being loyal and committed to his mission, and striving for eternity.

Stephen in the Acts of the Apostles stands as an emblem for this unearthly concern. It is this concern of the above and the spiritual, the “supernatural focus” that distinguishes Stephen from others. They were caught up with the below, the unspiritual, and the earthly leanings. This lofty focus endows him with wisdom and passion that none else can resist or match. Only such wisdom makes one clear of the priorities in life. Only such fire makes one ablaze in the midst of all tepidity and lethargy. And only such passion makes one undaunted and indefatigable amidst all adversities and evil forces.

 

Direction: It is not enough to work hard, but it is more important to discern what one is working hard for. It is not enough to be intelligent to do well in many affairs of the world, but it is more important to be wise to be concerned about the higher concerns

 

03 MAY 2022: I COR 15. 1-8; JOHN 14. 6-14, FEAST OF APOSTLES PHILIP & JAMES

 Indicative: True faith is to believe in the Lord and live his very life and mission, to know him, experience, and follow him. A faith that does not contain these ingredients is not true and deep

 

1.      True faith lives close to the Lord, nurtures and enjoys a profound relationship with him, and zealously follows in his footsteps. Thus, authentic life and effective mission testify to true faith. Saints Philip and James, two of the Twelve apostles whose feast we celebrate today are living testimonies of such true faith.

2.      They lived intimately in the company of the Lord. They followed him loyally in the mission of preaching and guiding. Philip was a missionary preacher and James was the bishop of the Jerusalem church. They bore witness to the Lord with a martyr’s death.

3.      Today’s Word of God in reference to both, places before us some fundamental directives for our own discipleship. Philip’s request, “Lord, show us the Father and that is enough” shows us clearly that the ultimate aim and striving of every disciple must be to see the Father. This is the highest priority and this alone must suffice for one’s life.

4.      And to see the Father is nothing but to see the Son and see the Father in and through the Son. One who really sees the Son sees the Father as well because the Father and the Son are one and united. To see the Son means to know him, experience him, follow him and show him to others. A true disciple must know his way and truth, experience the divine life, follow his values and do his works.

 

Imperative: Seeing God and showing God are our highest priorities in life and they alone will be enough. But when some other things become the topmost priorities in our life, it is a clear sign that we are failing in our essential duty of seeing and showing God

 

(REFLECTION 2 FROM 2021)

 

Focus: We are called by the Lord to keep close to him and to live faithful to him in and through our life. This would imply sharing the faith with others and leading them to Jesus, as the apostles Philip and James did

 

Today we celebrate the feast of Sts Philip and James, two of the Twelve. Philip was a former disciple of John the Baptist, and James, the Lesser was the brother of Jude Thaddeus, the cousin of the Lord, and the author of the epistle of James. Philip sets himself to preaching and James was the bishop of Jerusalem. Both were martyred.

What marks both is their receptivity to the Lord, their close living with him, their constant listening to him and learning from him, obeying and following him. What is notable in both is: Having experienced the Lord personally, both become the sharers and transmitters of the same experience of the Lord. Thus both lead others to Jesus. Philip leads Nathanael in particular and in general many others to Jesus by his preaching and witness. James was the bishop of Jerusalem, and thus he too leads many believers by his ministry of leadership and animation. Whatever be the variance of their mission, they both live with Jesus in a personal communion, live for him through their mission, and then shed their blood in martyrdom.

In today’s gospel, the request of Philip is very striking. It reflects the mindset of authentic discipleship: “Lord, show us the Father, and it is enough for us”. Yes, seeing God is the highest end of his life for a true disciple, and this alone will suffice. Nothing else can be equal to this grace, because nothing else can satisfy and fulfill a person’s life purpose.

Today, both apostles stand before us as inspiration for imitation. Their singular devotion to the Lord and their faithful dedication to his mission are worth imitable.

 

Direction: A personal experience of the Lord is like a fire that does not limit itself only to the person that holds it, but it spreads rapidly to others as well, with the same inflaming effect

 

04 MAY 2022: ACTS 8. 1b-8: JOHN 6. 35-40

 

Indicative: Troubles and trials will come on the way of following Christ. But nothing can destroy faith or stop the spread of God’s reign

 

1.      The history of the spread of faith and the establishment of the church is very interesting and paradoxical. The more the church was persecuted, the more it grew. The more the followers were intimidated, the more they stood bold and firm. The more they were scattered, the more they were united in one faith and mission.

2.      They were wounded but they gave healing to others. They were imprisoned but they liberated others from slavery to sin. They were insulted and defamed but they gave new dignity to others. This is all because they believed in the Lord and clung to him. They hungered and thirsted for him who said, “I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst”.

3.      Jesus clearly declared the purpose of his coming. That is to do not his will but the will of the Father who sent him. And the will of the Father is not to lose anyone but gain every one so that they will gain eternal life. The disciples and the believers are that precious gain. They receive the gift of faith and obtain eternal life.

4.      The apostles and the disciples were convinced of their call and mission. Their only focus was to believe in the Lord and resemble him both in life and mission. Accordingly, they would constantly strive to gain all for the Lord so that no one would perish.

 

Imperative: The Lord clearly says that it is God’s will that no one is lost. But if someone is lost, it clearly shows that it is one’s own free choice to reject the life offered by God. For God never rejects anyone.

 

(REFLECTION 2 FROM 2021, 21 APRIL)

 

Focus: The war between God and Satan, the struggle between good and evil, the opposition between faith and unfaith never ceases, but the evil can never permanently destroy the good

 

God’s will and ways are always mysterious, in the sense, we may not always understand the sense and logic behind them. But one thing is sure: His ways are always productive and constructive seen in the whole picture of life and faith. It only needs a holistic vision of faith. In themselves, persecution in Jerusalem and scattering into different places are sad and destructive factors. But they become productive means of germinating faith and constructive occasions of gathering faithful to the Lord, through preaching and miracles. No amount of persecution could intimidate their faith or shake their conviction.

This is the beauty and the power of faith. On one hand, anti-Christ forces like Saul were ravaging and persecuting the church. They were trying in every way to suppress the spread of the believers. But on the other hand, apostles like Philip, persisted to preach and heal, and the believers continue to grow in numbers as well as in the firmness of faith. They truly inherited the spirit of their Master Jesus who is the bread of life. He came from the Father. He had only the singular purpose and mission of “fulfilling the will of the Father”. It is this through “offering eternal life to all” without exception, and “never losing anyone”. However, unfortunately, there are many who reject faith and thus reject life itself.

 

Direction: God’s will and salvation should alone be our strengths and driving forces, because God will always sustain our every effort on His behalf, and no other forces or fears would crush us

 

05 MAY 2022: ACTS 8. 26-40: JOHN 6. 44-51

 

Indicative: Those who are open to the Spirit will be taught and illumined by His light. They will be led by the Spirit to lead others too to God

 

1.      “They will all be taught by God”, thus Jesus refers to the Prophets. To the extent we are open to being taught by God, to that extent, we will grow in our faith and become strong in our mission. This is what happens in the lives of the apostles, especially in the life of Philip who is the central figure in the first reading of the Acts of the Apostles.

2.      Philip remains open to the guidance of the Spirit. He follows the direction of the Spirit. Accordingly, he goes from Jerusalem to Gaza. He meets an Ethiopian, a eunuch, and evangelises him, baptizes him, and leads him to faith. Thereafter he continues his missionary journey.

3.      Those who believe in Jesus will have eternal life. They will not be crushed by the powers of death. Those who ate the manna in the desert died. But those who receive Jesus, the bread of life will never taste death.

4.      But how can we come to the Lord, experience him and believe him and live forever? The only way is to be humble and docile to be drawn by God and to be taught by Him. Let each one pose a personal question to himself, the same question as to the Ethiopian, “What prevents me from being baptized?”

5.      This question has two aspects: on one hand, this reveals the deep desire to be baptized. On the other hand, it also invites us to become aware of all the possible obstacles to baptism. This is no more the external ritual of baptism by water. Rather, it is the incorporation into Christ and anointing by the Spirit.

 

Imperative: Let each one constantly self-check: “What prevents me from experiencing the grace of God, the power of God’s life and light? What prevents me from being drawn to God?”

 

(REFLECTION 2 FROM 2021, 22 APRIL)

 

Focus: Communication is rooted in communion and communion leads to compassion and to commitment in mission

 

Jesus constantly communicates God’s will, His message, and His action of salvation to the people. In this, he reveals the Father’s love and His merciful benevolence, to pull the people out of the clutches of death in various forms. Thereby the Father offers them life through His only Son, Jesus who is the bread of life. This salvific communication is in turn rooted in Jesus’ intimate communion with the Father. This is seen in his seeing Him and listening to Him, in being sent by Him and doing His mission. From this divine communion and mission evolve a deep spirit of compassion and undaunted commitment to fulfilling the mission. The apostles shoulder the same project of communication – communion – compassion – mission – salvation. And in carrying this out and accomplishing it, they struggle relentlessly and fearlessly. But, they are not lone warriors and theirs is not a lone battle. The Lord makes sure that they are sustained and supported. The Spirit always accompanies and sustains them at every angle of life in this mission of witness. It is in this aura of the Spirit, that Philip encounters the Ethiopian eunuch and brings him to faith. The eunuch too responds to this gift of faith through his eagerness to listen and to believe. This is seen in his typically enthusiastic request, “What prevents me from being baptized?”

Perhaps, in the present times, this mission of the Lord suffers. It is not because the Spirit is not powerful or active as then. Rather it is because of willing response, prompt cooperation, and wholehearted dedication. What then prevents you and me from being baptized by the Spirit, from living my faith?

 

Direction: As the disciples of the Lord and anointed by the Spirit, we are also entrusted with the same project of communication-communion-compassion-mission-salvation. How authentic and effective is this project?

 

06 MAY 2022: ACTS 9. 1-20; JOHN 6. 52-59

 

Indicative: Ultimately what matters the most in life is repentance of heart and conversion of life. Conversion is actually not the goal of faith; rather it is the process and dynamism of faith

 

1.      Jesus continues to affirm, “I am the bread of life”. Those who receive this bread will experience three aspects: abiding in the Lord, living by the power of the Lord, and living forever. There is a clear contrast between the manna of the past and the living bread. For that matter, there is an enormous contrast between worldly food and heavenly food.

2.      The material food removes only the physical hunger, gives bodily strength, grants temporary satisfaction, and enhances the earthly life. But Jesus, the eternal bread of life satiates the deep, interior spiritual hunger and thirst, fills with full strength, gives perpetual satisfaction, and fosters the Spirit-permeated life.

3.      Paul’s conversion marks this transition from what is worldly to what is heavenly. Paul’s conversion is not merely a matter of changing religion. It is a total change of life. This includes the change of perspective and pursuit of life. Saul becomes Paul; persecutor becomes the persecuted; the law is replaced by faith; hatred for Christ becomes a passion for him; violence toward the believers turns into compassion for them.

4.      The three Eucharistic effects are fully operative in Paul. He abides in the Lord and the Lord abides in him. He lives by the power of the Lord and lives in conformity with his values. And his changed life becomes an undaunted orientation to eternity.

 

Imperative: Jesus questioned the persecuting Saul, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?” Jesus identifies himself with his persecuted followers. Am I also persecuting Christ whenever I act unjustly and harmfully against others?

 

 

(REFLECTION 2 FROM 2021, 23 APRIL)

 

Focus: One who is touched by the Lord cannot but be transformed and then on will begin to transmit the same “holy contagion” to others, to be touched and transformed by the same Lord

 

The dramatic narrative of Paul’s conversion in Acts of the Apostles is very striking and impressive. I find it not exigent to enter into any discussion or argument about the veracity and exact details of it. Now, whether it was a real sudden heavenly encounter as narrated in the Bible or it was a projection of a fitting end to a gradual journey of a psychological struggle and discovery, an about-turn and total change – is not a crucial issue for me. What I mean is, either way, makes no difference for my faith or for any real faith. The reason is, in either case, what is vital is God’s intervention, whether sudden and unexpected or gradual and oriented to its goal. The fact is Saul undergoes a most profound change of heart and life. Everything changes in the name of Saul into Paul, law to Jesus, persecutor to persecuted, oppressor to the sufferer, hatred to love, legalism to righteousness through faith, a mission of death to a mission of life.

All this is possible only because he has totally communed with the Eucharistic Lord. Accordingly, he experiences the three Eucharistic effects laid out by Jesus: mutual abiding (believer abides in the Lord and the Lord abides in him); living by the Lord (the believer lives by the power of the Lord; it can also mean that he lives in accord, in conformity to the Lord); and living forever (obtaining eternal life; also already carrying the traces of eternal life in this life itself). In our life, we need not expect abrupt interventions of God, but steady and gradual conversion of life. This is the beauty of our Catholic faith: living with the Lord and living by the Lord to eternity, in word and sacrament, in life and witness.

 

Direction: Preaching powerfully and working miracles impressively is good, because they can authenticate one’s mission; but they should not become substitutes for one’s own faith or for the duty of life-witness

 

07 MAY 2022: ACTS 9. 31-42; JOHN 6. 60-69

 

Indicative: The way of the Lord is always challenging. It is surmounted with trials and afflictions. There is all the possibility to be frightened and discouraged. But those who are committed to the Lord will never give up

 

1.      The words of Jesus are unminced and his demands are uncompromising. The truth that he is and that he calls for will be so distasteful to many. This was exactly the same situation in Jesus’ time. Jesus affirmed, “I am the bread of life; those who do not eat of my flesh and do not drink my blood will not live”.

2.      Many resented those words, saying, “This is a hard saying; who can listen to it?” Many began to grumble against him and desert him. They fail to understand the depth of Jesus’ words. They were not ready to enter into a deep personal relationship with him. They remain very peripheral and superficial. They fail to realise and experience “the words of Jesus are spirit and life”.

3.      But in contrast, we find the Twelve totally clinging to Jesus. They declare, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life, and we have believed”. The whole world may forsake Jesus and go away. Many may turn disloyal to him. But the true disciples of Jesus like the Twelve will ever be steadfast in their fidelity to the Lord.

4.      The mission of the apostles in the Acts of the Apostles is a vivid testimony of this unflinching zeal and loyalty for the Lord. Their sole and whole focus was “walking in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit”. They were committed to “building the believing communities”.

5.      Their mission was accompanied by miracles. Peter healed the paralysed Aeneas and brought to life the dead Tabitha. This is the real beauty of the mission of the apostles: a perfect integration of preaching and healing. The miracles were not substitutes for their preaching or dominants over their proclamation. Rather, their whole mission was a witnessing blend of word and deed.

 

Imperative: The Lord asked his Twelve, “Do you also want to leave me go away?” Can we respond like them, “To whom shall we go, Lord? You have the words of eternal life”?

 

 

(REFLECTION 2 FROM 2021, 24 APRIL)

 

Focus: Blessed are they who believe in the Lord with conviction, live with him in intimacy, live by him with his Spirit and power, and make others to live the same by the witness

 

Conviction and commitment mark the apostles. These were concretely manifested in their passion for the Lord and in their unflinching zeal to spread what they believed. There was no wonder that their preaching was accompanied and testified by powerful signs of healing and miracles. It is this power that enables Peter to heal the paralytic Aeneas and resuscitate Tabita from death. But what is to be noted is that miracles were always complementing and testimonies to their faith in zeal and charity, and never substitutions. The apostles never gave excessive importance to this extraneous aspect of the power of miracles. For them, what mattered most was to “walk in the fear of the Lord”, to “build up the community of faith and fraternity”, to “foster the numbers with the consolation of the Spirit”, to “cling to the Lord at all times” even if many defect from him and desert him. They were just like their Master Jesus. He was no “shrewd businessman” who may try to mitigate and dilute the truth for salability and profit. Certainly, it is hard to hear and practice. But Jesus places before us uncompromising truth and conditions

 

Direction: God does not expect us to be clever craftsmen who can present cunningness and crookedness as tact and capability to “market the spiritual goods”; neither does He want us to be master-performers who impress others with bundles of activities. All He wants from us is to be simple disciples who walk his way and walk (make walk) others in the same way 

 

 

3rd Sunday of Easter 22

1 MAY 2022: 3RD EASTER SUNDAY: ACTS 5. 27-32, 40-41; Rev 5. 11-14; JOHN 21. 1-19

Indicative: The life of many is empty and meaningless. It is because they do not allow the Lord to step into their lives and take control of it

1. In the gospel, we find initially the futile attempt of fishing by the apostles. They try whole night but catch nothing. All their experience and expertise go waste. Consequently they give up their effort.

2. This episode and experience typically indicates the situation of many. There are those who toil and toil but fail again and again. And there are also those who work hard and gain success. But this is all superficial. They may earn so much money, possessions, positions, social status. But they lack the essential ingredient and that is, true happiness and interior peace.

3. But why? Today's Word of God offers us the perfect answer. It is because there is no obedience to God; there is no priority to God's will; there is no fear of God and no desire to please Him, there is no deep love for Him and the loyalty to follow him. There is no commitment to do his mission of feeding his sheep.

4. As long as the apostles depended only on their human competence and resources, they failed. Not even a single fish they could catch. They were sad and disappointed. They gave up their effort.

5. But as soon as the Lord enters on the scene and takes control of the situation, things totally change. There is success, abundance and happiness. No more failure, scarcity or sadness.

6. The life and mission of the apostles is a great example and testimony to this change. Not much educated, not much well- placed in the society, timid and subservient - this was what they were before the Lord entered their lives and very especially before they encountered the risen Lord and were touched and transformed by him.

7. Being filled by the power of the Risen Lord and enlightened by the Spirit, they become bold, persevering and totally committed preachers and witness. They are raised from being mere fishermen  to fishers of souls. They defy and disobey the strict orders of the authorities not to preach anymore about Jesus. They declare boldly, "We must obey God and not men".

8. In the light of the dialogue between Jesus and Peter, and in conformity to his command, they loved the Lord, followed him, and did his mission of feeding his lambs. They not only accepted and bore every suffering and persecution in the name of Jesus.  Much more, they considered it an honour and privilege to suffer something for his sake. They did not lament or grieve but rejoiced exceedingly.

IMPERATIVE: Today, the same Lord is asking each one of us personally by name, "Do you love me?". If we really love him, he asks us to follow him and to feed his sheep. If we love him, then we need to bear witness to him like the apostles.

2 Nd week of Eastertide

 25 – 30 APRIL 2022: HOLY MASS REFLECTIONS

 25 APRIL 2022: 1 PETER 5-14; MARK 16. 15-20, FEAST, ST MARK

 Indicative: Those who are touched by the power of the risen Lord will be led by the light of his Spirit and spread the same light and power to others in word and in deed

 1.      Today on 25 April we celebrate the feast of St Mark. He is one of the four evangelists. He was a close associate of Peter. He acted as Peter’s scribe and recorded his teaching and preaching in his gospel. He accompanied Paul and Barnabas on a missionary journey. Though not a direct disciple of Jesus, surely he knew Jesus and all the more confirmed from Peter.

 2.      He worked for the spread of the faith. He is known to have founded the church at Alexandria. He was martyred by pagans who tied a rope around his neck and dragged him through the streets until he died.

 3.      Mark’s gospel forms the basis for both Matthew and Luke. He is not concerned about the details but centers on one’s personal choice to act. “Immediately” is a frequent characteristic expression in Mark. This is not a mere technical expression. Rather it shows the sense of urgency of the mission. In the mission of the Lord, there is no time to waste. There must be “haste and promptness”.

 4.      Mark presents Jesus as the “Lion of Judah”. This is in contrast to the devil, the “roaring lion” in the first reading from 1 Peter. The first lion rescues and saves from harm and death. The second lion devours and destroys. The purpose of Mark’s gospel is exactly the purpose of God’s call, stated in the first reading. It is to “restore, confirm, strengthen in faith and establish us in eternal glory”.

 Imperative: We are commissioned with the Lord’s own mission. We are empowered by his own mission to accomplish this mission

 26 APRIL 2022: ACTS 4. 32 – 5. 1; JOHN 3. 7-15

 Indicative: True faith must be seen in a life of communion and witness. Faith that is limited only to some religious activities but lacks fraternity and edification is a shallow faith

 1.      The first reading from the Acts of the Apostles gives a vivid description of the early Christian community. How exemplary and edifying it was! One mind, one heart, one spirit, one Lord, one faith, one mission, one witness, and one spiritual treasure. There was no room for the egoism of ‘I’. The sense of oneness as ‘We’ and ‘Our’ was the real testing criterion of their faith.

 2.      Their life testifies that spiritual riches are far more important than material riches. That is why there was no lacking or scarcity at all. Be it materially or spiritually, it was all abundance. Such a life was possible only because of the Spirit. This is the “rebirth” that Jesus speaks of to Nicodemus when he says, “you must be reborn anew”.

 3.      The Spirit must reside in us and constantly guide us. We must allow ourselves to be guided by the “free wind” of the Spirit (The wind blows where it wills). Those who experience the freedom of the Spirit will not be conditioned by greed or attachment to worldly things or values.

 4.      The early Christian community experienced this freedom and rebirth of the Spirit. That is why they were detached from their earthly possessions. They freely sold away their goods and generously shared them with others.

 Imperative: How edifying and worth imitating is the early Christian community! What a spirit of unity, equity, and sharing! How far from this ideal are many Christian communities of today!

 (REFLECTION 2 FROM 2021, 13 APRIL)

 Focus: When the interior freedom is not there, the exterior freedom can easily become deviant and even pernicious

 Freedom is one of the greatest assets of a human being. But today more than ever, this freedom is misunderstood. It is wrongly equated with indulgence and pleasurability. Thus very often freedom becomes destructive. This is truly false freedom because it is not positive or productive. Further, instead of freeing the person, it only enslaves the person, with subtle and unconscious bondages. It is this false freedom that enslaves many to greed and accumulation and leads many to gratify themselves in compromises and false values. In other words, the lack of inner freedom leads one to undue craving and attachment to money and material possessions. Detachment and true freedom go together.

 The apostles obtained, nurtured, and manifested this true freedom, the freedom of the Spirit. This is the productive freedom that makes the early Christian community to be deeply detached from worldly possessions. This is the altruistic freedom that shares generously with the needy. This is the constructive freedom that builds a community with one heart and mission. This is the transcending freedom that makes each of them a living testimony to the risen Lord. Selling off the properties in the spirit of detachment, and distributing them in generosity are the hallmarks of true disciples of Christ and a true Christian community.

 This model of the early Christians and their community is really edifying, inspiring, and worth imitating. This is also a great challenge to many of the modern followers of Christ and the Christian communities, which are far from these ideals. A good number are deeply engrossed in a suffocating spirit of greed and accumulation, deceit and manipulation.

 Direction: Let us raise our level and perspective of thinking and living from the merely earthly and below to what is heavenly and above. Otherwise, we cannot enjoy the freedom of the joy and power of the Spirit and the life of God

 27 APRIL 2022: ACTS 5. 17-26; JOHN 3. 16-21

 Indicative: God always offers us His grace. He shows us His love in manifold ways. It is left to us to make a free choice between grace or sin, salvation or damnation

 1.      The apostles were on fire for the Lord. Their preaching was like a storm that shook all. This was all because they truly understood and experienced God’s love. It is a love that gives totally and selflessly. God loved the world so much that He gave His only Son for its salvation. He wants to save but sadly many prefer destruction. He wants to give light and enlighten our lives. But many still prefer darkness.

 2.      The Jewish authorities were under the power of darkness. They refused the light of the Lord. They jealously reject the faith preached by the apostles. They arrest and imprison the apostles. But how foolish they were to think that they could stop the power of the Lord! How blinded they were that they did not realise that no prison wall, no authorities can block the power of God.

 3.      Today there is so much hatred and selfishness. God’s sacrificing love must be a lesson and challenge for us. We must confide in such love of God and imbibe the same spirit. We must heal the world with the cool streams of love and altruism. In a world that continues to stumble in the ways of darkness, we must be the bearers of the light of Christ.

 4.      Further, against a prevalent storm of judging and condemning, we must spread the gentle breezes of empathy and forgiveness. Our purpose shall not be to show and prove how bad a fellow is. Rather it is to recognise and reinstate the confidence in how good a person can be, for Jesus came not to condemn but to save.

 5.      Still further, we must inherit the same spirit of courage and commitment of the apostles. Nothing could intimidate them or stop them. They were focused and determined. They were convinced and committed.

 Imperative: In a world that is fragmented and tormented by a culture of hate, darkness, and destruction, we need to revitalise the power of love, light, and new life of the Lord

 (REFLECTION 2 FROM 2021, 14 APRIL)

 Focus: Man of today reels under the weight of defeat and loss, only because he deliberately fights against good and thus against God Himself

 The Jewish authorities were not fools or ignorant. They knew very well that the apostles were authentic witnesses to Jesus Christ. If only a little open and humble, they would also know that Jesus Christ is the Life, the Truth, and the Light. They would know that it is the very power of God that was acting in and through the apostles. But the human jealousy and the evil incline pose them as opposed to that very power of God. Consequently, they would not realize that they were opposing not mere individuals, but God Himself. God brings them to their senses again and again that no stone walls of a prison, no chains of threat and persecution could restrain the apostles from preaching Christ openly and publicly.

 Thus there is a clear contrast between the apostles and the unbelieving Jews: the apostles believe and experience the saving love of God through Jesus, who offers to the sin-laden humanity life, truth, and light leading to salvation. They receive the life and live the life of God, they adhere to the truth and live truthfully and they open themselves to the light and become enlightened and radiant. On the contrary, the obstinate Jews refuse God’s life and become lifeless spiritually, they content themselves with falsity and they prefer to walk in the dark. They hate the light, love darkness, and do the works of evil. Thus, they deliberately forfeit the grace of God. They throw away the love and forgiveness of God that offer a renewed life. Thus, while the believers merit salvation, the opponents deserve judgment and condemnation. In fact, it is auto-judgment and not a judgment imposed by God.

 Direction: One need not lament and blame God sternly judging and condemning humanity. It is, in fact, an auto-judgment and condemnation, in all freedom and choice. God does not force anyone to sin and be liable for the judgment

 28 APRIL 2022: ACTS 5. 27-33; JOHN 3. 31-36

 Indicative: There are certainly differences in the quality of life. But these differences are not because of the differences in the degrees of intelligence or competence or affluence or influence. It is more a matter of difference in perspectives

 1.      Often we find a lot of differences in how people live their lives. Some live qualitatively while others live worthlessly. Some live with a higher purpose while others live with low ambitions. It is not because of different capacities or standards of living. It is all a difference in the height of perspectives.

 2.      In the words of Jesus in the gospel, it is all a difference between “the above” and “the below”, between the “heavenly” and the “earthly”. Those who look up to heaven, and raise themselves to the above realm, will assess things and persons from a higher perspective. They are not earth-bound but heaven-directed.

 3.      It is this higher motive and perspective that transforms the apostles into witnesses of the Lord. They are emboldened and empowered. They are not bothered about the punishment by the authorities for the sake of their faith. That is why they boldly defy and disobey the explicit order not to preach about Jesus Christ.

 4.      They had the guts to challenge the authorities. They stood firm and continued their mission in spite of opposition and persecution. It is because they were filled by the Spirit of the risen Lord. They affirm with conviction that they will never stop their witness because it is the Lord’s own mission mandate. They make it very clear, declaring, “We must obey God rather than men”.

 Imperative: Obedience to God was the apostles’ higher priority and not pleasing the world. In our times, where is that obedience, courage, and commitment?

 (REFLECTION 2 FROM 2021, 15 APRIL 2021)

 Focus: Those who are guided by human fragilities like jealousy, pride, stubbornness, and false prestige operate on the human level and become resistant to every good

 The Jewish authorities are entangled in the earthly realm. They are not able to rise above. They are totally overpowered and guided by human jealousy, self-interests, and cheap motives. They vehemently resent and reject the apostles’ preaching. They resist the power of their witness to the risen Lord. They desperately try to suppress their irresistible ministry and the increasing numbers of believers. They even forget that they may be placing themselves against God Himself. They suffer from a guilty conscience. Instead of repenting and changing their lives, the authorities all the more want to terminate the truth that goes on pricking and disturbing them. Thus, they decide to kill the apostles. Simultaneously, they also throw away the eternal life, offered by the Son. It is not merely the rejection of an individual called Jesus, or the rejection of a new religion called Christianity. It is in fact the rejection of the grace of God itself, and the rejection of a new way of life.

 It is in this context, that the bold assertion and conviction of the apostles is an eye-opener, challenge, and guiding norm for all of us: “We must obey God rather than the humans”. This obedience ennobles and enables them to be witnesses to the Lord, risking their own lives. The apostles believed in the Son, as sent by the Father. They bear testimony to the Son just as the Son bears testimony to the Father. In consequence, they may face death at human hands but they will obtain eternal life at the hands of God.

 Ultimately, only obedience and witness are the greatest directives for a true follower of Christ!

 It is good to check and see on whose side we are: the unbelieving Jews or the faithful apostles?

 Direction: Unfortunately, often the norm for the decisions and actions of many is obeying and pleasing the world and not God and good. Accordingly, they have to render a strict account to God

 29 APRIL 2022: ACTS 5. 34-42: JOHN 6. 1-15

 Indicative: God is always sensitive to our needs and problems. He never abandons us to our fate, to struggle by ourselves. He intervenes at the right time and changes the situation

 1.      The gospel narrates the miracle of multiplying five loaves and two fish to feed five thousand. It is not a mere miracle that displays the power of Jesus. It is a testimony of the care and concern of God for the suffering humanity. There is so much hunger and sickness. The world is hungry for healing and health, for feeding and nourishment.

 2.      It is notable that it is Jesus who senses the need of the hungry people and asks, “How are we to provide bread for them to eat?” God always takes the initiative to enter into our difficult situations and alleviate our pain.

 3.      However, God wants our contribution to join with His action. What we contribute may be very little. Five loaves and two fish will be nowhere to feed five thousand. But there is nothing to worry about. All that is needed is to pool together all our available resources and place them at the Lord’s disposal. We need to submit to him what we have. Once touched and blessed by him, even our very little becomes big and more.

 4.      When we cooperate with God’s grace, our little will become abundant. It will not only give what is sufficient to remove the need but will also lead to ‘reserve’. Not only the five thousand are well-fed but also twelve baskets still remain with the leftovers.

 5.      This is the spirit of cooperation that drove the apostles in their mission. They trusted not in their human capacities or resources but in God’s mighty power. They knew that they were doing God’s work and so nothing would stop them.

 6.      The wise Pharisee, Gamaliel too realises this. That is why he wisely counsels the other authorities not to put deliberate obstacles in the way of the apostles. For, if is really God’s work, they would be opposing God Himself. If it is not God’s work, they need not stop it. Their mission will die by itself in course of time.

 Imperative: Even amidst trials and afflictions, the apostles would rejoice. The more they were persecuted, the more they were happy and strong. For they considered it a great honour to suffer something for their Lord

 (REFLECTION 2 FROM 2021, 16 APRIL)

 Focus: We must always remember the simple principle in life: If something is God’s will, nobody can resist it; if it is not God’s will, nobody can assist it

 How wise is Gamaliel! He appeals to be judicious and discerning concerning religious issues and matters of faith! He provides a simple criterion to test whether something is of God or not. And that is perseverance and durability: if something comes from God, it will last in spite of all the obstacles and struggles; if it is merely a human enterprise, it will vanish sooner or later. What a difference in quality and beneficiality can there be if only God’s holy will becomes the deciding criterion for every process of discernment and implementation!

 Alas, very often human calculations and pretentious intelligence become normative for most of the decisions and actions. That is why great human enterprises easily fail and collapse because they are not of God. A disciple of Christ must have the spirit of trust and surrender. They should always believe that God never abandons them. God comes to their rescue, in every sort of difficulty. It can be the suffering because of their faith or can be a need like hunger as in the gospel. Whatever be the kind of problem, unfailing faith is most important. It is this faith that makes the apostles stand bold and firm, and rejoice even amidst affliction. What a faith it is: they are not upset or ashamed. But they feel great and honoured to suffer something for God!

 The gospel episode of the miraculous feeding of the five thousand also presents another faith situation. True faith cooperates with God’s grace. In the Acts of the Apostles, this cooperation is seen in their perseverance. In the gospel, it is seen in a happy offering to God at His disposal. It indicates a willingness to place at the Lord’s disposal our very little - five loaves and two fish. It is to surrender the whole “needy and desperate situation” to the Lord’s concern, trusting in his benevolence and power as well.

 Direction: Miracles still happen not because our faith is great or our contribution is mighty, but only because God’s love and power are abundant to meet and satisfy our needs

 30 APRIL 2022: ACTS 6. 1-7; JOHN 6. 16-21

 Indicative: Even the best of the people, good and holy will face the same human problems. Faith makes no exemption from afflictions. It is how we face and respond that is important

 1.      The sail of the lifeboat will not be always smooth and safe. The waters become rough at times and strong winds will hit the boat. The movement looks weary and burdensome. In such moments of fear and anxiety, we may not even recognise the presence of the Lord. It is in such moments, that Jesus comes to us and assures us, “It is I; do not be afraid”.

 2.      The apostles in the first reading experience one kind of this rough weather. It was in the form of misunderstanding and dissension in the believing community. The Hellenists felt discriminated against and neglected by the Hebrews in their daily distribution.

 3.      It is here they experience the wisdom of the Spirit. They make the right discernment concerning their priorities. They realise clearly that ministry of prayer and preaching the Word is more important than serving at the tables. They realise that their primary duty is to bear witness to the Lord while serving can be done by others as well.

 4.      Subsequently, seven deacons are chosen and appointed for the ministry of serving. This too is not an arbitrary choice. They were men of repute, full of the Spirit and wisdom. This also shows that every ministry in the church is important and needs some spiritual gifts.

 5.      The whole episode also shows the spirit of collegiality of the apostles. They do not want to have total control. They do not want to dominate the whole show. They are ready to share and distribute their power to others. They are ready to detach themselves from their power and authority.

 Imperative: Problems are bound to come on our mission. They can be of different kinds. But what will be our response and approach? Do we get frightened or discouraged or agitated? Do we get into arguments and overassertive?

 (REFLECTION 2 FROM 2021, 17 APRIL)

 Focus: At times, in life, strong wind will be blowing and hitting the lifeboat. We may be frightened. It is in such times, we must attentively listen to the Lord’s assurance, “It is I; do not be afraid”

 Surely, in life difficulties and challenges will come upon us. They can be of different kinds, sometimes, human, sometimes, natural. In the Acts of the Apostles, the apostles faced the problem of misunderstanding, displeasure, and division – a human situation of injustice and unfairness. It is a matter of conflict between the Hellenistic believers and the Hebrews. In the gospel, it is a natural difficulty due to heavy wind in the sea against the boat – a situation of fear and tension. But, they did not get lost or frustrated at the problematic situation. They confronted and addressed it. The apostles prayed. They turned to God. They sought the light of the Spirit. They obtained wisdom. They discerned the clarity of priorities. Accordingly, they devote themselves to prayer and ministry of the word, while they choose 7 deacons to do the serving at the tables. They know that both the ministries, of the word and of the service, are important. But they also realize that their priority as apostles is the spiritual ministry. This cannot suffer at the hands of the other ministry. However, they do not undervalue its importance. Therefore, they pray to the Holy Spirit and choose men of good repute, full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom.

 Similarly, in the gospel, the apostles get frightened by the strong wind. But, they listen to Jesus’ directive not to be afraid but to confide in him. They gladly take him into the boat, and the boat has a smooth sail to the shore.

 It is not wise to expect a no-problem situation in our life. Our faith is not foolproof or shield or guarantee against all problems and adversities. When faced with problems, the first recourse should be to God. Wisdom and Discernment should be our properties with which we clarify our priorities. Trust and surrender to him even amidst fear and anxiety should be our assurance and solace.

 Direction: The joy of life is not in evading problems, especially in our journey of discipleship. Rather, it is in encountering them and resolving them with the light of the Spirit and the power of the risen Lord