First week of Advent season 22

28 NOVEMBER – 03 DECEMBER 2022: HOLY MASS REFLECTION 28 NOVEMBER 2022: ISAIAH 4. 2-6; MATTHEW 8. 5-11 Thrust: Faith heals! Indicative: True faith is nothing but a humble surrender. On one hand, it acknowledges the limitations of oneself and on the other hand, it recognises the unsurpassed greatness of God 1. The faith of the centurion in the gospel is so emblematic. That is why it receives high appreciation from Jesus. Jesus marvelled at his faith and acclaims his faith in public, saying, “Truly, I tell you, with no one in Israel have I found such faith.” 2. Now, what is the speciality of his faith that stands higher than the faith of even the chosen people of Israel? First of all, it comes from a deep trust in Jesus’ power. This trust is so deep that he believes that even from distance with a mere word, Jesus can heal his paralysed servant at home. 3. His faith is praiseworthy because it is humble. He readily admits that the power of Jesus is far beyond his own authority. It is indeed a dignified humility because it does not arise from low self-esteem or inferiority complex or self-despisal. He is fully aware that by virtue of his office as a centurion, he too possesses the authority to command and extract obedience from his servants. 4. But his authority is limited because it is confined only to the secular domain. In contrast, Jesus’ authority is divine and spiritual. It has no confines. It has power and control even over non-human forces like sickness. It can heal even beyond space, from distance, just with a word. 5. This double awareness of the contrasting authorities of him and Jesus leads him to a profound utterance of humility. He confesses, “Lord, I am not worthy to have you come under my roof, but only the word and my servant will be healed.” 6. That is why this faith-confession became exemplary as a humble confession before the reception of the holy Eucharist. The hyperbolic and exclusive praise of Jesus, stating, “with no one in Israel have I found such a faith,” is quite provocative as well. There is a provocation and challenge to the faith of Israel that faith is not their prerogative. Imperative: Faith is a matter of interior obedience and not merely exterior allegiance to a religion. It is a matter of surrender and not an inherited claim for favours (REFLECTION 2 FROM 2021, 29 NOVEMBER) Focus: Faith is no one’s privilege or prerogative. Faith is a matter of attitude and approach. What I think of my God and how I approach Him in trust and humility is the matter 1. Jesus praises a centurion in the gospel for his faith, saying, “With no one in Israel have I found such faith”. Thereby, the first point clear is faith is not a matter of hereditary credit, not a matter of long-standing tradition. Certainly, the people of Israel were the chosen people by God. But that is no compulsivity or guarantee for receiving God’s grace. God may give His grace gratuitously but its reception depends on one’s receptivity and proper disposition. 2. Faith is that humble receptivity and conducive disposition. The centurion, even though a non-Israel had such faith and humility. If not for his faith in Jesus’ power as well as benevolence, he would not approach Jesus for healing his paralysed servant! If not for his faith, he would not tell Jesus not to trouble himself to come physically but is enough that he says a word of healing even over distance! If not for his utter humility, he would not humble himself before Jesus. He was fully conscious that he himself is a man in authority but his authority is inferior to Jesus’ authority. He professes so touchingly, “Lord, I am not worthy that you should enter my roof”. 3. It is the light of faith that makes him see and accept clearly the surpassing greatness of Jesus’ authority, its superior quality. His authority over his servants is human, legal, and earthly. It is something secular. But Jesus’ authority is spiritual. It comes from above, it is divine. Thereby, Jesus has authority even over sicknesses and evil powers, and with the power of his mere command even at distance, he would heal the paralysis. Direction: Let us not only appreciate the faith and humility of the centurion. Let us also emulate his example. Let us realize that we receive God’s favors not because we deserve them but only because God loves us and knows that we need them 29 NOVEMBER 2022: ISAIAH 11. 1-10; LUKE 10. 21-24 Thrust: God rejoices! Indicative: The messianic times are coming. They will abound in wisdom and joy, peace and harmony. Truly they are times so assuring and comforting 1. Jesus rejoices in the Holy Spirit and thanks the Father. This is significant because it includes and involves all three persons of the Holy Trinity. This shows once again the perfect oneness of the Trinity. Joy and thankfulness are there where Trinity is. They are the greatest signs of the presence and power of the Trinity. Therefore, whenever joy and thankfulness are missing, it is a clear sign that God is missing. 2. The reason for rejoicing and thanking is also clear. It is because God hides the heavenly mysteries from the intelligent and reveals them to the little children. These intelligent are worldly-wise people. These are experts concerning worldly knowledge and mundane matters. 3. But they are not familiar with nor are they interested in the divine matters. Especially they do not know the intimate relationship between the Father and the Son and that between the Son and his chosen ones. 4. Instead, the little ones are those who are humble and submissive. They are open, docile, and receptive to God’s promptings and works. That is why God reveals the spiritual depths to them. They open their inner eyes to see the hand of God. They open their inner ears to hear the voice of God. Thus they are truly blessed. 5. In fact, bliss and joy is the greatest gift of the Messiah. When he comes, he ushers in and establishes the messianic times. Those times are times of the Spirit, the Spirit of the Lord, the Spirit of wisdom and understanding, the Spirit of counsel and might, the Spirit of knowledge, and the fear of the Lord. 6. The messianic times are times of justice, righteousness, and equity. He shall not judge by appearances or peripherals or hearsay. He renders justice to the poor and the meek. But he metes out punishment to the wicked. 7. Further, the messianic times are times of peace and harmony. There will be no hatred or enmity, no aggression or violence, whereby wolf and lamb, calf and lion will dwell together. They will not hurt or destroy each other. Imperative: God’s presence is truly there where the signs of the messianic times are in full play. And the most authentic sign is the knowledge of the Lord that fills the whole earth just like the waters cover the sea 30 NOVEMBER 2022: ROMANS 10. 9-18; MATTHEW 4. 18-22, ST ANDREW Thrust: Called to follow! Indicative: God calls us anywhere or at any time. Especially He may call us in our own ordinary situations, amidst our normal duties. What is important is that we hear and receive his call 1. 30 November marks the feast of St Andrew, the brother of St Peter, and one of the Twelve Apostles. He was called directly by the Lord to follow him. He left everything and lived with Jesus. After Pentecost, he became a missionary and was martyred in Greece on a cross. This was especially known as “St Andrew’s cross” because it was in the form of an “X”. 2. One first thing to note is that Jesus calls him while he was on his usual duty of fishing. There was no specially created situation. There was no special ambience of prayer or silence. From this, we can understand that God’s call can come to us anywhere and at any time. 3. We need not wait for special or specific moments. Especially his voice may call out to us while we are engaged in our normal duties. This calls us then to be attentive and alert so that we can see him and hear his voice and respond to him. We may miss him if we wait only for special occasions. 4. His call is a call for something higher. It is no more fishing of fish but fishing of souls. His dignity is raised. He is elevated to a new way of life. A profit-oriented profession turns into a selfless vocation. Working for livelihood changes into working for the life in eternity. Family concerns give way to the concerns of the larger family of God, the kingdom of God. 5. His response to Jesus’ call to follow him is very prompt and radical as well. There was no delay or hesitation. There was no process of discernment. Jesus just calls him, “Follow me,” and immediately he follows him. 6. What is further worth-noting is the spirit of renunciation and detachment. He leaves the nets, the family, the house, and all that is dear and precious. He does not carry them with him. He decisively parts with all that is old and is willing to plunge into a new way of life. There is nothing that he clings to or is attached to. 7. The gospel of John (John 1. 35-42) depicts a different story of his call. He was a former disciple of John of the Baptist. As John the Baptist points to Jesus passing by, “Look, here is the Lamb of God,” he immediately begins to follow him. Jesus turns to him and asks him, “What are you looking for?” 8. Andrew responds with another question, “Where do you stay?” Jesus invites him, “Come and see.” He goes, sees, and stays with him that night. It was not just a casual stay as a guest. Something profound and dramatic happens. He experiences Jesus personally as the Messiah. That is why he brings his brother Peter to Jesus, telling him, “We have found the Messiah.” 9. Here too, though the external details vary, the essentials are similar. His call begins with an initial search for Jesus’place (‘where’). But it turns into a life-changing experience of the person (‘Messiah’). His allegiance changes. He already shares the effect of his following Jesus by leading Peter too to the same Lord. Imperative: God always calls us for a higher purpose. That is the same as the Apostles’. It is to become fishers of souls. For this, we need to decisively part with the old ways and attachments and securities. We need to launch upon a new and radical way of life in following Jesus (REFLECTION 2 FROM 2021) Focus: Whom God calls, how and when, and where He calls may be different. But why He calls is very clear. It is to follow Him and win souls for God 1. Today we feast St Andrew, one of the Twelve Apostles. He was a fisherman and the brother of Simon Peter. Jesus calls him while he was fishing, saying, “Follow me, I will make you fishers of souls”. There is both the purpose and the end effect of his call. The purpose is to follow the Lord intimately in his footsteps. He would live with the Lord, share the same space, table, and mission, and spend time together. He would listen to his master, learn from him and grow through his teaching and guidance. 2. Then, there is also the consequence of this purpose. It is fishing souls for God. It is bringing people closer to God. It is making people be touched and transformed by God. It is doing the work of God Himself who is the supreme fisherman of human souls, the greatest attracter and inducer of humans to merge with the divine. It is because they share the same life that He gifts to them. Sin has alienated them from God’s paradise of eternal communion. Sin has thrown them into an immense sea where they feel totally entrapped and immersed; where they find no way out. 3. It is in such a sinful situation of lack of relation and direction toward God and others, the Lord chooses Andrew to reset the lost bond and restore the lost grace. Thus, following the Lord and fishing the souls is not merely becoming disciples and doing some evangelisation. It is an intimate and radical sharing in God’s own eternal duty and commitment. 4. Andrew along with the others called, promptly responds to this divine plan. Perhaps for sure, he might have not understood the full implications of that call. But what is appreciable is his promptness to accept the call. Thereupon he renounces all that belongs to him and clings to Jesus. It was not for a few days or a few years. It was a life-long following and mission. 5. This life-long apostleship is sealed by a personal relationship. And this relationship is marked by depth, constancy, intimacy, loyalty, and commitment. All these are soaked into a passionate love for the master, which goes to the extent of dying for him. Direction: Every celebration of a saint and all the more that of an Apostle like Andrew must remind us that ultimately our call is a relationship with God that is deep and intimate and a commitment to His mission that is committed and self-offering. (REFLECTION 3 FROM 2020) Focus: Vocation is not just a state of life or a profession but is a sacred way of life of God and is consecration to Him and concentration on good 1. Today, we celebrate the feast of St Andrew, one of the Twelve apostles. His call is also a roadmap for every disciple, for his own personal journey of discipleship. As a true disciple, Andrew “listens” to the invitation of Jesus to follow him. There is no second thought, no hesitation, no calculations, no weighing pros, and cons. 2. His response is instant and prompt. “At once”, he “gives up” everything. This is indicated by his ‘leaving the nets’, which were the means of his livelihood, a source of life security. And then he “follows” Jesus. We are not sure whether he really understood the meaning and the implications of Jesus’ call. 3. Perhaps, he might have not even given a thought to the deeper significance of “becoming fishers of people”, or “fish for people”. What he understood might be that his life is going to be different from its old way and style. Jesus calls him and he follows him – this is all that mattered to him. 4. Today his feast and his call is a timely call and caution for all of us. For we are truly living in times that are losing the sense of vocation. It is just reduced to worldly terms like any other secular affair. And we see the sad consequences of this " stripping" of its essential content of the holy. 5. For a Christian, be it the call to the priesthood or religious life, or lay life, it is always sacred. It is God who calls. The same Lord who called Andrew and others to be with him, to follow him, and to bear witness to Him, continues to call each one of us. His call invites us constantly amidst our ordinary and usual preoccupations and engrossing activities and to "step out" of them, just as he called Andrew and his companions. 6. It is not a loss but a huge gain, a grand "elevation" of life, to a matchless dignity of "being fishermen of souls" from the mere being fishermen of fish. From our part, what is expected is to "detach ourselves from everything and to follow him", like Andrew. Unless one is ready to renounce and follow the Lord, the value of vocation cannot be lived out. Direction: The charm, value, and joy of vocation is being lost because the sense of the sacred, detachment and commitment is being lost 01 DECEMBER 2022: ISAIAH 26. 1-6; MATTHEW7. 21, 24-27 Thrust: Build on the rock! Indicative: Heaven is our eternal house and city. Only those who build on God their houses of earthly life can enter that heavenly dwelling 1. In today’s word of God, we have two metaphors, two key actions, and two sets of contrasts. The two images are the kingdom or the city and the other is a house. The two actions are “entering” and “building.” The two contrasting sets are the foundation of rock and the foundation of sand, and wisdom and foolishness. 2. Heaven is that kingdom or city. It is our destiny and we are to enter it. But who can enter it? Only the righteous that keep the faith; only they whose mind is stayed on God; only they who trust in God; only they who do the will of the Father. 3. Therefore, it is not enough to say “Lord, Lord.” But it is more important to do God’s will. It is not enough to recite bundles of prayers or make loud acclamations or shout excited slogans. Rather all these should complement doing God’s will, and not substitute it. 4. Our life is like a house. And two kinds of foundations are available before us. One is the foundation of rock, and the other is, that of sand. God, trust in him, and doing his will is the first kind of rock. 5. World, trust in it, and following the wrong ways of the world are the second type of foundation. Both houses face the same happenings and difficulties, namely rain, floods, and winds. But their fate is different: the house on the rock stands firm and unfallen; the house on the sand collapses. 6. However, all these factors are interconnected. Those who wisely build their house on a rocky foundation will enter the kingdom. But those who foolishly build their house on a sandy foundation will be denied entry. Imperative: Be wise. Trust in God. Build your life on the rock of faith. Do not be content with mere words but be a doer of God’s will. Then you will surely enter God’s kingdom (REFLECTION 2) Focus: Faith is not an occasional matter of pleading with God in times of need, but constantly leading a life of wisdom 1. Faith is often reduced to intellectual assent or emotional satisfaction or material fulfilment. Thus it is sporadic, in the sense of being time-bound, depending on the needs and difficulties. But true faith is far beyond. It is constant and consistent. 2. It is a daily matter of living "wisely" discerning between the two foundations of rock and sand, and being clear and firm to build the house of life on the foundation of rock. To build the house on a sandy foundation is to steer and lead our life in conformity to the gains and pleasures of the world, with a total neglect of sound values and falling to compromises. 3. This is truly those who are limited only to mere statements and acclamations of "Lord, Lord" but do "not do what God wants". Instead the wise build their house of life on the rock foundation of God and godliness. 4. It is they as in Isaiah, who are "firm in their purpose and put their trust in God", and as in the gospel who "do God's will". For sure, God protects and defends their house, and will "give perfect peace". Direction: An intelligence and knowledge that build life on loose foundations, are vain and shallow and will certainly lead to frustration and ruin. (REFLECTION 3 FROM 2021, 02 DECEMBER) Focus: Worldly things and interests alone do not make life happy and fulfilled. It is only trust in God and living a God-centred life that gives meaning and beauty to life 1. The present world seems to be more of a “wordy” world. This means that it indulges more in words and engages less in actions. It tries to allure or deceive with great words but does little to follow those words. Words often do not translate themselves into actions. People know and say many words but they do not practice them. Talk is big but living is little. 2. Thus often there is so much contradiction between words and the corresponding actions. This is very evident in the case of politicians. They make tall promises but bother little to implement them. Consequently, a lot of deceptivity and dichotomy rules life. It is this gap between words and actions that Jesus points to in today’s gospel. He states clearly: “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven”. 3. Those who ensure that words become deeds, those who live what they believe, and those who practice what they profess are really wise. They are like that wise man who builds his house on the rock. Whatever be the adverse situations like rain, floods, and winds, nothing can make it fall, because it is founded on a rock. But those who live dichotomous lives where great words do not correspond to good actions are like that foolish man who builds his house on sand. Any unfavorable experience would easily cause his fall. 4. Therefore, be wise. Trust in God. Trust in Him as the one who “sets up salvation as walls and bulwarks. Trust in Him forever for He is an everlasting rock. Trust Him who would keep them in perfect peace whose minds are stayed on Him”. Be wise not to give excessive importance to the earthly and worldly, but rather give priority to God and spiritual concerns and the demands of kindness. Direction: Let us become wise to foster an integral life that makes a harmonious blend of good words and good actions. Let us not be mere hearers of the word of God but doers of it as well 02 DECEMBER 2022: ISAIAH 29. 17-24; MATTHEW 9. 27-31 Thrust: The blind see! Indicative: Many suffer from interior blindness. They are not able to see the way. Therefore, either they do not walk the way or they stumble if they walk 1. Jesus was the awaited Messiah. The messianic times foretold in Isaiah would be fulfilled in him. His coming will usher in a restoration of fruitfulness and faithfulness. “In that day, the deaf shall hear… and the blind shall see.” “The meek shall obtain fresh joy and the poor shall exult.” There will be no more shame or distress. It will be a time of renewed sanctification. However, on the other hand, it will also be a time of divine justice. The ruthless shall come to nothing and the scoffer cease, and all who do evil shall be cut off. 2. Jesus and his mission fulfill all these messianic gifts and predictions. The healing of two blind men in the gospel is a concrete testimony to this. But what is noteworthy is that this divine gift of healing necessitates a response, cooperation from the human part. 3. This response is seen in the faith of the two blind men. Faith is the condition for God’s action. However, this does not mean that faith conditions or restricts God’s action. It only indicates that faith is required for the reception and experience of the effect of God’s grace. 4. Jesus elicits this “profession of faith” from them. Thereby he indicates to them that healing and God’s grace are not to be taken for granted. They shall not expect healing to take place automatically. Every intervention of God’s grace requires a proper disposition. 5. Hence Jesus’ question, “Do you believe that I can do this?” and they confess, “Yes, we do believe.” Thereupon, Jesus touches their eyes. Here we see the personal touch and concern of Jesus. 6. Further, we also see here the humility and the magnanimity of Jesus. He shifts the whole credit to their faith, as Jesus says, “According to your faith may it happen to you.” For sure, Jesus is not like many of us who do little but want to steal the whole show because we are too greedy for self-glory. In contrast, Jesus warns them, “See that no one knows about it.” Imperative: The same mission of giving sight to the blind is entrusted to each one of us. There is so much darkness of sin that blinds many. We must heal their blindness and open their eyes. But for this, first of all, we should be clear-sighted (REFLECTION 2 FROM 2021, 03 DECEMBER) Focus: The real joy of a follower of Christ is when he does what pleases his master. And the master is well pleased when his disciple does good to others and thus brings them to the good path of the true God 1. Prophet Isaiah in the first reading foretells the days of the Messiah: In that day the deaf shall hear, and out of their gloom and darkness the eyes of the blind shall see. The meek shall obtain the fresh joy of the Lord, and the poor among mankind shall exult. Those who go astray in spirit will come to understanding, and those who murmur will accept instruction. 2. These prophecies come true in Jesus in the gospel. The deaf hear, the blind see, the strayed are brought back and the ignorant are enlightened. Truly the humble experience the joy of the Lord. He is the Messiah and he fulfills what was foretold of him. 3. There is a concrete instance of the healing of two blind men in the gospel. With faith, they come to Jesus. Jesus makes them confirm their faith once again. He asks them, “Do you believe that I am able to do this?” As they say, “Yes, Lord”, he touches their eyes and restores sight. 4. We see the real nature of their healing in what follows after. It is not merely a physical sight but spiritual sight. They see God’s hand in Jesus and they begin to spread about him even though Jesus strictly warned them not to speak of it. 5. How many are really able to see the Lord, his love, and his power? How many realize their blindness? How many approach the Lord for healing? How many allow him to touch and heal them? Especially when things go wrong, when difficulties and sufferings surround us, can we really affirm our faith and say, “Yes, Lord, I believe that you are able to do this”? 6. St Francis Xavier whom we venerate today is in a way similar to the blind men after receiving their sight. He received a new light, a new sight of faith, a new vision of life, being enlightened by St Ignatius of Loyola. And once lighted up, he began to spread the same light with tireless vigor in many missions in Asia, especially in India. And at the end, at the vital age of just 46, he was martyred in his battle against darkness. That is why he is honored as the patron of missions in India. Direction: The real greatness of faith is not only receiving healing from the Lord but living and spreading the effect of that healing. This consists in bearing witness to the light of Christ amidst all situations of darkness (REFLECTION 3 FROM 2020, 04 DECEMBER) Focus: When we allow God to enter into our life and intervene in the course of our situations, the face and tone of life will not be the same 1. As the Word of God speaks, situations of deafness and blindness, disgrace and shame constantly surround our life and abound as well. There are moments and conditions where we ourselves indifferently remain deaf and blind, when we throw ourselves into situations of disgrace and shame. 2. There are also times when we are forced not to hear, not to see, and not to be honorable and gracious. Certainly, both kinds of situations are not desirable. In such times, how comforting it is to be assured that there is someone by our side in our times of struggle and sorrow! We must remember that we have a God who never neglects us. 3. He thinks of us even before we think of ourselves. He understands our needs and struggles even before we realize them and cry for help. He will brighten our dark shades. He will knock away our disgrace and shame. He will strike hard against all the injustice and deceit. He will remove the cloud of sorrow, wipe away our tears, and change our lives into springs of joy and happiness. He will heal all the blind and the deaf. He will stand by the side of the poor and the simple. He will fill the saddened hearts with renewed joy. 4. All that is needed is to trust Him. We need to open our eyes and see the love and might of God working in our lives. We need to get rid of our blindness. Yes, we need healing. We need to realize that we need healing. We need to affirm our trust in God's healing of us. God is ever ready to render us healed. 5. We need to run behind Him persistently, crying out to Him to help us. Not that He is unaware or indifferent. If it is our need, we must feel it and seek him to attend to it. We must approach him in trust and submit to his touch. And once healed, we must also bear witness to him. Direction: As long as we are blind to God, we are blind to our own selves failing to see our person and life which are certainly in need of healing. Regain the sight and then we will see the marvels of God and life 03 DECEMBER 2022: ISAIAH 30. 19-21, 23-26; MATTHEW 9.35 – 10.1, 5a, 6-8 Thrust: Passion with no bounds! Indicative: The mission of Jesus is without bounds and boundaries. And it requires a real passion without bounds and boundaries 1. Today we celebrate solemnly the feast of St Francis Xavier, the patron of India. The word of God in both readings fits him. The first reading is replete with exuberant hope whereby things will totally turn out to be joyful from the pit of misery. 2. Certain expressions make it clear: “The produce of the ground will be rich and plenteous.” “Livestock will graze in large pastures, and the oxen and the donkeys will eat seasoned fodder.” “On every mountain and hill, there will be brooks running with water.” “The light of the moon will be as the light of the sun, and the light of the sun will be sevenfold.” “The Lord binds up the brokenness of his people, and heals the wounds.” 3. It is for such a mission of actualising such comforting and renewing times that St Francis Xavier was chosen and sent. He was called to work as a ‘great labourer’ in the plentiful harvest. In his life and preaching, he always showed the people, “The kingdom of heaven is at hand.” 4. Like the Twelve, Francis too was empowered to heal those sick by sin, raise the dead from their spiritual-moral death, cleanse lepers from their impurities and defilements, and cast out demons, those evil forces that surround and fight against us. 5. Like his Master, he too had compassion for the people who were like sheep without a shepherd. They were truly harassed by sin and they feel helpless. Therefore, he would work tirelessly to remove their burden of sin and despair. Imperative: St Francis Xavier remained faithful to the end. Thus he even embraced martyrdom joyfully. He ceaselessly laboured for his master selflessly, never expecting any reward. Can we imitate him? (REFLECTION 2 FROM 2021, 04 DECEMBER) Focus: Every man of God and every disciple of Christ is called to work for God’s kingdom which is a harvest of abundant compassion and good fruits 1. One unparalleled feature that marks the whole life and mission of Jesus was his compassion. It was his compassion that permeated and steered all his teaching, preaching, and healing. It was compassion that drove him to be one with the sick and the needy, the despised and depressed. In fact, his very incarnation is nothing but the greatest testimony of this unbounded compassion. 2. In our modern world, this is one most lacking thing. Selfishness and indifference are overriding concerns. Besides, often compassion is not understood in its full sense. Mostly it is limited only to some passionate feeling of pity or sympathy. But in Jesus, we see the real soul and the drive of compassion. 3. He is deeply sensitive to the struggles and needs of others. We are told: he had compassion for the crowd, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Yes, he feels deep within for them. He becomes one with them and suffers together in empathy and total solidarity. This is the real com-passion that is, suffering together. 4. However, that does not stop there. His compassion is also alleviating. He removes the pain of the other and grants relief and comfort and new vigor. Thus, he teaches, preaches, and heals. He is the perfect replica and fulfillment of the words of the prophet Isaiah about God’s compassion in the first reading. 5. As he comes and intervenes, “You shall weep no more. He will surely be gracious to you at the sound of your cry; when he hears it, he will answer you. He will bind up the hurt of his people; he will heal the wounds inflicted by his blow. You shall be guided rightly; there will be abundance”. 6. This mission of compassion is not just limited to him alone. It does not finish and stop with him. It continues. And we, his disciples are the ones called to continue the same mission of compassion. That is why he says to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; pray therefore the Lord of the harvest to send out the laborers into his harvest”. They promote the same mission of preaching and healing and bringing back the lost sheep. Further, in carrying out this mission, they are not left to themselves to struggle. They are empowered by their own power. Direction: The disciples of Jesus who labour for the harvest of God’s kingdom are not paid workers. They work freely and generously because it is their duty and response out of gratitude. For “they received without paying; therefore they give without pay”

FIRST SUNDAY OF ADVENT 2022

I SUNDAY ADVENT, 27 NOV 2022: ISAIAH 2. 1-5; ROMANS 13. 11-14a; MATTHEW 24. 37-44 Thrust: He comes! Indicative: Advent indicates that the Lord comes to us so that we go to him, go with him, go for him so that one day we can go to be with him forever 1. We begin again this year the holy season of Advent. At the outset itself, let us remind ourselves once again of what is advent. What is its purpose? How should we do it? For many, it is a commemoration of a bygone event, and nothing more than that. For some, it is one of the few most important feasts of the Christians. It is a feast of decorating the churches and houses with stars, cribs, Christmas trees, and singing carols. Of course, get-togethers, celebrations, and shopping go without saying. But it is not just these. We must go beyond them. 2. Advent indicates the coming of the Incarnate Lord, our Saviour in history. Subsequently, we wait for him who is coming. So, essentially advent is a time of waiting. It raises and answers two fundamental questions. What do we wait for? Who do we wait for? 3. We wait for redemption and salvation. And we wait for the Redeemer and Saviour. Why should we wait for them? It is because we need them. We need them if we want to be re-graced, and regain our lost grace. Sin robs us of grace. Sin throws us into a situation of misery. Sin knocks off our dignity and freedom. 4. Sin makes us bound in fetters of bondage. So we need to be released. Sin soils us and so we need to be cleaned. Sin breaks us and so we need to be mended. Sin shakes us and so we need to be made firm. Sin weakens us and so we need to be strengthened. Sin confuses us and so we need to gain clarity. Sin misguides us and so we need to be rightly guided. 5. It is only the grace of salvation and redemption through the Saviour and Redeemer that reinstates us in the state of grace. Therefore, we need to wait for such a glorious change in our life, such a gracing. God does this not simply by some miracles as in the past, however mighty they may be. But God does this restoration by the very incarnation of His own Son himself. 6. Such waiting certainly implies and demands a fitting preparation. What kind of preparation would this be? All three readings make this amply clear. Let us pick up some highlights. “Know the time, the hour to wake from sleep”. “Stay awake” to receive the Saviour who may come at any time unexpectedly. 7. “Cast off the works of darkness”. “Put on the armour of light”. “Walk properly as in the daytime”. “Walk in the light of the Lord”. “Walk in his paths”. “Live in peace and harmony.” It is a way of living where there is no enmity or violence or destruction, when “swords would be turned into ploughshares, spears into pruning-hooks,” and when “nation shall not lift up sword against nation, nor learn war any more.” 8. Further, “get rid of all drunkenness, sensuality and sexual immorality, quarelling, and jealousy.” And “Put on the Lord Jesus Christ.” In other words, it is to “Re-live” the mystery of the Incarnation. That is, Christ should be born again in us. His birth must become a “living” reality. It should not be merely a celebration of the past. Rather our waiting and celebration must be a thing of the present, built on the past and looking and moving toward the future. Imperative: Let us check and see whether our advents have become insipid, heavily leaning toward the past. It shall not be merely the commemoration of a past event. Rather, let us celebrate our Lord’s coming, his love, and our salvation (REFLECTION 2 FROM 2021, 28 NOVEMBER) Focus: We step again into the holy season of Advent. Let us remind ourselves of the very purpose of advent, its significance, and live and fulfill its purpose 1. It is once again the season of advent. What immediately comes to our mind is the holy Christmas. For many, advent is nothing more than some days that come before the birthday of the Lord. It is the duration for preparing the cribs, installing the stars, singing around the carols, practicing the Christmas choir, decorating and illuminating the churches, planning some programs and organizing some get-togethers, inviting or visiting friends and relatives, for doing some special shopping for special festive dresses or articles, et cetera. 2. We do not intend to undervalue the importance of all the above-listed. Our only concern is that the holy advent is reduced only to these items. Certainly, advent is a time of preparation preceding the holy Christmas. All these preparations form part of this preparation. But it is a preparation much more than these. It is a preparation for a deeper and higher realm. It is a time of preparation of hearts, of families, of lives both collectively and personally. It is a time of preparing to go to meet the Lord who is coming. It is preparing a fitting birthplace for the one who will be born among us. It is preparing enough of and clean space for him to enter. It is preparing the whole earth itself to receive the Lord who will encounter us. 3. In the first place, advent is a commemoration and celebration of a past bygone event. As such, it must serve as a special occasion to draw inspiration for our imitation. It must make us recall the event of the incarnation of the loving God amidst our sinful condition. It must inspire us to be deeply impressed by the selfless love of God that empties itself of the heavenly glory and embraces our human misery and struggle. It must make us imitate the same spirit of the incarnate Savior. It must make us live up to the very purpose of his birth, that is, to allow him to be with us and to transform us. 4. Thus, our preparation and celebration will be meaningful, only they blend together all the three dimensions of time, that is, the past, present, and future. We remember gratefully and joyfully the past, so that we can meaningfully and committedly live the present, and thereby become worthy of the eternal presence of God. Our celebration will be very inadequate if it is limited only to recalling the past, if it does not affect and change our present, and does not charge and orient us toward the future. 5. In this sense, advent is a threefold appropriate present preparation. Firstly, for the celebration of the past events; second, for the celebration of the present joy of the present birth of the Lord because he is with us; thirdly, for orientation for the future joy of the eternal communion with God. We celebrate his past birth, his present life within and amidst us, and our eternity with him. Our advent preparation must look behind, look and walk onward and forward, and look and rise upward. That is why, Jesus says, “when these (adverse) things happen, “raise your heads and look up because your redemption is near.” 6. It is in this sense of future orientation the gospel speaks of the end times in the future. Future and end need not be exclusively in time sense, as something that lies in the far distance at the end of completion of all time and space. It is not a fixed, definite time. Rather it is the appointed time. It is the time of judgment. Thereby, advent becomes really significant when it is not only backward-looking but forward-looking and marching. 7. We commemorate and celebrate the past because it affects our present and leads us to the future. Advent should prepare us fittingly for a worthy immediate celebration, for a worthy ongoing living, and for a worthy eternity. Jesus points to three areas of this fitting preparation: dissipation, drunkenness, and cares of the world. All these three hinder our fitting preparation and making a productive blend of the past, present, and future. 8. Dissipation makes us tied down to the regrets and negative impacts of the past. Drunkenness creates an illusory world, and dissociates us from the present reality and responsibility to it. It can be understood more as a pleasure and comfort-seeking life, and not just something to do with drinking alone. Cares and preoccupations of the world do not allow us to rise higher, to the lofty future. All these three fail in the productive use of the past, commitment to the present, and orientation to the future. Direction: Advent is not just a time of pre-Christmas external preparations. It is a commemoration of the past, contribution to the present, and further construction for the future (REFLECTION 3 FROM 2020, 29 NOVEMBER) Focus: We are called by a worthy God to live a worthy life. Let us then neither belittle ourselves nor God who wants to elevate us. 1. Once again, we step into the holy season of Advent. It is the time for the advent of the Saviour amidst us. It is the advent of the incarnate Son of God as one of us. It is a time of the coming of God's own grace in flesh and blood, in the person of Jesus Christ. Down through the centuries, God has spoken and acted through many prophets and leaders. But this is the appointed time when God speaks, interacts, and acts with humans through His own Son. 2. Advent is not merely a series of days that precede the birth of Jesus, the Saviour. It is first of all a recalling and reassuring of the ceaseless love and mercy of God for the erring and sinning humanity. It is a reawakening of our hope that the Saviour is born among us. It is a reinstilling of our trust that God comes to live with us and will never abandon us. It is a reinstalling of the broken bond and covenant between God and us. It is the season of the greatest comfort that "God is ever benevolent and merciful to us". 3. Our sin, our evil, our wrongdoings, our weaknesses, and imperfections - nothing of these can mar or deter the love of God that never fails us. The holy Advent encourages us that ultimately it is God who takes control of the whole course of our life and no forces, however powerful and dominant they are, can really overpower it. 4. The holy Advent immerses us in the unfathomable depths of God's saving love. It encourages and revives us with new hope to continue to confide in him even when we are beset with adverse situations. It urges us to "wait on him" who comes to visit us and change our life. This would concretely mean that we do not get "engrossed and entangled" with needless affairs and excessive worldly activities, as in the times of Noah. 5. To the one who comes to us in love, mercy, and solidarity, we must go in eagerness, readiness, and preparation. The one who comes to us to be with us, should not find us in indifference, tepidity, and unpreparedness. We must "Wake up from our sleep" of sin and mediocrity. We must solidify our steps, so that we do not stumble and falter in darkness, but walk steadily in the light. 6. How then do we prepare ourselves to meet him who is coming? There can be different attitudes and responses toward his coming: He is coming - so what? Let Him come! This is an attitude of indifference, carelessness, and lethargy He is coming - oh my God! An attitude of fear and unhappiness He is coming - why should he come? An attitude of unwelcome, stubbornness, resistance, and rejection He is coming - very good! Please come. An attitude of welcome, openness, receptivity, prompt acceptance, and personal experience What is our response? What is our preparation? Direction: Let us wait for the Lord attentively and lovingly, so that he will not find and catch us unawares. Let us be fully awake and focused on him and not lose sight of him.

CHRIST THE KING FEAST 22

CHRIST THE KING, 34TH SUNDAY, 20 NOVEMBER 2022: 2 SAMUEL 5. 1-3; COLOSSIANS 1. 12-20; LUKE 23. 35-43 Thrust: Hail the true King! Indicative: Christ is king in the truest sense because he reigns over his subjects, takes care of them and constantly works to spread his reign beyond the territories and boundaries 1. We celebrate the solemnity of Christ the King. This 34th Sunday marks the end of the ordinary liturgical year. He is a king with a difference, made and makes a difference and summons his followers too to make a difference. He is a king by contrast. he stands apart from all the rest of the kings. 2. He is king by his very nature. His kingship or kingdom is not something inherited or acquired. It is not something extraneous to him, added from outside. It is his own. He is the Son of God, seated in the kingdom of heaven, beside the Father. 3. He is the king of all, a universal king. There are no boundaries or restrictions. His kingdom is not confined to some specified territory. His subjects are not defined by any particular area or religion or language or culture. People of the whole universe belong to him. There are no divisions or discrimination. There are no exclusions. 4. He is a spiritual king. His kingship is not earthly or worldly. He does not fight wars with the other kings to conquer their kingdoms. He does not sit on an earthly throne and rule over his people, demarcated by a certain territory. He rules in the spiritual realm. He reigns over hearts. 5. He is a peaceful king. In his reign, there is peace and harmony. There is no violence or bloodshed. He does not use violent means to dominate and subjugate others. Death and destruction are totally out of his kingship. 6. He is a humble king. There is no pomp, no display of self-glory and no craving or striving for it. There are no traces of pride and arrogance in him. Though all glory belongs to him and he is above all, he does not suppress them or overpower them. He humbled himself to become an ordinary human being like us. Though Son of God and possessed all the divine power of working miracles and wonders, he never paraded his greatness and sought to impress others. 7. He is a gentle and meek king. There is no particle of rudeness or harshness. He would treat even his deadliest enemies with the utmost gentleness, and respect. He would certainly rebuke, admonish and correct regarding truth and authenticity. But he would never despise or degrade anyone. 8. He is a virtuous king. Unlike many other kings and rulers, he does not carry the baggage of weaknesses or defects. He is not subject to any vices or addictions. There is no malice or guile in him. There is no negative that he tries to hide within. 9. He is an authentic king. There is no iota of duplicity or hypocrisy in him. He does not say one thing and do the opposite. He practises what he preaches. He lives what he believes. He follows what he expects from others. He is what he appears outside whereby there is no contradiction between his interior and exterior. There is no falsity or pretension in them. 10. He is a sacrificing king. He empties himself for the sake of filling others. He impoverishes himself so as to enrich others. He lowers himself so as to raise others to dignity. Cross is the biggest testimony of his sacrifice and self-effacement. He even dies so as to revive and renew with new and eternal life. 11. He is a healing king. This is one key ingredient of his mission. He came to heal the sick, to restore them to health. This is holistic health, and not limited only to the physical aspect. Real health is when the person is able to live with human dignity and experience the beauty and joy of life. 12. He is a merciful and forgiving king. He never condemns others, even the greatest sinner. He never refuses to offer forgiveness to others, even when done the greatest harm. Forgiveness for him is not a favour given at one’s convenience; rather it is an obligation. He does not keep an account of our sinfulness. All that he wants is that we repent and are converted. 13. He is a passionate king. There is no room for tepidity or lukewarmness in him. Indifference and mediocrity would be frightened to go near him. Zeal for God and His mission is like an ever-burning fire. 14. He is a shepherding king. He takes meticulous care of his subjects. He leads them to pastures, fresh and green. He feeds them, nourishes and strengthens them. He never neglects them. He never subjects them to starvation and malnutrition. 15. He is a valiant and persevering king. He waged a relentless battle against evil. He was assaulted violently all through his life. Even on the cross also, he was tempted to go against God’s plan and go his own way. He was criticised and persecuted for his goodness and integrity. But he would never relent. 16. He is a saving king. This is the fundamental purpose for which he incarnated himself. He came to remit our sins by the shedding of his blood on the cross. Thus he redeemed us. 17. He is a leader-king. He leads us by example. He not only knows the way, not only shows the way but also walks the way, walks us in the same way and leads us to destiny. Imperative: Let us learn to give up our petty self-made kingdoms. Let us stop being arrogant and puffed-up kings. Let us learn to follow the one king. Let us strive to spread his kingdom of love and truth (REFLECTION 2 FROM 2021, 21 NOVEMBER) Focus: Christ is the king of the universe. But it is not in terms of power and subjugation. Rather it is in terms of love and animation 1. Today we celebrate the Solemnity of Christ the King with great joy and honour. This Sunday marks the last Sunday of the ordinary liturgical year as we will step into the holy season of Advent next Sunday. This placement at the end of the ordinary year can indicate something significant: our whole life with all its ordinariness culminates in the kingship of Christ. We find our end and fulfillment under the reign of Christ. Our entire life must be geared and oriented toward Christ the Lord. 2. The concepts of king, kingship, and kingdom are not strange to us. History has seen a great many kings and kingdoms, both benevolent and malevolent, both just and unjust, righteous and wicked, promotive and destructive. But when we say and celebrate Christ as King, there is an enormous difference. 3. One obvious and explicit difference is he is a king with no demarcated territory of the kingdom. There are no boundaries. There are no disparities or inequalities. It is a boundless, boundaryless kingdom. It is a way of life. It is open to all and embraces all. There is equity and justice. There is no hierarchy of higher or lower, no scope for subjugation and suppression. There is no division or discrimination. There is no partiality or favouritism. 4. There is no aggression or violence. There is no death and destruction. There is no falsity or deception. There is no manipulation and corruption. There is no ruthless seeking power and popularity. Rightly, he is a king of hearts. He is the king of souls. He is the king of communities and families. He is a spiritual king. 5. Thus his kingdom is not a location or domain. It is a reign and ambience of love, justice, mercy, joy, and peace. It is a reign of truth and authenticity, loyalty and commitment. It is where one readily makes himself “the first to become the last and the servant”. It is the divine reign where one “serves and not craves to be served”. It is where one loves selflessly even to the extent of “dying for the other”. It is where one seeks relentlessly the will of God. It is where one can affirm courageously, “Behold the handmaid of the Lord, let everything happen according to your holy word and will”. 6. In sum, Christ is king when and where he reigns with his virtues and values. Where there is love and not hatred, peace and not violence, reconciliation and not retaliation, forgiveness and not grudge, altruism and not egoism, truth and not duplicity, humility and not arrogance, unity and parity and not division and discrimination, magnanimity and not malice, generosity and not jealousy, purity and not pollution – there and then is Christ the king, his kingship and kingdom. 7. Today, many followers of this unparalleled and unique king sadly “profane” and “secularize” their king because they themselves are such, stung by high profanity and mundanity. They forget that they are citizens of a spiritual kingdom and not a temporal one. They forget that it is a spiritual reign and not a material domain or gain. They forget the very fact that they are only members and subjects and not the king or master themselves. They ignore the very pillars of this kingdom and build petty kingdoms with worldly pillars and ingredients. Direction: Time is ripe now to demolish all the false kingdoms based on money, manipulation, deception, corrupt power and lording authority, discrimination, aggression, malice, and destruction. Let our prayer be sincere: “Let your Kingdom come!” (REFLECTION 3 FROM 2020, 22 NOVEMBER) 1. Still the Celebration of a King, in our times where king, kingship, and kingdom are rather outdated or at least not a common phenomenon! This brings us to a first reflection that Jesus Christ is a King for all ages, beyond times and spaces. Times and places, cultures, and customs may change. But He remains a King forever. 2. What kind of king, kingship, and kingdom? Quite in contrast to the rest, that of the world. A king with a difference, a King who makes a difference, a King who wants difference from his subjects. 3. He is a king who is not violent or aggressive. Not self-seeking or self-serving. Not self-promoting or self-gloried. Not dominating or subjugating. Not oppressing or intimidating. Not greedy or avaricious. Not hypocritical and deceptive. Not manipulative or corrupt. Not divisive or discriminative. Not biased or partial. 4. His is a kingship that believes and promotes healthy and progressive relationships and genuine friendship, that which puts no one in any hardship. A kingship that is not a rod of power, not a tool of lording over, but a way of fervour for Good, and a channel to guard and care for. His kingship is not one of enslaving coercion but of willing and joyful submission. 5. His Kingdom is a kingdom that is not a domain of pomp and glory, but a reign of fraternal communion and service. A kingdom whose boundaries are magnanimity without boundaries. His kingdom is not one of serfdom of members treated as objects; but a kingdom of dignified and responsible freedom, where everyone is treated as subjects with respect and honour. 6. His royalty is not one of status or position, privilege or prestige. His royalty is that of loyalty to the core. His dignity is that of character. His nobility is not that of birth or cadre, but that of heart and dealing. 7. He is a King who reigns in the hearts and reigns over them. That is why recurrently Jesus affirms, The Kingdom of God is near you, the Kingdom is amidst you, the Kingdom is within you. It is the reign of grace, with passion for God and compassion for others. It is where love reigns, where peace and harmony are the most delicious fruits, where equality and justice are priced norms, where prosperity and growth are the plans of action, and where happiness and fulfilment of each one are the highest goals to nurture and achieve. 8. What a difference now between this eternal King, and his followers, especially his representatives who profess to carry his kingship? Christ the King is a challenge against all the tendencies to be "Chota" kings and mini lords, against all self-glory and manipulation, against all power-wielding and deifying. His Kingdom is a rebuke against all unchristian forces of building up petty kingdoms, and narrowly demarcated territories, based on contingent and needless factors like caste, region, language, culture, rite, etc. How can one pray daily, “may your Kingdom come”, but live and do all that makes the Kingdom go? How can we profess to work for his Kingdom, to nurture, foster, and expand it, while we tend to suffocate its growth, and narrow down its confines and embrace? 9. Let us always bear in mind that no one is above the King, the Master, and the Lord, who is one and sole. One may be great, high-positioned, efficient, popular, or powerful, but always remains only a disciple, a follower, or a servant. There are no more kings and masters, no more saviours and lords. No other teaching can be higher or more important than the teaching of the Master. The Kingdom of God is spacious, unbound, and unconfined, and no single human institution or religious structure can domesticate the Kingdom which is the Reign of the Spirit. Even the Church is only an Agent at the service of the Kingdom, the Reign of God, and it cannot make itself it's equivalent or substitute. The Church even as the Mystical Body and Bride of Christ must always remain docile and adherent to her Lord. 10. The King of heart and love, the Ruler of truth and integrity is inviting us, to give Him our hearts to reign within, and to give our lives to reign over, so that his Kingdom of faith and

34 th week days mass reflection of the year 22

21 – 26 NOVEMBER 2022: HOLY MASS REFLECTIONS 21 NOVEMBER 2022: REV 14. 1-3, 4-5; LUKE 21. 1-4, THE PRESENTATION OF MARY Thrust: Give without measure! Indicative: What makes giving meritorious is not so much the quantity of what is given but the quality of heart that gives 1. God looks at the heart and the quality of life. He is not carried away by mere externals and appearances. He estimates and values the purity of intention, generosity of heart, and integrity of life. These are the one hundred and forty-four thousand in the first reading and the poor widow in the gospel. 2. The 144,000 had the Lamb’s name and the Father’s name written on their foreheads. This would mean they were totally committed to God, with loyalty imprinted on their hearts. These had been redeemed from the earth, from mankind as first fruits for God. They alone would learn the new song sung in heaven before the throne. They follow the Lamb wherever he goes. In their mouth, no lie was found and they are blameless. 3. In the gospel, we have a poor widow who belongs to this redeemed category. She is singled out among many and highly appreciated by Jesus himself. He presents her to us as a model for giving. Many offer rich and abundant gifts at the temple but this woman gives only two small copper coins. 4. But the difference between her and them is they gave out of the abundance of things while she gave out of the abundance of her heart. She gave all she had to live on. It was a measureless and self-emptying giving. It was possible only because of her deepest love for God and trust in Him. 5. She stands today before us as an inspiration and challenge as well. She challenges our spirit of calculation in terms of gain or loss, profit or waste. She questions our craving to accumulate money and things and our displeasure to give up and part with something. She inspires and motivates us to give to God and others without reserve and measure. This is possible only when we are holy and lovers of God like the 144, 000. 6. The memorial of the Presentation of Mary of today is a timely reminder for us of this abundant spirit of giving. It is said that already at the age of three, the child Mary was offered to God in the temple. And from that moment till the end and now as well, the life of Mary is one unceasing act of giving in love and joy. Imperative: The world can become more just and happy if only people learn to give more generously and joyfully. This needs a spirit of humility to realise that all that we are and have is all given by God (REFLECTION 2 FROM 2021, 22 NOVEMBER) Focus: Giving may be considered as loss and deprivation in the sight of the world. But in the sight of God, every act of giving is gaining God’s favour and abundant riches 1. Many do not want to give because they think it reduces what they have. They feel deprived of what they can enjoy for themselves. For them, every act of giving is a loss, reduction, and deprivation. That is why many are driven by a spirit of grabbing and accumulating. This is truly a culture of greed and manipulation. 2. In contrast to such a culture, we have an imitable example of a poor widow in the gospel. In comparison to the other rich people, she gives very little to the temple treasury – just two copper coins. As a number and quantity, it is very insignificant and ignorable. But it comes from an abundant heart, out of the abundance of love, trust, joy, and generosity. 3. Apparently and practically, every giving will cause some inconvenience and loss. The poor widow loses her means of sustenance, her security for tomorrow. But she gains much more. She merits appreciation from Jesus himself. Direction: Those who are greedy and self-centered and refuse to give, do not realize what an immense grace of God they are losing. The more we give, the more we will be given (REFLECTION 3 FROM 2020, 23 NOVEMBER) Focus: The humble and the generous are especially loved, blessed, and recompensed by God. It is better to win God’s favour rather than the human’s 1. The world may consider the humble and the benevolent people as foolish imbeciles who do not understand the ways of the world, who do not keep pace with the times, and who are not smart enough to make a prosperous life. 2. The reason is simple: they are a contrast to those of the world, and their values are quite in contrast to those of the world. They are a contradiction, a question mark, and a stumbling block by their culture of giving, sacrificing, and altruism, to a world steeped in a culture of grabbing, hoarding, and self-profiting. 3. But only such people are pleasing to God and they are truly appreciated by Him. The poor widow in the gospel is one such. She is a great testimony of a culture of giving – giving lovingly, trustingly, willingly, promptly, totally, generously, cheerfully, magnanimously, and humbly. 4. With the simplest love for God and deep trust in His providential care, she gives away the whole of what she has. She does not keep back anything. She gives in full measure and gives so joyfully. She gives without making a show. 5. Can she prick us a little bit to awaken from our deep-rooted selfishness and indifference? Can she inspire us a little bit to resist our greed and grabbing nature and become a little more generous and sharing? Direction: It is not the quantity or the position of giving that matters but the disposition and quality of heart. 22 NOVEMBER 2022: REVELATION 14. 14-19; LUKE 21. 5-11, ST CECILIA Thrust: You reap what you sow! Indicative: The end is sure and judgment is sure. What will be our fate will be determined by what is the quality of life here on earth till we die 1. Today’s Word of God draws our attention to the end times and the subsequent judgment of God. It is very sad that many become so earth-bound and deeply engrossed in the affairs of the world. Consequently, they lose sight of what is beyond earth and human existence. 2. This is the biggest problem of our times: we have become so short-sighted. We are caught up with goals and targets till the end of our earthly life. It is not wrong to be goal-oriented, to strive to reach the set targets. 3. But we need to examine and question what kind of targets and goals these are. Mostly, these are materialistic, connected to money, success, power, position, popularity, and enjoyment in life. Mostly it is about how to enjoy this life with comfort and convenience, with name and fame, with prestige and privilege. 4. Most of the time, the whole struggle and search is for temporary and temporal benefit, pleasure, and satisfaction. Many live and act as if they are permanent here on earth. They place their excessive trust in material accomplishments and worldly glories. 5. It is in this context, both the readings of the day remind and caution us about the end times and God’s judgment. We may not know the exact time but the end is sure. It will be preceded by times of deception, falsity, terror, violence, and destruction. These are the signs of the end times. 6. In such times, we are exhorted to be wise and sober so that we are not led astray by false teachers and deviating assurances. We should also not be terrified by them. Instead, it is better to prepare ourselves, striving to live a life that makes us worthy to face the day of judgment. 7. St Cecilia whom we commemorate today lived a holy and committed life with a passionate love for the Lord to the extent of martyrdom. Thus she could merit the heavenly crown. Imperative: It is high time that we extricate ourselves from our fetters of excessive entanglements with the affairs and interests of the world. We should raise our sight on life after (REFLECTION 2 FROM 2022, 13 NOVEMBER) Thrust: Beware of the times! Indicative: The end times are sure to come. We need to become aware of their nature and get prepared 1. Today’s readings focus on the theme of “time”, especially the end times, before-the end times, that is the present time, and after-the and times, that is the time of reckoning, judgment of reward, or punishment. End times are sure to come. But what kind? What will happen at the end times? How is it characterised? 2. First of all, the end times will be “testing” times. Those who are faithful to God will be put to test and trial. They will be hated, persecuted, and delivered to prison, even by their own families. The end time will be “chaotic and destructive” times. Divisions, wars and tumults, earthquakes, famines, and pestilences will increase. Human pride and glory especially in their mighty structures and achievements of splendour and pomp will be brought low. 3. The end times will be “misleading” times. These are times that falsify things, distort the truth, and deceive and lead astray. The Lord himself warns: “For many will come in my name, saying, ‘I am he’, and ‘the time is at hand!’. It is deception concerning self-claims of self-glory and future predictions. 4. How should we respond to these times? What should be our response concerning these end times? First of all, a sense of “Awareness”: We must be aware that there will be end times. Be aware that the end is bound to happen. Do not take things and life for granted. 5. Then, “do not be led astray.” Do not go after false promises, assurances, and predictions. Do not be deceived by empty rewards. Do not confide in the earthly glories and successes and do not be carried away by them. Do not lose sight of the perishability of earthly and human pride. 6. “Do not be terrified” and lose heart at the adversities and afflictions. Rather confide in God’s protection and care, guidance, and power. Then what will be after the end times? There will be a time of divine judgment and reckoning. Imperative: If only we become wise not to place our excessive trust in material glories and not to be led astray but confide in God and live a life of witness, we will be truly rewarded with eternity (REFLECTION 3 FROM 2021, 23 NOVEMBER) Focus: Worldly glories and human accomplishments may stand tall and great for some time. They may bring honour and popularity for a while. But nothing of these will stand long 1. The temple of Jerusalem was a symbol of pride for all the Jews for its splendor and magnificence. But all this vanished as it was destroyed in 70 AD. No glory and grandeur could spare it from destruction. This is a stark indicator to all of us about the transience of anything worldly. Everything of this world and earth will pass away. It is futile and foolish to place our trust in them and seek glory from them. 2. The Jews prided themselves as the chosen people, as people of God and people of the temple. They forget the fact that it is not their race or the temple or city or their law or rich heritage that makes them great before God. Nothing of these would be guarantees to obtain God’s grace. Nothing of these would come to rescue in time of trial. Ultimately it is only fidelity to God and walking in His ways. 3. Therefore, in the face of such perishability and passability of worldly things, what must be our response? Firstly, to take heed not to be led astray by worldly pomp and glory. Secondly, not to go after false prophets and false teachings. Thirdly, not to be frightened by disastrous events like wars, tumults, earthquakes, famines, and pestilences. Fourthly, to be firm and persevering in living our life faithfully. Direction: Let us not bother too much about when will be the end, or what will be the signs of the end. Rather let us be more concerned about living a life that is worthy of meeting the end (REFLECTION 4 FROM 2020, 24 NOVEMBER) Focus: Trust in the material and external things of the world will only lead to deeper disappointment and eventual destruction 1. Deception and deviation are clearly dominating human life now. Many are heavily tainted and captured by the world. They are self-conceited, self-seeking, highly deviant, and manipulative. They also mislead others by exerting a false influence on them. These are exactly the deceivers of whom Jesus cautions us. They project themselves as the saviours, as those who know the ways and times of God. 2. The Pharisees and the scribes, the legitimate teachers and guides, are only false prophets. They had placed their false hopes in their credentials as the chosen people, as the people of the temple. They pride themselves in the splendour and glory of the Jerusalem temple. But it was destroyed. Jesus makes it clear to the Jews that human glories, worldly achievements, and false popularity are only temporarily rewarding and they do not last long. Those who place their trust in them and pursue them will only be frustrated and ruined. 3. The main concern should be not so much predicting things with accuracy. Rather, it should be to read the signs of the times, to understand the warnings on the wall, to correct the faulty and faltering ways. What is the use of knowing the times and the events with mathematical precision, but failing to take care to face those moments? What is the use of predicting the end times with exactitude, but not prepared well for the end? 4. We may not know when and how will be the end. But one thing is sure: we will all stand for God’s judgment. We need to submit a strict account of the life lived. Therefore, it is better to remain alert and keep oneself prepared. One should neither be frightened nor indifferent, but be sober and accountable. Direction: The end times are not so much a chronological matter but an existential concern. It is a situation, surmounted by violence and persecution. It is the fate of those who are injected with the worldly poison of greed and self-glory. But for those who are loyal to God, the end times are salvation. 23 NOVEMBER 2022: REVELATION 15. 1-4; LUKE 21. 12-19 Thrust: Nothing to fear! Indicative: It is wise that we remain aware of the hard and challenging times in the journey of our faith and goodness. Adversities and afflictions are bound to confront us. But no need to be panicky 1. The Word of God always invites us to be men and women of faith, to remain firm and steadfast. But it makes no false promises and assurances in the sense that faith will be a shield against any difficulty. The Lord himself shatters all such false guarantees. These give the wrong impression that if you have faith, you will escape the problems. 2. In fact, the Lord warns us that the more we are faithful, the more we will face opposition, and go through suffering and persecution. There will be rejection and abandonment by our own people. These are truly the testing and trying times. But we need not be frightened or lose heart. We need not be preoccupied and overanxious as to how to face such a situation. 3. Rather, let us place our entire trust in God and abandon ourselves to Him. Let us confide in his assurance, “I will give you a mouth and wisdom, which none of your adversaries will be able to withstand or contradict.” Let us rest assured in his protective care that “not a hair of your head will perish.” 4. Let us be people filled with holy hope that endows us with a positive and higher perspective. We shall not sink into despair or hopelessness. But we shall look at all these as “our opportunity to bear witness.” We shall remember that gold is tested in the fire to prove its purity. In the same way, the strength and the quality of faith and faithfulness are tested in the crucible of suffering and perseverance. 5. Let us also be charged and encouraged by the hope in the reward of eternity. The Lord promises, “By your endurance, you will gain your lives.” Let us be sure that if we conquer the beast (of evil) as in the first reading, we too will sing the song of the Lamb, in his heavenly presence. Imperative: Our endurance will be our witness and for sure it will bring us eternal reward (REFLECTION 2 FROM 2021, 24 NOVEMBER) Focus: Fidelity to truth and to the Lord will certainly bring a lot of opposition and persecution upon those who stand for truth and God. But it is worth standing! 1. Following Christ and his values is not an easy task. It will invite many adversities and afflictions. For that matter, anyone who stands for God and good will come across suffering and persecution. The simple reason is a world whose values are shallow and compromising cannot accept such contrasts and challenges. 2. The same will be the fate of the disciples of Christ. If they are truly faithful to their master, then they too will have the same fate as their master – opposition, persecution, trial, and death. In the gospel, Jesus predicts what would befall his disciples because of their fidelity. They will be unjustly opposed, arrested, put to trial, and persecuted. They will be betrayed even by their own family and even put to death. 3. People of the world turn and rise against the people of God. Many divinise the merely earthly and the worldly. They desecrate and profane the sacred. They do not honor and adhere to the true God but pose themselves against Him. Naturally, these cause trouble for the true followers. 4. In such times, what must the followers do? Do not be disturbed or waver in your minds. But trust and confide in God’s minute care because “not a hair of our head will perish”. Besides, He will supply the wisdom to confront and defeat the enemy. Endure to the end. Be convinced of the just judgment of God. Direction: The times of suffering and persecution are not fighting a losing battle. It is indeed an opportune time to bear testimony to our faith and love for the Lord (REFLECTION 2 FROM 2020) Focus: When God is with us, what can be against us? When we are for God, who can resist us? When we stand with God and for God, who can strike us down and shatter us? 1. These are really hard times, especially for those who are sincere and loyal to the right values. Fidelity to God's ways in faith and charity is always a great challenge. This readily throws one into adverse and suffering situations. 2. History repeatedly proves this to us. Those who are uncompromising pay a heavy price. Persecution and even death become their lot. Infidelity and betrayal are quite real facts to be expected. Such situations are really painful, frightening and discouraging. 3. But Jesus is assuring us "Do not fear", and "Every hair of your head is counted". "My Spirit will give you the wisdom to overcome the adversaries". Therefore, in the face of negative experiences, what is needed is not fear or depression but trust in God's unfailing love and power. 4. We need not fear because God Himself is with us. We need not lose heart because God takes deeply personal care of each one of us. We need not worry about how to counter the opponents, because God’s own wisdom will confound them. 5. Further, our suffering receives a greater motive and merit: they are authentic means of bearing testimony to the Lord. Patience and perseverance in adversities will testify to how convinced we are in our faith and how loyal we are to the Lord. Direction: Struggle and suffering for God and good is always meritorious. Therefore, we must develop a culture of positive acceptance and a joyful atmosphere. A fearful over-concern and tact to avoid and escape from any worthwhile challenge is actually not in tune with our witnessing value. 24 NOVEMBER 2022: REV 18. 1-2, 21-23; 19. 1-3, 9a; LUKE 21. 20-28 Thrust: Testing times are trusting times! Indicative: The description of the end times is so vivid and frightening as well. But the intention and the direction of all these details is not to create fear and terror but to make us cautious, judicious, and prepared 1. The Word of God in both readings continues to impress upon us the reality of the end times and God’s judgment. The details of the end-time occurrences are in fact devastating and terrifying. They will be surely times of destruction and desolation. They will be very frustrating because they would upset the thinking and designs of the world. 2. But as believers and followers of the Lord, our focus should not be so much on the details of what will happen. Rather we must be more concerned about their “sign” value. We must reflect and detect what they signify and indicate to us. 3. Clearly, all the disastrous, catastrophic, unpleasant, and unfavourable situations are signs of God’s impending judgment. That judgment will be just. Evil may be ruling high. Good and faithful people may be at the losing end. All sincerity and fidelity may be futile and just useless. 4. But our faith must make us realise and be convinced that God is the most powerful and no other force can withstand His power. The domination of evil is only temporary and short-lived. At the appointed time, on the day of reckoning, God will intervene and judge with justice. 5. On that day, all evil and uncleanness, symbolized by Babylon in the book of Revelation will be fallen and destroyed. He would “judge the great prostitute who corrupted the earth with her immorality, and avenge on her the blood of his servants.” 6. But on the other hand, “Blessed are those who are invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb,” and “Salvation and glory and power belong to our God,” and he will reward them to those who strive to merit them. 7. We can receive them if we “straighten up and raise our heads,” firmly hoping that “our redemption is drawing near.” We can straighten up if we try to stand erect and walk straight in the path of the Lord. We shall not bend or stoop down to the earth. We shall raise our heads and remain fallen on the ground. Imperative: The reality of end times and God’s just judgment should not disturb and dissipate us with needless fear and worry. Rather we shall become more responsible, and grow in trust and entrustment (REFLECTION 2 FROM 2021, 25 NOVEMBER) Focus: In our life, many times many things may go wrong, many may go against us, and many tormenting moments will mount over us. But never lose heart or faith! 1. The gospel contains the details of the forthcoming destruction of Jerusalem. It also cautions us about the end times. We need not understand the end chronologically as some fixed time in the future that awaits us. Rather we can understand it as a time of judgment by God. This will be preceded by testing and trying times that will consist of many natural upsets and disasters. 2. When we are ridden by such pressuring situations, what must be our reaction and response? Jesus gives us the answer: “When these things begin to take place, look up and raise your heads because your redemption is drawing near”. 3. We shall not be in a panic. We shall not be shaken in our faith. We shall raise our heads to the God of heaven. Let us turn the testing time into a trusting time. We shall firmly believe that our affliction is a time of testimony to the living God and thus also a time of redemption for us. Accordingly, our faith shall not be in vain. Direction: Faith and hope shall never disappoint us or fail us. God never abandons those who trust in Him. Let us turn our testing times into trusting and testifying times! (REFLECTION 2 FROM 2020) Focus: Faith is tested and testified through trying times for its depth and loyalty. It shines bright and firm when it passes through the crucible of suffering 1. As we are at the threshold of the holy Advent, the liturgy of the Word of God is insistently pressing upon us the gravity and the perplexity of the end times. We are reminded that true faith is not a guarantee and a shield against the brunt of the problems and painful consequences of violence and calamities. Faith does not exempt one to be spared from them, which are bound to happen. 2. They are in fact part of the human lot and also part of testing and testifying to our faith. Even the spiritual glory like the Jerusalem temple was destroyed. Evil will strike hard against even the spiritual treasures and powers which we hold so sacred and precious. But it is not a sign of the domination of evil over good and God. 3. It is the process of salvation and re-creation. It is the nearing of our redemption. Therefore, two lessons can be very valid for our own times for both categories of people. For those who indulge in evil: they may feel that theirs is the day, that there is no stop for their evil, that they are prospering. Let them become aware that the reign of evil is not enduring and permanent; that their apparent control of the world is only passing; that they will be taken to task on the appointed day; that they are accountable for every single action of their evil. 4. This is very clearly depicted in the first reading from Revelation: all those who were indulging in evil will receive severe judgment and punishment. Then, those who are honest and loyal to God: they need not lose heart at the domination of evil; they need not be frightened at the devastating effects of evil; they also should not expect that their faith and goodness will be foolproof from any difficulty. Direction: Therefore, we shall not lie down with drooping spirits when adversities and afflictions assault us. Rather "we shall stand erect, look up and raise our heads in hope and assurance" 25 NOVEMBER 2022: REV 20. 1-4, 11 – 21.2; LUKE 21. 29-33 Thrust: Newness adorned! Indicative: Suffering and Destruction are unpleasant, undesirable, and frightening. But we can look beyond them as a threshold for newness and eternity of life 1. Death and life are quite evident realities in our human life. Life ends when death comes. Thus death marks the end of life. This is the natural human reality. But for us believers and followers of Christ, it is a totally different perspective. Death is not a complete cessation of life but a continuation of life in a different way and form. 2. Death is the point of transition and passage from one kind of life to another. Life changes but continues. Death is the bridge where one walks from temporal earthly existence to the eternal heavenly presence. 3. Death is the point of movement from temporality to eternity, from perishability to imperishability, from the physical to the spiritual realm, and from the earthly domain to the heavenly domain. This movement and transition happen at God’s judgment. At death, all are subject to divine judgment. 4. Thus death becomes the decisive moment for one’s destiny, either redemption and eternal bliss, or damnation and eternal hell. There is no point here to argue about why God can condemn some to eternal hell without any mercy. The issue here is that “each one is judged according to what they have done” on this earth. The book of life will be opened and heaven or hell is decided based on name or no name in the book. 5. Numberless opportunities are given to everyone. So many signs and indications are provided to us to understand and accordingly take proper actions. Just as the fig tree and other trees begin to grow and bear fruit according to the season, so also we must continue to flourish and fructify progressively. 6. We are able to read and know and interpret the seasons. In the same way, we must be attentive and alert to understand the message and cautions of the times. We must know that all these signs indicate that the kingdom of God is near. We shall not be stuck up with the adverse turns and destructive elements in life. Rather we shall focus on what is beyond. 7. Beyond destruction, there is reconstruction. Beyond the darkness, there is perpetual light. Beyond defeat, there is victory. Beyond failure, there is a success. Beyond suffering, there is glory. Beyond sadness, there is joy. All the testing and difficult times are an orientation, and an opening to “a new heaven and a new earth.” Imperative: No difficulties and afflictions in life should take away the joy of our hope in the future things. We must be firmly convinced of our eternal destiny. There is life in heaven that never ends after the life that ends on earth (REFLECTION 2 FROM 2021, 26 NOVEMBER) Focus: Problems and persecutions, terrors, and destruction may cause some fear and worry. But as children of God and followers of Christ, they shall not shake our faith or throw us into dissipation 1. No one’s life is easy and all pleasant. Every life will have its own tales of worry and grief. All the more, the strange logic of life in this world is those who are on the side of God and good will certainly suffer. It is the cost of the high and godly. It is the price that is to be paid. 2. On the other hand, life on earth is also beset with a lot of unfavourable and adverse natural reversals and happenings. Different explanations may be given. Most of the human suffering like poverty, dehumanisation, etc. may be due to human wickedness and selfishness. And most of the natural suffering caused by natural calamities again may be partly due to the human upsetting of the environmental balance and harmony. However, suffering remains always a mystery that cannot be fully grasped. 3. Whatever be the cause of suffering, suffering is a reality. And for a follower of Christ, suffering for his faith and for the sake of the good of others is always an opportunity to persevere in patience and hopefulness. Adverse situations do not mean that evil dominates God and good. They are testing grounds. They are indicators that “the kingdom of God is near”. 4. The victory of evil and the defeat of good are only temporary. For, as we hear Daniel 7. 2-14, “To him belongs all dominion, glory, and kingdom; all peoples, nations, and languages should serve him; his dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and his kingdom shall not be destroyed”. 5. “Heaven and earth will pass away, but his words will not pass away”. Therefore, when all these adverse things happen, understand that it is all part of the process. Just as the fig tree’s different stages show the different seasons, so also all the occurrences in life are pointers toward the kingdom of God. Direction: The negative and unfavorable experiences in life shall not distract or distort us from God and His kingdom. Rather, they work as timely triggers that press our attention on our destiny (REFLECTION 3 FROM 2020, 27 NOVEMBER) Focus: Destruction and pain are not necessarily negative and life-choking but are also challenging and life-promoting. New life can sprout up when the old things cease 1. No doubt that in human life, there is a lot of element of destruction and the consequent pain. And usually, they are resented and resisted. It is because of the negative effects of deprivation and struggle in different ways. 2. For example, when family life is destroyed, when a business is destroyed, when life- prospects are destroyed, when reputation is destroyed, when material securities like houses etc. are destroyed, it is really painful. 3. However, struggle and destruction are also part of growth and fruition as well. A seed struggles and dies to give rise to a new life. People get enlightened, strengthened, courageous, and renewed, going through tough times. 4. Therefore, in the face of adverse situations, what is needed is to see beyond them - the glory that awaits us. Sad and unfavorable situations should not push us into despair. It is not the pleasantness or unpleasantness of the experiences that necessarily decide their quality. 5. There is no guarantee that what is pleasant is good, and that what is unpleasant is bad. Often, what is pleasurable can be bad also. All that is needed is to persist to trust in the Lord, despite all the adverse happenings. Let us confide in his assurance: “Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away”. Direction: The difficult times that we face should not push us into gloom and doom. They should rather ignite us with renewed hope. It is the hope that they are the days of the "nearness of God's kingdom" 26 NOVEMBER 2022: REVELATION 22. 1-7; LUKE 21. 34-36 Thrust: Get ready! Indicative: Behold, the Lord is coming soon. Therefore, be prepared and ready so that we are not caught unawares and shocked 1. We have a series of admonitions from Jesus. They concern our preparation to meet the end times and God’s judgment. The day of judgment and reckoning will be sudden and unexpected. It will come like a trap. It will spare no one and none can escape it. 2. Therefore there should be a fitting preparation. How? We must follow three main directives: Be watchful. Be awake. Pray at all times. Many times many get entangled with the affairs of the world. Their hearts become weighed down with dissipation, drunkenness, and cares of this life. 3. This implies unnecessary worries and tensions that dissipate us, pleasures and gratifications that keep us drunk and blurred, and unworthy worldly affairs and pursuits that deviate and divert our focus. Often worldly concerns and interests make us lose our focus and our foresightedness. They make us very short-sighted and self-demarcated. They make us hopeless and despairing. They make us easy victims of evil. 4. Our watchfulness and praying will guard us against such harmful leanings. They will keep our hearts light, sober, and unpreoccupied. They will give us the strength not to succumb and fall prey to such temptations and negative pressures. They will make us stand worthy before the Lord. 5. Our constant striving must be to conduct ourselves as people of heaven. We must always remind ourselves that we are destiny-oriented people, meant for higher things and the highest eternity. We must always cleanse and refresh ourselves from the river of the “water of life.” We must feed ourselves on the ever-producing “tree of life.” We must seek “healing” from its leaves. 6. Further, we must unceasingly contemplate the beatific vision and joy of eternal life and its bliss. “His servants will see his face, and his name will be on their foreheads. And night will be no more… The Lord God will be their light, and they will reign forever and ever.” Imperative: Payer is the only and the greatest weapon and equipment that enables us to stand firm and withstand all the discouraging, frightening, and deviating forces and pressures. Blessed are they that will be found worthy before him! (REFLECTION 2 FROM 2021, 27 NOVEMBER) Focus: Perishability is a bounden truth of earthly human life. Everything that is earthly will perish and pass. Only God and His kingdom remain! 1. It is really ironic that the human brain which is able to see, calculate, and plan for centuries ahead, fails to see beyond its own death. He who achieves much does not remember much that all that is physical and material is perishable. Consequently often man engrosses himself in what is on earth. He becomes so earth-bound and life becomes so short-sighted. In Jesus’ own words, “hearts get weighed down with dissipation and drunkenness and cares of this life”. 2. These words of Jesus mean a lot. There is a warning to guard against the danger of making our hearts heavy and burdened with worthless weights. There is an invitation to make our hearts light getting rid of all unnecessary loads. Jesus is also very clear about what makes us weighed down. He lists three main factors: dissipation, drunkenness, and cares of this life. 3. Jesus is very practical and realistic. He knows very well that these often make our life joyless and burdensome. We often fall into bouts of dissatisfaction, discouragement, emptiness, and depression. There is also an increasing drink-culture. However, drunkenness can also be understood as a comfort and pleasure-seeking culture and can indicate an easy-going and compromising life. It is being “drunk with worldliness”. And then there is always the trap of over-anxiety about the preoccupations, pursuits, and interests of the world. 4. What then is the remedy? Be constantly aware that the end is sure but sudden and unexpected. Therefore, be prepared. Watch at all times. Pray ceaselessly to become strong to stand firm, and to stand worthy before the judgment of God. Direction: Watchfulness and prayerfulness in faithfulness and goodness are the antidotes for a worrisome life amidst the pulls of pleasures and pressures (REFLECTION 3 FROM 2020, 28 NOVEMBER) Focus: The more one is immersed in unworthy, unhealthy, and deviated interests and pursuits, the more life becomes debased and cursed 1. “Man is born free but is in chains everywhere”, is a famous philosophical statement. That is very true. Man craves so much for freedom, but often unconsciously loses the same freedom because of his various inclinations and preoccupations of life. 2. Sadly, he mistakes licentiousness for freedom, self-indulgence for self-promotion, and self-gratification for self-fulfillment. In the name of modernity, immorality is glorified; perverted passion becomes fashion; vulgarity is defended as self-determination; exhibitionism is promoted as public imaging. 3. Man confuses mindless activity as being enterprising and productive. Real joy is reduced to short-lived pleasures and enjoyments. This is exactly the situation of a defocused and harmful “immersion” that Jesus warns us in the gospel. He cautions: Don’t immerse yourselves in a life of pleasure, drunkenness, and worldly cares. 4. The danger and the undesirable consequence is that we will be caught unawares like a trap, before God on the day of judgment. To counteract this destructive immersion, what is needed is a constructive “inversion” into God. This implies being ever attentive and on guard, to be ever watchful and praying. 5. In the light of the first reading from Revelation, it means to be focused on our eternal destiny and the immense bliss and joy of it. Those who remain loyal to God will live in his eternal presence, will see his face, and his name will be on their foreheads. There will be no more night. God Himself will be their light, and they will reign forever. Direction: What foolishness it is that man loses one whole eternity for the sake of a fraction of temporality, that he loses the immensity of bliss in exchange for a shallow pleasure! 

33 Rd week days mass reflection of the year 22

---------- 14 - 19 NOVEMBER 2022, HOLY MASS REFLECTIONS 14 NOVEMBER 2022: REVELATION 1.1-4, 2.1-5a; LUKE 18. 35-43 Thrust: My first love! Indicative: It happens in the case of many that there is a lot of enthusiasm initially. But in course of time, it declines because priorities change 1. Often many start great with a lot of focus, determination, and dedication in their life of faith. This is their first love in which there is passion and intensity. This is testified in the initial faith of the church of Ephesus in the book of Revelation. 2. Some of the details of this first love are very vivid and striking: There is Toil and patient endurance in bearing up for the Lord’s sake. They are judicious and discerning concerning false teachers. They shun the evil ones and refrain from them. They never grew weary but zealous and vibrant. 3. But they have abandoned their first love. They have fallen away from their heights of faith and fidelity. This is exactly the blindness that is typified in the gospel. There is a blind man of Jericho sitting by the roadside begging. But he is aware of his blindness. He desires to be healed. He approaches Jesus. And he receives his sight. 4. We are also expected to be and do. We must realise that we too have abandoned our first love. How? We do not stand tall and still in our journey of faith. We do not toil hard. We are not cautious and judicious concerning false influences. Neither do keep away from them nor resent them. We do not endure patiently and do not bear up for the Lord’s sake. We easily grow weary and thus lack a sustained zeal and vibrancy. 5. Therefore one must come to sense where we have fallen. We must repent and regain what we have lost. We must restart the works that we did first Imperative: Alas! How easily we have fallen away from our first love, the Lord, and fallen to secondary and unworthy loves, that is undoing cravings and pursuits (REFLECTION 2 FROM 2021, 15 NOVEMBER) Focus: True faith is the interior sight that enables one to see what is true, good, and pleasing in God’s sight. Any abandonment of faith is nothing but blindness 1. In the gospel, Jesus heals a blind man. His persistence is a striking fact. When he begins to cry out to Jesus to heal him, the people around rebuke him to be silent. But he cries out all the more. 2. This is an inspiration and challenge to all the followers of Christ and all the believers of God. When there are so many opposing forces, when there are many negative and misleading influences, still can they remain clear and firm? Even when their life is at stake because of their choice for God and justice, can they remain stable and loyal? 3. Especially in our own times, when false values are profitable and rewarding, when compromises bring forth lucrative results and dividends, do we resist and persist? Is it not true that today too there are many who abandon God and sell themselves to do evil? 4. This is truly the blindness of heart and soul. Disloyalty is that blindness where one fails to see fidelity to God and the right values as the greatest priority in life. Like the blind man who says to Jesus, “Lord, let me receive my sight”, let us also plead with him to give us the sight. Direction: How many of us are really loyal and persevering to choose to die rather than to be defiled by false trends and values and to profane the holy covenant of God? (REFLECTION 3, 2021, 24 OCTOBER: (Parallel) MARK 10. 46-52) Focus: When we are weighed down by the burden of difficulties, let us not lose heart. Let us turn to Jesus. Let us trust in His compassion. Let us cry out to him. And we will surely experience his relieving intervention. 1. Today the Word of God invites us to focus on blindness, especially in the light of the healing of a blind man in the gospel. The scene is dramatic. There is a blind beggar. He cries out to Jesus to have mercy on him. The annoyed and irritated people chide him and try to quieten him. But he continues to shout aloud. Jesus calls for him and asks him, “What do you want me to do for you?”. He replies, “Master, let me receive my sight”. Jesus says, “Go your way; your faith has made you well”. Immediately he received his sight. 2. Some simple details are notable. The blind man is a beggar. He is reduced to beggary. This shows the loss of human dignity and also his condition of dependence on others’ mercy. Thus, blindness is not merely a matter of physical deformity. It is more pervasive affecting the whole person. And the blind man is aware of his need. He needs sight, not only the physical. He needs the ability to see his own lost dignity, the lost beauty of life, and the lost joy of relationships. 3. He is clear about what he wants. Jesus too wants us to be clear about what we really want. That is why, Jesus asks him, “What do you want me to do for you?” And he rightly replies, “I want to see”. Sight is his priority and nothing else because he knows that by regaining sight, he will regain all that has been lost. 4. That is why he starts crying out loud. He would persist despite people’s rebuke. He would catch the attention of the master. He was determined to stop the master’s mercy on the roadside. And when Jesus called for him, he was already sure of the Lord’s healing. He would no longer feel the need for his mantle. He would no longer need to sit on the roadside. He would no longer need to beg. That is why, symbolizing the change to come, he throws off his mantle. He springs up from the ground. He hastens to Jesus. His faith wins the master’s favour! 5. At this point, we can note that this physical blindness is more symbolic. It indicates wider and more pervasive blindness. What Jesus heals is not merely physical blindness. His healing is a restoration of holistic sight. Sin causes different layers of blindness. Sin makes us blind toward God, toward others, toward our own self, toward life, toward society, and the whole creation. 6. The question of Jesus is very valid: “What do you want me to do for you?” The blind man knew what he lacked and what he needed. Do we know what we want? Do we realize what we lack? Do we realize that we are blind in very many ways and that we fail to see very many things? 7. How often we are blind toward God, failing to see His love, His will, and His holy plans? How often we are blind toward others, failing to see them as our brothers and sisters, as our fellow travelers, who have their own good and also struggles? How often we are blind toward our own self, failing to see ourselves as we are, with our merits and demerits as well? How much do we fail to see our true image in the likeness of God, and also the false sheathes that are covering heavily this deeper image? How much do we fail to see life as a blend of the pleasant and the unpleasant, good and bad? How often do we fail to see the true nature of life as transient on earth and destined toward eternity? How much do we fail to see our duty toward society and also its role in our life? How often do we fail to see our moral obligations as social persons? And how much do we also fail to see the whole creation as a handiwork of God and thus nurture a sense of stewarding and care toward it instead of manipulating and destroying it? Direction: All of us are blind in different ways. We must realise and accept it in sincerity. We must in faith run to the Lord for sight. But once healed, we must walk the Lord’s way and not our own way. This is really to be in tune with the promise of God in Jeremiah 31. 8-9: I will make the blind and lame walk in a straight path in which they shall not stumble. (REFLECTION 4 FROM 2020, 16 NOVEMBER) Focus: God is within us and amidst us, He is before us and beyond us. He remains hidden and invisible but His power and love are made manifest in numberless ways. Blessed is he who is able to see! Blindness is a great loss. Only the one who is blind can really know how terrible it is. It is true that many of us feel so much pity for blind people. We feel sad that they are missing so much, that they miss the colors, the beauty of life and persons. We may also wonder how they can accept such deprivation and live happily. Such human emotion is good toward others. But do we realize and appreciate how blessed we are to have sight, to be able to see! Do we also act responsibly on what we see? Do we have a sense of discretion regarding what to see and what not to see? Jesus in the gospel heals a blind man by the name Bartimaeus. This blind man can teach us simple but useful lessons for our life. His blindness reduces him to beggary, sitting by the roadside. He hears of Jesus’ coming. He does not want to miss the chance of healing. He cries out pleading with Jesus to have mercy on him. The rebuke of the annoyed people to keep quiet does not silence his voice nor quieten his desire for healing. He persists all the more in his cry for help. His perseverance catches the attention of the Master and wins his mercy. He is called by Jesus. When told that he was called by the Master, we can note some notable actions on his part. He throws off his mantle. He springs up. He comes to Jesus. Already the very call by the Lord itself ensures him the recovery of his sight. He no longer feels the need for his mantle. He needs no more sitting, stuck to the ground. That is why he springs up and moves to Jesus. Here too, at the encounter with Jesus, he is quite clear about what he needs. Asked by Jesus, ‘what do you want me to do for you?’ he is prompt to answer, “Master, let me receive my sight”. His faith is rewarded. Jesus heals him saying “Your faith has made you well. Go your way”. He is no longer blind. He is able to see and walk the way. His sight is not only physical. His sight is whole and holistic. He is able to see the Lord. That is why, instead of going his way, he follows Jesus on his way. Direction: Much more than the exterior, physical sight, today we are invited to shift our attention to our interior sight. To be empathetic toward the blind is good, but let us recognize our own blindness toward God and toward others. Failing in faith is spiritual blindness; failing in fraternal perspective and goodness is fraternal blindness; failing in moral values is moral blindness (REFLECTION 5) Focus: Awareness and admission of blindness is the primary step in the recovery of sight In the gospel, Jesus restores sight to a blind man. In this miracle, what is striking is the depth and persistence of his desire to receive sight. He is already aware of Jesus' power and mercy. He waits for the right occasion and jumps upon the first opportunity. He does not feel annoyed or discouraged by the people's scolding and preventing him. He does not give up his desire. He realizes his need and also dependence on Jesus. He shouts out for Jesus' mercy. He encounters Jesus and explicates his desire and need. Accordingly, Jesus rewards his faith by granting sight to him. Jesus is always ready and willing to heal us. But for this healing, in the first place, what Jesus wants from us is to realize our own blindness, and to deeply desire to be cured of it. This is what he implies in his question to the blind man, “What do you want me to do for you?”. This is not a question of ignorance of the need of the blind man. Surely, Jesus knows very well what the blind man needs. What can a blind man ask for, if not sight? But what Jesus wants from us, is that we sincerely realise what we lack and deeply feel what we need. All of us are blind because often we fail to see clearly what we essentially lack and need. Wrongly, many see only shallow lacks and needs, and not the deep and essential. This real blindness is explained in Revelation. It is the “loss of the first love”. It is being blind to the first love with God. It is the loss of original fidelity and passion. It is the lack of enthusiasm of faith. Direction: One cannot be restored sight so long as one pretends not to be blind. Many think that they are clear-sighted and far-sighted, and that is why they continue to be blindfolded and stumbling. 15 NOVEMBER 2022: REVELATION 3. 1-6, 14-22; LUKE 19. 1-10 Thrust: Wake Up! Indicative: The world is suffering so much from pretension and lukewarmness. People appear to be all okay but they are very shallow and defective 1. In the book of Revelation, God admonishes the different churches because all lack all that is supposed to be there. Their works are not found complete in the sight of God. Some appear to be so alive. They create such good impressions and enjoy public reputation. They soil their garments. 2. Some others are neither cold nor hot. They are so dormant and indifferent. They are neither closed nor open. They are neither good nor bad. They are the so-called “neutral” people. They think that they are balanced people and do not take sides. But these are highly unreliable because they are not trustworthy. After all, they are tepid and unaffected. 3. These suffer from a spirit of self-sufficiency and complacency. They wrongly presume that they are rich, They have everything, and lack nothing. They think that they are well-dressed and clearsighted. But in reality, they are wretched, poor, blind and the naked. 4. Therefore what is needed is openness and receptivity. Zacchaeus stands before us as a symbol. We are invited to hear what the Spirit says. We need to hear his voice and open the door to him who stands at the door of our hearts and knocks. We need to let him in and sit and eat with us. We need to wake up and remember, recollect and retain what we have received and heard. 5. We need to strengthen what remains and what is about to die. We need to allow God to anoint our eyes so that we may see. We need to be humble to see our wretchedness and misery and seek the Lord to touch and heal us. We need to allow him to reprove and discipline us. 6. We must constantly strive to conquer the evil one. Thus we shall be clothed in white garments. Our names shall not be blotted out of the book of life. Thereupon we are granted the privilege to stand erect before the world. Imperative: Pretension, indifference, and complacency are very pernicious in our spiritual life. These will make us fall away from God’s grace and eternity. (REFLECTION 2 FROM 2021, 16 NOVEMBER) Focus: Faith is not merely believing some doctrines and following certain laws and traditions. Faith is essentially a matter of faithfulness come what may 1. In the gospel, in the person of Zacchaeus, we have an example of faith. Zacchaeus received new faith. He made a total about-turn. He turned to Jesus with a passionate heart, and he tuned his whole life to the person and following of Jesus. 2. He truly made a journey of faith. This is seen in his transition from a deep desire to encounter Jesus to total conversion and transformation of life. From the extortion of a tax collector, there is a big leap of distributing half of his property to the poor and fourfold repay to those defrauded. Thereby, he is counted as a son of Abraham from being labelled as an ostracised sinner. He is blessed with salvation, being liberated from the curse of sin. Direction: We are constantly reminded about how we should traverse the journey of faith. We need to constantly transit from imperfect faith to perfect faith. We must safeguard and preserve the gift and treasure of faith in the faithfulness (REFLECTION 3 FROM 2020, 17 NOVEMBER) Arrow: Am I neither cold nor hot, but lukewarm? Focus: All that matters to God is not status or position, but a humble and honest heart. Every sincere and committed effort on behalf of God will win His abundant grace The story of Zacchaeus is a great source of consolation and encouragement for all. For God's grace accepts and graces us despite our unworthiness and failures. Zacchaeus, being a tax collector was labelled as a sinner and was despised. Yet Jesus was not conditioned by these human considerations, calculations, or labels. He is not prejudiced. He is not resentful or judgmental. He does not condemn him but readily offers his mercy and salvation. For his part, Zacchaeus does his homework. He nurtures a profound desire and motivation to see Jesus. He is not discouraged by the obstacles of his shortness and crowd; he takes the trouble to surpass these blocks by placing himself on high climbing a sycamore tree. He encounters Jesus. He responds to Jesus' invitation to be his guest and celebrates his presence with a banquet. He undergoes a deep conversion. He testifies his conversion by a concrete and abundantly generous act of renouncing and sharing: half of his property with the poor, and fourfold repay to all those defrauded. Thus, he truly deserves the blessing and salvation of God. Jesus pronounces the heart-soothing words: “Today, salvation has come to this house. He too is a son of Abraham”. It is not just a blessing and a compliment. It is the greatest gift that one can expect: He is given a new dignity. He is raised from the low level of being a sinner to the noble status of being a son of Abraham, that is, one of the chosen people. He is blessed with salvation, being saved from the curse of sin. What is our journey? Do we desire and set out to encounter Jesus, to be touched and transformed by him? How concrete and authentic is our conversion? Very truly, the biggest block in this journey is our tepidity and lukewarmness. God does vehemently detest it as we hear in Revelation: “You are lukewarm, neither cold nor hot. So I will spit you out of my mouth”. Direction: When one discovers Jesus, the greatest treasure, one will not still be possessed by the possessions. One will not continue unconverted and untransformed 16 NOVEMBER 2022: REVELATION 4. 1-11; LUKE 19. 11-28 Thrust: Rich but wasted! Indicative: In life often suffering and misery is not always because of the lack or scarcity of resources or abilities but because of the lack of goodwill and personal application 1. In the gospel, we have the famous parable of talents. Usually, it is interpreted as encouraging and challenging us to discover and develop our talents. This is a valid direction of reflection. But we can expand it a little more. We can apply it to the whole life in its entirety. 2. The gospel mentions “a nobleman who goes to a far country to receive for himself a kingdom and then return.” This can very well indicate Jesus himself. He is sent by the Father from heaven to the far country of the earth to establish his kingdom and then return. 3. As the nobleman in the parable is hated by his citizens, so too Jesus was hated by his own people, the Pharisees, and scribes. Just as the people sent a delegation after him, saying, “we do not want this man to reign over us,” so too Jesus’ people constantly reject him, resisting his reign over them. 4. Now, just as the nobleman entrusted one mina each to ten of his servants before he left, so too Jesus is entrusting the riches of his blessings, the treasure of his grace. In difference to Matthew 25. 14-30 where the master gives 5, 2, and 1 talents to three of his servants, here in Luke, ten servants are given equally, one each mina. 5. The point is clear: all of us are given God’s spiritual riches. There is no exemption or exclusion or discrimination concerning God’s grace. We are blessed with varied talents. We are expected to put them to use and to be responsible and diligent. We must be productive and bring out abundant fruits. 6. On his return, the Lord would see a reckoning. The first two prospered one mina into 10 and 5 respectively. They are appreciated and rewarded richly with 10 and 5 respectively. Their fidelity in small things brings a rich reward. But the last one hid it unused in a handkerchief and gives back to the master. Imperative: The more we have zeal and productivity, the more we will be blessed. It is like the 24 elders who remained faithful and are clothed in white garments in heaven (REFLECTION 2 FROM 2021, 17 NOVEMBER) Focus: We are gifted and talented in abundant ways. But greatness does not depend on the numerosity of the talents. Rather it depends on the abundance of their use and beneficialness. 1. The parable of talents in today’s gospel is a familiar one to many. A nobleman gives to his ten servants one pound each to trade with them. On his return from his trip afar, the servants are summoned to his presence. All gave back to him added pounds as a result of trading, except one. He laid it in a napkin and gives it back to his master. He did no trading. He laid it to waste. He has no regrets for not putting the pound to use. All the more, he blames his master to be a severe and greedy man and so he is faithfully returning the one pound. 2. Obviously, he incurs the wrath of his master on both counts. One, because he failed to be productive; the other, he falsely accuses his master so as to cover up his failure. How often, are we also not like that last servant? God has gifted us with an abundance of gifts. These can be in the form of some external talents and skills like intelligence and knowledge, eloquence, singing, dancing, et cetera. These also can be in the form of more basic gifts like the ability to love, to give, to forgive, in sum, the whole inner power of virtues. 3. God certainly expects results and fruits. How many gifts and talents is not the matter. Rather how and how much we make use of God-given gifts or talents for the sake of God and good is what matters. We need to bear in mind that concerning external and technical talents, there can be variations. But we need not bother too much about this fact of difference. It is a matter of difference and divergence. It should not be a matter of discrimination. We must be more concerned about the more profound, basic, and abiding qualities and gifts like love and virtue. 4. This is where we have the glowing example of a mother and her seven sons from the 2 Maccabees. She perseveres in her faith not only personally but also motivates and encourages her sons to remain loyal to their God even in the face of death. Their faith is the greatest gift and talent. And we are called to preserve and foster this gift always. Direction: Let us not put the blame God for our lack of responsibility and accountability. Let us become more assiduous and productive. Let us always be faithful stewards and servants (REFLECTION 3 FROM 2020, 18 NOVEMBER) Arrow: Gifts and talents – laid waste or put to use? Focus: What is important is not how much we receive but how much we give in return. God does not see how much we have but He sees what we do with what we have The parable of talents is not a question of the difference of talents given. It is a difference but not discrimination. One need not make an issue out of it justifying disparities and inequalities. The fact is we are born different. Here, it may help us to think of two levels of talent: secondary and primary. The secondary level comprises various skills and competencies, like singing, dancing, art, drawing, intelligence, eloquence, socializing, organizing, etc. And there may be variance in regard to this secondary level of talent. Thus, there is also a possibility for comparisons. But one should not be too caught up with this secondary level. Because, that will lead to unhealthy competition, feelings of disparity, and discrimination. Subsequently, it can also lead to jealousy and arrogance. Rather, it is wise to focus on the primary level of talent, and no one is deprived of the primary level of talent. These are more fundamental and essential. They are namely the gift to love, to give, to be virtuous, to be benevolent to others. Here, there is no question of discrimination. No one is given less than needed to become a fine human person with humane qualities. What is important is how each one searches out all the possibilities to put in the best and to develop himself, without negative and jealous comparison and competition. Each one is accountable for what he has received and how he made the best use of his gifts. There is no use of receiving more but giving back little. Direction: The real matter is not how many talents we have or how talented we are but how receptive and productive we are, how responsible and fruitful we are 17 NOVEMBER 2022: REVELATION 5. 1-10; LUKE 19. 41-44 Thrust: God is weeping! Indicative: God’s voice and message is always loud and clear. He constantly invites us to open ourselves to realise, repent and return to him. But many would not mind it. 1. Today, in both readings, there is weeping. In the first reading, John sees a heavenly vision and weeps over people because there is no one found worthy to open the scroll and break its seals. In the gospel, Jesus weeps over Jerusalem city because they do not know the time of God’s visitation and the things that make for peace. 2. We need to note that this weeping is not merely emotional or sentimental but it is a sign of profound anguish and pain at the saddening situation. Now, the common reason for weeping is the people’s lack of openness and cooperation to see God’s presence and action in their lives. And the consequence is the lack of a worthy life to be in God’s eternal presence. 3. One alone is worthy to open the scroll and break its seals. It is Jesus, the Saviour. He is the lion of Judah, the Root of David. He has conquered evil and is worthy. But what is strange is how he conquered. It is not by force or violence as a fierce lion but as a meek lamb. He shed his own blood and ransomed all people for God. He has made them a kingdom and priests to our God. And they shall reign on earth. 4. The contrast in the fate of those who follow the Lamb and those who do not is very clear. Those who renew themselves to be ransomed by the blood of the lamb would be made a kingdom and priests to our God and they shall reign on earth. 5. But as for those who are totally unaware and unresponsive to God’s visitation, they will be destroyed. The destruction of Jerusalem city is symbolic of this destruction of the unfaithful. “Their enemies will tear them down to the ground, and all their human and earthly glory will be devastated. Imperative: God is still weeping because of the mounting indifference and unawareness of people toward God’s visitation and interventions (REFLECTION 2 FROM 2021, 18 NOVEMBER) Focus: What is very consoling and heartening is that our God is a God of heart. He feels for us and with us. He is so sensitive that he even weeps over us, for our plight and flight with evil 1. Jesus weeps over Jerusalem because he knew her impending destruction. The city and the temple were symbols of glory and honor. But these external causes of greatness would not save them from their fateful misery. 2. Jesus also states the reason for this destructive end. It is because they did not recognize the time of God’s visitation to them. In the context of the history of salvation, “God visits His people” would mean that he enters into their life, encounters them and also intervenes in their testing times, and transforms their condition. 3. Truly God visited his people in and through his own Son, Jesus. He offered them his love, guided them with his light, and strengthened them with his power. But sadly, the people did not accept him and cooperate with him. They rejected his message and the effect of his saving acts. Consequently, they invited upon themselves destruction. In fact, it is self-destruction. They cannot blame anyone else for their pitiable ruin except their own selves.. 4. Today we commemorate the dedication of the basilicas of Saints Peter and Paul. This urges us to a renewed zeal for God, God’s house, and God’s holy statutes. We must remain faithful to the laws and ordinances inherited through our long and hallowed traditions. Even though we are threatened and intimidated by dire consequences, we must not swerve in our loyalty. Direction: In a world and religion of mediocrity and lukewarmness especially in matters of faith and charity, as true followers of Christ we must revive and rekindle the losing fire of burning zeal for God and conviction (REFLECTION 3 FROM 2020, 19 NOVEMBER) Arrow: If only you know the ways of God? Focus: No amount of external glory or worldly accomplishments can substitute for openness to God and His grace Jesus weeps over Jerusalem. No doubt that the city and temple of Jerusalem are icons of glory and pride for their people. But this glory and greatness cannot save them, they fail to be receptive and cooperative to God’s grace. All the exterior splendor, pomp, and name cannot condone and make good for their lack of receptivity and cooperation. God in His mercy has come to visit His people and save them through His only Son Jesus. In the words of Revelation, he is the lion of Judah, who alone is worthy to open the book of life, read it, break open its seals and thus throw open the treasures of salvation. He shows them the ways of peace and urges them to walk these ways. He immolates himself for their sake. He bails himself out as ransom in order to purchase them back. But they do not recognise God's visitation. They become obstinate and refuse to adhere to Jesus. This deeply anguishes the loving heart of Jesus that cries out bitter tears. God continues to weep over us and the whole of humanity. His heart languishes looking at how man prides himself in the external displays and glories. He is deeply pained by how man seeks vain pleasures. He is agonized at how man willingly renders himself in the hands of the enemies. True to Jesus’ words in the gospel passage, the “enemies surround him with barricades, shut him in and press on him on every side. And they will dash him and his children to the ground. They will not leave a stone upon a stone within his manmade kingdom”. How truly today’s man is bound in manifold ways! Direction: It is better to weep over making Jesus weep for us, instead of priding ourselves in vain and shallow glories 18 NOVEMBER 2022: REVELATION 10. 8-11; LUKE 19. 45-48 Thrust: Temple is a house of prayer! Indicative: Temple is not only a place of worship but a dwelling of the holy God. Being in the temple should stir in us a sense of devotion and holiness 1. Jesus drove out those who were doing business in the temple. Here some miss the main point because they focus on the action of Jesus as a “holy or just anger.” Thus they may also justify their own anger as just anger. 2. First of all, the main focus is not on the anger of Jesus. Actually, it is not anger, and there is no holy or just anger. It is not angry because he did not lose his temper. He acted that way not because he lost control of his temper, not because he became impulsive and overemotional as it happens in the case of many. 3. It was passion and zeal. It was not directed against any individuals. It was an expression of profound passion for God and His house. It was not a simple situation of disorder. It was a serious situation of desecration. It was a total failure in the sense of the sacred. 4. It was this passion that drew people to him and hung on his words. In this way, he became himself a temple – carrying God’s presence, communicating God’s word, and giving people a true sense and effect of godliness. 5. The symbolism of ‘eating scroll’ can indicate this: the power of his presence and word. Eating signifies complete assimilation and total absorption of God’s word into us. It is sweet in the mouth but bitter in the stomach. 6. Similarly, God’s word may look pleasurable and palpable at the outset but once we really receive it and send it inside, then it may create a bitter taste. That is what it must do, make an inner change. 7. This symbolism can also refer to our own ministry. It will be really challenging. It may appear to be sweet apparently but will create a bitter taste inside. That is why many resent and resist. That is what happened in the case of the Pharisees and scribes at the words and actions of Jesus. They were bitter in their stomachs. So they seek to destroy him. Imperative: What are our churches and temples – houses of prayer or dens of robbers? Are they ambience of devotion or commotion? Noise or voice of God? (REFLECTION 2 FROM 2021, 19 NOVEMBER) Focus: One of the greatest tragedies of today’s society is the loss of the sense of the sacred. A spirit and culture of profanity has invaded all the spheres of life 1. In the gospel, we have an act of reconsecration of the temple by Jesus. Jesus cleanses the temple that has become a business place, a “den of robbers”. The holy temple was truly desecrated and it needed a re-consecration. Jesus needed the guts and he had them. He knew that it would aggravate animosity against him as the authorities sought to destroy him as an immediate reaction. But nothing would deter his zeal for God and His holy abode. 2. Jesus was filled with a holy fire of just anger because the sacredness was not only ignored and abandoned but also replaced by profanity. The House of prayer was turned into a den of robbers! These two incidents of reconsecration must strongly challenge us about our own frequent tendencies and acts of desecration of our temples. 3. Desecration of the temple takes place in two ways. It is a direct desecration whenever we do not sustain an ambience of the holy in our churches. Whenever we fail to experience and foster an atmosphere of holiness, there is desecration. Besides, whenever we use our churches for profane purposes, turning them into marketing or advertising or organizing halls, there is desecration. 4. But there is also another serious desecration. Whenever people enter the holy temple with desecrated hearts and lives, there is also a grievous desecration. When the temple is peopled with people, so much polluted by sin and evil, it is a pervasive desecration. Direction: It is not enough that we decorate and venerate our churches and celebrate various spiritual activities in them. We must make sure that they transmit an aura of holiness and cleanse us. We need a reconsecration both of our temples and believers! (REFLECTION 3 FROM 2020, 20 NOVEMBER) Focus: Sense of the sacred and fear of God alone will lead to order and harmony in life Jesus does a sort of temple cleansing. He appears rather violent and drives out all the marketing and shopping in the temple area. The driving motive behind this just anger is his passion for the sanctity of God’s holy house. How could the most Holy One of God compromise on desecrating what is consecrated? The same can be the situation in the present times. One of the major tragedies of today's society is temples that are consecrated are getting desecrated. This happens in both the senses and aspects of the temple. First, the temple as referring to the churches, the holy places of worship. Second, the temple as referring to the human person himself. We read in 1 Corinthians 3. 16: "Do you not know that you are a temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you?". Churches are houses of prayer, the unique place of God's personal presence. But sadly, not seldom they are turned into centres and domains of secondary and shallow interests and transactions like the "den of robbers". They become auditoriums for organizational activities. They become stages for displays, platforms for socialization, and launching grounds for self-deliveries. The spiritual ambience which is crucial to a church is often missing. Further, day by the human person is increasingly getting desecrated and polluted by many deviated and aberrant, destructive, and harmful thoughts, words, and actions. We need a thorough cleansing. Direction: We need to recapture our sense and culture of communion with God in humble devotion and surrender. We need to regain our lost innocence and purity of heart and the human person 19 NOVEMBER 2022: REVELATION 11. 4-12; LUKE 20. 27-40 Thrust: God is living! Indicative: Our God is a living God and a life-giving God. He is ever-present and active. But for many and in the lives of many, God is not alive. 1. We reflected on the same passage the last Sunday. Our focus was on God as the God of life, and we as destined for life in eternity. Our simple reflection is God is not dead though many try to make Him dead, many try to deaden His Spirit, His presence, and action. In the life of many, God is not really alive. He does not live for them because they do not bother at all about Him. 2. For many, God becomes a botheration, a disturbance, an annoyance, and a prick of conscience. It is because they misconceive Him as a policeman, a taskmaster, a strict penaliser. They lose that delicacy, intimacy, and beauty of a personal relationship with God. 3. For many, God is a mere concept of mind or an object of worship. The ‘personal touch’ is missing. It is like the Sadducees because they do not believe in the resurrection but ask the argument based on the resurrection. 4. Jesus makes it clear that God has destined everyone for life. He lives and shares the same life with all. Death transits us from the earthly, physical life to resurrection, which is rising to a new life of eternity. 5. This life of resurrection is altogether a totally different realm. Those resurrected are not bound or limited by our earthly human relationships. They rise above human attachments. They are like angels. This primarily means that they are not space-bound or time-bound. 6. To merit such a life of resurrection and life, we need to adhere to the two olives, two lampstands, two witnesses, and two prophets. These may symbolise the OT and NT. Accordingly, those who abide by him will be nourished and bear fruits like the olive tree. They will receive light from the lampstands. They are edified and supported by the two witnesses. They are fortified and admonished by the two prophets. Imperative: Let us not secularise too much heaven and eternal life also. Let us not restrict the unbounded mercy and reign of God (REFLECTION 2, 2021: 20 NOVEMBER) Focus: We are given this life so that we can live it well. This earthly life is only a temporary duration and we should never lose sight of what lies after 1. We often experience and witness a dominant culture of death. A lot of fear, violence, and destruction surrounds us. Respect for life and human dignity, values, and relationships too is fast declining. The idea of God as well as approach to Him are shallow and defective. God is seen as a God of stop-gaps, one who is sought in times of need and use. Further, there is a heavy tendency to “privatize” God also, confining Him to the boundaries of religion or class. 2. All these are nothing but tendencies of making God dead. Perhaps this is the re-rising of the negative philosophy of Nietzsche, “God is dead”. When people do not live and promote the life that is given by God, they deaden God. When God does not live within and amidst the humans, they deaden Him. When His kingdom of love, justice, and peace does not reign among the humans, they make Him dead. 3. It is in this context, the declaration of Jesus that “God is not God of the dead, but of the living; because all life to Him” makes tremendous sense. Death is not our end or destiny. Life and that too, eternal life is our end and destiny. Physical death is only a closure to the earthly life. But it is an opening upon a new life, an everlasting life. 4. This life in eternity is a life above and beyond the earthly life. This means that we are raised to a higher level where we do not operate merely on the basis of earthly ties or human attachments. We will also not be carried away by earthly pursuits or interests. We become fully spiritual and heavenly. In the words of Jesus, we “are equal to angels and are sons of God, being sons of the resurrection”. 5. Therefore, to attain that life of eternity, we need to recommit ourselves to making God live in us and among us. We must be alive to God. We must foster a culture of life that reflects God, for all life belongs to Him. God must re-enter and live more intimately in human hearts, lives, societies and nations. For this, one essential condition is the realisation and repentance over our sinfulness, like Antiochus in the first reading from 1 Maccabees. He reflects, realises, and repents over his wickedness against Israel and against God Himself. Direction: The reality of death must constantly remind us that we must look beyond death. Our faith makes us focused on eternity; our hope must make us directed to heaven, and our charity must make us committed to earth (REFLECTION 3 FROM 2020, 21 NOVEMBER) Focus: This earthly life is not an end by itself but resurrection and eternal life is our destiny. Therefore, let this life now be a worthy passage to the life then Jesus declares: “God is the God of living and not of the dead, for to Him everyone is alive”. Thereby, two fundamental truths are affirmed. God is God of eternity, and we too are destined for the same eternity. Our God is a living God; He is the God of life and He shares this same life, His own life with us. If this is so, then we will live with Him in eternity. This earthly human life is only temporary duration, a transit in preparation for that life without end. Therefore, death is not a permanent closure or cessation of life but is only a door that opens upon resurrection and risen life in heaven. But this destiny after death commits us to life before death to live it with a spirit of focus and direction, detachment and soaring high. Our life on earth should be in such a way qualitative that it qualifies us for life in heaven. Unfortunately, many lose sight of this fundamental nature of nurturing and orientation to life in eternity. Consequently, they tend to live a culture of death. They tend to be heavily conditioned and stuck with only the temporary and transient. They fail to value and appreciate life. They fail to realise that life is precious and sacred because it is a share of God’s own life. That is why often it is so much abused and destroyed. Further, the loss of the sense of eternity also makes people lose their sense of purpose and direction. They become excessively earth-bound. They do not raise themselves to what is above, what is high and lofty. It is ironic that people who claim to be foresighted and far-sighted fail to see the horizons of eternity.