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!