4th week days mass reflection of the year 1

30 JANUARY – 04 FEBRUARY 2023: HOLY MASS REFLECTIONS 30 JANUARY 2023: HEB 11. 32-40; MARK 5. 1-20 Pivot: Faith changes all! Pointer: Faith is most urgent today. Faith is not just believing and following some doctrines and traditions. Faith is to be deeply spiritual and faithful 1.      Once again the theme of faith continues strong in the first reading. Many names are cited, of those who were men of faith. In these men, we see what is true faith, what faith does to them, what faith enables them to do, and how faith transforms them as well as rewards them. 2.      In the light of the first reading, true faith is essentially trusting and obeying God and enduring everything for His sake. They believed in God’s promises and the resurrection. No torture or mockery or stoning or scourging or imprisonment or deprivation or affliction or abandonment or hunger would deter them from their faithfulness. They always submitted to God. They remained faithful to Him. They always did what was righteous. 3.      The gospel further elucidates what is true faith in the light of the healing of a possessed man. True faith is to be free from the unclean spirit. There are some striking marks of this unclean spirit. 4.      It is to dwell among the tombs, and that means to live a life that is estranged from others, a life that is lifeless. It is to be uncontrolled, indisciplined with unsubdued passions. It is to be perpetually crying out, and that means to be lamenting and melancholic. To be with an unclean spirit also means to harm oneself and others through unruly behavior. 5.      Therefore, if one has faith, it means that he totally confides in God and receives healing and lives a changed life of sanity and clean spirit. Today, we must make our faith more integral. Faith is not just a matter of a few prayers or spiritual activities or events. Faith is also not some miracles and impressive healings. Orientation: Faith is a matter of surrender to God’s will. It is endurance. It is being healed. It is to be liberated from unclean spirit. Faith is to live a clean life with a clean spirit (REFLECTION 2 FROM 2021, 01 FEBRUARY) Focus: Faith puts a clean spirit into us, strengthens us, and makes us worthy in God’s sight; But the unclean cannot stand the presence of the Holy One, and cannot resist the power of grace as well   In the gospel, Jesus encounters and confronts a man with an unclean spirit. There are very precise details regarding the possessed man's condition. These are very indicative. They indicate what are some of the clear signs of being evil-possessed. Living among the tombs indicates living aloof, cut off, and estranged from others. Shouting and crying indicate the spirit of grumbling, lamenting, and arguing. Bound in chains indicates being bound in the fetters of sin and evil. Not being controlled and subdued indicates undisciplined and unreined freedom. Bruising himself and others as well indicates all the acts and habits of self-ruin and harm to others. Legion indicates that evil is not a single isolated act but is always a bundle, a pack, and a series of wrongs. All these unclean forces always surmount and torment us also. All of us need healing and need to be made clean. But many a time, like the possessed man, we do not want to be healed. And like the people, we do not value and appreciate the healing, because we are more concerned about the material interests (loss of swine), rather than the persons. Only faith makes us approach Jesus, seek his healing touch, and be clean.   Direction: Let us come out of our wandering aimlessly among the tombs of our estrangement from God and others, and run to God to be restored to sanity and integrity.   (REFLECTION 3 FROM 2022, 31 JANUARY) Focus: Our behavior depends on the kind of spirit that we possess. If it is a good and Holy Spirit, our conduct will be upright, and if it is an evil spirit, our conduct will be wrong 1.      In the gospel, we have a man possessed by an unclean spirit. He lives among the tombs, indicating his alienation from others. He was bound with chains and shackles, indicating boundedness by sin. He could not be subdued by anyone, indicating being uncontrollable and rebellious. He was always crying, indicating the nature of grumbling and lamenting. He was cutting himself with stones, indicating self-inflicting actions. All these are the typical characteristics of an evil spirit. 2.       Jesus heals the demon-possessed man whereby he becomes well-clothed and regains his right mind. Interestingly, Jesus sends the legion of demons into a herd of two thousand pigs. They run and get drowned in the sea. Certainly a huge loss! Perhaps through this, Jesus wants to make it very clear that the sanity and well-being of a human person are far more important than any material gain.   Direction: The healed demon-possessed man goes around and bears testimony to God’s mercy. The greatest sign of our healing will be when we become zealous witnesses to the mercy of God  31 JANUARY 2023: HEB 12. 1-4; MARK 5. 21-43, Memory of St John Bosco Pivot: Run the race! Pointer: Our life is a race of faith that we need to keep running. We need to follow certain rules so as to do it to the best 1.       To live a life of faith is like running a race. This has certain guidelines. First is, to keep our eyes fixed on Jesus, the leader, and perfecter of faith. The Second is, to rid ourselves of every burden and sin that clings to us. The third is, to get encouraged and motivated by a great cloud of witnesses. The fourth is, to persevere in running the race despite all the hurdles, without growing weary and losing heart. The fifth is, to be directed and ignited by the abiding joy that awaits us. 2.       The gospel illustrates two live examples of true faith. One is Jairus, one of the synagogue officials and the other is a  woman with a haemorrhage. Both are extreme cases. The 12 years old daughter of Jairus was at the point of death and then dead. The bleeding woman had been suffering for 12 years spending all she had on treatment but with no use. 3.       Two aspects become very clear in these two healings: on one hand the power of Jesus, and on the other hand, the faith of these two persons. The power of Jesus is so immense that he raises to life the dead girl with the mere touch of the hand. He cured the bleeding woman with the mere touch of his cloth. 4.      Their faith is also remarkable. Even in such desperate situations, they did not give up their hope in Jesus’ power. That is why Jesus magnanimously ascribes great credit to their faith as the cause of healing. In all the senses of faith, we can attest that Saint John Bosco whom we commemorate today was a man of deep faith. He ran the race to the end with focus and endurance. He extended the touch of Jesus and rehabilitated many poor and delinquent youth in a race of virtue and vigour. Orientation: Faith is essentially a matter of touch. Approach Jesus and touch him personally, like the bleeding woman. If not able to touch by ourselves like the dead girl, at least be open to receive his touch. In either case, touch brings healing and new life (REFLECTION 2) Our life is a race of faith. Jesus is the destination. He is both the model as well as the mentor of this race. Focused on him and oriented to him, modelled on him and sustained by him, we must run ahead, in determination and perseverance. This also calls for getting rid of every unnecessary encumbrance, the weight of sin, so that we can run easier and faster. No seldom, the strain of the course, the hurdles, and the discouragements on the way, reduce our enthusiasm and push us toward quitting. It is in such times, we must keep ourselves, inspired, propelled, enthused, and encouraged by a great “cloud of witnesses” (cf. Heb.12.1). Such are the two figures of exemplary faith in the Gospel, namely Jairus, a ruler of the synagogue, and the woman with a haemorrhage. Their faith in Jesus brings them the desired healing, dispels fear, and restores peace. Their faith is commendable, all the more, given the extremity and desperateness of their situation: Jairus’ daughter is initially at the point of death and then dead; and the woman has been suffering from a haemorrhage for 12 years, has spent all that she had but in vain. They seek Jesus, not as one of the many alternatives, as many do, but as the only and ultimate resort. “Either he or nothing else” is the “irreversibility” of their faith in him. This is true faith – turn to him and continue to trust him, even when everything seems lost and hopeless, to rise from our frequent fallenness, experience the power of his touch, and re-commence walking on.  (REFLECTION 3 FROM 2021, 27 JUNE) Focus: True faith is not at all a matter of the power of one’s belief and getting things done by God. Rather, it is a matter of believing totally in the power of God, with total humility   1.      Very often, faith is regarded as one’s credit.  That is why, we hear compliments like, “Oh, what faith he has! Oh, how great is her faith!” This can easily give the impression that faith is one’s greatness. This is actually a defective conception. The focus should not be on the person who believes but on God whom one believes. The greatness is not of the one who pleads and receives from God, but of God who listens and gives. 2.       In fact, the more faith thinks nothing of itself, the more it is creditable. In other words, a person with true faith must always be humble. He must be deeply conscious of his unworthiness and littleness. One may be great and big in the sight of the world. But before God, before His greatness and holiness, we are all unworthy and undeserving. This is not self-deprecation or self-lowering, which may be negative as poor self-esteem. This is realistic self-realisation and self-acceptance. 3.       Therefore, when faith is devoid of humility, it cannot be sincere and profound. It can easily become arrogant and even self-righteous. Such a humility-lacking faith would make even God’s grace a necessary result of its greatness and not of God’s benevolence. Certainly, very often, Jesus praises the faith of those who seek favours from him. And in today’s gospel also, he compliments the faith of one ruler of a synagogue and one woman with a haemorrhage. Jesus does the healing and gives the credit to their faith. 4.       However, this does not mean that it is their faith that does things happen. It is God who makes things happen. Their faith is great in the sense that they are totally open to receiving God’s power. Therefore, the greatness of faith does not lie in the person himself but in God. In other words, faith becomes great when there is humility, trust, and surrender. 5.       In this sense, let us reflect on the two healings in the gospel: the raising from death to life of the daughter of Jairus, a ruler of the synagogue, and the healing of a woman with a haemorrhage. Truly the faith of the official and that of the woman is praiseworthy and meritorious. They place their total trust in Jesus' power and compassion. The official believes. He firmly thinks it is enough that Jesus lays his hands over his daughter. When he approached Jesus, she was at the point of death, and as he was rushing home with Jesus to heal her, she was already dead. But even then, he believes and takes Jesus to his home. 6.       His faith is marked by deep humility. Seeing Jesus, he falls at his feet and beseeches him. He keeps aside all his authority as a ruler of the synagogue. He does not consider it below his dignity to bend his knee before Jesus. Deep within, he acknowledges and believes the power of Jesus that is far superior to his own as a ruler. He knows that the divine and spiritual power of Jesus surpasses his worldly power. Such genuine humility is accompanied by an unswerving trust in Jesus’ merciful power. That is why he pleads to Jesus, “Come and lay your hands on her, so that she may be made well, and live”. 7.       The woman with the bleeding disease too believes. She firmly thinks it is enough that she touches the edge of his cloak. Unlike Jairus, her approach to Jesus was a silent act. She touches Jesus’ garment from behind and gets instant healing. But she confesses the healing at Jesus’ query, “Who touched me?” 8.       What is very remarkable in their faith is the extremity of their condition. The ruler believes in Jesus, even at death point, and the woman believes in Jesus even after 12 long years. Even in their most desperate situations, they do not give up hope. There were funebrial cries all around Jairus’ house. And the woman consulted every possible doctor and spent her every penny on her haemorrhage. Both were facing the most desperate and depressing situations. 9.       We can also note on the part of Jesus a couple of simple but significant factors. He shows personal concern. He goes personally to the house of the ruler. There was a great crowd around him. He was fully engaged. But he does not turn down the plea of the ruler. He takes the girl by the hand as he brings her back to life. He also tells the people to give her something to eat. Yes, Jesus never rejects our pleas. He listens to us. Of course, at times, we may not get what we pray for. But that does not mean that he does not care for us. His goodness to us cannot be calculated only in terms of favours. 10.   Another factor is he always transmits his power to us. It is this power that went to the diseased woman and healed her and raised to life Jairus’ daughter. Further, what is striking is that he seeks no recognition or fame. What a fantastic miracle of raising from death! It is the best means and time to shoot into gigantic popularity. But, he tries to minimize the glory of it, by saying that the girl is not dead but is just sleeping. He puts all the crowd outside the girl’s room, except the girl’s parents and his three disciples Peter, James, and John. After the miracle, he strictly charges them not to tell anyone. What a contrast to many of us that do a drop but do bundles of publicity and get mountains of popularity! 11.   At the end of all, what is needed on our part is to approach him in deepest trust and get into the realm of his touch. Jesus’ touch transmits power that gives new life. The diseased woman begins a new life with health, joy, and serenity. The ruler’s daughter receives a second life. 12.    Today, Jesus continues the same life-giving words that he pronounced to the dead girl, “Talitha cumi”, “Little girl, I say to you, arise”. Just as the girl instantly got up and walked, so too we must constantly allow Jesus to lay his hands and touch us. Once touched and healed, we must get up and walk steady and sane.   Direction: Faith may go through trials and may be tested. But God will never deny and deprive His grace and never frustrates the trust and hope of those who confide in Him   (REFLECTION 4 FROM 2022, 01 FEBRUARY) Focus: Healing is nothing but a matter of touch. Whoever encounters Jesus and experiences his touch, will surely be healed and begins a new life 1.      True faith is never mediocre. True faith believes even the impossible to happen, for as Bible says, “Nothing is impossible for God”. True faith is to hope for the best even in the worst and hopeless situations. This is what we see in the gospel. There are two miracles by Jesus: one is the miraculous healing of a twelve-year-long hemorrhage of a woman; the other is, bringing to life the dead daughter of a certain Jairus, an official. 2.       Tremendous was the faith needed to believe in Jesus’ power even in such desperate situations. Jairus continued to believe even when he got the news of the death of his ailing daughter. The woman with the bleeding disease persisted to believe even after twelve years of huge resultless spending. 3.       Both miracles were the effects of the power of the touch of Jesus. The woman was cured because she touched the garment of Jesus. The dead girl was restored to life because Jesus touched her with his hand. This confirms that the touch of Jesus is powerful and healing. Those who come in touch with Jesus cannot continue sick or dead. They will be healed and revived. 4.       Both miracles bring new life to the concerned persons. For the woman with a hemorrhage, it was really a new life. She was on the verge of total ruin: all her resources were exhausted; all her human dignity was exasperated; her hopes evaporated; the beauty of living was disfigured, and the joy of life was robbed. She was literally dying. Thus, her healing was not merely a physical matter. It was much more: it was a new life with a new dignity of the person, and new beauty and joy of life. 5.       The mention of 12 years can be indicative. The girl raised to life was twelve years old, and the woman suffered from a hemorrhage for 12 years. The girl began a new life at 12. The woman too began a new life after 12 years of intense suffering. Jesus’ healing command, Talitha cumi (Little girl, arise) to the dead girl can be very indicative. It indicates that essentially all healing is a matter of rising. It is a rising from our misery, from our sickness, and our death.   Direction: True healing is a constant rising from hopelessness to hopefulness, from sickness to health, and from death to life. As long as we do not rise up and walk, we are not healed!   01 FEBRUARY 2023: HEB. 12.4-7, 11-15; MK. 6.1-6 Pivot: Faith is a must! Pointer: There is no doubt that God is all-powerful and everything is possible for Him. But, in His love for us, He respects us and gives us freedom. It is for us to allow Him to teach and discipline us and thus we grow 1.      Reproof, correction, and discipline are generally resented and resisted because they are not in good taste. Accordingly, often, unfavourable situations, unpleasant experiences, sufferings, and adversities are considered punishments from the Lord. 2.      But today the word of God reminds us that they are part of discipline for a child by his father. A certain discipline and chastisement is a necessary ingredient of any true love, and a steady training process. For the moment, discipline may look painful and unpleasant, but it yields rich fruits of peace and righteousness. Therefore what is needed is, not to easily succumb to dissipation, not to waver and stumble, not to grow bitter, and not to get defiled and unholy. 3.      But this is possible, only when one really “believes” in the Lord. Such faith demands that one is not easily caught up with mere external factors, or carried away by human considerations or calculations. Sadly, Jesus’ people were stuck to the earthly origins of Jesus and failed to see beyond. They refuse to recognise and accept his divine wisdom and power. 4.      Their lack of faith came in the way of Jesus’ abundant healing ministry. It cautions us to rise above and beyond the merely physical and material realms and to penetrate into the higher horizons of the love and power of the Lord. 5.      When one fails to look beyond and trust in the above, one will not recognise the real identity and power of Jesus, and thus not experience his miracles in life. We need to bear in mind that the true miracle of faith is not the absence of any adversity. Rather, it is the sense of discipline and forbearance that looks beyond what is apparent and convenient. Orientation: All growth requires some discipline. Discipline is not a curtailment of freedom, but is an entailment of maturity and responsibility. Discipline is not stifling growth, but channelling and directing growth. 02 FEBRUARY 2023: MALACHI 3.1-4; HEB. 2.14-18; LUKE 2.22-40, Presentation of the Lord Pivot: A call to purify and sanctify! Pointer: The child Jesus is presented in the temple as per the ritual of his tradition. This indicates the very purpose of his coming to us, that is his self-offering for our salvation The Festivity of the Presentation of the Lord in the temple denotes purification ritually, and consecration spiritually. The rite of presentation indeed forecasts and prefigures our own purification. It is an act of self-offering and self-immolation of Jesus, by God the Father, through the mediation of his parents. In his presentation, there is the expiation of our sins, and thus purification from the stain and weight of our sins. This testifies to Jesus’ own consecration to God’s eternal plan of salvation, for the sake of humanity. Thus in his consecration, we have our purification and liberation from the bondage of sin. This purification does not stop there. Rather it has a ‘transferring’ and ‘transmitting’ effect, which consists of ‘transformation’. One who is purified is rightly presented to the Lord, as a pure offering, and is sanctified as a consecrated gift. Orientation: One who is consecrated by God, is consecrated to His holy mission of consecrating others as well to the same Lord. One who is consecrated, cannot befriend the forces of desecration! (REFLECTION 2 FROM 2022) Focus: Our life will be meaningful only to the extent it is presented to God in the spirit of self-offering and for the good of others in the spirit of self-giving 1.      02 February marks the feast of the Presentation of the Lord in the temple. It was after 40 days of his birth according to Jewish law. In fact, he had no need to follow the laws and traditions. There was no need to be purified or offered as holy to the Lord because he is purity and holiness itself. 2.       His presentation in the temple is symbolic and significative. It signifies the function and effect of his messianic role. As the incarnate savior and the messiah, he presents and offers himself to the Father in humble obedience. He becomes like us in every respect except sin. He subjects himself to human law and obligations in total solidarity with us. 3.       Further, his presentation ritual also indicates the effect of his messianic role. By his self-offering, he offers all as “pleasing” to the Lord. His purification ceremony indicates the purification that he brings to all. He propitiates the sins of the people. And the words in Malachi apply very well to his doing. “He is like a refiner’s fire and like fuller’s soap. He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver, and he will purify the sons of Levi and refine them like gold and silver”. 4.       From the presence of Simeon, a righteous and devout man, in the temple it becomes still clear that the presented Jesus was destined for the “consolation of Israel”, “salvation that God has prepared in the presence of all peoples”, “a light for revelation to the Gentiles”, and for “glory to the people Israel”. 5.       The presentation of the Lord in the temple is a sacred call for each one of us, to be ever on the holy project of presentation, purification, and salvation. We are called to present ourselves as pleasing offerings to God. We need to constantly purify ourselves from all our burdens of sin. And we need to continue the same mission of salvation. Direction: The presentation of the Lord is a reminder of the beauty and duty of our consecration. We are consecrated to the Lord as offerings and we need to be committed to offering others also to God (REFLECTION 3 FROM 2021) Focus: To offer oneself totally for one's own good is good but not great or out of the way. But to offer oneself for others' good is great and noble   1.      Today we celebrate the festivity of the presentation of the Lord in the temple. This is clearly symbolic and indicative of the nature and purpose of Jesus' life and mission. His human earthly life is an offering of the Father to humanity and for humanity for their salvation and redemption. 2.       Thus his life is sacrificial and his mission is redemptive. The ritual presentation of the Lord symbolizes his actual presentation through his death and resurrection. What a destiny and mystery! He came to die, but it is not to remain under the shackles of death to disappear completely. It is only to rise gloriously and thus make us live again. 3.       In his presentation is seen in one scene the whole story of his life and the culmination of it. In his presentation, we witness a totally different God, not a God who waits and appeases himself through various presentations and offerings by humans but a God who offers his own self. He does not offer merely some gifts and boons but offers his most precious Son. 4.       Thereby God reveals and reminds us of His very nature and the nature of true love and also of the essence of salvation. Our God is a self-offering God; true love is self-offering and salvation consists in self-offering for others. 5.       Jesus' presentation in the temple is not merely a ritual fulfillment, not merely a chronological event in the history of his life, and not merely a part of his natural human growth. It is already an integral part of the redemptive process. 6.       His presentation is also a representation and invitation for our own presentation. Just as he is presented by the Father through his parents for the whole of humanity, so too we must present and offer ourselves to God for the sake of others. It is only in self-giving and surrender that we obtain our salvation. And it is only in this life of offering that we fulfill our mission of salvation of others. 7.       As long as we refuse to offer and surrender ourselves to God for the good of others, our life will have no meaning and no destiny. All the forces of self-centeredness, self-closure, defiance, and unreined freedom are clear contradictions to the very essence of our life and mission!   Direction: Undue self-clinging and self-indulgence, losing sight of surrender to God, and commitment to others' good are self-destructive!   03 FEBRUARY 2023: HEB 13. 1-8; MARK 6. 14-29 Pivot: Let righteousness reign! Pointer: God is love and we learn to love and live in love like Him. It is this love that makes us righteous, confident, and courageous to accept any adversity for the sake of the same love of God 1.      We have different characters in today’s gospel episode, mainly in two categories – the negative and the positive. On the negative side, we have Herod, Herodias, Herodias’ daughter, and the courtiers and dignitaries at Herod’s party. On the positive side, we have Jesus and John the Baptist. Each of them indicates some significant lessons for us. 2.      As in the words of the first reading, Herod and Herodias are immoral and adulterous. They dishonour marriage and defile marriage bed. He was not free from the love of money. He was not content with what he had. Herod succumbs to the pressure of pleasure, power, and money. He gets John the Baptist beheaded, even though he knew John to be righteous and holy, and knew himself to be wrong. He neither resists the wrong, nor abstains from it, nor questions Herodias. 3.       Herodias knew herself to be immoral and in the wrong. But instead of changing herself, she resents John the Baptist who exposes her wrong. She uses her daughter as a pawn. Thus, cunningly she does away with him. Herodias’ daughter, without any moral scruple, allows herself to be manipulated by her mother, to behead John the Baptist. Herod’s courtiers and dignitaries at the party become partners in that murder, by their culpable indifference, even though they could advise him against it. 4.      On the other hand, on the positive side, we have John the Baptist and Jesus. They are authentic in life and prophetic in action. They are fearless and truthful, even to the extent of death. True to the words in the first reading, they were convinced of God’s assurance, “I will never forsake you or abandon you”. They stood firm against all opposition and persecution, saying with confidence: The Lord is my helper, and I will not be afraid. What can anyone do to me?” Whose side are we? Orientation: When pleasure, power, false dignity, and money overpower man, he loses self-control, forfeits discernment, fears the truth, resists change, and succumbs to evil. Are we also like that?   04 FEBRUARY 2023: HEB 13. 15-17, 20-21; MARK 6. 30-34 Pivot: Be sensitive and compassionate! Pointer: Our God is very sensitive toward us. He senses and feels our needs and struggles. He is ever moved with compassion and promptly comes to our aid 1.      We have today a clear image of a true Master and a disciple like the Master. The Lord is truly the great Shepherd of the sheep. He feels compassion for the people and cares for them, teaching them, guiding, and healing them. His spirit is undaunted, and his mission is untiring, to the extent of not bothering even about rest or food. 2.      Quite true to the words in the first reading, Letter to Hebrews, the Master equips his disciples with every good that they may always do God’s will. He works in them that which is pleasing in God’s sight. He keeps watch over them and feels deeply concerned for them. 3.      The disciples too inherit the same mission and imbibe the same spirit of relentless commitment. They passionately imitate their Master. They readily submit to their sole Leader. Like their Master, they offer pleasing sacrifices to God. 4.      These sacrifices consist in never neglecting to do good, and ever sharing the immense treasure of faith they have. With a clear conscience, they desire to act honourably in all things. They do everything joyfully and not grudgingly. They live lives accountable to their Master. 5.      We are the disciples for today, and also the leaders, and the shepherds of the people entrusted to us. If we are to be true to our call and mission, then we need to be imbued with and ignited by the same spirit of surrender, joy, and benevolence in unswerving commitment. Orientation: There may be rest for the body. But there is no rest for the spirit. There may be a pause from physical work and activity, but no pause for God’s mission. Food may satisfy physical hunger, but only doing God’s will is the nourishment that satiates the deep spiritual hunger. (REFLECTION 2 FROM 2021, 06 FEBRUARY) Focus: In life, the priced things are not so many possessions and positions, but wisdom, integrity, compassion, and dedication   In the gospel, once again we see the deep compassion of Jesus towards his disciples and the people. He does not bother about himself but thinks of the tiredness and hunger of his disciples and the need for food and relaxation. He is concerned about the lack of guidance and inner sustenance of the people, and their need to quench their spiritual hunger. That's why he teaches them, boosts up, and elevates their spirits.   And one concern that is impelling and challenging is the situation of “sheep without a shepherd”. What a profound and realistic observation and evaluation of Jesus on the people of his time! Our times are no different from those. Truly, many people today are like sheep without shepherds. Many are indeed without direction and due care. Many are like sheep without proper guidance and sufficient nourishment, be it spiritual, psychological, or moral. They need good shepherds.   In fact, strictly speaking, there is only one supreme shepherd and that is Jesus. And all those who are entrusted with the task of shepherding the sheep, are actually the herdsmen, the caretakers. Today, a serious reflection and self-check must be done on the quality of these herdsmen. Their main failure in their shepherding is not following the sole shepherd Jesus. These herdsmen ought to keep watch over the souls. They need to be conscious that one day they must give account. They must do their duty joyfully, and not reluctantly or sadly.   And all, both the sheep and the shepherds must have a clear conscience. Their desire must be to act honorably in all things. The constant striving must be to equip themselves with everything good, so as to do his will, and whatever is pleasing in his sight.   Direction: Passion for God and compassion for others should always make our life tireless and our mission relentless. If we bother about God's work and others' good, God will bother about what we need.   (REFLECTION 3 FROM 2022, 05 FEBRUARY) Focus: Perhaps the greatest defect of today’s world is the lack of wisdom. While it is so frantically seeking riches and honor, it is so badly devoid of the inner power to discern between good and evil   1.      In the NT, a leader is presented more in terms of a shepherd. Jesus himself presents himself as a good shepherd. He also expects his leaders over his people to be true shepherds. In the gospel, Jesus feels compassion for the people. This certainly shows the very nature of God as compassionate. He feels concerned for us. He senses our needs. He feels deeply moved by our plight. 2.       But apart from God’s nature of compassion, the reason for his compassion is a note to reflect upon. He feels compassion for the people because they were like sheep without a shepherd. This speaks both of the sheep and the shepherds as well. The sheep are directionless and deviant, either because there is no true shepherd to follow or because they do not follow the true shepherd. The shepherds too are culpable because they do not shepherd their sheep. 3.       The shepherds fail to be good shepherds because they lack the essential trait of wisdom. They lack that understanding and wise mind to discern between good and evil. They are more worried about riches, honor, long life, and success over their rivals, rather than wise governance. They substitute wisdom with the things of the world.   Direction: The gospel notes that the disciples had no leisure even to eat. In the light of this, what many of the present shepherds lack is that ceaseless and relentless commitment to God’s work. Shepherds who do not love and lead their sheep; and sheep who do not follow their shepherds!   FEAST OF ST JOHN DE BITTO: 1 COR 9. 19-27; JOHN 12. 20-32 Focus: When one loves the Lord intensely and passionately, then he lives and dies only for him. Life or death makes no difference because both are for his sake 1.      04 February is a special spiritual feast for India as it celebrates St John de Britto. He was born in 1647 in Portugal became a Jesuit priest and worked and martyred in Tamil Nadu in 1693. He is the patron saint of the diocese of Sivagangai. Both the readings of the day mirror the life and mission of this great saint. 2.       He loved the Lord passionately and for the sake of his gospel, he embraced enormous sufferings and tortures. He became all things to all (enculturated himself, learned the local language, lived in solidarity with the poor) so as to gain at least some for Christ. Like the grain of wheat, he sacrifices himself in order to give life and help others through the abundant fruits of good works. He loses his life on earth so as to gain life in eternity. 3.       Like a runner set on his target, he ran the race of faith to the end and deserved the imperishable prize of eternal life. That is why, as Jesus promises, he will be there where the Lord is. And since he glorified God by his life and martyrdom, the Father also glorifies him with heavenly glory. 4.       The life and martyrdom of Saint John de Britto are an inspiration and challenge to all of us. A foreigner left his motherland, became totally one with the people of the foreign land, sacrificed many legitimate comforts, underwent numerous tortures, toiled tirelessly for the sake of the Lord and his gospel, and finally gave up his very life. Direction: What is the intensity of my love for the Lord? How deep is my conviction? How loyal I am to the spread of the gospel and its values? How courageous I am to suffer and even offer my very life for the sake of the Lord?  (REFLECTION 2 FROM 2021) Focus: It is really the metal of a saint to live totally for the Lord, and also to die for him; one who is not ready to die for him, would not also live with him and for him   Today we celebrate the feast of Saint John de Britto. He was born in Lisbon and worked and was martyred in Tamilnadu, India. He is the patron saint of the diocese of Sivagangai, India. Today’s readings are very much applicable to saint Britto.   Like Paul, he “became all things to all, that by all means, he might save some”. He made himself a slave to all, that he might win the more. Quite true to Jesus’ teaching, Britto makes himself like the grain of wheat that falls into the earth and dies and bears much fruit. He willingly loses his life in temporality, so as to gain life in eternity. He is convinced like Paul that he does it all for the sake of the gospel, so that he may share in its blessings.   Like a committed runner, he ran the race of faith that he may obtain the eternal prize. He is deeply clear that his faith and his faith struggles are never a waste. He does not run aimlessly. He does not box as one beating in the air. He passionately loved the Lord and so loses his life for Jesus’ sake. Like Jesus, Britto always sought to glorify the Father through his very life of abundant fruits. He runs the race of faith, not for a perishable prize or wreathes, but for an imperishable. He qualifies himself by pommelling and subduing his body.   That is why he truly deserves the reward promised by Jesus. Jesus says, “If anyone serves me, he must follow me, and where I am, there shall my servant be also; if anyone serves me, the Father will honor him”. Accordingly, Britto in his martyrdom glorifies the Father; and the Father in turn glorifies him with eternal life. Like Britto, we too must follow Jesus’ path of paradoxes by losing our life for his sake, so as to gain it for eternity.   Direction: When one’s love for the Lord is intense, then he will not retain anything for himself, even his very life. But this giving up will be richly rewarded by receiving the eternal life            

4TH SUNDAY OF THE YEAR A

4TH SUNDAY, 29 JANUARY 2023: ZEPH 2.3; 3. 12-13; 1 COR 1. 26-31; MATTHEW 5. 1-12a Pivot: Seek the Lord! Pointer: Our greatest priority is seeking the Lord and his kingdom. When we seek and promote the right values, his kingdom is established 1. Man can be defined as a relentless seeker. The dynamism of human life is marked by the spirit of seeking. But all seeking need not be right and praiseworthy. It can be wrong and blameworthy. So what we seek determines the quality of our seeking. 2. Sadly, there is a great human tendency to seek what gives temporary pleasure and gratification. Many times the criterion for seeking is the principle of pleasure, ease, and convenience. But today the Word of God makes it clear about what to seek and why to seek what is sought. 3. The first reading highlights three objects of seeking. They are namely seeking the Lord, seeking justice, and seeking humility. Then it explains what are the implications. This “triple seeking” implies taking refuge in the name of the Lord, observing His Law, doing no wrong, and speaking no lies or deceit. 4. The other two readings further elaborate and elucidate what is this triple seeking. The second reading clearly rules out any self-seeking. The reason is all our greatness, our very vocation, our faith, our sanctification, and redemption are due to God. They are no one’s credit or merit. Therefore there is nothing to boast about. Hence seek humility. 5. The gospel of the day comprises the Beatitudes. It lays before us what to seek and what is the effect of that seeking. The Beatitudes are not some teaching among the many teachings of Jesus. They are also not merely some values to be followed. Rather, they denote a fundamental mode of being. They are essential tenets of right living. They are the essence of right and productive seeking. 6. Seek to be poor, that is be humble and surrendered to God. Seek to be mourning, that is both being ready to suffer and to be sensitive to those who suffer. Seek to be meek, that is gentle, and courteous. Seek to be righteous, that is upright and blameless in the sight of God. 7. Seek to be merciful, that is forgiving and reconciling. Seek to be clean and pure of heart, that is without guile, malice, and pretension. Seek to be peacemakers, that is, avoid all grudges, aggression, and retaliation, and maintain peace and harmony. Seek to be persecuted for righteousness, that is enduring trials and afflictions for the Lord’s sake. 8. All these modes of being are a contrast to the standards and norms of the world. So they will certainly be challenging. And many times it may appear to be a losing and futile battle. But the Lord tells us to rejoice and be glad because there will be a reward and that will be incomparably great. 9. These rewards are: We will obtain God’s own comfort, satisfaction, and mercy. We will see and discover God. We will become God’s own children and inherit the kingdom, the heaven itself. Orientation: Seek God and higher things. The higher we seek, the blessed will be life. Blessedness is the highest reward! (REFLECTION 2 FROM 2021, 07 JUNE) Focus: We are destined for blessedness and the only way to obtain such bliss is to follow the way of the Lord. A life of happiness is a way of godliness and goodness 1. In today's gospel, we have the famous Sermon on the Mount of Jesus with the solemn Beatitudes. They are beatitudes because their end is bliss and happiness. They are the confirmed means to attain such bliss. They are not merely some religious teaching or spiritual doctrine but they are fundamental human principles to follow. They are not only some guidelines to apply or some useful ways of doing, but much more essential modes of being. 2. They are in fact a total contrast to the standards and ways of the world. They are considered as "devalues", "inabilities" and "inadequacies" in the sight of the world. So, certainly, they are a "difficult lot" to follow. Those who follow them will certainly face suffering and affliction. 3. But they alone are the royal and noble means to be happy and blessed: be poor - humble of spirit, be sensitive to others' pain, be patient during suffering, be gentle, be meek, be merciful, be guileless and pure of heart, be peace-loving and peace-promoting, be hungry and thirsty for good and righteousness, be loyal, persevering and committed to God. 4. Follow this mode of being and surely you will experience the bliss that is profound, authentic, and lasting. Our God is a God of comfort, and He will surely comfort us in our affliction. And being comforted by God, we need to comfort those who are in any affliction. Direction: True happiness is not the absence of suffering. It does not come from mere avoidance and escape from affliction. Rather, true happiness comes from standing and suffering for God and good, through the path of beatitudes (REFLECTION 3 FROM 2022, 01 NOVEMBER) Thrust: Blessed are you! Indicative: Blessedness is our destiny and beatitudes are our royal means In today’s gospel, we have the Beatitudes. Beatitudes lay open before us the “golden path” of holiness that leads to blessedness. Clearly, they are stark contradictions to the standards and ways of the world. The beatitudes exalt and advocate 1) “poverty” – humility, detachment, moderation, and contentment, against all greed and accumulation; 2) “mourning” – being sensitive, attentive, tender, empathetic and caring, against indifference and unfeeling; 3) “gentleness and meekness – being polite, courteous, composed and serene, against being rude, impatient, hot-tempered, aggressive and hurting; 4) “hunger and thirst” for righteousness – being passionate and relentless for justice and fairness, against all tepidity and feeding on unfairness; 5) “mercy” – being compassionate, forgiving and reconciling, against resentment, revenge, and retaliation; 6) “purity of heart” – being clear-sighted, single-minded and clean of heart, against being contaminated and polluted, cunning and deceitful; 7) “peacefulness” – loving peace and promoting peace, against all violence and mindless agitation and anxiety; 8) “persecution and insult” – bearing all misunderstanding, opposition, slander, calumny, and affliction for the sake of God and good, against seeking comfort, praise, and popularity for the sake of self. Such a way of beatitudes subjects one to tremendous struggle and suffering. But one need not lose heart because the end fruit is eternal bliss. Nevertheless, this bliss will be already foretasted here on earth, in obtaining and relishing God’s own comfort, satisfaction, mercy, an abundance of fortitude, joy, and peace. Imperative: Sanctity is a project that is worth pursuing because its fruits are everlasting. It is always more worth to strive and suffer for something higher (REFLECTION 2 FROM 2021) Focus: All are called to be saints; all may not be raised to sainthood but all can rise to saintliness. All may not receive the honor of official veneration but all can strive for the honor of actual imitation The gospel enunciates the Beatitudes, one of the world’s greatest teachings. The beatitudes indicate that we are destined people and not people without a destiny. We are people by God’s choice and not by chance. We live and move by God’s gratuitous gift and not by a fortuitous drift. We are destined for bliss and blessedness. The Beatitudes are the pathways and roadmaps to travel the journey and pursue that path. Beatitudes show us that we need to lead a heaven-directed and heaven-driven life in contrast to an earth-bound and earth-pressured life. The beatitudes are contradictory values to the false values of the world. They summon us to be humble and surrendered to God, contrary to being proud and unruly complacent. This is the way of being poor in the sight of the world but rich in God’s sight. They call us to be sensitive and caring toward others, contrary to being indifferent and self-centered. This is the way to mourn with others and for others. They call us to be gentle, meek, and patient contrary to being rude, harsh, and aggressive. They call us to hunger and thirst, to passionately crave to be righteous and fair. They call us to be merciful and forgiving, contrary to being stern and grudgeful. They call us to be pure of heart, uncontaminated by guile and malice contrary to all impurity, deception, and evil-mindedness. They call us to be peace-lovers, peace-makers, peace-givers, and peace-promoters contrary to all aggression and disharmony. They call us to joyfully suffer for God and good. There is no doubt that such a life according to the beatitudes is very strenuous and demanding. But we need not be frightened or discouraged. The Lord will himself be our rescue and refuge. And our reward is great beyond compare. It is to enjoy the abundance of the Spirit in his light and power, already here on earth and the measureless eternity thereafter. Saints are our assurances! Direction: Holiness is wholeness. The more we try to live as holistic and integrated persons, the more we become holy and saintly. Whoever strives to sanctify himself is a saint of sanctity!

3rd week days mass reflection of the year 1

23 – 28 JANUARY 2023: HOLY MASS REFLECTIONS 23 JANUARY 2023: HEB 9. 15, 24-28; MARK 3. 22-30 Pivot: A new Blasphemy! Pointer: God is ever ready and eager to heal us and make us whole. What is needed is openness to His action and submission to His healing touch 1.      “He is possessed by Beelzebul, the prince of demons, and casts out demons”. This was the accusation of the Pharisees against Jesus as he was healing the possessed men. This shows their prejudice, narrow-mindedness, and jealousy. Consequently, they take away the value of healing. They twist reality. They even misinterpret it as the work of the devil. 2.      They stand before us as examples of people who are easily driven by human prejudices but do not realise the gravity of the evil consequences. They want to spit out their venom on Jesus out of jealousy and self-righteousness. They resent him and accuse him. 3.      But the pity is they do not realise that in this process of opposing and blaming Jesus, they are putting themselves against God Himself. In denying Jesus’ holiness and divine power, they would deny God’s own power and mercy. They deny that Jesus is the highest high priest. God designed him as the one to establish a new covenant with his own blood once and for all. 4.      This is what Jesus warns them of. In their haste to denounce Jesus, they fall into the sin of blasphemy. The irony is they commit the very same sin of which they accuse Jesus often. Often we may be taking away the credit due to God Himself in our evil-mindedness to take away the credit due to others. Orientation: We must be very careful that our individual differences and prejudices do not make us blind to the working of God’s grace   (REFLECTION 2 FROM 2022, 24 JANUARY)   Focus: The true power lies not in domineering others but in shepherding them, in surrender to the Lord   1.      We live in a power-hungry world where power and authority get almost identified with domination and manipulation. In such a context, Jesus in the gospel shows us what is true power. It comes only from God, from His abiding presence and guidance. 2.       Power and authority are meant to shepherd those entrusted to one's care. True power never sides with evil, and never compromises with evil forces. It always combats evil and surpasses and binds the evil one who is strong. 3.       Working for unity and good in consistency and commitment was the hallmark of all of them. In fact, this is the essential trait of any good and godly person. In contrast, any trace of division and inconsistency in doing good is clearly the clearest sign of evil one. 4.       That is why when the scribes blame Jesus that he was casting out demons with the help of Beelzebul, the prince of demons, he challenges them. He contests: “How can Satan cast out Satan… if Satan has risen up against himself and is divided, he cannot stand”. Jesus casts out demons not because he is working in cooperation with him but because he is stronger than Satan. He binds Satan, the strong one. 5.       Therefore the greater strength of the men of God comes only from the power of God. It is the power of the Holy Spirit. Anything good is “spiritual” power and not demoniac. In this sense, it would be really sinful if one does not recognize the action of the Spirit. And in that sense, it is blasphemy to attribute the divine power to the help of the evil spirit. 6.       In this context, we all must be very cautious and judicious lest we also fall into the sin of ‘wrong attribution’ and ‘falsification’ of what is good and godly. Often our self-righteousness, arrogance, our power-mongering, prejudices, and jealousies lead us into the sin of slander and calumny. This is nothing but a disguised “blasphemy”!   Direction: A power that divides and rules, a power that plunders the belongings of the house and destroys the order and integrity of life, is certainly evil and is the work of the evil spirit.   24 JANUARY 2023: HEB 10. 1-10; MARK 3. 31-35 Pivot: Rise beyond! Pointer: All of us belong to one God and one family of God. What is required is a constant awareness of this oneness of God’s family 1.      “Who are my mother and my brothers?” “Whoever does the will of God is my brother and sister and brother”. Thereby, Jesus makes his priorities clear. Belonging to God is higher and more important than belonging to the human group. Spiritual family is higher and more important than natural family. Doing God’s will is higher and more important than mere formal duties. 2.      Thus, Jesus does not allow himself to be confined or conditioned by natural affinities. In fact, he himself is the perfect embodiment of God’s will. He came to do God’s will. In the light of the first reading, Jesus makes it clear that God is pleased not by mere sacrifices and offerings but by doing God’s will. 3.      This is a crucial challenge and urgent exigency. Sadly, we are living in a society that is fragmented by various divisive factors like caste, region, religion, language, culture, rite, et cetera. Subsequently, nepotism, favouritism, and communalism are rupturing the sense of unity. 4.      These secondary affinities are overriding and even substitute the core identity of one family of God’s children and brothers and sisters. Consequently, a good number live and promote these affinities and their interests and agendas, detriment to the larger concerns and growth. 5.      St Francis de Sales whom we commemorate today was a living testimony to this sense of spiritual family and priority to God’s will. His life of fidelity to God and fraternity toward others shows that when one does God’s will and not one’s own will, one will grow in this higher sense of spiritual family. Orientation: Every division and disunity is a sign of inner narrowness. Therefore, let us enlarge our hearts and foster the spirit of a spiritual and fraternal family   25 JANUARY 2023: ACTS 22. 3-16; MARK 16. 15-18, CONVERSION OF ST PAUL Pivot: Struck and about-turn! Pointer: God’s grace and mercy have no boundaries. They can touch and convert anyone at any time. It requires humble receptivity and cooperation 1.      Today, we celebrate Paul’s conversion. His conversion is one of the world’s greatest testimonies to God’s wondrous and unpredictable ways. As the angel attested to Mary at the annunciation, “nothing is impossible for God”. 2.      By grace, a virgin conceives like Mary. By grace, old women bear a son like Sarah and Elizabeth. Now by the same grace, a fierce hater and persecutor like Saul could become an intense lover and promoter of faith and God’s people. 3.      Therefore, we shall never apply conditions or impose restrictions on God’s grace and action. Never try to “domesticate” God. All the acts of fanaticism, communal violence, and hate campaign are vivid proofs of this “domestication” of God’s grace. It is religious arrogance. 4.      Every sort of persecution is equal to persecuting God Himself, as Jesus says to Saul, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?” This realisation should dawn on everyone, especially those who persecute others in the name of religion or fidelity to tradition and heritage. They mistakenly think and are wrongly convinced that they are pleasing God. In fact, they are only agonising and persecuting God. 5.      Paul’s conversion indicates that the guiding principle and norm of life must be not the persecution of others but the conversion of the self. What is important is not resisting God’s way and forcing others to follow wrong convictions. It is rather supporting and promoting God’s Way of salvation. 6.      Paul’s conversion is a roadmap for genuine conversion. The description of the conversion scene suggests some essential conditions of conversion: Light shone. He fell to the ground. He heard a voice from above. Jesus’ words, “Why are you persecuting me?” reveal the truth of God’s agony in the harm to others. Paul’s question, “What shall I do?” indicates his prompt willingness to change his way of life. 7.      Paul receives a new course of action: he gets up and goes to Damascus. There he meets the holy man Ananias who baptises him and restores sight. He follows what Ananias directs him to do. Ananias’ words to Paul also indicate what are the real ingredients and effects of conversion. They are to know God’s will, to hear the sound of his voice, and to be His witness before all. Orientation: Docility and openness to realise and change the way of life are essential for any conversion. Let us not adamantly adhere to false convictions and persecute God and others (REFLECTION 2 FROM 2022) Focus: The real test and proof of faith is conversion. Conversion is not merely a matter of more knowledge of beliefs and traditions, or more ability to preach the Word and organise spiritual activities. Conversion is essentially a change of heart and way of life 1.      Today on 25th January we celebrate the conversion of Paul. His conversion narrative is so dramatic and the details are very suggestive. He was on his way to Damascus with a destructive plan to persecute and terminate the followers of Christ. 2.       But on the way, he encounters Jesus. Great light from heaven shone around him. He falls to the ground. He hears the voice of Jesus himself. Jesus confronts him, “Why are you persecuting me?” He loses his sight. He is led to Damascus, to a devout Ananias. He restores sight to Paul and discloses to him God’s plan for him. He confirms him in his new mission of bearing witness to the Lord. 3.       The conversion of Paul is a great eye-opener for all of us regarding our own unconverted lives. Bearing the name of a Christian, having the label or garb of a disciple of Christ, believing some doctrines, following some traditions, and performing some religious activities are good but not enough. These are not guarantees of conversion. 4.       The real conversion must touch the heart and change the way of life. One greatest sign of conversion is the realisation that failure in fraternity is a failure in faith: Any act of persecuting and harming others is persecuting the Lord himself and obstructing his way. There is no use of great evangelisation or even working great miracles if we lack fraternity and charity. 5.       Conversion also implies openness to encounter the great light from heaven, to realise and dispel our own shades of darkness, and to receive new sight. How many of us allow God’s light to shine upon us? How many realise that we are still walking in the dark? How many are ready to receive constantly the new light of a renewed purpose, a renewed way, a renewed loyalty, a renewed commitment? 6.       Paul’s conversion was the greatest turning point from being a persecutor to being persecuted, from a blind hater to a passionate lover of Christ, from slavery to wrong ideology to loyalty to deep spirituality. How many are really ready to suffer something for God and others? How absurd it is that many claim to love and serve God while they hate others and God’s ways? How many adamantly and arrogantly stick to their own wrong ways and self-interests and become disloyal to the directives of a genuine spirituality?   Direction: Paul’s conversion is a great sample of true conversion. True conversion is nothing but passion for God and the good of others. This passion is rooted in unswerving love for Jesus and undaunted commitment to his mission (REFLECTION 3 FROM 2021) Focus: When God's power is in action, nothing and nobody can resist the power and effect of His action   The conversion of Paul is an encouraging and challenging example for all of us in getting converted any time and anyhow. It is never late and it is never hopeless. At no moment, we can say that it is no use now; about no one, we can say that it is no hope. It is the power of God's will and plans. All that is needed is transparency and receptivity toward God's power and plan.   Paul's conversion was not a mere change of religion or tradition. It is a change of a whole way of life, a change of loyalty and adherence, a change from objects like laws to practice and implement, to the subject of the person of Jesus, and to testify to his mission. It is a new bonding. It is an about-turn. There are no compromises. There are no half-measures. It is a change of perspective, orientation, conviction, and commitment. It is a total surrender to the person and mission of Jesus.   Thus, Paul’s conversion is both a captivating testimony and a tall challenge to move away constantly from being an aggressor and transgressor of the way of the Lord, to become a humble receiver, a joyful bearer, and a zealous promoter of the Lord.   It is a turning away from persecutor to the persecuted; from an enemy to a friend; from slavery to law to the freedom of the spirit; from a dry observance of the law to a fertile walking by the spirit; from a misguided passion for truths to an illumined passion for the truth, that is Jesus; from false adherence to true conviction; from excessive self-sufficiency to a profound self-insufficiency; from an arrogant self-complacency to a humble self-surrender; from law to faith; from doctrines to person; from a follower of religion to a follower of a way of life; from a well-informed person to a totally transformed person; from a proponent of laws to a prophet of the person of Jesus Christ; from a deep searching frustration to a discovered satisfaction.   In Paul’s conversion, we are made to rediscover that true conversion is not to expect a sudden intervention from heaven, but consists of daily cultivation of grace, imitation of the values of Christ, and transformation into his person.   Direction: O great St Paul, constantly rekindle in us the same fire of passionate love for the Lord and unreserved dedication to work for him.   26 JANUARY 2023: 2 TIMOTHY 1. 1-8; LUKE 10. 1-9, Saints Timothy and Titus   Pivot: Charged for mission! Pointer: God chooses us and anoints us with His Spirit, trains us at His feet and in His company, and commissions us with His own mission. He needs us to continue His mission. And we need Him to be able to continue 1.      We commemorate today Saints Timothy and Titus. In the first reading, we get an imitable example of faith and mission. Timothy inherited from his grandmother and mother a sincere faith and nurtured it. 2.      He stirred into flame the gift of faith. He was not ashamed of his faith but considered it a dignity and privilege. He was not timid but courageous. With the strength that comes from the gospel, he bore the hardships perseveringly. Thus he bore testimony to the Lord. 3.      We are also called to constantly nurture and stir into flame the gift of faith that we have gratuitously received from God. We too are called to bear testimony to the Lord through our life and mission. 4.      Now our mission is exactly the same as that of the disciples and Timothy and Titus. The gospel presents us with some of the mission components. It is an enormous mission: “The harvest is plenty but the labourers are few”.We need to be responsible and diligent labourers. 5.      We need to be conscious of the grave challenge of being lambs among wolves. Thus, we must be prepared for opposition and endangerment. We must cultivate the spirit of detachment, not depending on “money or sack or sandals”. It is a call not to rely on worldly securities and guarantees. 6.      Further,   it is a peace mission, spreading peace and harmony wherever we go. It is a healing mission of curing the sick. It is ultimately a kingdom mission, constantly striving to take the people closer to God’s kingdom of love, justice, and dignity.   Orientation: Our greatest mission is to bring the Kingdom of God nearer to the people, and to make the values of the kingdom a reality. In other words, it is to bear witness to the gospel in power, love, and self-control   (REFLECTION 2 FROM 2022)   Focus: Faith is essentially fire and not ashes. Our faith must always burn us with the fire of love for God and set us in flames of zeal and benevolence toward others   1.      Today, lethargy and compromise are prevailing and reducing the quality of faith, benevolence, and dedication in all spheres of life. Consequently, we do not find many sincere efforts to grow in faith, to do good to others, and to be committed to the right things in life. Many are so shallow and thus easily waver in their faith. Many are so self-centered and self-interested and thus are indifferent and unkind. Many are so comfort-seeking and compromising and thus are non-committal to a value-life. 2.       It is in this context the Word of God of today, in commemoration of Saints Timothy and Titus is a clear illuminator and indicator for us to renew our lost spirits. Like Timothy and Titus, we are called to preserve and foster a sincere faith by constantly “fanning it into flame” and not allowing it to become tepid. 3.       We are to be people of power and not fear. Our operating principles are love and self-control. The sole purpose and aim is to bear testimony to the Lord. For this, we need to be ready to share in suffering for the sake of the gospel. 4.       It is because we share in the mission of the Lord himself and it is very challenging. We will be like “lambs among the wolves”. Besides, the mission is vast but the missioners are few, as Jesus says, “Harvest is plentiful but the laborers are few”. 5.       It is a mission of spreading the kingdom of God where God’s love, peace, and justice reign. We are called to be lovers and promoters of peace and not division and aggression. We need to give a healing touch to a world that is sick in different ways and forms. Certain stability and consistency is also required as Jesus says, “Remain in the same house… do not go from house to house”. 6.       There is also a sense of “urgency” in the mission. It means that we must be always on wheels, always plunged into action. There is no time to waste, and one cannot procrastinate. Time is short and precious and we cannot afford to lose it in unnecessary niceties and secondary things, as Jesus says, “Greet no one on the road”. 7.       In carrying out such a challenging mission, we must shun every tendency to excessively depend on our own human resources like talent and competence or worldly securities and guarantees like money, power, and position. That is why Jesus warns us, “Carry no money bag, no knapsack, no sandals”. It is not that we do not make use of the available resources or equipment. The point is that our greatest resource and equipment is God’s power that sustains, guides, and strengthens us in our mission journey.   Direction: The followers of the Lord would do well in their mission if they do not cling too much to worldly securities and autonomies. While these can be handy and complementing, nothing of these must be substituted for the power of God     (REFLECTION 3 FROM 2021)   Focus: God calls us always with a purpose and mission; he entrusts us with His own mission; those who are sent on the Lord’s mission, are not sent empty-handed but are vested with His own power   The mission is so demanding because it is at odds with the mentality of the world: Against a wild growth of indifference and egoism, the mission calls to reap a harvest of good that is plentiful with the scarcity of laborers. Against a culture of death, Lord’s mission summons to promote a reign of peace. Against the tendency to look for securities or familiarities or certainties, which appear legitimate, Mission urges one to renounce all such legitimate claims, with the call to “set off without purse or bag or sandals”, and “not to stop at the house of those who know you”.   The mission is frightening because the context wherein the mission is carried out is so pernicious like that of “lambs among wolves”. The mission is challenging because the task itself is very vast (‘harvest is plentiful’) and the takers are scarce (‘the laborers are few’), and because the context and the field of its operation are hostile (‘being sent as lambs amid wolves). The mission of Christ is the harvest to reap. This is enormous and strenuous. But the workers are not many. More are needed to shoulder this sacred duty.   The same Mission of Jesus is entrusted to each disciple – to extend God’s reign by preaching and healing. There is nothing to worry or fear about, because the God who chose us, would Himself be with us to protect us, empower and guide us. Does He not assure? Be not afraid! Courage! I will be with you! However, God had trusted us so much and so entrusted us with so much. He has empowered us as well with the power of the Word and healing. It needs a benevolent assiduity to commit ourselves to this vibrant enormity.   Can we rise up to the occasion? We are meant and sent to be healers in a world that is possessed and sick, possessed by many evil, demoniac forces and influences, and infected and sickened by many evil defections. The world is in desperate need of healing in its brokenness and sickness. What are the due requirements to carry out Mission?   First of all, no material securities: “no purse, no bags, no sandals”. No wasting time, but a sense of urgency: “Salute no one on the way”. Unfailing trust in God’s providence, and not being worried about material needs. Unflinching devotion and perseverance, constantly “fanning to flame the inherited gift of faith”. Not to be intimidated or weakened by the pressures, but to be strong and testify to God. And be zealous to labor for the Gospel and serve the Lord (2 Timothy 1. 1-8) Direction: The mission of the Lord is impelling and compelling: If not we, then who else? If not now, then when? If not here, then where else? If not this, then what else? 26 JANUARY, REPUBLIC DAY 1.      26 January is a great historic moment and event in the history of India. It is the celebration of the Republic day of India. While 15 August 1947 marks the independence day of India, after decades and decades of slavery under British colonialism, 26 January 1950 marks the making of the Constitution of India. Thereby India regains full sovereignty, the power for self-governance, and self-rule. Power and freedom mark the life and destiny of any nation. No external force or fear. The people of India have the freedom and the power to govern themselves, by electing their own representatives who serve them. People are not slaves or servants. They are the real masters. They are not mere beneficiaries, but actual designers. 2.       On this joyful day of Republic, first of all, let us admire, appreciate and salute all those great leaders and noble souls, who were relentless and selfless, in sacrificing their own interests, and their careers, in toiling assiduously for attaining liberation, and steering the destiny of the nation, through a well-articulated and balanced Constitution. 3.       Secondly, deepen and develop a love and loyalty for the country. Sadly, there is a gripping indifference that chokes any positive action, and a lack of concern that obstructs any growth. We are invited once again today, to cultivate a spirit and culture of belonging to the motherland, social consciousness, and responsibility toward the wellbeing of the country, to participate and contribute actively in the various programs and activities that safeguard, and enhance the discipline and the progress of the nation. 4.       Further, we are also earnestly called to foster the spirit of unity, fraternity, and solidarity, among all the Indians, rising above all the external diversities like religion, region, language, culture, etc. we should be cautious and judicious, to guard against all forces and pressures of hostility, violence, and destruction. The spirit that should permeate and animates us is: “One nation, one vision, one striving!”   27 JANUARY 2023: HEBREWS 10. 32-39; MARK 4.26-34   Pivot: Enlightened and Enduring! Pointer: God’s grace is always productive and growth-promoting. He gives life and nurtures growth from little to big, from insignificance to beneficiality. Therefore, realise the presence of the kingdom of God and make it grow   1.      The gospel focuses on the nature of the kingdom of God. It is compared to seed in general and mustard seed in particular. There is a certain hiddenness, mysteriosity, and giftedness in the growth of a seed. It grows and no one knows how, and where lies the life that makes the seed grow. If not for God’s concealed, mysterious, gratuitous, and life-giving power of God, nothing can account for the life and growth of a seed. 2.      There are also other features like dynamism, steady progression, and a beneficial other-orientedness as the mustard seed grows into a huge plant, and shelters the birds. 3.      Now the greatest gift of the kingdom is faith. God in His generosity has gifted us faith. He has enlightened us. Once enlightened, we must not draw back. We must not throw away our confidence. 4.      The spread of the kingdom and the growth of faith calls for endurance. It is a great contest of doing the will of God and as such involves a great struggle and suffering. But our endurance must be joyful. 5.      However, this joyful endurance is possible only when there is the confidence that all disloyalty leads to perishing and endurance leads to life. Therefore we must sustain our faith with a firm hope that all our joyful suffering will ultimately bring us a great recompense.   Orientation: Often faith is shaken because confidence is not strong. Endurance will be lacking because hope is not bright and lasting. Therefore, with faith and hope let us assist in the growth of the kingdom   (REFLECTION 2 FROM 2021, 29 JANUARY)   Focus: God wants us to grow and make progressive progress. The beginnings may be small, but when grown, our life can become very beneficial to many   We should constantly plant and nurture the seed of God's kingdom within us. Like any seed, its growth does not entirely depend on us. It is God who puts life into it and gives the growth. What we are expected to do is to plant it and provide the necessary care. And like the mustard seed, it grows into a mighty tree to give shelter and shade to many.   The beginnings may be small and humble. But the end fruits can be great and plenty. Often, there is a tendency to judge the greatness of persons based on their beginnings and backgrounds. But that is not right. A mustard seed is tiny and insignificant in its beginnings. But as it grows, it becomes huge and sheltering. Seeds are small when planted, but when grown, they become a rich harvest.   In the light of these examples, we are called to flourish and to become productive and beneficial to others. The test of the quality of our life and faith is this criterion of growth and productivity. The first reading from the letter to Hebrews too cautions us not to shrink back, because God is not pleased with shrinking.   We must not throw away our confidence come what may. Instead, we must keep our souls and live by faith. We must continue being enlightened. We must endure and do the will of God, in spite of the possible struggles and sufferings, even abuse and affliction. But, that will not be a waste. We will receive a great reward that what is promised.   Direction: We reap what we sow. The quality and abundance of fruit depend on the quality of the plant. It is our choice to make between God's kingdom and evil kingdom     (REFLECTION 3 FROM 2022, 28 JANUARY)   Focus: We should not judge things by their mere external appearance, but by their effect and usefulness.   We must allow good to take root and grow within us and around us. The kingdom of God is this good that must flourish and pervade all around. Like a seed and especially like a mustard seed, the kingdom of God must be allowed to grow and give shelter to many. We need not bother about its tiny size initially as a seed. We must see the end result of its potential when grown as a tree.   Direction: Both good and evil are always present before us. Good prompts us while evil tempts us. Good is difficult and thus not much attractive and appealing, while evil is easy and very compelling. But good is gracious while evil is pernicious!   28 JANUARY 2023: HEBREWS 11. 1-2; 8-19; MARK 4. 35-41, ST THOMAS AQUINAS   Pivot: Faith that is holistic! Pointer: As believers, we will certainly go through tests and trials like any others, and sometimes, even more. But the Lord is always with us to lead us through   1.      Today’s Word of God invites us to focus on faith. We are taught what is faith and what faith does in our life. First of all, faith is not a guarantor or insulator against all troubles and turmoils in life. We must remember that even the disciples, and even with Jesus on their boat, had to face a storm. 2.      This shows that even when we have faith, and even when Jesus is with us, God may allow difficulties, fears, and tensions to surround us. The first reading also reminds us that faith will not exempt even righteous persons like Abraham from trying times. 3.      However, true faith keeps us steadfast through tests and takes us to victory. Faith makes us obey in surrender. It keeps us assured. It empowers us to accomplish things that are humanly not normal. Finally, faith helps us to sail over the storms and to experience calm. 4.      Storms are natural and fear is also natural. Jesus rebuked the frightened disciples in the boat, with the question, “Why are you terrified? Do you not have faith?” The reason for his rebuke is not so much their fear but their lack of faith. 5.      This becomes clear in their rushing to Jesus, protesting, “Do you not care that we are perishing?” Humanly speaking, they must have been annoyed and displeased with Jesus. They were running for life in dread and he was peacefully and “carelessly” sleeping. They were in panic all around, and he was cool on a “cushion”. 6.      So the problem was not their fear or waking up Jesus or seeking his intervention. The issue was they lost sight of the unfailing care of Jesus. They forgot that he is the life-giver and life-saver. He came to give life and save life. But they stuck to the fear of death and perishing. 7.      St Thomas Aquinas whom we venerate today was always focused on God and nothing could divert his attention. This total focus and commitment would bear abundant fruits in his wise and penetrating writings along with the depth of humility and height of sanctity.   Orientation: In the face of difficulties and afflictions, our approach must be not to doubt God’s presence and care for us. Rather, let us confide in Him firmly and sail through life with enduring hope     (REFLECTION 2 FROM 2021, 30 JANUARY)   Focus: Faith is not a windshield that shields us against all winds and forces. It is not a guarantee against all adversities. Rather, it is a sustainer of our strength and hope amidst such unfavourable situations   The disciples in the boat were hit by a great storm and strong waves. They were frightened. They become panicky. They even lose sight of the presence of the Lord in the boat. They shout for help. The Lord rebukes them for their lack of faith and calms the wind.   Our life and our faith are no different. Life is a boat in a constant sea-sail, assailed by storms. The sail gets harder and harder, threatening to sink it and perish the life. What is more worrisome is that the Lord himself seems to be unbothered and unconcerned about it. Fear grips and faith wavers.   What to do and how to counter such a situation? Enhance the focus on the Lord. He is with us always and everywhere. The problem is, we shift away our focus from him to the waves and winds. Consequently, they appear big and mighty. They seem to overtake and drown us.   Instead, let us rekindle our faith in him. Our God is a God of faith and faithfulness. He is a God who never abandons those who place their faith in him. He is the God of Abraham, a man of profound and unquestioning, and unconditioned faith. He is a God who rewarded the faith of Abraham.   We need to deepen such true faith which is the assurance of things hoped for, and the conviction of things not seen. It is that faith that constantly hears the Lord’s question, “Why are you afraid?” It is that faith that confides in the Lord’s power commanding the sea, “Peace! Be still!”. When the Lord is with us, when we are focused on him, when we trust in him, nothing can sink us. For sure, he will come to our rescue.   Direction: Life is never free from storms and there is every possibility to be frightened. But never worry. The Lord is ever with us to come to our rescue.   (REFLECTION 3 FROM 2022, 29 JANUARY)   Focus: When one loses focus, one loses awareness and renewal, and thus life itself becomes a loss.   1.      Focus is the key factor in any sphere of human life. The loss of focus leads to disastrous consequences. It makes one lose the sense of purpose and direction. It makes one distracted, deviated, and distorted. It makes one mediocre and uncommitted. It reduces drastically the quality and density of one’s performance and excellence. 2.       This is a double focus: Focus on self and focus on God. Self-focus is not self-interest or selfishness. Rather it is a concern to discover and groom the true self and perfect it. It is a constant striving to eliminate the layers of a false self and to brighten and rejuvenate the real self. In other words, self-focus is a journey of self-discovery and self-renewal. 3.       In the gospel, we have the other aspect of the loss of focus, and that is the focus on the Lord. The disciples in the boat are attacked and frightened by a storm. In their panic, they lose their focus on the Lord. They find him asleep. They get annoyed that he is not bothered even in their perishing situation. 4.       This is clearly the loss of focus on the Lord. They fail to believe that as long as the Lord is present with them in the same boat, nothing can harm them because no power can overpower his power. Further, they fail to realise that he is ever concerned for them and he would never allow any harm to befall them.   Direction: If the loss of God-focus and self-focus is the cause of many evils in human life, leading to a lack of devotion and dedication, then the only remedy to arrest such a situation is to reawaken this double focus. Be focused on God and be focused on the true self!        

3rd SUNDAY OF THE YEAR A

3RD SUNDAY, 22 JANUARY 2023, HOLY MASS REFLECTION ISAIAH 8.23 – 9.3; 1 COR 1. 10-13, 17; MATTHEW 4. 12-23 Thrust: A complete changeover! Indicative: God’s presence is transforming and renewing. Things change when God enters the scene and takes hold of the situation 1.      Jesus begins his ministry. He immediately plunges himself into a threefold mission of teaching, preaching, and healing. In fact, as the Incarnate Saviour, Jesus embodies and carries God’s presence and intervention. He becomes the fulfillment of God’s assurance in the Old Testament, spelled out in the first reading. 2.      Accordingly, this divine presence is one that transforms and renews the whole life situation. Degradation will turn into glory, and darkness into light. There will be no more gloom, no more anguish or distress. It is because the yoke that burdens us, the pole on the shoulder, and the rod of the taskmaster are smashed by the Lord. 3.      Thus, there will be abundant joy and rejoicing. This is the kingdom of God that Jesus proclaims and sets out to establish. Repentance is the norm of this kingdom. Repentance is the clarion call. Repentance is not a mere passing feeling of sorrow. It is a deep anguish that realises the infection of sin, stirs up the mediocre and sin-accustomed self, changes the heart, and makes a decisive break with sin. 4.      In the light of the second reading, some concrete implications of such a life of repentance become clear. “Unity” is one of the most important marks of this repentance and is the eligibility for the kingdom. There shall be no divisions. All will be united in the same mind and with the same purpose. Rivalries in different camps like Apollos, Cephas, Peter, and Paul will be counter-witness. 5.      Humility is another hallmark of repentance and the kingdom. No one shall be in the centre stage. All credit and glory are due only to God and the Lord Jesus Christ. No human eloquence or worldly wisdom can claim credit but only the holy folly of the cross of Christ. 6.      Following Jesus is another essential sign of repentance and condition for the kingdom. It is notable that as Jesus begins his mission, immediately he calls for disciples They become the sharers and torch-bearers of the same mission. 7.      Thereby it is crystal clear that the mission of God is not only the task of God but ours as well. The gift of God’s action of upheaval calls for a response and cooperation on our part. God wants His mission to be a collaborative enterprise and project. The purpose of the call and the focus of the mission is quite evident. It is to become fishers of souls from being ordinary fishermen. 8.      The call to follow Jesus places on the followers the mission of “rising in dignity” from the ordinariness of earth-bound interests and pursuits to the kingdom-oriented duty. It is to fish the souls. We can understand this in two aspects. One is, fishing the people from the evil one. The other is, hauling and gaining them for God. Imperative: The purpose, focus, and direction of our call and mission are very clear. Commitment to this alone will make our lives fulfilled  

2weekdays mass reflection of year 1

16 – 21 JANUARY 2023: HOLY MASS REFLECTION 16 JANUARY 2023: HEB 5. 1-10; MARK 2. 18-22 Thrust: No patchworks! Indicative: Our God is not one who is distant from us. He does not remain unconcerned. He does not abandon us when we suffer. He comes to our rescue. He fights evil on our behalf. He suffers for our sake 1. Sin affects and infects us. It soils and weakens us. It diminishes our beauty and dignity. It reduces our energies and strength. It makes us sick and unwhole. Therefore, we need cleansing, healing, strengthening, and revitalising. 2. But left to ourselves, we are not strong enough to confront and overcome evil. We need higher support and strength. And God, so sensitive and compassionate incarnates himself and suffers in our place. Unlike the other high priests, he offers no gifts and sacrifices for sins. He offers his own self. He does not offer them for his sake. He offers them for our sake. 3. He became obedient to the extent of death so as to heal the wounds of our disobedience. He made himself weak so as to strengthen us. He accepted to be imperfect so as to make us perfect. Such is the unbounded love and mercy of God. 4. Therefore, we must crave for his presence. We must rejoice in his company. All our focus must be to experience his presence and grow in his intimacy. He is truly the bridegroom and we are his wedding guests. 5. But there are times when we miss him. We do not recognise his presence. We do not nurture his closeness. It is in such times we must put in all our efforts to rekindle our lost love for him and regain the lost joy of his friendship. Religious practices like fasting, et cetera are meant for expressing our longing for him, and our anguish over missing him. 6. Every spiritual activity must ultimately bring us closer to Jesus and express our love for him. They should not be pretensions or external patchwork. They should indicate genuine repentance for our sinfulness. They should spring from a humble and contrite heart. 7. Often our religious activities do not touch and change our hearts and renew our life. It is a clear sign that what Jesus warned in the gospel is happening. That is, we are putting a new patch to the old cloth or pouring the new wine into old wineskins. The old garb and old wineskin of sin must be thrown away. We must put on the new garb of righteousness. We must pour the new wine of the grace of the Spirit into the renewed spirit. Imperative: All our spiritual practices and religious works will lose their meaning and purpose if they fail to foster our love for the Lord and transform our life for the better (REFLECTION 2 FROM 2021, 18 JANUARY) Focus: God is pleased, not so much with external offerings and spiritual activities, but with an obedient heart and a genuine life External spiritual activities and devotional practices are good and needed. They manifest our love for God and our loyalty to Him. They show how much we care for Him and are related to Him. They also help us to grow in our faith and closeness with God. Further, they also inspire, illumine, and strengthen us to change our life for the better and to live a renewed life in tune with our devotion and spirituality. In that way, no one can deny or reduce the importance of spiritual concerns. But, many times the problem with many is, there is no correspondence between the spiritual and actual life. One may be very fervent spiritually but indifferent toward others. One may praise and worship God actively, but may be very abusive and blame others. One may be very humble and submissive before God, but arrogant and domineering toward others. It is a shallow spirituality and a fake devotion. Jesus is always unhappy with such spirituality. It is this hypocrisy that Jesus reproaches in today’s gospel as well. This is exactly putting a new patch on an old cloth, putting new wine into old wineskins. Without changing the old cloth and wineskins of sin and evil, there is no use in putting on new patches and new wine. Our devotion is not a substitution for dedication. Our spirituality is not a mask for the lack of integrity. Therefore, what is most important in life and what really counts before God is not mere religious practices or offerings, but obedience to God's will and honesty in living. All our spiritual activities should be directed to abide close to the Lord and to renew life. The presence of the bridegroom is more important than all the other matters of marriage. A thorough renewal of life is more important than mere patchwork and temporary adjustments. Direction: The right and perfect spirituality is not merely a bundle of religious duties, but a humble obedience to God’s will, as Jesus did, though the Son of God himself (REFLECTION 3 FROM 2022, 17 JANUARY) Focus: Obedience to God’s will is more important than all the best of the plans, undertakings, and accomplishments 1. Presumption is a very strong force that often pressures us. Our intelligence, our competence, our resourcefulness easily make us presumptuous. Consequently, we attach too much importance to our judgment and decisions and cling to them. This often leads us to bypass the will and the plans of God and to even go against them. 2. This was the same sin of the presumption that misguided the Pharisees and scribes. They presumed that their mere observance of the laws and spiritual activities would appease God and bring them heaven. That is why they gave more importance to the rules and practices like fasting while they failed to grow closer to God. They fail to realise that the joy of the presence of the bridegroom is more important than the aloofness of fasting. They fail to realize that all our practices are ultimately meant to deepen our relationship with God. 3. Offerings and sacrifices without a humble and renewed heart are like the “new patches” on the old cloth and “new wine” into the old wineskins. The external religious practices must go together with an obedient heart and a changed life. What is needed is “new cloth” and “new wineskins” for the new wine of God’s grace. Direction: God wants a thorough renewal of the entire life and not mere patchwork. Interior purity and exterior propriety must be blended 17 JANUARY 2023: HEB 6. 10-20; MARK 2. 23-28 Thrust: All for good! Indicative: God is ever deeply concerned about us. He will never turn a deaf ear to pleas and problems. At the same time, He will also not take for granted our struggles and sacrifices for His sake 1. The disciples of Jesus pluck the grain and eat it on a Sabbath day. The Pharisees make a fuss about it and complain to Jesus that they are breaching the law. If we remember yesterday’s gospel passage, it is interesting to compare it with today’s. Yesterday. they blamed the disciple for not doing what is lawful (that is fasting). Today, they blame them for doing what is not lawful (working on Sabbath). 2. This shows their evil nature. Right or wrong is not a matter for them. They are ever on the watch to catch Jesus on the wrong foot. They fail on different counts. First, picking the grains is not equal to reaping which is unlawful. Second, they fail to see the need and hunger of the disciples. Third, they are so negative-minded and prejudiced and so they are quick and eager to find fault with Jesus and his disciples. Fourth, they fail to see the spiritual and moral authority of Jesus that surpasses any law. 3. Jesus puts things clearly and in place. The good of the human person is far more important than all the laws. In fact, all the laws are ultimately aimed at the well-being of humans. Any law that does not lead to good is of no use. When people give more importance to the rules and fail to do good to others, their fidelity to the law will not count but their failure in charity will be culpable. 4. Besides, God is the Lord of everything, and no law and nothing is above him. One cannot put control and condition on God also. The Pharisees and scribes were foolish to put restrictions on the Master who controls and rules over everything. 5. As the Master’s disciples, we are called to be clear of this priority of benevolence in our life. When we are committed to good, for sure we too will come across opposition from the modern Pharisees and scribes. We may be discouraged. We may feel it is a futile and lone battle. 6. But in the first reading, we are assured that “God is not unjust so as to overlook your good work and your love for his name in service”. We are also encouraged to continue to demonstrate the same eagerness. Imperative: At times, standing against the current, and the pressure of the false values will be very hard. But let us persevere in faith and patience because He who is faithful will “indeed bless you and multiply you”. (REFLECTION 2 FROM 2021, 19 JANUARY) Focus: There is no greater law and rule in life than the good and happiness of fellow human beings. A law that fails to do good is no good law Certainly, laws and rules are needed for the smooth running of any society. They provide order and direction. They check and control anti-social or selfish tendencies and acts. They guard against indiscipline and irresponsible freedom. A lawless society or person will be chaotic. Thus, every law is meant ultimately for the welfare and progress of human persons. Any law and rule that threatens the dignity and happiness of the person, and subverts and oppresses his life, is not good. Therefore, the value of every rule and regulation should be judged, only based on its usefulness. The true success of the law is not in a meticulous following of it, but in bringing progress and happiness. In simple, a law is good when it does good to the persons, and when it makes good persons. The heart of a rule is the rule of the heart. The true efficacy of a rule is the ability to look into the heart, to look at the need of the other. In the words of the letter to the Hebrews 6. 10-20, to be truly law-abiding is “not to be sluggish, but to serve others in all love and earnestness”. This is the perfect following of the law: to be steady “imitators of those who inherit the eternal promises, through faith and patience”. The whole fault of the Pharisees and scribes was failing to see and go beyond the letter to this spirit and purpose of the laws. For them, Sabbath was a law, and that must be followed at any cost, even at the cost of the good. Hence, they criticise Jesus’ disciples for breaking the Sabbath, instead of seeing their hunger. But, on the contrary, Jesus looks at the heart of the disciples. He sees their deeper simplicity of heart beyond the apparent violation of the Sabbath. He sees the need of their hunger beyond the heartless and uncharitable practice of the law of the Pharisees. Hence his famous attestation: “Sabbath for man, and not man for Sabbath”. Direction: Heart is more important than heartless reasoning. Good is more important than dry rule. Loving and helping others is more important than keeping the law (REFLECTION 3 FROM 2022, 18 JANUARY) Focus: Lack of depth and interiority often blur our perspective and vision; consequently we are deceived and misled by mere external factors and appearances 1. Human thinking and reasoning are good and needed, but cannot supersede divine wisdom and will. Often despite the heights of intelligence and capacities, people go wrong in their perception, decision, and action. The reason is they do not get into the deep of their heart and the matter; they do not interiorize. They do not listen and adhere to the promptings of the Spirit. They remain stuck only to the external layers and fail to go beneath and beyond them. 2. They think that they are using their reason and are reasonable. In fact, their reason is “clouded’. They are actually “prejudiced”. Consequently, they fail to see reality in its depth. This is why many even though well-educated and highly placed, are easily carried away by external and peripheral factors like caste, region, religion, language, culture, et cetera. 3. This is what differentiates God from humans. God states this clearly to Samuel, “the Lord sees not as man sees; man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart”. God looks at the heart and so is not conditioned by mere external factors. 4. In the gospel too, this contrast is seen between Jesus’ perspective and that of the Pharisees regarding his disciples. Jesus looks at the simple hearts and the hunger of his disciples beyond their apparent breach of the Sabbath. But the Pharisees look at the disciples with a negative eye because of their spiritless practice of law. Jesus makes it clear that all the rules are under God’s reign and control, and no rule is above him. Besides, all the rules are to be benevolent, that is, for the good of humans. Direction: The simplest test of the good quality of any law and practice is whether it is in submission to God’s authority and whether it leads to the good of others 18 JANUARY 2023: HEB 7. 1-3, 15-17; MARK 3. 1-6 Thrust: Do not be shrunk! Indicative: Righteousness and peace have become mirages today. Peace is destroyed because righteousness is discarded 1. In the first reading, the focus is on Melchizedek. His name is suggestive. It means righteousness. His place of the reign was also suggestive. He was the king of Salem and Salem means peace. There is no detail about his origin or ancestry. Thus, he is without the beginning and the end. As such, he resembles the Son of God, who is without beginning or end and king of righteousness and peace. 2. Jesus, the Son of God, is a priest forever, according to the order of Melchizedek. he reigns righteously and brings about peace. The whole purpose of Jesus’ incarnation and life is to establish righteousness and peace. 3. Preaching and healing are integral parts of his reign. They are not just two components of his mission. They are effective signs and testimonies of his very identity and mission. But sadly, the Pharisees and scribes fail to see him from this integral perspective. They look at him from an earth-bound view and so block him every time. Their whole lookout was to accuse him of anything and everything. 4. Today we have one such instance. They wait to see whether he would cure a man with a withered hand on a Sabbath day. Jesus does not “disappoint” them. No fear, no other force would deter him from doing good. 5. Jesus cures the man with the withered hand. He boldly challenges their wickedness with a crucial question: What is lawful on a Sabbath day – do good or evil, save life or destroy it? In fact, one could break the Sabbath rule when life is in danger. And as for them, there was no mighty hurry for that man to be cured. He could wait. But for Jesus, every act of good is urgent and an emergency! 6. Lamentable was the hardness of the Pharisees and scribes. The very healing that does good and saves life leads them to further hatred and plot to kill Jesus. Imperative: What an irony! Jesus does good but he meets evil. He saves life but he will be put to death. He follows the supreme law of love but he is condemned as the violator of the law. We need to heal our withered hearts! (REFLECTION 2 FROM 2021, 20 JANUARY) Focus: Life is meant to bloom and glow, to blossom and grow, to nourish itself, and to flourish in fruits. A withered life is a worthless life! Gospel of the day presents Jesus healing on a Sabbath a man with a withered hand. The Pharisees and scribes accuse him heavily of violating the Sabbath. They even begin to plot to kill him. Every occasion of preaching and healing turns into an occasion of confrontation and accusation and antagonisation. Now, what is wrong? Certainly, Jesus was not wrong, because he was doing no wrong. He did good, did only good, and did always good. For him, doing good always and everywhere is the greatest concern. No law, no force can condition it or restrict it. Therefore, the restrictions of the Sabbath law did not matter to him, since healing a withered hand was more beneficial and important. That is why, he poses a challenge, with the question, “Is it lawful on the Sabbath to do good or to do harm, to save life or kill?” But the Pharisees and the scribes have no such concern and no such perspective. They were blinded by their own self-righteousness. They were prejudiced against Jesus, because of jealousy and hostility. In fact, these were the real withered people, more than the man with a withered hand. They were withered because for them observing the law of the Sabbath is more important than doing good and saving a life. That is why the healing of the withered man by Jesus, leads them to plot to kill him. One who does not see God's hand and does not confide in His power is truly a withered person. Direction: Every perverted, arrogant, and evil-minded heart is the real withering. This is more deplorable than the external withering. (REFLECTION 3 FROM 2022, 19 JANUARY) Focus: Human strength and capacities can never overpower the all-surpassing power of God. For a while, they may appear to be overwhelming and overpowering, but their success and gain are short-lived and shallow 1. A heart that does not vibrate to the voice and grace of God, a heart that does not vibrate in sensitivity to the need of the other, a hand that does not extend itself to help the other, are truly withered. In the gospel, Jesus heals a man with a withered hand on a Sabbath day. As a result, the Pharisees and the scribes accuse Jesus of breaking the Sabbath law and begin to plot to kill him. This is truly absurd. They blame him because he did good. They want to kill him because he gave new life to the sick man. He receives only evil in return for his good. 2. And this is the irony: the man with a withered hand was only physically sick. But the Pharisees and the scribes were physically healthy; still, actually, they were the really withered people. They had withered hands because they did not stretch forth to help others. They had withered hearts because they did not feel sensitive and concerned toward the needy and suffering. Thus, while the man with a withered hand got completely healed, the Pharisees and scribes who were healthy become sick and withered. Direction: We need not feel so happy that we are physically so healthy. It is important to check and see whether we are sick of mind, heart, and soul. Withered hearts and hands are more dreadful than a withered hand! 19 JANUARY 2023: HEBREWS 7.25 – 8.6; MARK 3. 7-12 Thrust: Hear and come! Indicative: Jesus is our highest high priest who sympathises with us, atones for our sins, and saves us. Those who approach him will surely be made clean without reproach 1. Many claim today to be busy-bodies. They have too much to do. That may be true, though not all. Some pretend to be so. Some may be busy but not for the right things and with ulterior motives. For a good number, craving for cheap popularity and trying for self-glory are at peaks! 2. We wonder whether they want to spread God’s name or theirs. That is why we see a flex and cut-outs culture where their figure and power will overhaul Jesus and his power. Their so-called “testimonies” are at times disguises for boasting and ego-promotion. 3. It is against self-seeking drive even in spiritual circles, we have Jesus. He was the busiest and the most perfect and powerful. But he never sought cheap popularity. In fact, many times he warns those healed not to make him known. 4. Many hear about him and run to him. They press upon him to touch him so that they get cured. We can note two factors: positively, their eagerness to approach Jesus for healing. Negatively, their desire by and large for physical healing. 5. Those people can pose some simple questions to us. Hearing about Jesus, they flock to him. But how many of us hear about the Lord but don’t bother to approach him? Do we long to touch him, to experience personally his healing touch? And are we bothered only about physical healing and worldly interests? Are we interested in inner healing? Imperative: Jesus was totally committed to an unceasing mission of healing and transformation. He urges us to be tirelessly committed to the same mission of inner healing and liberation (REFLECTION 2 FROM 2021, 21 JANUARY) Focus: God is ever ready to touch us and heal us. He is eager to drive out our evil spirits and put in His Spirit. How much we are ready and willing to do? Down through the ages, God continues to intervene in the lives of humanity. The purpose is to liberate them, save them, and give them renewed dignity and joy. But at the appointed time, He incarnates His divinity in human form in the person of Jesus Christ. He is our unique and supreme High priest. Unlike the other high priests, he no more offers other ordinary sacrifices. Rather he offers his own self. He makes himself one among the sinners but separated from them. He is the high priest, holy, blameless, and unstained. This is the excellent ministry of his expiation for our purification and sanctification. This is concretely seen in Jesus’ ministry. Jesus sets himself on a relentless mission of healing and exorcism. The opposition, the jealousy, and the evil of the Pharisees and scribes do not deter him or discourage him. Unconditioned benevolence steers him on a path of immense good. If God is ceaselessly announcing His good news, healing, and exorcising, then why still many continue discomforted and misguided, sick and weak, evil-possessed and evil-driven? See the irony: even the evil spirits acknowledge Jesus as the Son of God, but the humans do not. As long as one does not see and accept one’s sickness and evil, as long as one does not feel the need for healing, and as long as one refuses to approach Jesus for his touch, one will not change and become better. God’s grace and power are abundantly available, but the openness and eagerness to respond and cooperate are lacking! Direction: Not realising, not accepting, and not diagnosing sickness is worse than the sickness itself. What is sad is preferring to be sick, throwing away the remedies of health! (REFLECTION 3 FROM 2022, 20 JANUARY) Focus: There is so much blindness of the heart that closes the eyes to the good a person is or does; often the problem is not the absence of good but the absence of the ability to see the good present 1. A vibrant Benevolence constantly ignites Jesus. Thereby he sets himself on a relentless mission of healing and exorcism. The benevolence of Jesus knew no bounds, no blocks. The persistent opposition of the Pharisees and scribes could in no way discourage or decrease his fervour. Passion for God’s will and compassion for the struggles of others lead him on an unstoppable march of healing and restoration. 2. Today as the followers of Christ, this is the same spirit that we must inherit and this is the same mission that we must carry on. It is the spirit of unconditioned benevolence. And it is the undaunted mission of liberation and integration. We too will confront numberless opposing forces and assaults. But we shall persevere! Direction: Hostility and problems may always confront us but nothing shall hinder us on our mission of benevolence. 20 JANUARY 2023: HEBREWS 8. 6-13; MARK 3. 13-19 (STS FABIAN AND SEBASTIAN) Thrust: A new covenant! Indicative: The old covenant is surpassed by the new covenant through the blood of Jesus Christ. God through His Son forgives our sins and establishes a new covenant 1. We are the people of the new covenant. Jesus is the mediator and establisher of this new covenant. The newness of this covenant stands out due to a few key components: it is no more written only on stone tablets. It is an interior inscription, written on hearts. 2. It is a covenant of profound belonging where God owns us up wholly, attesting, “I will be their God and they shall be my people”. It is a covenant of forgiveness as God assures, “I will forgive their evildoing and remember their sins no more”. 3. This new covenant becomes manifest and concrete in the life and mission of Jesus Christ, the incarnate Saviour. The faithful, the followers of Christ, and the Church are the new Israel, the new people of the new covenant. The Twelve apostles become the representatives of the twelve patriarchs of the twelve tribes of Israel. 4. The church continues. The new covenant continues. Jesus symbolises and embodies this in calling the Twelve and forming the core body of the people of God. Thus, he calls them, names them, appoints them, commissions them, and empowers them. 5. The purpose of this new covenant and mission is quite clear. It is twofold: to be with him as disciples, and to be sent out as apostles. The mission too is specified. It is twofold: to preach and to drive out unclean spirits. Sts Fabian and Sebastian whom we commemorate today lived up to their call and gifted their life as martyrs in fulfillment of this mission. Imperative: We need to always bear in mind that the purpose of our call is twofold: to be with him and to be on his mission. Therefore, let us learn to be authentic disciples and effective apostles (REFLECTION 2 FROM 2021, 22 JANUARY) Focus: Our relationship with God is not a matter of contract for a better transaction and profit, but is a covenant, built on fidelity and our integral benefit “Called and sent” – this simply is the whole essence of our vocation. We are specially and personally called by the Lord. We are identified and chosen by name. This shows that each one of us is unique and important to God. We are not just anyone among many. We are someone, special and close to the Lord. We are not just numbers or labels. We are persons, with particular names. A name is not a mere label or usage for practical convenience. It stands for a person’s identity and dignity. Therefore, in identifying and choosing his Twelve disciples by name, Jesus gives them their proper identity. They are no more what they were, identified by their lineage or profession. Rather, they are his disciples and apostles. They receive a new identity, a new dignity. They enter into a new realm of life, a new ambience of grace. This is exactly the new covenant that is spoken of in the letter to Hebrews 8. 6-13: “I will establish a new covenant with the house of Israel and the house of Judah… This is the new covenant… I will put my laws into their minds, and write them on their hearts, and I will be their God, and they shall be my people”. This new covenant is already set in motion in Jesus’ choice of the Twelve. They represent the new Israel. God through Jesus puts His laws into their minds, imprints them on their hearts, and makes them His own. But it does not stop there with them. Their call has a purpose and mission. The call of the Twelve is not only “to be with him” but also “to be sent on his mission”. The mission is nothing but to extend the same new covenant to all others, that is, to make all others the recipients, and participants of the new covenant. In other words, their mission is to imprint God’s laws on their hearts and make them God’s own people. This is carried out concretely by the twofold channels of preaching and healing. Direction: What do you and I belong to? Is it the new covenant of passion and fidelity, or the old covenant of sin and waywardness? (REFLECTION 3 FROM 2022, 21 JANUARY) Focus: Those who are on God's side are ever good and magnanimous and never intend evil for others. They resemble Him and continue His own mission of love 1. Magnanimity and fairness of dealing are the typical traits of a true disciple of Christ. In the gospel, we find Jesus choosing his twelve apostles, each by name. He personally calls each one by name to be with him and to be sent and set on his mission. We are not mere numbers or members of a crowd. Each one is significant and personal. 2. In simple, every disciple puts on the same nature of his master and acts as the master would act. God called us to be in intimacy with him and to do his work. Thus we become like him. We are not expected to work wonders or to create new domains. It is to enrobe ourselves with the same spirit and continue the same kingdom of love, justice, and peace. Direction: The more we are with the Lord, the more we will become like him. The more we are like him, the more we will make others like him and bring them to him 21 JANUARY 2023: HEBREWS 9. 2-3, 11-14; MARK 3. 20-21, ST AGNES Thrust: Out of mind! Indicative: Following the way of the Lord may make us go “out of the way” of the world. Putting on the mind of Christ may label us as “out of mind”. But it is worth it! 1. “He is out of mind”. The relatives of Jesus think that Jesus was out of his mind and forcefully take him home. The reasons are obvious. The crowds were enormous. There was no time even to eat. He was fully busy with the Father’s work, good to the people. So he was forgetful about himself. He did not seek his convenience, even the legitimate concern for food. 2. We need not see any wrong intention or disrespect on the part of his relatives. Perhaps they were just concerned and worried about the health of their brother. They could not understand this craziness that was clearly out of the way. 3. They just think, feel and act humanly. But they must realise that Jesus came on a definitive mission and the duration is prescribed and short. There is no time to waste or leisurely relax. Sense of urgency and fidelity to it is uppermost in his mind. In reference and preference to his fidelity to the mission, everything else will count as of no value. 4. In fact, his mission is in perfect symphony with his very identity and God’s will, and the very purpose of his coming. He comes down as the perfect tabernacle enshrining the presence of the Holy God. As the unique high priest, he offers his very self and blood as an unblemished offering. Thereby he cleanses our defiled spirits, reconciles us to God, and restores the lost access and intimacy with him. 5. St Agnes whom we commemorate today, at the young age of 12, chose to die rather than deny her faith in the Lord. The sole reason is she was “mad” for God! Imperative: As his disciples, we must not be scared and must be prepared to criticised and misinterpreted. It is better to be out of mind rather than to be “out of God’s mind”. It is better to be mad for God, rather than be mad without God (REFLECTION 2 FROM 2021, 23 JANUARY) Focus: Things may go wrong and may frighten and discourage us. But we never need to lose hope, because we have Jesus, the High priest who always pleads and works on our behalf In today’s gospel, we have an instance of a very typical human experience. Jesus is considered to be out of his senses! He is mad, possessed, out of his mind! Why? What makes the people think so? The obvious reason is: he is totally committed. He is so selfless. He does not think of himself, his comfort, his leisure, his privacy, or his free space and time. He is not organized, he is not planned, and he has no control over his time. He does not spend even a little time to be at home, with his relatives. He finds no time even to have his meals. He is not so systematic as to display a schedule of his available timings. He does not behave big and great, making the people search and wait for him. He is not like the popular figures who make the people feel his importance and greatness. He does not create a comfort zone and lives in it. He does not put on airs. He is not puffed up. He does not ride on his glory. In short, he is passionate and fully possessed by the Spirit of God. His only concern was God’s will and doing His mission. To do God’s will is his food and drink. This type of behaviour and living is totally out of the way, quite contrary to the normal and ordinary. He was a total contrast to others. He was a question mark, a prick of conscience, a thorn in the flesh, and a challenge to many others, who were comfort-seeking, self-confined, calculative, and mediocre. Therefore, it is quite natural that he was considered off the mind. In fact, this is the way good and committed people are often considered by the world. This is the price of commitment. What then is the remedy? The first reading from the letter to the Hebrews gives us the direction: Purify your conscience from dead works to serve the living God. Direction: Our life can become more meaningful and beautiful when we constantly lay open to the touch of Jesus to purify us from the worldly and lead us on the way of sanctification (REFLECTION 3 FROM 2022, 22 JANUARY) Focus: Those who are humble, honest, and committed are certainly different from the world. The world misunderstands and misjudges them only according to its perspective and standards 1. There is always a sharp contrast between the ways of God and the ways of the world. The ways of those who follow the Lord are not rightly understood or appreciated by those who follow the ways of the world. The reason is quite clear: Those who are on God’s side are in the light and truth. Their ways are just and fraternal. They are sincere and authentic. But those who are infected by the world are in the dark and falsity. They are unjust and uncharitable. They are dishonest and hypocritical. 2. This difference causes a big distaste and resentment against those who are godly. In consequence, they are misjudged and even criticised and labelled to be “out of their senses”. They are considered to be foolish, not shrewd and prudent enough, not tactical and clever. They are thought to be unrealistic, mad, and crazy. 3. These are different ways of self-defence and self-justification. The presence of sincerity pricks insincerity. The presence of altruism challenges egoism. The presence of patience and gentleness poses a question to anger and rudeness. The presence of authenticity exposes duplicity. Therefore, the only way is to put down those who are in the right and take away the credit for their virtue. 4. This is what happens in the case of Jesus in the gospel. He was thought to be “out of mind” by his relatives. It was because he was not fitting into their judgment modes. He was so selfless and committed that he would not bother even about his meals. This is really madness according to worldly calculations. Direction: Those who live “out of their heart” will certainly be regarded as “out of their mind”. It is because they are not led by mere senses or brains but by heart and spirit