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!