Eighth week in ordinary time 23

29 MAY - 03 JUNE 2023, HOLY MASS REFLECTIONS 29 MAY 2023: SIRACH 17. 20-24; MARK 10. 17-27 Pivot: Give up! Indicative: God wills that we all inherit eternal life. But it is not an easy task. It needs to go beyond the ordinary and the minimum 1. “How hard it is to enter the kingdom of God!” Jesus states thus in the gospel. This points to the culture of our world. We are living in a world that has a mentality which is easy-going and take-for-granted. Especially things other than the worldly and material do not often receive much attention. 2. The first question that is worth-posing is: How many are really interested in God, spiritual matters, Kingdom and eternal life? How many are really concerned about the right values? How many are thoughtful and concerned about the needs and struggles of the poor and needy? 3. In that way, the desire of the young man for eternal life is praiseworthy. He stands as a contrast to many who are short-sighted and earth-bound and not heaven-directed. He is also appreciable because he is not just satisfied with the desire and intention. 4. His desire for eternity is supported by a loyal observance of God’s laws and commandments. However, it is not enough. Jesus says, “There is one thing that is lacking”. Perfection calls for more. It calls for a radical journey of the 4 D’s: detachment, dispossession, distribution and discipleship. 5. This is the kind of life that is laid out in the first reading. It is a life that is marked by penitence, turning away from sin and the error of the ungodly, and standing firm in God’s way of justice. This is a life pleasing to God. This is very challenging and strenuous. It needs God’s grace and not merely human effort. That is why Jesus says, “For men, it is impossible but not for God. All things are possible for God”. Imperative: Possessing riches in itself is not wrong. But we should be cautious that riches should not possess and enslave us in the process (Reflection 2 from 2021, 24 May) Focus: The man of today thinks that everything is possible for him. A sense of self-confidence is good. But a sense of humility to recognize his self-insufficiency is better 1. In the gospel of today, we have a rich young man who can represent many of us. First of all, we can appreciate his desire for eternal life, as he asks Jesus, “What must I do to inherit eternal life?” He asks this in humility as he kneels before Jesus. 2. He also readily acknowledges Jesus as the right teacher who can teach and direct rightly as he addresses Jesus, “Good teacher!” We must further appreciate him for his fidelity to observe the commandments from his youth. 3. Immediately, in reference to him, it is good to do a self-check. How many have this desire for eternal life? Many desire to acquire and gain many things pertaining to the world, but very little is the desire for what is beyond and lasting. 4. Do we have the humility to seek the answer for eternity? Do we have trust and faith in Jesus as the one who can give the right answer and direct us in the right way? And how many sincerely can affirm that I am following the commandments from my youth? 5. Certainly, this rich young man is not a bad man. He is religious-minded. That is why, Jesus looks upon him with love. However, the young man is still insufficient. He lacks something essential. He lacks that profound detachment, that radical self-giving, and personal intimacy with the Lord and following him. 6. He needs to get rid of a worldly mentality of acquiring, inheriting and possessing. This is indicated in his question, “What must I do to inherit eternal life?” Eternal life is not something that can be gained by one’s own effort or merit. It is not an automatic result and reward of certain observances, even though good. 7. Eternal life and salvation is God’s grace, it is His free gift. Attachment to worldly things and possessions can be the biggest hindrance to follow the Lord personally and intimately. They can easily make one self-centred and greedy. They may make one fail in sensitivity and generosity to the poor and needy. 8. Some may argue that Jesus is not realistic and practical. He does not know how to tackle the young man. He upsets the rich young man totally. He would have advised him to be more generous and contribute huge donations and alms to the poor and the temple, etc. 9. But, the real issue here is a radical commitment to the Lord. As the book of Sirach advocates, it is a definitive turning to God, without conditions and compromises. It is a total self-giving to God and to others. All that matters is only surrender and loyalty to the Lord. Direction: It is good that we frequently question ourselves: What do I lack? But it is not in regard to the world, in terms of money, things, capacities or power, position, etc. The vital concern is, what do I lack in my journey of salvation? 30 MAY 2023: SIRACH 35. 1-12; MARK 10. 28-31 Pivot: Oblation is an entire life! Indicative: Oblations, sacrifices and offerings are good because they are the external signs of religious adherence. But they are not enough! 1. A spirit of detachment, self-offering and generosity and justice in observance of commandments and acts of charity are far more pleasing to God than all the other religious sacrifices and offerings. 2. The episode of the encounter of the young man with Jesus was just then over. The young man goes away sad. He was not able to accept the challenge of total renunciation and then the following of Jesus. 3. It is in this context, Peter seeks clarity about their own destiny. They stand in contrast to the rich young man. Unlike him, they responded immediately to the call of Jesus. They gave up everything. They followed Jesus. 4. In line with the first reading, they offer pleasing gifts to God, not so much by sacrifices and atonements, but by their very life. It is a life of complete detachment from the world and commitment to the Lord. 5. Peter states, “We have given up everything and followed you”. This need not mean that he is boastful about their giving up and following Jesus. Nor is he inquisitive about their reward. It is more about seeking clarity about the end and destiny of their fidelity. Their response is not futile. It is highly worthwhile and rewarding. 6. Following Jesus with renunciation brings forth already here on earth rich dividends, even in terms of material abundance and new spiritual relationships. Furthermore, it obtains the greatest reward of eternal life. 7. However, Jesus is never a false promise. He cautions realistically of the necessity and occurrence of persecutions, along with blessings. He also clarifies candidly that there cannot be guarantees or pretensions when he says, “The first will be last and the last will be first”. Imperative: Charity and justice, testified in a life of devotion and dedication are highly commendable and relishable in God’s sight (Reflection 2 from 2021, 25 May) Focus: Practice of religion in devotions, offerings and sacrifices is good. But all this must be done with a real spirit of self-offering, righteousness and gladness 1. In the first reading from Sirach, there is a very profound religious teaching that which is a check and control against shallow and superficial religiosity. Such a religiosity is very inadequate because it is limited and reduced to mere offerings and sacrifices, activities and practices. Unfortunately, this is the type of religiosity and spirituality that many believe and practice today. The consequence of such a depthless religion is obstinacy, intolerance, antagonism and violence. 2. But, today the book of Sirach teaches us rightly that being faithful to the laws and commandments, being kind and righteous surpasses all the formal offerings and rituals. It is not the religious act alone that pleases God but the heart that does that act. It is the spirit and life of humility, righteousness, self-offering to God and self-giving to others in the joy that wins God’s favour. 3. Such a life is certainly not easy. It is demanding and challenging. Especially in the sight of the world, and in human calculations, it is a big loss. What is the use of it? What is the result and fruit of it? 4. This is the concern that is implied in the question of Peter of Jesus in today’s gospel: “Behold, we have left everything and followed you”. This question follows immediately yesterday’s episode of the rich young man, who fails to follow Jesus’ invitation to give up everything and follow him. 5. In contrast to him, Peter and the other disciples readily leave everything and follow Jesus. In this context, Peter’s question is quite valid and reasonable. It is not following the Lord with ulterior motives or some interests. It is not doing something for God with some expectations. It is not giving up some things in order to gain many things. 6. In all simplicity, Peter’s question reveals a concern for assurance that it is worth following the Lord. It is far more rewarding. It is not a vain enterprise or a futile struggle. The value of following the Lord is exceedingly greater than all that is given up. The reward is an abundance of spiritual riches and relationships. And the greatest reward is eternal life. Direction: Following the Lord will become light and enjoyable if one does it with a positive mind. This means one must constantly see that what he receives is far more worthy and valuable, compared to what he loses. God’s abundant blessings and eternal life are the greatest rewards! 31 MAY 2023: ZEPHANIAH 3. 14-18 or ROMANS 12. 9-16; LUKE 1. 39-56, VISITATION OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY Pivot: God visits and intervenes! Indicative: Mary mediates, intercedes and recommends before God on our behalf. That shows her deepest concern. Certainly, God heeds her mediation. Joy will be the ultimate effect 1. Mary’s visitation to Elizabeth is not merely a historical, courtesy or even a charitable visit. It is symbolic, highly spiritual and missionary. It symbolizes God’s own intervention. Whenever there is a need, God visits those in need and fulfils their need. 2. In the episode of the visitation, we see a concrete occasion of God’s mighty intervention through Mary’s noble mediation. Already there is a spiritual inundation of the Holy Spirit. Mary’s presence fills and ignites Elizabeth with the Spirit. She explodes into spiritual excitement and acclamation. 3. In one breath, Elizabeth acknowledges God as her Lord and Saviour. She also acknowledges and acclaims Mary as the Mother of the Saviour, the most Blessed of all women by her faith. Mary’s blessedness is confirmed by the effusion of the Spirit and joy. 4. Spirit and joy are the most authentic signs and effects of God’s presence. Where God is present, there is the Holy Spirit and joy. Mary was already bearing Jesus and so she could transmit Spirit and joy. 5. This would fill and move Elizabeth and her babe in the womb. The same Spirit and joy would reverberate in the entire being of Mary. That is why she would burst into one of the greatest hymns of Spirit and joy, namely the Magnificat. Imperative: The Visitation of Mary is not just a journey of Mary. It reminds us about God’s own constant visitation to human lives through Mary’s mediation and the carrying out of our mission (Reflection 2 from 2022) Indicative: Mary’s visitation to Elizabeth is not just an individual visit but symbolizes the very visitation of God Himself to humanity, with His gracious face, turned toward suffering humanity 1. Mary visits Elizabeth, and this visitation is very significant. It is not just a courtesy visit. It is not only a great act of charity and service to Elizabeth in need during her pregnancy. It is deeply symbolic and efficacious, as it indicates the very visitation of God Himself and its effects on humanity. 2. In the Bible through the history of salvation, the visitation of God signifies His active and liberative intervention in the life of His people. Accordingly, “God visits” signifies that God is encountering and gracing that person or that community. Today in the visitation of Mary, the same thing happens: The Saviour, conceived in Mary’s womb, visits Elizabeth and graces her and her family, who symbolizes the whole of humanity. 3. Mary is the perfect embodiment of God’s will and presence and the abode of Jesus. She bears him within and shares him with others. She nurtures him within and extends the same experience to others. What happens when God visits humanity in the person of Mary? This is what is concretely seen in the scene of the Visitation. 4. At the sight and encounter with Mary, two things happen: Elizabeth is filled with the Holy Spirit, and the babe in her womb leaps with joy. Jesus, channelled and mediated, transmitted and extended through Mary, gives the Holy Spirit and joy. 5. Thus, the effects of visitation are quite clear: Holy Spirit and joy. These two are the greatest signs and testimonies of the presence and the experience of God: when we have the Lord within us, we are able to transmit Holy Spirit to others and move and fill others with the same Spirit, and we are able to ignite others with true and deep joy. 6. The visitation of Mary reminds us of our own vocation and mission. Bear Jesus and share Jesus. When we have Jesus and give him to others, we too will be able to transmit the Holy Spirit and joy to others. But whenever we spread only evil spirit and unhappiness to others, it is a clear sign that we are not bearing Jesus within us, and we do not carry God’s experience and presence. Imperative: May the Mother Mary who visited Elizabeth continue to visit us, as God’s channel of grace! May she be a model and inspiration for us! May she sustain our tiny steps and efforts in carrying and spreading God’s Spirit and joy to all others! 01 JUNE 2023: SIRACH 42. 15-25; MARK 10. 46-52 Pivot: God graces! Indicative: God’s holiness, power and goodness are boundless. His ways are unfathomable. He never ceases to accompany, strengthen and guide his disciples 1. Name is not a mere label. It connotes the individuality and identity of a person. It stands often for one’s belongingness and honour. And that is why at times we hear statements like “Keep up your name”, “Do not disgrace your family’s name”, et cetera. The name denotes something personal and important. 2. We recall that the followers of Jesus are called Christians for the first time in Antioch. Again it is not a mere title of a particular group like many others. It is the identity mark of every adherent to Christ. 3. It testifies to the deepest bond of the follower to his master. It reminds us that it is only from Christ that we derive our identity. If we do not belong to him, we cease to exist in our vocation and mission. 4. The blind man in the gospel has a name, Bartimaeus. Even his father’s name is mentioned as one Timaeus which means ‘honoured’. Apparently, this looks ironic that an honoured man’s son is dishonoured by blindness. 5. This can implicitly indicate that the blind man’s healing is not merely a physically curative act. It is indeed a spiritually transformative act. A series of decisive changes take place: No more blind but fully sighted. 6. He is no more deprived but restored. No more begging but self-reliant. No more dishonoured but dignified. No more sitting by the roadside but standing, walking and following Jesus on the way. No more desperate but full of faith and hope. Imperative: God mightily graces us in many ways. The greatest testimony of our receiving grace is living with honour (Reflection 2 from 2021, 27 May) Focus: God is within us and amidst us, He is before us and beyond us. He remains hidden and invisible but His power and love are made manifest in numberless ways. Blessed is he who is able to see! 1. Blindness is a great loss. Only one who is blind can really know how terrible it is. It is true that many of us feel so much pity for the blind people. We feel sad that they are missing so much, that they miss the colours, the beauty of life and people. We may also wonder how they can accept such deprivation and live happily. 2. Such human emotion is good toward others. But do we realize and appreciate how blessed we are to have sight, to be able to see? Do we also act responsibly on what we see? Do we have a sense of discretion regarding what to see and what not to see? 3. Jesus in the gospel heals a blind man by the name Bartimaeus. This blind man can teach us simple but useful lessons for our life. His blindness reduces him to a beggary, sitting by the roadside. He hears of Jesus’ coming. He does not want to miss the chance of healing. 4. He cries out pleading with Jesus to have mercy on him. The rebuke of the annoyed people to keep quiet does not silence his voice nor quieten his desire for healing. He persists all the more in his cry for help. His perseverance catches the attention of the Master and wins his mercy. He is called by Jesus. 5. When told that he was called by the Master, we can note some notable actions on his part. He throws off his mantle. He springs up. He comes to Jesus. Already the very call by the Lord itself ensures him the recovery of his sight. He no longer feels the need of his mantle. He needs no more to sit, stuck to the ground. 6. That is why he springs up and moves to Jesus. Here too, at the encounter with Jesus, he is quite clear about what he needs. Asked by Jesus, ‘What do you want me to do for you?’ he is prompt to answer, “Master, let me receive my sight”. 7. His faith is rewarded. Jesus heals him saying “Your faith has made you well. Go your way”. He is no longer blind. He is able to see, able to see and walk the way. His sight is not only physical. His sight is whole and holistic. He is able to see the Lord. That is why, instead of going his way, he follows Jesus on his way. Direction: Much more than the exterior, physical sight, today we are invited to shift our attention to our interior sight. To be empathetic toward the blind is good, but let us recognize our own blindness toward God and toward others. Failing in faith is spiritual blindness; failing in fraternal perspective and goodness is fraternal blindness; failing in moral values is moral blindness 02 JUNE 2023: SIRACH 44. 1, 9-13; MARK 11. 11-26 Pivot: Never blotted out! Indicative: Our God is a God of sanctity and fidelity. He expects the same from us. He provides us with whatever is needed for our growth and productivity 1. The gospel narration is dramatic and message-driven. It contains a few diverse happenings. One is, Jesus curses a fig tree. Jesus was hungry. He looks for fruits on a fig tree. He finds none. He curses it and it dries up. 2. Realistically, it was not the season and the fig tree cannot be expected to bear fruit. It was not its fault. Jesus knows it. Still, why did he expect fruit? Why did he curse it? Obviously, this act is very indicative and message-giving. We are expected to be productive and fruitful. Often we are “found with nothing but leaves”. Therefore we will be liable to God’s judgment and curse. 3. Another action is Jesus chasing out the traders in the Jerusalem temple area. Apparently, again Jesus looks unrealistic and unnecessarily invites trouble. Why could he not understand that any religious place will involve some kind of “commerciality”? 4. Why could he not realise that he was just moving to the prime time of his ministry? Any such controversial act would incur the wrath of the authorities. And he would become unpopular and thus lose all his bright prospects. 5. Again, it is a symbolic act of “cleansing the temple” – reconsecrating the desecrated temple, and restoring the sanctity of the temple. It is restoring the temple to its original purpose of being the house of God and an abode of prayer. God’s temple cannot be turned into a den of thieves! 6. Further, Jesus insists on the power of prayer and faith. Jesus uses positive the negative act of cursing the fig tree. The word of Jesus had the power to make things happen as per his word. In the same way, if only the followers of Jesus too have faith, things will happen. Imperative: Many live and many die. But some go on living even after death because of their virtuous life. This is the only way that our glory will not be blotted out (Reflection 2 from 2021, 28 May) Focus: Many are born and many die as well. Birth and death in themselves, are natural and normal. But how well we live in mercy and righteousness will make us live beyond death in people’s memory and hearts 1. The first reading from the book of Sirach sings the praises of some of our famous ancestors. They died physically but they continue to live on because of their merciful and upright lives. Their memory remains unerasable. 2. In reference to the fig tree in the gospel, they are truly the fig tree that bears fruits always in season and out of season. In the gospel, Jesus looks for figs on a fig tree but finds none and curses it. It is pointless to argue how Jesus can curse the fig tree, knowing well that it is not the season for bearing fruit. 3. The point is no more that particular fig tree. The whole matter is symbolic. The fig tree stands for each one of us. And we are expected to be productive and fruit-bearing. We cannot just remain with leaves. 4. There is no time and season but we need to be ever-fruitful. Our good deeds must never cease. Our productivity in faith and righteousness must never fail. At no point or moment in time, our spirit must wither. We must be ever vibrant and fecund. 5. Such productivity and fecundity are possible only when we remain as houses of prayer and not as a den of robbers. Jesus’ cleansing of the temple too is symbolic. Our heart, our life, our person, our family and our community is the temple. They need to be abodes of God, temples of prayer. God must reside there. His Spirit must reign within us. 6. They should never become like dens of robbers that comprise wrongdoing, dishonesty, cheating, threatening, intimidating, violence, harm to others, etc. Instead, we need to be vessels of deep faith even to believe in moving the mountain, and carriers of genuine forgiveness. Direction: For faith and goodness, for bearing fruits of good actions, there are no seasons or propitiating times. We are called to be productive and fruitful always and everywhere 03 JUNE 2023: SIRACH 51. 12-20; MARK 11. 27-33 Pivot: Seek her! Indicative: God is a God of wisdom and it is only in wisdom that we can know Him. Pretensions and spiritual obstinacy will block such wisdom 1. Jesus spoke and acted with authority. Obviously, it was not any official or juridical authority. it was an authority that was profound, convincing and challenging. In the light of the first reading, it was a godly authority, rooted in wisdom. 2. It was this wisdom that gave him the depths of God’s mysteries and clarity of insight that no opponents could contest, leave alone defeat him. It is an authority rooted in his communion with God and the authenticity of life. 3. Again in the light of the first reading, it is the wisdom that directs the soul and gives one cleanness of heart. It is the wisdom that keeps the feet to the level path. It makes one resolutely devoted to herd the good that one persistently strives for. 4. Therefore all of us must seek such wisdom so that we too will experience and exercise real authority. Our authority will also be Jesus-like only when it is soaked into the same wisdom. 5. Unfortunately the authority of the present times is mostly defective and corrupted because it lacks wisdom. It is an authority that is crooked and pretentious, unlike a wise authority that is clear and level-headed and authentic. Imperative: How blessed life will be if only we delight in wisdom, pray for her humbly before the temple, seek her until the end, and make her flourish “as a grape soon ripe”! (Reflection 2 from 2021, 29 May) Focus: Men of today restlessly seek knowledge and competence, and they are happy that they are able to master them. But they do not realize that it is better to be seekers and servants of wisdom, because wisdom alone adorns and fulfils life 1. In the first reading from Sirach, we have the image of a seeker of wisdom. He prays for her. He searches for her to the end. He directs his soul to her. Through purification, he finds her. He finds delight in her. He follows her steps. He inclines his ears to her and receives her. He finds much instruction from her. He progresses with her. He lives according to wisdom. Accordingly, he is disciplined in his conduct. He is never put to shame. And he is zealous for good. 2. In the gospel, this is the same wisdom that is personified in Jesus. Jesus is the power of the wisdom of God. His wisdom and authority are divine. That is why he confounds and overcomes his opponents. It is this divine authority that preaches irresistibly and heals miraculously. 3. But unfortunately the unbelieving Jews lack the gift of faith to see, appreciate, accept this divine grace and cooperate with it. They operate only with human intelligence and knowledge. They think only in human terms of power and authority that comes from positions and offices. They fail to see in Jesus one who embodies and personifies God’s own wisdom and spiritual authority. 4. They were caught up with the mere letter of the law and did not see the spirit of it. Consequently, they could see Jesus only as the violator of the law and not the renovator and fulfiller of the law. They were worried so much as if so much bad was happening to the religion and the tradition. In the process, they could not rejoice over the immense good done to human persons and the religion itself. 5. Certainly the tact and trickiness of Jesus is appreciable: he counters and silences the scribes and elders who question him, “By what authority are you doing these things?” He puts them a counter-question: “Answer me whether the baptism of John is from heaven or from men?” 6. They will be caught either way: if they say, from heaven, then their unbelief will be exposed and blamed; if they say it is from men, then they will invite the ire and rage of the people who hold John to be a prophet. Therefore, they admit that they don’t know. 7. Jesus tells them that he too will not tell them by what authority he does all that he does. But here, much more than this wise shrewdness of Jesus, what is exposed is the stubbornness, closed-mindedness and double standards of the unbelieving Jews and authorities. Direction: Let our constant prayer and search be for wisdom, because once we obtain her, then they will be faith, docility and honest living by a spiritual authority

PENTECOST 23 (2)

Reflection 2 1.     We celebrate the great feast of Pentecost, the unique day when the Holy Spirit descends and fills the receivers with power. In fact, as Jesus was leaving the earth at the completion of his human mission, he repeatedly comforted his disciples that he would not leave them as orphans, promised them to send the Holy Spirit, and thus assured them his continued presence through the Spirit. Therefore, the descent of the Holy Spirit is the greatest assurance and sign of God’s own presence, guidance, and power. Pentecost is the initiation of this great outpouring of the Spirit. It is the beginning of a new era, a new time of the Spirit, a new mode of living, walking by the Spirit, living in the realm of the Spirit. 2.     In recent times, it is a very happy thing that the role of the Holy Spirit is more and more realized in our life as God’s faithful children. Consequently, we see so much invocation to the Spirit, so many charismatic prayer movements and sessions, so much emphasis on the Word of God as the communication of the Spirit, so much focus on the gifts of the Spirit such as miracles, tongues, prophecy, etc. There is certainly so much revival, vigor, and enthusiasm, which are all concrete signs of the power of the Spirit. 3.     But wait and beware! There is always the danger to limit the Holy Spirit only to these external demonstrations and expressions. Holy Spirit is not only some eloquent preaching, some animated and moving prayers, some evocative intercessions, some touching devotion, some powerful healing, some impressing gift of tongue, some happening prophesying, a great mass appeal and gathering huge crowds. Certainly, as the Spirit is powerful and vivacious, it can have such great external impacts. But the sad thing is, the Spirit is so much confined only to these factors, so much domesticated only to these, so much so that only some groups are charismatic groups, filled by the Spirit, and the others are ordinary mortals, or only some prayer modes are Spirit-powered modes, and the other prayer ways are just the ordinary. We see in all this, two unhappy tendencies: reduction and arrogance. That is, reducing the Holy Spirit ultimately to powerful preaching and wonders, and also nurturing a disguised spiritual pride of possessing the Spirit to use it at one’s liking. 4.     And the greatest sad effect and consequence of such tendencies is, a failure to renew life. In other words, there is so much demonstration of the power of the Spirit in different spiritual activities, but hardly any real change in concrete life. The power of the Spirit is predominantly restricted to the spiritual zone, with no inflow into the daily life zone. This creates a wide gap and abyss between spiritual power and success but a practical weakness and value failure. The whole issue is that these spiritual activities and powers do not guarantee a good and holy life. Just listen to how clearly Jesus brings to attention this fact: “Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not speak in your name? Did we not cast out devils and perform many miracles in your name? Then I will tell them openly: I have never known you; away from me, you evil people!” (Mt 7. 22-23). 5.     Therefore we must sincerely question and see: How much the power of the Spirit is challenging and changing my weaknesses? How much the spiritual illumination to cite many quotations, enlightens and guides for the right thoughts, attitudes, decisions, and actions? How much the expertise and eloquence of preaching the Word leads to practice the Word in real life? How much the Spirit makes one grow in honesty, in patience, in unity, in generosity, in purity, in holiness, in serenity, in self-control – this is the whole issue. 6.     Claiming to be filled and empowered by the Spirit, but living exactly contrary to the fruits of the Spirit, in grudges and resentments, in needless tensions and disturbances, in anger and impatience, in dishonesty and cheating, in impurity and malice, in criticism and slander, in indifference and selfishness, in greed and grabbing, in division and discrimination, in pride and false dignity, in self-glory and cheap popularity – is this the Holy Spirit? What kind of Spirit this is? Great display of the gifts of the Spirit (cf. 1 Cor 12. 4-11)! Good! But where is the witness to the fruits of the Spirit (Gal 5. 22-23). Let us not limit the Holy Spirit. Let us not drain his power. Let us not dilute his role. Let us not tame him to suit our convenience and advantage. Let us not privatize him to project and promote self-glory.

PENTECOST 23

PENTECOST, 28 2023 Indicative: We celebrate the great feast of Pentecost.It marks the unique day when the Holy Spirit descends and fills the receivers with power.  1. In fact, this was the promise of Jesus. As Jesus was leaving the earth at the completion of his human mission, he repeatedly comforted his disciples that he would not leave them as orphans that he would send them the Holy Spirit.  Thus he assured them his continued presence through the Spirit.  2. Therefore, the descent of the Holy Spirit is the greatest assurance and sign of God’s own presence, guidance, and power. Pentecost is the initiation of this great outpouring of the Spirit. It is the beginning of a new era, a new time of the Spirit, a new mode of living, walking by the Spirit, living in the realm of the Spirit. 3.  In recent times, there is certainly so much revival, vigor, and enthusiasm, which are all concrete signs of the power of the Spirit. But beware! There is always the danger to limit the Holy Spirit only to these external demonstrations and expressions. Holy Spirit is not only some eloquent preaching, some animated and moving prayers, some evocative intercessions, some touching devotion, some powerful healing, some impressing gift of tongue, some happening prophesying, a great mass appeal and gathering huge crowds. 4. Certainly, as the Spirit is powerful and vivacious, it can have such great external impacts. But the sad thing is, the Spirit is so much confined only to these factors, so much domesticated only to these, so much so that only some groups claim to be charismatic groups, filled by the Spirit, and the others are labelled as ordinary mortals, or only some prayer modes are Spirit-powered modes, and the other prayer ways are just the ordinary.  5.  We see in all this, two unhappy tendencies: reduction and arrogance. That is, reducing the Holy Spirit ultimately to powerful preaching and wonders, and also nurturing a disguised spiritual pride of possessing the Spirit to use it at one’s liking. 6. And the greatest sad effect of such tendencies is, a failure to renew life. In other words, there is so much demonstration of the power of the Spirit in different spiritual activities, but hardly any real change in concrete life. The power of the Spirit is predominantly restricted to the spiritual zone, with no inflow into the daily life zone. This creates a wide gap and abyss between spiritual power and success but actual weakness and value failure.  7. The whole issue is that these spiritual activities and powers do not guarantee a good and holy life. Just listen to how clearly Jesus brings to attention this fact: “Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not speak in your name? Did we not cast out devils and perform many miracles in your name? Then I will tell them openly: I have never known you; away from me, you evil people!” (Mt 7. 22-23). 8. Therefore we must sincerely question and see: How much the power of the Spirit is challenging and changing my weaknesses? How much the spiritual illumination to cite many quotations, enlightens and guides me and us for the right thoughts, attitudes, decisions, and actions? How much the expertise and eloquence of preaching the Word leads to practice the Word in real life? How much the Spirit makes us grow in honesty, in patience, in unity, in generosity, in purity, in holiness, in serenity, in self-control – this is the whole issue. 9. Claiming to be filled and empowered by the Spirit but living exactly contrary to the fruits of the Spirit, in grudges and resentments, in needless tensions and disturbances, in anger and impatience, in dishonesty and cheating, in impurity and malice, in criticism and slander, in indifference and selfishness, in greed and grabbing, in division and discrimination, in pride and false dignity, in self-glory and cheap popularity – is this the Holy Spirit? What kind of Spirit this is? Great display of the gifts of the Spirit (cf. 1 Cor 12. 4-11)! But where is the witness to the fruits of the Spirit (Gal 5. 22-23).  Imperative:  Let us not limit the Holy Spirit. Let us not drain his power. Let us not dilute his role. Let us not tame him to suit our convenience and advantage. Let us not privatize him to project and promote self-glory.

7th WEEK OF EASTER 23

22 – 27 MAY 2023: HOLY MASS REFLECTIONS   22 MAY 2023: ACTS 19. 1-8; JOHN 16. 19-23 Pivot: Did you receive the Holy Spirit? Indicative: We all have received baptism and thus faith. But it is still inadequate and imperfect. We need to grow! 1.      Many times we think that our faith is strong and perfect. When everything goes well, we may go okay. But our faith will be really tested when we come across some difficulties. This is what happened in the case of the apostles. 2.      This is what Jesus implies when he tells them, “Do you believe now? Behold the hour is coming when each of you will be scattered to his own home and you will leave me alone”. The apostles presumed that they had strong faith. 3.      But its shallowness was exposed when Jesus was under trial and then the destiny of the cross. Fear gripped them. Consequently, their loyalty was not steady and firm. What to do in such times of test and trial? 4.      How to sustain and deepen our faith in the Lord even amidst trying times? Look to Jesus. Look at his own example. Even when he was deserted by all and persecuted by the world, he endured. His perseverance was because of his unswerving faith in the Father, surrender to Him and inseparable union with Him. That is why Jesus says, “I am not alone because the Father is with me”. 5.      We too will face adversities as Jesus warns, “In the world, you will have trouble”. But he also gives us the remedy: just as he confided in the Father, we too must confide in the Lord. “Take courage, for I have conquered the world”. 6.      For this wholehearted trust and courage, we need the Holy Spirit. The risen Lord filled the apostles with the light and power of the Holy Spirit. That is why after the resurrection experience, the apostles were no more the same as before. They were illuminated and emboldened. They were fearless witnesses. Imperative: In this world and especially in our present times, our faith is put to the test. We need the light and power of the Holy Spirit to remain loyal and firm. We need to grow from our mere baptism by water to baptism by Spirit   (Reflection 2 from 2022, 30 May) Indicative: The life of faith must be constant and consistent, productive and progressive. There is no halt or pause. It must be a forward journey. One who stops growing, has already slid down   1.      Lethargy is a quite common experience in the life of many. Initially many will be so enthusiastic. But as time passes, these become lethargic and lukewarm. They begin to lack that fire that was setting them aflame. They begin to be satisfied with the minimum. They miss that drive for the maximum and the best. 2.      This is what happened in the case of the believers in Ephesus. They received the baptism of John the Baptist. It was a baptism of repentance. True it was that they repented and turned away from the pagan ways. But this is not enough. It is not enough that they turn away from the false gods but they should deeply turn to the true God. They should be rooted in Him, grow in Him and become fruitful. 3.      They should know and experience the Lord. They should become zealous, loyal and committed to the Lord for whom they were baptized. They should be baptized by the Holy Spirit. They should learn to walk steadily and firmly from their stumbling walk. They should constantly make a transition from an imperfect faith to a perfect faith. 4.      They should be totally renewed. In the light of the gospel, they should be able to see and understand clearly what the Lord teaches. They should be aware that the world will stand against them and persecute them. Accordingly, they should be prepared to stand firm and not to be scattered. They must be convinced that their master has conquered the world and so no tribulation can really take away their peace.   Imperative: The beauty and joy of discipleship are diminishing because clarity and conviction, confidence and courage, loyalty and commitment are declining. The more we become enthusiastic, the more we shall become conquerors!   (Reflection 3 from 2021, 17 May)   Focus: Trials and tribulations are bound to come. They may come all the more when we are loyal to God’s ways and good ways. But there is no need for panic for those who confide in God   1.      The life of faith is a continuous and progressive journey. Certainly, baptism washes away the sins and inserts the believer into a new life, a new relationship with the Lord and also a new family of redeemed people. 2.      But, one cannot be satisfied with that incorporation. The journey must continue. From the initiation, one must grow stronger and deeper. From turning away from sin, one must turn definitively to God. One must uproot the deep roots of sin and transplant and cultivate the flowers and fruits of grace. 3.      From a baptism of repentance, one must rise to the baptism of the Spirit. From a stumbling walk of imperfect and immature faith, one must walk steadily and firmly on the way to perfect and mature faith. 4.      This is what we see in the case of the believers in Ephesus. They stopped with the baptism of John. They had not gone and grown beyond. They remained still in the phase of repentance. They were good. But that is not enough. 5.      Much more is needed. There must be more fire, more vigour. They did not become vigorous in a new life of conversion and renewal. This is exactly the life of the Spirit. This is possible only when one is open to the Spirit and is empowered by the same. 6.      This is what the apostles constantly strive to do in the Acts of the Apostles and Jesus in the gospel: to fill the believers/disciples with the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. Thereby, they would be confirmed and deepened in their faith and bear witness to the Lord. 7.      In the absence of the Spirit, what will happen is a "scattering" and "leaving the Lord alone" out of fear. But, if one confides in the Lord and is docile to the Spirit, he will have peace and will remain untroubled even though the world will trouble because the Lord has "already conquered the world" and his grace and mission are "unconquerable" by the evil.   Direction: Often many mistake intellectual understanding and assent alone as faith. But the real believing is living with the Lord and living for him at all times   23 MAY 2023: ACTS 20. 17-27; JOHN 17. 1-11a Pivot: Serve with humility! Indicative: Our life is meant to glorify God. This is possible only through repentance, faith and living a witnessing life 1.      Jesus’ farewell discourse is coming to a close and his trial time of the cross is fast approaching. So, Jesus once again affirms his deepest communion with the Father and his concern for his disciples. 2.      In one act, Jesus re-surrenders himself to the Father, and also surrenders and entrusts his disciples to the care of the Father. There is a deep sense of accomplishment and fulfillment, both in Jesus and Paul in the first reading. 3.      It may appear to be a presumption. But in fact, it is the strength of conviction. This comes from a life that is authentic, committed and witnessing. That is why they could confidently and convincingly affirm their loyalty. 4.      Paul would attest before the presbyters in Ephesus, “You know how I lived among you from the day first”. It was a life of unflinching zeal, and undaunted loyalty, “never shrinking from bearing witness, despite opposition and persecution. Jesus could confidently affirm, “I glorified you on earth accomplishing the work that you gave me to do”. Therefore he could ask the Father, “Now glorify me”. 5.      Now the same address is given to all of us, his disciples: Glorify God through accomplishing His work entrusted to us. Belong to the Lord always, clinging to him in intimacy and holding fast to his word, come what may. Imperative: Today how many can say to the people like Paul, “You know how I live among you”? or like Jesus, “Father, glorify me because I glorify you”?   24 MAY 2023: ACTS 20. 28-38; JOHN 17. 11b-19   Pivot: Keep watch! Indicative: God is one. We who belong to the one God must also be one in unity and fraternity   1.      In both readings, we have the farewell scenes, of Paul and Jesus respectively. And both are moving and touching. But they are not merely emotional and sentimental. They are deeply spiritual and missionary. 2.      Both Jesus and Paul refer to their integrity of life and the depth of their relationship with their disciples. Paul lived a life of giving like Jesus, his master, in contrast to the worldly spirit of greed. He worked hard with self-dignity, never taking advantage of others’ goodness. 3.      Jesus always loved the Father and did His will. He always loved his disciples, cared for them, and now would even die for them. So, now they would follow his example and continue the mission entrusted to them. 4.      Both Jesus and Paul would warn and admonish their disciples about the challenge of their mission. First, they should never lose sight of their identity and mission. They are the overseers, the stewards of their flock. Their fundamental duty is to “tend” the flock. 5.      They should never forget that their vocation and authority come from God. The flock is acquired by the Lord’s own blood. And they are appointed as stewards by the Holy Spirit himself. 6.      They would always be alert and watchful. They must keep watch over themselves and over their flock because of the savage wolves that are fierce and prevailing. These are both from outside and from within as well. These would pervert the truth and draw away the disciples.   Imperative: The disciples must be vigilant. They ought to commend themselves to the gracious word of God. Do not belong to the world. Be consecrated in truth   (Reflection 2 from 2022, 01 June)   Indicative: Unity is the hallmark of the followers of Christ. It is the testing tag for the community of believers   1.      Jesus prays for his disciples as he is preparing to depart from them. He prays that they are one and united. He feels concerned to guard them, keeping them from the evil one because the world would hate them just as it hated him. 2.      The same are the sentiments at Ephesus in the farewell scene of Paul. He warns them of “fierce wolves”, even among their own selves. They will twist things to draw away the disciples after them. 3.      Now how to remain guarded and united? It is just by following the very same example of the master. It is to keep ourselves always in the Father’s name. This implicitly cautions us not to keep ourselves under any other name tag or seek any other name and glory. It is only the name of God and nothing else. 4.      Another requisite to remain one and united is never to be of the world but of God. We are placed in the world to transform it from within and should never be overfed by its false nourishments. We should never be identified with the marks and tattoos of the world. 5.      Further, we should be sanctified in the truth. God’s word is the truth. And this implies that we must grow in sanctity in line with the word. The word becomes the means of holiness and also the measuring rod for it. 6.      Finally, we grow as one by being consecrated in the truth, just as Jesus himself was consecrated in the truth. This means that we must commit ourselves to following the truth. In a false world, we must distinguish ourselves as truthful.   Imperative: Failure in unity is a failure in truth. Failure in truth is a failure in word. Failure in the word is a failure in love for God. Therefore, love Him and be loyal to Him.   (Reflection 3 from 19 May)   Focus: God is anguished over us, and it is not a sign of His fragility or emotional vulnerability, but rather a proof of His concern and anxiety for our safety and peace   1.      In both the readings, we have the farewell scenes so intensified. In the Acts of the Apostles, it is Paul to the elders in Ephesus, and in the gospel, it is Jesus to his disciples. There is so much sentiment and feeling. There is tear and anguish. 2.      The whole concern is not so much the pain at the physical separation. It is not merely something emotional or relational. It is a higher concern. It is the protection and safety of their followers after their departure. 3.      The reason for this anxiety is the danger that they are exposed to. It is the danger of "ravaged wolves" who will pervert the truth. These will draw the followers away from the truth and will try to destroy the whole edifice of faith that had been so painstakingly built up. 4.      In this context, their primary duty is twofold: one is, to guard their own selves from all these onslaughts. The other is, to guard those entrusted to their care. For this, what we need to do is: to be deeply communed with God and to be deeply consecrated to truth. 5.      It is only a deep communion with God and with each other that can keep us firm and unshaken. It is our oneness that would guard us from being carried away by the world. Further, it is our sanctification by truth and consecration to the truth that will keep us authentic in our life and effective in our mission. We will not be easily diverted and distorted by all the evil forces of falsity and infidelity. 6.      At this point, it is very clear what is missing in today’s church, and why it is so much troubled by the evil one. It is true that the fierce wolves that tear off truth and snatch away the sheep are increasing. 7.      But this does not justify one’s falling and failing in faith and charity. The fault lies with us. When we carelessly allow ourselves to be devoured by the lure of evil, when we are not one and united with God in intimacy, when we are not loyal and committed to his values, when we willingly divide ourselves by needless factors of division and discrimination, when we do not constantly sanctify and consecrate ourselves in truth, then how can we expect to be his fitting witnesses?   Direction: In the accomplishment of God's mission of the spread of God's reign, human intelligence and capacities do not suffice. We need God's wisdom and Spirit's power to be cautious and judicious.   25 MAY 2023: ACTS 22. 30, 23. 6-11; JOHN 17. 20-26   Pivot: Take courage! Indicative: Unity is the greatest testimony. It is the sign and proof that we belong to one God and one another and that we love one another   1.      Unity is the most dominant theme in Jesus’ farewell discourse and prayer. In fact, it is not a sudden theme. It has always been there. Jesus unequivocally has been speaking about his oneness with the Father and his disciples. Now the farewell discourse is the climax and culmination. 2.      His disciples should be united with him, the Father and the Spirit, just as he is united with the Father and the Spirit. There is a perfect unity between the Father, the Son and the Spirit. They are one in their divine identity, love and mission. There is no division or dissension or discrimination or unhealthy competition. 3.      Similarly, his disciples should live in unity and harmony, sealed in the bond of fraternity and charity. Only unity is the authentic sign that we belong to God and we carry on His mission. Any disunity and dissension is a counter-sign. The world will know God and come to Him, not so much by great talent and eloquence, but by a life of unity. 4.      This unity will be possible when we cultivate and foster Christ-like love. Love is genuine when we keep God’s word and do His will. Therefore, ultimately our duty is to bear witness to the Lord through union, love and fidelity.   Imperative: In a world that is torn apart by division and discrimination, as the children of one Father, as disciples of one Master and guided by one Spirit, we should bear witness to unity and love   (Reflection 2 from 2022, 02 June)   Indicative: Effectivity decreases when credibility declines; credibility declines when authenticity and integrity diminishes   1.      The focal point of Jesus’ farewell prayer is unity. He desires that his disciples must be one just as the Father and he are one. This oneness is not just for peaceful coexistence or a smooth mission running. 2.      The purpose is much more fundamental. Unity is witness. Unity is not just for doing something. Rather, it is a matter of our very vocation and identity. In other words, only by our unity and oneness, we shall identify ourselves as God’s children and Christ’s disciples. 3.      Jesus makes it very clear how this unity must be. It is not just remaining and working together for convenience or gain or by force or obligation. Often, the unity that many disciples exercise and demonstrate is a “make-shift”, a “working” unity. It is not deep-rooted. It is not based on genuine respect, appreciation, concern and benevolence. They may be working together but with a lot of negativity and prejudice and harming incline. 4.      That is why Jesus proposes his own union with the Father as the model of all unity. He says, “That all may be one, just as you, Father, are in me, and I, in you, that they also may be in us”. Thus there is no real unity without a deep union. True unity is possible only when there is intimate communion of hearts and spirits. 5.      This unity is threefold: unity in faith, unity in love and unity in glory. The disciples can be united only when they are united with the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. They can be united only when they love God and others. They can be united only when they seek together God’s glory. 6.      That is why Jesus says, “So that the world may believe that you have sent me”; “the glory you have given me, I have given to them”; “that the love with which you have loved me may be in them”.   Imperative: If we are truly close to God and are loyal to Him, we cannot be hateful and indifferent towards others. Spiritual union is the foundation for the fraternal union. And fraternal union is the testimony of spiritual union   (Reflection 3 from 2021, 20 May)   Focus: Ask me where a disciple finds the real meaning and worth of life and mission. It is in bearing witness to the Lord. And no one can find any sense and fulfilment apart from this   1.      Witness is the catchword for any follower of Christ. The authenticity of a disciple is determined by the extent of his being a witness to the Lord.  But witness to what? What are the essential ingredients of this task of witness? 2.      The very first component is an unshakable faith in Jesus as the Lord and Saviour. This is manifested in the proclamation by word and in action by life in imitation and resemblance to the Lord himself. 3.      This implies a profound and inalienable oneness with the Father, Son and the Spirit. This is the oneness in identity, love and mission. This one identity is the divinity, the divine image, the divine dignity and sanctity. 4.      The oneness in love is to love God as the Godhead loves each other and as they love us. It is the one love that abides in every heart, one love that knits together, and one love that outflows from one to the other. 5.      Further, it is the oneness of the mission. There is no rivalry or unhealthy and harmful competition. There is perfect cooperation and collaboration. And this is the greatest witness. Communion with God and with one another is the greatest identity mark and witness sign. 6.      Lack of intimacy with God and disunity with one another is counter-witness and counter-productive. There can be nothing that can substitute for oneness in identity, love and mission. There can be nothing more effective than a life of witness.   Direction: In the wake of an increasing lament and blame that the quality of witness is deteriorating, the urgent need is to wake up the dormant spirits and the indifferent energies     26 MAY 2023: ACTS 25. 13-21;  JOHN 21. 15-19   Pivot: Higher concerns, lofty ideals! Indicative: The call of the Lord is constant and consistent. Always he calls us to love him and follow him 1.      “Do you love me?” is the question Jesus asks Peter thrice. The repetition indicates its importance that it is what perfects and completes the Christian life. For a disciple of Christ, love is the most important thing. It is his identity mark and the norm of his life. 2.      Without love, there is no vocation and no mission. The whole acts of creation, redemption and sanctification are nothing but manifestations of love. Therefore, all the disciples of Christ are called to perpetuate the same heritage and legacy. 3.      In Peter's answer, “Lord, you know that I love you”, we can also sense a sense of intimacy and confidence. He does not say, “Yes, I love you”. It is not enough that I think that I love the Lord. It is also important that I make the Lord know that I love him and I am also aware that he knows that I love him. 4.      In the same answer, “Lord, you know that I love you”, there is also humility. Peter does not want to go by a presumptuous affirmation but seeks the approval of Jesus. Our love for the Lord must truly touch him and make him feel that I love him. 5.      Jesus does not leave this love only at the emotive level. He takes it beyond. This love places upon Peter a demanding mission. It is to feed and tend the sheep. Some may distinguish between sheep and lambs. Sheep may refer to those who are prone to stray, and lambs may refer to the simple and weaklings. 6.      However, we need not do such technical distinctions. For us, what is important is Jesus’ missionary mandate. It is to love him and follow him and show this in serving the sheep by protecting, feeding and guiding them. 7.      What is notable is, Jesus does not hide the challenge of following him. He makes Peter aware of the full consequences of such a following. It will bring trials and eventual death.   Imperative: A disciple of Christ must never evade the difficulties that come on his way. Rather putting in more love, he shall continue to love him, follow him and serve others. He shall also guide them   (Reflection 2 from 2022, 03 June)   Indicative: Love is the most needed ingredient in life but sadly it is the most lacking as well. And where there is love also, often it is a misapprehended, twisted and abused love   1.      In the gospel, Jesus is posing a question to Peter. This is not just one question among many. This is not any question. But this is the most fundamental question. If love is fundamental and foundational for everything, then this question is “the” question. It is “Do you love me?” 2.      This question is repeated thrice. This indicates its singular importance. Number 3 biblically denotes perfection and completeness. Repeating it thrice indicates that it is something that cannot be bypassed; it is not a one-time business. But But it must be recurrent. It is not a matter of redundancy but of significance and abundance. 3.      It is also commonly thought that Jesus asks Peter thrice the same question in order to balance and compensate for his denial thrice. What we must see here is not a mathematical equation of 3 denials and 3 affirmations. 4.      Rather it is a just preparation of Peter for the great mission of leadership. We may fall and fail, we too may deny and reject at times. But we must always strive to recuperate what has been missing and to regain what has been lost. 5.      The answer of Peter reveals humility and honesty. Each time he answers, “Lord, you know that I love you. The third time he adds a little more, “Lord, you know everything”. Peter is genuine and humble. And he is confident as well. That is why he could attest, “Lord, you know that I love you”. He does not make a big lecture. He does not give instances and proofs. He sums up just in one clause, “Lord, you know”. 6.      Further, this love is not only a matter of sentiment. It is a call for commitment to a mission. It is an altruistic mission in animation and service. It is to “tend the lambs”, and “feed the flock” like real animators and leaders. 7.      The third command, “Follow me” can imply two aspects, one is, personal and relational, and the other is, missionary and pastoral. Personally, our love for the Lord calls us to follow him, to imitate him as a faithful person in life. 8.      To follow him personally is to be profoundly related to and clung to him. In the missionary sense, to follow him is to imitate him in the same mission of caring, serving and leading others.   Imperative: Today the same question of Jesus, “Do you love me?” is addressed to each one of us. How many can respond humbly and honestly like Peter, “Lord, you know that I love you”?   (Reflection 3 from 2021, 21 May)   Focus: Love should be the foundation and driving force of all our life and mission, and only then, there will be fidelity and commitment    1.      What irresistible courage, indefatigable assiduity and immeasurable passion with which Jesus and his followers live their life and mission! We cannot but wonder at this. The secret behind such inexhaustible strength and irreversible perseverance is a deep-rooted love for the Lord. 2.      Jesus has this unfathomable and inalienable love for the Father. The disciples too are to have the same love for the Master. Peter on behalf of every disciple of Christ, is asked by Jesus, "Do you love me?" The question is precise and incisive. 3.      The affirmative answer of Peter too is prompt and spontaneous. We do not here engage ourselves with the reason why Jesus asks Peter the same question three times. Is it to balance and compensate for the three-time denial of Peter at the trial of Jesus? Does the number 3 indicate a sense of completion that love has to be complete and perfect? Or does this repetition point to the utmost importance of the law of love?  These questions are not so crucial. 4.      What is important is to note that Love is the greatest condition and energy for any follower. There is no compromise or concessions regarding this. Either one loves or not. However, this love is not merely emotional or sentimental. It is profoundly actual and concrete. 5.      It is a love which affects the whole life and mission. It is a love that entails one with an inescapable duty to the other. It is a love that binds one to take care of others, and to be concerned for other’s good and growth. 6.      It is a call of love that calls for a mission of love. It is a vocation that shows itself in a mission that is other-oriented. That is why, all three times Jesus entrusts Peter with a mission, "Feed my sheep", "Tend my flock ", and "Follow me".   Direction: We belong to each other. We are given to the care of each other. And so we have a responsibility for each other. Therefore, to tend those given to our care – is the fundamental responsibility. But many fail in their responsibility of tending others or following the Lord. The reason is not human inadequacies. It is only because of the lack of love for the Lord, who deserves all our love   27 MAY 2023: ACTS 28. 16-20, 30-31; JOHN 21. 20-25   Pivot: I wear these chains for his sake! Indicative: Faith is the greatest gift of God to us. It also becomes our gift to him when there is testimony. Our only mission is to witness   1.      “What concern is it of yours? You follow me”. This is the rebuke of Jesus to Peter. The context is Peter’s query about the fate of his companion, John. Here let our attention not be on Jesus’ reproach. Rather Jesus directs our attention to the priorities in life. 2.      Nothing should come in the way of our priorities in life. And the topmost priority is following Jesus. Unnecessary interest in other matters, interfering inquisitiveness, eagerness to gather news and information about others – all these are not pleasing in God’s sight. And these can be very distracting and disrupt our focus as well. 3.      If we follow Jesus, then surely it will manifest itself in testimony. There is no following without testimony and no testimony without following. One authenticates the other and authenticates itself in the other. 4.      This is what Paul does in the Acts of the Apostles. Though under house arrest, he continued to proclaim the gospel to all those who came to him. As the text says, “With complete assurance and without hindrance he proclaimed the kingdom of God and taught about the Lord Jesus Christ”. 5.      This is what John too professes to do in the gospel: “It is this disciple who testifies to these things and has written them, and we know that his testimony is true”. Perhaps, this is one great tragedy in our times: the need and the value of witness is declining. At times, there is no prick of conscience even about the gravity of counter-witness.   Imperative: It is the high time that we restrain all our unnecessary concerns and concentrate on the essentials. If possible and needed, let us show genuine concern for others. Otherwise, let us focus on our own following of the Lord   (Reflection 2 from 2022, 04 June)   Indicative: Where there is passion, there is conviction. This endows one with a boldness that no affliction and persecution can hinder   1.      In life, there is curiosity, eagerness and inquisitiveness. It is part of human nature. We want to know many things that we do not know. All the more, many are curious to know about others. It is understandable and is not always blameworthy. But the problem is when it serves no purpose. 2.      In the case of a good many, this excess inquisitiveness comes in the way of clarity of priorities. Instead of seeking priorities, they try to interfere in others’ affairs. This is the same unnecessary interest that prompted Peter to ask Jesus about the fate and destiny of the other beloved disciple. We need not make too much about Jesus rebuking Peter or about sympathizing with him. 3.      The point here is not whether it is right or wrong. The main issue is: to focus on one’s mission. Just in the previous passage and episode, Peter was entrusted with a great mission. So, his whole concern must be about it, about how to be faithful to his mission. 4.      Why should he distract and bother himself with other secondary things? What matters most is what happens to the mission and not so much about what happens to the others. 5.      What is most important in anyone’s and everyone’s life is to bear witness to the Lord. It is sad that many disciples get distracted, deviated and lost in many other trivial things and neglect the essentials. 6.      How exemplary is the spirit of Paul? He was always and everywhere totally focused on his mission. Nothing could distract or divert him or reduce his fervour. No threats from the authorities could suppress his passion. No afflictions could play down his commitment. He was on his mission “with boldness and without hindrance.   Imperative: Jesus reprimanded Peter for his over-inquisitiveness, “What is that to you? You follow me”. Today the Lord’s rebuke reaches all who are engaged in useless slander or politicking or worthless self-interests. “What is that to you? As for you, follow me”.   (Reflection 3 from 2021, 22 May)   Focus: Clarity of purpose can give one a sense of direction and a wholehearted dedication to his mission   1.      When there is clarity and focus regarding the purpose and mission of life, then there is no deviation or obstruction. Nothing can mar or hinder one's mission. Paul was totally clear and focused. 2.      So whether free or imprisoned, moving or bound, streets or home- confined, his spirit was the same. This is the singularity and the priority of life: The Lord, faith in him and testimony to him. 3.      Perhaps, this is what is figuratively implied by the concluding texts in both readings. In the first reading, we have the conclusion of the book of the Acts of the Apostles, and in the gospel, we have the conclusion of John’s gospel. 4.      In both, it is also the conclusion of the life of Paul and Jesus. The writings may be concluded, the earthly ministry may stop. But grace, God’s reign and God’s work continues. The focus and mission must never get sidelined. 5.      This is what is implied in Jesus' rebuke to Peter. In all  reasonable human curiosity about the fate of the other disciple, Peter might have asked “Lord, what about this man?” But the answer of Jesus is rather sharp: "What does it concern or matter for you, if he were to be alive?" 6.      The point is not about the death or the continuity of the other disciple. The sole concern is the Lord's concern, that is, following the Lord and accomplishing his mission. This should be a deeply "personal concern" of everyone and not unnecessary eagerness and inquisitiveness about many other concerns.   Direction: “How does this concern matter to me?” "Why should these matters concern me?" Often, such questions can be indicators of indifference and unconcern. But, they can be a question of self-check on the many matters that concern us. They can reveal to us that the many matters that occupy our concern are not really worth the concern  

ASCENSION OF THE LORD 23

ASCENSION OF THE LORD 21 MAY  2023 Indicative: We celebrate today Jesus’ ascension to heaven.  Ascension is not just the end of Jesus’ earthly presence. It is not just getting back his glory in heaven. The purpose is not to demonstrate to the disciples about his greatness. It is also not to prove to all that he is glorious. Rather ascension is the point of completion and fulfillment of Jesus’ mission on earth as a human person. 1. Ascension marks the end of the post- resurrection preparation of the disciples for their life and mission. It is a special time to prepare to live and do without Jesus' physical presence. Yes, the duration between his resurrection and ascension is not a period of suspension. Rather it is a time of intense preparation of the disciples.  2. The risen Lord appears to them, continues to teach them, illumine them, guide them, strengthen, and confirm them in their faith and mission. It was a preparation to meet the future in his physical absence. How the future will be without Jesus? How they have to live and do their mission? These are crucial and disturbing questions. 3. Here we highlight three essential aspects of ascension. They are namely, confirmation, assurance and assignment. Primarily ascension is a confirmation. Ascension confirms our faith that our Lord is Lord of heaven. He is seated at the right hand of the Father He is able to sympathize with us. He  intercedes for us, and sustains us from heaven. 4. It Confirms that heaven is the original abode of Jesus. It gives the Confirmation that Jesus is in eternal communion with the Father and the Spirit.  Confirmation that Jesus resumes his original abode, his original glory, his original identity, his original communion. He is not gaining anything new, anything that is not his. He is regaining what is his own. 5. In fact ascension is truly restoration. Jesus attests: “As I came from the Father and have come into the world, so I am leaving the world and going to the Father” (Jn 16. 28). God the Father restores to Jesus his original glory. Jesus accomplishes Father’s will and the mission entrusted to him. The Father is pleased with his fidelity, and so as sign of this holy pleasure and as an evidence of this victory over evil, God raises Jesus, and that is resurrection. 6. Thus resurrection is the authentic testimony that Jesus’ incarnation, life, passion and death are not futile, but are purposive and infinitely efficacious and meritorious. Thereafter ascension is a complete confirmation of this victory and glory. Jesus goes back to where he comes from. A vital chapter of his redemptive mission is over. 7. Then ascension is Assurance: assurance that we will not be left alone as he goes away from the earth. Assurance that he will never abandon us but will accompany us through the Holy Spirit. Assurance that our help will not be less with Jesus’ going away, but in fact will be much more. In heaven and from heaven, he is totally powerful, and he is not restricted and constrained by any human limitations and vicissitudes. 8. Therefore we should rejoice that Jesus ascended to heaven, rather than lament that he has left us, going away from earth. This is what Jesus makes clear to the disciples also: “it is better for you that I go away, because as long as I do not leave, the Helper will not come to you” (Jn 16. 7).  So an assurance that Jesus’ presence, guidance and power will never cease. The Holy Spirit will continue the same presence, guidance and power of Jesus.  9. It is also an Assurance that our destiny and destination is also heaven, as Jesus assures the disciples in his farewell discourse, “you shall be with me where I am” (Jn 14. 3). Assurance that they and we will share the same glory, as Jesus prays in his farewell prayer: “Father, since you have given them to me, I want them to be with me where I am and see the Glory you gave me” (Jn 17. 24).  10. Further, there is also a summon, an assignment: It is a call to trust in a new kind of presence and power of God, and to live the spiritual presence and power, beyond the physical. We should go beyond our too much clinging to what is physical, direct, external and visible. We must learn to walk in a higher spiritual realm.  11. Thereby Ascension carries along an assignment to commit ourselves to attain the same destiny of ascension, i.e. residing in the same Glory. It is a commitment to a daily ascension. This consists in an incessant restoration, regaining our original identity and dignity. Obtaining the heavenly glory is not acquiring something new which is not there. It is not a novel creation or a grand invention or acquisition. Rather it is a discovery, a recapturing, a regain of what is already there.  Imperative: Ascension is a commitment to become what we already are: to daily “ascend” to our real higher self, our true identity of being God’s own images, the children of God, disciples and friends of Christ, abodes of the Holy Spirit and the heirs of heaven.

SIXTH WEEK OF EASTERTIDE 23

15 – 20 MAY 2023, HOLY MASS REFLECTIONS   15 MAY 2023: ACTS 16. 11-15; JOHN 15.26 - 16.4   Pivot: God opens heart! Indicative: At times we may feel our mission is very difficult and burdensome. But we must always remember that ultimately it is the Lord’s mission and we need only to cooperate 1.      God sent His only Son Jesus as the Christ, the Saviour. And when he completes his earthly mission as a human being and returns to the Father. God will send the Holy Spirit to continue the same mission that Christ has set in motion. 2.      This is the mission of testimony. The essential function of the Holy Spirit is to testify to the Son. The same mission of testifying to the Lord is entrusted to the disciples. This mission will be continued and accomplished for sure. 3.      It is because there is devotion and prayerfulness as in the case of Lydia in the first reading. When there is devotion and prayerfulness, God opens the heart and this leads to pay attention to God’s word and voice. 4.      This leads to baptism which is an external sign of faith in the Lord. This will create a further openness to be cordial and hospitable. It is not only accommodation. It is much more than that. It is being receptive and accommodative. It is giving space to others, sharing faith and growing together. 5.      This testimony in the case of the apostles is made possible because of two reasons: The Holy Spirit, the Spirit of Truth will accompany and assist them, sustaining them, emboldening them, enlightening and empowering them. Secondly, they have been with the Lord from the beginning. 6.      This mission is challenging and frightening. They will be expelled, persecuted and even killed. What is strange is all this will be done under a religious pretext of worship of God and fidelity to Him. It is all because they do know neither the Father nor the Son. In such a context, we are called not to fall away.   Imperative: When God is with us, there is no need of fear. He will always direct and strengthen us. So be firm!   (Reflection 2 from 2022, 23 May)   Indicative: Openness matters a lot concerning both faith and relationships. Openness leads to receptivity and receptivity leads to interaction and action  1.       We see in the Acts of the Apostles that the Lord opened the heart of a certain Lydia to pay attention to what was said by Paul. This openness leads to receiving the prompting of the Holy Spirit. She listens to the Word. She experiences inner stirring. She turns to the true God. She gets baptised along with her household. She becomes faithful to the Lord. She also hosts Paul and co. Her house becomes a house of prayer and a springboard for the mission. 2.       In the gospel too, Jesus speaks of the coming of the Holy Spirit. He sends the Spirit from the Father. The Spirit will be the Spirit of truth. He will bear witness to Jesus, the Truth. Consequently, they will also bear witness to him. They will be faithful to this mission only because they keep themselves open to the grace of God. This openness makes them humble and docile to be taught and guided by God. 3.       On the contrary, there will be enemies that oppose and persecute the disciples. They do not know the Father and the Son. They are not open to the divine knowledge of the Spirit. They fail to recognise the Truth. Instead, they are under falsity. They wrongly think that all their opposition to truth is a service to God Himself.   Imperative: Lack of openness to truth leads to a lack of receptivity and further to false conviction and loyalty. Do we too suffer from false convictions and loyalties?   (Reflection 3 from 2021, 10 May)   Focus: Mission is all a matter of opening up a space: opening a heart to the grace of God. When there is an interior space, there is an exterior territory called mission 1.       The mission is an interaction and interplay between grace and space. When the human heart creates space for God's grace, there is an expansion of mission space. This is what we recurrently see in the Acts of the Apostles. 2.       In today's Acts text, the Lord opens Lydia's heart and she makes space for God's word and the gift of faith. Consequently, a space is made for a new mission for Paul and company as she offers to stay at her home. 3.       Such an opening and receiving is made possible only when there is an opening to the Spirit. It is not the spirit of the world that resents and resists God and His work. The spirit of the world is so false and pretentious. It sanctions and legitimises as religious and just duties, even the affliction and killing of the true followers. 4.       This is what the Lord forewarns: indeed, the hour is coming when whoever kills you will think he is offering service to God. This is because they do not know God. The world may abound in its mundane knowledge but it totally falls short of the divine knowledge and spiritual illumination. 5.       But the Holy Spirit is the Spirit of God, the Spirit of Jesus. He proceeds from the Father. He is sent from Him. He will testify to Jesus and continues the same mission of witness. The same mission of witness is entrusted to every follower of Christ. 6.       For sure, it is beset with struggles and adversities. But they shall not fall away, because the Lord accompanies them through the light and the power of the Spirit. All that is needed is to open our hearts as Lydia did and to persevere as the apostles did.   Direction: God's work and good work is a mission that never stops or finishes with certain persons or situations. What matters the most is that the Spirit of God continues perpetually   16 MAY 2023: ACTS 16. 22-34; JOHN 16. 5-11   Pivot: Faith has no barriers! Indicative: All what appears to be the accomplishment by the humans, is actually nothing but the work of the Lord 1.      In human life, there is always the tendency for self-projection and self-glory. People do many things. But mostly they take all the credit for themselves. They deposit all the success in their “personal accounts”. 2.      But with regard to the spiritual matters concerning faith and morals, and for that matter, any human accomplishment is nothing but a matter of God’s grace and support. 3.      Therefore primarily all glory must belong to God. There is no individual merit. This is what we see in the life and mission of the apostles. They never claimed or ascribed all the credit and success to themselves. In fact, the whole Acts of the Apostles is the Acts of the Spirit. 4.      The Holy Spirit would stand by them and lead them. He will testify against the world in regard to its sin-free life, unrighteousness and blameworthiness and condemnation. 5.      The Holy Spirit will do a twofold contrasting function. On one hand, He will convict the world of sin. On the other hand, He will confirm his disciples in faith with clarity and courage. It is the Spirit’s confirming power that solidifies the apostles and releases them from jail. 6.      No amount of adversities and affliction – stripping, beating with rods, inflicting many blows, throwing into prison, securing fast to a stake and guarding securely – would vanquish their spirits, or restrict their mission. 7.      Nothing and no one can resist the power of the Spirit. Earth may quake, foundations may shake, doors flow open, chains would fall loose. They would set out, in order to continue the same mission. 8.      And apart from all these miraculous happenings, the greatest effect of the power of the Spirit is conversion. The jailor and his entire household receive baptism. They believe in the Lord and serve the Lord in undaunted passion and zeal.   (Reflection 2 from 2022, 24 May)   Indicative: There are times in our life when we feel that God is gone away from us, that He is far from us. But this sense of “disappearance” is for our good 1.      The more the apostles were zealous and faithful, the more they had to suffer. They were attacked, torn of clothes, beaten with rods, thrown into prison, and had their feet fastened in the stocks. All these experiences were apparently signs of “distance” and “abandonment” of God. 2.       These experiences would make one sorrowful as Jesus says in the gospel that his going away would fill their hearts with sorrow. But nothing could discourage them. They never give up their trust, courage, fervour and loyalty. 3.       They continue praying and praising God even in prison. They were totally confident of Jesus’ assurance that He would never leave them unaccompanied and unguided. They believed that the Holy Spirit will continue the spirit and mission of their Master. They believed in the “convicting” mission of the Holy Spirit. 4.       It is to lay bare the culpability of the world concerning sin, righteousness, and judgment. The world is under sin because it does not believe. It fails in righteousness and is liable to judgment. All this is because the world is under the sway of Satan. 5.       The unfailing fidelity of the apostles is rewarded. They are miraculously released from their imprisonment. The prison doors were opened. But they did not run away. They converted and baptized the jailor and his household. \   Imperative: The Lord allows at times experiences of distance and desolation. It is only to grow and mature us in order to keep us humble and forbearing    (Reflection 3 from 2021, 11 May)   Focus: Those who stand for God will never fall away from His way nor will they fall down before the worldly powers 1.      In the continued first reading from the Acts of the Apostles, today there is a touching narration of the details of the apostles’ painful fate: attacked, garments torn, beaten with rods, many blows inflicted upon, and then thrown into prison. What follows then is dramatic. 2.      The story of the imprisonment of Paul and Peter, their miraculous release off the chains by the angel, their honesty in not escaping from the prison, their concern for the jailer so that he will not get incriminated at their escape, the consequent conversion of the jailer and his entire household - this is all a vivid and convincing testimony of the powerful working of the Holy Spirit. 3.      Humanly speaking, this is all just incredible and impossible. But for God, nothing is impossible. As promised by the Lord, the Spirit continues to accompany the Apostles and sustain all their efforts. The Spirit justifies and sanctifies them. 4.      But on the other hand, the same Spirit convicts the unbelieving Jews for their sin. Their sin is their unbelief in the Lord, their rejection of the LORD, the Righteous, and the righteousness offered by him. This consequently brings upon them condemnation. The Spirit is the Advocate who defends the Lord, defends on God's behalf, and also defends the Lord's disciples as well. 5.      The whole episode is a vivid contrast between faith and unfaith. We see a clear difference between what faith does and what unfaith does. Faith makes one convinced, confident, docile, courageous, honest, and totally committed even to the point of death. 6.      This is seen in the apostles and also very touchingly in the case of the jailer as well. Amidst all the focus on the miraculous aspect of the scene, perhaps the greatness of the jailer’s faith may lose our attention. 7.      What a praiseworthy faith his is! Once he believes in the Lord through the apostles, he thinks nothing of the consequences, and interestingly nothing is told about what happens next. He releases them, takes them home, serves them, and the whole family gets baptized. On the contrary, the unbelieving Jews continue closed, stubborn and opposing, and thus culpable.    Direction: Submission to the power and work of the Spirit leads to a deep-rooted conviction, while defiance and rejection of the Spirit lead to a negative "conviction" by the same Spirit   17 MAY 2023: ACTS 17. 15, 22 - 18. 1; JOHN 16. 12-15   Pivot: Guided by the Spirit!  Indicative: God gives us His Spirit of truth. He will enlighten us regarding truth and also share the same truth with others 1.      Jesus continues to speak of the Spirit that is to come, sent by the Father to continue the mission of Christ. What does he do? He will guide us to all truth. He will speak what he hears from the Lord. He will glorify the Lord 2.      The point here is not who first and who is next or that the Spirit has no original or creative function but has only a function of succession or continuity of Christ’s mission. It is not a matter of subordination or sequence. 3.      The main thrust is, it is all one whole mission of redemption, shared by all the three in the Trinity. The Father sent the Son, the Son redeemed the world, and the Spirit continues, stabilizes and fosters the same mission. All the three are fully involved and perfectly integrated. Each has a definitive role and a specific form of action. 4.      If Christ founded the church, the Holy Spirit sustains the era of the church where the apostles pay a prominent role. We see one such instance of the guidance and action of the Holy Spirit in the first reading in the case of Paul. 5.      Paul was fully guided by the Spirit and so makes an illuminated discourse. Guided by the wisdom of the Spirit, he presents Jesus Christ, connected to their own context. He appeals to the deeper religious sentiments of the people of Athens that are present in every one. 6.      He stirs up their inner spiritual –philosophical-existential sensibilities. He speaks of God who is transcendent and immanent, God who is the cause and sustainer of all. God at His appropriate time saved the humankind through Jesus, the Saviour. Thus Paul wins some to faith.   Imperative: In our mission, always all the situations will not be tailor-made or all-favourable. We should be open to the Spirit to make inroads and to present the message of salvation as relevant and appealing   (Reflection 2 from 2022, 25 May)   Indicative: We must seek God and feel our way towards Him. Actually, He is not far from us because in Him we live and move and have our being 1.      Many times we wonder why many have much knowledge, competence, affluence, and social standing but do not understand, feel and follow what is true and right. The reason is they are not open to God, the Spirit of truth. 2.       Many are worldly-wise but spiritually ignorant. Many are worldly powerful but spiritually powerless. Many are bright in worldly ways but spiritually confused and unclear. Many are clever concerning worldly interests but are misguided in the essential matters. 3.       This is what Paul observes about the people in Athens. They had an altar inscribed, “To the unknown God”. They were religious in the normal understanding because they worship gods in the temples and perform some religious activities. But they do not know the true God and do not follow him. 4.       Jesus too says to his disciples that he has many things to say to them but he will not. For they will not be able to understand and bear. But when the Spirit of Truth, in his name comes from the Father, he will guide them into all the truth    Imperative: It is high time that the world becomes more humble to realise that we owe everything to God and so live close to Him. The more we let us be guided by the Spirit of Truth, the more we will become more sober and fulfilled    (Reflection 3 from 2021, 12 May)    Focus: The knowledge of God does not depend on mere human intelligence but on docility to the Spirit of truth 1.       "I have many things to reveal and teach you but you will not be able to understand them now" until the Holy Spirit comes. When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you to all truth", thus declares Jesus to his disciples. 2.       Yes, knowledge of God, faith in God, and life in God are ultimately not human enterprises and accomplishments. If it were so, there will not be so much defiance and resistance to the Word of God and the way of Christ, as preached and testified by the Apostles. 3.       Rather, they are the evocations and instillations of a higher realm, the donations of the spiritual domain. One comes to know, believe, and live God's way, only because it is "in God we live, move and have our being", only because He does not leave us to our human fragility or fate. 4.       But he induces us "to seek Him and find Him", through His only Son, Jesus Christ, the real way, the Truth and the Life". He guides us on the way, he forms us in the truth and gives us life, because he knows the way, the truth, and has life. 5.       These are inherited from God the Father, because of his intimacy. Not only this. He himself IS the way, the truth, and the life because they are inherent to him. This is in virtue of his total oneness with the Father and the Spirit. It is the power of the Holy Spirit that works on a transparent human spirit like Paul. And it is no wonder that it touches and converts some of the Athenians. 6.       We may wonder many times why the so-called great and intelligent people fail to know and believe in God, while the simple are deep-rooted and fervent. This clearly shows us that ultimately faith is a matter of divine grace and the human openness to it, and not a human capacity or enterprise.   Direction: Growth in spirituality and spiritual living is not a matter of a heightened Human intelligence or acumen, as if to unravel and grasp the divine realities. Rather, it is the humble submission and insertion into the unfathomable divine abyss.   18 MAY 2023: ACTS 18. 1-8; JOHN 16. 16-20   Pivot: Sad but glad soon!   Indicative: God’s presence is ever-abiding, even though at times there will be unfavourable responses and failures in the mission 1.      The disciples will be sad because the Lord would leave them soon. But it is not a total absence or permanent separation. He will come to be with them soon in a different way. As soon as he goes to the Father, the Holy Spirit will take up his mission and place. 2.      In that way, they need not worry much. Rather they need to prepare themselves for that new and changed reality. At his departure, they will weep but the world rejoices because it does not believe in him and has no intimacy with him. There is no bonding with him and commitment to him. 3.      As humans, the disciples would feel sad but they can take heart because the coming and the working of the Holy Spirit will change the whole scenario. Grief will turn into joy. So what the disciples must be concerned about is not so much success or failure or how many support or how many oppose. Rather they should keep on working with God’s power. 4.      It is painful when some reject the good news and God’s gift of salvation through Christ. It is all the more painful when God’s own chosen people reject. This is what happened in Paul’s mission. The Jews in Corinth opposed and reviled him. 5.      However, Paul would not discouraged or give up. He continues his mission. Surely God would never leave his zeal and dedication go futile. Many of the Corinthians believed and were baptized.   Imperative: Let us not be too much preoccupied with success or failure in the worldly sense. Rather let us confide in Jesus’ assurance that will turn our grief into joy   (Reflection 2 from 2022, 26 May)   Indicative: Human life is full of contrasts and paradoxes. All the more, a true following of Christ involves a lot of contrasting situations. But the true followers discern, resolve and surge ahead 1.      Jesus continues his farewell discourse to his Twelve. He alerts them and prepares them for his impending separation. So he says, “A little while, you will see me no longer and again a little while, and you will see me”. He refers to his physical going and later his continued presence through the Holy Spirit. 2.       His physical absence will naturally cause sorrow to them. But his enemies will rejoice. That is why Jesus says, “you will weep and lament but the world will rejoice”. This was the same contrast experience for Paul and the rest. Some like Aquila, Priscilla, and Titus believed. But some others opposed and reviled. 3.        It is disheartening to miss Jesus physically. Certainly, it means a lot. That direct listening, that personal intimacy, that concrete person-to-person interaction, and experience will not be there. Therefore they would weep and lament. 4.       But it is not a permanent miss and loss. It is not abandonment by God. He will never go away from them. He will be always with them and us. The only thing, it is a different mode of being and presence. It is a presence and accompaniment through the Spirit. 5.        This spiritual presence will not be dissipated by the physical presence. It will rise above the ordinary human sadness at separation and loss. It is a call to live in a higher realm. It is a deeper level of relating and following. That is why natural sorrow will turn into spiritual joy.   Imperative: Joy and sorrow are not always the right criteria for good or bad. Things of God and fidelity to God’s ways, though difficult, give profound and true joy   (Reflection 2 from 2021. 13 May)   Focus: For those who confide in God and sincerely try to walk His way, the way is never closed. New vistas will always open up, even if the old and familiar ways get closed 1.      The Acts of the Apostles is a continuous holy expedition with its moments of exciting successes and also crushing failures. But no pressures or afflictions could make any difference in their focus, passion, and commitment. 2.      They had an indomitable spirit in which they strove with courage and renewed vigour. The more they were obstructed, the more they were marching forward; the more they were bound, the more they worked freely; the more they were slandered, the more they praised God; the more they were persecuted, the more they were reinvigorated; the more they were cursed, the more they blessed; the more they were shaken, the more they remained firm. 3.      This is clearly the power of the Spirit. It is this which enables them to stand solid against all odds. It is the same power that comforts them to tide over the incomparable anguish of the physical separation from their Master. And still, it is the same power that charges them to bear witness to Him through His Spirit. 4.      Jesus is quite aware of this painful struggle of the apostles against the world and his absence. That is why he says that the world will rejoice by making them weep and lament. But all their sorrow will turn into joy because he will accompany them through his Spirit. Therefore, they need not sink into the abyss of depression at persecution or his separation. Courage! He is with them    Direction: As we grow mature in our faith, we should realize that we must constantly rise above the merely physical and the external, and surge ahead into the spiritual realm    19 MAY 2023: ACTS 18. 9-18; JOHN 16. 20-23a   Pivot: Our struggle does not last long! 1.      Fear and sadness will certainly come on the way of doing God’s mission. But one should not lose heart and give up because the Lord will never abandon us. 2.      In both the readings, there is a strong current of assurance and encouragement. In the first reading, the Lord rejuvenates the spirit of Paul in a vision. The Lord assures, “Do not be afraid… continue to proclaim”. 3.      The reason against fear is God Himself will be with him. There are also many believers and supporters who would shield against any attack or harm. As assured, God stood by Paul. So no false witness would be convincing and no tribunal would take up case against him. Instead, Paul would remain in Corinth for quite some time, fully engaged in his mission. 4.      Similarly, though the going away of Jesus from them would grieve their hearts, they need not feel shattered. For his separation is only temporary and beneficial. 5.      The experience of separation is like the travail of a pregnant woman. The process of delivery will be painful. But after the delivery, it is all joy. A woman no longer remembers the pain before the joy at the new birth. She bears all the pain drawing her strength from the fact of the new birth that is in wait. 6.      Further this going away does not have any harmful effect. It is because, as soon as he goes away, the Holy Spirit will descend into action. Therefore in the wake of the Lord’s absence for a while, they should restrain their anguish with the impending joy at the coming of the Spirit   Imperative: In times of desolation, let su remember the comforting words of Jesus: “No one will take away your joy from you…Whatever you ask the Father in my name, the Father will give you”   (Reflection 2 from 2022, 27 May)   Indicative: For a true follower of Christ, suffering and sorrow are never wrong things or negative signs. Suffering becomes a means of witness and thus assurance of deep joy 1.      The world often rejoices in the wrong. But the followers of Christ must rejoice in the right. However, this walking in the right will involve a lot of opposition and suffering. This is testified in the life of Jesus and all his apostles and followers. 2.      But the disciples need not lose heart. They shall be joyful because all sorrow is only a pathway to greater glory. It is worth suffering for God and good. Now, why should they be joyful even amidst suffering? First of all, the object of all our suffering is for God’s sake. It is a sign of our fidelity to Him. It is a fitting way of following our master who too walked the same way of suffering. 3.      Further, suffering is the only and best way to bear witness to Him. It is the price that we pay for our loyalty. We shall be joyful because our suffering is destined for glory. It is like the travail of a woman. She bears immense anguish. But once the child is delivered, anguish is no more remembered. All her pain turns into joy. The joy of a new birth and a new child gives the woman strength in pain. 4.      Still further, we shall be joyful because God is with us. God assures Paul: “Do not be afraid but go on…. for I am with you”. Jesus says, “You will have sorrow now but I will see you again. Your hearts will rejoice, and no one will take away your joy from you”.    Imperative: We must always remember that our discipleship is precious and strenuous. But it is not futile. It is destined for eternal joy. God is always with us   20 MAY 2023: ACTS 18. 23-28;  JOHN 16. 23-28   Pivot: Zeal that brings strength! Indicative: Mission is not one’s invention or private affair. It is primarily God’s work. So for sure He will sustains all the efforts of his followers 1.      What a deep concern Jesus has for his disciples! He thoroughly prepares his disciples with mental clarity and strength. In different ways, Jesus instills new courage in them. Certainly the Holy Spirit is the priced promise. 2.      However besides the Holy Spirit, there is also the Father Himself who is profoundly concerned for the disciples. Jesus no more needs to make any recommendation on their behalf. They can directly ask the Father in Jesus’ name. 3.      The Father Himself directly and personally loves the disciples because He knew that they loved His Son and believed in him. Therefore the Father will surely give them what they ask him. All this grant them complete joy. 4.      It is enough that we love the Lord and set ourselves on mission. Apollos is such a remarkable example in the first reading. So much focus is directed to him. So many details about him are given. 5.      All these special features and capabilities are not be taken only as individual merits. Rather they should be seen as, “All for God. Every competence must necessarily assist our mission”. 6.      Apollos was a man of great caliber, faith and fervor. He was an authority on the Scriptures. He was an eloquent speaker. He had been instructed in the way of the Lord. He had an ardent spirit. He spoke and taught accurately and boldly about Jesus. 7.      He also had the humility to be taught more accurately by Priscilla and Aquila. He was also a zealous missionary and so travelled from Ephesus to Achaia. There too he gave great assistance to all the believers. He vigorously refuted the Jews giving Scriptural testimony.   Imperative: In the light of the attributes and mission of Apollos, let us see the need of all these for our life and mission as well. We must be authentic disciples and effective apostles   (Reflection 2 from 2022, 28 May)   Indicative: Loving God is not only a matter of emotion but a strong relation that leads to the mission of dedication 1.      Every follower of Christ is bound to follow the Lord and lead others also. All together, we must animate and rejuvenate the community of faith. For this, the right persons should be selected, the right criteria must be evolved and followed, and the right preparation and orientation must be given. 2.       This is what Jesus did and all his followers as well. They were holy, wise, and benevolent leaders. But they also selected and formed men and women of great quality to play different roles in the church. Whether it was in the choosing of the twelve apostles or Matthias or the seven deacons or Paul or later on believers like Aquila and Priscilla, it was always a God-directed discernment. 3.       In today’s Acts episode, we have the mention of another great believer by name of Apollos. What is very striking is the number of details given about him. All these details show how divine and high were their choices and appointments, and how qualitative were those selected. These also can be the conditions and criteria for any choices and appointments in the church. 4.       Apollos was an eloquent man, competent in the Scriptures. He was instructed in the ways of the Lord. He was fervent in spirit. He spoke and taught accurately about Jesus. He testified boldly in the synagogue. He powerfully refuted the Jews in public. He also greatly helped those who believed. Further, he was also open to correction by Aquila and Priscilla to speak more accurately. 5.       Another noteworthy point is the tremendous fraternal spirit that animated the individuals and communities. Paul and the other apostles were strengthening all the disciples. Aquila and Priscilla take Apollos aside and explain to him more accurately. And the brothers in the community encourage Apollos and wrote to the disciples to welcome him. There were no power struggles or ego wars. There were no forces of domination or manipulation. 6.       All these kinds of spirit was possible because they loved God. In fact, it was all a beautiful Trinitarian life and mission. The Father loves the Son; the Son loves the Father; the Son sends the Holy Spirit; the Holy Spirit comes the Father, accomplishes the Father’s will, and bears witness to the Son. All the Three love the disciples and abide with them. The disciples too love the Father, Son, and the Holy Spirit and bear witness to them.   Imperative: All the qualities mentioned about Apollos can be the testing grounds for the leaders and followers of Christ today. Certainly many will fail in these criteria. It is because there is no sufficient communion and commitment toward the Trinitarian God   (Reflection 3 from 2021, 15 May)   Focus: The thought of the end of one's life should not fill us with fear and anxiety, but should deepen our sense of mission and completion 1.       Many may like to speak of their targets and goals because they can give them a sense of "kick", a thrust and push to strive and achieve something. But the same many may not be happy to think of the final end that is beyond these set goals. 2.       It is because such thinking of the end and thereafter can disturb one with a sense of transience, a sense of shallowness in earthly pursuits and accomplishments. Whatever you do and achieve, ultimately the end of life is sure and definitive. 3.       But a constant awareness of the end of life can make one deeply wise to be clear of the priorities in life, to be unattached, to be balanced and mature. The truth that the earthly life will end one day would imbue one with a sense of mission and completion. 4.       This is what we see in Jesus: he is unceasingly conscious of where he came from, what he came for, and where he will return at the completion. He came from the Father, he came for the mission of salvation, and he would return to the Father. The same mission is entrusted to his disciples. 5.       But, they are not left alone in completing it. He would recommend to the Father on our behalf. He would obtain the light and the power needed. In fact, the action of the Holy Spirit is the clearest proof of his presence, accompanying and sustaining us.