SEVENTEENTH WEEK DAYS MASS REFLECTION 23

31 JULY – 05 AUGUST 2023, HOLY MASS REFLECTIONS   31 JULY 2023: EXODUS 32. 15-24, 30-34; MATTHEW 13. 31-35 Punch line: Small is not despicable!   Guideline: The greatness of something cannot be determined in reference to its origins or beginnings alone, but rather in reference to the potentialities and the prospects that are possible and the results it can produce   1.       The perspective and the estimation of Jesus and his gospel are always in contrast to the perspective and the estimation of the world. The world looks down upon whatever is small and little and despises them as of no value. This is true whether it is with regard to things or persons. 2.       It is in this context, Jesus presents before us a small seed like mustard and a small portion like yeast. Both are small and insignificant at their start, but they become big and great, by the measure of their action and function, their result and effect. 3.       The small mustard seed grows into a big tree and provides shelter to birds, while a little yeast leavens the whole flour and bakes the bread. The message of Jesus can have some significant implications: Never despise anything or anyone just because they are small, or just because they have humble beginnings or low origins. Let you not get stuck by what is immediately at hand but see farther to what they are capable of. 4.       Approach and treat every person and everything in life with respect and trust. Open wide your eyes beyond the layers of prejudice and discrimination to discover the hidden good in others. Let us not lose heart or get upset looking at our smallness. 5.       Greatness depends on goodness, on the good we can do, and on the good effect we can bring forth. Let us not be upset when life lacks many big things which we see being or happening in some people’s life and so which we also wish. 6. Israel in the first reading did not realize this simple truth of their littleness in unfaithfulness in contrast to God’s greatness in faithfulness. They easily turn away from the true God and fall to the worship of the idol of a golden calf. 7.       Moses was great in pleading for God’s mercy on people’s behalf and his magnanimity to be punished in their place. God too shows His greatness by not destroying them immediately but waiting patiently. 8.       Saint Ignatius of Loyola whom we commemorate today discerned this true greatness and so he renounces all the shallow aspects of greatness in the sight of the world. He made a decisive journey from the service to the world to the service of God, from allegiance to the nation as a soldier to loyalty to heaven our homeland, from the earthly gains to the eternal reward. He made a total about-turn of his life and turned the lives of numberless as well.   Lifeline: Many can be tension-free and happy if only they learn to see and appreciate the “power of the little” and be satisfied. The quantity of happiness is not proportionate to the quantity of things but proportionate only to the quality of life   01 AUGUST 2023: EXODUS 33. 7-11, 34. 5-9, 28; MATTHEW 13. 36-43   Punch line: God’s mercy, not in hasteGuideline: Those who seek the Lord, and remain intimate and faithful to Him, are truly the sons of the kingdom and they make it grow and become fruitful   1.       In the gospel of the day from Matthew 13. 36-43, Jesus explains the parable of the weeds and seeds, mentioned in Matthew 13. 24-30. Jesus explains the parable at the request of his disciples. 2.       From this immediately we can pick up a simple cue for our life. This can indicate to us the depth and the vastness of the word of God. Mere human intelligence and capacity cannot grasp it fully. It always needs “explanation” by the Lord through his Spirit. 3.       Our attitude should always be that of the disciples: Lord, explain to us. Those who feel that they are masters over the word of God, that the bible verses are at their fingertips, and that they are the expert interpreters need to halt for a while. They must remember that ultimately it is God’s word and we must always seek explanation and inspiration from him. 4.       The parable presents to us the actual reality of life. Jesus is very realistic. It is very true that there are weeds among the seeds. And their growth is very wild and widespread. There are certainly children of the kingdom and children of the evil. We must take note of this. 5.       Otherwise, it can make us idealists who live in a dreamland; or it can make us intolerant and annoyed toward anything negative. Both are wrong because both categories do not accept reality. Both are also useless because they do not contribute anything to better things. 6.       Realistically speaking, it may not always be possible to uproot the weeds totally. Because reality depends not exclusively on us alone but on various other factors. However, at least we are bound to restrain the spread of the weeds. 7.       For this, we need not always be on battle lines. It is much better and wiser to increase the growth and strength of the seeds. It is enough that we nurture good seeds and plants. The more the positive flourishes, the negative can diminish. 8.       Moses in the first reading from Exodus was truly one such son of the kingdom. He was intimate and faithful to God. He also transmitted the same grace, radiance, and benevolence to others.   Lifeline: In a world that tries to tone down the dominance of evil and sin because it is disturbing and challenging, we need to be the voices and messages for virtue and value by word and life   (Reflection 2) Focus: Evil may be justified but does not make one just; evil may seem to reign high and gain more, but that is only shallow and short-lived; because it is only God and good that have the authentic victory, and their fruits last long   1.       The parable of weeds and good seeds very much symbolizes our own life situation. There is evil and it is obviously prevalent and dominant. Often evil is practically so profitable while good proves to be disadvantageous and troublesome. In such a context, quite naturally one will be discouraged and tempted to give up the just path and follow the wrong one. 2.       But the reign of evil is not ultimate. Temporary profits and worldly gains cannot decide the rightness of life and promote evil. God sees, probes, judges, and gives each one what is due. Weeds will have wild growth but at the right time, will be destroyed. The growth and the prosperity of evil is no sign that evil is all-powerful and irresistible. It also means in no way that God is indifferent or powerless. 3.       He is not in a hurry or in a rush or overenthusiastic to immediately judge, condemn and terminate all the evil-doers at once with one blow. Therefore, the patience and the benevolent lenience of God are not a reason for evil to feast or to have sway over everything. Neither should it be a cause for the good to give up hope and duty. 4.       On one hand, for those who are on the evil side, it is a duration and occasion to repent and return to God as in the first reading. On the other hand, for those who are on God and good side, it is the opportune and testing time to persevere and prove their faith and good life.   Direction: The sun is under clouds for a while or not seen at night. But the Lord will make the just shine like the sun. Justice seems to be denied but it is only delayed; Evil seems to be unreined but it will certainly be accounted for.   02 AUGUST 2023: EXODUS 34. 29-35; MATTHEW 13. 44-46   Punch line: Aglow with intimacy! Focus: What makes our life meaningful and joyful is not mere knowledge but the Wisdom to discern the priorities   1.       We live in a world where there is a “knowledge boom”. This leads to a soaring capacity and adds to life ease and comfort. But at the same time, the tragedy is the decline of wisdom which gives one clarity of priorities to pursue and attain. 2.       Many times people unwisely neglect the “treasure” and “pearl” in preference to less worthy things. The man and the merchant in the gospel in wisdom discover and obtain the treasure and pearl. It is because they discern their incomparable value in preference to all the rest. 3.       How many so foolishly stick to secondary and worthless things, and discard and lose the treasure and pearl of God’s love and His kingdom! 4.       But how to have such wisdom? First of all, wisdom is not something that one acquires by sheer effort. If so, many rich, intelligent, and influential would be rated wise. But often the case is the opposite. 5.       Many of these fail to be wise because they do not follow a clear scale of priorities. Moses in the first reading from Exodus 34. 29-35 shows us the way to attain wisdom. It is through profound intimacy with God. 6.       We are told that he spoke face-to-face with God. He always listened to God’s voice and totally obeyed His word. The power of this intimacy with God showed itself in the shine of his face. This shine was such that the people could not see Moses directly. He had to put a veil on his face in order to conceal the irresistible glow on his face.  7.       But it is interesting to note that whenever he was before God, he removed the veil. This can indicate that there was no veil between God and himself. There was nothing blocking or hidden. Moses was fully open and honest before God. Those who are authentic before God will be without veils. They will shine with the glow of wisdom and holiness!   Lifeline: Lord, you are our priceless and incomparable treasure and your love and charity are the pearl. Help us to seek them always!   (Reflection 2)   Thrust: Wisdom to discern, decide, discover, and act! Indicative: In life, many think that knowledge and capacities make one successful. But it is not true. Many have bundles of knowledge and are highly capable but are not really successful   1.       Today the word of God teaches us about wisdom. Many have intelligence and competence. But these are not guarantees for wisdom. Wisdom is not a matter of intellect alone. It is not merely a matter of worldly cleverness to tackle the issues. Wisdom is holistic. It affects the whole person and all aspects of life. 2.       In this way, wisdom is essentially connected with spirituality and moral integrity. One cannot claim to be wise but fail to be spiritual and moral. In the light of the Bible, wisdom always refers to a God-fearing, righteous person and a virtuous life. In simple words, there is no true wisdom without piety, virtue, and righteousness. 3.       This is the wisdom that is exemplified in the person and life of Moses. Being in profound intimacy with God, Moses obtains the gift of wisdom from God. So he was able to keep on guiding and grooming Israel despite their obstinacy. 4.       Thus, Wisdom is essentially the power and gift of God that endows one with a clarity of priorities. This enables one to distinguish and discern between the value of different things and to gain what is the right and better option. 5.       This is the wisdom seen in the case of the treasure and the pearl in the gospel. Both the man who finds the treasure in the field and the merchant who finds a fine pearl sells all that they have and acquire the treasure and the pearl. It is because they know clearly that they are far more precious than all the rest. It is worth losing all else for the sake of gaining them.   Imperative: Many being self-complacent make wrong choices and actions. Decisions devoid of wisdom are faulty and actions without wisdom are endangering   03 AUGUST 2023: EX 40. 16-21, 34-38; MATTHEW 13. 47-53   Punch line: Wisdom to sift! Guideline: Life is like a fishing net that catches all sorts of fish, but it needs a spirit of discernment to distinguish between the good and the bad fish and to retain the good and discard the bad   1.       A good fisherman knows to sift between good fish and bad fish, which to retain and which to throw away. A good householder knows to produce from his store both new and old things. Similarly, we are also exposed to good and bad, new and old. Like true disciples, we should distinguish between them and discern what to retain and what to refrain from. 2.       We cannot confuse ourselves and fail to make the right choices at the right time. Often lack of clarity of priorities and lack of the will to act upon them makes life a mess and loss. Every bright choice is not the right choice. A right choice is not necessarily what brings success or profit but which wins God’s benevolent judgment. 3.       Many are devoid of this gift of wisdom and consequently make an unnecessary accumulation of all the stuff, even the trash, and rubbish that is harmful. And some others, so much misled, accept and swallow eagerly whatever is detestable and despise whatever is honourable. This can happen in the name of modernism and freedom. 4.       One should realize that all that is modern need not be right and beneficial, and freedom is not self-indulgence and arrogance. Such wise discernment requires humble docility like the clay to surrender itself totally to the touch and working of the potter. It is like Moses who always did what the Lord commanded in complete surrender.   Lifeline: Many a time the modern age suffers from a heightened spirit of greed and freedom, which leads to an undiscerning accumulation and arrogance, and licentiousness. Only a spirit of docility and surrender can be the right remedy.   04 AUGUST 2023: LEV 23. 1, 4-11, 15-16, 27, 34-37; MATTHEW 13. 54-58   Punch line: Content or contempt?   Guideline: We are living in a “show world” where the quality of a person or thing is judged by what is shown, by what appears, and not by what that really is   1.       Life of today has become like a public stage where everyone wants to play the key role and show that they are the best and the vital figures. It has become a display board where everyone wants to present a thing of his own so that all are drawn to them and acclaim their greatness. 2.       Accordingly, in life often people look and judge, based on what is visible, perceptible, and apparent. Consequently, perspectives, judgments, decisions, and actions are very superficial and biased. 3.       They are led by external factors like colour, caste, race, region, religion, language, culture, position, power, money, intelligence, relation, etc. Many do not have the heart nor patience or goodness to go deeper and discover and savour the goodness and worth of persons. 4.       Jesus too was subjected to contempt because of his humble origins and familiar surroundings. His own people despise Jesus because they think that they know all about him. They know his family, his parents, his brothers and sisters. They know his father’s profession of carpentry. They know the status and the standard of his family. They know none of them were outstanding. 5.       Therefore, their whole problem was, how could he become so great, powerful, and outstanding? How could he outsmart them? They thought they knew everything. But what they actually knew was the outer layers and covers and not the inner lining. 6.       They knew only his earthly human origins, but not his heavenly origin. They knew only his blood affinities but not the Spirit's identity. They knew his earthly father Joseph but not the real heavenly Father. 7.       They knew his secular profession as carpentry but not his substantial mission of interior, spiritual carpentry of hearts and souls. They thought only about academic education but lost sight of his eternal wisdom. Their realm and perspective were totally low and below. 8.       The listing of various feasts of Israel in the first reading, Leviticus 23 such as the Passover, the feast of the Unleavened Bread, the feast of Booths, etc. also points to this getting stuck to the mere externals. All the traditions and laws were meant to make the people close to God and holy. 9.       But in the course of time, the people simply fall to legalism, rigidity, and collective biases. How sad it is that the worth of a book is judged by its cover, which is often deceptive! Our relationships are often at the “rut level” (ruin), because our hearts are at the “nut level” (crank and foolish).   Lifeline: Let us become more receptive to God’s grace, so as not to be misled by what is merely perceptual or conceptual because it makes us very fragmentary and defective     (Reflection 2)   Focus: Often familiarity and externality reduce life to shallowness and superficiality and consequently people fail to discover and appreciate the good in the other   1.       Often, God and good meet with anti-climax. What does this mean? When God and good people do so much good with all concern and expect a positive response and a good effect in the life of others, exactly the opposite reaction and effect take place. 2.       For example, one gives sincere advice for the betterment of the other. But the other can easily misunderstand and misinterpret it as an act of jealousy or pessimism. This is what happens in the case of God in the OT and in the case of Jesus in the NT. 3.       God invites His straying and unfaithful people to repent and return to Him through his chosen prophets. But instead, people turn hostile to them. In the gospel, Jesus invites the people to understand and experience the love and mercy of God and return to him in faith in His Only Son. 4.       But the people despise him, contending that he is just one among them, and they know him thoroughly. This is because basically, people are not ready to accept what is not convenient and not pleasing to their hearing and living. Especially when it is a demand for a review and renewal of life, when they are confronted with challenges, they resent and resist.   Direction: As long as one remains presumptuous and pretentious on the basis of intelligence and knowledge, on the basis of status and prestige, and on the basis of talent and capacity, he cannot experience the grace for conversion and ennoblement of life.   (Reflection 3) On St John Mary Vianney   Thrust: Jesus is my all and he changes my whole! Indicative: What counts to accomplish God’s mission is not bundles of talents but a fount of surrender, fervour, and commitment 1.       In a world that is infected and tormented by sin and hopelessness, St John Mary Vianney stands as a beacon of grace and hope. He shows clearly that what qualifies and beautifies a person’s life is not just intelligence and competence but transparence to God and benevolence to others 2.       John Mary Vianney was not outstanding or noteworthy in his academic career. He would not be rated as a quick grasper. But, God Himself teaches him through His only Son. He was fully open and docile to the working of the Spirit. That is why God will reveal His only Son whom He has chosen. “It is not flesh and blood that has revealed this to you, but my Father in heaven”. 3.       He would daily grapple with the fundamental question of “Who am I?” He would make God someone personal and precious. His quench for God gets satiated with the daily nourishment by the Eucharistic Lord. 4.       It is not mere expressions about God as Saviour, liberator, healer, Lord, friend, guide, and so on. But he profoundly experiences being saved, liberated, healed, surrendered, guided, intimate, and committed in response to what the Lord is. It is not merely saying what the Lord is, but relating with him. 5.       That is why he would sit in the confessional every day for about 16 hours. He could read the minds of the penitents. He could see their inner struggle. He could come up with consoling and transformative solutions. Truly this is how he could stir and touch the tepid hearts of the faithful of his small parish Ars. 6.       St John Mary Vianney bears witness to a faith that is humble, persevering, toiling, and fruit-bearing. His lack of brilliance or talent, or the tepidity and the spiritual lethargy of the people did not deter him. He persisted and his hard-labouring faith was rewarded with a radical transformation of all the people around him. What an imitable priest as the patron of all priests! 7.       In a world that is bruised, affected by sin and desperation John Mary Vianney comes as a ray of hope and a soothing remedy. His whole life was one of depth and interiority, fidelity and availability, devotion and dedication. 8.       He never ceased to draw the people closer to God, he was never tired of giving the people the taste of God’s forgiveness and reconciliation through his availability at the confessional round the clock, even 16 hours a day. 9.       He was never carried away by the external pressures of the world but always nurtured a profound sense of loyalty and surrender to God. He sought always God’s holy will and engaged himself to please Him alone. This is the right way of a priest of God and the timely need of our times.   Direction: As long as people allow their eyes to be so easily distracted and wander aimlessly by every little external appeal and gratification, they can never be healed of their wounds and be restored to perfect health and sanity. They need to be a little more focused and concentrated on the interior, the purity of the heart 05 AUGUST 2023: LEV 25. 1, 8-17; MATTHEW 14. 1-12   Punch line: Truth is not timid! Guideline: Courage and justice are oft- proclaimed slogans but least followed principles. We must guard against reducing them to the disguises for mere pursuit of self-interests 1.       The theme of justice is very prominent in both readings of the day. In the first reading from Leviticus 25. 1-17, obviously the central topic is the celebration of the (fiftieth) jubilee year. But, a closer look reveals to us that the jubilee theme pivots around the issue of justice. 2.       It is a celebration of holiness (“you shall hallow the fiftieth year”. “it shall be holy to you”, “you shall fear your God”). It is a celebration of liberty (“proclaim liberty throughout the land to all its inhabitants”), a celebration of a return to the family (“each of you shall return to his family”), a celebration of the regain of the property (“each of you shall return to his property”), and a celebration of just transactions (“you shall not wrong one another). 3.       In the gospel, Matthew 14. 1-12, the central figure is John the Baptist. He was beheaded by Herod the tetrarch because he was a man of justice. He condemned the adulterous act of Herod living with Herodias, his brother Philip’s wife. This infuriated Herodias and she plotted to kill him. On Herod’s birthday, she gets him beheaded, as per the promise of Herod to Herodias’ daughter as a reward for her appeasing dance. 4.       Obviously, the direct and visible villain is Herodias, because she is the brain behind the whole murder. But this does not mitigate the fault of Herod or Herodias’ daughter or the other dignitaries present at the party. All are condemnable. 5.       It is not only those who commit a wrong but all those who are prompted to do it. All through the pages of human history, the just suffer at the hands of the unjust. They just always have to pay a heavy price for their convictions and fight for truth and justice. But that is not a waste battle or a lost one. God rewards them. Lifeline: Many may feel happy and great to glorify and idolize the martyrs after their death. How ironic it is that people speak of “living saints” after their death! It would be better that people support and follow the example of these just men while alive rather than organizing a “cult” and cultic activities after their death.   (Reflection 2)   Focus: The rightness and wrongness of a thing cannot be determined always by the pleasantness of its appeal or the profitable result it brings forth   1.       Human society often has its own criteria to decide whether something is right or wrong. The immediate criterion is whether something sounds positive and promising. Who likes when suddenly someone raises their voice against dishonesty and corruption? Who appreciates when someone cries for repentance and renewal? Who will support when someone clearly pronounces judgment on a life that is unfaithful and disintegrated? 2.       It is in this vein of thought that the gospel episode focuses on the figure of John the Baptist. In the spirit of truth, he did not tolerate the wrong of Herod; in the spirit of justice, he denounced it; in the spirit of courage, he was prepared to be imprisoned; and in the spirit of loyalty, he embraced martyrdom. 3.       Conviction, truth, justice, and courage are often wrongly understood, wrongly interpreted, and wrongly followed in our times. Offensiveness and obstinacy are promoted in the name of conviction; criticism and slander, in the name of truth; self-interests, power-mongering, rebellion, and retaliation, in the name of justice and courage. 4.       But conviction is firmness of values; truth is truthfulness and faithfulness; justice is to be fair and charitable; courage is loyalty and perseverance for God and good.In fact, a true commitment to truth and justice is this: a consistent journey of moving beyond 5.       Unless one tries to traverse beyond what is merely easy and apparent, to what is difficult and deeper, to that which makes life transformed and qualitative, one can never experience change. Faith is this travel from the peripheral to the deeper, from the easy to the difficult, from the convenient to the commitment.   Direction: Let our simple prayer be: Lord, help us not to wrongly identify ourselves with John the Baptist for our every frustration and self-pursuit. Make us more faithful!   (Reflection 3) Thrust: Truth is unpleasant! Indicative: It is good to have Conviction and commitment. But by themselves, they do not show or guarantee that they are right. It is only the actions and their consequences that prove them either right or wrong   1.       We are living in a world where often popularity is taken as acceptability and acceptability is taken for the legitimacy or greatness of something. But this is not always correct. Often the wrong thing appeals to and gets approval while the right thing annoys and gets disapproved. Therefore popularity and approval do not always make a thing right. 2.       More explicitly, truth is not always liked and appreciated, and approved. It may even lead to unfavourable reactions and consequences. This is what we concretely see in the case of John the Baptist. 3.       John the Baptist condemned the adulterous cohabitation of Herod with Herodias, his brother’s wife. The pronouncement of John the Baptist was very unpleasant and hard to hear and approve. Hence he incurs the wrath of the opponents. But he stood his ground. His concern was not to please the hearers or twist the truth or escape the risk. 4.       His only concern was God’s will and truth. His whole aim was to be faithful and truthful, come what may. He was convinced of doing the right thing and he was prepared to pay the price. He stands before us as a real prophet. He also exposes before us the false prophets. 5.       Who are these false prophets who abound in our times? The false prophets are self-seeking and self-promoting. They have their vested interests but they present them as the right values. They project themselves as justice warriors, but they crush the dignity and rights of others in the name of fighting for their own so-called rights which are actually self-interests or group interests. 6.       At times, these fake prophets twist the whole truth because they want to please others. Thus they are not truthful. On the contrary, true prophets are always truthful. They seek only God’s will and ways. They are concerned only about the good of others. They are convinced of the right values and they courageously go to any extent even death for the sake of God and His mission.     Imperative: Am I truthful and just? How true is my truthfulness and how just is my justice? Is my truthfulness only a disguise of slander? Is my justice only a garb for self-interests or clique interests?      

SEVENTEENTH SUNDAY OF THE YEAR A 23

17th SUNDAY, 30 JULY 2023, 1 KGS 3. 5, 7-12; ROM 8. 28-30; MATTHEW 13. 44-52: POWER OF WISDOM Punch line: Wisdom - the greatest treasure! Guideline: What makes a life worthwhile and fulfilling and what makes a person happy and satisfied is nothing of the world but only God and His wisdom given 1.      God appreciates King Solomon that he made the right and the best choice. He chose wisdom to be granted by God and not money or long life or victory over enemies. It is this wisdom that endows one with clarity of sight and valuation, choice and implementation. Among many options and possibilities, wisdom is not carried away by the lesser or secondary concerns or gets entangled by them. 2.      In the gospel too, it is the same wisdom that enables both the man in search of the treasure and the merchant in search of a fine pearl to make the right choice in preference to the rest of things. It is the same wisdom that chooses between the good and bad fish. 3.      In the second reading too, it is the same wisdom that enables Paul to see and confirm convincingly that everything works for the good of those who love God. 4.      In wisdom, all these see very clearly that God is the highest priority and He is the priceless treasure and destiny of wisdom. Wisdom enables a person to distinguish between right and wrong, to eliminate what is wrong, to appropriate what is right and to walk steadily and loyally. 5.      And precisely this is what is lacking in many modern men, and that is wisdom. Intelligence and competence, knowledge and resourcefulness, tact and techniques, talent and skill, comfort and ease, and power and prestige-seeking are increasing. But unfortunately, these are not leading to wisdom. In fact, many a time these secondary components even substitute the essentials and the priorities of life. 6.      Most of the time, in life we do not make the right and appropriate choices and decisions. We make eagerly and rushingly choices that are not helpful both to the self and to others. Not seldom do our decisions and choices become even detrimental to life. 7.      This is all a clear dearth and lack of wisdom. It is this wisdom that realises and is convinced that in life, worldly possessions and pursuits are only secondary. The power of spiritual discernment is more important than mere intellectual sharpness. Spiritual wealth is more important than worldly riches. 8.      Good life is more important than a long life. Victory over one's false self and self-deviations is more important than victory over extraneous enemies. Doing good is more important than doing great. Doing right is more important than doing bright. 9.      Benevolence is more important than mere competence. Integrity of life is more important than false dignity. Fervour is more important than power. Devotion is more important than mere erudition. Dedication is more important than mere education. Edification is more important than mere qualification. 10.  Love for God is more precious and important than love for the world. Consigning everything to be ordained by God is more important than organising the whole life with a sense of self-sufficiency and complacency. Surrender to God is more important than undue freedom. 11.  One should realise this truth of priority and primacy of God and good over all the rest. Treasure in the field is more precious and worth searching and acquiring than all the rest of the possessions. The fine pearl is far more worth it than all the rest. The value of life is more important than the cost of living and the best test of following the right. 12.  What are the treasures and pearls in our life? Are we in search of them? Do we discern their primacy and choose to strive to obtain them? Are we ready to part with the rest of the profits and gains in preference to the immense richness we experience? Lifeline: Let us be always permeated with wisdom to discern so that we never lose our focus and search for treasure and pearl. (Reflection 2) Focus: What makes our life meaningful and joyful is not mere knowledge but the Wisdom to discern the priorities   1.      We live in a world where there is a “knowledge boom”. This leads to a soaring of capacity and adds to life ease and comfort. But at the same time, the tragedy is the decline of wisdom which gives one clarity of priorities to pursue and attain. 2.      Many times people unwisely neglect the “treasure” and “pearl” in preference to less worthy things. The man and the merchant in the gospel in wisdom discover and obtain the treasure and pearl. It is because they discern their incomparable value in preference to all the rest. 3.      They also neglect to distinguish between the good fish to be preserved and the bad fish to be discarded. They have no discerning capacity to distinguish between the right things and wrong things and they make a mess of them and take both to them. How many so foolishly stick to secondary and worthless things, and discard and lose the treasure and pearl of God’s love and His kingdom! 4.      But how to have such wisdom? First of all, wisdom is not something that one acquires by his sheer effort. If so, many rich, intelligent and influential would be rated wise. But often the case is the opposite. Many of these fail to be wise because they do not follow a clear scale of priorities.   Direction: Lord, you are our priceless and incomparable treasure and your love and charity are the pearl. Help us to seek them always!   (Reflection 3) Indicative: In life, many think that knowledge and capacities make one successful. But it is not true. Many have bundles of knowledge and are highly capable but are not really successful 1.      Today the word of God teaches us about wisdom. Many have intelligence and competence. But these are not guarantees for wisdom. Wisdom is not a matter of intellect alone. It is not merely a matter of worldly cleverness to tackle the issues. Wisdom is holistic. It affects the whole person and all aspects of life. 2.      In this way, wisdom is essentially connected with spirituality and moral integrity. One cannot claim to be wise but fail to be spiritual and moral. In the light of the Bible, wisdom always refers to a God-fearing, righteous person and a virtuous life. In simple words, there is no true wisdom without piety, virtue, and righteousness. 3.      This idea of wisdom is amplified in different expressions in the Word of God. Wisdom is essentially the power and gift of God that endows one with a clarity of priorities. This enables one to distinguish and discern between the value of different things and to gain what is the right and better option. 4.      This is the wisdom seen in the case of the treasure and the pearl in the gospel. Both the man who finds the treasure in the field and the merchant who finds a fine pearl sells all that they have and acquire the treasure and the pearl. It is because they know clearly that they are far more precious than all the rest. It is worth losing all else for the sake of gaining them. Imperative: Many being complacent make wrong choices and actions. Decisions devoid of wisdom are faulty and actions without wisdom are endangering    

SIXTEENTH WEEK DAYS MASS REFLECTION 23

24 – 29 JULY 2023; HOLY MASS REFLECTIONS 24 JULY 2023: EXODUS 14. 5-18; MATTHEW 12. 38-42 Punch line: Cannot see the signs! Guideline: Signs are not tests or proofs of the power of God or the efficacy of faith. They are reminders and reassurances of God’s unfailing intervention and the reward for one’s trust 1.      In the gospel Matthew 12. 38-42, some Pharisees and scribes demand a sign from Jesus to convince them and make them believe him. Actually, signs are meant to deepen and strengthen the faith. 2.      But their intention is the opposite. They want to validate their unfaith, and not consolidate their faith. They seek excuses for not believing, rather than confirmations for believing. True faith generates from a humble openness to God’s grace, a profound experience of God and a strong conviction. 3.      In this way, no one can generate or create faith. A faith that is based on mere favours and signs, a faith that builds itself on proofs and evidence will be shallow and unsteady. Signs must help us to deepen our faith because they are manifestations of God’s powerful and merciful intervention. 4.      There is nothing wrong with expecting signs. But the problem is to expect them as proof of God’s power. Signs are not the measuring rods for the power of God or the power of faith. They are not the primary things. 5.      Unfailing trust in God and a loyal relationship with Him are the real matters. Signs can make sense only in such an atmosphere of trust and loyalty. Jesus accuses those people of being an “evil and adulterous generation” because they were evil-intentioned and unfaithful as marital infidelity. 6.      Had they not seen the mighty works of God in their history? Do they easily forget how God worked wonders to liberate them from slavery in Egypt? Do they forget the sign of God’s sparing the Ninevites at the preaching of Jonah and their consequent repentance? Do they easily lose sight of the wisdom of Solomon? 7.      Are these and numberless acts of God’s intervention not enough signs to stabilize their faith? And Jesus himself is the greatest sign of God’s love, wisdom and mercy. The authenticity of his life and the effectiveness of his ministry are the most compelling signs. Lifeline: In times of adversity and crisis, the solution is not to lament or reproach like the frightened Israelites. The fitting response is: Not to fear, but stand firm, and see the salvation of the Lord, which He will work for you today. The Lord will fight for you, and you have only to be still   (Reflection 2) Thrust: Incredulity is infidelity! Indicative: Lack of openness and docility leads to a lack of faith and refusal of God’s grace. This leads to the loss of grace and the eventual judgment of God 1.      “Judgment and indictment” of God is the underlying theme today. In the first reading, God judged and indicted the Pharoah and his army leading to destruction. He was so adamant and refused to see the power of Yahweh despite His mighty interventions and wonders. 2.       In the gospel, Jesus is stern in his accusation against the people of his time, calling them, “An evil and adulterous generation”. Idolatry is (spiritual) adultery and thus every act of infidelity is adultery. Therefore, they are truly evil and adulterous. 3.       All through the history of salvation, the reasons for God’s indictment and judgment are clear. It is being steeply unmindful and ungrateful toward God’s mighty deliverance and redemption from slavery, toward His wise guidance through great leaders and prophets. It is being least bothered to try to remain loyal to God. 4.       Time and again people abandoned their true God and went after false gods. They did not pay attention to God’s numberless admonitions and warnings. They were not open to God’s grace. They were not spiritually sensitive to seeing God’s hand or experiencing God’s love. They were never satisfied with numberless acts of God’s immense mercy. 5.       Instead, they always pressured and annoyed God. They demanded, again and again, proofs and wonders from God. They did not learn and grow from God’s teachings and signs of His care and guidance. They continued to demand signs and signs. 6.       This is how the Pharisees acted toward Jesus. They had already seen God’s abundant wisdom and mercy in and through Jesus. Still, they demand signs from Jesus. What more signs do they still need? Their history of God’s recurrent saving interventions – is it not an adequate sign? 7.       Prophet Jonah whose preaching converted the sinful Ninevites – is he not a sufficient sign? The wise king Solomon whose wisdom crossed the boundaries too to attract to him the visit of the queen of the south – is he not an adequate sign? 8.       Jesus himself with all his mission of preaching, teaching, and healing is the greatest sign of God. How could they miss these signs that are powerful and available and still demand more? Do they not realize that all that the Lord requires of us is to do justice, to love kindness, and to walk humbly with our God?   Imperative: The problem with many is not the lack of signs. There are enough and more signs that signify God’s presence, guidance, and power. All that is needed is to sense them and give response to them in a life of true faith   25 JULY 2023: ST JAMES. FEAST: 2 COR 4. 7-15; MATTHEW 20. 20-28 Punch line: Powerful, full of God’s power!   Guideline: Left to ourselves, we may be weak and our life may be bleak. But if we offer ourselves in docility to God and remain close to him, then He will take over our life to make it a memorable record   1.      The feast of St James the apostle that we celebrate today once again discloses to us the secret and seedbed of true discipleship. Our human fragility and imperfection is no matter at all. As we hear in Paul’s words to the Corinthians, though we are unworthy and ordinary as a clay vessel, God pours into us the precious treasure of His grace. 2.      Therefore, what matters is not our weakness but God’s power. It is enough that we entrust our fragility to the sanctity and solidity of God. This is what Saint James did. Willingly and joyfully, he submitted himself to the formation by the Lord. It is all a matter of a journey, a transition, an evolution from self to Jesus. 3.      It leads to a transformation from self-centred interests to Christ-centred mission, from domination to submission, from gratification to martyrdom, from possession to detachment, from recognition to humiliation, from exaltation to persecution, from self-demarcated kingdom to expanded kingdom of God. James lived with the Lord in intimate bonding and loved him with such an intensity as to be the first martyr for the Lord. 4.      This is the life of a disciple: love the Lord, live with him, live for him and die for him. Discipleship is not a matter of privilege or prestige but is an act of obedience and service. Service is not a favour done at one’s will but an obligation fulfilled at God’s will.   Lifeline: Lord, continue to mould us as true disciples, teaching us at your feet, purifying us from our self-vested interests, and perfecting us in humility and benevolence.   (Reflection 2)   Thrust: Trust and entrust! Indicative: The greatness of a follower is not in doing extraordinary things but in surrendering totally even the ordinary things. It is not winning the laurels of the world but winning the heart of the Master   1.      We celebrate today the feast of St James, one of the Twelve Apostles, a son of Zebedee and the brother of John the Apostle, He is also known as James the Great in order to distinguish him from the other James, the son of Alphaeus and the brother of Jesus (James the Just). He is considered to be the first apostle martyred. 2.       The gospel passage of the day may present him as a self-seeker, interested in power and position, through the recommendation by his mother. We need not blame him for this spirit of worldliness. It may be understandable to aspire for some honour and privilege especially when one follows a new master whom they do not understand fully. 3.       But what is important is how he makes a transition, a journey from inadequate and worldly motives to perfect and godly motives. He gets groomed as a perfect disciple in the company of Jesus. He grows into the perfect mould and stature of a worthy disciple of Christ. This is in perfect tune with the direction of both readings. 4.       He becomes that clay jar mentioned by St Paul in the first reading. He becomes the container and the carrier of the immense treasure of God’s grace. He is also quite humble being aware that all power belongs to God while weakness pertains to us as humans. 5.       Unceasingly and progressively he allows the Lord to form and transform him. Thereby he would be purified from all the traces of worldliness and be filled with the spirit of the Lord. Such a spirit is marked by becoming a servant who obeys and serves just as the master did. 6.       This is in contrast to the spirit of the world that wants to be a boss who dominates over others and demands to be served by all. 7.       Such spirit of the Lord is willing and prompt to “drink the cup” of suffering for the sake of the Lord. This is in perfect symphony with the master, and quite in line with St Paul in the first reading. 8.       This is to be “afflicted in every way but not crushed or perplexed”, “always carrying the death of Jesus in his body”. This is why he joyfully embraced martyrdom, so that “death is at work in us, but life in others”.   Imperative: St James, the apostle was on the Lord’s own mission of bringing people closer to God. He persevered even to the point of death. All this was possible only because he had a passionate love for the Lord   26 JULY 2023: STS JOACHIM AND ANN: EX 16. 1-5, 9-15; MATTHEW 13.1-9 Punch line: Simple are the noble! Guideline: Greatness is not a matter of big money or position or capacity. Neither is it a matter of more influence, more importance, more affluence, or more convenience. Real greatness is holiness and goodness. And Simplicity and fidelity to God are the secrets of sanctity   1.      The feast of St Anne that we celebrate today is a grand celebration for many women religious congregations that have St Anne as their Patroness. 2.       It is a fact that hardly anything is known in history or in the Bible about them. From the long tradition, the account of their lives startlingly parallels the story of the barren Hannah in the OT and her conception of Samuel (1 Samuel 1); she also dedicated her child to the service of God. Information concerning their lives and names is found in the 2nd century in the Protoevangelium of James (“First Gospel of James”) and the 3rd-century Evangelium de nativitate Mariae (“Gospel of the Nativity of Mary”). According to these non-canonical sources, Anne (Hebrew: Ḥannah) was born in Bethlehem in Judaea. She married Joachim. They shared a wealthy and devout life in Nazareth, Israel but were very much troubled by their childlessness. Joachim was reproached at the Temple for his sterility and so he withdrew into the countryside to pray. Anne, grief-stricken by his disappearance and by her barrenness, solemnly promised God that, if given a child, she would dedicate it to the Lord’s service. Both received the vision of an angel, who announced that Anne would conceive and bear a most wondrous child. The couple rejoiced at the birth of their daughter, whom Anne named Mary. When the child was three years old, Joachim and Anne, in fulfilment of her divine promise, brought Mary to the temple of Jerusalem, where they left her to be brought up. Whether these accounts are really historical or only devotional, is not a crucial matter. Certainly, it will not be a mere fabricated story if we hold them to be good and holy people. The reason is simple: “Every tree is known by its fruits. A good tree produces good fruits and a bad tree produces bad fruits” (Mt 7. 16-20). This is very true in the case of St Ann. If you want to see, understand, and appreciate the greatness of Ann, look at her daughter Mary. If Mary is so simple and humble, gentle and noble, docile and surrendered, magnanimous and generous, pure and immaculate, surely we can imagine how Ann nurtured these qualities in Mary and brought her up in the way of God. Mary mirrors the virtues of Ann. Therefore, their feast invites us to focus once again intently on this great saint, draw inspiration and guidance, encouragement and support from her, check and review our life and mission in the light of her life and example and thus strive for a fresh renewal and better commitment. This feast of St Anne and St Joachim is in no way irrelevant for others, especially the lay faithful because they stand before all as great models for good parenting. Let us clearly remember that the greatest tribute to St Ann is not only singing her praises on this day but much more making our life, in imitation of her, a living song and praise in God’s glory. Let us not only venerate her but also imitate her virtues, especially her simplicity, fear of God, holiness, and good example. St Ann should be not only a model for admiration but a role model for emulation. She should be an inspiration for all those entrusted with the care of others in different roles to guide them on the right path with sound values. In tune with their great example, we must realise that what matters in life is not so much to have many things, but to have healthy values; it is not to have a lot of money, but to have a solid heart; it is not to have beautiful clothes, but to be dressed with a beautiful character; it is not to take care of a beautiful body, but to nourish a good soul; it is not to have high and expensive education, but to have a noble formation of faith; it is not so much to grow in well-being, but to grow in well-living; it is not so much to be competent but to be benevolent.  In particular, as Saints Anne Joachim are patron saints of the grandparents, they are great role models for all the parents who should hold more responsibility for bringing up their children in a culture of faith and good values. This is all a question of good parenting. Bearing and bringing up children is not just something physical or material. Parenting is not just providing the children bundles of money, costly clothes, comfortable housing, fat-paid education, lucrative jobs, and prestigious matches. It is much more than that. Parenting is a concern of grooming the children in a sane culture of faith and values. It is educating, forming, fostering, and maturing them to live a healthy, holy, good, and happy life. It is a matter of growing the young generation into fine human beings, good family members, caring neighbours, and responsible and committed citizens. This is a noble task and it places certain conditions on each parent and grandparent. It is a sacred duty of teaching the children by word and example, accompanying and guiding them with clarity, conviction, and patience, blending freedom with responsibility, indulgence with discipline. Children are a gift from the Lord and therefore they should be treated not only with respect but with reverence and should be brought up with a sense of utmost responsibility. Every parent and grandparent should be conscious that they stand answerable and accountable before God whether they bring up their children as integral and integrated human persons.    Lifeline: The beauty and value of life do not consist in acquiring what is big in the sight of the world, but in growing great in the fear and intimacy of God and love and sensitivity towards the other humans (Reflection 2, on the Readings of the Day)   Thrust: Mercy never weary! Focus: People’s faith and faithfulness are wavering and easily deviating. But God is ever merciful and faithful. He does not act immediately according to people’s infidelity but His fidelity 1.      The people were hungry in the wilderness. They begin to murmur once again against Moses and God. They recall and even relish the food as slaves in Egypt. They forget the disgrace of their slavery. Rather material concern dominates the higher concerns like freedom, dignity, faith, fidelity, etc. 2.      But God is not angered by their ingratitude or fluctuating faith. He is aware of their concern. He is also clear about His priorities. In that context, what was most needed and urgent was food and spiritual discourse. 3.      He provides them with manna from heaven. Yes, our God is a God who cares and provides. Certainly, He knows our various concerns. But, He wants us to give priority to the higher concerns above the merely physical and material. 4.      Our story should not be like that of the Israelites. Again and again, they become forgetful, ungrateful and unfaithful. They succumb to the pressure of worldly preoccupations. They fail to rise up to the higher designs of God. They fail to understand God’s grace and fail to respond and cooperate. 5.      Ultimately what matters in our life is our receptivity and productivity. This is what Jesus teaches us through the parable of the sower. God always supplies us and plants in us the seeds of His grace. 6.      There are four types of soil – wayside, rocky, thorny and fertile. The question is not so much which category of soil we are in. In fact, we have all the foul kinds within us. 7.      At times, we are like the roadside soil, so indifferent and completely closed to God’s grace. At times, we are like the rocky soil, with no roots and depth and easily exposed to and scorched by the heat of difficulties. At times, we are the bushy and thorny soil, choked by many needless pressures and pleasures of the world. And at times, we are also like the fertile soil, producing a rich harvest. Direction: The beauty of our Christian life is in constantly turning our roadside, rocky and bushy soils into fertile soil. The more we succeed in making ourselves receptive and fertile, the more we will be productive and fruitful 27 JULY 2023: EX 19. 1-2, 9-11, 16-20b; MATTHEW 13. 10-17 Punch line: Know but do not follow! Guideline: The problem often with many is that they know what is good and right but they do not follow it. They knowingly make wrong choices because they are pleasurable or promoting in the worldly sense   1.      Today in the readings, we find a contrast between two sets of encounters, responses and consequences. On one hand, there is the encounter with Yahweh by Moses and Israel, and the encounter with Jesus by his disciples. They see and hear the Lord. This experience leads to “blessedness”. 2.      On the other hand, the Pharisees and scribes fail to have a personal encounter with Jesus and experience of him. They do not see his true identity. Neither do they listen to the voice of God through Jesus. Consequently, they become obstinate and reject Jesus. 3.       That is why, Jesus refers to Isaiah concerning them. These are the people, “who hear but do not understand, see but do not perceive”. Their heart has grown dull, and their ears and eyes are closed. It is a spirit of closedness and stubbornness, indifference, and non-cooperation. Consequently, the Lord cannot heal them. 4.      They are given in abundance but they resent and resist and fail to cooperate. Therefore, even the little they have will be taken away and will be given to those who are open and cooperative. In this way, the disciples are “blessed” because they receive it joyfully and fructify it abundantly. 5.      This is what Jesus means when he says, “For to the one who has, more will be given, and he will have an abundance, but from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away”. There are no guarantees of God’s grace. The effect of God’s grace depends on our reception and cooperation.   Lifeline: Ingratitude and infidelity are the two greatest evils that disfigure the beauty of human relationships, disrupt the joy of interaction, and diminish the value of life   28 JULY 2023: EXODUS 20. 1-17; MATTHEW 13. 18-23, ST ALPHONSA Punch line: Nurture and Produce! Guideline: In a world of noise and commotion, many times we fail to be attentive and to hear the words clearly. We are then constantly invited to sharpen our attention and listen to the word of God because it alone helps us to grow and be fruitful 1.      “Receive, nurture and produce”. This is the simple threefold principle for any growth and fruition. For example, a farmer receives the seed, cultivates and nurtures it through various cares and makes it grow and then reaps a rich harvest, producing abundant fruits. 2.      On His part, God ever provides the seeds of His grace and Word to plant in the soil of our hearts. He avails to us all the possible requirements that facilitate and nurture the growth of His seeds. He never deprives us of anything that enhances our growth and fruition. We as followers of Christ receive abundantly the seeds of the words of the kingdom. 3.      But the question always remains on our part. The reason why often many do not bear good and abundant fruits is the lack of transparency, lack of perseverance and lack of diligence. This is what we see in the first 3 types of soil in the gospel parable of the sower, namely the roadside soil, rocky and thorny soils. 4.      We must guard against being the roadside soil where evil snatches away the seeds. We must guard against being the rocky ground where we are not deep-rooted but waver at any little adversity. We must guard against bushes and thorns where worldly interests dominate and suffocate our growth. 5.      Instead, we must constantly strive to become more and more fertile so as to produce an abundant harvest of fruits. We must always try to provide the best conducive soil for the seeds. 6.      The Decalogue or the Ten Commandments in the Old Testament, Exodus 20. 1-17 are the authentic means and expressions of this growth and fruitfulness. The more we adhere to him, the more we will be authentic and effective. 7.      They are not just some formal code of ethics, a set of do’s and don’ts. They are the manifestations of a meaningful relationship with God and with others. They are the expressions of the right way of conducting oneself toward God and others. 8.      They are the embodiment of a holistic life of sanctity and morality. In this way, the commandments are no more forced burdens or coercions for fear or favour. Rather, they are free expressions of a spirit of true religion and social life. 9.      They are like railway tracks that guard us against deviations and ensure a surer and right direction. They are not barriers but barricades. They are not curtailments of freedom but safeguards of constructive freedom. 10.   St Alphonsa (1910–1946), the first woman saint of Indian origin was such a fertile soil that produced a rich harvest of sanctity and charity. In docility and surrender, she consecrated her entire life to the Lord. Like the fertile soil, she never resisted God’s will and action. She was fully receptive and cooperative to God’s grace. That is why she could be so joyful even amidst her daily martyrdom of suffering. Lifeline: We must foster a positive perspective toward laws and commandments. They help for self-discipline and self-mastery which go a long way in being spiritual and fraternal   29 JULY 2023: 1 JOHN 4. 7-16; JOHN 11. 19-27, SAINT MARTHA Punch line: Not conflict but harmony! Guideline: True faith is seen not merely in great overflows of praise and worship or impressive wonders, miracles, or preaching, but much more in sincere tears and an abandoning surrender to God   1.      Often the mention of Martha immediately brings to one’s mind the reproach of Jesus for being frantic and anxious (cf. Lk 10. 38-42). So, lightly or seriously Martha is referred to as one excessively engrossed in many affairs, negligent toward Jesus, and complaining against her own sister. Some overenthusiastic preachers can also exhort their audience not to be like Martha. 2.      But this is unfair to Martha, who is actually an emblem of faith. Just listen to the words of Martha at the death of her beloved brother Lazarus and at the delayed visit and condolences of Jesus, which is apparently an act of negligence and unconcern. But there are no complaints or blame. 3.      Instead, a confession of total surrender and trust: “If you had been here, my brother would not have died. But I know that even now God will give you whatever you ask” (Vv. 21-22). These are really words of tremendous and unshaken faith that attest to a profound trust in God and in His presence and benevolence, “always and everywhere”. God’s care reaches beyond space and time. 4.      Therefore, Jesus’ rebuke is not to be taken as fault-finding or undermining her value. Jesus points to a possible danger of losing sight of his presence and not giving priority to him amidst many activities. What makes a disciple is love for Jesus, priority to him, and firm faith in him. 5.      Martha demonstrates this unswerving faith in Jesus, rooted in a personal intimacy, even in such a testing time as her brother’s death. This is the true faith: to continue to cling to God even in knockout moments. She is in fact a model for all to be committed to God in deep loving faith and active service.   Lifeline: We are assaulted and tormented by many things to do. But help us Lord never to lose sight of you and not to mess up our priorities.   (Reflection 2)   Thrust: Faith that stands and withstands! Indicative: Often an artificial conflict is created between work and prayer. But a true lover and follower of Christ will not fall into such temptation   1.      Often we find two camps of persons, one that gives more importance to work and the other, to prayer. In fact, it is all a misnomer of the truth. The truth is that work and prayer are not rivals. They must go together because one needs the other for authentication and approval. Work will not be appreciated if it is devoid of prayer. Similarly, prayer too will not be appreciated if it is devoid of concrete action. 2.       Actually, there is no confusion or no need for any confusion. For, there is total clarity that prayer is the priority in the sense that nothing else can take away its place and become its substitute and alternative. It is irreplaceable and indispensable. But true and perfect prayer will necessarily lead to work and service. Thus, a life of faith must include sincere and committed action. 3.       Saint Martha whom we venerate today reminds us of this beautiful blend of prayer and work, faith and service. The two passages where she is mentioned indicate these two aspects. In Luke 10. 38-42, we see her as an activist, a server. She was so much engrossed in work and service that she would lose the intimate moments of sitting with Jesus in his company like her sister Mary. 4.       But, in John 11. 19-27, at the episode of Jesus’ visit at Lazarus’ death, we find Martha as a woman of profound faith. She believes in Jesus even after a few days of death. She professes her faith in him even in such a painful situation. It is her faith that occasions the famous declaration of Jesus about the resurrection: “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he dies, yet shall he live, and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die”. 5.       How were such faith and service possible? The answer is found explicitly in the first reading from 1 John. It is love that makes one faithful in prayer and active in service. There was an intimate relationship between Jesus and the family of Martha, Mary, and Lazarus. 6.       We see in John 11. 5, “Jesus loved Martha, her sister, and Lazarus”. There was intense love on the part of Martha. She truly loved him and she constantly abode in his love and he abode in her. It is this love for Jesus that led her to love and serve others.   Imperative: Our prayer manifests that we love God and abide in His love. And our work and service manifest that we love others for the sake of that same love for God. If so, they can never oppose or exclude each other  

FAREWELL SPEECH FOR THE MANAGER OF THE SCHOOL

Farewell Speech Good morning respected Fr. George, Sisters Teachers and my dear students "Goodbyes make you think They make you realise What you have had What you have lost and you have taken for granted " On this special day, we all of us, the entire Bharat Jyoti fraternity is - "gathered together to bid farewell to our dear father George who had been with us for the past five years. I take this opportunity on behalf of all of you to express my appreciation and sincere gratitude to our dear father.... Our manager. * Thank you very much for your valuable and incomparable contribution for the growth and development of the school, each student, the teaching and non-teaching staff. This Shows your magnanimity and commitment. * You are an exceptional role model in your leadership skills and humanitarian qualities. -both in words and deeds. Thank you for being an inspiration to all of us in all walks of life. * It's rare to have the privilege to work under someone with lot of experience, Knowledge, determination and will-power but we had the golden opportunity to work with you and under you. we will definitely miss having you as our mentor and manager. Thank you very much for your guidance and support over these years. * It's been great working with you dear father. We will remember the lessons you have taught us . You taught us to be: :Persistence yet patient in achieving our goals. :Simple yet majestic in our life style Humble yet noble in our thoughts : Committed and hard working in our profession and mission : Confident yet confining in our dealings. : amicable yet amiable for service : Selfless and Generous in nurturing others. etc. * I wish to say that you are an irreplaceable part of our institution. Though Your physical presence may be absent in this place but your energy and vibration will continue to flow and inspire us every day as and when we look at the flowers and plants in our school campus. Thank you for creating such an atmosphere for us. * Thank you very much dear father for everything that you have done for each of us. We will always remain indebted to you for your prayers and blessings, values and advices shared, the motivation and encouragement received from you day in and day out Continue to remember us in your valuable prayers . We do hope and pray that your next chapter of Life be full of contentment. happiness and God's blessings Happy Retirement years. Let me conclude with an Irish Blessing.. May blessings Happy Retirement Years Let me conclude with an Irish Blessing... May the road rise up to meet you..... May the wind be ever at your back... May the sun shine warm upon your face and The rain fall softly on your fields... And until we meet again. May God hold you in the hollow of his hand and keep you safe" God bless you dear father. Once again THANK YOU VERY MUCH.🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹

SIXTEENTH SUNDAY OF THE YEAR A 23

16th SUNDAY, WISDOM 12. 13, 16-19; ROMANS 8. 26-27; Mt. 13. 24- 43, 23 July 2023   "RECOGNIZE OUR RESPONSIBILITY AND NOT PUT THE BLAME ON GOD"   Punch line: Evil dominates but God predominates! Guideline: The prevalence of evil is no sign of God’s indifference but patience. It is a summon to own up our personal responsibility to arrest the growth of evil   1.      In today's Gospel, there are three parables that refer to the kingdom of God. The first parable of good seed and weed. The second, of mustard grain. And the third, of yeast and flour. How are these three related? The first indicates our human situation and the difference between the action of God and us. The second and third indicate how to respond and act on that situation. 2.      First of all, let's take into account the reality of our world. It's so bad. There's so much nastiness. (Undoubtedly, things often go wrong, whether in personal or family life, or the community or society or in the whole world, whether in the physical or emotional or intellectual or social or political or moral or spiritual realm). 3.      That is, in the words of the Gospel, there are not only good seeds but also weeds. In fact, you often hear that weed dominates and suffocates good seeds. It often happens that the good suffer the most. The sincere struggle, while the insincere enjoy. The faithful lose, but the treacherous gain. 4.      This is not right. So, Why does God who is all-powerful and beloved not intervene? Why is He not acting? Why doesn't He stop evil? Why is He indifferent? The only reason is because God loves us so much that He gives us freedom and respects it. 5.      Therefore, He never forces and always leaves each of us free in our choice and in our actions. God is not helpless but patient. He is not indifferent but hopeful and confident of us. In his patience He always offers ample opportunity to always know what is right and wrong, to evaluate the value of everything, to choose the best and to follow what is upright and positive. 6.      So we cannot wait for God to intervene every now and then when something goes wrong. Instead, we must take responsibility for our lives. Then do not be over-bothered or critical about what God should do or how He should act. 7.      But let's engage with what each of us needs to do and how we should act. What to do and how to do it? An answer is found in the other two parables. In such a situation of the first parable, of the growth of weed together with the good seeds, each of us who is faithful to God, must be like a grain of mustard that is small but gets big, like a kindergarten tree for birds, like the yeast that is little but dissolving turns all the flour. 8.      This is where the “miracle of smallness” consists: It does not matter before the Lord, what is our position, the degree of life or the level in society, or the importance of our work or the gains of our abilities. 9.      Small or large, the only thing that matters is,  What do we do – good or evil? How do we do – with what attitude, how much goodness, kindness, patience, how much humility in everything we do in daily life? 10.   Remember: we cannot criticize society that it is so and so, when it is we who make society. How can we criticize others for selfishness, indifference, envy, arrogance, and aberrations, when we too carry and nurture the same, and act in the same way, with the same attitudes in our behaviours and works? 11.  How can we criticize hunger and poverty when we throw away a lot of money on entertainment and shallow pleasures? When there is so much licentious freedom, how can one criticise immorality or immodesty? 12.  When there is too much arrogance and a sense of false dignity, how can we criticize the collapse of relations? When family values are lowered, how can we complain about the deviations of young people? 13.  When there is no respect for the human being, how can we criticize crime? When there is no closeness and reliance on God, how can one complain of stress and anxiety and lack of peace and serenity? 14.  So, it takes a perspective that accepts life as a whole of good and evil, a whole of the positive and the negative, a set of good seeds and weeds.  It takes a lot of patience, a lot of perseverance, and a lot of personal responsibility.   Lifeline: It takes a big heart that does even the little things with great dedication

FIFTEENTH WEEK DAYS MASS REFLECTION 23

17 - 22 JULY 2023, HOLY MASS RELFECTIONS 17 JULY 2023: EXODUS 1. 8-14, 22; MATTHEW 10. 34 – 11.1 Punch line: Following, tested! Guideline: Following Jesus calls for a radical and fundamental option for him. This involves an uncompromising fidelity to him 1.      There are many followers of Jesus. But all are not worthy followers because they do not follow their Master’s way. Who then is a worthy disciple? What are some of the essential criteria? Two of the features are highlighted. 2.      One is the highest love for Jesus. It surpasses even the natural and valid family love-ties. Jesus very clearly announces: “Whoever loves father or mother more than me, is not worthy of me; whoever loves son or daughter more than me, is not worthy of me”. 3.      Here the point is not about not loving one’s own family. The real issue is no family love should be more than our love for God and love for the new spiritual family. This is a real pointer and poker to many followers of Jesus. 4.      This applies both to the consecrated as well as the lay faithful. We must humbly realize that in the case of a good number of clergy and religious and family people, family attachments, family interests, and family benefits count more than the duties toward God and God’s people. 5.      The second requisite for a true disciple is, to walk the way of the cross. There is no room for compromises, shortcuts, self-interests, easy gains, escape from the demands of discipleship, and fear of adversities. There is no other way than “taking up the cross and following the Lord”. 6.      Following Jesus certainly leads to opposition and persecution. This is what the Israelites experienced in the land of Egypt. Their loyalty to the true God, Yahweh brought them opposition and hatred. This pushed them into slavery and persecution. 7.      This is also the same thing which Jesus means when he says, “I have come not to bring peace but sword”. The sword symbolizes suffering and affliction. Following Jesus disturbs and shatters false peace that lingers in compromise. It is a peace that does not take a clear stand for the Lord. It is a peace that pleases humans at the cost of disloyalty to God. Lifeline: Following Jesus demands paying a heavy price. But it is worth it. All who follow Jesus and support those who follow him, will for sure receive a great reward (Reflection 2) Thrust: Authentic religion! Indicative: An authentic religion does not consist of bundles of religious practices. Religion becomes authentic only when it gives the highest priority to God and lives a life of benevolence and justice 1.      In the present times, unfortunately, we see a lot of religious fanaticism and violence. In the name of God and religion, there is a viral culture of hatred, enmity, and destruction. This is not an authentic religion or devotion. Today’s word of God clarifies to us what is a true religion and who is a true follower. 2.      True worship of God is not just a multitude of sacrifices or offerings or celebrations of feasts and traditions. All these become vain, burdensome, wearisome, and detestable in God’s sight when they lack a life of integrity and goodness. God will not accept them. Our religious observances become acceptable and meaningful only when there is a genuine change of life. 3.      In the words of Jesus in the gospel, this kind of true religion and devotion implies a certain way of life. In the first place, it calls for an uncompromising priority to God. Love for God and loyalty to Him come first, and nothing should come in its way, not even one’s own family. That is why Jesus says, “Whoever loves father or mother, son or daughter more than me, is not worthy of me”. 4.      This is being ready to be hated and opposed even by one’s own family for the sake of the Lord. This is taking one’s cross and following Jesus. This is losing one’s life for his sake. And this is exactly bringing sword and not peace, like the Master. Standing for God and good will certainly throw one into situations of opposition and suffering.   Imperative: A true follower of Christ must be prepared to rise above the binding family ties and attachments. He must not be comfort-seeking, trying to shelter himself in false peace and compromises 18 JULY 2023: EXODUS 2. 1-15; MATTHEW 11. 20-24 Punch line: Faith, barren and arrogant! Guideline: The greatness of faith is not measured by the quality of religious knowledge or the number of favours received. Only the quality of receptivity and change of life is the deciding factor 1.      In the gospel, Jesus sternly denounces the cities of Corazin, Bethsaida and Capernaum. He pronounces woe to them. Interestingly it is in these cities where he worked most of his mighty works. But they failed to be receptive and cooperative to God’s grace. 2.      They are reproachable and culpable because they remained unrepentant, self-righteous, arrogant and seeking self-glory. They rejected Jesus’ earnest call for repentance. In their pride and self-righteousness, they refused to see and accept their wrongdoing and infidelity. 3.      They failed to seek God’s glory. Instead, they pride and glorify themselves in their history, tradition, religion, Scripture, Law, knowledge, progress, et cetera. They fail to be conscious of God’s ways and mighty intervention in their history through the prophets as well as their present story through Jesus. 4.      The story in the first reading from Exodus of Moses whom they venerate so much, is a clear example of God’s benevolent inception into their life. God’s plan of salvation and His way of execution is beyond human comprehension but is always marvellous. 5.      Baby Moses was protected despite Pharaoh’s law of casting into the Nile every male Hebrew child. He was saved and adopted by Pharaoh’s daughter herself. Boy’s mother herself was called to nurse the growing child. He grew up in the palace. 6.      But he killed an Egyptian who wronged a Hebrew. As Pharaoh who knew this murder sought to kill Moses, he had to flee. Later his story would continue, a story that shows the incomprehensible ways of God’s working. 7.      No doubt that the Jews had a great history of godly stalwarts like Moses. But the problem with them was their great sacred history made no impact and change on their present story. 8.      The same is true in our case as well. We may claim to believe in Jesus but is often shallow, because we refuse to humble ourselves, refuse to repent and be converted, despite his unceasing signs and invitations. Lifeline: It is not the greatness of religion or history that makes a believer great. Rather it is how one lives what he believes and inherits (Reflection 2) Thrust: Unbelief is arrogance! Indicative: The sad thing with many is not that they only do mistakes and others do not do them. The whole pity is they do not realise, repent and convert themselves 1.      We find in the present times a growing religious indifference and mediocrity. Many either do not have faith in God or have a very shallow faith. In the life of many, God does not matter at all. In the case of others, their faith is limited to certain rituals, traditions, and activities. In any case, in truth, this is a godless and faithless culture. 2.      This is what is typified in the gospel by the cities of Chorazin, Bethsaida, and Capernaum. Jesus denounces them because they refused to see and accept God’s grace, manifested through mighty miracles. They were full of themselves and refused to turn to God. They were so arrogant that they would not see their iniquities and would not repent. 3.      Like the cities of Chorazin, Bethsaida, and Capernaum, there are many who are full of self-pride and seek self-glory. They are adamant, resistant, unrepentant, and thus unconverted. They refuse to repent. They do not nurture deep anguish for forfeiting God’s incessant grace, thwarting His loving plans and paining God’s tender compassion. Thus it is a total wholesale failure to convert from sin to God’s mercy. Imperative: Intelligence and competence without humility, fear of God, and repentance will land up in arrogance and self-glory. And that is the doorstep for destruction   19 JULY 2023: EXODUS 3. 1-6, 9-12; MATTHEW 11. 25-27 Punch line: A Burning Love! Guideline: Great things happen through humans. It is not the greatness of them but that of God.  He works great things even through simple and small people 1.      God’s love for us is like the burning bush in the first reading from Exodus 3. 1-6, 9-12. The bush is burning but is not consumed. Similarly, God’s love burns for us eternally but is never exhausted and annihilated. 2.      His love is faithful from generation to generation. He is a personal God who enters into personal encounter and covenant. That is why, He always reveals Himself as the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac and the God of Jacob. 3.      His love is so sensitive because it hears the cries of the suffering Israelites in slavery in Egypt. He sees their oppression by the Egyptians. He chooses Moses to liberate them and lead them out to their promised land. 4.      This choice is not on the basis of the merit of Moses. It is rather the gracious will of the Father. This is made manifest in the gospel text. Jesus thanks the Father because He hides the divine mysteries to those intelligent and competent in the sight of the world. 5.      But He reveals them to “mere babes”. That is, to the small, insignificant and ignorable people. Thereby it is very clear that vocation is always a gratuitous gift of God. He chooses us. It appears as if we are choosing the way of life. 6.      But actually, we only respond to His call. It is again God who helps our response. Often, the response may be very reluctant. It can be due to a sense of personal inadequacy; or, it can also be on account of the enormity of the task entrusted. 7.      From the human standpoint, we will fall short. Thus, Moses declines God’s offer to liberate the Israelites from slavery. He protests, “Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh, and bring the Israelites out of Egypt”. 8.      But God teaches him to see from the divine standpoint. It is not the individual Moses but God Himself who works through him. God assures him: “I will be with you”. Therefore, vocation and mission are never one’s own merit or credit. God’s presence, guidance and power sustain and accomplish a call. Lifeline: Human capacities do not become the deciding factors for God’s call. Neither are they the cause for the excellence and effectiveness of the call. Utmost they are supplements and never substitutes (Reflection 2) Thrust: Nothing surpasses the unsurpassable God! Indicative: Human intelligence and strength can assist a person up to some point. But ultimately nothing human or earthly can save a person 1.      There is an increasing sense of self-sufficiency and complacency in modern society. Many get puffed up on account of progress and technology in general, and competence and success in particular. However, at the same time, there is also a gripping sense of dissatisfaction and emptiness. 2.      It is in this context, we must admit our own limitedness before the unsurpassable power of God. We cannot boast of any greatness of ours before the immeasurable might of God. We must be humble enough to see this indomitable hold of God. 3.      In the gospel, Jesus makes clear this disconcerting and contrasting way of God: He has hidden the heavenly mysteries from the wise and understanding in the sight of the world. But He revealed them to little children. This means the simple, humble, insignificant, and negligible lot in the sight of the world. 4.      Therefore, the best response and course of action is to be “childlike”. That is, to trust totally in God that everything is in His “hand over”, under His sway and control. Surrender ourselves humbly and wholeheartedly and depend fully on Him. 5.      Thereby He will turn our deficiency into efficiency, and turn the difficulties into opportunities for growth and for good. He will turn our being small children into recipients of the great intervention of God. Imperative: It is really foolish that a goat goes to fight against a mountain and tries to overpower it by hitting it. In the same way, it will be absurd that the weak limited man rises against God and tries to overpower Him   20 JULY 2023: EXODUS 3. 13-20; MATTHEW 11. 28-30 Punch line: Identity restored! Guideline: The identity of our God is not a cluster of many attributes. It is His very essence. It is rather in His relationship with us, soaked into compassion and mercy 1.      In the present times, often there is an identity crisis. Many do not know who and what they are. They mistakenly equate their identity with their functions, roles, titles, places or cultures, etc. Or, they glorify their identity with their talents and capacities. 2.      That is why, when asked about who are they, the usual answer is, “I am a doctor, engineer, teacher, leader, servant, or I am an Indian, foreigner, etc.” Practically, it may inform about one’s state of life or area of one’s activity. 3.      It may also convey the scope of one’s ability and greatness. But, we must bear in mind that identity cannot be reduced to any one of them. They may express one’s identity, and help to live one’s identity. An ability, an activity is not identity. 4.      True identity is essential connectivity to divinity. It is living one’s human existence in the realm of the divine existence. It is sharing in the all-comprising and all-enveloping Presence of God. 5.      In the words of Exodus 3. 13-20, it is experiencing and extending the identity of God, which is “I AM”. When Moses asked for the name of God, God answers, “I AM WHO AM”. God’s identity is not qualified by any other attribute. 6.      In God, there is no dichotomy between what He is and what He does. In fact, God’s “Who He is?” is a blend of what He is and what He does. He is a God of power, love, compassion and mercy. 7.      He manifests this nature and identity in His mighty acts and works. He intervenes and rescues them mightily. He loves them tenderly and passionately. He cares for them compassionately. He also forgives their sins mercifully. Thus God’s identity is not something static but dynamic. 8.      Unfortunately, often there is so much contradiction and incongruence between what we are originally and what we do actually. We move away from our real identity and do actions contrary to this. This results in burdens that weigh us down heavily. 9.      Jesus, true to his dynamic identity invites us in today’s gospel, “Come unto me all those who are heavily burdened and I will give you rest”. For this, we need to put on the same nature, share the same identity, and that is, “being gentle and humble”. Lifeline: Let us refrain from exhausting ourselves in unworthy pursuits. Let us rein our frenetic lives and steal some serene moments at the Lord’s feet. Let us experience life as light and pleasant by learning to be gentle and humble.   (Reflection 2) Thrust: Take the yoke and find the rest! Indicative: The world is so much under pressure. It is hard-pressed. It needs some remedy that relieves it from this pressing burden. God alone is that solace point! 1.      “Come unto me, all who labour and are heavily laden, and I will give you rest”. This is the warm invitation of Jesus to everyone, especially who feel life is burdensome and laborious. The life of many is robbed of rest. This is not so much physical rest and relaxation. It is mental and spiritual. 2.      Rest is a state of mind where all our worries and tensions, especially those not necessary and not worthwhile recede. Rest is a mental serenity and calm. It may not be a complete cessation of all worries and burdens. Rather it is a state of mental equilibrium, an inner equanimity. 3.      It is this that many today lack. They have many relaxations but are not calm. They have many deviations, diversions, and distractions but not really a re-charging and refilling. There is no wonder then that the welcoming words of Jesus to go to him in our times of burden are very soothing and uplifting. 4.      But how do we obtain this rest? It is by taking his yoke upon us and learning gentleness and humility from him. Yoke can simply mean anything, any burden, any task, any risk for the sake of the Lord. 5.      This yoke of the Lord is smoothened and sweetened by gentleness and humility. But the world considers these sweeteners as signs of weakness and timidity, lack of self-dignity, and self-affirmation. 6.      This thinking is wrong. They are actually signs of strength and firmness. Only a strong and steady person can be gentle and humble. They ease one’s inner burdens and make him light-hearted. Imperative: To a world that is so rude, harsh, and hard, gentleness will be like a yoke hard to bear. And to a world that rides on pride and arrogance, humility is really a burden to carry. But it is only by carrying this noble yoke and burden, that we can experience true relief and comfort 21 JULY 2023: EXODUS 11. 10 – 12. 14; MATTHEW 12. 1-8 Punch line: Piety without charity? Guideline: True fidelity to the laws of religion should not be blocks against charity, because there is no other law greater than the law of charity 1.      Ages and times may change but the evil in the human mentality remains. What is really evil is a lack of kindness and concern toward others. Benevolence and help to others is the greatest norm of life and the law of any worthwhile religion. 2.      All the rules and traditions should ultimately lead to this supreme principle of life. Devoid of such fraternity and goodness, everything else will become empty and imperfect. 3.      In the gospel today, Jesus questions such practice of religion that neglects the need and good of others. The disciples of Jesus are hungry. They plucked some heads of grain and began to eat. The Pharisees who wait for any slightest occasion to find fault with Jesus, seize this opportunity. 4.      They blame Jesus and his disciples for breaking the Sabbath rule. The rule is that no one does any work on Sabbath day because it is holy. Is plucking the heads of grain considered as harvesting? What a height of religious crankiness and superfluity! 5.      What about their hunger? What about their need and plight at that time? Jesus retorts that even David and his companions ate even the Bread of the Presence from the temple, that even the priests by their activities in the temple profane the Sabbath. 6.      Sabbath or any religious law is meant for devotion to God and to nurture the spirit of human concern. Any law, any tradition, any religious activity that hampers good to the other and harms the other, is not praiseworthy. 7.      The whole piety is geared to the increase of charity. Otherwise, it will only become a heartless show, a shallow pretension. It is this spirit that Jesus attests, saying, “I desire mercy and not sacrifice”. 8.      Is it not a shallow religion that people donate huge amounts in the temples of pilgrimage but are least bothered about their starving immediate neighbours? Is it not a heartless devotion when people venerate the Sacred Heart or Divine Mercy of Jesus but have no heart or mercy toward others? Is it not a worthless religion when people preach eloquently but breathe hatred and venom on other followers? Lifeline: Let our following of rules not be a disguise for self-righteousness or self-projection. Let us be law-abiding citizens and faithful, submitting ourselves to the supreme law of charity. Let our whole concern be good conduct that pleases God and does good to others   (Reflection 2) Thrust: True religion is not only a matter of devotions and traditions but much more about doing good to those in need. Any religious practice that goes against helping others is not a sound one 1.      Religious practices and traditions, rules, and injunctions are good and needed. They manifest the spirit of piety and devotion. They show in concrete how much we care about God. They open us to insights and inspirations. They act as balms for consolation, guidance, and strength. They discipline us and guard us against possible aberrations. 2.      However, their fruit and effect cannot be limited only to the spiritual domain. Any true devotion must eventually lead one to a concrete life of fraternity in acts of charity. Acts of devotion without acts of benevolence are deficient and incomplete. Piety without fraternity is shallow. Adherence to the rules is important but not at the cost of neglecting the need of others. 3.      This shallow religion is seen in the Pharisees. The hungry disciples of Jesus pluck grain and eat on a Sabbath day. The Pharisees vehemently blame them for breaking the Sabbath. They interpret plucking the ears of corn as part of harvesting, a work forbidden on the Sabbath. How narrow-minded and perverted they were! 4.      They do not bother about the hunger of their fellow humans; rather they over-bother about the law. They forget the fact that human well-being is more important than the mere keeping of the law. 5.      Jesus then had to remind them two things: that the “Son of Man is lord of Sabbath” and this means that all the laws are subservient to him and no law is above him. Second, “God desires mercy and not sacrifice”. 6.      God desires mercy because He Himself is a God of mercy. God expects the same from us. The rigidity of our religious observances must be tempered by the tenderness of mercy. Imperative: The value of our religious duties and devotions is seen in the concrete acts of fraternity and charity. Claiming to be faithful to God but failing to be merciful is a contradiction and a farce!   22 JULY 2023: SONG 3. 1-4B; JOHN 20. 1-2, 11-18, Feast of Mary Magdalene   Punch line: Love and Live! Guideline: Seek and you will find. But you can seek if only you love what you seek. And you can love what you seek, if only you realize the value of what you love. And you can know the value of what you love, if only you personally experience the value of it 1.      Today we celebrate the feast day of St Mary Magdalene. She stands as an icon of the lover, depicted in the Song of Songs. She loves the beloved. And she seeks him. Mary Magdalene too loves the Lord passionately as her most beloved. 2.      She feels totally united with him and intimate with him. She cannot bear any separation from him. But with Jesus’ death, there was an irredeemable distancing. She misses him terribly. So she suffers excruciating pain and anguish. She weeps bitterly. 3.      She begins to search for him. She finds him. She is consoled. She is strengthened. She is renewed because she is charged with a new mission. She shares her personal experience with others. She becomes a live and convincing witness for the Lord. 4.      Mary Magdalene can be a great teacher and guide for all of us. The greatest lesson for us is: Love him and seek him. This is the power charge of our whole life. Then, find him and bear witness to him. This is the power discharging through our mission. 5.      Those who love and seek him will surely find and witness him. But, there is a process and this does not happen all of a sudden. That is, healing by the Lord, turning to him, keeping close to him, and following him in his footsteps. 6.      This continues further by serving him in ministry, accompanying and walking with him on the way of the cross, standing near the cross, sharing in his agony and abandonment, and nurturing an undying love even after death. In fact, these are the concrete ways and expressions of our loving him and seeking him. 7.      Do I love and seek him? Then do I also allow the Lord to expel the seven demons from me like Mary Magdalene, maybe, symbolizing the seven capital sins? Do I make an about-turn, a changeover, a shift in my life to the Lord, away from evil? 8.      Do I keep close to him? Do I follow him in his footsteps? Do I serve him in ministry here and now through small little acts of service and support to the community and others as Mary Magdalene did? 9.      Do I have the courage and the loyalty to walk the way of the cross? Do I persevere till the end to stand near the cross on Calvary? Can I share the same anguish and thirst of the Lord? Do I miss him deeply? Do I seek him anxiously? 10.   Can I weep for him because I cannot bear the separation from him? Can I also encounter the risen and living Jesus even among the tomb experiences? Do I also shoulder the responsibility of bearing witness to the Lord? Can I say “I have seen the Lord” like Mary Magdalene? Lifeline: The whole journey and project of our life may be synthesized into four words: Love, seek, find and witness the Lord. And two vital questions can help us in this direction: “Why am I weeping?” and “What and whom do I seek?” (Reflection 2) Thrust: Love and Seek what you love! Indicative: We find always many seek many things. But seeking can be intense and persevering only when there is a passionate love for what is sought   1.      Today’s feast of Mary Magdalene shows us who is a true lover of Christ, and what happens when one loves the Lord. Her life is a consistent journey of love. What are the ingredients of this love? 2.      Transparency and Docility: She is docile to his healing touch and she is healed of seven spirits. Passion and Thirst: her love is like a fire that burns ablaze; she loves him passionately and intensely. It is like an unquenchable thirst. 3.      Intimacy and Communion: she remains ever so close to him; she is in a deep encounter and personal experience with the Lord. She feels ever united with him. It is an inseparable union like the body and its limbs, like the vine and its branches, like the fire and its flames, like the candle and its light. Her intimacy is such that she cannot bear his separation. She misses him terribly. She weeps for him. She is around his tomb. She clings to him as soon as she recognizes him. 4.      Fellowship and Accompaniment: She accompanies him all through her life. She accompanies him in his ministry. She accompanies him on his way to the cross. She stands with him at the foot of his cross. She is present at his death, at his burial, at his resurrection, and during his resurrected formative period. 5.      Service and Sharing: She serves him and thus shares in his ministry. She is a true servant who follows in the footsteps of her master. She is an active and generous disciple who serves her Lord and supports and enhances his mission. 6.      Fidelity and Perseverance: She is faithful to the end and till the end. She does not abandon him and run away from him in times of trials and trouble. She does not shy away from embarrassing or unpleasant and unfavourable situations. She follows him to the death on the cross. She follows him to his tomb. 7.      Witness and Mission: Her love is not a private affair or personal experience. It is missionary love. She undertakes the mission of bearing witness to the presence and power of the risen Lord. What she has seen and heard, she would proclaim to others. The new life, the love, the light, the power that she has personally discovered and experienced, she would transmit to others. She becomes a herald and channel of God’s grace.   Lifeline: We can summarise the whole life of Mary Magdalene in three aspects: Love, seek, and witness. What about our love, seeking, and witnessing? Is our love intense? Is our seeking constant and ardent? Is our witness integral and authentic?      

FIFTEENTH SUNDAY OF THE YEAR A 23

15th SUNDAY, 16 JULY 2023: ISAIAH 55. 10-11; ROMANS 8. 18-23; MATTHEW 13. 1-23   Punch line: Fertile to fructify! ​Guideline: The fruitfulness of life is all a matter of receptivity and productivity, in terms of a conducive disposition and active cultivation and actualization   1.      Life is meaningful when it is truly fruitful. Many live meaninglessly because they fail to live that meaning and worth of life in bearing fruits. Real fruitfulness is a matter of spiritual fecundity. The parable of the Sower in the gospel discusses this issue of fruitfulness. 2.      Many fail to be fruit-bearing. What is the problem and what is the reason? The parable gives us the answer and thus the direction as well. The problem of not bearing fruit, is not of the seed. The seed is God’s Word, His grace, His gifts, His blessings. The seed is always the best, powerful and fecund. 3.      God never lacks in providing the good seed of His Word and His grace, gifts and blessings. Lord, the Eternal Sower continues to sow the seeds in all of us. He never fails us in His care and never lacks us in providing the required conditions and graces for our growth and productivity. 4.      This is what is affirmed in the first reading from Isaiah: Is. 55.10-11: His word is like rain which does not return to Him without effect. The grace of God always rains upon us. Rain descends on earth, irrigates it, nourishes it and makes life sprout up 5.      So, if the seed is excellent, if God’s grace is incessant and powerful, then why often not much effect is seen, and not much fruit is produced? It is because the growth and fruition of the seed depend upon the nature and quality of the soil that receives and nurtures the seed. 6.      Now, there are four types of soil which receive the same seeds. The extent of bearing fruits depends on the type of the soil, in terms of its disposition of being conducive, receptive and thus productive. 7.      What kind of soil are we?: Are we like the first soil of the road that has no permanence and stability, even to receive the seed, where absolutely there is no abiding, no retaining of the word, where the word does not even make an entry into the heart, where there is no taking root at all? 8.      Are we like the second soil, the rocky, that lacks the rootedness and depth, where the word finds no deep root, where the receptivity is shallow and peripheral, where the seed gets scorched by any little heat? 9.      Are we like the third soil, the thorny, that lacks the will to resist and persevere against the odd forces that choke and suffocate the growth, and thus easily succumbs to the deviated and distorted influences, where there are many worldly preoccupations and allurements, where the growth is choked by earthly inclinations and interests, and thereby no productivity? 10.   Or, are we like the last soil that is fertile, receptive and responsive, responsible and productive? 11.   Thus, ultimately, fruitfulness is a matter of one’s total receptivity to the seed of God’s Word and abundant productivity in fruits of good character and actions. Fruitfulness requires a docility that is humble and prompt (unlike the roadside soil), a depth that remains rooted and firm in God (unlike the rocky ground), resistance and perseverance to grow amidst bushes and thorns (unlike the thorny soil), and an assiduity to cultivate and produce an abundant harvest (like the fertile soil). 12.   There is not much use to extol the greatness of God’s Word which is the seed. It is more useful to examine and improve the quality of the soil of our hearts and life. 13.   Let us then do a sincere self-check with regard to God’s grace: Whether we are responding promptly, listening attentively, attending seriously, preserving profoundly, caring assiduously, preparing the soil wisely, cooperating wholeheartedly, and acting positively. In other words, removing all those factors that block and promote those conditions that lead to fecundity   Lifeline: The problem of productivity precisely is of sensitivity, openness, listening, seeing, feeling and acting. Let us be abundant in fruits and not merely in seeds of good desires, intentions, and words   (Reflection 2) Thrust: Receptivity is the seedbed of productivity! Indicative: God provides us all that is needed for our growth and fruitfulness. But it depends on us how to respond to and cooperate with His grace and produce fruit abundantly 1.      Very many times, it is sad to see that a good many waste their life without any sense of purpose and direction. They are just unproductive and unfruitful. They receive many opportunities to grow and prove themselves worthwhile and useful. But they are not responsive and responsible. 2.      This is because they are not sensitive and susceptible to sense the offer of God’s grace. They are not receptive to it. They are not cooperative with it. Consequently, they fail to produce fruits that are abundant and lasting. This message is strongly conveyed by the parable of the sower in the gospel. 3.      The four types of soil represent four kinds of response and cooperation. The first way-side soil indicates all those who are totally indifferent and unbothered about the seeds of God’s grace. God and God’s things for them do not matter at all. God has no entry into their lives. 4.      The second rocky soil indicates all those who receive God’s grace willingly but are not deep-rooted. So easily their initial enthusiasm fades away. The third bushy and thorny soil denotes all those who are regarded as religious and devout people but are dominated by worldliness. The worldly interests and preoccupations distract, deviate, and distort them. Consequently, their life of faith is choked and restricted. 5.      The fourth fertile soil receives the seeds, cultivates them diligently, and produces a rich harvest of abundant fruits. What is notable is that on God’s part, there is no lapse. There is no scarcity in the supply of seeds. He distributes His seeds without any discrimination. 6.      This positive response and active production require a consistent awareness and living of our very vocation and mission like that of Jeremiah. Jeremiah receives God’s call in all humility. He is aware of his unworthiness, inexperience, and incompetence. But God assures him, “Do not be afraid, for I am with you to deliver you”. He equips him with His own power, by “putting His words in his mouth”. Imperative: Our call is God’s own design and making. It is He who consecrated us and appointed us prophets. This requires that we are diligent and fruit-bearing and we also make others fruit-bearing