TWENTY SECOND SUNDAY OF THE YEAR A 23

22nd SUNDAY, 03 SEPTEMBER 2023, JER 20. 7-9; ROM 12. 1-2; MATTHEW 16. 21-27   Punch line: No greater treasure than Wisdom! Guideline: Divine wisdom is better and preferable than mere human intelligence. Discernment is more important than mere knowledge   1.      Our whole life is a constant process of choices, discerning among many choices and opting for the right choice. The quality of this discernment for the right choice determines the quality of life and action. Today, despite all the intelligence and competence and all the affluence and abundance, why do people continue to make wrong choices in life? 2.      The reason for this is the lack of wisdom. Many lack the wisdom to distinguish between right and wrong, good and evil, true and false, the praiseworthy and the blameworthy, the shallow pleasures and profound joys, the passing gratifications and the lasting contentment. 3.      In the light of today's readings, this wisdom is to discern between worldly gain and the loss of one's own soul, to choose to be conformed to God and not to the world. That is why we are faced with the straight question from Jesus: "What does it profit a man to gain the whole world but forfeit his soul?" Or, the urge from Paul to conform oneself to God and His holy will and pleasure. 4.      But, how to have such wisdom? How to obtain it? It comes only from loving God passionately and clinging to him intensely and following him assiduously, come what may. For many, Wisdom is an intellectual capacity or a mental calibre. But it is not. It is a renewed mode of being, it is a transformed way of living, it is putting on God's own perspective and walking judiciously in God's way. 5.      As seen in Jeremiah in the first reading, this is that fire of the heart that sets the whole person on fire to work for God and his holy ways despite all the adversities and afflictions. In the words of Jesus, this wise mode of living implies discarding all the false self, renouncing all self-interests, shouldering the cross of virtue and suffering patiently, and walking in his footsteps courageously and joyfully. 6.      Life changes when choices change. Choices change to be qualitative when the criteria for choices change from earth-bound to heaven-bound, from the material to the spiritual and integral. In other words, our perspectives, our horizons, our realms of thinking, judging, deciding and doing must change. This will be a shift from mere human capacity to the sagacity of God, from intelligence to transparency to God's Spirit, from competence to obedience to God's will. 7.      It is a contrast living: to detach from the self in contrast to a world which is inseparably clung to it; to carry the cross, to bear the pain and suffering for God and good, in contrast to a world that tries to shun any discomfort and inconvenience; further, it is to follow the Lord in his footsteps steadily and loyally in contrast to a world that stumbles and wavers in walking the Lord's way. 8.      When will God's light dawn on the human spirit that is so much darkened by the shades of self? When will wisdom and discernment become the guiding criteria in the place of intelligence and knowledge? 9.      When will people realise that it is foolishness to gain the whole world but forfeit one's soul? When will people understand that the more they are conformed to the world, they are only deformed, but they will be transformed when they are conformed to the Lord?   Lifeline: Man claims to be so bright and brilliant making the right judgment and choice. But is it not folly to settle for a lesser gain at the cost of higher losses?   (Reflection 2) Punch line: Losing is worth it! Guideline: We can never truly follow Jesus without the cross and loss, and we will only miss the whole point if we try to shun the cross in life   1.      It really looks ridiculous that many try to profess their loyalty to the crucified Saviour without really understanding and following his way. Can one follow the Crucified with no connection at all to his cross? Can one be a disciple without following the teachings of his Guru? 2.       Can one be a good servant without serving his master? Can one be a true companion without accompanying his partner? Can one be a genuine lover without loving his beloved even to the extent of death for the loved one? 3.       Often many are confused and misguided in following Jesus. It is not because of a lack of clarity on the part of Jesus. No, Jesus is crystal clear in his demands and promises. He never makes false promises, nor is he satisfied with half-measures and compromises. 4.       One can never be an authentic disciple of Jesus if he is not detached from his ego and self-interests if he is not ready to bear the cross of suffering and unfavourable situations if he is not wise enough to give priority to spiritual concerns and is not carried away by the worldly concerns and gains. 5.       If one is not true to his call to follow and resemble Jesus, it is only because he is still too attached to the world and there can be no other reason. “Deny yourself, take up your cross and follow me” – this summon of Jesus is ever vibrating and compelling!   Lifeline: It is stupidity to claim to be so intelligent and competent, while one fails to discern and follow what is a priority in life, and that is, follow Jesus, the model of real values of a good life, applicable to anyone   (Reflection 3) Thrust: Lose so that you can gain! Indicative: To follow Christ is not merely a matter of allegiance by some label and profession. It is a matter of clear conviction and life-long commitment   1.      Following Jesus is not a matter of convenience and comfort, profit and use. It is an inseparable covenant and immeasurable commitment. It makes no room for compromises. It calls for total kenosis, forbearance, and unflinching zeal. It is loyalty to the crucified Saviour, carrying our own crosses. 2.       In the first place, following Jesus demands wholehearted self-denial, a total giving up of the ego. One who clings to self-interests, who is driven by egoism, and who is not ready to retrench all the ties and attachment to the layers of the false self, cannot be a true follower of Christ. 3.       This process of effacement and detachment necessarily involves suffering and obstacles. The weight of the cross of right values and afflictions will certainly press us down time and again. Like Jesus, we too may experience the “lost and abandoned” moments in our life. 4.       But the choice is clear and firm. It is an uncompromising choice to follow the Lord and not the world. This choice is made because of wisdom. This is the wisdom that discerns between “gaining the whole world but losing one’s own soul on one hand, and gaining the priceless soul and losing the world on the other hand”. 5.       Come what may, there is no turning back. However, it is not a futile enterprise. It is not a worthless choice and project. For, “whoever loses his life for the sake of the Lord will find it”; “the Son of Man is going to come with his angels in the glory of his Father, and then he will repay each person according to what he has done”. 6.       Thus, following Jesus is worth and fulfilling though it may appear to be absurd. It shows our love for him, loyalty, and commitment to him. And there can never be a true following of Jesus without renouncing the ego and carrying the cross patiently.   Imperative: It is really foolish that there are some followers of Jesus who wish and try to follow him without carrying the cross. Without a way of sacrifice, and perseverance that is smeared with love for the Lord, how can one follow him and arrive at the destiny of the glory of the resurrection?      

TWENTY FIRST WEEK DAYS MASS REFLECTION 23

28 AUGUST – 02 SEPTEMBER 2023: HOLY MASS REFLECTIONS 28 AUGUST 2023: 1 THESS 1. 2-5; 8-10; MATTHEW 23. 13-22, ST AUGUSTINE Punch line: Hypocrisy – never a good taste! Guideline: Hypocrisy is not a capacity but a weakness; it is not a virtue but a disease   1.      We have a series of rebukes of Jesus against the Pharisees and Scribes. Why? For their hypocrisy. We can trace out some of the components of this hypocrisy: as leaders and teachers, they are supposed to be guides for the people. 2.       They should show them the way to the kingdom and guide them on the same. Instead, with their empty knowledge and incongruent and dishonest life, they shut the kingdom. They themselves do not enter, nor allow others to enter. They even become a hindrance. 3.       Then there is a shallow practice of religion: they convert someone to religion, but do not nurture and sustain them in the real converted life; instead, make him worse than before. They forget the essential truth that evangelization is not a matter of adding to the number of believers. It is adding to the quality of life. Conversion is not a matter of a change of religion but a change of person. 4.       Further, their hypocrisy is seen in their falsity in twisting the practice of swearing to their advantage. Swearing by the gift on the altar and by gold in the temple would become more binding than the altar, the temple, God, and heaven. But in fact, it is the altar, temple, God, and heaven that give value to the gift and gold. 5.       In contrast to this pharisaic hypocrisy, we have authenticity and integrity of life in the apostles and believers of the early church, depicted in the first reading from 1 Thessalonians 1. 2-10. They were indeed men known for their “work of faith, a labour of love and steadfastness in hope”. They proved themselves to be “men of the word of God and faith”. They “turned to God to serve Him who alone is living and true”. 6.       There is no use of volumes of reflection on the hypocrisy of those Pharisees and scribes. It is better to see the very same branches of hypocrisy well-spread in the present followers as well, especially the leaders and authorities. 7.       Serious questions can be disturbing: whether we are opening wide the doors of the kingdom or shutting them? Whether we are guiding the people to God or misguiding them away from God? Whether we diminish the sacredness of the holy altar, the temple, God, and heaven for monetary gains? Whether we have reduced the practice of religion to quantity and numbers? 8.       In this context, St Augustine whom we commemorate today challenges us to be an authentic and committed seeker of truth. He sought truth relentlessly, discovered the greatest truth in God and became passionate for Him. Once experienced, he never turned away.   Lifeline: It is better to be simple followers than to be acclaimed guides who are foolish and blind.   (Reflection 2)   Thrust: Woe to the hypocrites! Indicative: Hypocrisy has become a trademark today in every sphere of life. What is sadder is that it is considered by many as an ability 1.      In the gospels, time and again Pharisees and scribes are presented as the brand ambassadors of hypocrisy. Consequently, they come under heavy rebuke by Jesus. Their hypocrisy lies in their incongruent way of life. Their appearance and words look religious but their intentions and motives are contaminated. They preach one thing but practice the opposite. 2.       They are blind and unworthy guides. They are blessed with great knowledge and leadership. They must use them as the key to open wide the doors of the kingdom and lead the people inside. Instead, they shut the doors and hinder the people. 3.       They twist the teachings to their advantage. Their greatest sin is on both fronts. That is, they themselves do not enter the kingdom and they do not allow others also to enter. 4.       Contrary to these hypocritical and inauthentic leaders, we have the Thessalonians in the first reading. Their faith was growing abundantly. Their mutual love was increasing. They demonstrated true faith and steadfastness, enduring all the persecutions and afflictions. Thus, they strove to live worthy of the kingdom of God. 5.       This is their merit: they led a life of faith. And by such faithful life, they also led others to faith. They tried to enter the kingdom and also inspired others to enter the same. They conducted themselves to be worthy of the righteous judgment of God, unlike the Pharisees and scribes.   Imperative: Where do we stand: Like the loyal Thessalonians or the hypocritical Pharisees and scribes? Do we walk the Lord’s way and lead others too? Or do we also tend to be blind and unworthy guides? 29 AUGUST 2023: 1 THES 2. 1-8; MARK 6. 17-29, MARTYRDOM OF JOHN THE BAPTIST Punch line: Live and die for the Lord! Guideline: To live for the Lord is to be committed to truth. This will lead one even to die for Him 1.      Today we commemorate the martyrdom of John the Baptist. What stands him out is his passion for his mission. His mission was to bear witness to the truth. Truth is both the person of Jesus himself and the way of Jesus. 2.       In other words, his mission was a fearless faithfulness to truthfulness. For John the Baptist, to be faithful is to be truthful. And to be truthful is to be totally and always committed to what is just and holy. 3.       That is why he is qualified as being just and holy. In fact, these two features characterize the two essential aspects of a faithful and truthful person. Being holy indicates one’s disposition and relationship with God, and being just indicates one’s disposition and relationship toward others. 4.       When one is right in this twofold relationship, then he is truly truthful. Accordingly, in his holiness and justice, he would not condone and compromise with the unholy and unjust action of Herod having Herodias, his brother’s wife. He denounced it and thus incurred the wrath of Herodias. She would treacherously get him beheaded. 5.       His martyrdom shows us the nature and price of fidelity. There is no faithfulness without truthfulness. There is no truthfulness without a sense of holiness and righteousness. 6.       Herod, Herodias, her daughter, and the royal guests at his birthday party were all the agents of the murder because there was no truth in them. They were party to evil because they were not just and holy. 7.       They lacked fidelity because they compromised truth with falsity, holiness with impurity, principles with pleasures, and justice with injustice. Today, many are no different from this bunch of evil promoters. Whenever we fail to be committed to truth, fail to be just and holy, and compromise the right values for the sake of pleasure and profit, we too are on the side of evil.   Lifeline: On which side we are - On the side of John the Baptist, standing erect and firm for truth and the Lord? Or, on the side of Herod and co. for the sake of self-interests and self-glory? (Reflection 2)  Focus: The apex of one’s vocation is testimony by an entire life even to death   1.      We see the apex and height of the living of vocation in the gospel in the person of John the Baptist. The apex of one’s vocation is testimony by an entire life even unto death. Today stands before us tall and loud John the Baptist with his martyrdom. 2.      Two expressions stand him out: just and holy. He is just because he does not compromise with and support evil; he is not afraid to speak the truth and denounce evil. He is holy because there is no other interest, except the holy will and good pleasure of God. 3.      He is totally focused and committed to the way of the Lord; he is fully filled and guided by the Spirit, and he puts God and His will in the first place, over and above all human considerations and likes. 4.      Therefore, courageously and promptly he offers his own life in martyrdom as a testimony. Thus we see a recognition of his vocation, passion for the Lord, commitment to the mission, the holiness of life, justice and courage in action, and perseverance till the end.   30 AUGUST 2023: 1 THESS 2. 9-13; MATTHEW 23. 27-32   Punch line: Integrity is harmony! Guideline: The integrity of a person is harmony between the interior disposition and thought, and the exterior behaviour and action   1.      The tirade of Jesus continues against the hypocrisy of the Pharisees and scribes. Before dwelling on their hypocrisy, we shall divert our attention to the person of Jesus himself. What makes him denounce it? Two reasons can be: one is his own integrity and honesty. The other is, that he is completely free from self-interest or ulterior motive. 2.       These make him intolerant of hypocrisy. He cannot be at home and at ease with any lack of integrity. He feels disturbed and anguished. It is this integrity that makes him truthful and courageous. 3.       He not only feels bad and sad about hypocrisy but also speaks and acts against it. He is not afraid to displease them or become unpopular. For he has no other motive than upholding the truth and pleasing God. 4.       Today, many are quite aware of the dominance of hypocrisy. It is their own and also of others. But many are not honest and humble to accept it. Instead, they try to hide it or cover it up. And many are also not ready and bold enough to denounce it prevailing in the persons or communities or system itself. They are afraid. 5.       The reasons can be many: they have their own loads of loopholes that can be tools for a counter-attack. Or, they are afraid of consequences that can be testing or penalizing. Or, they are afraid of losing some favours. 6.       With this integrity and selfless motive, Jesus defies two notable ingredients of hypocrisy. One is a dichotomy between the exterior and the interior. They appear externally beautiful like the whitewashed tombs but are interiorly so ugly and unclean. Externally they are so righteous, but internally they are full of iniquity and falsity. 7.       The second trace of hypocrisy is self-righteousness. This means they rate themselves better than others. They claim that they would have not resisted or killed the prophets of the old like their forefathers. 8.       But actually, they are worse than those before. Because in their own time, they persecuted and murdered prophets like John the Baptist, and later Jesus himself. Further, so devoutly they build tombs and erect monuments in honour of the dead prophets. This is more to cover up their guilt and to project themselves as devout and just persons.   Lifeline: No doubt there is much evil and hypocrisy. This is certainly worth denouncing, and worth combating. But such criticism must proceed only from the integrity of life and selfless motive   (Reflection 2)   Focus: Authenticity and witness of life are the hallmarks of a good disciple of Christ; Any trace of hypocrisy is a clear counter-witness and counter-productive   1.      A clear contrast is presented between the true disciples of Christ in the first reading, in the person of Paul and others; and the false guides in the gospel, in the persons of Pharisees and Scribes. The true disciples are assiduous and self-supportive and never burden others. 2.      They are holy, just, and blameless. They lead the people by example. They do not place demands on the people, those which they do not follow. They present themselves as models to follow, and this can come only from the deep sincerity and integrity of life. 3.      In contrast, we have Pharisees and Scribes who are hypocrites. They are like whitewashed tombs, with a clean exterior but a corrupt interior. They venerate the prophets and the righteous whom their ancestors killed in the past. 4.      They attest presumptuously that they would have never acted thus wrongly; but at the same time, they persecute and terminate the prophets and the righteous in their own time, like John the Baptist and his own self.   Direction: One may wear a good look in dishonesty and deceit, but God lays bare everything. One may create the best impressions by his worldly cleverness and tact, but God reads and knows the heart   31 AUGUST 2023: 1 THESS 3. 7-13; MATTHEW 24. 42-51   Punch line: Alert and at service! Guideline: This life is a transit. The kingdom of heaven is our destination. The spirit of a responsible servant is our travel requirement. We are called to be watchful and faithful   1.      There is so much uncertainty and unpredictability in our human life. For sure, we do not know what is in store regarding many things. And we also do not have control over many things. Therefore, what is expected is a sense of alertness and watchfulness, preparedness, and readiness to face reality. This is all the more true about death and judgment and our eternal destiny. 2.       Many times, many are caught unaware and unprepared regarding these ultimate realities.  It is really sad that many who are so calculative, meticulous, well-equipped, and super-prepared concerning worldly affairs and pursuits are found to be so reckless and unready concerning what is above and beyond the world. 3.       It is in this context that Jesus presents before us the image of a faithful and wise servant. Thereby, he urges us to be watchful, responsible, ready and prepared for receiving the master, serving him and also taking care of his household, possessions and fellow servants. 4.       The first reading from 1 Thessalonians 3. 7-13 clarifies further this servant figure. He stands firm in the Lord. He becomes a cause of joy for others before God. He strives to increase and abound in love with one another and all men. He remains established with heart unblamable in holiness before God at Jesus’ coming.   Lifeline: In the present times, talk and writing about servantship and service abound. But the reality does not correspond much to this. Unless the church is purged of its ugly heads of double-face, arrogance, and self-glory, the dignity of a servant role cannot be resurged.   (Reflection 2)   Thrust: Be ready!  Indicative: Human life is very precarious. It always surprises us with sudden twists of events and upset expectations. Therefore, we need to be conscious, cautious, and judicious   1.      “Be faithful and wise servants!” This is the call of Jesus. This implies in the first place our identity, role, and duty of being servants. We are not masters or bosses. We have only one Master, the Lord Jesus, and we all are his servants. Therefore the meaning and worth of life consists in being faithful to our identity and duty. 2.       How to be faithful and wise servants? Both readings present us with some basic features of such servants. Stay awake: We need to be awake and alert so that we are not caught unawares. We need to guard against all the onslaughts of the evil intruder. We need to be always prepared and ready to receive the master at any time. 3.       A wise servant will not be lethargic, neglecting his responsibility for the household. He will not be foolish to procrastinate his duties. He will not waste his time or freedom or the authority over the household in worthless and unbecoming pleasure-seeking and abuse of the blessings. 4.       He will strive ever not to lack in any gift, and to be enriched in Christ in all speech and knowledge. He will always be conscious of his being sanctified in Christ Jesus. He will pursue his vocation which is to be saints together with all his fellow brethren. Accordingly, he will conduct himself guiltless before God. 5.       Further, one notable quality of a faithful servant is his responsible benevolence toward his fellow servants. A servant is rated good not only based on his obedience toward the master but also based on his benevolence toward others. He is a failed servant who fails in his kind treatment toward others.   Imperative: A Sense of stewardship and Benevolence toward others is the determining criterion for a wise and faithful servant. We must remember that benevolence is not a favour done at one’s will but is an essential responsibility   01 SEPTEMBER 2023: 1 THESS 4. 1-8; MATTHEW 25. 1-13   Punch line: Vigilant and diligent! Guideline: Vigilance and diligence are fundamental to a true follower of Christ. It is not enough that we set out on the journey of following. We need to be ever-alert and focused on the master   1.      The parable of ten virgins is another familiar parable. Five of the virgins are wise and the other five are foolish. Obviously, the apparent and direct theme is to watch and to be ready. But we shall take a slight shift from this theme, though watchfulness and readiness will be the prevailing theme in the eventual analysis. 2.       What distinguishes between the five wise and the five foolish is wisdom. Both the groups took lamps and went to meet the bridegroom. But the wise took additional oil with them, while the foolish did not. 3.       The foolish were overly certain about the arrival of the bridegroom. They could not foresee any delay. Accordingly, they had oil just enough till the expected arrival. They were not prepared for the delayed time of waiting. Their oil was consumed. They had no more oil left. 4.       They had lamps but not the oil to keep them burning. They had the desire to meet the bridegroom. They had their lamps with them. They set out also to meet him. But nothing of these would make their lamps lit. Their lamps were extinguished. They miss the bridegroom as they go out to buy oil. 5.       On the other hand, the wise were realistic and foresighted. Accordingly, they would expect a delay and be prepared to meet that situation. They carried extra oil with them. They could keep their lamps burning despite the delay. They could go in with the bridegroom to the marriage feast. 6.       It would be silly to argue here about the lack of charity of the five wise virgins who refused to share their oil with the other five. The point here is not charity or sharing. The point is a failure in wisdom. Many may have lamps of faith. But that is not enough. They may also have oil which is enough for a while. This is the oil of fervour and enthusiasm. 7.       This shows that their burning is time-bound and short-lived. These are those who are satisfied with the minimums. They are satisfied with the observance of minimum obligations of some religious activities and traditions. The fire of their faith burns for some time. Then, gradually as time passes, it dwindles and extinguishes. 8.       What is needed then is a constant carrying and steady supply of oil. A true follower may have the desire to encounter the Lord and celebrate the feast with him. He may also set out with the lamp of faith. He may also have a little oil of enthusiasm for a while. 9.       But that will not suffice. The lamp of faith must be constantly supplied with the oil of fervour and vigour. His faith must be ever-burning. There can never be any tepidity, lethargy or carelessness. In the light of the first reading from 1 Thessalonians 4. 1-8, it would mean to live a life of holiness that pleases God. Concretely it means avoiding all kinds of uncleanness and unchastity.   Lifeline: How sad it is to find the door shut and not opened, after all the preparation, eager longing, and setting out to encounter the Lord! A little more foresightedness and fervour will help us on this encounter and celebration   (Reflection 2)   Thrust: No enough oil! Indicative: Life is like a lamp. It has to be burning always. There will be times when its fire may be dwindling due to a lack of sufficient oil. But we need to be ready with the supply of extra oil   1. Wisdom is one dominant theme of today’s word of God.    This is illustrated through a very practical parable in the gospel, the parable of ten virgins. All the ten go to a wedding by invitation. All of them carry lamps. But five of them are wise to carry extra oil with them, while the other five are foolish not to carry any extra oil. 2. The bridegroom’s arrival gets delayed. The foolish virgins’ lamps get extinguished because of the lack of oil. But the lamps of the wise virgins can burn because of the procured extra oil. The foolish miss the bridegroom as they go out to buy the oil and thus they miss the celebration as well. But the wise virgins celebrate together. 3. Thereby, we are taught that we need to go by the wisdom and logic of God and not of the world. We need not only the lamp of allegiance to a religion or the minimum oil of faith and some religious practices. We need much more of the surplus oil of fervour and enthusiasm. We should never become tepid and lethargic. We should never allow our lamps to go off. We should keep burning.   Imperative: Beautiful lamps will not suffice to keep the fire burning. We need the fire of passion to follow the wisdom and power of God in contrast to the worldly pressures and standards   02 SEPTEMBER 2023: 1 THESS 4. 9-12; MATTHEW 25. 14-30   Punch line: Talent to become a gift! Guideline: In life certainly, there are differences between persons regarding various aspects and factors. But these need not be taken as causes or grounds for discrimination   1.      The parable of talents is another rich parable. The master gives three of his servants some talents, namely five, two, and one respectively. The one with five talents trades with them and doubles them to ten. The second with two too trades with them and makes another two. The third with one just buries it in the ground and keeps it safe. 2.      On their master’s return, each one submits the accounts. The first one gives five + five, the second two + two, but the last one only one. The first two are praised and rewarded, while the last one is punished. This in sum is the parable. 3.      The first fact to note is the difference in the distribution of talents. All are not given equally. And this shall not be a big issue. Let our concern not be why there is a difference. Why God does discriminate? The difference is a quite natural phenomenon. 4.      Equality or parity does not mean uniformity and total sameness in quantity or number of things. The difference is not a matter or cause for division but is a ground of distinction. It can be a seedbed of richness, soil for a variety of possibilities. Thus, it can be a prompter toward mutual enrichment. 5.      Having more talents shall not be a cause for self-glory, self-conceit, and arrogance. Similarly, having less talents shall not be a cause for dissipation or jealousy. Each one shall try to discover what are his aptitudes or potencies or propensities. Accordingly, he shall tap on them, use every opportunity, and work diligently to enhance them and bear abundant fruit. 6.      No one shall lament or complain about their talents. In the light of the first reading from 1 Thessalonians 4. 9-11, we can draw some simple lessons: Instead of crying over what one does not have or what the other has, he will do better “to aspire to live quietly, to mind your own affairs, and to work with your hands, so that you may command the respect of others, and be dependent on nobody, and to do so more and more”. 7.      And the greatest talent and gift is love, and in this, there is never a lack. God gives everyone abundance. He also teaches all to love one another. We are called to do so more and more. We will be making the same mistake as the third servant. He lays his one talent buried, unused and unproductive, while the other two do more and more.   Lifeline: Life itself is the biggest love gift, packed with multiple talents and possibilities. We need to relentlessly search to make them productive and abundant in a life of virtues and benevolence   (Reflection 2)   Thrust: Talents to use! Indicative: Life is a big blessing with many talents. We need to constantly discover and make use of them. Laying them buried, and disused will invite God’s judgment   1.      In the gospel, Jesus presents us with another rich parable, namely the parable of talents. First, let us not focus on the secondary issues. We shall not argue about the difference in the distribution of talents. The three servants in the gospel are not given the talents equally. Rather, they are given differently, 5, 2, and 1 respectively. 2.       But that is no issue. The difference is not discrimination or disparity. Differences are a fact of life. Differences in themselves are not always wrong. What comes out of them and what we make of them is the main matter. They need not be causes of discrimination, fear, resentment or suspicion or jealousy or arrogance. The difference can be a matter of distinction, diversity, and richness. Equality is not uniformity. 3.       As a principle, everyone must constantly try to discover and foster one’s talents. For this, one must always search for opportunities and make use of them. We need to always remember that we need to become more productive, beneficial, and effective. And this needs a spirit of hard work and a benevolent and responsible heart. Burying our talents is blameworthy and punishable. 4.       There is often unhealthy and even harmful competition with regard to the number and kind of talents. This is because every talent carries some aspect of competence and recognisability. But we should avoid both jealousy, on the one hand, and pride on the other hand. 5.       Talents should never be used as springboards for excessive recognition, cheap popularity, and self-glory. They should always be put to the best use for the maximum benefit of others and the effectiveness of the mission. 6.       Finally, we should bear in mind that talents are not absolutes in life. We should not attach too much importance to them. In the present times, there is an exaggerated tendency to make too much of talent. Thus, often the quality, efficiency, and success of a person are measured in terms of talents.   Imperative: Talents should not become substitutes for the character and goodness of persons. Rather they should complement the person’s better conduct and helping nature.        

TWENTIFIRST SUNDAY OF THE YEAR A 23

21ST SUNDAY, 27 AUGUST 2023: ISAIAH 22. 19-23; ROMANS 11. 33-36; MATTHEW 16. 13-20: “Who do you say I am?” Punch line: Faith is Intimacy! Guideline: Faith is not a matter of mere knowledge or familiarity, but an experience, a relation and a commitment 1.      “Who do people say I am?”, “Who do you say I am?” A question posed by Jesus to his disciples. Is it a sign of an identity crisis? Is it a sign of a psychological process of self-realisation and self-discovery? Is it a sign of natural human curiosity or inquisitiveness to know what others say about oneself? Is it a sign of an ordinary human seeking recognition and affirmation? 2.      Nothing of these. But rather it is a question that invites and challenges us for a sincere and authentic self-discovery and a profound and core identity. We can discover our true self, and realise our core identity, only in relation to Jesus, only in bonding with him, in intimacy and communion with him. What he is to us, makes us what we are. 3.      It is not a matter of merely saying who he is but living and experiencing who he is. It is not enough that words and expressions do abound unless experience does abound. All our acclamations and assertions, all our professions and proclamations should not be mere collections of formulations. Rather they should be expressions, extensions and expansions of a deeper and consistent experience and love of the Lord. 4.      What others say, what we learn from others, and what we receive from them, comes on only to a certain point of the journey. Ultimately, it is each one personally that has to make the journey with the Lord. It is this personal encounter, personal relationship that counts the most. 5.      Therefore, it is not enough to say ‘Lord, Lord’, but is also needed to surrender to him. Not enough to call him ‘master’, but is needed to be loyal to him and to follow in his footsteps. Not enough to acclaim him as Saviour, but it needs to be saved and liberated. Not enough to praise him as a ‘healer’, but is needed to show the effect and signs of healing, that we are healed. Not enough to proclaim him as a ‘guide’, but is needed to be guided. Not enough to attest him as Light, but is needed to be illumined and enlightened. Not enough to sing him as Love, but is needed to love him totally and passionately. Not enough to claim him as our strength and power, but is needed to be strengthened and empowered by him. Not enough to believe him as our nourishment, but is needed to be nurtured by him. 6.      Yes, we must go beyond, we must rise above the minimum, the just ordinary, toward the maximum, toward a more harmonious living of grace. Our creed must go together with our deed, intention with action, feeling with healing, ability with humility, capacity with simplicity, competence with benevolence, intelligence with temperance, education with dedication, qualification with edification, specialisation with realisation, beauty with duty, convenient with commitment and modernity with modesty. This is the real experience and love with Jesus. Lifeline: Expressions alone do not make one a person of great faith, however eloquent and powerful they may be. Every expression must be rooted in a profound experience of God, flow into a passionate bonding with God and concretise in an authentic life of devotion and dedication.   (Reflection 2)   Focus: Learning and knowing more and more about Jesus is very good and needed. But it will not suffice. All our knowledge must lead to a personal experience of Jesus   1.         “Who do you say that I am?” was the question of Jesus to his disciples. This is not a question for self-knowledge or self-boost. This is also not a search for the discovery of self-identity. The purpose is to make them aware of his true identity. It is to make them aware of who he is to them. 2.         The question, “Who do you say I am?” becomes more important than the question, “Who do people say I am?” Personal encounter with Jesus, personal experience of him, and relationship with him are greater priorities than all the knowledge about him from others and various sources. 3.         The purpose of knowing the identity of Jesus is not intellectual but experiential and relational and thus personal. I will try to know who Jesus is because I want to experience who he is to me personally. I will discover his identity so that I can discover my own identity and live it. 4.         I will realize that my identity is only in relation to his identity. My identity ceases if it loses its essential connectivity to the Lord’s identity. I will not be who I am if I do not experience who he is. 5.         If I really know and experience him, then I must become like him. I must put on his mindset. I must set my mind on the things of God, and not on the things of the world. Like Christ, my core identity of belonging to him as his disciple must be seen and shown in doing the same mission. And this mission essentially includes suffering and the way of the cross. Anything that contradicts and resists this way of the Lord is satanic.   Direction: All our increase in the knowledge of Christ and familiarity with the Bible is something praiseworthy. However, all this is worth it if only it leads us to a deeper experience of the Lord and commitment to him   (Reflection 3)   Indicative: Knowledge and familiarity with Jesus would be deficient if they do not lead to a profound personal experience and conviction   1.        In today’s gospel, Jesus poses two questions to his disciples. The first question is: Who do people say I am? That is one level. We need to rise to the next level of a profound experience of intimacy with the Lord. 2.        What others say, what we learn and know from other sources help us to a certain extent. But What we gather from others’ experiences, however genuine and deep they are, will always remain others’. Hence the second question is: Who do you say I am? 3.        The two questions of Jesus in the gospel indicate this tension between expression and experience. Knowledge and experience must go together. Only then does, a person change, and life changes. 4.        In the time of Jesus, certainly, at least some had good knowledge about Jesus, his greatness, his great teachings, and his powers. But they remained only at their knowledge level, and could not go to the experience and relationship level. That is why, they could not see in him the Son of God, the Saviour. 5.        The situation today is much similar. Today there is a tremendous increase in the knowledge about God and the Word of God. There are many who know so much about God but are least impressed and inspired by it to live according to God’s will. 6.        There is so much eloquence and expertise with regard to spiritual matters. Unfortunately, there is a tendency and danger that knowledge and preaching substitute experience and intimacy. We see many teachers, preachers, professors, writers, scholars, and Bible readers and learners who learn and know so much about the Lord. 7.        But the whole point is, whether this search for and pursuit of knowledge help for a profound personal experience of the Lord. All these should help one to grow in personal experience and intimate relationship with Jesus. 8.        Knowledge without experience becomes shallow and unproductive. It will not touch, affect and change the person. All our knowledge should confirm and foster us in a steady communion with the Lord and in an authentic transformation of life. 9.        Otherwise, our knowledge and efficacy of the spiritual gifts become shallow and points of self-pride and self-glory. This is what we see in the case of some who have an abundance of spiritual knowledge and efficacy, but their life is a contradiction. 10.     Thus, there can be heaps of prayers without really living their spirit. There can be clusters of religious activities without fraternal service. There can be bundles of knowledge without corresponding acts of charity. This is where the practice of religion and spirituality becomes shallow. All this is because of the lack of a deeply personal experience of God. 11.     The various sources of knowledge should only be supplements and complements and not substitutes for our personal experience and relationship with Jesus. All our loud proclamations and eloquent preaching should spring from genuine and profound communion with God.   Imperative: When we personally experience the Lord, then it will express itself in words and concrete actions. Expressions without experience will be only shallow  

TWENTIETH SUNDAY OF THE YEAR A 23

20th SUNDAY, 20 AUGUST 2023, MATTHEW 15. 21 -28, Caananite woman (Reflection 2) Punch line: Perseverance is rewarded! Guideline: Faith may not always meet with favourable responses and positive results. We may feel that God is not concerned for us and does not understand our needs. Persevere in such moments! 1.      The Canaanite woman in the gospel Matthew 15. 21-28 stands before us as an example of a faith that is humble and persevering. There is nothing so special in her approaching Jesus for the sake of her possessed daughter. 2.       Anyone in need may approach Jesus. That does not guarantee true and deep faith. It can be a shallow faith which is merely a favour-seeking request. On the contrary, the Canaanite woman demonstrates to us a faith that is genuine and exemplary. In all humility and trust, she cries out, “Have mercy on me, O Lord, Son of David”. 3.       Strangely, she is met with a strange response and reaction from the part of Jesus. Three kinds of Jesus’ response are noted: first, there is silence (but he did not answer her a word) – this can indicate an attitude of indifference and unconcern. 4.       Then there is an indication of discrimination and exclusion (he answered, I was sent only to the lost sheep of the house Israel). But she does not lose heart. She went and knelt before him, saying, Lord, help me. 5.       Finally, a very harsh and derogatory remark from Jesus, “It is not fair to take the children’s bread and throw it to the dogs” – an attitude of resentment and rejection. 6.       But the Canaanite woman testifies to a commendable contrast response. In response to the silence of Jesus, she continues to cry after him. In response to exclusion by Jesus, she acknowledges him as the Lord of all, and the sure recourse for help. In response to the rejection by Jesus, she persists with utter humility, “Even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their master’s table”. 7.       Note that she would not murmur or retort as the people of Israel do in the first reading. Whenever any little thing goes wrong, people can easily grumble and give up.  But she would not murmur. Many may find fault with Jesus for his harshness. Perhaps such an insulting reply from Jesus was not warranted. Perhaps he wanted to test her faith. 8.      Whatever it be, she got tested and testified. Even in times of humiliation and loss of hope, true faith perseveres.   Lifeline: At times, in our life also God appears to be indifferent, excluding and rejecting us. We may feel offended and not understood and not accepted. What then is our response?

TWENTIETH SUNDAY OF THE YEAR A 23

TWENTIETH SUNDAY, 20 AUGUST 2023, ISAIAH 56. 1, 6-7; ROMANS 11. 13-15, 29-32; MATTHEW 15. 21-28 Punch line: Faith alone matters! Guideline: Faith is the essential ingredient and requirement to obtain any help from God. Nothing else can be a substitute for it 1. The Canaanite woman in the gospel is praised and rewarded by Jesus for her faith. 2. Perhaps, Jesus also avails this occasion to point to and poke implicitly the stubborn and unbelieving Jews about the inadequacy and shallowness of their own faith, in contrast to the praiseworthy faith of a pagan woman. 3. Certainly, the same pointer and poker can also be valid for everyone, who claims and proclaims that they are God’s children, followers of Christ, possessors of the Holy Spirit, supporters of the Church and the legitimate heirs of God’s grace and kingdom. 4. Today, we need to realise that there are no guarantees, no legacies, no inheritance with regard to God’s grace and favours. 5. Just because one is baptized, belongs to the church, fulfils some formal religious duties, and participates in some church activities, there is no guarantee that we merit God’s grace. 6. Ultimately, all that matters is Faith. It is only faith that makes one disposed and worthy to receive God’s grace. 7. What is this faith? What kind of faith? Look at the Canaanite woman whom Jesus places before us as a sample of true faith. We can pick out some main ingredients of true faith. 8. True faith realizes the personal situation of lack and need and the consequent situation of struggle and affliction. 9. The woman knows what she lacks, what she needs, what she struggles and suffers from. She knows the demon-possession of her daughter and she also knows that she needs to be healed. 10. Do we know what we lack, what we need? Do we know what torments and afflicts us? Do we know that we need to be healed? 11. Faith knows where to turn to, where to get the needed healing. Turn to God with a sincere desire to be healed.  Faith trusts in God’s mercy and power. God is so merciful as to alleviate our pain, to fulfil our needs. He is so powerful as well to do that. 12. Faith is humble, which is twofold: grace is not by right, and is not by merit. Jesus appreciates the Canaanite woman because of her humility. She is quite aware that she has neither the right nor the merit to demand for Jesus’ mercy. 13. She knows that she is not a Jew, not one of the chosen fold. She also knows that there is nothing of her, no religious observance, no fidelity to any law, no personal devotion that makes her merit and deserve Jesus’ favour. 14. She realizes that the grace she is requesting for, is totally gratuitous, unmerited and undeserving. 15. What about our faith? Is it humble enough? Or do we place demands on God as if it is our right or merit? Do we realise that God grants us what we ask, not because it is our right or merit, but only because we need it and because He loves us? 16. We receive not because God is bound to give us, but only because He binds Himself to give us because of love. 17. True faith is humble because there are no ego-deflations or ego hurts. The woman is humble and that is why, she takes no offence at the apparently degrading remark of Jesus, equating her with a dog. 18. But a little note can be given on this unpleasant comment. First of all, one need not read too much into it, as if Jesus is offending her so disrespectfully comparing her to a dog. 19. Such a reading will be an overboard zeal. It is enough to understand that Jesus wants her to know that his primary mission is the Jews. It can also indicate the wrong despising attitude of the Jews toward the non-Jews as dogs. 20. One can also think of a spiritual purpose of Jesus: to test how firm is her faith, and also to present before the self-righteous and the so-called ‘faith’ people what is true faith and show how shallow is their faith. 21. True faith is persevering, come what may. The seemingly indifferent, offensive, unconcerned approach of Jesus does not discourage her or annoy her. 22. She persists to the extent of pestering, running after Jesus. She persists in spite of the derogation. Thereby, she turns an occasion of hurt into an advantage for favour. 23. Today, the Canaanite woman stands before us as a glowing example of true faith. Let us do a simple sincere self-check of our own faith. Lifeline: True faith is not so much what and how many big favours we are able to obtain from God, as if it is our merit. Faith does not consist in what we get but in how we trust and abandon ourselves to God, whether we get or not

NINETEENTH WEEK DAYS MASS REFLECTION 23

14 - 19 AUGUST 2023, HOLY MASS REFLECTIONS   14 AUGUST 2023: DEUT 10. 12-22; MATTHEW 17. 22-27 Punch line: Free but Heaven-bound! Guideline: We are tax-free but duty-bound! True it is we are free children of God, freed from all the taxes and wages of sin, but at the same time, so long as we are on this earth, we are bound by some duties on the earth 1.      We are children of God. He has specially chosen the people of Israel as His own. With a mighty hand, He delivered them from the slavery of alien nations. With justice, He executes justice for the poor and the deprived. 2.      With love, He takes care of the sojourners with food and clothing. And with mercy, He condones and forgives all their iniquities. With generosity, He blesses them with abundance and prosperity. 3.       Now we are the new Israel. We are free children, for, through Jesus, we are made sons and daughters of God and the heirs of the kingdom. We are no more aliens or strangers but God’s own. But as we are the citizens and heirs of heaven, we become aliens and sojourners to this earth. 4.       Here rises the question of tax pay in the gospel, whether Jesus and his disciples should pay the taxes to the Roman government or not. In the legal sense, they are tax-bound because in this world we are only sojourners and heaven is our real homeland. 5.       But in the spiritual sense, tax can stand for the wage and weight of sin. As redeemed people, we are freed from sin, and thus we are tax-free. In this sense, the passion and resurrection prediction in the first part of today’s gospel, Matthew 17. 22 f. can be better understood as connected to the second part of tax-pay. 6.       However, while still on earth, we are duty-bound by some external duties toward the earth and society. Seen in this perspective, paying of tax or following some laws and duties of the land is not a matter of subjugation. Rather, all of them will be pointers and indicators of our being sojourners on this earth. 7.       If we are free children and heirs of heaven and sojourners toward the heavenly kingdom, how then to conduct our life here and now? The first reading from Deuteronomy 10. 12-22 gives us the answers. 8.       We shall fear the Lord our God. We shall circumcise our hearts and no longer be stubborn. We shall serve Him and cleave to Him. We shall love Him with whole hearts and souls. We shall walk in all His ways, adhering to His commandments and statutes. 9.      Against all the persecution and fear of the Nazi concentration camp, St Maximilian Kolbe whom we commemorate today stood firm in his faith, and in Christ-like love, he offered his own life in the place of another   Lifeline: Live in this world, with a sense of duty towards heaven. However, this will not make us evasive or negligent. It will rather make us more dutiful, for one who is faithful to the highest duty will also be faithful to the smaller duties (Reflection 2) Thrust: Are we free or bound? Indicative: We are free children of God and so not bound by the fetters of sin. Therefore, we must conduct ourselves as aliens to this world and also as bound by certain duties 1.      The gospel passage combines two reference points. One is a prediction about his passion, death, and resurrection. The other is the question of tax-pay. Obviously, both seem to be quite divergent and separate topics. But there is one underlying theme. That is the question of true freedom and obligation. 2.       Jesus suffers suffering and death to free us from the bondage of sin. His suffering and death are clear signs that he does not succumb to the pressure and power of evil. His resurrection is a testimony that he has conquered sin and obtained liberation. 3.        Whether to pay the taxes or not to the state was the question. In one sense, Jesus and his team are tax-free because they are the sons of the soil. They are the chosen people. They are the inheritors of the earth according to the beatitudes. They are the free children of God. They are not bound by the wages of sin. Thus in one aspect of the spiritual sense, they are not bound by the tax. 4.       However, from another aspect, they are tax-bound. It is because they are sojourners and aliens. They are the children of God and not children of the world, as heirs of the heavenly kingdom and not of the earthly kingdom. 5.       Jesus’ respect for the earthly laws and duties is also appreciable. This is clear when he says, let us pay, not to give offence to the authorities. Here, the point is not whether Jesus is supporting the Roman authority, whether he is accepting the Roman subjugation, or whether he is not instilling the spirit of true freedom of the people of God.   Imperative: The main point is the spirit of freedom that we need to cultivate and foster as the free children of God and heirs of heaven 15 AUGUST 2023: ASSUMPTION OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY, INDEPENDENCE DAY OF INDIA (Reflection 1) Punch line: In surrender is the greatest freedom! Guideline: A meaningful life is a constant transition from a set of assumptions and presumptions to the assumption and elevation of life itself   1.      Every year 15 August marks the assumption of our Blessed Mother. In India, it is a double celebration as it combines with the independence day of Mother India. Every year powerful sermons are preached on the dogma of assumption and the glory of Mary in which she is assumed into heaven. 2.       As taught by the authority of the Church, we believe that Blessed Mother Mary was assumed to heaven, in her entirety, with both body and soul. Unlike the other humans, her incorruptible soul was accompanied by her body too as uncorrupted. This dogmatic truth and faith in it and the glory implied thereby, are indeed matters of great importance. But this time, let us try to take a little different route of thought. 3.       Surely, this is a unique privilege accorded to Mary in virtue of her most singular vocation and mission as the Mother of the Saviour. It is quite understandable and valid that God did not want the decay or the separation of that holy body which offered flesh and blood to the incarnate Savior. In fact, her physicality became the abode and guide, the breeding ground of his humanity. 4.       In Mary’s assumption, what we can see is not just the glorification of a mortal body, but that of our mortality itself. True it is our mortality is fragile as bound to earth. But it is not something despicable or detestable. Our mortality is susceptible to decay, in terms of its physicality. But Mary’s assumption shows that this mortality assumes immortality. 5.       This assumption becomes possible because of three essential tenets: harmony, freedom, and elevation. Mary’s physicality becomes harmonious with her spirituality. In other words, her bodily and material existence is in harmony with her spiritual existence. 6.       There is no dichotomy, no conflict between her body and her soul. There is no incongruence between the urges of the flesh and the promptings of the Spirit, as presented in Paul’s Letter to Romans 8 or Galatians 5. 7.       What is notable is the body or the physical is not subjugated to the soul or the spiritual, but sublimated, not dominated or dictated but integrated and regulated by the spiritual. 8.       There is also perfect freedom. Mary’s entire life was guided by the freedom of the Spirit, the freedom of heart, and the freedom to love God and others. But this freedom is not a free reign to the flesh and the physical when a person is entangled and enslaved by worldly stints. 9.       This freedom is of a higher order. This is seen in total surrender to God’s will and plans. She affirmed this surrender at the annunciation, saying, “Behold the handmaid of the Lord, let it be done unto me according to thy holy word”. This she continued till the end of her life. 10.   Her whole earthly existence was an unceasing journey of elevation. She always elevated her body, mind, heart, and soul to what is high, lofty, noble, and above. She never allowed herself to be tied to what is low and below. She was never earth-bound but heaven-directed. 11.   Seen in this sense, her assumption is a logical and appropriate culmination of an entire life of harmony, freedom, and elevation. Her final assumption is a clear indicator of a continuous assumption throughout every day of her life. 12.   For the faithful in India too, as they celebrate the independence of their nation, the assumption of Mary can make a greater sense. We must remind ourselves that this independence is the fruit of the enormous sacrifices of numerous leaders and noble souls. 13.   Like Mary, they too had lived a life interwoven with the principles of harmony, freedom, and elevation. They lived integrated lives. They lived and fostered true interior freedom. They always elevated their life to pursue a higher goal, and that is, the restoration of freedom and dignity for India and its Indian brethren.   Lifeline: The assumption of Mary and the independence of India is a clarion call for all of us to elevate the quality of our lives in the spirit of harmony and constructive freedom   (Reflection 2) Thrust: Assumed is to be freed!  Indicative: The assumption of Mary is not a mere dogmatic assumption to assume, but a living journey to resume   1.      Blessed Mother Mary is assumed to heaven, body, and soul, in the entirety of the person. God did not want that sacred body to decay, that which was the abode and gave physical life to His Incarnate Son. Therefore, in His gracious will and pleasure, He privileged Mary to be taken to heaven, with an uncorrupted body along with her incorruptible soul. 2.       There is nothing illogical about this. For, if sin imposed death and decay on the human body, Mary who was preserved sinless with Immaculate Conception, can be very well free from such imposition. In her assumption, we see the whole dynamics of salvation and a great project of the fullness of Glory itself. 3.       There are four essential components: Liberation, Restoration, Communion, and Perfection. Mary was totally liberated from her earthly limitations, restored to her original divine dignity, eternally united with the heavenly God, and enjoys the perfection of bliss and glory. 4.       We too are destined for the same glory, even though we may consign our bodies to the earth. To attain this destiny, we too must constantly liberate ourselves from our earthly bondages, regain our divine dignity and image, unite ourselves with God in intimacy and surrender, and thus mature and perfect ourselves in sanctity and charity. 5.       (For those in India or Indians) Today we celebrate two great mothers, for the same reason, that is, their freedom. Mother India’s freedom, as she was released from foreign bondage and gained her independence; Mother Mary’s freedom, as she was released from her earthly bondage and was assumed to heaven. 6.       But this is hard-earned freedom. It involved a life-long struggle of immeasurable sacrifice and dedication. It called for an undaunted journey of courage, patience, hope, and perseverance. It is a marvellous story of combating evil and regaining the original dignity and honour. 7.       The celebration of the freedom of these two mothers on the same day can be a significant pointer to us that we are citizens of two worlds – the secular and the spiritual. Our nation is our motherland and heaven is our homeland. Thus our duty is twofold: towards our country, as united, responsible, law-abiding, honest, and committed Indian sisters and brothers; and duty towards heaven, as united, faithful, and committed God’s children. 8.       This freedom that is attained is not a finished product. It is an ongoing task and should be a living experience. Therefore, we are called to constantly free ourselves from all the clutches of sin and evil, meaning all that binds us, enslaves us, reduces our human dignity, diminishes the value and quality of life, and all that hinders a harmonious and happy human family. 9.       Freedom is not our destiny nor is it our goal. It is our process, our means, it is our way, which should lead us to better and better – a good heart of faith and charity; a good life of virtue and value; a good family, loving and supportive; a good society, just and peaceful. God and the heavens are our destiny and goal.   Direction: So long as we are imprisoned in the cell of our body, we cannot enjoy the free spell of the soul. Let us then extricate ourselves.   A BRIEF REFLECTION ON INDEPENDENCE DAY OF INDIA 2023 1.      We celebrate the 76th anniversary of independent India. At the very outset, let us raise our hearts in gratitude and veneration to all the great freedom fighters. There were numerous noble leaders who led the struggle. There were also many ordinary men who joined the struggle. But their spirit was not ordinary. 2.       All of these sacrificed their comfort, their families, and their securities. They suffered and were persecuted and even killed. But undaunted was their spirit, unswerving was their focus, and unstoppable was their zeal. They shed their sweat and blood, they fought and they wrought freedom. 3.       Today we salute all of them, recognized and unrecognized. We pay tributes to them. But Not only through our bundles of praises. We need to see what we do with this freedom. How do we live, experience, and foster this freedom? 4.       No doubt that there is progress and development. We are no more under any foreign rule and subjugation. We can govern ourselves by ourselves through legitimate democracy. We can proudly say that we are free Indians. We are not slaves to anybody. 5.       But there is also the other side of reality. What an irony it is that today we have freedom but we live with fear. Many problems like corruption, injustice, human trafficking, abuses, communalism, and violence frighten us. We experience the loss of freedom whenever and wherever there is a loss of human dignity and joy in life. When selfishness increases, life becomes ugly. When unity declines, progress recedes. 6.       Let each one today ask himself and herself. Where are we leading our country to? Is it toward destruction or construction? Is it toward demolition or evolution? Is it toward true and fuller freedom or toward new forms of slavery in the name of freedom? 7.       Today, it is a clarion call for all of us to become responsible citizens of our mother India, wherever we are. Wherever we are, we can be good Indians. We can be so by being more responsible. We can be so by being more sensitive toward the poor and the needy. We can be so by being more committed to preparing ourselves to eradicate social evils and injustices. 8.       Let us not play the blame game, one blaming the other. Let us in our own way eliminate the clutches of evil and slavery. Let us grow in the freedom of the Spirit, the freedom of heart, the freedom of love. Let us celebrate not only the day of independence but the way of real independence! 16 AUGUST 2023: DEUT 34. 1-12; MATTHEW 18. 15-20, St Clare Punch line: Correction in charity! Guideline: In a world that is like a battlefield, the solution is not grudge and resentment, or blame and slander, or aggression and retaliation, but forbearance and reconciliation 1.      The world of today is in a whirlwind of condemnation and calumny, revenge and retaliation. A good number find a vain pleasure in passing judgments on others and condemning them in public. Many harbour a lot of negativity inside and wait eagerly to retort and retaliate. 2.       In such a context, today the Lord is inviting us in the gospel for a spirit of fraternal correction, reconciliation, and restoration of the lost link. When someone wrongs, we should not rush to condemn and put them in public disgrace. 3.       Rather, we should patiently try to make him realize his fault and win him back. A deep-seated Fraternity should guide us in a process of personal approach, dialogue and persuasion. This is done gradationally, first through a personal confrontation, then with the help of one or two witnesses, and then by the intervention of the church. 4.       However, if all these efforts fail, then the next step is dissociation, a distancing from him as a pagan, as an alien, and rival to God. It is in this context comes the importance of community agreement, prayer intimacy and intercession, and the sacrament of reconciliation. 5.       That is why, Jesus says, “If two of you agree about anything they ask, it will be done for them by my Father”; “Where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I in the midst of them”. Also, the mention of Moses in the first reading of Deuteronomy 34. 1-12 as a singular prophet whom the Lord knew face and face and who was a mighty instrument for God’s mighty power, may point to the aspect of intimacy and power of prayer. 6.       The words of Jesus, “Whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven” in a general tone, can indicate a spirit of reconciliation. This may imply that we should not retain or reserve any grudge but should be free and relieved. 7.       However, usually, this statement refers to the sacrament of reconciliation, and it is valid as well. For it is in this holy and renowned sacrament that we are at the doors of abundant streams of mercy and reconciliation with God and with others. It is so sad that today many fail to recognize the immense value of this great sacrament.   Lifeline: Many claim to be intelligent and very judicious. But is it not really foolishness to throw away the sacrament of reconciliation, which is the fount of mercy and conciliation? 17 AUGUST 2023: JOSHUA 3. 7-17; MATTHEW 18. 21 – 19.1   Punch line: No limits! Guideline: When the Lord is with us, we will be able to walk through the troubled waters, and we will be understanding and magnanimous toward others   1.      “How many times I should forgive the other?” This is a question posed by Peter in the gospel of Matthew 18. 21f. He is certainly extra generous as he pushes the upper limit to forgive from 3 times of the Jewish tradition to 7 times. Already it is a big stride. But Jesus makes it very clear: “I do not say to you seven times, but seventy times seven”. 2.       This clearly implies that forgiveness has no limits. The questions such as how many times? How can I forgive such a huge wrong? How can I forgive such an undeserving fellow? How can I forgive when the other takes it for granted? et cetera should not disturb us much. 3.       The issue is not about the quantity of the wrong or the worth of the recipient. The point is about the willingness and readiness, the extent of forgiving from the part of those who forgive. 4.       There are no conditions or limits or measures in forgiving. In fact, we need not claim extra credit for forgiving. This does not mean that we are taking away the merit of forgiving. We are certainly aware of how difficult and demanding it is to forgive someone who did us so much harm. It is also difficult, especially in a world which exalts a culture of unforgiveness and retaliation. 5.       However, there is no choice. We are bound to forgive. The reason is, we ourselves receive so much forgiveness from God and others. As the psalmist says in Psalm 130, “If only you should mark our guilt, Lord, who will survive? But with you is found forgiveness”. This does not mean that we do it out of force or compulsion or fear. 6.       Rather, our forgiving should proceed from a genuine sense of gratitude for receiving it unlimitedly, and therefore a deep sense of responsibility for giving it unlimitedly. Besides, our forgiving others also becomes a condition for experiencing God’s own forgiveness; because only those who forgive others will be able to receive and enjoy the grace of God’s forgiveness. 7.       There is beautiful imagery for forgiveness in the first reading from Joshua 3. 7-17. Forgiveness is like the ark of the covenant of the Lord. Those who bore it could pass on dry ground through the waters of Jordan. Similarly, those who bear the spirit of forgiveness will carry with them God’s own presence and will be able to walk through difficult paths.   Lifeline: The promise of God to Joshua continues forever: I will be with you. He never fails to accompany us through His ark of the covenant and that is His mercy to us and our mercy to others   (Reflection 2)   Thrust: Receive and give mercy! Indicative: In a world that is ridden by negativity and lack of forgiveness, we are called to be carriers and promoters of forgiveness and reconciliation   1.      Grudges and revenge have become the norms of the day. Understanding, forgiveness, and reconciliation appear to be outdated and signs of weakness. In the light of the first reading, it is a culture and world of rebellion and obstinacy.  In such a context, as the children of God, followers of Christ, and members of the holy church, we are invited to spread a culture of mercy. 2.       First of all, we need to know very clearly that forgiveness is not a favour that we are doing at our will and convenience. It is a fundamental duty and responsibility. The reason is simple. We ourselves receive so much mercy and forgiveness from God and many others. As the psalmist quite rightly admits in ps. 130, if only God should mark our guilt, who would survive? 3.       It is quite unfair that we receive abundant mercy but refuse to give it to others. God will be not only unhappy but also will not forgive us if we do not forgive others. Actually, it is not that God withholds or refuses to forgive us. Rather, whenever we do not have the heart to forgive, we will not be in a position to receive and enjoy the grace of forgiveness. 4.       Further, there is no measure or frequency of forgiveness. It means that we cannot ask how much or how many times to forgive. We cannot say that I cannot forgive because it is too big an offence and too many times. There is no such thing as deserving or undeserving. For which of us are really worthy to merit mercy from God or others? 5.       To be merciful and forgiving must become a way of being and living and not be limited to some isolated moments or acts. When it becomes a lifestyle, it would change the whole person, and his character and behaviour. 6.       It is very sad that many people consider revenge and retaliation as signs of power and manliness. In fact, they are signs of weakness. For to react out of anger and grudge is easier than to be patient and restrained. Willingness to forgive shows the spirit of self-mastery and mental equilibrium. 7.       It is equally sad that many prefer to go on nurturing so much negativity and unforgiveness. It is an unnecessary and heavy burden. It is really foolish as well to carry such loads of weight and feel pressed down.   Imperative: When the Lord is constantly inviting us to relieve ourselves of all our heavy burdens, why do we stubbornly allow them to cling to us?   18 AUGUST 2023: JOSHUA 24. 1-13; MATTHEW 19. 3-12   Punch line: Fidelity – the key! Guideline: The whole beauty and value of all spirituality and relationships lie in one fundamental norm: fidelity. The simplest questions are: how much am I faithful to God? And how much am I faithful to the others, particularly with whom I am linked?   1.      Today’s Word of God in both the readings pivot around the theme of “fidelity”. The first reading from Joshua 24. 1-13 narrates in detail about God’s fidelity. God has been faithful to His chosen people Israel in numberless ways. 2.      He chose them, not because of their greatness but because of His love. He intervened in their lives with touching attention and care. He liberated them from the mighty yoke of slavery through His mighty hand of wonders. He stood by them and defeated their enemies on their behalf. 3.       This fidelity is so abundant and exuberant. That is why through Joshua, God reminds the people, “I gave you a land on which you had not laboured, and cities which you had not built, and you dwell therein; you eat the fruits vineyards and oliveyards which you did not plant”. 4.       In the gospel, Jesus addresses one crucial aspect of this fidelity, and that is marital fidelity. This fidelity is endangered and shattered by divorce. There is a steep rise in divorces and that too, often not for worthwhile reasons. According to human law, divorces are allowed, but not according to divine law. 5.       The Catholic Church does not permit divorces, because marriage is an indissoluble communion of two partners. It is not a mere social contract or organized relationship between a male and a female. It is a sacrament which means it is sacred and divine. It is a twofold covenant – with God and with each other. It is God who joins man and woman together. And they become one. Therefore, it requires fidelity and commitment. 6.       When the couple loses sight of these aspects of sacrament and covenant, the hardness of the heart and infidelity increase. In the religious life too, this fidelity shows itself in “making themselves eunuchs for the sake of the kingdom of heaven”. In other words, whoever does not keep himself a eunuch (renouncing physical potency in chastity) is breaching the covenant of fidelity.   Lifeline: Whether in the ordinary Christian life or consecrated life, fidelity to God and each other is the key principle. While love is its source and strength, piety and chastity are the effects and testimonies   (Reflection 2)   Thrust: Fidelity is beauty and stability! Indicative: Life loses its meaning, value, beauty, and joy when it loses the spirit of fidelity. Fidelity to God and one another is the greatest remedy   1.      Covenant and fidelity to it are the underlying themes of today’s word of God. God enters into a covenantal relationship with the people of Israel. Thereupon, He gives them identity, dignity, beauty, prosperity, and commendability. But unfortunately, they turn ungrateful and unfaithful. They trust in themselves and become whorelike. 2.       Every marriage is also a covenantal relationship with God and with each other. Today, the stability of marital bond is cracking because its fidelity is shaking. Fidelity is shaking because its sacredness is crumbling. This is because many lose sight of the nature of a covenant. For many, practically, marriage is no more a covenant but a contract that is workable and profitable. 3.       It has become a matter of convenience and not commitment. When the essential components of sacredness, covenant, fidelity, and commitment are lost, automatically its beauty, meaning, stability, and joy are lost. 4.       The feel-good that exists at the beginning of the marriage evaporates within no time. Ego clashes, hurt feelings, resentments, unbridled reactions, and retaliatory acts increase as the days and years pass. Aggression or depression, agitation or indifference, arrogance or inferiority seems to be the dominant behavioural patterns that govern many families. 5.       We do not say that there are no problems in married life. Surely, the challenges are increasing. But all that we want to say is, that divorces are not the only and immediate solution. If only a little more sense of covenant with God and each other increases, if only a little more patience and humility are practised, surely there can be a greater fidelity. 6.       The same principle of fidelity holds good for the consecrated people as well. They are the “eunuchs for the sake of the kingdom of God”. But they are really worth the name if only they remain faithful to their covenantal relationship with God.   Imperative: Fidelity is at the root of all Christian life, be it married or consecrated. When fidelity crumbles, the whole edifice collapses   19 AUGUST 2023: JOSHUA 24. 14-29; MATTHEW 19. 13-15   Punch line: Do not hinder! Guideline: More to Jesus, is more of a blessing   1.      In the gospel, parents bring their children to Jesus, to be blessed by him. But the disciples scold and prevent them, certainly with the good intention not to create a commotion or disturbance to Jesus. And Jesus is very clear that children should come to him, be close to him, and be blessed by him. Yet again he reminds us that being a child to God is the only way to enter the kingdom. 2.      Today how many parents take their children closer to Jesus, to the church, to the sacraments, to the spiritual animation? How many parents initiate, motivate, guide, and foster their children in matters of faith and morals? How many of them instil and ignite in their children a love for God and enthusiasm for spirituality? 3.      In the name of giving the children freedom, and respecting their personal responsibility, are the elders not failing in their responsibility? Are we ourselves not hindering them from Jesus? What a loss it is that our children miss the nearness, the touch, and the blessing of Jesus! 4.      In this context, Joshua in the first reading from Joshua 24. 14-29 can be a great example and guide to all parents and children. Like Joshua, how many parents remind their children of God’s incessant intervention in our lives in love, power, and mercy? How many can tell their children straight that our God is a holy jealous God who will not tolerate defection and transgression of his ways? How many in all firmness can urge their children to fear the Lord, to serve Him in sincerity and faithfulness? 5.      How many adults and leaders can challenge youngsters to discern and choose between the God of fidelity and the world of false gods? And how many can really affirm with conviction like Joshua, “But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord? How many can assume this undaunted responsibility to lead their families in God’s way even if the whole world is going in the opposite direction? 6.      And how many today like those people of Israel can reaffirm our fidelity to God, saying, “Far be it from us that we should forsake the Lord, to serve other gods”; “But we will serve the Lord”; “The Lord our God we will serve, and His voice we will obey”.      Lifeline: We are people of covenant with God. We are made His own children. The way to testify our belonging to Him is to put away the foreign gods, that is, the false values and pursuits, and incline our hearts to the Lord   (Reflection 2)   Thrust: Go near to Jesus! Indicative: We need to go near to Jesus, get closer to him, and receive his touch and blessing. For only the touch of Jesus can transform us into little children and take us to the kingdom   1.      In the gospel, Jesus declares, “Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven”. 2.       We can elicit a few indicators for our life: First, we need to become childlike. This means that we should become clean with a new heart and a new spirit. This is a rebirth, being dead to sin, repentant over our iniquities. The more we become like little children, the more we will desire to go to Jesus, and we will have free access to him. 3.       Secondly, we need to become aware of our great responsibility to children. Whatever the role, as a parent, a teacher, elder, priest, or religious, all of us have a bounden duty toward children, and that is to lead them closer to Jesus. 4.       It is then a big question mark about how many of these remain conscious and serious about their responsibility toward children. How many of us neglect our duty? How many of us hinder them from going to Jesus? 5.       These ways of hindering can be varied. It can be due to our own indifference and lukewarmness; our lack of interest and concern for them; our own unedifying life; or our own lack of conviction and sound knowledge. 6.       Often, we may just shirk our responsibility saying that the children must not be forced; they must be left free to decide by themselves; their freedom must not be curtailed. But all these arguments may be mostly evasions and escaping from the trouble and sacrifice of training and forming them. 7.       There are many who are so concerned to provide the children with everything that they demand, with the best they may or even may not afford. They give them money, clothes, comforts, education, job, marriage, et cetera. But how many really think of imparting them god-fearing nature, and good values? How many train the children in becoming good human beings?   Imperative: All the care and provision to the children without a sound spirituality and morality is very deficient and defective. A lack of divine touch amounts to a lack of human touch!                

NINETEENTH SUNDAY OF THE YEAR A 23

19TH SUNDAY, 13 AUGUST 2023: 1 KINGS 19. 9A, 11-13A; ROMANS 9. 1-5; MATTHEW 14. 22-33 Punch line: Fix the focus! Guideline: We know that life is not a smooth sailing; often the lifeboat is tossed about by strong winds which threaten to sink it. But nothing to worry; all that ijs needed is to fix the focus on the Lord 1.  All discipleship is “Walking by the Lord in a sea of troubled waters”, in the light of the gospel episode in Mathew 14. 22-33. The episode presents the disciples sailing in a boat, tossed about by strong winds. Jesus comes to them walking over the waters. But the disciples, be it due to tension or fear or preoccupation or lack of clear sight do not recognize him, and mistake him to be a ghost. Jesus assures them that it is he. Peter, as usual enthusiastic and impulsive, wishes to try the same “wonder-feat” of Jesus, and so with Jesus’ encouragement and power, begins to walk in the waters. But after a while, being frightened by the strong winds and waves, he begins to sink, and of course Jesus comes to his rescue. 2. Now one may easily explain this miracle as a nature-miracle, presenting Jesus as one who has power over nature and the natural forces, one who commands them and they obey him and they are subdued. But perhaps we can take another route of reflection which can be profound and beneficial in a context of discipleship. 3. The simple point of reflection can be: the fundamental difference between being focused on Jesus, and not being focused on Jesus; what happens when the focus is not on Jesus, and what happens when the focus is on Jesus. As long as Peter’s focus was on Jesus, he could walk amidst the waters, walk against the opposing winds, walk forward, walk toward Jesus steadily, firmly and serenely, reach him, be in his presence, experience the calm, and worship him in surrender. The waters do not frighten him, the winds do not hinder him or overpower him. The sight of the vast sea does not make him apprehensive or uncertain. He is able to walk ahead, with stability, solidity and serenity. He is able to enjoy his presence and get re-confirmed in his faith. 4. But the whole scene changes, when the focus is shifted away from Jesus. Fear grips, confidence shakes, courage drops, faith wavers, feet stumble, and he begins to sink. 5. Now our situation is very much the same as that of the gospel situation. Our life is like the boat, sailing amidst a sea of opposing winds and unfavourable situations, which makes the sail difficult and frightened. It is in such moments, the sight and the call of Jesus may encourage us like Peter to continue and persevere walking over the troubled waters for a while. 6. What happened to Peter, exactly happens to us also in our life. As long as we are focused on the Lord, we are able to surge ahead in spite of the engulfing challenges and adversities. But when our focus is deviated from the Lord, being caught up with the problems and pressures or at times the pleasures of the world, we too experience the same “sinking” of Peter. We become easily frightened, with the evil or problem so much disturbing and annoying us. We lose confidence in ourselves, in others and in God as well. We become uncertain, confused. We become vulnerable and weak. Our faith becomes vacillating and unsteady, easy to give up. We begin to falter and fail. 7. Therefore, a true discipleship invites us to be realistic, to be aware of the challenges that beset our journey, but to be focused on the Lord and to continue walking. We must also be aware of our own human fragility which never leaves us, which exposes us at times to the possibilities of losing our focus, and encounter the same negative situations of a “drop” on different counts, leading eventually to sinking. However, we are also reassured that we will not be abandoned to our fate. Jesus will immediately come to our rescue. We need to continue our walking and sailing. Lifeline: As long as we are focused on the Lord and rest confident in his never-abandoning care for us, we will surge ahead even amidst all the frightening and pressuring forces  

EIGHTEENTH WEEK DAYS MASS REFLECTION 23

07 - 12 AUGUST 2023, HOLY MASS REFLECTIONS   07 AUGUST 2023: NUM 11. 4b-15; MATTHEW 14. 13-21 Punch line: Little into abundance! Guideline: In life, often the vicissitudes of life or the demand of duties frighten us. We may feel the burdens are too heavy to carry. But do not worry, because God is with us 1.      Walking in the way of the Lord is not smooth. It is very challenging. There will be moments of hunger and thirst, weakness and fatigue, uncertainty and insecurity, scarcity and insufficiency, discouragement and frustration. 2.       All the more, the old inclinations and attachments will be strongly pulling us back. This is exactly what the people of Israel experienced on their way to the promised land. It was happy to be liberated from the slavery of Egypt. 3.       But the story does not end there. Inheriting and enjoying the destined land of bliss would not happen smoothly. They had to travel a long journey through the red sea, through the wilderness, desert, etc. where they experienced all that mentioned above. 4.       In such moments, they would easily fall back to their old life and habits. They would fondly recollect and weep for that meat, fish, onions, and garlic in Egypt. They would forget all the mighty intervention and benevolence of God. 5.       They would find fault with God and His servant Moses. Truly these were the testing times for Moses. He is pressed between the higher demands of fidelity to God, and the all-too-real needs of the people. He feels helpless. That is why, he cries out to God, “I am not able to carry all these people alone, the burden is too heavy for me”. 6.       In the gospel of Matthew 14. 13-21, the disciples too experience the same sense of helplessness at the hunger of the people. They feel concerned for the people. But at the same time, they are aware of the inadequacy of their resources. They tell Jesus, “We have only five loaves and two fish”. 7.       In our life too, we come across similar situations. Like those people, we may feel fragile and fatigued, lacking and discouraged. Or, like Moses and the disciples, we may feel helpless in the face of adverse situations. 8.       In such situations, we need to turn to the Lord. We need to confide in him. We need to entrust the case to him. Surely he will intervene and change the situation for the better.   Lifeline: We need not feel sad or bad about our littleness. All that is needed is to join our littleness to God’s mightiness. He would intervene, touch and transform our five loaves and two fish to feed five thousanķĺo0ì (Reflection 2) Thrust: God’s ways are not human’s! Indicative: The greatness of faith is not to go on thinking like mere humans, in limited ways, but to put on the mindset of God and feel, think and act like God 1.      As men and women of faith, we are called to see, feel, think, react, respond and act differently from others. Our faith must make us put on the perspective of God and act with his Heart. It is not that we are not realistic. It is not that we fly in the air with idealistic and unrealistic ideas. It only means that our realism should be charged by our faith and transported into another higher realm. 2.       The disciples in the gospel were certainly realistic like good common sense- persons. They knew that the people who came to Jesus in the desolate place were hungry. They knew the crowd was as large as more than five thousand. They also knew they had only five loaves and two fish. They knew that it will be impossible to feed them. 3.       So they tell the Lord to send away the people so that they would procure food themselves. Here we need not make too much of their intentions. Whether they wanted to get rid of the people? Whether they did not want to face the embarrassing and difficult situation? Whether they were positively concerned for the people? Whether they were practically wise and see an immediate solution? 4.       These are different possible intentions. But for us what is more important is that they were aware of the reality, assess it, and come up with a solution. This is nothing wrong. But it is here that Jesus wants them and us to think and act from a divine perspective and with God’s own heart. 5.       Jesus had compassion for the people and he healed the sick. The disciples had already seen both the goodness as well as the power of the Lord. So, why could they not request Jesus to do something by himself? They could have easily said, Lord, you are already doing many good things and wonders; you know their hunger; please do something to feed them. 6.       Even with their inadequate human resources, they could still tell Jesus, this is what we have – five loaves and two fish; we place7 them in your hands; now it is left to you. Not that they did not have faith in Jesus. But often, when we face problems, we get carried away by ordinary human thinking and acting. 7.      So what is needed is that we always sublimate our human ordinariness with the divine extraordinariness. We need to constantly blend our human littleness with divine mightiness. We need to put on God’s perspective and divinize our human actions in concrete situations. This is what St Alphonse Liguori did. He integrated the human and the divine into one whole of holiness and goodness.   Imperative: Being realistic should not be a kind of evading personal responsibility and commitment. Solving problems should not be avoiding challenges and risks. Ultimately our aim must be to distribute God’s grace to all and fill them with deeper contentment 08 AUGUST 2023: NUMBERS 12. 1-13; MATTHEW 14. 22-36 Punch line: Walk focused! Guideline: In the sea of life often strong winds blow against us and fear grips us with the danger of sinking. But as long as God is with us, He will not allow us to sink but lift us up from drowning 1.      In the gospel, Matthew 14. 22-36, the disciples of Jesus in a boat are hit by strong winds. Jesus was not with them. In our life also, many times our lifeboat is assaulted by the winds of problems and afflictions. The sail becomes difficult. 2.       We need to check and see whether we too left Jesus behind and went ahead without him. We may be so preoccupied with the winds that we may not even recognize Jesus and mistake him as a ghost, like the disciples. 3.       Or, we may be like Aaron and Miriam who were blinded by jealousy and self-pride and did not recognize the presence of God in Moses and speak ill of him. At times, we may be like Peter who walks on the waters with focus and trust in Jesus. 4.       But this may be only for a while. Sooner or later, we may shift our attention from him onto the winds. We will also begin to sink. As long as we are focused on Jesus, no winds can frighten us or drown us. They may be strong and make our moving difficult and tedious. But they cannot stop our march ahead. We will be able to walk on the waters. 5.       However, as humans we are, we too will experience moments of drowning and sinking. But there is nothing to be panicky about. We need to constantly tune our ears to the assuring words of Jesus, “It is I, take heart, do not be afraid!” We can also cry out to him, “Lord, save me!” We need to deepen our focus and trust in the Lordĺ 6.       This is possible only in a deep personal encounter, intimacy and communion with God. Moses was such a man who enjoyed this personal oneness with God. It is this that clothes him with meekness and magnanimity even amidst mounting slanders and defiance. 7.       Like Miriam and Aaron, we may feel great and proud about our blessings and gifts and act jealously and self-righteously. Let us learn to be humble to realize that we are so fragile as to sink any moment.   Lifeline: Like Peter, we must confide in the invitation of Jesus to go to him in the waters. We must be ready to get out of our boats of securities and things of clinging and throw ourselves into the waters 09 AUGUST 2023: NUMBERS 13. 1-2, 25 – 14. 1, 26a-29a, 34-35; MATTHEW 15. 21-28, St Teresa Benedicta (Edith Stein) Punch line: Perseverance is rewarded! Guideline: Faith may not always meet with favourable responses and positive results. We may feel that God is not concerned for us and does not understand our needs. Persevere in such moments! 1.      The Canaanite woman in the gospel Matthew 15. 21-28 stands before us as an example of a faith that is humble and persevering. There is nothing so special in her approaching Jesus for the sake of her possessed daughter. 2.       Anyone in need may approach Jesus. That does not guarantee true and deep faith. It can be a shallow faith which is merely a favour-seeking request. On the contrary, the Canaanite woman demonstrates to us a faith that is genuine and exemplary. In all humility and trust, she cries out, “Have mercy on me, O Lord, Son of David”. 3.       Strangely, she is met with a strange response and reaction from the part of Jesus. Three kinds of Jesus’ response are noted: first, there is silence (but he did not answer her a word) – this can indicate an attitude of indifference and unconcern. 4.       Then there is an indication of discrimination and exclusion (he answered, I was sent only to the lost sheep of the house Israel). But she does not lose heart. She went and knelt before him, saying, Lord, help me. 5.       Finally, a very harsh and derogatory remark from Jesus, “It is not fair to take the children’s bread and throw it to the dogs” – an attitude of resentment and rejection. 6.       But the Canaanite woman testifies to a commendable contrast response. In response to the silence of Jesus, she continues to cry after him. In response to exclusion by Jesus, she acknowledges him as the Lord of all, and the sure recourse for help. In response to the rejection by Jesus, she persists with utter humility, “Even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their master’s table”. 7.       Note that she would not murmur or retort as the people of Israel do in the first reading. Whenever any little thing goes wrong, people can easily grumble and give up.  But she would not murmur. Many may find fault with Jesus for his harshness. Perhaps such an insulting reply from Jesus was not warranted. Perhaps he wanted to test her faith. 8.      Whatever it be, she got tested and testified. Even in times of humiliation and loss of hope, true faith perseveres. St Edith Stein always strove for this divine greatness. Though a brilliant German Jewish philosopher, she converted to Catholicism and became a Carmelite nun. She was killed in the Nazi gas chambers at Auschwitz in 1942.   Lifeline: At times, in our life also God appears to be indifferent, excluding and rejecting us. We may feel offended and not understood and not accepted. What then is our response. (Reflection 2) Thrust: Faith wins and heals! Indicative: Every favour and every act of God’s grace is nothing but a concrete manifestation of God’s abiding love and unfailing mercy 1.      A pagan Canaanite woman approaches Jesus for the healing of her possessed daughter. She cries out to him from the depths of her heart, “Have mercy on me, o Lord; my daughter is severely possessed by a demon”. 2.       It is not a mere request for a favour. It is a profound act of faith. How? She was aware of her need and affliction; she was totally trustful of his power and kindness to heal. She was also utterly humble to plead for his mercy. 3.       Further, her faith was not an easy go. It had to go through apparent indifference, discrimination, humiliation, and rejection. For, initially Jesus uttered no word. He would discriminate and exclude her, saying that he was sent only to the lost sheep of Israel. He would apparently humiliate her, saying that “it is not fair to throw away children’s bread to the dogs”. 4.       Is she a dog, so despicable and undeserving? Is she a beggar at the mercy of the Jews, the chosen race? Does she not have dignity and honour, just because she is a non-Jew? Humanly speaking, this statement is very degrading and humiliating. 5.       But she is not carried away by hurt. Her faith is focused and determined. She knows what she wants from Jesus. And nothing, even the apparent despisal of Jesus would turn her aside from obtaining that grace from Jesus. 6.       We do not know exactly what is the intention and purpose of Jesus in pronouncing such separatist and derogative statements. Certainly, they are not out of a prejudiced and discriminative mind. He never intends to disrespect anyone because he came precisely to restore dignity and respectability. His grace and love know no bounds. 7.      There can be different possible purposes. Maybe Jesus wants to test her faith as he praises her faith at the end. Maybe, he wants to indirectly expose the shallowness of the faith of the so-called God’s own people. 8.       Thus, her faith is an indirect test, a poking, and a challenge for the faith of the Jews themselves. Maybe, Jesus wants to present her faith as a testimony of authentic faith. 9.       But amidst all these, what is most notable is her faith, a rock-like faith, persevering even amidst the odds. “Even dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their master’s table”. She is firm in her insistence and smart as well. 10.   She makes it clear that the children are not deprived of their legitimate share because what she gets is only what falls from their bread and is not robbed away from their mouths. And she is not receiving from the children but from the master’s table. Thereby, her concern is with the master and not so much with the children.   Imperative:  Just because we carry the tag of the people of God, there is no guarantee that we deserve God’s grace and healing. Ultimately what decides the issue is the depth and perseverance of our faith 10 AUGUST 2023: FEAST, ST LAWRENCE: 2 COR 9. 6-10; JOHN 12. 24-26 Punch line: Love that empties itself fills! Guideline: True love empties itself totally and gives totally to God and others. A love that does not lead one to piety and charity, is not true   1.      Today we venerate St Lawrence, one of the most popular martyrs of Rome of the first centuries. Both the readings very well fit him. Quite in tune with Jesus’ words, Lawrence did not love or preserve his life but sacrificed it for the sake of the Lord. 2.      Thus he kept it for eternal life. He served the Lord and so he followed him to the end till death. He trusted unswervingly in our God who can provide us with every blessing in abundance for every good work. Therefore, he abounded in every act of charity and generosity toward the poor. 3.      He cooperated joyfully with the God who supplies seed to the sower, multiplies the resources, and increases the harvest of righteousness. Therefore, he sowed bountifully and also reaped bountifully a rich harvest of holiness and goodness. 4.      He was a cheerful giver and so the Lord deeply loved him. Like a grain of wheat that loses itself to live with a new life and bear fruit, so also Lawrence abnegated himself to fill others. Death to egoism in self-denial and life to others in altruism marked his whole life. 5.      That is why, as Jesus assured, “Where I am, there shall my servant be also; if anyone serves me, the Father will honour him”, Lawrence the servant of the Lord remains in heaven where his master is, and he is honoured by the Father because he served the Son   Lifeline: Sacrifice and service are the hallmarks of a true disciple of Christ. One who refuses to sacrifice his self-interests and fails to place himself to serve others is an unworthy disciple   (Reflection 2)   Focus: Love for the Lord is all a matter of cultivation and fruition,0 and this consists in an abundance of sowing and reaping and thus testified in sacrifice and service   1.      We celebrate today the feast of St Lawrence. St Lawrence is a much-venerated martyr of Rome of the first century. The words of St Paul in the first reading (2 Cor 9. 6-10) are quite true in his life. He sows bountifully and reaps bountifully. 2.      He sows an abundant crop of virtue and value, devotion and charity. He reaps an abundant harvest of loyalty and commitment toward God and sensitivity and generosity toward others. 3.      He loved the Lord with passion and with the same passion, he loved the poor. The same burning love led him to offer himself joyfully and fearlessly to be burnt alive for the Lord. 4.      That is why he gives his whole life willingly and joyfully even to the extent of shedding his blood for his faith. He is that “grain of wheat” which dies to the self to sprout and produce abundant fruit. 5.      Every true disciple of Christ must be the grain which dies to self and sin, rises to new life, grows, and bears fruit in abundance. At no cost, one should be a thorny bush that overpowers the good plant, sucking off the nourishment due to the plant and destroying its growth. Avarice and domination are contrary to discipleship!   Direction: So long as one clings to one’s own self-will and self-interests, one cannot be close to the Lord and become productive. Sacrificing fidelity and joyful giving are hallmarks of a true lover of God   11 AUGUST 2023: DEUT 4. 32-40; MATTHEW 16. 24-28 Punch line: Losing is worth it!   Guideline: We can never truly follow Jesus without the cross and loss, and we will only miss the whole point if we try to shun the cross in life   1.      It really looks ridiculous that many try to profess their loyalty to the crucified Saviour without really understanding and following his way. Can one follow the Crucified with no connection at all to his cross? Can one be a disciple without following the teachings of his Guru? 2.      Can one be a good servant without serving his master? Can one be a true companion without accompanying his partner? Can one be a genuine lover without loving his beloved even to the extent of death for the loved one? 3.       Often many are confused and misguided in following Jesus. It is not because of a lack of clarity on the part of Jesus. No, Jesus is crystal clear in his demands and promises. He never makes false promises, nor is he satisfied with half-measures and compromises. 4.      One can never be an authentic disciple of Jesus if he is not detached from his ego and self-interests if he is not ready to bear the cross of suffering and unfavourable situations if he is not wise to give priority to spiritual concerns and is not carried away by the worldly concerns and gains. 5.      If one is not true to his call to follow and resemble Jesus, it is only because he is still too attached to the world and there can be no other reason. “Deny yourself, take up your cross and follow me” – this summon of Jesus is ever vibrating and compelling!   Lifeline: It is stupidity to claim to be so intelligent8 and competent, while one fails to discern and follow what is a priority in life, and that is, follow Jesus, the model of real values of a good life, applicable to anyone   (Reflection 2) Thrust: Lose so that you can gain! Indicative: To follow Christ is not merely a matter of allegiance by some label and profession. It is a matter of clear conviction and life-long commitment   1.      Following Jesus is not a matter of convenience and comfort, profit and use. It is an inseparable covenant and immeasurable commitment. It makes no room for compromises. It calls for total kenosis, forbearance, and unflinching zeal. It is loyalty to the crucified Saviour, carrying our own crosses. 2.      In the first place, following Jesus demands wholehearted self-denial, a total giving up of the ego. One who clings to self-interests, who is driven by egoism, and who is not ready to retrench all the ties and attachment to the layers of the false self, cannot be a true follower of Christ. 3.      This process of effacement and detachment necessarily involves suffering and obstacles. The weight of the cross of right values and afflictions will certainly press us down time and again. Like Jesus, we too may experience the “lost and abandoned” moments in our life. 4.      But the choice is clear and firm. It is an uncompromising choice for following the Lord and not the world. This choice is made because of wisdom. This is the wisdom that discerns between “gaining the whole world but losing one’s own soul on one hand, and gaining the priceless soul and losing the world on the other hand”. 5.      Come what may, there is no turning back. However, it is not a futile enterprise. It is not a worthless choice and project. For, “whoever loses his life for the sake of the Lord will find it”; “the Son of Man is going to come with his angels in the glory of his Father, and then he will repay each person according to what he has done”. 6.      Thus, following Jesus is worth and fulfilling though it may appear to be absurd. It shows our love for him, loyalty, and commitment to him. And there can never be a true following of Jesus without renouncing the ego and carrying the cross patiently. 7.      To such a world, St Clare whom we commemorate today stands as a fount of God’s mercy and compassion. She totally renounces the ways of the world and embraces the tenderness and magnanimity of God. And all this was possible only because of a singular love for God.   Imperative: It is really foolish that there are some followers of Jesus who wish and try to follow him without carrying the cross. Without a way of sacrifice, and perseverance that is smeared with love for the Lord, how can one follow him and arrive at the destiny of the glory of the resurrection?     12 AUGUST 2023: DEUT 6. 4-13; MATTHEW 17. 14-20   Punch line: Faith is not a capacity! Guideline: The greatness of faith is not in the display of great miracles or favours. But true faith certainly brings inner healing   1.       The gospel of the day, Matthew 17. 14-20 focuses on the power of faith. Jesus says faith is so powerful that it can move even the mountains and nothing will be impossible. In order to show how great it is, Jesus uses a simple contrast: even a little faith like a mustard seed can move even big mountains. 2.       A man with an epileptic son approaches the disciples but they fail to heal him. And Jesus makes it very clear that it is because of their little faith. True faith certainly heals. Of course, healing need not always be external or physical. Í 3.       But, one thing is sure: when there is genuine faith, inner healing is bound to happen. However, it is not one's capacity. It is God's own power mediated and channelled through the limited human beings. 4.       Now, what is this true faith? How does it manifest itself? The first reading from Deuteronomy gives us the answer. True faith is nothing but loving God totally and unconditionally. To have faith is to love God with whole heart, whole soul and whole might. 5.       There are no portions or concessions in this. Also it is not space-bound or time-bound. That is, this love should happen every time and everywhere.  This love shows itself in deep gratitude and unceasing remembrance of God's compassion and mercy. It leads to a reverential fear for the Lord and the fervour to serve Him.   Lifeline: Many have a wrong idea of faith and its power. They think the more faith is able to do big things like moving the mountains or obtain big favours, the more it is great and strong. But true faith is humble and loving obedience to God's commandments.