25 week days mass reflection 2023

25 - 30 SEPTEMBER 2023, HOLY MASS REFLECTIONS   25 SEPTEMBER 2023: EZRA 1. 1-6; LUKE 8. 16-18   Thrust: Faith, the eye! Focus: Faith is the light with which God has dispelled our darkness and illumined our path. So, we can be true to our faith if only we try to lead enlightened and guided lives   1.      Jesus says in the gospel, “No one after lighting a lamp covers it with a vessel or puts it under a bed, but puts it on a stand, that those who enter may see the light”. Our life is the lamp and faith is that light that lights up our life. 2.      So if we are really people of faith, our life must be lighted and enlightened. This means that we cannot linger on with our shades of the darkness of evil. We cannot continue to love darkness and do works of darkness (cf. Jn 3. 17 ff.). We must love light, walk in the light and do the works of light. 3.      Light also implies truthfulness. Claiming to believe the Lord who is the Truth, we cannot be in friendship with falsity. Jesus clearly tells us that “only truth will set us free”. He also reminds us that Satan is the father of lies and falsity. Therefore, whenever we are false in our attitudes, values, and conduct, we are against truth and the Lord himself. 4.      Light implies vision and clarity. Light spreads brightness and enables us to see clearly. One who does not see stumbles and falls. Lack of sight and clarity pushes one into confusion, failure to discern, and every possibility to be misguided. 5.      Light implies integrity and witness of life. There is nothing hidden or secretive. There are no double-dealings or masks. Life is plain. If one is trying to hide something, it only means that there are some dark areas. Duplicity can work for some time in the sight of the world. But to God’s sight, everything is visible and manifest. 6.      When life becomes witnessing, then the inner light radiates into the outside life of good conduct and actions. This is the effect of being “stirred up” by the Spirit of faith. When one is stirred up, he cannot but act according to what God wills. 7.      This is what happened in the case of Cyrus king of Persia and the people in exile being stirred up to rebuild the house of the Lord in Jerusalem. And this is what Jesus means when he says to “put the lamp on a stand”.   Direction: “To the one who has will more be given”. Yes, one who has more generosity and the spirit of giving and doing the maximum without reserve more will be given by God   (Reflection 2)   Thrust: Piety in fraternity! Indicative: Faith is the light that must shine and spread light to see and work 1.      In the gospel, Jesus uses the metaphor of a lamp. A lamp is meant to spread light. For this, it must not be covered under something. Our Christian life and following Jesus is like the lamp. Faith is that light that keeps this lamp burning. Our faith is not to be a mere matter of tradition or for name’s sake. 2.      Our life of faith must be radiant and vibrant. We cannot be lamps without light. And we cannot claim to be people with light that is not seen. If there is light, it must be manifested in its spread of radiance and brightness. 3.      To live a faith-lighted life that is radiant is to live a life of integrity and witness. Concretely, it is to live a life of benevolence. Some of the details are given in the first reading. It is to be sincerely prompt to be kind-hearted to do all the help possible to others. 4.      It means not being evasive and escaping from the fraternal obligation, saying simply, “Go, and come again, tomorrow I will give it”. It is to be positive-minded and trustworthy toward others, not planning evil against them. It is to avoid all unnecessary contentions against others. 5.      It also means to detest and shun the ways of the violent, devious, and scornful. It would mean being firm not to be attracted, influenced or carried away by their ways which may be temporarily prosperous. Further, it is to be humble, upright, and righteous, guarding against all arrogance and wickedness. 6.      In this kind of benevolence and uprightness before God, there are no half-measures. it calls for wholeheartedness and a spirit of abundance. That is why Jesus says, “To the one who has, more will be given, and from the one who has not, even what he thinks that he has will be taken away”. Imperative: In the life of a true follower of Christ, there is no room for darkness, counter-witness, or mediocrity. Every disciple is called to be a lighted witness, integral and fully charged   26 SEPTEMBER 2023: EZR 6. 7-8, 12b, 14-20; LUKE 8. 19-21 Thrust: The only way to belong to Jesus! Indicative: Belonging to Jesus is not a matter of lineage or membership but ultimately is a matter of living according to his word and God’s will 1.      Demarcation and fragmentation are the norm of the day. People get divided and antagonised on the basis of factors like caste, religion, region, language, culture, rite, etc. That is why discrimination and nepotism become the rule of the day. 2.      Allegiance is claimed as a right on account of adherence to the abovementioned factors. But all these are in fact secondary and contingent factors. 3.      This same mentality is reflected in the religious domain as well. Many feel and claim that they are really religious and devout and faithful people because they have religious allegiance or hold some titles or perform some activities or discharge some duties or command some animation and organization. 4.      It is in such a context Jesus makes it clear that relationship with him is not a matter of lineage or membership but is rather a matter of fidelity. It is to belong to a higher realm, an expanded spiritual family. The sole criterion for this new family and new enterprise is to “hear God and do His will”. 5.      Jesus’ question, “Who is my mother? Who are my brothers and sisters?” is not demeaning them but it is in fact elevating their true dignity drawing our attention to the essentials. These essentials are nothing but simple details of virtue and goodness toward others. Direction: Divisions and failures in fraternity and kindness are an abomination to the Lord because they are outright lashes to our oneness as a spiritual family in one consecration and mission   27 SEPTEMBER 2023: EZRA 9. 5-9; LUKE 9. 1-6   Thrust: A Mission that is power-packed! Focus: We are sent on the very same mission of the Lord, to bring a healing touch to the world languishing in sin and precarity.  This is possible only with the power of the Lord   1.      Jesus calls us not just to keep us with himself in his personal service. But essentially he trains us in discipleship for a mission. Thus all discipleship is for apostleship. It is his own mission which he himself received from the Father. 2.      That is, to establish the kingdom of God here on earth. It is the reign of God’s love, justice, and peace. This reminds us that we should never privatize the mission. We should always bear in mind that we are only stewards and care-makers and not owners and proprietors. 3.      This should constantly foster within us a profound sense of humility and accountability toward the mission. It is entrusted and not self-created. 4.      Therefore, in a true mission, there is no scope for self-projection self-promotion, or self-glory. Any seeking of self-interests is a contradiction to the very sense of mission. A sense of dutifulness and faithfulness marks a true mission. 5.      Any attempts at establishing petty kingdoms based on affinities like caste, region, language, culture, rite et cetera are totally hostile to the commitment to the one kingdom of God. And any forces of disunity, division, and discrimination are against the very concept of mission. 6.      This kingdom–-mission is carried out through preaching and healing, that is, both by the power of word and deed. Therefore a faithful mission cannot be partial, merely confined to preaching, however powerful it be. It must be blended with corresponding works of goodness. 7.      Two essential requirements or conditions for this mission are repentance and trust in God’s mercy and detachment and dependence on God’s providence.  It is that profound spirit of repentance and trust exemplified in Ezra’s prayer in the first reading: 8.      “Our iniquities have risen higher than our heads, and our guilt has mounted up to the heavens; we have been in great guilt”. “Yet our God has not forsaken us in our bondage, but has extended to us His steadfast love” 9.      Another pre-requisite is detachment and entrustment to God’s providential care. This is seen in Jesus’ exhortation: “Take nothing for your journey, no staff, nor bag, nor bread, nor money, and no extra tunic”. 10.  This is not to depend on worldly securities and guarantees, not to be attached to them. It is because we have God Himself, our greatest source and resource, our strength and provider. 11.  When we take up His mission in trust and entrustment, then surely God will equip us with His own power and authority over all demons and sicknesses. However, we need not lose heart when we face resistance and rejection. That is part of the test of our mission. We must accept such experiences with patience and forbearance. 12.  St Vincent de Paul whom we commemorate today is a great example of this perseverance and fidelity. He dedicated his priestly life to preaching and founded the Congregation of the Priests of the Mission or Lazarists (Vincentians). He also spent his life in selfless service, especially to the slaves. He is renowned as the “Great Apostle of Charity”.   Direction: When God is with us, no one and nothing can be against us. In all our missionary endeavours, what should be uppermost in our minds is fidelity to His will and plans. Let us not be caught up with worldly concerns like success or winning   (Reflection 2) Focus: Our mission is the Lord’s and our power is also his, and blessed are they who are aware of this and do everything in the spirit of surrender and loyalty   1.      Today once again, great clarity is given about our mission. First of all, it is the mission of the Lord, and not our personal enterprise or self-made mission. However, this does not go against owning up the mission or assuming personal responsibility. 2.      A sense of indifference and a non-committal outlook are detrimental to the mission. The fact of being sent by the Lord on his own mission would rather check us against undue tendencies to privatize and monopolize different ministries, to feel puffed up by the successes and accomplishments in the mission, and to seek self-gratification and self-glory. 3.      Instead it would foster a diligent spirit of stewardship, with a spirit of holy detachment. Now, this mission is twofold: to preach and to heal, a mission in word and deed. This indicates that it is an integral and holistic mission because a true mission would be a matter of example by whole life. 4.      Any disintegration or dichotomy between one’s faith and concrete actions would be a clear failure and infidelity to the mission. Further, the Lord does not send us empty-handed but empowers and equips us with his own power. 5.      Therefore, there is no need at all to depend on worldly securities like “staff, bag, bread, clothes or money”. We have nothing to lack or fear because the Lord’s own power sustains us. As long as God is with us, all the other concerns and pursuits become secondary.   Direction: Each of us is a missionary to proclaim God’s love and to promote sanity and sanctity, solely relying on God. Mission is doing God’s will wherever and whatever is entrusted to us   28 SEPTEMBER 2023: HAG 1. 1-8; LUKE 9. 7-9 Thrust: Cooling of fervour! Focus: Many people do not wish to adhere to God’s will and plans because they are not convenient to the comfort and pleasure of their life. That is why they keep God at a safe distance so as not to be disturbed or pricked 1.      The words of Haggai the prophet in the first reading are quite self-penetrating if only we are a little honest. Though the will of the Lord was clear that they should rebuild the temple in Jerusalem, still the people were mediocre and procrastinating. Haggai challenges their cooling of fervour and points to the futility of life and all its good things without God’s blessing. 2.      He declares: “Is it a time for you yourselves to dwell in your panelled houses, while this house (of God) lies in ruins?” “Consider how you have fared. You have sown much, and have harvested little; you eat, but you never have enough; you drink, but you never have your fill; you clothe yourselves, but no one is warm, and he who earns wages earns wages to put them into a bag with holes”. 3.      All our efforts without God’s benevolence will indeed amount to nothing. It is exactly like the disciples fishing without the Lord: they had toiled the whole night but caught nothing. How rightly the psalmist also attests in Ps 127: if the Lord does not build the house, in vain the labourers' labour; if the Lord does not keep vigil, in vain the guards keep vigil. 4.      Similarly, all the best of pursuits and enterprises will be futile when not assisted and guided by God’s hand. Even the best of things will not bring satisfaction and fulfilment when they are under the gracious purview of God. 5.      Therefore, what is needed is openness and docility to see and accept God’s will at work. When one lacks this disposition, then there is fear and perplexity at God’s presence. Herod in the gospel is a typical example of this lack of docility. At the presence and power of Jesus, he was perplexed and disturbed. Jesus was a threat to him and not a welcome for conversion.   Direction: The mere desire to see Jesus is not enough. We should see why. Even Herod wanted to see Jesus, but not out of faith (Reflection 2) Focus: Hearing and knowing about God is no guarantee of a faithful following. Sad it is that people of the world often live in falsities, false guarantees, securities, and vanities, mistaking the unreal to be real, and running after them aimlessly   1.      Truth and truthful life are always challenging and displeasing especially to the false and evil-minded. It is noteworthy to see the evil Herod anxious to see Jesus. But his anxiety was a total contrast to the anxiety that Joseph and Mary experienced whether at the time of their flight to Egypt or at the missing of Jesus at 12 years (cf. Lk 2. 48). Their anxiety was drawn from a profound love for Jesus and a clear awareness of the incomparable value of him. 2.      On the contrary, Herod’s anxiety sprang from a great fear of Jesus and a superficial desire to see his miraculous power. There was also uncertainty and failure to recognize and accept the real identity of Jesus and submit to him. 3.      The example of Herod indicates many who may hear and know much about Jesus, who may also desire strongly to see him. But it is not because of their love for him or submission to him as the Lord, but mostly out of fear or for some self-serving interest. Many want Jesus to be close to them, but the question is why?   Direction: Doing the works of the Lord does not necessarily prove one to be a man of God unless one is focused on the Lord for whom he works; Fidelity to God and vanity in living cannot go together   29 SEPTEMBER 2023: ARCHANGELS: DAN 7. 9-10, 13-14; JOHN 1. 47-51 Thrust: Archangels: the Arch of God’s Care! Focus: Our God is a caring God and in His benevolent and attentive reign, He enters and intervenes in our lives and comes to our aid 1.      On 29 September we celebrate the feast of the three archangels, namely Michael, Gabriel and Raphael. In our simple modern terminology, each of them heads a particular department or an area of responsibility. Michael is the army chief, and so takes care of the fight against evil. Gabriel is the communication chief and so takes care of the information and annunciations wing. Raphael is the medical chief and so takes care of the health and healing. 2.       But all these are not independent and isolated ministries. The overall owner and the director is God Himself, under whose wise and efficient rule, all the three work. They are not competitors with God but collaborators. They are not substitutes but agents and instruments of God’s work. 3.       In this way, these three symbolize three essential components of God’s own functioning. God battles against evil, He communicates with us and He heals us. These three also show us the nature of God’s functioning. Our God is not a monopoliser. He involves others, and here, in this case, His angels to carry out His own will and reign. 4.       The three archangels also indicate to us the sole purpose of God’s working. It is a benevolent mission oriented toward the whole of humanity. God works relentlessly for our good. He knows our human struggle against evil, as fragile beings. So, He assists and sustains us through Michael. He knows our confusion, unclarity and incomprehension concerning God’s will and ways. So, He communicates, clarifying and enlightening through Gabriel. He knows our sicknesses, our insanities. So, He extends His healing touch through Raphael. 5.       The feast of the three archangels must deepen in us an active sense of gratitude and appreciation toward God’s marvellous care for us. Further, it must make us committed collaborators in the plan of God’s salvation.  In the light of today’s feast, it would imply that we must constantly combat evil, be receptive to the communication of God and be docile to the healing touch of God.   Direction: The expression in the gospel that “angels of God are ascending and descending upon the Son of man” can mean that the angels are constantly on the work of God, mediating between heaven and earth. This can be a firm assurance of God’s deep concern for us   (Reflection 2)   Focus: God is ever-caring and ever-providing. He is ever alert and prompt in His attention and care toward us   1.      The feast of the three archangels is a clear confirmation of God’s unfailing concern and providential care toward us. God’s benevolence is not something sporadic that is shown in occasional miracles and isolated favours. 2.      His love and compassion are consistent and incessant. Accordingly, the veneration of the archangels is not so much the veneration of 3 individual heavenly beings. Rather it is the veneration of 3 aspects of God’s own benevolence toward us: 3.      St Michael stands for the spirit and power of God against evil, St Raphael, for the healing power of God and St Gabriel, for the collaborative communication of God’s plans for human wellbeing. 4.      Thus, in St Michael, we see that God is always in battle with evil. This indicates that we too must never side with the evil, but resist and fight against it. The whole struggle of our life must be “against” evil and “for” good and God. Whenever we fight against evil, it would mean that we are on the side of God. Every effort against evil is divine and a collaboration with God. 5.      Then, in St Raphael, we see that God is on a relentless mission of healing. He knows that we are constantly wounded and bruised. He knows that we need healing. So, He offers us healing through the archangel Raphael. We are also reminded that we who receive healing must also extend the same healing to others, who are always under the infective effect of sin and evil. 6.      Then, in St Gabriel, we see that God is ever in communion and communication with us. He helps us to receive, understand and follow His messages. 7.      Further, the three archangels also remind us of the “participatory” and “delegating” functioning of God: Even though God is all-powerful and all-efficient, He does not absolutize or monopolize power. Rather He makes others partners and participants with Him. This can be a corrective directive for all of us, especially against our frequent tendencies for domination and monopoly over others.   Direction: The three C’s of archangels, namely Combatting, Curing and Communicating are symbols of the big C which is the Care of God.   (Reflection 3)   Thrust: The angelic love of God! Indicative: God always loves us and works for us. Angels become His holy heavenly assistants to channel this love and work and bring them to completion   1.      We celebrate today the feast of the three archangels, namely Sts Michael, Raphael, and Gabriel. We owe deep gratitude and veneration to them. They are not only in the heavenly court, in God’s most holy presence, ever in His worship. They are also so actively involved in our life and salvation. 2.      All three work on our behalf. All three man three key functions: Confirming, curing, and communicating. St Michael confirms us, that is, makes us firm against Satan. St Michael is the army chief who is unceasingly engaged in the battle against Satan. Like a true warrior, he wages a fearless war against evil. He also encourages, sustains, and strengthens us in our constant battle against evil. 3.      St Raphael heads the health department. He cures us from our sicknesses and infirmities. He renders a healing touch to our sick and wounded spirits. He enables us to live sane and healthy lives. This healing is not only concerned with physical unwellness but much more the holistic well-being. 4.      St Gabriel is in charge of the communication wing. He transmits the messages and the directions from God to the destined persons or communities. He gives clarity regarding God’s will and ways and helps in the process of discernment of God’s plans and their implementation. 5.      In fact, all these three are not three separate and independent wings of individual functions. They go together. Only then, our life will be one integrated whole. Our life is meaningful and joyful only when there is constant resistance and fight against evil, only when we recover from our infirmities and regain health, and only when we receive and understand God’s will and plans.   Imperative: The festivity of the archangels is a summon for us to be ever grateful toward God for His unceasing care and concern for us to lead an integrated life. It also calls us in turn to become warriors, healers, and communicators toward others   30 SEPTEMBER 2023: ZECH 2. 5-9, 14-15a; LUKE 9. 43-45   Thrust: Glory, wrapped in suffering! Focus: In the life of a Christian, the end and the destiny is always glory. But the process is always struggle and suffering. One cannot aspire for glory without going through the path of misery   1.      In life, there is always a balancing act between the positive and the negative, between happy things and sad things, and between good and bad things. And invariably any good cause, any godly thing will certainly involve a lot of struggle and adversity. This is not the twist of fate or ignominy of human existence. Rather it is the cost of destiny, the price of glory. 2.      This would mean that there is no glory without preceding misery. There is no joy without bouts of sadness. There is no success without breaches of failure. There is no victory without the lingering fear of defeat. 3.      It is not that the glory is at the end of a long road in waiting after a phase of struggles. It would rather mean that it is all an integral process. One cannot aspire for glory without going through the crucible of suffering. 4.      This is the same theme of the interplay between salvation and affliction, glory and suffering that Jesus underlies in his passion prediction. Certainly, he did great things at which people marvel. Certainly, he is the Son of God vested with power. Certainly, he destines us for the glory that is his. 5.      However, suffering is also perfectly within the process. But at the same time, that suffering and misery is not end and we need not be frightened or upset about it.   Direction: The real spiritual maturity is to learn to strike a balance between the goal of glory and the means and process of struggle and suffering. The process should not discourage us and the end should not make us unrealistic   (Reflection 2)   Thrust: All is vain and pain! Indicative: Desire for enjoyment of life may be a natural human tendency. But one has to check against vanities and check upon the direction and the quality of life 1.      Vanity is a fundamental truth and fact in human life. There is a lot of purposelessness, directionlessness, meaninglessness and emptiness. Many things that people desperately crave, seek and acquire give only temporary pleasure and satisfaction. 2.      This holds true, especially with youth and the pursuits of the youth. But all these give no lasting satisfaction. That is why the text says, “Youth and the dawn of life are vanity. 3.      It is again this vanity that clouded the disciples of Jesus not to understand suffering as part of God’s redemptive plan. Many marvelled at the great miracles and teachings of Jesus. They were caught up only within their earthly, human perspectives. So, when Jesus predicted about his passion and death, it made no sense to them. 4.      Therefore, today Jesus says the same statement to us as he said to his disciples: “Let these words sink into your ears. The Son of Man will be delivered into the hands of men”. We are called to get rid of the layers of vanity and see the truth of our salvation. 5.      The way of Jesus is the way of the cross, and a true follower never evades it. Certainly, our destiny is eternal glory and joy. But this does not mean that suffering and sadness are ruled out from our life. Especially following Jesus will necessarily involve the cross and struggle. 6.      One cannot reach the destiny of glory, unless one walks the way of the Lord, and one cannot walk the way of the Lord unless one walks the way of the cross. Running away from the cross in life, resenting and resisting it would amount to a failure and infidelity to our very call and identity. 7.      Cross of suffering is not a matter of shame or impotence but is a sign of authenticity, fidelity and strength of discipleship. Greatness does not consist in avoiding any sort of difficulty but in facing and standing firm amid challenge and struggle for the sake of God and good. Imperative: God himself, though sinless and perfect, did not evade the cross, but embraced it and transformed it into a means of salvation. Can we too turn our crosses into channels of grace and growth? MSFS FOUNDER’S DAY, SERVANT OF GOD, PETER MERMIER   Focus: Every celebration is a sacred occasion for a renewed loyalty to the Lord   1.      Today the MSFS (Missionaries of St Francis de Sales) celebrate their Founder’s Day. At the outset itself, let us make it clear that the purpose is not merely admiration but imitation, not merely veneration but emulation. Let us have a quick look at a few of his statements which reveal to us his person and life. These quotations must teach us, touch us, inspire us, stir us, affect us, challenge us and change us. 2.       “I want missions” – this resolve is rooted in deep conviction and passion. It should make us question our own deficient and wrong motivations, shallow and fluctuating compromises, disorientations and declining dedication. This should charge us to be more motivated, determined, re-oriented and re-dedicated in our missionary zeal. 3.       “The heart of education is the education of the heart” – this calls us to check up on the very quality of us as educated persons, and not merely the ministry of education. Real education is a commitment to values, to holistic growth, it is the cultivation of virtues, it is the promotion and formation of character. Education is a more sacred duty of liberation and transformation of human persons. 4.       “You do a thing well when you do it according to God’s will” – the norm or the criterion or the test of performance and excellence of a work does not depend on one’s talent or capacity or competence but on one’s surrender to God’s will.   Direction: Quotations of great people are not only to quote and preach eloquently but to inspire us and transform us.