LITURGY FOR WORLD DAY OF CONSECRATED LIFE

World Day for Consecrated Life - February 4, 2024. Introduction Dear brothers and sisters, we have gathered around the altar to solemnly celebrate the 28th World Day dedicated for the Consecrated men and women. In 1997, Pope Saint John Paul II instituted this solemnity for Consecrated Life. This global celebration is attached to the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord, also called Candlemas day on February 2. This day in a way signifies the presentation of every consecrated woman and man to the Lord. The celebration of this day is shifted to Sunday following the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord, in order to emphasize the preciousness of the gift of consecrated persons for the whole Church and with the intention the entire parish community can join in to praise and thank the Lord for the marvels the Lord has wrought to each one through our consecrated brothers and sisters. The theme for this year is PILGRIMS OF HOPE ON THE PATH OF PEACE. “What would become of the world if there were no religious?" St. Mother Teresa pointedly asked herself. This impels us to offer unceasing thanks to the Lord, who by this singular gift of the Spirit enriched the consecrated life of men and women. While all the baptized are called to be “religious” in a broader sense of the word, those who have voluntarily chosen to follow Jesus have consecrated their lives to Him. They observe a specific spirituality, often patterned after the life and teaching of the founder or foundress of their Congregation. This special day draws attention to the conscious renunciation they made to leave behind their families and all that is very dear and precious to them, in order to be enraptured by the gaze of Jesus and to be missionaries in different parts of the world. This is their vision and mission. Our Holy Father Pope Francis exhorts the Consecrated persons with this message: “Dear friends, today let us joyfully renew our consecration! Even if at times we experience fatigue and weariness, let us do as Simeon and Anna did. They did not allow themselves to be robbed of the joy of the encounter with the Lord!” We gratefully remember the contributions the consecrated men and women make to the Church in particular and to the society at large. May they continue to be inspired by Jesus Christ and respond generously to God's gift of their vocation. We need to appreciate the daring and caring women and men of our world, who by their selfless service are becoming defenders of peace and givers of Life! Let us therefore joyfully celebrate and pray for all our religious men and women, who have served and are serving in our parish with utmost dedication, zeal and selfless love. Vocations to religious life are fast dwindling. So, let us also fervently ask the Lord for the increase of laborers to continue His mission. Penitential Rite Lord! we have failed to be grateful to the services of our Consecrated men and women. Many a time we have taken them for granted; we have not acknowledged their generous ministry. We feel sorry for the times we failed to respect their dignity and sacrifice. Hence we pray.... I confess to Almighty God... Opening prayer Celebrant: God of love and mercy, by the promptings of the Holy Spirit, you have been calling men and women to closely follow your Son Jesus Christ with an undivided heart. Like the Apostles, they have left everything to be with you and to be at the service of your people. They have thus contributed to the renewal of our society. Help them Lord, to continue to build your Kingdom with their various charisms and with their all-embracing love and joyous presence. We make this prayer through Christ our Lord, Amen. Liturgy of the Word Introduction to the first Reading: This first reading, taken from the Book of Prophet Isaiah, contains an overwhelming experience of the prophet in the Temple and his commission and mission. Interestingly, Isaiah’s call comes not in the form of a divine command, but rather in the form of an exclamatory question: “Whom shall I send? Who will go for my mission?” They were not questions even remotely addressed to Isaiah. Rather, God was speaking to the heavenly council, and Isaiah incidentally overhears the conversation. Nonetheless, Isaiah had to reply: “Here am I; send me Lord!” For prophet Isaiah, there was no hesitation and there are no excuses, contingencies, or “what-ifs.” If God’s call for His mission were to comes to us, what would be our response? Let us ponderingly listen to the reading: A Reading from the Book of Prophet Isaiah 6:1-9 Responsorial Hymn: I the Lord of Sea and sky... Here I am Lord! Introduction to the Second Reading: When Christ came into the world, “God does away with all the sacrifices and offerings and puts the sacrifice of Christ in their place.” Yes! Christ replaced these with something simple and profound: “Here I am, O God, to do your Will.” Synod on Synodality repeatedly urges us to listen and to discern God’s Will with the ear of the heart. What is the Spirit telling us today? Let us, in all meekness, remember that it is God’s Will and not ours that we are called to do. Let us meditatively listen to the reading: A Reading from the Letter to Hebrews 10: 5-10 Alleluia, Alleluia: “You were not pleased with burnt offerings. Then I said: Here I am to do your Will, O God”. Alleluia. Gospel Reading: As the scene in the first reading took place in the Temple, we see here too, Simeon was led into the Temple, “moved by the spirit”. The Holy Spirit is the protagonist in this scene. He makes Simeon’s heart burn with desire for God. That is what the Holy Spirit does. We should be asking, as Pope Francis suggests, “Who mostly moves us? Is it the Holy Spirit, or the spirit of this world?” This is a candid question that everyone, especially the consecrated person, needs to ask. The Spirit beckons us to see God in the littleness and vulnerability. Yet, we, at times, risk seeing our consecration only in terms of results, goals and successes. We look for influence, clamor for visibility, for prestige, for numbers. This is a myopic temptation. All of us would do well today to examine our inner motivations and discern our spiritual movements, so that the renewal of consecrated life may come about from thereon. Let us contemplatively listen to the Gospel Reading: Luke 2: 22-32 Points for homily Today we are celebrating the World Day for Consecrated Life. The world often sees it as “a mere waste,” a relic of the past, something reduntant and useless. : When we look at the history of religious life, we find that just a few decades ago religious life was so fascinating to young boys and girls all over the world. It attracted even people from well-to-do families to embrace a life of poverty and service. Francis Assisi and Clare, who ran away from their families to follow the poor Christ, in turn attracted and inspired many men and women to follow suit. The form of religious life has changed in the course of history from monastic, through mendicant to apostolic congregations. Until the middle of the last century, there was no dearth of vocations. The Churches in Europe sent missionaries to the countries in the global South to live and work in the most challenging situations with mission as focus. : But a crisis seems to have set in even much before the Second Vatican Council, around the time of the Second World War. People began asking, not so much about the future of religious life, but rather about the kind of religious life we need in the present times. The Second Vatican Council came at an appropriate moment, thanks to the inspired initiative of Pope Saint John XXIII, who wished to open the windows of the Church to let fresh air come in and blow away the murkier air that was stifling the life of the Church. St. Paul tells the Hebrews: “In the past God spoke to our ancestors many times and in many ways through the Prophets but in these last days He has spoken to us through His Son” (Heb. 1:1-2). The Son of God visits His people continuously in history through several persons and events to liberate them from various bondages and blindness. Pope Saint John XXIII and the Second Vatican Council represent one such event of God’s visitation (Lk. 1:68) to make the Church relevant to our times. : Consecrated life is a gift and a challenge. The religious are a vital and important group of people in the Church.They make a radical choice in their life to be an authentic follower of Jesus of Nazareth. In this age where money, power and sex have become primary values, for someone to choose alternate life of poverty, obedience and chastity is something truly radical in nature and courageous by choice. Being quietly pious and silently holy is not Jesus’ way of life. But having willingly chosen to live a life like Jesus in this way, one has to be prepared to suffer likewise. : When we go through the history of the early Church, we find that Christians were the targets of persecution. Persecution was an integral part of the Christian experience. Many ancient Christians came to believe that "to be a Christian was to suffer." Their deaths were seen as a testimony of the truth of Christianity. God doesn’t call everyone to make the ultimate sacrifice; but the Bible calls all Christians to be prepared to give a defence of the hope within us (1 Pet. 3:14-15). The key to this passage lies in “being ready”. We are in a state of “warfare” (Eph. 6:12-20) and our Lord may call upon any of us to witness to our faith. Today we witness many consecrated people, who are disturbed and challenged by the realities, determined to change the situation by their radical involvement. They become victims of external forces and suffer living martyrdom. It is our wish and hope that every consecrated person will make this commitment her/his own. Let us pray that they may be sensitive to the cry of the people of God, especially to the poor and be progressive witnesses to Jesus of Nazareth through their very presence and ministries so that consecrated life may once again witness a new springtime in our times. Prayers of the Faithful Celebrant: Let us now place before the Lord all our intentions in the form of symbols and pray earnestly for all our Consecrated men and women. Response: Lord, graciously listen to our prayer! Symbol - Shepherd: We pray for those consecrated to God by the vows of Obedience, Chastity and Poverty that they may seek to live their baptismal promises more intensely. May they always receive the grace to persevere in their commitment to the Lord and navigate their flock to the green pastures. Help them to serve as shepherds to the sheep entrusted to their care joyfully and responsibly. We pray to you Lord… Symbol – Ring: Ring is a sign of the permanent bond of love between two persons. Lord! you have chosen and commissioned the consecrated men and women for your service. Help them to intensify their bond with you. Likewise, may they succeed in strengthening the bond between you and your people. Be their strength and courage, solace and support at all times. May they always reveal the love of Christ to those they encounter and continue to enrich our world by their dedicated lives of prayer and mission. We pray to you Lord… Symbol- Constitution Book: Constitutions contain guidelines to steer us to preserve the Charism and the Vision of our particular Congregation and to transmit this spirit to our followers in every age. May we interpret them in the light of the signs of the times. May we ever remain faithful to the inspiration and mission of our Founders and the Congregation, with utmost eagerness and urgency. We pray to you Lord... Symbol - Step: “I have called you by name and you are mine; when you pass through the water I will be with you; when you walk through the fire, you shall not be burnt.” With these assurances, you have sent us, your consecrated men and women, to be your messengers of mercy. Help us, O Lord to be rooted in you and to be ever vigilant and willing to serve the poor and the needy with compassion. We pray to you Lord… Symbol – Hands: Our Loving Lord, as we place this symbol before you, we pray for all those who are discerning their vocation in life, particularly those whom you are choosing to consecrated life. May they be committed in carrying forward the legacy their elders and predecessors have bequeathed in building your Kingdom. We also remember all those who actively support the promotion of vocations to the priesthood and consecrated life. May they see the fruit of their efforts in a rich harvest of vocations. Give to all those who are aspiring to enter religious life the wisdom and discerning grace to respond to your call generously. We pray to you... Symbol- Dove: Dove is a symbol of peace. Lord, may we all be instruments of peace and forgiveness. By placing this symbol before you, we beseech your intervention in the lives of various groups of people who have become a threat and disturbing elements to our peaceful coexistence in this world. We surrender them to you so that they may listen to your voice that entreated Paul on the way to Damascus, “I am Jesus whom you are persecuting” and be converted as agents of peace. We pray to you Lord… Bread: As we offer this bread which will soon be the Body of your Son Jesus Christ, we bring before you the Leaders of the Universal Church. We pray for our Pope Francis, our Archbishop Anil Couto, our Auxiliary Bishop Deepak Tauro and all the Priests of our Parish. Nourished by your Body, may they be able to witness your values and build your Kingdom of peace and fraternity. We pray to you Lord.... Wine: Lord, as we bring this gift of wine to this sacred table, we pray for our parents, formators, collogues and benefactors. Through their sacrifice and timely guidance, we have sustained our beautiful vocation. Continue to bless them with good health. May they experience your peace, protection and care. We pray to you Lord.... Let us pray: Our Loving and Living God, we thank you for this beautiful day dedicated to our Consecrated brothers and sisters. This day is the day of grace and blessing to all of them who have generously opted to serve in our Archdiocese of Delhi for your mission. Increase your laborers, inspire the youth and create an urge in their hearts to set apart their lives for serving in your vineyard. May they realize that their vocation is not accidental or co-incidental but providential and that it is not a mere chance but it is your choice! Let there be a renewal of interest in vocations to the priesthood and consecrated life. May all the priests and religious be re-energized and lovingly re-commit themselves to your service on this day. We make our prayer through Christ our Lord, Amen. Prayer over the Offerings. May the offering made with exultation by your Church be pleasing to you, O Lord, we pray, for you willed that your Only Begotten Son be offered to you for the life of the world as the Lamb without blemish. Who lives and reigns for ever and ever. Amen. Post Communion Prayer Celebrant: Ever loving Father and Mother, as the Gospel presents Simeon as a simple man, righteous and devout, these our dear consecrated brothers and sisters are simple men and women who caught sight of the treasure worth more than any worldly riches and earthly fortunes. And so they left behind whatever was precious to them until then, fell in love with your Son Jesus and joyously followed seeing everything in Him. May they cherish this gift and embrace it with all their heart and remain faithful to it until their last breath. May they overcome all evils and every temptation the present ultramodern world throws at them. May they be comforted in their sorrow, sickness and loneliness. May they enjoy good health and peace of mind. We make our prayer in the precious name of Jesus Christ, our Lord, Amen. Let us bow our heads to receive God’s solemn blessing: Celebrant : May you, who have said ‘Yes’ to God’s call, be embraced by Christ’s love and follow Him courageously in the light and power of the Holy Spirit with hope... Amen! : May you, who are of great importance for the Church and the society, live the precious gift of vocation, always striving upwards toward God, energized by the appreciation and support of all the brothers and sisters around them... Amen! : The Lord who has accomplished great things in your life, continue to assist you with the intercession of Mother Mary to return to your sources, to take stock of your lives and confirm your commitment to continue your mission in the Church… Amen! May Almighty God bless you...

V SUNDAY IN THE YEAR B 24

5TH ORDINARY SUNDAY, 04 FEBRUARY 2024: JOB 7. 1-4, 6-7; 1 COR 9. 16-19, 22-23; MARK 1. 29-39   Focus: Life is short; So then? Indicative: Life is short; it passes away swiftly; this fact must not dissipate us or push us to quick and instant enjoyments. Rather this brevity must make us more responsible for every bit of life and time   1.      Today, one main focus of the Word of God is our mission on this earth and as the disciples of Christ. We are given some essential ingredients of this mission. 2.      They are Sensitivity and solidarity, a sense of urgency, obligation and dedication, and a spirit of unattachment to the world and the earth. These are seen in three figures, namely Job, Paul and Jesus himself, respectively in the three readings. 3.      The whole ministry of Jesus shows this divine sensitivity and solidarity toward the suffering humanity. He preaches the good news and offers comfort and hope to the downcast. He heals the sick. He liberates those in bondage by driving out demons. He cures Peter's mother-in-law of her fever and cures many of their infirmities. 4.      Our reflection on the mission and its components is not merely to know about it, but to do it, because now it is our mission. The baton is passed on to us. It is the very same mission of preaching the good news and healing. 5.      Our mission can be effective and fruit-bearing if only it is driven by the same components that mark the mission of Jesus and Paul. In a world that is getting drowned in whirlwinds of bad news from all directions, we are called to be missionaries of the good news of comfort, assurance, positive energy, enthusiasm, and hopefulness. 6.      The world needs to hear something positive, something healthy, something uplifting, something noble. We have bundles of trash that are bombarded around us. We need some refreshing and relieving bash of good tidings. 7.      The world needs healing from various evil forces. Much more than the physical sicknesses which never cease, what is alarming is the infection of mind, heart and spirit. There are so many mental-intellectual viruses, emotional-psychological viruses, social-moral viruses, and spiritual-religious viruses. 8.      Prejudices and biases, resentments and negativities, closedness and stubbornness, arrogance and haughtiness, deception and selfishness are highly infecting and sickening the world of today. The ugly effects of these viruses and infections are hatred, indifference, violence, corruption and destruction. 9.      Therefore, the Lord is sending us on his behalf in his name, with his own mission. He is trusting us and is counting on us. What must be our response and duty? First of all, we ourselves must receive the gospel and the healing. 10.  Because we too are so much engulfed in the grip of negative vibrations. We need the fresh waves of good news to drench us. We too must open ourselves to the Lord’s healing touch. 11.  But what next? When touched and cured by the Lord, we need to share it with others and serve them. This is what Peter's mother-in-law did and those who got healed by Jesus. The world of today needs so much the gospel of comfort and hope. It stands in need of liberation from many oppressing forces. It needs healing from many contagions. 12.  But to fulfil this noble mission and task, what are our requirements and equipments? They are Sensitivity and solidarity, a sense of urgency, obligation and dedication, and a spirit of unattachment to the world and the earth. 13.  We need to be both spiritually and fraternally sensitive. We need to be eager and prompt to throw ourselves in solidarity with those who suffer and struggle in different ways. We must know its urgency, because it is already high time and there is no time left. 14.  We cannot afford to neglect it or postpone it. We must feel obligated and mandated; it is not an option but an obligation. We must totally commit ourselves to this great mission. 15.  For this, as Job exhorts us, we must be conscious of the impermanence of life and the futility and vanity of placing our trust in the world and worthlessly running in worthless pursuits. This must lead us to a spirit of distancing ourselves from undue clinging to the world.   Imperative: The world needs rediscovery, restoration and re-integration of the lost energies and the lost beauty and joy of life. Only that is the real effect of Jesus' redemptive mission.   (Reflection 2)   Thrust: Know why you are and live what you are! Life-Journey: This is the whole purpose and content of all our vocation and mission: To stay intimately with the Lord, to listen to him attentively, and to be a prophet of the Lord, set on his mission. This is what Jesus did   1.      The gospel text of today places before us one day in the life of Jesus. This gives us a beautiful summary of all the days of his life. It was one whole of praying, preaching, and healing. These were the essential ingredients of his life and ministry. They were a perfect blend and never in conflict. 2.      There was no neglecting one or excluding one because of the other two. They complemented and supported each other. There was no conflict at all between his personal life and public ministry. One flows into the other. It was a mission-oriented life and life-permeated mission. 3.      Jesus’ ministry is extensive and holistic. It is not limited only to his close ones, like Peter’s Jesus’ mother-in-law but all others in that town. It is not limited only to his place but extends also to other places in the whole of Galilee. 4.      His ministry is holistic because it comprises both word and deed. He preaches and heals. It is holistic because it is rooted in his deep communion with the Father. He does not excuse himself from prayer or does not substitute prayer with work, like many. 5.      No busyness of his ministry comes in the way of his intimate moments with the Father. Rather he finds time in the early morning. He perfectly integrates prayer with the ministry. Receiving Jesus’ message and healing touch, what must be our approach and response? 6.      This harmonious life and mission of Jesus is a great lesson for today where often there is a great tug of war between life and ministry. Often, there is excellence in ministry but indifference, indulgence, and incongruence in life. 7.      There is so much activity in ministry but without authenticity in real life. Thus, often the spirit and fact do not correspond with each other. Thus, often there is so much neglect of prayer and moral values in preference to the bundles of activities of the ministry. 8.      Therefore, we must realise that Life and ministry are not contradictory but complementary. What we are and what we do must go together. Otherwise, people may appreciate us for the works we do but blame us for the life we live 9.      Further, Peter’s mother-in-law gives us some lessons here. She receives Jesus’ nearness. She is grasped by hand by him. She is helped up. As soon as she gets cured, she begins to serve him. Do we also allow him to be near us, touch us by hand, and help us up? Do we also serve him as we are cured? Orientation: Integrity of life and integration of mission are the hallmarks of Jesus. Can we imbibe a little of the same spirit as his torch-bearers?

IV week days mass reflection of the year 24

29 JANUARY - 03 FEBRUARY 2024, HOLY MASS REFLECTIONS 29 JANUARY 2024: 2 SAM 15. 13-14. 30, 16. 5-13a; MARK 5. 1-20 Focus: Which spirit – benevolent or malevolent? Indicative: Our behaviour depends on the kind of spirit that we possess. If it is a good and Holy Spirit, our conduct will be upright, and if it is an evil spirit, our conduct will be wrong 1.      In today’s word of God, we have two contrasting spirits, a benevolent spirit, and a malevolent spirit. The benevolent spirit is a godly spirit, symbolized by David in the first reading, and the malevolent spirit is demoniac, symbolized by the demon-possessed man in the gospel. David was attacked to be dethroned by his own son Absalom and he was cursed by a relative of Saul. 2.       But, how noble and humble David was! He offers no resistance against Absalom. He did not react against the cursing man. Even when his men wanted to kill the cursing man, David rebuked them, saying that it was permitted by God Himself. 3.       If God Himself wanted it that way, then who are we to block the way of God? Besides, he believes that such humiliation can become an act of atonement and reparation to obtain God’s mercy. 4.       On the other hand, in the gospel, we have a man possessed by an unclean spirit. He lives among the tombs, indicating his alienation from others. He was bound with chains and shackles, indicating boundedness by sin. He could not be subdued by anyone, indicating being uncontrollable and rebellious. 5.       He was always crying, indicating the nature of grumbling and lamenting. He was cutting himself with stones, indicating self-inflicting actions. All these are the typical characteristics of an evil spirit. 6.       Jesus heals the demon-possessed man whereby he becomes well-clothed and regains the right mind. Interestingly, Jesus sends the legion of demons into a herd of two thousand pigs. They run and get drowned in the sea. 7.       Certainly a huge loss! Perhaps through this, Jesus wants to make it very clear that the sanity and well-being of a human person are far more important than any material gain.   Imperative: The healed demon-possessed man goes around and bears testimony to God’s mercy. The greatest sign of our healing will be when we become zealous witnesses to the mercy of God  (Reflection 2) Focus: Faith puts a clean spirit into us, strengthens us, and makes us worthy in God’s sight; But the unclean cannot stand the presence of the Holy One, and cannot resist the power of grace as well   1.      In the gospel, Jesus encounters and confronts a man with an unclean spirit. There are very precise details regarding the possessed man's condition. These are very indicative. They indicate what are some of the clear signs of being evil-possessed. 2.      Living among the tombs indicates living aloof, cut off, and estranged from others. Shouting and crying indicate the spirit of grumbling, lamenting, and arguing. Bound in chains indicates being bound in the fetters of sin and evil. 3.      Not being controlled and subdued indicates undisciplined and unreined freedom. Bruising himself and others as well indicates all the acts and habits of self-ruin and harm to others. Legion indicates that evil is not a single isolated act but is always a bundle, a pack, and a series of wrongs. 4.      All these unclean forces always surmount and torment us also. All of us need healing and need to be made clean. But many a time, like the possessed man, we do not want to be healed. And like the people, we do not value and appreciate the healing, because we are more concerned about the material interests (loss of swine), rather than the persons. Only faith makes us approach Jesus, seek his healing touch, and be clean.   Direction: Let us come out of our wandering aimlessly among the tombs of our estrangement from God and others, and run to God to be restored to sanity and integrity.   30 JANUARY 2024: 2 SAM 18. 9-10, 14, 24-25a, 30 – 19.3; MARK 5. 21-43 Focus: Touch that Enlivens! Indicative: Healing is nothing but a matter of touch. Whoever encounters Jesus and experiences his touch, will surely be healed and begins a new life 1.      True faith is never mediocre. True faith believes even the impossible to happen, for as the Bible says, “Nothing is impossible for God”. True faith is to hope for the best even in the worst and hopeless situations. 2.       This is what we see in the gospel. There are two miracles by Jesus: one is the miraculous healing of a twelve-year-long hemorrhage of a woman; the other is, bringing to life the dead daughter of a certain Jairus, an official. 3.       Tremendous was the faith needed to believe in Jesus’ power even in such desperate situations. Jairus continued to believe even when he got the news of the death of his ailing daughter. The woman with the bleeding disease persisted to believe even after twelve years of huge resultless spending. 4.       Both the miracles were the effects of the power of the touch of Jesus. The woman was cured because she touched the garment of Jesus. The dead girl was restored to life because Jesus touched her with his hand. This confirms that the touch of Jesus is powerful and is healing. Those who come in touch with Jesus cannot continue sick or dead. They will be healed and revived. 5.       Both the miracles bring new life to the concerned persons. For the woman with a haemorrhage, it was really a new life. She was on the verge of total ruin: all her resources were exhausted; all her human dignity was exasperated; her hopes evaporated; the beauty of living was disfigured, and the joy of life was robbed. 6.       She was literally dying. Thus, her healing was not merely a physical matter. It was much more: it was a new life with a new dignity of the person and new beauty and joy of life. 7.       The mention of 12 years can be indicative. The girl raised to life was twelve years old, and the woman suffered from a haemorrhage for 12 years. The girl began a new life at 12. The woman too began a new life after 12 years of intense suffering. 8.       Jesus’ healing command, Talitha cumi (Little girl, arise) to the dead girl can be very indicative. It indicates that essentially all healing is a matter of rising. It is a rising from our misery, from our sickness, and from our death.   Imperative: True healing is a constant rising from hopelessness to hopefulness, from sickness to health, and from death to life. As long as we do not rise up and walk, we are not healed! (Reflection 2) Focus: True faith is not at all a matter of the power of one’s belief and getting things done by God. Rather, it is a matter of believing totally in the power of God, with total humility   1.       Let us reflect on the two healings in the gospel: the raising from death to life of the daughter of Jairus, a ruler of the synagogue, and the healing of a woman with a haemorrhage. Truly the faith of the official and that of the woman is praiseworthy and meritorious. They place their total trust in Jesus' power and compassion. 2.       The official believes. He firmly thinks it is enough that Jesus lays his hands over his daughter. When he approached Jesus, she was at the point of death, and as he was rushing home with Jesus to heal her, she was already dead. But even then, he believes and takes Jesus to his home. 3.       His faith is marked by deep humility. Seeing Jesus, he falls at his feet and beseeches him. He keeps aside all his authority as a ruler of the synagogue. He does not consider it below his dignity to bend his knee before Jesus. Deep within, he acknowledges and believes the power of Jesus that is far superior to his own as a ruler. 4.       He knows that the divine and spiritual power of Jesus surpasses his worldly power. Such genuine humility is accompanied by an unswerving trust in Jesus’ merciful power. That is why he pleads to Jesus, “Come and lay your hands on her, so that she may be made well, and live”. 5.       The woman with the bleeding disease too believes. She firmly thinks it is enough that she touches the edge of his cloak. Unlike Jairus, her approach to Jesus was a silent act. She touches Jesus’ garment from behind and gets instant healing. But she confesses the healing at Jesus’ query, “Who touched me?” 6.      What is very remarkable in their faith is the extremity of their condition. The ruler believes in Jesus, even at death point, and the woman believes in Jesus even after 12 long years. Even in their most desperate situations, they do not give up hope. 7.       There were funebrial cries all around Jairus’ house. And the woman consulted every possible doctor and spent her every penny on her haemorrhage. Both were facing the most desperate and depressing situations. 8.       We can also note on the part of Jesus a couple of simple but significant factors. He shows personal concern. He goes personally to the house of the ruler. There was a great crowd around him. He was fully engaged. But he does not turn down the plea of the ruler. He takes the girl by the hand as he brings her back to life. He also tells the people to give her something to eat. 9.       Yes, Jesus never rejects our pleas. He listens to us. Of course, at times, we may not get what we pray for. But that does not mean that he does not care for us. His goodness to us cannot be calculated only in terms of favours. 10.   Another factor is he always transmits his power to us. It is this power that went to the diseased woman and healed her and raised to life Jairus’ daughter. Further, what is striking is that he seeks no recognition or fame. What a fantastic miracle of raising from death! It is the best means and time to shoot into gigantic popularity. 11.   But, he tries to minimize the glory of it, by saying that the girl is not dead but is just sleeping. He puts all the crowd outside the girl’s room, except the girl’s parents and his three disciples Peter, James, and John. 12.   After the miracle, he strictly charges them not to tell anyone. What a contrast to many of us who do a drop but do bundles of publicity and get mountains of popularity! 13.   At the end of all, what is needed on our part is to approach him in deepest trust and get into the realm of his touch. Jesus’ touch transmits power that gives new life. The diseased woman begins a new life with health, joy, and serenity. The ruler’s daughter receives a second life. 14.   Today, Jesus continues the same life-giving words that he pronounced to the dead girl, “Talitha cumi”, “Little girl, I say to you, arise”. Just as the girl instantly got up and walked, so too we must constantly allow Jesus to lay his hands and touch us. Once touched and healed, we must get up and walk steady and sane.   Direction: Faith may go through trials and may be tested. But God will never deny and deprive His grace and never frustrate the trust and hope of those who confide in Him   31 JANUARY 2024: 2 SAM 24. 2, 9-17; MK. 6.1-6 Pivot: Faith is a must! Pointer: There is no doubt that God is all-powerful and everything is possible for Him. But, in His love for us, He respects us and gives us freedom. It is for us to allow Him to teach and discipline us and thus we grow 1.      Reproof, correction, and discipline are generally resented and resisted because they are not in good taste. Accordingly, often, unfavourable situations, unpleasant experiences, sufferings, and adversities are considered punishments from the Lord. 2.       But today the word of God reminds us that they are part of discipline for a child by his father. A certain discipline and chastisement is a necessary ingredient of any true love and a steady training process. 3.       For the moment, discipline may look painful and unpleasant, but it yields rich fruits of peace and righteousness. Therefore what is needed is, not to easily succumb to dissipation, not to waver and stumble, not to grow bitter, and not to get defiled and unholy. 4.       But this is possible, only when one really “believes” in the Lord. Such faith demands that one is not easily caught up with mere external factors, or carried away by human considerations or calculations. Sadly, Jesus’ people were stuck to the earthly origins of Jesus and his external credentials (Reflection 2) Focus: Faith opens up to the action of God's grace while lack of faith closes one's receptivity and forfeits the free gift of grace   1.      In the gospel, we see what lack of faith does not and cannot do. It is seen in Jesus' own people, in his own place. Those people are not able to rise above their narrow confines of territory and blood relationships. 2.      They see Jesus just as one of them and nothing more. They do not recognize the divinity in him. They cannot think of something beyond their human considerations and judgments. They are caught up in their human and cultural prejudices. 3.      Thus, his own people fail to believe in him and fail to accept him. Jesus is truly grieved over their unbelief. Consequently, they fail to obtain the grace of God offered through Jesus. 4.      The same danger of unbelief is ever real in our case as well. We too may grow so familiar with God’s grace that we take it for granted. We may lose the sense of the sacred. Therefore, it is high time that we “lift our drooping hands and strengthen our weak knees, and make straight paths for our feet”. It is the right time that we strive for peace with all and for holiness.   Direction: God is ever ready and eager to shower His grace upon us, but He wants our faith to be open to it, to receive it and to cooperate with it.   01 FEBRUARY 2024: 1 KINGS 2. 1-4, 10-12; MARK 6. 7-13   Focus: God’s presence: the greatest power! Indicative: Firmness and steadfastness are the main things that are lacking in the life of many. Instead, we find a lot of shakiness, wavering and compromising. This is all because of a lack of rootedness in God and in convictions 1.      As David was about to die, he exhorted his son Solomon to be steadfast in God’s ways. He says, Be strong and solid, and keep the charge of the Lord your God. Walk before Him in faithfulness with all your heart and with all your soul. Keep His statutes, His commandments, His rules, and His testimonies. 2.       And in fact, this is the same and simple mission of all of us. It is to cling to God always and to follow His ways. In other words, it is to establish God’s kingdom both within us and around us. It is the same mission that Jesus entrusts his disciples. 3.       He sends them two by two. They are told to bring people to repentance. They are empowered with his own authority to heal. They are ordered not to carry any material securities or conveniences like bread, bags, money, or tunics. They are told to move away shaking off the dust on their feet when rejected. 4.       The missionary implications are quite clear. To carry out and accomplish the mission, first of all, a personal adherence to the Lord in depth, intimacy, and commitment is essential. Doing the Lord’s work effectively depends on being with the Lord passionately. 5.       Mission is more a collective and collaborative work and not merely an individual enterprise. We need mutual support. The whole thrust of the mission is to lead people to repentance and not self-performance. The focal objective is to establish God’s kingdom and not petty kingdoms. 6.       In this process, the sole equipment is the Lord’s own power, and that is the power of the Spirit. Thereby, we should not excessively lean on worldly securities, guarantees, and conveniences. They can be made use but they cannot be the crucial determinants of our entire mission. 7.       The pursuit, as well as the quality of our missionary endeavours, cannot exclusively hinge on worldly securities. Nothing of the world can overpower or replace the power of God. 8.       An authority is truly the Lord’s when it is spiritual and divine and not secular or profane. And all power and authority are meant for healing and for no other purpose or objective. Any authority that does not bring forth healing is a false authority. 9.       Finally, we should be so detached even from the results. We should not expect only success but rather should be prepared even to shake off the dust from our feet.   Direction: Ultimately our mission is the Lord’s mission and not our private agenda. Success or failure is not our concern but doing God’s will and establishing His kingdom (Reflection 2) Focus: Fidelity to God is always rewarding and the greatest reward is God's own accompaniment and peace   1.      In the first reading, David in his last moments before death, gives Solomon his last message. What a testament and testimony! It is not property issues or business tactics. It is a clear and firm instruction to be faithful to God and to follow His ways. What a heritage he leaves to his son! How many parents hand over this God-fearing treasure to their children? 2.      In the gospel, Jesus sends his disciples on mission. It is not any mission, of one's will and fancy, but his own mission. This is very well-defined. It is a mission urging for repentance, expelling evil spirits and healing sicknesses of various sorts. 3.      The same mission is valid now and forever. We need to reawaken the sense of sin and repentance amidst a general situation of indifference, tepidity and permissibility where sin is permitted in the name of fun and progress. 4.      We need to dispel the evil and demonic forces of aggression and harm, selfishness and arrogance that powerfully cling to us and dictate our lives. We need to heal the sicknesses of hopelessness, distrust, distress and anger, fostering hope, trust, serenity and benevolence. 5.      The task is enormous and we need to be equipped. But the greatest equipments are not the worldly securities or facilities or human capacities. It is God's own light and power.   Direction: Mission is a constant journey, entrusted and accompanied by the Lord himself. A walking stick and sandals interestingly indicate this aspect of the journey 02 FEBRUARY 2024: MALACHI 3. 1-4; HEB 2. 14-18; LUKE 2. 22-40, PRESENTATION OF THE LORD Focus: Self-offering for Self-giving! Indicative: Our life will be meaningful only to the extent it is presented to God in the spirit of self-offering and for the good of others in the spirit of self-giving 1.      02 February marks the feast of the Presentation of the Lord in the temple. It was after 40 days of his birth according to the Jewish law. In fact, he did not need to follow the laws and traditions. There was no need to be purified or offered as holy to the Lord because he is purity and holiness itself. 2.       His presentation in the temple is symbolic and significative. It signifies the function and effect of his messianic role. As the incarnate saviour and the messiah, he presents and offers himself to the Father in humble obedience. He becomes like us in every respect except sin. He subjects himself to human law and obligations in total solidarity with us. 3.       Further, his presentation ritual also indicates the effect of his messianic role. By his self-offering, he offers all as “pleasing” to the Lord. His purification ceremony indicates the purification that he brings to all. He propitiates the sins of the people. 4.       And the words in Malachi apply very well to his doing. “He is like a refiner’s fire and like fuller’s soap. He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver, and he will purify the sons of Levi and refine them like gold and silver”. 5.       From the presence of Simeon, a righteous and devout man, in the temple, it becomes still clear that the presented Jesus was destined for the “consolation of Israel”, “salvation that God has prepared in the presence of all peoples”, “a light for revelation to the Gentiles”, and for “glory to the people Israel”. 6.       The presentation of the Lord in the temple is a sacred call for each one of us, to be ever on the holy project of presentation, purification, and salvation. We are called to present ourselves as pleasing offerings to God. We need to constantly purify ourselves from all our burdens of sin. And we need to continue the same mission of salvation.   Imperative: The presentation of the Lord is a reminder of the beauty and duty of our consecration. We are consecrated to the Lord as offerings and we need to be committed to offering others also to God (Reflection 2) Focus: To offer oneself totally for one's own good is good but not great or out of the way. But to offer oneself for others' good is great and noble   1.      Today we celebrate the festivity of the presentation of the Lord in the temple. This is clearly symbolic and indicative of the nature and purpose of Jesus' life and mission. His human earthly life is an offering of the Father to humanity and for humanity for their salvation and redemption. 2.       Thus his life is sacrificial and his mission is redemptive. The ritual presentation of the Lord symbolizes his actual presentation by his death and resurrection. What a destiny and mystery! He came to die, but it is not to remain under the shackles of death to disappear completely. It is only to rise gloriously and thus make us live again. 3.       In his presentation is seen in one scene the whole story of his life and the culmination of it. In his presentation, we witness a totally different God, not a God who waits and appeases himself through various presentations and offerings by humans but a God who offers his own self. He does not offer merely some gifts and boons but offers his most precious Son. 4.       Thereby God reveals and reminds us of His very nature and of the nature of true love and also of the essence of salvation. Our God is a self-offering God; true love is self-offering and salvation consists in self-offering for others. 5.       Jesus' presentation in the temple is not merely a ritual fulfilment, not merely a chronological event in the history of his life, and not merely a part of his natural human growth. It is already an integral part of the redemptive process. 6.       His presentation is also a representation and invitation for our own presentation. Just as he is presented by the Father through his parents for the whole of humanity, so too we must present and offer ourselves to God for the sake of others. 7.       It is only in self-giving and surrendering that we obtain our salvation. And it is only in this life of offering that we fulfil our mission of salvation of others. 8.       As long as we refuse to offer and surrender ourselves to God and for the good of others, our life will have no meaning and no destiny. All the forces of self-centeredness, self-closure, defiance, and unreined freedom are clear contradictions to the very essence of our life and mission!   Direction: Undue self-clinging and self-indulgence, losing sight of surrender to God, and commitment to others' good are self-destructive!   03 FEBRUARY 2024: 1 KINGS 3. 4-13; MARK 6. 30-34   Focus: Sensitivity leading to Compassion! Indicative: Perhaps the greatest defect of today’s world is the lack of wisdom. While it is so frantically seeking riches and honour, it is so badly devoid of the inner power to discern between good and evil   1.      King Solomon was really wise to ask God for wisdom in preference to riches, honour, long life, and victory over enemies. He knew that for a leader, an understanding and wise mind to discern between good and evil is crucial for good governance. Nothing else can really match and replace wisdom. 2.       God was so pleased with the wise supplication of Solomon and he grants him incomparable wisdom. Along with it, he also grants him riches and honour. However, such a gift of wisdom will abide only when one is faithful to God. 3.       For the Bible says clearly, “Fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. Thus, as long as Solomon was walking before the Lord like his father in faithfulness, in righteousness, and in uprightness of heart toward God, he reigned in wisdom. But when he began to waver in his fidelity to the true God, his wisdom also began to wane. 4.       In the NT, a leader is presented more in terms of a shepherd. Jesus himself presents himself as a good shepherd. He also expects his leaders over his people to be true shepherds. In the gospel, Jesus feels compassion for the people. 5.       This certainly shows the very nature of God as compassionate. He feels concerned for us. He senses our needs. He feels deeply moved by our plight. 6.       But apart from God’s nature of compassion, the reason for his compassion is a note to reflect upon. He feels compassion for the people because they are like sheep without a shepherd. This speaks both of the sheep and the shepherds as well. 7.       The sheep are directionless and deviant, either because there is no true shepherd to follow or because they do not follow the true shepherd. The shepherds too are culpable because they do not shepherd their sheep. 8.       The shepherds fail to be good shepherds because they lack the essential trait of wisdom. They lack that understanding and wise mind to discern between good and evil. They are more worried about riches, honour, long life, and success over their rivals, rather than wise governance. They substitute wisdom with the things of the world.   Imperative: The gospel notes that the disciples had no leisure even to eat. In the light of this, what many of the present shepherds lack is that ceaseless and relentless commitment to God’s work. Shepherds who do not love and lead their sheep; and sheep who do not follow their shepherds!   (Reflection 2) Focus: In life, the priced things are not so many possessions and positions, but wisdom, integrity, compassion, and dedication   1.      In the gospel, once again we see the deep compassion of Jesus towards his disciples and the people. He does not bother about himself but thinks of the tiredness and hunger of his disciples and the need for food and relaxation. 2.      He is concerned about the lack of guidance and of inner sustenance of the people, and their need to quench their spiritual hunger. That's why he teaches them, boosts up, and elevates their spirits. 3.      One concern that is impelling and challenging is the situation of “sheep without a shepherd”. What a profound and realistic observation and evaluation of Jesus on the people of his time! Our times are no different from those. 4.      Truly, many people today are like sheep without shepherds. It is true that many are without direction and due care. Many are like sheep without proper guidance and sufficient nourishment, be it spiritual, psychological, or moral. They need good shepherds. 5.      In fact, strictly speaking, there is only one supreme shepherd and that is Jesus. And all those who are entrusted with the task of shepherding the sheep, are actually the herdsmen, the caretakers. Today, a serious reflection and self-check must be on the quality of these herdsmen. 6.      Their main failure in their shepherding is not following the sole shepherd Jesus. These herdsmen ought to keep watch over the souls. They need to be conscious that one day they must give account. They must do their duty joyfully, and not reluctantly or sadly. 7.      And all, both the sheep and the shepherds must have a clear conscience. Their desire must be to act honourably in all things. The constant striving must be to equip themselves with everything good, so as to do his will, and whatever is pleasing in his sight.   Direction: Passion for God and compassion for others should always make our life tireless and our mission relentless. If we bother about God's work and others' good, God will bother about what we need.  

IV SUNDAY OF THE YEAR B 24

IV SUNDAY, 28 JANUARY 2024, DEUT 18. 15-20; 1 COR 7. 32-35; Mk 1. 21a-28   Focus: An Authority that empowers and not overpowers! Indicative: When God’s power fills a person, he speaks and acts with an authority which no human authority can give, because it is a power that is from above and beyond the merely human   1.      Jesus preaches the gospel and does miracles. Perhaps, there may be some others also who preach and perform miracles. But, the difference of Jesus is his tone of authority, unlike the Pharisees and scribes. 2.      People are easily struck by this difference. But, what is this authority? Where does it come from? Jesus had no office or position, and thus no official or juridical power and authority. But he had a tremendous spiritual authority and a moral authority. 3.      It is an authority that is rooted in his communion with the Father. In the words of the first reading from Deuteronomy, it is the authority that comes from those words which are directly put in his mouth by God Himself. 4.      And in tune with the second reading from the 1 Corinthians, it is the authority that comes from being free from anxieties. It is the authority that comes from being anxious about the affairs of the Lord, and how to please the Lord. 5.      It is the authority that springs from an undivided devotion to the Lord. This is the profound spiritual authority, rooted in God. It is also an authority that testifies itself in a sound character and conduct. 6.      It is this authority that gives his teaching conviction and clarity, and gives his acting the power of healing. It is the power of God that is seen in holiness and goodness, in spirituality and integrity, in faith and charity, in devotion and dedication. 7.      It is the power that challenges and expels evil powers. It is the power that directly appeals to the heart, stirs up the interior and transforms a person. It is the real integral authority that embraces in one stretch both God and humanity. Precisely it is this power and authority that was lacking in the Pharisees and scribes, but was abounding in Jesus. Hence the difference! 8.      It is this spiritual and moral authority which is badly needed today for every follower of Christ. Sadly, often, power and authority corrupt persons, make them arrogant and lord over others and become doorsteps for unhealthy and unholy power politics. 9.      Authority is used as a tool to woo or intimidate others, and also as a bait and magic rod to establish and propagate oneself, rather than God and His reign. Those in authority must make sure that their role is not a power-wielding tool, but a grace-building channel. 10.  But, a follower of Christ should be a deeply spiritual and moral person. Spiritual and moral authority is much more important than mere juridical authority.   Imperative: A person who clings to and exercises only legal authority, but is devoid of spiritual and moral authority will be nothing but shallow and less effective   (Reflection 2) Punch Line: Authority: Not subjugation but Submission! Guideline: In a time of degenerating authority, we need to rediscover and recapture the right spirit of authority and learn to exercise the same type 1.      It is not a sweeping judgment to say that today authority is getting corrupted. It is becoming synonymous with manipulation, discrimination, and domination. The real spirit of authority which is nobility and dignity of character is corroding. The real purpose of authority which is service and benefit of others is sidelined. 2.       It is in this context the word of God is resurging the true authority. True authority is to be seen in terms of spiritual tenacity, moral credibility, and authenticity of life. 3.       In the gospel, Jesus had this true authority. It was an authority with a difference. People of Jesus’ time marvelled at his teaching because he taught with authority. It was a teaching that was straight and direct. It was not teaching that was rhetoric but authentic. It was not teaching seeking to impress others about himself but impress God’s message and word on their hearts. 4.       From where does this authority come? It was an authority rooted in God in a deep spirituality, lived in a life of integrity, based on virtue and value, and shown concretely in benevolence through acts of healing and kindness. 5.       Jesus was totally united with his Father, spiritually vibrant. He was integral and credible. He was so authentic without any trace of duplicity. This was his real authority and not merely the divine power to work some miracles. This was the authority that made him different and distinct from others in authority. 6.       In other words, Jesus’ authority was an authority that was characterized by humility, obedience to God’s will, and solidarity with others. Any authority that is arrogant, does not obey God’s will, and fails to be concerned and solidary with others, is not a godly authority. 7.       Jesus’ authority was thus holistic, both in words and deeds. That is why he could teach and preach powerfully and also could heal and exorcise authoritatively. This type of authority is a serious warning and challenge to those in authority in our present times. 8.       How sadly the authority of today is mostly devoid of spirituality, morality, and authenticity! How many today turn their authority into a tool for self-projection, self-promotion, and self-glory? How much does authority degenerate into a means for subjugating and overpowering others? 9.       Today each one must check upon the quality and direction of our authority. Everyone, in their own way, be it in family, company, or community exercises some kind of authority. But the question is, is it a spiritual, integral, and benevolent authority?   Life Line: Unless the present authority regains that lost touch of spiritual fervour and moral authenticity, it will not be powerful enough to demolish evil and establish good

III week days mass reflection of the year 24

22 - 27 JANUARY 2024, HOLY MASS REFLECTIONS 22 JANUARY 2024: 2 SAMUEL 5. 1-7, 10; MARK 3. 22-30 Focus: Power that empowers! Indicative: The true power lies not in domineering others but in shepherding them, in surrender to the Lord   1.      We live in a power-hungry world where power and authority are almost identified with domination and manipulation. In such a context, David in the first reading and Jesus in the gospel, show us what is true power. It comes only from God, from His abiding presence and guidance. 2.       Power and authority are meant to shepherd those entrusted to one's care. True power never sides with evil and never compromises with evil forces. It always combats the evil and surpasses and binds the evil one who is strong. 3.       Working for unity and for good in consistency and commitment was the hallmark of all of them. In fact, this is the essential trait of any good and godly person. In contrast, any trace of division and inconsistency in doing good are clearly the clearest signs of the evil one. 4.       That is why when the scribes blame Jesus that he was casting out demons with the help of Beelzebul, the prince of demons, he challenges them. He contests: “How can Satan cast out Satan… if Satan has risen up against himself and is divided, he cannot stand”. Jesus casts out demons not because he is working in cooperation with him but because he is stronger than Satan. He binds Satan, the strong one. 5.       Therefore the greater strength of the men of God comes only from the power of God. It is the power of the Holy Spirit. Anything that is good is “spiritual” power and not demoniac. In this sense, it would be really sinful if one does not recognize the action of the Spirit. And in that sense, it is really blasphemy to attribute the divine power to the help of the evil spirit. 6.       In this context, we all must be very cautious and judicious lest we also fall into the sin of ‘wrong attribution’ and ‘falsification’ of what is good and godly. Often our self-righteousness, our arrogance, our power-mongering, prejudices, and jealousies lead us into the sin of slander and calumny. This is nothing but a disguised “blasphemy”!   Direction: A power that divides and rules, a power that plunders the belongings of the house and destroys the order and integrity of life, is certainly evil and is the work of the evil spirit.   (Reflection 2) Pivot: Blind to good! Pointer: God is ever ready and eager to heal us and make us whole. What is needed is openness to His action and submission to His healing touch 1.      “He is possessed by Beelzebul, the prince of demons, and casts out demons”. This was the accusation of the Pharisees against Jesus as he was healing the possessed men. This shows their prejudice, narrow-mindedness, and jealousy. Consequently, they take away the value of healing. They twist reality. They even misinterpret it as the work of the devil. 2.      They stand before us as examples of people who are easily driven by human prejudices but do not realise the gravity of the evil consequences. They want to spit out their venom on Jesus out of jealousy and self-righteousness. They resent him and accuse him. 3.      But the pity is they do not realise that in this process of opposing and blaming Jesus, they are putting themselves against God Himself. In denying Jesus’ holiness and divine power, they would deny God’s own power and mercy. They deny that Jesus is the highest high priest. God designed him as the one to establish a new covenant with his own blood once and for all. 4.      This is what Jesus warns them of. In their haste to denounce Jesus, they fall into the sin of blasphemy. The irony is they commit the very same sin of which they accuse Jesus often. Often we may be taking away the credit due to God Himself in our evil-mindedness to take away the credit due to others. Orientation: We must be very careful that our individual differences and prejudices do not make us blind to the working of God’s grace 23 JANUARY: 2 SAMUEL 6.12b-15, 17-19; MARK 3. 31-35 Pivot: Rise beyond! Pointer: All of us belong to one God and one family of God. What is required is a constant awareness of this oneness of God’s family 1.       “Who are my mother and my brothers?” “Whoever does the will of God is my brother and sister and brother”. Thereby, Jesus makes his priorities clear. Belonging to God is higher and more important than belonging to the human group. 2.       Spiritual family is higher and more important than natural family. Doing God’s will is higher and more important than mere formal duties. 3.      Thus, Jesus does not allow himself to be confined or conditioned by natural affinities. Jesus owns up his mother and his sisters and brothers, not by blood relationship, but only by adhering to God's will. 4.      This is a crucial challenge and urgent exigency. Sadly, we are living in a society that is fragmented by various divisive factors like caste, region, religion, language, culture, rite, et cetera. 5.      Subsequently, nepotism, favouritism, and communalism are rupturing the sense of unity. These secondary affinities are overriding and even substitute the core identity of one family of God’s children and brothers and sisters. Consequently, a good number live and promote these affinities and their interests and agendas, detriment to the larger concerns and growth. 6.      In fact, these are very limiting and narrow demarcations. These are signs and effects of a narrow mind and narrow inner space. They fail to recognise that the Relationship with Christ is not a matter of lineage or blood, but of heart, inner space and commitment 7.      Unfortunately, these narrow factors do not exempt the spiritual domain as well. Those who belong to Christ are not merely those who are baptized, or those who bear the Christian name, or are members of the Church, or remain close to the Church, or do actively some religious activities. 8.      The only criterion and way to belong to Christ, to be owned by Christ, and to become his family is to do God's will.   Orientation: Every division and disunity is a sign of inner narrowness. Therefore, let us enlarge our hearts and foster the spirit of a spiritual and fraternal family (Reflection 2) Thrust: A family bond beyond bounds! Indicative: When higher things come, lower things must concede to take a secondary place. When a new family ushers in, the natural family boundaries must be submerged 1.         “Who is my mother, and who are my brothers?” “Whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother”. Here is a clear call for a “new family”, a new way of belonging to God and one another. 2.         Our allegiance to God is not on the basis of our religious allegiances, titles, positions or traditions. The only criterion for belonging to God and for being His family is “doing God’s will”. What does this imply? 3.         Doing God’s will signifies in the first place understanding and experiencing God in His benevolent ways. This leads to deep humility and repentance. This will make us closely related to Him. This shall make us delight in doing His will. Finally, it will also make us resemble Him. 4.         Therefore, to do God’s will essentially implies experiencing Him, relating with Him, becoming like Him, and seeking to do what pleases Him. I cannot claim to belong to Him and do His will without humble repentance, a personal experience, an intimate relationship, a resemblance to Him, and a commitment to do His will. 5.         This is the only ground and the only means that makes us one spiritual and fraternal family. This means that we can become this new family of God only when we do His will. Conversely, this means that whenever we fail in doing God’s will, we fail in being His family. This also means that whenever we fail in being a family of God, we are failing in doing His will. 6.         This is also the test that testifies to our belonging to God and love for Him. All our divisions and discriminations in the name of different affinities like caste, creed, region, language, culture, rite, et cetera are counter-witnessing and counter-productive.   Imperative: Fostering a profound sense of one Family of God’s children and brothers and sisters to one another is the best antidote to our divided and divisive culture to regain our lost spirituality and fraternity 24 JANUARY 2024: 2 SAM 7. 4-17; MARK 4.1-20, SAINT FRANCIS DE SALES Focus: Soil that is fertile! Indicative: Human conditions and situations may be divergent, but disposition should be positive and receptive. Only then, life will be abundantly productive   1.      God's grace is constant and abundant. This grace is beyond all the differences and difficulties of human living situations. It has no discriminations. The seed of God's grace is offered to all the four kinds of soil in the gospel. 2.      But the extent of their receptivity and the way and durability of the care and growth of the seed make the difference in the extent of the production and the product. 3.      There is no use in blaming God's grace or the situations. In fact, these four soil- categories are not exclusive and water-tight compartments. These four types of tendencies and receptivity surround us all in varying degrees. 4.      There is a total indifference and lack of openness represented by the wayside soil. There is a lack of stability and depth represented by the rocky soil. There is a lack of resistance and perseverance amidst the dominance of the evil represented by the bushy soil. And there is the total receptivity and fecundity represented by the fertile soil. It is left to us how to respond to God's grace. 5.      Most people are not productive, because they are not receptive and active toward God’s action. Rightly, they are like those described by Jesus in the gospel: They see but do not perceive; they hear, but do not understand. They are so closed and unreceptive. They fail to turn again and to receive God’s forgiveness. 6.      In this context, St Francis de Sales whom we commemorate today stands before us as a glowing example of the fertile soil that is superabundant. He was totally receptive to and cooperative with God’s grace and so he bore abundant fruits of the Spirit.   Imperative: Productivity and abundance of fruit is not a by chance matter, but a matter of choice to be receptive and diligent to produce.   (Reflection 2)   Focus: The fruitfulness of life is all a matter of receptivity and productivity, in terms of a conducive disposition and active cultivation and actualization   1.      Life is meaningful when it is truly fruitful. Many live meaninglessly because they fail to live that meaning and worth of life in bearing fruits. Real fruitfulness is a matter of spiritual fecundity. The parable of the Sower in the gospel discusses this issue of fruitfulness. Many fail to be fruit-bearing. What is the problem and what is the reason? The parable gives us the answer and thus the direction as well. 2.      The problem of not bearing fruit is not of the seed. The seed is God’s Word, His grace, His gifts, His blessings. The seed is always the best, powerful and fecund. God never lacks in providing the good seed of His Word and His grace, gifts and blessings. 3.      Lord, the Eternal Sower continues to sow the seeds in all of us. He never fails us in His care and never fails us in providing the required conditions and graces for our growth and productivity. This is what is affirmed in Isaiah: Is. 55.10-11: His word is like rain which does not return to Him without effect. The grace of God always rains upon us. Rain descends on earth, irrigates it, nourishes it and makes life sprout up 4.      So, if the seed is excellent, if God’s grace is incessant and powerful, then why often not much effect is seen, and not much fruit is produced? It is because the growth and fruition of the seed depend upon the nature and quality of the soil that receives and nurtures the seed. 5.      Now, there are four types of soil which receive the same seeds. The extent of bearing fruits depends on the type of the soil, in terms of its disposition of being conducive, receptive and thus productive. 6.      What kind of soil are we?: Are we like the first soil of the road that has no permanence and stability, even to receive the seed, where absolutely there is no abiding, no retaining of the word, where the word does not even make an entry into the heart, where there is no taking root at all? 7.      Are we like the second soil, the rocky, that lacks the rootedness and depth, where the word finds no deep root, where the receptivity is shallow and peripheral, where the seed gets scorched by any little heat? 8.      Are we like the third soil, the thorny, that lacks the will to resist and persevere against the odd forces that choke and suffocate the growth, and thus easily succumbs to the deviated and distorted influences, where there are many worldly preoccupations and allurements, where the growth is choked by earthly inclinations and interests, and thereby no productivity? 9.      Or, are we like the last soil that is fertile, receptive and responsive, responsible and productive? 10.  Thus, ultimately, fruitfulness is a matter of one’s total receptivity to the seed of God’s Word and abundant productivity in fruits of good character and actions. Fruitfulness requires a docility that is humble and prompt (unlike the roadside soil), a depth that remains rooted and firm in God (unlike the rocky ground), a resistance and perseverance to grow amidst bushes and thorns (unlike the thorny soil), and an assiduity to cultivate and produce abundant harvest (like the fertile soil). There is not much use to extol the greatness of God’s Word which is the seed. It is more useful to examine and improve the quality of the soil of our hearts and life. 11.  Let us then do a sincere self-check concerning God’s grace: Whether we are responding promptly, listening attentively, attending seriously, preserving profoundly, caring assiduously, preparing the soil wisely, cooperating wholeheartedly, and acting positively. In other words, removing all those factors that block and promote those conditions that lead to fecundity   Direction: The problem of productivity precisely is a concern of sensitivity, openness, listening, seeing, feeling and acting. Let us be abundant in fruits and not merely in seeds of good desires, intentions, and words   25 JANUARY 2024: ACTS 22. 3-16; MARK 16. 15-18, CONVERSION OF ST PAUL Focus: Faith is essentially Conversion! Indicative: The real test and proof of faith is conversion. Conversion is not merely a matter of more knowledge of beliefs and traditions, or more ability to preach the Word and organize spiritual activities. Conversion is essentially a change of heart and way of life 1.      Today on 25th January we celebrate the conversion of Paul. His conversion narrative is so dramatic and the details are very suggestive. He was on his way to Damascus with a destructive plan to persecute and terminate the followers of Christ. 2.       But on the way, he encounters Jesus. Great light from heaven shone around him. He falls to the ground. He hears the voice of Jesus himself. Jesus confronts him, “Why are you persecuting me?” He loses his sight. He is led to Damascus, to a devout Ananias. He restores sight to Paul and discloses to him God’s plan for him. He confirms him in his new mission of bearing witness to the Lord. 3.       The conversion of Paul is a great eye-opener for all of us regarding our own unconverted lives. Bearing the name of a Christian, having the label or garb of a disciple of Christ, believing some doctrines, following some traditions, and performing some religious activities are good but not enough. These are not guarantees of conversion. 4.       Real conversion must touch the heart and change the way of life. One greatest sign of conversion is the realization that failure in fraternity is a failure in faith: Any act of persecuting and harming others is persecuting the Lord himself and obstructing his way. There is no use of great evangelization or even working great miracles if we lack fraternity and charity. 5.       Conversion also implies openness to encounter the great light from heaven, to realize and dispel our own shades of darkness, and to receive new sight. How many of us allow God’s light to shine upon us? How many realize that we are still walking in the dark? How many are ready to receive constantly the new light of a renewed purpose, a renewed way, a renewed loyalty, a renewed commitment? 6.       Paul’s conversion was the greatest turning point from being a persecutor to being persecuted, from a blind hater to a passionate lover of Christ, from slavery to wrong ideology to loyalty to deep spirituality. How many are really ready to suffer something for God and others? 7.       How absurd it is that many claim to love and serve God while they hate others and God’s ways? How many adamantly and arrogantly stick to their own wrong ways and self-interests and become disloyal to the directives of a genuine spirituality?   Imperative: Paul’s conversion is a great sample of true conversion. True conversion is nothing but passion for God and for the good of others. This passion is rooted in unswerving love for Jesus and undaunted commitment to his mission (Reflection 2) Pivot: Struck and about-turn! Pointer: God’s grace and mercy have no boundaries. They can touch and convert anyone at any time. It requires humble receptivity and cooperation 1.      Today, we celebrate Paul’s conversion. His conversion is one of the world’s greatest testimonies to God’s wondrous and unpredictable ways. As the angel attested to Mary at the annunciation, “Nothing is impossible for God”. 2.      By grace, a virgin conceives like Mary. By grace, old women bear a son like Sarah and Elizabeth. Now by the same grace, a fierce hater and persecutor like Saul could become an intense lover and promoter of faith and God’s people. 3.      Therefore, we shall never apply conditions or impose restrictions on God’s grace and action. Never try to “domesticate” God. All the acts of fanaticism, communal violence and hate campaigns are vivid proofs of this “domestication” of God’s grace. It is religious arrogance. 4.      Every sort of persecution is equal to persecuting God Himself, as Jesus says to Saul, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?” This realisation should dawn on everyone, especially those who persecute others in the name of religion or fidelity to tradition and heritage. They mistakenly think and are wrongly convinced that they are pleasing God. In fact, they are only agonising and persecuting God. 5.      Paul’s conversion indicates that the guiding principle and norm of life must be not the persecution of others but the conversion of the self. What is important is not resisting God’s way and forcing others to follow wrong convictions. It is rather supporting and promoting God’s Way of salvation. 6.      Paul’s conversion is a roadmap for genuine conversion. The description of the conversion scene suggests some essential conditions of conversion: Light shone. He fell to the ground. He heard a voice from above. 7.      Jesus’ words, “Why are you persecuting me?” reveal the truth of God’s agony in the harm to others. Paul’s question, “What shall I do?” indicates his prompt willingness to change his way of life. 8.      Paul receives a new course of action: he gets up and goes to Damascus. There he meets the holy man Ananias who baptises him and restores sight. He follows what Ananias directs him to do. Ananias’ words to Paul also indicate what are the real ingredients and effects of conversion. They are to know God’s will, to hear the sound of his voice, and to be His witness before all. Orientation: Docility and openness to realise and change the way of life are essential for any conversion. Let us not adamantly adhere to false convictions and persecute God and others 26 JANUARY 2024: 2 TIMOTHY 1. 1-8; LUKE 10. 1-9, SAINTS TIMOTHY & TITUS   Focus: Faith that is aflame and fiery! Indicative: Faith is essentially fire and not ashes. Our faith must always burn us with the fire of love for God and set us in flames of zeal and benevolence toward others   1.      Today, lethargy and compromise are prevailing and reducing the quality of faith, benevolence, and dedication in all spheres of life. Consequently, we do not find many sincere efforts to grow in faith, to do good to others, and to be committed to the right things in life. 2.       Many are so shallow and thus easily waver in their faith. Many are so self-centred and self-interested and thus are indifferent and unkind. Many are so comfort-seeking and compromising and thus are non-committal to a value-life. 3.       It is in this context the Word of God of today, in commemoration of Saints Timothy and Titus is a clear illuminator and indicator for us to renew our lost spirits. Like Timothy and Titus, we are called to preserve and foster a sincere faith by constantly “fanning it into flame” and not allowing it to become tepid. 4.       We are to be people of power and not fear. Our operating principles are love and self-control. The sole purpose and aim is to bear testimony to the Lord. For this, we need to be ready to share in suffering for the sake of the gospel. 5.       It is because we share in the mission of the Lord himself and it is very challenging. We will be like “lambs among the wolves”. Besides, the mission is vast but the missioners are few, as Jesus says, “Harvest is plentiful but the labourers are few”. 6.       It is a mission of spreading the kingdom of God where God’s love, peace, and justice reign. We are called to be lovers and promoters of peace and not division and aggression. We need to give a healing touch to a world that is sick in different ways and forms. Certain stability and consistency is also required as Jesus says, “Remain in the same house… do not go from house to house”. 7.       There is also a sense of “urgency” of the mission. It means that we must be always on wheels, always plunged into action. There is no time to waste, and one cannot procrastinate. Time is short and precious and we cannot afford to lose it in unnecessary niceties and secondary things, as Jesus says, “Greet no one on the road”. 8.       In carrying out such a challenging mission, we must shun every tendency to excessively depend on our own human resources like talent and competence or on worldly securities and guarantees like money, power, and position. 9.       That is why Jesus warns us, “Carry no money bag, no knapsack, no sandals”. It is not that we do not make use of the available resources or equipment. The point is that our greatest resource and equipment is God’s power that sustains, guides, and strengthens us in our mission journey.   Imperative: The followers of the Lord would do well in their mission if they did not cling too much to worldly securities and autonomies. While these can be handy and complementing, nothing of these must be substituted for the power of God   (Reflection 2)    Pivot: Charged for mission! Pointer: God chooses us and anoints us with His Spirit, trains us at His feet and in His company, and commissions us with His own mission. He needs us to continue His mission. And we need Him to be able to continue 1.      We commemorate today Saints Timothy and Titus. In the first reading, we get an imitable example of faith and mission. Timothy inherited from his grandmother and mother a sincere faith and nurtured it. 2.      He stirred into flame the gift of faith. He was not ashamed of his faith but considered it a dignity and privilege. He was not timid but courageous. With the strength that comes from the gospel, he bore the hardships perseveringly. Thus he bore testimony to the Lord. 3.      We are also called to constantly nurture and stir into flame the gift of faith that we have gratuitously received from God. We too are called to bear testimony to the Lord through our life and mission. 4.      Now our mission is exactly the same as that of the disciples and Timothy and Titus. The gospel presents us with some of the mission components. It is an enormous mission: “The harvest is plenty but the labourers are few”.We need to be responsible and diligent labourers. 5.      We need to be conscious of the grave challenge of being lambs among wolves. Thus, we must be prepared for opposition and endangerment. We must cultivate the spirit of detachment, not depending on “money or sack or sandals”. It is a call not to rely on worldly securities and guarantees. 6.      Further,   it is a peace mission, spreading peace and harmony wherever we go. It is a healing mission of curing the sick. It is ultimately a kingdom mission, constantly striving to take the people closer to God’s kingdom of love, justice, and dignity.   Orientation: Our greatest mission is to bring the Kingdom of God nearer to the people, and to make the values of the kingdom a reality. In other words, it is to bear witness to the gospel in power, love, and self-control   26 JANUARY 2024, REPUBLIC DAY 1.      26 January is a great historic moment and event in the history of India. It is the celebration of the Republic Day of India. While 15 August 1947 marks the independence day of India, after decades and decades of slavery under British colonialism, 26 January 1950 marks the making of the Constitution of India. 2.       Thereby India regains full sovereignty, the power for self-governance, and self-rule. Power and freedom mark the life and destiny of any nation. No external force or fear. The people of India have the freedom and the power to govern themselves, through electing their own representatives who serve them. People are not slaves or servants. They are the real masters. They are not mere beneficiaries, but the actual designers. 3.       On this joyful day of Republic, first of all, let us admire, appreciate and salute all those great leaders and noble souls, who were relentless and selfless, in sacrificing their own interests, and their careers, in toiling assiduously to attain the liberation, and steering the destiny of the nation, through a well-articulated and balanced Constitution. 4.       Secondly, deepen and develop a love and loyalty for the country. Sadly, there is a gripping indifference that chokes any positive action, and a lack of concern that obstructs any growth. We are invited once again today. 5.       It is to cultivate a spirit and culture of belonging to the motherland, social consciousness, and responsibility toward the well-being of the country, to participate and contribute actively to the various programs and activities that safeguard, and enhance the discipline and the progress of the nation. 6.       Further, we are also earnestly called to foster the spirit of unity, fraternity, and solidarity, among all the Indians, rising above all the external diversities like religion, region, language, culture, etc. We should be cautious and judicious, to guard against all forces and pressures of hostility, violence, and destruction. The spirit that should permeate and animates us is: “One nation, one vision, one striving!”   27 JANUARY 2024: 2 SAMUEL 12. 1-7, 10-17; MARK 4. 35-41   Focus: Defocus deviates! Indicative: When one loses self-focus, one loses self-awareness and self-renewal, and thus life itself becomes a loss.   1.      Focus is the key factor in any sphere of human life. The loss of focus leads to disastrous consequences. It makes one lose the sense of purpose and direction. It makes one distracted, deviated, and distorted. It makes one mediocre and uncommitted. It reduces drastically the quality and density of one’s performance and excellence. 2.       This is a double focus: Focus on self and focus on God. Self-focus is not self-interest or selfishness. Rather it is a concern to discover and groom the true self and perfect it. It is a constant striving to eliminate the layers of a false self and to brighten and rejuvenate the real self. In other words, self-focus is a journey of self-discovery and self-renewal. 3.       This self-focus was missing in David. He committed the sins of adultery and murder. But he was not self-conscious. Prophet Nathan tries to make David aware of his sin through a story. He narrates the story of a rich man with many flocks and a poor man with only one lamb. At the arrival of a guest, the rich man feasts with the only lamb of the poor man, instead of one from his many flocks. 4.       The rich man in the story clearly points to David in direct reference to his sin of taking Uriah’s wife despite his numerous women. The story was supposed to bring David self-focus and thus lead to repentance and self-rectification. But still, David failed in self-focus. Hence Nathan had to tell him explicitly, “You are the man!” 5.       In the gospel, we have the other aspect of the loss of focus, and that is the focus on the Lord. The disciples in the boat are attacked and frightened by a storm. In their panic, they lose their focus on the Lord. They find him asleep. They get annoyed that he is not bothered even in their perishing situation. 6.       This is clearly the loss of focus on the Lord. They fail to believe that as long as the Lord is present with them in the same boat, nothing can harm them because no power can overpower his power. Further, they fail to realize that he is ever concerned for them and that he would never allow any harm to befall them.     Imperative: If the loss of God-focus and self-focus is the cause for many evils in human life, leading to a lack of devotion and dedication, then the only remedy to arrest such a situation is to reawaken this double focus. Be focused on God and be focused on the true self!   (Reflection 2)   Pivot: Faith that is holistic! Pointer: As believers, we will certainly go through tests and trials like any others, and sometimes, even more. But the Lord is always with us to lead us through   1.      Today’s Word of God invites us to focus on faith. We are taught what is faith and what faith does in our life. First of all, faith is not a guarantor or insulator against all troubles and turmoils in life. We must remember that even the disciples, and even with Jesus on their boat, had to face a storm. 2.      This shows that even when we have faith, and even when Jesus is with us, God may allow difficulties, fears, and tensions to surround us. The first reading also reminds us that faith will not exempt even righteous persons like Abraham from trying times. 3.      However, true faith keeps us steadfast through tests and takes us to victory. Faith makes us obey in surrender. It keeps us assured. It empowers us to accomplish things that are humanly not normal. Finally, faith helps us to sail over the storms and to experience calm. 4.      Storms are natural and fear is also natural. Jesus rebuked the frightened disciples in the boat, with the question, “Why are you terrified? Do you not have faith?” The reason for his rebuke is not so much their fear but their lack of faith. 5.      This becomes clear in their rushing to Jesus, protesting, “Do you not care that we are perishing?” Humanly speaking, they must have been annoyed and displeased with Jesus. They were running for life in dread and he was peacefully and “carelessly” sleeping. They were in panic all around, and he was cool on a “cushion”. 6.      So the problem was not their fear of waking up Jesus or seeking his intervention. The issue was they lost sight of the unfailing care of Jesus. They forgot that he is the life-giver and life-saver. He came to give life and save life. But they stuck to the fear of death and perishing.   Orientation: In the face of difficulties and afflictions, our approach must be not to doubt God’s presence and care for us. Rather, let us confide in Him firmly and sail through life with enduring hope        

III SUNDAY OF THE YEAR B 24

III ORDINARY SUNDAY, 21 JANUARY 2024: JON 3. 1-5, 10; 1 COR7. 29-31; MARK 1. 14-20   Focus: Repent and Relive! Indicative: True faith is nothing but repentance and conversion on one hand, and love and loyalty to God on the other hand. This is truly belonging to the kingdom. This is the mission of Jesus, and our mission as well. 1. "Repentance"! This is the crux of today's word of God. This is the call of God, the urge of the prophets all through the history of salvation. This is the essential condition for obtaining God's grace, mercy and salvation. 2. This is the opening theme of Jesus' preaching ministry as well: “The time has come; the kingdom of God is at hand. Repent and believe the gospel” (Mk 1. 15). Jesus begins his public ministry with the call to “Repent”. 3. And there are several strong calls for repentance all through Jesus’ teachings: “Unless you repent, you will all perish” (Lk 13. 3, 5). “The men of Nineve shall rise up in the judgment with this generation, and shall condemn it; for they repented at the preaching of Jonah, and behold, a greater than Jonah is here” (Lk 11. 32). 4. “Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! For if the mighty works had been done in Tyre and Sidon, which have been done in you, they had a great while ago repented, sitting in sackcloth and ashes” (Lk 10. 13). “Take heed to yourselves. If your brother trespasses against you, rebuke him; and if he repents, forgive him. And if he trespasses against you seven times in a day, and seven times in a day turn again to you, saying, I repent, you shall forgive him” (Lk 17. 3-4). 5. The proclamation of the early church, especially Paul’s preaching would also include this call for repentance: “turn to God in repentance and have faith in our Lord Jesus” (Acts 20. 21). 6. Now, what is repentance? The basic sense, as the term is used, is “being sorry, or grieved” for something that has been done. Both the Hebrew term, naham, and the Greek term, metanoia, contain this sense of “feeling sorry” and “regretting”. 7. Certainly, a deep and strong feeling is good and needed. It is because such a sense and feeling makes the person realize and regret the wrongness of the action, and the gravity and consequence of it. 8. However, true repentance is not just that. A mere feeling sorry and grieving is not enough, because often such a feeling is peripheral, shallow, unstable, fluctuating, inconsistent and transient. 9. Besides, it is not a disturbing sense of remorse. Repentance is not a pressing or depressing sense of guilt. Guilt and remorse are negative, disturbing and pressing while true repentance is something positive: It is elevating, relieving and assuring. 10. True repentance is a deep anguish and pain, over a life of inadequacy, in offence and deviation, against God and others. It is a deep and consistent process. It is where one is stirred within, touched to the core, and struck with a deep anguish over one’s own sinfulness. And it is an about-turn of a whole way of living, in determination and dedication. 11.  Repentance opens up a radical change of life, both in spirit and in action. Thus true repentance is both affective and effective. A sincere repentance would mean a “change of mind, change of ways, change of life”. This concretely implies both “turning away from evil” and “turning to God” 12. Accordingly, we can understand these two aspects in the call to “repent and believe”. Seen in this integral sense, true repentance is integral to conversion, and leads to be concretely committed to a process of transformation. 13. Thus, it is very clear why the faith of many is so inadequate. It fails to change a person’s life, fails to touch his interior and transform his exterior. The whole reason is there is no depth and durability of repentance. Mostly, it is limited to some temporary moments of grieving and weeping. 14. On the other hand, true repentance leads to conversion, true conversion leads to deep faith in God, and that shows itself in a transformed life. This is what is implied in the change of one’s way of life: from being fishermen to becoming fishers of souls. 15. It is not only a new dignity which is the most beautiful effect of God’s call. It is also the concrete evidence of repentance, conversion and faith-filled and faithful life. One who experiences God’s touch, cannot but become an intimate, radical and committed follower of Christ fishing souls for God. This is in fact the spreading of the wings of the Kingdom of God. This is truly the kingdom at hand! Împerative: Depth of faith is not merely shedding buckets of tears in a passing emotional distress, and efficacy of prayer is not merely performing or organizing some spiritual activiti es. True faith is a converted life in spreading God’s reign.

Second week days mass reflection 24

15 - 20 JANUARY 2024, HOLY MASS REFLECTIONS 15 JANUARY 2024: 1 SAMUEL 15. 16-23; MARK 2. 18-22 Focus: Not hypocrisy but authenticity! Indicative: Obedience to God’s will is more important than all the best of the plans, undertakings, and accomplishments 1.      Presumption is a very strong force that often pressures us. Our intelligence, our competence, and our resourcefulness easily make us presumptuous. Consequently, we attach too much importance to our judgment and decisions and cling to them. 2.      This often leads us to bypass the will and the plans of God and to even go against them. This is the presumption that led King Saul to disobey God’s explicit command not to retain anything of the spoil of his victory against the enemies. 3.      But he disobeys the Lord’s voice by not destroying some of the best of the spoil. He defends his disobedient action saying that he preserved them in order to sacrifice to the Lord. This is a clear presumption that the Lord will be pleased with sacrifices and offerings. 4.      It is in this context Samuel makes it crystal clear to Saul that his presumption is wrong. For one cannot please God with mere offerings but only with an obedient heart. When there is no docile heart that obeys God’s will, all the other activities will be in vain. It is the offering of the heart that makes all the other offerings meaningful and pleasing to God. 5.      This was the same sin of presumption that misguided the Pharisees and scribes. They presumed that their mere observance of the laws and spiritual activities would appease God and bring them heaven. 6.      That is why they gave more importance to the rules and practices like fasting while they failed to grow closer to God. They fail to realize that the joy of the presence of the bridegroom is more important than the aloofness of fasting. They fail to realize that all our practices are ultimately meant to deepen our relationship with God. 7.      Offerings and sacrifices without a humble and renewed heart are like the “new patches” on the old cloth and “new wine” into the old wineskins. The external religious practices must go together with an obedient heart and a changed life. What is needed is “new cloth” and “new wineskins” for the new wine of God’s grace.   Imperative: God wants a thorough renewal of the entire life and not mere patchworks. Interior purity and exterior propriety must be blended together (Reflection 2) Thrust: No patchworks! Indicative: Our God is not one who is distant from us. He does not remain unconcerned. He does not abandon us when we suffer. He comes to our rescue. He fights evil on our behalf. He suffers for our sake 1.      Sin affects and infects us. It soils and weakens us. It diminishes our beauty and dignity. It reduces our energies and strength. It makes us sick and unwhole. Therefore, we need cleansing, healing, strengthening, and revitalising. 2.      But left to ourselves, we are not strong enough to confront and overcome evil. We need higher support and strength. And God, so sensitive and compassionate incarnates himself and suffers in our place. Unlike the other high priests, he offers no gifts and sacrifices for sins. He offers his own self. He does not offer them for his sake. He offers them for our sake. 3.      He became obedient to the extent of death so as to heal the wounds of our disobedience.  He made himself weak so as to strengthen us. He accepted to be imperfect so as to make us perfect. Such is the unbounded love and mercy of God. 4.      Therefore, we must crave for his presence. We must rejoice in his company. All our focus must be to experience his presence and grow in his intimacy. He is truly the bridegroom and we are his wedding guests. 5.      But there are times when we miss him. We do not recognise his presence. We do not nurture his closeness. It is in such times we must put in all our efforts to rekindle our lost love for him and regain the lost joy of his friendship. Religious practices like fasting, et cetera are meant for expressing our longing for him, and our anguish over missing him. 6.      Every spiritual activity must ultimately bring us closer to Jesus and express our love for him. They should not be pretensions or external patchwork. They should indicate genuine repentance for our sinfulness. They should spring from a humble and contrite heart. 7.      Often our religious activities do not touch and change our hearts and renew our life. It is a clear sign that what Jesus warned in the gospel is happening. That is, we are putting a new patch to the old cloth or pouring the new wine into old wineskins. 8.      The old garb and old wineskin of sin must be thrown away. We must put on the new garb of righteousness. We must pour the new wine of the grace of the Spirit into the renewed spirit. Imperative:  All our spiritual practices and religious works will lose their meaning and purpose if they fail to foster our love for the Lord and transform our life for the better 16 JANUARY 2024: 1 SAMUEL 16. 1-13; MARK 2. 23-28 Focus: Good is beyond laws! Indicative: Lack of depth and interiority often blur our perspective and vision; consequently we are deceived and misled by mere external factors and appearances   1.      Human thinking and reasoning are good and needed, but cannot supersede divine wisdom and will. Often despite the heights of intelligence and capacities, people go wrong in their perception, decisions, and actions. 2.       The reason is they do not get into the deep of their heart and the matter; they do not interiorize. They do not listen and adhere to the promptings of the Spirit. They remain stuck only to the external layers and fail to go beneath and beyond them. 3.       They think that they are using their reason and are reasonable. In fact, their reason is “clouded’. They are actually “prejudiced”. Consequently, they fail to see the reality in its depth. This is why many even though well-educated and highly placed, are easily carried away by external and peripheral factors like caste, region, religion, language, culture, et cetera. 4.       This is what differentiates God from humans. God states this clearly to Samuel, “the Lord sees not as man sees; man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart”. The context is Samuel choosing a king for Israel from the sons of Jesse. 5.       God cautions him not to be carried away by the externals like height and weight. Therein, God provides this corrective about His nature. God looks at the heart and so is not conditioned by the impressing external appearance of other sons of Jesse. Rather He looks at the heart of David. 6.       In the gospel too, this contrast is seen between Jesus’ perspective and that of the Pharisees regarding his disciples. Jesus looks at the simple hearts and the hunger of his disciples beyond their apparent breach of the Sabbath. 7.       But the Pharisees look at the disciples with a negative eye because of their spiritless practice of law. Jesus makes it clear that all the rules are under God’s reign and control, and no rule is above him. Besides, all the rules are to be benevolent, that is, for the good of humans.   Imperative: The simplest test of the good quality of any law and practice is whether it is in submission to God’s authority and whether it leads to the good of others   (Reflection 2) Thrust: All for good! Indicative: God is ever deeply concerned about us. He will never turn a deaf ear to pleas and problems. At the same time, He will also not take for granted our struggles and our sacrifices for His sake 1.      The disciples of Jesus pluck the grain and eat it on a Sabbath day. The Pharisees make a fuss about it and complain to Jesus that they are breaching the law. If we remember yesterday’s gospel passage, it is interesting to compare it with today’s. 2.      Yesterday. they blamed the disciple for not doing what is lawful (that is fasting). Today, they blame them for doing what is not lawful (working on Sabbath). This shows their evil nature. Right or wrong is not a matter for them. 3.      They are ever on the watch to catch Jesus on the wrong foot. They fail on different counts. First, picking the grains is not equal to reaping which is unlawful. Second, they fail to see the need and hunger of the disciples. 4.      Third, they are so negative-minded and prejudiced that they are quick and eager to find fault with Jesus and his disciples. Fourth, they fail to see the spiritual and moral authority of Jesus that surpasses any law. 5.      Jesus puts things clearly and in place. The good of the human person is far more important than all the laws. All the laws are ultimately aimed at the well-being of humans. Any law that does not lead to good is of no use. When people give more importance to the rules and fail to do good to others, their fidelity to the law will not count but their failure in charity will be culpable. 6.      Besides, God is the Lord of everything and no law and nothing is above him. One cannot put control and condition on God also. The Pharisees and scribes were foolish to put restrictions on the Master who controls and rules over everything. 7.      As the Master’s disciples, we are called to be clear of this priority of benevolence in our life. When we are committed to good, for sure we too will come across opposition from the modern Pharisees and scribes. We may be discouraged. We may feel it is a futile and lone battle. 8.      But we can be assured that “God is not unjust so as to overlook your good work and your love for his name in service”. We are also encouraged to continue to demonstrate the same eagerness. Imperative: At times, standing against the current, and the pressure of the false values will be very hard. But let us persevere in faith and patience because He who is faithful will “indeed bless you and multiply you”. 17 JANUARY 2024: 1 SAM 17. 32-33, 37, 40-51; MARK 3. 1-6   Focus: A withered life is a worthless life! Ì Indicative: Human strength and capacities can never overpower the all-surpassing power of God. For a while, they may appear to be overwhelming and overpowering, but their success and gain are short-lived and shallow   1.      Goliath, the huge and great Philistine warrior trusted in his own human capacities. But David, the inexperienced youth, totally trusted in God. That is why even the small staff and five stones from David's sling could kill the mighty opponent. Goliath depended on his sword and spear but David, on God's power. 2.       A heart that does not vibrate to the voice and grace of God, a heart that does not vibrate in sensitivity to the need of the other, a hand that does not extend itself to help the other, are truly withered. 3.       In the gospel, Jesus heals a man with a withered hand on a Sabbath day. As a result, the Pharisees and the scribes accuse Jesus of breaking the Sabbath law and begin to plot to kill him. This is truly absurd. They blame him because he did good. They want to kill him because he gave new life to the sick man. He receives only evil in return for his good. 4.       And this is the irony: the man with a withered hand was only physically sick. But the Pharisees and the scribes were physically healthy; still, actually, they were the really withered people. They had withered hands because they did not stretch forth to help others. 5.       They had withered hearts because they did not feel sensitive and concerned toward the needy and suffering. Thus, while the man with a withered hand got completely healed, the Pharisees and scribes who were healthy became sick and withered.   Imperative: We need not feel so happy that we are physically so healthy. It is important to check and see whether we are sick of mind, heart, and soul. Withered hearts and hands are more dreadful than a withered hand!   (Reflection 2) Thrust: Do not be shrunk! Indicative: Righteousness and peace have become mirages today. Peace is destroyed because righteousness is discarded 1.      Jesus, the Son of God, is a priest forever, according to the order of Melchizedek. He reigns righteously and brings about peace. The whole purpose of Jesus’ incarnation and life is to establish righteousness and peace. 2.      Preaching and healing are integral parts of his reign. They are not just two components of his mission. They are effective signs and testimonies of his very identity and mission. But sadly, the Pharisees and scribes fail to see him from this integral perspective. 3.      They look at him from an earth-bound view and so block him every time. Their whole lookout was to accuse him of anything and everything. Today we have one such instance. They wait to see whether he would cure a man with a withered hand on a Sabbath day. 4.      Jesus does not “disappoint” them. No fear, no other force would deter him from doing good. Jesus cures the man with the withered hand. He boldly challenges their wickedness with a crucial question: What is lawful on a Sabbath day – do good or evil, save life or destroy it? 5.      In fact, one could break the Sabbath rule when life is in danger. And as for them, there was no mighty hurry for that man to be cured. He could wait. But for Jesus, every act of good is urgent and an emergency! 6.      Lamentable was the hardness of the Pharisees and scribes. The very healing that does good and saves life leads them to further hatred and plot to kill Jesus. Imperative: What an irony! Jesus does good but he meets evil. He saves life but he will be put to death. He follows the supreme law of love but he is condemned as the violator of the law. We need to heal our withered hearts! 18 JANUARY 2024: 1 SAM 18. 6-9, 19. 1-7; MARK 3. 7-12   Focus: Ever ready to touch and heal! Indicative: Jealousy is the blindness of the heart that closes the eyes to the good a person is or does; often the problem is not the absence of good but the absence of the ability to see the good present   1.      Jealousy is a great monster that devours so many. King Saul was no exception to it. He was specially chosen and anointed by God as the king of Israel. But jealousy grips him as David is more praised than him and leads him even to plan to kill David. 2.       He feels insulted and gets infuriated when the women singing of David’s victory over the Philistines acclaim, “Saul has struck down his thousands, and David his ten thousands”. He conveniently forgets the great risk that David undertook on his behalf. David risked his very life in fighting against Goliath. 3.       On the other hand, we find Jonathan, Saul's son who tries to mitigate and dissolve his father's evil intention. He symbolizes the opposite and antidote to jealousy and that is benevolence. It is this benevolence that constantly ignites Jesus. 4.       Thereby he sets himself on a relentless mission of healing and exorcism. The benevolence of Jesus knew no bounds, no blocks. The persistent opposition of the Pharisees and scribes could in no way discourage or decrease his fervour. Passion for God’s will and compassion for the struggles of others lead him on an unstoppable march of healing and restoration. 5.       Today as the followers of Christ, this is the same spirit that we must inherit and this is the same mission that we must carry on. It is the spirit of unconditioned benevolence. And it is the undaunted mission of liberation and integration. We too will confront numberless opposing forces and assaults. But we shall persevere!   Imperative: Hostility and problems may always confront us but nothing shall hinder us on our mission of benevolence.   (Reflection 2) Thrust: Hear and come! Indicative: Jesus is our highest high priest who sympathises with us, atones for our sins, and saves us. Those who approach him will surely be made clean without reproach 1.      Many claim today to be busy-bodies. They have too much to do. That may be true, though not all. Some pretend to be so. Some may be busy but not for the right things and with ulterior motives. For a good number, craving for cheap popularity and trying for self-glory are at peaks! 2.      We wonder whether they want to spread God’s name or theirs. That is why we see a flex and cut-out culture where their figure and power will overhaul Jesus and his power. Their so-called “testimonies” are at times disguises for boasting and ego-promotion. 3.      It is against self-seeking drive even in spiritual circles, we have Jesus. He was the busiest and the most perfect and powerful. But he never sought cheap popularity. In fact, many times he warns those healed not to make him known. 4.      Many hear about him and run to him. They press upon him to touch him so that they get cured. We can note two factors: positively, their eagerness to approach Jesus for healing. Negatively, their desire by and large for physical healing. 5.      Those people can pose some simple questions to us. Hearing about Jesus, they flock to him. But how many of us hear about the Lord but don’t bother to approach him? Do we long to touch him, to experience personally his healing touch? And are we bothered only about physical healing and worldly interests? Are we interested in inner healing? Imperative: Jesus was totally committed to an unceasing mission of healing and transformation. He urges us to be tirelessly committed to the same mission of inner healing and liberation 19 JANUARY 2024: 1SAM 24. 2-20; MARK 3. 13-19 Focus: Covenant, Built on fidelity! Indicative: Those who are on God's side are ever good and magnanimous and never intend evil for others. They resemble Him and continue His own mission of love   1.      What a magnanimity we see in David! Even though he knew that Saul was hunting to kill him, even though he knew that terminating Saul would make way for his easy access to the throne, even though he could in one single instant kill Saul, YET he abstains from killing him. Rather he shows so much reverence toward him and makes him realize that he is not an enemy or usurper. 2.       Saul himself confesses this in repentant words. He said to David, “You are more righteous than I, for you have repaid me with good, whereas I have repaid you evil … how you have dealt well with me, in that you did not kill me when the Lord put me into your hands. For if a man finds his enemy, will he let him go away safe?” 3.       That is why God raised David to heights. This magnanimity and fairness of dealing are the typical traits of a true disciple of Christ. In the gospel, we find Jesus choosing his twelve apostles, each by name. 4.       He personally calls each one by name to be with him and to be sent and set on his mission. We are not mere numbers or members of a crowd. Each one is significant and personal. In simple, every disciple puts on the same nature of his master and acts as the master would act. 5.       David was a true disciple of the real Master. God called us to be in intimacy with him and to do his work. Thus we become like him. We are not expected to work wonders or to create new domains. It is to enrobe ourselves with the same spirit and continue the same kingdom of love, justice, and peace.   Indicative: The more we are with the Lord, the more we will become like him. The more we are like him, the more we will make others like him and bring them to him  (Reflection 2) Thrust: A new covenant! Indicative: The old covenant is surpassed by the new covenant through the blood of Jesus Christ. God through His Son forgives our sins and establishes a new covenant   1.       We are the people of the new covenant. Jesus is the mediator and establisher of this new covenant. The newness of this covenant stands out due to a few key components: it is no longer written only on stone tablets. It is an interior inscription, written on hearts. 2.       It is a covenant of profound belonging where God owns us up wholly, attesting, “I will be their God and they shall be my people”. It is a covenant of forgiveness as God assures, “I will forgive their evildoing and remember their sins no more”. 3.       This new covenant becomes manifest and concrete in the life and mission of Jesus Christ, the incarnate Saviour. The faithful, the followers of Christ, and the Church are the new Israel, the new people of the new covenant. The twelve Apostles become the representatives of the twelve patriarchs of the twelve tribes of Israel. 4.       The church continues. The new covenant continues. Jesus symbolises and embodies this in calling the Twelve and forming the core body of the people of God. Thus, he calls them, names them, appoints them, commissions them, and empowers them. 5.       The purpose of this new covenant and mission is quite clear. It is twofold: to be with him as disciples and to be sent out as apostles. The mission too is specified. It is twofold: to preach and to drive out unclean spirits.   Imperative: We need to always bear in mind that the purpose of our call is twofold: to be with him and to be on his mission. Therefore, let us learn to be authentic disciples and effective apostles   20 JANUARY 2024: 2 SAM 1. 1-4, 11-12, 19, 23-27; MARK 3. 20-21, STS SEBASTIAN & FABIAN Focus: Different from the world! Indicative: Those who are humble, honest, and committed are certainly different from the world. The world misunderstands and misjudges them only according to its perspective and standards 1.      There is always a sharp contrast between the ways of God and the ways of the world. The ways of those who follow the Lord are not rightly understood or appreciated by those who follow the ways of the world. 2.       The reason is quite clear: Those who are on God’s side are in the light and truth. Their ways are just and fraternal. They are sincere and authentic. But those who are infected by the world are in the dark and falsity. They are unjust and uncharitable. They are dishonest and hypocritical. 3.       This difference causes a big distaste and resentment against those who are godly. In consequence, they are misjudged and even criticized and labelled to be “out of their senses”. They are considered to be foolish, not shrewd and prudent enough, not tactical and clever. They are thought to be unrealistic, mad, and crazy. 4.       These are different ways of self-defence and self-justification. The presence of sincerity pricks insincerity. The presence of altruism challenges egoism. The presence of patience and gentleness poses a question to anger and rudeness. The presence of authenticity exposes duplicity. 5.       Therefore, the only way is to put down those who are in the right and take away the credit for their virtue. This is what happens in the case of Jesus in the gospel. He was thought to be “out of mind” by his relatives. 6.       It was because he was not fitting into their judgment modes. He was so selfless and committed that he would not bother even about his meals. This is really madness according to worldly calculations. 7.       Similar is the case of David in the first reading. At the death of Saul, David mourns so much. He would not remember all the evil that Saul caused for him. Instead, he would exalt him. This is the way of the good-hearted and godly people. Sts Sebastian and Fabian too were men of God, in contrast to the world.   Imperative: Those who live “out of their heart” will certainly be regarded as “out of their mind”. It is because they are not led by mere senses or brains but by heart and spirit (Reflection 2) Thrust: Out of mind! Indicative: Following the way of the Lord may make us go “out of the way” of the world. Putting on the mind of Christ may label us as “out of mind”. But it is worth it! 1.      “He is out of mind”. The relatives of Jesus think that Jesus was out of his mind and forcefully take him home. The reasons are obvious. The crowds were enormous. There was no time even to eat. He was fully busy with the Father’s work, good to the people. So he was forgetful about himself. He did not seek his convenience, even the legitimate concern for food. 2.      We need not see any wrong intention or disrespect on the part of his relatives. Perhaps they were just concerned and worried about the health of their brother. They could not understand this craziness that was clearly out of the way. 3.      They just think, feel and act humanly. But they must realise that Jesus came on a definitive mission and the duration is prescribed and short. There is no time to waste or leisurely relax. Sense of urgency and fidelity to it is uppermost in his mind. In reference and preference to his fidelity to the mission, everything else will count as of no value. 4.      In fact, his mission is in perfect symphony with his very identity and God’s will, and the very purpose of his coming. He comes down as the perfect tabernacle enshrining the presence of the Holy God. 5.      As the unique high priest, he offers his very self and blood as an unblemished offering. Thereby he cleanses our defiled spirits, reconciles us to God, and restores the lost access and intimacy with him. Imperative: As his disciples, we must not be scared and must be prepared to be criticised and misinterpreted. It is better to be out of mind rather than to be “out of God’s mind”. It is better to be mad for God, rather than be mad without God