MAUNDY THURSDAY MASS INTRODUCTION 24

"Maundy Thursday Mass introduction Dear brothers and sisters in Christ, As we gather on this sacred Maundy Thursday, we embark upon the solemn journey of the Easter Triduum, the holiest time in the liturgical calendar of the Church. Today, we commemorate the beginning of this sacred period, during which we enter into the paschal mystery of Christ's passion, death, and resurrection. On this profound day, we are called to reflect deeply on the significance of the Last Supper, where Jesus, on the night before He suffered, instituted the sacrament of the Holy Eucharist and ordained His apostles as the first priests of the New Covenant. The events of this day hold immense importance in the life of every Christian and the Church as a whole. It is a day when we remember and participate in the saving work of Christ, who offered Himself as a perfect sacrifice for the redemption of humanity. At the Last Supper, Jesus demonstrated His boundless love for us by sharing a meal with His disciples and giving them His very self in the form of bread and wine, saying, 'Do this in remembrance of me.' In this act, He instituted the Holy Eucharist, the source and summit of our Christian life, wherein we encounter the real presence of Christ and are nourished by His body and blood. Furthermore, Jesus humbly washed the feet of His disciples, exemplifying the essence of priesthood and calling His followers to lives of service, humility, and self-sacrificial love. Therefore, as we gather for this holy Mass, let us enter into the mystery of the Eucharist and the priesthood with hearts full of reverence and gratitude. Let us pray earnestly for our priests, who continue to serve as instruments of Christ's love and mercy in the world, and let us recommit ourselves to lives of discipleship and service. "May this Maundy Thursday mark the beginning of a profound spiritual journey for each of us, as we journey with Christ through His passion and death, anticipating the joy of His resurrection on Easter Sunday. May we be strengthened by the grace of the Holy Spirit to live out the love and humility demonstrated by our Lord, and may we be guided by the example of the priesthood established on this holy day.

PALM SUNDAY OF THE YEAR B 24

24 MARCH 2024, PALM SUNDAY: ISAIAH 50. 4-7; PHIL 2. 6-11; MARK 14.1 – 15.47   Focus: The life of following Jesus is like a procession. In this procession, we need to see what our motives are, whether this procession is out of loyalty or out of ulterior motives   1.      Palm Sunday is one of the threesome of the Holy Week, which comprises Palm Sunday, Maundy Thursday, and Good Friday. Today Jesus solemnly enters Jerusalem, the city of destiny. There he would be tried, persecuted, and killed on the cross. But he would rise from death victoriously and gloriously. 2.       His entry into the earthly Jerusalem signifies his entry into the heavenly Jerusalem, the heaven. But that heavenly entry must be preceded by trial and death, the moments of the way of the cross and crucifixion. There is no glory without suffering. There is no resurrection without passion and crucifixion. 3.       The crowd on the Palm Sunday represents the whole of humanity. This comprises different categories and different mentalities of people. There are people sincere and insincere, well-motivated and ill-motivated, trusting and stable, unbelieving and unstable, loyal and disloyal, spiritual and unspiritual. 4.       The occasion is solemn entry into Jerusalem and the kingly procession. But the readings are passion or suffering readings that focus on the aspect of suffering. This also shows the nature of our God, the nature of our salvation. Our God is a God who suffers for our sake. And our salvation entails necessarily suffering. 5.       The crowd on Palm Sunday turns into a crowd on Good Friday within a very few days. This shows how shallow was their faith in Jesus and their life of faith. It was a crowd that was largely non-committal toward Jesus. They had no deep loyalty to Jesus. Their faith was not deep. Their relationship with Jesus was not intimate or personal. Their faith was mostly based on favours and miracles. It was superficial and peripheral. 6.       Shallowness leads to unsteadiness and then wickedness. Being not deep-rooted and not committed, they were so wavering in their response and behaviour. They were expectant of something worldly and spectacular from Jesus. They were excited over their wrong expectations about Jesus. When Jesus upsets their political ambitions and earthly interests, they become frustrated and wicked. Thus, Palm Sunday turns into Passion Sunday. Direction: Am I also so unstable in my loyalty to the Lord? Do I also easily change the party from good to evil? Do I also have the same tendency of betraying my Lord from “Hosanna! Hosanna!” to “Crucify him! Crucify him!”?   (Reflection 2)   1.      Often I am fascinated by the whole scene of Palm Sunday, called also Passion Sunday. Why? I see a vivid connection and parallel between Palm Sunday and Good Friday. In both scenes, there is a procession; there is excitement; there is enthusiasm; there is crowd; there is noise and commotion; there is Jesus the central figure; there is a big following and accompaniment. 2.       But there is also a vital difference: the mood is different; the ambience is different; the intentions are different; the presentation and the figure of Jesus are different; the type of slogans is different; the destination and the end of the procession is different. 3.       On Palm Sunday, it is a royal procession; it is a rather favourable crowd, with positive slogans; Jesus is honoured as a king, seated on a donkey; the way is streets of Jerusalem, with clothes spread along; the purpose is to install Jesus as king; and the destination is the temple of Jerusalem, the centre of the city. 4.       But on Good Friday, it is a “criminal” procession; it is a hostile crowd; with hateful slogans; Jesus is disgraced as a criminal, loaded with the cross; the way is the road to Mount Calvary, marked with dust, stones, and his blood; the purpose is to crucify Jesus as a blasphemer, as a rebel, as a heretic; the destination is Calvary, on the periphery of the city. 5.       What is very interesting and strange is, that it is the same crowd and that too within a span of just four days. The whole scene changes. The whole “passion for” Jesus on Palm Sunday, ends up in the “passion of” Jesus on Good Friday. 6.      Just to pick up some sudden contrast of details of scenes: palms in arms turn into arms to harm, into scourges; joyful cries of hosanna, hosanna turn into resentful shouts of ‘crucify him, crucify him’; donkey turns into a cross; king into a criminal; sentiment into resentment; felicitation into persecution; kingly crown into thorny crown; clothes of welcome and honour into stones and thistles of rejection; applause into abuse; smooth ride into bloody stumbling; coronation into crucifixion; glory into misery. 7.       It is here we need to focus, not so much on the exact and crude details of Jesus’ trial, cross, and suffering. Rather what are the leading factors, and why and how does he accept and bear all of that? It is the sharp contrast between the single and undivided nature, perspective, motive, and goal of Jesus, and the divided nature, divided and deviated perspectives, motives, and goals of the people. 8.       Jesus’ nature is divine and noble. His perspective is spiritual and noble. His motive is inner renewal and transformation. And his goal is heaven and kingdom. But the nature of the people is human and fragile. Their perspective is totally material and unworthy. Their motive is worldly gains and self-interest. Their goal is an earthly king and an earthly kingdom against the Roman empire. 9.       Thus there is a wide chasm between Jesus and the people. This leads them to such a shocking compromise, instability, infidelity, and defection, in contrast to Jesus’ conviction, stability, fidelity, and dedication, which really confront, challenge, and frustrate them. 10.       This is the right and apt time to do a little self-checkup concerning our own nature, perspectives, motives, and goals. How often do we fall to compromise, instability, infidelity, and defection, failing in conviction and commitment to the Lord? Are we not among and like those people, whenever we are easily carried away by our own weaknesses, material and unspiritual perspectives, self-centred interests and gains, and cheap and low goals? Imperative: Let us surely feel for the Lord who suffers so much by such disloyalty and betrayal. But let us also as much feel pain and repentance concerning our own selves, who hurt and torment him daily by our compromising attitudes, false values, ill character, and wrong-footed behaviour and actions.    

SOLEMNITY OF ST. JOSEPH, THE HUSBAND OF MARY

**Introduction:** The Solemnity of St. Joseph on March 19th is a momentous occasion in the liturgical calendar, inviting believers to reflect on the life and virtues of this remarkable saint. At the heart of St. Joseph's story lies his role as the husband of the Blessed Virgin Mary, a role that is often overshadowed but holds profound significance in Christian tradition. St. Joseph's life was one of quiet obedience and unwavering faithfulness to God's plan. As we explore his relationship with Mary, we uncover a treasure trove of virtues that serve as a guiding light for all believers, especially husbands and fathers. **Part 1: St. Joseph's Virtues:** St. Joseph's virtues are exemplified throughout the Gospels, revealing a man of humility, obedience, and love. When faced with the unexpected news of Mary's pregnancy, Joseph's initial reaction was one of confusion and concern. Yet, his humility allowed him to set aside his own doubts and fears, trusting in God's wisdom above all else. His obedience to the angel's message, despite the social and personal challenges it presented, demonstrates his deep faith and willingness to submit to God's will. In marrying Mary and accepting Jesus as his own son, Joseph embodies sacrificial love and selflessness, placing the needs of his family above his own desires. Through Joseph's example, we are reminded of the importance of humility in our own lives, surrendering our will to God's divine plan with trust and obedience. His unwavering commitment to Mary and Jesus serves as a model of virtuous living for believers of all ages. **Part 2: St. Joseph's Example for Husbands:** As husbands, we can learn much from St. Joseph's example of love and devotion to his wife, Mary. In an age where marriage is often portrayed as disposable or self-serving, Joseph's steadfast commitment to Mary stands as a beacon of fidelity and loyalty. He embraced his role as Mary's protector and provider, offering her unwavering support and care throughout their lives together. In times of uncertainty and danger, such as the flight into Egypt, Joseph remained by Mary's side, demonstrating his willingness to sacrifice everything for her well-being. St. Joseph's example challenges husbands to reevaluate their own priorities and attitudes towards marriage, recognizing it as a sacred bond to be cherished and nurtured. His humility and selflessness remind us that true love requires sacrifice and commitment, even in the face of adversity. **Part 3: St. Joseph's Role in God's Plan:** St. Joseph's significance extends beyond his role as Mary's husband to his integral part in God's plan for salvation. As the earthly guardian of Jesus, Joseph played a crucial role in protecting and providing for the Holy Family, ensuring the fulfillment of prophecy and the coming of the Messiah. His obedience to God's will, even when it meant stepping into the unknown, exemplifies the trust and faithfulness required of all believers. St. Joseph teaches us that God's plan often unfolds in unexpected ways, and it is our duty to embrace it with humility and trust. In honoring St. Joseph, we acknowledge his pivotal role in salvation history and the example he sets for all believers. May we strive to emulate his virtues of humility, obedience, and love in our own lives, trusting in God's providence and seeking to live lives of faithfulness and devotion. **Conclusion:** St. Joseph's life serves as a testament to the power of faith and the transformative impact of love. His example challenges us to reexamine our own lives and relationships, striving for greater humility, obedience, and selflessness in all that we do. As we celebrate the Solemnity of St. Joseph, let us invoke his intercession and guidance in our own lives, asking for the grace to follow his example of faithful service and unwavering devotion to God's will. May we, like St. Joseph, embrace our vocation with courage and humility, trusting in God's plan for our lives and the salvation of the world. Let us close with a prayer to St. Joseph, asking for his intercession and protection over our families and loved ones. St. Joseph, pray for us. Amen.

WOMEN'S DAY CELEBRATION IN THE SCHOOL

Ladies and gentlemen, Today, as we gather to celebrate International Women's Day, it is my honor to address you all, especially our esteemed women staff members who play a vital role in shaping the future of our school and our students. In every corner of our institution, we witness the dedication, resilience, and intelligence of our women educators, administrators, and support staff. They are not just pillars of our school; they are the guiding lights who inspire and empower generations to come. From the classrooms where knowledge is imparted to the corridors where compassion is shared, our women staff members exhibit remarkable strength and determination. They are not just teachers; they are mentors, role models, and nurturers, instilling values of empathy, equality, and excellence in our students. Today, as we celebrate the achievements and contributions of women around the world, let us take a moment to acknowledge the countless sacrifices and efforts made by our women staff members. Despite facing various challenges, they continue to break barriers, shatter stereotypes, and pave the way for a more inclusive and equitable society. As the principal of this institution, I am proud to lead a team that values diversity and recognizes the importance of gender equality. We firmly believe that by empowering our women staff members, we empower our entire school community to thrive and succeed. On this special day, let us reaffirm our commitment to creating a supportive and inclusive environment where every individual, regardless of gender, feels valued, respected, and empowered to reach their full potential. To all the incredible women staff members of our school, I extend my deepest gratitude and admiration. Your contributions make a difference every single day, and for that, we are immensely grateful. Together, let us continue to champion the rights and opportunities of women, not just today, but every day. Happy International Women's Day! Thank you. May God bless you dear empowering women of the society

IV week days of Lent 24

11 - 17 MARCH 2024, FOURTH WEEK, LENT: HOLY MASS REFLECTIONS 11 MARCH 2024: ISAIAH 65. 17-21; JOHN 4. 43-54   Focus: Faith never shrinks! Indicative: The essence and beauty of faith is to place one’s trust totally and unshakably in the Lord even amid hopeless and frustrating situations   1.      In life, there are certainly problems and suffering. No one is exempted from them. The kind and the degrees may differ but the fact remains. There are experiences of sicknesses, failures, losses, separations, and death. These are what we call the “boundary situations”. These often push us into disappointment, depression, emptiness, and hopelessness. 2.       It is in such moments, that our faith and hope in God come as the greatest rescue. The official in the gospel exemplifies such faith and hope. Even in such a hopeless situation of his son close to death, he confides in Jesus. Even when Jesus does not go personally to his house as he requested him but says only by word, “Go, your son will live”, he trusts in the power of Jesus’ word. 3.       True faith is trusting God not only when everything goes well. It is clinging to Him even when everything goes wrong. It is persisting to ask Him even when we don’t seem to receive. It is seeking Him even when He does not seem to be found. It is knocking at Him even when He does not seem to open. 4.       Thus, true faith is essentially hopeful. It hopes against hope. True faith believes in God’s unfailing love and mercy. It is convinced that God never fails in His promises and assurances. True faith hopes in the creation of “new heavens and a new earth” by God even amidst old and corrupted earth. 5.       Having faith does not mean that all the problems will disappear suddenly and magically. It is more a matter of a changed perspective. It is looking at things differently and confidently. It is facing adversities with reinforced strength and light. It is being able to remain calm even amidst a storm.   Imperative: Perhaps a true prayer can be, not so much for not having any problems; but rather for facing the situations as they come with trust, patience, and courage. If it is God’s will, we shall overcome them and eliminate them; if not, we shall forbear them   (Reflection 2)   Focus: Things may go wrong so hopelessly at times. But do not lose heart. Because, as long as God is with us, life can never be hopeless. So, let us firmly confide in Him.   What an assurance! What a consolation! What encouragement! What a rejuvenation of the drooping spirits! The words of God through the prophet Isaiah in the first reading are indeed springs of hope and courage. God promises: "I shall create new heavens and a new earth; no more cries will be heard; there will be all rejoicing and happiness; the old things will not be remembered". These words are intensely timely and comforting, especially in our own present times. We are in the fearful grip of various evil forces. Time and again, the world is being thrown into chaos, dread, and death! Good seems to be subdued! The whole rhythm and order of life are upset, and are taken away the beauty and worth of life! Yes, evil can be powerful and frightening, but God is more powerful and reassuring. He is a God who can work miracles, just with the power of the word even at a distance. This is what is testified in the gospel episode. Jesus heals and revives a royal official's son at death's bed. All that is needed is a deep faith like the faith of that official. He requests Jesus to come personally to his house and heal his dying son. He urges Jesus to come soon and urgently before he dies. But Jesus just says, “Go, your son will live”. Here is seen the utter faith of the official. He does not ask Jesus how. He does not argue with Jesus that his faith is sincere and he is not just looking for signs and wonders. He does not go on explaining to Jesus how deep his faith is. He does not even insist that Jesus should go personally with him. The master says ‘Go’. The healer assures that his son will live. That was enough for him. No more questions or doubts. Enough that we have faith like that official, and surely God is ever ready to remedy and heal even the worst situation.   Direction: As long as we still hope against hope, we will surely experience the power and intervention of God. What is needed is a faith that surrenders its misery to God   12 MARCH 2024: EZEK 47. 1-9, 12; JOHN 5. 1-19   Focus: Waters stir up! Indicative: When we allow God’s grace to encounter us and flow upon us, we will not remain sick or invalid. We will be healed and start walking with vigour   1.      In both the readings, from Ezekiel and John’s gospel, we have the mention of water. In the former, it is a temple river and in the gospel, it is a pool. What is common is that the water is resurging and healing. Where the river flows, everything lives, remains fresh, grows, and bears fruits. And the pool heals every invalid that gets into it. 2.       This water symbolizes God’s grace. It is always flowing and available. But, many do not get to it because they are invalid. This invalidity is no more the physical but the spiritual. It is by sin. That is why, Jesus tells the healed invalid, “Sin no more, that nothing worse may happen to you”. 3.       We need not infer that he was invalid because he sinned. It is a possibility. But what is more important here to note is Sin makes us invalid. It makes us immobile and tepid toward God’s grace. Sin sickens and invalidates us. 4.       We need to seek healing by throwing ourselves into the waters of grace. The length of 38 years of invalidity is shocking. The man had been there by the side of the healing pool for 38 years and still could not get healing. 5.       This length of duration shows the insensitivity of the people who did not help him into the pool. The invalid man lost in this heavy competition for healing. On the other hand, we must also appreciate his persistence and undying hope. He never gives up hope and never stops trying. 6.       The question of Jesus, “Do you want to be healed?” looks silly because who does not want to be healed? Here the point is we need to personally desire to be healed. We need to feel the need to be healed. 7.       We must desire to get up from our beds and start walking. We need to shake off our lethargy to glue to our beds of negligence, indifference, and sloth.   Indicative: Am I too long accustomed to sin that I do not want to move from my bed of comfort zone and convenience? Do I realize that I am invalid in so many ways, failing in my fervour for God and others?   (Reflection 2)   Focus: When the streams of God's grace flow over us, life will be enlivened, refreshed, and renewed   In the first reading from the prophet Ezekiel, there is a vivid and beautiful description of the river that flows from the temple. This symbolizes the streams of God's grace and the gracious effects of it. Wherever the river flows, there is life, freshness, growth, healing, nourishment, fruitfulness, and abundance. Thus, when God's grace flows upon a person, life becomes revived, refreshed, strengthened, and abundantly fruitful. This is what happens in the gospel in the case of the person immobilized for 38 long years. On one hand, the length of his illness shows the height of human indifference. What a sad story of insensitivity and selfish competition: Within 38 years, nobody gave any priority to getting him healed. None helped him to get into the healing pool. Everyone was bothered about his own health and wellbeing. On the other hand, we also see the steadfastness and perseverance of the sick man. He never gives up his desire or hope. He never stops trying to get into the pool to get healed. He does not get despaired or dissipated. In such a context, Jesus enters into his life. He understands his situation. Even without being asked for his intervention, Jesus takes initiative and heals him. The same will happen in our lives as well. Jesus is ever waiting to heal us. He knows that we need healing. But he wants us to know that we need healing. He wants us to desire it and seek it. It is very interesting that after healing the invalid, Jesus orders him not to sin anymore. Does Jesus imply that his invalidity is because of his sin? The point here is not that all those who are sick must have committed some sin. Rather, all those who sin will certainly be sick in some or other way. Sin itself is sickness. It will immobilize us and make us invalid. Sin takes away our movement, our activeness, our enthusiasm for God and good. It will make us “lie down on the bed” for years and years. We need to “get up from our bed and walk ahead”. This is the real healing.   Direction: All others may disappoint us and fail us, but God never fails us and it is enough that we trust him 13 MARCH 2024: ISAIAH 49. 8-15; JOHN 5. 17-30   Focus: Love never forgets and ignores! Indicative: The first duty of any true love is the recognition of the love of the other. If we really love God, then our first duty is to be deeply aware of His love for us   1.       Often we hear so much about love. But at the same time, there is a great lack of love. Love is misunderstood, falsified, and abused. That is why we find so much egoism, animosity and aggression even in the name of love. This only shows that love is not rightly understood and exercised. 2.       In such a context, today’s word of God gives us the best sample of true love. God’s love is the best and truest love. God Himself is the greatest lover. In Him, we find the true love, its features, its functions, and its effects. 3.       In the first reading from the prophet Isaiah, God compares Himself to a mother and us to His nursing children. Just as a mother can never forget her nursing child, God too can never forget us. His love surpasses even this: even if a mother may forget, He will never forget us. 4.       His love never ceases and so He never ceases to work for us. This is the very mission of God, to constantly manifest His love in manifold ways. He gives His own life to us; liberates us from our imprisonments; brings us to light from our darkness; quenches our hunger and thirst; guides and leads us in the right paths; and comforts the afflicted. 5.       God wants to show and shower this abundant love upon us directly and concretely. For this, He has sent His only Son, Jesus Christ. Thereby, Jesus is the embodiment of the Father’s love and its living vehicle and channel. Through Jesus, God powerfully testifies to His caring and guiding love. 6.       All that Jesus is and does is rooted in His inseparable communion with the Father. His mission becomes unfailing obedience and loyalty to do the Father’s will. As the Father loves the Son, He empowers the Son with His own life, light, and power to give life, to guide and empower and to judge and reward eternal life. Similarly, as the Son loves the Father, he is united with Him and does ever His will.   Imperative: True love is passionate, selfless, and committed. It is testified in concrete actions. God shows His love in a ceaseless outpour of His grace and works of benevolence. How do we show our love for God?   (Reflection 2)   Focus: Who can measure the love of God? What can one compare it with? He never forsakes us. He never ceases working for our good, growth, and happiness. Blessed are those who realize and experience this!   The greatest beauty and the most beautiful greatness of our God is He is ceaselessly at work. It is the work of love. It is a relentless mission and project of transforming our lives into something beautiful and great. What does this imply? It means, God will nourish us, and we shall not hunger or thirst. He will lead us and we shall not be harmed or misguided. He will comfort us and we shall not remain afflicted. He will lift our spirits and we shall not lie desolate. It is a love that is incomparable and immeasurable. It is like a mother’s love for her nursing child. A mother never forgets her nursing child. But even if such a thing happens, even if a mother forgets her nursing child, even if her love fails, God’s love for us never fails. He never forgets us or abandons us. Jesus’ coming to us and living with us is the greatest sign of this love and work of God for us. Jesus tries hard to make the people understand this. He wants to draw their attention to God who loves them and works for them ceaselessly. He never rests, because His love never rests or halts. Throughout his whole life and mission, and through his preaching and healing, what Jesus wants to reveal and show to the people is just this: God loves us and works for us. It is beyond times and seasons, beyond any conditions or restrictions. It is in this spirit and with this mind, Jesus speaks of his communion and oneness with God, his likeness to Him, and his power and judgment. But instead, people understand the wrong side. They misunderstand as competition with God all of Jesus’ doing God’s will. They misunderstand as claiming equality with God all the closeness, likeness, and oneness of Jesus. They misunderstand as blasphemy all his deepest God-consciousness of seeing everything in reference to God. They misunderstand as disrespecting and violating the Sabbath his timeless love-work like God’s. Hence blaming and persecuting Jesus.   Direction: If only one lifts his eyes and realizes the unstoppable and untiring love of God and His working for us, we will be eternally grateful and passionately committed to doing God’s work!   14 MARCH 2024: EXODUS 32. 7-14;  JOHN 5. 31-47   Focus: Stubbornness rejects! Indicative: Authenticity comes from reliable evidence and testimony. But even authenticity will be rejected when there is obstinacy and rigidity of the heart   1.      The confrontation between Jesus and the Jews continues. The Jews vehemently oppose him, refuse to believe in him, and reject him. Jesus persistently tries to convince them. He draws their attention to various solid witnesses that authenticate him. 2.       One is John the Baptist, who was like a burning and shining lamp that bore witness to Jesus, the true light. 3.       Another witness is Jesus’ own works which are always altruistic and oriented to the good of others. There is absolutely no trace of evil or harm in his works. They all proceed from the Father and conform to His holy will. 4.       The third witness is God the Father Himself. The Father consistently bears witness to His only Son about His total communion and intimacy with the Son; about the Son being sent by Him and doing always His holy will; about empowering His Son to guide and judge; about Himself being so pleased with His Son; about glorifying His Son; and about owning, guarding, guiding and strengthening the disciples as well. 5.       The fourth witness is the Scriptures. They contain eternal life and bear witness about Jesus, the Messiah. But despite such valid and authentic witnesses, the Jews do not believe in Jesus and do not accept him. 6.       The reasons are given very clearly in both the readings. According to the first reading from Exodus, one main reason for unbelief is the stiff-necked mentality of the people. Because of this adamancy, they corrupt themselves; turn aside quickly out of the Lord’s way; and desecrate themselves by worshipping a golden calf. 7.       In the light of the gospel, one reason for failing in a faith response is the lack of love of God within them; another reason is seeking their own human glory from the humans and not seeking the glory of God.   Imperative: Failing in our faith in God is self-responsibility and so it will bring also self-judgment and condemnation. We need not blame God for punishing us; it is we ourselves who do the auto-condemnation   (Reflection 2)   Focus: How true it is that we vex God often with our stiff-neckedness! But thanks to the same God who is so flexible to relent and be benevolent yet again!   Really it is a sad thing that no seldom many people test God's patience and benevolence with a spirit of obstinacy and closedness toward God. How painfully God laments over the people of Israel. For, so easily they forget the marvels that God has worked in their lives. They forget the mighty liberation. They become ungrateful and attribute all the credit to a mere idol. They turned aside from the way of the true God. They corrupt themselves. They are truly stiff-necked. But, Moses is deeply concerned for them. He makes an enormous effort to tone down God's wrath. He tries to evoke sympathy in their favour. It is not playing down their wrongdoings and infidelity, but elevating God's fidelity. In simple, he attests that God's fidelity is not conditioned or reversed by the people's infidelity. He is stable and steadfast. What nobility and power of intercession! The same stubbornness of the Jews confronts and torments Jesus. He takes the role of Moses: on one hand, he constantly speaks the truth; he urges the people to accept and follow it. He challenges their lack of transparency. On the other hand, he bears testimony to God's love and fidelity. He calls them earnestly to believe him by calling different sources as his testimonies. These are Moses and his teachings, the sacred Scripture, John the Baptist, the Father Himself, and Jesus' own works. These are authentic witnesses to his divine identity and divine mission. But, sadly no witness can convince them. Because they are so closed and blind and hard. We are invited and summoned to believe and change.   Direction: God goes on speaking to us, enlightening and calling us to know God and to get closer to Him. Let us believe Him and live with and for Him   15 MARCH 2024: WISDOM 2. 1a, 12-22; JOHN 7. 1-2, 10, 25-30   Focus: Unwise and Led astray! Indicative: There is always so much opposition to good and persecution of the good people. The reason is quite simple: in their lack of wisdom, they are led astray; in their wickedness, they are blinded   1.      The hostile spirit between Jesus and the Jews keeps mounting. They seek to kill him. Once again Jesus in the gospel and wisdom in the first reading clarify to us the real reasons for this mounting antagonism. 2.      In Jesus’ own words, it is because they know neither the Father nor His Son. They do not know the Father, the true God who sent His only Son; neither they know the Son who came only from the Father and not of his own accord. 3.      Instead, the Jews were caught up only in the superficial and secondary details like his human birth, the place and conditions of his birth, and his human parents. Now the words of the first reading apply exactly in the case of Jesus. They are hostile to Jesus because they are ungodly. 4.      All the ingredients of this ungodliness perfectly match the case of Jesus. They reason unsoundly. They think he is inconvenient to them as he opposes their actions. He reproaches them for their sins, their base, and unclean ways. He becomes a reproof of their thoughts. The very sight of him becomes a burden to them. 5.       Further, his ways are strange and his life is unlike that of others. He professes to have knowledge of God and boasts that God is his father and he calls himself a child of the Lord. He claims that God will protect the righteous, and recompense the holy and blameless with the prize of happiness and life. 6.      Therefore, they want to test and see whether his words are true. They want to subject him to insult and torture to the extent of a shameful death. Their reasoning is simple: if he is truly righteous and God’s son, he will be protected and delivered from the hands of his adversaries; he will remain gentle and forbearing.   Imperative: Many may think like the ungodly in the word of God, that is to test and see the authenticity of the goodness and holiness of good and God-fearing people. But do they realize that they are making themselves liable to God’s judgment? Who are we to put others to the test?   16 MARCH 2024: JER 11. 18-20;  JOHN 7. 40-53   Focus: Productive knowledge! Indicative: Knowledge is good and needed. But it should be positive and productive. It should not shroud us in the layers of shallow reasoning and blind us to the truth. It should not make us presumptuous   1.      Many times it is strange and also sad that the people with more knowledge become shallow and stubborn in their own thinking. They are caught up in their restrictive territory and refuse to look beyond. They become fixated on their reasoning and ideas and reject the other side. This is truly intellectual blindness and arrogance. 2.       This is what happened in the case of the Pharisees and scribes in the time of Jesus. They were acclaimed scholars and teachers of the law. They were the interpreters and guides of the Scriptures. Their main argument and objection against Jesus were predominantly based on the Scriptures and law. 3.       The Scriptures say that the Christ comes from the offspring of David and from Bethlehem, the village where David was. But instead, Jesus comes from Galilee. Besides, he also often defies and breaches the law. If Jesus were to be the Christ, then he must come from Bethlehem and David’s ancestry. He must also abide by the law. 4.       But, perhaps just a little closer and deeper query would have discovered the actual details about Jesus. If only they wanted, they would have easily found out that Jesus was born in Bethlehem, and that he is the offspring of David. But they did not want to go beyond the external and apparent certainties. They were stuck up with his earthly origins. Hence they did not know the truth. 5.       What prevented them from having the right knowledge? It is clearly their antagonism and prejudice. They just did not like and appreciate Jesus. Unlike Nicodemus, they were rushing to condemn him even without first giving Jesus a hearing and learning what he does. 6.       The prophet Jeremiah in the first reading laments in deep anguish and his words apply quite rightly to Jesus. Like a gentle lamb, he is led to the slaughter. Against him, they devised schemes to destroy him completely as a tree with its fruits. 7.       But commendable is the spirit of forbearance and surrender of the prophet and Jesus as well in the face of such hostility and unjust persecution. As in the words of the prophet, both “commit their cause to God” who judges righteously, and who tests the heart and the mind.   Imperative: Our knowledge should never make us self-righteous and obstinate. It should never be harmful to others but only beneficial. We should always seek to know and follow the truth. And we should go to any extent to be faithful to the truth   (Reflection 2)   Focus: Good persons suffer on behalf of God and good, but they never give up and abandon the right path   The prophet suffers. This is so much and humanly unbearable. He suffers ingratitude, deception, and betrayal at the hands of his own people. He faces persecution and even to the point of death. This is all the more excruciatingly painful because it is his own people for whom he did so much, for whom he pleaded so fervently to God not to punish or destroy them for their iniquities but to be merciful. And so, humanly speaking, he should seek revenge. But he is a God-fearing and God-trusting man. So he entrusts his case and cause to God. This is the same spirit that Jesus manifests in the face of undeserving and unjust suffering. His own people refuse to believe in him. No amount of miracles, no amount of powerful and godly teachings, no amount of witness from the sincere messengers, and no amount of wise advice from leaders like Nicodemus, would melt their stubbornness. Their jealousy makes them prejudiced. Their prejudice leads to hatred. Hatred blinds them to the truth. Their blindness leads them to unbelief. Unbelief leads to rejection, and rejection to evil plotting and conspiracy finally ends in murder. But, just see Jesus. No amount of affliction and problem makes him shaken in his loyalty to God's will, and in his compassion towards his people. At no point, does Jesus backtrack from God's will or doubt the rightness of God's ways. And at no point, does Jesus feel retaliation towards those hostile to him and never he wishes bad for them. So instead of feeling furious toward those who did wrong to Jesus, we should get more convinced by looking at the prophet and Jesus.    Direction: Often it is a wonder for me, why and how the leaders and the people as well could not get more correct details about Jesus' birth and lineage. That only shows that when faith is shallow, knowledge too becomes shallow and deviated.   17 MARCH 2024: 5th LENT SUNDAY, JER 31. 31-34; HEB 5. 7-9; JOHN 12. 20-33 Focus: Not convenient but commitment! Indicative: True life of following Christ is not a matter of convenience but is a commitment. This means entering into a new covenant with Him and serving Him in fidelity 1.      The whole story of humanity is an unceasing saga of God’s love. It is a love that is marked by intimacy, mercy and fidelity. It is a love that sustains an inseparable bond, like that between husband and spouse. 2.      It is a love that nurtures the deepest belonging which assures untiringly: I am Your God and You are My people. It is a love that enters into a new covenant that puts His law within them, writes it upon their hearts and deepens their knowledge and experience of it. 3.      It is a love that mercifully forgives and forgets all their iniquities. It is a love that is ever faithful despite all our infidelities. It is in this same intimate, merciful and faithful love that God sends His only Son to be the incarnate Saviour. 4.      This love shows itself in solidarity with humanity stung by sin and misery. It suffers for our sake. And finally, it climaxes in obedience to God’s will and salvific plan, even by dying on the cross. 5.      In response to such a love of God, what is our duty? We are called to serve Him and follow Him. In the light of the gospel imagery, it is to be like a grain of wheat. A grain falls into the ground, undergoes a dying process of struggle of change, sprouts up and grows and finally bears abundant fruit. 6.      This implies a whole life of sacrifice and service, a death to self and life and fruit for others. It is a covenantal and committed life of self-emptying and self-giving. In a world where the spirit of sacrifice and service is rapidly diminishing, and a culture of greed and grabbing, domination and subjugation is flourishing, the only remedy is a love that empties itself and gives itself generously and selflessly to others. 7.      True it is, such sacrificing and serving love is very challenging and testing. But, it is not a vain battle. The Lord clearly assures us that God will honour and glorify us. We will share the same heavenly glory and eternal communion with God. 8.      However, it is not a diplomatic baiting or wooing the followers. Rather, it is instilling a new confidence, infusing a new courage, inducing a new hope and impelling a new energy. Imperative: Our life is worth living, when it is lived out with more humility, nobility and fidelity. All these become possible when they are soaked into a single spring, and that is love which is humble and loyal.          

IV SUNDAY OF LENT B 24

4th LENTEN SUNDAY: 10 MARCH 2024: 2 CHRONICLES 36. 14-16, 19-23; EPHESIANS 2. 4-10; JOHN 3. 14-21   Focus: Love that saves! Indicative: True love gives and God's love is true love, because He gives without measure, even to the extent of giving His very self   1.      Yet again, the Word of God impresses upon us the nature, the depth and the extent of God's love. In fact, already at the creation itself, God testifies to this love. He loves the humans so much that He gives His own divine image and likeness to them. 2.      But sadly, humans disfigure this divine identity due to sin. Thereupon, man loses the immortal life, the dignity, bliss and glory. He falls into death, misery and ignominy. But yet again, God's love comes into action. 3.      He does not leave man in such a state of loss and distress. He initiates a story, a journey of salvation, a salvation history. He rewrites the pages of slavery, bondage and misery of the humankind. 4.      He enters into their life situations, intervening and acting mightily and delivering and liberating them from slavery and exile. He establishes covenants with them. He makes them prosper in the promised land. 5.      One such concrete instance of God's mighty intervention is depicted in today's first reading from the book of Chronicles. God wonderfully inspires and steers Cyrus, the king of Persia, a pagan king, to take the initiative toward the building of the temple. 6.      But again, sin and evil raise their ugly head. The human ignominy and misery continue. So once more, God had to intervene. If sin abounded, grace must superabound. If the old man brought downfall, a new man must bring upliftment. No human being can rise up to this task. 7.      Hence, God Himself shoulders the responsibility. God sends His own Son, as the incarnate Saviour, in the person of Jesus Christ. In and through Jesus, yet again God continues to shower upon the sinful humanity abundant streams of His mercy. 8.      It is a loving mercy that condones, forgives, reconciles and restores the fallen man."God so loved the world that He gave His only Son, as a ransom for human salvation". Thus, Jesus is the face, the mirror, the replica, the manifestation, the authentication and the testimony of God's own love. 9.      In sensitivity and solidarity, he becomes the ever-flowing streams of mercy and compassion. Even while we are sinners, he deigns to suffer and die for us, and offers liberation and a graced life here and now, and eternal life and salvation there and then. 10.  Faith is that graced life, which lives grace, once being liberated from the clutches of sin. So, seen from the divine standpoint, faith is the gratuitous gift of God, a sign of grace and God's love. 11.  At the same time, seen from the human standpoint, faith is also the human response to God's gift of love and salvation. This gift of faith becomes a task, in responding and cooperating to God's gift of God's own life, a restored life. 12.  Thus, life becomes light, when concretized and translated into action. To the extent one accepts light, and allows it to work on him, to that extent life becomes vibrant and fully active. Therefore, a person of faith who receives Jesus and the life of God must constantly live in light dispelling all the shades of darkness. 13.  In simple details, this living in the light implies: being illuminated,  being clear-sighted and focused, being guided and charged to walk in God's ways, and do good works that shine and show God's own light. 14.  If this is the whole spectrum of love, mercy, faith, life and light, then some basic and vital questions and challenges remain always. How much we are conscious of God's ceaseless love for us? 15.  How much we are profoundly grateful to His mercy that forgives and dignifies us. How do we value, appreciate and live the gift of faith? Do we constantly realize faith as an experience of God's merciful love and offer of life, and not merely as the belief in certain doctrines and truths? 16.  How do I live my new life of faith in a renewed life of light? Am I a faithful person, living the life of God in light and enlightenment,  Or am I a mediocre believer walking in darkness, suffocating God's life?   Imperative: Freedom is something great and beautiful. But it is also risky because it makes us accountable to live a life of faith and to walk a way of light.   (Reflection 2) Indicative: God always offers us His grace. He shows us His love in manifold ways. It is left to us to make a free choice between grace or sin, salvation or damnation   1.           God loved the world so much that He gave His only Son for its salvation. He wants to save but sadly many prefer destruction. He wants to give light and enlighten our lives. But many still prefer darkness. 2.           God who loved the world and sacrificed His only Son, gives the gift of faith, salvation and eternal life. This gift from God calls for a choice. This is the choice to be made: Accept the new life in faith, come to light, dispel the shades of darkness, be enlightened, and do the works of light. 3.           So let us not blame God that He judges and condemns us mercilessly. Because He is merciful only, He sacrificed His own Son as our ransom for our salvation. It is actually an auto-judgment. It is we who condemn ourselves by our rejection of His life, light and truth. 4.            Today there is so much hatred and selfishness. God’s sacrificing love must be a lesson and challenge for us. We must confide in such love of God and imbibe the same spirit. We must heal the world with the cool streams of love and altruism. In a world that continues to stumble in the ways of darkness, we must be the bearers of the light of Christ. 5.           Further, against a prevalent storm of judging and condemning, we must spread the gentle breezes of empathy and forgiveness. Our purpose shall not be to show and prove how bad a fellow is. Rather it is to recognise and reinstate the confidence in how good a person can be, for Jesus came not to condemn but to save. 6.           Still further, we must inherit the same spirit of courage and commitment of the apostles. Nothing could intimidate them or stop them. They were focused and determined. They were convinced and committed. 7.           In a world that is fragmented and tormented by a culture of hate, darkness, and destruction, we need to revitalise the power of love, light, and new life of the Lord   Imperative: Be open and receive His life in faith. Allow Him to enlighten you with His light. And see the truth and walk the way of truth in authenticity and integrity    

III WEEK DAYS OF LENT 24

04 - 09 MARCH 2024, HOLY MASS REFLECTIONS 04 MARCH 2024: 2KGS 5. 1-15a; LUKE 4. 24-30   Focus: Not mere allegiance! Indicative: Faith is not necessarily a matter of how long a person belongs to a particular religion or how well he follows its rules and traditions. It is a matter of belonging to God and following His will and precepts   1.      In today’s word of God, the central theme is faith. The faith of a certain Naaman, a Syrian army chief with leprosy brings him healing through the prophet Elisha. In contrast, the lack of faith of the chosen Jews of Jesus’ time brings them God’s judgment 2.        The contrast is striking: Naaman listens even to the advice of his servant girl to approach Elisha for his healing; but the Jews would not listen even to Jesus, the Son of God himself who invites them for inner healing. Naaman goes all the way to meet Elisha. Jesus comes all the way from heaven to meet his people. 3.       At Elisha’s direction, Naaman dips himself seven times in the waters of Jordan and gets completely healed. He becomes a new man. It was not the waters that restored health to him. But it was the power of God through Elisha. And Naaman’s humble faith became an opening to receive this grace 4.       The people of Jesus too were dipped in Jordan in Baptism. But they did not become new. Their self-righteous unfaith closed them to reject God’s grace through Jesus. The miracle leads the pagan Naaman to faith in Yahweh and he confesses, “Behold, I know that there is no God in all the earth but in Israel”. On the contrary, numerous miracles by Jesus would not strengthen the faith of Jesus’ people 5.       Jesus tries to make the people aware of this contrast so that they would repent and return to God in faith. In fact, God enters into human lives so as to raise them up to heaven and to eternal life. 6.       But they become all the more stubborn and hostile; they drive him out and try to kill him, by throwing him down the cliff.   Imperative: Faith is not merely believing some doctrines and observing some religious practices. True faith is being humble and trustful to go near to the Lord, being close to him, and getting healed   (Reflection 2)   Focus: God's grace has no boundaries or barriers. Miracles always happen, if only one has faith   What an interesting contrast between Naaman, a leper in the first reading, and Jesus' own people in the gospel! The pagan believes in the power of God through Elisha. He was an important man ranking as an army commander. He was also a man of great valour.   But he had the humility to listen to his maidservant. He follows her advice to approach the Israel prophet Elisha for his healing from leprosy. Later, once again, he showed the same humility to follow Elisha’s instruction to dip seven times in Jordan, though it appeared silly and nonsensical. His humility and faith bring him the cure for his leprosy. In fact, it is not the Jordan water that cures him, but rather his faith in the words of the prophet.   But, on the other hand, God's own chosen people, the Jews do not believe in Jesus. Though Son of God, he became one of them. They had a long history and tradition of God’s mighty interventions and wonders. But, they refuse to listen to his message, to believe in him, and to change their life. They reject him, even to the extent of attempting to kill him.   Thereby once again it is made very clear that faith is not merely a matter of tradition or inheritance. It calls for a personal choice and decision, and it involves a personal experience. Naaman believes even though what the prophet tells him to do looks baseless.   His openness and trust are rewarded. In contrast, sadly Jesus' own people take him for granted due to their familiarity.  Their perspective is so shallow and superficial that their faith cannot go deeper and beyond the externals like the place, lineage, etc. of Jesus. In consequence, they lose the gift of grace and salvation through Jesus. They deprive themselves of the immense treasure at their own hand.   Direction: God may work miracles to reward and perfect faith. But true faith cannot base itself on miracles. It needs a fundamental choice, openness, orientation, and cooperation.   05 MARCH 2024: DAN 3.25, 34-43; MATTHEW 18. 21-35   Focus: Limitless limit! Indicative: Forgiveness is a golden virtue. One who learns to forgive obtains an immense treasure of God’s mercy and serenity of soul. Forgiveness is never a loss   1.      We live in a world where revenge and retaliation are glorified. They are regarded as signs of manliness and guts. Consequently, we find so much negativity and animosity leading to violence and destruction. On the other hand, forgiveness and reconciliation are considered signs of weakness and timidity 2.       In such a context, Jesus teaches us the need and value of forgiveness. To forgive is divine because it forms the very nature of God. God’s essence is mercy and forgiveness. He is merciful to us beyond conditions and measures. That is why the first reading from Daniel says, “Do not withdraw your mercy from us”; “Deal with us in your forbearance and in your abundant mercy” 3.       As the children of a merciful God and as disciples of a forgiving Master, we must imitate and resemble them in forgiving others. Forgiving others is the essential trait and way of belonging to God and sharing in His own nature. It also becomes the condition to receive God’s forgiveness to us 4.       This means that we experience the effects of God’s forgiveness only to the extent that we forgive others. Our forgiving others should be without measures like God’s forgiving us. That is why Jesus tells Peter, “Forgive, not seven times, but seventy times seven”. 5.       We forgive others not because they deserve it but because we must give it. The king in the gospel parable forgives the servant who owes a huge sum not because he deserved it but because he needed it. 6.       Seeking forgiveness from God and others requires humility and repentance. That is why, the people pray, “With a contrite heart and a humble spirit may we be accepted”. Giving forgiveness to others requires fraternity and nobility.   Imperative: The spirit of forgiveness in humility and nobility will open to us streams of God’s mercy and serenity. It can be a great embalming balm to heal many wounds and restore relationships   (Reflection 2)   Focus: God readily forgives even a multitude of sins, if only one repents with a contrite heart and humble spirit. He keeps no account or count of our wrongs because his mercies are uncountable   God is abundant in His mercy and prompt in His forgiveness. He does not see the magnitude of sin but the depth of repentance. He forgives us, not because we are worthy of it, but only because we need it. There is no measure for his forgiveness because His mercy is immeasurable.   This is what Jesus implies when he tells Peter to “forgive the other not only seven times but seventy times seven”. The matter is not the number or the frequency of forgiveness, that is, how many times or how often to forgive.   Rather, the point is the immensity of it, that is, how willingly, promptly, and unreservedly to forgive. God’s forgiveness is unconditioned and incalculable. This is what Azariah (Abednego) makes clear in his prayer in the book of Daniel.   He pleads for God’s mercy to forgive His people’s sins, not on the basis of their merit, but only on the basis of His mercy and the fidelity of their forefathers. All that they have is a contrite heart and a humble spirit to seek His forgiveness.   But once forgiven, we must try to become worthy of it. How? By seeking earnestly to follow His ways. Concretely, it demands to show the same spirit of forgiveness towards others. Further, it also should be like God's forgiveness, which is abundant and uncalculating.   It is not fair and also highly detestable before God if we refuse to forgive others while we receive immensely God's forgiveness. To forgive is not an option at our convenience, but it is a bounden duty. As we give, we must give, lest our fate too will be the same as the servant in the gospel who is forgiven much but refuses to forgo a little.   Direction: Repentance in humility is the compulsory prerequisite for receiving God's forgiveness. And forgiving others in charity becomes the compulsory sign and testimony of the effect of that grace 06 MARCH 2024: DEUT 4. 1, 5-9; MATTHEW 5. 17-19   Focus: Not the letter but the spirit! Indicative: Fidelity to law means to understand the spirit of the law, its purpose and the goal of it, and do the actions according to it   1.      There is always a desire and pursuit for greatness both individually and collectively as nations and people. This is something common and natural. But real greatness is often reduced only to the material and social aspects, in terms of possessions and positions. 2.       It is here that the first reading from Deuteronomy clarifies that true greatness is in being wise and understanding, saying, “Surely this great nation is a wise and understanding people”. Now, this greatness as wisdom and understanding is further elaborated. 3.       It is having God so near and close. It is having statutes and rules that are righteous. It is keeping our souls diligently lest they depart from our hearts. It is keeping them and doing them faithfully. Further, it is teaching others also and making them follow the same 4.       This is real greatness and wisdom. Greatness is not throwing away the laws and rules but rather wisely understanding their spirit and fulfilling them. Thus, we become great not by the abolition of the law but by the perfection of it. 5.       Jesus announces clearly: “I have come not to abolish the law but to fulfil and perfect it”. “Whoever follows the least of the commandments and teaches others to do so, is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven” 6.       Many have a wrong perspective toward laws and rules. Often greatness and freedom are equated with despisal of the laws. Following the law is not servitude to laws. Fidelity to law is not always the same as legalism. In the same way, lawlessness is not freedom. 7.       A law is good when it takes and keeps us closer to God, when it helps us for a righteous living, when it makes us follow God’s commandments and ways and when it helps us to teach and guide others the right way.   Imperative: The mindset of the people must change concerning the idea of greatness. It must be removed from its material and worldly sense. It must be understood as a wise and righteous way of living   (Reflection 2)                              Focus: True Freedom is not lawlessness. In fact, true freedom lies in lawful obedience, i.e. adherence to the spirit of the law   Many have a wrong concept and exercise of freedom, and accordingly, they think that to be free means to be free from any and all the laws. They mistake that law is necessarily negative, and subversive, depriving a person of what is his due and rightful.   But this is not correct. Laws are meant to regulate, channel, guide, and orient persons on the right path. For this, they apply a certain extent of restraint and restriction, certain control and limit. The purpose is certainly positive, that is to avoid and guard against all the possible deviations and distortions. Therefore, we must go beyond the mere letter of the law, to the spirit of it, the purpose, and the end of it. In this sense, every good law intends responsible and constructive freedom. The greatest law is love for God and love for the other.   This is manifested in a profound devotion to God and dedication to the other’s good. Thus, a good law aims at an integrated growth of the person. This is what Jesus calls the perfection of the law, the perfect law. To be free does not mean to do away with the laws and rules, but to follow them in the right spirit.   In the name of being flexible, one cannot be over-indulgent. True freedom is not to be undisciplined, irresponsible, or licentious. This is what Moses teaches the people in Deuteronomy that fidelity to follow God’s statutes and ordinances is a sign of their fidelity to God.   They are means of growing in righteousness. Following God’s commandments shows that they are wise and understanding people of God, amidst lawless immorality. This enlightenment is very much needed for the present society, which wrongly equates freedom with rule-free indiscipline.   Direction: There is a harmful thinking of freedom as lawlessness.  But to be truly free is to be law-abiding. The need is not to throw away all rules and regulations, but to inculcate a positive and joyful adherence to them   07 MARCH 2024: JER 7. 23-28; LUKE 11. 14-23   Focus: Stiffened hearts! Indicative: Stubbornness is one big block that hinders openness to truth and acceptance of it. Ignorant people can be taught and wise people as well. But the stiff-necked people are hard to teach, correct and guide   1.      The struggle between God’s unfailing fidelity and people’s recurrent infidelity characterizes the whole salvation history. God was abundantly merciful toward them; worked mighty works in their lives; and blessed them with prosperity and victory. He teaches and guides them through prophets. But repeatedly people become ungrateful, stubborn, disobedient, and unfaithful 2.       This infidelity of people is so vividly described in the first reading from Jeremiah. They did not obey or incline their ear. They stiffened their neck. They did not accept discipline. Truth has perished; it is cut off from their lips. They walked in their own counsels and in the stubbornness of their evil hearts. They were so fluctuating and regressing, going backwards and not forwards 3.       The same stiff-necked and defiant mentality continues in Jesus’ time too. All his teaching and preaching fell on the deaf ears of his people. His mighty miracles fail to evoke in them a positive response. 4.       They not only refuse to believe him, but also constantly trouble and persecute him. They make wrong attributions. They attribute his miracles to a coalition with Satan. They accuse him that he casts out demons by Beezebul, the prince of demons 5.       The people of his time are no different from their predecessors. Little do they realize that good and faith cannot come from Satan who is all evil. They are blind to the truth that every harm and destruction belongs to evil. All that is good, healing, and constructive can come only from God 6.       Jesus cannot expel demons with the help of their leader. Jesus is able to heal not because he works in tie-up with the evil but because he is more powerful than the evil one. Jesus is that stronger one in the gospel 7.       He attacks and overcomes the strong man who is Satan. He takes away his armour and wins back those under the evil’s siege. The healing of the possessed mute man is a clear indicator of this surpassing power of Jesus.   Imperative: Let us not repeat history. Let us not become the descendants of those still-necked people who were so adamant, defiant, and disobedient. Let us hearken to God’s call: “Obey my voice, and I will be your God, and you shall be my people”.   (Reflection 2)   Focus: It is not that God is not active or His grace is not working. God is ever in action and miracles continue to abound. It is only our inability to see Him at work   God’s grace never ceases. He ceaselessly invites the people to come to Him promptly, to relate with Him closely, to listen to Him attentively, and to obey His precepts and directives faithfully. However, the purpose is not to subjugate them in servile obedience. God has no self-interest.   It is all for the well-being and progress of the people. But unfortunately, often He meets with stubbornness in which people refuse to listen, understand and walk God’s ways. They become stiff-necked and stiffly resist God’s call to repent and mend their ways.   This is the experience of God all through the history of salvation, be it Yahweh in the Old Testament or Jesus in the New Testament. Thus, God laments with anguish through the prophet Jeremiah over their fault: They do not obey the voice of the Lord, they do not incline their ear, they do not accept discipline, they walk their own ways, and with stubborn and evil hearts, they go backwards but not forward.   In the gospel too, Jesus meets with the same mentality. Jesus drives out a demon from a dumb man and restores his speech. But instead of recognizing the power of God in Jesus, some people attribute the healing to the power of demons. They accuse him that he is taking the help of the Evil One.   How absurd it is that evil power is defeated by evil power! They demand further signs from heaven. When one is not prepared to see the truth, then which signs or proofs can convince them? This is exactly what God remarks toward the end of the first reading:   Truth has perished; it is cut off from their lips. They are so hard-hearted and closed. Consequently, they fail to see the “finger of God at work” and the coming of the kingdom of God in Jesus.   Direction: Stubbornness, defiance, and disobedience blind one to truth and divine action; they lead one to a spirit of division – divided within oneself, divided against God, and divided against others. They are sure to fall prey to the evil   08 MARCH 2024: HOS 14. 1-9; MARK 12. 28b-34 Focus: From iniquity to Fidelity! Indicative: God's purpose is not to punish us for our wrongdoings however big and frequent they are. Rather He wants our renovation and restoration through repentance and reparation   1.      God constantly invites us to return from our path of iniquity to a consistent practice of fidelity. Once we turn away from evil and return to God, surely He will restore us to renewed dignity and prosperity. 2.      A life of such return is steered by the sole and supreme norm of love: love for God and love for the other. It is a love for God that is total and holistic. It includes all our faculties, energies and capacities. It is a love that is total and entire, “with all our heart, with all our soul, with all our mind and with all our strength”. 3.      There are no fractions or portions, no conditions or concessions. Further, it is a love for others which is like a pure love for the self. All other rules and directives are submerged into this twofold love 4.      The merit of this love-teaching of Jesus is that they are not just put together in one packing, but they are presented as one unified whole. It is a single love that is two-pronged. Thereby it is very clear that both are inseparable: one cannot pretend to practise one and fail in the other. 5.      A heart that loves God wholly would also make space for the other. Similarly, one who loves others cannot but be founded on God and be directed to Him. Now, the fundamental norm for loving God is totality, and no half-measures. 6.      And the norm for loving the other is the measure of self-love, because Jesus exhorts: love your neighbour AS yourself. Here, we need to remember that this self-love is not a self-centred or self-directed love. It is a healthy love for the self 7.      In so far our true self is created in the image and likeness of God, we need to love that real self and strive to rediscover and recapture it. Therefore, this self-love must not be equated with selfish love or self-gratification. It is a pure and productive love 8.      Even in the basic sense also, to love others as one’s own self can mean not to do evil or harm to others, not to lower the due esteem and respect. This twofold love surpasses everything else, even the merely spiritual activities.   Imperative: Love for God and love for others are not mutually exclusive. They are intertwined with each other so much so that each becomes an expression and testimony of the other   (Reflection 2)   Pivot: The best offering! Indicative: God’s love is everlasting and abounding. In response to this, we need to repent and return. Then we will experience the immensity of His blessings   1.      Offerings and sacrifices are part of the worship of every religion. The purpose is not to appease or placate God. It is not a barter system where there is an exchange between prayers-offerings and favours-blessings 2.       Today the gospel makes it clear that there is something more worth than burnt offerings and sacrifices. It is love, which is twofold, for God and others. This does not mean that rituals and offerings are not important or not needed 3.       This only means that this two-pronged love is the highest priority. This is the greatest and first commandment. Nothing else can dominate or substitute this priority. Further, this also implies that all our offerings and ceremonies must be oriented to manifest and foster this double path of love 4.       The more our religious practices become channels of love for God and others, the more they become worth. Loving God is not just following a commandment. It is a fitting response to God’s own loving us. God loves us so much and cares for us so much. 5.       Even though we defect from Him and collapse, He does not reject or abandon us. As soon as we repent and return to Him, He forgives all our iniquities. Not only that. He will bless us doubly with prosperity and joy. 6.       If our loving God becomes an act of gratitude and response to God loving us, our loving others is the expression and effect of loving God. In fact, these two are not separate or opposites. Love for God is the foundation and spring for love for others. Love for others is the outflow and authentication of love for God   Imperative: We will be wise to integrate love for God and love for others. Faith and charity are two sides of the same coin. One cannot be complete without the other   09 MARCH 2024: HOS 6. 1-6; LUKE 18. 9-14   Focus: The bottom line!  Indicative: Humility is not just one of the many virtues but is the base and bottom line of all the other virtues. One who fails in humility fails in all   1.       “Whoever exalts himself will be humbled and whoever humbles himself will be exalted”, so declares Jesus. Clearly, Jesus is teaching us the greatness of humility. He teaches us that only in humility do we find real greatness. Only those who are humble will be great in the sight of God and will be exalted 2.       The parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector is a vivid description of this contrast between lack of humility and humility. The Pharisee represents the lack of humility and the tax collector, humility. The Pharisee is so self-righteous and haughty. Consequently, he fails to recognize his own human sinfulness and unworthiness before a holy God 3.       There is a total unawareness of the holiness of God that must make us humble in His presence. Instead, he glorifies himself before God; he enlists some religious practices as proof of his holiness. Instead of surrendering Himself to God’s mercy, he elevates himself as if there is nothing to correct and change 4.       Though he appears to thank God, it is in fact an indirect thanking himself. He is presumptuous and complacent. He is so self-conceited that he becomes blind to his defects. He is covered by layers of the false self that rates itself as perfect and all better, holier, and greater than others 5.       True to the teaching of Jesus elsewhere, he is a real hypocrite who sees the speck in the other’s eye but does not see the log in his own eye. To the extent he labels, degrades, and despises others as thieves, rogues, adulterers, and good for nothing, he fails thoroughly in charity and benevolence toward others. He does not recognize and respect others’ dignity 6.       The end results are clear: the Pharisee is rejected by God who is displeased with him. But the tax collector is accepted and blessed and rewarded by God who is highly pleased with his humble heart. God does not look at what position we stand on but with what heart we stand before Him.   Imperative: Self-pride and self-glory are the root causes of all evils. They make us blind to our imperfections and contemptuous toward others. Humility and charity are the antidotes   (Reflection 2)   Focus: Humility to repent and steadfastness to be loyal will always win God's favour; Instead, a self-motivated and self-gratifying spirituality is not pleasing to God   God desires love and not mere sacrifices; He is more pleased with the growth in His knowledge rather than the multitude of empty offerings. He wants a devotion that is steadfast and not unstable. He wants a love that is profound and not shallow. He wants a love that is totally God-oriented and not self-oriented.   He wants a love that seeks to glorify God and not to gratify the self. This is what God declares in crystal clear terms in the first reading from prophet Hosea. He is unhappy that people are so opportunist as to seek Him in their time of trouble.   They turn to Him so as to take advantage of His indulgent benevolence. They are not steady, because their love is like a morning cloud and like the fast vanishing dew. This becomes clear all through the Salvation history.   The Pharisee's prayer in the gospel is not pleasing to God and not accepted by Him, because it is full of self, self-righteousness, self-complacency, and self-glory. There is no humble admission of his own unworthiness. There is no sense of gratitude to God, dependence on Him, and closeness with Him. There is no submission to God. There is no fraternal feeling toward the other in respect and benevolence   Instead, the tax collector's prayer is readily accepted by God, because it springs from a contrite heart and humble spirit. He deeply acknowledges his sinfulness and freely surrenders to God   The Pharisee informs God about how great he is. But the tax collector is aware of how great God is, and how small and unworthy he is. By physical position, the Pharisee stands so close to the altar, but actually, he is far away from God’s mercy. Instead, the publican stands so far off the altar, but really, he is so close to God by heart.   Direction: We go to God and we pray, not to inform or give Him new knowledge about our greatness or judge others how bad they are. No prayer is heard when it lacks charity and is prejudiced despising others