13 SUNDAY OF THE YEAR B 24

13TH SUNDAY, 30 JUNE 2024: WIS 1. 13-15, 2. 23-24; 2 COR 8. 7, 9, 13-15; MARK 5. 21-43 Focus: True faith is not at all a matter of the power of one’s believing and getting things done from God. Rather, it is a matter of believing totally in the power of God, with total humility 1. Very often, faith is regarded as one’s credit. That is why, we hear compliments like, “Oh, what a faith he has! Oh how great is her faith!” This can easily give an impression that faith is one’s greatness. This is actually a defective conception. The focus should not be on the person who believes but on God whom one believes. The greatness is not of the one who pleads and receives from God, but of God who listens and gives. 2. In fact, the more faith thinks nothing of itself, the more it is creditable. In other words, a person with true faith must always be humble. He must be deeply conscious of his unworthiness and littleness. One may be great and big in the sight of the world. But before God, before His greatness and holiness, we are all unworthy and undeserving. This is not self-deprecation or self-lowering, that may be negative as poor self-esteem. This is a realistic self-realization and self-acceptance. 3. Therefore, when faith is devoid of humility, it cannot be sincere and profound. It can easily become arrogant and even self-righteous. Such a humility-lacking faith would make even God’s grace a necessary result of its greatness and not of God’s benevolence. Certainly, very often, Jesus praises the faith of those who seek favours from him. And today’s gospel also, he compliments the faith of one ruler of a synagogue and one woman with haemorrhage. Jesus does the healing and gives the credit to their faith. 4. However, this does not mean that it is their faith that does things happen. It is God who makes things happen. Their faith is great in the sense that they are totally open to receive God’s power. Therefore, the greatness of faith does not lie in the person himself but in God. In other words, faith becomes great when there is humility, trust and surrender. 5. In this sense, 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 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. 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. 6. His faith is marked by a 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. He knows that the divine and spiritual power of Jesus surpasses his worldly power. Such a genuine humility is accompanied by an unswerving trust in Jesus’ merciful power. That is why he pleads with Jesus, “Come and lay your hands on her, so that she may be made well, and live”. 7. 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?” 8. 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. There were funebrial cries all around Jairus’ house. And the woman consulted every possible doctor and spent her every penny over her haemorrhage. Both were facing the most desperate and depressing situations. 9. We can also note on the part of Jesus a couple of simple but significant factors. He shows a 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. 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 upon 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. 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. After the miracle, he strictly charges them not to tell anyone. What a contrast to many of us that do a drop but do bundles of publicity and get mountains of popularity! 11. At the end of all, what is needed from 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. 12. 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 frustrates the trust and hope of those who confide in Him

12 SUNDAY OF THE YEAR 24

TWELFTH SUNDAY, 23 JUNE 2024: JOB 38. 1, 8-11; 2 COR 5. 14-17; MARK 4. 35-41 Focus: Life is never free from storms and tumults. Because of the possible troubles, we cannot stop sailing. The solution is not to avoid sail but to sail along with the Lord 1. In the gospel, the scene is dramatic and vivid. The disciples are sailing in a boat. Jesus too is with them. It is hit by heavy storms. The boat is on the verge of sinking. They stand at the door of perishing. They get panicky. They look for Jesus. He is “peacefully” sleeping on a cushion. The natural human feelings rise up. They get all the more annoyed. They feel bad at this apparent indifference toward their desperate fate. They give vent to their displeasure and frustration. They wake him up and confront him, saying, “do you not care that we are perishing?” 2. Their situation very much represents our own life situation as well. Life is a boat in a constant sea-sail, surmounted by storms. The sail gets harder and harder. The storms will threaten to sink the boat and perish life as well. What is interesting and subject to questioning is, the Lord himself asks them, “Let us go across to the other side”. It is he who proposes the sail and initiates them. But what is more worrisome is that the Lord himself seems unbothered and unconcerned about it. 3. Fear grips and faith wavers. The boat of life is hit hard. Problems and afflictions enter violently into the boat. They frighten to drown it. We feel lost and gone. In such situations, we even forget the truth that as long as the Lord is with us, nothing can harm us and destroy us. Like the disciples, we too get annoyed that he is resting peacefully while we are restless in tension. We may also confront and question him many times that he is not bothered about us. 4. In such frightening and losing moments, what to do and how to counter such a situation? Be focused on the Lord. Deep within, remember that the Lord is present with us in the same boat, and as long as he is with us, no harm can betide us, no storm can drown us. Be confident that he will never allow us to sink and perish. We may come under pressure. We may feel that God is not attentive toward our gripping situations, that he does not understand the gravity of them. But listen to him what he tells the disciples, “Why are you so afraid? Have you still no faith?” The Lord repeats the same words to us as well in our stormy times: “Why are you afraid? Am I not with you? Will I leave you to your fate? Will I allow you to struggle helplessly? Will I deliver you to misery? Have faith in me. I will deliver you. I will sustain your journey. I will calm the storms, I will restore peace and serenity. I will remove your fears” 5. Therefore, let us not entertain wishful thinking that there should be no storms, no struggles, and adversities in life. Let us not be unrealistic that life should be always smooth sailing. Rather, what is needed is to sail ahead through all the possible and expected inclement and unfavourable situations. This is possible only when we have a strong rudder and weapon and a clear beacon of faith. In the words of Paul in the second reading from 2 Cor 5. 14-17, this means to “become a new creation in Christ, where the old has passed away and the new has come”. 6. There is also another notable factor in the whole episode. As soon as the disciples awoke the Lord expressing their annoyance, Jesus does not get into argument. He does not begin to admonish them about their lack of faith. There is no discourse. Instantly and immediately, he attends to their need. He rebukes the sea and calms the storm. He commands and controls, “Peace! Be still!” And only then, he does the corrective. This is also a useful lesson for all of us, especially when we have the sacred duty of correcting and guiding others. Before giving them big moral instructions, let us understand their problem and situation. Let us cater to their need. Let us instill confidence and calm in them. There is no use in moralizing the whole issue without understanding and resolving the issue. It will only demoralize those concerned. 7. We can also draw another profitable lesson for us from the beginning statement of Jesus. Jesus initiates and encourages the disciples, “Let us go across to the other side”. Let us not comment that if they did not go across to the other side, then there would be no storm and no problem. Rather, let us note a significant directive for our life. Many times, we prefer to play it safe, we do not want to sail to the other side. We do not want to face possible risks. We want to remain on one side only, settled and in comfort zones. But let us remember that unless we sail to the other side, we will not experience the power of Jesus that which controls everything, and thus experience the calm and serenity that he alone can restore. Direction: The value of life does not consist of not facing any storms and hard times, or trying to avoid them. Rather, the quality of our life is tested and testified in confronting them with deep faith in God and remaining calm and strong

SOLEMNITY OF THE NATIVITY OF JOHN THE BAPTIST 24

24 - 29 JUNE 2024, HOLY MASS REFLECTIONS 24 JUNE 2024: ISIAH 49. 1-6; ACTS 13. 22-26; LUKE 1. 57-66: SOLEMNITY OF THE NATIVITY OF JOHN THE BAPTIST Focus: Our life is not a haphazard or fortuitous existence without a goal and direction but it is a gratuitous and gracious gift of God 1. Today we celebrate the birth of John the Baptist. His is the only birth we celebrate besides the birthdays of the Lord and the Mother. That alone shows the singular importance that is accorded to him. The words of prophets Jeremiah 1. 4-10 and Isaiah 49. 1-6 are true and applicable to his birth and mission. 2. He has been eternally destined by God to be his precursor, who prepares the way for the Messiah, who preaches repentance and converts many to the way of the Lord. He was called and named by the Lord from the mother’s womb. He was made like a sharp sword and like a polished arrow. He was the chosen servant of God. He was made as a light to the nations. In him, God is glorified. 3. The second reading from Acts 13. 22-26 also indicates that John is a man after God’s own heart who will do all his will like David. God Himself would be his shield and guide. He would hide him in the shadow of His hand, and in His quiver. Hence no fear! 4. The birth of John the Baptist recalls and reminds us of our own Christian vocation and mission, which can be summarized in three essential aspects: destiny, consecration, and empowerment. We are destined for eternity, destined to be heirs of heaven. 5. In the pursuit of this destiny, we are consecrated to be His own, to be the disciples of Christ on his mission. In carrying out this mission and living out of the life of grace, we are empowered with His own power that emboldens us and illumines us amidst all fears and evil forces. 6. John the Baptist lived and accomplished his destiny, consecration, and empowerment by his undistracted focus, humble surrender, and unflinching loyalty Direction: Life will be joyful and fulfilling to the extent we are profoundly aware and live our project of destiny, consecration, and empowerment in focus, surrender, and commitment 25 JUNE 2024: 2 KINGS 19. 9B-11, 14-21, 31-35A, 36; MATTHEW 7. 6, 12-14 Thrust: Wisdom to discern! Indicative: Many fail to make the right decisions and implement them into the right actions. It is because they fail to discern between right and wrong. Further, this is because they lack wisdom 1. One dominant theme in today’s word of God is divine discernment. Sennacherib, the king of Assyria does not realise and discern between God’s unsurpassable might and his own limited human resources and army capacities. He does not discern that the God of Israel is the supreme warrior, victor, and protector of His people. 2. Consequently, he ridicules Hezekiah, the king of Israel that there is no rescue for him other than surrendering to the hands of Assyria. God thwarts his plans and frustrates his human capacities. He declares explicitly, “I will defend the city and save it”. Failure in discernment brings humiliation and destruction. 3. In the gospel, 3 further cases call for discernment: not throwing what is holy to the dogs, and pearls before the pigs; doing to others what we want them to do to you; entering through the narrow gate and way and not the broader. 4. What is holy and precious like a pearl may be our faith, our life. They are so sacred and valuable. So we must always safeguard and preserve them intact. We should not tamper with them or taint them. 5. We should not expose them to dogs and pigs, meaning evil forces or pressures. We should not deal with our faith and life thoughtlessly and carelessly. This is also a caution against evil to be careful and not be taken for a ride. 6. The second aspect of discernment is to opt for altruism. In Jesus’ words, it is to “do to others what you want them to do to you”. Accordingly, it would mean that we always think, feel, speak and do only what is good and positive toward others. No one would wish bad or harm for one’s own self. This in fact is the “Golden Rule”. 7. The third aspect of discernment is between the narrow gate and way and the broader gate and way. The former is difficult but leads to salvation. But the latter, the broader is easier but leads to destruction. Imperative: The man of today lacks this power of discernment. That is why he easily falls to the fierce attacks of the evil, the dogs and pigs. He is not able to preserve intact his life and faith. He fails in altruism. He is prone and eager to walk the broader way and meets with discernment (Reflection 2) Focus: The people of the world think of themselves as on top of the world relying on their own capacities, but they will be put to shame when God mercifully intervenes on behalf of His people Sennacherib, the king of Assyria, places too much trust in his mighty army and underestimates and ridicules God Yahweh and Hezekiah, the king of Judah. But Hezekiah realizes his own vulnerable situation and turns to God, placing his total trust in Him and entrusting the whole cause to God. And God does not fail his trust and rescues his country from the enemy's hand. This is the real faith - counting on God even in seemingly desperate and defeating situations. It is this faith that Jesus speaks as something holy and a pearl that should be preserved without throwing to dogs or swine, which can mean evil and worldly forces. In safeguarding this faith, two principles will be significant: perseverance with a wise discernment to choose the narrow way against the broader way and persist in the same; the second principle is an empathetic benevolence towards others, that is, to place ourselves in the situations of others and to do to others the good that we wish for ourselves. Direction: Realizing the worth of faith, Reliance on God, clarity of priorities, and walking the right way, are the fundamental norms of a good and godly life 26 JUNE 2024: 2 KINGS 22. 8-13, 23. 1-3; MATTHEW 7. 15-20 Thrust: Wickedness in disguise? Indicative: Mere external appearances cannot prove the real quality of something or someone. They can be clever devices and deceptive disguises. Only authentic actions matter 1. There is a rampant “mask” culture. The real character often is under pretensions and disguises. Many go about with a lot of duplicities, giving an appearance and colouring of being good and holy. But in truth, they are only hiding their bad nature under a good cover. This is what Jesus calls, “wolves in sheep’s clothing”. 2. Quite true to Jesus’ warning, there are many false prophets all around us who wear sheep’s clothing but are inwardly ravenous wolves. These project themselves as meek, humble, and pure like sheep. They appear to be harmless. But inside they are full of aggressiveness, and destructive nature. 3. They wait for every little chance to pounce on others and harm them grievously. But how do we find them out? Is there any criterion, any test to uncover their real colour? It is by looking at their fruits. 4. As Jesus cautions, these are the bad or diseased trees. They pretend to bear good fruit. But they bear only bad fruit. A bad tree cannot bear good fruit. These are the thorn bushes and they cannot produce grapes or figs. Their end will only be destruction, just as every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. 5. The falsity, deceptiveness, and failure of the test of the authenticity of these false prophets should serve as a caution, warning, and challenge for all of us not to fall into the same trap. Instead of bad or diseased trees, we must be good trees that bear good fruits. We must not be wolves in sheep’s clothing. Rather we must be sheep in sheep’s clothing. 6. For this, like the king of Judah and all his people in the first reading, we must constantly rediscover and renew our covenant with the Lord. We must resolve to “walk after the Lord, to keep his commandments, his testimonies and his statutes with all our heart and all our soul”. Imperative: Claiming to be good and healthy trees but bearing bad fruits is a contradiction. Let us try to be good trees not only in appearance but in truth by bearing good fruits (Reflection 2) Falsity is always detestable in the sight of God because He knows the humans through and through. Those who are false may disguise themselves in the garbs of holiness. They may be able to fool and deceive others. But they cannot fool God. God will certainly take them to the task. This is how Jesus warns in the gospel about the false people in the holy garb of prophets. These are inwardly violent wolves but outwardly meek sheep. They are bad trees that appear to bear good fruits. But they bear only bad fruits. And they are judged by their bad fruits. Accordingly, just like the bad trees they will be cut down and thrown into the fire. Therefore, what is important is that we are sincere and authentic with no false disguises. We must grow and live like good trees that bear good fruits. We must prove ourselves by the quality of our fruits. Then surely God will bless us and reward us abundantly. 27 JUNE 2024: 2 KINGS 24. 8-17; MATTHEW 7. 21-29 Thrust: Shallow promises do not suffice! Indicative: Mere words or shallow activities will not please God and bring His blessings. What really matters is to cease to do evil and be faithful to God 1. The word of God once again makes it clear that evil is abominable and displeasing to God. What He expects from us is to avoid evil, and to remain faithful to Him. If one fails in this, he will meet the consequences, ending up in destruction. This is what happened in the case of Jehoiachin, the king of Judah. 2. He did what was evil in the sight of the Lord. As a consequence, he meets with defeat and captivity at the hands of the king of Babylon. A similar fate would await all those who do evil. They may acclaim “Lord, Lord”. But that will not suffice. If they fail to do God’s will, they will not enter the kingdom of heaven. 3. Some others may also do apparently many religious activities and spiritual gifts like prophecy, exorcism, and miracles. But that too will not suffice. They need to avoid their wickedness and be faithful to God in an integral life. Otherwise, they will meet the fate of rejection by the Lord who would declare, “I never knew you, depart from me, you workers of wickedness”. 4. Ultimately what matters the most is to live a life, founded and built on rock. It means to live a life that remains solid and firm in faith, beaten by winds and floods but unshaken. It means to live a life that is docile and submissive to listen and be tuned to His voice and promptings. It means to live a life that is constantly built on His teachings and values. It means to live a life that strives to do His mission of spreading His kingdom and bearing abundant fruits of good actions. 5. But on the contrary, if one builds his house on a foundation of sand, their fall will be sure and great. It is to entangle oneself in worldly dissipations, being carried away by worthless interests and pursuits. These are the ones who are content with mere empty words and shallow activities. Their hearts cling to evil and their lives continue dichotomous. Imperative: It is wisdom that makes the vital difference between the two types of foundations. People of wisdom build their life on rock while those foolish, on sand. What are we – wise or foolish? What foundation is ours – rock or sand? (Reflection 2) Focus: Knowledge alone will not suffice to live a worthwhile life and to be pleasing in God's sight but we need the wisdom of God to discern and follow the right Doing evil will bring only God's just wrath and doom. This is clearly seen in the case of Jehoiachin, the king of Judah who did evil in the sight of God and consequently was defeated and deported as a captive by the king of Babylon. Jesus too is stern with all those who do evil. Mere prophesying or doing great exorcisms or miracles, organising great things in God's name, or preaching great, will not qualify one worthy before God and to enter heaven. It is like foolishness to build one's life on the loose foundation of sand of worldly pursuits and evil ways. The real qualification is the wisdom to build one's life on the solid foundation of the rock of faith and goodness and a resultant authentic life that strives always to do God's will. Direction: Today the illusion of many should be shattered that mere talent, competence, and resources will not merit God's holy pleasure but only a holy and good life 28 JUNE 2024: 2 KINGS 25. 1-12; MATTHEW 8. 1-4, St Irenaeus Focus: Everyone stands in need of healing and for this, one should be aware of his unhealthy condition, deeply feel the desire for health and the need for healing, and in faith approach the Lord 1. The regular and serial besiege and exile of the kings of Judah, of the city of Jerusalem and the people, is a hard indication and lesson that infidelity to God and His moral principles will throw our life into shatters. Evil may bring quick gains and temporary pleasures but will have long-lasting disasters and distress 2. It is not a defeat or powerlessness or indifference of God. Rather, it is a pointer to all that merely subscribing to a religion or pronouncing God's name will not do good. What is needed is a faithful and integral life. 3. In the light of the gospel, it is to be healed of leprosy that corrodes a person and alienates him from society One should get rid of the interior and spiritual leprosy that eats away the sanity and wholeness of the person. 4. All of us need healing and restoration of the lost health. For this, like the leper, we need an earnest desire to approach the Lord, and to get cleaned and healed by God. We must humbly plead the Lord, “Lord, if you will, you can make me clean”. And the Lord is always ready to heal us, 5. The Lord is always ready to heal us, saying, “I will; be clean”. Many a time, many continue unhealed and unclean because they lack this deep desire and turn to God. 6. At a time when the church was being threatened by the leprous-like infection of heresies, St Irenaeus, the bishop of Lyons stood firm, defended the truth of faith and was martyred Direction: In a world that becomes more and more health-conscious and beauty-conscious, one should aim at and strive for interior and holistic health and beautification 29 JUNE 2024: ACTS 12. 1-11; 2 TIM 4. 6-8, 17-18; MATTHEW 16. 13-19; SAINTS PETER AND PAUL Focus: The greatness of faith is not so much in what one does by oneself for the Lord, but in what one allows God to do in and through oneself, in surrender and dedication 1. Today we celebrate the solemnity of St Peter and St Paul. In a way, they are the two prime craftsmen of the edifice of the Church, after the heart of Christ, the real Founder, and the Master Architect. They are the master servants of the Supreme Master and the servant leaders of the community of believers. 2. What is striking and awe-inspiring in both of them is their unbounded passion for Christ. It is this passionate love for him that makes them stand solid like a rock even in the face of terrible adversities and persecutions, leading to martyrdom as well. 3. It is this passion that makes Peter announce with conviction, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God” (Mt 16. 16). It is this passion that makes Peter affirm with indefectible loyalty, “To whom shall we go, Lord? You have the words of eternal life” (cf. Jn 6. 68). It is this passion that makes him confess his love with total heart, “Lord, you know that I love you” (cf. Jn 21. 15-19). It is the same passion that keeps his faith undaunted despite the imprisonments or other sufferings. 4. However, this passion is not merely sentimental or limited only to words. It is deeply actual and authentic in action. It shows itself in total detachment and sacrifice. That is why Peter left everything and followed the Lord at his call (cf. Luke 5. 8-11). He would also attest, “You see we have given up everything to follow you” (Mt 20. 27). 5. The same passion is amply manifest in Paul as well. See what a fire of love consumes him when he professes his love for Christ, “Who or what can separate us from the love of Christ?” Nothing and no one can ever work against us when Christ is with us and when we love him (cf. Rom 8. 35-39). 6. That is why, Paul would exclaim in Phil 3. 7-8: “But whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ. Indeed, I count everything as a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake, I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them as refuse, in order that I may gain Christ”. 7. Further, this same passion would set them on fire in the same mission of Christ, charged with perseverance, loyalty, and commitment. It makes them selfless and fearless in carrying out the mission of Christ. Their passionate mission knew no bounds and so it cut across all boundaries. 8. They remained true to their Master to the end. They testified their love and passion for their Lord by their blood. It is this authenticity of commitment that makes Paul declare in today’s second reading from 2 Timothy 4. 6-8, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith”. 9. Today, perhaps, this fiery passion of Peter and Paul may be covered under the ashes of fabrics of authority and administration in line with Peter, or under the garbs of eloquent preaching and supervision in line with Paul. 10. We will be doing great injustice to Peter and Paul if we limit them to suit our rungs of power and word. Their passion, their loyalty, and their self-emptying commitment should be rediscovered and reactivated. Direction: Passion for Christ should never diminish on account of the other worthless passions. Zeal for the mission of Christ should not be dominated by self-oriented ministries. (Reflection 2) Saints Peter and Paul – two greatest saints, the two solid pillars, pilasters, and columns of the magnificent edifice of the Church of Christ, the two earliest proponents of the way of the Lord, the two wise and illumined guides and leaders of the believing communities. Our concern now is not so much the divergence of their background or appearance or temperament or mental frame or intellectual acumen or skill or recipients. It is very interesting that these two greatest saints are put together for one single feast day of 29 June, while one each other day is also marked for them, namely, 22 February as the day of Chair of St Peter, and 25 January as the day of the conversion of St Paul. This one common feast day celebration can be very indicative of the oneness and unity, the solidity and the vitality, the spread and the growth of the Church, irrespective of the diversities. In the plan of God, in the journey of salvation, in the mystical body of Christ, in the community of believers, in the reign of God, what matters most is communion and commitment, and nothing else. It is these two that put them together in one single frame, on the same plane. The lives of Peter and Paul are the tallest proclamations and testimonies of how God’s grace is unfathomable and immense and what abundant fruits it bears when one responds with generosity. What makes them alike is their deepest love and the craziest passion for Christ. This is what makes Peter declare unequivocally: “Lord, you know everything and you know that I love you” (Jn 21. 15-17); and makes Paul attest convincingly: “Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, distress, persecution, famine, nakedness, peril, or sword? No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am sure that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord “ (Rom 8. 35, 37-39). This flows into an inseparable intimacy and indissoluble communion with the Lord. This rootedness and bonding with the Lord soak them into depths of humility, docility, and surrender towards God’s will and plans (cf. Rom 9. 20-21: “But who are you, a man, to answer back to God? Will what is moulded say to its moulder, “Why have you made me thus?” Has the potter no right over the clay, to make out of the same lump one vessel for beauty and another for menial use?”; cf. Jn 6. 68: “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life”). This throws them into a radical shock and convulsion of conversion, thus rendering them totally self-effacing (cf. Mt 20. 27: “Then Peter spoke up and said, ‘You see we have given up everything to follow you’ “; Phil 3. 7-8: “But whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ. Indeed I count everything as a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake, I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them as refuse, in order that I may gain Christ”). Love and surrender will never keep one at rest but will overpower one with a “divine restlessness”. Thus, they are led to the heights of fidelity and commitment to the Lord’s mission, overwhelmed by the power of the Holy Spirit. The spread of the faith and faith communities are the most concrete attestations of their abundant fruition and the epitomes of their faith and charity. In sum, it is their passionate love of Christ that takes their whole life by storm and makes it an unending story of humility, docility, fidelity, and charity. Today it is not fair to be content that we are on the same line as Peter and Paul, mostly in terms of authority of administration and power of eloquence. This will not suffice. We need to be imitators of them, not only in leadership and preaching but much more in their virtue. We need to be moulded in the same intensity of love, authenticity of humility, profundity of surrender, the credibility of detachment, density of loyalty, vibrancy of charity, and the radicalism of missionary commitment.

10th WEEK DAYS MASS REFLECTION OF THE YEAR 24

10 - 15 JUNE 2024, HOLY MASS REFLECTIONS 10 JUNE 2024: 1 KINGS 17. 1-6; MATTHEW 5. 1-12 Focus: We are destined for blessedness and the only way to obtain such bliss is to follow the way of the Lord. A life of happiness is a way of godliness and goodness 1. In today's gospel, we have the famous Sermon on the Mount of Jesus with the solemn Beatitudes. They are beatitudes because their end is bliss and happiness. They are the confirmed means to attain such bliss. 2. They are not merely some religious teaching or spiritual doctrine but they are fundamental human principles to follow. They are not only some guidelines to apply or some useful ways of doing, but much more essential modes of being. 3. They are in fact a total contrast to the standards and ways of the world. They are considered as "devalues", "inabilities" and "inadequacies" in the sight of the world. So, certainly, they are a "difficult lot" to follow. 4. But they alone are the royal and noble means to be happy and blessed: be poor - humble of spirit, be sensitive to others' pain, be patient during suffering, be gentle, be meek, be merciful, be guileless and pure of heart, be peace-loving and peace-promoting, be hungry and thirsty for good and righteousness, be loyal, persevering and committed to God. 5. Follow this mode of being and surely you will experience a bliss that is profound, authentic and lasting. In the first reading, Elijah lived this “blessed” mode of being a man, a prophet of God, obeying God’s voice and doing His will. That is why he was fed miraculously and later became a blessing of abundance for the widow of Zarephath. “The jar of flour was not spent and the jug of oil did not become empty”. Direction: True happiness is not the absence of suffering. It does not come from mere avoidance and escape from affliction. Rather, true happiness comes from standing and suffering for God and good, through the path of beatitudes (Reflection 2) Pivot: God who encourages! Indicative: It is true that in our life we have situations that discourage us. But today we are encouraged by the fact that our God is always a God of encouragement 1. In our present times, disappointment and discouragement are quite rampant. No one is exempt from this, whether poor or rich, clever or uneducated, high status or low. Many lose a sense of meaning and happiness in life because of discouragement. 2. What are the causes and reasons for this sense of discouragement? Discouragement is due to the experience of failure, especially failure in getting what is expected or due. Thus this failure is often connected to material or intellectual inadequacy or social standing concerning power and position. 3. But as people of faith and depth, the root cause for all discouragement is a lack of deep faith in God. This may look simply spiritualizing. But this is the fact. When we are not strong in faith, we will be easily discouraged. 5. The beatitudes in the gospel are the most concrete and authentic means and expressions of encouragement. All these mandates or norms are demanding and certainly, lead to situations of affliction in the world because the world has a different set of norms and means. 6. But those who follow the beatitudes obtain God’s greatest encouragement in the form of blessedness and eternal life itself. They are not just self-confined individual gains. They become integrally altruistic. 7. The encouragement of God that encourages those who follow his beatitudes overflows to others to encourage them in their afflictions. Imperative: The world of today that suffers under the yoke of discouragement needs the relieving and healing touch of Christ. And we are to be those channels through the beatitudes 11 JUNE 2024: ACTS 11. 21b-26; 13.1-3; MATTHEW 10- 7-13, ST BARNABAS Indicative: The kingdom of God is at hand. So we need to join our hands to promote it. It is not an option but an obligation. We are sent and are on a mission 1. Today we keep the memory of Saint Barnabas. He was so prominent in the early church in the spread of the faith, at times almost on par with the apostles. He is reported as a "good man, full of Holy Spirit and faith", "set apart by the Holy Spirit" for specific missions, and who "rejoiced over the working of God's grace and encouraged others to remain steadfast in the firmness of heart". 2. Quite rightly, he receives the mission mandate of Jesus in the gospel and accomplishes it. He does not acquire gold, silver or copper. He carries no bag. Neither does he hold two tunics or sandals or staff. This implies that he is not attached to worldly possessions. He is not greedy and does not accumulate worldly things. He does not depend on them as a means of security and guarantee. 3. In season and out of season, he went on proclaiming the gospel of Christ. He was undaunted and undeterred even amidst all trials and persecutions. As in the case of the other Apostles, nothing could intimidate him or reduce his spirit and dedication. 4. Steered by the power of the risen Lord and the light of the Holy Spirit, he went on “healing the sick, raising the dead, cleansing the lepers, and casting out demons”. Perhaps, special miracles by him may not be reported. But certainly, he was transmitting inner, spiritual healing; he was cleansing the hearts with repentance; driving out the evil forces and thus raising others to a new life of Christ, a renewed being in the mould of Christ. 5. This is the same portrait of any true disciple and apostle of Christ. We need to be personally close to the Lord and passionately love him. We need to be full of the Holy Spirit. We too should be docile to be set apart by the Holy Spirit for the mission of the Lord. We must be aglow with zeal and charity to encourage and strengthen others as well in the love and service of the Master. Imperative: The life of many has become very dishonest and inauthentic. The mission too has become cold and lethargic. The only reason is that the fire of love and loyalty for God and the flames of fraternity and charity are dwindling. 12 JUNE 2024: 1 KINGS 18. 20-39; MATTHEW 5. 17-19 Indicative: Ultimately true faith is not merely a matter of having and knowing great laws and traditions. It is not just belonging to religion but being religious and obeying God’s will 1. Very many times, faith is identified with allegiance to a religious group and adherence to a code of laws and religious observances. In this process, many are easily caught up with the mere externals and carried away by shallow passions, prejudices, and hateful actions toward others. That is why in the name of the very God who is always kind and never harmful, many religious followers become fanatical and destructive. This is a contradiction! 2. It is here that Jesus makes it clear what true faith and religious adherence are. It is not blind allegiance or stubborn subscription to the laws and tradition. It is not ill-directed fanatical zeal. It is not a puritan or policing attitude toward others. It is also not an arrogant self-projection as the “saviours” of God himself. 3. True faith is faithfulness. But mind! Faithfulness is not merely to some rules and regulations, distorted to suit human convenience. It is faithfulness to God, a God who is never violent or condemnatory or revengeful toward anyone. It is faithfulness to the true spirit of religion, the kingdom of God. 4. Jesus clearly cautions that “whoever relaxes/twists even one of the least of the commandments and misleads others also will be the least in the kingdom of heaven”. It is this fidelity to the true God that filled the prophet Elijah in the first reading with a passion to challenge the priests of Baal and call them for a contest. 5. The contest between Elijah and Baal’s prophets should not be understood as a “test of true religion” or a fight between religions. In no way, Elijah can be wrongly interpreted in line with the fanatics. Defeating the false prophets and the false god Baal and eventually killing them is not a justification for the so-called “just killings” for God. 6. The contest is a clear call to leave the false ways and immorality in the name of religion and to return to the true God. It is a call to avoid our wavering and unsteady nature. Elijah speaks of this as “the limping between two different opinions”, referring to Israel’s oscillating between true God and false images. Imperative: Many do not realise that the hatred and violence that they instigate and propagate in the name of safeguarding and honouring God is in fact dishonouring God and defeating His sacred designs. No religion is religious if it is harmful to others! (Reflection 2) Focus: True humility realizes that all our competence is from God. Therefore, no one can claim to be competent through human codes or traditions, but only in the Spirit Greatness is what everyone aspires and strives for. To desire and seek to be great in itself is not wrong. But, how one wants to be great, and what means are employed to acquire that greatness – this is the real issue. Many seek greatness by recourse to worldly things such as money, power, position etc. But, Jesus in the gospel teaches us what real greatness is and how to attain it. To be really great is to be rated great not in the sight of the world but in the sight of God. The way to such greatness is to follow the commandments of God and also to teach and guide others to follow the same. Thus, following the commandments alone is the criterion that decides whether we are great or not. To follow the law does not mean to be legalistic and rigid. It is to understand and assimilate the spirit of the law. It is to be faithful to the spirit of the law. It is to act according to the Spirit. It is to seek all our competence from God. It is to be His competent ministers of a new covenant. When one goes beyond the mere letter of the law and performs actions according to the spirit of the law, it is not breaching the law but perfecting and fulfilling it. This is what Jesus always did: he was only perfecting and accomplishing the law, which apparently was violating the law. Seen from the perspective of fidelity to God's love and adherence to God's will, all the Laws and directives will no longer be burdensome restrictions or curtailing retrenchments. Rather, they become facilitators toward perfection. Direction: Freedom of the Spirit is not equivalent to lawlessness, callousness or indulgence but is the perfect following of God's precepts. 13 JUNE 2024: 1 KINGS 18. 41-46; MATTHEW 5. 20-26, ST ANTHONY OF PADUA Indicative: The test of fidelity is not the show of strength of faith. In other words, fidelity does not consist in the number of religious rules or miracles but in humble surrender and obedience to God’s will 1. Anyone who is a little religious-minded will surely aspire to enter the kingdom of heaven. And today Jesus clarifies once again how to enter there. It is not by a show and display of the greatness of faith through some activities or practices. It is only through a humble surrender and obedience to God’s will and ways. 2. Elijah can be indicative of this spirit. Certainly, he was well-acclaimed and a “powerful” man of God, demonstrating the awesome power of God. He defeated and terminated the priests of false Baal. He shut up the skies from rain causing drought and again he opens up the heavens to rain. 3. But, all through he remains open and obedient to God’s directions. We read, “Elijah went up to the top of Mount Carmel”. This indicates the meeting with God, going into His presence. “And he bowed himself down on the earth and put his face between his knees”. This shows his humility and surrender. 4. God is not pleased with an attitude of pomp and great bearing. What pleases Him is only a humble attitude that goes beyond the mere letter of the law to the spirit of it. It goes deep beyond the skin-deep. It goes to the essential beyond the superficial. It goes to the centre beyond the peripheral. It goes to the maximum beyond the bare minimums. 5. That is why Jesus states, “Unless your virtue and righteousness exceeds that of the Pharisees and scribes, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven”. He also explains in simple contrasts. One may avoid physical murder but psychological killing through anger, insult, and hurt is much more grievous. One may offer great gifts but they will be futile when there is no self-offering, no heart of peace and reconciliation. 6. St Anthony was such a humble and noble soul. He remained intimate with Jesus. He always obeyed and did God’s will. He was passionately committed to God’s mission by his sanctity and fidelity. Let us not only seek favours from him, but also imbibe something of his spirit, especially something of his intimacy with the Lord, something of zeal and depth for sharing God's Word and good word from his eloquent and powerful preaching and something of regaining and recuperating our lost spirit from his special gift for restoring the lost. Imperative: It is not enough to follow the external rules and rubrics. The rituals and offerings that we do must bring about an interior change and renewal. To be truly religious is to be deeply righteous (Reflection 2) Focus: To be really committed means to be deeply convinced of what is right and to put in the best and the maximum "Unless your virtue surpasses that of the Pharisees and scribes, you shall not enter the kingdom of God", so clearly announces Jesus. The virtue of the Pharisees and scribes was skin-deep, very shallow, and peripheral. It was not going beyond the written rules and traditions. It was not penetrating into the depth of heart and sincerity of devotion. They were satisfied with mere meticulous observance of the precepts. They were not bothered about the living of their purpose. Their main botheration was to follow the letter and not the spirit. Accordingly, they may not kill physically but kill psychologically with mental harassment, character assassination, angry outbursts, and offensive and insulting words. They may offer great sacrifices to God but with hearts filled with grudges and retaliatory spirit. Such devotion and life are not pleasing to God. Instead, a true follower of Christ is expected to look for the maximum, going beyond the minimums. They are called to nurture constantly a respectful and non-judgmental attitude, a spirit of gentleness and patience, and an approach to peace and reconciliation. This was truly the spirit and culture of St Anthony of Padua! Direction: In a culture of bare minimums and dry obligations, the followers of Christ are summoned to do the maximums, and to be passionately committed. It is to see and walk with unveiled faces, radiating the light of Christ 14 JUNE 2024: 1 KINGS 19. 9, 11-16; MATTHEW 5. 27-32 Indicative: God's presence is not necessarily in the spectacular display or extraordinary show of might, but can be in small little things of life 1. Elijah discovers God's Presence not in heavy wind, nor in the earthquake nor in a fire but in a gentle whisper. We need to get accustomed to this way of God's presence and intervention in our life. Usually, we expect Him to display His power in a mighty impressive way. We want God to come to our rescue as soon as we make a prayer. We want “fast reliefs”, and “magical results”. 2. Success and effectiveness are mostly linked with big impressions, mighty displays, and lots of recognition and applause. This is truly a “show culture”, seeking publicity and cheap popularity. The same mentality is reflected toward God as well. We want Him to show His power in a mighty way by “heavy wind or earthquake or fire”. 3. What is needed is to cultivate a sensitive spirit that is susceptible to even simple details of life. God comes to us, in simple ways, through ordinary details. Often, He walks amidst us unnoticed, He speaks to us unattended, and He accompanies us unobserved. 4. Like Elijah, we too may shelter ourselves in our “caves” of either depressed or bloated selves. The Lord tells us as He told him, “Go, return on your way”. He has to continue his mission! We cannot evade our simple tasks expecting always big interventions. 5. This sensitivity and attendance to the simpleness of life imply that we be conscious and cautious about the gravity of sin. The gravity of sin is not so much in terms of big sin or small sin. It is also not simply whether you keep or don’t keep the law. For instance, one may perfectly keep the law by not committing the act of adultery. But he may be so lustful. 6. Therefore, sin is more a matter of interior purity and a holy desire and resolve not to displease God. It is a matter of spiritual wholeness. It is in this context we must understand Jesus' words: a lustful eye is as grievous as physical adultery; divorce is abominable because it is infidelity to the marital inseparability; losing physical limbs is better than subjecting them to sin and being liable to judgment. Imperative: In life, often the problem is the lack of clarity of priorities. It is foolish to worry about physical fitness or wholeness, while one loses "spiritual fitness" and heavenly bliss 15 JUNE 2024: 1 KINGS 19. 19-21; MATTHEW 5. 33-37 Focus: God calls us in our own given situations, but once called, both our situation and also the situation of others will change 1. Truthfulness and faithfulness are the hallworks of a true follower of Christ. The custom of Swearing must be seen in this context. Apparently, swearing seems quite useful in convincing the other and providing a sense of assurance. 2. Thus it appears as an expression of firmness and trust. But if we reflect a little deep, we see that it can convey the contrary. It implies a lack of honesty, truthfulness and credibility. We are not so sure that we cannot be counted as reliable by our own selves. 3. Therefore, we call upon other factors like God God or God's grace, temple or altar etc. Swearing indirectly implies there is inadequate self-responsibility and the weightage of persuasion is shifted onto these other reliables. The concern is not so much keeping the oath or breaking it, but rather fostering a consistent sense of self-responsibility, reliability, and truthfulness 4. It is better to develop this sense of self-responsibility and truthfulness. These increase trustworthiness. These are essential for any mission. Elisha is bestowed with the grace of succession after Elijah because God finds him trustworthy to continue His mission. Direction: It is only truthfulness and trustworthiness that can stand us countable and reliable in the sight of God and others.

10th SUNDAY OF THE YEAR B 24

TENTH SUNDAY, 09 JUNE 2024: GENESIS 3. 9-15; 2 COR 4.13 – 5.1; MARK 3. 20-35 Focus: “Where are you?’ 1. This Sunday, let us begin our reflection with this simple but crucial question. This was the question asked by God to the first parents. It is not a simple query seeking to know the location. It is a fundamental question that summons us for a profound selk-check. 2. Adam and Eve committed sin and so were afraid of God’s presence. They felt ashamed to face Him and stand before Him naked and transparent. They covered and hid themselves. 3. Today the same question is posed to each one of us. Where are you? Where do you stand? What is the state of affairs? What is the quality of life? What is the direction of our life-journey? Such a self-check must ultimately lead to self-renewal, as Paul exhorts us in the second reading that “our inner self is being renewed day by day”. 4. Now what are the components or requirements of this process? First of all, it calls for “Openness” against all our attempts to cover and hide our unpleasant reality. Often the problem is not so much the lack of goodness but the lack of openness to see it and encourage it. 5. There is so much blindness and stubbornness toward truth and good. Consequently, good is not only not recognized and appreciated, but it is presented as bad. This is what happened in the case of Jesus. Jesus in all benevolence heals many sick and demon-possessed. 6. Instead of recognizing God’s power in and through him, the Jewish people accuse him of healing with the help of Beelzebul, the prince of demons. They were so jealous, stubborn, and closed. Consequently, they will not accept and appreciate the good that surrounds them. 7. Still further, they will make wrong attributions even to the healing acts of Jesus. They wrongly attributed the miracles to Jesus’ coalition with Satan. They accused him, “he casts out demons with the help of Beelzebul, the prince of demons.” 8. Jesus makes it very clear that good cannot come from evil. Any trace of bad, division, weakness, and spiritual blindness is nothing but the work of the devil. At times, evil may promote itself in the disguise of good. But its ultimate result is harm and destruction. How foolish the people are not to see that all of Jesus’ holiness and goodness, all his power comes and can come only from God! 9. The devil is the strong man in the gospel. For a while, he is fully armed and has control over all. But once Jesus, the stronger one comes, the evil one has to give way. The power of God assails and overcomes the evil one. 10. But we need to realize that by ourselves and with our own human strength and capacity, we cannot resist, fight and overcome this strong one. We must know that we are weak, susceptible to fail and fall. We need to depend on God. Only with His strength can we stand firm against the evil one. Thus we need a total and humble “Surrender” to God. 11. Having been open and surrendered to God, we need to constantly “Belong” to the one spiritual family of God. It is no longer being conditioned and confined to our natural lineages and relationships. Rather we need to rise above to be the “mother, brothers and sisters” of a higher and larger spiritual family whose sole criterion is “doing the will of God”. 12. Further, we are called to be “Passionately committed” to the strengthening of the Kingdom of God. This implies in a way, being “mad” for God as Jesus was considered to be, because he was selflessly devoted to his mission even forgetting to eat. 13. Finally, this also urges us to be “Undivided and United” in working for the one kingdom of God. Jesus clearly indicates that any trace of division and disunity is a work of the devil and is destructive. Imperative: We are living in a world where there is a malaise of negativity and slander. Good is twisted and accused with wrong motives. It is here we need to bear witness to positive holiness and genuine goodness

9th WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME 24

03 - 08 JUNE 2024, HOLY MASS REFLECTIONS 03 JUNE 2024: 2 PETER 1. 2-7; MARK 12. 1-12 Pivot: Walk all the days of life! Indicative: God is infinitely generous and He selflessly shares with us His love and graces. But sadly men become increasingly greedy and harm each other 1.      There is a limit to need but never to greed. When need turns into greed, dissatisfaction begins and finally ends up in frustration. This leads to harm and destruction 2.      We find a clear contrast between God’s mindset and that of humans. Jesus represents God’s mindset of generosity and the Jewish chief priests, scribes and elders represent the mindset of avarice. God always thinks about what and how to give to others abundantly. But selfish humans greedily desire to grab, misappropriate and hoard what is others’. 3.      The vineyard in the gospel stands for our life on earth. With faith and diligence, God wants us to cultivate this field and produce a rich harvest. The fruits of good life and actions are what God expects from us. 4.      But many get so much attached to earthly riches. They do not want to part with them. They want to be owners of their life with unbridled freedom. They do not realize our essential role and identity as “stewards” of the gift of vocation and mission given to us. 5.      Hence they resent and resist any admonition and accountability. Their stewardship becomes tepid and then wicked. Therefore naturally God will decide to take away the stewardship. The eventual consequence will be severity and judgment. 6.      In the light of the first reading, we have another contrast to these negative characters.  It stands for a righteous and charitable follower of God. He remains faithful to God. He lives a righteous life abounding in works of charity. Imperative: Where do we stand? Are we like Tobit who is faithful and charitable? Or are we like the Jewish authorities who squander God’s riches? 04 JUNE 2024: 2 PETER 2. 12-15a, 17-18; MARK 12. 13-17 Focus: God placed us on this earth, to be responsible and dutiful, both toward earth and heaven. It is not a matter of compromise but a harmony 1.      In the gospel today, we have a very practical teaching and guideline of Jesus about how to conduct our life on this earth: “Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s”. 2.      How to understand this directive? Some, out of their overenthusiastic secularity may interpret it as balancing between the world and God. The danger with this secularized mentality will be to infiltrate worldliness into spirituality. 3.      Their argument will be simple: “We are living on this earth and in this world. Therefore, certain things are demanded of us; we are bound by some earthly ways and concerns. We need to follow certain standards and values of the world; we are both citizens of the earth and also of heaven”. 4.      This type of presentation of the argument is very valid and appealing. It can help us to guard against such a spirituality that is indifferent, unconcerned and uninvolved toward the world. Such a spirituality and Christian life is overly other-worldly neglecting the present concerns and commitment. 5.      Jesus never neglected his duties as a responsible human person, as a citizen of a particular society, or as a partaker of a given culture. Therefore, as true followers of Christ, we have a duty and responsibility toward the mother earth, and toward humanity. 6.      We must be committed to the well-being and well-being of the world. We are obligated to create “new heavens and new earth”. We are duty-bound to establish God’s kingdom here and now. This world is our mission field. 7.      We cannot escape from our human and missionary responsibility in the name of faith and spirituality. In fact, our very faith and mission commit us to the renewal of this world. 8.      However there is always the danger. It can lead to a lot of compromise on the values of Jesus and the duties of a Christian. This responsibility toward the world does not mean that we share everything of the world. Especially, we should always insulate ourselves against all that is evil and false. 9.      We are in the world, not to be tainted by it, but to cleanse and renew it. Therefore, to be responsible toward earth and heaven would mean constantly exercising wise discernment between these twofold duties. 10.  In this process, the praise of the Pharisees and Herodians to please Jesus would hold good. Surely they were flatteries out of hypocrisy, intended to trap Jesus. But they can serve as guidelines for us. 11.  Hear what they tell Jesus: “Teacher, we know that you are true, and care for no man; for you do not regard the position of men, but truly teach the way of God”. Though they did not mean these compliments, they are profoundly true. Direction: As citizens of the earth, we are called to follow these guidelines drawn from Jesus’ character: Be true and honest. Be fair, unprejudiced and undiscriminating. Treat all with respect and a sense of equity. Always guide others on the way of God.  (REFLECTION 2) Pivot: Deprived of sight! Indicative: The world of today languishes in hypocrisy. Hypocrisy is the result of a lack of clarity. This in turn is a lack of wisdom   1. It is wisdom that makes us live a balanced and harmonious life. Such a life gives to Caesar what is his due and to God what is His due. It is the same wisdom that breaks the trap and snare of the Pharisees and scribes. 2. Wisdom discerns between earthly duties and heavenly commitment. Wisdom ensures that there is no conflict between the two. Wisdom fosters a sense of harmony. Wisdom also leads to a virtuous life. 3. This wise and virtuous life is seen in Jesus, in the words of his opponents, addressed to trap him. As they acclaimed, Jesus was “a truthful man… not concerned about anyone’s opinion. Does not regard a person’s status. Teaches the way of God in accordance with the truth”. 4. Many times we are hypocritical even about our hypocrisy. Hypocritically they wanted to project their crookedness and malice as diplomacy and truthfulness. Their praises were not genuine but mere flatteries, still they were very true to Jesus. Imperative: God is never a God of conflict and disharmony. Let us plead with God to make us wise and truthful   05 JUNE 2024: 2 TIMOTHY 1. 1-3, 6-12; MARK 12. 18-27 Focus: To be faithful is to be full of faith, that is, to be filled with the power of the Spirit to remain in faith and trustworthiness 1.      Our God is a God of the living and not of the dead. As long as we live in Him, we have life. But when we live in sin, we are dead though physically alive. We as faithful people are called to carry this life within us. 2.      It is a call to live by the power of this life, to nurture it and to bear witness to it. How to live and witness this godly life? First of all, it is by being humble, conscious and repentant about our human sinfulness. 3.      Then, it is by not being intimidated by the pressures and assaults of evil, as in the case of the faithful ancestors or Paul, who are never dissipated or ashamed of their faith but are convinced of the power of grace. It is also in the case of Jesus whom the Sadducees tried to corner him with the question on resurrection. 4.      Then, it is by surrendering all the anguish to God and pleading for His intervention and mercy. Appreciable is the spirit of deep faith and surrender of the faithful of God. Surrender is never in vain. 5.      In the light of the gospel, these are like the resurrected people, who are not bound by mere earthly restrictions or attachments. They rise higher and operate in a higher realm, like the angels in heaven. These always do God’s will and obey His commands. Obviously, the criteria of heaven are different from those of the world! 6. St Boniface whom we commemorate today was such an authentic person who dedicated himself to the Germanic mission in the Frankish empire in the 8th century. He is the patron of Germany and is the Apostle of the Germans. He was martyred along with 52 others.   Direction: The life of resurrection can already be anticipated and foretasted here on earth itself, provided that we live like angels. That is, with detachment from all the binding ties of the earth and with singular attachment to God 06 JUNE 2024: 2 TIMOTHY 2. 8-15; MARK 12. 28b – 34 Focus: Love is like breath to life, like a heartbeat to heart, like movement to the body, like consciousness to the spirit, like thinking to mind, like the decision to will. It is the essence of an authentic human person and believer   1.      So much is spoken about love and at the very same time, so little is done about it. Love is the most needed and it is also the most disused and abused. Often, lust and selfishness are promoted in the name of love. 2.      Today, once again, Jesus clarifies, certifies and rectifies our whole way of life and religion by the principle of love. He reiterates love as the greatest commandment. It is not only a rule of religion. It is not a spiritual law alone. 3.      It is the essence and quintessence of the whole of human life. It is a love for God that is total and entire in full measures, with whole mind, heart, strength and soul. It is a love that places total trust in God even in desperate situations, like Tobit and Sarah. 4.      It is a love that clings to God, with an unfailing hope in His mercy against all hopes. It is a love that gives the topmost priority to God above all things. It is a love that gives full measures to God. It is a love that embraces God and clings to His will, in all circumstances. It is a love that breathes ceaselessly a passionate love for God. It is a love that beats for God with vibrant vibrations. 5.       It is also love that loves the other with a total love paramount to the love for one's own self. Everyone loves himself. Everyone desires good and happiness of one’s self. In the same way, one should love the other with the same sincere and highest love. 6.      This twofold or two-pronged love is the greatest of all, surpassing all the ritual offerings and religious practices. The practice of religion or spirituality without love for God and for others is not acceptable and pleasing in the sight of God.   Direction:  This twofold love - love for God and love for others - is the greatest commandment and an ardent adherence to it is the greatest witness to one's faith and faithfulness (Reflection 2) Pivot: All in the optic of love Indicative: Following the commandments is not just a legal matter. It is a matter of an entire life. It is a way of living and a mode of being   1.      Often laws and rules are not looked at positively. Many regard them as restraints and constraints of their freedom. They follow them not willingly but grudgingly. Often a spirit of force, coercion and fear accompanies the observance of laws. 2.      It is in this context, that Jesus recasts the laws in a new perspective. He reaffirms love as the greatest commandment. It is a matter of relating and living. It is twofold: loving God and loving others. 3.      Loving God is an emotion, a passion, a relation, a devotion and a dedication. It is a love that is marked by depth, intimacy, totality and fidelity. It comprises the whole person and whole life. Loving God is not just following His commandments but experiencing, expressing and enhancing a personal intimate relationship and commitment with God. 4.      Loving others is not a substitution for loving God, as some mistake and make it so. It is an extension and authentication of love for God. One cannot love others without loving God. And one cannot love God without showing it in love for others. 5.      Loving others is also not only a matter of doing some acts of charity out of pity and compassion. It is an integral part of our very self. In other words, loving others as ourselves is a matter of authentic identity   Imperative: We must recharge our energies once again with the power of love. Love God and others with entire self and full measures   07 JUNE 2024: HOSEA 11. 1, 3-4, 8c-9; EPHESIANS3. 8-12, 14-19; JOHN 19. 31-37: SACRED HEART OF JESUS   Focus: In a culture where advanced culture is equated with lack of heartiness and sensitivity, the festivity of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus is a challenge to foster a culture of heart 1. This feast of the most sacred heart of Jesus reveals and confirms to us that our God is a God of heart. That is, a God who values us so much, who loves us without end, always radiating upon us the rays of His care, a God whose heart burns with the flame, the fire of passion. It never gets cold, it never becomes lukewarm, but always passionate, always zealous. 2. Even if we are weak and fragile, even if we fall often, even if we make so many mistakes, even if we fail in our fidelity and sincerity, even if we lack in our responsibilities and duties, even if we do not deeply believe, live, and witness how we must like the believers, like the children of God and disciples of Christ, even if we often wound that beloved heart of Jesus - still despite all our weaknesses, faults, unfaithfulness, and unworthiness, God loves us. Jesus never fails to love us. 3. This fact of the love of God, so faithful and persevering, is today a matter of great comfort and encouragement. Especially in our times, in our society, where and when, unfortunately, the ambience and the culture of love, of the warmth of heart, of tenderness, of sensitivity, is diminishing, but instead a culture of hatred, rancour, indifference, violence, and evil is increasing, this celebration of the heart, of love, is a confirmation, a call, a challenge, and a guide for a way of living of love. 4. Today the Lord comforts us that he always pours his love over us. See what a tenderness and steadiness of God’s love in the first reading from Hosea: “When Israel was a child, I loved him … it was I who taught to walk. I took them up in my arms … I healed them. I led them with cords of compassion, with the bands of love. I bent down to them and fed them”. 5. So, never doubt that God loves us, even if sometimes we are surmounted by difficulties, upset by afflictions, beset by unfavourable situations. Trust in God. Trust in his love. Feel the warmth of his heart. Experience the passion, the fire of his love. Be open and docile to the marvel of his love. 6. Not only this but also we are called to foster a deep love for him. Love God. Let us be gripped with a passionate feeling, a powerful bond with the Lord. Many times we feel a lot of interest, enthusiasm, anxiety, and concern for many things. But how much is the intensity and depth for the Lord? 7. How do we cooperate with God's commitment as He promises: "I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you. I will remove your heart of stone and put back a heart of flesh "(Ezek 36. 26). That is, a heart that is warm, tender, sensitive, and caring, a heart that is open, which understands, accepts, forgives, and helps. Direction: Let us grow such a heart towards God and towards others. Let us open our hearts to God and to our sisters and brothers. Let us widen our hearts. Let us guard them, heal, enrich, and transform our hearts so that our hearts also become like the sacred heart of Jesus.   08 JUNE 2024: IMMACULATE HEART OF MARY, ISAIAH 61. 9-11; LUKE 2. 41-51 Focus: The immaculate heart of Mary is not merely a matter of purity of heart or purity of life, but the integrity of the person. It is to be clear-sighted and to be passionately and lovingly committed 1. The second Saturday after the Pentecost Sunday, we celebrate the immaculate heart of Mary. How beautiful it is that on Friday we celebrate the sacred heart of the Son and on the following day the immaculate heart of the Mother! It is not coincidental or merely sequential, but very meaningful and significant. 2. What is sacred reflects itself in what is immaculate. What is immaculate contains and embodies what is sacred. The sacred Son reflects the immaculate mother, and the immaculate mother embodies the sacred Son. Holiness and Immaculateness are integrated and inseparable.  3. To be holy is to be pure. The more we conduct ourselves unstained and uncontaminated with an immaculate heart, the more we grow in holiness. The more we are holy, the more we grow pure and maliceless. To be holy and not to be immaculate is a contradiction. 4. In fact, sacredness and Immaculateness are not something accidental or additional to us. It is essential and integral to our very identity as God's redeemed children. "To be holy and blameless" is God's purpose for us, and destined us for such bliss (cf. Eph 1. 4). Our sanctification is God's will (1 Thes 4. 3)). So to grow sacred and immaculate should be our priority and perennial pursuit.   5. Certainly, it is God's gratuitous grace and not our merit. But this does not take away our role, our responsibility, our cooperation, and our effort. We should work hard to merit what we are graced with. This is what Mary did: 6. If her immaculate conception shows predominantly the singular grace and privilege, accorded to her by God, her immaculate heart shows preeminently her humble cooperation with that grace. She constantly preserved her heart and life from sin, and fostered sanctity, thanks to God's grace. 7. Mary's immaculate heart is not only a pointer to her personal holiness and purity but much more, also, a strong inspiration and pathway to be pure and immaculate ourselves. In our times, where hearts are getting so much polluted by sin and malice, where to have a heart comes to be taken as fragility and vulnerability, where hearts crooked, hard, and indifferent seem to be the order of the day, where hearts get entangled into many aberrations and deviation in the name of modernity, the immaculate heart of Mary is a consolation and remedy!   Direction: The celebration of the Immaculate Heart of Mary is a pointer that true purity leads to joy and serenity because there is nothing that disturbs or distracts. Purity of heart is the propriety of life