33rd week days mass reflection

 

16 – 21 NOVEMBER 2020, HOLY MASS REFLECTIONS

 

16 NOVEMBER 2020, REVELATION 1. 1-4, 2. 1-5; LUKE 18. 35-43

 

Arrow: Have you lost your first love?

Focus: Awareness and admission of blindness is the primary step in the recovery of sight

 

In the gospel, Jesus restores sight to a blind man. In this miracle, what is striking is the depth and persistence of his desire to receive sight. He is already aware of Jesus' power and mercy. He waits for the right occasion and jumps upon the first opportunity. He does not feel annoyed or discouraged by the people's scolding and preventing him. He does not give up his desire. He realizes his need and also dependence on Jesus. He shouts out for Jesus' mercy. He encounters Jesus and explicates his desire and need. Accordingly, Jesus rewards his faith by granting sight to him. Jesus is always ready and willing to heal us. But for this healing, in the first place, what Jesus wants from us is to realize our own blindness, and to deeply desire to be cured of it. This is what he implies in his question to the blind man, “What do you want me to do for you?”. This is not a question of ignorance of the need of the blind man. Surely, Jesus knows very well what the blind man needs. What can a blind man ask for, if not the sight? But, what Jesus wants from us, is that we sincerely realize what we lack and deeply feel what we need.

All of us are blind, because often we fail to see clearly what we essentially lack and need. Wrongly, many see only shallow lacks and needs, and not the deep and essential. This real blindness is explained in the first reading from Revelation. It is the “loss of the first love”. It is being blind to the first love with God. It is the loss of the original fidelity and passion. It is the lack of enthusiasm of faith.

 

Direction: One cannot be restored sight so long as one pretends not to be blind. Many think that they are clear-sighted and far-sighted, and that is why they continue to be blindfolded and stumbling.

 

17 NOVEMBER 2020, REVELATION 3. 1-6, 14-22; LUKE 19. 1-10

 

Arrow: Am I neither cold nor hot, but lukewarm?

Focus: All that matters for God is not the status or position, but a humble and honest heart. Every sincere and committed effort on behalf of God will win His abundant grace

 

The story of Zacchaeus is a great source of consolation and encouragement for all. For God's grace accepts and graces us in spite of our unworthiness and failures. Zacchaeus being a tax collector was labelled as a sinner and was despised. Yet Jesus was not conditioned by these human considerations, calculations or labels. He is not prejudiced. He is not resentful or judgmental. He does not condemn him but readily offers his mercy and salvation.  From his part, Zacchaeus does his homework. He nurtures a profound desire and motivation to see Jesus. He is not discouraged by the obstacles of his shortness and crowd; he takes the trouble to surpass these blocks by placing himself on high climbing a sycamore tree. He encounters Jesus. He responds to Jesus' invitation to be his guest and celebrates his presence with a banquet. He undergoes a deep conversion. He testifies his conversion by a concrete and abundantly generous act of renouncing and sharing: half of his property to the poor, and fourfold repayment to all those defrauded. Thus, he truly deserves the blessing and salvation of God. Jesus pronounces the heart-soothing words: “Today, salvation has come to this house. He too is a son of Abraham”. It is not just a blessing and a compliment. It is the greatest gift that one can expect: He is given a new dignity. He is raised from the low level of being a sinner to the noble status of being a son of Abraham, i.e. one of the chosen people. He is blessed with salvation, being saved from the curse of sin. What is our journey? Do we desire and set out to encounter Jesus, to be touched and transformed by him? How concrete and authentic is our conversion? Very truly, the biggest block in this journey is our tepidity and lukewarmness. God does vehemently detest it as we hear in Revelation: “You are lukewarm, neither cold nor hot. So I will spit you out of my mouth”.

 

Direction: When one discovers Jesus, the greatest treasure, one will not still be possessed by the possessions. One will not continue unconverted and untransformed

 

18 NOVEMBER 2020, REVELATION 4. 1-11; LUKE 19. 11-28

 

Arrow: Gifts and talents – laid waste or put to use?

Focus: What is important is not how much we receive but how much we give in return. God does not see how much we have but He sees what we do with what we have

 

The parable of talents is not a question of the difference of talents given. It is a difference but not discrimination. One need not make an issue out of it justifying disparities and inequalities. The fact is we are born different. Here, it may help us to think of two levels of talents: the secondary and the primary. The secondary level comprises various skills and competencies, like singing, dancing, art, drawing, intelligence, eloquence, socializing, organizing, etc. And there may be variance in regard to this secondary level of talents. Thus, there is also a possibility for comparisons. But one should not be too caught up with this secondary level. Because, that will lead to unhealthy competitions, feelings of disparity and discrimination. Subsequently, it can also lead to jealousies and arrogance. Rather, it is wise to focus on the primary level of talents, and no one is deprived of the primary level of talents. These are more fundamental and essential. They are namely the gift to love, to give, to be virtuous, to be benevolent to others. Here, there is no question of discrimination. No one is given less than needed to become a fine human person with humane qualities. What is important is how each one searches out all the possibilities to put in the best and to develop himself, without negative and jealous comparison and competition. Each one is accountable for what he has received and how he made the best use of his gifts. There is no use of receiving more but giving back little.

 

Direction: The real matter is not how many talents we have or how talented we are but how receptive and productive we are, how responsible and fruitful we are

 

19 NOVEMBER 2020, REVELATION 5. 1-10; LUKE 19. 41-44

 

Arrow: If only you know the ways of God?

Focus: No amount of external glory or worldly accomplishments can substitute for openness to God and His grace

 

Jesus weeps over Jerusalem. No doubt that the city and temple of Jerusalem are icons of glory and pride for their people. But this glory and greatness cannot save them, they fail to be receptive and cooperative to God’s grace. All the exterior splendour, pomp and name cannot condone and make good for their lack of receptivity and cooperation. God in His mercy has come to visit His people and save them through His only Son Jesus. In the words of Revelation, he is the lion of Judah, who alone is worthy to open the book of life, read it, break open its seals and thus throw open the treasures of salvation. He shows them the ways of peace and urges them to walk these ways. He immolates himself for their sake. He bails himself out as ransom in order to purchase them back. But they do not recognize God's visitation. They become obstinate and refuse to adhere to Jesus. This deeply anguishes the loving heart of Jesus that cries out bitter tears.

God continues to weep over us and the whole humanity. His heart languishes looking at how man prides himself in the external displays and glories. He is deeply pained how man seeks vain pleasures. He is agonized at how man willingly renders himself into the hands of the enemies. True to Jesus’ words in the gospel passage, the “enemies surround him with barricades, shut him in and press on him on every side. And they will dash him and his children to the ground. They will not leave stone upon stone within his manmade kingdom”. How truly today’s man is bound in manifold ways!

 

Direction: It is better to weep over making Jesus weep for us, instead of priding ourselves in vain and shallow glories

 

20 NOVEMBER 2020, REVELATION 10. 8-11; LUKE 19. 45-48

 

Arrow: Honey in the mouth and bitter in the stomach?

Focus: Sense of the sacred and fear of God alone will lead to order and harmony in life

Jesus does a sort of temple cleansing. He appears rather violent and drives out all the marketing and shopping in the temple area. The driving motive behind this just anger is his passion for the sanctity of God’s holy house. How could the most Holy One of God compromise on desecrating what is consecrated? The same can be the situation in the present times. One of the major tragedies of today's society is temples which are consecrated are getting desecrated. This happens in both the senses and aspects of the temple. First, temples refer to the churches, the holy places of worship. Second, the temple refers to the human person himself. We read in 1 Corinthians 3. 16: "Do you not know that you are a temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you?". Churches are houses of prayer, the unique place of God's personal presence. But sadly no seldom they are turned into centres and domains of secondary and shallow interests and transactions like the "den of robbers". They become auditoriums for organizational activities. They become stages for displays, platforms for socialization, and launching grounds for self-deliveries. The spiritual ambience which is crucial to a church is often missing. Further, day by day the human person is increasingly getting desecrated and polluted by many deviated and aberrant, destructive and harmful thoughts, words and actions. We need a thorough cleansing.

 

Direction: We need to recapture our sense and culture of communion with God in humble devotion and surrender. We need to regain our lost innocence and purity of heart and human person

 

21 NOVEMBER 2020, REVELATION 11. 4-12; LUKE 20. 27-40, Memorial of Presentation of Mary

 

Arrow: Alive forever to God?

Focus: This earthly life is not an end by itself but resurrection and eternal life is our destiny. Therefore, let this life now be a worthy passage to the life then

 

Jesus declares: “God is the God of living and not of the dead, for to Him everyone is alive”. Thereby, two fundamental truths are affirmed. God is God of eternity, and we too are destined for the same eternity. Our God is a living God; He is God of life and He shares this same life, His own life with us. If this is so, then we will live with Him in eternity. This earthly human life is only temporary duration, a transit in preparation for that life without end. Therefore, death is not a permanent closure or cessation of life but is only a door that opens upon resurrection and risen life in heaven. But this destiny after death commits us to life before death to live it with a spirit of focus and direction, detachment and soaring high. Our life on earth should be such a way qualitative that it qualifies us for life in heaven. Unfortunately, many lose sight of this fundamental nature of nurturing and orientation to life in eternity. Consequently, they tend to live a culture of death. They tend to be heavily conditioned and stuck with only the temporary and transient. They fail to value and appreciate life. They fail to realize that life is precious and sacred, because it is a share of God’s own life. That is why, often it is so much abused and destroyed. Further, loss of the sense of eternity also makes people lose their sense of purpose and direction. They become excessively earth-bound. They do not raise themselves to what is above, what is high and lofty. It is ironic that people who claim to be foresighted and far-sighted fail to see the horizons of eternity.

Mary, our Mother was a person who lived totally this culture of life and eternity. Today we commemorate her presentation in the temple. The tradition holds that already at three, her parents offered her to God in the temple. This shows how Mary nurtured God’s life and oriented herself to eternity, from childhood onwards.

 

Direction: Certainly all of us are alive to God because He is evea

33 Sunday mass reflection

 

XXXIII SUNDAY, 15 NOVEMBER 2020: PROVERBS 31. 10-13, 19-20, 30-31; 1 THES 5.1-6; MATTHEW 25.14-30

Focus: The value of life is not in quantity but in quality. It means to be sober and productive

1.     The Word of God once again reminds us of our vocation, destiny and mission. In his first letter to the Thessalonians in the second reading, Paul reminds us that we are citizens of the light and the day. We do not belong to night and darkness. We are not in darkness. Therefore, we must not sleep as others do but be always alert and sober.

2.     In the first reading from Proverbs, we have the figure of a good wife: she is a woman of character; she is more precious than any jewel; her husband can completely trust her; she will be of great benefit to him. She brings him only good and not evil, all the days of her life. Like her, we too must be persons of character, of benefit to others. We must bring others only good and not evil, all the days of our life.

3.     The same theme of being sober, diligent and productive is emphasised in the gospel through the parable of talents. The parable of talents is a call for abundant productivity and fruitfulness. The matter is not the number or the degree of the talents, but the use and growth of them. Let one not bother needlessly about the issue of difference or discrimination in the number of the distributed talents. We are not here to analyse and argue over God’s ways.

4.     It is a fact that there is diversity and distinction, but these need not be taken as adversity and discrimination on the part of God. The difference is not denial or deprivation. It is better to discover one’s own talents, value and appreciate them, work on them and enhance them. Let one not feel dispirited over what one does not have, or feel jealous about what others have, in useless comparison and competition. This can create a hurting sense of discrimination.

5.      Further such a hurting sense of discrimination can arise when we are too much caught up with the “secondary level” of talents. These are more external and are rather skills and competencies that are acquired and developed. They are the talents like singing, dancing, music, painting, art, the ability to be eloquent, to be fluent, to manage, to organize, to be sociable, intelligence, knowledge, etc.

6.      But we should rather focus on the “primary level” of talents and gifts, where there is no discrimination. They are given to all. They are the talents and gifts to love, to give, to be gentle, to comfort, to encourage, to appreciate, to be kind, etc. these are not to be laid waste but to be used extensively. The more we grow them, the more we will be blessed by God.

7.      Besides, when one focuses only on the secondary talents, two possibilities are there: if one has many talents, one can easily become self-oriented, self-complacent and puffed up. Or, on the other hand, if one has only little, then one can become disappointed or jealous. Both sides are not good. This is what we see in case of many.

8.      This is the biggest fault of the third servant. He laid waste the one talent that was given to him. He did not make use of it, like the other two. He did not bring out more benefit with it. He was just satisfied with the least minimum, that is, just giving back to the master what he had received from him. He failed thus in two essential aspects of a worthwhile life: productivity and beneficialness.

9.      Very many times, many are like the last servant. They are indifferent and lethargic. They lack the vigour and enthusiasm of life. They do not discover their talents. They do not enhance them or deepen and strengthen them. They do not use them for the good of others. They become so irresponsible, unproductive and useless. Where are

10.  Direction: Life is gifted, not to while away but to live it worthwhile. A life that is not responsible and hardworking, will fail to be productive and beneficial

 

Attachments area

32 week days reflection

 

09 – 14 NOVEMBER 2020, HOLY MASS REFLECTIONS

 

09 NOVEMBER 2020: EZEK 47. 1-2, 8-9, 12; 1 COR 3. 9C-11, 16-17; JOHN 2. 13-21: FEAST of Dedication of Lateran Basilica 

Focus: God wants us to live a life consecrated and not desecrated; and this requires that we keep our hearts consecrated and not defiled and also demonstrate a true sense of the sacred

Today we celebrate the Feast of the anniversary of Lateran Basilica's dedication. This festivity in the first place reminds us of the holiness of a temple of God. It also urges us to nurture, demonstrate and foster a sense of the sacred towards the temple. Rightly, this brings into question the various modern tendencies that are diluting this holy atmosphere and conduct, and turning the churches into function halls, show theatres, stages and platforms of events and programmes. The assembly of God does not mean an assembly of secular sessions and transactions. Certainly the church is the locus of the faithful and a sphere of their animation and renewal and thus involves participation, communication and interaction. In this sense, certain mode and elements of practical organization are understandable. But at any cost, a spiritual ambience must be maintained. A church is primarily a house of God's presence and nothing should turn it into a place of commotion and other interests.

In the second place, in the light of the second reading from Paul’s first letter to the Corinthians, ‘temple’ can signify not only the holy temple of God as the sacred place of worship. The temple stands for three other aspects as well: the community of believers, our own person and our own heart, as God’s children and disciples of Christ. This idea is attested in Paul’s words, as he declares: “Do you not know that you are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit abides within you? If anyone destroys the temple of God, God will destroy him. God’s temple is holy, and you are this temple”. Therefore, we must honestly and humbly reflect about our sense of reverence and sanctity with regard to our own faith-communities, our own persons and our own hearts. How often do we tend to disrespect and desecrate all these?

 

Direction: It is not enough that we have beautiful and palatial temples, but the spirit of God and the holy must reign there. It will not be a wonder that today too, Jesus may need a whip to cleanse our temples!

 

10 NOVEMBER 2020, TITUS 2. 1-8, 11-14; LUKE 17. 7-10

 

Focus: Dutifulness is a master check for our faithfulness.  Faithfulness is the greatest way of bearing witness to the Lord. And witness is the highway for being credible and effective

 

Seeking recognition and applause, desire to create impressions and making a show of one's goodness and greatness, boasting and blowing one's trumpet before others - all these are clearly the trademarks of today's society. This malaise has so much infected our world that a person's quality is rated on the basis of publicity. More importance is given to the tactics about marketing the product rather than the sincere efforts to ensure the quality and use of it. In such a context, doing good has become a rare commodity and doing it without any ulterior motive has become a rare happening. But Jesus makes it crystal clear that doing good and serving is essential to our human nature and vocation. Service is not a favour but is a binding duty. Good is to be done not at one's choice and convenience but as devoted dutifulness.

Thus, dutifulness becomes the hallmark for our faithfulness to the Lord, and faithfulness to the noble vocation we have received. As the first reading, from the letter to Titus makes it clear, Christ Jesus “gave himself for us, to redeem us from every evil, to purify us, in order to make us a people his own and dedicated to what is good”. Each person, according to his age and stage in life, according to his duty and responsibility, must be dutiful and faithful. It may be older men, older women, younger women, or young men. Whatever be the particular state or duty, what is most important is that we reject an irreligious way of life and worldly greed, and live in this world as responsible and upright persons serving God. It is only in this way, we will make our opponents feel ashamed with nothing to criticize.

 

Direction: Only the spirit of a humble servant and dutiful service can heal the widespread sickness of domination and manipulation. Only this will enhance the spirit of faithfulness and witness, and make us credible and transformative people 

 

11 NOVEMBER 2020, TITUS 3. 1-7; LUKE 17. 11-19

 

Focus: Gratitude is a sign of rectitude of heart. Gratitude is not a mere matter of receiving and giving a profuse vote of thanks, but fosters a culture of deep humility, prompt recognition of the goodness of others and also responsibility toward what is received

 

We are living in a world where the spirit of gratitude is either on decrease or is very shallow. Often it is just momentary. Today once again Jesus reminds us that gratitude is a fundamental attitude of life. One should not take for granted the good done. This is what the nine lepers did. Jesus heals ten lepers but only one, that too, a Samaritan returns to thank Jesus. How easily people can forget the immense good done! In healing the lepers, Jesus not only gives them physical health, but much more than that: he restores their lost human dignity. He restores them their lost family bonding.

Therefore, gratitude is a responsibility and obligation. It is not mere words but a culture of heart. In fact, true gratitude is a matter of depth, humility and sensitivity. It means that one deeply acknowledges his essential condition of givenness and inadequacy and dependence. It demands that one recognizes the value of goodness and help. It calls to nurture a genuine respect and appreciation for the act of kindness. Only thus, one can be authentic and deep in his gratitude. Therefore, an attitude of arrogance and undue autonomy, insensitivity and indifference is contrary to real gratitude. Real gratitude should increase in us loyalty towards the people who do that good and also responsibility and commitment towards the good done. This implies a responsible use of it and a commitment to do the same kind of good to the person concerned or to anyone. Because one who receives the giving from someone, should also learn to give.

Thus, true gratitude can never be dissociated from genuine responsibility. To be grateful is to be responsible. We have received an immense grace of salvation. We who were once slaves to sin, are made free. We who were foolish, disobedient and misled, are now made wise, obedient and well-guided. We who lived in malice and hate, are now made benevolent and loving. Should we not be infinitely grateful about it? And we show this gratitude, not by mere holy desires and great words, but much more, by a changed life. We receive the grace gratefully, but we live that grace responsibly.

 

Direction: Let gratitude be a beautiful ornament that adds splendour to our spirit of humility and sensitivity. The more we receive, the more we grow humble and kind toward others

 

12 NOVEMBER 2020, PHILEMON 7-20; LUKE 17. 20-25

 

Focus: The kingdom of God is not a matter of glow and show but it consists of simple details. The real kingdom is where God and His Spirit reigns

 

A famous thinker has rightly said that this world is a big stage and all are actors, trying to outbeat one another. Show and display, pomp and splendour are the order of the day. People go by the appearances and impressive externals. That is why we often see mega events and huge organizations to demonstrate one's greatness and power. One who is able to pull large crowds, one who grants immediate and temporary benefits, is deemed great and is applauded. Sadly, the same tendency of excess importance to mere externals and quick impressions and results, has crept into the spiritual realm as well. Consequently it is no wonder that not infrequently spirituality is reduced to the level of displays and mega shows. There are many false prophets who present the kingdom in terms of the material and social and wrongly strip it off its essential content of the spiritual and interior. The kingdom God is within us! It is a treasure to be discovered, nurtured, strengthened and shared.

And this is the spirit and the reign of the kingdom we see in the person of Paul. How human, tender and affectionate he is! How respectful and noble he is! How forgiving and compassionate he is! Even though Onesimus is a slave, he treats him with respect and dignity, making him equal to him as a brother in faith. Even though Onesimus once did wrong, yet he forgives him, does not retain it but recommends to Philemon on his behalf. Even though he could just command Philemon to do what he asks, because of his moral authority as the spiritual father, yet he only requests him to do him the favour. This is the real kingdom: the reign of unity, respect, equity, compassion, humility, nobility, fraternity and charity. We must strive for the spread of such a kingdom, a power within and a life concrete.

 

Direction: False are those prophets who reduce the whole kingdom to mere places and times and to instant material subsidies!

 

13 NOVEMBER 2020, 2 JOHN 4-9; LUKE 17. 26-37

 

Focus: Life becomes qualitative when it transcends the ensnarements and enslavements to what is merely worldly and physically gratifying

 

Loss of focus, loss of concentration is one of the biggest miseries of the present society. Its immediate consequences are loss of direction and lack of preparation. Life of many has become a constant story of distraction, deviation, distortion and eventual destruction. Many fail to discern what is primary and essential in their life and run after what is instantly pleasurable and easily available. Consequently, they get engrossed in material pursuits like food and drink, comfort and luxury, sex and gratification. They become defocused and unaware and unprepared. They waste away their time and energies on these secondary or less worthy concerns. They are very much like those people in the time of Noah or Lot, those who were caught unexpectedly and unprepared by God's wrath. It is better to be awakened and be prepared before it is too late.

But all this happens because all such people wrongly think that they are “saving” their life, that they are “gaining” the beauty and happiness of life. All these are imposters, deceivers and antichrists as St John terms them in his second letter in the first reading. It is because they are blind to the truth and they do not live according to the truth. They do not live by the teaching of Christ, which is to love one another. And to love means to walk according to his commandments. Therefore, whoever does not believe in God, whoever does not follow the ways of God, whoever does not live in love for others, is rejecting the truth. They are under the spell of falsity and evil. The affirmation of Jesus in the gospel makes sense in this context. He says, “Whoever tries to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will gain it”.

 

Direction: Only one life and only once it is given. So better to be wise to live it worthwhile and prepared to meet our final destiny. It will be sad that we lose an immensity for a triviality  

 

 

 

14 NOVEMBER 2020, 3 JOHN 5-8; LUKE 18. 1-8

 

Focus: True faith is not a quick relief or instant painkiller or a speed gain. Favours are not guarantors of the power of prayer or the good mood or good heart of God

 

The problem of many with regard to prayer is their perspective towards it. They consider it as a readymade tool and solution for their problems. They want things to happen as soon as they ask for them and as they want them. Unconsciously their needs and interests become the centre of their prayer and the whole act revolves around those needs. Accordingly, the quality and efficacy of prayer are understood in terms of the favours received. It means your prayer is good and powerful when you get what you want. Further, the consolation and joy of praying are also measured in the same way. That is, people feel comforted and happy when they receive what they ask for. On the contrary, when their desires and intentions are not fulfilled by God, easily many become annoyed and impatient. They give up. But a genuine prayer must be persevering, like that of the widow in the gospel. Refusal and rejection by the judge do not deter her from pleading with him. Only perseverance bears lasting fruit. Quickness of getting a favour is not a guarantee of the efficacy of prayer, and the slowness is not a sign of lack of efficacy. In the same way, receiving what we want is not a necessary sign that God is good and favourable to us; and not receiving what we want is not a sign that He is not answering our prayers. Justice delayed is not justice denied. Suffering and continued injustice can be testing and trying times. They can purify us, solidify us and sanctify us. They can brighten and strengthen our faith. They can make us better human persons, more humble and good-hearted. Therefore, the focus in our prayer must be shifted from the answer and favour. Instead, we must focus more on God, on faith in Him and on our relationship with Him.

 

Direction: There are no deadlines or failures in true prayer because it is a matter of relationship and not a favour-bank; it is a loving interaction and a motivated transaction

 

 

32 SUNDAY REFLECTION

 

XXXII SUNDAY, 08 NOVEMBER  2020, WISDOM 6. 12-16; 1 THES 4. 13-18; MATTHEW 25. 1-13: Ten virgins

Focus: We are called to be wise and the loss of wisdom is a sure path for destruction and loss of eternal celebration

1. The Word of God invites us to seek Wisdom, and to be wise and to live wisely, because it is wisdom that determines The quality of one's life and the fate of one's destiny.  This is what comes straight and clear in the gospel through the parable of the ten virgins.

2. The parable of the ten virgins, five wise and five others foolish, is not a matter of worldly intelligence. It is a matter of wisdom of God, to be prepared in full measures with not only the lamps but also oil; to wait on the Lord always and at every moment; to be alert to His voice and coming; to walk in his company, and to celebrate the feast of grace with him.

3. On the contrary, the foolishness of the unwise virgins is: they were too sure of their timing of the Lord’s arrival; they could not see beyond their expectation, and failed to anticipate the possibility of a delay. Consequently, they fail to procure extra oil for the extended time of waiting.

4. Their lack of wisdom shows itself in at least 3 aspects: being conditioned by their own expectations; being satisfied with the minimum; and not being prepared. Consequently,  they miss the bridegroom.  They miss the joy of the wedding celebration and banquet as well.

5. In our life too, more than seldom and few times, like the five unwise virgins, we too miss the Lord and miss the joy of his presence and the joy of celebrating life with him. It is because we lack wisdom. Many times, we are too caught up and conditioned by our own expectations both in regard to God and others as well. We expect God to come the way we like, when we like and do what we like. We expect others to do according to our likes and preferences, our considerations and calculations.

6. Often,  like the five foolish virgins,  we too are satisfied with just the minimum. They were satisfied to carry the oil just the bare minimum, what is enough till just the right expected time of the bridegroom' s arrival. They did not want to carry a little more, an extra oil beyond the expected and enough for the present. Many are accustomed to just the duty and nothing more.

7. Thus, they are totally unprepared. They run here and there in haste and tension in the last minutes. Their lamps are dwindling and run the danger of getting extinguished. They realise that lamp without oil will be no good. Without the oil, the lamp cannot keep burning.

8. We need to be wise to be ever prompt and ready to meet the Lord. What counts the most is not our expectations or calculations or likes, but what pleases God. Lamp of faith and a minimum oil of casual practice, will not suffice. We need extra oil of fervor, of holiness and purity. In our Christian living, there is no room for tepidity and impurity.

Direction: “To stay awake" alone is not enough, because many do so, but to stay awake for the Lord, in holiness, is what matters.

YOU ARE PRECIOUS

 *You are precious!* 

If a rose smells better than cabbage, It doesn't mean the rose can make a better stew.  Don't try to compare yourself to others.  You also have your own strength, look for it and build on it. 

All animals that exist, were in Noah's ark. A snail is one of those animals. If God could wait long enough for snails to enter Noah's ark; His door of grace won't close till you reach your expected position in life. So never look down on yourself, keep looking up. Remember that Broken crayons still colour. 

 *"You are PRECIOUS !"* Always stay with good company. Have good association around you. Do not find faults in others. This is none of your business. Do build on your positive virtues.

 *Swami Vivekananda gives a beautiful explanation on Association.* 

 Explaining the meaning of ‘Association’. He said:

  

“The rain drop from the sky: If it is caught in hands, it is pure enough for drinking. If it falls in a gutter, its value drops so much that it can’t be used even for washing the feet. If it falls on hot surface, it perishes.

 If it falls on lotus leaf, it shines like a pearl and finally, if it falls on oyster, it becomes a pearl. The drop is same, but its existence and worth depend on with whom it associates.”

Always be associated with people who are good at heart.

31st week days reflection

 

03 – 07 NOVEMBER 2020, HOLY MASS REFLECTIONS

03 NOVEMBER 2020: PHILIPPIANS 2. 5-11; LUKE: 14. 15-24

Focus: The grace of God is ever available but we shall be deprived of it if we take it for granted and do not respond 

 

God is always merciful and generous.  He never ceases to offer His grace in abundance. The greatest act of His grace and love is seen in offering His own Son as the ransom for our salvation. The very coming of Jesus as a human, his life, ministry and death are the most authentic expressions and testimonies of self-emptying, humility and surrender, all for our sake. He always wants to nurture us and treat us royally with a banquet. He goes on inviting us to be in His presence and relish its richness in various ways through frequent opportunities. But as it is the typical tendency, often selfless benevolence and generosity are not duly valued and appreciated for their worth. We are so engrossed in our worldly affairs and secondary preoccupations that we fail to respond positively and cooperate actively to God's grace. We have plenty of excuses for why we cannot go to His presence and sit with Him. So foolishly we misjudge our priorities and neglect God's voice and closeness. We do not realize how precious is the treasure we are forfeiting. The time will come when we will be rejected and stand dejected. Therefore, what is needed now is to put on the same attitude of Jesus, to hearken to His invitation and to cooperate with God’s grace.

 

Direction: In fact, it is not God who excludes us from the reign of His presence and blessings but we ourselves deliberately keep ourselves out

 

04 NOVEMBER 2020: PHILIPPIANS 2. 12-18; LUKE 14. 25-33, Memory of St Charles Borromeo

Focus: Detachment is the essential condition for discipleship; One who does not grow in this attitude of detachment, will be a failed disciple

 

God’s call for us is very clear and straight. In the light of the first reading from Paul’s letter to the Philippians, God calls us to be a light like stars among a crooked and perverse generation. This is possible by constantly trying to do what pleases Him, by holding to the word of life. In other words, we seek always to do everything with docility without grumbling. We strive for our salvation with reverence and dedication. We seek ever to be God’s children without reproach, with no fault or blame.

In the light of the gospel, in relation to Jesus, this means to be a true disciple of Christ. And Discipleship is a free gift from God, in the sense that He extends His call irrespectively with no discriminations. However, one who adheres to His call, must also fit himself for the new venture.

Topmost priority to Jesus, unconditional love for him, unflinching zeal and commitment to His mission are the indispensable traits of a true disciple. But these are possible only when one is prepared to be totally detached from one' s self and from one's family. In fact, these two are the greatest areas which a person holds so dear and precious and is deeply attached. The issue is not the good or bad of family attachments but an unreserved and unrestricted love and attachment to Jesus. Excess love for family and self will be real hindrances to the "freedom" and "unconditionality" of loyalty, demanded by discipleship. St Charles Borromeo was such a disciple who offered himself unconditionally to follow the Lord. Truly he shone like a glowing star amidst a crooked and perverse generation, with his light of wisdom and guidance.

 

Direction: Discipleship is not a fun, not a part-time enterprise but a serious lifelong commitment which needs to estimate the cost and be duly prepared

 

05 NOVEMBER 2020: PHILIPPIANS 3. 3-8A; LUKE 15. 1-10

Focus: Being lost is not something condemnable as long as there is readiness to set on search and to return

 

Loss is a common experience of everyone at some time or another, in some way or the other. Predominantly, people are more concerned and worried about the losses concerning the matters of the world. It may be the loss of the material things, or the loss of some social standing and position. But in his letter to the Philippians, Paul speaks of another loss that is much more vital. That is the loss of Jesus. Once he has discovered Jesus, the greatest treasure and gain, all else would become nothing and waste. He was ready to lose everything for the sake of gaining Jesus.

In the gospel too, Jesus speaks of loss. He mentions one lost sheep among the hundred and one lost coin among the ten. It is very comforting and encouraging to know that God does not want any one of us to be lost, to go away from him and from the fold. As humans we are, at times, one may lose one’s belonging and closeness to the Lord. But the Lord does not leave us to our fate. He does not judge us or condemn us, saying that it is our own fault. He leaves even the ninety- nine and goes in search of the strayed one. One may question about the wisdom and logicality of leaving the ninety-nine for the sake of one. But here the matter is the exuberant concern and focus on the lost one that needs God more than others.

One of the greatest differences between God's mind-set and the human is the sense of judgment and condemnation. God who has the power and authority and the capacity to judge and condemn, is patient, merciful and exuberant in forgiving and receiving back. But man who is not competent and prone to falter, is eager to judge and despise others. Jesus makes it very clear that God is not at all interested in exercising his power to condemn the lost ones but is concerned to search and to regain them, so as to stand them among the "gained". No one needs to be dissipated about "losing the way" and getting stranded at times. What is important is one has the humility and surrender to allow oneself to be found by the Lord and to be restored to the right fold and path.

 

Direction: When God Himself wants to absolve, forgive and reinstate the repentant ones, who are we to continue to label, despise and estrange them?

 

06 NOVEMBER 2020: PHILIPPIANS 3. 17- 4.1; LUKE 16. 1-8

Focus: A life without vision will go without direction and will land up in eventual destruction 

 

In the gospel the dishonest steward is praised. One shall not mistake it as a licence for dishonesty and deception.  By no means! In fact, his dishonesty wins him his master's displeasure and dismissal. Therefore, no one can justify or promote dishonesty and fraud. What is commended is his foresightedness to prepare himself fittingly for his future. His future looks very bleak and at loss without enough means and resources. Therefore, he makes wise moves to ensure a tensionless and comfortable future. He prepares himself fittingly to meet his future. He is not upset about the problem that arose in the present. Immediately, he applies himself to orient himself for a worthy future. We know that an eternal future awaits us and how fittingly we prepare ourselves? How do we equip ourselves to meet our destiny? Does our way of life qualify us and keep us worthy in God's sight? As St Paul in his letter to the Philippians is anguished in tears, how sad it is that many live as enemies of God. Their belly, that is, their earthly pleasures are their god. They pride themselves in what actually are matters of shame. They are overanxious and engrossed only in earthly things. They forget the truth that our citizenship is heaven and we are destined for eternal transfiguration and glory. Therefore, what is expected is that we are focused on our eternal destiny and be steadfast in the Lord so as to stand before him worthily, and merit an eternal reward.

 

Direction: Knowing fully well that one day we must pass to a future for eternity, how foolishly we will face it unprepared and unworthy?

 

07 NOVEMBER 2020: PHILIPPIANS 4. 10-19; LUKE 16. 9-15

 

Focus: Life can be meaningful and joyful when one learns to maintain a state of equanimity and contentment. This teaches him to be balanced amidst all situations irrespectively, whether little or much, hunger or fill

 

A spineless lust for money is on a rampage. The issue is not so much whether to have money or not. Certainly money is needed for any good work or for any reasonable decent living. Money in itself is not evil. It is how you get it, and use it, and what you do with it. It is what Jesus means in the gospel, when he says, Use filthy money to make friends so as to enter into eternal home. So, the whole problem is, when having, acquiring money becomes an obsession. This is when one becomes greedy, gets so much attached to money, enslaved to acquire it by any means. Thereby, one becomes dishonest and unaccountable. The matter is not whether something is big or small. It is a matter of honesty in all matters, both little and great. It is a matter of accountability. It is a matter of trustworthiness. It is a matter of contentment. This means that one remains balanced in situations of both want and abundance. All this depends on how one loves God, how he sets God as the highest priority over and above the world and the money. One should not be worldly clever, thinking that he knows how to put together both God and money. In this process, money and not God, becomes the actual god and master, and one begins to seek and serve money. We live in a world which bothers only about money and struggles to acquire it by hook or crook. It employs any unfair means to gain it. The ethical question, whether one is right or wrong, has no relevance. All that is important is whether one profits or not. In such a context, we must seriously examine how honest and accountable we are. Whether we are transparent and honest?

Whether we are responsible and benevolent?

 

Direction: Honesty and trustworthiness are not small matters but they consist in small matters. In turn, they are built on a heart that loves and serves God. It is better to be righteous in God’s sight rather than highly popular in the world’s estimation