29TH WEEKDAYS OF MASS REFLECTION

 18 – 23 OCTOBER 2021, HOLY MASS REFLECTIONS

18 OCTOBER 2021: ST LUKE THE EVANGELIST, 2 TIM 4. 10-17; LUKE 10. 1-9

Focus: The Christian life is a constant call to bear witness in word and deed

1.       Today we celebrate the feast of St Luke. As we know, he is one of the four evangelists who authored Luke’s gospel and Acts of the Apostles. He was a companion to Paul in some missionary journey. He receives his knowledge of Jesus and imbibes his spirit from Paul. His gospel is not a mere story of Jesus about what he said and did. Rather it is a journey into the very person of Jesus and oriented to the destiny of heaven.

2.       Through numerous parables, Jesus is presented as the Lord of compassion, mercy, and forgiveness. His gospel is known to be a gospel of the poor, of the Holy Spirit, of mercy and joy. These are not merely some dominant themes for knowledge but are indicators of God’s own nature. In them, we see what God is to us, how He is benevolently turned toward us, how He intervenes in our lives. Thus, they are also directions for a profound experience.

3.       Further, they are also invitations and inspirations to dispose ourselves to God’s action. Thus, from our part, we are called “to be poor”, “to be open to and led by the Holy Spirit”, to repent and be converted to receive His mercy and forgiveness and to experience God’s own joy.

4.       This is how these themes become very strong and convincing. Another overwhelming theme is, God is the physician and the healer to cure the wounded hearts. It is not this or that miracle of healing from different ailments. It is the fundamental healing from the infection of sin. It is a rediscovery and recapturing of the lost grace.

5.       St Luke experienced this abundance of grace and he bore witness to it through his mission and writing. His feast should be a summon for us to be witnesses to the Lord in word and deed.

 

Direction: God’s love which is merciful and forgiving, heals us and fills us with the Holy Spirit and the end result is a joyful witness

 

19 OCTOBER 2021: ROM 5. 12, 15b, 17-19, 20b-21; LUKE 12. 35-38

 

Focus: We are called to be servants in the service of the Master. We need to be alert and faithful!

1.       Christ Jesus is our Saviour who brought us liberation from sin and death and brought us grace and eternal life. He reversed the story of the fall of the first man by his obedience to God’s will, the life of righteousness, and death on the cross. Through him, the superabundance of grace surpassed the abundance of sin. Therefore, we are called to remain obedient to this Lord of ours and faithfully follow him.

2.       This following becomes possible when we surrender ourselves to him as humble servants. We must always bear in mind that we are his servants in his service. As good servants, we must be totally docile to him, alert and prompt to attend on him. Never shall we be found unalert and unprepared! Never shall we miss his coming! We never know when or how he comes, when he knocks on our doors.

3.       Blessed are we whom the master finds awake when he comes! Blessed are we if we open to him at once when he comes and knocks. Blessed are we who will gird ourselves and have the master sit at the table and serve him! Alas! How unaware, unalert, unready, and lethargic many servants of today are!

4.       Certainly, many are caught unawares when the master comes and knocks on the door of their hearts, lives, families, and communities! Many do not have the patience and receptivity to wait on the master in eager docility! Many are so busy that they cannot spare time for serving the master at the table. Many are so meticulous with their time sense that they cannot simply “waste” their time in useless and uncertain waiting!

Direction: When the master comes and knocks on the doors, how many will be present indoors, how many will be prompt to open to him? First of all, how many will happily open the door to him?

(REFLECTION FROM 2020 ON LUKE 12. 35-38)

 

Focus: We are noble people with dignity. We are God’s own household. Therefore, be alert and prepared so that We are found worthy and faithful by the Master.

 

We are living in a world where everyone wants to be a master, on top of the world.  There is also a great increase in dishonesty, deception, and infidelity. To such a world, Jesus proposes the model of a servant who is humble and docile to the Master, and who serves the Master honestly and faithfully. He is not so entangled with worldly affairs, so as to lose sight of the Master. He is always conscious of the likes and needs of his master. He is ever patient and consistent to wait on his master and is prompt to attend to him in wholehearted service. How lamentable it is that today we have an increasing breed of pseudo and shallow masters! We have acclaimed and professed professional servants who bother the least to be attentive, alert, prepared, and prompt to serve the Master. God touch and transform these self-swollen masters in the disguise of servants!

Such a true spirit of a humble and faithful servant is possible, only when we remain deeply conscious of the nobility of our call. In Christ, we rediscover and regain our peace. That means, to live in a spirit and bond of unity, humility, and loyalty like a true servant, being obedient to the Master and benevolent toward other fellow-servants.

 

Direction: A faithful servant is one who is dressed for the Master's service and not addressed for power and self-service

 

20 OCTOBER 2021: ROM 6. 12-18; LUKE 12. 39-48

 

Focus: Disobedience to God and obedience to sin may bring quick results and temporary gains and pleasures but it will lead to eternal ruin

 

1.       An interesting contrast is made between the slavery of sin and slavery of righteousness. Both are slaveries but with a difference. The former is disobedient slavery and the latter is obedient. The result of the slavery of sin is death and damnation and while the result of the slavery of righteousness is life and salvation. In the former, there is only subjugation. In the latter, there is true freedom and rejuvenation of the spirit.

2.       If we are obedient slaves of righteousness, then how will we be? The gospel makes this clear through three simple images: householder, steward, and servant. We will be householders alert and watchful and fully prepared to meet any unexpected encounter with the Lord. We will also be like faithful and wise stewards, set over God’s household to “give them their portion of food at the proper time”, that is to take responsible care of the household.

3.       We will also be honest and duty-conscious servants. Such head-servants will not let themselves into loose living, ill-treating their fellow servants and not acting according to their master’s will. We will always carry the spirit of accountability, knowing fully well that “to whom much is given, much will be required”.

4.       How true it is that many times many fall into the disobedient slavery of sin leading to ruin! How often many fail to be watchful and careful householders! How often many fail to be faithful and wise stewards not responsible toward the household of God entrusted to their care! How often we fail to prove ourselves as sincere and dutiful servants who are also respectful and benevolent toward the fellow servants!

 

Direction: The Lord gives a marvelous synthetic image of a householder who has the attitude of a steward and who works and does his duties like a servant. We are caretakers who are to serve God’s household

 

(REFLECTION FROM 2020 ON LUKE 12. 39-48)

 

Focus: Power and authority must always go together with fervor and charity. Power without humility and surrender, authority without devotion and dedication, are heinous and ruinous.

 

In a world where there is so much abuse of power and authority, Jesus once again strikes hard on the image of a servant and steward. First of all, we should completely expel the arrogant idea of being owners and proprietors. A position that is invested with power and authority, is not a means of dominating and subjugating others. It is not a launching pad for self-projection and self-promotion. A stable sense of focus on the Master and our destiny can work as a counter-check and antidote. It can make us more responsible and keep us ever ready and prepared to meet the Master any time. On the other hand, loss of focus, and engagement into worthless deviations and enjoyments, loss of responsibility, loss of dutifulness, and loss of fraternal concern towards others, will be highly displeasing to the Master. Such a failed servant will be condemned by the Master.

Praiseworthy and imitable is the spirit of humility and service of Paul in the letter to the Ephesians! The abundance of his capacity and competence, the great degree of success and spiritual authority, in no way make him puffed up or arrogant. He never forgets his roots. He never grabs the credit for himself. He is profoundly conscious that all is God’s free gift. For him, all that mattered was Christ, passion for him, and unflinching commitment to his way.

 

Direction: Certainly, more is given to us. It may be in terms of material abundance or power and position. But it is never for abuse and self-interest but for more good. Every bit given is accountable.

 

21 OCTOBER 2021: ROM 6. 19-23; LUKE 12. 49-53

Focus: Living for God will certainly make a contrast from those who live for the world and evil. This will lead to opposition and division

1.       Love for Christ and following him calls for a radical and committed stand. It in fact involves a life of righteousness for sanctification. It will transform persons into slaves of God. But this slavery is something meritorious and dignified. It endows them with new freedom. Such conviction and commitment, such freedom and purity are in direct contrast to the impurity and iniquity of sin.

2.       This contrast will automatically land the followers of Christ into situations of opposition, division, and loss of peace. It is not that they make themselves causes and agents of division and unrest. It is in fact caused by the resistance and refusal of those who oppose them. In a world of duplicity, when men of God live with integrity, for sure it would cause division and disturbance. When convictions are upheld in contrast to compromises, for sure there will be division and loss of peace.

3.       When some are on fire with love for Christ, it will automatically disturb those who are tepid and whose fire is under ashes. A true follower of Christ cannot side with the false values of a mediocre man. A fundamental option for Christ will certainly put one at odds with the rest.

4.       One need not feel bad or guilty about it. Such division and disturbance are not negative that are consequences of evil and inauthentic lives. The division and discord caused by fidelity to Christ are the natural outflows of the unswerving adherence to him. In the name of maintaining peaceful and undisturbed relationships, one should not give up values and fall to compromises.

 

Direction: Many play safe because they do not want to get into any trouble and be disturbed. They want to be in peace. But they do not realize that such peace is only false and not godly. A peace that comes because of compromise is a cheap peace!

 

(REFLECTION ON LUKE 12. 49-53 FROM 2020)

 

Focus: It is only the energy and vitality of the Lord that can rejuvenate a world, steeped into tepidity and lethargy

 

The Lord declares, “I have come to bring fire on the earth; I have come to bring division and not peace”. A surface reading of these words can surprise and disturb one. We adore Jesus as the king of unity and peace. But now, Jesus affirms the opposite. What does it mean? A burning fire will surely bring about division and disturbed peace. It is the fire of love for Christ. It is to be rooted and founded in love. It is to understand and embrace the width, the length, the height, and the depth of the love of Christ that surpasses all knowledge. It is the fire of love and compassion, light and guidance, justice and dignity, joy and contentment, empowerment and fulfillment. He offers the light of clarity and direction, certainty and solidity to a world that is shrouded in the dark traces of confusion, uncertainty, insecurity, and misguidance. He enlivens and revitalizes a world wounded by hatred and violence with the balm of love and forbearance. He elevates a world that has lost charm by misery and hopelessness, with the remedy of God’s own comfort and hope.

But this is a “contrast mission” and certainly triggers displeasure and opposition and division. But this division is not a negative division, caused by the clashes of ego and self-interests. It is a “holy division” for the sake of God and good. It is a division that is the result of refusal to compromise. It is a division in virtue of a fundamental option for the Lord. It is a division because of the uncompromising priority and loyalty to God, beyond and above the worldly pressures and human relations.

 

Direction: What the world desperately needs is not heaps of ashes but sparks of fire. In a world that is becoming more and more rootless and uprooted, more and more shaken in foundations and unfounded, one needs to be rooted and founded in the love of God

 

22 OCTOBER 2021: ROM 7. 18-25; LUKE 12. 54-59, St John Paul II

Focus: Men of today claim to be intelligent and capable persons who can unravel and control so many things of nature. But how much are they able to control and direct themselves!

1.       People of today pride themselves on their ability to discover and control many things. They claim to read the signs of time and organize their life accordingly. They believe that they are competent experts in understanding and interpreting the realities. They also strongly think that they enjoy abundant freedom.

2.       There is certainly no doubt about progress and advancement. But such a development is only uneven and ill-proportioned. There is no holistic growth. Especially in terms of integrity and spirituality, social responsibility, and commitment, there is so much inadequacy and failure.

3.       The word of God in both the readings brings our attention to this disharmony and disproportion. In tune with the words of Paul in the first reading, men may be externally free, that is they are not under any form of slavery. But how much they are under the slavery of sin? Sin dwells in them. They do not do the good they want, but the evil they do not want is what they do.

4.       This is the same tone of Jesus. He questions the dichotomy and shallowness of people’s abilities. Many are capable of reading the signs of the time in terms of seasons and climatic conditions of nature like heat and rain. But why do not understand and judge for themselves what is right? While they try to gain control over external things, why don’t try to gain control over themselves and their lives?

5.       In specific reference to his mission, why don’t the people understand God’s invitation to realize and repent over their sinfulness? Why do they resist and reject his call to free themselves from sin and turn to God? Why do they lose sight of the eternal damnation that will be the result of such unbelief?

6.       St John Paul II was such a wise man who could read the signs of the time and accordingly lived an authentic life and ministered an effective mission

Direction: Human intelligence and capacities are good and useful as they help to increase our understanding and ease of living. But how much do they help to understand and live better as good human beings?

 

(REFLECTION FROM 2020 ON LUKE 12. 54-59)

 

Focus: Human intelligence and knowledge should be raised and oriented to a higher level beyond the earth and mere secular concerns

 

Certainly, commendable is the human intelligence which acts brightly from simple common sense to great scientific and technological progress. In his intelligence, man is able to read and ascertain seasons and times, assess many practical situations, and dissolve many complexities. He is able to regulate and master many conditions to his advantage and ease of life. But how much this great sense and intelligence is used for something higher and loftier? Most of the considerations and efforts are often earth-bound and are driven by worldly motives and gains. How is it that man who acts cautiously and judiciously in earthly and transient matters, fails to act wisely and diligently toward the spiritual and eternal concerns? Devoid of focus, foresight, and heaven-directedness, man runs the risk of eternal judgment and condemnation. In the gospel, Jesus very strongly objects to such a shallow human enterprise. This is truly the shallowness and superficiality of the present times as well. They are able to read, understand, interpret and assess, and thus control the seasons and times. But how sadly they fail to recognize the signs of the times and learn and grow from them! They gain mastery over the forces of nature, but they become slaves to the pressures of their own nature. They claim and pretend to be masters and freemen. But little do they realize that they lose the true interior freedom in the name of the very freedom they seek. The freedom which they glorify is nothing but a disguised yoke of slavery to sin and evil. In fact, to truly read the signs of the times is “to live the vocation we have received. It is to be humble, kind, patient and to bear one another in love”.

 

Direction: We live often in a world of shallow intelligence and superficial knowledge because they are so short-sighted and so badly limited to the material concerns

 

23 OCTOBER 2021: ROM 8. 1-11; LUKE 13. 1-9

 

Focus: It is not the status or the intelligence that matters in the sight of God. Ultimately it is a repentant heart that lives according to the Spirit of God and produces fruits in abundance

1.       “Unless you repent, you will all perish likewise”, Jesus is very clear and straight. The context is the death of some Galileans, by Pilate or by accident. Very easily people may think that they met such a fateful death because of their sin. They may also feel complacent that they are better than them. It is not necessarily so. All of us are sinful and prone to sin. There are no guarantees of one’s holiness and goodness at any moment.

2.       What is important is not to judge and condemn others. Self-reflection, self-realization, and self-renewal are most important. These need real repentance and conversion. This concretely implies a constant willingness and determination to fight the battle between the Spirit and the flesh. Repentance and conversion invite us to be humble and be open to the Spirit.

3.       Such a life makes us walk not according to the flesh but according to the Spirit. It is to set the minds on the things of the Spirit and not on the things of the flesh. For to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace while to set the mind on the flesh is death and damnation. Those who are set on the flesh are hostile to God and do not please God. In fact, they do not belong to Christ.

4.       If we walk according to the Spirit, our spirits will be alive because of righteousness. We will be productive and fruitful. Those who walk according to the flesh are like the fig tree in the gospel that simply uses up the ground for 3 years without any fruit. However, God is immensely patient. He will not immediately destroy us. As the vinedresser pleads for one more year, Jesus is pleading on our behalf for some more time to become fruit-bearing.

Direction: Let us not disappoint God who is looking for fruits from us, after providing all the possible care for our growth and fruition. Let us repent and live converted lives of walking according to the Spirit and not flesh

(REFLECTION ON LUKE 13. 1-9 FROM 2020)

 

Focus: God is immensely patient and hopeful, waiting for us to be converted, to change our ways, and thus become productive and bear abundant fruits

 

God created us in His own image. He sent us into this world to bear witness to this divine identity in commitment and fruitfulness. As humans with fragility, at times we succumb to sin and we disfigure this image and rupture this communion. Therefore, we need to repent and be converted. In the gospel, Jesus minces no words. He bluntly states: You will all perish unless you change your ways. We shall not take for granted God’s immense grace. Neither shall we remain complacent, thinking that God has spared us or evil is not striking us. There are no exceptions with regard to the consequences of sin. No evil shall go unaccounted. It is not a matter of God keeping strict accounts of life. Rather, it is a matter of us becoming more accountable and answerable. It shows itself in a changed life. A changed life consists of receptivity to God’s grace and productivity to bear the fruits of good actions. Fruitfulness is incumbent upon us and unproductivity stands condemnable.

 

Direction: Certainly, God is immensely benevolent and patient and He never denies us chances to change for the better. But His patience shall not be a cause for mediocrity and easy-going.

 

 

29th SUNDAY OF THE YEAR B

 29th SUNDAY, 17 OCTOBER 2021, ISAIAH 53. 10-11; HEB 4. 14-16; MARK 10. 35-45

Focus: A true leader is a disciple of the Lord. One who does not follow the Lord cannot lead the followers.

1. Human history has been a story of power-struggles and conflicts. The operating principle has been domination. The means have been subjugation and suppression. All this has been in the name of asserting and exercising their authority. The aim is to prove and acquire greatness over others.

2.  What is seen in all this struggle and conflict is a false concept of greatness and a wrong way of gaining it. Today, the Lord is teaching us a new way of being great, the right way of achieving and living it. That is why, he says clearly, "it shall not be so among you". So in the first place, are we different from the worldly way of greatness? If we also follow the same wrong principles of greatness, then what is the difference of us as the followers of Christ?

3. Behind all this power struggle and hunt for greatness through domination, there is one thing essentially lacking. This causes all this distortion. And that is humility. When humility is lacking in regard to God, to others and to one's own self, then there is this fall into falsity.

4. Failing in humility with regard to God means that one is not aware of God's greatness, holiness and goodness. Such an awareness makes one aware of his own contrasting littleness, unholiness and evilness. This contrast will surely guard him against all layers of false dignity and self-glory. Before the might, sanctity and benevolence of God, who is he! How unworthy he is! How much he is inadequate! What is there to pride or boast about!

5. Failing in humility in regard to others implies an approach that belittles and despises others. It fails to treat others with respect and equity. It fails to recognize that each person carries an inviolable respectability and honour irrespective of his social standing or riches. It labels and stigmatizes others as worth or unworth, as big or small, as important or insignificant. 

6. Failing in humility with regard to one's own self indicates a false self- image. One refuses to see himself as he is, very specially not accepting his own fragility and imperfections. With a blown up image, one rates himself better, greater and higher than others especially in terms of the material, intellectual and social levels.

7. Therefore, unless one realizes and overcomes these three aspects of failires of humility, he cannot arrest his seeking false greatness that runs on domination and subjugation.

8. This invites us to the only remedy and antidote that can heal the situation. That is the imitation of Christ especially in his humility and selfless service. Even though Son of God Himself, YET he did not cling on to his equality with God, but he humbled and emptied himself, taking upon himself the form of a servant. He declares quite explicitly, "I came to serve and not to be served".

9. Thus, he shows the true concept and path of greatness: greatness consists not in domination but self- donation, not in subjugation but rejuvenation, not in suppression but submission, not in subordination but coordination, not in degradation but upgradation, not in discrimination but dignification.

Direction: That true greatness is in humility and service is a great challenge against all the present power corruption in lording over others with a sense of false status and shallow dignity. It is high time to humble ourselves in selfless service!

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28th SUNDAY OF THE YEAR B

 28^TH SUNDAY, 10 OCTOBER 2021, HOLY MASS REFLECTION

 

WIS 7. 7-11; HEB 4. 12-13; MARK 10. 17-30

Focus: Wisdom is one thing that is lacking in the world of today. This leads to all other deviations and distortions, ending in destruction

1.       The world of today can feel great and proud because of its advancement and progress in various fields. But there is one thing that is lacking. This brings to mind the very same remark of Jesus to a rich young man in today’s gospel: “you lack one thing”. He had the sincere desire to inherit eternal life. He had been faithful to keep the commandments of God. But that is not enough. He still lacks something.

2.       What is this that is lacking? In the light of the first reading from Wisdom, it is wisdom that is lacking. He lacked wisdom. He lacked the wisdom to realize the value of wisdom. Wisdom is preferable to scepters and thrones. In comparison to wisdom, all wealth is accounted as nothing, all gold is as sand and all silver is as clay. She is to be loved more than health and beauty.

3.       Lacking this wisdom, he failed to realize transitoriness, the secondary value of riches. He failed to be aware of the dangers of riches. He failed to detach himself from the entanglement to the riches. He failed to share generously his riches with the poor and needy. He failed to make a choice for the Lord to follow him. He failed to realize that heavenly riches are much more important and lasting than material riches. He failed to realize that eternal life is the most precious treasure than all the earthly wealth.

4.       It is in this context that the statement of Jesus makes sense: “How difficult it is for a rich man to enter the kingdom!”, declares Jesus.

Yes, really difficult. Why? Many reasons; there are different possible dangers because of riches:

1)     Riches can make one feel self-sufficient and self-complacent, a feeling that I am enough by myself, I have enough, I do not need anything or anyone, I do not need God.

2)     Riches can make one distant from God: when one does not feel the need of God when one does not realize the role, value, and importance of God in one’s life, then naturally there is the distance from God.

3)     Riches can make one arrogant toward others. Riches give a false sense of dignity, security, and greatness, a false sense of superiority. One thinks that he is on top of the world and all others are under him; a feeling, I am greater than others, bigger than others. Therefore, there is every tendency to disrespect, degrade and despise others.

4)     Riches can make one materialistic and earth-bound. Riches mislead one to think that the value of life consists in things, in the abundance of material possessions. Consequently, one will lose sight of the value of human relationships and spiritual concerns. Material wellbeing becomes the norm and goal of the whole life. And so, one easily becomes greedy, money-minded, comfort-seeking, dishonest, and manipulative. Thus, instead of being masters over the material things, one becomes a slave of them.

5)     Riches can make one prone to bad habits and vices. When there is money, there is easy access to pleasure; money becomes the wide door to all kinds of deviations and aberrations. That is why very often children and youngsters get spoiled and ruined by drugs, smoking, drinking, flirting, etc. because of money in hand. Money is the easy trap for many temptations and attractions. Take away the money and you will see how much bad can be reduced and controlled.

5. Does it mean that rich people cannot be good? Does it mean that rich people cannot be faith-people, cannot be closer to God, and cannot be saved? Does it mean that riches are to be condemned and despised? No. we are not generalizing and categorizing. We are rather speaking of the serious dangers, which are very real in many cases.

6. However today Jesus is showing us the right perspective, the balanced approach towards riches. There are some cautions, some responsible measures, some guiding principles, in the light of Peter’s question and Jesus’ answer.

1) First, God and love for the Lord should be our highest priority, and not riches or things. It is this which makes the disciples renounce everything and follow the Lord.

2) Second, Make the Word of God the guide and the norm of our life, as the second reading from the letter to the Hebrews extols the word of God. Allow the Word that is living and active, and like a sharp sword to pierce into the deepest recesses of the heart. Lay your life bare before the discerning wisdom of God, in all honesty, and docility.

3) Third, cultivate constantly a spirit of detachment, even amidst riches and possessions. We should not be possessed by our own possessions. The root cause of all evil is the attachment to riches. In this context, it is worth noting what St Francis de Sales admonishes: Let not riches be in your heart and let not your heart be in the riches. But let your heart and riches be in God. We must be like a pharmacist who has poison in his store. But he will not die of it because the poison is not in his body but only in his store. In the same way, we too even though being surrounded by many material things, should not be contaminated and spoiled by them.

4) Fourth, grow in the spirit of giving and sharing. The paradox with riches is: the more we accumulate them, the more we lose them; but the more we use them and share them for good, the more they get accumulated for heaven.

 

Direction: What we preserve with greed, is our loss of capital without interest; but what we always give away in generosity, is our investment with profit. Let us then grow more sober and rich in the sight of God.

 

(REFLECTION FROM 2020)

On Matthew 19. 13-22 (17 August 2020):

Focus: To belong to God, to be the people of God, to be a disciple of the Lord is not a one-time business, nor a matter of a long tradition. There can be no halfway, but it is to be radical in perfection

The question of the young man at the outset looks very appreciable: “What good I must do to gain eternal life?” But a little deep attention reveals its lack of depth. He seems to think that it is something that he can gain and acquire by his own efforts. He thinks that it is a matter of doing and his own doing. In sum, he thinks of eternal life as something which he can take hold of due to his doing some good actions, particularly the observance of the commandments. In fact, he is already doing enough and more, especially in a world where following the commandments is itself a very big thing. But Jesus’ ideal is more than mere enough. He tries to raise the attention of the young man to the level of the most, the best, the maximum, the perfection. That is why Jesus throws the challenge to the young man, “If you wish to be perfect, go and sell everything, and then come and follow me”. Thereby, the mind of Jesus is very clear: a true disciple of Christ should soar for the highest, for the radical, for a total detachment and dispossession, and a stable, unceasing following of him. Let us not argue unnecessarily that it is not fair and reasonable to give up everything, that Jesus’ demand is very unrealistic. We should rather understand the spirit behind it.

Real perfection has no room for minimums, but full and total. It is not enough to observe some rules, not enough to do some good once a while, not enough to listen to God and follow him once a while as a “guest-disciple”. But it needs a total surrender and commitment, always and everywhere. Many today are like the young rich man in the gospel who want to be perfect and are not ready to let go of themselves and let Jesus in and follow him constantly. Many are like the people described in the first reading: they shall rot away because of their sins and groan one to another.

 

Direction: Let us not cling to temporary riches and shallow pleasures, and thus lose touch with Jesus and fail to follow him. It would be an irreplaceable loss!

 

On Matthew 19. 23-30 (18 August 2020)

 

Focus: Riches and material abundance are very precarious because they can easily lead one to self-sufficiency, self-exaltation, and arrogance.

 

“How difficult for the rich to enter the kingdom of heaven!” The words of Jesus sound hard. But it is no prejudice against the rich, nor it is an exclusion of the rich from heaven. It shows the practical reality. It is very difficult because of the all-too-real dangers of riches. Riches can be easy traps and broad doors for undue self-complacency, arrogance, false greatness, neglect of God and incline to vices and shallow pleasures. Therefore, one has to be cautious and judicious in regard to material riches, lest they become pathways for downfall.

Some effective remedies will be: Give priority to God, loving and following Him. Cultivate a deep spirit of detachment from the material, not contaminated by greed and not falling to comfort-seeking. Foster a spirit of generous giving. Every act of self-emptying and self-giving for God and good, will be abundantly blessed and rewarded by God with spiritual joy and eternity. The paradox of riches is: the more we crave to gain them, the more we are lost.

 

Direction: Sharing is an investment with profit while accumulating is like the loss of capital with no interest. Self-emptying is the royal road to get the divine filling

 

 

27th week days mass reflection

04 - 09 2021 OCTOBER: HOLY MASS REFLECTIONS

 

04 OCTOBER 2021: JON 1. 1-17, 2.10; LUKE 10. 25-37: ST FRANCIS OF ASSISI

 

Focus: We have numerous saints. We Venerate them, have a special devotion to some. We seek their intercession and assistance. But that is not enough.

 

1. 04 October we celebrate St Francis of Assisi, a great popular saint of all times. Many subscribe to his spirituality. Many are well-versed with his life and teachings and offer great knowledge about him. All this is very good. But ultimately, life trickles down to simple details and questions: how much of his life and spirituality concretely influences and changes our life?

2. He is great because he lived according to the words of Jesus. He understood Law not as a bundle of rules and regulations but as the spirit to live. So, to follow the law is to live the supreme law of love. Love God totally without reserve and measure and love the neighbor selflessly with no self-interests or disparities or prejudices. Love God as a priority and in its entirety. Love neighbor with fraternity and parity.

3. He clearly understood "who is my neighbor?", and lived the answer. This was a question posed to Jesus and he clarifies it through the most popular parable of the good Samaritan. A neighbor is no more one who is near or dear to me by affinities of blood, vicinity, or interests. A neighbor is anyone and everyone who is in need, who needs my help. A neighbor is not so much who can help me, but rather one whom I can help.

4. Therefore, ultimately the question must be reversed: it is not "who is my neighbor?" but "to whom I am a neighbor?". Such a change of question is not merely a change of words. It is a change of the entire attitude and way of life. It is a concrete experience and exercise of profound sensitivity. It is a sensitivity that sees the pain and struggle of the other, feels for them, takes time to go to their help, spares time and resources to care for them.

Francis of Assisi was a living example of this sensitivity. He was a true good Samaritan. 

 

Direction: A good life is not merely good knowledge, good intentions, and good words. Ultimately it must be seen in good actions of sensitivity.

 

(REFLECTION ON ST FRANCIS OF ASSISI FROM 2019)

 

Focus: Harmony with nature is not a mere matter of nature-meditation or ecological consciousness; rather it is a life in harmony with all

St Francis of Assisi is a saint of all times. His austerity, renunciation, detachment, simplicity, and humility may be hard to imitate. His harmony with nature to the extent of calling them, “brother sun”, “sister moon”, etc. may look rather strange and mystical. His total renunciation of ancestral property and royal mode of life in affluence and comfort may look impractical. But these are worth imitating and are timely remedies and healing antidotes. Many may admire this saint but argue that his virtues are not realistic and even not so relevant. But this is a hasty observation and conclusion. His spirit never dies and is never stale and outdated. His virtues are never dry or insipid but ever fresh and vibrant.

 

Direction: We have numerous saints before us but not much sanctity in us. Change is possible only when we make them from objects of devotion and pilgrimage to companions in devotion and dedication

 

(REFLECTION ON GOOD SAMARITAN FROM 2019 - 2020)

 

1. The parable of the Good Samaritan is one of the most familiar, outstanding, and inspiring teachings of all times. It has been the inspiration for many humanitarian and charitable services, both individual and collective. Not to reduce the positive, this parable is also at times used to demand help and service from others, quoting the example of the Good Samaritan.

2. The supreme command of God is very clear: Love God in totality and love the neighbor as one loves one’s own self. Only this will bring us to inherit eternity, if at all one truly believes in such a destiny beyond the temporary and temporal. Now the parable dwells on the crucial question, “Who is my neighbor?” This is very crucial and relevant especially in our own times and in our society. The first duty today is to clarify our own hopelessly restricted and narrowed notion of a neighbor. The neighborhood is demarcated by the boundaries of physical proximity, confined by the affinities like country, race, lineage, caste, region, language, culture, religion, rite, occupation, or controlled by the concerns like profit, gratification, convenience, etc.

3. Accordingly we find different kinds of neighbors: those who are totally indifferent and unconcerned toward others, being totally self-interested and self-serving; those who harm others for their gain; those who help others but with ulterior motives, expecting a return or good impression; those who are selectively and conveniently good, only to some or only in some matters or situations. What kind of neighbors are we?

4. Today we are reminded and challenged to rise beyond our narrow demarcations. A neighbor is anyone in need, who is in difficulty. The neighborhood is a matter of assistance and service to attend to the need. It is not a matter of self-gain or convenience. It is not a choice but a duty. It is not an option but an obligation. It is not a favor but a mandate. It is not a possibility but a priority. Always and everywhere, one should seek to be a good neighbor to the other. One should not look for good neighbors who can help us and fulfill our needs but should strive to be good neighbors to others in need. Fraternity is our identity, sensitivity is our quality and charity is our priority – this in simple is the essence of being a good neighbor.

5. The fault of the priest and the Levite in the gospel is that they failed in their primary identity of being brothers and sisters, failed in the quality of being sensitive to the victim’s need, and failed in giving priority to charity. They might even be a good priest and Levites, doing well their duty and profession. They might have their own reasons to avoid helping the victim, to go away in haste. But nothing of these can justify their failure in fraternity, sensitivity, and charity. But the Good Samaritan had no botheration about his convenience or gain or schedule or work or time or money.

6. Real charity demands not to “pass by on the other side” like the priest and the Levite, but to “see aside and turn around our attention by the roadside”, to “stop and create space” from one’s busy schedule, to “take the trouble and be humble to get down” from one’s riding on self and self-interests, to “take courage to go out of one’s way”, to “take time to move” to those in need, to “care the wounds of others”, to “accompany them in a process of healing and recovery of strength”.

7. There is also a spiritual side to this story of Good Samaritan, along with the fraternal side. God is the Supreme Good Samaritan because He always keeps close to us in our need and suffering. He is sensitive and benevolent to us always and everywhere, even without any merit or return from our part. He cares for our wounds inflicted by sin and troubles of life. He cleans us, heals us and makes us sane again, by his own blood.

8. How many of us are Good Samaritans, genuinely and selflessly? How much are we aware of the boundless compassion of God, the supreme Good Samaritan? How much are we grateful and appreciative of numerous Good Samaritans?

 

05 OCTOBER 2021: JON 3. 1-10; LUKE 10. 38-42

 

Focus: The beauty and joy of life consist not in dichotomy and conflict between prayer and work, but harmony.

 

1. The story of Mary and Martha in the gospel is a familiar one. Apparently, it is a story of two individuals who were very close to Jesus. But it is in fact the story of constant tension and struggle between prayer and work, symbolized by Mary and Martha respectively. This is a very real experience for everyone. It is not just a practical problem but an existential problem. It is a constant pull between spiritual concerns and secular tasks.

2. What is needed is that both prayer and action should go together. We should not neglect work and duties in the name of prayer and spiritual duties. Similarly, we should not neglect or reduce our spiritual concerns under the pretext of heavy loads of work. One should not throw away or substitute the other. Because both complement and support each other. Prayer breathes "spirit" into the "flesh" of works. And work supplies "flesh" to the spirit of prayer.

3. However, we should bear in mind that as followers of Christ, prayer is our highest priority. By prayer we mean not just a number of prayers or spiritual activities. It means essentially an intimate communion, loyalty, and commitment to Christ. Nothing can be equal or substitute or alternative to this primacy.

4. Especially in our own times, where there is the viral trend of activism, where people are so negligent toward God and the spiritual because of their worldly pursuits, preoccupations, and self-interests, we need to reiterate this priority of prayer and devotion. In fact, true prayer and spirituality certainly leads one to be more responsible and hardworking. 

 

Direction: Work built on and guided by prayer, becomes deep and productive. Work devoid of prayer runs the risk of becoming shallow and superficial.

 

(REFLECTION ON LUKE 10. 38-42 FROM 2019 - 2020)

 

Focus: Our life can be more positive and productive, if we grow more harmonious and not dichotomous

The story of Mary and Martha is too familiar to be taken for granted. In the first place, one should an interpretation that poses work and prayer as two opposites and conflicting polarities. Neither Martha represents the category of work, nor does Mary represent the category of prayer. There is no outright condemnation of all work as if it is something detestable. The crux of the message is: at no moment, for no reason one should lose focus on Jesus and displace the priority to him. Nothing can become an alternative or a substitute for the personal encounter, experience and intimacy with Jesus. No kind of work however good it be, no amount of work however much it be, should be an excuse to neglect the presence of the Lord in prayer. We shall also not fall into the same temptation of Martha to rate ourselves and our work better than others, judge and blame them as not doing the right thing and complain to the Lord himself. We will be wiser to set our focus always on the Lord, to give him the topmost priority and to conduct all our affairs in sublimation and in conformity to God’s closeness.

Direction: Prayer is not a waste of time or energies. Rather it is the source that gives us the right direction, orientation and energy for all our works. 

06 OCTOBER 2021: JONAH 4. 1-11; LUKE 11.1-4

 

Focus: True prayer is never confined to the spiritual domain alone but outflows into all the spheres of life and changes the whole person

 

1. Often prayer appears to intend to change God's intention and action. I get sick and I pray that sickness is healed. I fail and I pray to taste success. I am discouraged and I pray to be encouraged. I feel to give up and I pray for perseverance. In all these, it is not so much changing God's mind but for changing our own person and life- situation.

2. True prayer is deeply trusting and confiding in God being "gracious and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love" as Jonah in the first reading acknowledges. God never intends evil as punishment. He allows evil either for our purification or sanctification. That is, suffering is a way of just reparation for our sins or is a way of holiness offering for the salvation of others.

3. True prayer, on one hand, purifies us and on the other hand, sanctifies us. In humility and repentance, we seek His forgiveness. And once forgiven and purified, we also strive to become like Him, in sanctity and similarity.

4. This fosters in us a spirit of one family of God's children in the midst of a culture of disunity and dissension. It makes us commit ourselves to work to spread God's kingdom by doing always His holy will in the midst of petty and ill-motivated kingdoms. It fills us with the spirit of contentment in the midst of greed and accumulation. 

5. Further, in the midst of a culture of grudge and retaliation, true prayer helps us to become merciful and forgiving, just as God is infinitely merciful and just as we receive an abundance of forgiveness from God and from others. It also solidifies us to remain firm amidst all evil pressures and temptations.

 

Direction: The great prayer "Our Father" does not teach us some formulations for reciting a prayer. Rather, it teaches us the spirit and end of all our prayers. It betters our person and life.

 

(REFLECTION ON LUKE 11. 1-4 FROM 2019 - 2020)

 

Focus: To pray does not mean to recite a bundle of prayers but to be in a personal relationship with God

The sublime prayer “Our Father” is proposed as the model prayer. What Jesus teaches us is not merely some accurate prayer formulations or table of contents. It is the sum of the essentials of prayer – what to pray, what to pray for, and how to pray? Prayer is not meant to impress God or impress others, or to feel great and self-satisfied. It is an expression of our spiritual and fraternal communion. It is realizing our inalienable bonding with God and one another as one family of God’s children and sisters and brothers. It is experiencing and deepening this essential belonging. This is the fundamental spirit and disposition. And it is in this perspective that all that we pray and pray for, make sense. Accordingly, we pray for the spread of one God’s kingdom where reigns the primacy and surrender to God’s will. We pray for daily sustenance and contentment. We pray for the grace to forgive and the strength to resist and overcome evil.

Direction: A prayer that loses sight of oneness with God and others and relies heavily on material requests, is deficient

07 OCTOBER 2021: MAL 3. 13 - 4. 2a; LUKE 11. 5-13, OUR LADY OF ROSARY

 

Focus: Prayer is such an inexhaustible font of grace and we can never speak enough

 

1. Today again Jesus continues his sublime teaching on prayer. He calls us for perseverance. A sincere prayer must persevere especially when things look bleak or go upside down or all doors are shut. The two biggest challenges for prayer not to persevere are presented in the first reading and the gospel respectively. One challenge is, evil prospers and good suffers. The evil-doers go on sinning, becoming arrogant and harmful. God seems to be not taking any action. So, they continue their evil ways. At the same time, the righteous seem to be fighting a lost battle and only suffering seems to be their lot. Such experiences are really upsetting and frustrating.

2. The Second challenge is that of refusal and rejection. In the gospel story, a man goes to his friend late at night seeking a little bread for his unexpected guests. Initially, his request was turned down because it was very late and all were asleep. But because of his insistence, he received what he wanted. Similarly, in our life too, the battle and struggle continue. Many a time, we do not receive what we genuinely ask for.

3. It is in such times we must deepen our trust in God’s abiding and unfailing care and justice. Jesus assures us: “If you then who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him”. He will never be unjust to the righteous, those who fear God and serve Him. “Behold the day comes... He shall distinguish between the righteous and the wicked... for those who fear His name, the sun of righteousness shall rise, with healing in its wings”.

4. All that is needed is to confide and persevere in the power of prayer, in the power of intercession. It is in this context the commemoration of Our Lady of Rosary serves as a great assurance. Mary confirms that God is always benevolent and attentive to us. When people in the fear of their enemies and the impending defeat interceded to the Mother, she promptly intervened, mediated God’s power, and thus granted victory to the believers. Holy Rosary is offered to us as a powerful weapon against the enemy.

5. We must rediscover the proper value of the holy rosary and the power and effect of reciting it. It is not mere praise and exaltation of Mary, as many wrongly think. It is in fact giving glory to God Himself who works His grace in and through Mary who cooperates with His grace in humility and surrender. She is great and glorified because she glorified God. She is powerful in her intercession and mediation because of the power of God to which she totally surrenders herself.

 

Direction: Holy Rosary is not a magical rod or miraculous talisman that automatically works wonders. It is a symbol of faith and docility. It is a holy weapon and instrument of grace against the evil one

 

(REFLECTION ON OUR LADY OF ROSARY FROM 2019-2020)

 

Today we venerate Our Lady of Rosary, a feast installed as a commemoration of great victory over hostile forces against faith. It is worth highlighting the mediatory power of the Mother’s intercession. In her, we have a secure refuge and sure guidance against evil forces. It is because of her intimate communion with the Lord and her profound maternal affection and care for us. The holy rosary, as some scoffers accuse, is not a mindless and repetitious glorification of Mary that thwarts the uniqueness of Jesus or divinity of God. The holy rosary is a meaningful remembrance of Mary’s docile collaboration with God’s grace and His salvific plan. It is in fact exalting God’s own grace in exalting Mary. The holy rosary is a powerful and insistent weapon against the devil and its evil proposals. It is an ever-flowing fount of strength from where we derive our inspiration and energy for charity, like the Good Samaritan.

Direction: Our devotion to Mary should not be seen as an appendix or a threat or a rival to our faith in God but as an integral part and support

 

08 OCTOBER 2021: JOEL 1. 13-15; 2. 1-2; LUKE 11. 15-26

 

Focus: 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

 

1.       Often the problem is not so much the lack of goodness but the lack of openness to see it and encourage it. 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. 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 already see so many signs that evidence God’s power but still, they demand signs.

2.       Jesus makes it very clear that good cannot come from evil. Any trace of bad and 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!

3.       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. However, we can never take for granted the evil one and its whereabouts and crooked designs. Like the unclean spirit in the gospel, for a while, it may have left us and gone away. But it can return any time more powerfully with more force.

4.       Therefore, in our spiritual life, there can never be moments of being unalert and lax. We can never keep ourselves empty. We must constantly fill ourselves with the clean and Holy Spirit. For this, in the light of the first reading from Joel, one most effective means is fasting and penance in sincere repentance.

 

Direction: There is always the lurking danger of falling into the snares of jealousy and stubbornness. This would lead to prejudice and slander. Instead, let us foster the spirit of optimism and spiritual diligence

 

(REFLECTION ON LUKE 11. 15-26 FROM 2019 - 2020)

 

Focus: Faith is not a matter of opting for God as one of the many alternatives, even be the best, but counting on him as the only option

The modern man, with all his increased technological and commercial intelligence constantly, tries to discern and decide among various alternatives and options. His sole criterion is which serves the best his convenience and gain. In this process, there is no loyalty and no commitment to any particular choice. It is all compromise and time-bound. His loyalty lasts as long as a specific option proves more beneficial.

But faith in God is not like that. It is a deep personal trust and unwavering loyalty to the Lord as the highest choice. The evil, the Beelzebul also may bring many worldly benefits, as we concretely see today, where the evil-seekers thrive more and faster. But no evil power is stronger than God who is the “strongest man” in the gospel. When the strongest comes, the strong surrenders and is defeated. However, reliance on God should not be casual, in the sense that one should never be complacent that the evil is gone away. Rather, faith is a daily affair, a consistent struggle and guard against the evil which is ever waiting to pounce upon us with more army, with “seven more spirits”.

Direction: It is not enough to empty the heart off the evil spirit, but is much more important to fill ourselves with the Holy Spirit, lest we be re-filled by the evil more powerfully

  

09 OCTOBER 2021: JOEL 3. 12-21; LUKE 11. 27-28  

 

Focus: Greatness or blessedness does not come from birth or lineage. It does not depend upon physical relationships. Rather, one is blessed if he is born of God and exercises spiritual relationships

 

1.       When the children do great, automatically the credit and praise go to the parents. Similarly, looking at Jesus, someone extols his mother, saying, “Blessed is the womb that bore you, and the breasts that you sucked”. Immediately Jesus declares, “Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and keep it”. Here, it is not a dishonor to his mother, not a disowning of his belonging to his mother. Rather, it is a reallocation of the true greatness of his mother. Jesus wants to show clearly what is the true greatness of his mother. He wants to show her blessedness on a different level higher than the merely physical.

2.       Mary is great and blessed not just because she is the physical mother of Jesus. She is blessed because of her spiritual fecundity. She constantly gives birth to the spirit of Jesus. She “hears the word of God and keeps it”. As Joel in the first reading affirms, Mary totally believed that the “Lord is a refuge to His people, a stronghold to the people of Israel”. She believed in the benevolent promises of God who assures: “And in that day the mountains shall drip sweet wine, and the hills shall flow with milk...”

3.       Mary was a perfect disciple, one who hears God’s word attentively and follows it diligently. She is truly that wise person in Matthew 7. 24-27, one who builds his house on a foundation of rock. No floods, no rains, no winds can make it collapse because it is solidly founded on a rock. Mary remained firm like a rock even amidst storms of life. She is blessed because all through her life, hearing the word and keeping it was the norm and guiding force of her life.

Direction: In a world that seeks greatness based on affinities and allegiances of caste, region, religion, culture, status, position, et cetera, Mary’s greatness was her spiritual tenacity and holistic integrity  

 

(REFLECTION ON LUKE 11. 27-28 FROM 2019 – 2020)

Focus: Blessedness is a matter of belonging to the Lord by a personal commitment, and not merely by lineage or membership

Who is blessed? Who is great in the sight of God? Greatness, whether secular or spiritual, is often calculated in terms of one’s relationship by blood or affinity or by favor. So and so is great because he is a relative of that great man or favored by him. But in the spiritual realm, there is no such measurement. One does not become great, just because he is a member of the church by name, or holds a great office. One becomes blessed only by his or her spiritual tenacity, maturity, and connectivity to the Lord. That is, the only criterion for measuring one’s blessedness is hearing God’s Word and accordingly doing God’s will. No other criteria matter. Mary is great, not only because of her relation to Jesus as his mother. But her true greatness is in her unfailing adherence to God’s Word and God’s will. It is foolish that people seek greatness in titles or influence or status.

 

Direction: No one becomes great in the sight of God unless great is his attentiveness to God’s word and great is the following of God’s will. 

 

27th Sunday of the year B

 27th SUNDAY,  03 OCTOBER 2021: GEN 2. 18-24; HEB 2. 9-11; MARK 10. 2-16 

Focus: Dissension and hurt are the order of the day and family life too is badly affected by the same ill fate. We need to rediscover the missing elements

1. The Word of God strongly focuses on one of the hallowed and crucial institutions and pillars of the society. It is marriage. Today, this is cracking and crumbling. Family conflicts are increasing. Joy of married life is missing. Divorces are ever on hike. Jesus addresses this issue and invites us for a right perspective. 

2. Jesus categorically rules out divorce. The most obvious and valid reason is it is against God's will and design. God wills and designs that a married man and woman remain together life long. There is no question of breakage or separation. The church too, in tune with Jesus' teaching, does not sanction divorce.

3. Some may argue that this is not fair. Times are changing. Problems are varied and complex. We cannot apply the same age old rules . If one of the partners is not good, if the married life is joyless and frustrating, how can we be so heartless to keep them together? Rules are ultimately for the good and happiness of the human persons.

4. We do not undermine the validity of these arguments. But our focus is not so much about divorce or no divorce. Our concern is something deeper. It is to see the missing links in the bond of marriage and family. It is to honestly see what exactly goes wrong with the present marriages and families? In which way, we can restore and regain the lost beauty and happiness?

5. The basic problem is a problem of perspective and mindset. For many today, marriage is no more something divine or holy. It is more a social arrangement, a cultural tradition. The obvious reasons are such as convenience, the establishment and maintenance of family, a legitimized physical union for sextual satisfaction and procreation and begetting of children, assurance of social and financial security, et cetera.

6. Certainly this is more practical and useful. But, this can drastically reduce the aspect of stability, durability and bindingness of marriage bond. It cannot work merely on the principle of "As long as it works". The operating principle must be not usefulness alone but faithfulness.

7. It is here the teaching of Jesus and church becomes vital and directing. Marriage is not merely a social contract but a spiritual covenant. It is not merely a cultural tradition but a mutual devotion. It is not merely a useful agreement but a meaningful commitment. 

8. For the Catholic church, the value of marriage is forcefully safeguarded by understanding it as a "Sacrament". It is a relationship with God and with each other. It is not like any other relationships. It is deeply intimate, holy and committed. God Himself is the author and designer of it and He continues to be its sustainer and fulfiller. It is not time-bound suiting to one's convenience but permanent. In other words, it is "indissoluble". 

9. This understanding need not be tied or bound to religion. It is valid and highly recommendable to all irrespective of religion. Because it can serve as a timely and appropriate remedy and antidote for the present crisis in marriage and family. It brings out very powerfully the sanctity and fidelity in marriage.in fact, the sense of holiness and commitment is the most missing link in the chain of marriage. Nothing else like education, money, position, intelligence, competence can substitute for it.

10. And only such a sense of sanctity and fidelity can enhance a married life of love, humility and responsibility, in patience and perseverance. Only such a rediscovery of the beauty and value of marriage can rebuild married life on faith in God and commitment to mutual good.

In fact, this holds good for any walk of life, even for the consecrated life.

Direction: Fidelity to God and fidelity to each other can recapture the lost dignity and joy in married life