28th week days mass reflection of the year 22

10 - 15 OCTOBER 2022, HOLY MASS REFLECTIONS 10 OCTOBER 2022: GAL 4. 22-24, 26-27, 31 – 5.1; LUKE 11. 29-32 Thrust: Freedom and sight! Indicative: Only freedom enables us to see clearly and act rightly. Those who are under the slavery of sin will become blind and walk wrongly 1. Freedom is a priced gift and everyone desires it. But often many mistake freedom for licentiousness that wants to do whatever it likes. Most of the time, individual likes and preferences are not guarantees for the good and right things. They can be deviating and destructive. They can be inclinations of seeking pleasure and gratification. 2. In modern society, there is an intense craving and search for freedom. Much of this freedom may be a disguised form of new slavery. In the name of freedom, one may be getting entrapped by harmful enslavements and entanglements. Here the words of Paul in the first reading become relevant: “For freedom, Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to the yoke of slavery.” 3. Real freedom is freedom from the slavery of sin. Now sin is whatever is contrary to God, His love, and His will. Therefore, whenever one fails in faith in God, whenever one does not cooperate with God’s grace, they are not free but are slaves. In this way, the Pharisees and scribes were not free from sin because they refused to believe in Jesus. They refused to repent and mend their ways. 4. They refused to see the signs of God’s love and power manifested in and through Jesus. In fact, Jesus himself is the greatest sign of God’s love. Yet, they demand signs to prove himself. They were under the slavery of jealousy, self-righteousness, and stubbornness. Jesus rebukes them as an evil generation and they deserve it because they are so. Imperative: Let us not be seekers of false freedom which is a disguise of slavery. The more we surrender to God’s will and plans, the more we see the signs of His loving presence and action, the more we are free (REFLECTION 2 FROM 2021, 11 OCTOBER) Focus: We are called by God with a singular mission of “bringing about the obedience of faith for the sake of Christ among all the nations” 1. In the gospel we find that Jesus’ own people reject him. The reason is, they lost the awareness of the sacredness of their call. They lost the sense of their identity as the chosen people of God. They lost sight of the dignity and duty of their mission, which is to be agents of faith among all the nations. They lost the spirit of repentance and conversion. 2. In fact, all his miracles and healings were powerful signs of God’s power and caring intervention in their lives. All his preaching and teachings were effective signs of the assurance of God’s love and mercy. And he himself is the greatest and most authentic sign of God’s love and power. Yet, still, they demand signs. They refuse to believe in him. They do not accept him. They do not repent and convert themselves. Instead, they resist, confront, criticise and persecute him. Direction: Are we any different from the unbelieving Jews who do not trust Jesus but test him? They do not accept in openness but refuse in stubbornness. They do not surrender to God in humility but demand in arrogance. Are we also the “evil generation”? (REFLECTION 3 FROM 2020, 12 OCTOBER) Focus: True knowledge should lead us to transparence and acceptance and not arrogance and rejection. False knowledge leads to false freedom, which is only a disguise of slavery to sin The people in Jesus’ time did not accept Jesus’ message because they did not recognize his true identity as the Son of God and Messiah. It is because they were arrogant and closed because of their presumptuous knowledge and familiarity concerning Jesus. They demanded to prove himself through miracles. They failed to understand that faith is essentially a matter of trust and experience and not a matter of proof. Miracles are only signs that indicate and authenticate the presence and power of God. They are meant to supplement one’s openness to believe and not to generate or guarantee faith. These people of Jesus’ time stand condemnable by the people of Nineveh who repented and were converted at Jonah’s wake-up call, and also by the queen of Sheba who traveled so far to witness Solomon’s wisdom. How foolish are these people not to respond to Jesus positively, who is greater than Jonah and Solomon! Jesus sternly addresses them as an evil generation. They rightly deserve this harsh comment, because they do not repent and turn to the gift of faith in Jesus. Rather, they prefer to cling to the old slavery of heartless legalism and sin. Direction: A faith that depends only on signs and favors will very easily get disillusioned and fall into crisis. True faith never indulges in a deviating and destructive freedom 11 OCTOBER 2022: GAL 5. 1-6; LUKE 11. 37-41 Thrust: Law of freedom is purity! Indicative: True freedom should make a person clear-sighted. He would be able to see things in their due importance 1. In life, there are many concerns. But all of them are not equally important. There is a gradation of priorities. Often, this clarity of priorities is so much missing in modern society. Consequently, there is a distortion of priorities: the primary become the secondary, and the secondary become the primary; the essential are dominated by the inessential. 2. This was what happened in the early Christian communities as testified by the word of God. They were giving more importance to Jewish laws and traditions. They forget the fact that all the laws are meant to foster the freedom of the Spirit and freedom of faith. Besides, the law of Christ, the law of love, and faith in Christ surpasses every law. 3. Accordingly, it is not the physical circumcision that is binding but the circumcision of the heart. It is not a negative binding but a positive bonding with the Lord. It is a sign of spiritual adherence and belonging to the Lord. That is why Paul affirms, “For, in Christ Jesus, neither circumcision nor uncircumcision counts for nothing, but only faith working through love.” 4. Another instance of such distortion is being so scrupulous about the external washing of hands and cleaning of the cup and the dish. It was exaggerated importance to external purification and purity. But what about the interior purity? What about the contamination of the heart by sin? Should not exterior purity symbolise and lead to interior purity? 5. Pope John XXIII was such a man of freedom and purity. Imperative: All the laws and traditions may prescribe certain external activities and practices. The intention is to make the person authentic and holistic. They should deepen the interior spirit (REFLECTION 2 FROM 2021, 12 OCTOBER) Focus: Openness to truth leads to acceptance in faith and that leads to life in righteousness and this leads to salvation 1. In human life, there is always tension between the exterior and the interior, the exterior purity, and the interior purity. In religious circles, this struggle often leads to conflict and dichotomy, which eventually leads to mutual exclusion. In simple details, it means that the external rituals and spiritual activities fail to foster inner purity. They are meant to cleanse a person’s heart and life. They are meant to make a person pure. 2. But the sad thing is, very often the religious rituals and devotional practices fail to touch and change the interior. They remain only at the surface level. This was the real failure of the Pharisees and scribes. They cleanse the outside of the cup and dish, but the inside is full of extortion and wickedness. The external ablutions are meant to indicate and induce interior purification. Just as the cup and dish are cleansed, so also our minds must be cleansed. 3. All this contradiction and failure is due to the lack of deep faith. A deep faith implies an openness to truth, the truth of God and oneself. It is to realize God’s alienable role in our life and a total belonging to him. It is to realize the futility and senselessness of our thinking and pursuits without due space for God. It is not to fall prey to lust and impurities. It is not to deify merely earthly and worldly and dethrone God. True faith includes righteousness. And faith without righteousness forfeits salvation. Direction: Knowing the truth and being truthful; Accepting in faith and remaining faithful, understanding the right, and becoming righteous are true signs of integrity. True integrity is a harmony of the exterior and interior purity (REFLECTION 3 FROM 2020, 13 OCTOBER) Focus: Religious activities are not mere matters of practice, observance, and tradition but are to be means and expressions of an authentic heart and devotion As persons of faith, we certainly manifest our faith in performing some spiritual actions, devotions, laws, and precepts. It is a tangible way of expressing and living our spirit of faith. However, they cannot become cover-ups or substitutes for the lack of interior authenticity and purity or for the lack of a life of integrity. This is what happened in the case of many Jews of the time of Jesus and Paul. They were so strict about observing the law. But they did not realize that they were actually bound by it. Instead of growing in the freedom to love and serve, they became enslaved by what they themselves created. They were meticulous about circumcision of the flesh, but were they aware of circumcising their heart, cutting it off from the attachment to sin? Sadly, in the present times too, very often the exterior religious activities or obligations do not proceed from a genuine interior disposition. They also do not lead to a way of actions and life that are compatible with the spirit and purpose of these religious practices. Cleaning outside, whether of hands or of cups and of the dish, as a religious precept is good, but what about cleaning inside? Almsgiving is good but what about cultivating a heart of sensitivity and charity? It is not so much a matter of conflict between the interior and the exterior. It is not a matter of disputing which is greater. It is more of a duty to live a life of harmony and integrity. It is to nurture a pure heart and manifest a good living in honesty and loyalty. Direction: A life of integrity that integrates a pure interior and a devout exterior is praiseworthy in God’s sight; they are not rivals or competitors but friends and mutual supporters 12 OCTOBER 2022: GAL 5. 18-25; LUKE 11. 42-46 Thrust: Bear the fruits! Indicative: Those who truly belong to God will be authentic and bear the fruits of the Spirit 1. Jesus condemns the hypocrisy of the Pharisees and scribes. It is not being judgmental and condemnatory toward others. It is not lacking in charity. It is a matter of calling for authenticity. It is a question of leading a life of integrity. All the more, when we are in a role and position of teaching and guiding others and demanding from them a right life, we should check and see whether we ourselves are trying to do and live the same. 2. This was exactly the fault of the Pharisees and scribes. They demanded so much from others but they themselves did not follow what they demanded. They taught many things but they themselves did not practice. They twisted the priorities. They gave more importance to religious traditions like tithes but neglected the most important precepts of justice and the love of God. 3. They taught people to be humble and not self-seeking. But they themselves were seeking places and powers of honour. They live hidden and disguised lives with an outer cover and garb of religiosity, like unmarked graves. 4. All this shows that they were not led by the Spirit but by the flesh. We have a clear contrast between the works of the flesh and fruits of the Spirit in the first reading. They are clearly led by the flesh because they do the works of the flesh. Vices like impurity, enmity, strife, jealousy, anger, rivalries, dissensions, and divisions reign over them. 5. This is the reason why they could not feel at home in the presence of Jesus. They resented and resisted because he not only preached by word but also lived by example. So his life of authenticity was a great question mark to their hypocrisy. They felt poked and provoked, questioned and challenged by his life of integrity. Imperative: As long as we are in the realm of the flesh, we will do the works of the flesh. They will go contrary to the fruits of Spirit that will get us to inheritance (REFLECTION 2 FROM 2021, 13 OCTOBER) Focus: There is no doubt that God is boundlessly kind, patient, and merciful. But all this must lead us to sincere repentance and change of life. One shall not forget the righteous judgment of God! 1. In the light of the gospel, Hypocrisy is one thing that Jesus could never tolerate. He would understand and forgive even the greatest sinner and weaknesses but not hypocrites. In the gospel, he rebukes the Pharisees and scribes for this hypocrisy. He exposes a series of its layers. 2. One is, they insist on external religious obligations like tithe but they totally neglect the more important precepts like justice and the love of God. Second, they lack humility and seek self-glory by craving for the best honors. Third, they are like graves that symbolise lifelessness and emptiness but are hidden underneath. Fourth is, they are so demanding and exacting toward others, loading others with hard and unbearable burdens, but they are so lenient and self-indulgent toward themselves. They do not do what they demand others to do. 3. What then is the remedy? First of all, we must become deeply conscious of God’s righteous judgment: He will render to every man according to his works; He shows no partiality on the basis of worldly honors or even religious allegiances; there will be tribulation and distress for every human being who does evil, but glory and honour and peace for everyone who does good. Therefore, shun hypocrisy; melt the hard and impenitent heart. Stir up sincere repentance and change life. Direction: The fact that we belong to Christianity and perform some religious obligations, or that we occupy some honours, or that we have great knowledge and even teach, guide and rule over others is no guarantee of a favourable judgment of God. All that matters is a repentant heart and a transformed life! (REFLECTION 3 FROM 2020, 14 OCTOBER) Focus: Hypocrisy is a biggest block in one’s journey of conversion. It is a clearest counterpart of immorality and infidelity Jesus is heavy in his tirade against the Pharisees and scribes. The reason is quite obvious. It is their cut-throat hypocrisy. It is all the more deplorable because it is disguised under religious garb. Such hypocrisy shelters itself in an inauthentic heart. There is a sharp contradiction between what they religiously teach and perform and what they actually live and do. They are prompt in giving alms but neglect justice and love. They crave honour by best seats and salutations but do not live with honour and humility. They pretend to be rigorous religious leaders by meticulously insisting on the laws but they themselves do not follow the spirit of the law. And the real spirit of all law is fidelity and love. God is highly displeased with such an inauthentic life. Direction: Let us get rid of our inauthentic and hypocritical selves. Let us grow a little more humble, honest, and converted. Let us learn to operate more and more in the realm of the Spirit and not the realm of the flesh 13 OCTOBER 2022: EPH 1. 1-10; LUKE 11. 47-54 Thrust: To be holy and blameless! Indicative: In life, the awareness of purposes is very important lest it will deviate us from the right path 1. In the first reading, we are reminded of the purpose of our life. That is to be holy and blameless before Him. It is for this that He chose us before the foundation of the world. This is our eternal destiny. We can lead a good and faithful life if we are always aware of this our eternal destiny and purpose of life. 2. People lose the sense of direction and go off track when they lose the sense of purpose of life as a whole and also the purpose of different things in life. This is what happened in the case of the Pharisees and scribes. They lost sight of the purpose of their various religious practices and laws. They did not bother about the spirit behind them. They concentrated only on their external performance of them. 3. They followed the laws meticulously but missed the purpose of them. Laws are meant to be guides that discipline us, restrain and regulate us and guard us against deviations. But they reduced them to credit cards of righteousness and guarantees of piety. 4. Similarly, they built beautiful tombs in honour of the prophets who were killed by their ancestors. But the purpose is not so much to honour them, to make reparation for the sin committed, or to follow their example. It was more to cover up the wrongdoing and divert the attention of the people from the wrongdoing. 5. Further, they had excellent knowledge of the scripture and tradition. But they did not accomplish the purpose. It was meant to teach and guide the people and take them to the kingdom. Knowledge was like a key given to them to open the doors of the kingdom to all. But instead, they would distort the teachings to suit their convenience and advantage. Thus, they hinder those who want to enter the kingdom. Imperative: Hypocrisy is not merely a wrong perspective and approach. It is a total failure in living the fundamental purpose of our life, which is to be holy and blameless (REFLECTION 2 FROM 2021, 14 OCTOBER) Focus: God is just and righteous. But this does not mean that He judges and condemns us heartlessly according to our sinfulness. His justice contains mercy! 1. As already noted earlier, Jesus is never at home with hypocrisy. In today’s gospel, he exposes two other layers of hypocrisy, in direct reference to the scribes and lawyers. One is the “diversion technique”. The other is, the “deviation technique”. The diversion technique simply means that they try to cover up a serious wrong with some pleasing external act. Concretely, it refers to their building beautiful tombs of those prophets whom their ancestors killed. 2. It is not because they really honour those prophets or feel sorry for such murderous acts. It is also not because they want to do reparation for their past sins. It is nothing but a diversion technique: they just want to divert the attention of the people from the gravity of the sin by the apparent honour. Their intentions and motive are clearly hypocritical. If they really honour the prophets, then why did they allow the killing of John the Baptist? If they honour the prophets, then why do they not accept and believe Jesus? 3. The second trace of their hypocrisy is the deviation technique. Instead of using their knowledge for guiding the people, they use it for twisting the principles and misguiding them. It is like closing the doors of the kingdom. They take away the key and thereby neither they enter nor they allow others to enter. 4. But all this honest critique of Jesus leads to a totally opposite reaction and consequence. It should create in them a spirit of self-critique and self-discovery and repentance and thus conversion. Instead, they would become more stubborn in their self-righteousness, and hostile and malicious to provoke him and catch him in some wrong. Direction: Hypocrisy is a clever disguise for self-righteousness. Unless one tears off the garb of self-righteousness, and surrenders to God’s merciful righteousness in humility, one cannot receive God’s grace. (REFLECTION 3 FROM 2020, 15 OCTOBER) Focus: Doing wrong is already bad. But hiding it or justifying it or glorifying it is worse. Doing bad is enough bad, but not tolerating anyone doing good, and not allowing them to do good, is the worst Jesus’ hard rebuke of hypocrisy continues. He exposes two more aspects of the hypocrisy of the Pharisees and scribes. One is, “religiosizing” or “spiritualising” the killing of the prophets of the past by building monuments in their honour. Thereby they cleverly mitigate the gravity of the wrong. Another aspect of hypocrisy is: they become blocks and hindrances to the people entering the kingdom, instead of becoming guides and animators. Their knowledge should be like the key that opens up the door of the kingdom to the people. Instead, they use this key of knowledge to close the door and misguide the people. They themselves do not enter and even prevent others to enter. But very sadly, this rupturing of God’s eternal design continues even now. People in the name of religion can shamelessly become unholy and blameworthy. Even inhuman and selfish acts and behaviour can be spiritualised as a matter of religiosity. Knowledge and competence are often used, not as keys to open up a new society of love and peace, but as keys to shut the doors. Direction: Not walking the right way is serious enough. But misguiding others in the wrong way is abominable. Blocking those who try to walk the right way, and persecuting them, is detestable 14 OCTOBER 2022: EPH 1. 11-14; LUKE 12. 1-7 Thrust: Destined for inheritance! Indicative: We are called and chosen for an eternal inheritance. Therefore, we must live worthy of our call, in trust and authenticity, shunning all hypocrisy and fear 1. The first reading reminds us that we are predestined according to God’s purpose. And this destiny is the inheritance of eternal life. This inheritance is obtained in Christ through the gospel of salvation by the promised Holy Spirit. Therefore we need to live a life that will make us worthy of this immeasurable inheritance. 2. This prescribes a certain way of life with certain components. First, shun hypocrisy. This is compared to the leaven of the Pharisees. A little leaven can leaven the whole flour. In the same way, if we are not cautious, the leaven of hypocrisy that surrounds us can easily wrongly influence and change us adversely and negatively. 3. Second norm: Fear God rather than the world. Many times many are afraid mostly for worldly reasons, concerning guarantees and securities. They are more worried about losing some benefit or facing suffering and death even. But Jesus exhorts us, “do not fear those who kill the body, and after that have nothing more that they can do.” 4. Rather fear Him who has the authority both to kill the mortal bodies as well as to cast into hell. The point here is not the frightening and ruthless power of God to terminate our life and throw us into hell. It is rather the unsurpassable and benevolent reign of God over us. It refers more to our bonding and binding obligation of adherence to Him. 5. Third norm: Let this fear be not something negative but a positive fear that springs from reverence and love. When there is love, there is fear to offend that person; it is a fear of not doing anything that is contrary and displeasing to that person. It is a fear that issues from deep confidence in God’s magnanimous care for us. This becomes clear from Jesus’ words, “even the hairs of your head are numbered. Fear not; you are of more value than many sparrows.” Imperative: In a world that constantly besets us with many negative influences, there is every possibility and danger to be led astray. So let us remain firm and well-guided with fear of God and His strength (REFLECTION 2 FROM 2021, 15 OCTOBER) Focus: We must always bear in mind that grace and salvation are always gratuitous gifts of God. We can never claim them on the basis of our merit or performance. Faith and surrender is the only fitting attitude! 1. Salvation is our destiny and grace is the way to attain it. And faith is the condition to obtain it. True faith reminds us that ultimately grace and salvation are God’s generous gifts that we do not merit or deserve. Therefore, it is not the works that make us righteous or bring us salvation. Abraham was counted righteous before God not so much for his works but for his faith. In fact, his righteous life, highlighted by his prompt readiness to sacrifice even his only son Isaac, is nothing but an authentic expression, a natural outflow, and a testimony of his profound faith. 2. The Pharisees and scribes lost sight of this gratuitous nature of grace and salvation. They were so self-righteous as to think presumptuously that they merit and acquire grace and salvation due to their observance of the law and good works. They failed to understand that works without faith and surrender are shallow and superfluous. It is like flesh without life. 3. This led them easily into legalism and hypocrisy. That is why there was a sharp chasm between their intention and action, their heart and deed, their interior and exterior. This dichotomy is so contagious like “leaven”. The Lord warns us of this leaven of hypocrisy, so as not to be infected and vitiated by it. 4. He indicates to us that hypocrisy may work for some time before men but not before God: ‘Nothing is covered up that will not be revealed, or hidden that will not be known. Therefore, it is better to live accountable toward God, rather than admirable before the world. 5. That is why, Jesus exhorts us, not to fear the world that can only harm us externally or physically. Rather, fear God who has total control over our lives, and even our destiny of eternity. Besides, why fear when He takes deep personal care of each one of us? He who cares even little sparrows, He for whom even the hairs of our head are all numbered, will He not care us? Direction: Following the Lord is a strenuous task that will beset us with numerous trials and fearful experiences. But nothing to fear, because the Lord has total control over everything. He will steer the course of action and especially the end is with Him. (REFLECTION 3 FROM 2020, 16 OCTOBER) Focus: Christian life is a constant call to bear witness in word and deed. Certainly, it is a tough task. But there is no need to worry or be frightened, for God is always with us The Word of God today constantly reminds us that we are people, specially chosen and destined by God. In simple, it is to inherit redemption and to become God’s own possession. Accordingly, we exist and live for the praise of His glory. This is in perfect accord with the eternal purpose and will of God for us. In accomplishing this, for sure, we will come across many opposing and crushing forces. Like the leaven of the hypocrisy of the Pharisees, which Jesus mentions in the gospel, we too will confront prevailing hypocrisy and deception. And this has a devastating pervasive influence, vitiating the whole atmosphere of our human society. So, as Jesus cautions us, we need to be cautious, judicious, and firm. The evil time and again will worry and scare us, casting so much fear and loss of hope into our hearts. But we need not lose heart and hope, because God meticulously takes care of us. He who takes care of even small creatures like sparrows, will He not take care of us? We are people of respect and dignity. He will not let us down. He will keep a count even of our hairs. To the extent we are faithful to God, to the extent we bear witness to Him, to that extent we will experience the light and power of God. Is it not foolish to save our bodies but lose our souls? Is it not unwise to have fear of those who can harm us only externally but have no fear of God who can change our destiny entirely? 15 OCTOBER 2022: EPH 1. 15-23; LUKE 12. 8-12 Thrust: A faith that acknowledges! Indicative: A life of faith implies and summons us to be committed to what and to whom we believe 1. We are living in a world where people tend to be non-committal. Even if they make a commitment, they do not want long-term or life-long commitment. The mentality is “as long as it works,” as long as something is convenient and suited to my likes and needs. This affects all areas of life, whether it is marital, social or political, or economic. 2. The same uncommitted mentality affects the religious or spiritual sphere as well. This is indicated by Jesus’ words in the gospel. He speaks of acknowledging him or denying him; bearing witness to him or evading any stand and risk. 3. Jesus’ words make it clear that religion is not merely a matter of subscribing to some doctrines and traditions. Rather it is essentially a matter of living a way of life, a commitment to follow Jesus. It is a personal relationship and binding. However, it is not merely a private matter of loyalty to an individual Jesus. 4. Rather, it is a commitment to the divine itself. In other words, committing to Jesus would imply committing to the presence and power of God itself. It is accepting and committing to the spiritual realm in human life. In this sense, true faith is a call to live a life that is not earth-bound and limited to the material and worldly. Rather, it is to live a Spirit-oriented life. 5. This would imply in the light of the first reading to live according to the Spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of God. It is to have the eyes of our hearts enlightened, to know and inherit the riches of His glorious inheritance, to experience the immeasurable greatness of His power toward us who believe, according to the working of His great might that He worked in Christ. 6. Understood in this way, denying and non-committing to the spiritual power of God will amount to blasphemy against the Holy Spirit itself. It is not a matter of denying the name of God but denying the very spiritual power and action of God in our lives. 7. St Teresa of Avila whom we commemorate today iconises this divine courage and commitment. Amidst tempestuous trials, she stood firm to reform her Carmelite order. This strength she derived from her intimate mystical experiences of the Lord. Imperative: Many mistake religious adherence only as being bound to certain names of God or rituals. They forget that it is essentially a commitment to live in the spiritual realm, under the influence of the Holy Spirit (REFLECTION 2 FROM 2020, 17 OCTOBER) Focus: Owning up God and testifying to our belonging to the Lord, is a fundamental sign of faith. A Faith that falls to compromises and lives away from God, is nothing but a fake faith Today in the name of modernity, many feel shy and even ashamed to let others know about their adherence to God and religion. Some others do not adhere because they nurture a heightened sense of complacency that they do not need. Some others remain indifferent because they are afraid of any possible risks and troubles. Many faithful have become nominal and the faith of many became very shallow and superficial. For many, faith and prayer are matters of some devotion or tradition or means of some divine assistance and consolation. For some, God is more a concern at one’s convenience and will. But today the Lord is very clear that failure to accept him and own him up is very grave, which results in God’s own disowning us. The reason is, it is not merely a failure to recognise Jesus in flesh and blood but to identify the presence and the power of the Holy Spirit that is working in and through Jesus. It amounts to a rejection of the very nature of the power and wisdom of God. Those who are rejecting and standing against the Holy Spirit, are actually blaspheming against the Holy Spirit. It is denying the very spiritual presence and power of God Himself. In the gospel, the matter is not that denying Jesus is pardonable while denying the Holy Spirit is not so. It is a caution against the lack of light to see clearly and reject God in his holy and spiritual ways. God ceaselessly acts through His Spirit, who enlightens us and emboldens us to stand firm and wise. Direction: Those who confide in God, can stand serene, because God Himself will personally protect them, guide them and strengthen them. (REFLECTION 3 FROM 2021, 16 OCTOBER) Focus: Those who see only with the eyes of the world cannot see beyond and cannot live beyond. But those who wear the optic of faith, will rise beyond the merely earthly and strive for the above 1. Faith is essentially a matter of fidelity. Still, this fidelity is not only to some beliefs and truths. Much more, it is fidelity to the person of Christ. It is a personal love, loyalty, and commitment to his life and mission. Therefore, this faith makes us live a life of righteousness. Such a life constantly pushes us into situations of adversity and persecution. It is in such situations we need to profess our adherence to the Lord and acknowledge him before all. 2. This then calls us to be men of courage and hope: the courage to face the present ordeals with the hope for future glory, even hoping against hope. Our judgment and destiny depend on our extent of fidelity. If we acknowledge him now, we will be acknowledged for heaven then. But if we deny him now for fear or convenience, then we will be rejected then. It is not that God is conditioned by our response. Rather, it implies that our life and our destiny depend on our freedom: it is we who are deciding and shaping our destiny here and now. 3. In freedom, we are called to be fully open to the promptings of the Holy Spirit. We must cooperate with His plans and designs. We must allow him to direct us. We must confide in his enlightenment and guidance. We must stand solid with the courage with which he emboldens us. It is in this sense that we must understand the words of Jesus in today’s gospel referring to the Holy Spirit.

27th week days mass reflection of the year 22

 

03 - 08 OCTOBER 2022, HOLY MASS REFLECTIONS

03 OCTOBER 2022: GALATIANS 1. 6-12; LUKE 10. 25-37

Thrust: Charity is to see beyond!

Indicative: We are living in a world where human sensitivities are losing teeth. Many are losing that capacity of the heart to feel and be moved by the pain and difficulty of the other

 

1. “What shall I do to inherit eternal life?” This was the question of a lawyer to Jesus. Was he genuine in his question because he was religious-minded and destiny-oriented? We need not probe into the intention of this lawyer.  For us, this question is not so vital. He might have been sincerely desirous of inheriting eternal life. Or, he might have intended to trap Jesus forcing him to answer controversial questions.
2. But for us, the question itself is more important. It is so dense. It shows two essential aspects of our life: the loftiness of our purpose, a higher goal for our life; and also the personal responsibility to reach that goal, to accomplish that purpose. The goal or the purpose of the lawyer in the gospel is “inheriting the eternal life”. To realise this, he is also aware of his effort on his part, raising the question, “What shall I do?”
3. The answer to this is found in the parable of the good Samaritan in the person of the Samaritan. What must we do to inherit eternal life? Do like him. Be a good neighbour to others, especially in times of pain and need.
4. The lawyer asks the question, “Who is my neighbour?” In the understanding of the Jews, neighbourhood was confined only to their race and nation. Thus, neighbourhood was a matter of kinsmanship, affinity, and some allegiance. In the case of many, this is the same understanding. A neighbour is one who belongs to the same caste, region, religion, culture, language, etc.
5. In the case of some others, the neighbourhood is a matter of geographical vicinity and physical nearness. Further, some others consider others as neighbours who are good and helpful to them. Accordingly, whom one needs, who are useful to him, are considered neighbours.
6. But, Jesus reverses the whole question, the whole perspective, and the approach. The question is   no more "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 for their help, and spares time and resources to care for them.
7. A neighbour is not any longer one who is near or dear to me by affinities of blood, vicinity, or interests. A neighbour is anyone and everyone who is in need, who needs my help. A neighbour is not so much who can help me, but rather one whom I can help. The good Samaritan stands as an icon for this true and perfect neighbourliness.

 

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

 

(REFLECTION 2 FROM 2020, 05 OCTOBER/ 2021, 04 OCTOBER)

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 neighbourhood 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 neighbourhood 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 in 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 needs and suffering. He is sensitive and benevolent to us always and everywhere, even without any merit or return on our part. He cares for our wounds inflicted by sin and the troubles of life. He cleans us, heals us, and makes us sane again, with his own blood.

Direction: 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?

04 OCTOBER 2022: GALATIANS 1. 13-24; LUKE 10. 38-42, ST FRANCIS OF ASSISI

 

Thrust: Be integrated!

Indicative: The life of many becomes insipid and full of tension because there is no proper coordination and integration among the various aspects of life

 

1. The gospel presents before us the story of two sisters of Lazarus, Martha and Mary, a family of Bethany, very close to Jesus. Usually, this episode is used to speak of the importance and priority of prayer. That is very true. No work even the best, can substitute prayer. No one can neglect or give up spiritual duties under the pretext of work.
2. Jesus rebukes Martha, saying, “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things, but one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her.”
3. Clearly, this is a caution for all of us that prayer should be our priority and it should not be sidelined or relegated in preference to some work. The rebuke of Martha by Jesus need not be taken as something personal, directed only to her. Rather it is a warning and admonition to anyone who is tempted to neglect the personal intimacy with Jesus in the face of some activity.
4. But here we can focus on the attitude of Martha in that context. If she did not go to the Lord and complained against her sister Mary, perhaps she would have not received that rebuke. She feels so self-righteous. She feels that only she is doing the right thing and Mary is doing the wrong thing. Or at least she feels that she is doing a better thing and her sister, a less good thing.
5. This is a misguided notion of self-righteousness. This is widely prevalent in every circle of life, be it the political, the economic, or the religious as well. A corrupt politician will accuse others of corruption. A deceptive businessman condemns cheating and manipulation. An inauthentic and dishonest religious and spiritual person will criticize heavily about the loss of integrity.
6. All this kind of double standards is because of the deeper spirit of self-pride of rating themselves better and greater than others. They look down upon others, complain against others, and dictate to others what they should do. They lack the sense of self-awareness and clarity of priorities.

 

Imperative: Sitting at the feet of the Lord and listening to him is the portion of life that is indispensable. This cannot be taken away for the sake of anything else

 

(A SHORT REFLECTION ON ST FRANCIS OF ASSISI)

 

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

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. His utter humility is seen in naming his order as Friars Minor. This denotes his mind that his followers must regard themselves as the least among the religious. This humility is further seen in his remaining as a permanent deacon because he considered himself unworthy of such an immense grace of priesthood.
4. It is very good that 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?
5. He is great not because he has numerous followers and is popular, 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 of life. 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.

 

 

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 2 FROM 2020, 06 OCTOBER) 

 

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 not interpret such a way 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 on 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 for 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 energy. Rather it is the source that gives us the right direction, orientation, and energy for all our works.

(REFLECTION 3 FROM 2021, 05 OCTOBER)

 

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

 

05 OCTOBER 2022: GAL 2. 1-2, 7-14; LUKE 11. 1-4

 

Thrust: An authentic prayer!

Indicative: An authentic prayer is not only praying with authentic expression and manner. It is more an authentic way of living

 

1. Today the word of God teaches us about true prayer. First of all, it becomes clear that prayer is not a matter of words but of heart and life. Praying is not about what words we are using, the standard of them, the knack of the right use of the words, or the effect of them.
2. We are not taking away the importance of the due words. We cannot be simply negligent and use any words. We should be well-prepared and use meaningful words. But here the point is that the expressions and formulations, the modulation or the technics or the tactics of the effective presentation should not dominate and minimize the primacy of the spirit of prayer.
3. The selection and the presentation of our expression must be the tools and channels for communicating and transmitting the depth of experience and the power of the Spirit. Thus, it is not our words but the Word that is most important. It is not the efficiency and the power of our communication or presentation but the efficacy and the power of God's own Spirit communicating with us.
4. A good many times, human skill and medium of presentation are eclipsing the vitality of the depth and effect of the essence and the content. Ultimately, all our prayers must deepen our authenticity concerning God and others. It means, our prayers must make us more authentic. There is no true spirituality without authenticity.
5. It is in this context, the approach of Paul toward Peter and other Jewish Christians becomes relevant. He questions the inauthenticity and the double dealings of Peter and co. regarding the practice of circumcision and their dealing with the Gentiles. What is true faith without authenticity in our approach and dealing with others?
6. It is in this same context of authentic prayer that Jesus teaches the sublime prayer, ‘Our Father’. It is not just one of many prayers. It is the model of true prayer. It shows how our prayer must be, and what are the essential ingredients of it. A prayer becomes authentic when there is a sense of family that holds God as our one Father. It must commit us to keep holy God’s name. This consists in striving to grow holy constantly and to spread His kingdom of love and justice.
7. Further, authentic prayer makes us contented with the minimum. It makes us contrite to seek forgiveness from God and also forgive others magnanimously. It makes constant efforts to guard ourselves against the attacks of the evil one.

 

Imperative: The whole aim of all our activities and devotions is to become more and more authentic in concrete life. There is no room for hypocrisy in true prayer

 

(REFLECTION 2 FROM 2020, 07 OCTOBER)

 

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, makes 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

 

(REFLECTION 3 FROM 2021, 06 OCTOBER)

 

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 the 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 amid petty and ill-motivated kingdoms. It fills us with the spirit of contentment amid greed and accumulation. 

5. Further, amid a culture of grudges 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 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. 

 

06 OCTOBER 2022: GALATIANS 3. 1-5; LUKE 11. 5-13

 

Thrust: Persevere to confide!

Indicative: Lack of perseverance and commitment is one big sickness that is infecting today’s society. Many start great and big with bundles of enthusiasm and dedication but how long?

 

1. We are going through an “instant” culture. This means a mentality that wants things to happen instantly and immediately. People are not willing, ready, and prepared to be patient and wait. They expect things to happen within no time. They want quick results. When this does not happen, when there is a delay, then easily they get upset, impatient, intolerant, irritated, annoyed, and even frustrated.
2. From this “fast food culture” and impatience, people fail to persevere. Thus many good things have a slow natural death because of the lack of stability and continuity. This was what happened in the case of the Galatians. Initially, they were so faithful. But they did not persevere in their faith and fidelity. They did not continue in the genuineness of their tradition.
3. In contrast, we have an example of perseverance in the gospel story. A friend goes to another friend at midnight asking for a little bread for his guest. His friend tries to excuse and exempt himself from giving what is asked for. However, because of the persistence of the seeker, he would give in and do the request.
4. The point is not to pester God and get things by all means. The contrast between a wicked father and benevolent Father is to press hard on the effect of perseverance. The straight message is, God is ever-giving and keen to grant us readily what we stand in need of. If the wicked humans themseves are so good to their children. how much more an all-good will be good to His beloved children?
5. God will never fail us in our needs. The only thing, we must not limit this receiving of favours only to material things. Jesus makes it clear that it is primarily pertaining to the Holy Spirit, that is, the spiritual things. In simple, God would never deny or fail to supply what contributes to our holistic growth.

 

Imperative:  Surely, we trust Jesus’s assurance, “Ask and you will receive; seek and you will find, and knock and it will be opened to you.” But we must always give space for God’s will, time, and ways in granting us

 

(REFLECTION 2 FROM 2021, 07 OCTOBER)

 

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.
3. Many a time, we do not receive what we genuinely ask for. 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.

 

Direction: All that is needed is to confide and persevere in the power of prayer, in the power of intercession.

 

07 OCTOBER 2022: GAL 3. 7-14; LUKE 11. 15-26, OUR LADY OF ROSARY

 

Thrust: Faith is counting on God!

Indicative: Very many times, the power and the greatness of faith is measured in terms of human capacities to perform great things. But great faith is great trust and surrender to God

 

1. We must know that we are spiritually and morally weak. We must know that we are constantly assailed by evil forces. We also must know that we are susceptible to fail and fall. This knowing is not enough. We must also know that God is the strongest man and stronger than the devil who is stronger than the human.
2. Our strength alone will not be enough to confront and defeat evil. We need to depend on God. Only with His strength can we stand firm against the evil one. It is not enough that we keep the house clean and in order. It indicates using the human resources and capacities. But this house that is realeased from the evil spirit must be filled with the clean and holy spirit. Otherwise, the unclean spirit will enter and possess more powerfully an empty heart.
3. This is the real faith of Abraham mentioned in the first reading. He was reckoned as a righteous person in God’s sight. It is not because of his mere observance of the Law. Rather, it is because of his faith in God and loyalty to His covenant.
4. This Trust in God and entrustment to God implies that we are humble and open enough to see and acknowledge the power of God working in our life. We should not be like Pharisees and scribes who were so so jealous, stubborn and closed. Consequently, they will not accept and appreciate the good that surrounds them.
5. Still further, they will make wrong attributions even to the healing acts of Jesus. They wrongly attributed the miracles to Jesus’ coalition with Satan. They accused him, “he casts out demons with the help of Beelzebul, the prince of demons.”

 

Imperative: God does not expect that we are super-strong and resist and overcome the devil all the times. There are never guarantees that we will come out as victors against Satan always. We will not succeed as long as we depend only on human resources and not God,

 

(REFLECTION 2 FROM 2021, 08 OCTOBER)

 

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 3 FROM 2020, 09 OCTOBER) 

 

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

 

(REFLECTION 4 ON OUR LADY OF ROSARY FROM 2020, 2021)

 

Focus: 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

 

1. Today we venerate Our Lady of Rosary, a feast installed as a commemoration of great victory over hostile forces against faith. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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 2022: GAL 3. 22-29; LUKE 11. 27-28

Thrust: Being blessed!

Indicative: Real greatness is liberation from the imprisonment of sin. Sin takes away our freedom and brings upon us curse

1. There is a constant fight and war between God and Satan, good and bad. It is a fight that God owns up on our behalf. He justifies us by faith. Through Jesus, we are reconciled, cleansed and made God’s children. Thereby we put on Christ. Thus, we become God’s royal inheritance without any discrimination.
2. That is why Paul affirms this perfect equality, saying, “there is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus… heirs according to promise.”
3. This is the right blessedness that Jesus utters and offers. To the one who acclaims, “Blessed the womb that bore you,” intending to praise his mother Mary, Jesus clarifies that true greatness does not come from allegiance to a region or religion, or physical lineage or cultural heritage.
4. Apparently, there is a belittlement of his mother. But actually, there is an elevation in the right perspective, for the right reason. Mary is great and blessed not by the mere physical belonging and allegiance as the mother of Jesus. She is blessed because she “hears the word of God and keeps it.”
5. Thereby, all of us are exhorted to seek such blessedness by the Spirit. It is a blessedness by our spiritual bonding and communion. The ultimate criterion to belong to Christ and his family is to listen to God’s voice and will and follow it.

Imperative: Blessed are those who become God’s children, not by tradition but by devotion and relation, direction and dedication

(REFLECTION 2 FROM 2021, 09 OCTOBER)

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 3. 12-21 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 3 FROM 2020, 10 OCTOBER)

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. 

 

 

 

 

27 th SUNDAY OF THE YEAR 22

 27th SUNDAY, 02 OCT 2022: HABAKKUK 1. 2-3; 2. 2-4; 2 TIM 1. 6-8, 13-14; LUKE 17. 5-10

Thrust: Faith in faithfulness!

Indicative: Faith is a matter of interior power that moves oneself and others and also changes the life conditions

“Faith” - In all three readings of the day, faith is the central theme. The first reading affirms, “the righteous shall live by his faith”. The second reading exhorts, “fan into flame the gift of God (faith)”. And in the gospel, the apostles request Jesus, “Increase our faith”, and in response, Jesus teaches them about faith, its power, its nature and its implications.

What is the content of faith? In the light of the second reading, it is “the pattern of the sound words that we have” received as our spiritual heritage. It is “the good deposit entrusted” to us. It is “the gospel by the power of God.”

In the light of the first reading, faith is the life-giving principle of the righteous because “the righteous shall live by his faith.” In the light of the gospel, faith is the power that would make even the tree obey our command because Jesus says, “If you have faith like a grain of mustard seed, say to this mulberry tree ‘Be uprooted and planted in the sea’, and it would obey you.

Our concern here is not what wonders and miracles faith can do with its power. Certainly, faith is powerful and can cause wondrous effects. But the real quality and power of faith are not in terms of exercising control over the course of the events. The focus is on what faith can do to the person and his life.

 Faith is seen in what it does to the person and life. It is manifested and testified in faithfulness. This faithfulness indicates a way of life that is in conformity with the deposit of one’s faith. Accordingly, fidelity implies not nurturing a spirit of fear but of power, love and self-control. A faithful person will not be so powerless as to be a weakling. He will try to be firm and steady.

A faithful person will be filled and guided by love and not hatred or resentment. A person of faith and faithfulness will be self-disciplined exercising an adequate degree of restraint and control. he will not easily succumb to any passion and urge for self-indulgence and gratification.

A faith-full person will constantly guard the good deposit entrusted to us. It becomes the driving force to live righteously. He would strive to bear testimony about our Lord. Further, a faithful person will never slack in his zeal but constantly “fan into flame the gift of God. Lack of fervour and fidelity cannot go together.

Now the ultimate test and sign of faithfulness is dutifulness and service. Faith and faithfulness translate themselves into humble and unassuming and unexpecting service. That is why Jesus suddenly uses the metaphor of a servant while speaking about faith. This indicates that true faithfulness is dutifulness in service. Service is not a favour that we do at our will and convenience. It is a duty of doing God’s will. It is not an option but an obligation.

Imperative: To have faith is to be faithful. To be faithful is to be dutiful. To be dutiful is to be serviceable. We are duty-bound to serve. We have no reason to take credit for our faithfulness because it is part of our faith

(REFLECTION 2)

FOCUS: Faith is not a matter of favour or power But a matter of obedience and service

1. It looks strange that the Lord opens in the gospel with the clarification on faith, but then proceeds and ends with a discussion on servant and dutifulness. Why this apparent "disconnection"? There is a great indication here. Faith is a gift and power from God. It is also a duty and for service. It is because we belong to the Master and serve him as servants, he gifts faith to us, grants favours to us and empowers us even to work miracles. Therefore true faith implies a constant growth in humility, fidelity, dutifulness and service.

2. The power of faith must be seen always in the context of deep trust in God, loyalty to him and service to him. It is never what one acquires by merit or what one exercises at will. True faith must never lead one to self-pride and self-glory. A servant is not greater than the Master. Service to the Master is not a favour to him but a duty. Similarly service to others is also not a favour to them but a duty. Therefore, there is no need to pride oneself in one's faith or in some power of faith in some gift of the Spirit.

3. It is really foolish that some consider faith as a personal acquisition or private possession.  It is not that. Faith is also not a compulsory gift which God is bound to give us. Sometimes, in the name of a powerful prayer or unshaken trust in God, some modes of prayers are too demanding on the Lord, as if doing a miracle is the only way that proves God's fidelity or one's quality of faith.

4. It is in this context, the idea of faith must change and shift from a means of receiving favours, or a platform for miracles, or a reservoir of power, or a holy compulsion on God to grant favours, or an indirect test for God for His faithfulness. Rather, faith must be seen more in terms of faithfulness, dutifulness, servanthood and service. Favours and miracles from God must be seen as complements and supplements, and not as necessities, guarantees or proofs.

5. Further, in a world where domination and authoritarianism are ruling, where self-interested and motivated services which seek recognition, popularity and profit are increasing, we must cultivate and foster a spirit of humble servant and selfless service. We must be able to say: "We have merely done our duty".

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