34 th week days mass reflection of the year 22

21 – 26 NOVEMBER 2022: HOLY MASS REFLECTIONS 21 NOVEMBER 2022: REV 14. 1-3, 4-5; LUKE 21. 1-4, THE PRESENTATION OF MARY Thrust: Give without measure! Indicative: What makes giving meritorious is not so much the quantity of what is given but the quality of heart that gives 1. God looks at the heart and the quality of life. He is not carried away by mere externals and appearances. He estimates and values the purity of intention, generosity of heart, and integrity of life. These are the one hundred and forty-four thousand in the first reading and the poor widow in the gospel. 2. The 144,000 had the Lamb’s name and the Father’s name written on their foreheads. This would mean they were totally committed to God, with loyalty imprinted on their hearts. These had been redeemed from the earth, from mankind as first fruits for God. They alone would learn the new song sung in heaven before the throne. They follow the Lamb wherever he goes. In their mouth, no lie was found and they are blameless. 3. In the gospel, we have a poor widow who belongs to this redeemed category. She is singled out among many and highly appreciated by Jesus himself. He presents her to us as a model for giving. Many offer rich and abundant gifts at the temple but this woman gives only two small copper coins. 4. But the difference between her and them is they gave out of the abundance of things while she gave out of the abundance of her heart. She gave all she had to live on. It was a measureless and self-emptying giving. It was possible only because of her deepest love for God and trust in Him. 5. She stands today before us as an inspiration and challenge as well. She challenges our spirit of calculation in terms of gain or loss, profit or waste. She questions our craving to accumulate money and things and our displeasure to give up and part with something. She inspires and motivates us to give to God and others without reserve and measure. This is possible only when we are holy and lovers of God like the 144, 000. 6. The memorial of the Presentation of Mary of today is a timely reminder for us of this abundant spirit of giving. It is said that already at the age of three, the child Mary was offered to God in the temple. And from that moment till the end and now as well, the life of Mary is one unceasing act of giving in love and joy. Imperative: The world can become more just and happy if only people learn to give more generously and joyfully. This needs a spirit of humility to realise that all that we are and have is all given by God (REFLECTION 2 FROM 2021, 22 NOVEMBER) Focus: Giving may be considered as loss and deprivation in the sight of the world. But in the sight of God, every act of giving is gaining God’s favour and abundant riches 1. Many do not want to give because they think it reduces what they have. They feel deprived of what they can enjoy for themselves. For them, every act of giving is a loss, reduction, and deprivation. That is why many are driven by a spirit of grabbing and accumulating. This is truly a culture of greed and manipulation. 2. In contrast to such a culture, we have an imitable example of a poor widow in the gospel. In comparison to the other rich people, she gives very little to the temple treasury – just two copper coins. As a number and quantity, it is very insignificant and ignorable. But it comes from an abundant heart, out of the abundance of love, trust, joy, and generosity. 3. Apparently and practically, every giving will cause some inconvenience and loss. The poor widow loses her means of sustenance, her security for tomorrow. But she gains much more. She merits appreciation from Jesus himself. Direction: Those who are greedy and self-centered and refuse to give, do not realize what an immense grace of God they are losing. The more we give, the more we will be given (REFLECTION 3 FROM 2020, 23 NOVEMBER) Focus: The humble and the generous are especially loved, blessed, and recompensed by God. It is better to win God’s favour rather than the human’s 1. The world may consider the humble and the benevolent people as foolish imbeciles who do not understand the ways of the world, who do not keep pace with the times, and who are not smart enough to make a prosperous life. 2. The reason is simple: they are a contrast to those of the world, and their values are quite in contrast to those of the world. They are a contradiction, a question mark, and a stumbling block by their culture of giving, sacrificing, and altruism, to a world steeped in a culture of grabbing, hoarding, and self-profiting. 3. But only such people are pleasing to God and they are truly appreciated by Him. The poor widow in the gospel is one such. She is a great testimony of a culture of giving – giving lovingly, trustingly, willingly, promptly, totally, generously, cheerfully, magnanimously, and humbly. 4. With the simplest love for God and deep trust in His providential care, she gives away the whole of what she has. She does not keep back anything. She gives in full measure and gives so joyfully. She gives without making a show. 5. Can she prick us a little bit to awaken from our deep-rooted selfishness and indifference? Can she inspire us a little bit to resist our greed and grabbing nature and become a little more generous and sharing? Direction: It is not the quantity or the position of giving that matters but the disposition and quality of heart. 22 NOVEMBER 2022: REVELATION 14. 14-19; LUKE 21. 5-11, ST CECILIA Thrust: You reap what you sow! Indicative: The end is sure and judgment is sure. What will be our fate will be determined by what is the quality of life here on earth till we die 1. Today’s Word of God draws our attention to the end times and the subsequent judgment of God. It is very sad that many become so earth-bound and deeply engrossed in the affairs of the world. Consequently, they lose sight of what is beyond earth and human existence. 2. This is the biggest problem of our times: we have become so short-sighted. We are caught up with goals and targets till the end of our earthly life. It is not wrong to be goal-oriented, to strive to reach the set targets. 3. But we need to examine and question what kind of targets and goals these are. Mostly, these are materialistic, connected to money, success, power, position, popularity, and enjoyment in life. Mostly it is about how to enjoy this life with comfort and convenience, with name and fame, with prestige and privilege. 4. Most of the time, the whole struggle and search is for temporary and temporal benefit, pleasure, and satisfaction. Many live and act as if they are permanent here on earth. They place their excessive trust in material accomplishments and worldly glories. 5. It is in this context, both the readings of the day remind and caution us about the end times and God’s judgment. We may not know the exact time but the end is sure. It will be preceded by times of deception, falsity, terror, violence, and destruction. These are the signs of the end times. 6. In such times, we are exhorted to be wise and sober so that we are not led astray by false teachers and deviating assurances. We should also not be terrified by them. Instead, it is better to prepare ourselves, striving to live a life that makes us worthy to face the day of judgment. 7. St Cecilia whom we commemorate today lived a holy and committed life with a passionate love for the Lord to the extent of martyrdom. Thus she could merit the heavenly crown. Imperative: It is high time that we extricate ourselves from our fetters of excessive entanglements with the affairs and interests of the world. We should raise our sight on life after (REFLECTION 2 FROM 2022, 13 NOVEMBER) Thrust: Beware of the times! Indicative: The end times are sure to come. We need to become aware of their nature and get prepared 1. Today’s readings focus on the theme of “time”, especially the end times, before-the end times, that is the present time, and after-the and times, that is the time of reckoning, judgment of reward, or punishment. End times are sure to come. But what kind? What will happen at the end times? How is it characterised? 2. First of all, the end times will be “testing” times. Those who are faithful to God will be put to test and trial. They will be hated, persecuted, and delivered to prison, even by their own families. The end time will be “chaotic and destructive” times. Divisions, wars and tumults, earthquakes, famines, and pestilences will increase. Human pride and glory especially in their mighty structures and achievements of splendour and pomp will be brought low. 3. The end times will be “misleading” times. These are times that falsify things, distort the truth, and deceive and lead astray. The Lord himself warns: “For many will come in my name, saying, ‘I am he’, and ‘the time is at hand!’. It is deception concerning self-claims of self-glory and future predictions. 4. How should we respond to these times? What should be our response concerning these end times? First of all, a sense of “Awareness”: We must be aware that there will be end times. Be aware that the end is bound to happen. Do not take things and life for granted. 5. Then, “do not be led astray.” Do not go after false promises, assurances, and predictions. Do not be deceived by empty rewards. Do not confide in the earthly glories and successes and do not be carried away by them. Do not lose sight of the perishability of earthly and human pride. 6. “Do not be terrified” and lose heart at the adversities and afflictions. Rather confide in God’s protection and care, guidance, and power. Then what will be after the end times? There will be a time of divine judgment and reckoning. Imperative: If only we become wise not to place our excessive trust in material glories and not to be led astray but confide in God and live a life of witness, we will be truly rewarded with eternity (REFLECTION 3 FROM 2021, 23 NOVEMBER) Focus: Worldly glories and human accomplishments may stand tall and great for some time. They may bring honour and popularity for a while. But nothing of these will stand long 1. The temple of Jerusalem was a symbol of pride for all the Jews for its splendor and magnificence. But all this vanished as it was destroyed in 70 AD. No glory and grandeur could spare it from destruction. This is a stark indicator to all of us about the transience of anything worldly. Everything of this world and earth will pass away. It is futile and foolish to place our trust in them and seek glory from them. 2. The Jews prided themselves as the chosen people, as people of God and people of the temple. They forget the fact that it is not their race or the temple or city or their law or rich heritage that makes them great before God. Nothing of these would be guarantees to obtain God’s grace. Nothing of these would come to rescue in time of trial. Ultimately it is only fidelity to God and walking in His ways. 3. Therefore, in the face of such perishability and passability of worldly things, what must be our response? Firstly, to take heed not to be led astray by worldly pomp and glory. Secondly, not to go after false prophets and false teachings. Thirdly, not to be frightened by disastrous events like wars, tumults, earthquakes, famines, and pestilences. Fourthly, to be firm and persevering in living our life faithfully. Direction: Let us not bother too much about when will be the end, or what will be the signs of the end. Rather let us be more concerned about living a life that is worthy of meeting the end (REFLECTION 4 FROM 2020, 24 NOVEMBER) Focus: Trust in the material and external things of the world will only lead to deeper disappointment and eventual destruction 1. Deception and deviation are clearly dominating human life now. Many are heavily tainted and captured by the world. They are self-conceited, self-seeking, highly deviant, and manipulative. They also mislead others by exerting a false influence on them. These are exactly the deceivers of whom Jesus cautions us. They project themselves as the saviours, as those who know the ways and times of God. 2. The Pharisees and the scribes, the legitimate teachers and guides, are only false prophets. They had placed their false hopes in their credentials as the chosen people, as the people of the temple. They pride themselves in the splendour and glory of the Jerusalem temple. But it was destroyed. Jesus makes it clear to the Jews that human glories, worldly achievements, and false popularity are only temporarily rewarding and they do not last long. Those who place their trust in them and pursue them will only be frustrated and ruined. 3. The main concern should be not so much predicting things with accuracy. Rather, it should be to read the signs of the times, to understand the warnings on the wall, to correct the faulty and faltering ways. What is the use of knowing the times and the events with mathematical precision, but failing to take care to face those moments? What is the use of predicting the end times with exactitude, but not prepared well for the end? 4. We may not know when and how will be the end. But one thing is sure: we will all stand for God’s judgment. We need to submit a strict account of the life lived. Therefore, it is better to remain alert and keep oneself prepared. One should neither be frightened nor indifferent, but be sober and accountable. Direction: The end times are not so much a chronological matter but an existential concern. It is a situation, surmounted by violence and persecution. It is the fate of those who are injected with the worldly poison of greed and self-glory. But for those who are loyal to God, the end times are salvation. 23 NOVEMBER 2022: REVELATION 15. 1-4; LUKE 21. 12-19 Thrust: Nothing to fear! Indicative: It is wise that we remain aware of the hard and challenging times in the journey of our faith and goodness. Adversities and afflictions are bound to confront us. But no need to be panicky 1. The Word of God always invites us to be men and women of faith, to remain firm and steadfast. But it makes no false promises and assurances in the sense that faith will be a shield against any difficulty. The Lord himself shatters all such false guarantees. These give the wrong impression that if you have faith, you will escape the problems. 2. In fact, the Lord warns us that the more we are faithful, the more we will face opposition, and go through suffering and persecution. There will be rejection and abandonment by our own people. These are truly the testing and trying times. But we need not be frightened or lose heart. We need not be preoccupied and overanxious as to how to face such a situation. 3. Rather, let us place our entire trust in God and abandon ourselves to Him. Let us confide in his assurance, “I will give you a mouth and wisdom, which none of your adversaries will be able to withstand or contradict.” Let us rest assured in his protective care that “not a hair of your head will perish.” 4. Let us be people filled with holy hope that endows us with a positive and higher perspective. We shall not sink into despair or hopelessness. But we shall look at all these as “our opportunity to bear witness.” We shall remember that gold is tested in the fire to prove its purity. In the same way, the strength and the quality of faith and faithfulness are tested in the crucible of suffering and perseverance. 5. Let us also be charged and encouraged by the hope in the reward of eternity. The Lord promises, “By your endurance, you will gain your lives.” Let us be sure that if we conquer the beast (of evil) as in the first reading, we too will sing the song of the Lamb, in his heavenly presence. Imperative: Our endurance will be our witness and for sure it will bring us eternal reward (REFLECTION 2 FROM 2021, 24 NOVEMBER) Focus: Fidelity to truth and to the Lord will certainly bring a lot of opposition and persecution upon those who stand for truth and God. But it is worth standing! 1. Following Christ and his values is not an easy task. It will invite many adversities and afflictions. For that matter, anyone who stands for God and good will come across suffering and persecution. The simple reason is a world whose values are shallow and compromising cannot accept such contrasts and challenges. 2. The same will be the fate of the disciples of Christ. If they are truly faithful to their master, then they too will have the same fate as their master – opposition, persecution, trial, and death. In the gospel, Jesus predicts what would befall his disciples because of their fidelity. They will be unjustly opposed, arrested, put to trial, and persecuted. They will be betrayed even by their own family and even put to death. 3. People of the world turn and rise against the people of God. Many divinise the merely earthly and the worldly. They desecrate and profane the sacred. They do not honor and adhere to the true God but pose themselves against Him. Naturally, these cause trouble for the true followers. 4. In such times, what must the followers do? Do not be disturbed or waver in your minds. But trust and confide in God’s minute care because “not a hair of our head will perish”. Besides, He will supply the wisdom to confront and defeat the enemy. Endure to the end. Be convinced of the just judgment of God. Direction: The times of suffering and persecution are not fighting a losing battle. It is indeed an opportune time to bear testimony to our faith and love for the Lord (REFLECTION 2 FROM 2020) Focus: When God is with us, what can be against us? When we are for God, who can resist us? When we stand with God and for God, who can strike us down and shatter us? 1. These are really hard times, especially for those who are sincere and loyal to the right values. Fidelity to God's ways in faith and charity is always a great challenge. This readily throws one into adverse and suffering situations. 2. History repeatedly proves this to us. Those who are uncompromising pay a heavy price. Persecution and even death become their lot. Infidelity and betrayal are quite real facts to be expected. Such situations are really painful, frightening and discouraging. 3. But Jesus is assuring us "Do not fear", and "Every hair of your head is counted". "My Spirit will give you the wisdom to overcome the adversaries". Therefore, in the face of negative experiences, what is needed is not fear or depression but trust in God's unfailing love and power. 4. We need not fear because God Himself is with us. We need not lose heart because God takes deeply personal care of each one of us. We need not worry about how to counter the opponents, because God’s own wisdom will confound them. 5. Further, our suffering receives a greater motive and merit: they are authentic means of bearing testimony to the Lord. Patience and perseverance in adversities will testify to how convinced we are in our faith and how loyal we are to the Lord. Direction: Struggle and suffering for God and good is always meritorious. Therefore, we must develop a culture of positive acceptance and a joyful atmosphere. A fearful over-concern and tact to avoid and escape from any worthwhile challenge is actually not in tune with our witnessing value. 24 NOVEMBER 2022: REV 18. 1-2, 21-23; 19. 1-3, 9a; LUKE 21. 20-28 Thrust: Testing times are trusting times! Indicative: The description of the end times is so vivid and frightening as well. But the intention and the direction of all these details is not to create fear and terror but to make us cautious, judicious, and prepared 1. The Word of God in both readings continues to impress upon us the reality of the end times and God’s judgment. The details of the end-time occurrences are in fact devastating and terrifying. They will be surely times of destruction and desolation. They will be very frustrating because they would upset the thinking and designs of the world. 2. But as believers and followers of the Lord, our focus should not be so much on the details of what will happen. Rather we must be more concerned about their “sign” value. We must reflect and detect what they signify and indicate to us. 3. Clearly, all the disastrous, catastrophic, unpleasant, and unfavourable situations are signs of God’s impending judgment. That judgment will be just. Evil may be ruling high. Good and faithful people may be at the losing end. All sincerity and fidelity may be futile and just useless. 4. But our faith must make us realise and be convinced that God is the most powerful and no other force can withstand His power. The domination of evil is only temporary and short-lived. At the appointed time, on the day of reckoning, God will intervene and judge with justice. 5. On that day, all evil and uncleanness, symbolized by Babylon in the book of Revelation will be fallen and destroyed. He would “judge the great prostitute who corrupted the earth with her immorality, and avenge on her the blood of his servants.” 6. But on the other hand, “Blessed are those who are invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb,” and “Salvation and glory and power belong to our God,” and he will reward them to those who strive to merit them. 7. We can receive them if we “straighten up and raise our heads,” firmly hoping that “our redemption is drawing near.” We can straighten up if we try to stand erect and walk straight in the path of the Lord. We shall not bend or stoop down to the earth. We shall raise our heads and remain fallen on the ground. Imperative: The reality of end times and God’s just judgment should not disturb and dissipate us with needless fear and worry. Rather we shall become more responsible, and grow in trust and entrustment (REFLECTION 2 FROM 2021, 25 NOVEMBER) Focus: In our life, many times many things may go wrong, many may go against us, and many tormenting moments will mount over us. But never lose heart or faith! 1. The gospel contains the details of the forthcoming destruction of Jerusalem. It also cautions us about the end times. We need not understand the end chronologically as some fixed time in the future that awaits us. Rather we can understand it as a time of judgment by God. This will be preceded by testing and trying times that will consist of many natural upsets and disasters. 2. When we are ridden by such pressuring situations, what must be our reaction and response? Jesus gives us the answer: “When these things begin to take place, look up and raise your heads because your redemption is drawing near”. 3. We shall not be in a panic. We shall not be shaken in our faith. We shall raise our heads to the God of heaven. Let us turn the testing time into a trusting time. We shall firmly believe that our affliction is a time of testimony to the living God and thus also a time of redemption for us. Accordingly, our faith shall not be in vain. Direction: Faith and hope shall never disappoint us or fail us. God never abandons those who trust in Him. Let us turn our testing times into trusting and testifying times! (REFLECTION 2 FROM 2020) Focus: Faith is tested and testified through trying times for its depth and loyalty. It shines bright and firm when it passes through the crucible of suffering 1. As we are at the threshold of the holy Advent, the liturgy of the Word of God is insistently pressing upon us the gravity and the perplexity of the end times. We are reminded that true faith is not a guarantee and a shield against the brunt of the problems and painful consequences of violence and calamities. Faith does not exempt one to be spared from them, which are bound to happen. 2. They are in fact part of the human lot and also part of testing and testifying to our faith. Even the spiritual glory like the Jerusalem temple was destroyed. Evil will strike hard against even the spiritual treasures and powers which we hold so sacred and precious. But it is not a sign of the domination of evil over good and God. 3. It is the process of salvation and re-creation. It is the nearing of our redemption. Therefore, two lessons can be very valid for our own times for both categories of people. For those who indulge in evil: they may feel that theirs is the day, that there is no stop for their evil, that they are prospering. Let them become aware that the reign of evil is not enduring and permanent; that their apparent control of the world is only passing; that they will be taken to task on the appointed day; that they are accountable for every single action of their evil. 4. This is very clearly depicted in the first reading from Revelation: all those who were indulging in evil will receive severe judgment and punishment. Then, those who are honest and loyal to God: they need not lose heart at the domination of evil; they need not be frightened at the devastating effects of evil; they also should not expect that their faith and goodness will be foolproof from any difficulty. Direction: Therefore, we shall not lie down with drooping spirits when adversities and afflictions assault us. Rather "we shall stand erect, look up and raise our heads in hope and assurance" 25 NOVEMBER 2022: REV 20. 1-4, 11 – 21.2; LUKE 21. 29-33 Thrust: Newness adorned! Indicative: Suffering and Destruction are unpleasant, undesirable, and frightening. But we can look beyond them as a threshold for newness and eternity of life 1. Death and life are quite evident realities in our human life. Life ends when death comes. Thus death marks the end of life. This is the natural human reality. But for us believers and followers of Christ, it is a totally different perspective. Death is not a complete cessation of life but a continuation of life in a different way and form. 2. Death is the point of transition and passage from one kind of life to another. Life changes but continues. Death is the bridge where one walks from temporal earthly existence to the eternal heavenly presence. 3. Death is the point of movement from temporality to eternity, from perishability to imperishability, from the physical to the spiritual realm, and from the earthly domain to the heavenly domain. This movement and transition happen at God’s judgment. At death, all are subject to divine judgment. 4. Thus death becomes the decisive moment for one’s destiny, either redemption and eternal bliss, or damnation and eternal hell. There is no point here to argue about why God can condemn some to eternal hell without any mercy. The issue here is that “each one is judged according to what they have done” on this earth. The book of life will be opened and heaven or hell is decided based on name or no name in the book. 5. Numberless opportunities are given to everyone. So many signs and indications are provided to us to understand and accordingly take proper actions. Just as the fig tree and other trees begin to grow and bear fruit according to the season, so also we must continue to flourish and fructify progressively. 6. We are able to read and know and interpret the seasons. In the same way, we must be attentive and alert to understand the message and cautions of the times. We must know that all these signs indicate that the kingdom of God is near. We shall not be stuck up with the adverse turns and destructive elements in life. Rather we shall focus on what is beyond. 7. Beyond destruction, there is reconstruction. Beyond the darkness, there is perpetual light. Beyond defeat, there is victory. Beyond failure, there is a success. Beyond suffering, there is glory. Beyond sadness, there is joy. All the testing and difficult times are an orientation, and an opening to “a new heaven and a new earth.” Imperative: No difficulties and afflictions in life should take away the joy of our hope in the future things. We must be firmly convinced of our eternal destiny. There is life in heaven that never ends after the life that ends on earth (REFLECTION 2 FROM 2021, 26 NOVEMBER) Focus: Problems and persecutions, terrors, and destruction may cause some fear and worry. But as children of God and followers of Christ, they shall not shake our faith or throw us into dissipation 1. No one’s life is easy and all pleasant. Every life will have its own tales of worry and grief. All the more, the strange logic of life in this world is those who are on the side of God and good will certainly suffer. It is the cost of the high and godly. It is the price that is to be paid. 2. On the other hand, life on earth is also beset with a lot of unfavourable and adverse natural reversals and happenings. Different explanations may be given. Most of the human suffering like poverty, dehumanisation, etc. may be due to human wickedness and selfishness. And most of the natural suffering caused by natural calamities again may be partly due to the human upsetting of the environmental balance and harmony. However, suffering remains always a mystery that cannot be fully grasped. 3. Whatever be the cause of suffering, suffering is a reality. And for a follower of Christ, suffering for his faith and for the sake of the good of others is always an opportunity to persevere in patience and hopefulness. Adverse situations do not mean that evil dominates God and good. They are testing grounds. They are indicators that “the kingdom of God is near”. 4. The victory of evil and the defeat of good are only temporary. For, as we hear Daniel 7. 2-14, “To him belongs all dominion, glory, and kingdom; all peoples, nations, and languages should serve him; his dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and his kingdom shall not be destroyed”. 5. “Heaven and earth will pass away, but his words will not pass away”. Therefore, when all these adverse things happen, understand that it is all part of the process. Just as the fig tree’s different stages show the different seasons, so also all the occurrences in life are pointers toward the kingdom of God. Direction: The negative and unfavorable experiences in life shall not distract or distort us from God and His kingdom. Rather, they work as timely triggers that press our attention on our destiny (REFLECTION 3 FROM 2020, 27 NOVEMBER) Focus: Destruction and pain are not necessarily negative and life-choking but are also challenging and life-promoting. New life can sprout up when the old things cease 1. No doubt that in human life, there is a lot of element of destruction and the consequent pain. And usually, they are resented and resisted. It is because of the negative effects of deprivation and struggle in different ways. 2. For example, when family life is destroyed, when a business is destroyed, when life- prospects are destroyed, when reputation is destroyed, when material securities like houses etc. are destroyed, it is really painful. 3. However, struggle and destruction are also part of growth and fruition as well. A seed struggles and dies to give rise to a new life. People get enlightened, strengthened, courageous, and renewed, going through tough times. 4. Therefore, in the face of adverse situations, what is needed is to see beyond them - the glory that awaits us. Sad and unfavorable situations should not push us into despair. It is not the pleasantness or unpleasantness of the experiences that necessarily decide their quality. 5. There is no guarantee that what is pleasant is good, and that what is unpleasant is bad. Often, what is pleasurable can be bad also. All that is needed is to persist to trust in the Lord, despite all the adverse happenings. Let us confide in his assurance: “Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away”. Direction: The difficult times that we face should not push us into gloom and doom. They should rather ignite us with renewed hope. It is the hope that they are the days of the "nearness of God's kingdom" 26 NOVEMBER 2022: REVELATION 22. 1-7; LUKE 21. 34-36 Thrust: Get ready! Indicative: Behold, the Lord is coming soon. Therefore, be prepared and ready so that we are not caught unawares and shocked 1. We have a series of admonitions from Jesus. They concern our preparation to meet the end times and God’s judgment. The day of judgment and reckoning will be sudden and unexpected. It will come like a trap. It will spare no one and none can escape it. 2. Therefore there should be a fitting preparation. How? We must follow three main directives: Be watchful. Be awake. Pray at all times. Many times many get entangled with the affairs of the world. Their hearts become weighed down with dissipation, drunkenness, and cares of this life. 3. This implies unnecessary worries and tensions that dissipate us, pleasures and gratifications that keep us drunk and blurred, and unworthy worldly affairs and pursuits that deviate and divert our focus. Often worldly concerns and interests make us lose our focus and our foresightedness. They make us very short-sighted and self-demarcated. They make us hopeless and despairing. They make us easy victims of evil. 4. Our watchfulness and praying will guard us against such harmful leanings. They will keep our hearts light, sober, and unpreoccupied. They will give us the strength not to succumb and fall prey to such temptations and negative pressures. They will make us stand worthy before the Lord. 5. Our constant striving must be to conduct ourselves as people of heaven. We must always remind ourselves that we are destiny-oriented people, meant for higher things and the highest eternity. We must always cleanse and refresh ourselves from the river of the “water of life.” We must feed ourselves on the ever-producing “tree of life.” We must seek “healing” from its leaves. 6. Further, we must unceasingly contemplate the beatific vision and joy of eternal life and its bliss. “His servants will see his face, and his name will be on their foreheads. And night will be no more… The Lord God will be their light, and they will reign forever and ever.” Imperative: Payer is the only and the greatest weapon and equipment that enables us to stand firm and withstand all the discouraging, frightening, and deviating forces and pressures. Blessed are they that will be found worthy before him! (REFLECTION 2 FROM 2021, 27 NOVEMBER) Focus: Perishability is a bounden truth of earthly human life. Everything that is earthly will perish and pass. Only God and His kingdom remain! 1. It is really ironic that the human brain which is able to see, calculate, and plan for centuries ahead, fails to see beyond its own death. He who achieves much does not remember much that all that is physical and material is perishable. Consequently often man engrosses himself in what is on earth. He becomes so earth-bound and life becomes so short-sighted. In Jesus’ own words, “hearts get weighed down with dissipation and drunkenness and cares of this life”. 2. These words of Jesus mean a lot. There is a warning to guard against the danger of making our hearts heavy and burdened with worthless weights. There is an invitation to make our hearts light getting rid of all unnecessary loads. Jesus is also very clear about what makes us weighed down. He lists three main factors: dissipation, drunkenness, and cares of this life. 3. Jesus is very practical and realistic. He knows very well that these often make our life joyless and burdensome. We often fall into bouts of dissatisfaction, discouragement, emptiness, and depression. There is also an increasing drink-culture. However, drunkenness can also be understood as a comfort and pleasure-seeking culture and can indicate an easy-going and compromising life. It is being “drunk with worldliness”. And then there is always the trap of over-anxiety about the preoccupations, pursuits, and interests of the world. 4. What then is the remedy? Be constantly aware that the end is sure but sudden and unexpected. Therefore, be prepared. Watch at all times. Pray ceaselessly to become strong to stand firm, and to stand worthy before the judgment of God. Direction: Watchfulness and prayerfulness in faithfulness and goodness are the antidotes for a worrisome life amidst the pulls of pleasures and pressures (REFLECTION 3 FROM 2020, 28 NOVEMBER) Focus: The more one is immersed in unworthy, unhealthy, and deviated interests and pursuits, the more life becomes debased and cursed 1. “Man is born free but is in chains everywhere”, is a famous philosophical statement. That is very true. Man craves so much for freedom, but often unconsciously loses the same freedom because of his various inclinations and preoccupations of life. 2. Sadly, he mistakes licentiousness for freedom, self-indulgence for self-promotion, and self-gratification for self-fulfillment. In the name of modernity, immorality is glorified; perverted passion becomes fashion; vulgarity is defended as self-determination; exhibitionism is promoted as public imaging. 3. Man confuses mindless activity as being enterprising and productive. Real joy is reduced to short-lived pleasures and enjoyments. This is exactly the situation of a defocused and harmful “immersion” that Jesus warns us in the gospel. He cautions: Don’t immerse yourselves in a life of pleasure, drunkenness, and worldly cares. 4. The danger and the undesirable consequence is that we will be caught unawares like a trap, before God on the day of judgment. To counteract this destructive immersion, what is needed is a constructive “inversion” into God. This implies being ever attentive and on guard, to be ever watchful and praying. 5. In the light of the first reading from Revelation, it means to be focused on our eternal destiny and the immense bliss and joy of it. Those who remain loyal to God will live in his eternal presence, will see his face, and his name will be on their foreheads. There will be no more night. God Himself will be their light, and they will reign forever. Direction: What foolishness it is that man loses one whole eternity for the sake of a fraction of temporality, that he loses the immensity of bliss in exchange for a shallow pleasure! 

33 Rd week days mass reflection of the year 22

---------- 14 - 19 NOVEMBER 2022, HOLY MASS REFLECTIONS 14 NOVEMBER 2022: REVELATION 1.1-4, 2.1-5a; LUKE 18. 35-43 Thrust: My first love! Indicative: It happens in the case of many that there is a lot of enthusiasm initially. But in course of time, it declines because priorities change 1. Often many start great with a lot of focus, determination, and dedication in their life of faith. This is their first love in which there is passion and intensity. This is testified in the initial faith of the church of Ephesus in the book of Revelation. 2. Some of the details of this first love are very vivid and striking: There is Toil and patient endurance in bearing up for the Lord’s sake. They are judicious and discerning concerning false teachers. They shun the evil ones and refrain from them. They never grew weary but zealous and vibrant. 3. But they have abandoned their first love. They have fallen away from their heights of faith and fidelity. This is exactly the blindness that is typified in the gospel. There is a blind man of Jericho sitting by the roadside begging. But he is aware of his blindness. He desires to be healed. He approaches Jesus. And he receives his sight. 4. We are also expected to be and do. We must realise that we too have abandoned our first love. How? We do not stand tall and still in our journey of faith. We do not toil hard. We are not cautious and judicious concerning false influences. Neither do keep away from them nor resent them. We do not endure patiently and do not bear up for the Lord’s sake. We easily grow weary and thus lack a sustained zeal and vibrancy. 5. Therefore one must come to sense where we have fallen. We must repent and regain what we have lost. We must restart the works that we did first Imperative: Alas! How easily we have fallen away from our first love, the Lord, and fallen to secondary and unworthy loves, that is undoing cravings and pursuits (REFLECTION 2 FROM 2021, 15 NOVEMBER) Focus: True faith is the interior sight that enables one to see what is true, good, and pleasing in God’s sight. Any abandonment of faith is nothing but blindness 1. In the gospel, Jesus heals a blind man. His persistence is a striking fact. When he begins to cry out to Jesus to heal him, the people around rebuke him to be silent. But he cries out all the more. 2. This is an inspiration and challenge to all the followers of Christ and all the believers of God. When there are so many opposing forces, when there are many negative and misleading influences, still can they remain clear and firm? Even when their life is at stake because of their choice for God and justice, can they remain stable and loyal? 3. Especially in our own times, when false values are profitable and rewarding, when compromises bring forth lucrative results and dividends, do we resist and persist? Is it not true that today too there are many who abandon God and sell themselves to do evil? 4. This is truly the blindness of heart and soul. Disloyalty is that blindness where one fails to see fidelity to God and the right values as the greatest priority in life. Like the blind man who says to Jesus, “Lord, let me receive my sight”, let us also plead with him to give us the sight. Direction: How many of us are really loyal and persevering to choose to die rather than to be defiled by false trends and values and to profane the holy covenant of God? (REFLECTION 3, 2021, 24 OCTOBER: (Parallel) MARK 10. 46-52) Focus: When we are weighed down by the burden of difficulties, let us not lose heart. Let us turn to Jesus. Let us trust in His compassion. Let us cry out to him. And we will surely experience his relieving intervention. 1. Today the Word of God invites us to focus on blindness, especially in the light of the healing of a blind man in the gospel. The scene is dramatic. There is a blind beggar. He cries out to Jesus to have mercy on him. The annoyed and irritated people chide him and try to quieten him. But he continues to shout aloud. Jesus calls for him and asks him, “What do you want me to do for you?”. He replies, “Master, let me receive my sight”. Jesus says, “Go your way; your faith has made you well”. Immediately he received his sight. 2. Some simple details are notable. The blind man is a beggar. He is reduced to beggary. This shows the loss of human dignity and also his condition of dependence on others’ mercy. Thus, blindness is not merely a matter of physical deformity. It is more pervasive affecting the whole person. And the blind man is aware of his need. He needs sight, not only the physical. He needs the ability to see his own lost dignity, the lost beauty of life, and the lost joy of relationships. 3. He is clear about what he wants. Jesus too wants us to be clear about what we really want. That is why, Jesus asks him, “What do you want me to do for you?” And he rightly replies, “I want to see”. Sight is his priority and nothing else because he knows that by regaining sight, he will regain all that has been lost. 4. That is why he starts crying out loud. He would persist despite people’s rebuke. He would catch the attention of the master. He was determined to stop the master’s mercy on the roadside. And when Jesus called for him, he was already sure of the Lord’s healing. He would no longer feel the need for his mantle. He would no longer need to sit on the roadside. He would no longer need to beg. That is why, symbolizing the change to come, he throws off his mantle. He springs up from the ground. He hastens to Jesus. His faith wins the master’s favour! 5. At this point, we can note that this physical blindness is more symbolic. It indicates wider and more pervasive blindness. What Jesus heals is not merely physical blindness. His healing is a restoration of holistic sight. Sin causes different layers of blindness. Sin makes us blind toward God, toward others, toward our own self, toward life, toward society, and the whole creation. 6. The question of Jesus is very valid: “What do you want me to do for you?” The blind man knew what he lacked and what he needed. Do we know what we want? Do we realize what we lack? Do we realize that we are blind in very many ways and that we fail to see very many things? 7. How often we are blind toward God, failing to see His love, His will, and His holy plans? How often we are blind toward others, failing to see them as our brothers and sisters, as our fellow travelers, who have their own good and also struggles? How often we are blind toward our own self, failing to see ourselves as we are, with our merits and demerits as well? How much do we fail to see our true image in the likeness of God, and also the false sheathes that are covering heavily this deeper image? How much do we fail to see life as a blend of the pleasant and the unpleasant, good and bad? How often do we fail to see the true nature of life as transient on earth and destined toward eternity? How much do we fail to see our duty toward society and also its role in our life? How often do we fail to see our moral obligations as social persons? And how much do we also fail to see the whole creation as a handiwork of God and thus nurture a sense of stewarding and care toward it instead of manipulating and destroying it? Direction: All of us are blind in different ways. We must realise and accept it in sincerity. We must in faith run to the Lord for sight. But once healed, we must walk the Lord’s way and not our own way. This is really to be in tune with the promise of God in Jeremiah 31. 8-9: I will make the blind and lame walk in a straight path in which they shall not stumble. (REFLECTION 4 FROM 2020, 16 NOVEMBER) Focus: God is within us and amidst us, He is before us and beyond us. He remains hidden and invisible but His power and love are made manifest in numberless ways. Blessed is he who is able to see! Blindness is a great loss. Only the one who is blind can really know how terrible it is. It is true that many of us feel so much pity for blind people. We feel sad that they are missing so much, that they miss the colors, the beauty of life and persons. We may also wonder how they can accept such deprivation and live happily. Such human emotion is good toward others. But do we realize and appreciate how blessed we are to have sight, to be able to see! Do we also act responsibly on what we see? Do we have a sense of discretion regarding what to see and what not to see? Jesus in the gospel heals a blind man by the name Bartimaeus. This blind man can teach us simple but useful lessons for our life. His blindness reduces him to beggary, sitting by the roadside. He hears of Jesus’ coming. He does not want to miss the chance of healing. He cries out pleading with Jesus to have mercy on him. The rebuke of the annoyed people to keep quiet does not silence his voice nor quieten his desire for healing. He persists all the more in his cry for help. His perseverance catches the attention of the Master and wins his mercy. He is called by Jesus. When told that he was called by the Master, we can note some notable actions on his part. He throws off his mantle. He springs up. He comes to Jesus. Already the very call by the Lord itself ensures him the recovery of his sight. He no longer feels the need for his mantle. He needs no more sitting, stuck to the ground. That is why he springs up and moves to Jesus. Here too, at the encounter with Jesus, he is quite clear about what he needs. Asked by Jesus, ‘what do you want me to do for you?’ he is prompt to answer, “Master, let me receive my sight”. His faith is rewarded. Jesus heals him saying “Your faith has made you well. Go your way”. He is no longer blind. He is able to see and walk the way. His sight is not only physical. His sight is whole and holistic. He is able to see the Lord. That is why, instead of going his way, he follows Jesus on his way. Direction: Much more than the exterior, physical sight, today we are invited to shift our attention to our interior sight. To be empathetic toward the blind is good, but let us recognize our own blindness toward God and toward others. Failing in faith is spiritual blindness; failing in fraternal perspective and goodness is fraternal blindness; failing in moral values is moral blindness (REFLECTION 5) Focus: Awareness and admission of blindness is the primary step in the recovery of sight In the gospel, Jesus restores sight to a blind man. In this miracle, what is striking is the depth and persistence of his desire to receive sight. He is already aware of Jesus' power and mercy. He waits for the right occasion and jumps upon the first opportunity. He does not feel annoyed or discouraged by the people's scolding and preventing him. He does not give up his desire. He realizes his need and also dependence on Jesus. He shouts out for Jesus' mercy. He encounters Jesus and explicates his desire and need. Accordingly, Jesus rewards his faith by granting sight to him. Jesus is always ready and willing to heal us. But for this healing, in the first place, what Jesus wants from us is to realize our own blindness, and to deeply desire to be cured of it. This is what he implies in his question to the blind man, “What do you want me to do for you?”. This is not a question of ignorance of the need of the blind man. Surely, Jesus knows very well what the blind man needs. What can a blind man ask for, if not sight? But what Jesus wants from us, is that we sincerely realise what we lack and deeply feel what we need. All of us are blind because often we fail to see clearly what we essentially lack and need. Wrongly, many see only shallow lacks and needs, and not the deep and essential. This real blindness is explained in Revelation. It is the “loss of the first love”. It is being blind to the first love with God. It is the loss of original fidelity and passion. It is the lack of enthusiasm of faith. Direction: One cannot be restored sight so long as one pretends not to be blind. Many think that they are clear-sighted and far-sighted, and that is why they continue to be blindfolded and stumbling. 15 NOVEMBER 2022: REVELATION 3. 1-6, 14-22; LUKE 19. 1-10 Thrust: Wake Up! Indicative: The world is suffering so much from pretension and lukewarmness. People appear to be all okay but they are very shallow and defective 1. In the book of Revelation, God admonishes the different churches because all lack all that is supposed to be there. Their works are not found complete in the sight of God. Some appear to be so alive. They create such good impressions and enjoy public reputation. They soil their garments. 2. Some others are neither cold nor hot. They are so dormant and indifferent. They are neither closed nor open. They are neither good nor bad. They are the so-called “neutral” people. They think that they are balanced people and do not take sides. But these are highly unreliable because they are not trustworthy. After all, they are tepid and unaffected. 3. These suffer from a spirit of self-sufficiency and complacency. They wrongly presume that they are rich, They have everything, and lack nothing. They think that they are well-dressed and clearsighted. But in reality, they are wretched, poor, blind and the naked. 4. Therefore what is needed is openness and receptivity. Zacchaeus stands before us as a symbol. We are invited to hear what the Spirit says. We need to hear his voice and open the door to him who stands at the door of our hearts and knocks. We need to let him in and sit and eat with us. We need to wake up and remember, recollect and retain what we have received and heard. 5. We need to strengthen what remains and what is about to die. We need to allow God to anoint our eyes so that we may see. We need to be humble to see our wretchedness and misery and seek the Lord to touch and heal us. We need to allow him to reprove and discipline us. 6. We must constantly strive to conquer the evil one. Thus we shall be clothed in white garments. Our names shall not be blotted out of the book of life. Thereupon we are granted the privilege to stand erect before the world. Imperative: Pretension, indifference, and complacency are very pernicious in our spiritual life. These will make us fall away from God’s grace and eternity. (REFLECTION 2 FROM 2021, 16 NOVEMBER) Focus: Faith is not merely believing some doctrines and following certain laws and traditions. Faith is essentially a matter of faithfulness come what may 1. In the gospel, in the person of Zacchaeus, we have an example of faith. Zacchaeus received new faith. He made a total about-turn. He turned to Jesus with a passionate heart, and he tuned his whole life to the person and following of Jesus. 2. He truly made a journey of faith. This is seen in his transition from a deep desire to encounter Jesus to total conversion and transformation of life. From the extortion of a tax collector, there is a big leap of distributing half of his property to the poor and fourfold repay to those defrauded. Thereby, he is counted as a son of Abraham from being labelled as an ostracised sinner. He is blessed with salvation, being liberated from the curse of sin. Direction: We are constantly reminded about how we should traverse the journey of faith. We need to constantly transit from imperfect faith to perfect faith. We must safeguard and preserve the gift and treasure of faith in the faithfulness (REFLECTION 3 FROM 2020, 17 NOVEMBER) Arrow: Am I neither cold nor hot, but lukewarm? Focus: All that matters to God is not status or position, but a humble and honest heart. Every sincere and committed effort on behalf of God will win His abundant grace The story of Zacchaeus is a great source of consolation and encouragement for all. For God's grace accepts and graces us despite our unworthiness and failures. Zacchaeus, being a tax collector was labelled as a sinner and was despised. Yet Jesus was not conditioned by these human considerations, calculations, or labels. He is not prejudiced. He is not resentful or judgmental. He does not condemn him but readily offers his mercy and salvation. For his part, Zacchaeus does his homework. He nurtures a profound desire and motivation to see Jesus. He is not discouraged by the obstacles of his shortness and crowd; he takes the trouble to surpass these blocks by placing himself on high climbing a sycamore tree. He encounters Jesus. He responds to Jesus' invitation to be his guest and celebrates his presence with a banquet. He undergoes a deep conversion. He testifies his conversion by a concrete and abundantly generous act of renouncing and sharing: half of his property with the poor, and fourfold repay to all those defrauded. Thus, he truly deserves the blessing and salvation of God. Jesus pronounces the heart-soothing words: “Today, salvation has come to this house. He too is a son of Abraham”. It is not just a blessing and a compliment. It is the greatest gift that one can expect: He is given a new dignity. He is raised from the low level of being a sinner to the noble status of being a son of Abraham, that is, one of the chosen people. He is blessed with salvation, being saved from the curse of sin. What is our journey? Do we desire and set out to encounter Jesus, to be touched and transformed by him? How concrete and authentic is our conversion? Very truly, the biggest block in this journey is our tepidity and lukewarmness. God does vehemently detest it as we hear in Revelation: “You are lukewarm, neither cold nor hot. So I will spit you out of my mouth”. Direction: When one discovers Jesus, the greatest treasure, one will not still be possessed by the possessions. One will not continue unconverted and untransformed 16 NOVEMBER 2022: REVELATION 4. 1-11; LUKE 19. 11-28 Thrust: Rich but wasted! Indicative: In life often suffering and misery is not always because of the lack or scarcity of resources or abilities but because of the lack of goodwill and personal application 1. In the gospel, we have the famous parable of talents. Usually, it is interpreted as encouraging and challenging us to discover and develop our talents. This is a valid direction of reflection. But we can expand it a little more. We can apply it to the whole life in its entirety. 2. The gospel mentions “a nobleman who goes to a far country to receive for himself a kingdom and then return.” This can very well indicate Jesus himself. He is sent by the Father from heaven to the far country of the earth to establish his kingdom and then return. 3. As the nobleman in the parable is hated by his citizens, so too Jesus was hated by his own people, the Pharisees, and scribes. Just as the people sent a delegation after him, saying, “we do not want this man to reign over us,” so too Jesus’ people constantly reject him, resisting his reign over them. 4. Now, just as the nobleman entrusted one mina each to ten of his servants before he left, so too Jesus is entrusting the riches of his blessings, the treasure of his grace. In difference to Matthew 25. 14-30 where the master gives 5, 2, and 1 talents to three of his servants, here in Luke, ten servants are given equally, one each mina. 5. The point is clear: all of us are given God’s spiritual riches. There is no exemption or exclusion or discrimination concerning God’s grace. We are blessed with varied talents. We are expected to put them to use and to be responsible and diligent. We must be productive and bring out abundant fruits. 6. On his return, the Lord would see a reckoning. The first two prospered one mina into 10 and 5 respectively. They are appreciated and rewarded richly with 10 and 5 respectively. Their fidelity in small things brings a rich reward. But the last one hid it unused in a handkerchief and gives back to the master. Imperative: The more we have zeal and productivity, the more we will be blessed. It is like the 24 elders who remained faithful and are clothed in white garments in heaven (REFLECTION 2 FROM 2021, 17 NOVEMBER) Focus: We are gifted and talented in abundant ways. But greatness does not depend on the numerosity of the talents. Rather it depends on the abundance of their use and beneficialness. 1. The parable of talents in today’s gospel is a familiar one to many. A nobleman gives to his ten servants one pound each to trade with them. On his return from his trip afar, the servants are summoned to his presence. All gave back to him added pounds as a result of trading, except one. He laid it in a napkin and gives it back to his master. He did no trading. He laid it to waste. He has no regrets for not putting the pound to use. All the more, he blames his master to be a severe and greedy man and so he is faithfully returning the one pound. 2. Obviously, he incurs the wrath of his master on both counts. One, because he failed to be productive; the other, he falsely accuses his master so as to cover up his failure. How often, are we also not like that last servant? God has gifted us with an abundance of gifts. These can be in the form of some external talents and skills like intelligence and knowledge, eloquence, singing, dancing, et cetera. These also can be in the form of more basic gifts like the ability to love, to give, to forgive, in sum, the whole inner power of virtues. 3. God certainly expects results and fruits. How many gifts and talents is not the matter. Rather how and how much we make use of God-given gifts or talents for the sake of God and good is what matters. We need to bear in mind that concerning external and technical talents, there can be variations. But we need not bother too much about this fact of difference. It is a matter of difference and divergence. It should not be a matter of discrimination. We must be more concerned about the more profound, basic, and abiding qualities and gifts like love and virtue. 4. This is where we have the glowing example of a mother and her seven sons from the 2 Maccabees. She perseveres in her faith not only personally but also motivates and encourages her sons to remain loyal to their God even in the face of death. Their faith is the greatest gift and talent. And we are called to preserve and foster this gift always. Direction: Let us not put the blame God for our lack of responsibility and accountability. Let us become more assiduous and productive. Let us always be faithful stewards and servants (REFLECTION 3 FROM 2020, 18 NOVEMBER) Arrow: Gifts and talents – laid waste or put to use? Focus: What is important is not how much we receive but how much we give in return. God does not see how much we have but He sees what we do with what we have The parable of talents is not a question of the difference of talents given. It is a difference but not discrimination. One need not make an issue out of it justifying disparities and inequalities. The fact is we are born different. Here, it may help us to think of two levels of talent: secondary and primary. The secondary level comprises various skills and competencies, like singing, dancing, art, drawing, intelligence, eloquence, socializing, organizing, etc. And there may be variance in regard to this secondary level of talent. Thus, there is also a possibility for comparisons. But one should not be too caught up with this secondary level. Because, that will lead to unhealthy competition, feelings of disparity, and discrimination. Subsequently, it can also lead to jealousy and arrogance. Rather, it is wise to focus on the primary level of talent, and no one is deprived of the primary level of talent. These are more fundamental and essential. They are namely the gift to love, to give, to be virtuous, to be benevolent to others. Here, there is no question of discrimination. No one is given less than needed to become a fine human person with humane qualities. What is important is how each one searches out all the possibilities to put in the best and to develop himself, without negative and jealous comparison and competition. Each one is accountable for what he has received and how he made the best use of his gifts. There is no use of receiving more but giving back little. Direction: The real matter is not how many talents we have or how talented we are but how receptive and productive we are, how responsible and fruitful we are 17 NOVEMBER 2022: REVELATION 5. 1-10; LUKE 19. 41-44 Thrust: God is weeping! Indicative: God’s voice and message is always loud and clear. He constantly invites us to open ourselves to realise, repent and return to him. But many would not mind it. 1. Today, in both readings, there is weeping. In the first reading, John sees a heavenly vision and weeps over people because there is no one found worthy to open the scroll and break its seals. In the gospel, Jesus weeps over Jerusalem city because they do not know the time of God’s visitation and the things that make for peace. 2. We need to note that this weeping is not merely emotional or sentimental but it is a sign of profound anguish and pain at the saddening situation. Now, the common reason for weeping is the people’s lack of openness and cooperation to see God’s presence and action in their lives. And the consequence is the lack of a worthy life to be in God’s eternal presence. 3. One alone is worthy to open the scroll and break its seals. It is Jesus, the Saviour. He is the lion of Judah, the Root of David. He has conquered evil and is worthy. But what is strange is how he conquered. It is not by force or violence as a fierce lion but as a meek lamb. He shed his own blood and ransomed all people for God. He has made them a kingdom and priests to our God. And they shall reign on earth. 4. The contrast in the fate of those who follow the Lamb and those who do not is very clear. Those who renew themselves to be ransomed by the blood of the lamb would be made a kingdom and priests to our God and they shall reign on earth. 5. But as for those who are totally unaware and unresponsive to God’s visitation, they will be destroyed. The destruction of Jerusalem city is symbolic of this destruction of the unfaithful. “Their enemies will tear them down to the ground, and all their human and earthly glory will be devastated. Imperative: God is still weeping because of the mounting indifference and unawareness of people toward God’s visitation and interventions (REFLECTION 2 FROM 2021, 18 NOVEMBER) Focus: What is very consoling and heartening is that our God is a God of heart. He feels for us and with us. He is so sensitive that he even weeps over us, for our plight and flight with evil 1. Jesus weeps over Jerusalem because he knew her impending destruction. The city and the temple were symbols of glory and honor. But these external causes of greatness would not save them from their fateful misery. 2. Jesus also states the reason for this destructive end. It is because they did not recognize the time of God’s visitation to them. In the context of the history of salvation, “God visits His people” would mean that he enters into their life, encounters them and also intervenes in their testing times, and transforms their condition. 3. Truly God visited his people in and through his own Son, Jesus. He offered them his love, guided them with his light, and strengthened them with his power. But sadly, the people did not accept him and cooperate with him. They rejected his message and the effect of his saving acts. Consequently, they invited upon themselves destruction. In fact, it is self-destruction. They cannot blame anyone else for their pitiable ruin except their own selves.. 4. Today we commemorate the dedication of the basilicas of Saints Peter and Paul. This urges us to a renewed zeal for God, God’s house, and God’s holy statutes. We must remain faithful to the laws and ordinances inherited through our long and hallowed traditions. Even though we are threatened and intimidated by dire consequences, we must not swerve in our loyalty. Direction: In a world and religion of mediocrity and lukewarmness especially in matters of faith and charity, as true followers of Christ we must revive and rekindle the losing fire of burning zeal for God and conviction (REFLECTION 3 FROM 2020, 19 NOVEMBER) Arrow: If only you know the ways of God? Focus: No amount of external glory or worldly accomplishments can substitute for openness to God and His grace Jesus weeps over Jerusalem. No doubt that the city and temple of Jerusalem are icons of glory and pride for their people. But this glory and greatness cannot save them, they fail to be receptive and cooperative to God’s grace. All the exterior splendor, pomp, and name cannot condone and make good for their lack of receptivity and cooperation. God in His mercy has come to visit His people and save them through His only Son Jesus. In the words of Revelation, he is the lion of Judah, who alone is worthy to open the book of life, read it, break open its seals and thus throw open the treasures of salvation. He shows them the ways of peace and urges them to walk these ways. He immolates himself for their sake. He bails himself out as ransom in order to purchase them back. But they do not recognise God's visitation. They become obstinate and refuse to adhere to Jesus. This deeply anguishes the loving heart of Jesus that cries out bitter tears. God continues to weep over us and the whole of humanity. His heart languishes looking at how man prides himself in the external displays and glories. He is deeply pained by how man seeks vain pleasures. He is agonized at how man willingly renders himself in the hands of the enemies. True to Jesus’ words in the gospel passage, the “enemies surround him with barricades, shut him in and press on him on every side. And they will dash him and his children to the ground. They will not leave a stone upon a stone within his manmade kingdom”. How truly today’s man is bound in manifold ways! Direction: It is better to weep over making Jesus weep for us, instead of priding ourselves in vain and shallow glories 18 NOVEMBER 2022: REVELATION 10. 8-11; LUKE 19. 45-48 Thrust: Temple is a house of prayer! Indicative: Temple is not only a place of worship but a dwelling of the holy God. Being in the temple should stir in us a sense of devotion and holiness 1. Jesus drove out those who were doing business in the temple. Here some miss the main point because they focus on the action of Jesus as a “holy or just anger.” Thus they may also justify their own anger as just anger. 2. First of all, the main focus is not on the anger of Jesus. Actually, it is not anger, and there is no holy or just anger. It is not angry because he did not lose his temper. He acted that way not because he lost control of his temper, not because he became impulsive and overemotional as it happens in the case of many. 3. It was passion and zeal. It was not directed against any individuals. It was an expression of profound passion for God and His house. It was not a simple situation of disorder. It was a serious situation of desecration. It was a total failure in the sense of the sacred. 4. It was this passion that drew people to him and hung on his words. In this way, he became himself a temple – carrying God’s presence, communicating God’s word, and giving people a true sense and effect of godliness. 5. The symbolism of ‘eating scroll’ can indicate this: the power of his presence and word. Eating signifies complete assimilation and total absorption of God’s word into us. It is sweet in the mouth but bitter in the stomach. 6. Similarly, God’s word may look pleasurable and palpable at the outset but once we really receive it and send it inside, then it may create a bitter taste. That is what it must do, make an inner change. 7. This symbolism can also refer to our own ministry. It will be really challenging. It may appear to be sweet apparently but will create a bitter taste inside. That is why many resent and resist. That is what happened in the case of the Pharisees and scribes at the words and actions of Jesus. They were bitter in their stomachs. So they seek to destroy him. Imperative: What are our churches and temples – houses of prayer or dens of robbers? Are they ambience of devotion or commotion? Noise or voice of God? (REFLECTION 2 FROM 2021, 19 NOVEMBER) Focus: One of the greatest tragedies of today’s society is the loss of the sense of the sacred. A spirit and culture of profanity has invaded all the spheres of life 1. In the gospel, we have an act of reconsecration of the temple by Jesus. Jesus cleanses the temple that has become a business place, a “den of robbers”. The holy temple was truly desecrated and it needed a re-consecration. Jesus needed the guts and he had them. He knew that it would aggravate animosity against him as the authorities sought to destroy him as an immediate reaction. But nothing would deter his zeal for God and His holy abode. 2. Jesus was filled with a holy fire of just anger because the sacredness was not only ignored and abandoned but also replaced by profanity. The House of prayer was turned into a den of robbers! These two incidents of reconsecration must strongly challenge us about our own frequent tendencies and acts of desecration of our temples. 3. Desecration of the temple takes place in two ways. It is a direct desecration whenever we do not sustain an ambience of the holy in our churches. Whenever we fail to experience and foster an atmosphere of holiness, there is desecration. Besides, whenever we use our churches for profane purposes, turning them into marketing or advertising or organizing halls, there is desecration. 4. But there is also another serious desecration. Whenever people enter the holy temple with desecrated hearts and lives, there is also a grievous desecration. When the temple is peopled with people, so much polluted by sin and evil, it is a pervasive desecration. Direction: It is not enough that we decorate and venerate our churches and celebrate various spiritual activities in them. We must make sure that they transmit an aura of holiness and cleanse us. We need a reconsecration both of our temples and believers! (REFLECTION 3 FROM 2020, 20 NOVEMBER) Focus: Sense of the sacred and fear of God alone will lead to order and harmony in life Jesus does a sort of temple cleansing. He appears rather violent and drives out all the marketing and shopping in the temple area. The driving motive behind this just anger is his passion for the sanctity of God’s holy house. How could the most Holy One of God compromise on desecrating what is consecrated? The same can be the situation in the present times. One of the major tragedies of today's society is temples that are consecrated are getting desecrated. This happens in both the senses and aspects of the temple. First, the temple as referring to the churches, the holy places of worship. Second, the temple as referring to the human person himself. We read in 1 Corinthians 3. 16: "Do you not know that you are a temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you?". Churches are houses of prayer, the unique place of God's personal presence. But sadly, not seldom they are turned into centres and domains of secondary and shallow interests and transactions like the "den of robbers". They become auditoriums for organizational activities. They become stages for displays, platforms for socialization, and launching grounds for self-deliveries. The spiritual ambience which is crucial to a church is often missing. Further, day by the human person is increasingly getting desecrated and polluted by many deviated and aberrant, destructive, and harmful thoughts, words, and actions. We need a thorough cleansing. Direction: We need to recapture our sense and culture of communion with God in humble devotion and surrender. We need to regain our lost innocence and purity of heart and the human person 19 NOVEMBER 2022: REVELATION 11. 4-12; LUKE 20. 27-40 Thrust: God is living! Indicative: Our God is a living God and a life-giving God. He is ever-present and active. But for many and in the lives of many, God is not alive. 1. We reflected on the same passage the last Sunday. Our focus was on God as the God of life, and we as destined for life in eternity. Our simple reflection is God is not dead though many try to make Him dead, many try to deaden His Spirit, His presence, and action. In the life of many, God is not really alive. He does not live for them because they do not bother at all about Him. 2. For many, God becomes a botheration, a disturbance, an annoyance, and a prick of conscience. It is because they misconceive Him as a policeman, a taskmaster, a strict penaliser. They lose that delicacy, intimacy, and beauty of a personal relationship with God. 3. For many, God is a mere concept of mind or an object of worship. The ‘personal touch’ is missing. It is like the Sadducees because they do not believe in the resurrection but ask the argument based on the resurrection. 4. Jesus makes it clear that God has destined everyone for life. He lives and shares the same life with all. Death transits us from the earthly, physical life to resurrection, which is rising to a new life of eternity. 5. This life of resurrection is altogether a totally different realm. Those resurrected are not bound or limited by our earthly human relationships. They rise above human attachments. They are like angels. This primarily means that they are not space-bound or time-bound. 6. To merit such a life of resurrection and life, we need to adhere to the two olives, two lampstands, two witnesses, and two prophets. These may symbolise the OT and NT. Accordingly, those who abide by him will be nourished and bear fruits like the olive tree. They will receive light from the lampstands. They are edified and supported by the two witnesses. They are fortified and admonished by the two prophets. Imperative: Let us not secularise too much heaven and eternal life also. Let us not restrict the unbounded mercy and reign of God (REFLECTION 2, 2021: 20 NOVEMBER) Focus: We are given this life so that we can live it well. This earthly life is only a temporary duration and we should never lose sight of what lies after 1. We often experience and witness a dominant culture of death. A lot of fear, violence, and destruction surrounds us. Respect for life and human dignity, values, and relationships too is fast declining. The idea of God as well as approach to Him are shallow and defective. God is seen as a God of stop-gaps, one who is sought in times of need and use. Further, there is a heavy tendency to “privatize” God also, confining Him to the boundaries of religion or class. 2. All these are nothing but tendencies of making God dead. Perhaps this is the re-rising of the negative philosophy of Nietzsche, “God is dead”. When people do not live and promote the life that is given by God, they deaden God. When God does not live within and amidst the humans, they deaden Him. When His kingdom of love, justice, and peace does not reign among the humans, they make Him dead. 3. It is in this context, the declaration of Jesus that “God is not God of the dead, but of the living; because all life to Him” makes tremendous sense. Death is not our end or destiny. Life and that too, eternal life is our end and destiny. Physical death is only a closure to the earthly life. But it is an opening upon a new life, an everlasting life. 4. This life in eternity is a life above and beyond the earthly life. This means that we are raised to a higher level where we do not operate merely on the basis of earthly ties or human attachments. We will also not be carried away by earthly pursuits or interests. We become fully spiritual and heavenly. In the words of Jesus, we “are equal to angels and are sons of God, being sons of the resurrection”. 5. Therefore, to attain that life of eternity, we need to recommit ourselves to making God live in us and among us. We must be alive to God. We must foster a culture of life that reflects God, for all life belongs to Him. God must re-enter and live more intimately in human hearts, lives, societies and nations. For this, one essential condition is the realisation and repentance over our sinfulness, like Antiochus in the first reading from 1 Maccabees. He reflects, realises, and repents over his wickedness against Israel and against God Himself. Direction: The reality of death must constantly remind us that we must look beyond death. Our faith makes us focused on eternity; our hope must make us directed to heaven, and our charity must make us committed to earth (REFLECTION 3 FROM 2020, 21 NOVEMBER) Focus: This earthly life is not an end by itself but resurrection and eternal life is our destiny. Therefore, let this life now be a worthy passage to the life then Jesus declares: “God is the God of living and not of the dead, for to Him everyone is alive”. Thereby, two fundamental truths are affirmed. God is God of eternity, and we too are destined for the same eternity. Our God is a living God; He is the God of life and He shares this same life, His own life with us. If this is so, then we will live with Him in eternity. This earthly human life is only temporary duration, a transit in preparation for that life without end. Therefore, death is not a permanent closure or cessation of life but is only a door that opens upon resurrection and risen life in heaven. But this destiny after death commits us to life before death to live it with a spirit of focus and direction, detachment and soaring high. Our life on earth should be in such a way qualitative that it qualifies us for life in heaven. Unfortunately, many lose sight of this fundamental nature of nurturing and orientation to life in eternity. Consequently, they tend to live a culture of death. They tend to be heavily conditioned and stuck with only the temporary and transient. They fail to value and appreciate life. They fail to realise that life is precious and sacred because it is a share of God’s own life. That is why often it is so much abused and destroyed. Further, the loss of the sense of eternity also makes people lose their sense of purpose and direction. They become excessively earth-bound. They do not raise themselves to what is above, what is high and lofty. It is ironic that people who claim to be foresighted and far-sighted fail to see the horizons of eternity.

33rd Sunday of the year 22

33RD SUNDAY, 13 NOVEMBER 2022, HOLY MASS REFLECTION MALACHI 4. 1-2a; 2 THES 3. 7-12; LUKE 21. 5-19 Thrust: Beware of the times! Indicative: The end times are sure to come. We need to become aware of their nature and get prepared 1. All three readings focus on the theme of “time”, especially the end times, before-the end times, that is the present time, and after-the and times, that is the time of reckoning, judgment of reward, or punishment. End times are sure to come. But what kind? What will happen at the end times? How is it characterized? 2. First of all, the end times will be “testing” times. Those who are faithful to God will be put to test and trial. They will be hated, persecuted, and delivered to prison, even by their own families. The end time will be “chaotic and destructive” times. Divisions, wars and tumults, earthquakes, famines, and pestilences will increase. Human pride and glory especially in their mighty structures and achievements of splendour and pomp will be brought low. 3. The end times will be “misleading” times. These are times that falsify things, distort the truth, and deceive and lead astray. The Lord himself warns: “For many will come in my name, saying, ‘I am he’, and ‘the time is at hand!’. It is deception concerning self-claims of self-glory and future predictions. 4. How should we respond to these times? What should be our response concerning these end times? First of all, a sense of “Awareness”: We must be aware that there will be end times. Be aware that the end is bound to happen. Do not take things and life for granted. 5. Awareness of the end times would also imply “Preparedness.” The fact that there is an end must make us alert to prepare ourselves fittingly to encounter the destined days. Let us not be caught unawares. 6. To be rightly prepared calls us to guard against an “idling”, callous attitude. Some may think, “in any case, there will be end times; so why simply toil and work? If nothing is going to last, then why struggle?”Thus they simply waste their time in eating and drinking, not busy at work but only busybodies. Thus there is a neglect of responsibilities and duties. 7. Then, “do not be led astray.” Do not go after false promises, assurances, and predictions. Do not be deceived by empty rewards. Do not confide in the earthly glories and successes and do not be carried away by them. Do not lose sight of the perishability of earthly and human prides. 8. “Do not be terrified” and lose heart at the adversities and afflictions. Rather confide in God’s protection and care, guidance, and power. For Jesus assures: “I will give you a mouth and wisdom which none of your adversaries will be able to withstand or contradict… Not a hair of your head will perish.” Therefore trust in God and not the fear of evil must steer us. 9. “Persevere to the end.” Go on working quietly and be productive. Do not be overdependent and a burden to others. But earn your own living. Give a good example for others to imitate. Bear witness to our faith in times of trial and temptation. 10. Then what will be after the end times? There will be a time of divine judgment and reckoning. It will be a day burning like an oven when all the arrogant and evildoers will be stubble. The day will leave them neither root nor branch. But those who fear God’s name, those who stand for his name’s sake will gain their lives. “The sun of righteousness shall rise with healing in its wings.” Imperative: If only we become wise not to place our excessive trust in material glories and not to be led astray but confide in God and live a life of witness, we will be truly rewarded with eternity REFLECTION 2 Focus: Human glories will fail and fall sooner or later. It is only God’s glory that will last forever 1. Jerusalem temple was the pride of the Jews for its splendor and grandeur. But Jesus forecasts its destruction. Thereby he makes it clear that man cannot place his absolute trust in anything human or earthly because everything of this world is impermanent and perishable. 2. These are truly end times, marked by violence, deception, and persecution. These are not only tolerated but also justified, defended and promoted. Especially for those who believe in God and seek to follow God’s way of goodness, honesty, and peace, the times are really hard. There is every possibility to get frightened, discouraged and to give up. 3. But the Lord is exhorting and encouraging us today: Do not be frightened, do not lose heart, do not lose hope, do not be worried. For as long as we firmly adhere to the Lord, as long as we are convinced of God’s power over all the evil, as long as we confide in His love and care for us, as long as we surrender our entire lives to Him, as long as we patiently persevere in our faith, as long as we are loyal and committed to the way of the Lord, nothing can defeat or destroy us. 4. Our sole hope and strength is God whose love never fails. It is a love that does “not allow even a single hair to perish”. It is a love that provides the wisdom which bewilders and defeats the opponents. It is a love that strengthens and dares one against all the persecution. It is a love that sustains and confirms us amidst all hatred and betrayal even by our own. 5. Therefore, all these negative and unfavorable happenings and situations should not lead us to fear or discouragement or quitting. These are taken as opportunities to test and prove our faith and to “bear witness to the Lord”. These are the pathways to salvation and glory. Direction: Difficulties for the sake of God and good should not discourage us or shake us but should challenge us to be more convinced, focused and committed

32 week days mass reflection of the year 22

07 – 12 NOVEMBER 2022: HOLY MASS REFLECTION 07 NOVEMBER 2022: TITUS 1. 1-9; LUKE 17. 1-6 Thrust: Bad example is abominable! Indicative: No one has a right to give a bad example to others and it is punishable 1. We can highlight three main points for our reflection. One is the duty to avoid bad example. The second is the duty to give a good example. The third is the duty to do fraternal correction. First of all, the Lord is very serious and stern about setting bad example and scandal. It is not a silly thing and cannot be taken lightly. It is grave and so incurs a grave punishment, even to the extent of throwing the culpable person with a millstone into the sea. 2. It is so sad that day by day we are assaulted by scandals and bad examples. No sphere, no sector is an exception to this. What is all the more saddening is that those who cause them don't have even a bit of a prick of conscience. They even feel great and happy about it and justify it as a way of the world. Such a situation is deplorable. 3. In such a context, what should be the course of action? From the part of those who cause scandal, realisation, repentance, and change of life are required. They should be conscious of the gravity of their sin. They should realise that it cannot be justified as a mere individual weakness and fault. They should know that it has a pervasive effect and a wider negative influence. They should realise that it is against our very faith in God and our vocation as God’s children. It is also a failure in our fraternal duty not to mislead others but set a good example. 4. Then from the part of all, it is a threefold duty: to avoid any scandal, to give a good example, and to do fraternal correction. We must guard against any situation or instance of scandal. As the first reading from the letter to Titus directs us, we must strive to be above reproach. We must not be arrogant or quick-tempered or a drunkard or violent or greedy for gain. But we must conduct ourselves as faithful stewards. We need to be hospitable, lovers of good, self-controlled, holy, and disciplined. We must hold firm to the Word and sound doctrine. 5. Then, our approach toward those who are scandalous should not be judgmental or condemnatory. Rather we should be compassionate and forgiving. We should not disgrace them or put them to public shame by slander. Our purpose is not to show others in the wrong and feel great above them. It is to arrest the scandal and transform them and win back our brethren. 6. Such fraternity and a good example are possible only by faith. It is so powerful that even a little faith like the mustard seed can move even trees. That's why the apostles plead to increase faith. Direction: True faith is a matter of faithfulness and a good example (REFLECTION 2 FROM 2021, 08 NOVEMBER) Focus: Bad example is detestable in the sight of God and is liable to God’s judgment 1. One major defect of today’s society is the increase in bad examples and scandals. More and more people get accustomed and tuned to wrong and evil. The pity all the more is, they are least bothered. Many give more importance to their self-gain and pleasure rather than setting a good example. Many do not feel any social and moral obligation to walk a good life and help others to walk the same. 2. This bad example is mainly failing - to trust in the Lord, to seek Him with sincerity of heart, and to love and live uprightness. It is the perversity of thinking. It is cultivating a deceitful soul. It is a body enslaved to sin. 3. The attitude of many who set a bad example is: ‘This is my life and I want it to be happy and undisturbed’. Why should I bother about giving a good example to others? It is their freedom and choice. Let them not be easily influenced by bad examples.’ 4. There is certainly some truth in their argument. But they cannot simply evade their culpability. In fact, the gravity of their wrong is so great that it invites severe punishment. The Lord pronounces ‘woe’ on them and attests: it would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck and he were cast into the sea. Their bad example and misleading influence convict them. 5. The cause of such a bad example is clearly the lack of wisdom. The response to those misled and who fall into sin is not to condemn them but to rebuke them, and forgive them generously if they repent. The strong power that works as resistant is deep faith. This will foster “a holy and disciplined spirit which will flee from deceit, from foolish thoughts and unrighteousness.” Direction: In a world that is increasingly steeped in unrighteous and deceitful living, there is so much scandal and negative influence. We need rock-like faith to stand firm not fall into temptation. 08 NOVEMBER 2022: TITUS 2. 1-8, 11-14; LUKE 17. 7-10 Thrust: No individual merit! Indicative: Our faith is God’s grace. All the blessings that we enjoy are God’s gratuitous benevolence. No one can claim rights! 1. 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. 2. More importance is given to the tactics for marketing the product rather than the sincere efforts to ensure its 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. 3. But Jesus makes it crystal clear that doing good and serving is essential to our human nature and our Christian vocation. Service is not a favour but a binding duty. Good is to be done not at one's choice and convenience but as devoted dutifulness. Dutifulness is a master check for our faith and faithfulness. That is why Jesus declares, “When you have done all, say, ‘We are unworthy servants; we have only done what was our duty.’” 4. This dutifulness is essentially a matter of bearing witness to our call as the children of God and the followers of Christ. As we see in the first reading, our ages and stages may be different. It may be older men or older women or young women or younger men. But a life of witness is a bounden duty. 5. Such a duty-bound, faithful, and witnessing life trains us to renounce ungodliness, lawlessness, and worldly passions. We are summoned to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives. We should be zealous models of good works. That is the most fitting way to put evil opponents to shame and defeat them. Direction: Only the spirit of a humble servant and dutiful service can heal the widespread sickness of domination and manipulation 09 NOVEMBER 2022: EZEK 47. 1-2, 8-9, 12; 1 COR 3. 9c-11, 16-17; JOHN 2. 13-22, Dedication of the Lateran Basilica Thrust: Sense of the holy! Indicative: Temple is a holy ambience of God’s special presence and grace. It is different from other places and times by its sense of holiness and serenity 1. Today we are living in a dominant culture of externality and pomposity. There is a decline of the sense of interiority and simplicity. Consequently, we see huge churches with so much decoration and beauty. No doubt that the holy place of God must be splendid and elegant because the God of glory dwells there. 2. But what is essential is not the beauty or decoration or splendor or pomp. All these externals must help for creating an ambience of devotion and prayer. Temple should evoke in those present a sense of the holy, the nearness of God, God’s assurance and comfort, His light and guidance, His nourishment and strength, His direction and serenity, and also unity and fraternity. 3. The prophet Ezekiel indicates this divine presence and action through the symbolism of the temple water. It has the efficacious power to refresh, enliven, nourish and heal. Therefore, our temples should be not only magnificent structures and huge spaces for the animation of some ceremonies and organisation of some events and celebrations. Much more they should be abodes of unity, surrender, and serenity, and springs of strength and renewal of souls and relationships. 4. A serious question tag hangs around us about the sacredness of our churches and temples. It is not untruth that at times our churches become “houses of trade”. There is a lot of noise and commotion. Market values and Business spirit seem to reign there. Many go to church and go away without even an ounce of difference and change. They just mechanically go through the motions. They take care that nothing touches them. 5. Perhaps the reason is given in the first reading. We have lost the sense of interiority and personal sanctity. Many have lost sight of the truth that “we are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in us.” Many fail to look into this interior castle of God and abode of sanctity. It is these personal temples that make the one community of God’s temple. Imperative: We need to reawaken this triple sanctity of the temple, the community, and the human person. When our communities and each of us become more holy, our temples become truly houses of God (REFLECTION 2 FROM 2021) Focus: In a modern culture that is intensely ridden by secularity and profanity, we need to resurge the sense of the sacred 1. 09 November marks the anniversary of the dedication of the Lateran Basilica, the Mother and Head of all churches. This holy occasion calls us to turn our attention to the temple and holiness. All three readings point to this aspect. The temple of God is a holy place and we should conduct ourselves with reverence and dignity. 2. The first reading from Ezekiel through the symbolism of temple water indicates the greatness of the temple. It is the source of the water of God’s grace that enlivens, refreshes, nourishes, and heals everything it comes across. Thus, the temple is not merely a place of worship, a place where we perform some religious ceremonies and activities. It is much more than that. It is the ambience of divine presence, guidance, and empowerment. 3. The temple is primarily where God reigns in all His holiness and greatness. Therefore, every time we are in the temple, we must experience this atmosphere of sacredness. Today, in the name of socialisation or involvement, our churches seem to be reduced to gathering halls, function halls, cultural centers, stage management shows, et cetera. 4. Any such move that reduces the sense of holy displeases God. It may invite the same wrath of God as in the case of Jesus cleansing the temple. The temple also signifies our own person, in the light of the second reading from 1 Corinthians 3. 9-11, 16-17. We must be always conscious that we ourselves are the holy temples of God because we carry His own image and the Holy Spirit dwells within us. 5. Therefore, all the traces of impurity and unholiness, wickedness, and negativities are nothing but desecration of the human temple of God. And all commotion and noise, all acts of commercialisation, and mere socialisation of our churches are turning the house of prayer into centres of trade. Direction: Loss of the sense of the sacred is not only a matter that pertains to religion. It leads to the loss of the basic sense of dignity and reverence toward life and human persons themselves. (REFLECTION 3 FROM 2020) Focus: God wants us to live a life consecrated and not desecrated, and this requires that we keep our hearts consecrated and not defiled and also demonstrate a true sense of the sacred 1. Today we celebrate the Feast of the anniversary of Lateran Basilica's dedication. This festivity in the first place reminds us of the holiness of a temple of God. It also urges us to nurture, demonstrate and foster a sense of the sacred towards the temple. 2. Rightly, this brings into question the various modern tendencies that are diluting this holy atmosphere and conduct and turning the churches into function halls, show theatres, stages, and platforms of events and programs. The assembly of God does not mean an assembly of secular sessions and transactions. 3. Certainly, the church is the locus of the faithful and a sphere of their animation and renewal and thus involves participation, communication, and interaction. In this sense, certain modes and elements of the practical organisation are understandable. But at any cost, a spiritual ambience must be maintained. A church is primarily a house of God's presence and nothing should turn it into a place of commotion and other interests. 4. In the second place, in the light of the second reading from Paul’s first letter to the Corinthians, ‘temple’ can signify not only the holy temple of God as the sacred place of worship. The temple stands for three other aspects as well: the community of believers, our own person, and our own heart, as God’s children and disciples of Christ. 5. This idea is attested in Paul’s words, as he declares: “Do you not know that you are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit abides within you? If anyone destroys the temple of God, God will destroy him. God’s temple is holy, and you are this temple.” 6. Therefore, we must honestly and humbly reflect on our sense of reverence and sanctity with regard to our own faith communities, our own persons, and our own hearts. How often do we tend to disrespect and desecrate all these? Direction: It is not enough that we have beautiful and palatial temples, but the spirit of God and the holy must reign there. It will not be a wonder that today too Jesus may need a whip to cleanse our temples! 10 NOVEMBER 2022: PHILEMON 7-20; LUKE 17. 20-25 Thrust: Kingdom is within! Indicative: God’s kingdom is not to be equated with a religious domain or domination. God’s kingdom is not the suppression and intimidation of others in the name of religiosity and pure religion 1. The Pharisees ask Jesus ‘when’ the kingdom of God will come. But interestingly Jesus’ answer concerns ‘where’ the kingdom of God is. But this is not unreasonable because, in the case of the kingdom of God, the ‘when’ (time factor) and the ‘where’ (space factor) merge. The kingdom of God comes when and where God reigns. 2. Accordingly, God’s kingdom is there in the midst of us when God’s Spirit reigns within us, in our hearts. It is said that God is so clever that He hides Himself inside the human heart. For, He is very sure that often many seek Him everywhere else and in everything else except in their own hearts, in the caves of their being. 3. The kingdom of God in the first place is inside reality, a matter of the heart. Unless the heart changes, the kingdom does not come and reign. This is evident in the often-repeated caution of Jesus: ‘Unless you repent and change, you shall not enter the kingdom of God.’ It is actually not so much we entering into a territory of the kingdom. Rather, it is the kingdom that enters into our hearts. 4. It is foolish that people search and fight to establish God’s kingdom by imposing particular religions or traditions. Little do they realise that God’s kingdom is not to be equated with a religion or a place or a culture. It is a way of life. It is a culture of heart. It is the reign of godliness. 5. This is the spirit of the kingdom that reigns in the heart and life of Paul. He not only worked for the spread of the kingdom through his preaching and animation. But also he allowed God’s kingdom to reign within him. That is why he could regard even Onesimus, a mere slave, and one who was unfaithful as his own brother and son in faith. He would humble himself and plead with Philemon on his behalf. Imperative: The kingdom of God is really there when “our goodness is not by compulsion but of our own accord when we refresh each other’s heart in Christ” (REFLECTION 2 FROM 2021, 11 NOVEMBER) Focus: Often people are easily carried away by external displays and shows. Appearances arrest and block their vision and they fail to see the real and the interior 1. People of Jesus’ time were expecting God’s kingdom to come in all pomp and glory. They expected an irresistible intervention of God that would overthrow the Roman empire and re-establish the Judaic reign as in the OT. That is why they would ask Jesus when would it come. But Jesus quite candidly dispels their wrong notions. 2. The kingdom of God is not a place with fixed boundaries and demarcations. It is a situation, an ambience where God reigns. It is not material or social or political. It is essentially spiritual. It is profoundly interior. That is why, Jesus declares, “The Kingdom of God is within you, amidst you”. 3. In the light of Wisdom 7.22 -8.1, the kingdom of God is exactly where wisdom reigns in its full splendour. All the features of wisdom perfectly match God’s kingdom. God’s kingdom is when and where the power of God pervades, when and where the glory of the Almighty purely emanates. It is when and where there is a reflection of eternal light, when and where there is a spotless mirror of the working of God and an image of his goodness. The Kingdom of God is there when evil does not prevail against God and good. 4. We will belong to God’s kingdom to the extent we put on wisdom, clothing ourselves with her lofty qualities like holy, clear, unpolluted, invulnerable, loving the good, keen, irresistible, beneficent, humane, steadfast, free from anxiety, et cetera. We will experience God’s reign within and amidst us when we allow wisdom to penetrate into us and make us friends of God. Direction: It is really foolish to hear eagerly false prophets and adhere to their false teachings about God’s kingdom. They are for sure false because they tie God’s kingdom to mere places and times. Little do they realise that God’s kingdom is reigning within and amidst us! (REFLECTION 3 FROM 2020, 12 NOVEMBER) Focus: The kingdom of God is not a matter of glow and show but it consists of simple details. The real kingdom is where God and His Spirit reigns A famous thinker has rightly said that this world is a big stage and all are actors, trying to outbeat one another. Show and display, pomp and splendour are the order of the day. People go by appearances and impressive externals. That is why we see often mega-events and huge organisations to demonstrate one's greatness and power. One who is able to pull large crowds, one who grants immediate and temporary benefits, is deemed great and is applauded. Sadly, the same tendency of excess importance to mere externals and quick impressions and results has crept into the spiritual realm as well. Consequently, it is no wonder that not infrequently spirituality is reduced to the level of displays and mega shows. Many false prophets present the kingdom in terms of material and social and wrongly strip it of its essential content of the spiritual and interior. The kingdom of God is within us! It is a treasure to be discovered, nurtured, strengthened, and shared. And this is the spirit and the reign of the kingdom we see in the person of Paul. How human, tender and affectionate he is! How respectful and noble he is! How forgiving and compassionate he is! Even though Onesimus is a slave, he treats him with respect and dignity, making him equal to him as a brother in faith. Even though Onesimus once did wrong, he forgives him, does not retain it but recommends it to Philemon on his behalf. Even though he could just command Philemon to do what he asks, because of his moral authority as the spiritual father, he only requests him to do him the favour. This is the real kingdom: the reign of unity, respect, equity, compassion, humility, nobility, fraternity, and charity. We must strive for the spread of such a kingdom, power within, and a life concrete. Direction: False are those prophets who reduce the whole kingdom to mere places and times and instant material subsidies! 11 NOVEMBER 2022: 2 JOHN 4-9; LUKE 17. 26-37 Thrust: Be ready! Indicative: Procrastination and unpreparedness are very prevalent. Many take for granted even the essentials. And for sure they will be caught unawares and shocked with unfavourable judgment 1. As we are running toward the closure of the ordinary time in the liturgical year, and soon will step into the holy Advent, the Liturgy of the Word draws our attention to the end times. The Word impresses upon us the sudden, unexpected nature of such end times. The choice is ours: whether to be alert, attentive, prompt and prepared or to be confronted and surprised unprepared. 2. The people in the time of Noah and Lot were totally immersed in worldly affairs and pleasures. They were not mindful and prepared for the impending flood and fire respectively. So all of them perished. Similarly, many people of our times are so much entangled with many needless and worthless pursuits. 3. They do not mind the reminders and cautions given by God in different ways. They wrongly think that they are ‘preserving’ and ‘saving’ their life. This is seen in their mad craving, and accumulation concerning money, possessions, power, position, fame, and sensual gratifications and pleasures. And the guiding principles are deception and manipulation. The goal is self-gain and self-glory. 4. The only remedy is a complete change of perspective and direction. It is to “walk in the truth” and not falsity and conceit. It is to live a life of authenticity and integrity. It is to “walk in love.” To walk in love is to “walk according to God’s commandments,” and to “abide in the teaching of Christ.” Imperative: All those who do not walk in the truth, in love, and in the way of commandments are deceivers and antichrists. Their end is clear and severe, and that is destruction. (REFLECTION 2 FROM 2021, 12 NOVEMBER) Focus: Quality of life depends on the propriety of our focus and orientation. If we are rightly focused and oriented, certainly life also becomes qualitative 1. As our perspectives are, so will our direction of life, our interests, pursuits, and accomplishments. When our perspectives are short-sighted and earth-bound, what we strive for and accomplish will also be short-sighted and earth-bound. This is the problem with many today. They are so much caught up with the things of this world. Their interests and pursuits revolve around mundane matters like money, possessions, power, position, name, popularity, temporary pleasures, instant gratifications, etc. 2. In simple terms, the meaning and direction of life are reduced to be earth-bound. They do not rise beyond and above the world and the earthly life. This is the same problem that happened in the OT in the time of Noah and Lot. People were totally immersed in worldly preoccupations and peripheral affairs. They lost sight of the spiritual and higher concerns. They busied themselves with eating, drinking, making merry, pursuing mundane interests, and seeking worldly gains. They were totally unprepared for the flood or the fire respectively. 3. This is what the author of Wisdom (13. 1-9) observes and implicates as the grave fault of the worldly people. They are intelligent but are deliberately ignorant and arrogant and deviant. Because they ignore the presence and the power of God that is so evident in His created nature. They are arrogant depending on their own human capacities or worldly resources. They totally deviate because they go astray “as they live among his works they keep searching, and they trust in what they see because the things that are seen are beautiful.” 4. This is what Jesus cautions about in the gospel. He reminds us about the suddenness and unexpectedness of the coming of the Lord. Therefore, let us not be engrossed in merely worldly matters, temporary and temporal interests. Let us raise ourselves to the higher realm, what is more, lasting and nobler. Direction: Let these words of Jesus constantly ring within us: “Whoever seeks to gain his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life (for my sake) will preserve it” (REFLECTION 3 FROM 2020, 13 NOVEMBER) Focus: Life becomes qualitative when it transcends the ensnarements and enslavements to what is merely worldly and physically gratifying Loss of focus and loss of concentration is one of the biggest miseries of the present society. Its immediate consequences are loss of direction and lack of preparation. The life of many has become a constant story of distraction, deviation, distortion, and eventual destruction. Many fail to discern what is primary and essential in their life and run after what is instantly pleasurable and easily available. Consequently, they get engrossed in material pursuits like food and drink, comfort and luxury, and sex and gratification. They become defocused and unaware and unprepared. They waste away their time and energies on these secondary or less worthy concerns. They are very much like those people in the time of Noah or Lot, those who were caught unexpectedly and unprepared by God's wrath. It is better to be awakened and prepared before it is too late. But all this happens because all such people wrongly think that they are “saving” their life, that they are “gaining” the beauty and happiness of life. All these are imposters, deceivers, and antichrists as St John terms them in his second letter in the first reading. It is because they are blind to the truth and they do not live according to the truth. They do not live by the teaching of Christ, which is to love one another. And to love means to walk according to his commandments. Therefore, whoever does not believe in God, whoever does not follow the ways of God, and whoever does not live in love for others, is rejecting the truth. They are under the spell of falsity and evil. The affirmation of Jesus in the gospel makes sense in this context. He says, “Whoever tries to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will gain it”. Direction: Only one life and only once it is given. So better to be wise to live it worthwhile and prepared to meet our final destiny. It will be sad that we lose an immensity for a triviality 12 NOVEMBER 2022: 3 JOHN 5-8; LUKE 18. 1-8 Thrust: Pray lest you become prey! Indicative: We can never emphasise enough the value and need of prayer in our life. It is only prayer that makes us stand erect and withstand all the possible assaults 1. Lack of patience and perseverance is one great defect and drawback of the present society. Many start well and big with great enthusiasm. But as time passes and when difficulties and adversities come on their way, they easily get discouraged and give up. The fact is not the closure of the road but the closure of their heart to see the road or seek a new one. 2. People seek quick results and are easily drawn to them. Not many have the patience to wait for the fruits. That is why we see people tampering with the natural process of growth and maturing, by injecting medicines and chemicals into chicks, animals, vegetables, fruits, and even humans. This becomes hazardous. 3. The same mentality is reflected in many youngsters who want to get to the top, who want to achieve many things within no time. Having no patience to wait and work hard, they resort to shortcuts and easy means. This leads to a lack of ethics. For what is important is not how a person gets something but that he gets it in whichever way possible. 4. The same mentality of impatience and lack of perseverance has crept into the religious sphere as well. People pray and they want immediate results. They make petitions and intercessions and they want God’s favours immediately at their doorsteps. 5. Many mistake this kind of expectation as a deep trust in things to happen. They may claim, “I prayed with deep faith and God immediately heard my prayer.” Subsequently, they feel that their faith is great and efficacious. On the other hand, when things do not happen as prayed for or do not happen when expected, there is disappointment and the possibility to give up. 6. It is in this context, Jesus teaches us perseverance in our prayer. He sets before us a simple practical example of a widow who persists to plead with an unjust judge for justice till she gets justice. She does not lose her heart and give up her effort. She goes on approaching the judge to the extent of pestering him. 7. Jesus’ assurance that God will not delay long and will give justice speedily does not mean that things happen as soon as we pray. It also will not mean that all things will happen according to our prayer. It only means that God listens to our prayers, understands our needs, and grants them when and how needed. Imperative: True prayer is not pressuring God to do things as and when we want but surrendering to God to do things as and when He wants. Why we leave everything to Him is because He knows and can do the best (REFLECTION 2 FROM 2020, 14 NOVEMBER) Focus: True faith is not a quick relief or instant painkiller or speed gain. Favours are not guarantors of the power of prayer or the good mood or good heart of God 1. The problem of many with regard to prayer is their perspective towards it. They consider it as a readymade tool and solution for their problems. They want things to happen as soon as they ask for them and as they want them. Unconsciously their needs and interests become the centre of their prayer and the whole act revolves around those needs. 2. Accordingly, the quality and efficacy of prayer are understood in terms of the favours received. It means your prayer is good and powerful when you get what you want. Further, the consolation and joy of praying are also measured in the same way. That is, people feel comforted and happy when they receive what they ask for. On the contrary, when their desires and intentions are not fulfilled by God, easily many become annoyed and impatient. They give up. 3. But a genuine prayer must be persevering, like that of the widow in the gospel. Refusal and rejection by the judge do not deter her from pleading with him. Only perseverance bears lasting fruit. The quickness of getting a favor is not a guarantee of the efficacy of prayer, and slowness is not a sign of a lack of efficacy. 4. In the same way, receiving what we want is not a necessary sign that God is good and favourable to us; and not receiving what we want is not a sign that He is not answering our prayers. Justice delayed is not justice denied. 5. Suffering and continued injustice can be testing and trying times. They can purify us, solidify us and sanctify us. They can brighten and strengthen our faith. They can make us better human persons, more humble and good-hearted. 6. Therefore, the focus of our prayer must be shifted from the answer and favor. Instead, we must focus more on God, on faith in Him, and our relationship with Him. Direction: There are no deadlines or failures in true prayer because it is a matter of relationship and not a favor bank; it is a loving interaction and a motivated transaction (REFLECTION 3 FROM 2021, 13 NOVEMBER) Focus: Patience and perseverance are the keys to success and the hallmarks of any successful person. Wavering and impatience will never do any good in any pursuit 1. We are living in a fast-track world. It seeks instant results and quick gains. Speed has become one main determinant of the mentality of today’s world. That is why, it is said that those who do not run the race fast, will not stand in the race. Delay often causes annoyance and impatience. The same thing happens in our prayer life as well. Many pray and do many spiritual activities. But they expect immediate answers and favors from God. 2. There is nothing wrong with making supplications to God. There is also nothing wrong with expecting God to receive our requests and grant favors. But the real problem is what happens when we are not granted what we ask for. What happens when things do not happen when we expect them to happen? 3. What happens when I ask for good health, a good job, good education, a good match, good business, good prospects, success, good understanding, and good changes in others in families or communities, but they do not happen? What happens when I continue to struggle with my sickness or with my failures, or with negative pressures? How long to wait? Why does God not respond and grant favors as and when I request him so trustingly? 4. In such times, the usual and immediate tendency is to be discouraged, to be shaken in our faith, and to give up our praying. It is then that the poor widow in the gospel stands before us as a great ignition to persevere till the end. She approaches an obstinate and unjust judge for justice. He is in no mood to render justice to her. He continued to refuse her. But as she persisted, he had to yield to her request. At least to get rid of her botheration, he renders her justice. Perseverance pays! Direction: Perseverance in prayer does not mean that we go on pestering God and make him weary. It means that we should not expect quick favors from God. Rather we must learn to wait!

32 SUNDAY OF THE YEAR 22

32ND SUNDAY, 06 NOV 2022: 2 MACCABEES 7. 1-2, 9-14; 2 THES 2.16 – 3.5; LUKE 20. 27-38 (REFLECTION 1) Thrust: A life for Life! Indicative: Even though we are on this earth, we cannot be earth-bound because we are heaven-destined and heaven-bound. Resurrection is our destiny 1. God is living! This is profoundly consoling. God is not dead, though many events and situations force us to believe so. Though many try to kill the godly spirit and bury him in the coffin of evil, He is not dead. Though many deaden His presence and action in their lives, He is not dead. 2. Though He does not matter to many, His spirit never ceases. He lives on. His power cannot be subdued by all other powers put together. Though many do not recognise His intervention because they are too busy, He continues to intervene in human lives and situations. 3. Therefore Foster faith in God’s presence. Foster hope in His action and intervention. See the faith and hope of the seven brothers in the first reading from Maccabees. Even under persecution, even when they were in the jaws of death, they did not give up their faith. They did not become hopeless. They were not intimidated. They were stirred by indomitable courage. 4. If He is a living God, We must feel Him coming alive in our lives. We must feel His presence and power. In other words, we must become alive to Him. We must live with Him and for Him. For the seven brothers, God was very much alive. He was so close to them. That is why they kept their faith and hope in Him alive and ardent. 5. We are reminded today once again that this earth is only a land of duty, a transit port for us. Heaven and eternity are our destination and destination. So we cannot be earth-bound. We cannot restrict our thinking to earthly interests. We cannot be caught up in worldly perspectives. The Sadducees in the gospel indicate this earthliness. They do not go beyond mundane concerns. They even attribute to and impose earthly and human perspectives on the divine realities. They apply the limited human categories to the divine as well. 6. We need to Raise ourselves to be the sons of resurrection and not restriction and constriction. We must not be the children of this age but of heaven. We are equal to angels. It implies being “in the presence of God”, “in closeness with him”, “ever at His service in obedience”, and “spiritual and pure” before His holiness. It also implies, “not bound by body and the physical or the material”, but “free and prompt to live and act in a higher, spiritual, divine realm.” 7. Thus, to be the sons of God and resurrection would mean that we are not bound by earthly ties and attachments. We constantly raise ourselves both in terms of attention and action. We have no ulterior motives to deceive or trap others. We do not give up our sacred traditions and laws that are life-promoting values. We remain loyal to them, even in the face of death, like the seven brothers. 8. In the light of the second reading, the children of resurrection are those who trust and experience God’s own comfort even amidst all tribulation. And they continue firm in every good work and word. They shall experience God’s power that guards them against the evil one. They constantly strive to speed ahead and honour the word of the Lord. Imperative: We cannot afford to get stuck to the earth. We cannot demean ourselves with earthly and evil passions and pursuits. We cannot debase ourselves from being the children of a living God (REFLECTION 2 FROM 2021, 20 NOVEMBER) Focus: We are given this life so that we can live it well. This earthly life is only a temporary duration and we should never lose sight of what lies after 1. We often experience and witness a dominant culture of death. A lot of fear, violence, and destruction surrounds us. Respect for life and human dignity, values, and relationships too is fast declining. The idea of God, as well as their approach to Him, is shallow and defective. God is seen as a God of stop-gaps, one who is sought in times of need and use. Further, there is a heavy tendency to “privatise” God also, confining Him to the boundaries of religion or class. 2. All these are nothing but tendencies of making God dead. Perhaps this is the re-rising of the negative philosophy of Nietzsche, “God is dead”. When people do not live and promote the life that is given by God, they deaden God. When God does not live within and amidst the humans, they deaden Him. When His kingdom of love, justice, and peace does not reign among the humans, they make Him dead. 3. It is in this context, the declaration of Jesus that “God is not God of the dead, but of the living; because all live to Him” makes tremendous sense. Death is not our end or destiny. Life and that too, eternal life is our end and destiny. Physical death is closure only to earthly life. But it is an opening upon a new life, an everlasting life. 4. This life in eternity is a life above and beyond the earthly life. This means that we are raised to a higher level where we do not operate merely on the basis of earthly ties or human attachments. We will also not be carried away by earthly pursuits or interests. We become fully spiritual and heavenly. In the words of Jesus, we “are equal to angels and are sons of God, being sons of the resurrection.” 5. Therefore, to attain that life of eternity, we need to recommit ourselves to making God live in us and among us. We must be alive to God. We must foster a culture of life that reflects God, for all life belongs to Him. God must re-enter and live more intimately in human hearts, lives, societies, and nations. For this, one essential condition is the realization and repentance over our sinfulness, like Antiochus in the first reading from 1 Maccabees. He reflects, realizes, and repents over his wickedness against Israel and God Himself. Direction: The reality of death must constantly remind us that we must look beyond death. Our faith makes us focused on eternity; our hope must make us directed to heaven, and our charity must make us committed to earth (REFLECTION 3 FROM 2020, 21 NOVEMBER) Focus: This earthly life is not an end by itself but resurrection and eternal life is our destiny. Therefore, let this life now be a worthy passage to the life then 1. Jesus declares: “God is the God of living and not of the dead, for to Him everyone is alive”. Thereby, two fundamental truths are affirmed. God is God of eternity, and we too are destined for the same eternity. Our God is a living God; He is the God of life and He shares this same life, His own life with us. If this is so, then we will live with Him in eternity. 2. This earthly human life is only temporary duration, a transit in preparation for that life without end. Therefore, death is not a permanent closure or cessation of life but is only a door that opens upon resurrection and risen life in heaven. But this destiny after death commits us to life before death to live it with a spirit of focus and direction, detachment and soaring high. Our life on earth should be in such a way qualitative that it qualifies us for life in heaven. 3. Unfortunately, many lose sight of this fundamental nature of nurturing and orientation to life in eternity. Consequently, they tend to live a culture of death. They tend to be heavily conditioned and stuck with only the temporary and transient. They fail to value and appreciate life. They fail to realise that life is precious and sacred because it is a share of God’s own life. That is why often it is so much abused and destroyed. 4. Further, the loss of the sense of eternity also makes people lose their sense of purpose and direction. They become excessively earth-bound. They do not raise themselves to what is above, what is high and lofty. It is ironic that people who claim to be foresighted and far-sighted fail to see the horizons of eternity. Direction: Certainly, all of us are alive to God because He is ever-living. But how much He is alive to us and how much we make Him live in and through us? (REFLECTION 4 FROM 02 JUNE 2021, (Parallel) MARK 12. 18-27) Focus: To be faithful is to be full of faith, that is, to be filled with the power of the Spirit to remain in faith and trustworthiness Our God is a God of the living and not of the dead. As long as we live in Him, we have life. But when we live in sin, we are dead though physically alive. We as faithful people are called to carry this life within us. It is a call to live by the power of this life, to nurture it, and to bear witness to it. How to live and witness this godly life? It is by not being intimidated by the pressures and assaults of evil, or not being weighed down by the unjust reproaches of the people, as in the case of Jesus whom the Sadducees tried to corner with the question on the resurrection. Jesus indicates who are the resurrected people. They are not bound by mere earthly restrictions or attachments. They rise higher and operate in a higher realm, like the angels in heaven. These always do God’s will and obey His commands. Obviously, the criteria of heaven are different from those of the world! Direction: The life of resurrection can already be anticipated and foretasted here on earth itself, provided that we live like angels. That is, with detachment from all the binding ties of the earth and with singular attachment to God