3rd SUNDAY OF THE YEAR A

3RD SUNDAY, 22 JANUARY 2023, HOLY MASS REFLECTION ISAIAH 8.23 – 9.3; 1 COR 1. 10-13, 17; MATTHEW 4. 12-23 Thrust: A complete changeover! Indicative: God’s presence is transforming and renewing. Things change when God enters the scene and takes hold of the situation 1.      Jesus begins his ministry. He immediately plunges himself into a threefold mission of teaching, preaching, and healing. In fact, as the Incarnate Saviour, Jesus embodies and carries God’s presence and intervention. He becomes the fulfillment of God’s assurance in the Old Testament, spelled out in the first reading. 2.      Accordingly, this divine presence is one that transforms and renews the whole life situation. Degradation will turn into glory, and darkness into light. There will be no more gloom, no more anguish or distress. It is because the yoke that burdens us, the pole on the shoulder, and the rod of the taskmaster are smashed by the Lord. 3.      Thus, there will be abundant joy and rejoicing. This is the kingdom of God that Jesus proclaims and sets out to establish. Repentance is the norm of this kingdom. Repentance is the clarion call. Repentance is not a mere passing feeling of sorrow. It is a deep anguish that realises the infection of sin, stirs up the mediocre and sin-accustomed self, changes the heart, and makes a decisive break with sin. 4.      In the light of the second reading, some concrete implications of such a life of repentance become clear. “Unity” is one of the most important marks of this repentance and is the eligibility for the kingdom. There shall be no divisions. All will be united in the same mind and with the same purpose. Rivalries in different camps like Apollos, Cephas, Peter, and Paul will be counter-witness. 5.      Humility is another hallmark of repentance and the kingdom. No one shall be in the centre stage. All credit and glory are due only to God and the Lord Jesus Christ. No human eloquence or worldly wisdom can claim credit but only the holy folly of the cross of Christ. 6.      Following Jesus is another essential sign of repentance and condition for the kingdom. It is notable that as Jesus begins his mission, immediately he calls for disciples They become the sharers and torch-bearers of the same mission. 7.      Thereby it is crystal clear that the mission of God is not only the task of God but ours as well. The gift of God’s action of upheaval calls for a response and cooperation on our part. God wants His mission to be a collaborative enterprise and project. The purpose of the call and the focus of the mission is quite evident. It is to become fishers of souls from being ordinary fishermen. 8.      The call to follow Jesus places on the followers the mission of “rising in dignity” from the ordinariness of earth-bound interests and pursuits to the kingdom-oriented duty. It is to fish the souls. We can understand this in two aspects. One is, fishing the people from the evil one. The other is, hauling and gaining them for God. Imperative: The purpose, focus, and direction of our call and mission are very clear. Commitment to this alone will make our lives fulfilled  

2weekdays mass reflection of year 1

16 – 21 JANUARY 2023: HOLY MASS REFLECTION 16 JANUARY 2023: HEB 5. 1-10; MARK 2. 18-22 Thrust: No patchworks! Indicative: Our God is not one who is distant from us. He does not remain unconcerned. He does not abandon us when we suffer. He comes to our rescue. He fights evil on our behalf. He suffers for our sake 1. Sin affects and infects us. It soils and weakens us. It diminishes our beauty and dignity. It reduces our energies and strength. It makes us sick and unwhole. Therefore, we need cleansing, healing, strengthening, and revitalising. 2. But left to ourselves, we are not strong enough to confront and overcome evil. We need higher support and strength. And God, so sensitive and compassionate incarnates himself and suffers in our place. Unlike the other high priests, he offers no gifts and sacrifices for sins. He offers his own self. He does not offer them for his sake. He offers them for our sake. 3. He became obedient to the extent of death so as to heal the wounds of our disobedience. He made himself weak so as to strengthen us. He accepted to be imperfect so as to make us perfect. Such is the unbounded love and mercy of God. 4. Therefore, we must crave for his presence. We must rejoice in his company. All our focus must be to experience his presence and grow in his intimacy. He is truly the bridegroom and we are his wedding guests. 5. But there are times when we miss him. We do not recognise his presence. We do not nurture his closeness. It is in such times we must put in all our efforts to rekindle our lost love for him and regain the lost joy of his friendship. Religious practices like fasting, et cetera are meant for expressing our longing for him, and our anguish over missing him. 6. Every spiritual activity must ultimately bring us closer to Jesus and express our love for him. They should not be pretensions or external patchwork. They should indicate genuine repentance for our sinfulness. They should spring from a humble and contrite heart. 7. Often our religious activities do not touch and change our hearts and renew our life. It is a clear sign that what Jesus warned in the gospel is happening. That is, we are putting a new patch to the old cloth or pouring the new wine into old wineskins. The old garb and old wineskin of sin must be thrown away. We must put on the new garb of righteousness. We must pour the new wine of the grace of the Spirit into the renewed spirit. Imperative: All our spiritual practices and religious works will lose their meaning and purpose if they fail to foster our love for the Lord and transform our life for the better (REFLECTION 2 FROM 2021, 18 JANUARY) Focus: God is pleased, not so much with external offerings and spiritual activities, but with an obedient heart and a genuine life External spiritual activities and devotional practices are good and needed. They manifest our love for God and our loyalty to Him. They show how much we care for Him and are related to Him. They also help us to grow in our faith and closeness with God. Further, they also inspire, illumine, and strengthen us to change our life for the better and to live a renewed life in tune with our devotion and spirituality. In that way, no one can deny or reduce the importance of spiritual concerns. But, many times the problem with many is, there is no correspondence between the spiritual and actual life. One may be very fervent spiritually but indifferent toward others. One may praise and worship God actively, but may be very abusive and blame others. One may be very humble and submissive before God, but arrogant and domineering toward others. It is a shallow spirituality and a fake devotion. Jesus is always unhappy with such spirituality. It is this hypocrisy that Jesus reproaches in today’s gospel as well. This is exactly putting a new patch on an old cloth, putting new wine into old wineskins. Without changing the old cloth and wineskins of sin and evil, there is no use in putting on new patches and new wine. Our devotion is not a substitution for dedication. Our spirituality is not a mask for the lack of integrity. Therefore, what is most important in life and what really counts before God is not mere religious practices or offerings, but obedience to God's will and honesty in living. All our spiritual activities should be directed to abide close to the Lord and to renew life. The presence of the bridegroom is more important than all the other matters of marriage. A thorough renewal of life is more important than mere patchwork and temporary adjustments. Direction: The right and perfect spirituality is not merely a bundle of religious duties, but a humble obedience to God’s will, as Jesus did, though the Son of God himself (REFLECTION 3 FROM 2022, 17 JANUARY) Focus: Obedience to God’s will is more important than all the best of the plans, undertakings, and accomplishments 1. Presumption is a very strong force that often pressures us. Our intelligence, our competence, our resourcefulness easily make us presumptuous. Consequently, we attach too much importance to our judgment and decisions and cling to them. This often leads us to bypass the will and the plans of God and to even go against them. 2. This was the same sin of the presumption that misguided the Pharisees and scribes. They presumed that their mere observance of the laws and spiritual activities would appease God and bring them heaven. That is why they gave more importance to the rules and practices like fasting while they failed to grow closer to God. They fail to realise that the joy of the presence of the bridegroom is more important than the aloofness of fasting. They fail to realize that all our practices are ultimately meant to deepen our relationship with God. 3. Offerings and sacrifices without a humble and renewed heart are like the “new patches” on the old cloth and “new wine” into the old wineskins. The external religious practices must go together with an obedient heart and a changed life. What is needed is “new cloth” and “new wineskins” for the new wine of God’s grace. Direction: God wants a thorough renewal of the entire life and not mere patchwork. Interior purity and exterior propriety must be blended 17 JANUARY 2023: HEB 6. 10-20; MARK 2. 23-28 Thrust: All for good! Indicative: God is ever deeply concerned about us. He will never turn a deaf ear to pleas and problems. At the same time, He will also not take for granted our struggles and sacrifices for His sake 1. The disciples of Jesus pluck the grain and eat it on a Sabbath day. The Pharisees make a fuss about it and complain to Jesus that they are breaching the law. If we remember yesterday’s gospel passage, it is interesting to compare it with today’s. Yesterday. they blamed the disciple for not doing what is lawful (that is fasting). Today, they blame them for doing what is not lawful (working on Sabbath). 2. This shows their evil nature. Right or wrong is not a matter for them. They are ever on the watch to catch Jesus on the wrong foot. They fail on different counts. First, picking the grains is not equal to reaping which is unlawful. Second, they fail to see the need and hunger of the disciples. Third, they are so negative-minded and prejudiced and so they are quick and eager to find fault with Jesus and his disciples. Fourth, they fail to see the spiritual and moral authority of Jesus that surpasses any law. 3. Jesus puts things clearly and in place. The good of the human person is far more important than all the laws. In fact, all the laws are ultimately aimed at the well-being of humans. Any law that does not lead to good is of no use. When people give more importance to the rules and fail to do good to others, their fidelity to the law will not count but their failure in charity will be culpable. 4. Besides, God is the Lord of everything, and no law and nothing is above him. One cannot put control and condition on God also. The Pharisees and scribes were foolish to put restrictions on the Master who controls and rules over everything. 5. As the Master’s disciples, we are called to be clear of this priority of benevolence in our life. When we are committed to good, for sure we too will come across opposition from the modern Pharisees and scribes. We may be discouraged. We may feel it is a futile and lone battle. 6. But in the first reading, we are assured that “God is not unjust so as to overlook your good work and your love for his name in service”. We are also encouraged to continue to demonstrate the same eagerness. Imperative: At times, standing against the current, and the pressure of the false values will be very hard. But let us persevere in faith and patience because He who is faithful will “indeed bless you and multiply you”. (REFLECTION 2 FROM 2021, 19 JANUARY) Focus: There is no greater law and rule in life than the good and happiness of fellow human beings. A law that fails to do good is no good law Certainly, laws and rules are needed for the smooth running of any society. They provide order and direction. They check and control anti-social or selfish tendencies and acts. They guard against indiscipline and irresponsible freedom. A lawless society or person will be chaotic. Thus, every law is meant ultimately for the welfare and progress of human persons. Any law and rule that threatens the dignity and happiness of the person, and subverts and oppresses his life, is not good. Therefore, the value of every rule and regulation should be judged, only based on its usefulness. The true success of the law is not in a meticulous following of it, but in bringing progress and happiness. In simple, a law is good when it does good to the persons, and when it makes good persons. The heart of a rule is the rule of the heart. The true efficacy of a rule is the ability to look into the heart, to look at the need of the other. In the words of the letter to the Hebrews 6. 10-20, to be truly law-abiding is “not to be sluggish, but to serve others in all love and earnestness”. This is the perfect following of the law: to be steady “imitators of those who inherit the eternal promises, through faith and patience”. The whole fault of the Pharisees and scribes was failing to see and go beyond the letter to this spirit and purpose of the laws. For them, Sabbath was a law, and that must be followed at any cost, even at the cost of the good. Hence, they criticise Jesus’ disciples for breaking the Sabbath, instead of seeing their hunger. But, on the contrary, Jesus looks at the heart of the disciples. He sees their deeper simplicity of heart beyond the apparent violation of the Sabbath. He sees the need of their hunger beyond the heartless and uncharitable practice of the law of the Pharisees. Hence his famous attestation: “Sabbath for man, and not man for Sabbath”. Direction: Heart is more important than heartless reasoning. Good is more important than dry rule. Loving and helping others is more important than keeping the law (REFLECTION 3 FROM 2022, 18 JANUARY) Focus: Lack of depth and interiority often blur our perspective and vision; consequently we are deceived and misled by mere external factors and appearances 1. Human thinking and reasoning are good and needed, but cannot supersede divine wisdom and will. Often despite the heights of intelligence and capacities, people go wrong in their perception, decision, and action. The reason is they do not get into the deep of their heart and the matter; they do not interiorize. They do not listen and adhere to the promptings of the Spirit. They remain stuck only to the external layers and fail to go beneath and beyond them. 2. They think that they are using their reason and are reasonable. In fact, their reason is “clouded’. They are actually “prejudiced”. Consequently, they fail to see reality in its depth. This is why many even though well-educated and highly placed, are easily carried away by external and peripheral factors like caste, region, religion, language, culture, et cetera. 3. This is what differentiates God from humans. God states this clearly to Samuel, “the Lord sees not as man sees; man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart”. God looks at the heart and so is not conditioned by mere external factors. 4. In the gospel too, this contrast is seen between Jesus’ perspective and that of the Pharisees regarding his disciples. Jesus looks at the simple hearts and the hunger of his disciples beyond their apparent breach of the Sabbath. But the Pharisees look at the disciples with a negative eye because of their spiritless practice of law. Jesus makes it clear that all the rules are under God’s reign and control, and no rule is above him. Besides, all the rules are to be benevolent, that is, for the good of humans. Direction: The simplest test of the good quality of any law and practice is whether it is in submission to God’s authority and whether it leads to the good of others 18 JANUARY 2023: HEB 7. 1-3, 15-17; MARK 3. 1-6 Thrust: Do not be shrunk! Indicative: Righteousness and peace have become mirages today. Peace is destroyed because righteousness is discarded 1. In the first reading, the focus is on Melchizedek. His name is suggestive. It means righteousness. His place of the reign was also suggestive. He was the king of Salem and Salem means peace. There is no detail about his origin or ancestry. Thus, he is without the beginning and the end. As such, he resembles the Son of God, who is without beginning or end and king of righteousness and peace. 2. Jesus, the Son of God, is a priest forever, according to the order of Melchizedek. he reigns righteously and brings about peace. The whole purpose of Jesus’ incarnation and life is to establish righteousness and peace. 3. Preaching and healing are integral parts of his reign. They are not just two components of his mission. They are effective signs and testimonies of his very identity and mission. But sadly, the Pharisees and scribes fail to see him from this integral perspective. They look at him from an earth-bound view and so block him every time. Their whole lookout was to accuse him of anything and everything. 4. Today we have one such instance. They wait to see whether he would cure a man with a withered hand on a Sabbath day. Jesus does not “disappoint” them. No fear, no other force would deter him from doing good. 5. Jesus cures the man with the withered hand. He boldly challenges their wickedness with a crucial question: What is lawful on a Sabbath day – do good or evil, save life or destroy it? In fact, one could break the Sabbath rule when life is in danger. And as for them, there was no mighty hurry for that man to be cured. He could wait. But for Jesus, every act of good is urgent and an emergency! 6. Lamentable was the hardness of the Pharisees and scribes. The very healing that does good and saves life leads them to further hatred and plot to kill Jesus. Imperative: What an irony! Jesus does good but he meets evil. He saves life but he will be put to death. He follows the supreme law of love but he is condemned as the violator of the law. We need to heal our withered hearts! (REFLECTION 2 FROM 2021, 20 JANUARY) Focus: Life is meant to bloom and glow, to blossom and grow, to nourish itself, and to flourish in fruits. A withered life is a worthless life! Gospel of the day presents Jesus healing on a Sabbath a man with a withered hand. The Pharisees and scribes accuse him heavily of violating the Sabbath. They even begin to plot to kill him. Every occasion of preaching and healing turns into an occasion of confrontation and accusation and antagonisation. Now, what is wrong? Certainly, Jesus was not wrong, because he was doing no wrong. He did good, did only good, and did always good. For him, doing good always and everywhere is the greatest concern. No law, no force can condition it or restrict it. Therefore, the restrictions of the Sabbath law did not matter to him, since healing a withered hand was more beneficial and important. That is why, he poses a challenge, with the question, “Is it lawful on the Sabbath to do good or to do harm, to save life or kill?” But the Pharisees and the scribes have no such concern and no such perspective. They were blinded by their own self-righteousness. They were prejudiced against Jesus, because of jealousy and hostility. In fact, these were the real withered people, more than the man with a withered hand. They were withered because for them observing the law of the Sabbath is more important than doing good and saving a life. That is why the healing of the withered man by Jesus, leads them to plot to kill him. One who does not see God's hand and does not confide in His power is truly a withered person. Direction: Every perverted, arrogant, and evil-minded heart is the real withering. This is more deplorable than the external withering. (REFLECTION 3 FROM 2022, 19 JANUARY) Focus: Human strength and capacities can never overpower the all-surpassing power of God. For a while, they may appear to be overwhelming and overpowering, but their success and gain are short-lived and shallow 1. A heart that does not vibrate to the voice and grace of God, a heart that does not vibrate in sensitivity to the need of the other, a hand that does not extend itself to help the other, are truly withered. In the gospel, Jesus heals a man with a withered hand on a Sabbath day. As a result, the Pharisees and the scribes accuse Jesus of breaking the Sabbath law and begin to plot to kill him. This is truly absurd. They blame him because he did good. They want to kill him because he gave new life to the sick man. He receives only evil in return for his good. 2. And this is the irony: the man with a withered hand was only physically sick. But the Pharisees and the scribes were physically healthy; still, actually, they were the really withered people. They had withered hands because they did not stretch forth to help others. They had withered hearts because they did not feel sensitive and concerned toward the needy and suffering. Thus, while the man with a withered hand got completely healed, the Pharisees and scribes who were healthy become sick and withered. Direction: We need not feel so happy that we are physically so healthy. It is important to check and see whether we are sick of mind, heart, and soul. Withered hearts and hands are more dreadful than a withered hand! 19 JANUARY 2023: HEBREWS 7.25 – 8.6; MARK 3. 7-12 Thrust: Hear and come! Indicative: Jesus is our highest high priest who sympathises with us, atones for our sins, and saves us. Those who approach him will surely be made clean without reproach 1. Many claim today to be busy-bodies. They have too much to do. That may be true, though not all. Some pretend to be so. Some may be busy but not for the right things and with ulterior motives. For a good number, craving for cheap popularity and trying for self-glory are at peaks! 2. We wonder whether they want to spread God’s name or theirs. That is why we see a flex and cut-outs culture where their figure and power will overhaul Jesus and his power. Their so-called “testimonies” are at times disguises for boasting and ego-promotion. 3. It is against self-seeking drive even in spiritual circles, we have Jesus. He was the busiest and the most perfect and powerful. But he never sought cheap popularity. In fact, many times he warns those healed not to make him known. 4. Many hear about him and run to him. They press upon him to touch him so that they get cured. We can note two factors: positively, their eagerness to approach Jesus for healing. Negatively, their desire by and large for physical healing. 5. Those people can pose some simple questions to us. Hearing about Jesus, they flock to him. But how many of us hear about the Lord but don’t bother to approach him? Do we long to touch him, to experience personally his healing touch? And are we bothered only about physical healing and worldly interests? Are we interested in inner healing? Imperative: Jesus was totally committed to an unceasing mission of healing and transformation. He urges us to be tirelessly committed to the same mission of inner healing and liberation (REFLECTION 2 FROM 2021, 21 JANUARY) Focus: God is ever ready to touch us and heal us. He is eager to drive out our evil spirits and put in His Spirit. How much we are ready and willing to do? Down through the ages, God continues to intervene in the lives of humanity. The purpose is to liberate them, save them, and give them renewed dignity and joy. But at the appointed time, He incarnates His divinity in human form in the person of Jesus Christ. He is our unique and supreme High priest. Unlike the other high priests, he no more offers other ordinary sacrifices. Rather he offers his own self. He makes himself one among the sinners but separated from them. He is the high priest, holy, blameless, and unstained. This is the excellent ministry of his expiation for our purification and sanctification. This is concretely seen in Jesus’ ministry. Jesus sets himself on a relentless mission of healing and exorcism. The opposition, the jealousy, and the evil of the Pharisees and scribes do not deter him or discourage him. Unconditioned benevolence steers him on a path of immense good. If God is ceaselessly announcing His good news, healing, and exorcising, then why still many continue discomforted and misguided, sick and weak, evil-possessed and evil-driven? See the irony: even the evil spirits acknowledge Jesus as the Son of God, but the humans do not. As long as one does not see and accept one’s sickness and evil, as long as one does not feel the need for healing, and as long as one refuses to approach Jesus for his touch, one will not change and become better. God’s grace and power are abundantly available, but the openness and eagerness to respond and cooperate are lacking! Direction: Not realising, not accepting, and not diagnosing sickness is worse than the sickness itself. What is sad is preferring to be sick, throwing away the remedies of health! (REFLECTION 3 FROM 2022, 20 JANUARY) Focus: There is so much blindness of the heart that closes the eyes to the good a person is or does; often the problem is not the absence of good but the absence of the ability to see the good present 1. A vibrant Benevolence constantly ignites Jesus. Thereby he sets himself on a relentless mission of healing and exorcism. The benevolence of Jesus knew no bounds, no blocks. The persistent opposition of the Pharisees and scribes could in no way discourage or decrease his fervour. Passion for God’s will and compassion for the struggles of others lead him on an unstoppable march of healing and restoration. 2. Today as the followers of Christ, this is the same spirit that we must inherit and this is the same mission that we must carry on. It is the spirit of unconditioned benevolence. And it is the undaunted mission of liberation and integration. We too will confront numberless opposing forces and assaults. But we shall persevere! Direction: Hostility and problems may always confront us but nothing shall hinder us on our mission of benevolence. 20 JANUARY 2023: HEBREWS 8. 6-13; MARK 3. 13-19 (STS FABIAN AND SEBASTIAN) Thrust: A new covenant! Indicative: The old covenant is surpassed by the new covenant through the blood of Jesus Christ. God through His Son forgives our sins and establishes a new covenant 1. We are the people of the new covenant. Jesus is the mediator and establisher of this new covenant. The newness of this covenant stands out due to a few key components: it is no more written only on stone tablets. It is an interior inscription, written on hearts. 2. It is a covenant of profound belonging where God owns us up wholly, attesting, “I will be their God and they shall be my people”. It is a covenant of forgiveness as God assures, “I will forgive their evildoing and remember their sins no more”. 3. This new covenant becomes manifest and concrete in the life and mission of Jesus Christ, the incarnate Saviour. The faithful, the followers of Christ, and the Church are the new Israel, the new people of the new covenant. The Twelve apostles become the representatives of the twelve patriarchs of the twelve tribes of Israel. 4. The church continues. The new covenant continues. Jesus symbolises and embodies this in calling the Twelve and forming the core body of the people of God. Thus, he calls them, names them, appoints them, commissions them, and empowers them. 5. The purpose of this new covenant and mission is quite clear. It is twofold: to be with him as disciples, and to be sent out as apostles. The mission too is specified. It is twofold: to preach and to drive out unclean spirits. Sts Fabian and Sebastian whom we commemorate today lived up to their call and gifted their life as martyrs in fulfillment of this mission. Imperative: We need to always bear in mind that the purpose of our call is twofold: to be with him and to be on his mission. Therefore, let us learn to be authentic disciples and effective apostles (REFLECTION 2 FROM 2021, 22 JANUARY) Focus: Our relationship with God is not a matter of contract for a better transaction and profit, but is a covenant, built on fidelity and our integral benefit “Called and sent” – this simply is the whole essence of our vocation. We are specially and personally called by the Lord. We are identified and chosen by name. This shows that each one of us is unique and important to God. We are not just anyone among many. We are someone, special and close to the Lord. We are not just numbers or labels. We are persons, with particular names. A name is not a mere label or usage for practical convenience. It stands for a person’s identity and dignity. Therefore, in identifying and choosing his Twelve disciples by name, Jesus gives them their proper identity. They are no more what they were, identified by their lineage or profession. Rather, they are his disciples and apostles. They receive a new identity, a new dignity. They enter into a new realm of life, a new ambience of grace. This is exactly the new covenant that is spoken of in the letter to Hebrews 8. 6-13: “I will establish a new covenant with the house of Israel and the house of Judah… This is the new covenant… I will put my laws into their minds, and write them on their hearts, and I will be their God, and they shall be my people”. This new covenant is already set in motion in Jesus’ choice of the Twelve. They represent the new Israel. God through Jesus puts His laws into their minds, imprints them on their hearts, and makes them His own. But it does not stop there with them. Their call has a purpose and mission. The call of the Twelve is not only “to be with him” but also “to be sent on his mission”. The mission is nothing but to extend the same new covenant to all others, that is, to make all others the recipients, and participants of the new covenant. In other words, their mission is to imprint God’s laws on their hearts and make them God’s own people. This is carried out concretely by the twofold channels of preaching and healing. Direction: What do you and I belong to? Is it the new covenant of passion and fidelity, or the old covenant of sin and waywardness? (REFLECTION 3 FROM 2022, 21 JANUARY) Focus: Those who are on God's side are ever good and magnanimous and never intend evil for others. They resemble Him and continue His own mission of love 1. Magnanimity and fairness of dealing are the typical traits of a true disciple of Christ. In the gospel, we find Jesus choosing his twelve apostles, each by name. He personally calls each one by name to be with him and to be sent and set on his mission. We are not mere numbers or members of a crowd. Each one is significant and personal. 2. In simple, every disciple puts on the same nature of his master and acts as the master would act. God called us to be in intimacy with him and to do his work. Thus we become like him. We are not expected to work wonders or to create new domains. It is to enrobe ourselves with the same spirit and continue the same kingdom of love, justice, and peace. Direction: The more we are with the Lord, the more we will become like him. The more we are like him, the more we will make others like him and bring them to him 21 JANUARY 2023: HEBREWS 9. 2-3, 11-14; MARK 3. 20-21, ST AGNES Thrust: Out of mind! Indicative: Following the way of the Lord may make us go “out of the way” of the world. Putting on the mind of Christ may label us as “out of mind”. But it is worth it! 1. “He is out of mind”. The relatives of Jesus think that Jesus was out of his mind and forcefully take him home. The reasons are obvious. The crowds were enormous. There was no time even to eat. He was fully busy with the Father’s work, good to the people. So he was forgetful about himself. He did not seek his convenience, even the legitimate concern for food. 2. We need not see any wrong intention or disrespect on the part of his relatives. Perhaps they were just concerned and worried about the health of their brother. They could not understand this craziness that was clearly out of the way. 3. They just think, feel and act humanly. But they must realise that Jesus came on a definitive mission and the duration is prescribed and short. There is no time to waste or leisurely relax. Sense of urgency and fidelity to it is uppermost in his mind. In reference and preference to his fidelity to the mission, everything else will count as of no value. 4. In fact, his mission is in perfect symphony with his very identity and God’s will, and the very purpose of his coming. He comes down as the perfect tabernacle enshrining the presence of the Holy God. As the unique high priest, he offers his very self and blood as an unblemished offering. Thereby he cleanses our defiled spirits, reconciles us to God, and restores the lost access and intimacy with him. 5. St Agnes whom we commemorate today, at the young age of 12, chose to die rather than deny her faith in the Lord. The sole reason is she was “mad” for God! Imperative: As his disciples, we must not be scared and must be prepared to criticised and misinterpreted. It is better to be out of mind rather than to be “out of God’s mind”. It is better to be mad for God, rather than be mad without God (REFLECTION 2 FROM 2021, 23 JANUARY) Focus: Things may go wrong and may frighten and discourage us. But we never need to lose hope, because we have Jesus, the High priest who always pleads and works on our behalf In today’s gospel, we have an instance of a very typical human experience. Jesus is considered to be out of his senses! He is mad, possessed, out of his mind! Why? What makes the people think so? The obvious reason is: he is totally committed. He is so selfless. He does not think of himself, his comfort, his leisure, his privacy, or his free space and time. He is not organized, he is not planned, and he has no control over his time. He does not spend even a little time to be at home, with his relatives. He finds no time even to have his meals. He is not so systematic as to display a schedule of his available timings. He does not behave big and great, making the people search and wait for him. He is not like the popular figures who make the people feel his importance and greatness. He does not create a comfort zone and lives in it. He does not put on airs. He is not puffed up. He does not ride on his glory. In short, he is passionate and fully possessed by the Spirit of God. His only concern was God’s will and doing His mission. To do God’s will is his food and drink. This type of behaviour and living is totally out of the way, quite contrary to the normal and ordinary. He was a total contrast to others. He was a question mark, a prick of conscience, a thorn in the flesh, and a challenge to many others, who were comfort-seeking, self-confined, calculative, and mediocre. Therefore, it is quite natural that he was considered off the mind. In fact, this is the way good and committed people are often considered by the world. This is the price of commitment. What then is the remedy? The first reading from the letter to the Hebrews gives us the direction: Purify your conscience from dead works to serve the living God. Direction: Our life can become more meaningful and beautiful when we constantly lay open to the touch of Jesus to purify us from the worldly and lead us on the way of sanctification (REFLECTION 3 FROM 2022, 22 JANUARY) Focus: Those who are humble, honest, and committed are certainly different from the world. The world misunderstands and misjudges them only according to its perspective and standards 1. There is always a sharp contrast between the ways of God and the ways of the world. The ways of those who follow the Lord are not rightly understood or appreciated by those who follow the ways of the world. The reason is quite clear: Those who are on God’s side are in the light and truth. Their ways are just and fraternal. They are sincere and authentic. But those who are infected by the world are in the dark and falsity. They are unjust and uncharitable. They are dishonest and hypocritical. 2. This difference causes a big distaste and resentment against those who are godly. In consequence, they are misjudged and even criticised and labelled to be “out of their senses”. They are considered to be foolish, not shrewd and prudent enough, not tactical and clever. They are thought to be unrealistic, mad, and crazy. 3. These are different ways of self-defence and self-justification. The presence of sincerity pricks insincerity. The presence of altruism challenges egoism. The presence of patience and gentleness poses a question to anger and rudeness. The presence of authenticity exposes duplicity. Therefore, the only way is to put down those who are in the right and take away the credit for their virtue. 4. This is what happens in the case of Jesus in the gospel. He was thought to be “out of mind” by his relatives. It was because he was not fitting into their judgment modes. He was so selfless and committed that he would not bother even about his meals. This is really madness according to worldly calculations. Direction: Those who live “out of their heart” will certainly be regarded as “out of their mind”. It is because they are not led by mere senses or brains but by heart and spirit

2 nd SUNDAY OF THE YEAR A

15 JANUARY 2023, 2ND SUNDAY: ISAIAH 49. 3, 5-6; 1 COR 1. 1-3; JOHN 1. 29-34 Thrust: Experience and Witness! Indicative: We are called to see and experience God’s love personally and deeply. That experience should also lead us to bear witness to it 1. Today’s Word of God highlights and revolves around the theme of “Testimony”. In the first reading, the prophet bears testimony. In the second reading, Paul bears testimony. In the gospel, John the Baptist bears testimony. 2. The prophet testifies to his identity as God’s servant, Paul, as an apostle, and John the Baptist, as the baptiser and precursor of the Messiah. Accordingly, the prophet testifies to his mission to “bring back Israel, to raise up and restore them”. It is a mission of becoming a “light to the nations”, so that God’s salvation may reach to the ends of the earth. 3. Paul testifies to his mission as an apostle who helps and sustains the faithful in their being sanctified in Christ Jesus, in living their call to be holy, and in ensuring grace and peace from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. 4. John the Baptist testifies to his mission as a testimony to the identity of Jesus as the Son of God and the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world. He is the pre-existent one. He is the one, overshadowed and filled by the Holy Spirit. He would remain with the Holy Spirit and baptise all with the Holy Spirit. 5. This testimony is marked by conviction, deep humility, surrender, and commitment. None of these, that is neither the prophet nor the apostle nor the Baptiser was puffed up by the greatness of their vocation. The prophet was the mouthpiece of God; the apostle was the spiritual father and leader of the communities; and the Baptiser was the precursor to the Messiah. But they never put on airs. 6. Their life was an unfailing and unceasing act of surrender. Their only focus was doing God’s will. And for that sake, they would set aside and give up all their personal interests and plans. They would willingly accept and bear affliction and persecution. They were totally and unswervingly committed to the mission entrusted to them. 7. Today, the same identity is ours. The same mission is also ours. Our identity is being servants, prophets, spokesmen, apostles, spiritual fathers and leaders, and precursors with the same implications. Our mission in essence is to bear testimony, to testify to the Lord, that is his own identity and mission. Imperative: The living of our identity and mission becomes possible only by deepening our conviction and passion for the Lord (REFLECTION 2 FROM 2023, 03 JANUARY) Thrust: Know and Testify! Indicative: Those who know God and experience Him, will see Him. Those who see Him will become like Him. Those who become like Him will testify about Him 1. John the Baptist knows and proclaims Jesus as the "Lamb of God Who takes away the sins of the world". He sees him as the Son of God Who is come to save the world. And he bears witness to him as the Lord and Master. 2. Today, we too are specially called by God to become living testimonies for God. We need to personally know Him and see Him. We need to become "light to the nations", showing the Lord and leading many to Him. 3. Here we note that to know God is not merely intellectual. To see God is not merely perceptual or empirical. The world glorifies itself in its magnitude of knowledge. But the true and highest knowledge is to know God and the height of knowledge of God is to belong to him intimately. 4. Therefore, all such knowledge that is prone to alienate us from God, which is prone to sin and bears no testimony to God's love and power, is only empty knowledge and even evil and harmful. We can testify to the Lord effectively to the extent we ourselves personally and deeply know him and see him, and commit ourselves to show him to many and lead them to him. 5. It implies a profound personal familiarity and connectivity with God in terms of an intimate inseparable relationship. This makes us passionately rooted in God and unflinchingly loyal to Him. 6. This sets us to accompany others, to enlighten and guide them. This is further to lead them constantly to the same intimacy and relationship with the Lord. This mission and commitment do not stop with a mere personal closeness and relationship with God. 7. It also sets us on a journey of following God's ways and values. Concretely, it means to part with sin resolutely, to live righteously like God's children who know him, love him, and live his life, and to bear testimony to him, as did John the Baptist. Imperative: Let us not content and pride ourselves with a magnitude of knowledge but be intent and stride on the rectitude of life. The more we are with God and closer to Him, the more we will be like him.

10-11 JANUARY 2023

10 JANUARY 2023: HEBREWS 2. 5-12; MARK 1. 21-28 Thrust: Authority with a difference! Indicative: The authority of Jesus was something totally different from the rest. This must serve as a challenge and corrective for all against all spirit of deterioration 1. People of Jesus’ time marveled at his teaching because he taught with authority. It was a teaching that was straight and direct. It was not teaching that was rhetoric but authentic. It was not teaching seeking to impress others about himself but impress God’s message and word on their hearts. 2. From where does this authority come? It was an authority rooted in God in a deep spirituality, lived in a life of integrity, based on virtue and value, and shown concretely in benevolence through acts of healing and kindness. 3. Exorcism was a concrete instance of this authority. The cause of his authority is the Spirit and power of God. The effect is cleansing from evil spirits. Thus, Jesus’ authority leads to healing. This healing is not merely an individual act of healing. It is much beyond. It is an act of restoration. 4. What is restored? The lost dignity is restored. The lost freedom and inner liberation is restored. The lost grace is restored. The lost relationships are restored. The lost purity and cleanness of the heart is restored. The lost fraternal bonding is restored. The lost power of God is restored. 5. In other words, Jesus’ authority was an authority that was characterised by humility, obedience to God’s will, and solidarity with others. Any authority that is arrogant, does not obey God’s will, and fails to be concerned and solidary with others, is not a godly authority. 6. Today each one must check upon the quality and direction of our authority. Everyone, in their own way, be it in family, company, or community exercises some kind of authority. But the question is, is it a spiritual, integral, and benevolent authority? Imperative: In a world where there is a degeneration of power and authority, we are summoned to exercise and foster the authority of God and good (REFLECTION 2 FROM 2022, 11 JANUARY) Focus: In a time of degenerating authority, we need to rediscover and recapture the right spirit of authority and learn to exercise the same type 1. It is not a sweeping judgment to say that today authority is getting corrupted. It is becoming synonymous with manipulation, discrimination, and domination. The real spirit of authority which is nobility and dignity of character is corroding. The real purpose of authority which is service and benefit of others is sidelined. 2. It is in this context the word of God is resurging the true authority. True authority is to be seen in terms of spiritual tenacity, moral credibility, and authenticity of life. Jesus was totally united with his Father and spiritually vibrant. He was integral and credible. He was so authentic without any trace of duplicity. This was his real authority and not merely the divine power to work some miracles. This was the authority that made him different and distinct from others in authority. 3. Jesus’ authority was thus holistic, both in words and deeds. That is why he could teach and preach powerfully and also could heal and exorcise authoritatively. This type of authority is a serious warning and challenge to those in authority in our present times. 4. How sadly the authority of today is mostly devoid of spirituality, morality, and authenticity! How many today turn their authority into a tool for self-projection, self-promotion, and self-glory? How much does authority degenerate into a means for subjugating and overpowering others? Direction: Unless the present authority regains that lost touch of spiritual fervor and moral authenticity, it will not be powerful to demolish evil and establish good (REFLECTION 3 FROM 2021) Focus: Real authority is not a matter of some external power to dominate and subjugate others, but it is the experience and exercise of a deep interior and spiritual power People find Jesus different from their authorities - the scribes and Pharisees. What distinguishes him from them is his authority in his teaching and acting. But, it is not a formal or juridical authority that derives from a certain office or position. For, Jesus had no such power and authority. But he had tremendous spiritual authority and moral authority. It is an authority that is rooted in his communion with the Father. It is also an authority that blossoms and manifests itself in a sound character and conduct. It is this authority that gives his teaching conviction and clarity, and his acting the power of healing. It is the power of God that is seen in holiness and goodness, in spirituality and integrity, in faith and charity, in devotion and dedication. It is the power that challenges and expels evil powers. It is the power that changes one to God and impels and fosters spiritual energies. Precisely it is this power and authority that was lacking in the Pharisees and scribes but was abounding in Jesus. Hence the difference! It is this spiritual and moral authority that is badly needed today by every follower of Christ. A follower of Christ should be a deeply spiritual and moral person. All the more, those in authority must make sure that their role is not a power-wielding tool, but a grace-building channel. Direction: Preaching eloquently and healing evil spirits are not mere matters of special gifts of the Spirit but are to be marks of authenticity. Spiritual and moral authority is much more important than mere juridical authority 11 JANUARY 2023: HEBREWS 2. 14-18; MARK 1. 29-39 Thrust: Destroy evil! Indicative: God subjects himself to death and rises from it. Thereby he frees us from the clutches of sin 1. Jesus, the Son of God became like one of us. He suffered and was tested like us. Therefore he knows our weaknesses and struggles. He does not condemn us or despise us. He defeated the evil. He brought us freedom and life. 2. Jesus’ ministry is extensive and holistic. It is not limited only to his close ones, like Peter’s mother-in-law but all others in that town. It is not limited only to his place but extends also to other places in the whole of Galilee. 3. His ministry is holistic because it comprises both word and deed. He preaches and heals. It is holistic because it is rooted in his deep communion with the Father. He does not excuse himself from prayer or does not substitute prayer with work, like many. 4. No busyness of his ministry comes on the way of his intimate moments with the Father. Rather he finds time in the early morning. He perfectly integrates prayer with the ministry. Receiving Jesus’ message and healing touch, what must be our approach and response? 5. Peter’s mother-in-law gives us some lesson here. She receives Jesus’ nearness. She is grasped by hand by him. She is helped up. As soon as she gets cured, she begins to serve him. Do we also allow him to near us, touch us by hand, and help us up? Do we also serve him as we are cured? Imperative: Integrity of life and integration of mission are the hallmarks of Jesus. Can we imbibe a little of the same spirit as his torch-bearers? (REFLECTION 2 FROM 2022, 12 JANUARY) Focus: When we remain close to God, for sure God will touch and transform us; He will speak to us and empower us to be a prophet in His name, as He did with Samuel 1. This is the whole purpose and content of all our vocation and mission: To stay intimately with the Lord, to listen to him attentively, and to be a prophet of the Lord, set on his mission. This is what Jesus did. The gospel text of today places before us one day in the life of Jesus. This gives us a beautiful summary of all the days of his life. It was one whole of praying, preaching, and healing. These were the essential ingredients of his life and ministry. They were a perfect blend and never in conflict. 2. There was no neglecting one or excluding one because of the other two. They were complementing and supported each other. There was no conflict at all between his personal life and public ministry. One flows into the other. It was a mission-oriented life and life-permeated mission. 3. This harmonious life and mission of Jesus is a great lesson for today where often there is a great tug of war between life and ministry. Often, there is excellence in ministry but indifference, indulgence, and incongruence in life. There is so much activity in ministry but without authenticity in real life. Thus, often the spirit and fact do not correspond with each other. Thus, often there is so much neglect of prayer and moral values in preference to the bundles of activities of the ministry. Direction: Life and ministry are not contradictory but complementary. What we are and what we do must go together. Otherwise, people may appreciate us for the work we do but blame us for the life we live (REFLECTION 3 FROM 2021) Focus: God became one of us and one like us in every respect except sin so that he knows our fragility and struggle and comes to our rescue Being deeply sensitive to our misery of bondage, God sends His Son to be like us, to make expiation for our sins. He is able to help us because he himself has suffered and been tempted. The whole ministry of Jesus shows this divine sensitivity and solidarity toward the suffering humanity. He preaches the good news, offering comfort and hope to the downcast. He heals the sick. He liberates those in bondage by driving out demons. He cures Peter's mother-in-law of her fever and cures many of their infirmities. Receiving the gospel and the healing from the Lord, what next? What are our responses and duty? When touched and cured by the Lord, we need to share it with others and serve them. This is what Peter's mother-in-law did and those who got healed by Jesus. The world of today needs so much the gospel of comfort and hope. It stands in need of liberation from many oppressing forces. It needs healing from many contagions. The world needs rediscovery, restoration, and re-integration of the lost energies and the lost beauty and joy of life. Only that is the real effect of Jesus' redemptive mission. Direction: It is not enough that we listen to God's call and are healed but we need to immediately share the same with others in constant sensitivity and service.

BAPTISM OF THE LORD

09 – 14 JANUARY 2023: HOLY MASS REFLECTIONS 09 JANUARY 2023: BAPTISM OF THE LORD: ISAIAH 42. 1-4, 6-7; ACTS 10. 34-38; MATTHEW 3. 13-17 Thrust: Chosen and committed! Indicative: The feast of the Baptism of the Lord indicates on one hand his commitment to the mission of our salvation and on the other hand our own commitment to live our baptismal consecration 1. Today Jesus is baptised. It is not a mere traditional ritual. It is symbolic. It symbolizes three essential aspects: the purification of sins; Insertion into the chosen fold; and initiation into the mission of repentance and conversion. 2. “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased”. Firstly, this indicates and confirms Jesus’ identity. Secondly, it indicates the kind of relationship with his Father. He is the beloved Son of the Father. There is an intimate and pleasant relationship between them. 3. All the above-mentioned 3 aspects are clear in Jesus’ baptism. Though sinless, he allows himself to be baptized. Thereby he symbolises our own purification. In our place, he humbles himself, to be counted one among us, the sinful lot. Thus, his baptism shows the utmost need for our purification, the cleansing from sin. 4. His baptism shows that he inserts himself in the chosen fold of God’s people. His baptism incorporates him into our human family. He makes himself a willing sharer in our human reality, especially our sin-infection and the struggle for liberation from it. 5. His baptism is the starting point, the launching pad for his mission. His getting into the water for baptism is getting into the waters of the mission. His being baptized is being sent on the mission of cleansing by repentance and conversion. The voice from heaven affirming Jesus’ belonging to the Father is conferring His Spirit for the God-sent mission. 6. All that is spoken in the first reading and the second very much apply to him. Jesus Christ is the chosen one, well-pleasing to God. God is with him. He is anointed with the Spirit and power. His mission is a mission of justice. There is no partiality but fairness and equity. It is a mission of being a Covenant of the Lord, Light, and Restoration of sight to the blind and freedom to the prisoners and captives. 7. Baptism of the Lord also reminds us of our own vocation and mission. it makes us aware of what we are ad what we are to do. We are chosen. He formed us. He grasped us by the hand. He upholds us. He puts His Spirit upon us. Such is our closeness. 8. But that does not stop or end there. All this is directed to a mission. We are set as a covenant. We are appointed as a light for the nations. We are sent to liberate the people from their different enslavements. Thus all this is to establish the reign of Justice and Liberation. Imperative: We need to live our baptism. It is not merely to recollect the ritual. It is to re-live our baptismal consecration, that is to repent, be converted and to transform many others (REFLECTION 2) The Baptism of the Lord outlines four aspects: A. Indicates the radical mission of Jesus B. Such a mission is rooted in his communion with the Father C. Initiates his mission D. Reminds our own baptismal consecration and mission 1. The event of the baptism of Jesus indicates his “radical mission”, which is a mission of salvation or redemption. Originally, in the Biblical context, savior or redeemer connotes the idea of one who acts on behalf of or in favour of someone in slavery or in debt, or who is a victim of injustice. Accordingly, a redeemer renders justice by winning over the opponent, or relieving or liberating, by a ransom. In fact, the English term “redeem” evidently means to “make one deemed again”, or to restore the lost dignity. Thus, Jesus undertakes this mission of salvation or redemption from a situation of misery and bondage. 2. So, Jesus’ mission implies an unending story of God’s mercy and compassion toward humanity, which is a victim and slave of sin. It implies his condescending forgiveness of their sins. Further, it also indicates their liberation. This is done through his identification with them, his solidarity with them, and his expiation for them by self-immolation. 3. Now, how this mission is denoted by his baptism? Baptism was needed for those who are beset by sin, who need conversion, forgiveness, and purification. But, Jesus, the Son of God, did not need to be baptised, because he is sinless. But still, he allows himself to be baptised because he keeps himself in our place, he carries our burden of sin, he shares our human weakness, and he gets into solidarity with us in our human situation of fragility. 4. His baptism confirms his communion with the Father, in which his mission is rooted. The obvious signs and testimonies of this communion are: the descent of the Holy Spirit, and the attestation of the Father from heaven, “You are my Son, in whom I am well pleased”. 5. Jesus’ baptism initiates his “concrete mission”, which manifests itself in preaching and healing. This is a holistic mission, viz. of heart, word, and deed, namely, conversion of heart, announcing the good news in word, and healing in deed. His baptism marks the beginning of his ministry. So, on receiving baptism, Jesus immediately plunges into his relentless Kingdom-mission. 6. Jesus’ baptism reminds us of our own baptism and challenges us to renew and live our baptismal consecration. Our baptism is not merely a ritual or a tradition. It is an insertion into the very life of Jesus. It is incorporation into the mystical body of Christ, the community of the Church. It is an imitation and resemblance of Christ. It is consecration to God. This can imply four aspects: We belong to God; we are totally owned/possessed by God; we remain loyal to God and His kingdom; we bear witness to Jesus and his values, through sharing in his own mission 7. What does the baptism of Jesus mean for us today? Is it only a commemoration of a past event in the life of Jesus or the history of the church? Is it only an instance that marks the start of Jesus’ mission? How does this feast summon us to “be daily baptised”, i.e. be charged and animated by the Holy Spirit and fire? How do we constantly strive to grow into the person and life of our Master? How do we grow into spiritual and fraternal communion with the community of the Church? How are we loyal and committed partakers and perpetuators of the same mission of Jesus, which is liberation and integration?

EPIPHANY OF THE LORD 2023

EPIPHANY 2023, 08 JANUARY: ISAIAH 60. 1-6; EPH 3. 2-3a; MATTHEW 2. 1-12 Thrust: God reveals! Indicative: God revealed Himself in many different ways in course of history. But when the fullness of time had come, He had revealed Himself in and through His own Son, Jesus Christ 1. Today we celebrate the Solemnity of the Epiphany of the Lord. Epiphany comes from the Greek word that means “to reveal”. It is the day of God’s revelation. In fact, on the day of Christmas itself, God reveals Himself in His Incarnate Son as the Saviour. But Epiphany marks a special and unique day of God’s revelation. It is on that day the three kings or magi or wise men from the East come and pay homage to him. Thus, God reveals and manifests His divine glory to the whole universe symbolised by the three magi. 2. Epiphany as God’s revelation indicates that God’s salvation through the Incarnation of His Son is open to all. It does not exclude or discriminate against anyone. Though He is born in a particular place and at a particular time, His grace is not limited or conditioned, or restricted. 3. In this sense, Epiphany is a strong caution against all the exclusive, discriminatory and sectarian tendencies and attempts to promote and perpetuate divisions and discriminations, hatred, and hostility, in the name of God and religion. God is not a “private property” of anyone. His grace is for all. His revelation and manifestation cannot be “domesticated” or “barricaded”. Religion is not a prohibited territory where God is safely protected or bound! 4. Thus, Epiphany is a clarion call against all senseless religious fanaticism, and communal violence. It is absurd that some frenzy and highly inflated people claim themselves to be “religious” and act irreligiously. They degenerate into inhuman cruelty inflicting untold violence on others. They install themselves as self-appointed and self-proclaimed ‘saviours’ and ‘protectors’ of God Himself. Who makes them petty “gods” over God Himself? 5. In fact, God’s revelation has not yet reached and touched these people. In the name of disclosing God to others, they are only closing God’s grace. These are exactly like king Herod in the gospel. When he hears about the birth of the Messiah, he is disturbed and agitated. He regards the newborn king of hearts as a threat to his throne. He plots evil to terminate the incarnate God. 6. In contrast, today this celebration of Epiphany invites us to think and act like the three magi. They were truly wise. They see in him the Saviour and Liberator of the world. They long to encounter him personally. They use human resources like intelligence, knowledge, scriptures, astronomy, et cetera to discern and discover his presence. 7. Their spirit of yearning, search, and determination is such that they undertake a challenging journey. They are also docile to accept God’s “special assistance” in the form of a star. God’s ways are so caring that the star guides them to the incarnate Saviour. Commendable is their humility and surrender that they kneel before the Lord and pay homage to him. 8. Their human effort was richly rewarded. They could encounter the Saviour of the world. It was a rare grace and privilege that was not granted to many around him itself. Imperative: Like the three wise men, we are also called to constantly journey toward God in a spirit of search and surrender. Only such a spirit would lead us to a personal encounter and loyalty to God (REFLECTION 2) 1. Epiphany means “manifestation”. The Festivity of Epiphany, also popularly known as the Feast of three Kings (Melchior, Caspar, and Balthazar), celebrates the revelation of God in His Son as human in Jesus Christ. The six Sundays which follow Epiphany are known as the time of manifestation. 2. God reveals His Son already to Mary and Joseph and the shepherds. But that manifestation is not limited only to them, or only to those moments, or confined only to Bethlehem. Thus God born in a manger manifests Himself to the three kings or wise men from far. 3. God who is beyond all space and time, God whom no space or time can confine or contain, Himself traversed from heaven to earth, not for a tiny place or for a short moment. His grace and salvation are universal, for all, for all times. Salvation embraces all and always. While Incarnation is the first instance of divine manifestation, the visitation of the three kings becomes the second instance of divine manifestation. 4. This is the first point to understand and believe on the day of Epiphany: God’s grace is unconditioned. It has no boundaries or discriminations. His grace is open and manifested to all. How unfortunate it is that some try to put blocks or restrictions even to God’s grace and salvation! What an irony it is, that we who are limited, try to limit the limitless grace of God! How often many try to choke, suffocate and stifle God’s grace, owing to money, power, position, status, and prestige! 5. As God manifests His plan of salvation, in His Son, He awaits a response from the human part. The three kings by their visit, respond to this manifestation. This visit as a response is marked by some essential features: 1) They earnestly obtain knowledge about him - his birth, his location, his nature, through all available sources, like science and scriptures 2) They yearn profoundly to see him directly 3) They set out on an engaging journey in search of him 4) They trust and rely on help from above, in the form of a star 5) They allow themselves to be guided by the star 6) They travel far and difficult 7) They reach the Saviour 8) They humble themselves before the mighty God, in surrender and adoration 9) They offer gifts, symbolic of his nature – Gold, representing Jesus’ royal standing (royalty), Frankincense, his divine birth (divinity), and Myrrh, his mortality (humanity) 6. Today, for us, who celebrate this Feast, the message and the invitation are too clear: First of all, be convinced of the all-embrace of God’s grace. Never put boundaries to grace, neither for self nor for others. “The wind blows where it wills”. God wants to grace to all. And everyone needs God’s grace and salvation. Grace cannot be discriminated against or manipulated, on the basis of human divisions or calculations, or prejudices. We have to go beyond the barriers of space and time, to meet the Lord who is beyond space and time. We have to enlarge our mental horizons to receive the salvation which is for all. 7. Then, follow the example of the three kings, and travel the same route of responding to God’s epiphany and encountering Him. Some simple reflections and questions: 1) How much do we try to know about Him, gaining more knowledge and familiarity, through science and scripture, through many sources that are readily available at our disposal? How little is the interest and knowledge of God, in contrast to the immense interest and knowledge of the secular world? 2) How shallow and thin-layered is our desire and longing to see Him directly and personally? Often it is due to a lack of motivation that we fail to see and experience Him. As long as we are bound by indifference and tepidity, we cannot go beyond our self-bounds to the unbounded Lord who abounds in love and mercy. 3) Do we set out constantly in search of Him to find Him? Are we consistent and persistent in our efforts to discover His will, and His plans, in action for our good? 4) Are we too confident, over-reliant, and complacent, on account of our own human capacities and worldly resources, that we neglect to rely on the help and “signs from above” – the star? 5) Are we humble and docile enough to allow ourselves to be guided by God’s signs and ways? 6) How is our journey of faith and charity? Are we ready, prepared, and persevering to continue our travel, though far and difficult? 7) How many occasions and experiences can we really count, to acclaim sincerely that we reached the Saviour, that we are in his presence, that we encounter him? 8) How often our pride and arrogance makes us “stiff and erect” that we are not able to bend before the Lord in surrender and adoration? True adoration is not so much a bowed head, but a bent heart, not a lowered body, but a humble spirit. 9) What are our gifts to the Lord? – Is it the Gold of our loyalty to his royalty? Is it the Frankincense of our surrender to his divinity? Is it the Myrrh of our amiability before the ineffable affability of his humanity?

2-7 th January 2023

02 – 07 JANUARY 2023: HOLY MASS REFLECTIONS 02 JANUARY 2023, 1 Jn 2. 22-28; Jn 1. 19-28 Thrust: Humility and Honesty! Indicative: The world will always try in different ways to deceive us and deviate us from God and truth. In such a context, let us be convinced that as long as we remain in God, nothing can deceive us. 1. We live in a world that is prone to lie, falsity and wrong. It is resentful and resistant toward truth and right. It constantly assails us and allures us with many temptations. They try to deceive and detract us in subtle and disguised ways. Often the temptation for ego- projection, and self-glory is very strong. 2. This is what confronted John the Baptist as well. There was a clear alluring possibility to present himself as the awaited Messiah. The people were already impressed by him and were quite disposed to accept him as the Messiah. Thus it was a bright prospect for him to enjoy cheap popularity. 3. But he resists and overcomes this bait for self-glory. He stands before us as a noble example of humility and honesty. In all honesty and humility, he denies such presumptions and truthfully confirms his role as the messenger and precursor who announces and prepares the way of the Lord. He identifies himself as the mere voice of a messenger in the desert. He confesses that he is not worthy to untie the sandal strap of the Messiah. 4. What a difference and example! Usually, many desperately seek recognition and popularity. They will try every possible means even false and wrong to become and stay popular. But here is one who is riding on popularity but who is humble, honest, and courageous enough to deny the false identities and present his real identity. 5. Even though he knows that he may lose his fame and importance, he discards the false garbs. It is because he is clear and convinced that being truthful is more important than being important. Believe in the truth, abide in him and do what is right - this is the simple route to a faithful life. This was his identity and mission! Imperative: What is really important is to be truthful and faithful, and this is possible only by being humble and docile. This is the only and the right way of being great and important 03 JANUARY 2023: 1 JOHN 2.29 – 3.6; JOHN 1. 29-34 Thrust: Know and Testify! Indicative: Those who know God and experience Him, will see Him. Those who see Him will become like Him. Those who become like Him will testify about Him 1. John the Baptist knows and proclaims Jesus as the "Lamb of God Who takes away the sins of the world". He sees him as the Son of God Who is come to save the world. And he bears witness to him as the Lord and Master. 2. Today, we too are specially called by God to become living testimonies for God. We need to personally know Him and see Him. We need to become "light to the nations", showing the Lord and leading many to Him. 3. Here we note that to know God is not merely intellectual. To see God is not merely perceptual or empirical. The world glorifies itself in its magnitude of knowledge. But the true and highest knowledge is to know God and the height of knowledge of God is to belong to him intimately. 4. Therefore, all such knowledge that is prone to alienate us from God, which is prone to sin and bears no testimony to God's love and power, is only empty knowledge and even evil and harmful. We can testify to the Lord effectively to the extent we ourselves personally and deeply know him and see him, and commit ourselves to show him to many and lead them to him. 5. It implies a profound personal familiarity and connectivity with God in terms of an intimate inseparable relationship. This makes us passionately rooted in God and unflinchingly loyal to Him. 6. This sets us to accompany others, to enlighten and guide them. This is further to lead them constantly to the same intimacy and relationship with the Lord. This mission and commitment do not stop with a mere personal closeness and relationship with God. 7. It also sets us on a journey of following God's ways and values. Concretely, it means to part with sin resolutely, to live righteously like God's children who know him, love him, and live his life, and to bear testimony to him, as did John the Baptist. Imperative: Let us not content and pride ourselves with a magnitude of knowledge but be intent and stride on the rectitude of life. The more we are with God and closer to Him, the more we will be like him. 04 JANUARY 2023: 1 JOHN 3. 7-10; JOHN 1. 35-42 Thrust: What are you Looking for? Indicative: There is a frantic search in the life of many. But many are not clear and sure of what they are searching for. We need a searching and attentive spirit to discover God's presence. 1. John the Baptist knew Jesus to be the Lamb of God that carries the whole burden of sin in humanity. Accordingly, he directs the attention of two of his disciples to Jesus. Here in him, we see a true leader and guide. He could dispossess even his own followers. He does not keep his followers vehemently as his own possession but rightfully guides them to the greatest source of life. 2. Immediately, the two disciples leave him and follow Jesus. It is not an act of instability or defection in disloyalty, as found abundantly in today's many followers. Rather, it shows their spirit of search for what is true and higher. 3. They were not such followers who blindly cling to John the Baptist. They would also not easily desert their loyalty with self-interested calculations. They just want to discover personally who is Jesus. They have the openness and eagerness to set themselves in search of him. 4. They stay with him and experience him. They discover something profound. They discover the Messiah in Jesus. Their search was meaningful and successful. They found what they were searching for. In fact, they find more than what they wanted to find. 5. They wanted to know where Jesus was staying. But they experience the person with whom they stayed. It is more than a discovery of a place or the whereabouts of a great man. This is a deeper transition and journey. Their experience goes beyond the place to the person. 6. Still, they do not stop there. Those who truly and personally experience Jesus cannot but share it with others. They share the same experience with others and bring them also to Jesus. Andrew brings his brother Peter also to the Lord. Imperative: True loyalty is never a blind adherence to anything lower and false but a willing search and commitment to the higher and the true. For a follower of Christ, the highest discovery is the Lord himself (REFLECTION 2 FROM 2021, 17 JANUARY) Progression of the journey of discipleship. There is a clear progression and maturation in Andrew’s discipleship. 1. (Verse 35): “Already placed in an initial situation of discipleship”: Andrew was already introduced to the way of discipleship, by having been a disciple of John the Baptist. He was being taught and guided in the conditions and principles of discipleship by John the Baptist. Similarly, a disciple need not always directly and immediately encounter Jesus, know him and follow him. He may be gradually led to Jesus. Discipleship is a progressive ascent, and one should not unduly desire sudden growth and full-scale following. 2. (Verses 36-37): “Led by others, led to Jesus”: At the sight of Jesus passing by, John the Baptist declares, “Look, the Lamb of God!” This is both a simple vocative address of an invitation to draw attention to Jesus and is also a confirmation of Jesus’ identity as the Lamb of God, who carries upon himself the burden of the sins of humanity, in their place and on their behalf. Therefore, an initial disciple is to fix his attention on Jesus who is the Lamb of God. John the Baptist, himself a noble disciple who walks the way of the Lord, like a true disciple does not let the focus fixed on him; rather he shifts the attention of his disciples toward Jesus. This is the nature and the duty of a good disciple: never keeping himself as the centre of attraction or point of focus but with all self-detachment, lead all to Jesus, the real centre and goal of focus. Andrew too like a good well-disposed disciple, he “hears” the attestation of John the Baptist, “looks at Jesus” as asked by the Baptist, and “followed Jesus”. In his discipleship, a disciple may need many to show him Jesus, teach the truth about him, and to lead him to Jesus. There is nothing wrong to take the mediation, guidance, and help of others in his knowing and getting closer to Jesus. At times it can happen that some initial disciples, in their self-complacency refuse to seek and accept the help of others, and at times even may not admit that they were helped by others in their following Jesus. However, this initial following is imperfect because still there is not yet any personal knowledge, experience, intimacy, and commitment to Jesus. This is more a setting on the journey of discipleship in the spirit of searching to know the Lord personally. It is a search for a deeper way of discipleship. 3. (Verse 38): “A spirit of searching to know where the Master stays”: Seeing the two disciples following him, Jesus asks them, “What are you looking for?” and they answer, “Where are you staying?” Jesus’ question and their question in answer indicate the true spirit of discipleship. A true disciple should be constantly in search, looking for the Master. When a disciple ceases to search and to explore, he ceases to progress and mature in his journey. Andrew and the other disciple were not sure and clear of Jesus’ abode, but they were clear and sure of one thing: they wanted to know it. The desire to know where Jesus stayed was not a mere matter of a location, a place of his stay. It is rather indicative of his life situation. Therefore, the question of the disciples was rather a question to see at first hand the life condition, and the ambience of Jesus’ way of life. How many disciples of today really know what they are looking for? First of all, is there that motivation, that spirit of search to know the Lord from close? How many disciples are really interested to get more and more familiar with the way of life of Jesus? Is it not true that the way some of the present disciples live, without sense of purpose and direction, as if they are groping in the dark, shows that they do not really know what and who they are following? 4. (Verse 39): “Go, see and stay with Jesus”: Jesus’ answer to the disciples’ query about his place of stay was, “Come and see”. As an instant response, they go, they see where he stayed and stayed with him. This is a fundamental requirement for any disciple’s progress in following Jesus. They should constantly hearken to the call of Jesus, “come and see”. One who goes and sees where Jesus is, cannot but stay with him. Every day, a disciple of Jesus must go to Jesus, see him intimately, and spend time with him. He must personally experience Jesus. He must share the same life situation of Jesus. It is not a picnic for site-seeing. It is an invitation for a personal encounter and communion. How many pay heed to the ceaseless invitation of Jesus, “come and see”? How sad it is that this invitation is totally drained of its essential content and unceasing call, and is reduced only to the initial stages of formation, the so-called “come and see” program and stage? After that stage, where do the disciples go and what do they see? Is staying in the formation house, or in the parish or convent, or for that matter even a family, really a staying with Jesus? Speaking in terms of regularity to the church-going or fidelity to prayer and spiritual devotions, how many followers of Jesus bother to go to the church, stay a while in the intimate presence of Jesus and participate in the spiritual moments of Word and Sacrament? 5. (Verse 41): “Finding the Messiah, the Christ”: Having gone, seen and stayed with Jesus, Andrew declares to Simon Peter, his brother, “We have found the Messiah”. He experienced something profound and personal. Closeness with Jesus touched him. He was deeply affected by the person and life of Jesus. He could not keep it for himself. The power of Jesus’ experience was so overwhelming that he could not but share it with others. He would not wait or delay for long. That is why “early the next morning”, he found his brother and confessed to him his personal discovery. A disciple’s being with Jesus must lead him to a personal discovery of the Lord as the Saviour. It should deepen his knowledge and conviction about the Master. Years and years of frequenting the church or participating in different sacraments, and hours and hours of staying with the Lord, bundles, and bundles of prayers and spiritual activities – whether all these have led us to find the Lord? Why is it that still many disciples are living lives which are clearly untouched by the Saviour, as if they have not yet met Christ, as if they are still strangers to him? How many disciples today can honestly and confidently say, “We have found the Messiah”? 6. (Verse 42): Following Jesus personally and leading others too to Jesus”: Andrew “brought Simon” as well to Jesus. A true disciple who follows Jesus is not content with his own following the Lord, but in zealous to bring others as well to Jesus to follow him. Discipleship is a discovery of the immense treasure of the Lord but is not limited only to the individual. The personal communion with the Lord is so intensive that it becomes so extensive, striving passionately to extend the embrace of the Lord far and wide, to one and many. There is something basically wrong when the devotion or the spiritual fervour of a disciple becomes more of a private enterprise and does not seek to include and extend to others. A disciple who cares only to maintain and promote himself as a disciple and does not feel concerned to lead others and help them grow in their spiritual journey is rather dubious. In fact, this is the last mission mandate of Jesus at his departure from the earth: “Go therefore and make disciples from all nations” (Mt 28. 19). How many disciples of the Lord today bring others closer to Jesus? Whether they are leading others to the Lord or misleading them away from the Lord? 05 JANUARY 2023: 1 JOHN 3. 11-21; JOHN 1. 43-51 Thrust: Love and Live! Indicative: Those who love, live by God’s own life. Love is life-giving and life-saving. Hatred is life-destroying. Therefore those who hate, do not live in God and they are dead 1. Jesus calls Philip, “Follow me”, and he follows him. The following of Jesus is like a burning fire that spreads its heat to others also. So Philip finds Nathanael and shares with him that he had found the Messiah, awaited and foretold by the prophets. It is Jesus of Nazareth. 2. Nathanael does not hide his apprehension, stating, “Can anything good come from Nazareth?” Still, at the invitation of Philip, “Come and see”, he proceeds to meet Jesus. Here we can appreciate openness of Nathanael. He is not clung to or closed within his preconceived idea about the Messiah. 3. This is already an essential ingredient of faith. Such openness can come only from a heart without duplicity and guile. At the encounter with Jesus, this is the compliment he receives from Jesus, “Here is a child of Israel in whom there is no malice”. Indeed, the biggest and the best compliment that one can receive and that too from Jesus. 4. The encounter is not a casual meeting. It becomes transformative. Nathanael confesses his total faith in Jesus, saying, “Rabbi, you are the Son of God; you are the King of Israel”. He too becomes a disciple of Christ. 5. Encounter with Jesus and personal experience of him cannot but transform the person. For that transformation, a guileless heart becomes a pre-requisite. And loving others becomes the effect and fruit of it. This is a quite valid process and journey. 6. In love, Jesus died for our sake and gave us life. Therefore, whoever believes and loves Jesus will certainly have his life. This life will manifest itself in sharing the same love and life with others. One cannot love Jesus and live in him but remain without loving others. Those who hate others are destroying the life of Christ and thus they become murderers. Imperative: The beauty of Christian faith and devotion is that it necessarily leads to charity and dedication concerning others. In fact, love for others becomes even the proof and testimony of faith in Christ. 06 JANUARY 2023: 1 JOHN 5. 5-13; LUKE 3. 23-38 Thrust: God in history! Indicative: God becomes man. He is born into our human history. He shares in our human lineage. Thereby, his divinity is humanised and our humanity is divinised 1. God gives us eternal life and this life is in His Son. Whoever believes and abides in the Son will obtain this life. To give us this life, the Son shares our human life becoming one of us. The eternal God takes upon himself the temporary human flesh. He inserts himself into our human history. He becomes part of a genealogy, narrated painstakingly in today’s gospel of Luke. 2. The detailed listing of the genealogy is an authentic indicative of God’s condescending love for us and His eternal plan of salvation through the incarnation of His only Son. This is an essential tenet of faith to believe in: that the Son of God has incarnated himself as Jesus of Nazareth in the human womb of the virgin Mary. 3. This is something so great and worth-rejoicing. Just imagine that God Himself is born as one of us! Thereby our sin-tainted humanity is certainly elevated. This exaltation takes place already at incarnation itself and thereafter during his life struggle. And at the end of his earthly life reaches its climax and peak in the sacrifice on the cross and the victorious resurrection. 4. As John attests in the first reading, God Himself bears testimony to this truth. Wherever God steps in, it gets transformed. God enters our human history and so it becomes sacred and salvation history. He comes and walks on the earth and it becomes a pilgrim land and abode. He puts on human flesh and nature and they become divinised. 5. The genealogy shows the divine encounter with the human. His sharing in our humanity is not a limitation or restriction on the infinitude of his divinity. Rather, it can be seen as an explicit explication of perfection. He shares that very humanity that he himself has created. The very fact that he subjects himself to time and space is not again an imperfection. Rather, it shows his perfection to make himself part of the imperfection without losing his intrinsic perfection. 6. The variety of names in the genealogy is composed of persons with their own inadequacies. This again shows us that in God’s eternal plan, nothing is despicable or discriminated. Though as a human, he may be confined to a place and time. But as the incarnate Saviour, he is not bound by any category because his salvation is for all. Imperative: We are destined for the life in eternity. We have access to this through the incarnation of the Son of God. And we will possess this life when we believe him and live in him 07 JANUARY 2023: 1 JOHN 5. 14-21; JOHN 2. 1-11 Thrust: God hears! Indicative: We are living in a world that is predominantly under the power of evil. For sure we will be attacked and disturbed. But as long as we belong to God and adhere to Him, evil shall not strike us down 1. In the gospel, we have the miracle of the wedding in Cana. When the wine ran short, Jesus intervenes at the mediation of the Mother Mary and changes water into wine. As we are just at the beginning of the New Year, this miracle can be a great assurance and comfort in our journey in the new year. 2. Four aspects can be highlighted: our own life situation; the power of Mary’s intercession and mediation; Jesus’ intervention and transformation and our response and cooperation to God’s action. 3. The wedding at Cana is very symbolic of our own life situation. We too come across similar experiences. There will be moments of scarcity and lack. Our resources will run out. Our efforts will fall short. There will be pressing situations of fear, problem, uncertainty, failure and disgrace, shame and dishonor. 4. In such situations, Mary comes to our rescue. There is a sense of sensitivity, solidarity, and remedy toward the wedding family. She senses their problem even without being told. She anticipates their need even before being requested. She becomes one with them. She feels their difficulty. She takes the initiative to remedy their problem-situation. 5. She turns to Jesus. She recommends and pleads on their behalf. She has the freedom, confidence, and intimacy to approach her beloved Son. She does not seek self-recognition. She is not attention-seeking. Rather, she turns everyone’s attention to Jesus. She directs the servants to do what the Lord tells them to do. 6. The power of her intercession and mediation is great. Jesus loves her and respects her. So he does not reject her request. He anticipates his “hour” just for her sake. He intervenes in their desperate situation. He changes water into wine. It is not just a miraculous happening. There is Restoration and transformation. Honour and dignity are restored. Scarcity is replaced by Abundance. There is a solution in the place of the problem. Fear and uncertainty turn into confidence and assurance. Failure is changed into success. 7. There is also something to be done on our part. We need to “fill the jars with water to the brim”. This is highly suggestive. The jars with water stand for our life with their human capacities, resources, and efforts. God is certainly willing to intervene and transform our life situations. But he wants our human cooperation. That too, he wants to the brim, in full measures. He wants us to cooperate with His grace to the best and the maximum. Imperative: Many problems and fears may continue to haunt and torment us in the New Year too. But we need not be worried too much. Because we have the sweetest Mother Mary to intercede for us and mediate on our behalf. Jesus is always there to intervene and change our life situations for the better