TWENTY FOURTH WEEK DAYS MASS REFLECTION 23

18 - 23 SEPTEMBER 2023, HOLY MASS REFLECTIONS   18 SEPTEMBER 2023: 1 TIM 2. 1-8; LUKE 7. 1-10 Punch line: Humble faith wins God’s heart! Guideline: True faith includes humility and deep trust as its essential prerequisites. Such faith will never go unrewarded   1.   In the gospel, Jesus presents a pagan centurion as a great model of faith. He praises him with an unparalleled compliment, “Not even in Israel have I found such faith”. Thereby Jesus makes it clear that true faith is not merely adhering to a faithful fold, but more adhering to the hold of faith. 2.   Faith is not a mere theoretical matter of holding on to certain traditions or faith matters, but a personal matter of holding on to Jesus. What matters most is adherence to Jesus in deep trust and humility. 3.   The first reading from 1 Timothy 2. 1-8 asserts, “God desires all men to be saved and come to the knowledge of the truth”. And Jesus becomes the realization of this divine will. Therefore, the centurion approaching Jesus is symbolic of all without exclusion approaching the source of salvation. He is the one mediator between God and man. In the healing of the context, Jesus concretely mediates God’s grace. 4.   The centurion on his part responds to this grace. He makes a fitting response through his deep trust as he tells Jesus, “Lord, do not trouble yourself… But say the word and let my servant be healed”. He is totally convinced that Jesus has the power to heal his sick servant even in such a desperate situation as near to death, and even by the mere power of his word over distance. 5.   His humility is commendable because he readily recognizes that Jesus’ authority transcends his own. He entertains no false dignity because he conscientiously lowers himself before Jesus. His humility is not out of low self-esteem and not out of self-deprecation. 6.   He is quite aware of his own authority and the dignity of his position. But in humility, he realizes and admits that his power and authority are nothing compared to the immensity of Jesus’ power, holiness, and worth. 7.   Further, this greatness of his faith is still furthered by his benevolence toward all without any discrimination, be it toward his servant irrespective of status, toward Jews irrespective of religion or toward the Jews irrespective of the nation. When humility, trust, and benevolence go together, there is no wonder that miracles do happen.   Lifeline: Those who trust in God may go through times of test, but God will never fail them. While humility leads one to trust, benevolence flows out from the trust   (Reflection 2) Thrust: Commendable faith! Indicative: Faith becomes commendable when it is blended with trust, humility, and benevolence 1.  In the gospel, Jesus highly appreciates a pagan centurion with the compliment, “Not even in Israel have I found such faith”. Thereby, one point is very clear: in the sight of God, faith is not a matter of mere allegiance to a religion or a nation or the performance of certain religious activities. 2.  God’s grace goes beyond the human confines of race or religion. Now how is his faith so great even beyond the faith of the Jews, the chosen people of God? What is the uniqueness of his faith? It is a faith that is coupled with trust, humility, and benevolence. 3.  The centurion’s trust is profound. He trusts in the power of Jesus to heal his servant even on the death-bed. He trusts in Jesus’ power even over distance. He trusts in the power of Jesus’ word of command over sickness. That is why he says to Jesus, “Lord, do not trouble yourself to come under my roof… But say the word, and let my servant be healed”. 4.  The centurion’s humility is extremely genuine. His humility is not out of low self-esteem. His humility is not an act of self-despisal. He is quite conscious of his own authority that can command those under him to obey. 5.  But, he humbly admits that Jesus’ authority far surpasses his own. He is aware that Jesus’ authority is profoundly divine, spiritual, and holy. He confesses his unworthiness before such a holy presence of the divine. Hence his words, “I am not worthy to have you come under my roof”. His words are in contrast to what the elders of the Jews say to Jesus about him: “He is worthy to have you do this for him”. This is the true humility that he seeks Jesus’ healing not due to his merit but only due to his mercy. 6.  Finally, his faith is not limited to seeking God’s favour. It is a faith soaked into active benevolence. It is benevolence that feels so much concern for a mere servant and pleads with Jesus on his behalf. It is benevolence that loves even the Jewish nation and builds a synagogue for them. 7.  In contrast, we find a shallow faith in the first reading from I Corinthians 11. They are the newly chosen people, the Christians. But their faith is tainted by division, discrimination, arrogance, and lack of holiness. They make themselves unworthy by their unworthy interactions and Eucharistic celebrations. Imperative: Anyone who approaches God in true faith will never go disappointed. It only requires deep trust, humility, and benevolence   19 SEPTEMBER 2023: 1 TIM 3. 1-13; LUKE 7. 11-17 Focus: We need eyes to see the pain of others, a heart to feel it and a spirit to ease it 1.  Jesus restores to life the only son of a widow of Nain. He has the sensitivity to see her irreplaceable loss and feels compassion for her pain and plight. But this is not a mere passing feeling which is limited only to a sense of pity and dozens of tears. 2.  It is something profound. It realizes what the other needs the most in such a painful situation. Accordingly, he promptly acts to fulfil that need. He does not wait for the widow’s plea to him. He takes the initiative. 3.  He consoles her in her inconsolable grief, saying, “Do not cry”. He encounters the death procession. He intervenes and touches the death-stretcher. He orders the dead young man to “get up” from the stretch of death. He restores life to the dead man and restores him to his mother. 4.  Our life too is at times like a death procession with an utter sense of loss and grief. No seldom with hopes exasperated, do we feel placed on a death-stretcher, destined to misery and doom. 5.  It is in such moments Jesus encounters us, intervenes, and changes our destiny, by restoring life with renewed hope and energy. All that is needed is to heed Jesus’ voice, “Do not cry” and “Wake up”. 6.  When one is touched by the Lord and arises from the deathbed of sin and evil, the effects are quite clear and authentic. This rising will show itself in a totally changed life in a dignified and irreproachable character and nobility of vocation, be it the bishops or deacons or women, as enlisted in the first reading. Direction: Even death cannot kill our hope, as long as we believe the Lord is with us (Reflection 2) Thrust: A heart to feel! Indicative: The misery of the world is not so much the excess of misery but the lack of sensitivity to have access to that misery and to try to alleviate it 1.  The world suffers. There are various suffering situations. Death is one such deeply suffering situation. It is very painful because it is a definitive breakage and loss of bonding with the loved one. In today’s gospel, we find one instance of the death of the only son of a widow of Nain. 2.  There were many in the death procession to show solidarity and console. But Jesus was not satisfied with merely accompanying the widow or saying a word of consolation. He goes beyond. He had compassion for her. He touches the dead son and brings him back to life. 3.  Jesus shows us how to respond in our own similar situations of loss and pain. His response and action were a path of sensitivity, compassion, and action. In sensitivity, Jesus takes the initiative to intervene and do something for the widow. He feels one with her, in her anguish, and this is the true com-passion. And he does the action of life-restoration. 4.  In fact, it was not just one individual act of a miracle. It was truly a life-giving act on different counts. He restores life to the dead man, and he also restores life to his mother who was also almost dead. Further, he also restores a new life and instils new hope in the people as well that there is always a compassionate God beside us. 5.  This miracle should impel us to imitate Jesus in his heart of sensitivity and action of compassion. First of all, we should feel concerned about accompanying those in pain. We need to take part in the procession of the suffering of others. We need to be able to cry along with those who cry. We should be able to say like Jesus, “Do not weep”. 6.  But it is not enough. We should come up and touch the death-stretcher. We should be able to say to many who lie on the death stretcher, “Young man, I say to you, arise”. Imperative: We can be sensitive, and compassionate and touch those in different death situations or suffering, only when we ourselves are touched by the Lord. Like the young man, raised to life, we must “rise up” at Jesus’ command 20 SEPTEMBER 2023: 1 TIM 3. 14-16; LUKE 7. 31-35 Focus: Often the real problem is not the reality but the perspective toward the reality. Put on the perspective of Love and then you will see everything with a world of difference   1.  It is natural that everyone wishes that the realities change as they wish and prefer. But nature and life have their own rhythm and rules and it does not change according to our likes and dislikes. 2.  In fact, it is our optic that must change. As we see the reality, we will speak and act. Perspective and mindset are very important. A negative outlook negativises everything even the best positive. 3.  There are many who are so stubborn and do not accept others’ opinions or ideas. They want all others to play and dance to their own tunes. They understand and interpret things according to their convenience and for their advantage. They have always something to blame and nothing can really satisfy them. 4.  This was precisely the case with the Pharisees and scribes. They rejected John the Baptist because he was too austere and exigent with a demanding message of repentance and conversion. 5.  They rejected Jesus too because he was too flexible and compassionate especially the despised and condemned lot, with a disconcerting and forgiving mission of love and reconciliation, faith and a transformed life. 6.  The problem was neither John the Baptist nor Jesus but it was themselves. They were not open to see and accept the truth and the call for conversion. Their obstinacy barricaded them within their own prejudiced perspectives. They lacked the wisdom of God to discern rightly and to change humbly. In our times too such closed people are numerous! 7.  It is in this context, as the first reading exhorts us, we must constantly remind ourselves that we are the Church of the living God who is the pillar and foundation of truth. Therefore, we must behave fittingly.   Direction: Our negative perspectives often blind and constrict us to be responsive and responsible. Love endows us with a positive perspective and makes us joyfully charitable   21 SEPTEMBER 2021: EPH 4. 1-7, 11-13; MATTHEW 9.9-13, ST MATTHEW Focus: Oh, how beautiful and precious is the gift of vocation! If only we are a little more conscious and contemplate it more often, we will appreciate it, and we will also strive to live it well   1.  21 September marks the feast of St Matthew, one of the Twelve Apostles, and one of the four evangelists. We had already elaborately meditated on a couple of occasions on his call and mission. However, we shall try to encapsulate the pivotal theme. 2.       The call of Matthew once again evidences God’s initiative and gratuitous offer in every call. It is Jesus who calls. It is he who chooses. One may say, I have consulted, I have prayed, and discerned. I have opted for this life, et cetera. 3.       Apparently, it looks like it is the personal choice of the concerned person. But, essentially, it is God’s Spirit that moves, inspires, and helps to discern. No one can choose to follow God’s call unless God wills to choose! 4.       Thus, we must always be deeply conscious that our call is not due to our merit but due to His mercy. In calling us, he is not led by any human considerations or calculations or labels or prejudices. Jesus was least bothered about Matthew’s label as a sinner due to his tax collection. 5.       This is a great reason for assurance and confidence for us. Our sinful past, our humble backgrounds, and our incapacities need not bog us down or discourage us. God looks at us as we are. He accepts us with all our limitations. In fact, he sees not so much what we are but what we can become. 6.       Let us also venerate and admire Matthew for his response to this offer. It was a prompt and generous acceptance of Jesus’ invitation, “Come, follow me!” Certainly, it needed real courage to give up the security and abundance of his job and follow Jesus who had no such stable stay or security. 7.       There was no hesitation. He was quick and prompt. God’s call always carries a sense and tone of urgency. There is no time to waste or delay. At once we need to set ourselves to follow him and serve him. 8.       Therefore, all that is needed is: to be alert to listen to his daily call to follow him, willing and prompt to renounce everything and follow him. The real worth of this call is when we constantly strive to live worthy of our call and thus merit it. 9.       This is what the first reading from the letter to Ephesians 4. 1-7, 11-13 exhorts us: “to lead a life worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all lowliness and meekness, with patience, forbearing one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace”.   Direction: What we were (sinners) before the call, is not the matter. But what we become after the call is the matter.   (Reflection 2) Thrust: Called and graced!   Indicative: To be called is no one’s merit but after being called how one makes oneself deserving is more meritorious   1.  God’s grace is no one’s private prerogative but is open to all who respond. And once responded in docility and surrender, life changes into a new dignity. As we celebrate the feast of St Matthew, one of the Twelve, his call is an indicator and pathway for all of us in our own journey of discipleship. 2.       God’s call and grace are gratuitous and not conditioned by our merit or demerit. No one can claim that he deserves God’s grace. It is a free gift and God chooses anyone and equips them with His own power. 3.       God does not necessarily call the bright but He brightens those called; He does not necessarily call the strong, but strengthens those called; does not necessarily call the able but enables those called; does not necessarily call the noble, but ennobles those called; does not necessarily call the perfect, but perfects those called; does not necessarily call the holy, but sanctifies those called; does not necessarily call the powerful, but empowers those called; does not necessarily call the great, but makes great those called. 4.       He stands by those called, accompanies them always, purifies them from their old self and old ways, dignifies them with a new status, and sanctifies them with His own Spirit. He entrusts them with His own mission which is to liberate and integrate the dehumanised humanity. He sustains all their efforts with His light and strength and brings their life to fulfilment. 5.        However, all this is not God’s work alone. His call requires our response. His giving requires our receptivity. His action requires our cooperation. God’s call always demands prompt listening, obedience to His summon, detachment from worldly gains, and a total commitment to Christ. And the greatest testimony of the quality of discipleship is an authentic life witness.   Direction: We can be happy disciples if God never regrets having called us to follow Him. The greatest fulfilment and accomplishment of our consecrated life is that God is happy with us   (Reflection 3)   Focus: God calls anybody and everybody irrespectively, and the purpose is not so much the individual benefit but the higher and larger good   1.  In the gospel, we have the narration of the call of Matthew. We can pick up some simple pointers. First, Jesus calls Matthew, a tax collector usually looked down on as a sinner by society. Thus, God calls anyone. There is no differentiation or discrimination on the part of God. He does not go by human labels or estimates as righteous or sinner, friend or foe, important or insignificant, rich or poor, etc. 2.       Why should we put restrictions and conditions on God’s grace when He Himself offers it to all? How can we be so selfish as to greedily own all of God’s grace? Why do we feel so jealous when someone is blessed by God? All the more, how can we judge that someone does not deserve God’s mercy because he is bad, as if we are so good and only we are good? 3.       Second, Jesus called Matthew while he was sitting at his tax office. This may denote that God calls us at any time. His call may come to us, not only when we are immersed in prayer, but also when engaged in our daily routine, and in our duties. So let us not wait to catch the voice and message of Jesus not only in the quiet moments of prayer but all through our day, in everything we do. 4.       Third, Jesus called him, “Follow me”, and Matthew rose and followed him. This is very interesting. No conversation is reported. No discussion follows. No preparations are done. It is as if Matthew is just waiting for Jesus to call him and then immediately follows him. No details are given. 5.       The point is very clear: the promptness of Matthew’s response. Jesus’ call demands an immediate and unhesitating response. There are no calculations, no discussions, no sorting out the issues, no conditions, no assurances. No pre-plans or future ambitions. God’s call is without conditions, both on the part of God and on the part of the recipient. 6.       Fourth, God calls not the righteous but the sinners. This is interesting because it makes being a sinner itself a qualification to be a follower of Christ. This does not however mean that only sinners become followers, or all the followers are sinners, or the good people will not be called. 7.       The point is, that our call is not on the basis of human merit. Even holiness is not a qualification! What one is before the call is not the matter, but what one becomes after the call, is the real matter. One who is called by the Lord will not complacently cling to sin but will strive to become righteous. 8.       A sinner becomes an apostle! A despised person becomes venerated! A tax collector becomes a gatherer of souls and a witness to the Lord! One who was sitting at the tax office sits at a table with the Lord!   Direction: Our call is a life to celebrate. Life becomes a celebration when the Lord is with us, and the Lord will be with us when we respond to his daily call, “Follow me”, and take him to our house, so as to serve him and then follow him in his footsteps     22 SEPTEMBER 2023: 1 TIM 6. 2c-12; LUKE 8. 1-3   Pivot: Kingdom for all! Focus: The Kingdom of God is not a confined territory, reserved only for a few. It is a domain open to all. Anyone can walk in there. It is also the mission of all who received the gift of faith   1.  In the gospel, we find Jesus on his mission which is establishing the kingdom of God through preaching and healing. But mission for him was never a private affair or personal agenda. It was always the “Father’s affairs” and common and altruistic benefit. He never monopolized all doing as a solo performance. It was teamwork, a collaborative enterprise. His Twelve were always beside him. 2.  Besides, as per today’s gospel, we also find some women disciples accompanying him and sustaining his team and his work with their means. What is praiseworthy is Jesus respected all, accepted all, and involved others in their due scope. 3.  This participatory nature of Jesus’ mission can be a great indicator and corrective for our own times. This must make us check honestly the way we go about our ministries, our administration, and our style of functioning. 4.  Why do we often find ministries becoming self-centred, saddled with self-interests and ulterior motives? Why does mission become a private enterprise with no scope for others? Why there is so much domination and manipulation? Why there are often divisions, discriminations, and conflicts, all in the name of doing one and the same mission? 5.  How much mutual respect, acceptance, and collaboration is there in our working for God? Why still there is gender inequality and disparity, treating women with suspicion and prejudice? 6.  It is one church and one mission. All have their due right and duty as well to be part of this one-believing community and work for the kingdom. But often we find so much gap between the “privileged and less privileged”, between those “closer to the church and distant from the church”, between those “gifted and capable and the ordinary and incompetent”, between “the important and the other insignificant”. 7.  It is not that all would be given the same or equal roles and functions. The charisms are different, the needs are different, and the capacities are different. We understand this factual differentiation. 8.  But what is blameworthy is discrimination in terms of importance and honour. In the house of God, in the mission of the kingdom, there is no disparity like ‘higher level or lower level’, ‘more important or less important. All are important and respectable.   Direction: The church will be more faithful and effective in its mission of spreading the kingdom of God if it consciously works against and eliminates the steep categories of division, and discrimination and learns to work in more unity and collaboration   (Reflection 2)   Thrust: Service without disparity! Indicative: There is absolutely no inequality and discrimination in following the Lord or serving His people 1.  The kingdom of God is for all and is open to all. It is not for only a privileged few. All that is needed is faith that believes in the Lord and follows him. This is the only qualification and requirement to be a member of the kingdom. All these members receive and carry out the same mission of fostering the kingdom of love, equality, and justice. 2.  Different types of disciples followed Jesus. There were apostles and also some women. This shows that the mission of Jesus embraces all irrespective of any differences like status or gender. His mission is a mission of equality. There is no room for any disparity or discrimination in the kingdom of God or the mission of the Lord. 3.  Thus, the mission of the kingdom is participatory and not monopolising. It assigns different roles and functions to different persons and groups. There is no question of exclusion or domination. It is different ways of serving the Lord through different gifts and charisms. Whenever and wherever there are tendencies of overpowering and overriding and sidelining others, whenever there are ego-projections and ego-promotions, it is a clear sign that they are not working for the kingdom. 4.  In particular, gender equality is a sensitive issue, and women should be respected and given their due role. It is a fact that many of our faith communities are active and vibrant because of a good number of women. They do immense work by way of catechism and other assistance services like altar decoration, arranging for the holy mass, singing animation, etc. 5.  All these services are very good and needed so much for a lively community, steady faith formation, and meaningful liturgical celebrations. But women should be also given roles and participation in the decision-making bodies. They should have a say in the administration and animation of the church affairs on various levels. Imperative: Even centuries before, Jesus had the spirit of synodality in faith matters. Women should be empowered so that they can animate and support the faith communities for an effective Christian living 23 SEPTEMBER 2023: 1 TIM 6. 13-16; LUKE 8. 4-15   Pivot: Receptivity is pivotal! Focus: God’s grace is never lacking or scarce. It is abundant and constant. All that is needed is receptivity and cooperation to toil and bear fruit   1.  The parable of the sower in the gospel is a very familiar one and already we have reflected on it a couple of times. However, we can always reiterate the core message, even if we may not offer a totally new message. The message that can be life-steering is: Life becomes fruitful by being receptive and productive. 2.  Life is meaningful when it is truly fruitful. Many live meaninglessly because they fail to live that meaning and worth of life in bearing fruits. Unfortunately many seek the value and fulfillment of life in false and shallow things like sex, comfort, power, etc. Many mistake success as the fruitfulness of life. Some others consider pleasure and gratification as fruitfulness. 3.  This is in contrast to what St Paul exhorts in 1 Timothy 6. 13-16 in the first reading: “I charge you to keep the commandment unstained and free from reproach until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ”. 4.  It is in this context Jesus proves this worldly thinking wrong. Fruitfulness has nothing to do with one’s possession or gratification. Real fruitfulness is a matter of spiritual fecundity. It is one’s total receptivity to the seed of God’s Word and abundant productivity in fruits of good character and actions. 5.  Fruitfulness requires docility that is humble and prompt (unlike the roadside soil), a depth that remains rooted and firm in God (unlike the rocky ground), resistance and perseverance to grow amidst bushes and thorns (unlike the thorny soil), and assiduity to cultivate and produce an abundant harvest (like the fertile soil). 6.  At this point, it is also good to bear in mind the magnanimity of God. He is never tired of supplying seeds in abundance irrespective of the type of response. However, there is not much use in extolling the greatness of God’s Word which is the seed. It is more useful to examine and improve the quality of the soil of our hearts and lives.   Direction: Let us be abundant in fruits and not merely in seeds of good desires, intentions, and words. Let us toil diligently, cultivate responsibly and bear fruits of good actions abundantly   (Reflection 2)   Thrust: Productivity is a matter of receptivity! Indicative: God’s grace is open to all. He is ever eager to allocate His graces to all. But the quantity of the effect and fruit depends on the extent of receptivity 1.  Both the readings seem to focus on the theme of production and bearing fruits. At times, the crop may not be good because the seeds are not good and healthy. But in the case of God, He himself is the sower. He goes on distributing His seeds of gifts and blessings without discrimination. 2.  As in the gospel, God spreads his seeds on different types of soil, namely the soil by the road, rocky soil, bushy soil, and fertile soil. The receptivity of each soil decides the quantity of the produce. The wayside soil is totally unreceptive. The seeds do not find even an entry as they are either trampled underfoot or snatched away by the birds. This soil represents all those who are totally indifferent and disinterested in God or spiritual concerns. These do not matter at all to them. 3.  The rocky soil receives the seeds but they cannot send their roots deeper. There is no depth and the seeds are exposed to the scorching heat. Consequently, they wither away. These are the people who are initially enthusiastic. But they are shallow and superficial. They are not deep-rooted. Their enthusiasm fades away so fast. 4.  The seeds grow in the thorny and bushy soil. They begin to grow. But their growth is very much controlled and even choked by the thorns and bushes. This soil represents those who show some signs of devotion. They do some religious activities. They are regarded as “religious” people. But their religiosity and spirituality are very much suffocated by their worldliness. The worldly pleasures and preoccupations overpower and stifle the growth of God’s graces. 5.  Finally, the seeds find conducive conditions in the fertile soil. They grow healthily. They produce abundant fruits. Imperative: God wants us to be productive and fruit-bearing. He also provides all the necessary conditions for proper growth. Ultimately the fruitfulness depends on how receptive and cooperative we are to God’s action  

TWENTY FOURTH SUNDAY OF THE YEAR A 23

24TH SUNDAY, 17 SEPTEMBER 2023 SIRACH 27. 30 – 28.7; ROMANS 14. 7-9; MATTHEW 18. 21-35 Punch line: To Forgive - the only way! Guideline: To live is to love, to love is to give and to give is to forgive; one who does not forgive, does not know how to give and will not himself receive forgiveness 1.  “If my brother sins against me, how often must I forgive?” This is the question of Peter to Jesus in the gospel, and the same question is quite valid and relevant, even now, much more than before. 2. It is because we are living through times which are so low in the spirit of forgiveness. Instead, there is so much spirit of anger and impatience, grudge and resentment, revenge and retaliation, vengeance and vendetta, aggression and violence. 3.  What is more sad and disturbing is that forbearance, forgiveness and reconciliation are considered weaknesses and fury and retaliation are glorified as signs of manliness and courage, and as safeguards and expressions of self-respect and self-dignity. 4. This spirit is rampant at every level and aspect of life, be it between individuals, within families, between the families, between regions, between languages, religions, cultures, and countries. 5. It is in this context, that the Word of God very clearly denounces anger and lack of forgiveness and also strongly cautions against the evil effects of failure to forgive. Anger and unforgiveness are abominable and detestable in the sight of God, and they fail to obtain the mercy and forgiveness of God. Those who refuse to forgive others will stand in the danger of God’s judgment and condemnation. An unforgiving heart will lose all its appeal for God’s mercy. 6. It is a contradiction to seek forgiveness from God while not forgiving others. It is nothing but duplicity of faith, applying double standards – one for oneself, and the other for the other. 7. In this context, it is worthwhile to recall the wise words of St Francis de Sales: We are eager to accuse others even for the slightest mistake, while we are eager to excuse ourselves even for the greatest blunder; we clamour for justice in the neighbour’s house while we plead for mercy in our own house; we want to buy cheap but want to sell dear. 8. The refusal to forgive is in fact not a simple thing as it may appear to be. It shows the failure of the person on different counts, such as the emotional, psychological, relational or interpersonal, ethical, and spiritual. 9.  It clearly shows that a person is not able to control and overcome one’s negative emotions, not able to cultivate and nurture a sane and serene interior, not able to sustain an adequate equilibrium and maturity, not able to humble his inflated ego and pride, not able to maintain a healthy and cordial relationship, not able to be morally sound and sober, and not able to connect his faith and spirituality to a concrete life of charity and integrity. 10. For any believer, unforgiveness and grudge are contradictions to his very religious spirit, whatever the religion; because no religion or god will advocate violence and harm against others; no true religion can instigate one against fraternity and charity. If one takes to retaliation and violence in the name of religion, he has not really understood his religion, and he is a false religious person. 11. It is so sad and even a disgrace that the so-called faithful adherents of religion or religious life, can live and foster a spirit and ambience of so much resentment and animosity in the ambits of their respective places of worship or communities. 12. When will the realization dawn on humans that unforgiveness is a heavyweight and as long as one carries it, he is only pressed down? When will people realise that it is foolish and inhuman to nurture a spirit of hostility and revenge? When will the believers allow the insight that refusal to forgive ruins one’s own self as well as others? When will the religious communities become the abodes of a little more pardon and reconciliation and thus avoid the mockery of their very consecration and the scandal against their very faith? Lifeline: In true forgiveness, there is no question of how many times should I forgive, because any true forgiveness is prompted and driven by authentic love and true love is always without measure   (Reflection 2)   Pivot: Forgive because forgiven! Indicative: Life is never completely free from hurts and harm. It is a reality that we are hurt and harmed. What should be our response and reaction in such situations? Forgive!   1. In life, many carry many burdens that are quite unnecessary. Refusal to forgive and harbouring negativity is one such big burden. How to be relieved of this burden? The answer comes in today’s word of God.   2. Forgive! The call for forgiveness is very strong. Seek forgiveness from God and give forgiveness to others. Be forgiven and forgive! In fact, these two do not exclude each other.   3. In the prayer, “Our Father”, we pray, “Forgive us our sins as we forgive others their sins”. in this sense, forgiving others becomes the condition or pre-requisite to being forgiven by God. In other words, we will be forgiven in proportion to our forgiving others.   4. In today’s gospel, we have another aspect of this integration of being forgiven and forgiving. Forgiving others is the effect and outflow of being forgiven by God. Being forgiven by God becomes the cause for forgiving others. If we truly receive forgiveness from God, then we must forgive others. Thus, forgiving others becomes the testimony of being forgiven by God.   5. If we receive abundant mercy and forgiveness, then we are also bound to forgive others in the same measure. It would be totally unfair to refuse to forgive others even for a little while receiving forgiveness in much.   6. Such incongruence will be totally displeasing to God and will make us liable to God’s judgment and justice. This is what is indicated by the story of the king and his servant in the gospel. The king out of his mercy cancels out all the huge debt of his servant. But this servant does not show the same mercy toward his fellow servant even for a little.   Imperative: Certainly, God is so merciful that He keeps no account of our sins, and readily cancels out all our debts. But this makes us more accountable to be merciful toward others as well   (Reflection 3)   Focus: Forgiveness is a golden virtue. One who learns to forgive obtains an immense treasure of God’s mercy and serenity of soul. Forgiveness is never a loss   1. We live in a world where revenge and retaliation are glorified. They are regarded as signs of manliness and guts. Consequently, we find so much negativity and animosity leading to violence and destruction. On the other hand, forgiveness and reconciliation are considered signs of weakness and timidity.   2. In such a context, Jesus teaches us the need and value of forgiveness. To forgive is divine because it forms the very nature of God. God’s essence is mercy and forgiveness. He is merciful to us beyond conditions and measures.   3. As the children of a merciful God and as disciples of a forgiving Master, we must imitate and resemble them in forgiving others. Forgiving others is the essential trait and way of belonging to God and sharing in His own nature. It also becomes the condition to receive God’s forgiveness to us.   4. This means that we experience the effects of God’s forgiveness only to the extent that we forgive others. Our forgiving others should be without measures like God’s forgiving us. That is why Jesus tells Peter, “Forgive, not seven times, but seventy times seven”.   5. We forgive others not because they deserve it but because we must give it. The king in the gospel parable forgives the servant who owes a huge sum not because he deserved it but because he needed it.   6. Seeking forgiveness from God and others requires humility and repentance. That is why, the people pray, “With a contrite heart and a humble spirit may we be accepted”. Giving forgiveness to others requires fraternity and nobility.   Direction: The Spirit of forgiveness in humility and nobility will open to us streams of God’s mercy and serenity. It can be a great embalming balm to heal many wounds and restore relationships   (Reflection 4)   Focus: God readily forgives even a multitude of sins, if only one repents with a contrite heart and humble spirit. He keeps no account or count of our wrongs because his mercies are uncountable   1. God is abundant in His mercy and prompt in His forgiveness. He does not see the magnitude of sin but the depth of repentance. He forgives us, not because we are worthy of it, but only because we need it. There is no measure for His forgiveness because His mercy is immeasurable.   2. This is what Jesus implies when he tells Peter to “forgive the other not only seven times but seventy times seven”. The matter is not the number or the frequency of forgiveness, that is, how many times or how often to forgive. Rather, the point is the immensity of it, that is, how willingly, promptly, and unreservedly to forgive.   3. But once forgiven, we must try to become worthy of it. How? By seeking earnestly to follow His ways. Concretely, it demands showing the same spirit of forgiveness towards others. Further, it also should be like God's forgiveness, which is abundant and uncalculating.   4. It is not fair and also highly detestable before God if we refuse to forgive others while we receive immensely God's forgiveness. To forgive is not an option at our convenience, but it is a bounden duty. As we give, we must give, lest our fate too will be the same as the servant in the gospel who is forgiven much but refuses to forgo a little.   Direction: Repentance in humility is the compulsory prerequisite for receiving God's forgiveness. Forgiving others in charity becomes the compulsory sign and testimony of the effect of that grace    

EXALTATION OF THE HOLY CROSS 23

14 SEPTEMBER 2023: NUMBERS 21. 4-9; PHIL 2. 6-11; JOHN 3. 13-17: EXALTATION OF THE HOLY CROSS Punch line: Cross: a sign of contradiction! Guideline: In the sight of the world, it is a symbol of crime, punishment, shame and suffering. It indicates human hatred, cruelty, arrogance, avarice, jealousy, retaliation, instability and disloyalty. 1.      But, God transforms it, turns it: From a sign of contradiction to a signal of conviction; From a reference of malediction to a source of benediction; From a sting of curse to a spring of blessing; From the arrival point of condemnation to the departure point of commendation to God and redemption. 2.      God transforms the cross into a testament and testimony of divine fidelity. God sanctified the cross, dignified and glorified it into a royal weapon of salvation. 3.      In the height of the Cross, we see the heights of God’s fidelity to humanity and His perseverance in His salvific mission to the end. Come what may, God stood firm and remained faithful till the last moment. No trials or temptations could defocus him or deviate him from his mission. Nothing could frighten him or tighten him. He was unstoppable, unswerving, unflinching, undaunted. 4.      In the cross, we see the sanctity and dignity of suffering. Every suffering is not automatically something bad or despicable. The suffering that is no one’s fault, that is due to depraved human situations, and especially suffering for the sake of God and the sake of good is always meritorious. Such suffering is in fact a sharing in the very suffering and death of Christ. It is a continuation of his own mission of salvation. 5.      Let us not be mere cross-wearers but cross-bearers. This refers to the virtues and values of the cross. 6.      Let us not be cross-shapers but cross-sharers, not cross-imposers but cross-disposers. This refers to the aspect of sharing the burdens of each other. Cf. Gal 6. 2. 7.      Let us not be cross-makers but cross-breakers. This refers to submission to God’s will against self-will. This is in the light of the insight of the great Fulton J. Sheen. He observes that a cross is made whenever we place the horizontal bar of our self-will against the vertical bar of God’s will. Lifeline:  Carry the cross to Calvary to crucify sin and glorify God. This refers to perseverance to the end  (Reflection 2) Thrust: Cross, a Rose of consolation! Indicative: Often in life, the unfavourable realities may not totally change or vanish. But what can change is the perspective and the purpose of them   1.      Today we venerate and exalt the cross. The cross is celebrated. This looks rather absurd. For quite evidently, the cross indicates misery, ignominy, disgrace, and failure. All the more, no normal human mind can accept a God who is infinitely powerful but succumbing to such a helpless death. 2.      A simple question arose at that time of the crucifixion, in those who looked at the crucified, “He cannot save himself, and how can he save others?” Today, the same question can arise in many as well. 3.      It is here we need to understand the real mystery of the cross. It is not a sign of the helpless fate of an individual called Jesus who claimed to be the Son of God. It is not the defeat of a reformer at the hands of some wicked authorities. 4.      It is not the failure of God. Rather, the cross stands as a symbol of loyalty and commitment, patience and perseverance, courage and confidence. Cross reflects the human predicament in the face of evil and wickedness. The cross indicates the cost of holiness and goodness. 5.      Cross concretely shows us what to do and how to proceed when we come across suffering and persecution for the sake of God and good. If God wanted, he would have easily avoided the whole shame of the cross. He would have instantly eliminated all his opponents. 6.      But, He did not do so. It is because the cross is not only his story but our story as well. Cross is certainly the climax and culmination of his incarnated divinity. But it is also the symbol of our own human suffering. There is suffering in our life and that is too enormous. 7.      This suffering may be natural, in the sense that it happens as part of life and is not under our control. This includes situations like death, separation, loss, failure, defeat, or natural calamities. At times, we wonder why these happen and why we are the victims. 8.      There are also sufferings that are vocational, that is which happen due to our vocation and mission. Whenever we stand for the right values, in other words, for God and good, we will face adversities and afflictions. 9.      Now, whatever the type of suffering, the cross comes as an answer. Do not lose heart. Persevere. Accept in the spirit of patience and surrender. All the more, it is worth suffering for God and good. It may appear to be a losing and lost battle. But for sure, there is victory and reward. Cross is not the end but is the pathway to glory. 10.  This is the way cross becomes relieving and comforting. It becomes the means and weapon of salvation.   Imperative: Cross teaches us to be courageous, surrendered to God, and persevering in times of suffering. Following the spirit of the cross and the example of the crucified makes our suffering meritorious   (Reflection 3)    Focus: Cross which is a symbol of crime, punishment, shame, and suffering is dignified, sanctified, and glorified as a symbol and channel of fidelity, sanctity, and salvation because of the Lord who is crucified 1.      The ways of God are often in contrast to the ways of the world. Cross is a powerful proof of this. Cross in the sight of the world is a burden that a criminal carries and that carries him to his eventual death on it. And crucifixion is an ignominious penalty. But God transforms the same cross into an instrument of grace that carries the burdens of sinners and puts to death the sin of humanity. It becomes a carrier and assurer of salvation. 2.      In the cross, we see the dialectic and the “salvific tension” between God and man, between this world and heaven. In hate and evil, men have lifted Jesus on the cross while in love and goodness, God allowed himself to be lifted up. 3.      We see this in the first reading from Numbers 21. 4-9, an image of a bronze serpent would become the source of revival from death for all those bitten by a serpent. Similarly, Jesus raised high on the cross became the source of a new life for all those bitten by the serpent of sin. 4.      In the cross, we see the divine powerlessness that becomes the source of empowerment for all those weakened by the power of sin. The God full of power empties himself so as to fill us with heavenly riches and strength. The crucified hanging on the cross is not a failed criminal languishing in misery. Rather he is a nailed victor furnishing us with glory. 5.      On the cross, we see the perseverance and fidelity of God to humanity and his redemptive mission to the end. He preferred to climb the cross as a criminal and not to climb a horse as a king. He declared, “Those who wish to be my disciples, deny yourself, take up your cross and follow me”. True to his own words, he totally denied himself, took up our crosses of sin, and followed the way and the will of God.   Direction: Exaltation of the cross is in fact the exaltation of God’s will and plan of salvation that is being accomplished then and even now through numerous cross-bearers in passion and loyalty (Reflection 4)   Focus: Cross for us is not a parking lot but is a guiding signal; the Cross is not a problem of misery but an emblem and path to glory   1.      Today we exalt the cross. But the exaltation of the cross does not mean the exaltation of suffering, misery, desperation, isolation, betrayal, jealousy, selfishness, or cruelty. Yes, apparently and from a human perspective, the cross stands for and indicates all these. 2.      But it is not any cross. It is the cross of the crucified Saviour. Cross cannot be isolated or dissociated from the crucified. For, it is that cross, sanctified by him, that cross which is transformed from a tool of misery and punition, from a sign of evil and criminality, into a symbol of perseverance, an instrument, and means of salvation and glory. 3.      Therefore, the cross as it stands for suffering is not glorified in itself, but only in its relation to the crucified. Death on the cross is not a helpless submission to one’s miserable fate. Rather it is a conscious, determined, committed, and noble act of self-offering to God’s will for our sanctification. 4.      Thus, the exaltation of the cross means the exaltation of the spirit, the value, the thrust, and the goal of the cross. Cross stands for taking a stand for Christ, for values, for the gospel. Cross means standing for a cause. It calls for a relationship of intimacy, loyalty, and commitment to the crucified. Cross is a matter of standing for a cause, for a person, a matter of fidelity and dedication. 5.      Cross means facing consequences, and bearing suffering for the sake of Christ and his values. Cross is a call to be vertical-oriented, heaven-directed, in line with Fulton J. Sheen’s thought that a cross is made when the horizontal bar is placed against the vertical bar, i.e. self-will is put against God’s will. Therefore, make and carry the cross of placing God’s will across self-will and interests. 6.      Cross is a call to be a “contrast” people, in the light of St Paul’s assertion that “to the Jews, a stumbling block, and a folly to the gentiles, but for us, the believers, Christ, the crucified is the Power and Wisdom of God”. 7.      We live in a world that is so permissible, where any false value is allowed, justified, and even promoted, in the garb of modern, change, and reading the signs of times. What is wrong has a free hand and is considered a matter of intelligence, while the right is labelled as a block, as a folly. This is really powerlessness, without the inner power, the spiritual power, the moral power. This is really folly. 8.      In such a society, we as the bearers of the cross and followers of the crucified, are called to be stumbling blocks, positive signs of contradiction and folly, i.e. resistance and contrast. Therefore, let us not easily get upset when we are beset with crosses of unfavourable situations; let us turn them into learning and growing experiences of purification and sanctification, and also gracious occasions to suffer and offer for God and good. Our crosses become glorified if they are for God’s sake and his values’ sake   Direction: As followers of the Crucified, we are to be cross-bearers who pass through the crucible of suffering   15 SEPTEMBER 2023: 1 TIM 1. 1-2, 12-14; LUKE 6. 39-42.  MOTHER OF SORROWS Punch line: In solidarity! Guideline: Passion leads to compassion, Fidelity blends with sensitivity, Affection stirs up affliction, Love suffers with the suffering   1.      As we celebrate the feast of Mother of Sorrows, let us once again venerate our sweet Mother with devotion, appreciate her with deep esteem, and imitate her with passion. Let us entrust ourselves to her maternal care and guidance. Mother of Sorrows does not mean that she is a sorrowing, sad, lamenting, joyless person. It means that she too experienced the pain and sorrow of life, that she too bore the burden of suffering. 2.      As we may know, seven sorrows or dolours are highlighted in her life: the prophecy of Simeon, the flight into Egypt, the loss of Jesus in the temple, Mary walking the way of the cross along with Jesus, Mary standing at the foot of the cross, Mary witnesses the death of Jesus and receives his dead body, Mary lays Jesus' body in the sepulchre. 3.      These are not isolated or the only moments of sorrow. Rather they denote some main instances and occasions of her pain and suffering, even though her whole life was a continuous story of pain and affliction. Her life and faith were constantly tested through the crucible of suffering. 4.      The seven dolours are in fact only a few indicators of an entire life that has been soaked into suffering. This is the Mother’s “com-passion”. It is not a mere feeling of pity or sympathy. It is “deep communion with” the one who suffers. The much-more-than the physical passion of her Divine Son leads Mary to a profound interior passion within her and unfolds itself in a touching compassion. 5.      Further, these seven sorrows also are like sample sufferings. Because they are also quite real in our own life. We also often go through the same experiences and assaults of suffering. The seven sorrows manifest the suffering lot of any and every human, as being confronted with the very same situations and experiences, such as the fear of the future, of the impending danger of death, of separation from loved ones, of encounter and accompaniment with the suffering innocent, of witnessing the pangs of pain of the most beloved, of bearing with the hardest reality of the beloved’s death. 6.      In the prophecy of Simeon, when he predicts that her tiny child will be the cause for the rise and fall of many and that a sword will pierce through her heart, there is the sorrow of fear of an uncertain future. 7.      In the escape to Egypt, of young mother Mary with her little Jesus and husband, to protect the child from the cruel Herod, we see the sorrow of protection from impending danger of death. 8.      In accompanying Jesus on the way of the cross, we see the deep anguish of a mother's heart and her unfailing accompaniment even in the inglorious testing times. 9.      In standing at the foot of the cross on Calvary, there is the unshakable faith, solidarity, and courage, to be loyal even in the most disgracing moments. 10.  In witnessing the death of her most beloved son, in pangs of pain and desperation, we see the sorrow of sharing and bearing silently the painful loss of the most precious. 11.  In holding the dead body on her holy lap and consigning it to the tomb, we see the sorrow of an irreversible separation from the loved ones. 12.  Thus, this feast can be a great fount of comfort, consolation, encouragement, and hope for us. She who went through immense pain and suffering will certainly understand and empathize with all the suffering lot. One who herself suffered, will certainly understand our struggles and fears. One who experienced the pains of life and bore them, will certainly accompany us and alleviate our own suffering. Mother, passionate with love for us, is also compassionate toward us. She will be our refuge and strength and guidance.   Lifeline: As a worthy fruit of this feast, three things can stand out as directions for us: one, seek her refuge and aid, and intercede to her, in our times of need and suffering. Second, take inspiration and guidance from her, to respond to our sufferings and difficulties, not in frustration and hopelessness, but in courage, surrender, and hope. Third, to be compassionate like Mary to those who suffer and are in need.   (Reflection 2) Focus: Jesus carried the cross and died on it offering us streams of new life. Mary his mother and our mother carried the same cross in her heart all through her life and accompanied him along the way of the cross to the end of death on the cross. The same mother accompanies us also on our way of sorrows. 1.      Today we commemorate Mary as the Mother of Sorrows. In the first place, it does not mean she is a sorrowful mother, given to sadness and devoid of joy of life. Rather it means that she herself has gone through experiences of sorrow. She knows the bitterness and pain of human suffering. By God’s grace, she was exempted from the stain of sin. But it did not exclude her from the situations of the struggle to preserve that grace of sinlessness. Just as Jesus in his humanity became completely one like us except for sin, so also Mary was totally one with us except for sin. 2.      Seven sorrows or dolours are specified in her life: prophecy of Simeon, the flight into Egypt, loss of Jesus in the temple, Mary walking the way of the cross along with Jesus, Mary standing at the foot of the cross, Mary witnessing the death of Jesus and receives his dead body, Mary laying Jesus' body in the sepulchre. 3.      The mention of only seven instances or situations does not mean that Mary’s sorrow was limited only to those moments. These are actually indicators of an entire life that bore the marks of suffering. Just as Jesus was born, already destined to suffer as the Saviour, so also Mary was destined to be the mother of sorrows by her vocation and mission as the unique collaborator in God’s plan of salvation. 4.      Thus, the seven sorrows are not isolated experiences of sorrow. In each of them, we can detect and feel the intensity of pain. In all of them, there is suffering due to experiences of uncertainty, separation, suffering, and death, all concerning the most loved one, and that is Jesus. Thus, what is notable in Mary’s suffering is that it is in reference to Jesus. She suffers because she loves him so deeply, intimately, and passionately. She suffers because her son would suffer. 5.      Another aspect of her sorrow was her love for sinful humanity and her concern for their salvation. Just as God in His infinite love and mercy is anguished over human sinfulness, Mary too shares the same pain for humanity. Their leaning to sin, their constant fall into sin sorrows her tender maternal heart. 6.      Thus, Mary’s sorrow would denote these two essential components: the “personal”, which is her personal love for Jesus, and the “salvific” or “missionary”, which is her commitment and anguish over the mission of salvation. Nevertheless, in both, there is “com-passion”, that is she suffers together with those who suffer, be it her son Jesus or the other sons and daughters. 7.      Today, the Mother of Sorrows stands for us as a mother who understands our human predicament cares for us with the deepest concern, shares in our lot in solidarity, bears our burden in silence and patience and assures us a re-ignited hope in our human struggles.   Direction: In our sorrows, let us shelter ourselves in the maternal bosom of Mary. Like her, let us become a little more strong and persevering in times of trials. Let us become more tender and sensitive to feel one with the suffering and struggle of others. Let us become more compassionate to alleviate the pain of other (Reflection 3) Thrust: Love seeks communion and solidarity! Indicative: True love generates compassion and this compassion makes one suffer with the loved one. Thereby suffering is shared and the communion of hearts and mission is strengthened 1.      Soon after the exaltation of the cross of the Son, is the commemoration of the Mother of Sorrows. It is not just a haphazard sequence. This placement indicates that the Son and the Mother are united in life and mission as well. They share in the same suffering and the purpose is also the same. And the purpose is salvation. 2.      Therefore, this feast of the Mother indicates the profound and inseparable communion between the Mother and the Son. As the Son suffers, so also the Mother suffers. It is a communion of relation and also the mission. The suffering of the Son becomes the suffering of the Mother because they are deeply related in love. 3.      Every tear, every hurt, every beat of her Son also makes a mark on her because he is her Son and is part of her own self. It is also communion in mission. The mission of her son is a mission of liberation and restoration. This involves a ceaseless struggle. He becomes the ‘suffering servant’ for the suffering humanity struck by sin. Along with him, she too suffers for sinful humanity. 4.      The seven sorrows or dolours are only indicative of the suffering dimension in human life. They are not exclusive or isolated instances of sorrow. Rather, they are the sample sufferings that can happen in anyone’s life. They also teach and guide us in how we conduct ourselves in those situations. 5.      Mary’s sorrows thus show us her intimate union with her Son in love and mission. They also show us her compassionate solidarity with us in our own suffering. She accompanies and collaborates with her Son in the project of salvation. She also guides and strengthens us in the same holy venture.   Imperative: Mother of Sorrows is a personal invitation for each one of us to become sensitive, and compassionate toward the suffering of others and to become committed to the alleviation of it by overcoming or resigning by forbearance    

TWENTY THIRD WEEK DAYS MASS REFLECTION 23

11 - 16 SEPTEMBER 2023, HOLY MASS REFLECTIONS   11 SEPTEMBER 2023: COL1.24 - 2.3; LUKE 6. 6-11   Punch line: Kindness, above every rule! Guideline: Benevolence is the supreme principle that has no restrictions or apprehensions   1.      "Which is good, to do good or to do harm, to save life or destroy it?" This is the question Jesus poses to the scribes and Pharisees. The context is healing on a Sabbath. Thereby Jesus makes it crystal clear that no law, no other factor can prohibit or prevent one from doing good and to save life. Doing good and saving life have no particular times or places. Benevolence is not space and time-bound. It must happen always and everywhere. 2.      Jesus heals a man with a withered hand. What is notable is Jesus is aware that it is Sabbath and that the scribes and the Pharisees are just waiting to accuse and persecute him for the violation of the Sabbath. Yet, he goes ahead. No fear of impending trouble could stop him. For him,  what matters most is the good of the other. He is not afraid of the consequences of doing good. He is ready and prepared to meet them. He is courageous and undeterred. 3.      Now such courage comes from his profound benevolence. Benevolence is his nature and his mission as well. God is Love and He cannot but be benevolent. Jesus, the incarnate God concretizes this in his compassion for the sick man. One who is passionate for good cannot but be compassionate toward others. 4.      Again going a little further and deeper, such compassion, benevolence and courage are possible only because of Jesus' intimate love and passionate commitment to God. This is the passion for God and compassion for humanity. 5.      This is the same passion and compassion that charged Paul with such a relentless mission of being a minister of God. He toils, striving with all the God-instilled energy. He rejoices in suffering for the benefit of the people. All this is with the deepest concern for them that they "may be encouraged as knit together in love, to have all the riches of the knowledge and wisdom of Christ". 6.      Now, coming back to the gospel scene, Jesus pronounces two sentences to the withered man, "Come and stand here", and also "Stretch out your hand". Both are very significant. It is God who takes the initiative inviting us to come and stand before Him to be healed. And he wants us to stretch out all that is withered - our hands, our feet, our mouth, our ears, our eyes, and much more our hearts and souls. 7.      In fact, it was the Pharisees and scribes that were more withered. The man had only a withered hand. But the Pharisees and scribes were fully withered. They were full of jealousy, fury and malice.   Lifeline: Knowledge and position are no guarantees of benevolence, just as in the case of the Pharisees and scribes. Real withering is the lack of benevolence to others and love for God.   (Reflection 2) Thrust: A withered reality! Indicative: God wants us to live a life that is blossoming and flourishing and bears fruits in concrete kindness toward others. But this growth is stifled in the case of many 1.      In the gospel, there is a healing of a man with a withered hand. Jesus does this on a Sabbath day. The Pharisees and scribes accuse him of violation of the Sabbath law. In fact, it is they who are withered. Their faith, sensitivity, their concern, and charity toward the needy are withered. It is they who need healing more than the physically withered-handed man. 2.      Jesus is not frightened or intimidated by the possible attack of the Pharisees and scribes. His compassion for the sick man is stronger than the fear of criticism. The spirit of benevolence drives him to be determined and undeterred to do the healing. For him, doing good and saving life is more important than a heartless practice of law. 3.      What is the use of keeping the law faithfully but doing harm and destroying life? What is more important – faithfulness to the secondary laws like the Sabbath or faithfulness to the supreme law of charity? That is why Jesus poses the question, “Is it lawful on the Sabbath to do good or to do harm, to save life or to destroy it?” 4.      Their jealousy, self-righteousness, and hypocrisy wither their hearts. Consequently, they fail to vibrate toward Jesus or the sick man. Their sense of optimism and appreciation toward Jesus is withered. Their fraternal sensitivity toward the sick man’s need for healing is withered. Similarly, in the first reading, we have another list of withering causes. They are namely immorality, boastful arrogance, and sinful influence symbolized by ‘old leaven’. 5.      We also find a clear contrast between the interaction between Jesus and the Pharisees and scribes on one hand and the interaction between Jesus and the withered man on the other hand. Before the healing, the Pharisees and scribes are on the watch out to accuse him and after the healing, they become furious and plot against him. 6.      But, the man with the withered hand readily responds and obeys Jesus: When Jesus tells him, ‘Come and stand here’, he rises and stands there; when Jesus asks him, ‘Stretch out your hand’, he does so. Imperative: Many suffer from withered hands, feet, mouths, ears, eyes, minds, hearts, and souls! In brief, this is a loss of spiritual and fraternal sensitivity. Physical soundness is not enough. Holistic healing is needed 12 SEPTEMBER 2023: COL 2. 6-15; LUKE 6. 12-19   Punch line: Power that calls and heals! Guideline: Jesus is the Power of God that empowers all our weaknesses; he is the forgiveness of God that cancels all our trespasses. He is the expiation that reconciles us to God   1.      Jesus lives an integrated life: he prays, he preaches and he heals. It is a life perfectly balanced and harmonious. Rooted in God in prayer, flourishes in announcing about God and bears fruits in concrete actions of healing of infirmities and demons. His preaching and healing were filled with a power that made people believe and also be healed. 2.      All his ministry was always springing from the spring of prayer. It was his source and fountain of light and energy. It is not just reciting some prayers. Rather, it was a deep intimate bonding and communion with the Father. 3.      This spring becomes the springboard for plunging into the ministry. And his ministry is not a single-man or monopoly ministry. He makes it participative and collaborative. That is why he chose twelve apostles out of his numerous disciples. This shows the nature of God itself. He never wants to do things all by Himself although He is absolutely capable of it. He wants to involve us as sharers and partakers in the same mission of Christ. 4.      The choosing of the disciples, each by name shows that it is all according to God's plan and each one is significant. No decision and no action of Jesus would be a mere private enterprise. It is always within the spectrum of God's will, the realm of the Spirit and oriented to human salvation.   Lifeline: In a world that lacks integrity and authenticity of life, one clear remedy will be to strive for the integration of heart, word and deed   (Reflection 2)   Thrust: Subject to God and submit! Indicative: Worldliness is a blatant contrast to the spirit of God. Those who are conformed to the ways of the world will be devoid of God’s grace. They will be judged unfit to enter God’s kingdom   1.      Many came to listen to Jesus and be healed of their diseases. All those who were troubled with unclean spirits were cured. All tried to touch him because a curative power came out from him and healed them all. 2.      In the present times, how many willingly and eagerly go to Jesus? How many attentively listen to him? How many confide in the healing power of Jesus? How many seek his powerful and curative touch?  Today too many suffer from many unclean spirits. But they do not desire to get rid of them. They do not make an effort to approach Jesus. Therefore, they do not experience any healing. They continue sick and troubled. 3.      We are called not only to get healing from the Lord but to remain content. We are also specially chosen to be his apostles to share the same healing touch with others. Being healed, we need to become apostles of healing and health. We need to restore the lost sanity to the wounded and sick world. 4.      In the light of the first reading, this would mean that we belong totally to God, and follow the ways of God and not the ways and standards of the Lord. We strive to live worthy of our special choice by God so that we will receive admittance into the kingdom. 5.      We must persevere in righteousness even in times of affliction and unjust treatment by the world. For this, we need to be ever conscious of our privileged call and the immense mercy of God in which we were washed, sanctified, and justified by God through the Lord Jesus and the Holy Spirit.   Imperative: It is a world that tries to defy and resist the power of any divine and spiritual touch. It prefers to remain untouched so that it does not need to go through the painful process of healing. We must be healed and become healers    13 SEPTEMBER 2023: COL 3. 1-11; LUKE 6. 20-26 Punch line: Beatitudes – sharp contrasts! Guideline: In our life, constantly two options are placed before us: bliss and curse. It is left to us what to choose. But each choice will have its own results and consequences 1.      The Word of God of today encounters us with a radical contrast between being blessed and being cursed. It sheds clear light on both the modes of being, on how one becomes blessed or cursed. It places before us the ways and means how one attains bliss and also how one forfeits the same and falls to curse. Subsequently,  it also challenges us to make a choice between the two. 2.      This contrast between bliss and curse is furthered in the gospel in the light of the beatitudes. Poverty, hunger, weeping and suffering make one blessed, while riches, fullness, laughter, and self-glory make one cursed. As evident, there is a clear contrast between the two polarities: Poverty is in contrast to riches. Hunger is in contrast to having full, weeping is in contrast to laughter, and suffering is in contrast to self-glory. 3.      But these need more clarity and cannot be understood at their face and surface level. Accordingly, “poverty” is not merely material poverty. It is poverty in spirit. This implies a profound spirit of humility, self-insufficiency, and total dependence on God and surrender to Him. On the contrary, “being rich” signifies feeling self-sufficient, complacent, arrogant, materialistic, and money-minded. 4.      “Hunger” is not merely the material hunger for food but much more. It signifies a deep hunger and thirst for God, higher things, spiritual concerns, righteousness, and justice. On the contrary, “having full” signifies a lack of this inner craving but being filled with the things and interests of the world. It is “satisfaction” in indifference and unjust “oppression”. In other words, it is to “be drunk” with worldliness. 5.      “Weeping” is not merely a matter of feeling sad and shedding some tears. It implies a deep sensitivity, tenderness, and compassion, a positive vulnerability to be moved and even wounded by the plight of others. It would also mean the ability and the willingness to be empathetic and in solidarity with those who are suffering. On the contrary, “laughter” would signify seeking temporary gratifications, unhealthy pleasures, unlawful fun, and prohibited deviations. It would also imply deriving happiness at the cost of others, through ridicule, mockery, and making fun. 6.      “Suffering” is not merely physical suffering. It would include insult, persecution, and calumny. It is the spirit of self-abnegation and self-resignation. It is rejoicing to suffer something for Christ considering it an honor. This is in contrast to the applause, flattery, and pleasantries of the world; this is seeking cheap popularity, self-projection, and self-promotion. In short, it is all undue craving for self-glory. 7.      Thus, the positive thrust of the blessedness of discipleship in Luke (vv. 20-23) is very much similar to that in Mt 5. 3-12, there are some noteworthy differences. There is an addition of a strong tone of curse and condemnation against the non-disciples (vv. 24-26). 8.      A disciple will be blessed with immense recompense on account of his fidelity. The ingredients of this rewarded bliss will be: becoming rich gaining the kingdom of heaven itself, being satiated and filled by God Himself, being consoled and comforted, and being honoured and credited in God’s sight. 9.      But on the other hand, misery awaits those who follow the world and not the Lord: desolation and discomfort for the rich, hunger and deprivation for those who are full, sorrow and pain for those who enjoy and have fun about, discredit and misery for those who ride in self-glory and cheap popularity and fame Lifeline: Let us not be so short-sighted being caught up with what is present and temporary. Let us wisely steer ourselves to be focused on and oriented to the eternal future (Reflection 2) Thrust: Blessed are you! Indicative: We will be blessed if we follow the beatitudes. We will be cursed if we go against them. This blessedness demands a singular focus and undivided heart toward God 1.      Today’s word of God invites us to be kingdom-oriented and heaven-directed and not world-engrossed and earth-bound. In the first reading from 1 Corinthians, St Paul exhorts them to be singularly focused on the life to come, whether it is the virgins unmarried or the married. Each one, according to their state of life and duties must conduct themselves not to be too much entangled with worldly affairs. 2.      In the gospel, again it is a call to be kingdom-oriented. We must strive to live by the values of the kingdom and thus obtain it. It means following the beatitudes. These are the norms of the kingdom of God. Thereby one becomes blessed. But it does not exempt one from affliction or persecution.  But they will surely receive the heavenly reward if they persevere in their fidelity. 3.      The ways of the blessed are a sharp contrast to the ways of the world. The former is marked by poverty, hunger, mourning, and persecution, all for God’s sake and His kingdom. These are something despicable and undesirable according to the world. Instead, the ways of the world are marked by riches, fullness, and a great reputation. 4.      But their fate and result will be reversed in the sight and judgment of God. The poor for God will be made rich with the possession of God’s kingdom itself. The hungry will be satisfied. The weeping shall be gladdened and the hated, excluded, calumniated, and persecuted will be rewarded beyond measure. 5.      On the other hand, those who are totally immersed in the needless anxieties of the world will have an ignominious fate and judgment by God. Desolation, hunger, mourning, and disgrace will be their end result. Their riches will not save them from desolation. They are truly cursed. Imperative: Let us not be easily deceived by the apparent and temporary pleasures and gratifications of the world. Let us assess everything and live according to the parameters of the kingdom 16 SEPTEMBER 2023: 1 TIM 1. 15-17; LUKE 6. 43-49   Punch line: Tree, known by its fruits! Guideline: Good words are good but they will fall shallow and inadequate when they do not become good actions   1.      We are living in a world where many people try to impress others with very fine words. But these words are not implemented in good actions. These may sound nice. They also loudly call out, "Lord, Lord". But they do not do what say or hear. 2.      In fact, these are like those who build their house on the ground without a foundation. When the floods, rains and winds hit it, it will collapse because its standing is very weak and peripheral. On the other hand, those who hear the word and follow it are like those who build the house on a firm foundation of rock. Whatever the fierce force of floods, rains or winds, the house remains steady. 3.      Therefore, words alone do not suffice. They must be testified in actions. It is like a tree bearing good fruits. Every tree is known and judged by its fruits. A good tree must bear good fruits. No good tree can bear bad fruits, nor a bad tree bear good fruit. If a good tree fails to bear fruits, then it has failed in its very nature of abundant fruitfulness. Similarly, if a bad tree claims to bear good fruits, then there is falsity and hypocrisy. 4.      Now, the important point is, whether we are built on a deep foundation of rock, or without a foundation simply on the ground. Do we remain deep and well-rooted in God? Do we build ourselves on the solid foundation of faith? Do we stand strong and persevering when adversities and unfavourable situations assail us? 5.      Further, referring to the image of tree and fruits, we ought to be good trees and bear abundant fruits. We can prove ourselves as good trees only when we bear the abundant fruits of good actions. If so, why do we not grow as good trees? Are we really striking our roots in the Lord? Do we diligently take care of the tree of our life to grow well and become fruitful?   Lifeline: The mere beauty or space of a building does not make it lasting and durable. It is the firmness of its foundation. A tree is good or bad depending on whether it produces an abundance of good fruits. Are we productive and fruit-bearing?   (Reflection 2)   Thrust: Build strong and bear good fruits! Indicative: We are not idolators but the worshippers of true God. If so, then our life should be built on Him. And we must be doers of God’s will and thus produce abundant good fruits 1.      We are children of God and disciples of Christ. But how to prove it? This must be shown in our life. Mere words of prayer and praise, calling Him ‘Lord, Lord’ will not suffice. What we hear and say must be translated into concrete actions. There are many who say and hear many things about God and spirituality but they do not follow them in their real life. 2.      These are like the one who builds his house simply on the ground without a foundation. It cannot stand strong and long. When a little difficulty strikes against it, they easily stumble and fall. Instead, we must be true disciples who not only hear the Word but also practice it. They are like the one who builds his house on a foundation of rock. No amount of floods and streams of difficulties shall shake it. 3.      Our foundation is the true God. Being well-founded on a rock-like faith in God, we should build our life resistant and strong against all the possible counter-forces. We must remain firm and unshaken. Further, like good trees, we should bear abundantly good fruits. Claiming to be good trees, we cannot fail to bear good fruits, and neither can we bear bad fruits.   Imperative: The authenticity of our life and faith is ultimately a matter of steadfastness and fruitfulness. The more we remain firm and bear fruits in abundance, the more we are authentic and effective.            

Kindly post your valuable comment

kindly post your valuable comment so that the blogger can keep growing thank you

TWENTY THIRD SUNDAY OF THE YEAR A 23

23rd SUNDAY, 10 SEPTEMBER 2023: EZEKIEL 33. 7-9; ROMANS 13. 8-10; MATTHEW 18. 15-20 Punch line: Charity in fraternal responsibility! Guideline: Love is the driving norm for every disciple of Christ and this must show itself in a spirit of fraternal responsibility 1. The central theme of today’s Word of God is Fraternity. The breath and the motivating force for fraternity is Love. Such a fraternal love shows itself in a deep sense of fraternal responsibility, correction, forbearance and prayer. 2.  As brothers and sisters bound together in the fraternal bond of love, we have a mutual responsibility. In the words of God to prophet Ezekiel in the first reading, this is to assume responsibility for the other as a watchman. 3. A watchman keeps watch over the house owner, the house and his family, and makes sure of the safety and the wellbeing of them. So also each of us ought to be a watchman who takes care of all that is entrusted to him. 4. It is part of the watchman’s duty to warn, to caution, to admonish the concerned people. In the same way, the good and the growth of the other is an obligation and not an option. No one can shirk this responsibility toward the other under no pretext or excuse. Especially toward those in the wrong, there is a greater and added responsibility. 5. Presuming and Declaring that there is no use to correct or exhort them because in any case, they will not listen, or they will not change, if one ceases to give them the needed guidance or direction, he will be held responsible and will be taken to task by God, and the one in wrong will be spared. But if he does his duty of admonishing and directing, irrespective of the response of the recipients, then, the receivers will be accountable and culpable. 6. Therefore, love and fraternity demand that we should deeply feel responsible toward the erring ones. The purpose is not to judge or condemn them or make them feel guilty or expose their wrong. The sole purpose is to make them aware of their wrongdoing and to win them back. Admonition and correction are integral to fraternal love and one who fails in them, fails in his fundamental duty of fraternity and love. 7. Certainly, many feel uneasy and shy away from admonition and correction. Perhaps, they do not want to displease others, or do not want to hurt them, or do not want to lose favours, or do not want to strain the relationships. Obviously, to correct the erring is not a pleasant task and it is a very delicate matter because normally no one likes to be shown wrong and to be corrected. It hurts the ego, it touches upon self-esteem. 8. But true love and fraternity obligate us to do all that is possible to gain back the erring ones. It needs tremendous patience, forbearance and courage to confront the person in all charity, to persuade him first personally, then with the help of a couple of others, and finally with the positive coercion of the community of the church. It also summons us to pray together because it is a collective energy. 9. Despite all these sustained and concerted efforts, still if the erring person is not willing to mend his ways, then leave him to his own personal accountability, with no tag of judgment and slander. 10.  This message of today can be a great and fitting lesson for our times, which fail so much in this spirit of fraternal responsibility. Either there is a deep-leveled indifference and unconcern toward others, or there is a false fear not to displease others. 11. Consequently, positive confrontation, correction, direction become very rare and unpleasant. When they are done also, they are not always motivated by fraternity and charity. The result is wide spread of the wrong, a casual and callous approach toward the wrong, a passive allowance of the wrong to have a negative influence on all others. 12. This is what happens in the case of the parents toward their children, in the case of the directors or animators toward those in their care, in the case of the superiors toward their members, in the case of the teachers toward their students. 13. If only there grows a little more sense of fraternal responsibility, driven by love, and strengthened by solidarity in prayer, sustained by persistent and persuasive efforts, certainly our parishes, our communities, our families, our working places, our relationships can become much better. Lifeline: Charity demands that we are patient and forbearing to win back the erring person through deep concern, gentle persuasion, positive confrontation, constructive correction, flexible acceptance and solidary prayer

TWENTY SECOND WEEK DAYS MASS REFLECTION 23

04 - 09 SEPTEMBER 2023, HOLY MASS REFLECTIONS 04 SEPTEMBER 2023: 1THESS 4. 13-18; LUKE 4. 16-30 Punch line: A Mission that takes by storm! Guideline: When the Spirit of the Lord is with us, we will be against the spirit of the world. This will subject us to great troubles from the world. But this is the cost of our mission 1.      “Mission, commission, emission, remission, and redemption” – these can be the key ideas in today’s gospel, Luke 4. 16-30. This is the summary of the whole life and mission of Jesus. This must also be the life and mission of every disciple of Christ. Jesus is on mission. He is commissioned by the Father. He emits the Spirit. His mission consists of the remission of sins leading to redemption. 2.      Being sent by the Father and anointed by the Spirit, Jesus is entrusted with a specific mission. Some of its tenets are mentioned in the gospel text, reproduced from the prophet Isaiah. What is striking in these mission terms or objects is the appropriateness of the mission. That is, Jesus brings what is needed to whom. The right thing to the right people! 3.      Accordingly, the poor need good news – news of comfort, sustenance, assurance, hope, abundance, and satisfaction. Jesus concretizes these in his preaching and healing ministry. He releases the captives and liberates the oppressed, especially from the captivity and oppression of sin and evil. He restores sight to the blind, that is enables the people to see God through the sight of faith and to see others through the optic of charity. 4.      However, this is a challenging mission. There is every possibility to meet with misunderstanding, resentment, opposition, and rejection. It happened in the case of Jesus. It is because of the people’s presumptuous knowledge and familiarity with Jesus. They presumed that they knew Jesus very well, his family background, his relations, his credentials, et cetera. It is also because of their “convenient faith” because they listened and received only what did not question or challenge them. That is why, the same people who spoke well of him, become filled with wrath within no time. 5.      The same mission and the same fate also await us. We too will meet with contempt and fluctuating fidelities leading to rejection and persecution. But how many of us are really prepared? Lifeline: How many of us can really declare with conviction and sincerity the same missionary manifesto of Jesus? How many are really conscious that they are anointed and empowered by the Spirit and manifest the same? How many really carry out the same mission of Jesus? (Reflection 2) Focus: A positive response and transformation are possible only with openness and humility. Self-closure will fail to discover and live true self-identity   1.      Our faith becomes genuine and deep when it truly rests not on human capacities or considerations but on the divine perspective and workings. This was what Jesus’ people lacked: the openness and humility to keep aside their human considerations and calculations. Thereby, they fail to operate within the divine framework. 2.      Jesus announces the famous prophetic text, “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me…” and people wonder and are amazed. But after he begins to speak of his identity as the Son of God, questions their lack of faith, and also cautions them of forfeiting God’s grace due to their unbelief, the very same people turn indignant and violent. 3.      This is a clear indication of the fluctuation of moods and feelings, closure of the heart, the shallowness of faith, and instability of loyalty. Once Jesus’ words begin to challenge their actual life and mode of living, they become annoyed and aggressive. 4.      They are caught up within their human boundaries like birth, place, social status, education, etc. They cannot see in Jesus more than their fellow countryman. Consequently, they fail to see the divine aura in Jesus, fail to appreciate him, and eventually, they reject him.   Direction: Unless one travels beyond the confines of external and non-essential factors like lineage, caste, region, language, culture, position, etc., one cannot discover either God or self.   05 SEPTEMBER 2023: 1 THESS 5. 1-6, 9-11; LUKE 4. 31- 37 Punch line: Power that is sacred! Guideline: In a power-crazy and power-corrupt world, authority has degenerated into a game and centre of power. We need to rediscover the sanctity of it 1.      Jesus possessed authority. People could see and experience it. It was seen both in his teaching and healing. He spoke and taught with authority. He also expelled demons with a mere command. What is this authority? Certainly, it was not anything human, legal, or juridical because Jesus had no office, no position and so no power in terms of society. 2.      It was then an authority that came from above. It is something divine and spiritual. It comes from inner power. This in turn is rooted in his intimate union with the Father. It is groomed in his singular focus on his mission, unflinching zeal, and unswerving commitment. 3.      This spiritual authority leads to moral authority, which is a sound character and integrity of life. He had no hypocrisy. He was authentic. He was convinced of the right values of the Kingdom. Thus, this two-pronged authority makes his ministry of word and action firm and powerful. 4.      In contrast, this was the kind of authority that was missing and lacking in the Pharisees and scribes. They had the legal and juridical authority, conferred by the law. But there was no spiritual or moral authority. There was no intimacy and communion with God. They had no integrity of life. 5.      What about us? What is the type of authority that we are possessing and exercising? If there is really spiritual-moral authority, why then often there is power- politics, and power- -corruption? Lifeline: Real authority is the power of the Spirit and the authenticity of life. This is to live a life of light, to bear witness to our nature and vocation of being children of light. (Reflection 2)   Thrust: Power to expel! Indicative: The world is unclean because it is possessed by many unclean demons. It is high that it needs a process of expulsion 1.      The people marvelled at Jesus because they saw in him a unique authority both in his words and deeds that is in his preaching and healing. His words and actions carried conviction and passion, authenticity and sanctity, goodness and kindness. It was an authority that was rooted in a deep spirituality, groomed in sound integrity and manifested in selfless charity. 2.       It was the right type of authority because it was based on true power. The true power is only that which comes from God. In other words, true power is truly divine and spiritual. An authority is corrupt and degenerated when it bases itself on power that is unspiritual and mundane. 3.       Jesus’ authority was powerful to expel demons because it was derived from God. He was Spirit-filled and integral. The authority of Jesus was holistic, a harmonious blend of word and deed. There was no dichotomy between what he said and taught and what he did. He was not like many of us who say one thing and do another thing. 4.       The authority of Jesus was always good-oriented and good-promoting. This is seen in his healing acts of demon-expulsion. Evil and demoniac possession do not find a place in the reign of his authority. That is why he commands the unclean spirits to get off. Whenever authority accommodates and makes room for evil, it is clearly demoniac. 5.       Today, where is that spiritual and moral authority in the church? How many disciples have the power to dispel the demons? First of all, do they have the desire at least to drive away the evil spirits? Is it the authority to heal the demon-possession or is the authority itself demon-possessed?   Imperative: We are called to be empowered with the spiritual and moral authority of Jesus to expel the demons. But are we dispossessed enough of our egos to be possessed by the Spirit of God? HAPPY TEACHERS DAY!   A Teacher not only teaches subjects in the classroom. But he teaches life, how to live and why to live. He teaches from his life. He teaches his own person. He teaches the class of life with a big room in the heart.   A teacher in tune with God, re-creates and regenerates the human person, moulding and building up character and behaviour.   A teacher guides and accomplishes a person's life by inspiring, enlightening, purifying and solidifying, sanctifying, dignifying and glorifying a human person to the heights of humanity which is divinity itself.   Today more than all other days, salute, admire and Venerate all our teachers. Let us transmit profound sentiments of gratitude and reverence toward them. Let us pray earnestly for them. If anyone is in genuine need, let us help them to the best of our limits.   06 SEPTEMBER 2023: COL 1. 1-8; LUKE 4. 38-44 Punch line: Healing that restores life! Guideline: The world of today is tormented by sickness and demon-possession. It needs healing and this comes only from the Lord 1.      Jesus heals the sick and possessed. He heals Peter's mother-in-law with his personal touch. He stands over her and the fever leaves her. He stands near the sick, and the possessed. He rebukes and commands the sicknesses and demons and they are driven. He subdues them and restores health. 2.      This is the real ministry of Jesus - a ministry of liberation and restoration. He heals the people from the ill and evil and makes them whole. This is a holistic ministry - in word and deed,  in his preaching and healing. Further, this healing is also holistic healing, that is, both the external and internal. Fever can refer to external physical healing and demon-possession can refer to internal spiritual healing. 3.      Today, this holistic ministry and holistic healing are needed. We need to live an integrated life of word and action. We need to spread God's kingdom both by our word power and action power. We need to speak powerfully about how God is loving, liberating, and healing. 4.      But words, teaching, and preaching alone will not be enough. Our words must be accompanied and authenticated by healing actions. This would include all our social actions, charitable actions, and exorcist actions. We should bear in mind that all our ministry and healing must be holistic. It must be person-oriented and not merely a particular ministry or action-oriented. 5.      This is the danger of our ministries. There is always the tendency to departmentalize as a ministry of the word, of social work, charity, exorcism, tongues, prophecy, et cetera. It is true that different gifts of the Spirit are given to different persons and ministries may be specified and diversified. But we should be cautious that specialization of ministry is narrowing down or absolutizing the particular ministry or domesticating the Spirit. Lifeline: Whatever the kind of ministry we may be engaged in, We must always make sure that our life is integral and holistic and our ministry too must aim at the holistic healing and health of the person. Ministry is not our focus, but God as the subject and the person of the recipient as the object. (Reflection 2) Thrust: People of the world! Indicative: There is always a difference between people of the world and people of God. The former are led by the unspiritual and the latter are led by the spiritual 1.      Jesus is on his ministry. It is a ministry that is holistic. It includes prayer, preaching, and healing. He is deeply conscious of the purpose of his coming to the world. He declares it clearly: “I must preach the kingdom of God and I was sent for this purpose”. This ministry is inclusive and expansive. It is not confined only to some particular territories. 2.       The spread of the kingdom of God is not limited only to words. It shows itself in concrete actions. And healing is that concrete manifestation. Healing drives away the evil power and establishes God’s reign of liberation, wholeness, strength, and joy. Healing symbolizes the defeat of evil and the ushering in of God’s reign. 3.       Such a ministry of preaching and healing requires immense power. That power comes only from God. That is why even amidst all his round-the-clock ministry, Jesus would always steal some moments to be “alone” with His Father in “desolate” places. 4.       Our ministries also must be like the ministry of Jesus. And they can be so, only when they too become holistic and expansive. Often our ministries, with all their skill and competence, tend to be partial and confined. 5.       There is often a great chasm and incongruence between our prayer life, preaching, and concrete actions. They are also often confined by various boundaries like region, language, caste, tribe, culture, rite, et cetera. The eloquence of preaching and the bundles of activities often do not go together with a deep spiritual life. 6.       Our ministry should be always kingdom-oriented. We should lead people to come closer to God. We should foster in them a sense of unity that feels like one family of God. Whenever there is jealousy and strife, it only means that we are still people of the flesh and not people of the Spirit.   Imperative: Often our ministries fail not because of a lack of competence, talent or skill. It is only because of the lack of communion with God and with others 07 SEPTEMBER 2023: COL 1. 9-14; LUKE 5. 1-11 Punch line: Life with Jesus is abundance! Guideline: Our Vocation is a precious and noble gift, irrespective of the differences in the walks of life. The ultimate and sole aim of every vocation is to make a constant transition from our old life of sin to a new life of grace by following the Lord closely 1.      In the gospel episode, Luke 5. 1-11, we have the miraculous catch of the fish. This becomes the manifestation of Jesus’ power and also the occasion of the call of the first disciples. These are the two obvious themes. But apart from these, what is very striking is the aspect of transition or change that happens. 2.      A situation of nothingness and a total lack of fish changes into abundance. A sense of the futility of toiling vainly the whole night changes into a sense of utility and fruitfulness of catching plenty. Failure turns into success; fear is transformed into confidence; discouragement blossoms into courage and encouragement. Sadness is enveloped by gladness; hopelessness flowers into hopefulness; giving up and quitting is reversed by perseverance and rekindled stability. Thus, the whole misery is changed into glory, whereby a debacle becomes a miracle. 3.      But, still, apart from these detailed elements of change and transition, there is one factor that is more profound and underlying. That is the change of their vocation, the change of their very identity, the change of the level and the dignity of their very life, the change of the direction of their work. They are transformed from mere fishermen to fishers of men or souls. This is the highest form of change and transition. 4.      This core change implies a lot. It is no more a change in that particular situation of the miraculous haul of fish. It is no longer limited only to those few moments. It involves their whole life. Their entire life changes. Their person changes. Their focus and direction change. Their lifestyle, and their manner of living changes. Their goals and objectives change. Still, further, it is a qualitative change. It is a change from something lower to something higher. 5.      This is the same change that is implied in the first reading from Colossians 1. 9-14. It is being “qualified to share in the inheritance of the saints in light; delivered from the dominion of darkness and transferred to the kingdom of His beloved Son”. It is to be “filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and insight”. It is to “increase in the knowledge of God”. It is to be “strengthened will all power, according to his glorious might, to endure patiently and joyfully”. It is to “live a life worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him”. It is to “bear fruit in every good work”. Lifeline: We too profess to follow the Lord closely. We too experience the power of the Lord very many times in our life. But does he make a substantial change in the quality of us as persons, in the quality of our mode of living? Are we constantly changed in transition for the better? (Reflection 2) Thrust: Life changes - The greatest miracle! Indicative: When God’s grace is missing, all the efforts of humans become futile and fruitless. Those who do not realise this are really foolish 1.      “Let no one deceive himself… For the wisdom of this world is folly with God. The Lord catches the wise in their craftiness… The Lord knows that the thoughts of the wise are futile”. This is what St Paul exhorts us in 1 Corinthians 3. 18-23. These words make it very clear that without God’s grace and assistance, all the best efforts can become only self-conceiting and futile. 2.       This is vividly illustrated by a concrete episode in the gospel. Peter and Co. toil the whole night fishing in a lake but catch nothing. They were experts with a lot of skill and expertise. But all their experience and craftiness would amount to nothing. It is because the Lord was not with them. 3.       But when he enters the scene, then he takes control of the whole situation. He directs them, “Put out into the deep and let down your nets for a catch”. He leads us into the deep from the superficial. He makes their futile toil a successful catch. He turns scarcity into abundance. He changes desperation to renewed hope. 4.       God’s entry into our lives makes a sweeping change. Persons are raised to a new dignity. They are no longer ordinary fishermen but fishers of souls. They become dignified and no more ignorable. The purpose and direction of life change. Their life becomes a mission. It is no more self-confined, self-serving, or family-serving. It is kingdom-oriented and other-oriented. 5.       This is a new vocation and mission. Thus, the miracle is not just a temporary change in that particular time or situation. It is a lasting and life-long and total change. No more the old ties, old profession, old friends, old interests! It is a new life, a life totally centred on the person and the mission of Christ.   Imperative: How long do you want to go on pleasing the world, pursuing futile interests? Become wise to realise that the Lord alone turns our futile efforts into miracles of success, by transforming us into persons of dignity 08 SEPTEMBER 2023: MICAH 5. 1-4; MATTHEW 1. 1-16, 18-23, BIRTHDAY OF MARY Punch line: A birth that changes the earth! Guideline: A birthday is a reminder that birth is a gift of God gratuitously and generously donated by God. So our life must always carry this divine touch   1.      08 September is a great holy and happy day for all the Catholics as they celebrate their mother Mary's birthday. Which son, which daughter does not rejoice over her mother's birthday? Today, in the first place, let us greet her with a happy birthday with all the affection in our hearts. Let us kiss her, embrace her and tell her that we simply love her so much. Let us thank God for giving birth to her because if she was not born, we would not be born as her children. 2.      In the Telugu language, there is an old birthday song that says, "Birthday is a feast for all but how many really know why they are born?" The beauty, the meaning, and the value of birth is when one lives the gifted life meaningfully and purposefully. 3.      In this sense, Mary certainly lived her gift of life as a gift to God and others. We can mark two phases in her life: one, before the Annunciation, and the other, after the Annunciation. This distinction is made because as we know, the Annunciation marks a decisive and definitive moment in her life when the purpose, mission, and destiny of her life were disclosed to her. The Angel announces that she would be the mother of the incarnate saviour and thus becomes a pivotal collaborator in God's plan of salvation. From then on, her life was lived in an intense consciousness of her vocation. 4.      However, even before this disclosure of the purpose of her life, even before the annunciation, her life was no less purposeful. Her life has always been a continuous act of faith and faithfulness. This comprises a profound spirit of humility, docility, and surrender. Concretely, these manifest themselves in a life of devotion and benevolence. 5.      Now what is the simple birthday message for us? Like Mary, live a life of faith and faithfulness, humility, docility, and surrender through the daily practice of devotion and benevolence. Live like her, like those who are born of God. This means that we resist sinning. We do what is right. Love others as sisters and brothers.   Lifeline: A fitting birthday gift to the Mother is our filial affection and devotion to her, which eventually leads to emulation of her example   (Reflection 2) Thrust: Nothing little in God’s plan! Indicative: God’s will and designs are always with a purpose and destiny. Ultimately they are oriented to our good and salvation. And Mary has a key role in the accomplishment of this divine plan 1.      08 September marks the birthday of our sweetest Mother Mary. At the very outset, let us salute and felicitate her with a happy birthday wish. As she is our most beloved mother and we are her predilected children, let us rejoice and celebrate this day with exuberant jubilation. 2.       Her birthday is salvific. God in His eternal design of salvation already destined her to be the mother of His only Son who would be born of her as the incarnate Saviour. Thus, Mary has had a singular privilege in God’s sight. Thus, her birthday must remind us of our salvation and Mary’s unique role in that. 3.       Mary’s birth is already a part of the preparation for and implementation of God’s salvific plan. Of course, every birth is also important and purposive in God’s holy designs. Yes, God has a purpose for everyone being born on this earth. However, Mary’s birth is singular and unequivocal for three reasons that cannot be matched by any other birth. 4.       First, her birth indicates her “direct” link and association with God Himself and His plan itself. Secondly, it shows her “direct” role and participation as an incomparable collaborator with His plan of salvation. That is why she is rightly extolled as “co-mediatrix”. Thirdly, her birth indicates her “direct” link with us in the pursuit and attainment of salvation. She is one with us among the saved ones. She is also the guide and supporter for us on the way of salvation. 5.       Her birth is a vital assurance, impetus, and strength for all of us that God is eternally concerned about us. That is why He chose Mary and made her the womb of His incarnate Son. She continued to be a spiritual womb, bearing Jesus all through her life. She reminds us that we too must become the abodes and the dwelling places for Jesus. Thereby she assures us of eternal reward. 6.       There is also another special note on her birthday. A good number of places celebrate her on her birthday as Our Lady of Good Health. This is very meaningful and valid. It is because, with her birth, the process of restoring health is decisively set in motion. Sin has cast a mantle of sickness and infirmity over humanity. But God through the birth of Mary begins already decisively to lift off this cover. Her birth is ushering in the health-restoration process.   Imperative: Let the birthday of the sweetest Mother Mary not be limited to pious devotions and grand celebrations. Let it be a time of reminder of the purpose of our own birth and a moment to rededicate ourselves  (Reflection 3) Focus: Birthdays are always joyful occasions of celebration. But the real greatness is not the mere fact of birth, but in realizing the value and purpose of one’s birth and in living up to that value and purpose   1.      08 September is the birthday of the most beautiful Mother Mary. But practically many remember and celebrate it as a day of Our Lady of Good Health. Now, how a birthday is connected to health? The simple logic and reason is: that her birthday becomes the health day. Her birthday removes sickness and brings health. 2.      In the world of today, many are sick in so many ways. Varieties of sicknesses abound, and when one sickness goes, the other sickness appears. That is why today everywhere you find clinics and hospitals. Hospitals increase day by day because sicknesses increase day by day. Hospitals will never run at a loss, and health care has become a prosperous business because sicknesses will live forever and people are desperate for good health. 3.      People are sick, sick physically, but much more mentally, morally, and spiritually. Day by day, numbers increase of the physically sick, of blood pressure, diabetes, cholesterol, this failure, that failure, this pain, that pain, etc. Day by day, numbers increase of the mentally sick, depression, fear, anxiety, worry, tension, mental imbalance, etc. Day by day, numbers increase, of the morally sick: right values are thrown off, and wrong values like selfishness, greed, corruption, cheating, atrocities, perversions, violence, murders, and all sorts of immorality are embraced and propagated. Day by day, numbers increase, of the spiritually sick: God, God’s will, and God’s message is abandoned or rejected or neglected; the world, worldly pleasures, worldly possessions, and pursuits are given the central place. 4.      The body is sick, the mind is sick, the heart is sick, and the soul is sick. That is why the human person is sick, the family is sick, the community is sick, the working place is sick, the state is sick, the centre is sick, the country is sick, the whole world, the whole human society is sick. The whole world is under the power and reign of sickness. 5.      What does it mean? When one is sick, there is weakness, there is a loss of energy, there is less enthusiasm and interest, and there is a lack of full power and strength. So, sickness makes us weak and dull, we cannot do things well, we cannot be fully happy, and we cannot be peaceful. 6.      Therefore, the greatest sickness is unhappiness and peacelessness. Much more than physical sickness, this is the most serious. Today, we may wonder, how many are really happy and how many are really at peace. Is it not being sick? 7.      Now, do you know, what is the greatest reason for sickness? It is sin. The Holy Bible repeatedly makes it clear that sin takes away happiness and peace. Nobody who sins can be really happy and peaceful. One may appear to be happy but is all shallow and superficial, because sin affects us, infects us, corrupts us, and ruins us. 8.      But what is sin? Simply, sin means something against God and good. So to sin means, not to love God with whole heart, not to listen to Him attentively, and not to follow His will obediently. To sin means, not to be good, not to think good, not to speak good, not to do good, not to have good attitudes, good, qualities, good character, and good behaviour. 9.      Therefore, whenever God and good become less, we are sinful and we become sick. Therefore, today, through her birth, Mary is reminding us and inspiring us that her birth and her whole life were for God and for good. There was no sin and no evil. Therefore, she is perfectly healthy. Her birth and her life of grace and virtue is a medicine, a remedy, an antidote for good health, that is, perfect joy and peace. Thus, being herself healthy and knowing the secrets of health, she can make us healthy, and she can lead us on the path of health. 10.  Am I sick? Are you sick? Do you and I want to be fit and healthy? Then, why delay? Why doubt? Let us run to her. Let us take her help. Let us walk with her, closer to God and better in goodness.   Direction: Every birthday is a reminder that as we advance in years, we must also advance in godliness and goodness, that we must grow in stature integrally, and that we must accomplish the purpose of life 09 SEPTEMBER 2023: COL 1. 21-23; LUKE 6. 1-5 Punch line: Charity is the supreme Rule! Guideline: Rules and traditions are good because they can restrain deviant tendencies, guard against possible breaches and regulate good behaviour. But one should take care not to overdo them 1.      Once again Jesus gets into a confrontation with the Pharisees. The issue is the Sabbath. Jesus’ disciples plucked some grains from the grainfields and ate them. The Pharisees accuse that act of violating the Sabbath rule. They consider even rubbing the grains in the hands as equal to harvesting. Jesus defends his disciples by giving the example of David who when hungry ate and also shared with his company the bread of the Presence. But nobody would question it. 2.      In this context, Jesus declares, “The Son of man is lord of the Sabbath”. His intention is not to justify their action, not to belittle the value of the Sabbath, or to present himself as a liberal man who goes beyond the normal rules. His main intention is to set things in their proper perspective. The Sabbath law is good but at the cost of the human good. The rules are also not above God or his divine rule. 3.      All the rules are for the good of men. They are meant to help and promote their good and happiness and not block their growth. They should not be coercive or subversive. They should not be ends in themselves. They should not be absolutized. We should always remember that they are always means to a beneficial end. 4.      Further, no human law is above the divine law. It is God who is the author and master of the Sabbath law. And now, by forcing Jesus to be subjected to the Sabbath law, they are making the master himself a slave to his handiwork. God is above and beyond every law because he is the supreme law-giver. 5.      The supreme law is faith in Jesus and fidelity to him and all other rules are subservient to this. In the light of the first reading from Colossians 1. 21-23, this means to be ever conscious of our decisive “shift from being estranged and hostile in mind, doing evil deeds to being reconciled in Christ Jesus”; “to present ourselves holy and blameless and irreproachable before him” and to “continue in the faith, stable and steadfast, not shifting from the hope of the gospel”. Lifeline: Every law must be positive and productive, contributive, and conducive to human good. They should not become negative and subversive. The good or bad of a rule must be judged by its fidelity to the divine law. (Reflection 2) Thrust: No good rule is against good! Indicative: All our knowledge and practice of religion and rules should make us more humble and surrendered to God and not puffed up and accusative toward others 1.      The Pharisees and the scribes in the gospels were puffed up about their knowledge and religious adherence. They knew a lot and they observed the laws and rules. That is why they pounce upon Jesus &co. at every little instance and condemn them as violators of the law and irreligious. 2.       In today’s gospel, they accuse Jesus’ disciples of breaking the Sabbath just because they rubbed and ate some of the corn. They twist the whole thing and wrongly equate this simple act of hunger with harvesting which was forbidden on the Sabbath. 3.       They become blind to others – to Jesus and his holiness and goodness, to his disciples who were faithful followers of a great master and hungry at that moment, and to the simple people who were under their guidance. They become blind even to the very laws that they uphold because they do not see the real purpose and spirit of all religions and laws. 4.       Jesus makes clear to the Pharisees and scribes two essentials: “The Son of Man is the lord of Sabbath”. No human rules must supersede him. All the laws are subservient before the supremacy of God. Our focus and priority should be on the Lord of all law and devotion, and not on the law of the Lord. 5.       Secondly, charity and helping others is the greatest principle. No rule should become a hindrance and a reason against the good of the other. Any rule that hinders help and even harms the other is not a good rule and is not pleasing to God.   Imperative: True faith and devotion are always directed to the primacy of God and charity to others. There is no greater law than these