16th weekdays mass reflection of year A

 19 – 24 JULY 2021: HOLY MASS REFLECTIONS

 

19 JULY 2021: EXODUS 14. 5-18; MATTHEW 12. 38-42

Focus: Signs are not tests or proofs for the power of God or the efficacy of faith. They are reminders and reassurances of God’s unfailing intervention and the reward for one’s trust

In the gospel Matthew 12. 38-42, some Pharisees and scribes demand a sign from Jesus to convince them and make them believe him. Actually, signs are meant to deepen and strengthen the faith. But their intention is the opposite. They want to validate their unfaith, and not consolidate their faith. They seek excuses for not believing, rather than confirmations for believing. True faith generates from a humble openness to God’s grace, a profound experience of God and a strong conviction. In this way, no one can generate or create faith. A faith that is based on mere favours and signs, a faith that builds itself on proofs and evidences will be shallow and unsteady. Signs must help us to deepen the faith, because they are manifestations of God’s powerful and merciful intervention.

There is nothing wrong with expecting signs. But the problem is to expect them as proof for God’s power. Signs are not the measuring rods for the power of God or power of faith. They are not the primary things. Unfailing trust in God and a loyal relationship with Him are the real matters. Signs can make sense only in such an atmosphere of trust and loyalty. Jesus accuses those people as “evil and adulterous generation” because they were evil-intentioned and unfaithful as marital infidelity. Had they not seen the mighty works of God in their history? Do they easily forget how God worked wonders to liberate them from the slavery in Egypt? Do they forget the sign of God’s sparing the Ninevites at the preaching of Jonah and their consequent repentance? Do they easily lose sight of the wisdom of Solomon? Are these and numberless acts of God’s intervention not enough signs to stabilize their faith? And Jesus himself is the greatest sign of God’s love, wisdom and mercy. The authenticity of his life, the effectiveness of his ministry are the most compelling signs.

Direction: In times of adversity and crisis, the solution is not to lament or reproach like the frightened Israelites. The fitting response is: Not to fear, but stand firm, and see the salvation of the Lord, which He will work for you today. The Lord will fight for you, and you have only to be still

 

20 JULY 2021: EXODUS 14.21 – 15.1; MATTHEW 12. 46-50

Focus: God is never away from us and is never indifferent toward our struggle. What is needed is to be ever conscious of His mercy and to strive to be faithful to Him

God smote the Egyptians drowning them in the red sea (Exodus 14. 21f.). He divided the red sea and made a dry path for the fleeing Israelites to walk through. But He closed it upon the chasing Egyptians to their perish. Further, He accompanies and leads them by a pillar of fire in the night and cloud by day. Consequently, people fear the Lord, believe in Him and His servant Moses. This whole Exodus event becomes unique and central in their history. In fact, it is such profound experiences of God’s power and mercy that make their history sacred and salvific. Time and again, they recall and remind themselves of their new status as the people of God, specially chosen and guided by God. The more they were aware of this new dignity, the more they remained close to God and loyal to Him. Whenever they neglect this truth, they fail in their fidelity toward God and others as well.

Awareness of our unique call, our new dignity, our sacred duty and relationship with God and others is crucial in living out our faith-life. In the words of Jesus in the gospel, this is belonging to a new family of God. This new family has no boundaries and it is not bound by any such boundary-marks like caste, colour, region, language, race, culture, rite, status, power, etc. These are not the criteria that determine the extent of belongingness and affinity. They do not and should not count at all. The only criterion and norm for the adherence to this new family is “doing the will of the Father”. That is why Jesus poses the straightest question and answers it, saying “Who is my mother, my brother and my sister? Whoever does the will of my Father”. Therefore, doing God’s will is the sole unifying factor. It is the edifying and testifying factor as well. Claiming to belong to the one new family of God but behaving like members of the old family, fragmented, divided and discriminated against one another, is nothing but a contradiction and a deception!

Direction: How unfortunate it is that people of a new spiritual family are driven by divisions and discriminations and yet acclaim to be a mother, brother and sister to Jesus! All those who do not do God’s will, are automatically disqualified from any affinity to him.

 

21 JULY 2021: EXODUS 16. 1-5, 9-15; MATTHEW 13. 1-9

Focus: People’s faith and faithfulness is wavering and easily deviating. But God is ever merciful and faithful. He does not act immediately according to people’s infidelity but His fidelity

The people were hungry in the wilderness. They begin to murmur once again against Moses and God. They recall and even relish the food as slaves in Egypt. They forget the disgrace of their slavery. Rather the material concern dominates the higher concerns like freedom, dignity, faith, fidelity, etc. But God is not angered by their ingratitude or fluctuating faith. He is aware of their concern. He is also clear of His priorities. In that context, what was most needed and urgent was food and a spiritual discourse. He provides them manna from heaven. Yes, our God is a God who cares and provides. Certainly, He knows our various concerns. But, He wants us to give priority to the higher concerns above the merely physical and material.

Our story should not be like that of the Israelites. Again and again, they become forgetful, ungrateful and unfaithful. They succumb to the pressure of worldly preoccupations. They fail to rise up to the higher designs of God. They fail to understand God’s grace and fail to respond and cooperate. Ultimately what matters in our life is our receptivity and productivity. This is what Jesus teaches us through the parable of the sower. God always supplies to us and plants in us the seeds of His grace. There are four types of soil – wayside, rocky, thorny and fertile. The question is not so much which category of soil we are. In fact, we have all the foul kinds within us. At times, we are like the roadside soil, so indifferent and completely closed to God’s grace. At times, we are like the rocky soil, with no roots and depth and easily exposed to and scorched by the heat of difficulties. At times, we are the bushy and thorny soil, choked by many needless pressures and pleasures of the world. And at times, we are also like the fertile soil, producing a rich harvest.

Direction: The beauty of our Christian life is in constantly turning our roadside, rocky and bushy soils into a fertile soil. The more we succeed in making ourselves receptive and fertile, the more we will be productive and fruitful

 

22 JULY 2021: SONG OF SONGS 3. 1-4; JOHN 20. 1-2; 11-18, FEAST OF MARY MAGDALENE

Focus: Seek and you will find. But you can seek if only you love what you seek. And you can love what you seek, if only you realize the value of what you love. And you can know the value of what you love, if only you personally experience the value of it

Today we celebrate the feast day of St Mary Magdalene. She stands as an icon of the lover, depicted in the Song of songs. She loves the beloved. And she seeks him. Mary Magdalene too loves the Lord passionately as her most beloved. She feels totally united with him and intimate to him. She cannot bear any separation from him. But with Jesus’ death, there was an irredeemable distancing. She misses him terribly. So she suffers excruciating pain and anguish. She weeps bitterly. She begins to search for him. She finds him. She is consoled. She is strengthened. She is renewed because she is charged with a new mission. She shares her personal experience with others. She becomes a live and convincing witness for the Lord.

Mary Magdalene can be a great teacher and guide for all of us. The greatest lesson for us is: Love him and seek him. This is the power charge of our whole life. Then, find him and bear witness to him. This is the power discharging through our mission. Those who love and seek him will surely find and witness him. But, there is a process and this does not happen all of a sudden. That is, healing by the Lord, turning to him, keeping close to him, following him in his footsteps, serving him in ministry, accompanying and walking with him on the way of the cross, standing near the cross, sharing in his agony and abandonment, and nurturing an undying love even after death. In fact, these are the concrete ways and expressions of our loving him and seeking him. Do I love and seek him? Then do I also allow the Lord to expel the seven demons from me like Mary Magdalene, maybe, symbolizing the seven capital sins? Do I make an about turn, a change over, a shift in my life to the Lord, away from evil? Do I keep close to him? Do I follow him in his footsteps? Do I serve him in ministry here and now through small little acts of service and support to the community and others as Mary Magdalene did? Do I have the courage and the loyalty to walk the way of the cross? Do I persevere till the end to stand near the cross on Calvary? Can I share the same anguish and thirst of the Lord? Do I miss him deeply? Do I seek him anxiously? Can I weep for him because I cannot bear the separation from him? Can I also encounter the risen and living Jesus even among the tomb experiences? Do I also shoulder the responsibility of bearing witness to the Lord? Can I say “I have seen the Lord” like Mary Magdalene?

Direction: The whole journey and project of our life may be synthesized in four words: Love, seek, find and witness the Lord. And two vital questions can help us in this direction: “Why am I weeping?” and “What and whom do I seek?”

 

23 JULY 2021: EXODUS 20. 1-17; MATTHEW 13. 18-23

Focus: In a world of noise and commotion, many times we fail to be attentive and to hear the words clearly. We are then constantly invited to sharpen our attention and listen to the word of God because it alone helps us to grow and be fruitful

“Receive, nurture and produce”. This is the simple threefold principle for any growth and fruition. For example, a farmer receives the seed, he cultivates and nurtures it through various cares and makes it grow and then reaps a rich harvest, producing abundant fruits. Similarly, we as followers of Christ receive abundantly the seeds of the words of the kingdom. We must always try to provide the best conducive soil for the seeds. We must guard against being the roadside soil where the evil that snatches away the seeds. We must guard against being the rocky ground where we are not deep-rooted but waver at any little adversity. We must guard against bushes and thorns where the worldly interests dominate and suffocate our growth. Instead, we must constantly strive to become more and more fertile so as to produce an abundant harvest of fruits.

The Decalogue or the Ten Commandments in the Old Testament, Exodus 20. 1-17 are the authentic means and expressions of this growth and fruitfulness. The more we adhere to him, the more we will be authentic and effective. They are not just some formal code of ethics, a set of do’s and don’ts. They are the manifestations of a meaningful relationship with God and with others. They are the expressions of a right way of conducting oneself toward God and others. They are the embodiment of a holistic life of sanctity and morality. In this way, the commandments are no more forced burdens or coercions for fear or favour. Rather, they are free expressions of a spirit of true religion and social life. They are like the railway tracks that guard us against deviations and ensure a surer and right direction. They are not barriers but barricades. They are not curtailments of freedom but safeguards of constructive freedom.

Direction: We must foster a positive perspective toward laws and commandments. They help for self- discipline and self-mastery which go a long way in being spiritual and fraternal

 

24 JULY 2021: EXODUS 24. 3-8; MATTHEW 13. 24-30

Focus: We should remember that we are living in a world where there is a wild growth of weeds of evil. We need not be frightened or disheartened. Rather, we must continue to cultivate the good seeds patiently, hopefully and diligently till the end

The problem of evil poses a perennial puzzle to humanity. Why is there evil? Why is it prevalent and overpowering? Why is it so contagious and pernicious? Is God silent and inactive? Is He indifferent? Why should the good and the sincere suffer so much at the hands of the bad? How can the unjust prosper so much detrimental to the honest people? Will there not be an end to this sad story? More or less, this is the crux of the problem of evil. The formulations may slightly vary but the main content is the same.

The parable of seeds and weeds in the gospel Matthew 13. 24-30 is an attempt to address this perennial issue. In fact, the parable states the reality of evil and also the way to respond to it. It affirms that there is evil, there are weeds among the good seeds in the field of life. But interestingly, Jesus does not give any answer to why there is evil? The simple answer is, it is the work of the enemy, the evil one. But this cannot be an adequate answer because the question, how can the enemy plant the weeds? remains. This question as well as the answer are not so important.  What is really important is to be aware and accept the reality that there are weeds in the field. We cannot expect only good seeds and plants. We must realistically accept the presence of weeds. Otherwise, we can become too idealistic to digest the reality; or we may become too agitated to keep trusting and cool. In the presence of the weeds, what should be our response and plan of action? Keep growing. Wait patiently for the day of harvest. Confide in God’s just judgment. The wild growth of the weeds should not discourage the growth of the seeds. Evil will never leave us. Many times, weeds seem to overpower the seeds. But in such times, in the light of the first reading from Exodus 24. 3-8, we must bear in mind that we are under a God of covenant, well-protected and well-directed. He will certainly bless and reward us for all struggle and fidelity. Therefore, like the Israelites, let our response always be: “All that the Lord has spoken we will do, and we will be obedient”.

Direction: True it is that there is wild growth of weeds in our world. This is truly the reign of evil. The weeds of evil cause enormous trouble to the good seeds. There is every possibility for fear or discouragement or retaliation. But patience and hope are the need of the hour!

16th Sunday of the year B

 16^TH SUNDAY, 18 JULY 2021: JER 23. 1-6; EPH 2. 13-18; MARK 6. 30-34

 

Focus: There is a deeper craving in every human being and this cannot be satiated by any worldly satisfaction. Only something above and beyond the human and worldly can truly quench this thirst

 

1.       All the three readings today point to one common factor of “being scattered”, “being far off”, “gone away”. In the first reading from Jeremiah, the shepherds of Israel are blamed for scattering the people entrusted to their care. In the second reading from the letter to the Ephesians, the faithful are reminded that they were far off, and gone away from God, but the blood of Christ brought them near and together. In the gospel, the people are like sheep without a shepherd, without a clear focus and direction.

 

2.       Both the shepherd and the sheep are blamed. There is no point in playing a blame game between both the parties. This happens often. The shepherds put the blame on the sheep that the sheep do not listen to them and they deliberately go away, far off and scattered. The more they try to gather them, the more they get disconnected. The more the shepherds try to unite them, the more the sheep divide themselves. The more the shepherds try to foster belongingness, the more they get estranged and distantiated.

 

3.       On the other hand, the sheep also put the blame on their shepherds that they do not care for them, do not attend to them, do not nourish them, and guide them properly. Their shepherds have no time for them, no heart for them. The concern of their shepherds is no longer their safety, wellbeing and growth. They are often driven by their own interests and have no desire and effort for the good of the people. Often they themselves do not walk properly the Lord’s way. And how can they guide others?

 

4.       At this point, again it is no use that each group defends and justifies their own group.  Both the groups are blameworthy. The fault lies with both. There are bad sheep in spite of good shepherds. There are also good sheep in spite of bad shepherds. In other words, there are good shepherds in spite of bad sheep. There are also bad shepherds in spite of good sheep.

 

5.       In the light of the readings, we can detect some main faults of the shepherds. They have scattered the flock, and have driven them away. They have not attended to them. They have failed to break down the walls of hostility among the sheep. Instead they perpetuate the division and retaliation. They fail to create one new man, that is a renewed life. They fail to reconcile the people to God and to one another, in the one mystical body of Christ, that is the church. They fail to bring hostility to an end. They fail to make peace between the warring groups. They fail to lead people to have access in one Spirit to the Father. Further, unlike the disciples who had no leisure even to eat, they may not be available to the people who are really hungering for God. Or, in other way, they may be over-involved and over-active, being so busy bodies that they may not find even a little to be alone by themselves in silence and solitude.

 

6.       Now from the part of the people, the faults are: they do not realize that they are like sheep without a shepherd. First of all, they may not realize and feel the need for a shepherd. They may not accept their deviating and faltering tendencies. They may not nurture that deep hunger and thirst for God’s presence and word, unlike the people who ran to Jesus and the disciples on foot from all the towns. They may be so engrossed in their worldly affairs that they remain indifferent and mediocre toward the spiritual concerns.

 

7.       But behind all this failing and faltering, what is the reason? It is not difficult to discover. The only reason is losing the touch, the connectivity and the oneness with the sole shepherd. He is the “Lord of righteousness”, the “Reconciler by his own blood” and the “Master and the shepherd”. When we do not listen to the supreme Shepherd, when we refuse to be nourished and guided by him, when we do not conduct ourselves docile and faithful toward him, then how can we be good sheep and shepherds? Now the vital question always remains: Am I a good sheep? Am I a good shepherd? With all my indifference and worldliness, can I really call myself a loyal sheep? With all my causing division and discrimination and seeking self-interests, can I really call myself a faithful shepherd?

 

Direction: It is always good to remember that all of us are essentially sheep to the one and the sole Shepherd. We may be called shepherds only in the functional sense of shepherding the people. Being a shepherd is not our identity but is a noble ministry! Being a sheep is our real identity and duty as well!

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week days mass reflection of 15th week

 12 – 18 JULY 2021, HOLY MASS REFLECTIONS

 

12 JULY 2021: EXODUS 1. 8-14, 22; MATTHEW 10. 34 – 11.1

Focus: Following Jesus calls for a radical and fundamental option for him. This involves an uncompromising fidelity to him

There are many followers of Jesus. But all are not worthy followers because they do not follow their Master’s way. Who then is a worthy disciple? What are some of the essential criteria? Two of the features are highlighted. One is, the highest love for Jesus. It surpasses even the natural and valid family love-ties. Jesus very clearly announces: “Whoever loves father or mother more than me, is not worthy of me; whoever loves son or daughter more than me, is not worthy of me”.

Here the point is not about loving or not loving one’s own family. The real issue is no family love should be more than our love for God and love for the new spiritual family. This is a real pointer and poker to many followers of Jesus. This applies both to the consecrated as well as the lay faithful. We must humbly realize that in the case of a good number of clergy and religious and family people, family attachments, family interests, family benefits count more than the duties toward God and God’s people.

Second requisite for a true disciple is, walk the way of the cross. There is no room for compromises, shortcuts, self-interests, easy gains, escape from the demands of discipleship, and fear of adversities. Following Jesus certainly leads to opposition and persecution. This is what the Israelites experienced in the land of Egypt. Their loyalty to the true God, Yahweh brought them opposition and hatred pushing them into slavery and persecution. This is also the same thing Jesus means when he says, “I have come not to bring peace but sword”. Sword symbolizes suffering and affliction. Following Jesus disturbs and shatters false peace that lingers in compromise. It is a peace that does not take a clear stand for the Lord. It is a peace that pleases the humans even at the cost of disloyalty to God.

Direction: Following Jesus demands paying a heavy price. But it is worth it. All who follow Jesus and support those who follow him, will for sure receive a great reward

 

13 JULY 2021: EXODUS 2. 1-15; MATTHEW 11. 20-24

Focus: The greatness of faith is not measured by the quantity of religious knowledge or the number of favours received. Only the quality of receptivity and change of life is the deciding factor

In the gospel, Jesus sternly denounces the cities of Corazin, Bethsaida and Capernaum. He pronounces woe to them. Interestingly it is in these cities where he worked most of his mighty works. But they failed to be receptive and cooperative to God’s grace. They are reproachable and culpable because they remained unrepentant, self-righteous, arrogant and seeking self-glory. Yes, they rejected Jesus’ earnest call for repentance. In their pride and self-righteousness, they refused to see and accept their wrongdoing and infidelity. They failed to seek God’s glory. Instead they pride and glorify themselves in their history, tradition, religion, Scripture, Law, knowledge, progress, etc.

They fail to be conscious of God’s ways and mighty intervention in their past history through the prophets as well as their present story through Jesus. The story in the first reading from Exodus of Moses whom they venerate so much, is a clear example of God’s benevolent inception into their life. God’s plan of salvation and His way of execution is beyond human comprehension but is always marvelous. Baby Moses was protected in spite of Pharaoh’s law of casting into the Nile every male Hebrew child. He was saved and adopted by Pharaoh’s daughter herself. Boy’s mother herself was called to nurse the growing child. He grew up in the palace. But he killed an Egyptian who wronged a Hebrew. As Pharaoh who knew this murder sought to kill Moses, he had to flee. Later his story would continue, a story that shows the incomprehensible ways of God’s working.

The problem with the Jews was their great sacred history made no impact and change on their present story.

Direction: It is not the greatness of religion or history that makes a believer great. Rather it is how one lives what he believes and inherits

 

14 JULY 2021: EXODUS 3. 1-6, 9-12; MATTHEW 11. 25-27

Focus: Great things happen through humans. It is not the greatness of them but that of God.  He works great things even through simple and small people

God’s love for us is like the burning bush in the first reading from Exodus 3. 1-6, 9-12. The bush is burning but is not consumed. Similarly, God’s love burns for us eternally but is never exhausted and annihilated. His love is faithful from generation to generation. He is a personal God who enters into personal encounter and covenant. That is why He always reveals Himself as the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac and the God of Jacob. His love is so sensitive because it hears the cries of the suffering Israelites in slavery in Egypt. He sees their oppression by the Egyptians. He chooses Moses to liberate them and lead them out to their promised land. This choice is not on the basis of the merit of Moses.

It is rather the gracious will of the Father. This is made manifest in the gospel text. Jesus thanks the Father because He hides the divine mysteries to those intelligent and competent in the sight of the world. But He reveals them to “mere babes”. That is, to the small, insignificant and ignorable people. Thereby it is very clear that vocation is always a gratuitous gift of God. He chooses us. It appears as if we are choosing the way of life. But actually we only respond to His call. It is again God who helps our response. Often, the response may be very reluctant. It can be due to the sense of personal inadequacy; or, it can also be on account of the enormity of the task entrusted. From a human standpoint, we will fall short. Thus, Moses declines God’s offer to liberate the Israelites from slavery. He protests, “Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh, and bring the Israelites out of Egypt”. But God teaches him to see from the divine standpoint. It is not the individual Moses but God Himself who works through him. God assures him: “I will be with you”. Therefore, vocation and mission are never one’s own merit or credit. God’s presence, guidance and power sustain and accomplish a call.

Direction: Human capacities do not become the deciding factors for God’s call. Neither are they the cause for the excellence and effectiveness of the call. Utmost they are supplements and never substitutes

 

15 JULY 2021: EXODUS 3. 13-20; MATTHEW 1. 28-30, St Bonaventure

Focus: The identity of our God is not in the list of His immeasurable attributes. It is rather in His relationship with us, soaked into compassion and mercy

In the present times, often there is an identity crisis. Many do not know who and what they are. They mistakenly equate their identity with their functions, roles, titles, places or cultures, etc. Or, they glorify their identity with their talents and capacities. That is why, when asked about who they are, the usual answer is, “I am a doctor, engineer, teacher, leader, servant, or I am an Indian, foreigner, etc.” Practically, it may inform one's state of life or area of one’s activity. It may also convey the scope of one’s ability and greatness. But, we must bear in mind that identity cannot be reduced to any one of them. They may express one’s identity, help to live one’s identity. An ability, an activity is not identity.

True identity is essential connectivity to the divinity. It is living one’s human existence in the realm of divine existence. It is sharing in the all-comprising and all-enveloping Presence of God. In the words of Exodus 3. 13-20, it is experiencing and extending the identity of God, which is “I AM”. When Moses asked for the name of God, God answered, “I AM WHO AM”. God’s identity is not qualified by any other attribute. In God, there is no dichotomy between what He is and what He does. In fact, God’s “Who He is?” is a blend of what He is and what He does.

He is a God of power, love, compassion and mercy. He manifests this nature and identity in His mighty acts and works. He intervenes and rescues them mightily. He loves them tenderly and passionately. He cares for them compassionately. He also forgives their sins mercifully. Thus God’s identity is not something static but dynamic.

Unfortunately, often there is so much contradiction and incongruence between what we are originally and what we do actually. We move away from our real identity and do actions contrary to this. This results in burdens that weigh us down heavily. Jesus, true to his dynamic identity invites us in today’s gospel, “Come unto me all those who are heavily burdened and I will give you rest”. For this, we need to put on the same nature, share the same identity, and that is, “being gentle and humble”.

Direction: To a world that is so rude, harsh and hard, gentleness will be like a yoke hard to bear. And to a world that rides on pride and arrogance, humility is really a burden to carry. But it is only by carrying these noble yoke and burden, we can experience true relief and comfort

 

16 JULY 2021: EXODUS 11. 10 – 12. 14; MATTHEW 12. 1-8, Our Lady of Mount Carmel

Focus: True fidelity to the laws of religion should not be blocks against charity, because there is no other law greater than the law of charity

Ages and times may change but the evil in the human mentality remains. What is really evil is a lack of kindness and concern toward others. Benevolence and help to others is the greatest norm of life and law of any worthwhile religion. All the rules and traditions should ultimately lead to this supreme principle of life. Devoid of such fraternity and goodness, everything else will become empty and imperfect.

In the gospel today, Jesus questions such practice of religion that totally neglects the need and good of others. The disciples of Jesus are hungry. They plucked some heads of grain and began to eat. The Pharisees who wait for any slightest occasion to find fault with Jesus, seize this opportunity. They blame Jesus and his disciples for breaking the Sabbath rule. The rule is that no one does any work on Sabbath day because it is holy. Is plucking the heads of grain considered as harvesting? What a height of religious crankiness and superfluity! What about their hunger? What about their need and plight at that time? Jesus retorts that even David and his companions ate even the Bread of the Presence from the temple, that even the priests by their activities in the temple profane the Sabbath. Sabbath or any religious law is meant for devotion to God and to nurture the spirit of human concern. Any law, any tradition, any religious activity that hampers good to the other and harms the other, is not praiseworthy.

The whole piety is geared to the increase of charity. Otherwise, it will only become a heartless show, a shallow pretension. It is this spirit that Jesus attests, saying, “I desire mercy and not sacrifice”. Is it not a shallow religion that people donate huge amounts in the temples of pilgrimage but are least bothered about their starving immediate neighbours? Is it not a heartless devotion when people venerate the Sacred Heart or Divine Mercy of Jesus but have no heart or mercy toward others? Is it not a worthless religion when people preach eloquently but breathe hatred and venom on other followers?

Direction: As we commemorate the sweetest Mary as Our Lady of Mount Carmel, let us confide in her maternal assistance and guidance. Thereby, we can live a religion that blends together piety and charity

17 JULY 2021: EXODUS 12. 37-42; MATTHEW 12. 14-21

Focus: Good will always meet with resentment and resistance. The reason is that it creates a bad taste to the bad flock and remains as not palpable and digestible

We wonder whether there was any single day left during the ministry of Jesus when he had no trouble from the Pharisees and scribes. As the Lord was ever active with God’s work, they were super active with the evil work. As Jesus was vibrantly preaching the gospel, they were vehemently spreading evil, plotting against him. As he was tirelessly engaged in healing, they were ceaselessly engrossed in sickening minds and hearts. As he was expelling the demons, they were more and more demon-possessed. He was offering sight to the blind, but they were getting more and more blinded interiorly. He was offering new life to many, but they were immersed in the old life of stubbornness, self-righteousness, jealousy, hatred and wickedness. That is why, we see in today’s gospel that the Pharisees went out and took counsel against him, how to destroy him.

But it is impressive to note! This makes no difference in the mission of Jesus. He was not in panic. He does not sit with his disciples and plan out the strategies. His focus does not change. His determination does not shake. His courage does not waver. His enthusiasm does not dwindle. Many continue to follow him. He heals all. But he orders all his beneficiaries not to make him known. He needs no human publicity or recommendations to win the favour of the Pharisees or to gain popularity. His whole focus is to accomplish the mission entrusted to him by the Father like a true suffering servant in the Old Testament. His sole intention is to remain always as the beloved of God with whom God’s soul is well pleased. In the first reading from Exodus 12. 37-42, God Yahweh kept a “night of watching”, the pass over night, to bring the Israelites out of the land of Egypt. Similarly, amidst all opposition and evil, Jesus too continued his “nights of watching” to liberate the people from the bondage of sin.

Direction: The success of mission is not to meet with any adversities or obstacles. It is also not overcoming all of them and emerging victorious. Rather, it is combating them valiantly and continue the good for God

 

15th Sunday of the year B

15th SUNDAY, 11 JULY 2021: AMOS 7. 12-15; EPHESIANS 1. 3-14; MARK 6. 7-13

Focus: We are on a mission. It is God's own mission. If so, we cannot afford to lose this sense of mission and live without purpose, direction and accountability

1. In the gospel, Jesus sends his disciples on mission. It is not any mission, of one's will and fancy, but his own mission. This is very well-defined. It is a mission calling for repentance. It is a mission to expel evil spirits and heal sicknesses of various sorts.

2. The same mission is valid now and forever. We need to re-awaken the sense of sin and repentance. This is  amidst a pervasive air of indifference, and tepidity .The society is steeped into an outright permissibility where sin is permitted in the name of fun and progress. We need to dispel the evil and demonic forces of aggression and harm, selfishness and arrogance. These are not just out there. They  surround us and powerfully cling to us and dictate our lives.

3. Further, We need to heal the sicknesses of hopelessness, distrust, distress and anger, fostering hope, trust, serenity and benevolence. The world is reeling under the reign of evil and the pain of fragility.

The task is enormous. Our strength, our capacities and resources alone are not enough to combat the enemy and to continue the entrusted mission effectively. We need special and appropriate equipment.

4. But the problem lies in discerning the right type of equipment. Somehow we go for the wrong equipment. It is what is merely worldly, earthly and secular. This is truly a heavy dose of worldliness, and we are grossly stung by it. . Consequently,  we consider worldly securities and resources as our best means and tools for an effective mission. 

5. But Today the Lord makes it crystal clear that what is worldly, earthly and merely human, can never be the adequate and effective equipment. That is why, Jesus emphatically orders, "Carry no bag, no purse, no two tunics". This is the usual equipment. And many place their excessive trust in them. Accordingly,  all their time and energies are spent in acquiring and accumulating them. 

6. There is nothing wrong with making use of the modern resources, facilities, strategies and human capacities for a better performance and excellence of the mission.  We must avail all the possible help that can facilitate and foster our mission. But, at the same time, our mission should  not depend too much on worldly securities like money, power, position, etc. Neither should it be too much conditioned by human capacities like intelligence,  competence, talents and skills. The danger is always there: to make these worldly and human equipment indispensable. So much so, often to go to a mission or to do the mission depends on these factors. And the success of mission is mostly measured in terms of these.

7. In the process, the greatest blunder is to neglect or underplay or even substitute the most essential equipment and requirements by the secondary equipment.  The greatest equipment is God's own power and authority. The sad thing today is in the name of modern, timely and relevant equipment,  the divine and spiritual authority is sidelined. These modern means of powers, instead of consolidating and adding to the efficiency and efficacy, are becoming hindrances. Instead of becoming happy additions, they become deletions. Instead of becoming efficient promoters,  they become effective preventers.

8. This is what happens when the strategies and media of presenting the good news prevail over the contents and the deep power of the Word of God. Powerpoint presentations overpower the Word power. Loud shows and displays subvert the conviction and depth of the message and communication. Popularization and mass appeal override the real discovery and the simple touch of True Spirituality and the incomparable value and sanctity of the most holy Eucharist. Capacity and talent dominate the sanctity and authenticity of life. External gigantic structures steal the show ignoring the real touching and building the souls.

9. It is in this context, we must be clear of the core of authority and mission. The real authority is deeply spiritual and sacred because it proceeds from God, sanctioned by God. Authority is always for mission. This mission is to evoke repentance, and to heal from evil and interior sickness and to restore holistic health. In the light of the second reading from Ephesians 1. 3-10, such a sacred authority will always strive to "be holy and blameless" before Him so as to arrive at our destiny of His adopted sons and daughters through His only Son and our Saviour. 

Direction: Mission is a constant journey, entrusted and accompanied by the Lord himself. A walking stick and sandals interestingly indicate this aspect of the journey. All authority is for mission. Any authority that fails in this mission of holiness and goodness is a degenerated authority and is accountable to God!

14th week days mass reflection

05 - 10 JULY 2021 HOLY MASS REFLECTIONS

05 JULY 2021; GEN 28. 10-22; MATTHEW 9. 18-26

Focus: True faith makes us aware of our vulnerable and defenseless condition of adversity and affliction. It also keeps us steady from losing heart. Further, it makes us turn to God and seek his intervention

Comforting and uplifting are God's words and deeds! This is presented so vividly in God's Word today, in both the readings. In the first reading from Genesis 28. 10-22, this is seen in God’s confirming His promises. And in the gospel from Matthew 9. 18-26, this is confirmed in Jesus’ action of healing. In the first reading, God promises to Jacob that He will be faithful to all His promises in the past. He would give abundant land, posterity, prosperity and blessing to Jacob and to all his descendants. At the height of all these assurances, the greatest is the assurance of His unfailing presence. The Lord assures him: “Behold, I am with you and will keep you wherever you go… I will not leave you until I have done that of which I have spoken to you”.

This assurance is concretely accomplished in the action of Jesus in the Gospel. The simple touch of him heals and transforms the whole situation: he touches the dead girl and she comes back to life; the touch of his garment heals the woman of her haemorrhage. His presence, his intervention, his touch restores life and health and, along with them, lost joy and human dignity. God is always benevolent towards us. He is always eager and ready to come to our aid, especially in our difficult and helpless situations. But what is essential is faith. It is a faith that never gives up hope, a faith that never loses courage and confidence, a faith that turns to God, a faith that approaches God, a faith that affirms our total trust in Him, a faith that seeks his touch and power. This is the faith witnessed by the officer and the woman with haemorrhage.

Direction: We shall wholeheartedly trust in God's love and mercy, His power and His intervention. We shall beg him to extend His healing hand to touch us, so that we can regain our lost joy and dignity of life

 

 06 JULY 2021: GEN 32. 22-32; MATTHEW 9. 32-38,  St Maria Goretti

Focus: God never leaves us in our stress and distress to fight a lone battle. All that is needed is to turn and cling to Him even in our struggle

In the gospel, Jesus saw the crowd and felt compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Today too, God sees all of us and certainly feels compassion for all, because we are truly harassed and helpless, exactly like sheep without a shepherd. How many fears and anxieties, how much violence and selfishness, how much misery snatch away the beauty and joy of life! In how many numberless ways humanity is harassed and helpless! Without doubt, many are like sheep without a shepherd. Yes, many lack the true shepherding that mainly comprises protection, care and guidance. Many are unprotected, exposed to the assaults of evil. They are not properly cared for and not nurtured, and thus not receiving the proper nourishment and strength. Many are also prone to be misguided and led astray. Therefore, we must turn to our only shepherd, the only one who can heal our situation. In his time, Jesus healed many of their sicknesses and evil-possession. He taught them the right path and directed them on the same. He would never give up, in spite of being falsely blamed and accused. No doubt he never stops this never-ending mission.

But, he wants to involve us in this holy mission, which is like cultivating a crop and reaping a rich harvest. He wants us to be fully committed labourers. We need to uproot the roots of evil, which is the true infirmity and demon-possession. We need to transplant God’s comfort and strength. We need to continue the same mission with undaunted zeal and unshaken faith in God. We need to be like Jacob in Genesis 32. 22-32 in the first reading. He wrestles with God’s own angel so valiantly. He would not leave him till he blesses him, even though his thigh was put out of joint. Only such a persevering clinging to God would enable us to be sheep that belong to the shepherd. It will also make us collaborate with the shepherd, working hard and reaping an abundant harvest of sheep with the shepherd.

 Direction:  The little saint Maria Goretti preferred to die rather than losing her virginity. She truly found her shepherd. She would not be misguided or pressured into wrong by the falsities of the world

 

07 JULY 2021: GEN 41. 55-57, 42. 5-7, 17-24; MATTHEW 10. 1-7

Focus: In a power-crazy and power-abusing world, Jesus shows us the real power. Real power is a means and tool for doing good, for establishing the true kingdom of God

In the gospel today from Matthew 10. 1-7, Jesus gives authority to his Twelve. He empowers them with his own power and authorizes them to carry on his own mission. But this power and authority is not to subjugate and manipulate others. It is not for seeking and promoting self-interests. The real power and authority is divinely sanctioned. It comes from God. It is therefore something divine and sacred. It is also meant to be kingdom-oriented and other-oriented. That is why Jesus orders his disciples, preach that “The kingdom of God is at hand”. That is why, as he endows them with authority, the purpose too is clearly mentioned. It is to “cast out the unclean spirits, and to heal every disease and every infirmity”.

The Kingdom of God is not so much a place up in the heavens, out there after death. It is also not merely a spiritual domain, with lots of spirituality and religious activities. It is where and when God reigns. It is the situation and experience of God being near to us, taking control of our life. It is where the godly values of love, justice and peace prevail.

Therefore, in this context, any power and authority that does not promote God’s reign, that is not benevolent and beneficial to others, is not a true authority. Any authority that reels on the heels of human manipulation is a degenerated one. Any authority that does not preserve its sanctity but is so much tainted by worldliness is already a corroded one. Further, any authority that is ego-centred, ego-projecting and ego-promoting is a mean authority. It is here, Joseph, the son of Israel comes as an example of magnanimous benevolence. Even though his brothers jealously sold him into slavery, yet God raises him to be the governor of Egypt. He allows God’s kingdom to reign in the kingdom of Egypt. He forgives the sin of his brothers and saves them in time of famine

Further, the mission entrusted to the disciples is primarily directed to “the lost sheep”. That is, first of all, it is a “mission within”, a mission to repair, rejuvenate our own selves, our own lives, our own hearts, our own communities and families, our relatives, friends and surroundings. At times, we may be more worried about changing the whole world but neglect our own “small worlds” that we live and interact day in and day out.

Direction: The fact that the names of the twelve apostles are mentioned indicates that our vocation and mission is very personal and personally significant. It is not only a collective, community mission of the church, but also of each disciple

 

08 JULY 2021: GEN 44. 18 – 45. 5; MATTHEW 10.7-15

Focus: God is always on a relentless mission of transforming our lives and working for our good. At times, his plans and ways are hard and distressing but they will reap rich results

God never ceases to love us and work for our benefit. At times, the ways of God look very mysterious and even upsetting. The story of Joseph in Genesis in the first reading of these days is a clear example of His disconcerting and confusing ways. Apparently, so much injustice was done to Joseph. He was sold into slavery into Egypt. But God raised him to the dignity of a governor. It was actually God’s way of sending him before his brothers, so that he would rescue them from famine. In other words, God already sent Joseph on a specific mission of saving many lives during famine.

In the gospel too, Jesus is entrusting a mission to his disciples. In simple terms it is his own mission. It is to establish God’s kingdom as he himself did. It is a twofold mission, namely to preach and heal. But he does not send them empty-handed. He equips them with his own power. Therefore, they need not bother too much about worldly equipment like gold, silver, copper, bags or tunics or sandals or staff. They should be detached from worldly abundance and accumulation. They should retrench themselves from depending excessively on worldly securities and guarantees. On the other hand, they should be generous in giving their life, time and all energies, because they too received so generously from God.

They should remember that it is a peace-mission. They should be peace-lovers, peace-witnesses and peace-promoters. Any words and acts that cultivate seeds of disunity and antagonism, that lack devotion and goodness, are only a counter-mission and counter-productive.

Further, in carrying out this mission, working for God and promoting good alone should be our end-targets and aims. There should be no other motive, even the motive of success. We should be prepared even to face failure. That is why Jesus already warns: “if anyone will not receive you or listen to your words, shake off the dust from your feet as you leave that house or town”. This indicates that we must be detached even from expectation of fruits and results. Sheer focus on mission and dutifulness irrespective of the effects are our driving forces.

Direction: Often mission suffers because there are lots of ego issues. There should not be any seeking of self-glory which leads to ego clashes and ego hurts. Instead, let all life and mission be God-oriented.

 

09 JULY 2021: GEN 46. 1-30; MATTHEW 10. 16-23

Focus: The beauty of faith is not to have any problems or to vanquish all the problems. Rather its value is in facing them in courage and confidence

Many may have a wrong idea about faith and the power and effect of it. Their thinking is: If I have faith, then I should not get any problem; or at least, even if I get them. They should be overcome easily and disappear. But, God has never promised this. He never declared, Believe and worship me and I will never allow any problems to beset you. God is no false assurer or promiser. But one thing is for sure. He promises to help out those who trust in Him. He assures to accompany them, to sustain, encourage and guide them. He will not guarantee a complete absence of difficulties. But He confirms His assistance.

This is what we see in today’s both the readings. In the first reading from Genesis 46. 1-30, God tells Jacob to go and settle down in Egypt. But Jacob is afraid because it is a foreign land of Pharaoh. What lies ahead is uncertain and unclear. The fear of ill-treatment and slavery also looms high. It is in such a context God assures him, “I am God, the God of your father; do not be afraid … for I will go with you … I will be with you”.

In the gospel too from Matthew 10. 16-23, Jesus is sending his disciples on his mission. He is no false leader, trying to hide the facts and present a cosy picture. He speaks to them plainly of the challenges of this mission. They will be like sheep among wolves. They will be persecuted, disowned and hated for his sake. However, it is not to scare them; rather, it is to alert them and mentally prepare them to encounter the impending adversities. A true disciple shall not shelter himself in illusory ambitions and comfort-zones. Further, he will not leave us as lone fighters in this battle. He will stand by us with his Spirit of wisdom and courage. Thus he assures them, “Do not be anxious how you are to speak … for what you are you to say will be given to you in that hour; for it is not you who speak, but the Spirit of the father speaking through you”. All that is needed is to be wise, innocent and persevere: be wise to discern; be innocent to remain uncontaminated; and be persevering not to give up.

Direction: The quality of a true follower of Christ is his loyalty to the end, in the midst and in spite of all the adversities and discouraging experiences. This alone will bring him a rich reward!

 

10 JULY 2021: GEN 49. 29-33, 50. 15-25; MATTHEW 10. 24-33

Focus: The difference between a true follower of Christ and a false one is in their depth of trust and loyalty. The former is deep-rooted, totally surrendered and loyal. But the latter is shallow, wavering and unfaithful

Fear is a haunting experience for all. The reasons can be many and varied. In the first reading from Genesis 49. 29-33 and 50. 15-25, the brothers of Joseph are afraid of punishment from him. They were conscious of the immense evil they did to him by selling him into slavery. Quite rightly, Joseph could take revenge on them. But with a magnanimous heart, he forgives them and takes care of their families. He removes their fear, instils confidence and re-establishes a loving bond. How gracious he was, saying, “Fear not … so do not fear”. He also looks at everything in the framework of God’s holy designs. He accepts everything as all for good, from the optic of faith. Hear him as he says, “You meant evil against me; but God meant it for good, for many people to be kept alive during famine”.

In the gospel too from Matthew 10. 24-33, Jesus tells his disciples, “have no fear… do not fear … fear not”. The context is the suffering and persecution for the sake of his mission. There will be many who will oppose and harm them even to the extent of killing. Their fate is no different from their master’s. He too went through the same crucible of criticism and persecution.

In such a context, they should weigh between God and the evil people. Humans can only harm and kill the body and not the soul. But God has control over both. They can cause only physical suffering, but cannot touch us spiritually. Further, our God is a loving and providential God who values us so preciously and cares for us so meticulously. He thinks of even little birds like sparrows. He knows the number of even little things like our hair. Hear how Jesus assures and encourages us: “Even the hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not, therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows”. Therefore, what is expected from us is to trust him deeply, to be courageous in testing and trying times and to be loyal to him always.

Direction: Jesus says, “A disciple is not above his teacher, and a servant is not above his master; It is enough that a disciple becomes like his teacher and a servant like his master. Therefore, as disciples and servants, let our whole striving always be to become like our master