HOLY FAMILY

 

HOLY FAMILY SUNDAY, 26 DECEMBER 2021

1. The immediate Sunday after the holy Christmas is the Holy Family Sunday. Is it a clear indication that the Saviour who is born on earth, must be born in every family, and must be nurtured and taken care by every family? Christ must grow day after day in every family. Christ must “live” in every family, and those greatest Christmas gifts of hope, light and joy must continue to “incarnate” in every family. Every family takes the place of the holy family, and every family can be a holy family, in so far as it embodies the same values and disseminates the same ambience.

2. Our reflection on Holy Family is simple and focused: what does the Holy Family teach the families of today? First of all, how lovely it is to think that the Holy Family perfectly represents the holistic nature of God: paternity, maternity and fraternity. Yes, God is fatherly, motherly, and brotherly, each represented by Joseph, Mary and Jesus. The love between the Father and the Spirit “generates” and “nurtures” the Son, and so also the holy love between Joseph and Mary “regenerates” and “fosters” the son Jesus.

3. Thus, the Holy Family resembles this divine nature, and represents the divine face. Accordingly, in Joseph, we see the fatherly care, guardianship and owning up responsibility for the family, for Mary and Jesus. In Mary, we see the motherly tenderness, affection, and sense of support and standing together with the husband and son. In Jesus, we see the fraternal and filial devotion, openness, trust, belongingness and loving submission.

4. Perhaps the greatest tragedy of many a family of today is, the “loss of this divine and human face”, the loss of love with God, and loss of love with the others in the family. When a family loses this “divine touch” and “human reach”, then there is no beauty, joy and peace. In our times, the life of many families is a story of tension, dissatisfaction and unhappiness, because of the continuous replay of irresponsibility and strife. Why a family becomes a place to avoid or escape from, instead of a refuge to turn to? Why a family becomes a misery, instead of a beauty? Why family life becomes a burden, instead of a lightening experience? It is not enough to glorify the Holy Family of Joseph, Mary and Jesus. But it is more important to verify and rectify the quality of each family in the light of the Holy Family.

5. A husband’s duty is not over, by just earning some money, and ensuring the material wellbeing. A wife’s duty is not over, by just managing the house chores or partnering in the financial concerns. What matters most is, how much they are loving companion and partners, in mutual love, respect, care and forbearance? It is not a wonder that in spite of all increase in education and progress, the bonding between husband and wife is very much “thinning”, with no real vibrations of communication and communion.

6. A parent’s duty is not just over, by giving the children some money, a good dress, a good education, a good job and a comfortable life. Much more than that, how many parents give their children sane values of life, give God, faith and kindness? How many parents teach and make their children to be good human beings? Those parents who are responsible for their children to become irresponsible, without devotion and morals, are the biggest “failed parents”.

7. A son’s or daughter’s duty is not over, by just getting well-educated and well-settled in life. How sad it is that a good number of children turn so ungrateful, disrespectful and even harmful towards their parents! A son or daughter who becomes the cause of sorrow of the parents, is a disgrace before God, even if is rated high before the world. Such children are a great “misery” and “failure”, even if they ride on glory and success.

8. An “about-turn” is then the need of the day: Turn to God, and turn to each other. Return to God’s heart, with faith; Return into each other’s heart, with love! See your partner’s face and heart. See your children’s face and heart. See your parents’ face and heart. Do it daily. Then surely, your face and heart, and the whole face of life and family, will change!

4th Sunday of advent

 

4^TH SUNDAY ADVENT, 19 DECEMBER 2021: MICAH 5. 2-5a; HEB 10. 5-10; LUKE 1. 39-45

Focus: The mystery of Christmas reminds us that God saves us not through mere sacrifices and offerings but through personal self-offering in the incarnation of Christ

1. We are at the threshold of the holy Christmas. In this last stretch of our Advent journey in preparing ourselves fittingly, we are presented with the figure of Mary in the scene of her visit to Elizabeth. Indeed an Image and an episode, so pregnant, indicative, and significant! She stands for the self-sacrifice and self-offering of God Himself. She symbolizes the very purpose of Jesus’ incarnation. This is very clear in the words of the second reading from the letter to the Hebrews: “Behold, I have come to do your will, o God!”

2. This Visit of Mary was not a mere courtesy visit. It is indeed a "Visitation". In the Bible, in the light of the Old Testament, Visitation of God is always an occasion, an encounter, an experience of God's intervention, especially in times of struggle or disgrace or a special plan of God. God's visitation assures His accompaniment, His guidance, His support, direction, and accomplishment. It may be to remove that particular difficulty or to realize the special purpose.

3. God "visited" Elizabeth. Thereby He removed her disgrace of sterility, and graced her with a son, even in her old age. Further, this visitation was also perfectly oriented to God's salvation plan; because, this son, John the Baptist, was predestined as the Precursor of the Messiah, chosen to prepare the way of the Lord.

4. God "visited" Mary at a young age. Apparently, this invited her to the "disgrace" and challenge of motherhood, even without marriage. But this visitation is perfectly in tune with God's plan of the Savior in the womb of Mary. Son of God as the son of Mary, without human intervention, is totally the sign and fruit of God's intervention in human history.

5. Thus Mary, being "visited" - graced and made a partner in God's plan of salvation, in turn, sets herself on visitation to Elizabeth. What a simple and powerful lesson: One who is graced by God, cannot remain stagnant. One who is visited by God's grace, cannot but visit others. Grace is always positively "contagious".

6. In other words, that Faith manifests in Mary's total docility and surrender, at the annunciation of the angel, and filled her with the Holy Spirit, moves her to Elizabeth. Yes. True faith is never static, but ever dynamic and mobile. Faith moves to others on the wings of charity. 

7. Seen in this divine and spiritual perspective, charity is not merely something human, purely psychological or emotional. It is not only a positive human action and interaction but much more a spiritual divine intervention. True Charity is God's own face turned towards the humans, a portion of God's own benevolence.

8. Perhaps, we can delve a little deeper into the richness of true charity, in the light of Mary's spirit of Charity, so as to check upon our own frequent practices of a shallow charity.

1) There is "sensitivity",  - feeling for the other, being empathetic toward others in their plight and struggle, sensing others' needs, even without being asked. Elizabeth was in need of Mary's assistance, and Mary anticipates it.

2) There is "magnanimity" - Mary's spacious heart makes space for Elizabeth, and so moves beyond space, cuts across distances, and visits Elizabeth.

3) There is "nobility" of character - she is not puffed up, she does not put on airs, feeling great that she is the mother of the Savior. Neither does she think low of Elizabeth as a "poor old woman". Rather in her nobility, she treats Elizabeth with respect, dignity, and concern.

4) There is "availability" - Mary is not concerned only with herself, not centered on her own needs and interests. Rather, she sets aside her time and energies. She is not closed on herself. She is open and disposed to others.

5) There is "generosity" -  that which is willing, prompt, and happy to give to others, that which does not count the cost in doing good to others, that which wants to do abundant and maximum good to others.

6) There is "serviceability" - the benevolence of heart, nobility of spirit, and generosity of relation, concretely become service in action. Mary puts herself totally at the service of Elizabeth. 

9. Now, let us dwell directly on the scene of visitation. Mary meets Elizabeth and greets her. At that instance, two things happen: Elizabeth is filled with the Holy Spirit, and the babe in her womb, leaps with joy. This is the Beauty of Faith and charity. At the presence of Mary, who embodies faith and charity, Holy Spirit and Joy are transmitted. In other words, Mary gives Spirit and Joy to others and moves others with the same. But this giving, this transmission of Holy Spirit and Joy was possible because Mary had Jesus within her. When we have Jesus in us, we will give others Holy Spirit and Joy. 

 

Direction: In fact, this is the simplest and the most fundamental duty and mission of each one of us: Bear Jesus and share Jesus to others, in giving Holy Spirit and Joy. The simplest question: What do I transmit to others - Holy Spirit or evil spirit? Joy or sadness?

 

(REFLECTION 2 FROM 31 MAY 2020)

 

1.     Mary visits Elizabeth, and this visitation is very significant. It is not just a courtesy visit or not only a great act of charity and service to Elizabeth in need during her pregnancy. It is deeply symbolic and efficacious, as it indicates the very visitation of God Himself, and the actualization of its effects on humanity. In the Bible through the history of salvation, visitation of God signifies His active and liberating intervention in the life of His people. Accordingly, “God visits” signifies that God is encountering and gracing that person or that community. Today in the visitation of Mary, the same happens: The Savior, conceived in Mary’s womb, visits Elizabeth and graces her and her family, who symbolizes the whole of humanity.

2.     Mary, the perfect embodiment of God’s will and presence, and the abode of Jesus bears him within and shares him with others. She carries him in her and extends the same experience with others. What happens when God visits humanity in the person of Mary? This is what is concretely seen in the scene of the Visitation.

3.     At the sight and encounter with Mary, two things happen: Elizabeth is filled with the Holy Spirit, and the babe in her womb leaps with joy. Jesus channeled and mediated, transmitted and extended through Mary, giving the Holy Spirit and joy.

4.     Thus, the effects of visitation are quite clear: Holy Spirit and joy. In fact, these two are the greatest signs and testimonies that we have the presence and the experience of God: we are able to transmit Holy Spirit to others and move and fill others with the same Spirit, and we are able to ignite others with true and deep joy.

5.     But whenever we spread only evil spirit and unhappiness to others, it is a clear sign that we are not bearing Jesus within us, and we do not carry God’s experience and presence.

6.     May the Mother Mary who visited Elizabeth continue to visit us, as God’s channel of grace! May she be a model and inspiration for us! May she sustain our tiny steps and efforts in carrying and spreading God’s Spirit and joy to all others!

(REFLECTION 3 FROM 21 DECEMBER 2020)

 

Focus: True faith receives and enshrines Jesus within. And one who carries Jesus certainly spreads Holy Spirit and joy

 

At the annunciation, Mary in all docility consents to be the Mother of the Incarnate Savior. In deep faith and surrender, she receives and enshrines Jesus within her. She is filled by the power of the Holy Spirit. This same Spirit moves her to Elizabeth in charity. Yes, if faith is the gift of the Holy Spirit, the charity will be the real fruit of faith because true faith never keeps one sterile and stagnant. It will make one productive in a vibrant journey of charity.

The scene of visitation clearly teaches us that true faith cannot simply remain confined to the self but flows out into charity. Mary’s faith leads her to sensitivity, magnanimity, and generosity towards Elizabeth. Mary does not fall into presumption and false dignity of her motherhood. But in humility and nobility, goes to Elizabeth who was in need! Mary perfectly fits into the figure of the beloved in the Song of Songs. God, the Supreme speaks to her, “Arise, my love, my beautiful one!” She listens to the voice of God, the Lover. She is filled with the fragrance and radiance of love and joy. With the same, she travels across the mountains and hills, to Elizabeth. Elizabeth sees her lovely face and hears a sweet voice. In fact, this loveliness and sweetness are not only hers but much more of Jesus that she is bearing within. Consequently, she would move both the mother and the child, Elizabeth and John the Baptist, with the Spirit and with joy. This is the simplest spirituality and mission of everyone: to give the Holy Spirit and joy to others.

 

Direction: To radiate the Holy Spirit and joy is possible only when one carries Jesus within. True faith is ever contagious; it will affect and move the self with charity and will touch and vibrate others with the Holy Spirit and joy 

 

 

20- 25 December Mass reflection

 

20 – 25 DECEMBER 2021: HOLY MASS REFLECTIONS

20 DECEMBER 2021: IS 7. 10-14; LUKE 1. 26-38

Focus: Miracles happen when there is a combination of God’s grace and action and human reception and cooperation

1.      God sends His angel to Mary with His plan of incarnation for salvation. He seeks and awaits her approval. This is precisely the nobility and magnanimity of God: Even though He can do very well without us, yet He wants to involve us, wants us to be His collaborators and sharers. It is only because He loves us. True love values others, respects each person’s dignity and honor.

2.     How much noble and magnanimous we are, being His children? How much do we see all others as persons of dignity and respectability? How much do we treat others with respect? How often and how easily do we despise others, showing false greatness and sticking to our own ideas, opinions, and prejudices?

3.     Then from the part of Mary, what a humility, docility, and surrender to God’s grace and plan! What humility! She does not get puffed up that God Himself is standing at His door for her approval. She does not forget her finitude as a creature before God’s infinity. In all humility, she is aware that the offer of her divine maternity is not her merit or greatness but God’s love and care.

4. What docility! She does not contest or argue or reject or doubt God’s plan. Even her question, “how it is possible to bear a son without rapport with her spouse” is a quite normal and legitimate question expected from a simple teenage girl, brought up in faith and morals. Perhaps bearing children outside the marital bond may not be a big issue for many in our modern society. But for her society and tradition, certainly, it was a matter of immorality and infidelity. But in her docility, she risked being labeled immoral and unfaithful. For her, what mattered the most was God’s plan and salvation of all, and not her human thinking and reputation.

5. Then what surrender: “Behold the handmaid of the Lord! Be it done unto me according to your word!” Often we are so accustomed to these words of Mary that we take for granted and take light the immensity of Mary’s act of acceptance. It needed the guts of the spirit to utter such words of total surrender. What surrender! She has no discussion, no conditions, no suggestions. She does not clarify how God would safeguard her reputation, or how God would let others know about her virginity and innocence in spite of conception, or how God would make her family and Joseph take it. She does not request God at least to convince her spouse. She is not much worried about the myriads of uncertainties and risks that await her. Her only concern was to do God’s will and an unconditional ‘Yes’ to God’s will.

6.     Now it is not enough to admire Mary for her humility, docility, and surrender. What about our humility, docility, and surrender? A little talent, a little capacity, a little money, a little position, how much we become arrogant? Even with regard to spiritual gifts, how easily do we succumb to the feeling that I am better than others, I am greater than others?

7.     How docile we are? Even though many times God proposes, inspires, advises, admonishes many things, how much we can be obstinate and fixated, clinging to our own ideas and calculations? Do we give more importance to our human intelligence, reasoning, and decisions, rather than God’s wisdom and promptings? Do we know better than God? Can we do better than God?

8.     How often do we lack the spirit of surrender? We try to convince God that it is not right and possible to do His will. We have a hundred and one reasons to explain and justify why we cannot surrender to God’s ways. We fail to surrender only because I and self-interests become the center of my whole thinking and not God’s will and the good of others. We may allow ourselves to be carried away by what is false, what is ignominious, what is unjust, what is impure, what is inaffable, what is dishonorable, what is vice and harmful. Instead, as St Paul in his Philippians exhorts us, our focus and striving must be on what is true, noble, just, pure, affable, honorable, virtuous, and beneficial. We must put into practice what we have learned, received, heard, and seen.

 

Direction: Today let us pray that we may become more and more humble, docile, and surrendered like Mary because only thus, we can receive the Savior and experience his saving touch.

 

21 DECEMBER 2021: SONG 2. 8-14; LUKE 1. 39-45

 

Focus: The presence of the beloved fills the lover with exceeding joy. God is our greatest beloved and His presence must gladden us beyond measure

 

1.      Today’s readings depict the joy at the encounter with the beloved. In the first reading, the lover-bride is passionately craving for meeting the beloved. The beloved-bridegroom is also burning with passion for her. When both encounter each other, the joy is unsurpassable.

2.      We have a similar picture of encounters in the gospel. Already Mary encounters God’s grace at the annunciation. She is overshadowed by the Holy Spirit. She conceives the Son of God in her womb without any human intervention. If this is the work and the effect of the encounter from the part of God, from her part also Mary shows the fruits of this encounter. The immediate fruit is total surrender, saying, “Behold the handmaid of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word”. This faith flows out into charity. Thus Mary sets out to visit Elizabeth to serve her in her last months of pregnancy.

3.      There takes place another encounter. It is an encounter between Mary and Elizabeth, the two greatest mothers. One is the mother of the messiah himself and the other the mother of the precursor of the messiah. As a result of this encounter, there is an eruption of the Holy Spirit by which Elizabeth recognizes the presence of the savior and the greatness of the vocation of Mary as the mother of the savior.

4.      There is a further encounter between the two babes in the wombs, the two greatest. One is the messiah himself and the other his precursor. At this encounter, John the Baptist in Elizabeth’s womb leaps with joy. He already receives the grace of the encounter with the messiah. He is already anointed by the Holy Spirit.

 

Direction: God encounters us unceasingly in numerous ways. He always reveals to us His will and plans. He is ever ready to transform our ordinary and dull situations into saving experiences and journeys. Are we ready to sense and cooperate?

(REFLECTION 2 FROM 2020)

Focus: True faith receives and enshrines Jesus within. And one who carries Jesus certainly spreads Holy Spirit and joy

 

At the annunciation, Mary in all docility consents to be the Mother of the Incarnate Saviour. In deep faith and surrender, she receives and enshrines Jesus within her. She is filled by the power of the Holy Spirit. This same Spirit moves her to Elizabeth in charity. Yes, if faith is the gift of the Holy Spirit, the charity will be the real fruit of faith. Because true faith never keeps one sterile and stagnant. It will make one productive in a vibrant journey of charity.

The scene of visitation clearly teaches us that true faith cannot simply remain confined to the self but flows out into charity. Mary’s faith leads her to sensitivity, magnanimity, and generosity towards Elizabeth. Mary does not fall into presumption and false dignity of her motherhood. But in humility and nobility, goes to Elizabeth who was in need! Mary perfectly fits into the figure of the beloved in the Song of Songs in the first reading. God, the Supreme speaks to her, “Arise, my love, my beautiful one!” She listens to the voice of God, the Lover. She is filled with the fragrance and radiance of love and joy. With the same, she travels across the mountains and hills, to Elizabeth. Elizabeth sees her lovely face and hears the sweet voice. In fact, this loveliness and sweetness are not only hers but much more of Jesus that she is bearing within. Consequently, she would move both the mother and the child, Elizabeth and John the Baptist, with the Spirit and with joy. This is the simplest spirituality and mission of everyone: to give the Holy Spirit and joy to others.

 

Direction: To radiate the Holy Spirit and joy is possible only when one carries Jesus within. True faith is ever contagious; it will affect and move the self with charity and will touch and vibrate others with the Holy Spirit and joy 

 

22 DECEMBER 2021: 1 SAM 1. 24-28; LUKE 1. 46-56

Focus: When God intervenes and graces the human situations, even the most deplorable and hopeless situations will turn into fruit-bearing and blessed experiences

1.      All of us come across situations of success and praise. We achieve heights of greatness and bundles of laurels. In such situations, most of us fall into bouts of vanity, presumption, self-glory, and also pride. But Mary was different and a contrast. She was singularly graced to be the mother of the savior. She was recognized for this greatness by Elizabeth and was highly praised.

2.      But Mary’s reaction and attitude were something remarkable. The more she was raised and praised, the more she becomes humble and Spirit-filled resulting in heavenly joy. The Magnificat, her song of praise is a concrete manifestation and testimony of this. There is no pride or seeking self-glory. She does not go around trumpeting her greatest dignity.

3.      However, she does not also deny the greatness of the grace she is conferred with. This can be a case of false humility which some people fall into. Some in the name of practicing humility deny all the good that pertains to them. It is in a way denying God’s own goodness and greatness.

4.      Mary shows us what is true greatness and humility. She attributes all her greatness to God’s goodness. Thus, all her greatness is actually not her own but belongs totally to God. Therefore, there is nothing to take credit for or to feel great. That is why, amidst all her new honor and glory, she remains humble.

5.      The Magnificat is then not a song that sings her praises. It is deeply a song of God’s mercy and justice, His fidelity, and commitment. In mercy, He is benevolent to those who fear Him. He blesses and rewards the humble and does great things for them. In justice, he balances between the humble and arrogant: he gives strength to the humble but scatters the proud-hearted. He casts down the mighty from their thrones but raises the lowly. He fills the starving with good things but sends the rich away empty. In fidelity to His promises and covenants, He continues to assist His chosen people.

Direction: When God is with us, then there is no need to be sad. He never forsakes those who confide in Him and entrust themselves to Him. In everyone’s life, there is plenty to sing magnificats!

(REFLECTION 2 FROM 2020)

Focus: When one encounters and experiences the boundless benevolence of God, one cannot but burst into a song of gratitude and joy

 

Today’s gospel passage contains the marvelous Magnificat of Mary. It is truly an intense hymn of joy. It is a profound joy that springs from deep-seated humility and gratitude. Mary explodes into a song of joyful thankfulness because God had looked graciously upon her lowliness and elevated her. Magnificat reveals to us so beautifully the greatness of both God and Mary at the same time. Mary is great because she sees, accepts, and cooperates with God’s great plan of salvation. She is great because she humbly realizes that her greatness comes from God. Her humility is her greatness. Her nobility is her glory. True greatness never forgets the roots, never forgets that all is given by God and it is not one’s own exclusive merit or credit. The greatness that rides on pride and self-glory, the greatness that fails to be humble and noble in its attitude and approach, a greatness that is not grateful and does not attribute the due credit to God and others, is false and destructive greatness. In fact, such greatness is not greatness but only meanness. Thus, Magnificat teaches us true greatness: it is to humbly accept God’s will, gratefully exalt His greatness and generously cooperate with the same. On the other hand, Magnificat essentially discloses the marvels of God’s greatness. God is great because He is benevolent and just. In benevolence and compassion, He is abundantly generous toward the poor and the humble. And in justice and equity, He also levels the rich and the proud. Thus, Magnificat is also an indicator of social justice and liberation. It is truly a seedbed of true greatness wrapped in the gift pack of exuberant joy.

 

Direction: The Magnifcat is a great challenge against all tendencies of arrogance and self-glory on the basis of false greatness because it teaches that the more we are great, the more we must be humble because all greatness belongs to God

 

23 DECEMBER 2021: MAL 3. 1-4, 4. 5-6; LUKE 1. 57-66

 

Focus: Very many times we may not be able to grasp the will and ways of God. They can be disconcerting and upsetting in the sight of the world. But God has His own ways and all of them are purposeful

 

1.      In the gospel, we have the dramatic scene of the birth of John the Baptist. His birth is a concrete example of how God acts graciously but often beyond human comprehension and logic. Elizabeth was barren for many years. But God grants her a son in her old age. Already while in the womb, he encounters his master at Mary’s visitation. His father Zechariah remains mute till his son’s birth, as a sign of the fulfillment of God’s grace. At his birth, his speech is restored and he blesses God. Unlike the custom, John the Baptist was not named after his father but a totally different name. It was clearly the inspiration of the Holy Spirit that both Elizabeth and Zechariah suggested the name of ‘John’.

2.      John the Baptist was named ‘John’ which means “Yahweh is gracious”. True to his name, God has always been gracious to Him. That is why the gospel attests, “the hand of the Lord was with him”. The words of Micah in the first reading very much apply to him. John the Baptist is that messenger of the Lord sent before him to prepare the way for the Lord. He is the messenger of the covenant in whom the people delight.

3.      He is like a refiner’s fire and like fuller’s soap. He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver, and he will purify the sons of Levi and refine them like silver and gold, till they present right offerings to the Lord, that will be pleasing to him. He is the Elijah, the prophet sent before the great and terrible day of the Lord comes. He will turn the hearts of fathers to their children and the hearts of children to their fathers.

 

Direction: Our vocation is exactly like the vocation of John the Baptist. All of us are called to be messengers of the Lord to prepare the ways before him. We need to be messengers of the covenant especially restoring the lost unity and dignity between God and His people, and between parents and their children

 

(REFLECTION 2 FROM 2020)

 

Focus: God never abandons those who are humble and just. He changes their misery into glory, shame into honor, weakness into power

 

The birth of John the Baptist is a clear pointer to how God manifests His compassion and power to those who are humble and just. Even in their old age, in a humanly impossible situation, God grants a son to Zachariah and Elizabeth. Yes, He never fails the trust of His faithful. He never forsakes them to their misery. He changes barrenness into fecundity, disgrace into dignity, grief into joy, helpless silence into rejoicing proclamation

The birth of John the Baptist is also a clear indication of how God is deeply concerned for our good and salvation, how He plans implements this plan through the birth of John as the precursor of the Messiah. He is destined to prepare the way of the Lord.

God is truly passionate about us. He is clear about His purpose. He is meticulous in His planning and execution. He is relentless in His measures.

The birth of John the Baptist is also a reminder of our vocation, mission, and destiny as well. God has a plan for each one of us. He has destined us for salvation and eternal bliss and communion. We are called to experience and enhance this saving grace. We ought to strive constantly to retain it and remain graced. We must also radiate the same to others, like John the Baptist. He was humble and faithful to live up to his call and to carry out his mission.

 

Direction: Blessed are those who never give up their hope but persevere to confide in God, and submit to His holy will!

 

24 DECEMBER 2021: 2 SAM 7. 1-5, 8-12, 14, 16; LUKE 1. 67-79

 

Focus: The Lord comes to us in tender mercy and that day shall dawn upon us from on high to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of the peace

 

1.      The greatest message of Christmas is, “God wants to reside amidst us”. He wants to pitch his tent among us. But this residence is not a matter of place. He does not want to reside merely in places however glamorous and splendid they may be. That is why, when David proposes to build a temple for the Lord, the Lord refuses it. God makes his intentions clear. He wants to reside not in material places but in human hearts and communities.

2.      The real house of the Lord is where He reigns, where His kingdom of love and justice is established. This is what is implied in the promise of God to David in the first reading from 2 Samuel: “Your house and your kingdom shall be made sure forever before me; your throne shall be established forever”. A perpetual and righteous kingdom would mean God’s own kingdom of righteousness and fidelity.

3.      Wherever God resides, there is His residence and house. The house of the Lord is the presence of God. Accordingly, every human heart, human life, human family, and community, in fact, the whole of creation becomes the house of the Lord.

4.      Therefore, building a house for the Lord primarily invites us to turn our own hearts, lives, and communities into fitting dwelling places for God. The words of Zechariah become valid guidelines in this direction.

5.      Building a house, preparing a dwelling place for the Lord implies the following: we should be saved from our enemies; we should constantly remember his holy covenant; serve Him without fear, being delivered from the hands of our enemies, in holiness and righteousness before Him all the days of our life; go before the Lord to prepare His ways; to gain knowledge of salvation; to obtain forgiveness of sins; to walk in the light and in the way of peace.

 

Direction: The more we create place for God in our heart, life, and community, the better place we are building for God. Really how foolish are those who invest crores on building temples for God but turn their hearts into dens and markets!

 

(REFLECTION 2 FROM 2020)

Focus: God wants to dwell with us, and He needs a dwelling. But this is not a man-made structure. Rather, it is the human heart and the human community.

 

In true devotion and passion for God, David intends to build a magnificent temple for God. But God makes it clear that He prefers to reside not in material buildings and structures, but in the heart and community. He is a God who abides in hearts and in the believing community. He is more interested and committed to building hearts and communities. He wants to reign over hearts. This is the mind and heart of God. And one who reflects and realizes the heart of God cannot but rejoice and praise Him. This is what happens in the case of Zachariah. God does a super miracle in the life of Zachariah and Elizabeth. He grants them a son in their ripe age. Further, He also grants that son a unique and extraordinary role in the plan of salvation. But this is not just a family favor. This is the way of God's mercy towards the whole people of Israel and the whole humanity itself. One who realizes this God's mercy in action through history, cannot but burst into a song of gratitude, wonder, and joy. Zachariah's canticle is not just a pious prayer or praise of devotion. It is an extolling of God's benevolent and powerful ways of intervention in the lives of humans.

Like Zachariah, we also must constantly extol the marvels of God. But such exultation is not only in praise and worship, not only in some externals like activities or even structures. Rather, it should be manifested and testified in “building the heart”, one’s own heart, and the heart of communities. 

 

Direction: Any favor and blessing from God is not a private affair, but is a sign and indicator of the immensity and perpetuity of His care and mercy.

 

 

THIRD SUNDAY OF ADVENT

 3rd SUNDAY ADVENT, 12 DECEMBER 2021: ZEPH 3. 14-18a; PHIL 4. 4-7; LUKE 3. 10-18

Focus: Life is never free from fears and anxieties. There will be always something to worry and disturb us. But there is nothing to lose heart or be dissipated. The Lord is at hand. He will intervene

1.      The recurrent theme of the holy Advent is, the Lord is coming; the Lord is at hand; the Lord is in your midst. We hear in the first reading from Zephaniah 3. 14-18: The King of Israel, the Lord, is in your midst. O Zion, the Lord, your God, is in your midst. The second reading from Philippians 4. 4-7 too assures us that the Lord is at hand. In the gospel too, John the Baptist preaches, saying, he who is mightier than I is coming.

2.      But what does he do with his coming? What will happen if he comes? This question is very significant because many come into our lives and many go away from our life. And not all make a difference. But, the Lord’s coming is crucial, because he makes a vital difference in our life. In the light of the word of God today in all the three readings, we get a very picture of what the Lord does with his coming.

3.      The Lord takes away the judgments against you, casts out your enemies. He is a warrior who gives victory. He will renew you in his love. The peace of God, which passes all understanding, will keep your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire. He will also call for a strict reckoning and judgment, for “winnowing fork is in his hand, to clear his threshing floor, and to gather the wheat into his granary, but the chaff he will burn with unquenchable fire”.

4.      If this is what happens with the Lord’s coming and his presence, then what shall we do? What should be our response toward his coming? This is the question that was posed by the people to John the Baptist in response to his preaching: “What then shall we do?” and the fundamental response that is expected is Repentance.

5.      But what is this repentance? How does it manifest itself? What are its ingredients and implications? We can gather some of them again from the readings. A few of these are made clear from John the Baptist’s answers. Accordingly, these components comprise a spirit of sharing generously, rising above accumulation and greed; secondly, a spirit of fairness against extortion and deception; third, a spirit of equity and truthfulness against all violence, domination, or manipulation.

6.      Still further, how to repent? How to change the course of life? Do not fear; fear evil no more; let not your hands grow weak. Rejoice and exult with all your heart; rejoice in the Lord always, in all the situations. Persevere and let all know your forbearance. Have no anxiety about anything. But in everything pray and supplicate to God with thanksgiving and deep-rooted trust.

7.      Besides these explicit ingredients and implications of a repentant heart and changed life, we can also draw two, three features from the example of John the Baptist himself. His clarity about his identity: some were already beginning to believe that he was the awaited messiah, and he could easily project himself so and win popularity, but he knew that he was only the precursor of the Messiah; he had absolutely no over-ambition to rob off messiah’s role for his self-glory. What a contrast from our bundles of ego-projections and ego-promotions!

8.      Another component is the utter humility of John the Baptist: I am not worthy even to untie thongs of his (messiah’s) sandals. Again what a contrast from many who get easily puffed up even by simple roles and ranks! Another feature that characterizes him is his focused and undaunted commitment to his cause. No temptations for false identity or no pressures for self-glory would swerve him from his focus and loyalty.

Direction: If we truly take to heart the coming of the Lord that he will stand by us, vindicate our cause and also give a just judgment and recompense, then there is nothing to fear. Let us then rejoice!

 

3RD WEEK OF ADVENT MASS REFLECTION

 13 – 18 DECEMBER 2021: HOLY MASS REFLECTIONS

13 DECEMBER 2021: NUM 24. 2-7, 15-17; MATTHEW 21. 23-27

Focus: In a world that abuses power and authority, we, the Disciples of Christ have to rediscover and relive the right spirit of authority

1.      Jesus was tirelessly committed to his mission of teaching, preaching, and healing. But the Jewish authorities question his authority. They confront him, asking “By what authority are you doing all these things, and who gave you this authority?” It is not a question seeking to know what they do not know. Rather, it is a questioning of his authority. It is an expression of their displeasure and resistance.

2.      They just do not want him to do what he was doing because it was posing a direct challenge to their own authority. He had spiritual and moral authority, which was exposing their own shallow spirituality and moral disintegration. His authority was rooted in his communion with God and manifested in a life of integrity.

3.      They just could not stomach it. Thereby they wanted to block his mission by warning him indirectly that he had no juridical or recognized authority like them. They were really foolish to condition good by authority. Jesus brings them to their senses by a very shrewd counter-question, “Tell me, whence was the baptism of John the Baptist, from heaven or from men?” They are cornered because either way they will be caught. If they say, ‘from heaven, then why did they not believe him? If they say, ‘from men’, then they would incur the wrath of the public who believes it to be from heaven. Hence they remain silent.

4.      The point is clear: there is no need of any formal or official authority for doing good. Anybody and everybody can and also must do good. John the Baptist had no legal authority but he had divine authority. Similarly, Jesus’ authority too is divine. No one can question it. There can be a further question also: if one needs authority to do good, then how many who are in authority are really doing good?

Direction: All authority is meant for doing and promoting good. In that way, the purpose of all authority is good and godly. Thereby, any authority that obstructs good is only evil

(REFLECTION 2 FROM 2020)

Focus: Divine wisdom always prevails over human crookedness, even though men in their wickedness search for ways and means to demean and discard the divine power

 

The evil-mindedness of the Jewish leaders and elders is quite evident. They are not concerned about the depth and the power of Jesus' message and works. They are not happy about the immense good he is doing through His mission of comfort, healing, and conversion. They find him as a thorn in the flesh. They are afraid of losing their hold over the people. They are displeased with being exposed for their hypocrisy. Hence their whole and constant intention is to put him into trouble, to trap him, to catch him on the wrong foot. But Jesus will not be shaken. No human or diabolic force can surpass or defeat his wisdom, integrity, and fervor.

Two aspects can be reflected upon. One, what is our attitude and response toward the spiritual and good?? Are we also not like the Jewish authorities when we do not understand God’s power? Do we distrust and question God’s intervention and providence? Do we also resent and resist spiritual authority, and why? Is it because of prejudice or threat to my own petty self-seeking authority? When some are sincerely doing good, do we appreciate, encourage and support them? Or, out of jealousy, do we try to put them down, and try to misinterpret and criticize?

Secondly, when we too are often surmounted and tormented by so many evil forces, what is our reaction and way out? Do we turn to God's wisdom and power? Or do we depend too much on our own capacities and resources? Or do we easily lose heart, or react violently, and give up?

Perhaps, all that is needed is to be like Balaam, the seer in the first reading from the book of Numbers: to have the Spirit of God come upon us, to hear the words of God, to have the knowledge from the Most High, to see the vision of the Almighty with eyes unveiled.

 

Direction: Divine wisdom is far better than human argumentation and confrontation. Let us not put ourselves against God’s authority or spiritual authority. It is better to humble ourselves and surrender

 

14 DECEMBER 2021: ZEPH 3. 1-2, 9-13; MATTHEW 21. 28-32

Focus: The quality of our faith is not to be measured in terms of sweet-sounding words, assurances, and promises but by concrete actions that live what we believe

1.      Jesus constantly tries to show the Jews how superficial their faith is. They say ‘yes’ to God with their lips but live ‘no’ in their lives. Their words and actions do not correspond with each other. Jesus’ example of two sons makes this point quite clear. When asked by the father to go and work in the vineyard, the first one first says, ‘no’ but then repents and changes his mind and goes and does the work. The second son says, ‘yes’ but does not go to work.

2.      Clearly the first son represents the gentiles and other nations while the second son represents the chosen people of Israel. Israel makes promises and covenants with the Lord; they say ‘yes’ to God’s laws and statutes but they do not follow them. They say and believe one thing but they do and live just the opposite. In the words of the first reading from Zephaniah, these are “rebellious and defiled; they listen to no voice, accept no correction; they do not trust in the Lord or draw near to God”.

3.      But the pagans understand the value of God’s grace. They repent for their refusal and turn back to God. They might have said ‘no’ initially but then their life proves ‘yes’ to God’s ways. In the words of Zephaniah, what he applies to the remnant of Israel, can validly apply to these as well. These are those “people humble and lowly, who seek refuge in the Lord; they shall do no wrong and utter no lies, and have no deceitful tongue”

4.      Therefore, what is very clear is no long traditions or religious affiliations can guarantee a faithful life that is a ‘yes’ to God; nor are they sureties to obtain God’s blessings. All that matters is only repentance and a changed life from ‘no’ to ‘yes’.

Direction: Many in the present world believe that they can manage the show and manipulate the people by mere promises, tall words, and affirmations. But in God’s sight what matters the most is harmony between words and deeds

(REFLECTION 2 FROM 2020)

Focus: The quality of our faith and Christian living does not consist in mere words and promises, even fantastic; What is the use of a bundle of sweet-sounding "yes"s, when the concrete life is a series of "no"s, a negation of what we believe?

We live in a world of empty words and false promises. There is a constant tendency to impress, and please others with good-sounding affirmations and assurances. But it is only deception in disguise, because all words, not leading to concrete actions, are only inauthentic and hypocritical. What is the use of repeating hundreds of times, “I love you”, but not understanding, not helping the other, and is doing harm to the other? What is the use of promising that I will remove your difficulties, but doing nothing for that? What is the use of proclaiming that I follow God’s ways and values, but living a life of false values and compromises?

Jesus drives home this message very powerfully through his simple story of the two sons in the gospel. The first son who says ‘no’ at first to the father’s command; but then he repents and goes to work; quite evidently, he stands for the gentiles: they repent as God offers His salvation, and turn to a new way of life through faith in Jesus. These are exactly like those, described in the first reading from Zephaniah: the pagan nations, who call on the name of the Lord and serve him with zeal; poor and meek people who seek refuge in God. But the second son, who says ‘yes’ but does not do, stands for the Jews: they were the first ones, to whom God offered salvation through His only Son, Jesus; but by rejecting to believe in him, they turn unfaithful. Their fault is exactly what the prophet Zephaniah describes in the first reading. They were rebellious, did not pay attention to God’s call for repentance, did not accept the correction, did not trust in the Lord, did not approach their God.

Perhaps, a little sincere reflection may make it clear to us that we are very much similar to the second son in the gospel. God has been abundantly gracious to us, blessing us with the greatest gift of faith in Jesus, and enriching us with every spiritual blessing. What is expected on our part is a life of authenticity and loyalty. This needs a deep and consistent conversion. How often do we deceive God with mere words and promises which are so tall and loud? How often do we say one thing and do exactly the opposite?!

Direction: How often do we deliberately forfeit God’s grace, being presumptuous and self-complacent? It is a time to check and control

 

15 DECEMBER 2021: ISAIAH 45. 6-8, 18, 21-25; LUKE 7. 19-23

Focus: Often in life confusion and doubts arise. Instead of being disturbed and misguided, it is better to turn to the Lord, seek clarity and be clear and confirmed

1.      In today’s gospel, John the Baptist sends two of his disciples to Jesus to clarify whether he is the awaited Messiah. This looks a little bit embarrassing and also intriguing. We are aware that John the Baptist was quite aware of Jesus’ identity as the awaited Messiah and of his own identity as the precursor of the Messiah. Then we may wonder why at all he wants again to know about Jesus’ identity.

2.      There are some scholars who say that like any other human being, John the Baptist too was confused and doubtful about Jesus’ identity and so he wanted to get it clarified. But personally, I do not subscribe to this idea. Rather, a couple of other perspectives seem plausible for me. One is he wanted his disciples to be clear about Jesus as the real Messiah and thus prepare them to be Jesus’ followers. He directed his two disciples to Jesus so that they could have a firsthand experience of Jesus performing the works of Messiah toward the blind, the deaf, the lame, the leprous, the poor, and the dead.

3.      A second possible explanation is that he wants to positively pressure Jesus to reveal himself as the awaited Messiah because he wants to vanish behind since Jesus has entered the scene. Jesus does not seem to make any self-revelation by himself. So by sending his disciples personally to Jesus, Jesus would be urged to make a self-attestation.

4.      Seen either way, the purpose of John the Baptist can be more creating an occasion for Jesus to make a self-revelation so that people would know him, believe him, and be drawn to him. Thus he can recede to the background while Jesus takes control of the course of action.

5.      Whatever be the motive behind it, the end result is the clarity on the identity of Jesus as the Messiah. He brings healing, newness, and life into the lives of many. Truly, the words of the prophet Isaiah in the first reading get fulfilled in him: “All the ends of the earth shall turn to him and be saved. To him, every knee shall bow and every tongue shall swear. It shall be said of him only in the Lord are strength and righteousness. All who were incensed against him shall be put to shame. In the Lord, all the offspring of Israel shall triumph and glory”.

Direction: The coming of the Messiah is not merely a mega event of pomp and glory as in the case of many secular lords. His coming is a matter of transformation and salvation

 

(REFLECTION 2 FROM 2020)

Focus: The more we fail to know and discover God in our lives, the more there will be confusion and loss of meaning and commitment

 

Many think that the issue of God is a mere matter of religion or spirituality or tradition. Consequently, God becomes more a matter of concept, and religion and spirituality become matters of practice of some devotional activities. But, God must become a living reality, a concrete personal experience, and a relationship. In other words, we must discover the real identity of God in our lives. This is the call that is so forceful in both the readings from Isaiah and Luke. He created everything, he is the Savior, a God of justice. Yes, He is one who is inseparably connected to us and involved in our lives. He is the one who is the author of all life and good. He is deeply interested in our lives, attentive and caring toward our struggles. In the gospel, to those who seek to know the identity of Jesus, Jesus reveals it. He draws their attention to what he is doing in compassion and commitment for the good of all. He healed many people of their sicknesses and diseases. He freed them from the evil spirits. He gave sight to the blind. Thus, the blind see again, the lame walk, lepers are made clean, the deaf hear, the dead are raised to life, and the poor are given the good news. These are the authentic signs and testimonies of God’s identity.

Today, what then is our duty? Jesus tells those seekers of his identity, to go back and tell what they have seen and heard. We too need to open our eyes to see and hear what God is doing in our lives. we need to be a little more open and receptive. We need to become a little more attentive and sensitive. We need to become a little more positive and appreciative. We need to become a little more grateful and responsive.

 

Direction: We are constantly called to realize the identity of God in our lives, in deep relationship and loyalty. The more we grow in his knowledge and experience, the more we discover and live our own identity.

 

16 DECEMBER 2021: ISAIAH 54. 1-10; LUKE 7. 24-30

 

Focus: Blessed are those who realize their true identity, the purpose of their lives and strive to live accordingly! It is only a purpose-driven and destiny-oriented life that becomes meaningful and fulfilling

1.      Jesus praises John the Baptist as ‘more than a prophet’ and as ‘the greatest born of women. Now, what makes John the Baptist so great and praiseworthy? In the first place, it is his magnanimity that readily humbles himself to play a low profile even when popular. He never craved and strove for self-glory.

2.      The second praiseworthy mark of John the Baptist was his singular focus and unflinching zeal toward his role as the precursor and witness to the Lord. He was fully clear of who he was and thus was fully committed to his mission. He truly and faithfully prepared the way for the Messiah.

3.      He calls the people for repentance that would turn them to the Messiah. And the days of the Messiah will be truly hopeful and life-turning. For, “with great compassion he will gather his people. With everlasting love he will have compassion on them. His steadfast love shall not depart from them and his covenant of peace shall not be removed”.

4.      But interestingly, Jesus states immediately “Yet who is least in the kingdom of God is greater than he (John the Baptist). Does it not look contradictory? How is it that on one hand, John the Baptist is the greatest of all born women, and on other hand, even the least in the Kingdom of God is greater than him?

5.      Thereby, one valid implication is ‘regeneration’ by Holy Spirit is far more superior to the ordinary ‘birth’. What makes John the Baptist is not his physical generation through his mother. But, it is his spiritual regeneration, being anointed by the Holy Spirit. Those who belong to the kingdom are thus spiritually generated and empowered. And this is certainly more than mere physical bonding.

Direction: Let us always remain conscious of our own role as the ‘messengers’ like the John the Baptist. Let us prepare the way for the Lord

17 DECEMBER 2021: GEN 49. 2, 8-12; MATTHEW 1. 1-17

Focus: The incarnation of God is not that God ‘appears’ in human form. He truly ‘takes’ or ‘assumes’ the human form. Therefore, he ‘becomes’ one of us

1.      Matthew begins his gospel with the genealogy of Jesus. The purpose of genealogy is not just to provide some historical details of the family tree of Jesus. It is also not to give an impression of historical accuracy and veracity regarding Jesus’ genealogy. Rather, the primal purpose is to show the total “immersion” of Jesus into human history.

2.      Jesus inserts himself into the life struggle of human history. Genealogy of the Son of God testifies that Jesus became fully man, that he is genuinely part of our history. His humanity is not a mere ‘appearance’ as in the case of avatars. It is real and true. Genealogy authenticates that Jesus was fully of human nature, just as he is divine. He bore our sins; he faced our struggles. He became one of us so that we would become like him. Therefore, to celebrate God’s incarnation would be celebrating our own humanity that refers both to the human family and human nature.

3.      There are a few other notable factors in Matthew’s genealogy. There are 5 women included in the whole of genealogy, namely Tamar, Rahab, Ruth, Bathsheba, and Mary. This is in sharp contrast to Matthew’s Jewish world where genealogies typically mentioned only men.

4.      Even more surprisingly, all these women have somewhat spotty reputations. Tamar was Judah’s daughter-in-law who pretended to be a prostitute, Rahab was a Jericho prostitute, Ruth was the non-Israelite Moabite and a sexually forward widow, Bathsheba was a woman taken to adultery with David, and Mary was with a suspect pregnancy (claimed by the Holy Spirit).

5.      Their inclusion into genealogy is a clear indication that God will work through His servants, even the most unlikely of servants. Even the most unlikely life can be redeemed and honored by God. Each life can be part of God’s grand plan to bring light and truth and healing to the world.

Direction: No matter what we are and how we do, we are all significant and pivotal in the holy designs of God. He wants to become part of our life. He wants to be in total solidarity with the whole of humanity indiscriminately

(REFLECTION 2 FROM 2020)

Focus: God's ways are always authentic and concrete. He always enters into human history and our own personal history to make our lives authentic and worth-living

 

We have the genealogy of Jesus in the gospel. Its interest or purpose is not mere history or chronology which is of more human realm. Its purpose is of the divine realm, with a salvific orientation. Jesus is truly born of human descent. His incarnation is true and real. It is not mere story or fiction or totally an exclusive matter of faith. Rather, his birth is a verifiable and tangible historical reality. He truly inserts himself into our human history. He belongs to our human line of life. This is something crucial: God becomes part of our human history and shares our own life- predicaments. This human face and humaneness of God is very important. Especially in our own times, where the connectivity with God is more and more declining, where the personal touch with God is reducing, we need to recapture this lost link. Today, in the world of communication, we speak of links. We ask for links to get connected to a particular program and watch it. How many are really serious about the link for God? How many eagerly search for entering into the site of God? If only one understands, the immense significance and value of God entering into our human history, oh! What an unfathomable mystery of love! God becomes part of our human family. He is one of our family. He has a profound and lasting bonding with us. But history is not a mere matter of a bygone past. His birth is not one event that took place once upon a time. His birth among us is a most authentic testimony that he has inserted himself into our life story. Accordingly, the genealogy of Jesus for us must not be merely a historical concern, so as to prove his historicity. Rather, it is to confirm the beautiful immersion of God into our human reality. God became part of our history so that we can live beyond history, with a life that merits one eternity.

 

Direction: To make us like him, God became like us. To elevate our personal and human history, God got inserted into our story.

 

18 DECEMBER 2021: JER 23. 5-8; MATTHEW 1. 18-24

 

Focus: God’s ways are not always clear and graspable. It needs real openness and surrender to understand and do God’s will

 

1.      Today’s gospel focuses on the person of Joseph. There is only one attribute that is applied to him. That is, being “just”. The gospel episode demonstrates how he was just. He was just because he acted magnanimously toward Mary. Even though he knew nothing of the divine intervention for Mary’s pregnancy, yet he did not want to publicly denounce Mary. He was so concerned for Mary’s self-dignity that he decides to divorce her quietly.

2.      True justice always carries charity. Humanly speaking, Joseph was obviously wronged because of the apparent infidelity of Mary by conceiving a child outside the marital bond. He had perfectly the right of a husband to avenge his honor by exposing her in the public. But for him, the right of Mary for public honor was more than his own legal honor.

3.      The second aspect of how he was just is seen in his total docility and surrender to God’s will. Even though he was already totally decided to divorce Mary quietly, yet as soon as he knew it was God’s plan, he instantly submitted to it. There were no hurt feelings, no arguing, no challenging, no contesting God’s plans, no lamenting, no annoyance about why God did not first reveal His plan to him before he underwent so much mental struggle. It was God’s plan and he just needs to submit to it. That was all that mattered for him.

 

Direction: Those who claim today to be just and project themselves as justice-fighters must take some lessons from St Joseph. True justice never does harm to the other and it is every submissive to God’s will

 

(REFLECTION 2 FROM 2019)

 

Focus: God's plans always invite for a wholehearted human collaboration

 

The beauty of the style of functioning of God is, He always respects and involves the humans in his plan of salvation. Even though he has total power and control over everything, still he does not despise or ignore the human scope and contribution. Thus, we see how God interacts with the two pillars of his incarnate human family. Through his angel, he discloses his redemptive plan to Joseph and Mary, takes them into confidence, gains their consent, and thus sets out to implement his plan. That which God wills and plans may be unconventional and even embarrassing at times, but his will and plans are always oriented to our good and salvation. Mary and Joseph understood this and so unconditionally submitted and committed themselves to following and fulfilling his sacred designs.

 

Direction: Blessed are they who accept God's ways and surrender themselves to them.

 

(REFLECTION 3 FROM 2020)

 

Focus: God never ignores or despises human cooperation and contribution, even though He is all-powerful

1.      How marvelous are the ways of God’s way of working with humans! This can be one point that can strike us deep and straight. Even though God in His omnipotence, has absolutely no need for any other collaboration and assistance, yet He always seeks to involve the human persons. Very often, it is simple and humble in the sight of the society, whom He chooses to be His partners and collaborators in His eternal plan of salvation and continued renewal of the world. It is very remarkable how figures like John the Baptist, Joseph, and Mary are given significant roles in the mission of incarnation and salvation.

2.     God values human persons. He always gives them a profound sense of respect and treats them with the same spirit. He assigns them a very significant role and function in His eternal plans and designs. He seeks their cooperation and assistance in carrying out these plans. God never undervalues the dignity and the scope of human participation and contribution. It is not because He cannot do without us, but only because He loves us and wants to show it concretely. True love always values loved ones, safeguards their dignity, elevates it, and puts it in play. Thus, today we have the figure of Joseph who plays a key role in God’s plan of incarnation, precisely to be the spouse of Mary and the foster-father of Jesus.

3.     Though the initiative and the driving force of every benevolent and salvific intervention and action is God’s, yet the human persons who are involved and who cooperate, are not undeserving. They are not indifferent or inactive, leaving everything to God’s botheration since it is His plan. Instead, they wholeheartedly play their part and thus merit and deserve their special grace and privilege.

4.     Joseph proves himself worthy of this unique grace, conferred on him, by “being just”.

Even though he was already decided to leave Mary privately in the clearest conscience, yet when he knew it was all according to God’s plan, he immediately deserted his plan and readily submitted to God’s will.

 

Direction: True justice can never be devoid of charity toward others and of surrender to God’s will.