SIXTH SUNDAY OF EASTER 23

VI EASTER SUNDAY, 14 MAY 2023, JOHN 14. 15-21; ACTS 8. 5-8, 14-17; 1 PETER 3. 15-18   Pivot: Love that transforms! Indicative: Love for the Lord will transform one's life. It will also commit him to transform others by word and signs   1.      The apostles were personally touched by the Lord. It was because they lived intimately with him. They were being taught and formed by him. They were being nourished and strengthened by him. Thus they were trained to be his fitting, efficient and effective emissaries. 2.      This new call and mission was carried out by them by a passionate and convincing testimony by preaching and healing. The Lord continued to accompany and confirm them with his own Spirit. Accordingly, all those who believed received not only the gift of faith but also the anointing by the Holy Spirit. 3.      What is notable in this whirlwind of a witnessing mission? It is the universality of faith and the power of the Spirit. There was no distinction or discrimination such like Jew or Gentile, free or slave, male or female, rich or poor, noble or simple. All that mattered was openness and receptivity to the Word of God and faith in Christ. 4.      The mission of the apostles was a tremendous success despite the numerous hurdles and opposition. This was only because of the beautiful harmony between God's action and human cooperation, a profound blend of the power of the Spirit and the zeal of the apostles. 5.      In the light of Peter's words in the second reading, the apostles "sanctified themselves to Christ as their Lord". Their whole and sole model and focus was their Lord who "though righteous suffered for the unrighteous" and "by dying, gives life to those who die by sin". In imitation of him, they were totally convinced that "it is better to suffer for doing good on God's behalf than for doing evil on behalf of the world". 6.      In the light of the gospel, this whole project of mission and witness is rooted in an unfathomable love for the Lord and following his commandments. And this in turn essentially means to surrender and commit whole life to the Father's will, concretely manifested in faith and fraternity. 7.      This is crystal clear in the words of Jesus: "If you love me, you will keep my commandments". As one loves the Lord and does what he has commanded, automatically he will be taken into the hold of the Father's love as well. 8.      Once inserted into these dynamics of love of the Father, Son and the Holy Spirit, there is the predilection by the Father, revelation and communication of the Son and illumination, confirmation and empowerment by the Spirit. 9.      Let us then check and see whether we passionately love the Lord, whether we are committed to keep his commandments, whether we surrender to the Father's will, whether we manifest it  in spiritual communion and fraternal mission, whether we never flag in zeal and commitment to bear witness, in suffering perseveringly for God and good, whether we spread the church and God's reign.   Imperative: Big talk, eloquent preaching, bundles of activities, organised display of skill and competence will not suffice for an effective mission. A profound love for the Lord and a loyal adherence to his commandments alone are the greatest signs and proofs  

EASTERTIDE FIFTH WEEK

08-13 MAY 2023, HOLY MASS REFLECTIONS   08 MAY 2023: ACTS 14. 5-18; JOHN 14. 21-26   Pivot: If you love, then follow! Indicative: The Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit are totally one and united. Those who love them, will be one with them and live by them 1.      Love is at the base of everything. We are called to love God. How to show that we love? What are the effects of this love? If we love God, we will keep His word and observe His commandments. 2.      Now what will happen when we love God? We will be loved by the Father. We will be loved by the Son. We will receive revelation of Jesus. The Father and the Son will come to us and make their dwelling with us. 3.      Further, the Holy Spirit will be sent by the Father in Jesus’ name. They will be taught by the Holy Spirit who is the Advocate. They will be reminded of everything that the Lord Jesus told us. 4.      The signs and effects of love for God are concretely seen in the mission of the apostles in the early church. The first reading evidences this in the case of Paul and Barnabas. 5.      Paul and Barnabas were charged with indomitable and courageous passion for the mission of the Lord. That is why no opposition or rejection could stop their mission. They never ceased to preach the Lord. When one place troubles them, they do not go into hiding or put away their mission for a while for an opportune time. Instead they go on, in search of new openings. 6.      Paul and Barnabas flee from Iconium and this need not be taken as an act of cowardice. Rather it is an act of prudence and also a passionate search for spreading the good news and faith everywhere. That is why they continue to preach where they fled to. 7.      Another compelling effect of the power of the risen Lord is the power of healing. Paul heals a crippled man. Finally another sign of the fidelity to the Lord is utter humility. They rose to fame, being identified with the Greek gods, Zeus and Hermes. 8.      But Paul and Barnabas do not cling to  cheap popularity. Rather they remain humble. They tear their clothes in protest. They attribute everything to God alone. They attest that they are just weak humans.   Imperative: Those who are filled by the Spirit of the risen Lord will heal others. This is not necessarily the physical. They will never cease to bear witness   (Reflection 2 from 2022, 16 May)   Indicative: True faith is that which shows itself in deep and lasting love for God, listens to Him, speaks His words, keeps His commandments, and bears witness to Him 1.      Paul and Barnabas heal a crippled. They make him walk, one who was crippled from birth and never walked. Paul said to him, “Stand upright and walk on your feet”. And he sprang up and began walking. This healing is very symbolic and indicative. To come to faith, to believe in Jesus, and to live as his disciples are like walking in the way, the light of the Lord. 2.        The mission of the apostles was very simple and clear: believe in the Lord and make others believe; walk the way and make others too walk in the same way. In this process, many hurdles come in their way. 3.       In today’s first reading from the Acts, we find a mention of one such instance. At Iconium, there was an attempt to mistreat and stone them. But, they did not lose heart. They were not frightened. Rather, they seek other possibilities in the cities of Lycaonia. 4.       Their mission was a mix of success and failure, praise and blame, support and persecution. But they always kept up the same spirit of humility. They were ever aware that they were only the channels and instruments of God’s grace. They never tried to steal the show. 5.       They never sought to glorify themselves. That is why, when the people, excited at the healing, try to deify them, making them equal to gods Zeus and Hermes, they resist them and attribute all the glory to the power of God. 6.       Such humility and zeal were possible because of their intense love and passion for God. They loved God, heard His word, spoke His word, and followed the same. They always experienced unfailing communion with God and commitment to Him. 7.       This was exactly the same experience and example that Jesus, their master had and showed. He was always united with the Father and the Holy Spirit.   Imperative: Love is the only reason for all our vocation and mission. Jesus says, If anyone loves me, he will keep my word, my Father will love him, He will send the Holy Spirit to teach all things and we will come and make our home with him. Do we experience this and testify to this relationship?   09 MAY 2022: ACTS 14. 19-28; JOHN 14. 27-31a   Pivot: A Peace that is different! Indicative: Those who believe in the Lord and follow his way, will have to face many troubles. But they need not lose heart or courage because the Lord will be with them forever 1.      Jesus warns plainly of adversities and afflictions in following him. At the same time he also exhorts them to be at peace. This looks strange. But this not improper if we see from the perspective of faith. Some good lessons can be drawn. 2.      One is, the very concept of peace. True peace is not absence of suffering. For the world, to be happy and be at peace means to have any problem. That is why many try to avoid anything unpleasant and unfavourable. 3.      But a true follower of Christ will and must face suffering. In the face of such suffering. They need not get troubled or frightened. The reason is the Lord is with them. The evil may appear to be overruling. But the fact is that the evil has no power over the Lord. 4.      The Lord has conquered the world and evil. Physically and tangibly, the Lord is not with us. But he is with us with his risen Spirit. He goes to the Father who is ever-loving and concerned for us. He will send us His Spirit to be with us. Therefore, it is to our advantage. 5.      So amid trials, we must rejoice and persevere. We must feel honoured and great because we are made worthy to share in his passion and mission. To suffer for the sake of faith is a way of witnessing and also a sure way of entering the kingdom. It is bearing testimony to our love for God and fidelity to what he commands. 6.      This is what we see in the case of the apostles. Paul was stoned and was thought to be dead. But he got up and continues his whirlwind tour of mission. They strengthened the spirits of the disciples and exhorted them to persevere in their faith. 7.      They appointed presbyters in each church. And with prayer and fasting they commended those leaders to the Lord. They continued to animate, motivate and rejuvenate their spirits.   Imperative: When there is love, there is courage and perseverance, joy and passion. Let us suffer joyfully because it is the most fitting way of bearing testimony to the Lord   (Reflection 2 from 2022, 19 May)   Indicative: Truth Faith is not merely an intellectual subscription or a passing emotion. it is a profound relationship and an unflinching mission. To live it and share it is never a smooth sail. But, those who are full of faith never fail to be faithful 1.       Once again, in the Acts of the Apostles, we see the multi-faceted mission of Paul and co. He was stoned and thrown off, supposed to be dead. But he rose up and continued his mission as if nothing happened. He would preach, strengthen the souls of the disciples, encourage them to continue in the faith, and motivate them to suffer as a condition to enter the Kingdom. He would animate the communities through elders, and with prayer and fasting, would commend all the work to the grace of God. 2.       Troubles always surrounded the apostles but they were never troubled. Fears and tensions always attacked them but they were never afraid or worried. They were thrown into violent and peaceless situations but they never lost their peace. They were abandoned and rejected but they never felt depressed about being abandoned. 3.        The sole reason for their perseverance was their total trust in their master. He said, “Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid”. They confided in his words. He assured them, “I give to you my peace and not the peace of the world”. 4.       He distinguishes his peace from that of the world. His peace is not the absence of troubles and fears. Rather, it is the strength, confidence, and courage even amidst adversities. His peace is not avoidance or evasion of afflictions and challenges. Rather it is confronting them valiantly and ardently in a spirit of surrender and loyalty.    Imperative: The source of their strength and guidance is the Lord. They derive their power from the Lord’s love, from the Father’s sustenance, and from the illumination of the Holy Spirit. How and whence is our strength and guidance?   (Reflection 3 from 2021, 04 May)   Focus: The Spirit of the Lord is never stagnant but ever vibrant and therefore those who confide in the Lord will never be dormant but ever fervent 1.       Peace is the parting assurance of the Lord before his earthly departure and death. It is also the starting gift of the resurrection before his heavenly re-entrance. This peace is rooted in and derived from his inseparable union with the Father. 2.       This peace is different from the peace that the world seeks and gives. Worldly peace is something false and shallow. How? It is mostly because it lies in merely avoiding any trouble and disturbance; or at times, it is so self-seeking and can indulge in so much aggression and violence. It is peace at any cost. 3.       Thus, ironically, it is a peace built on a lack of peace, leading to a further lack of peace. Besides, worldly peace is very unstable and fluctuating because it highly depends on external factors which are very variable. 4.       But the peace which the Lord gives is something very profound and stable, which abides even amidst trouble and disturbance. No external forces however adverse they are can take away such deep-seated peace. It is this peace that Jesus always enjoyed and exercised. 5.       It is the same kind of peace that he offers to his disciples and empowers them with. That is why he tells his disciples not to be troubled or disturbed by his physical separation and absence. It is because his eternal presence and the unceasing accompaniment of the Spirit will never leave them. 6.       It is this interior power that sustains Paul and co. to continue their mission like a whirlwind.  Whatever be the situation, whether favourable or unfavourable, they persisted in their mission. No opposition, no imprisonment, and restrictions, no suffering and persecution even to the point of death, could confine or control their spirit and mission. 7.       Through their preaching and personal example, they increase the number of the disciples, strengthen their souls, encourage them to persevere in the faith, and convince them that tribulations would qualify them for entry into the kingdom. They would also ensure an effective animation of every church by appointing quality elders.    Direction: Zeal and dedication for the Lord's mission with courage and perseverance are possible only because of the passionate love for God and unflinching loyalty to him    10 MAY 2023: ACTS 15. 1-6; JOHN 15. 1-8    Pivot: Disagreed but not divided! Indicative: In a community of faith, there will be always some issues, instances of disapproval and difference of opinion. But the oneness in the Lord should make us not to get divided 1.      What a spirit of God at work in the apostles! There is a spirit of dialogue and deliberation. They would make room for different opinions. They would accommodate different types of persons. They would readily listen to and enter into dialogue with others. 2.      The whole issue of circumcision in the early church is an instance that shows this spirit of oneness. Paul and Barnabas do not make an arbitrary decision, even though they could. Rather they would go to Jerusalem to meet with the apostles and presbyters. 3.      This spirit of openness and conciliation was possible only because of their essential belonging to the Lord, their eagerness to show this in fidelity to his commandments, and abundant fruits. 4.      The Lord is the Vine and we are the branches. The apostles were deeply aware of that. It is only in belonging and clinging to the Lord that we can live, grow and bear fruit. It is only this essential relationship that makes us true disciples and glorify the Father . Imperative: When the sense of belonging to the Lord is deep, and when we learn to live our life in surrender and loyalty, then our whole life becomes a test and taste of love and discipleship   (Reflection 2 from 2022, 18 May)   Indicative: In life, there are very many important things and concerns. But one should realise that all are not equally important. It needs the wisdom to discern among the priorities in life 1.       In the early Church too, there were differences and disagreements. It was because of the differences in traditions, cultures, and perspectives. Mainly the Jewish Christians and the Gentile Christians were divided on the issue of circumcision. But what is appreciable is that they did not go on hating each other, they did not become two rival camps in grievous conflict and fight. They did not harm each other and thus setting a scandal among the non-believers. 2.        Instead, they tried to resolve it amicably. They enter into an ambience of listening and dialogue. They set out to sit in discussion and discernment. They submit themselves to the enlightenment and guidance of the Holy Spirit. They are not led by mere impulses or majority syndrome. They are not carried away by prejudices. They totally give room for God’s grace, God’s will, and God’s ways of salvation. 3.       They remain true to the teaching of their master. They remember that the Lord is the vine and we are the branches as Jesus taught. They are convinced that they live and bear fruit only as long as they are united with him. Accordingly, they abide in him, derive their life sap from him, flourish and become fruitful. 4.        It is by their spiritual and fraternal communion they prove to be true disciples, bear much fruit and the Father is glorified. Today if many fail to be authentic disciples, fruit-bearing, and glorify the Father, it is because they are not spiritually and fraternally in communion.   Imperative: Jesus says, you are made clean by my word. You will be pruned in order to bear much fruit. How much are we being cleansed by the word of the Lord? How willingly and positively do we accept the unfavourable experiences as pruning and productive experiences?   (Reflection 3 from 2021, 05 May)   Focus: Problems will never completely disappear from our life. What is important is how to approach them and resolve them 1.       It will be silly wishful thinking to expect life to be free from any problem or difficulty. Distortion, deviation, and dissension are part of life. The solution is not to lose heart, not to lament or grieved about them, and not to get into a conflictual situation with others. 2.       There was certainly a difference of opinion on the issue of circumcision. But, there was no dissipation or division among the apostles and early Christian communities in the face of it. 3.       Paul and some others move toward Jerusalem to sit in council and dialogue with the Twelve and others. They set a great example to the church of our times. They teach us how to approach and deal with situations of differences. The Spirit of listening to others and dialoguing with them is essential. 4.       They were very clear that what matters most is not the divergent external traditions and laws like circumcision, but the abiding oneness and communion. Unity should be more binding rather than all other dividing factors. 5.       Such a fraternal communion is in turn rooted in an inseparable spiritual communion with the Lord. When a disciple is united with the Lord as a branch to the Vine, then there is no division or separation. As long as one is one with the Lord, then there is life, growth, and fruition. 6.       Differences and disagreements are not always necessarily negative or resentable. One need not feel alarmed or threatened by them. The difference is not division, or disagreement is not conflict.  They should be seen as pruning experiences to make us grow better and bear abundant fruit. This is the right way of loving God, becoming true disciples, following the commandments, and becoming fruitful. This is the best way of glorifying God .  Direction: The greatest reason why the life of many faithful is lifeless and dull, why they do not flourish, blossom, and grow, and why they are not productive and fruit-bearing is that they are not in essential connectedness with the Lord    11 MAY 2023: ACTS 15.7-21; JOHN 15. 9-11   Pivot: All for joy and out of love! Indicative: God is a God of love. He knows the heart. He makes no distinction between the chosen people and the Gentiles. He saves all those who repent and turn to it 1.      Remain in my love. And you will be joyful to the full. This is the imperative and also the effect of a disciple’s life. If we remain in his love, then we will experience joy in its completeness. 2.      This indicates a couple of things: our joy is not complete. Secondly, it is only the Lord who can give complete joy. Specifically it is only by abiding in his love, we can obtain complete joy 3.      Now it is only by keeping his commandments that we remain in his love. This loving has its model in the love between the Father and the Son. This is not merely a sentimental but sacrificial love. 4.      Jesus loves his disciples just as the Father loves him. He remains in the love for the Father by keeping his commandments. Now, the Father loves the Son so much. That is why He entrusts the greatest responsibility of salvation to His Son and sacrifices His Son for that sake. Such is the Father’s love. Jesus too does the will of the Father and sacrifices his very life. Such is the love of the Son. 5.      Therefore the disciples are called to follow the same love in sacrifice and altruism. The Council of Jerusalem transcends the cultural barrier of circumcision. Thereby they decide that circumcision is only a matter pertinent to religion and tradition, and not a matter of faith and spirituality. This is a clear sign of love for God, His people and the mission of salvation.   Imperative: If we love the Lord, we must keep his commandments. And our love must be like the love of the Father and the Son. This is marked by sacrifice and benevolence   (Reflection 2 from 22, 19 May)   Indicative: True spirituality is not mere knowledge or expertise about spiritual matters. It is always blended with spiritual tenacity and moral integrity 1.      Unity must be the hallmark of Christianity and Christian followers. However, unity is not uniformity. In the name of unity and oneness, diversities and differences should not be crushed. The authorities and the members of the Church would do well if they maintain this delicate balance between unity and diversity. 2.      This is what the early church did. They always respected the cultural variations. At the same time, they were very clear about the faith essentials. There was no compromise with regard to spiritual principles and moral integrity. They were always flexible with regard to cultural divergences. 3.      When disagreement arose about cultural or legal matters like circumcision or Jewish laws, the apostles had the Jerusalem Council and resolved the issue. They were fully open to the direction of the Spirit. Their highest priority was fidelity to their master’s teaching and values and giving God’s grace and salvation to all. 4.      They were not conditioned by petty human considerations like tribe or tradition or culture or chosen race. They were aware that God’s grace is open to all. They realise that they should facilitate others to come to faith and not put a heavy yoke on their neck. They realise that they would only put God to test by imposing unnecessary laws on the believers. 5.      They had this clarity and conviction because they were filled with the wisdom of the Spirit. This in turn was possible because they abide in his love. They continue to abide in his love because they were faithful to keep his supreme commandment of fraternal love. That is why they remain fully joyful even despite all the opposition or dissension.   Imperative: There were no ego interests and ego conflicts in the early church. Even though they were great stalwarts, the apostles set aside their life-size images and gave priority only to God’s love and fraternal mission. How often do our self-images block God’s own image and reduce others to mere shadows?   (Reflection 3 from 2021, 06 May)   Focus: True faith is not a servile allegiance to a set of rules and traditions. Rather it is openness to the free action of the Spirit, and thus being receptive to change 1.      Without a doubt, the church of today is going through tough times. The outside world is increasingly hostile and blocking the church. And within the church itself, the fact of divisions cannot be hidden. 2.      The early church too was not fully exempt from differences and divisions. But these differences were more on faith issues like the Jewish laws like circumcision. The central point of dispute was whether circumcision should be imposed on the Gentile believers also, just as the Jewish; whether the Jewish laws were core faith- matters or changeable cultural matters. 3.      And what an exemplary and imitable course of action they take! Through patient and sober discussion and discernment, they bring clarity between the primary and secondary principles. Accordingly, the insistence is not on cultural practices like circumcision, but on a life of moral integrity and spiritual fidelity. 4.      And this is what is lacking in various church circles of today. The differences and divisions are not based on real issues. Often they are due to shallow and superficial matters like caste, region, language, culture, rite, power, etc. The route to resolve and dissolve these differences is not dialogue and conciliation, but confrontation, discrimination, and condemnation. The end result is animosity and counter-witness to faith itself. At this point, Jesus in the gospel provides the reason and the answer for this problem. The only reason is the lack of abiding love for God. God chose us, not to fight and disfigure the face of the church. We are called, so that we love Him, abide in His love and follow His commandments. The greatest commandment is to love Him and to love others as He loves us. This is the best witness. The greatest effect of this is the completion of joy, experiencing complete joy.    Direction: Modern man more than ever is missing the true and complete joy, because often he is not able to identify and discover that the real joy is found in the Lord and obtain the same from him   12 MAY 2023: ACTS 15.22-31; JOHN 15.12-17    Pivot: Friends who really love! Indicative: The Lord chose us to be his friends. He commands us to love one another. This manifests itself in bearing much fruit 1.      We can concentrate on three ideas: God chooses, God commands and God makes us friends. The choice of God is unlike the choice of the world. The world’s choices are always made on the basis of certain conditions and motives. It is always in the interests of the self and not the others. Certain conditions and qualifications are demanded. 2.      But the choice of God is without any prescribed conditions or self-interests. Anybody and everybody who has the good will and love for God is chosen. These are not conditions because they are the natural capacities of heart which are possible for all. They are not special acquisitions that require training and expertise. 3.      The choice of God is always in the interests of us. It is to elevate our dignity. It is to raise us from the level of servants to the level of friends. It is to reveal to us the divine mysteries. He makes us friends and dies for our sake. 4.      Friendship with Christ is to do what he commands us. And doing what he commands us is not subjugating us to do whatever he wants or promoting his self-interests. It is to love one another to the extent of dying for the other.   Imperative: True friendship is based on true love. True love is based on keeping his commandments. And the greatest commandment is to love another even to death’s point.   (Reflection 2 from 2022, 20 May)   Indicative: The greatest guideline and norm for any follower of Christ is love. It is a twofold love, namely for God and for others. There is no other principle greater than this 1.       The secret to the success of the apostles in the early church was they were men deeply convinced and committed. They were deeply rooted in love for their Lord and nurtured it in their benevolence toward others. 2.       That is why their faith does not make them blind and rigid like the unbelieving Jews of their time. Rather they become so enlightened and noble as not to load the Gentile believers with unnecessary burdens like circumcision or other Jewish traditions. 3.       They were able to sift between the greatest commandment of their master and the other commandments. They knew that their master’s one and only commandment is to love another. This love too is modeled on their master’s love itself. He commanded them, “Love one another just as I have loved you”. 4.        It is a love that sacrifices itself totally even to the extent of dying for the other. It is a love that elevates the dignity of the other from being a servant to being a friend. It is a love that always surrenders itself to the will and choices of God. It is a love that bears lasting fruit. 5.        Today in the church, both among the authorities and the believing communities, there is so much confusion and conflict. There is no clarity of priorities. The main reason for this is the lack of fraternal charity and benevolence. 6.       This in turn is because there is no deep abiding love for God and there is no enthusiasm to be faithful to His word and commandment. Many forget the fundamental truth that we are friends of the Lord and friends to one another.    Imperative: If only we are a little more aware that we are bound by love for God and for others, that we are called to live in friendship with God and others, and that we are to bear abundant fruits, how qualitative will be our faith!   (Reflection 3 from 2021, 07 May)   Focus: True religion and faith should always discern and promote what is liberating and not lay up unnecessary burdens in the form of inessential traditions and precepts 1.      In the spirit of true faith in the risen Lord and illumination by the Holy Spirit, the apostles and the leaders of the early church distinguished between the primary tenets of faith and the secondary traditions. 2.      That is why they did not insist on the Jewish laws like circumcision and did not impose it on the gentiles. They realized that adherence to true God through faith in Jesus and moral integrity of life are more important than the other culture-bound rules. 3.      For it is for freedom and friendship that Jesus called us to his discipleship and not for slavery. In selfless love and bearing abundant fruits, we live and testify our true identity.   Direction: The world of today is diluting the very essence of true love which is nothing but a selfless generosity to give up even one's own life for the good of the other   13 MAY 2023: ACTS 16. 1-10; JOHN 15. 18-21  Pivot: Like the Master! Indicative: What makes difference between the followers of Christ and others is their belonging to him and love for him. This has radical implications 1.      Once again the Word of God makes clear some of the essentials of our faith-life. One is about our identity: we are servants and disciples. No slave is greater than his master. Therefore this should keep us always humble. 2.      Being a disciple also calls us to constantly check our life in reference to the Master’s life. We must resemble our master. We must live like him. This also implies that we must be prepared to suffer for God and persevere like the master. 3.      We must be clear and convinced that we will meet the same fate of opposition and persecution, just like our master. Jesus says: If the world hates you, realize that it hated me first. If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you. 4.      The reasons why the world hates are also crystal clear. It is because the disciples do not belong to the world, and because they are chosen out of the world. So whenever we face difficulties on account of faith, we need not lose heart or become panicky. 5.      We must look at our suffering as a sign of not belonging to the world but belonging to the Lord. So our reaction and response in the face of adversities is firm trust in the Lord, surrender to God’s will and undaunted continued in the Lord’s mission. 6.      What is strikingly evident in the mission of the apostles is this spirit. At every step and turn of life, they came across enormous challenges. But they always moved ahead, never slackening in zeal. They always remained tuned to the direction of the Holy Spirit, at times totally giving up their plans in preference to the Lord’s. 7.      The memory of Our Lady of Fatima today confirms this message: Belong to God always. Be tuned to His will and ways. Be turned to him. Repent and relent from evil. Be committed to his mission, come what may.   Imperative: Every apparition of the Mother is not a matter of glorification of her. But it is a touching recall for living our identity in love, surrender and fervour   (Reflection 2 from 2022, 21 May)   Indicative: The greatness of faith and the quality of life do not always depend on the success of the mission or the number of positive responses. At times, failures, opposition, and persecution may mark our journey of discipleship 1.       One thing that is constantly notable in the life of Jesus and also his apostles is the series of failures along with the successes. Crowds sought and thronged Jesus. The number of faithful increased rapidly during the apostles’ mission. However, they were always opposed, obstructed, and persecuted. But they were undeterred in their mission. 2.       Jesus was divinely wise but he always gave priority to the Father’s will. The apostles too were familiar with the situations and were popular. But they always set aside their personal plans. Instead, they allowed themselves to be blocked or guided by the Holy Spirit in their missionary journeys. We see such instances of specific directions by the Holy Spirit in today’s first reading from the Acts. 3.        They were not disturbed or upset when they met with hatred. It was because their master already warned them, saying, “the world will hate you and it has hated already hated me before you”. Jesus also clarifies the reason why the world will hate them. It is because they are chosen out of the world and they are not of the world. 4.       Therefore, we should be mentally prepared to be persecuted. We must remember that it is the sign and test that we do not belong to the world, that we do not form part of the false ways of the world. We must feel great and happy that we share the same path of our master and continue his noble legacy.   Imperative: We should be cautious about our being on good terms with the world or our successes and popularity. We should check and see whether they are the disguises of being of the world and compromising with the values of the world. Success need not be always bearing fruit. It can also be a fruit of compromise    (Reflection 3 from 2021, 08 May)   Focus: Zeal does not always mean that we have the courage and competence to do the best and the best of things; rather it means to surrender ourselves to God's direction to do what and how He wants us to do  1.      It can happen no seldom that some become overenthusiastic and stubborn to follow their plans and enterprises, all in the name of passion and dedication. A true passion never puts one's intelligence or capacity or plans across and against God's wisdom, power, and will. 2.      This was the greatness of the apostles that their zeal was never overboard. They always remained docile to the guidance and leading by the Holy Spirit, leaving aside at times their own missionary plans, prevented by the Holy Spirit. 3.      It is because they always strove to belong to and imitate their Master and not the world. That is why they felt happy to be persecuted because they looked at it, not as a negative fate but as a meritorious testimony of their sharing in their Master's lot. Direction: Hostility and affliction are not always a sign of a bad fate or ill luck, but are the authentic signs of conviction and commitment on behalf of a good cause and a good God                  

FIFTH SUNDAY OF EASTER 23

 07 MAY 2023, 5th EASTER SUNDAY: Acts 6. 1-7; 1 Peter 2, 4-9 ; John 14. 1-12 PART 1 Pivot: Know and Walk! Indicative: The journey of faith is a constant unfolding of our knowledge and experience of the Lord, leading to the deepening of relationship and commitment to Him 1. Who the Lord is makes us who we are. In his identity we discover our identity. The Lord is "the Way, the Truth and the Life". He is the "Living Stone" that builds the spiritual house of God. 2. If this is the identity of the Lord, it has radical implications for our own identity and mission. If the Lord is the Way, then we are to be those who know, and walk the way and also show the way to others and accompany and assist them to walk the way. 3. If he is the truth, then know the truth of him.. Love and adhere to the truth. Shun all the pressures of falsity. Be truthful to Him. 4. If he is the life, accept and receive the life of him. Banish all the forces of death in its manifold forms of disrespect for life, violence, aggression, retorsion and destruction. Also overcome all the suffocation of life seen in dissipation and depression and loss of beauty and joy of life. 5. Instead, constantly try to be lifeful, discovering and recapturing its charm and value. Live the vitality and energy of life in enthusiasm and altruism. Be containers and transmitters of the new life of the risen Lord. Spread life all around. Be promoters of life. 6. Further, in the light of the second reading, we are reminded that we are the living stones of the spiritual house of God. We are chosen and precious. We are not by- chance or despicable people. We are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation and a people for God's own possession. 7. All these solemn expressions indicate our collective identity, marked by nobility, intimacy, and sanctity. This is not a matter that becomes the cause for boast and pride. But it is the cause for a total reorientation of life. This radically summons us to live our life in deep belonging to God, dignified holiness, unfailing loyalty and noble benevolence.  PART 2 8. Still moving ahead, the living of our radical identity comprises one essential feature, and that is wisdom. This is intensely evident in the case of the apostles in the first reading. This wisdom is manifest in the clarity of priorities. 9. What a sense of clarity of priorities the Apostles had! They knew what was their priority. Prayer and ministry of the Word are more important than serving at the table. We do not undermine the value of serving at table because it is a concrete expression of fraternal communion and sharing. However, it should not lead to neglecting the word of God. 10. Perhaps, this is one main thing lacking in the present-day Church. There is an acute lack of clarity of priorities. Whether it is the lay faithful or consecrated ministers of God, often there is a lot of confusion and distortion of concerns and priorities. 11. Consequently, often secular interests, worldly preoccupations, and organisational and administrative concerns take the upper hand over spiritual concerns and animation of faith and communities. 12. That is why a great amount of time, money and energy is spent on organising different activities, conducting monetary transactions and supervising material tasks, rather than building, renewing and reinforcing the interior spirit, faith and family relationships. 13. The wisdom of the Apostles must dawn on each one, saying, “It is not right to neglect the word of God and prayer to serve at the table”. 14. It is also a call for living a synodal church. The Apostles do not monopolise the whole authority by themselves. They are not scared to “decentralise” and “delegate” their authority. Instead, they happily appoint seven deacons to serve at the table. 15. What is notable is: though serving at the table is subservient to the higher priority of the Ministry of the Word, it is not of less value. It is also a great “spiritual” ministry. That is why, it too needed men of the Spirit, faith and wisdom.  16. This indicates that every ministry in the church is spiritual and valuable. There is nothing strictly material and spiritual. All are sacred. There should not be any despising and dominating attitude. Instead, there should be an atmosphere of mutual respect and collaboration. Imperative: We must constantly realise our authentic identity and live it in effective mission. Let our troubled hearts take courage and strength from the Lord who is always with us

EASTERTIDE FOURTH WEEK DAYS 23

01 - 06 MAY 2023, HOLY MASS REFLECTIONS 01 MAY 2023: ACTS 11. 1-18; JOHN 10. 11-18 Pivot: Who am I to hinder God? Indicative: For God’s grace, there are no bounds or boundaries. All are free to receive His Holy Spirit, if there is openness and repentance 1.      “Enter the sheepfold through the gate” implies entering the Kingdom through Jesus. Jesus is the Gate and Shepherd. Faith in him makes us members of the kingdom. He knows each one of us personally. He calls us by our name. He leads us from the forefront. 2.      If we are his sheep, we must listen to his voice. We must recognise his voice. We must identify the voice of thieves, robbers and strangers. We must flee from them. We shall enter in and out through the proper gate. We shall follow only our Good Shepherd and walk the right way, shown and led by the Good Shepherd. 3.      Only following Jesus will lead us to salvation. Only in him, we find our nourishing pastures. Only in him, there is true life. This life is something deep, meaningful and abundant. And we will be granted eternal life as well. 4.      This is what Peter testifies to in the first reading. Whoever is open to the call and voice of the Lord, whoever repents and turns to the Lord, believes in him and follows him, will be joined to the sheep of the shepherd. He came for all. He does not discriminate or discard anyone. Imperative: In a world teaming with many thieves and strangers who try to steal and destroy us, we must constantly try to identify our true shepherd and follow him alone (Reflection 2 from 2022, 09 May) Indicative: We witness a culture of death in various forms. We experience a tremendous sense of lacking and missing in various aspects. It is in this context we need to adhere to the author of life and abundance 1.      “I came to give life and have it in abundance”, says Jesus. Truly we are reeling through a destructive culture of death. Violence and harm mark our days. Some may argue that life is fostered and bettered due to advancement and technology. We do not deny it. But such progress is mostly material and external. But the real culture of life is more a matter of attitude and heart. 2.      Further despite material abundance and affluence, there is a deep sense of inner lacking and emptiness. There is a real sense of lack of peace and happiness. This is due to the increasing lack of goodness and faithfulness. 3.      Therefore, the words of Jesus that he gives life abundantly are very relevant and urgent. The Lord is the good shepherd. He leads his sheep, feeds them, and grants eternal life. Thieves and robbers and strangers that Jesus mentions refer to Satan and all the false leaders and values. They appear to promote life and abundance. But in reality, they only reduce life and aggravate the sense of meaninglessness. 4.      What is needed then? Turn to the good shepherd and follow him. For this, one must repent and be converted. Only repentance of heart and conversion of life is the greatest condition to belong to the good shepherd and experience his life. All the other external requirements like circumcision, food prohibitions, and laws are not guarantees for one’s belonging to the good shepherd as his faithful sheep.   Imperative: Jesus says, his sheep do not follow the stranger but flee from him; rather they know the voice of their true shepherd, and they follow him. Is it true? (Reflection 3 from 2021, 26 April)   Focus: In the reign of God, for the embrace of God's grace, there is no barrier or discrimination    1.      Division and discrimination in the name of caste, region, religion, language, culture, etc. rule the society. There are many false shepherds, who only mislead the sheep. They are actually “thieves and robbers” as Jesus says because they are only self-seeking and self-interested. 2.      But for God, there is no such limitation or narrow demarcation. His grace is open to all, His Spirit is offered to all. That is why, circumcision or no circumcision, Jewish or Gentile traditions were not the deciding factors for the power of God. Rather the only criteria were: to Believe in Lord Jesus, to circumcise one's heart in repentance and conversion, and to lead a faithful life. 3.      In the words of Jesus in the gospel, it is to be the sheep of the one shepherd who is the Lord. It is to belong to him, to adhere to his voice and direction, to be close to him, and to follow him. To the extent we stay close and loyal to him, to that extent, we will be protected, nurtured, and led by him. 4.      Unity and fidelity, fairness, and kindness must mark any true believer and true community of Christ. All the forces of disunity and dissension, disparity and inequality, injustice and unfairness, and all the situations of evil and malice are only anti-Christ and devilish. 5.      The only reason for the present lack of authenticity is the lack of fidelity of the sheep to follow their shepherd. They leave their true shepherd and go after many false currents that easily divert and distort their focus and life. They must distinguish between the author and culture of life and destroyer of life and promoters of the culture of death.   Direction: We should be very cautious not to put ourselves against God's will and plans, lest we hinder God's own Spirit and grace   02 MAY 2023: ACTS 11. 19-26;  JOHN 10. 22-30   Pivot: Good spreads! Indicative: God never stops working. He never ceases to call us to see His hand and trust in Him. But it needs a fundamental belonging to the Lord, to recognise and believe   1.      For the first time in Antioch, the believers and followers of Christ are called Christians. It is not a mere address or name or label. It is their identity. It indicates that they radically belong to him. 2.      In the present times, many may bear the name of a Christian but do not bear the life of Christ. They may belong externally to a believing community but do not belong to the person of Christ. 3.      The unbelieving Jews were this kind. They did not believe in Jesus because they did not feel belonging to him. They did not recognise him as their shepherd and themselves as sheep. They conducted themselves as strangers. They failed to see and accept God’s own works testified in Jesus. 4.      To belong to Christ is not merely an allegiance or affinity or membership or name. It is nurturing an intimate relationship with the Lord. It is a matter of bonding. It is to share his life and mission. It is to live as the sheep of the shepherd. It is to be attentive to the shepherd’s voice. It is to grow in the knowledge and experience of him. 5.      It is to cling to him so that “no one can take them out of his hand”. And referring to the words of the first reading, it is to “remain faithful to the Lord in firmness of heart”. Further, it is also to share with others the same gift and treasure of faith, like Barnabas and the other apostles. 6.      They were good men, filled with the Holy Spirit and faith. They set themselves on a mission “to add many others too to Christ”.   Imperative: We need not lose heart when obstacles come on the way of our faith commitment. We must remain clung to our Good Shepherd and live our faith and testify the same to others   (Reflection 2 from 2022, 10 May)   Indicative: Mere intelligence and knowledge are no guarantees for one’s faith and loyalty. What matters is personal experience and the openness to trust and adhere   1.      The Jews are annoyed with Jesus and ask him, “How long will you keep us in suspense? If you are the Christ, tell us plainly”. Jesus responds, “I told you but you do not believe”. There was no cloud of suspense or mystery. His own works of wonders and healings in his Father’s name are the greatest testimony of his identity. Thus, both his words and deeds were more than enough to bear witness to him. 2.      Yet why do they not believe? Jesus gives the reason as well. It is because they are not among his sheep. If they were to be his sheep, they would hear his voice, and follow him. For his sheep hear his voice and they follow him. They shall not be snatched out of his hand and will never perish. 3.       The very fact that they do not hear his voice and do not follow him but are easily snatched by evil and follow his dictates is a clear sign that they are not his sheep. 4.      But on the contrary, we see how the apostles were charged with the power of the Spirit and the fire of preaching. The hand of the Lord was with them. They were good men, full of the Holy Spirit and faith, exemplified in Barnabas. 5.      That is why they could touch and transform thousands. Many believed and turned to the Lord. There were no barriers like Jew or Gentile, male or female, free or slave. There was no suspense or doubt because the light of the Holy Spirit was enlightening them, guiding them, and confirming them in faith.   Imperative: The chosen Jews, the official believers disbelieved. But the Gentiles, “the despised” in the sight of the Jews, the unbelievers believed. This is paradoxical! This shows that only docility to accept and follow matters and not the formal allegiance or long tradition   (Reflection 3 from 2021, 27 April)   Focus: To believe is not merely a matter of external allegiance or formal adherence or doctrinal observance, but is rather to follow the way of the Lord   1.      The whole life and ministry of Jesus always evoked mixed responses and reactions. Some believed and accepted and followed. Many others disbelieved, rejected, and abandoned. 2.      The same was true with his disciples as well. Their singular mission was to bear witness to the Lord through evangelisation and healing. Accordingly, the thrust of their mission was to lead the people to repentance and conversion. 3.      There is a marked difference between those who believe and those who do not: those who believe, know their shepherd, hear his voice, and follow him. "The hand of the Lord is with them", "they turn to him", and "they are firm of heart and remain faithful to him". 4.      On the other hand, those who do not believe, do not nurture and foster this relationship. They do not remain faithful to him. They distrust God and do not accept the testimony of the works of Jesus. Despite all the testimony in word and deed through preaching and healing, they fail to discover God’s will and action. They forfeit God’s offer of grace. 5.      This is all because they are not the sheep of the shepherd. They do not belong to the one fold of the sheep, one hold of the shepherd. They do not hear his voice. They do not know him personally or experientially. What they know is merely theoretical and mechanical. They do not follow him. So, they do not receive eternal life.   Direction: What is more important is not so much knowing some doctrines and concepts, but rather knowing the Lord and following him   03 MAY 2023: I COR 15. 1-8; JOHN 14. 6-14, FEAST OF APOSTLES PHILIP & JAMES Pivot: Except through me! Indicative: What an intrinsic and inseparable union between the Father and the Son! The Father is in the Son and the Son is in the Father   1.      Today we celebrate the feast of St Philip and St James, two of the Twelve Apostles. Fittingly, the word of God clarifies to us the essentials of faith and the gospel. The kernel of the Gospel is that the Father and the Son are one. The Son is in the Father and the Father is in the Son. 2.      What Paul recounts in the first reading is not a mere history of recounting the past details. But it is a “confession of faith”. It is a personal experience of receiving faith and renewing life. It is believing the gospel and living it. 3.      It is knowing Christ. It is being convinced that our salvation is in his life, death and resurrection. It is to live for him and live like him. It is bearing witness to the Lord. 4.      The union between the Father and the Son is not just a matter of personal relationship between both of them. It is “our” matter. It is our faith and salvation. It is not a relationship, merely one-to-one, directed to each other. 5.      This relationship is crucial for us because it involves us. We see in their inseparability the immeasurable love of God turned to us. We see God’s own face holding us in the same hold of love. 6.      The Father and the Son are one because both live in each other by way of the same life and love. The Son has the same life as the Father. He loves with the same love. He speaks the same words. He does the same works of the Father. He glorifies the Father. 7.      It is because of this oneness, the Son becomes the “reflection” of the Father. Thereby whoever sees the Son, has seen the Father. Whoever knows the Son, has known the Father. Further, the Son is also able to grant everything, the greatest being eternal life. 8.      It is because of this communion only, Jesus is the “Way, the life and the Truth”. He becomes the most authentic giver, guide and teacher that guarantees salvation.   Imperative: Lke Philip, let us ignite our moving for God. Let us join Philip: “Show us the Father and that is enough   (Reflection 2 from 2022)   Indicative: True faith is to believe in the Lord and live his very life and mission, to know him, experience him, and follow him. A faith that does not contain these ingredients is not true and deep   1.      True faith lives close to the Lord, nurtures and enjoys a profound relationship with him, and zealously follows in his footsteps. Thus, authentic life and effective mission testify to true faith. Saints Philip and James, two of the Twelve Apostles whose feast we celebrate today are living testimonies of such true faith. 2.      They lived intimately in the company of the Lord. They followed him loyally in the mission of preaching and guiding. Philip was a missionary preacher and James was the bishop of the Jerusalem church. They bore witness to the Lord with a martyr’s death. 3.      Today’s Word of God in reference to both, places before us some fundamental directives for our own discipleship. Philip’s request, “Lord, show us the Father and that is enough” shows us clearly that the ultimate aim and striving of every disciple must be to see the Father. This is the highest priority and this alone must suffice for one’s life. 4.      And to see the Father is nothing but to see the Son and see the Father in and through the Son. One who really sees the Son sees the Father as well because the Father and the Son are one and united. To see the Son means to know him, experience him, follow him and show him to others. A true disciple must know his way and truth, experience the divine life, follow his values and do his works.   Imperative: Seeing God and showing God are our highest priorities in life and they alone will be enough. But when some other things become the topmost priorities in our life, it is a clear sign that we are failing in our essential duty of seeing and showing God   (Reflection 3 from 2021)   Focus: We are called by the Lord to keep close to him and to live faithful to him in and throughout our life. This would imply sharing the faith with others and leading them to Jesus, as the apostles Philip and James did   1.      Today we celebrate the feast of Sts Philip and James, two of the Twelve. Philip was a former disciple of John the Baptist and James, the Lesser was the brother of Jude Thaddeus, the cousin of the Lord, and the author of the Epistle of James. Philip sets himself to preaching and James was the bishop of Jerusalem. Both were martyred. 2.      What marks both is their receptivity to the Lord, their close living with him, their constant listening to him and learning from him, obeying and following him. What is notable in both is: Having experienced the Lord personally, both become the sharers and transmitters of the same experience of the Lord. 3.      Thus both lead others to Jesus. Philip leads Nathanael in particular and in general many others to Jesus by his preaching and witness. James was the bishop of Jerusalem, and thus he too leads many believers through his ministry of leadership and animation. 4.      Whatever be the variance of their mission, they both live with Jesus in a personal communion, live for him through their mission, and then shed their blood in martyrdom. 5.      In today’s gospel, the request of Philip is very striking. It reflects the mindset of authentic discipleship: “Lord, show us the Father, and it is enough for us”. Yes, seeing God is the highest end of his life for a true disciple, and this alone will suffice. Nothing else can be equal to this grace, because nothing else can satisfy and fulfil a person’s life purpose. 6.      Today, both apostles stand before us as inspiration for imitation. Their singular devotion to the Lord and their faithful dedication to his mission are worth imitable.   Direction: A personal experience of the Lord is like a fire that does not limit itself only to the person that holds it, but it spreads rapidly to others as well, with the same inflaming effect   04 MAY 2023: ACTS 13. 13-25;  JOHN 13. 16-20   Pivot: So that you may learn! Indicative: God chose us with a purpose. It is to believe, live and make him live on through us. Life loses its meaning when we lose sight of this core purpose   1.      Jesus chose us to be his messengers. He sends us on his mission. These are the first basic things to remember always: We are specially chosen by the Lord. It is not by chance or by our choice according to our likes or preferences 2.      This fact of “divine choice” must make us aware of the sacredness of our vocation. It must guard us against all worldly interests and self-inclinations that mar the mark of holiness. 3.      It is God’s choice, not for becoming Masters and bosses. It is to spread his message and do his mission. It is for the spread of his gospel, the good news. It is for the work of his kingdom and salvation. 4.      Therefore, the spread of any evil news, the working for any petty kingdoms, based on worldly factors like caste, region, language, culture, rite, power, position, et cetera, is against our very vocation. Alas! How many indirectly betray him when we live a disloyal way of life? 5.      This divine aspect must also keep us always humble. We are mere servants and messengers, and “no slave is greater than his master, and no messenger is greater than his sender”. Giftedness and competence in the discharge of our mission should never make us proud and complacent. 6.      We can always take an example from Paul and Co. They never projected themselves in the forefront. They always drew people’s attention to Jesus Christ. Their preaching was very simple: instructive and constructive; informative and formative. The purpose was not merely some knowledge but a deep experience, leading to genuine repentance, faith and renewal.   Imperative: Jesus says, “If you understand and do this, blessed are you!” That is to be ever conscious of our identity and mission   (Reflection 2 from 2022, 12 May)   Indicative: Human intelligence and competence may assist us and carry us ahead for a while. But they will not last long and reach us long when they are devoid of God’s grace and guidance   1.      Often in life, we see many capable and talented. They rise high and ride high for some time. But when they are not humble and begin to act with pride, when they are not docile to God and surrender to Him, sooner or later they will fall and fail. 2.      This is all because no servant is greater than the master, and no messenger is greater than the sender. Jesus, the Master himself, makes himself a servant to all and serves others. Are we greater than our master? The problem with many disciples is they forget their real identity of being servants and behave like masters. 3.      A good servant remembers always that he is a servant and messenger. His life becomes authentic when he becomes an effective channel of service and message. Jesus says, if you know these things and do them, you are blessed. 4.      Paul and Co. knew these things and they did them. They tirelessly spread the message of Christ and served others. In the first reading from the Acts of the Apostles, Paul in his preaching gives a quick rundown of the salvation history leading to Jesus. However, it is not a mere chronological summary. It is a powerful message of God’s grace and human response and involvement.   Imperative: Many disciples of Christ would do better if they stop trying desperately to become masters in various fields. Instead, it is better that they become better servants!   (Reflection 3 from 2021, 29 April)   Focus: Preaching is not a mere narration of a bygone history but ongoing participation in the present journey of salvation   1.      Paul's preaching sums up the progressive history of salvation and looks like a simple accounting of the historical facts and thus nothing special. But it is not just that. It is a recall and reminder of God's salvific journey with humans. It does not stop with the past but continues unceasingly. 2.      Thus, it is also a forceful appeal to get involved in such a journey of faith. But this does not happen just like that. Such a convincing proclamation can come only from an irresistible conviction of one's vocation that I am called by the Lord and I am sent on his mission. It is not based on one’s ability but rooted in one’s humility. 3.      This is the same humility that is demonstrated by David and John the Baptist as well. This leads to an unfailing loyalty to the Lord, in an edifying and witnessing life. The Master Jesus teaches and leads his disciples by example. He charges them with the same spirit with which he washed their feet in humility as a servant and disciple. 4.      This is very interesting to note: he washes their feet like a slave and immediately announces that no slave is greater than the Master. It is not just one single act or instance. It is an indication and lesson that should continue. 5.      Like our supreme master, we should always be imbued with the same spirit of humility of a servant and cultivate constantly the same. No one of us should presume ourselves to be a master and treat others as servants.   Direction: If Jesus is our sole and whole master, how is it that there are many presumptuous and pretentious masters, ill-treating others as mere servants?    05 MAY 2023: ACTS 13. 26-33; JOHN 14. 1-6   Pivot: Fidelity to the Basics! Indicative: We are all destined to be with the Father in the Father’s house. And it is only through Jesus, we understand and learn the truth, know and walk the way, and live new life and receive eternal life. It is because Jesus is the “Way, the Truth and the Life”   1.      As humans, every now and then, our hearts will be troubled. The reasons can be varied. Especially, the sense of absence of God, desolation and dryness in our personal and spiritual life can disturb and dissipate us. 2.      Jesus was preparing his disciples for the moments of his physical separation from them. How to face such a situation of absence and lack of accompaniment? Jesus gives the answer as well: Have faith in God and in him. 3.      So, trust that his separation is only temporary. He will come to them soon. He will take them to be with him forever. He consoles them with many assuring phrases: “In my Father’s house, there are many dwelling places”. “I will prepare a place for you”. “Where I am, you also will be”. 4.      In Jesus, we have the assurance of eternal life in eternal communion with him. This also indicates that we are people destined for something higher and beyond the earthly. So we need to always raise our sight from earth-boundedness to heaven-directedness. 5.      If we live with him now, we will live with him forever. If we follow him now, we will follow him to eternity. We need to entrust ourselves to him. We must walk his way, abide by his truth, and live his life. This is the call for us from Jesus’ declaration, “I am the way, the truth and the life”. Paul and the other apostles did this through their preaching and testimony.   Imperative: Many times, many get deviated, fall into falsity and live a culture of death. The only antidote is to live Jesus who is the way, the truth and the life   (Reflection 2 from 2022, 13 May)   Indicative: Many hearts are troubled. Many live in constant tension and fear over many things in life. But when we believe in God, we can experience tranquillity and strength   1.      The life of the present times seems to be a constant story of trouble and turmoil. The reasons can be many and varied. It is not necessarily poverty and misery. For even the rich and capable people also feel troubled and worried. Thus, trouble and worry are common factors that affect everyone in one way or another. 2.      In such a context, the words of Jesus, “Let not your hearts be troubled” in the gospel are very comforting and soothing. He invites us to “believe in him” and follow him who is “the way, the truth, and the life”. However, he does not promise the complete vanish of all the trouble. Rather, he assures us how to be serene and untroubled even amidst all the disturbances. 3.      The assertion of Jesus, “I am the way, the truth and the life” is one of the greatest self-revelation of his identity. However, it is not so much about what he is in himself but what he is and what he does to us. They indicate to us what we must do if we want to be untroubled. 4.       We must know his way and follow it; it is the “narrow way”, uncompromising and authentic. It is not the false and broader ways of the world. We must accept and follow his truth. We must avoid falsity and duplicity and be truthful. We must live his life, a life that is divine, new, and a foretaste of eternity.   Imperative: It is not proper to argue whether war and turmoil stop completely if we pray and repent and abandon sin. Rather, what we must understand is sin, lack of prayer and repentance certainly causes trouble   (Reflection 3 from 2021, 30 April)   Focus: The purpose and fulfilment of our faith are not just believing and preaching. It is bearing witness to God, to His love, and His will of salvation   1.      "I am the way, the truth, and the life": this is one of the most fundamental self-assertions of Jesus. It reveals his identity and mission. His identity is: He is the Son of the Father. His mission is salvation as the Messiah. 2.      He is the way that leads to the Father, to the eternal kingdom. He is the truth that reveals the Father, that which gives the norms to follow and walk the way. He is the life that is his own life. This in turn is the life of the Father Himself. 3.      It is the life that is not merely the natural, the physical life, but the life which is new, spiritual eternal life. He offers this new life to us and thereby we are enlivened and reinvigorated. Therefore, all those who believe and follow Jesus will be fully "alive, truthful and sojourners on the way to heaven". 4.      This attestation of Jesus is not a mere saying about who he is in his nature. It assures us about what he does in our lives and what we should do and become. We are called not to be troubled or lose heart. 5.      We shall believe in him. We shall become more and more alive and energetic. We shall be full of life and not lethargic or indifferent. We shall know the truth and follow it. We shall resist and reject all that is false and vain. We shall subscribe to truth and true values. 6.      We shall be truthful and authentic and not hypocritical and dishonest. And we shall always orient ourselves on the way to heaven. Therefore, our task like Paul in the first reading is to be constant recipients and witnesses of Jesus, the way, the truth, and the life.   Direction: When Jesus is with us and for us, then there is no need to feel troubled or disturbed because he accompanies us always and orients us to reach our eternal destiny with him forever   06 MAY 2023: ACTS 13. 44-52; JOHN 14. 7-14 Pivot: A door closes and another opens! Indicative: God’s grace is always open and abundant. But it needs humility and docility to receive it and cooperate with it   1.      Let us begin with the request of Philip in the gospel: “Show us the Father, and that will be enough for us”. What a lofty desire! In a world that always desires and strives for things and goals that are mostly worldly and self-centred, this desire of Philip is very challenging and impelling. 2.      How many really want to see God? How many really ask, “Show us God”? Many see and enjoy many things of the world. But they are not really satisfied. Despite all the affluence, pleasure and comfort, many continue dissatisfied. 3.      This clearly shows that nothing worldly can satisfy the deep interior craving. It is an insatiable search for something lasting, imperishable and higher. 4.      Jesus incarnates and concretises God’s own essence and love. He shows us the invisible Father through his words and works, through his very person and life. It is because of the inalienable union and oneness of their identity. 5.      Similarly, whoever is with the Lord, abides in him and does his works, will also become the “mirrors” and “images” of God. They will certainly receive all that they need. It is this communion and power that will sustain their every step and strengthen their every effort. 6.      The Lord’s promise, “Whatever you ask in my name, I will do it” does not mean that there will not be any difficulties in our life and mission. In fact, the more we are committed, the more we will be tossed about by challenges. 7.      This is what we see in the case of the apostles. Opposition and persecution never ceased. But they never asked for the problems to cease. They only prayed for strength and courage. God always sustained them with wisdom and comfort and joy of the Holy Spirit.   Imperative: In our mission, at times, many doors may close. Failures may embrace us. But we shall never deter from the Lord’s mission. For God gives success in His own time and in His own way, not known to the world   (Reflection 2)   Focus: Rejection of truth is a clear sign that one is in falsity and darkness because error cannot stand the sight of truth, and darkness cannot tolerate light   1.      The oneness of the Father and the Son is the truth which the disciples need to believe. Because it is this communion which their Master tirelessly attested and testified to. It is this communion that was his driving force as well as the secret and source of all his works. 2.      Thus his works are not merely some wonders or favours, but more essentially powerful signs and testimonies of this inseparable union between the Father and the Son. The Son is so totally United with the Father that he "reflects" the Father so much so that "one who sees the Son, is seeing the Father as well". 3.      Similarly, one who is totally United with the Son, will also "resemble" and "mirror" the Son, so much so that he will do the same works of the Son. But for sure, all will not see this reflection and will not accept this testimony. Like those who opposed Paul and incited the people to reject the offer of faith, there will be much opposition and rejection.   Direction: What is rejected by the Jews, is wholeheartedly accepted by the Gentiles and they obtain the grace and mercy of God. There are no guarantees or personal merits. It is all a matter of God's benevolence and one's humble acceptance              

EASTER FOURTH SUNDAY/Good Shepherd Sunday

IV EASTER SUNDAY (GOOD SHEPHERD SUNDAY), 30 APRIL 2023 (Reflection 1) Indicative: God is our good shepherd. We are all His sheep. We belong to Him and we are fed and led by Him. 1. Today we celebrate the Good Shepherd Sunday.  We are reminded of our identity and duty. Our identity is being sheep to the supreme shepherd. Our duty is to walk like good sheep and to shepherd over other sheep. 2. First of all, we must always remember that God is our greatest good shepherd. He is not one among many. He is not one of the many alternatives. He is one and unique. He is the best and the highest. He is incomparable and irreplaceable. 3. Therefore, our first and primary loyalty is to the Lord, who alone is our chief shepherd. We need to seriously question whether we are faithful to the one true shepherd or the many false shepherds. How easily many forsake the true shepherd and run behind the false shepherds! How thoughtlessly many sheep are carried away by the false directions, attractions, pulls and pressures of the false shepherds! 4. Good sheep hear the voice of the Good Shepherd and they follow him. But How often we give deaf ear to the direction and leading by the Good Shepherd? How often we resent and resist and reject to follow him? How quickly we allow ourselves to be easily trascinated and misguided by the false shepherds? 5. We are not sure whether there is a deep belonging and bonding between the Good Shepherd and the sheep. How many sheep are shallow and superfical in their intimacy with the Good Shepherd? Allegiance to the fold of the good shepherd is no guarantee of our closeness and faithfulness to him. 6. Another very important note is we should be able to distinguish between our core identity and role identity. Our core identity is being sheep to the supreme shepherd. And our role identity is shepherding others. This may look rather superfluous. But this is crucial. We may do the duty of shepherding others. This means that we protect others, nourish and guide others. This is the role of a faithful shepherd. But just because we shepherd other sheep, we will not become shepherds. 7. Now some may be annoyed about this unnecessary distinction. But I believe this is very important. This can keep us always humble as sheep. Otherwise there are many who act arrogantly as shepherds. This can also remind us strongly about our duty to shepherd others. Otherwise there are many who completely forget about their mission towards others and become self- centred. Imperative: There are no two categories like shepherds and sheep. There is only one shepherd, the Lord, and all of us are sheep. Let us be true and faithful sheep. Let us hear and follow the one and the only one Good Shepherd. Let us not allow ourselves to be snatched away by the evil and perish (Reflection 2) Focus: We live in a world which often looks confused and deviated. This is exactly the situation of a shepherdless sheep 1. Today is the 4th Easter Sunday, and this is also known as Good Shepherd Sunday. The focus of the Word of God is, God is the Good Shepherd. This image is very powerful and significant. This implies an essential and intimate bonding. It is a covenant,  a commitment. Like a true shepherd, he protects us, is attentive and sensitive to us, deeply caring and concerned toward us. We matter a lot for him. Our safety, growth and happiness is his abiding concern. His shepherding is not a mere duty as a hirling. It is a passion. He owns us up. That is why, for our sake, for our safety and wellbeing, he goes to any extent, even to the point of dying for us. 2. This is what Jesus did for us: he protects us from every attack of the evil. He safeguards and guards us against every snare of the enemy. He directs and guides us in the right path. He leads us to the safe zones. He preserves and sustains us in clear and steady ways. He cares, nourishes and strengthens us in nurturing grounds. And, in order to  extricate us from the iron hold of the evil, he immolates his own self. In order to cleanse us from the bruises and blows of sin, he sheds his own blood. 3. Now, on this celebration of the Good Shepherd Sunday, our first duty is to understand and accept the Lord as our supreme shepherd. He is the first and the best. No other shall claim our allegiance to them. We shall not owe our loyalty and commitment to anyone else. We shall not be wooed or misguided by any false shepherd. We shall not run behind any false shepherding. 4. Therefore, on this day, first of all, we shall deepen our trust in our unique shepherd. Confide in him. Not enough. It is not enough to know and affirm what he is, or what he does. But much more important is, what we are, and what we are to him, what we do to  him. In other words, he is always a good shepherd to us. But how much are we good sheep? 5. Now, our whole identity and  the essence of our discipleship is our identity as the sheep that belong to the one supreme shepherd who is the Lord himself. The purpose and the quality of our vocation as the sheep consist in our bonding with the shepherd and experiencing the effect and the fruit of this bonding. 6. This bonding between the shepherd and the sheep is characterised by the spirit and ambience of belonging and intimacy. He is OUR shepherd and we are HIS sheep. Such an owning and closeness do not pertain to others who can be manipulators and destroyers of the sheep. 7. In the light of this image of shepherd and sheep, it is for us to check sincerely and see how much we nurture and grow, foster and testify this bonding with the shepherd. How deep is our belonging and closeness with him? How eager, attentive and prompt is our listening to him? How ready and willing we are to be guided and led by him? How loyal and committed we are to follow him and walk in his footsteps?  8. It is also a clear indication to all those who are acclaimed as shepherds of the sheep of the faithful. There may not be something invalid in it since they are sharers and collaborators with the chief shepherd. But it should be very clear that there are no co-shepherds. There is only one shepherd and that is the Lord. 9. All are only sheep. The so-called shepherds are only caretakers and stewards, at the most, "herdmen". The title of 'shepherd' or 'pastor' is nothing dignitary or status symbol or vesting with a secular power or authority. This is in no way diluting the sacredness or the merit of these stewards.  10. Certainly they are unique in being specially chosen and anointed by the Spirit and appointed as priests, ministers and leaders. But it is not a position wielding powers and rights. It is a sanctified and sanctifying obligation. It indicates more the sacred duty and ministry of shepherding, that is, loving, caring, guiding, serving the sheep and thus leading to the chief shepherd and enabling them to receive and enjoy life in full measures. Direction: One receives and enjoys the abundance of life and promotes the culture of life, only to the extent one is in a binding bonding with the Lord, the chief shepherd. 

EASTER FOURTH SUNDAY 23

4th EASTER SUNDAY, GOOD SHEPHERD SUNDAY, 30 APRIL 2023 (Reflection 3) Pivot: True to our identity! Indicative: God has chosen us to be saved and live abundantly during this life and then live in eternity 1. This 4th Sunday of Easter is celebrated as Good SHEPHERD Sunday. Thereby we are called to focus our entire attention on what God is to us, and what He does in and to our life. 2. This focus is very important because very many times, many are so much caught up with the worldly concerns and mundane interests and neglect God. For many, God does not matter much in their lives. He is kept as a stranger outside the demarcation of their life. 3. In such a prevailing context of indifference toward God and estrangement from Him, we need to rediscover that our God is a living and loving God. He lives and in His love, shares His very life with us in abundance. In the same love, He forgives our sins through the cross and death of His own Son Jesus Christ. He cleanses us. He sanctifies us through the gift of the light and power of the Holy Spirit. 4. Therefore, we need to deepen our awareness of this identity and intimacy of God. God is not an abstract concept but a living reality. He is not a stranger but an inseparable Lover, Saviour, Sanctifier and Fulfiller of our lives. 5. He is not a heartless judge and punisher but a merciful Forgiver. He is not an evasive escaper who abandons us to the fate of our sin but a deeply sensitive empathiser who suffers on our behalf and remote the weight and penalty of our sin. 6. All this realisation, rediscovery should lead us to a rejuvenation of our dull and tepid spirits. We should be led to recommit ourselves to a passionate relationship with God, the good Shepherd. 7. It is here we must realise that this calls us to focus on our own identity as sheep to the Shepherd. If God is our Good Shepherd, then what should be our response and duty? Realise that we are the sheep and live this identity in the full measures. 8. Numerous ingredients of being good sheep are outlined. Listen attentively to the voice of God. Reflection deeply on His merciful love. Be cut to the heart. Repent with genuine anguish for having strayed from God. 9. Be sensitive to be touched and arouse the self-critical question, "What shall we do?". Hear the voice of the Shepherd. Know him. Listen to his voice. Identity our Good Shepherd different from the false shepherds and thieves. 10. Make conscious efforts to insulate ourselves against all the pressures and deviations of the evil generation. Grow in intimate relationship with the only Shepherd. Be loyal to him. 11. Always look upon our Good Shepherd and follow his good example in his steps. Like him, never cease to do good. Be ready and happy to suffer for the sake of God and good. Endure in time of suffering just like Him. He did not revile when he was reviled. He did not curse or retaliate when he was blamed and persecuted. Imperative: Let us be deeply conscious of God as our Good Shepherd. Let us love him and live as Good Sheep. Let us live our life in full measures

THIRD WEEK OF EASTER 23

24 - 29 APRIL 2023, HOLY MASS REFLECTIONS 24 APRIL 2023: ACTS 6. 8-15; JOHN 6. 22-29   Pivot: Not for the perishable! Indicative: There is always a contrast between people of God and people of the world   1.      The people of God are always filled with the Spirit of the Lord. So they believe in the Lord. They are filled with wisdom. It is a wisdom that speaks the truth that no others can contest or defeat. The people of God are also filled with the power of the Spirit that emboldens them against all resistance and persecution. 2.      Stephen represents these people of God. They cling to Jesus. They remain loyal and committed to him. They seek and work for food that is imperishable and conduces to eternal life. This food symbolises all that nourishes and strengthens us. It implies grace, God’s word and the sacrament of the Holy Eucharist. 3.      On the other hand, people of the world are marked by many negative features. They do not tolerate the truth spoken with the wisdom of the Spirit. They resent and resist it. They distort the truth as blasphemy, anti-religion, anti-law and revolting. 4.      Consequently, they instigate the simple people, stir up false emotions, accost, seize and bring before the Sanhedrin and present false witnesses. And in the gospel, these people of the world look for Jesus with shallow motives. They search for him, not for the food that endures for eternal life but for the food that perishes, that gives only temporary satisfaction. 5.      As human beings belonging to the world, we too may be pulled and at times driven by temporary and worldly interests. We may not be able to completely eliminate all the worldliness. However, like those people, we must be open to know what we are doing, and what is wrong with what we are doing, so that we can know what we can do and change for the better.   Imperative: Faith is a matter of a relationship with God and an entire life of loyalty. If we believe truly, we must persevere and strive for the higher and lasting things   (Reflection 2 from 2022, 02 May)   Indicative: Those who are on God’s side will be full of grace and power. The people of the world cannot withstand and defeat their wisdom and Spirit   1.      Evil is always against good, falsity is against truth and Satan’s way is always against God’s way. That is why, those who were religiously stubborn and distorted could not tolerate Stephen who was filled with God’s grace, power of the Spirit, and wisdom, and was preaching God’s way and was doing wonders and miracles. 2.      Their blameworthy human knowledge could not stand before his Spirit-filled proclamation. So, crookedly they fabricated false witnesses, blamed him for blasphemy, and stood him as an accused before the Council. What hypocrisy! 3.      The main purpose of the preaching and miracles of Jesus was to reignite in the people the power of wisdom to discern and enable them to follow the right values. Why? People are not still able to distinguish between material and spiritual, temporal and eternal, perishable life and imperishable life, cheap works and divine signs. They are lacking the wisdom to discern. Consequently, they are inclined and succumb to what are worldly, temporary, and showy displays. 4.      That is why Jesus is sternly warning: it is futile to toil for what perishing food that can fill the stomach and satisfy only for a while. Rather strive for imperishable food that gives eternal life. Only God and the Son anointed and sent by God can give it. Therefore it is wise to trust Him totally. 5.      The people who had stomach-full searched for Jesus with motives of physical satisfaction and temporary gain. So the Lord admonished them to turn and raise their sight, and perspective and search for higher motives and realm.   Imperative: What about us? What is our search and race for? What are our values and what is their level? What things give us satisfaction?   (Reflection 3 from 2021, 19 April)   Focus: The quality of life and its direction depends on the height and the propriety of the goal and the purpose   1.      We often find that the life of many is not qualitative and it is not well-directed. We find them often in wrong pursuits and faulty ways. It is all because they have faltered in the very purpose of life: they have set wrong goals and targets, and accordingly, they seek satisfaction and the fulfilment of life in shallow and superficial matters. 2.      It is such people that Jesus sternly and directly warns: Do not work for the worldly and material things which do not last long but perish; rather strive for what is imperishable. What can obtain for one eternal life thereafter? What can also here and now give a sense of meaning and fulfilment? It is only the Lord, it is only faith in him and love for him, it is only in being loyal and committed to his mission, and striving for eternity. 3.      Stephen in the Acts of the Apostles stands as an emblem of this unearthly concern. It is this concern of the above and the spiritual, the “supernatural focus” that distinguishes Stephen from others. They were caught up with the below, the unspiritual, and the earthly leanings. This lofty focus endows him with wisdom and passion that none else can resist or match. 4.      Only such wisdom makes one clear of the priorities in life. Only such fire makes one ablaze in the midst of all tepidity and lethargy. And only such passion makes one undaunted and indefatigable amidst all adversities and evil forces.   Direction: It is not enough to work hard, but it is more important to discern what one is working hard for. It is not enough to be intelligent to do well in many affairs of the world, but it is more important to be wise to be concerned about the higher concerns   25 APRIL 2023: 1 PETER 5. 5-14; MARK 16. 15-20, FEAST, ST MARK   Pivot: A mission commissioned! Indicative: Our call is to follow the Lord and do his mission. For sure he will accompany us, empower us and accomplish his mission through us   1.      We celebrate St Mark’s feast. He was a disciple of Peter, a cousin of Barnabas, and a companion of Paul on his first missionary journey. He is one of the four evangelists. He died a martyr’s death, being dragged through the streets of Alexandria. 2.      Rightly in tune with the festive theme, today’s liturgy of the word of God focuses on mission. Mark was clear, convinced and committed to the Lord’s mission. It was a mission by word and deed. He preached the word. He wrote the word. He also lived it on his way of virtue and teachings of the Lord, accompanied by signs and wonders. 3.      In the words of Jesus, it is the mission of “going into the whole world”, “proclaiming the gospel to every creature”, and making others “believe, be baptised and be saved”. Therefore, our mission cannot be “restrictive”, either by place or people. It is a universal and expansive mission. This is indicated by the phrases, “whole world” and “every creature”. 4.      It is a mission to proclaim the gospel. We should proclaim only gospel and not anything evil. It is a mission of leading all to faith and salvation. Therefore, anything that leads away from faith and leads to destruction, is not true to the mission. 5.      What will be some conditions and features of a missionary and fidelity to the mission? The first reading enumerates some of them in terms of virtues. A life of mission is a life of virtue. The mission is not only doing something but living as someone of Christ. 6.      One fundamental condition of the mission is humility, as Peter exhorts us, “Clothe yourselves with humility in your dealings with one another, for God opposes the proud but bestows favour on the humble”. 7.      Surrender is another condition” “Cast all your worries upon him because he cares for you”. Vigilance and alertness is another requirement: “Be sober and vigilant”. Resistance to evil and steadfastness in faith is the other condition. 8.      What will be some effects of the power of this mission? The power over evil, to drive out the demons, the ability to communicate and proclaim, by speaking new languages, being shielded from what is harmful, and the power to heal.   Imperative: The greatest effect and sign of God’s power in our mission is that the Lord will himself “restore, confirm, strengthen and establish us”   (Reflection 2 from 2022)    Indicative: Those who are touched by the power of the risen Lord will be led by the light of his Spirit and spread the same light and power to others in word and deed   1.      Today on 25 April we celebrate the feast of St Mark. He is one of the four evangelists. He was a close associate of Peter. He acted as Peter’s scribe and recorded his teaching and preaching in his gospel. He accompanied Paul and Barnabas on a missionary journey. Though not a direct disciple of Jesus, surely he knew Jesus and all the more confirmed by Peter. 2.      He worked for the spread of the faith. He is known to have founded the church at Alexandria. He was martyred by pagans who tied a rope around his neck and dragged him through the streets until he died. 3.      Mark’s gospel forms the basis for both Matthew and Luke. He is not concerned about the details but centres on one’s personal choice to act. “Immediately” is a frequent characteristic expression in Mark. This is not a mere technical expression. Rather it shows the sense of urgency of the mission. In the mission of the Lord, there is no time to waste. There must be “haste and promptness”. 4.      Mark presents Jesus as the “Lion of Judah”. This is in contrast to the devil, the “roaring lion” in the first reading from 1 Peter. The first lion rescues and saves from harm and death. The second lion devours and destroys. The purpose of Mark’s gospel is exactly the purpose of God’s call, as stated in the first reading. It is to “restore, confirm, strengthen in faith and establish us in eternal glory”.    Imperative: We are commissioned with the Lord’s own mission. We are empowered by his own Spirit to accomplish this mission   (Reflection 3) Focus: Those who experience the Lord, cannot but be his witnesses through life in its entirety and integrity   1.      As we celebrate today the feast of Saint Mark, one of the four evangelists, we are once again reminded of one essential trait of a true disciple of Christ. That is namely to be an evangelist. But here, we must understand the term ‘evangelist’ in its holistic sense. 2.      It should go beyond the restricted sense of one who wrote the gospel. It is also not only one who preaches about Christ, as some preachers make it be. To be an evangelist truly means “one who carries the good news”. 3.      Accordingly, an evangelist is one who bears witness to the Lord, through the word (proclamation), through the mission (missionary journeys/walking and working for the Lord), through enlightenment, animation, guidance and renewal (writing the gospel and laying directives of discipleship), and through an edifying and testifying life (life in the footsteps of the Lord through discipleship to Peter, and dying for the Lord).   Direction: Humility and witness are the two greatest marks of a true disciple and these are the two equipments for effective fulfilment of the Lord’s mission   26 APRIL 2023: ACTS 8. 1b-8: JOHN 6. 35-40   Pivot: Persecuted for God! Indicative: God does not will anyone to perish. He wants everyone to obtain eternal life. And this is possible through His beloved Son   1.      Jesus alone is the source of salvation. He is the bread of life. He is the one who nourishes and strengthens us as the bread. He also makes us live for eternity. Those who believe in him will never be hungry or thirsty. This means those who seek and confide in God will not be “frustrated” or “dissatisfied”. They will not be misled or tormented by the forces of death. They will be the promoters of the culture of life. 2.      Strength and growth, perseverance and fidelity are the hallmarks of the life of God. That is why the more the early Christians were persecuted, the more they became strong and grew more. They became persevering and faithful. 3.      We must see the guts of the apostles. There was widespread persecution. It was also spearheaded by Paul before his conversion. They ran the risk of unjust imprisonment, even to the extent of death for the sake of Jesus. 4.      But no amount of intimidation or imprisonment, persecution, or dispersion could arrest the unsurpassed work of the Lord. Along with the wisdom and courage to preach about Jesus Christ, Two things stand out in the early Church: the power of healing and the exceeding joy.   Imperative: Jesus is our courage and strength. Therefore those who believe in Jesus shall come out of the “scattered” mind. They shall be bold and strong to face any opposition and persecution   (Reflection 2 from 2022, 04 May)   Indicative: Troubles and trials will come in the way of following Christ. But nothing can destroy faith or stop the spread of God’s reign   1.       The history of the spread of the faith and the establishment of the church is very interesting and paradoxical. The more the church was persecuted, the more it grew. The more the followers were intimidated, the more they stood bold and firm. The more they were scattered, the more they were united in one faith and mission. 2.       They were wounded but they gave healing to others. They were imprisoned but they liberated others from slavery to sin. They were insulted and defamed but they gave new dignity to others. This is all because they believed in the Lord and clung to him. They hungered and thirsted for him who said, “I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst”. 3.       Jesus clearly declared the purpose of his coming. That is to do not his will but the will of the Father who sent him. And the will of the Father is not to lose anyone but gain everyone so that they will gain eternal life. The disciples and the believers are that precious gain. They receive the gift of faith and obtain eternal life. 4.       The apostles and the disciples were convinced of their call and mission. Their only focus was to believe in the Lord and resemble him both in life and mission. Accordingly, they would constantly strive to gain all for the Lord so that no one would perish.   Imperative: The Lord clearly says that it is God’s will that no one is lost. But if someone is lost, it clearly shows that it is one’s own free choice to reject the life offered by God. For God never rejects anyone.   (Reflection 3 from 2021, 21 April)   Focus: The war between God and Satan, the struggle between good and evil, the opposition between faith and unfaith never ceases, but the evil can never permanently destroy the good   1.      God’s will and ways are always mysterious, in the sense, we may not always understand the sense and logic behind them. But one thing is sure: His ways are always productive and constructive seen in the whole picture of life and faith. It only needs a holistic vision of faith. 2.      In themselves, persecution in Jerusalem and scattering into different places are sad and destructive factors. But they become productive means of germinating faith and constructive occasions of gathering faithful to the Lord, through preaching and miracles. No amount of persecution could intimidate their faith or shake their conviction. 3.      This is the beauty and the power of faith. On one hand, anti-Christ forces like Saul were ravaging and persecuting the church. They were trying in every way to suppress the spread of the believers. But on the other hand, apostles like Philip, persisted to preach and heal, and the believers continue to grow in numbers as well as in the firmness of faith. 4.      They truly inherited the spirit of their Master Jesus who is the bread of life. He came from the Father. He had only the singular purpose and mission of “fulfilling the will of the Father”. It is this through “offering eternal life to all” without exception, and “never losing anyone”. However, unfortunately, there are many who reject faith and thus reject life itself.   Direction: God’s will and salvation should alone be our strengths and driving forces, because God will always sustain our every effort on His behalf, and no other forces or fears would crush us