FOURTEENTH WEEK DAYS MASS REFLECTION 23

10 - 15 JULY 2023, HOLY MASS REFLECTIONS 10 JULY 2023: GEN 28. 10-22a; MATTHEW 9. 18-26 Punch line: Touch heals! Guideline: True faith makes us aware of our vulnerable and defenceless condition of adversity and affliction. It also keeps us steady from losing our hearts. Further, it makes us turn to God and seek His intervention 1.      Comforting and uplifting are God's words and deeds! This is presented so vividly in God's Word today, in both readings. In the first reading from Genesis 28. 10-22, this is seen in God’s confirmation of His promises. And in the gospel from Matthew 9. 18-26, this is confirmed in Jesus’ action of healing. 2.      In the first reading, God promises to Jacob that He will be faithful to all His promises in the past. He would give abundant land, posterity, prosperity and blessing to Jacob and all his descendants. At the height of all these assurances, the greatest is the assurance of His unfailing presence. 3.      The Lord assures him: “Behold, I am with you and will keep you wherever you go… I will not leave you until I have done that of which I have spoken to you”. 4.      This assurance is concretely accomplished in the action of Jesus in the Gospel. The simple touch of him heals and transforms the whole situation: he touches the dead girl and she comes back to life; the touch of his garment heals the woman of her haemorrhage. 5.      His presence, his intervention, and his touch restores life and health and, along with them, lost joy and human dignity. God is always benevolent towards us. He is always eager and ready to come to our aid, especially in our difficult and helpless situations. 6.      But what is essential is faith. It is a faith that never gives up hope, faith that never loses courage and confidence, faith that turns to God, faith that approaches God, faith that affirms our total trust in Him, and faith that seeks his touch and power. This is the faith witnessed by the officer and the woman with a haemorrhage. Lifeline: We shall wholeheartedly trust in God's love and mercy, His power and His intervention. We shall beg him to extend His healing hand to touch us so that we can regain our lost joy and dignity of life   (Reflection 2 from 2022, 04 July) Thrust: Touch and be touched! Indicative: The touch of the Lord is healing and transformative. Once touched by the Lord, there is health and new life 1.      Today’s readings draw our attention to the “power of touch”. Touch is a sign of intimacy. It is a sign of relationship. It is a sign of freedom. It is an expression of assurance, comfort, and encouragement. It is a channel of tenderness. A touch of true love and concern can communicate more than many words and can do more than many big actions. The tender touch of a mother can put a crying child into a serene sleep. 2.       Perhaps, in our world of today, this is what is missing. We miss the tender and gentle hands that are stretched forth to others to wipe away the tears, to pat on the back, to support on the shoulders, to assure on the bosom. We miss that touch of a heart that is touched and wants to touch the troubled life of the other. 3.       In such a context, today God is extending us His touch and showing us yet again the power of His touch. It is a touch of God that restores the lost beautiful relationship with His people. It is a touch that re-embraces them in intimacy and re-establishes fidelity. 4.       In the gospel, we have two touching episodes of touch. The woman with a haemorrhage from 12 years, touches just the edge of the Lord’s cloak and she gets instantly healed. The official’s dead daughter is just touched by the Lord’s hand and instantly comes back to life. This is the power of the Lord’s touch. 5.       The Lord’s touch is always available. He always wants to touch our lives and change them. However, what is needed on our part is the humble and persevering faith of the ruler and the sick woman in the gospel. Even in their desperate and hopeless situations, they could trust in the Lord’s benevolence and power. Accordingly, their faith was rewarded.   Imperative: Often in our world, we are carried away by so many superficial interests and pleasures. Our capacity for inner susceptibility and touch is diminishing. It is high time that we revive this tenderness of touch 11 JULY 2023: GEN 32. 23-33; MATTHEW 9. 32-38, St Benedict Punch line: Moved with compassion! Guideline: God never leaves us in our stress and distress to fight a lone battle. All that is needed is to turn and cling to Him even in our struggle 1.      In the gospel, Jesus saw the crowd and felt compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Today too, God sees all of us and certainly feels compassion for all, because we are truly harassed and helpless, exactly like sheep without a shepherd. 2.      How many fears and anxieties, how much violence and selfishness, how much misery snatch away the beauty and joy of life! In how many numberless ways humanity is harassed and helpless? Without a doubt, many are like sheep without a shepherd. 3.      Yes, many lack the true shepherding that mainly comprises protection, care and guidance. Many are unprotected, exposed to the assaults of evil. They are not properly cared for and not nurtured, and thus not receive the proper nourishment and strength. Many are also prone to be misguided and led astray. 4.      Therefore, we must turn to our only shepherd, the only one who can heal our situation. In his time, Jesus healed many of their sicknesses and evil-possession. He taught them the right path and directed them on the same. He would never give up, despite being falsely blamed and accused. No doubt he never stops this never-ending mission. 5.      But, he wants to involve us in this holy mission, which is like cultivating a crop and reaping a rich harvest. He wants us to be fully committed labourers. We need to uproot the roots of evil, which is the true infirmity and demon-possession. We need to transplant God’s comfort and strength. We need to continue the same mission with undaunted zeal and unshaken faith in God. 6.      We need to be like Jacob in Genesis 32. 23-33 in the first reading. He wrestles with God’s own angel so valiantly. He would not leave him till he blesses him, even though his thigh was put out of joint. 7.      Only such a persevering clinging to God would enable us to be sheep that belong to the shepherd. It will also make us collaborate with the shepherd, working hard and reaping an abundant harvest of sheep with the shepherd. This is what St Benedict, the father of monasticism bears witness to. Let us emulate his example to be a shepherd and a blessing to others as the name itself suggests Lifeline: God feels compassionate at our situations of sickness, trouble, abandonment, and loss of direction and guidance. Let us feel His anguish and turn to Him   (Reflection 2 from 2022, 05 July) Thrust: Sheep without Shepherd or Shepherd without Sheep? Indicative: One of the greatest miseries of today’s society is its vulnerability and eagerness to be easily influenced by the wrong and false and be misguided 1.      “Like sheep without a shepherd”! This is how Jesus felt toward the people of his time. This mainly refers to the people who lack true shepherding. They did not have the true shepherds that would love, care, guide, and serve them. They were distressed and helpless. They were looking for someone who would offer them assurance, comfort, and guidance. And they found this in Jesus. 2.       In the then context of Jesus, this can also refer to the Pharisees and scribes who were supposed to shepherd the people through their guidance and support. They were well-versed in the Scripture and tradition. They should light the drooping spirits of the people and set them loyal on the path of God. 3.       Instead, they were self-righteous and hypocritical. They were full of jealousy against Jesus. They just kept themselves busy waiting for reasons to find fault with him. That is why, instead of praising God and rejoicing over Jesus’ healing of a demon-possessed mute man, they would accuse him of exorcising with the help of the prince of demons. 4.       However, he would not give up. He would not hate and condemn them. The coming and the mission of Jesus was the clearest testimony of God’s unfailing and unceasing mercy. That is why, “when he saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd”. 5.       It is easy to sit back and go on blaming the people that they are like sheep without a shepherd, they are not following the way and the direction of the shepherd. But that will not solve the issue. What is more important is whether we as the people of God and disciples of Christ are doing our duty of being shepherds to the sheep of the suffering and misguided humanity.   Imperative: God is on the lookout for faithful labourers to work in his field and reap his harvest. He wants us to be responsible shepherds for the people of our times. But this is possible when we are good sheep to the good shepherd in the first place. A bad sheep can never be a good shepherd!   12 JULY 2023: GEN 41. 55-57, 42. 5-7a, 17-24a; MATTHEW 10. 1-7 Punch line: Power that empowers! Guideline: In a power-crazy and power-abusing world, Jesus shows us real power. Real power is a means and tool for doing good, for establishing the true kingdom of God 1.      In the gospel today from Matthew 10. 1-7, Jesus gives authority to his Twelve. He empowers them with his own power and authorizes them to carry on his own mission. But this power and authority is not to subjugate and manipulate others. It is not for seeking and promoting self-interests. 2.      The real power and authority is divinely sanctioned. It comes from God. It is therefore something divine and sacred. It is also meant to be kingdom-oriented and other-oriented. That is why, Jesus orders his disciples, to preach that “The kingdom of God is at hand”. 3.      The Kingdom of God is not so much a place up in the heavens, out there after death. It is also not merely a spiritual domain, with lots of spirituality and religious activities. It is where and when God reigns. It is the situation and experience of God being near to us, taking control of our life. It is where the godly values of love, justice and peace prevail. 4.      That is why, as he endows them with authority, the purpose too is clearly mentioned. It is to “cast out the unclean spirits, and to heal every disease and every infirmity”. 5.      Therefore, in this context, any power and authority that does not promote God’s reign, that is not benevolent and beneficial to others, is not a true authority. Any authority that reels on the heels of human manipulation is a degenerated one. 6.      Any authority that does not preserve its sanctity but is so much tainted by worldliness is already a corroded one. Further, any authority that is ego-centred, ego-projecting and ego-promoting is a mean authority. 7.      It is here, Joseph, the son of Israel comes as an example of magnanimous benevolence. Even though his brothers jealously sold him into slavery, God raises him to be the governor of Egypt. He allows God’s kingdom to reign in the kingdom of Egypt. He forgives the sin of his brothers and saves them in times of famine. 8.      Further, the mission entrusted to the disciples is primarily directed to “the lost sheep”. That is, first of all, it is a “mission within”, a mission to repair, and rejuvenate our own selves, our own lives, our own hearts, our own communities and families, our relatives, friends and surroundings. At times, we may be more worried about changing the whole world but neglect our own “small worlds” that we live and interact with day in and day out. Lifeline: The fact that the names of the twelve apostles are mentioned indicates that our vocation and mission are very personal and personally significant. It is not only a collective, community mission of the church but also of each disciple   (Reflection 2 from 2022, 06 July) Thrust: The kingdom of heaven is at hand! Indicative: Jesus proclaims and asks his disciples to proclaim, “The kingdom of heaven is at hand”. But is it true – at hand or out of hand? 1.      Jesus initiates the “kingdom drive”. He drills into every open soul the power of God’s reign of love, justice, and fidelity. That is why, he preaches about the kingdom of heaven; drives away the evil spirits; and heals every sick and troubled. He truly strives to bring the “Kingdom of God close at hand”. 2.       This mission of the kingdom is not his private affair or a solo show. He makes his disciples his partners and collaborators. So, he calls them by name. Thereby it becomes clear that this vocation and mission are not things in a group or crowd. I may belong to a group and come from there. But once called and commissioned, I cannot cling to my earth-bound belongings. 3.       I belong to the Lord and am bound to his mission. I cease to be bound to any particular group or be directed by any group interests. I am responsible to the Lord and not to the petty groups. Naming each apostle is a clear indicator that each one is personally unique to the Lord and also responsible for his vocation and mission. 4.       A true disciple and apostle shoulders the same mission of the Lord, namely, to bring the kingdom near to the people. It is to eradicate the estrangement from the kingdom. It is to make all “inhabitants and heirs of the kingdom” in a world where God’s reign has become an abstract and distant reality in the life of many. 5.        In the light of Jesus’ words, many live like “lost sheep”. They forget the right way. They get deviated from the wrong ways of pleasure and falsity. The more comforts increase, the more uncomfortable they feel with the Lord. The more abundance of material things they enjoy, the more they suffer from the emptiness of life.   Imperative: Our mission is to re-establish the kingdom where the unclean spirits are expelled, and every disease and affliction is healed   13 JULY 2023: GEN 44. 18-21, 23B-29; 45. 1-5; MATTHEW 10.7-15 Punch line: Girded with mission! Guideline: God is always on a relentless mission. It is that of transforming our lives and working for our good. At times, His plans and ways are hard and distressing but they will reap rich results 1.      God never ceases to love us and work for our benefit. At times, the ways of God look very mysterious and even upsetting. The story of Joseph in Genesis in the first reading of these days is a clear example of His disconcerting and confusing ways. 2.      Apparently, so much injustice was done to Joseph. He was sold into slavery in Egypt. But God raised him to the dignity of a governor. It was actually God’s way of sending him before his brothers so that he would rescue them from famine. In other words, God already sent Joseph on a specific mission of saving many lives during the famine. 3.      In the gospel too, Jesus is entrusting a mission to his disciples. In simple it is his own mission. It is to establish God’s kingdom as he himself did. It is a twofold mission, namely to preach and heal. But he does not send them empty-handed. He equips them with his own power. 4.      Therefore, they need not bother too much about worldly equipment like gold, silver, copper, bag or tunics or sandals or staff. They should be detached from worldly abundance and accumulation. They should retrench themselves from depending excessively on worldly securities and guarantees. 5.      On the other hand, they should be generous in giving their life, time and all energies, because they too received so generously from God. 6.      They should remember that it is a peace-mission. They should be peace-lovers, peace-witnesses and peace-promoters. Any words and acts that cultivate seeds of disunity and antagonism, that lack devotion and goodness, are only a counter-mission and counter-productive. 7.      Further, in carrying out this mission, working for God and promoting good alone should be our end-targets and aims. There should be no other motive, even the motive of success. We should be prepared even to face failure. 8.      That is why Jesus already warns: “If anyone will not receive you or listen to your words, shake off the dust from your feet as you leave that house or town”. This indicates that we must be detached even from the expectation of fruits and results. Sheer focus on mission and dutifulness irrespective of the effects is our driving force. Lifeline: Often mission suffers because there are lots of ego issues. There should not be any seeking of self-glory which leads to ego clashes and ego hurts. Instead, let all the life and mission be God-oriented.   (Reflection 2 from 2022, 07 July) Thrust: Agonised but not compromised! Indicative: God is on an unceasing mission of loving us. His love may be wounded and betrayed but He never gets disgusted and never abandons us to our fate 1.      Again and again, the history of salvation shows us the condescending love of God for humanity. The people He had chosen and blessed in numberless ways go away and against Him. They become ungrateful and unfaithful. Yet, He is not driven by hasty wrath. He does not destroy them in a split second. 2.       So patiently He goes on reminding them of His love for them. He appeals to those sweet memories of how He “taught them to walk, took them up by their arms, healed them, led them with cords of kindness, with the bands of love, eased the yoke on their jaws, and bent down to them and fed them”. He further assures them that He will not destroy them despite their infidelity. His compassion grows warm and tender. 3.       His agony does not stop there. Neither His love ceases. The more they were loved and called, the more they went away. But the more they went away, the more He loves them. That is why He sends His only Son to bring them back. 4.       Jesus thus is the continuation of this unending love of God. Jesus is the living sign and witness of this ever-flowing mission of love. Jesus is into this mission in full swing. He also makes his apostles active sharers of the same mission. 5.       They are called to accomplish this mission through word and deed, that is, preaching the word and healing in action. It is to proclaim the kingdom of God, and to “heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse lepers, cast out demons”. In simple, it is a mission of renewal and new life. 6.       However, in fulfilling this task, they should not be too much worried about human and material resources. They should not depend on them, nor should they acquire them for safety and security. Jesus says categorically, “Acquire no gold or silver or copper, no bag, or two tunics or sandals or a staff”. 7.       They need not worry about procuring something, for the “labourer deserves his food”, meaning the Lord will provide. Neither they should be led by expectations of returns and results, for “you received without paying; so give without pay”. Imperative: Material abundance is not a guarantee nor a must for the success of the mission. Rather, their source of confidence and sustenance shall be the Lord’s own power.   14 JULY 2023: GEN 46. 1-7, 28-30; MATTHEW 10. 16-23 Punch line: Sheep amid wolves! Guideline: The beauty of faith is not to have any problems or to vanquish all the problems. Rather its value is in facing them with courage and confidence 1.      Many may have a wrong idea about faith and the power and effect of it. Their thinking is: If I have faith, then I should not get any problems; or at least, even if I get them, they should be overcome easily and disappear. 2.      But, God has never promised this. He never declared, Believe and worship me and I will never allow any problems to beset you. God is no false assurer or promiser. But one thing is sure. He promises to help out those who trust in Him. 3.      He assures to accompany them, to sustain, encourage and guide them. He will not guarantee a complete absence of difficulties. But He confirms His assistance. 4.      This is what we see in today’s readings. In the first reading from Genesis 46. 1-7, 28-30, God tells Jacob to go and settle down in Egypt. But Jacob is afraid because it is a foreign land of Pharaoh. 5.      What lies ahead is uncertain and unclear. The fear of ill-treatment and slavery also looms high. It is in such a context God assures him, “I am God, the God of your father; do not be afraid … for I will go with you … I will be with you”. 6.      In the gospel too from Matthew 10. 16-23, Jesus is sending his disciples on his mission. He is no false leader, trying to hide the facts and present a cosy picture. He speaks to them plainly of the challenges of this mission. 7.      They will be like sheep among wolves. They will be persecuted, disowned and hated for his sake. However, it is not to scare them; rather, it is to alert them and mentally prepare them to encounter impending adversities. 8.      A true disciple shall not shelter himself in illusory ambitions and comfort-zones. Further, he will not leave us as lone fighters in this battle. He will stand by us with his Spirit of wisdom and courage. 9.      Thus he assures them, “Do not be anxious how you are to speak … for what you are you to say will be given to you in that hour; for it is not you who speak, but the Spirit of the Father speaking through you”. 10.  All that is needed is to be wise, innocent and persevere: be wise to discern; be innocent to remain uncontaminated; and be persevering not to give up. Lifeline: The quality of a true follower of Christ is his loyalty to the end, in the midst and despite all the adversities and discouraging experiences. This alone will bring him a rich reward!   (Reflection 2 from 2022, 08 July) Thrust: No false promises! Indicative: Jesus is no false leader who makes false promises to draw followers and to keep them in good spirits. He is clear and clean   1.      The uniqueness of our God is He is a God who owns us up always. Whatever we are, He never disowns us. He assumes personal responsibility and cares for us. However sinful we are, however unfaithful and deviant we are, however, we pain Him, yet He keeps on loving us. However we fail Him, still, He keeps on trusting us and hoping in us. 2.       Even though we do not bother to listen to Him, He speaks to us. Even though we place our trust in the things and powers of the world, He trusts us. Even though we do not own Him up at times, He always takes us to Him. He offers us plenty of possibilities and chances to return to Him. 3.       The same spirit of owning up continues in and through the person of Jesus in the NT. Jesus pre-warns his disciples about the impending afflictions and persecutions for his sake. He assures them that he will shield and guide them. 4.       “When they deliver you over, do not be anxious how you are to speak… for what you are to say will be given to you in that hour. For it is not you who speak, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you”. 5.       Trials and tribulations will never leave us. As long as we are loyal to him and committed to his mission, we can always expect struggles and hurdles. Jesus never makes false promises that following him will block all suffering or shield against them or reduces them so much. In fact, the irony is the more we are faithful to him, the more we will be tormented. 6.       But one thing is sure: he will help us sail through the troubles. He will sustain us during the trial. He will embolden and strengthen us. Together with us, He will fight the battle against evil. There are no shortcuts or special discounts for the disciples of Christ. But, if they endure to the end, they will be rewarded and saved.   Lifeline: The greatness of faith is not avoiding difficulties or escaping from them. Rather true faith consists in confronting them and living through them patiently and courageously. We either bear them or overcome them, as per God’s holy will  15 JULY 2023: GEN 49. 29-32; 50. 15-26a; MATTHEW 10. 24-33 Punch line: Like the Master! Guideline: The difference between a true follower of Christ and a false one is in their depth of trust and loyalty. The former is deep-rooted, totally surrendered and loyal. But the latter is shallow, wavering and unfaithful 1.      Fear is a haunting experience for all. The reasons can be many and varied. In the first reading from Genesis 49. 29-32 and 50. 15-26, the brothers of Joseph are afraid of punishment from him. They were conscious of the immense evil they did to him by selling him into slavery. 2.      Quite rightly, Joseph could take revenge on them. But with a magnanimous heart, he forgives them and provides to take care of their families. He removes their fear, instils confidence and re-establishes a loving bond. How gracious he was, saying, “Fear not … so do not fear”. 3.      He also looks at everything in the framework of God’s holy designs. He accepts everything as all for good, from the optic of faith. Hear him as he says, “You meant evil against me; but God meant it for good, for many people to be kept alive during famine”. 4.      In the gospel too from Matthew 10. 24-33, Jesus tells his disciples, “Have no fear… do not fear … fear not”. The context is the suffering and persecution for the sake of his mission. There will be many who will oppose and harm them even to the extent of killing. Their fate is no different from their master’s. He too went through the same crucible of criticism and persecution. 5.      In such a context, they should weigh between God and evil people. Humans can only harm and kill the body and not the soul. But God has control over both. They can cause only physical suffering, but cannot touch us spiritually. 6.      Further, our God is a loving and providential God who values us so preciously and cares for us so meticulously. He thinks of even little birds like sparrows. He knows the number of even little things like our hair. 7.      Hear how Jesus assures and encourages us: “Even the hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not, therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows”. Therefore, what is expected from us is to trust him deeply, to be courageous in testing and trying times and to be loyal to him always. Lifeline: Jesus says, “A disciple is not above his teacher, and a servant is not above his master; It is enough that a disciple becomes like his teacher and a servant like his master. Therefore, as disciples and servants, let our whole striving always be to become like our master (Reflection 2 from 2022, 09 July) Thrust: Why fear when God is near? Indicative: The discipleship of Christ is always challenging. It would involve a lot of unpleasant and unfavourable situations. But a faithful disciple would not give up but he will rise up to the occasion 1.      “Have no fear!”, “Fear not!” Jesus encourages his apostles against all the possible adversities on their mission. A good disciple tries to become like his master. His life and mission would resemble his master’s. So, if the master himself went through suffering, maligning, and intimidation at the hands of his enemies, his disciples too can expect to meet the same fate. 2.       We need not fear the world or evil for a few reasons: one, only God has absolute power and control over us. Those of the world can kill only the body and not the soul. They have only a partial and limited hold on our lives. They cannot totally dictate terms over our lives. But God has the power to kill both body and soul. He is the author of life and has absolute sway and control over our lives. 3.       Further, we need not fear any other factor because of God’s providential care. He who takes care of even small birds like the sparrows, will He not take care of us who are far more worthwhile? 4.       Besides, we need not fear because God considers us precious. So valued are we in the sight of God that all our hairs are numbered and not a single hair would fall without His knowledge. And we are far more precious than the sparrows. 5.       Therefore we should fear only God and not any human. But this is not a negative fear. We should have a holy fear that inhibits us from anything that might displease or oppose God. With this fear of God as our armoury, we must set out following the master and fulfilling his mission. Imperative: Isaiah heard the Lord’s voice, asking “Whom shall I send, and who shall go before us?” Isaiah promptly responded to the call, “Here I am! Send me”. Today how many genuinely can give the same answer, Here I am Lord! Send me! (Isaiah 6. 8)            

FOURTEENTH SUNDAY OF THE YEAR A 23

14th SUNDAY, 09 JULY 2023 ZEC 9. 9-10; ROM 8. 9, 11-13; MATTHEW 11. 25-30   Punchline: Weapons, Soft and strong! Guideline: Humility and Meekness are a soothing and smoothening balm for a world that is becoming brunt by its harshness and rudeness, haughtiness and arrogance   1.      Today the call of the Lord is clear: "Learn from me, for I am meek and humble of heart". This invitation is very unique because it is only here that Jesus explicitly urges us to learn even though he teaches many things. 2.      This learning is not mere intellectual learning. Rather, to learn from him means to imitate him, to imbibe the same spirit of meekness and humility, and thus to be humble and meek. To learn from him means to become fully like him, to be transformed into his likeness. 3.      The life of today seems more and more burdensome and pressing down heavily. Many have or feel the weight of many yokes. But if analysed sincerely, many of these yokes and burdens are unnecessary. These yokes and burdens are none other than weaknesses and defects, as well as the pressures, pleasures and preoccupations of the world. 4.      In terms of Paul's letter, this yoke and burden is the weight of sin, the realm of the flesh. This realm is always opposed to the realm of the Spirit and is in perennial conflict with it. The realm of the flesh can never give stable and deep peace or lasting joy. 5.      How sad it is that many knowingly and eagerly operate in the realm of the unspiritual, get crushed down by the weight of sin and carry on the yoke and burdens of weaknesses and worldly pressures! 6.      The fitting remedies for such a heavy life are humility and gentleness or meekness. Arrogance and heartless coarseness are always detestable and punishable in the sight of God. God graciously looks upon us and constantly reminds us of the vital need for humility and gentleness. Humility can touch even the hard hearts, gentleness can melt even the stony walls. 7.      This humility and gentleness are in fact the yoke and burden that Jesus speaks of. There is a contrast between the yoke of Jesus and the yoke of the world. The yoke of the world, the yoke of sin, and the yoke of the flesh make the person drained of his inner energies and inclined to throw down the person. But the yoke of Jesus, the realm of the Spiritual fill and recharge the person and make life light. 8.      Such humility and meekness are possible only when we constantly cultivate the spirit of being children to God. This is to place our total trust in God and to surrender completely to Him. When we conduct ourselves as children, trusting and entrusting, when we are imbued with his spirit of humility and meekness, then surely life will become lighter, easy and more pleasant.   Lifeline: Let us be humble and gentle and live a life light and happy, and thus show the world that humility is not fragility, nor meekness is weakness, nor gentleness is brittleness.  

THIRTEENTH WEEK DAYS MASS REFLECTION 23

03 - 08 JULY 2023, HOLY MASS REFLECTIONS 03 JULY 2023: FEAST, ST THOMAS, EPH 2. 19-22; JOHN 20. 24-29 Punch line: My Lord, my God! Guideline: A sense of being excluded may be a natural experience. A believer is not exempt from it. It can cause pain and anguish but can lead to purify and solidify one’s faith 1. Today we venerate St Thomas, one of the Twelve Apostles, the Apostle of India. He is popularly known as “doubting Thomas”. Though it is usually mentioned in a lighter vein, yet such a label on him may not be so fair and deserving. 2. First of all, given all his faith and loving intimacy with the Lord, it cannot be really doubt, though apparently it is. Because what actually can he doubt? Does he doubt that Jesus is risen and appeared to the apostles? Does he doubt the power of Jesus? Does he doubt his companions’ truthfulness? Why should they tell him a lie? Surely, they will not play the fool with him in such a serious matter. 3. Therefore, there isn’t real scope for doubt. Instead, it is a kind of protest out of displeasure. A child may protest when his parents tell him that they went shopping when he was at school. He protests that he will not believe unless he sees something they shopped for. 4. Or, a child may protest when his parents tell him that his dearest uncle or aunt came home when he was away. He protests that he will not believe unless he sees some evidence of their visit. It is not doubt but an expression of dissatisfaction, a saddening feeling of missing something very important. 5. Similar must be the disappointment and frustration of Thomas. He comes home, still under the painful spell of the death and separation of his beloved Master. And behold, his companions excitedly report that the risen Lord appeared to them. 6. His sadness turns into annoyance. In all simple human thinking, he must have thought and felt, “This is not fair! The Lord knows me well. He knows how much I love him and feel the loss of him. How could he miss me? How would he exclude me from this joy of meeting him? Does he not care for me? Do I not count for him? 7. Therefore, behind the surface level doubt, there is deep down a profound belonging and longing for the Lord and anguish at separation from him. That is why, when the Lord appears again, his response was a wholehearted attestation of total belonging and surrender, “My Lord and my God!” It is an expression of inseparable intimacy and unreserved surrender. 8. This encounter of Jesus with Thomas also becomes an occasion of one of the greatest key tenets of faith. Jesus declares, “Blessed are those who do not see me and yet believe”. Thereby, it is clear that the inner experiences of seeing and experiencing Jesus are more important than the direct visible experiences. 9. The inner eye of faith enables us to believe that God’s grace never excludes us. He would never deprive us of His grace, as we see Cornelius in the first reading from Acts. God’s grace embraces Cornelius, a gentile as he too believes along with his family. Lifeline: In life, we may not always see God’s presence and His hands working in favour of us. It is in such moments, we need to open wide our inner eye of faith to see that He is always there to touch us, grace us and transform us. He never ceases to assure us, “Peace be with you!” (Reflection 2) Focus: To be a true believer is not a matter of name or tradition or convenience but a matter of total trust and loyalty 1. Thomas' attestation, "My Lord and my God!" reveals his excitement and passion. It is an expression of total belonging, loyalty, and surrender. His apparent doubt and protest, refusing to believe, can be a quite natural disappointment at missing Jesus' encounter, and can indicate his deep longing to meet him. 2. This passionate surrender leads him to cut across the boundaries to India, to bring many to the Lord, to make them blessed to believe seeing with the inner eyes of faith and to die a martyr's death. Thereby he would concretely give testimony to his love and loyalty. His life was a testimony of "life with Jesus" and his death was a testimony of "life for Jesus", to live a "life with Jesus forever". Resolve: Let us deepen our love for the Lord and loyalty and surrender to him. Thus we can be authentic disciples who live intimate with him, and effective apostles who work zealously for his kingdom. It is not enough to bear titles and labels of followers of the Lord, but to be credible witnesses, practising what we are professing and preaching. 04 JULY 2023: GEN 19. 15-29; MATTHEW 8. 23-27 Punch line: A caring and condoning God! Guideline: Often there is so much resentment and resistance toward any discipline and correction. But one should remember that true love always includes certain restraint and control, oriented to growth 1. We begin with the first reading where there is the destruction of the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah. In this context, some may wrongly understand and present God, as if God is just eager to punish. 2. But God is not a hard task master who keeps a track record of the misgivings of His people, nor a policeman who is waiting to exert a penal action. He is a loving and sensitive God who loves us passionately, and who commits Himself to us unconditionally. 3. It is His anguish that overwhelms Him, it is His holy and just frustration at the deliberate fall of His people who embrace willingly the unhappy consequences. Undoubtedly, He is a caring and compassionate God. 4. Otherwise, why would He spare Lot from impending destruction? Why should He send His angel to forcefully lead them away from the doom? Why would He even grant a concession to Lot to shelter in a small city Zoar and spare it? 5. In fact, He is always with us, accompanying us in our life sail. The problem is that many times we do not recognize His presence, or at times, we feel that he is “sleeping”, that is, unbothered and unconcerned about the storms and the struggles of our life. 6. So, we are easily overtaken by fears and adversities. We are afraid that we are lost, that we are perishing. It is in such times the Lord assures us not to be afraid because no harm can betide us as long as He is with us. 7. He has power and control over everything. All that is needed is, never to lose sight of Him, never to move away from Him, never to defy His constant admonitions and correctives. Lifeline: Our Life is like a boat that is on an unceasing sail in the sea of strong storms which never cease to frighten us and drown and destroy us. But we must also remember that the Lord is in our boats and that is enough! (Reflection 2 from 2022, 28 June) Thrust: God is sleeping! Indicative: It is not God who is indifferent or unbothered toward us. It is we who are indifferent and unbothered toward Him 1. The disciples in the boat are hit by a great storm. They are deadly frightened. They run to Jesus who was found sleeping in the boat. They awaken him and he calms the storm. He also rebukes them for their little faith. 2. This scene repeats every day in anyone and everyone’s case. The boat of our life is like sailing in the sea. And no seldom strong winds and storms attack us and frighten us. Do we easily lose sight of him present in our lifeboat? Do we so soon get frightened by their force? Do we also feel that the Lord is sleeping while we are about to perish? 3. It is their lack of strong faith that frightens them even when the Lord is with them in the same boat. Even if he is sleeping, do they not remember that he is present and with them? Will he allow them to perish? When the Lord of the Sea himself is with them, what harm can betide them? 4. Often it is the lack of faith and faithfulness that makes one indifferent, indulgent, and unrepentant. This is what happens in the case of the Israelites again and again. God reminds them and cautions them constantly through His holy prophets. But they do not leave their waywardness. They do not return to the Lord. 5. So, certain chastisement and corrective measures were needed to bring them back to their senses. Where there is deep faith, there is no overpowering of sin and fear. Lack of faith leads us to sin and fear. Consequently, we feel that God is sleeping. Actually, it is we who are sleeping. We are not awake and aware of God’s presence, protection, and guidance. Imperative: A certain fear may be understandable in the face of difficulties. But we should not be over-frightened and worried. As long as the Lord is sailing in the same life-boat, no storms can make us perish 05 JULY 2023: GEN 21. 5, 8-20; MATTHEW 8. 28-34 Punch line: Banishing God who banishes evil! Guideline: The greatest danger in our present society is an empty religion and shallow piety which does not correspond to a life of goodness towards others 1. In the gospel today we have two demoniacs. How true it is that the world of today is very much like them! Their situation very much indicates our own. The implications are striking: one is, ‘staying among the tombs’. This can indicate to be lifeless, to be dead to the life of God. It further indicates leading a life that is estranged and cut off from warm and concerned relationships with others. 2. Another detail is, ‘So savage that no one could pass that way’. This can indicate their aggressive and violent behaviour which intimidates others who walk the same road of life. This estrangement and aggression are the typical signs and symptoms of evil possession. 3. Jesus expels the demons and heals the two demoniacs. At the request of the demons, Jesus allows them to enter into a herd of swine. And the possessed swine rush into the sea and get drowned and die. 4. Perhaps, some may make wonder why Jesus acted that way. The point here is, whether the demons are in the persons or the swine, the eventuality is only destruction. One who has evil within, one whom the evil possesses and resides in, will surely be ruined. 5. As a result of the death of the swine, the people beg Jesus to leave their place. Again, this is interesting to note: the people of the city feel more worried about the loss of the swine. They do not rejoice about the healing of the demoniacs. 6. Their material loss weighs more than the spiritual gain. They want to get rid of this Jesus whose presence and intervention are more disturbing and disconcerting, incompatible with their materialistic and non-committal outlook. 7. Further, a little attention can be given to the first reading as well. Perhaps, some may object, how Sarah could mercilessly drive away her slave woman Hagar who bore a son Ishmael to Abraham? How could she be so jealous and discriminate between her son Isaac and Ishmael? 8. Again, the point is not so much about human imperfections. God is ever compassionate and so he protects Hagar and her son in the wilderness and also blesses Ishmael to make a great nation. Here there is a great lesson about freedom. 9. It is not so much the question of two individuals Sarah, the free woman and Hagar, the slave woman. It is also not so much about the posterity of individuals Isaac or Ishmael. Rather, it is about living and growing in freedom. God wants us to be children of freedom and not slaves of evil. The demoniacs in the gospel were slaves and not free. Jesus frees them. Lifeline: Very often, it is ironic that people are externally very healthy and sane but internally possessed by evil. They may walk into the temples but their life is amidst the tombs. They offer fat offerings but with so lean goodness and justice! 06 JULY 2023: GEN 22. 1-19; MATTHEW 9. 1-8 Punch line: Healing is integral! Guideline: Though it may look and sound naive and old-fashioned, it is true that sin is always destructive 1. Jesus heals a paralytic. But it looks strange that in his act of healing, he pronounces the words of forgiving. He says, "Your sins are forgiven". In that context, what was needed was physical healing. He could say, “Be healed!” or. “Rise, take up your bed and go home” which he says toward the end of the episode. 2. This forgiving of sins seems to be totally out of place. But, if we reflect a little deeper, it can have wider implications: every sin causes sickness and suffering though we do not say that every suffering is caused by sin only. 3. This clearly means that every sinful way will reap its unpleasant consequences. No evil will go unaccounted and unpaid for, in the sight of God. Every evil will bring upon us only disastrous results. 4. This should guard us against the spiritual paralysis that makes us numb and tepid toward God and good. We should become more vibrant and enthusiastic in our life of faith. We should get rid of that inner leprosy that infected the Pharisees and scribes. 5. Their inner vision of goodness, and their dynamism of optimism was paralysed by jealousy and obstinacy. Consequently, they lost the sensation of the touch of God's grace and power working in and through Jesus. They do not rejoice about the healing of a paralysed brother of them. They do not appreciate Jesus for the godly act of healing. Instead, they accuse Jesus of blasphemy. 6. Physical healing may be easier, quick relief and visibly profiting. But what is more important is the inner healing. This is difficult and we should work on it. Jesus does the physical healing which symbolizes the inner healing. In forgiving the sins first and then in healing from paralysis, Jesus makes this abundantly clear. 7. Abraham in the first reading stands as a contrast to this inner paralysis of sin. He had the vibrancy of faith in which he was ready to offer his only son, the heir of the promise. At God’s command to offer his only son, Isaac, there was no hesitation or argument or pleading. So promptly and immediately, he acts. Lifeline: We shall seek to be healed from the prevailing paralysis of jealousy and seeking human favour. Let us guard against distorting and rejecting the truth of God's will and power (Reflection 2 from 2022, 30 June) Thrust: False promises to please! Indicative: There are many false prophets who distort the truth and speak sweet promises and rewards in order to keep others in good spirits. But God detests such twisting of God’s ways 1. In the gospel, the Pharisees and scribes were filled with jealousy against Jesus. They would not tolerate his authenticity, holiness, and compassion. They would falsify his divine power of healing and preaching as blasphemy. They would not rejoice at the healing of a paralytic in today’s gospel. Instead, they search for a reason to accuse him. 2. Jesus heals a paralytic. But in his act of healing, he says to the paralytic, “Your sins are forgiven”. This is something controversial and abominable in the sight of the Pharisees and scribes. Healing physically may be okay but forgiving is a prerogative of God and Jesus was usurping this authority of God. 3. But little did they realise that Jesus was not making himself equal to God. He was not grabbing something that was not his due. In fact, he is truly the Son of God, and forgiving is his due power. Jesus would thereby impel them to recognise his divine identity. 4. Besides, Jesus wants to make it clear that spiritual paralysis, the sickness of sin is more grievous than the physical disease. Therefore, in forgiving sins along with physical healing, Jesus draws our attention to holistic healing and health. While the paralytic was healing holistically, the Pharisees and scribes remain spiritually paralysed. Imperative: Failure in faith to see God’s will and hand working in our lives and failure in charity to act benevolently toward others is the real paralysis. We need healing from it much more than those physically sick 07 JULY 2023: GEN 23. 1-4, 19; 24. 1-8, 62-67; MATTHEW 9. 9-13 Punch line: Mercy without bounds! Guideline: God calls anybody and everybody irrespectively, and the purpose is not so much the individual benefit but the higher and larger good 1. In the gospel, we have the call episode of Matthew. We shall reserve an elaborate meditation for 21 September, the feast day of St Matthew. But for our reflection today, we can pick up some simple pointers. First, Jesus calls Matthew, a tax collector usually looked down as a sinner by society. 2. Thus, God calls anyone. There is no differentiation or discrimination on the part of God. He does not go by human labels or estimates as righteous or sinner, friend or foe, important or insignificant, rich or poor, et cetera. 3. When God Himself offers His grace and call to anyone and everyone freely and irrespectively, why should we put restrictions and conditions on God’s grace? How can we be so selfish as to greedily own the whole of God’s grace? Why do we feel so jealous when someone is blessed by God? All the more, how can we judge that someone does not deserve God’s mercy because he is bad, as if we are so good and only we are good? 4. Second, Jesus calls Matthew while he was sitting at his tax office. This may denote that God calls us at any time. His call may come to us, not only when we are immersed in prayer, but also when engaged in our daily routine, in our duties. So let us not wait to catch the voice and message of Jesus, only in the quiet moments of prayer but all through our day, in everything we do. 5. Third, Jesus calls him, “Follow me”, and Matthew rose and followed him. This is very interesting. No conversation is reported. No discussion follows. No preparations are done. It is as if Matthew is just waiting for Jesus to call him and then immediately follows him. No details are given. 6. The point is very clear: the promptness of Matthew’s response. Jesus’ call demands an immediate and unhesitating response. There are no calculations, no discussions, no sorting out the issues, no conditions, no assurances. No pre-plans or future ambitions. God’s call is without conditions, both on the part of God and on the part of the recipient. 7. Fourth, God calls not the righteous but the sinners. This is interesting because it makes being a sinner itself a qualification to be a follower of Christ. This does not, however, mean that only sinners become followers, or all the followers are sinners, or the good people will not be called. 8. The point is, our call is not on the basis of human merit. Even holiness is not a qualification! What one is before the call is not the matter, but what one becomes after the call, is the real matter. One who is called by the Lord will not complacently cling to sin but will strive to become righteous. 9. A sinner becomes an apostle! A despised becomes venerated! A tax collector becomes a gatherer of souls and a witness to the Lord! One who is sitting at the tax office sits at the table with the Lord! Lifeline: Our call is a life to celebrate. Life becomes a celebration when the Lord is with us, and the Lord will be with us, when we respond to his daily call, “Follow me”, and take him to our house, to serve him and then follow him in his footsteps (Reflection 2 from 2022, 01 July) Thrust: Spirituality without righteousness! Indicative: True religion and devotion should not be reduced only to some external ritual practices or rules or traditions. What is needed is a change of heart 1. Jesus in the gospel admonishes the Pharisees, “Go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy and not sacrifice’”. They failed exactly in this. They abounded in religious sacrifices and observances. But they lacked mercy toward others. They despised the tax collectors and many other strata of people as sinners but rated themselves as holy and righteous. 2. The same lack of mercy and justice infected the Israel people in the Old Testament as found often in the books of prophets. The people of Israel practised rigorously religious duties like the Sabbath. But they dealt deceitfully with the poor and needy. They pretended to be righteous but in truth were the real sinners. In reference to Jesus’ words, these are the really sick who are sick and in need of a physician. 3. God unceasingly calls anyone, “Follow me!” This has no discrimination or social tags and preferences. That is why we find Jesus calling Matthew, who was a tax collector and labelled as a sinner. In this call, the purpose is clear: a personal renewal and a mission to carry on. Blessed was Matthew who responded positively to the call! He fulfilled the purpose of his call by living as a disciple and working as an apostle. Imperative: God’s incessant call, “Follow me!” needs a positive response. It calls for a radical change of life and a commitment to the mission of the Lord 08 JULY 2023: GEN 27. 1-5, 15-29; MATTHEW 9. 14-17 Punch line: Be authentic and renewed! Guideline: The practice of all religion and religious observances is only to experience and commune with God and renew one's life 1. Certainly, adherence to religion involves certain religious practices and activities like fasting, et cetera. Today once again Jesus draws our attention to the very purpose of all our spiritual practices like fasting. No religious activity is for its sake. They are not for showing or proving ourselves better and holier than others. Further, they are also no guarantees of one’s holiness or perfection. 2. But all these are meant to draw us closer to the Lord. They should keep us alert not to move away from him but to be in his company and rejoice in his presence. They should also help us to check our old cloth of sin and old wineskin of sinful approaches. 3. They should impel us to throw them away and get new garb of virtue and new wineskin of a new mindset. The new cloth of God's grace and the new wine of God's Spirit should not be put to the old sets. 4. A life of faith cannot be a patchwork of some occasional spiritual or good acts done. Rather, a truly faithful life should renew and make one anew. God is waiting just for such renewal. When there is such renewed spirit, then God's abundant mercy and benevolence will flow into exuberant blessings. 5. Ultimately what is important is that all our religious practices should help us to receive and enjoy the blessings of God and live a blessed life. Religiosity that springs from an authentic heart rooted in intimacy with the Lord, the real bridegroom, becomes the spring of blessings. 6. But in the first reading Jacob through his mother’s deception, steals away Isaac’s blessing due to Esau. This is clearly dishonesty. A question arises, how could God allow and tolerate such deception and yet blesses Jacob? 7. Here, let us not be bothered about this human defectivity. What we can focus on is, there are no guarantees for obtaining God’s blessing. It is not something that one can expect or demand by right or as something deserving. Receiving his father’s blessing as the elder son was the birthright of Esau. But Jacob receives it and he proves himself deserving by his life of fidelity. Lifeline: An authentic heart, Intimacy with the Lord and a changed life are more important than the mere shallow performance of religious activities (Reflection 2 from 2022, 02 July) Thrust: True faith is not a patchwork! Indicative: A person does not become holy and righteous just because he is faithful to practise some religious duties. It is only faithfulness to the Lord 1. Jesus addresses the question of fasting. He clarifies the need, the motive, and the effect of it. He answers the disciples of John the Baptist who ask him why his disciples do not fast while they and those of the Pharisees fast. He indicates that he is the bridegroom and his disciples are the wedding guests. His presence is an occasion to celebrate, but they would fast in his absence. 2. Does it mean that his disciples need not fast as long as he is with them? Is fasting only an act of mourning and penance over his absence? Here the point is not just the issue of fasting, about the when and why of it. In no way, the value of fasting is compromised or minimised. 3. The Lord wants to teach us clearly about the whole purpose, motive, and direction of all our religious activities and observances. It is not just to fulfil a religious obligation. Rather, all our devotional practices must be oriented to the experience of the bridegroom. They should arouse in us a feeling of mourning and penance over our missing his presence. 4. Despite some disciplinary and restrictive character, every religious practice is essentially a positive experience. It is a celebration of the Lord’s presence. They help us to grow in closeness to him. They also lead us to a thorough change of life. This change is profound and holistic. 5. It is not shallow or superficial that has only some external and temporary effects. Our acts of devotion should not be like new patches on an old cloth or new wine into old wineskins. We should throw away the old cloth and old wineskins of sin and evil.

THIRTEENTH SUNDAY OF THE YEAR A 23

13th SUNDAY, 02 JULY 2023, 2 KINGS 4. 8-11, 14-16A; ROMANS 6. 3-4, 8-11; MATTHEW 10. 37-42 Punch line: God - The highest priority! Guideline: It is a simple natural law and principle that we receive back as what we give, we reap as we sow. Therefore, if we do good, it will certainly be accounted and rewarded by God 1. The Lord constantly invites us to be his disciples because that alone is the meaning and fulfillment of our life, our vocation and mission. But this is not an easy task. This is very demanding, especially in a world that is inclined to false values and wrong ways. 2. Now, what it means to be a follower of Christ? What are some essential conditions or salient features of an authentic follower of Christ? In the light of the Word of God, we can enumerate some of these conditions and features. 3. They are namely: Priority to God and highest love for Him, sacrifice and detachment, holy resignation and surrender, perseverance and commitment and finally sensitivity and generosity toward other disciples. This is what Jesus pronounces in the gospel with a tone that is clear, strong, absolute and uncompromising. 4. God should be our topmost priority and love for Him should be the first, best and the highest. It should surpass even the love for one’s own family like for mother or father, for son or daughter: “Whoever loves father or mother, son or daughter is not worthy of me”. 5. One may wonder and argue, ‘but these are the ties and relationships that are quite natural, valid and recommendable’! True. That is why, let us understand this demand in the right perspective. 6. Let us not take this demand of Jesus as unrealistic or unfair or going against the very natural and healthy principle of love and bonding within the family. This in no way means that we should not love our families. Also in no way, it should make one neglect one’s responsibility toward the family. 7. Rather, we should focus on the central point and issue: nothing and no one should be more than God, should come before God, or should stand on the way of God. This invites us to seriously and sincerely check and see whether we give priority and first place to God in our heart and in our life. 8. Whether our love for God and service to Him are at times conditioned, hindered and even abandoned because of our other loves and commitments? Whether we are into undue attachments to our families to the extent of being negligent and unfair in our spiritual and fraternal obligations. 9. It is from this priority and love that all the rest proceed. Be ready and willing to sacrifice everything, even legitimate and natural, even the very life that is so precious to all. 10. In a world where ego and self-interests are central to life, where a spirit of greed, grabbing and accumulation is rampant, where undue attachments and deviations reign high, where there is every tendency for comfort-seeking and thus to avoid and escape from all what is inconvenient and discomforting, especially when it is something for God and good, where complacency and undue autonomy are the order of the day, where disloyalty and mediocrity become more frequent and normal, 11. Jesus urges us quite emphatically to detach and to sacrifice, to suffer and to surrender, to persevere and to commit, and to support and encourage those who are journeying as good disciples. 12. In other words, in the words of Paul to Romans, it means, “to live the newness of life, being dead to sin and alive for God”. Certainly this journey is a hard struggle. But it is not futile. It is enormously rewarding. 13. The woman of Shunem was so hospitable and caring toward Elisha and so she would be richly rewarded with a child. And those who follow the Lord despite and amidst all the challenges and adversities too will be abundantly rewarded here on earth itself with the firmest strength, clearest light, deepest joy and irremovable peace, and then eternal life, after death. Life line: Following the way of God, in being disciples of the Master, in being good and doing good may be a hard road often, while the way of evil and world seems gratifying and rewarding. But the lasting joy and fulfillment of life come only from good life rooted in God

TWELFTH WEEK DAYS MASS REFLECTION 23

26 JUNE - 01 JULY 2023,7 HOLY MASS REFLECTIONS   26 JUNE 2023:  GEN 12. 1-9; MATTHEW 7. 1-5   Highlight: Bless and not judge! Focus: A life that pleases God will be blessed by Him. Thereby the person himself becomes a blessing and a source of blessings for others   1.      We are living in a world where humility and sincerity, fairness and goodness toward others are becoming rarities. That is why, when some people show these qualities, it becomes big news as if it is something out of the way. Instead, arrogance and duplicity, injustice and wickedness are aggressively prevalent. In other words, it is truly a culture of evil and curse. 2.      It is in such a context, the Word of God shows us a surer way to foster a culture of blessing. In the first reading from Genesis, God blesses Abram and makes him a blessing himself and a source of blessing for others. God is pleased with his humility and sincerity, his piety and obedience to God’s ways, and his sense of fairness and kindness toward others. 3.      In the gospel, Jesus addresses one big block against such a culture of blessing. It is the malaise of self-righteousness. This is accompanied by rash and uncharitable judgment of others. Jesus confronts the self-righteous attitude of the Pharisees and scribes. 4.      This attitude refuses to do any self-check. It rates itself better than others. Consequently, it judges and condemns them. It is blind to the weakness of oneself or diminishes their faults. But on the other hand, it magnifies and exaggerates the wrongs of others. It is clearly applying double standards. 5.      St Francis de Sales has something wise said about this. He says, many are eager to accuse others even for the slightest mistake, while they excuse themselves even for the greatest blunder. People clamour for justice in the neighbour’s house while they plead for mercy in their own house. 6.      So, it is better to place oneself in the place of the other and see and feel from their perspective. Jesus too insists that it is better to "see the log in one's own eye instead of making noise about the speck in other's eye".   Direction: In a virulent atmosphere of judgment and condemnation, of which criticism and slander are the offshoots, we must cultivate a humble spirit of self-examination and self-realization   (Reflection 2 from 2022, 20 June)   Thrust: Liable to judgment! 8Indicative: Failure in fidelity to God and charity toward others makes one culpable and liable to God’s judgment and punishment   1.      We see in the history of salvation that Israel becomes liable to God’s judgment and subsequent punishment in the form of foreign invasions, exile, and slavery. This is because of their sinfulness and infidelity to their true God. 2.       They forget God’s mighty intervention and works in their history. They turn ungrateful and highly unfaithful. They abandon the true God and go after false gods. Despite the warnings from many prophets, they would not listen; they were stubborn. 3.       They despised His statutes, His warnings, and His covenant. They would not turn from their evil ways and keep His commandments. Thus obstinacy and infidelity were their greatest sins that invited God’s judgment. 4.       Similar was the case of the Pharisees and scribes in the time of Jesus. They were stubborn and self-righteous. They would not listen to Jesus. They would judge themselves as merited and meritorious. But they would judge others as unrighteous. 5.       They would find fault with others even concerning the smallest matters while they would ignore their own bigger lapses. They see eagerly even the “speck” in the other’s eye while they close their eyes even to the big “log” in their own eye. And they readily make themselves as saviours over others, saying to them, “Let me take the speck out of your eye”. 6.       Therefore, stop this judgmental attitude toward others in which we judge them hastily, wrongly, and uncharitably. Let us remember that the more we are judgmental, the more we will become judgment-liable before God. So, instead of judging others, it is better that we judge ourselves.   Imperative: Let us always remember the famous saying, “You get back what you give”. Every action will have its due consequences. Be benevolent and merciful to others so that we can at least plead for God’s mercy for us   27 JUNE 2023: GEN 13. 2, 5-18; MATTHEW 7. 12-14   Highlight: The Golden Rule! Focus: It needs deep faith to choose the right path of God and walk it steadily. This includes a benevolent approach toward others   1.      Faith and benevolence are the most effective powers of a true follower of God. The Word of God reiterates this today. It is a faith that is unswerving and wisely discerning. And it is a benevolence that is empathetic and generous. 2.      It is this faith which Jesus speaks as something holy and pearl. This should be preserved without throwing to dogs or swine that indicate evil and worldly forces. We should be judicious not to expose and submit our faith to the endangering nature and ways of the world. 3.      The world does not realize the value of the sacredness and preciousness of faith. The world may trample it underfoot as something useless. It may wrongly show us that faith is not worth it. The world will choose the broader way of ease and pleasure, and will falsely make us think that it is the best way. 4.      It is in such situations we should preserve and safeguard our faith. We must wisely discern and choose the narrow way against the broader way. We must persistently walk the narrow way. It is difficult but it alone leads to salvation. 5.      This narrow way of faith involves a life of benevolence. It is a kindness that empathetically understands and thinks of the good of others. In Jesus’ own words, it does to others what it wishes for itself from others. 6.      In simple details, true benevolence is marked by empathy and altruism. It gives others that understanding, respect, concern, love, encouragement, appreciation and support, which it expects from others. And it is generous as well. 7.      In the first reading from Genesis, we have Abram as a concrete example of this empathetic and generous benevolence. He gives preference to his nephew Lot when it comes to the choice of land to occupy. This is rewarded abundantly by God.   Direction: Realizing the worth of faith, clarity of priorities and walking the right way - these are the fundamental norms of a good and godly life   (Reflection 2 from 2022, 21 June)   Thrust: Wisdom to discern! Indicative: Many fail in taking the right decisions and implementing them into the right actions. It is because they fail in discerning between right and wrong. Further, this is because they lack wisdom   1.      One dominant theme in today’s word of God is divine discernment. In the gospel, 3 cases call for discernment: not throwing what is holy to the dogs, and pearls before the pigs; doing to others what we want them to do to you; entering through the narrow gate and way and not the broader. 2.       What is holy and precious like a pearl may be our faith, our life. They are so sacred and valuable. So we must always safeguard and preserve them intact. We should not tamper with them or taint them. 3.       We should not expose them to dogs and pigs, meaning evil forces or pressures. We should not deal with our faith and life thoughtlessly and carelessly. This is also a caution against the evil to be careful and not being taken for a ride. 4.       The second aspect of discernment is to opt for altruism. In Jesus’ words, it is to “do to others what you want them to do to you”. Accordingly, it would mean that we always think, feel, speak and do only what is good and positive toward others. No one would wish bad or harm for one’s own self. This in fact is the “Golden Rule”. 5.       The third aspect of discernment is between the narrow gate and way and the broader gate and way. The former is difficult but leads to salvation. But the latter, the broader is easier but leads to destruction.   Imperative: The man of today lacks this power of discernment. That is why he easily falls to the fierce attacks of evil, the dogs and pigs. He is not able to preserve intact his life and faith. He fails in altruism. He is prone and eager to walk the broader way and meets with discernment   28 JUNE 2023: GEN 15. 1-18; MATTHEW 7. 15-20   Highlight: God, our shield and reward! Focus: Those who trust in God even in seemingly impossible situations and live righteously will please God and be blessed by God beyond measures   1.      Falsity is always detestable in the sight of God because He knows humans through and through. Those who are false may disguise themselves in the garbs of holiness. They may be able to fool and deceive others. 2.      But they cannot fool God. God will certainly take them to task. This is how Jesus warns in the gospel about the false people in the holy garb of prophets. These are inwardly violent wolves but outwardly meek sheep. 3.      They are bad trees that appear to bear good fruits. But they bear only bad fruits. And they are judged by their bad fruits. Accordingly, just like the bad trees they will be cut down and thrown into the fire. 4.      Therefore, what is important is that we are sincere and authentic with no false disguises. We must grow and live like good trees that bear good fruits. We must prove ourselves by the quality of our fruits. 5.      Then surely God will bless us and reward us abundantly. This is what we see in the case of Abram in Genesis. Abram is obedient to God. With utter faith, he believes in God’s promises and8 assurances, even though they seem humanly impossible. 6.      If not for his faith, how would he believe God’s promise of making him the father of a multitude of descendants, when he is already advanced in age and without an heir? Abram is truly a good tree that bears the abundant fruits of faith and righteousness. That is why, he is rewarded with an heir, numerous descendants and spacious land. 7.      We find thus a contrast between Abram, a pagan and the false prophets of the race of believers. Though pagan, Abram won God’s favour because of his faith in God and the righteousness of life. On the contrary, the Pharisees and the scribes proved themselves to be false prophets and incurred God’s judgment because of their falsity and lack of fruits.   Direction: In our life, ultimately what matters is not mere exterior allegiance like race or nation, but the interior spirit of faith that authenticates itself in good fruits   (Reflection 2 from 2022, 22 June)   Thrust: Wickedness in disguise? Indicative: Mere external appearances cannot prove the real quality of something or someone. They can be clever devices and deceptive disguises. Only authentic actions matter   1.      There is a rampant “mask” culture. The real character often is under pretensions and disguises. Many go about with a lot of duplicities, giving an appearance and colouring of being good and holy. But in truth, they are only hiding their bad nature under a good cover. This is what Jesus calls, “wolves in sheep’s clothing”. 2.       Quite true to Jesus’ warning, there are many false prophets all around us who wear sheep’s clothing but are inwardly ravenous wolves. These project themselves as meek, humble, and pure like sheep. They appear to be harmless. But inside they are full of aggressiveness, and destructive nature. 3.       They wait for every little chance to pounce on others and harm them grievously. But how do we find them out? Is there any criterion, any test to uncover their real colour? It is by looking at their fruits. 4.       As Jesus cautions, these are the bad or diseased trees. They pretend to bear good fruit. But they bear only bad fruit. A bad tree cannot bear good fruit. These are the thorn bushes and they cannot produce grapes or figs. Their end will only be destruction, just as every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. 5.       The falsity, deceptiveness, and failing the test of the authenticity of these false prophets should serve as a caution, warning, and challenge for all of us not to fall into the same trap. Instead of bad or diseased trees, we must be good trees that bear good fruits. We must not be wolves in sheep’s clothing. Rather we must be sheep in sheep’s clothing.   Imperative: Claiming to be good and healthy trees but bearing bad fruits is a contradiction. Let us try to be good trees not only in appearance but in truth by bearing good fruits   29 JUNE 2023: ACTS 12. 1-11; 2 TIM 4. 6-8, 17-18; MT 16. 13-19; STS PETER AND PAUL   Highlight: Loyal to the Royal Master! Focus: The greatness of faith is not so much in what one does by oneself for the Lord, but in what one allows God to do in and through oneself, in surrender and dedication   1.      Today we celebrate the solemnity of Sts Peter and Paul. In a way, they are the two prime craftsmen of the edifice of the Church,  after the heart of Christ, the real Founder, and the Master Architect. They are the master servants of the Supreme Master and the servant leaders of the community of believers. 2.      What is striking and awe-inspiring in both of them is their unbounded passion for Christ. It is this passionate love for him that makes them stand solid like a rock even in the face of terrible adversities and persecutions, leading to martyrdom as well. 3.      It is this passion that makes Peter announce with conviction, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God” (Mt 16. 16). It is this passion that makes Peter affirm with indefectible loyalty, “To whom shall we go, Lord? You have the words of eternal life” (cf. Jn 6. 68). 4.      It is this passion that makes him confess his love with total heart, “Lord, you know that I love you” (cf. Jn 21. 15-19). It is the same passion that keeps his faith undaunted despite the imprisonments or other sufferings. 5.      The same passion is amply manifest in Paul as well. See what a fire of love consumes him when he professes his love for Christ, “Who or what can separate us from the love of Christ?” Nothing and no one can ever work against us when Christ is with us and when we love him (cf. Rom 8. 35-39). 6.      However, this passion is not merely sentimental or limited only to words. It is deeply actual and authentic in action. It shows itself in total detachment and sacrifice. That is why Peter left everything and followed the Lord at his call (cf. Luke 5. 8-11). He would also attest, “You see we have given up everything to follow you” (Mt 20. 27). 7.      That is why, Paul would exclaim in Phil 3. 7-8: “But whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ. Indeed, I count everything as a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake, I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them as refuse, in order that I may gain Christ”. 8.      Further, this same passion would set them on fire in the same mission of Christ, charged with perseverance, loyalty, and commitment. It makes them selfless and fearless in carrying out the mission of Christ. Their passionate mission knew no bounds and so it cut across all boundaries. 9.      They remained true to their Master to the end. They testified their love and passion for their Lord by their blood. It is this authenticity of commitment that makes Paul declare in today’s second reading from 2 Timothy 4. 6-8, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith”. 6.      Today, perhaps, this fiery passion of Peter and Paul may be covered under the ashes of fabrics of authority and administration in line with Peter, or under the garbs of eloquent preaching and supervision in line with Paul. 7.      We will be doing great injustice to Peter and Paul if we limit them to suit our rungs of power and word. Their passion, their loyalty, and their self-emptying commitment should be rediscovered and reactivated.   Direction: Passion for Christ should never diminish on account of other worthless passions. Zeal for the mission of Christ should not be dominated by self-oriented ministries.   (Reflection 2)   1.      Saints Peter and Paul – two greatest saints, the two solid pillars, pilasters, and columns of the magnificent edifice of the Church of Christ, the two earliest proponents of the way of the Lord, the two wise and illumined guides and leaders of the believing communities. 2.      Our concern now is not so much the divergence of their background or appearance or temperament or mental frame or intellectual acumen or skill or recipients. It is very interesting that these two greatest saints are put together for one single feast day of 29 June, while one each other day is also marked for them, namely, 22 February as the day of Chair of St Peter, and 25 January as the day of the conversion of St Paul. 3.      This one common feast day celebration can be very indicative of the oneness and unity, the solidity and the vitality, the spread and the growth of the Church, irrespective of the diversities. In the plan of God, in the journey of salvation, in the mystical body of Christ, in the community of believers, in the reign of God, what matters most is communion and commitment, and nothing else. 4.      It is these two that put them together in one single frame, on the same plane. The lives of Peter and Paul are the tallest proclamations and testimonies of how God’s grace is unfathomable and immense and what abundant fruits it bears when responded with generosity. 5.      What makes them alike is their deepest love and the craziest passion for Christ. This is what makes Peter declare unequivocally: “Lord, you know everything and you know that I love you” (Jn 21. 15-17). 6.      It is this that makes Paul attest convincingly: “Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, distress, persecution, famine, nakedness, peril, or sword? No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am sure that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord “ (Rom 8. 35, 37-39). 7.      This flows into an inseparable intimacy and indissoluble communion with the Lord. And this rootedness and bonding with the Lord soak them into depths of humility, docility, and surrender towards God’s will and plans. 8.      (cf. Rom 9. 20-21: “But who are you, a man, to answer back to God? Will what is moulded say to its moulder, “Why have you made me thus?” Has the potter no right over the clay, to make out of the same lump one vessel for beauty and another for menial use?”; cf. Jn 6. 68: “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life”). 9.      This throws them into a radical shock and convulsion of conversion, thus rendering them totally self-effacing (cf. Mt 20. 27: “Then Peter spoke up and said, ‘You see we have given up everything to follow you’ “; Phil 3. 7-8: “But whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ. Indeed I count everything as a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake, I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them as refuse, in order that I may gain Christ”). 10.  Love and surrender will never keep one at rest but will overpower one with a “divine restlessness”. Thus, they are led to the heights of fidelity and commitment to the Lord’s mission, overwhelmed by the power of the Holy Spirit. The spread of the faith and faith communities are the most concrete attestations of their abundant fruition and the epitomes of their faith and charity. 11.  In sum, it is their passionate love of Christ that takes their whole life by storm and makes it an unending story of humility, docility, fidelity, and charity. Today it is not fair to be content that we are on the same line as Peter and Paul, mostly in terms of authority of administration and power of eloquence. 12.  This will not suffice. We need to be imitators of them, not only in leadership and preaching but much more in their virtue. We need to be moulded in the same intensity of love, authenticity of humility, profundity of surrender, credibility of detachment, density of loyalty, vibrancy of charity, and the radicalism of missionary commitment.     30 JUNE 2023: GEN 17. 1-10, 15-22; MATTHEW 8. 1-4   Highlight: Covenant with a radical change! Focus: Everyone stands in need of healing and for this, one should be aware of his unhealthy condition, deeply feel the desire for health and the need for healing, and in faith approach the Lord   1.      God enters into a covenant with Abram. But this is not like any other covenants or contracts that are usually for mutual benefit. This is a covenant that is totally for the benefit of Abram and his descendants. His life changes completely. 2.      This is symbolized explicitly by the change of his name from Abram to Abraham. He would become exceedingly fruitful and the father of many nations. They would inherit Canaan as an everlasting possession. 3.      Even at their ripe age of hundred and ninety respectively, Abraham and Sarah would get a son, Isaac. This is a covenant that is not time-bound but everlasting that extends to Isaac and the descendants thereafter. 4.      In return, what is expected from Abraham and his descendants is fidelity and consecration, symbolized by circumcision. They shall consecrate themselves to God as His people and possession. 5.      They shall walk before him and be blameless. One need not object that this is a disguised condition. It is not a condition but a natural outflow and expression of their fidelity to the covenant. 6.      If one really loves God, he would respect his sacred covenant with God. He would keep away all that infects this relationship, and foster all that helps him to live it. Every covenanted person would seek to be clean, healthy and whole. 7.      In the light of the gospel, it is to be healed of leprosy that corrodes a person and alienates him from society. One should get rid of the interior and spiritual leprosy that eats away the sanity and wholeness of the person. 8.      All of us need healing and restoration of our lost health. For this, like the leper, we need an earnest desire to approach the Lord, and to get cleaned and healed by God. We must humbly plead to the Lord, “Lord, if you will, you can make me clean”. 9.      And the Lord is always ready to heal us, saying, “I will; be clean”. Many a time, many continue unhealed and unclean because they lack this deep desire and fail to turn to God.   Direction: In a world that becomes more and more health-conscious and beauty-conscious, one should aim at and strive for interior and holistic health and beautification   01 JULY 2023: GEN 18. 1-15; MATTHEW 8. 5-17   Highlight: Goodness, never a waste! Focus: Faith is not so much a matter of one's greatness but rather total trust in God's greatness and the height of one's littleness   1.      Pride is one infection that is attacking many. There are different kinds of pride, such as material, physical, intellectual, social, etc. But there is also another kind of pride, more subtle but more harmful. That is spiritual pride. 2.      It is when one feels great and proud of one's spiritual gifts and abilities. It is in this context, one should remember that faith is never a matter of one's credit or merit. The more we are gifted and able, the more we should be humble. 3.      See the humility of the centurion in the gospel. He himself is a man in authority. But in all humility, he realizes his littleness before Jesus' divine and spiritual authority. He realizes that Jesus’ authority is such that can subjugate and expel the evil powers even with a single simple word even over a distance. 4.      In that same humility, he admits his unworthiness and sinfulness. At the same time, he readily acknowledges the holiness and greatness of Jesus. Thus, his humility blended with deep trust in Jesus’ power and mercy brings him the reward of his servant’s healing. This is real faith which comprises humility and trust. 5.      The same faith is seen in Peter’s mother-in-law and many others sick and possessed. Jesus heals them. This healing spree is very much indicative of the nature of his mission. His mission is vicarious. 6.      This is to suffer for our sake, to become expiation on our behalf. He bears the burden of our sins in order to release us from the bondage of sin. He takes our infirmities and bears our diseases. 7.      One who experiences God’s blessing and healing will certainly put himself into good action, into serving. This is what is seen in the instance of Peter’s mother-in-law. No sooner was she cured of her fever, but she immediately rose and served Jesus. 8.      This is what Abraham does in the first reading from Genesis. Abraham experiences God’s blessing in God’s intimate covenantal relationship, in a steady gradual fulfilment of His promises. 9.      He shows this blessedness in a hearty spirit of hospitality and service to three guests who are actually God-sent angels. Again, this service is rewarded by the confirmation of the birth of an heir.   Direction: The world of today can be healthy and happy only when it realizes its sickness and turn to the Lord and gets healing

12th SUNDAY OF THE YEAR A 23

TWELFTH SUNDAY, 25 JUNE  2023, JER 20:10-13; ROM 5. 12-15; MATTHEW 10. 26-33 Highlight: No fear when God is near! Thrust: Difficulties and afflictions will never leave us, especially when we are on God's mission and good mission. The whole difference is whether we go ahead with fear or without fear 1.      No one's life is free from problems and adverse situations. So it will be unrealistic and foolish to wish and expect a total absence of any difficulty and displeasure. 2.      All the more, when one is convinced and committed, determined and dedicated concerning God's work and good work, when one sincerely tries to live a life in tune with God's will and for others' good, surely one will face opposing forces and discouraging experiences. 3.      The life of Jeremiah is a vivid instance of this suffering on behalf of God and good. Jesus too never hides this fact from his followers. He is quite aware of their plight for his sake. He also understands that such opposing forces frighten them and can dispirit them from their focus and striving in fulfilling their task. 4.      That is why, in the first place, Jesus encourages them, instilling in them new courage and hope. He exhorts them: Fear not; Do not be afraid. 5.      But why? Because God Himself will be their strength and shield. Because He is more powerful than all other forces ("which can kill only body and not body and soul"; "Sin abounds but grace super-abounds"). 6.      Because He has complete control and sway over all the situations, everyone and everything. Because, God values us so much; we are precious in His sight ("You are far more worth than the sparrows, of which also God takes care even if they are so small and insignificant; Even your hair is counted and guarded"); He cares for us and takes care of us. 7.      Because, He feels a special and singular love and duty toward the humble, those who trust in Him and rely on Him, to go to their rescue. 8.      Therefore, in the case and face of suffering and struggle in our way of living God's ways, the fundamental spirit should be, not fear, discouragement and giving up. Rather it should be a spirit of total trust in God and surrender to Him. 9.      We need not bother much about how to tackle the adversaries or how to attack the adversities, how to defeat them or how to overpower them or how to strike them down. 10.  Instead, all our concern must be to place our complete trust in God; not to feel intimidated or sceptical or shaken. It is to "entrust our cause" to God, to totally abandon our case to Him. 11.  This is what Jeremiah did. Humanly speaking, it was a situation of the height of misery: totally misunderstood, blamed and persecuted; abandoned to the extent of being killed. But what a spirit of fortitude and abandonment to God's holy intervention! He does not want to fight the battle against his opponents. Rather, He submits his case to God. 12.  It is this spirit of trust and entrustment, courage and perseverance, loyalty and unswerving commitment that is diminishing in many a disciple today. 13.  A good number, first of all, are not clear and focused, they are not convinced and resolved; they are not courageous and steadfast; they are not loyal and committed. 14.  Let us muster up our confidence and courage, our resolve and strength from the Lord, from the example of Jeremiah, Paul and the Lord himself. Practice: Let our special prayer be, to deepen our love for God and trust in Him. For love dispels fear and trust dissolves doubt, uncertainty and wavering  

NATIVITY OF JOHN THE BAPTIST

NATIVITY OF JOHN THE BAPTIST 24 June 2023 (Reflection 2) 1.     On 24 June we celebrate the birthday of John the Baptist. In fact, besides the birthdays of our Lord and Mother Mary, it is only the birthday of John the Baptist that is specially celebrated, and that shows his singularity. Rightly Jesus has declared of him in Luke 7:28 to be the greatest man to have ever lived: "I tell you, among those born of women there is no one greater than John ..." 2.     In the recent times, there is a tendency among some to claim themselves to be prophets, like John the Baptist. They make this claim mainly to defend and justify their uncontrolled sickness of uncharitable criticism and negative judgments about others. Their simple comparison is: See, John the Baptist too was very fearless and ferocious; he was boldly rebuking the Pharisees and scribes, and even accusing Herod and Herodias. But these are false prophets and are never on par with the Baptist. They are so much devoid of his features and are miles apart from his life of witness. This necessitates having a quick look at the person of John the Baptist. 3.     His birth is very unique because it was with a definitive purpose in the plan of salvation. He had a key role to play in the divine design of Messiah. He was destined to be “the precursor of the Saviour” - that voice crying in the wilderness preparing the way for the coming Messiah (Is 40. 3; Mt 3. 3; Mk 1. 2-3; Lk 3. 3-6). He was sent to proclaim a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins (Lk 3. 3; Mk 1. 4), as a preparation for baptism by fire and Holy Spirit (Lk 3. 16). He was profoundly conscious of this purpose of his birth, and the thrust of his mission, and he was totally committed to fulfill this. 4.     He was an epitome of humility. Even at the height of his fame and popularity, he never clung to self-glory or self-promotion. He made no false promises. He categorically denied that he is the expected Messiah (Jn 1. 20; 3. 28). He humbly declared: “I am only the friend of the bridegroom (Jn 3. 29); I am not the Light but only a little lamp, witness and pointer to the Light (Jn 1. 6-8); I am not worthy even to untie the strap of his sandal (Lk 3. 16; Jn 1. 23); he must increase and I must decrease (Jn 3. 30). 5.     John's lifestyle was as austere as his message (Mt 3. 4; Mk 1. 6).  John was no "crowd pleaser." He confronted the hypocrisy of the religious establishment (Mt 3. 7; Lk 3. 7 ). Even at the cost of his life, he stood for truth. He did not hesitate to expose the immorality of Herod and chose to die a martyr's death rather than compromise his convictions (Mt 14. 3-12; Mk 6. 17-29 ). 6.     Where are we in comparison to John the Baptist? It is not enough to simply claim that like him, we too are prophets, standing for truth and fearlessly denouncing the unjust structures or authorities. How much we are conscious of the purpose of our birth and the destiny of our call? How much we are loyal to accomplish our mission as disciples and consecrated persons? How much we are humble, resisting self-promotion, shunning self-glory and cheap popularity and false dignity? How much are we honest and authentic, that is, standing in truth, before standing for truth? Is our concern for justice and authenticity, or for judging and condemning others, so that others are shown in a bad light, and we can bask in shallow light?