Bible Reflections I 21.08.2023 - MONDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time: Week 20

Readings 

            I - Judges 2:11-19

           II - Mt. 19: 16-22

GO AND SELL

Christian living is giving. Giving all that we have and all that we are, to ennoble, enrich and empower the poor, the downtrodden, the less privileged, the less fortunate and those in misery. Observance of commandments may help to inherit eternal life but perfection vests in parting away with the possession for the poor is the crux of the Gospel passage today. The man who wanted to be perfect and approached Jesus for the same observed all laws right from his childhood but he was unable to sell his riches and give to poor because it hurt him. It might hurt his security, status, dignity and pride. Therefore the rich man went away sorrowful not having a heart to part with riches.   

Spending our energy, time, skill, money, material, wealth; and power surpassing all time constraint, power constraint, dignity constraint, status constraint and prestige constraint even at the cost of name, fame, pride, dignity, ego and reputation, just to uplift the poor and those in the periphery, is emptying. This is the way to perfection.

Bible Reflections I 20.08.3023 - SUNDAY I INDRAYA MANNA

Ordinary Time: Week 20

Readings 

           I - Is. 56: 1, 6-7

          II - Rom. 11: 13-15, 29-32

         III - Mt. 13: 21-28

                  

PRAY WITHOUT CEASING 

The Canaanites were outcasts and therefore the Jews abstained themselves from associating with the Canaanites. In today’s Gospel passage, the Canaanite woman comes before the Lord requesting for the healing of her daughter tortured by demon. Jesus tries to send her away reminding of her status: “it is not fair to take the children’s’ food and throw it to the dogs”. The outcasts were also considered as dogs. But she was persistent in persuading Jesus for the healing and finally Jesus did heal her daughter and appreciates her faith saying, “Woman great is your faith! Let it be done for you as you wish”.

The three essential elements for prayer are: courage, faith and perseverance. Courage to face the Lord with the conviction that we are the children of God. Jesus says that faith can move even mountains (Mt. 17: 20-21). We should never become tired of praying (Col. 4: 2) but keep persevering with faith. If prayer requests are unanswered, examine your courage to stand before the Lord, faith and perseverance. Remember at all times that we are the children of God redeemed by the precious blood of Jesus Christ.