Bible Reflections I 08.09.2022 - THURSDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time - Week 23

Readings 

            I - Micah 5: 2-5

           II - Mt. 1: 1-16, 18-23

                    

NATIVITY OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY 

We behold the birthday of our dear and near ones with joy and jubilation for unto us was that day was given a gift so great, gorgeous and gracious. Today the Church celebrates the Birthday of the Blessed Mary, the mother of the Lord and the mother of all humankind. The Church solemnises the birthday of three persons only: John the Baptist, the forerunner of the Messiah, the Blessed Virgin Mary, the mother of Jesus and Jesus, the long awaited Messiah, the promised One of God.    

Mother Mary is the queen of the heaven and of the earth yet, she is the mother of us all, the sinful and the sorrowful; the weak and the lowly. Mother’s love is so supreme that it surpasses and supersedes all love here on earth. Her merciful look, kind words, compassionate heart, loving deeds, helping hands, hurrying feet to the needy children and her life of sacrifice are knows no bounds. Every mother is the personification of Gods’ love to her children and the mother of Jesus, given to us as our mother is the perfect reflection of the heart of her Son and our Lord Jesus Christ. In all her apparitions, Mother Mary exhorts people to pray so that they may align their lives unto the ways of God that leads to Heaven, the ultimate destination of all humankind.  

We in Tamil Nadu in particular solemnise this day celebrating the feast of our Lady of Velankanni. A day dear to all the devotees of Our Lady of Good Health who flock to her church on foot with a mixture of emotions; joy, gratitude, sorrow, pain, suffering, hope, love, anxiety and faith. Let us intensify our prayers for all the devotees that they may be blessed by our Blessed Mother and their intentions fulfilled for the greater glory of God. May our mind and heart resonate with the prayer: “Mother Mary, our Lady of Velankanni, Pray for us”.

Bible Reflections I 07.09.2022 - WEDNESDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time - Week 23

Readings 

           I - 1 Cor. 7: 25-31

           II - Lk. 6: 20-26

CARE AND SHARE, BECOME ‘BLESSED’

Today’s Gospel passage comprises of four ‘blessed’ and four ‘woe’. It is a consolation to the unfortunate; and a caution to the fortunate as per the worldly standards. Jesus calls the poor, the hungry, the sorrowful and the rejected as ‘blessed’ and says ‘woe’ to the rich, the wealthy, the happy and the elite. Jesus says ‘woe’ to these people not because they are rich, wealthy and revered but because they slighted and neglected the poor and the less privileged; and failed to care for and share with them. 

The concept of the kingdom of God is that we are the children of the Father in heaven and therefore we are brothers and sisters called to support, care and encourage one another as we would with our own kith and kin. Strive to become ‘blessed’ by caring for others and sharing with other what we have, not only the money and material but our time, skill and energy. Let our mind and heart resonate with the prayer: “Lord Jesus, help me to become a ‘blessed’ in your sight”.

Bible Reflections I 06.09.2022 - TUESDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time - Week 23

Readings 

            I - 1 Cor. 6: 1-11

           II - Lk. 6: 12-19

PRAY AND BE BLESSED

The hotline connect between God and humanity is prayer. It is prayer that makes a person vibrant and effective. The powerful preaching, authoritative teaching and the command over the nature, sin, sickness and demons vested in the prayer life of Jesus. In today’s Gospel passage, Jesus spends the whole night in prayer and the next day selects his team of twelve from a band of followers. People flocked to Jesus, to hear, get healed and even just to touch him in order to receive his power of blessing.  

The power of Jesus subsisted in the prayer life of Jesus. In the light of the day’s Gospel let us examine our prayer life. Do we always make God as our point of reference in all our actions and decisions in life or only when we need him desperately? Turn to God at all moments of life: Joy, sorrow, sadness, sickness, exuberance, confusion, misunderstanding, helplessness, failures and rejection making his presence powerful in our life. Stay prayerful and stay blessed. Let our mind and heart resonate with the prayer: “Lord Jesus help us to be connected with you always in prayer”.

Bible Reflections I 05.09.2022 - MONDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time - Week 23

Readings 

           I - Wis. 9: 13-18

           II - Phil. 9-10, 12-17

FEAST OF SAINT THERESA OF KOLKATA

Today the Church joyfully and proudly celebrates the feast of Mother and Saint Theresa of Kolkata. Mother Theresa was a generous soul, served as the messenger of God and ambassador of His love to lighten and brighten up the lives of so many poor, neglected and the abandoned of the Kolkata streets. She was a simple person with tremendous faith in God and passionate in the works of Charity as an expression of her love ardent love for the Lord. When an American Journalist who had come for an interview found her cleansing the wounds of the leper and bandaging the same remarked, “I wouldn’t touch that man for a million dollars”. Mother Theresa lovingly said, “For a million dollars, I wouldn’t touch him either. I would do it for Jesus”. 

Anjeze Gonxhe Bojaxhiu, the original name of Mother Theresa, was born in 1910 in Albania. She joined the Loreto sisters when she was eighteen years. She came to Darjeeling, India in 1929 to complete her novitiate. She took the religious name Theresa in honour of St. Theresa of Child Jesus. She was serving as headmistress of a school in Kolkata. Moved by the poverty and plight of the poor and the abandoned, she left the Loreto and started serving the destitute becoming a poor among the poor. She brought light and sunshine in the lives of people who dwelled in dark, abandoned by all in the world. 

Mother Theresa, the champion of the humanist was awarded with a Nobel Prize in 1979 for her untiring work in the alleviation of poverty and the plight of the humanity especially the neglected sections of the society. She refused the honour banquet and requested the expenditure for the same $ 1,92,000 to be used for the poor in India. She founded her congregation ‘The order of the Missionaries of Charity” in 1948, to carry on her work of charity all over in India and in the world. In the crazy world of money, power, pomp and glory, let us dare to turn to Mother Theresa for a simplicity of heart and profound love for God in our simple works of charity done in great faith. May our mind and heart resonate with the prayer, “St. Theresa, Pray for us”.

Today in India, we also celebrate the Teachers’ Day. Revere teachers for their selfless sacrifice and utmost dedication in the task of forming young minds for a better society by empowering them through education. Remember all your teachers, thank God for them and offer special prayers for them for in their services vests the future of the nation.

Bible Reflections I 04.09.2022 - SUNDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time - Week 23

Readings 

            I - Wis. 9: 13-18

           II - Phil. 9-10, 12-17

          III - Lk. 14: 25-33

‘GIVE UP’, ‘TAKE UP’ AND FOLLOW JESUS 

Choosing the eternal and the everlasting is wisdom though it is costing, is the crux of all the three readings of the day. In today’s Gospel, Jesus speaks about the ‘giving up and the ‘taking up’ required for the radical following of Christ. Giving up our worldly ideas, emotional bonding, unnecessary attachments and escalated ego can only enable a person in taking up the daily cross that encounters in following the Lord. But it is worth enduring though as the first reading says, it seems to be worthless to the reasoning of the mortals. As Jesus says, a persons who builds a tower sits down and counts the cost and a king when encounters another stronger than him in a war, makes peace with him, in following the Lord, as Christians we are called to follow the life and teachings of Christ in ‘giving up’ and ‘taking up’ and that decision and choice is purely ours. 

To run in parallel with the trends of the world is easy but not eternal; to swim with the current is cool but to go across demands courage; to ‘give up’ in order to ‘take up’ is costing but merits a blissful life with the Lord in the paradise. The decision is ours and the choice destines our life after our earthly existence. Determination to live for the Lord is wisdom and that destines our eternal life as well. Make right choices and make life meaningful and worthwhile. Let our mind and heart resonate with the prayer: “Lord Jesus, give me the wisdom and courage to make right choices in life”.

Bible Reflections I 03.09.2022 - SATURDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time - Week 22

Readings 

            I - 1 Cor. 4: 6-15

           II - Lk. 6: 1-5

LOVE IS BETTER THAN THE LAW

Love was the essence of the Ten Commandments given by God. But the Scribes and the Pharisees diluted the essence; multiplied rules and rituals; and complicated the observance of the commandments making them strict and stringent. Humanity takes precedence over any rule. The disciples of Jesus would had been hungry or just plucked some corn and ate them without any other second thought. There was no violation of humanity in their act but violation of Sabbath and that was no big deal. Here again Jesus quotes the incident of David and justified his disciples.

Today some of us too hold on to the rules and rituals while compromising humanity in the bargain. God takes no delight in our observance of rules and regulations but in the promotion of love, mercy and justice. Let us not be scrupulous in the observance of the rules and rituals but become stupendous in practicing love, mercy, compassion and justice. May our mind and heart resonate with the prayer: “Lord Jesus, help me to be more human in my dealings”.

Bible Reflections I 02.09.2022 - FRIDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time - Week 22

Readings 

            I - 1 Cor. 4: 1-5

           II - Lk. 5: 33-39

BE RECEPTIVE TO THE TRUTH

The Pharisees and the Sadducees accused the disciples of Jesus for not fasting like their disciples and that of John the Baptist’s. In fasting, the disciples of the Pharisees and John awaited the arrival of the Messiah. Jesus defends his disciples saying that the bridegroom’s guest do not fast when the bridegroom is with them. The disciples of Jesus need not fast because the bridegroom, the messiah was already with them. The purpose of fasting achieved, the prophecies fulfilled and the promised one was with them. But the Pharisees and the Sadducees failed to recognise the messiah in Jesus because they willfully neglected the truth and hence, could not perceive, beyond seeing and could not listen, beyond hearing.  

Perceiving and listening leads to the discovery of the truth present before us. Perceiving and listening primarily requires an openness of mind and heart to accept the truth. Rid prejudice, personal interest, ego, self- righteousness and selfishness that would foster openness of mind and heart to behold the truth even when it hurts us. Let our mind and heart resonate with the prayer: “Lord Jesus, help me to be open to the truth”

Bible Reflections I 01.09.2022 - THURSDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time - Week 22

Readings 

            I - 1 Cor. 3: 18-23

           II - Lk. 5: 1-11

IN HUMILITY AND OBEDIENCE WE DISCOVER THE DIVINE

Today’s Gospel passage is about the mighty catch of fish by Peter.  Peter was a fisherman by profession but in humility and obedience, he adhered and obliged to the Words of Jesus, the Galilean preacher saying, “Master, we have worked all night long but have caught nothing.  Yet if you say so, I will let down the nets” and this resulted in a mighty catch.  The humility and obedience of Peter allowed him to discover the presence of the divine in Jesus for whom he was willing to give up everything to follow him when he was called by Jesus to follow him.  

Humility and obedience are intertwined and are inseparable.  These two virtues will help us to adhere to the voice of God and recognise his presence as and when he comes through prayer, persons and events.  Do not allow the ego to inflate rather submit yourself in humility and obedience to discover the divine in everything.  Let our mind and heart resonate with the prayer: “Lord Jesus make me humble and obedient”

Bible Reflections I 31.08.2022 - WEDNESDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time - Week 22

Readings 

             I - 1 Cor. 3: 1-9

           II - Lk. 4: 38-44

JESUS NEVER FAILS 

Today’s Gospel passage is about the healing of the mother-in-law of Peter.  The disciples appealed to Jesus for the healing of the mother-in-law of Jesus; Jesus rebuked the fever and the fever left her; and the mother-in-law of Jesus after her cure served them, may be as an expression of her gratitude to Jesus. 

The three take away from the passage could be: the power of the intercessory prayer, the power of the words of Jesus and the power of gratitude expressed in service.  When we pray for others God does hear that prayer; stop not praying for the intentions of others.  Wait for the word of the Lord; stop not listening for they can restore and rejuvenate us.  Serve the Lord for all his wonders in our lives for they it is the mark of our appreciation and gratitude to the Lord for all his goodness towards us.    

Bible Reflections I 30.08.2022 - WEDNESDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time - Week 22

Readings 

             I - 1 Cor. 2: 10-16

           II - Lk. 4: 31-37

ADHERE TO THE WORD OF THE LORD

The Scribes and the Pharisees quoted the Scripture as point of reference.  The prophets, the mouth piece of the Lord prophesied saying, “thus says the Lord”.  But Jesus spoke with authority because he was the Word himself, the Son of God and the word incarnate. This is why unlike the others, the words of Jesus were with authority and they had power over the nature, sickness, sin and the evil spirit.  In today’s Gospel passage, to the amazement of the crowd, Jesus preached with authority and cured the man possessed by the demon.  The evil spirit obeyed the words of Jesus and left the man instantly at his command.

In the light of the Gospel passage of the day, let us reflect upon our adherence to the Word of the Lord.  Every day we read God’s word personally and listen during the holy mass.  The evil spirit obeyed the words of Jesus.  We are filled with the Holy Spirit and are unable to adhere to God’s words.  Examine the reasons for the same and try to obey the Word of God.  May our mind and heart resonate with the prayer: “Lord Jesus, help me to obey your words overcoming my weaknesses”.   

Bible Reflections I 29.08.2022 - MONDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time - Week 22

Readings 

             I - Jer. 1: 17-19

           II - Mk. 6: 17-29

BEHEADING OF ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST

The Church today remembers the martyrdom of St. John the Baptist, the last prophet of the Old Testament and the forerunner of the Messiah, Jesus Christ.  St. John the Baptist was simple, that he had no pomp and glory in his living; straightforward in pointing the pointing the mistakes of the people be it even a king and steadfast in preparing the way of the Lord through his baptism of conversion.  He was beheaded because he was outright in pointing the mistake of the Herod that it was not right for Herod to live with his brother’s wife.  This truth hurt Herodias badly and she waited for a chance to outlet her vengeance and rightly utilised also the opportunity in instigating her daughter.  Though Herod knew that St. John the Baptist was right and holy man, he gave in to his ego and cowardice.  Herodias’ daughter also had her share in this beheading, her failure to discern and decide about her gift. 

We can draw four lessons from the beheading of St. John the Baptist: one, the courage of St. John the Baptist to stand for the truth come what may, even if it cost our life; two, never let vengeance flag at the cost of the destruction of the other; three, have courage to stand up for the right subduing ego and finally, make discernment at every juncture of life.  Let our mind and heart resonate with the prayer: “St. John the Baptist, Pray for us”      

Bible Reflections I 28.08.2022 - SUNDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time - Week 22

Readings 

            I - Sir. 3: 17-18, 20, 28-29

           II - Heb. 12: 18-19, 22-24

          III - Lk. 14: 1, 7-14

BE HUMBLE AND REMAIN KIND

The Scriptural passages of the day insists on two important values: humility and kindness.  Humble people care for the poor, oppressed, marginalised and the invalid. They feel their responsibility in helping them and are concerned thereby in building about the kingdom of God. In the Gospel passage of the day, Jesus exhorts the Pharisees who invited him for a meal, to humble themselves.  He also insists to invite the poor and the less privileged for the celebration who would be unable to payback. It is the humble and the kind people who will be considered great in the kingdom of God.

Humility and kindness are intertwined.  The two values co-exist.  If you wish to check whether you are humble, examine whether you are kind; and vice versa.  Humility springs froth from our trust and belief in God.  As Saint Paul in his letter to the Philippians says, “in humility consider others better than yourselves.” (Phil. 2: 3), only a humble person can have concern for the others. This care, concern and the responsibility towards the under privileged can cause the kingdom of God, blossoming on the earth.  Let our mind and heart resonate with the prayer: “Lord Jesus, give me the courage to remain humble”.

Bible Reflections I 27.08.2022 - SATURDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time - Week 21

Readings 

            I - 1 Cor. 1: 26-31

           II - Mt. 25: 14-30

SERVE GOD AND HUMANITY WITH YOUR LIFE 

Today’s Gospel passage is about the parable of the talents.  The masters entrusts to the servants five, two and one talents, according to their ability and goes on his journey.  The first two servants who received five and two talents multiplied them through their hard work and returned as ten and four talents respectively to their master on his return.  The third servant returned the one he received besides accusing the master himself saying, “Master, I knew you to be a hard man, reaping where you did not sow, and gathering where you scattered no seed”.  The good and faithful servants received their rewards and; the wicked and the slothful servant received his punishment.  

Like the master in the parable, God has entrusted each of us with talents with great trust and confidence.  He has entrusted unconditionally without any strings attached to it.  But it is our responsibility to be industrious in utilizing the same in building up the humanity.  Otherwise we will resemble that wicked servant who did nothing but blamed the master himself, for his laziness.  We need not compare the talents with one another but be convinced that we are given according to our ability. In the light of this Gospel passage let us examine how we utilise our God given talents.  At the end of time the Lord will reward those who serve him and the humanity with the talents given and punish those who are irresponsible and slothful. Let our mind and heart resonate with the prayer: “Lord Jesus, help me to appreciate and utilise the talents given to me for your love and service”.

Bible Reflections I 26.08.2022 - FRIDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time - Week 21

Readings 

            I - 1 Cor. 1: 17-25

           II - Mt. 25: 1-13

BE PREPARED TO BEHOLD THE LORD

Today’s Gospel passage is about the parable of the ten bridesmaids; five foolish and five wise. To understand this parable we need to understand the background of this context. In the Jewish tradition, after the wedding, it is customary for the bridegroom to come to the bride’s house and take her for a banquet with him along with the bridesmaids. The bridegroom might come at any part of the night. The time was uncertain but the coming was sure. It was mandatory to be present with the lamp lit and the wedding garment on, to enter into the wedding hall. The foolish five virgins knew about it. It was indeed an attitude of carelessness of not taking required oil along with them and so we cannot regret for the five foolish women. The wise five had their reward of entering into the wedding hall with the bridegroom for their long watchful waiting in preparedness and faithfulness.  

To take up a journey to any nation we need passport and VISA. Our life on earth is a journey towards the world of bliss with the Lord. Like passport and VISA we need two things to enter into the Paradise of God: one, trust and hope in the Lord and two, love and service to the humanity. The bible says, “Love covers over a multitude of sins” (Prov. 10: 12; 1 Pt. 4: 8). Charity is our passport, the requirement into heaven. With this trust and hope in the Lord keep yourselves prepared with the acts of Charity to partake in the blissful banquet of the Lord. Let our mind and heat resonate with the prayer: “Lord Jesus, fill my heart with your love”.

Bible Reflections I 25.08.2022 - THURSDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time - Week 21

Readings 

            I - 1 Cor. 1: 1- 9

           II - Mt. 24: 42-51

Today’s Gospel passage is about the preparedness to behold the arrival of the Son of Man at an unexpected hour. His coming may be delayed but it is certain. This passage is an invitation to be vigilant and keep working while waiting for the Lord. So that we may be found ‘blessed’ before the Lord as he comes in his glory to meet us. The ‘blessed’ will be inherit eternal bliss while the others, eternal condemnation.

Even from the world’s view almost all labourers wish to appear working in the eyes of their masters. They strive hard for this so as to earn the wealth of the world that that is not real. The one thing that is necessary, essential and that determines the purpose of our existence here on this earth is to be with the Lord at the end of our earthly existence. May this passage inspire us to stay prepared for eternal reward and happiness that comes with our noble living set out by our Lord based on the Law of Love.

Bible Reflections I 24.08.2022 - WEDNESDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time - Week 21

Readings 

           I - Rev. 21: 9-14

           II - Jn. 1: 45-51

ST. BARTHOLOMEW, APOSTLE (Feast)

The Church celebrates the feast of St. Bartholomew also known as Nathaniel as mentioned in the Gospel passage. Nathaniel like any other Jew asks with a prejudiced mind to Phillip, “Can anything good come from Nazareth”. But, with the simplicity of heart and openness to the truth Bartholomew adheres to Phillip’s, “Come and see”. Jesus appreciates the sincerity of Nathaniel saying, “Here truly is an Israelite in whom there is no deceit”. Nathaniel in his conversation with Jesus, was convinced that Jesus was the Messiah, the Son of God and thereafter followed him with conviction.

We easily get prejudiced because of the rumours, gossips, experiences and encounters. We evaluate and estimate people from the place they come, to the family the belong, the caste and creed of the person, educational background, culture and their lifestyle. In this bargain we might miss meeting the wonderful person in him/her. Accept persons as they are to savour the goodness present in them. May the feast of St. Bartholomew, help us to give up our prejudice and discover the truth in every person. Let our mind and heart resonate with the prayer: “St. Bartholomew, Pray for us”.

Bible Reflections I 23.08.2022 - TUESDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time - Week 21

Readings 

            I - Is. 66: 18-21

           II - Lk. 13: 22-30

THE LAW OF THE LORD IS LOVE

The essence of the Law of the Lord is Love rippled to be reached out in justice, mercy and faithfulness. The Scribes and the Pharisees diluted the Law to the disadvantage of the people making it stringent and difficult to observe. Jesus calls the Scribes and the Pharisees hypocrites because they were straining out gnat and swallowing camel meaning to say that the Scribes and the Pharisees insisted on the observance of the external bypassing the essence of the Law that was essential.

We wish to appear to be good in the eyes of the people but what Jesus demands from the Gospel passage is that we are merciful, just and righteous rooted in the Law of love. Who doesn’t wish to be claimed to be “good”? What is important is that we appear pleasing in the sight of the Lord by fostering humanity and humanness in our approach. Be original, be loving and be natural for this is God’s will for us.

Bible Reflections I 22.08.2022 - MONDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time - Week 21

Readings 

            I - Is. 9: 2-7

           II - Lk. 1: 26-38

QUEENSHIP OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY (Memorial)

Today the Church celebrates the feast of the Queenship of Mother Mary. Pope Pius XII instituted this feast in 1954. The celebration has its roots in the Scripture. At the annunciation, the angel Gabriel, as we have heard it read in the Gospel reading, says, “The Lord will give to him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end”. In the first reading Prophet Isiah titles him as ‘Prince of Peace’ and prophesy that his kingdom would have no end. Mary’s Queenship is a share in the kingship of her son Jesus. Pope Pius XII in his encyclical “To the Queen of Heaven” Justify her title as ‘Queen’ emphasizing that she was the Mother of God and the Mother of King and that she was closely associated with the redemptive work of her son. 

In the litany of the Rosary invoke the intercession of mother Mary, calling her as ‘Queen’. She is queen of heaven and of the earth because she had been faithful to her ‘fiat’ meaning ‘let it be done’ until her assumption into Heaven. Mary served the Lord in humility and obedience even in the most trying situations, all with faith and in faithfulness. Let us implore Mother Mary’s intercession, assistance, support and guidance in our fidelity and commitment to the Lord as His beloved children. Let our mind and heart resonate with the prayer: “Mother Mary, Queen of heaven and of the earth, Pray for us.

Bible Reflections I 21.08.2022 - SUNDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time - Week 21

Readings 

            I - Is. 66: 18-21

           II - Heb. 12: 5-7, 11-13

          III - Lk. 13: 22-30

DARE TO CHOOSE THE NARROW GATE

Salvation is an open invitation and God’s gift is the crux of the all three readings today. The Jews considered that they were God’s own people destined for salvation and they took delight in the same. Jesus topsy-turvy their idea saying that salvation is possible to all who try to enter through the narrow gate. Entering through narrow gate is choosing to live by the teaching of Christ that demands sacrifices and endurance of sufferings. Sometimes we are unaware of the reason for our suffering. The second reading enlightens us that those are the moments that God disciplines us like a father does to his children. He does this because He wishes and wills that all of us would be with him in the paradise.

Entering through the narrow gate is not a small task but great effort to give up, to forego, to be belittled, to be humiliated, to repent and to return back. If we are ready to take up this task trusting in the grace of God our life would be a glory to him besides gaining the paradise, the eternal glory of being with Him. Let our mind and heart resonate with the prayer: “Lord Jesus, give me the courage to choose the narrow gate at all times”.

Bible Reflections I 20.08.2022 - SATURDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time - Week 20

Readings 

            I - Ezk. 43: 1-7

           II - Mt. 23: 1-12

Today’s Gospel passage is about Jesus instructing the crowds and his disciples to listen to the Scribes and the Pharisees because they sit on Moses seat; and not to copy their life that was a hypocrisy. They wished to be recognised, respected and revered in the public. They showcased their religiosity so as to appear righteous which in reality they were not. They were living a life of duplicity and debauchery. Jesus admonishes this type of a life of falsity.  

We too like those Scribes and Pharisees seek for recognition and reward failing to remember, “Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account” (Heb. 4: 13). We are fragile, weak and sinners in need of the mercy of God. Shun self-promotion for that is an aversion to God for we are his children and He knows us through and through. Humble yourselves, acknowledge your frailty and accept yourself with sincerity. By this we become pleasing before the Lord. Let our mind and heart resonate with the prayer: “Lord Jesus, help me to accept myself just as I am”