Bible Reflections I 11.07.2021 - Sunday I Indraya Manna I

Ordinary Time - Week 15

Readings:  

             I - Amos. 7: 12-15

            II - Eph. 1: 3-14 

         III - Mk. 6: 7-13

MAKE YOUR LIFE A MESSAGE OF GOD

God calls whomever He wants (Mk. 3:13) rich or poor, learned or unlearned, courageous or coward, talented or inept, competent or incompetent and skilled or unskilled, to be His ambassadors to proclaim and perform in His name and according to His plan is the crux of all three readings today. We are His children in Christ Jesus our Lord, blessed with all spiritual blessings and with riches of graces to gather everyone for God. Jesus exhorts his disciples to put their trust in the Providence of God who cares and to focus only on the mission entrusted by telling them to carry only the minimum and concentrate on the Kingdom of God through proclaiming, preaching, curing, healing, raising the dead and casting of demons - the vision of the mission. Faithful to the command of Jesus, disciples not only proclaimed but lived out the message, gathering everyone for God.

  

Proclaiming Jesus becomes effective not in mere preaching or proclaiming alone but in aligning our life unto it as well. We are called despite our background, qualified as children of God in Jesus Christ and entrusted with the mission of bringing freedom, fraternity and justice wherever we are. When we practice these values primarily in our lives we automatically become the messengers of God and never a bystander or a spectator in the society. Imbibing Gospels values we will surely embrace all and ostracise none, love all and hate none, include all and exclude none; and empathize and never be indifferent towards anyone. In this way our mere presence can preach, proclaim and perform miracles effecting the presence of God among people. This is indeed a meaningful Christian living. By this we not only become mere messengers of God but the message itself. Let us try to make our life a message of God as we keep repeating this prayer as often as possible in the silence of our hearts: “Lord Jesus, make my life a loving message”

நீங்கள் அஞ்ச வேண்டாம் ! I 10.07.2021 - சனி I Rev. Fr. Arokia Doss SDB I ...

Bible Reflections I 10.07.2021 - Saturday I Indraya Manna I

Ordinary Time - Week 14

Readings:  

          I - Gen. 49: 29-31,33;

                          50: 15-26 

       II - Mt.10: 24-33

DARE TO STAND FOR THE TRUTH

In the Gospel passage today Jesus motivates and inspires his disciples for the challenging and courageous entrusted mission ahead. He encourages them to stand up for the truth that can never be hidden or covered. He emboldens them to face suffering in the pursuit of the same assuring them of the Father’s care and love even in their minutest detail.  

It takes courage to stand up for the truth for its cost is huge and heavy. People remain silent or indifferent in the matters concerning the truth for the fear of suffering, torture, threat, persecution, problems, loss of reputation and death. Remember, our life on is transitory and it perishes for life eternal, beholding the bliss of God who cares and defends us. May this truth enlighten and empower us to courageously combat those who kill the body and cannot kill the soul. We are wonderfully made (Ps. 139:13), carefully chosen (Jn. 15:16) for a purpose, to stand up for the truth (Eph. 6:14) and bear much fruit, proving ourselves to be the disciples of Jesus (Jh. 15:8). 

 

Let us follow the way of Jesus, stand up for the truth and inherit life eternal, for Jesus says, “I am the way, the truth and the life” (Jn. 14:6). May our heart and mind resonate with this prayer: “Lord Jesus, lead me to the truth”

Bible Reflections I 09.07.2021 - Friday I Indraya Manna I

Ordinary Time - Week 14

Readings: 

        I - Gen. 46: 1-7, 28-30 

      II - Mt.10: 16-23

COMPROMISE NOT BUT CONQUER THE WORLD

In the Gospel passage today Jesus speaks about the suffering that his followers have to encounter and endure in the pursuit of living his command. Jesus uses a metaphor to describe the same, “I am sending you out like sheep into the midst of wolves”, a dangerous pursuit indeed. He instructs his followers prescribing a guideline, to be wise as serpents and innocent as doves and assures them of his presence in their suffering on his accord.  

The exhortations of Jesus is subservient to the existing world order. The Gospel values of love, peace, joy, happiness, gentleness, meekness, compassion, kindness, generosity, selflessness and self-giving contradicts and conflicts the values proposed by the world viz. hatred, revenge, anger, pride, pleasure, jealousy, selfishness, violence, avarice and arrogance. The values of the world may seem to overpower the values of the Gospel, but can never prevail. There are only two options, either to compromise with the world order or to contradict and conquer the same. We are chosen to topple the world order that “prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour” (Pt. 5:8). It is challenging, dangerous and daring. To tread in the path of our Master and Lord Jesus Christ is not impossible but possible, it is demanding but worthwhile, we may be battered but never defeated. It is road less travelled, reserved for the followers of Jesus who dare insults, persecution, suffering and death. Let us fight the battle with prudence and innocence standing on the powerful presence and assuring promises of Jesus, for he says, “Take courage; I have conquered the world” (Jn. 16:33). 

 In the silence of our hearts let us keep repeating: “Lord Jesus, give me the courage to conquer the world”

கொடையாகப் பெற்றீர்கள் கொடையாக கொடுங்கள் I 08.07.2021 - வியாழன் I Rev. Fr...

Bible Reflections I 08.07.2021 - Thursday I Indraya Manna I

Ordinary Time - Week 14

Reading: 

           I - Gen. 44: 18-21,  

                  23b-29; 45:1-5

          II - Mt.10: 7-15

POWER MADE PERFECT IN WEAKNESS

To the simple men of Galilee, his beloved disciples, weak and imperfect as they were, Jesus entrusts the great ministry of the Kingdom of God through healing, curing, cleansing and casting out demons. Jesus shares his power and ministry with them. The book of the Acts of the Apostles evince to this sharing: “As the result of the apostles work, sick people were brought out into the streets on beds and mats so that Peter’s shadow might fall across some of them as he went by” (Acts. 5:15); Dorcas was raised by Peter from the dead (Acts. 9:36-42); On the way to the temple, Peter healed the crippled beggar in the name of Jesus (Acts. 3:1-10); Demons were cast out and the crippled were cured by Phillip (Acts. 8:7); Ananias cured Saul’s blindness (Acts. 9:17-18).

Each of us are aware of our won weakness, fragilities and limitations. But God has chose us and called us by name for a purpose that is noble and eternal. God can work wonders through us the weak beings for His power is made perfect in weakness (2Cor. 12:10). Abraham, lied, telling Sarah his beloved wife as his sister to Abimelech, the king of Gerar, still the Bible calls Abraham as friend of God; Moses stammered yet was chosen to be the liberator of Israel; David, the great king of Israel sinned with Bathsheba still was the man after God’s own heart, Peter denied Jesus but he was chosen to be the leader of the church, Thomas doubted but to him Jesus appeared and strengthened the faith in his resurrection, Saul persecuted the Church God chose him to be the pillar of the church and appointed him to be an apostle to the Gentiles.

God’s ways are mysterious. God purposely chooses what the world considers as weak and nonsense in order to shame the wise and the powerful (1Cor. 1:27). Therefore stop concentrating on the weakness and start magnifying the power, mercy, grace and works of the Lord so that we too can accomplish the purpose for which Christ Jesus has chosen us and make our life purposeful and meaningful.

என் பார்வையில் மதிப்பு மிக்கவர் நீங்கள் I 07.07.2021 - புதன் I Rev. Fr. ...

Bible Reflections I 07.07.2021 - Wednesday I Indraya Manna I

Ordinary Time - Week 14

Readings:  

         I -Gen. 41: 55-57,     

               42:5-7, 17-24

     II - Mt.10: 1-7

COMBINATION IN THE CHOICE OF SELECTION

The choice of selection of candidates to any professional training programme or adventurous venture will be determined by the intellectual capacity, knowledge savvy, aptitude, self-esteem smartness, creativity, confidence and courage of the candidate. On the contrary, Jesus according to the Gospel passage today commissions his mission to his team of twelve disciples, the personalities in the combination of fishermen, learned, tax collector, power mongers, zealot and the ignorant.  

The rabbis of the time would’ve definitely ridiculed Jesus on the choice of his disciples.  With this team of less or no caliber according to the human standards, Jesus establishes and entrusts the Church.  Jesus looked at them not from human perspective but he looked at their heart and intentions intently.  “The Lord doesn’t see things the way you see them. People judge by outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart” (1Sam. 16:7). 

From the humble beginning of the twelve we have the mighty and magnificent Church, still continuing the entrusted mission of Jesus viz. teaching, preaching, healing, and curing solely to ensure the blossoming of the Kingdom of heaven in their midst.  Our educational institutions, health ministry, social works, organisations and job centres target the summon of Jesus to his disciples.  We are part of that Church, unworthy as we are but chosen by God and entrusted with this ministry when we were baptized. We need accomplish great things but even a trifle with good will and noble intention like the poor widow who gave her mite. A little deed can infuse hope and courage and; a kind gesture can comfort and console; and the right word can stir and heal. 

 Let us not aspire for great accomplishments rather be the disciples of Jesus in our own way effecting the kingdom of heaven wherever we are, promoting love, peace, joy, happiness and hope.  May our heart and mind resonate with this prayer: ‘Lord make me an instrument of your love, peace and joy’

விமர்சனங்களை தாண்டிய மனிதநேயம்.I புனித மரிய கொரற்றி - நினைவு I 06.07.202...

Bible Reflections I 06.07.2021 - Tuesday I Indraya Manna I

Ordinary Time - Week 14

Readings:  

             I - Gen. 32: 23-33

          II - Mt.9: 32-37

STAY FOCUSED AND UNSTOPPABLE TREND SETTERS

According to the Gospel passage today, a dumb demoniac was brought to Jesus.  Jesus cast out the demon and the dumb man spoke.  The common crowd was amazed and the pharisees as usual citicised Jesus saying, “It is through the prince of devils that he casts out devil”.  Jesus was unperturbed to both these responses.  He was focused about His Father’s business (Lk. 2:49). He carried on with his mission of preaching, proclaiming, curing, cleansing, teaching and tutoring.  He was unstoppable.  Neither praise nor criticism, amazement or anger, applause or ridicule, recognition or disregard could stop Jesus from being focused about his purpose because he took delight in accomplishing the will of His Father through continuous union with Him in prayer.

   

St. Paul in his letter to the Philippines exhorts us to focus on, “whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable; if anything is excellent or praiseworthy (Phil. 4:8).  In the letter to the Romans we read, “Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.  Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is, his good, pleasing and perfect will” (Rom. 12:2). 

This is purposeful and focused life in Christ and a challenge in the current scenario that is compromising and relativizing. In this pursuit we may be ridiculed, mocked, ostracised, citicised, slandered and marginalized.  Let us not get discouraged or give up rather with constant prayer and communion with the Lord, stay focused and become unstoppable in imitating Jesus our trend setter par excellence.

இயேசுவில்,விளிம்புகள் மையமாகும் I 05.07.2021 - திங்கள் I Rev. Fr. Arokia...

Bible Reflections I 05.07.2021 - Monday I Indraya Manna I

Ordinary Time - Week 14

Readings:  

         I - Gen. 28:10-22

       II - Mt.9: 18-26

HEART TO HEART CONNECT, ALL IN FAITH, WORKS MIRACLE

The pleading of a person with faith has the power to obtain that prayer, is the crux of the Gospel passage today. The official pleads with Jesus for the life of his dead daughter, “come and lay your hand on her and her life will be saved” and the woman suffered from a hemorrhage for twelve years says to herself, “If I can only touch his cloak, I shall be well again”. The official pleaded with words and the woman with no words but both with a tremendous faith in Jesus obtains the miracle for them. The sincere prayer of both from their heart touches the heart of Jesus, causing, one to come alive and the other to get healed.

It is not in the multiplicity of our words that God hears our prayer but in the quality prayer with utmost faith and trust in the Lord. Jesus can understand our suffering “since he himself has gone through suffering and testing; he is able to help us when we are being tested” (Heb. 2:18). He can understand us even before we could speak as the Psalmist say, “You know what I am going to say even before I say it, Lord” (Ps. 139:4). The Scripture says, “Behold, the Lord’s hand is not shortened, that it cannot save, or his ear dull, that it cannot hear” (Is. 59:1). Jesus can turn all our problems and worries upside down. All we need is faith and trust in the triune God as we read in the Book of Revelation, “He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain” (Rev. 21:4). Heart to heart connect, with Jesus, in faith can work miracles for us. When we are faced with fear, worries, problems and anxieties and are unable to trust in the Lord, let our hearts resonate with the prayer of the father who sought for the healing of his possessed son: “Lord, I believe; help my unbelief” (Mk. 9:24).

Bible Reflections I 04.07.2021 - 14Th Ordinary Sunday I Indraya Manna I

Ordinary Time - Week 14

Readings: I - Ezk. 2:2-5

                 II - 2Cor. 12:7-10

               III - Mk. 6:1-6 

DARE TO LISTEN TO GOD’S VOICE 

God never gives up His people and is never tired of calling them back to Himself. He sends His chosen ones to turn their hearts towards Himself is the streamline of all three readings today. Prophets Ezekial is sent to the defiant and obstinate Israelites, to turn them back to God from their rebellious attitude. St. Paul was chosen to proclaim Jesus for which he had to endure insults, hardships, persecutions and agonies besides his weakness that weighed him down to discouragement. But God enthused and encouraged him assuring, “My grace is sufficient for you”. Jesus, the Son of God was sent to the Israelites and they rejected Him. The Pride, arrogance and the stubbornness of heart prevented the people of Israel from accepting the ways of God pointed by the prophets, the apostles and various persons of God.

We the new Israel too if often similar to the people of Israel. God’s voice come to us through various ways viz. the bible, prayer, our conscience, shepherds of the Church, parents, relatives, friends, elders and youngers. Do we always pay heed to them? Why do we reject? May be because it is demanding, obstacle to our normal living, we are proud, we don’t want to hear the truth that hurts, it contradicts our thought pattern or because it is challenging. Jesus says, “My sheep hear my voice” (Jn. 10:27). If we listen to His voice, we are His sheep. As the scripture says, “If today you hear His voice, harden not your hearts” (Ps. 95:8), let us dare to listen to God’s voice for if we listen to His voice, we are His people. If we listen to Him, we may also be made His messengers however insignificant we are because His grace is sufficient for us.

 May the Lord help us to listen to His voice and stand by it as we in the silence of our hearts keep repeating, “Lord help us to listen to your voice”.

Bible Reflections I Feast of St. Thomas the Apostle I 03.07.2021 - Saturday I Indraya Manna I

Ordinary Time - Week 13

Readings:  I - Eph. 2:19-22

               II - Jn. 20:24-29

ST. THOMAS, APOSTLE (Feast)

The Church celebrates the feast of St. Thomas called Didymus, the apostle of Jesus and the apostle of India.  He was a brave and ardent apostle of Jesus.  When Jesus said that he had to leave for Jerusalem, dangerous place for Jesus, St. Thomas courageously said, “Let us also go, that we may die with him” (Jh. 11:16).  He risked not his life for Jesus.  He is commonly known as doubting Thomas.  The doubt of Thomas on the resurrection of Jesus, the appearance of Jesus to St. Thomas and his proclamation, “My God and My Lord” affirmed the resurrection of Jesus and the faith of the Church. After the ascension of Jesus, St. Thomas came to India to preach the Good News.  He preached in Malabar coast, Kodungalloor, Palayoor and finally came to Mylapore, Chennai and was martyred there in 72 A.D.  

The cornerstone determines the spatial order and the structure of a building.  The foundation stone will be set in reference to the cornerstone. According to the first reading today, Jesus Christ is the corner stone of building the Church, and the apostles are the foundation stones of that building.  We are called to be a part of that building.  In the Gospel reading today, we read about the dilemma of St. Thomas due to his disbelief in accepting the fact that the disciples have seen Jesus.  St. Thomas had been with Jesus still could not believe that He had risen and has appeared.  Jesus appears, clarifies the doubt of St. Thomas, strengthens his faith and makes him a great missionary and ambassador to India and finally a martyr of his faith. 

 

Almost all the apostles of Jesus had defects.  Peter was impetuous, he also denied Jesus, James and John, the sons of Zebedee were very particular about taking their seat at the right and left hand of Jesus, Thomas was always doubting, all the disciples abandoned and ran away when Jesus was arrested and finally St. Paul was a great persecutor of the Christians.  Still these apostles were chosen to be the foundation of the building, the Church.  Because Jesus discovered and trusted the goodness in them that surpassed the weakness in them and made them the foundation of the building.  

 

The Bible says that Jesus “called to him those he wanted and they came to him” (Mk. 3:13).   Jesus has chosen each of us to be His followers because ‘we are precious to him and honoured and he loves us’ (Is. 43:4). we may not be meritorious and commendable still God chooses us and makes us to be his followers, part of that building, with a purpose. “The Lord does not look at the things people look at.  People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart” (1Sam: 16:7).  He looks at us beyond our limitations, weakness, inabilities and incapabilities.  May we not count or magnify our liabilities rather acknowledge God’s trust in us and with all faith acclaim along with St. Thomas, “My Lord and My God”.

Bible Reflections I 02.07.2021 - Friday I Indraya Manna I

Ordinary Time - Week 13

Readings:

         I - Gen23:1-4,19,

               24:1-8,62-67

     II - Mt. 9:9-13

EMPTY TO EMPOWER

The Jewish rabbis were religious teachers and spiritual leaders.  They always maintained their status quo in the society.  They never associated with women, tax collectors and sinners.  In the Gospel passage today, Jesus the rabbi par excellence topsy turvy the attitude of the rabbis, calling Matthew, the tax collector to follow him.  He associated with the sinners and tax collectors and dined with them.  This infuriated the Pharisees and they asked the disciples, “Why does your teacher eat with the tax collectors and sinners?”.  Jesus refuted the Pharisees saying, “I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners”.  Jesus emptying himself took on the nature of humankind to empower especially the marginalized, the least and the lost of the society viz. the sick, sinners, Samaritans, women and the tax collectors and not the righteous. The neglected strata of the society were comfortable and at home in the presence of Jesus that infused hope and empowered them for a transformed ad renewed life.

Power, position, prestige, standard, status, ego, caste and creed obstruct people from relating to the poor, the neglected, the down trodden, the oppressed, the marginalized and the less privileged.  These obstructs do not follow us after our life here on earth.  It is in giving up these obstructs do we gain life eternal.   We need not do great things. Just a word of concern, cup of water, kind gesture, voluntary accompaniment, encouraging pat, acknowledging nod, taking up for the voiceless, courageously defending the right of the oppressed, standing up for the truth, comforting presence, selfless giving and righteous living can topsy turvy the world.  

We are followers of Jesus, after the model of Jesus our master, let us dare to empty ourselves of all obstructs, to empower the suffering humanity and to restore the image of God in them.  Being first Friday, the day dedicated to the most Sacred Heart of Jesus, pray that we may be filled with His love in order to empty ourselves in the empowerment of humankind as we keep repeating this prayer in the silence of our hearts: “Jesus, fill my heart with your love”.

அன்பா? அது என்ன ? I 01.07.2021- வியாழன் I Rev. Fr. Arokia Doss SDB I Ind...

Bible Reflections I 01.07.2021 - Thursday I Indraya Manna I

Ordinary Time - Week 13

Readings:  

             I - Gen. 22:1-19

         II - Mt. 9:1-8

THE PROUD REACTS, THE SIMPLE RESPONDS

In today’s Gospel we read about two different reactions among two different groups of people viz. the Scribes and the crowd. The scribes were the interpreters of law, learned and cleaver. The crowds, on the other hand were simple and common folk of Israel.  Both witnessed the healing of the paralytic brought to Jesus.  The Scribes, in their jealousy, pride and arrogance of heart could not appreciate the healing of the paralytic instead found fault in the healing words of Jesus and blamed that He was blaspheming. The crowds instead, in their openness and simplicity of heart were filled with awe and glorified God for giving such power to men.

An encouraging and appreciating word is the sign of recognition of the good that is accomplished. We seldom find people who are generous in appreciating the good of the other.  The world is moving fast and no one has time for anyone to listen, observe or acknowledge.  This is on one side and on the other there are people who are capable of finding fault in every word and deed for various reasons, may be out of sheer jealousy, hatred, pride, anger or prejudice.  There are still another set of people who go beyond to spread negative comments and false rumors about the persons involved in doing good.  To which of these category do we belong?  

 Let us do all the good we can, if we cannot do so, at least encourage others to do good and if we still cannot do both let us at least keep ourselves away from fault finding, insulting, spreading rumours and degrading, so that we may not be a hurdle or a stumbling block in the accomplishment of good deed in the society.

We are God’s people therefore learn to observe, recognise and magnify the good in the other and glorify God for the same

Bible Reflections I 30.06.2021 - Wednesday I Indraya Manna I

Ordinary Time - Week 13

Readings:  

          I - Gen. 21:5, 8-20

        II - Mt. 8:28-34

THE PERVADING POWER OF PRESENCE

Good and evil, light and darkness, virtues and vices can never coexist.  One vanishes in the presence of the other.  This is the essence of the Gospel passage today.  Evil can never resist the presence of all Holy, all Good and all Powerful.  The demons could not resist the presence of Jesus and shouted, “Have you come here to torment us?”  The presence of Jesus pervades to vanquish the darkness of evil and restores, fosters and promotes life, love, peace and joy in humanity. 

In the light of this Gospel passage, let us reflect on our presence in our family and in the society. How does our presence effect our family and friends, kith and kin, dear and near ones? Do we in our kindness, love, understanding, comfort, consolation, gentleness, selflessness and sacrifice project God to them?  If so, we are a beam of blessing and agents of joy to our family and friends, kith and kin, dear and near ones.

How does our presence effect the society?  Are we by our presence able dispel the darkness of disbelief, discouragement, hopelessness, inequality, injustice, hunger and thirst in our society?  If so, we are a ray of hope and agents of transformation in the society.  Let us with the grace of God strive to become a beam of blessing and a ray of hope wherever we are effecting restoration of life and transformation in the society.

Bible Reflections I 29.06.2021 - Tuesday I Indraya Manna I

Ordinary Time - Week 13

Readings:  

        I - Acts. 12:1-11

     II - 2Tim. 4:6-8,17-18

   III - Mt. 16:13 -19              

ST. PETER AND ST. PAUL (Solemnity)

It takes courage, conviction and above all the grace of God to accept, confess and proclaim Jesus as our Messiah and our Lord. If we accept Jesus as our Messiah and commit to follow Him, we will like Him be abandoned by this world of vanity and false hope. Behold, the constant support and continual assistance of the Lord will accompany us till we complete our race and receive the eternal reward for which Jesus Christ has captured us. This is the central message of all three readings today.

The Church solemnises the feast of St. Peter and St. Paul, the giants of Christianity and the great pillars of the Church. Simon Peter was an unlearned fisherman and Saul Paul was a learned Jewish fanatic who persecuted the Christians. Simon encountered the Lord and became Peter, the rock and the leader of the Church. Saul encountered the Lord and became Paul and the ‘apostle of the gentiles’. Both of them accepted Jesus as their Lord and Messiah and proclaimed Him vehemently through their words and deeds. Many were convinced of their emphatic preaching and became Christians. Their life and preaching infuriated the higher authority of the Government officials resulting in the martyrdom of the apostles. St. Peter was crucified upside down and St. Paul was beheaded. Both endured the same with a hope of eternal crown of glory that awaited them in the Paradise. 

We too have accepted Jesus as our Lord in Baptism. Mere acceptance will not suffice. We are commanded to proclaim Jesus not in mere words but in our deeds of love as well “By this shall all men know that you are my disciples, if you have love one to another” (Jn.13:35). In our giving, sharing, forgiving, compassion, kindness, love, generosity and self-giving, people must identify that we are Christians. In our effort to live for the Lord, we would be swimming against the current, and fall a prey to warth of the world of compromises. 

Let us not loose heart instead as St. Paul says, “always be sober, endure suffering, do the work of an evangelist, carry out your ministry fully” (2Tim. 4:5). When we are faced with suffering and opposition, may our mind and heart be rejuvenated with the assuring promise of Our Lord Jesus Christ, “Behold I am always with you until the end of times” (Mt. 28:20).

Bible Reflections I 28.06.2021 - Monday I Indraya Manna I

Ordinary Time - Week 13

Readings:  

             I - Gen. 18:16-33

          II - Mt. 8:18-22

READINESS TO RISK, READINESS TO RENOUNCE

The Scribes were interpreters of the law, drafted legal documents and involved in the administrative work. They were professionals, learned and the elite accustomed to sophistication and comfortable living. According to the Gospel passage today, a scribe approaches Jesus to follow Him. Jesus proposes readiness to risk even the basic necessities if he wished to follow him. When another of his disciple said that he wanted to go and burry his father, Jesus exhorts readiness to renounce even the basic relationship in the pursuit of following Him. Thus Jesus proposes readiness to risk even the basic necessities of life and readiness to renounce even the basic and primary relationship viz, the parental relationship as the criteria for being His follower.  

 

Every Christian vocation is a call, commitment and a challenge. As Christians we are called to follow and imitate our Lord with an obligation to be His witnesses. In the pursuit of following and imitation, we may have to risk our safety, security, name, fame and status, say, even the basic necessities of life. We must be ready to renounce even basic parental relationship and be neutral in our search for service, equality, peace, justice and liberation. Affection and emotional attachments are often a great challenge to stand by the Lord as his disciple with the quest to follow Him. 

Courage! Readiness to risk even the basic necessities and the readiness to renounce even the parental relationship is a great demand for being the disciple of Jesus and Christian living. Let us examine ourselves in the light of the Gospel passage today, and implore God’s grace to be His witnessing and authentic, as the Gospel says “Would-Be followers” of Jesus Christ.