Driving out Demons of our Lives and of this World

15th Sunday in Ordinary Time: 11 June 2021

Readings: Amos 7:12-15; Psalm 85:9-10, 11-12, 13-14; Ephesians 1:3-14; Mark 6:7-13 

(Picture courtesy: Jean-Marc Arakelian)

To listen to my audio reflections please click here 

This week has been quite intense for us Jesuits as we lost one of our own in very sad settings. That is Fr Stan Swamy, SJ (1937-2021), a Jesuit for 64 years, a priest for 51 years in police custody (custodial death) in Mumbai, the financial capital of India. None of us would like to die in police custody at such a ripe age of 84 years after working for a cause which certainly a work inspired by the Spirit of God. In India, anything can happen. Fr Stan Swamy did not die in a concentration camp of the Nazies or in the gulag of the Soviet Union. Fr Stan died in the so-called free democratic India under a failed judicial system. Because Fr Stan was hounded like a demon by the legislative, executive and judiciary of India which unfortunately are drinking from the same cup of majoritarianism, manipulation and being blinded by the truth.

1. Following means getting involved

The gospel reading of today should be read from this perspective and keeping in mind what is going on in our country.  Jesus sends his 12 disciples on a mission of preaching, teaching and healing (Mark 6:7-13). The disciples were given a particular and specific task. A task hitherto Jesus himself was doing; a kind of mission experiment to his close followers. Their tasks brought good results: "So they went out and preached that men should repent. And they cast out many demons, and anointed with oil many that were sick and healed them." (Mark 6:12-13). 

Listening to the Word of God means following the Lord in his words and deeds. It also means getting involved in God's work concretely for whatever price a person has to pay. What matters most is giving oneself totally and completely. It means if I am a family person, I make possible the words and deeds of Jesus in my family and society; if I am a religious or consecrated person, I translate the words and deeds of Jesus in my community, apostolate and society. 

2. Simplicity and clarity in lifestyle 

The instructions the disciples receive from Jesus are clear and specific. They are not taking up this mission of preaching and healing out of their own. It is the mission entrusted by the Lord Jesus. That means one has to follow him the way Jesus conducted his lifestyle. Nothing should come in the way of preaching and healing ministry including any sort of support system for their journeys like staff, bread, bag, money, sandals or even extra clothes (Mark 6:8-9).  

Jesus believed in a simple lifestyle with a clear vision for one's life of action. With too much baggage not just material but also psychological would hinder the mission of the Lord. "Travel light" seems to have been the buzzword! Jesus' idea here is to give completely for the mission one is called for with all the energy and time one has. Perhaps this understanding is also viable to us today in the 21st Century. Often it is believed more the merrier but it is not true. Where there is more, the devil is very active as well. 

3. Being a missionary disciple means being at the service of the Gospel

The call of Jesus in his saving work involves everything and everyone. It is a call to spread God's word at all times and in all that we do. The times have been tough for us at the wake of pandemic and we are called to be creative in fixing the deficiencies in the preaching of the Word of God. We must have spent more time in front of the computer, mobile or TV screens trying to get that which can satisfy us and our soul. Our call of discipleship has called for new ways of sharing and showing the way to God. 

Every baptized Christian is called for a life of "holiness and blameless before Him" (Ephesians 1:3) as St Paul puts so diligently in today's reading Ephesians 1:3-14. Being called to be holy in itself is a mission today in this corrupt and hedonistic world. Being simple and straightforward in itself is a real testimony one could give to Jesus in this crooked, cruel and world of lies. Every day when we wake up in the morning is a call for us that were are called and destined for something greater and worthier of lifestyle. Our to-do list may be a mile a long with its obligations but we are called to do something real for the glory of God.

4. How can I respond to Jesus' call today in simple ways?

Perhaps in place of gossip, I begin to speak good about people. In place of negativity, I put in consciously positive attitude and talk. In place of malice and arrogance, I become a person of peace and harmony. In place of anger and frustration, I become a person of tranquillity and courage. In place of loneliness and stubbornness, I become a person of the community and friendship. In place of violence and hatred, I become a person of joy and love. In place of lies and cheating, I become a person of truth and compassion. When I begin to think concretely to save the common home is in itself is a God's call for me to care for our planet and our resources. 

We can add many more things here in order to live up to according to the fruits of the Holy Spirit: Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control (Gal 5:22-23). To live according to the Gospel values and make the fruits of the Holy Spirit visible in our lives itself is preaching and living the Good News of Jesus today. 

5. Not successful but faithful

Just like the apostles are called to rely and live solely on the providence of God and His grace, during these unusual times we too must put our trust in the Lord and on His providence and grace. None of us are professionals to do God's work. We are just like his disciples ready to learn from him the way he is doing and teaching. The lessons that we can learn from Jesus are plenty. Not everyone will listen to us and many would reject us. 

Jesus did not send the qualified people in his mission but the unqualified. Mistakes are not the end but Lord will instruct us on the way. There are no ready-made answers, but God will provide us through his Spirit at the right time the right answers. All will not welcome us and will put us in jails and dungeons but God has His plans for us. It is not the traitors, betrayers, and powerful will win at the end but those who have tried to walk in His footsteps in spite of their limitations. The Church and its men and women are not necessarily to be successful but only to be faithful to God’s command. Certainly, Fr Stan Swamy has shown us in his own distinct way even at the physically fragile years of his life what does it mean to be a disciple of Jesus. 

Questions for Reflections:

1. How often do we think about the fact that we are called?
2. How can I relate the life of Fr Stan Swamy with that of Jesus' idea of sending the disciples on a mission?
3. What answers can I  get on this day to the questions that St Ignatius of Loyola asked during his conversion days?

• What have I done for Christ?
• What am I doing for Christ?
• What will I do for Christ?

Prayer:

Gracious God, open our hearts to the love of Christ and help us to fulfil your command to love all, especially those in need. As we become active again with the opening up the lockdown, help us Lord to be ready like the apostles, staff in hand, to share the fruits of our time of solitude. Grant Lord the grace to be ready to make the world a better place for all people. 

Bestow on us your Spirit Lord to become like the apostles, bringing the Good News to all through our actions and with enthusiasm and hope. Thus we may participate in Jesus' works of healing, preaching and living in every day of our lives. We make this prayer in Jesus' name. Amen.

- Olvin Veigas, SJ

10th July 2021