Who is Jesus for Me?

21st Sunday in Ordinary Time: August 27, 2023

Readings: Isaiah 22:15, 19–23; Psalm 138:1–3, 6, 8; Romans 11:33–36; Matthew 16:13–20

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We develop a relationship with the person based on the person's characteristics. If the person's way of thinking and acting pleases us or is in close connection with us then we might develop a friendship with that person. Friendship or acquaintance is not cultivated overnight. It takes time and energy. It needs patience and witness. The liturgical readings for this 21st Sunday in Ordinary Time of the Year invite us to look at the aspect of our relationship with Jesus. Having lived with his 12 disciples day in and day out, Jesus asks them who he is for them? What does it mean for them to have Jesus amidst them? Perhaps the answer of Peter the Apostle should be ours too. Peter's declaration of faith in Jesus also entails a great responsibility of guiding the Church. 

1. Identity determines the relationship

Let's begin with the Gospel of Matthew 16:13–20. Jesus poses a question about his identity to his disciples. This question is not only crucial for the disciples at that time but continues to be relevant for all believers today. It challenges us to reflect on who Jesus is in our lives. The question is simple but straightforward: “But who do you say that I am?” Perhaps it might have been easy for the disciples to answer as Jesus lived with them with flesh and blood. They had seen his miracles and his rhetoric had mesmerized them. Still, Jesus wanted to know the perception of his disciples. Jesus is extremely happy with the answer from his disciples. The familiarity of his disciples had made them his beloved disciples. 

Allowing Ourselves be Touched by the Divine Interventions

19th Sunday in Ordinary Time: August 13, 2023

Readings: 1 Kings 19:9, 11–13; Psalm 85:9–14; Romans 9:1–5; Matthew 14:22–33

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In our ordinary everyday lives often life becomes monotonous. As a result, we lose interest in a number of things that we usually do either in the workplace or in our private lives. As a result, it affects terribly in our relationships. Often this sort of lethargy sets into our lives very deeply causing a lot of anguish and fear, a sense of loss and disinterestedness. If one does not pay attention to such symptoms, this would lead to disastrous consequences including loss of health or life itself. The Economic Times newspaper (Aug 11, 2023) carries a short news report saying that 50 years ago the word "burnout" entered the corporate lexicon when Herbert Freudenbeger, a New York psychologist, first identified it. The newspaper report says that burnout is back with a vengeance today. The recent data from Deloitte and the research firm Workplace Intelligence cites half of the workers in the US saying they are either exhausted or stressed and 60 percent of employees say they would consider changing jobs to find better well-being provisions. This situation is no better in India either. Burnout phenomenon can set even in the practice of our faith, family, monastic, religious, priest or in a couple's life as well. The liturgical readings on this 19th Sunday in Ordinary time speak in similar lines, especially in the person of the prophet Elijah suffering a sense of loss of purpose in life. 

1. Divine interventions are unique and special 

In our first reading 1 Kings 19:9, 11–13 we see Prophet Elijah taking shelter on the Mountain of God, Horeb or better-known Mount Sinai. He is running away from the murderer King Ahab and his wicked wife Jezebel. Because these two murdered all the prophets by the sword and now looking for the prophet Elijah to be killed. So Elijah is running for cover. He is tired of doing God's work and finds no meaning as his very life is threatened.  Now he is not only disgusted with what is happening around him moreover, prays for death “Enough, LORD! Take my life, for I am no better than my ancestors” (1 Kings 19:4). Elijah had walked for forty days and forty nights to escape from the jaws of death, but now tired and burnt out. At this point at Mount Horeb, Elijah experiences God so closely and intensely in the form of a "tiny whispering sound."

Witnessing the Glory of God to Embrace Transformation

Feast of the Transfiguration of the Lord: August 06, 2023

Readings: Daniel 7:9-10, 13-14; Psalm 97:1-2, 5-6, 9; 2 Peter 1:16-19; Matthew 17:1-9

(The Transfiguration by Raphael, c. 1520)

   To listen to my audio-video reflections via YouTube, please click here: https://youtu.be/dupDhxqFEWA

In every day of our lives, we do not bother to give much attention to minute details. The days and weeks pass by without much of our attention. However, there are sometimes unexpected moments that occur at a particular time and particular place. They will be defining moments in one's life. Three of Jesus' disciples experienced such tremendous moments which left an indelible mark in their lives. On this feast of the Transfiguration of the Lord, the liturgical readings invite us to look for such momentous and defining events in our life so that we can fall back on them and relive such transformative experiences.

1. The glory of God in the person of Jesus

Let us begin with Matthew 17:1-9 which describes a pivotal moment in the life of Jesus, known as the Transfiguration. This event takes place after Jesus had foretold His death and resurrection to His disciples. The context of this passage is essential to understand the significance of what happens on the mountaintop. The Transfiguration serves as a powerful confirmation of Jesus' identity as the Son of God and a preparation for the disciples to face the challenges that lie ahead. The Transfiguration is a mysterious and awe-inspiring event where Jesus takes three of His disciples, Peter, James, and John, up to a high mountain. There, His appearance changes, and He becomes radiant, with His face shining like the sun, and His clothes becoming as white as light. Moses and Elijah appear, representing the Law and the Prophets, talking with Jesus.