Jerusalem of our Lives

Passion Sunday: Cycle C - April 10, 2022

Readings: Isaiah 50:4–7; Psalm 22:8–9, 17–20, 23–24; Philippians 2:6–11; Luke 22:14–23:56

(Entry of Jesus into Jerusalem on a donkey)
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The Holy Week is a decisive liturgical period, which brings about all that we have been reading, reflecting and celebrating at our liturgies, that is passion, death and resurrection of our Lord, Jesus Christ. Spiritually rich this Holy Week is the ultimate week to enter deeper into the mystery of our faith experience. If we have followed Jesus in his birth, adulthood and public ministry and now is the time to be with him as he enters into the concrete and decisive plan of God which is nothing but redeeming humanity from the slavery of sin and clutches of evil. To achieve this goal, Jesus had to go through this early part of suffering culminating in the humiliating death on the cross between the two thieves.  Such a miserable life, Jesus goes through, perhaps the most agonizing and shameful death yet for us Christians it is a symbol of our redemption and glory of the call to follow him even in his cross. 

1. Jerusalem decides the fate of Jesus 

All through, Luke's Gospel, Jerusalem is the scene of the decisive life-and-death battle for Jesus, where Jesus confronts his enemies for the final time, where his mission will be decided once and for all. To be faithful to the Father's call, to bring about the Reign of God, Jesus has been moving toward Jerusalem, unavoidably, with steadfast determination, to meet his fate and face his destiny. Chapter by chapter, town by town, Jesus has been moving toward this showdown in Jerusalem. Today, as we enter Holy Week, the first Gospel reading begins: "Jesus proceeded on his way up to Jerusalem." Now we are invited to join in this procession, to walk with Jesus along the way, to move in solidarity with him, arm-in-arm with him, as he goes forward to this final, decisive confrontation.

Not the World's Judgement, but its Salvation

Fifth Sunday of Lent: Cycle C - April 03, 2022 

Readings: Isaiah 43:16–21; Psalm 126:1–6; Philippians 3:8–14; John 8:1–11

(Jesus and the sinful woman John 8:1-11)

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We are inching closer to Holy Week. In fact, the Holy Week is the most treasured and liturgically rich week among all the 52 weeks that we have in a year. If last year we spent the Lent taking care of our loved ones and ourselves from the onslaught of the Corona pandemic, this year particularly this time we are terribly disturbed by the war that is going on in Ukraine. 87% of the population in Ukraine is Christian. Greek-Catholic Church in Ukraine (Byzantine rite) is the largest Eastern Catholic Church in the world in full communion with the pope and the worldwide Catholic Church. The images of death and destruction unleashed by the Russian army on Ukraine are unimaginable. However, in this distressing time, the liturgical readings on the 5th Sunday of Lent invite us not to look for the world's judgement but for its salvation. The world of today needs salvation. It cannot be wrought by the world itself but by God alone with our readiness to embrace His grace.

1. Worldly struggles have an end and a future

Whenever we think about the present or future, we fall back to the past, the history. During Lent, we have read a number of episodes from the Old Testament about how the God of the Israelites lead them in their journey. God had been their constant support and strength in spite of the terrible slavery they had to go through in Egypt. God called them out of Egypt and He chose Moses as their leader to bring them to the promised land. God gave them judges and kings, prophets and priests to make their life easier and eventful. The history of the Israelites was not an easy one, yet God made them stronger and more in number. Moreover, God was their leader and salvation in every stage of their lives both in good and bad times. People forgot Yahweh and His works of wonder. They struggled through sin and slavery, death and destruction, disease and annihilation, drought and deficiency, devil and wickedness, adversaries and anxieties, war and peace. In other words, the prophet Isaiah speaks in the first reading of today (Isaiah 43:16–21) very encouraging words. Even though they have to go through all these hellish things yet they have been alive and active. And there is a purpose as God says "the people whom I formed for myself, that they might announce my praise" (Isaiah 43:21).

From Listening to Reconciliation

Fourth Sunday of Lent: Year C - March 27, 2022 

Readings: Joshua 5:9–12; Psalm 34:2–7; 2 Corinthians 5:17–21; Luke 15:1–3, 11–32

(Parable of the Prodigal Son)

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The whole of Lenten season can be summarised in one word, that is, listening. The Lenten practices of prayer, fasting and penance are nothing but listening to God through the Word of God, listening to one's body through fasting and listening to others by penance. Even though listening is one of the functions of our senses, it is the most complex one. We find ourselves either seduced or duped by this sense organ of our body from listening. Most of the problems of this world could have been avoided if someone listened. Our life would have been much easier if we had listened to others and one's inner voices. The readings of this week have been trying to make us understand how important listening is. It is not our task here to judge whether the Prodigal Son did not listen to his father, or the father himself did not listen to both of his sons or the elder son did not listen to his father and younger brother. This familiar story is a reminder of God's everlasting mercy and love for us. In spite of our idiosyncrasies and flouting God's commandments, if we turn back to God and seek His forgiveness, He welcomes us with open arms and unconditional love. 

1. God: A compassionate listening Father

The often-read story of the prodigal son in the liturgical services of our Church is indeed a fascinating parable, which Jesus narrates to the tax collectors and sinners, Pharisees and scribes. It is not just a passing story. Certainly, those who were around Jesus might have listened to it attentively. The parable spoke about them. Prodigal sons were all around them, the eldest sons were also among them, so too the father.  In the middle of the parable, there is a captivating sentence, which reads: "While the son (prodigal) was still a long way off, his father caught sight of him, and was filled with compassion. He ran to his son, embraced him and kissed him" (Luke 15:20). Jesus emphasizes here the compassionate character of the Father. Even though the prodigal son might not have listened to his father but now the father is all out for his son with a compassionate heart. Father wants to listen to his son who had gone far away. And for the son, it is truly returning to his home and to a place where he belongs fully. 

A Call for Conversion to Transformation

 Third Sunday of Lent: Year C - March 20, 2022

Readings: Exodus 3:1–8, 13–15, Psalm 103:1–4, 6–8, 11; 1 Corinthians 10:1–6, 10–12; Luke 13:1–9

(Icon of Jesus referring to the Fig Tree) 
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Everyone has their own stories to narrate. Always stories have something special to say to the person or to the family or to the community. In fact, our life is full of stories, both good and bad, fearful and fascinating, joyful and stressful. In other words, our life is a bundle of stories. We make our lives and determine our future out of these life events, indeed. That is why we become strong and sturdy to face future events which might not be comforting and consoling. The liturgical readings for this 3rd Sunday of Lent once again bring back to our memory God's call to Moses on Mount Horeb and how he responded to it. We also see the very difficult history of Israelites and their struggle with the colonialists, Romans. Even though the readings are quite difficult to understand yet they bring home a profound meaning that we must practice in our lives that is a deep trust in the Lord and readiness to go through repentance and conversion.

1. God's call entails a mission to be fulfilled

The life story of Moses is really captivating. It is full of surprises. All through his life, we see him a man with a different attitude and culture than the rest of his people. He is a person always on the move either for good or bad reasons. He is a man of courage, commitment and perseverance. He is also quick-tempered and humble. The reading of today says it all (Exodus 3:1–8, 13–15). We see how quickly Moses realizes that God is inviting him to carry out his plan for the Israelites. He receives Yahweh's call not in a temple or in a synagogue but on a mountain Horeb while grazing the sheep of his father-in-law Jethro, the priest of Midian.

Transfigured and Transformed

 Second Sunday of Lent: Cycle C - March 13, 2022

Readings: Genesis 15:5–12, 17–18; Psalm 27:1, 7–9, 13–14; Philippians 3:17–4:1; Luke 9:28–36

(Transfiguration of Jesus by Peter Paul Rubens)
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On 12th of March 2022, the Society of Jesus (Jesuits) worldwide celebrates the 400th anniversary (1622) of the canonization of its founding Fathers, St Ignatius of Loyola and St Francis Xavier. For us, Jesuits it's a time for renewal and to recommit ourselves to embrace the grace of holiness. Ultimately our only desire is to see God and to know God, even as He knows us. The life of these two men is nothing but a long story of conversion which led them to canonization, the honour of the altar.  Their dreams of youth were replaced by an extraordinary experience of the encounter of God which brought them to the people of unknown geographies. Coming from noble and wealthy families, both Ignatius and Xavier would begin to work under the Banner of the Cross, embracing Christ the poor and humble. They would set out to enkindle the fire of love from Rome to India to Japan and finally to China. The Mount Tabor experience of the disciples of Jesus, Peter, James and John would set them in another direction where they would immerse themselves in the beauty of transfiguration and be transformed by it completely. 

1. God is a tremendous and fascinating mystery to be experienced

Our life pushes through from one experience to another, from one event to another. Each experience is meaningful and gives a certain direction, which might not be completely visible and actual at the moment of its happening. The transfiguration experience that Jesus goes through on that mountain with his three close disciples, Peter, James and John not only clarifies the mission of Jesus clearly, but it also strengthens the faith and confidence of disciples in the person of Jesus. The gospel reading of today which is read during every Lenten season gives a call to each one of us his followers to experience the transfiguration experience of Jesus in some part of our life. To be an authentic follower of Jesus, we too must have that experience of our Master. Just like those disciples who went through this deep and unexplainable experience, we too are invited to immerse ourselves into this experience of the Lord.

A Contrite and Humble Heart: A Roadmap for Lent

First Sunday of Lent: Cycle C - 06 March 2022

Readings: Deuteronomy 26:4–10; Psalm 91:1–2, 10–15; Romans 10:8–13; Luke 4:1–13

Temptation of Christ
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We might think that the times are not suitable for us. Therefore, it is not right for us to be part of history. The raging war in Ukraine and its destruction on its inhabitants and infrastructure is nothing but a sordid (dirty) truth of the reality that we are living in. We are helpless in this situation but to pray for peace so that the sense of good may prevail. Even though the global health crisis is still devastating the lives of people yet we have another man-made disaster called war in order to destroy the other, thus, I destroy myself. The truth of the matter is that God has His plans for humanity. On this First Sunday of Lent, the liturgical readings are inviting us to be sensible and simple. Because God listens to the cry of the oppressed. 

1. Choosing life and prosperity over death and doom

Lent is an invitation to return to the Lord, in other words, to return to our roots. For we are all God's beloved sons and daughters. None of us on this earth are perfect but always we try to achieve what Jesus calls us "to be perfect as the heavenly Father is perfect" (Matthew 5:48). It is not that we become like God but in our imperfection, we try to become better people, better sons and daughters. We make our life possible in this imperfection. Therefore, Lent is a time to see those inadequacies, limitations and weaknesses which might not be allowing us to be something human and meet the standards of God. Only in God, we find our strength. In fact, we read in this week very powerful words of Moses from the book of Deuteronomy, "I have set before you life and death, the blessing and the curse. Choose life, then, that you and your descendants may live, by loving the LORD, your God" (Dt 30:19). Hence choosing among life and prosperity, death and doom depends upon us. Lent indeed invites us to choose the best thing, to discern the right things for our lives. So that we may live with the Lord forever. 

Let's Mind our Business First!

 Eighth Sunday in Ordinary Time - Cycle C: February 27, 2022

Readings: Sirach 27:4–7; Psalm 92:2–3, 13–16; 1 Corinthians 15:54–58; Luke 6:39–45

Jesus teaching to the crowd
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You don’t expect to happen such things which have disastrous consequences not only locally but also globally. Being a keen observer of international politics, the balance of power and religious equations, I have been following the events unfolding between Russia and Ukraine. Having lived in Russia for many years and been to Ukraine a number of times, the present war is going to be not only catastrophic but suicidal for these countries and the world. The Russian orthodoxy has its roots in Kyiv, the capital of Ukraine. The war is nothing but a fight between the brothers of the same faith. In this context, we have beautiful readings for this Sunday as we prepare ourselves to welcome Lent, another season of our liturgical life.

1. Let's clean our home first

Jesus says, "a disciple is not above his teacher, but every one when he is fully taught will be like his teacher" (Luke 6:40). As a teacher, Jesus instructs us to follow the right teachers and authentic leaders. We must look up for people who can guide us, mentor us and lead us that which is truth, right and ethical. Right guidance from the right teacher or leader would help to form a society, which is wise and righteous. The Sermon on the Plain in Luke gives us a series of parables and vivid images which in fact tell us to follow not the darkness but the light, not the blind man but a man with clear vision. Jesus' teachings involve precautionary measures to lead a life of truth, justice and peace. In other words, Jesus invites us not to be judgmental all the time and give space for prejudice and one-sidedness instead to cultivate in oneself a compassionate and listening heart. 

Participating in God's Mercy and Compassion

Seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time - Year C: February 20, 2022

Reading: 1 Samuel 26:2, 7–9, 12–13, 22–23; Psalm 103:1–13; 1 Corinthians 15:45–49; Luke 6:27–38

Jesus preaches to the crowd

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Often we are confused to take the right decisions. When we see various options in front of us, it's difficult to make the right choice. However, there is always a possibility to take the right, moral and ethical decision provided we make use of simple parameters or guidelines. For a Christian, the values of Christ become guiding principles in one's search for meaning and in making the right choices. It is more than the golden rule: ‘Treat others as you would like them to treat you.’ Jesus offers a radical invitation to live in a different way. The liturgical readings of this Sunday help us in this regard. Jesus' teaching are not merely a series of instructions but are also a way to act in various situations. So that people change their perspectives. In other words, to see from the perspectives of Jesus. His preaching asks us to extend our love to all; to love even our enemies, to pray for those who have hurt us and to give without any hope of receiving something in return. In place of judgment, hatred and violence, loving, giving and praying become the responses that we are invited to offer.

1. A conscious effort to weaken the powers of the enemy through love

The Gospel reading from St Luke (6:27–38) centred around how to live in this complicated world amicably and as a beloved son or daughter of God. In spite of evil and wickedness which surrounds us like those enemies, those who curse you, mistreat you, strike you, overpowers you, the teachings of Jesus are opposite to what we usually react to live. The treatment that Jesus asks his disciples or followers to give to those who are against them is such that those who are opposing must feel inner conversion by seeing our deeds. Strangely but truly, we are invited to abandon a worldview that many would consider practical and reasonable, and instead, one that society would consider radically impractical and foolish. For example, giving credit without looking for a return, allowing someone to hit again, stop judging, and so forth.

Blessed are those who Trust in the Lord

Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time - Year C: February 13, 2022

Readings: Jeremiah 17:5–8; Psalm 1:1–4, 6; 1 Corinthians 15:12, 16–20; Luke 6:17, 20–26

Jesus preaching on a plain
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This week, Karnataka State saw the turmoil surrounding the students' dressing in schools and colleges based on their religious affiliations. Not only did the state government fail to act quickly and bring the situation under control, in fact, many in the ruling party also fuelled the situation almost like pouring oil on the fire. The sitaution showed us how young students' minds are poisoned and divided on religious lines. This also showcased the lack of critical thinking being fostered in our education system. The present generation of students would be one day our rulers, bureaucrats and civil society carrying forward the heritage of living in a peaceful and harmonious society. A little spark of wickedness and evil had its say in destroying the communal peace and harmony in our state. Moreover, teachers and parents alike kept their mouths shut so that hatred, animosity, communalism is strengthened and triumphed. We are creating in our schools and colleges reactionaries and not reasoning people, rowdies and not respectful citizens. St Antony of Egypt (251-356) says, “a time is coming when men will go mad, and when they see someone who is not mad, they will attack him, saying, ‘You are mad; you are not like us.’” With this in the background, we must read and reflect the liturgical readings of this Sunday.

1. Trusting in the blessedness of God

The first reading from the book of Prophet Jeremiah (17:5–8) and the Psalm 1 speak about how the relationship between God and His people is fostered. It also speaks about the ways of the wicked and the ways of God. In every relationship, trust is very important. If a person believes in himself or herself, his or her abilities and makes oneself God then such a person according to the prophet a cursed one, because the person has turned away from the Lord. Such a person is like living in a desert or wilderness without much scope for survival. Therefore, the prophet calls for a relationship with God that is of relishing and resilient. "Blessed is the one who trusts in the LORD, whose hope is the LORD" (Jeremiah 17:7). It is a trust-based relationship, built on mutual respect and reverence, of confidence and concern. Such a relationship is lasting and eternal.