At the Service of the "Absolute" - The Legacy of Fr Devadatta Kamath, SJ (1934-2024)

Fr Devadatta Kamath, SJ (1934-2024)

Poet, priest, composer, writer, philosopher, scholar, teacher, professor, grammarian, translator, historian and Jesuit, Fr Devadatta Kamath, fondly known "Fr Deva" is indeed a multi-faceted personality. He was a man ready to embark on any work the Society entrusted to him either, it is the professor of Indian philosophy at St Joseph's Seminary in Mangalore or teacher and dean at the Juniorate in Trevendrum, Mundgod and Bangalore, or chaplain at Stanislaus Convent at St Philomena's Hospital, Bangalore or Lourdes Hospital in Dharwad, Fr Devadatta was ever ready for any work.

Becoming Signs of Hope and Contradiction - A Call to Holy Disruption

33rd Sunday in Ordinary Time: November 17, 2024

Readings: Daniel 12:1-3; Psalm 16:5,8-11; Hebrews 10:11-14,18; Mark 13:24-32

To listen to the audio-video reflections via YouTube, please click here: https://youtu.be/w9GATiX7U4c

As we draw near to the end of the liturgical year, the liturgical readings on the 33rd Sunday in Ordinary Time encourage us to live with vigilance and hope, grounded in faith. In a world marked by challenges—conflict, social injustice, and environmental crises—our call as Christians feels ever more urgent. We are reminded that to be a follower of Christ in today's world means to be a bearer of light, compassion, and courage. Amid the uncertainty, we are called to be steady and resilient, living out our faith not in fear but in trust, not in isolation but in community. Jesus invites us to be people, who build bridges, seek peace, and respond with compassion to the cries of those around us.

1. A Call to Holy Disruption

In Mark 13:24-32, Jesus presents an apocalyptic vision of the end times—a world plunged into darkness, cosmic forces in upheaval, and the heavens themselves shaken. It is a powerful and unsettling image, and it is meant to unsettle us. Yet, we find within this disruption a promise of redemption: the coming of the Son of Man in "great power and glory," gathering all people to Himself. Jesus’ words challenge us to look beyond the surface, to see that God's kingdom is not just a place or a future event but an active reality that breaks into our lives even now.

God’s Economy - A Management of Giving Entirely

32nd Sunday in Ordinary Time: November 10, 2024

Readings: 1 Kings 17:10–16; Psalm 146:7–10; Hebrews 9:24–28; Mark 12:41–44

To listen to the audio-video reflections via YouTube, please click here: https://youtu.be/7fRyN3enFJE

The world that we live in today is not so kind and authentic. In today’s world, we often witness a contrast between appearances and authenticity, between acts of charity performed for recognition and those born from genuine self-sacrifice. In 1 Kings 17:10–16, we see a humble widow who, despite her own need, offers her last bit of food to the prophet Elijah. Her quiet trust and willingness to give from her scarcity highlight a faith rooted in dependence on God’s provision. In Mark 12:41–44, Jesus contrasts the wealthy scribes, who give out of their abundance, with a poor widow who offers two small coins—her entire livelihood.

1. A radical trust in God displaces superficiality

The stories of the two widows in 1 Kings 17:10–16 and Mark 12:41–44 reflect two ways of giving: one that comes from a place of selfless trust and one that, though outwardly generous, may lack depth. In a society that often values image over substance, these passages invite us to reflect on our own motivations and the authenticity of our giving. Are we like the scribes, seeking to impress, or like the widows, offering all we have in quiet faith? In most cultures, widows are not treated well. Often they become outcasts and neglected lot. But God is gracious and generous towards them. They may not have a lot of wealth but they have a great, loving and generous heart. That is their solace and the source of their strength.

Called to Radical Love: Drawing Closer to God and Neighbour

31st Sunday in Ordinary Time: November 03, 2024

Readings: Deuteronomy 6:2–6; Psalm 18:2–4, 47, 51; Hebrews 7:23–28; Mark 12:28–34

To listen to the audio-video reflections via YouTube, please click here: https://youtu.be/mpAsRHy6XSw

As we gather on this 31st Sunday in Ordinary Time, we are mindful that November holds a special place in our Catholic tradition—a time dedicated to remembering and praying for our beloved departed. The Church invites us to renew our trust in God’s promise of eternal life while reflecting on our own journey towards holiness. In today's readings, we are reminded of God’s unwavering love and mercy, even amidst our human frailties. May this reflection help us seek God more earnestly and extend our prayers for those who have gone before us, so that they may rest in His eternal peace.

1. God's presence through the act of love

In Mark 12:28–34, Jesus is asked about the greatest commandment, and He responds with a profound yet simple truth: to love God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength, and to love our neighbour as ourselves. It is nothing but a total, undivided love for God. This isn’t merely a feeling or a duty; it’s a wholehearted devotion that touches every part of who we are—our thoughts, desires, actions, and intentions. It is a continual choosing of God above all else. God's presence must permeate not only our prayers but our relationships, our work, our decisions, and the way we spend our time. 

When God Stops for Us: Embracing Christ’s Light in a Chaotic World

30th Sunday in Ordinary Time: October 27, 2024

Readings: Jeremiah 31:7–9; Psalm 126:1–6; Hebrews 5:1–6; Mark 10:46–52

To listen to the audio-video reflections via YouTube, please click here: https://youtu.be/ki76QxAUmOg?si=Xd53OjjKkLA37cjT

In today’s world, marked by uncertainty, suffering, and a deep sense of disconnection, the human heart longs for healing, meaning, and an intimate connection with God. Amid existential challenges—personal struggles, societal pressures, and global crises—there is a growing awareness of our need for something beyond the material, a transcendent hope. The stories and teachings found in Scripture, particularly in the accounts of Bartimaeus in Mark 10:46–52 and the role of Christ as High Priest in Hebrews 5:1–6, speak directly to this longing.

1. The Cry of the Heart

In Mark 10:46–52, we encounter the powerful story of Bartimaeus, a blind beggar sitting on the roadside, who calls out to Jesus, "Son of David, have mercy on me!" Despite the crowd's attempt to silence him, Bartimaeus persists until Jesus hears him and invites him to come forward. When asked what he desires, Bartimaeus responds simply, "Rabbi, I want to see." Moved by his faith, Jesus heals him, and Bartimaeus follows Jesus on the road.

Servant Leadership: Reimagining Success Through the Eyes of Christ

29th Sunday in Ordinary Time: October 20, 2024

Readings: Isaiah 53:10-11; Psalm 33:4-5,18-20,22; Hebrews 4:14-16; Mark 10:35-45

To listen to the audio-video reflections via YouTube, please click here: https://youtu.be/R635JHHNh9w

In today’s fast-paced and often challenging world, we are constantly confronted with the pressures of success, recognition, and the desire for control. Many of us struggle with feelings of inadequacy, temptation, and the burden of our weaknesses. In this context, the Scriptures offer a timeless message of hope and transformation. Through the lessons in Mark 10:35-45 and Hebrews 4:14-16, we are invited to reimagine greatness not as power or status, but as service and humility. Moreover, we are reminded that in our frailty, we are not alone — Christ, our compassionate High Priest, understands our struggles and offers us the grace and strength we need to endure. These reflections speak directly to our contemporary experience, urging us to embrace a life of humble service and to approach God with confidence, trusting in His ever-present mercy and grace.

1. The Desire for Greatness vs Service of God

In the Gospel of Mark 10:35-45, we witness a profound lesson about the nature of discipleship and the heart of Christian service. James and John, two of Jesus’ closest disciples, approach Him with a bold request: they want to sit at His right and left in His glory. This request reveals a common human tendency — the desire for power, recognition, and status. But Jesus gently redirects their ambitions toward a higher calling, one that challenges worldly notions of greatness.

Letting Go to Follow - From Possessions to Purpose

28th Sunday in Ordinary Time: October 13, 2024

Readings: Wisdom 7:7–11; Psalm 90:12–17; Hebrews 4:12–13; Mark 10:17–30

1. The Call to Let Go

In Mark 10:17–30, we find the story of the rich young man who seeks eternal life but is challenged by Jesus to sell his possessions, give to the poor, and follow Him. The young man in the story sincerely desires eternal life and approaches Jesus with respect and eagerness. However, when asked to sell his possessions and give to the poor, he walks away saddened. Following Jesus requires a willingness to let go of earthly or worldly attachments.  Only when you detach from the things here, one will be attached to the above. Jesus does not condemn wealth but rather points out that unreadiness to let go of things is not the true sign of authentic discipleship. What are the things in our lives—possessions, ambitions, habits—that we find difficult to release? Are we willing to put them aside to follow Christ more closely?

Redefining Greatness: Embracing Humility in a World of Competition

25th Sunday in Ordinary Time: September 22, 2024

Readings: Wisdom 2:12,17-20; Psalm 54:3-8 James 3:16-4:3; Mark 9:30-37 

To listen to my Audio Reflections please click here

In the secular world, greatness is often defined by status, power, wealth, and influence. People strive to be recognized, admired, and celebrated for their achievements, positioning themselves above others through success, authority, or material gain. The pursuit of greatness in this sense often fosters competition, pride, and a focus on personal ambition. In contrast, Jesus redefines greatness entirely. He teaches that true greatness lies in humility, service, and selflessness. In the Reign of God, those who serve others, especially the least and the marginalized, are considered the greatest. Jesus calls His followers to embrace a childlike humility, seeking not worldly recognition but a life dedicated to loving and serving others. This radical understanding of greatness challenges us to shift our focus from self-promotion to self-giving.

1. The call to humility and being open to God

In this passage Mark 9:30-37, Jesus speaks of His impending suffering and death, yet the disciples, preoccupied with their own concerns, fail to grasp His message. Jesus predicts His betrayal and crucifixion, but the disciples argue among themselves about who is the greatest.  Jesus uses this moment to teach a profound lesson in humility. Jesus brings a child into their midst and says, “Whoever wants to be first must be last of all and servant of all” (Mark 9:35). This statement turns the world’s concept of greatness upside down. Jesus does not dismiss the desire to be great; rather, He redefines what true greatness is — found not in power or status but in service and humility.

Embracing Christ’s Identity: A Call to Faith, Service and Purpose

24th Sunday in Ordinary Time: September 15, 2024

Readings: Isaiah 50:4-9; Psalm 116:1-6, 8-9; James 2:14-18; Mark 8:27-35

To listen to the audio-video reflections via YouTube, please click here: https://youtu.be/RdxhYMlTm9c

The sense of identity is a foundational aspect of human existence, shaping how we understand ourselves, our purpose, and our place in the world. In the context of Jesus, identity is deeply intertwined with spiritual calling and divine relationship. Jesus' sense of identity was rooted in His relationship with God the Father, His mission to bring salvation, and His embodiment of divine love and truth. This strong sense of identity empowered Him to remain steadfast in His purpose, even in the face of suffering and rejection. As a believer understanding our identity in Christ invites us to live in alignment with God's will, finding true purpose and meaning through our connection to Him.

1. Authenticity and Identity of Christ as Real

Mark 8:27-35 is a profound passage where Jesus asks His disciples, “Who do you say that I am?” This question is central to the identity of Jesus and the nature of discipleship. For this St Peter responds, “You are the Messiah,” a truth that sets the foundation for Christian faith. However, Jesus quickly reminds the disciples that understanding Him as the Messiah isn't about power or earthly glory, but suffering, sacrifice, and humility. Jesus’ identity as the suffering servant calls us to rethink the nature of power in our lives. Discipleship is about following Christ in humility, recognizing that the path to life goes through self-giving love, not personal gain.