Good or Bad

Today’s Gospel Text:  "Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a net which was thrown into the sea and gathered fish of every kind; 48 when it was full, men drew it ashore and sat down and sorted the good into vessels but threw away the bad. 49 So it will be at the close of the age. The angels will come out and separate the evil from the righteous, 50 and throw them into the furnace of fire; there men will weep and gnash their teeth. 51 "Have you understood all this?" They said to him, "Yes." 52 And he said to them, "Therefore every scribe who has been trained for the kingdom of heaven is like a householder who brings out of his treasure what is new and what is old." 53 And when Jesus had finished these parables, he went away from there. Matt 13:47-53

Reflection: Some hold on to a view that there is no such thing as good or bad, "it is all in your mind", they say.

Some may not hold on to this view consciously but when it comes to daily situations they do propagate this idea, especially those in the teaching profession when they affirm: “feel free to answer; there is no right or wrong views”.

There are many in this world and it is an ever growing tribe, even among the followers of Christ, with whom it a trend to hold on to a purely subjective view of life.

Someone coming to reason out with you because you oppose this view often is pulverized by their reason. Is it because they are reasonable in their arguments?

No, because their reason knows only one argument: “it is all in your mind” and if they do come out with another argument then they will only be contradicting themselves.

Surely, they should take no offence if they look at all things and everything as good and if they do take everything as bad, then, if they are true to their thinking they will never be in this world for a moment more.

This is not how it is for a Christian, where morality is well defined and may be at times carried to extreme levels, which is a sign of its existence and the immoral pull that keep exerting on us proves it all.

There is a good and there is bad, there is that which is holy and that which is evil and to affirm this moral principle God had to give the commandments to the Israelites as a sign of his objective demand.

Hence we have this parable which brings out the significance of the good and the bad, which is a everyday, every moment reality of life.

Life cannot exist without a constant decision making, based on our limited discernment, in making a choice whether while eating or moving or drinking.

Jesus is that first good; a choice that everyone needs to opt for in order to make a constantly good choice in life.

Prayer:  Lord, we know and believe that when we make a choice for you, you give us your Holy Spirit who will lead us into all truth. (cfr. Jn. 16:13)

DD = Dedicated Discipleship:  Come grow in the Lord with us

Lord our Treasure

Today’s Gospel Text: "The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and covered up; then in his joy he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field. 45 "Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant in search of fine pearls, 46 who, on finding one pearl of great value, went and sold all that he had and bought it. Matt 13:44-46

Reflection: How often parents work hard giving in all that they have so that their children do well.

Many parents do not gather up anything by way of a bank balance just so that their children may get the best. Some even mount debts. 

For a higher cause or a greater cause we will do everything possible in order to achieve it.

Similarly a businessman may sell everything in order to enter into a new business because he knows that his  new investment will help him in a greater measure to achieve much.

Similarly Christian history has been replete with examples of the many saints or holy men and women who have left everything in order to follow Christ.

For them to follow Christ has always been the highest cause to live for; a cause which all Christians are called to live because Christ Jesus himself by his greatest ever sacrifice is worthy of that allegiance from us.

We need not go very deep in history; for even in our times there are peoples who have left everything for the sake of the Gospel of Christ Jesus or even if they are involved in a secular world yet they strive to make Christ Jesus the center of all their actions.

For them who follow him he is like those fine pearls of great price or the treasure hidden in a field; Only those who know Christ and are aware of what he has done for them realize his true value.   

And yet, what we realize is still partial; for we shall know the fullness of his love and sacrifice when we shall meet him face to face in his everlasting kingdom.

These who follow him are living testimonies, not just for observation but for the world to observe, even as they bear witness to the truth.

These act as models in a world that is confused and finds everything dark and hopeless.

But to the many who hope, despite the many upheavals, for an idealistic world with possible solutions to its many problems are bound to struggle and be lost forever in the maze of life.

Prayer: Thou art my hiding place and my shield; I hope in thy word. Ps 119:114

DD = Dedicated Discipleship:  Come grow in the Lord with us

Learn from Jesus

Today’s Gospel Text: Then he left the crowds and went into the house. And his disciples came to him, saying, "Explain to us the parable of the weeds of the field." 37 He answered, "He who sows the good seed is the Son of man; 38 the field is the world, and the good seed means the sons of the kingdom; the weeds are the sons of the evil one, 39 and the enemy who sowed them is the devil; the harvest is the close of the age, and the reapers are angels. 40 Just as the weeds are gathered and burned with fire, so will it be at the close of the age. 41 The Son of man will send his angels, and they will gather out of his kingdom all causes of sin and all evildoers, 42 and throw them into the furnace of fire; there men will weep and gnash their teeth. 43 Then the righteous will shine like the sun in the kingdom of their Father. He who has ears, let him hear. Matt 13:36-43

Reflection: Life is a mystery and many things that we hear appear to be like parables, difficult to understand.

Human nature seeks to understand the many things of life and thus deep within we are satisfied after finding an answer to things, even though at times this knowledge could be false. 

Unfortunately, this nature to seek knowledge can even be based on wrong or unwanted desires or seeking unwanted knowledge. 

For example; why do we need to know the personal lives of people always and what they do?

Why do we need to know the hot gossips about celebrities and neighbors, especially those of our enemies?

Do we know our human situation, which by nature generally seeks every kind of useless knowledge of life and which will not benefit us for life?

Yet we do it again and again as if we have lost a sense of our direction and indeed we have! 

We may home correctly and could reach our house from any corner of the globe but when it comes to our eternal home or destination we are generally astray and confused.

Those confident do not know and do not realize what they are confident about; it is the like the confidence of a student who has studied well and knows for sure that success is his, even cent percent but has failed to realize that he has prepared himself to answer another subject.

Christ Jesus assures every individual who comes to him with sincerity of heart that he is the way , the truth and the life. (cfr. Jn. 14:6) He is our visible destination! 

Hence the dedicated disciples do right when they in their moment of confusion to understand the parable approach Jesus the right man: "Explain to us the parable of the weeds of the field." (vs.36)

Prayer:  Lord, explain to us the parables of life; for you are the source of all wisdom and it is only you who can satisfy our desire to know the truth and lead us into eternal glory."

DD = Dedicated Discipleship:  Come grow in the Lord with us

Martha’s Faith

Today’s Gospel Text:  And many of the Jews had come to Martha and Mary to console them concerning their brother. 20 When Martha heard that Jesus was coming, she went and met him, while Mary sat in the house. 21 Martha said to Jesus, "Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died. 22 And even now I know that whatever you ask from God, God will give you." 23 Jesus said to her, "Your brother will rise again." 24 Martha said to him, "I know that he will rise again in the resurrection at the last day." 25 Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life; he who believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, 26 and whoever lives and believes in me shall never die. Do you believe this?" 27 She said to him, "Yes, Lord; I believe that you are the Christ, the Son of God, he who is coming into the world." John 11:19-27

Reflection: Are actions based on Faith sometimes like a leap in the dark? That is what it seems it is!

Here we have a story of Martha; a woman, who by nature, could be termed as an action oriented woman, who once complained about her sister as not being too helpful in her busy moment of serving the Lord.

A woman who cared much about others and in the bargain may have even failed to care for herself.

Here she is once again at it, while Mary sat at home, Martha was up on her feet rushing to meet Jesus, expressing her self, without inhibition:

"Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died.  And even now I know that whatever you ask from God, God will give you." (vs. 21-22)

If the rest was not history, if the miracle would not have happened then it could be considered the most foolish statement ever.

Wait a minute; even before the miracle could take place!  

Martha's statement seems to be loaded with foolishness: Who could ever make a statement to anyone like this - a statement about raising the dead. Isn't the death the inevitable end of all living creatures. 

What sort of faith is this; a confidence in the ability of another?

That is what faith is all about!

But Christian faith is no blind leap or plunge, it is born out of an assurance that things will happen and such assurance come through the working of the Holy Spirit in the hearts of those who believe or allow God to work freely in their lives. 

It may appear foolish but is based on a strong assurance in the heart of those who allow God to imprint his faith onto our hearts. 

Every bride that takes a leap of faith in marriage is because she thinks that she is going to get married to the right man and will find love and security in him and yet it may not always end up to be true and successful.

But every individual, no matter what background, if they allow themselves to be guided by the Holy Spirit and be obedient to that voice will definitely find success.

Prayer: Save us, we beseech thee, O Lord! O Lord, we beseech thee, give us success!  Blessed be he who enters in the name of the Lord! Ps 118:25-26

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Favor

Today’s Gospel Text: He was praying in a certain place, and when he ceased, one of his disciples said to him, "Lord, teach us to pray, as John taught his disciples." 2 And he said to them, "When you pray, say:"Father, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. 3 Give us each day our daily bread; 4 and forgive us our sins, for we ourselves forgive every one who is indebted to us; and lead us not into temptation."

5 And he said to them, "Which of you who has a friend will go to him at midnight and say to him, 'Friend, lend me three loaves; 6 for a friend of mine has arrived on a journey, and I have nothing to set before him'; 7 and he will answer from within, 'Do not bother me; the door is now shut, and my children are with me in bed; I cannot get up and give you anything'? 8 I tell you, though he will not get up and give him anything because he is his friend, yet because of his importunity he will rise and give him whatever he needs. 9 And I tell you, Ask, and it will be given you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. 10 For every one who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened. 11 What father among you, if his son asks for a fish, will instead of a fish give him a serpent; 12 or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion? 13 If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!" Luke 11:1-13

Reflection:  Why should I go to church or to a pilgrim centre?

Why do you go to such places and flock to such places; isn’t God everywhere and anywhere? Isn’t it better to pray from home?

Or why go anywhere and anyplace to pray?

We have an example in Jesus, the very reason of our prayer, about it: The scripture text reminds us that he was praying in a certain place (vs.1)

Place, time and situation make a difference while praying and God himself desires of us and invites us to do so.

Certain places and situations carry the favor of God; even though the true worshipers of the Father shall worship him in Spirit and truth.

Hence, when we talk about ideal places and situation it doesn’t mean that we should ignore the other element in Jesus' exhortation to the Samaritan woman at the well.

Instead we must pray in spirit and in truth always and everywhere and anywhere but there are moments, places and situations and times too in which we need to honor God.

We could be eating anywhere in life but yet we chose a particular place and situation or an auspicious moment.

A certain place and situation helps lift the spirit and God’s grace may rest in a particular place in a special place because of the honor that God wants to do a place on account of his beloved servants or on account of his promise or love for his people. 

The collective praise of God is a great act of worship. 

Just as he favors certain people who have been faithful to him so too the Lord is faithful to a certain place and situation.

Prayer: But thou, O Lord, art enthroned for ever; thy name endures to all generations. Thou wilt arise and have pity on Zion; it is the time to favor her; the appointed time has come. Ps 102:12-13

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Wheat or Weed

Today’s Gospel Text: Another parable he put before them, saying, "The kingdom of heaven may be compared to a man who sowed good seed in his field; 25 but while men were sleeping, his enemy came and sowed weeds among the wheat, and went away. 26 So when the plants came up and bore grain, then the weeds appeared also. 27 And the servants of the householder came and said to him, 'Sir, did you not sow good seed in your field? How then has it weeds?' 28 He said to them, 'An enemy has done this.' The servants said to him, 'Then do you want us to go and gather them?' 29 But he said, 'No; lest in gathering the weeds you root up the wheat along with them. 30 Let both grow together until the harvest; and at harvest time I will tell the reapers, Gather the weeds first and bind them in bundles to be burned, but gather the wheat into my barn.'" Matt 13:24-30

Reflection:  If I mention to you the Malus Domestica tree and describe some of its salient features minus any reference to its fruit, then who will understand it easily?

But mention a apple tree and then talk about Malus Domestica then many will understand.

Who will call an Apple tree by its botanical name in daily reference? Who will understand what Malus domestica means and what it signifies, except may be a student of botany.

In all popular usage the tree that gives us apples will be referred to as an apple tree and not a mango tree or orange tree or a coconut tree.

Likewise any other tree we refer to in daily life is generally referred to by the fruit it gives and how easy it is to understand.

Even in life we often refer to the parents by their children’s name and thus you have John’s father or John’s mother.

It is the fruit that makes the difference and enables us to make a choice in planting a tree. If we want apple we will plant an apple tree or if we want a Mango we will plant a Mango tree.

In the gospel too we have wheat and weed as reference points but what exists before these are the plants.

Hence Christian people may be referred to as the plant, the weed plant or the wheat plant and they in themselves are beautiful, each having its own beauty.

But what makes us disdain one from the other is the fruit that they will be giving, one a useless seed and hence a burden on the soil and the other wheat, whose action of absorbing the soils nourishment will never be considered a burden on the soil.

Those who produce fruit that does not sustain life or promote life are like the weed.

They apparently may even appear as sustaining the wheat plant, because if removed they may harm the wheat plant but ultimately they are useless meant to be burnt.

    

“Thus you will know them by their fruits” says Jesus Matt 7:20; 16

Prayer: Lord, teach me to cooperate with your grace so as to bear fruits that are acceptable to you.

DD = Dedicated Discipleship:  Come grow in the Lord with us

Understanding

Today’s Gospel Text: "Hear then the parable of the sower. 19 When any one hears the word of the kingdom and does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what is sown in his heart; this is what was sown along the path. 20 As for what was sown on rocky ground, this is he who hears the word and immediately receives it with joy; 21 yet he has no root in himself, but endures for a while, and when tribulation or persecution arises on account of the word, immediately he falls away. 22 As for what was sown among thorns, this is he who hears the word, but the cares of the world and the delight in riches choke the word, and it proves unfruitful. 23 As for what was sown on good soil, this is he who hears the word and understands it; he indeed bears fruit, and yields, in one case a hundredfold, in another sixty, and in another thirty." Matt 13:18-23

Reflection: Some people are able to quote scripture at will, even citing the chapter and verse.

That’s an envious situation for many, if not impressive.

Those impressed by it desire that they too would want to do it; quoting scripture text at will, along with the chapter and verses.

In my experience of life; I have not always been impressed by such an activity.

There have been moments when someone has quoted it because one has memorized it deliberately, so as to impress.

They do impress, as men, having a good memory and healthy mind and nothing more, but only a fool will get carried away by their exposition.

This in no way takes away from the many who quote because the mind speaks with the grace and anointing that comes with the help of the Holy Spirit. 

Knowing the difference, I often have to correct people who are generally impressed and express their desire to memorize scripture.

I tell them not to do so but instead the approach they need to have towards scripture is not that of memorizing but that of understanding and trying to make it their own first. 

This should be done in an atmosphere of humble prayer.

And thus if grace permits them to remember and to quote in situations and circumstances, in their teachings and instructions, then it will add beauty to such noble activities.

In the parable Jesus indirectly highlights the difference between the mere stocking of our brains with  either knowledge or understanding.

We should aim at understanding the word, then will Satan not be able to take away the word from us but if we instead seek to store it as knowledge then he will be able to take it away from us and much more; the word along with the anointing that accompanies his word. 

Prayer: Through thy precepts I get understanding; therefore I hate every false way. Thy word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. Ps 119:104-105

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Please the Lord

Today’s Gospel Text: Then the mother of the sons of Zeb'edee came up to him, with her sons, and kneeling before him she asked him for something. 21 And he said to her, "What do you want?" She said to him, "Command that these two sons of mine may sit, one at your right hand and one at your left, in your kingdom." 22 But Jesus answered, "You do not know what you are asking. Are you able to drink the cup that I am to drink?" They said to him, "We are able." 23 He said to them, "You will drink my cup, but to sit at my right hand and at my left is not mine to grant, but it is for those for whom it has been prepared by my Father." 24 And when the ten heard it, they were indignant at the two brothers. 25 But Jesus called them to him and said, "You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great men exercise authority over them. 26 It shall not be so among you; but whoever would be great among you must be your servant, 27 and whoever would be first among you must be your slave; 28 even as the Son of man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many." Matt 20:20-28

Reflection: To be content and satisfied with what we have is a noble quality.

Our over ambitiousness can kill many an innocent men and women at the stake.

In history, and even now, we have quite a few examples of such people who in their ambition to achieve great things, and what apparently appeared to be noble, have destroyed a whole generation of people.

The worst form of it is manifested for the sake of power; either to gain it or to maintain oneself in power.

For some it could even be a situation of identifying their selves with the powerful or gaining their approval.

Knowing that these qualities can be big barriers to enter into the life of God and to walk according to his plans St. Paul had this to say:  

“Not that I complain of want; for I have learned, in whatever state I am, to be content. I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound; in any and all circumstances I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and want.”  Phil 4:11-12

Jesus seems to reveal to us that power and authority in God’s kingdom belongs to his Father and it is his prerogative to appoint the ones in office and what position one should hold in his kingdom.

Hence there is no room for jealousy, envy, accompanied by all kinds of politicking in order to climb the seat of power or affiliate oneself to it, whether in our work place or in public service.

Nor is there a place to be pleasing to men in general or to people in authority, so as to compromise on the gospel of Christ. 

What will it profit a man if he gains earthly power, positions, wealth, money, approval and even the whole world and forfeits his soul? (cfr. Mt. 16:26; Lk. 9:25)

Prayer: To you, O Lord, belongs all authority and power, may I live my life pleasing you alone.

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Do Relax

Today’s Gospel Text: That same day Jesus went out of the house and sat beside the sea. 2 And great crowds gathered about him, so that he got into a boat and sat there; and the whole crowd stood on the beach. 3 And he told them many things in parables, saying: "A sower went out to sow. 4 And as he sowed, some seeds fell along the path, and the birds came and devoured them. 5 Other seeds fell on rocky ground, where they had not much soil, and immediately they sprang up, since they had no depth of soil, 6 but when the sun rose they were scorched; and since they had no root they withered away. 7 Other seeds fell upon thorns, and the thorns grew up and choked them. 8 Other seeds fell on good soil and brought forth grain, some a hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty. 9 He who has ears, let him hear." Matt 13:1-9

Reflection:  The Sea can offer a great solace to a tired mind and body.

Could this be the reason that Jesus got out of the house and sat besides the sea?

Indeed, it could be possible; for does he not advice his dedicated disciples after their hard labor of ministering to come aside and rest a while (Mk. 6:31)

The Lord of the Sabbath, who also gave the Sabbath rest, as a commandment to the sons of Jacob, also cares that his people learn to relax too after their hard day’s labor in the vineyard of the Lord.

Indeed God cares but how much does he care?

Let’s look at human situations: How often have we set our hearts on something and then voluntarily give up for a less better thing or get more immersed in a hard and difficult job, when in reality we have wanted to take a break from it? 

Thus in the given situation;  in one of the most beautiful situation of life, besides the sea, with its cool and calm waters to invade the tired mind and the cold breeze to soothe the tired body, who would easily turn aside and oblige a ever demanding crowd with more and more teachings concerning the kingdom?

Jesus does exactly that; as he sees the great crowd gathered around him, he is moved and gets into the boat and changes direction: from facing the sea to facing the people!

He sets about teaching them!

I can’t see of a more noble thing than this; for if there has been any teacher born on this earth and if there is any thought that is worth its salt, then here is the greatest ever teacher with the greatest ever thoughts and teachings, practiced every bit in deeds by him. 

He reaches out to people on demand and he proves his teachings by his willing service, even at a difficult time.

Prayer: Lord, help me daily to make an offering of myself for your service. (cfr. Rom. 12:1)

DD = Dedicated Discipleship:  Come grow in the Lord with us

Listen to Him

Today’s Gospel Text:  While he was still speaking to the people, behold, his mother and his brothers stood outside, asking to speak to him. 48 But he replied to the man who told him, "Who is my mother, and who are my brothers?" 49 And stretching out his hand toward his disciples, he said, "Here are my mother and my brothers! 50 For whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother, and sister, and mother." Matt 12:46-50

Reflection:  There are something’s in life whose value we may never realize and in something’s it is necessary that we know the value.

Children as they grow up may never realize the value of their parents and what contribution they have made to their lives.

Even as this statement is made here many of us may try to understand value from a pure material point of view.

There are many who see the value of their parents or a worker merely from what they are able to deliver in terms of wealth and money.  

How many of us value relationships and what they contribute to us and our total well being?

Every good relationship, if based on a sound principle and on the right foundation is a help and a blessing, even if those persons or individuals may be useless for the many.

In the gospel of today, Jesus, as he establishes a new relationship, raises us to a new level.

Have we realized what Jesus has done for us: we who have opted to follow him become his mother, brother, sister, etc.

A relationship not established by blood but by faith, through the shedding of his blood on the cross.

By doing this he is not discarding the old relationship but re-establishes them on a new foundation and this new foundation is what even his mother and brothers did walk on.

The will of the Father was openly spoken at the Baptism and at the transfiguration, a will of obedience and faith: "This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to him." Matt 17:5

Hence, if anyone wants to be a relative of Jesus, the Lord and God then they have to make a choice; either to listen to himself or other great leaders, thinkers or philosophers or listen to him with whom God is pleased.

Every revealed word in the Bible and that which is proclaimed in the church through a time tested tradition or communicated to us through a legitimate magisterium, is the word of Christ spoken to us and we are called upon to listen.

Prayer: Lord, you have called me to the obedience of faith, may I always seek your voice in everything and chose to listen to it.

DD = Dedicated Discipleship:  Come grow in the Lord with us