Vol. 72, No.

11 NOVEMBER 2010

RADICAL FOLLOWING OF CHRIST

Edwin P. Rodrigues, SJ

If they persecuted me, they will persecute you.

On the first day of September, we celebrate the festival of Halloween (All Hallows) or All
Saints, which originated in a pagan celebration. This feast, which was held on May 13, was
introduced in the seventh century to commemorate all those saints and martyrs who had no
special day to themselves. But in the eighth century, All Hallows Day was moved to
November 1, to counteract the pagan celebrations held on that date.

Saints are venerated and glorified, but sadly many were not treated that way when they were
living among us. Quite often they had to face plenty of hardships, some of it in the form of
persecution and rejection from their very own. However, they remained faithful to their
calling. They knew that in their time of struggle, Jesus was closer to them and his grace was
always with them.

Their radical following of Christ causes an unpleasant feeling in many, because through them
we realize our sinfulness. Our value system has changed completely and our spiritual
conversations are rare. Radical following of the Lord is somehow missing from our Christian
living. The tendency to remain in our comfort zones hinders the possibility of encountering
the Lord in the midst of the human struggle for existence. We are not ready to give time to
meet the Lord in the innermost sanctuaries of our heart, in silent prayer. The lives of saints
show us that a radical following of Christ is possible if we are ready to make that choice to
follow him. In this background we can truly celebrate the feast of All Saints, because we can
be assured that they are with us and praying for us. Erasmus has aptly said, “No devotion to
the Saints is more acceptable and more proper than to strive to express their virtues.” It is time
to make a new beginning.

NOVEMBER 2010 1
01 MON
(All Saints Day)

A call to exemplary and faithful life

Britto Madalaimuthu, SJ

Rev 7:2-4, 9-14

1 Jn 3:1-3
Mt 5:1-12a

“Beloved we are God’s Children now”

Today our mother Church celebrates “All Saints day”. The first reading from the book of
Revelation gives a picture of eternal salvation. All the saints were effective instruments in
God’s hands and through them, he was able to manifest his love and message to the people of
goodwill. In and through their dedicated life and service they preached the gospel values
irrespective of caste, creed and colour.

We are the beloved children of God, and this aspect is very much emphasized in the second
reading. How do we know that we are children of God? We believe that at the time of our
baptism we were sealed as children of God by the Holy Spirit and were given grace to follow
Christ. Therefore we belong to God. Each of us is a unique, precious and unrepeatable
creation. Therefore it is a divine invitation for all of us today to live as our saints lived,
trusting in God’s providence and unending mercy.

In the gospel reading we see Jesus giving spiritual food to those who have come with their
burden like anxiety, worries, depression etc. His sermon on the mountain contains words of
comforts. He gives them hope and consolation. By doing this he helps them realize that they
are children of God and the Kingdom of God belongs to them. Today, the Lord is inviting us
to have a pure heart and mind. He also offers the assurance of salvation in which all the
believers in Christ would be in the presence of God singing and praising him like all the saints
and angels. This is our basic Christian faith, and we are called to manifest it through an
authentic, exemplary and faithful human life.

NOVEMBER 2010 2
02 TUE
(All Souls Day)

THEY SEE GOD FACE TO FACE

D. Arulraj D, SJ

Is 26:6-9
Rev 22:1-7
Mt 11:25-30

Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.

In Christian tradition, we pray for the deceased as well as pray to them. Almost in all societies
some sort of prayers and/or rituals are performed for the deceased. Even though their physical
presence is not felt, we believe that they are closer to God and are united with him, and they
can intercede and obtain graces for those on this earth. It is for this reason that these prayers
and rituals are repeated every year on the day of their death anniversary.

Today the Catholic Church invites us to remember and pray for those who have died in Christ.
We believe that they are with God, in God's presence and enjoying their heavenly bliss. All
the readings of today remind us that our journey begins in this world and ultimately ends in
the world eternal, where God is or where we truly belong. This means that even in our death,
we are alive in Christ, even though our physical bodies are no more. We are created to live in
the love and grace of God.

Jesus in the gospel today invites us to come and rest in him. It is he who is able to keep us
from falling, and make us stand without blemish in the presence of God's glory for the
everlasting life. However, the choice is ours, whether we want to accept him and the graces
he gives. Today we can pray for the grace to accept Jesus in our lives and with his help strive
to become effective instruments in his hands and that through our deeds, his name be may
praised and glorified.

NOVEMBER 2010 3
03 WED

COST OF THE DISCIPLESHIP--NOTHING LESS THAN EVERYTHING

Ashok Sandil, SJ

Phil 2: 12-18
Lk 14: 25-33

This is my Son, my Chosen; listen to him!

The key words in today’s readings are, ‘...cannot be my disciple’. To understand this demand
for total self-giving, we must turn to the Person who makes such demands, the Person whom
the Father designated as, “This is my Son, my Chosen; listen to him!” (Lk 9:35). The readings
warn us not to water down the radical and uncomfortable nature of discipleship. St. Paul’s
experience reminds us of the joy and new possession given to the disciple, ‘...for to me to live
is Christ’ (Phil 1: 21).

Paul throws light on the spirit which must inspire our radical dedication to Jesus Christ, and
expresses the transformation he experienced from his ‘knowledge’ of Jesus. For Paul,
salvation is something freely received from God (Rom 1:16; Phil 1:28; Eph 2:8) and
something that human beings must actively carry out, not by their own strength but by the
grace of God. St. Paul recommends that all be done “without murmuring and arguing,” thus
alluding to the murmuring of the people of Israel in the desert (Ex 16:2) when they failed to
trust in the providence and power of God. In today’s readings a warning is issued against the
half-hearted dedication and impulsive enthusiasm.

To follow Jesus Christ, everyone is called ultimately to total dedication, to say ‘good-bye’ to
all that one is, and possesses. It is not a one-day event, but a fundamental and vital
commitment based on careful consideration. It requires personal clarity of mind. Like the one
who is going to build a tower or the king who is going to battle, the potential disciple must
have enough self-knowledge to assess the harsh cost of following Jesus.

NOVEMBER 2010 4
04 THU
(St. Charles Borromeo)

BUILD NO WALLS TO DIVIDE GOD’S CHILDREN

Gregory Kujur, SJ

Phil 3:3-8a
Lk 15:1-10

This man receives sinners and eats with them.

The context of today’s gospel is that the Jewish Community is not in communion with God or
among themselves. Crushed by the political power the socio-religious behaviour of the
Pharisees and the Sadducees got reduced to ashes and so consequently they direct their
psychological afflictions on to those who worked for the Romans. The sinners and tax
collectors were looked down upon by the self-righteous puritans. Jesus on the other hand
accepted these people as they were and never judged them. In his presence these people not
only felt accepted, but they too experienced being a child of God. This attitude and behaviour
of Jesus led to two consequences. On the one hand, it led the sinners and the despised to flock
to him. On the other hand, it proved to be a threat to the Pharisees and Sadducees which led
to his condemnation.

Who were the Pharisees and Sadducees to judge people based on the occupation/profession
when God receives them as they were? Very often we too deliberately build walls of
exclusiveness and inclusiveness between humans on the basis of likes and dislikes, caste
undermining God’s unconditional love.

Jesus voiced the plan of God when he said, “there will be more joy if a sinner repents and
comes back to God than those who think they are righteous” [15:7]. The mission of Jesus was
clear. God sent him to establish peace, justice, harmony, love, co-operation and equality, on
earth. As Christians, it is our responsibility to continue his mission and therefore we too have
a role to play in establishing the Reign of God here on earth.

NOVEMBER 2010 5
05 FRI
(First Friday & Deepavali)

CALLED TO LIVE THE GOSPEL WAY

Pandab Hansda, SJ

Phil 3:17-4:1
Lk16:1-8

Stand firm in the Lord

Paul's image of the Christian life as a race reminds us that we can never rest on our laurels.
The pattern of the gospel must be stamped upon all who call Christ ‘Lord.’ Christ himself is
the blueprint for Christian behaviour, but the apostle, modelling himself on Christ, becomes in
turn the pattern for the Philippians, because they know him. Individual Christians and
Christian communities that embody the gospel serve to demonstrate the love of God to the
world. The gospel is proclaimed in deed as much as in word. Teresa of Avila expressed this
task well when she said: “Christ has no body on earth but yours. Yours are the eyes through
which Christ's compassion is to look out to the world.” In our present world there have been
many men and women who have not been ashamed of the Cross and stood firm till the end of
their life, for the greater glory of God. Through their lives they have shown us that the gospel
values can be lived out no matter what challenges we may encounter.

In today’s Gospel reading, the parable of the dishonest steward challenges its hearers to be as
clever and prudent as the steward in ensuring their future. Faithfulness is a steward’s highest
duty. We too are called to be faithful stewards in the service of God. The words of Saint
Ignatius can be an inspiration for all those who wish to stand by the values of Christ; “Labour
with one another, struggle together, run together, suffer together, rest together, rise up together
as God’s stewards and assessors and servants. Be pleasing to him in whose ranks you serve,
from whom you receive your pay.”

NOVEMBER 2010 6
06 SAT

DARING TO REMAIN FAITHFUL

Pravin Solanki, SJ

Phil 4: 10-19
Lk 16: 9-15

No servant can serve two masters

One of the themes of today’s Gospel is faithfulness. Jesus advocates faithfulness to his
disciples and indicates that as faithful stewards, they serve the interest of God as well as the
humans. Faithful stewards are obedient and honour God, and they always pursue what’s in the
best interest of their fellow human beings.

Money or property is a necessity, but it can also serve as a proving ground, testing our ability
to handle more important things. Jesus encouraged his disciples to be “faithful stewards,”
rather than unjust stewards. We are called to follow the Lord, with our whole heart and serve
him with a full measure. Doing any task with a vested interest will not serve the purpose. To
be effective in God’s work, we need to apply the right and just principles that is what Jesus
would expect from us. We are called to remain faithful to him in the tasks we are given to do,
even though this may lead to trials and criticisms. We need to go forward with just means and
right principles, because it’s the Lord’s work that we are entrusted with. God who is just
would surely expect us to be just in our dealings.

Often we will encounter the temptation to either be faithful to God or to yield to our own
interests. So a grace we can pray for today is to be able to stand firm at the time of temptation
and to always be able to choose what is pleasing to God and what enables us to be of better
service to him.

NOVEMBER 2010 7
07 SUN
(XXXII SUN of the Year)

RESURRECTION- A REVELATION OF GOD’S LOVE

Botcha Suresh Kumar, SJ

2 Mac 7:1-2, 8-14

2 Th 2:16 – 3:5
Lk 20: 27-38

God is God of the living…

The Sadducees who do not believe in the resurrection or angels, question Jesus about the
resurrection. For them the Torah was the final authority. Jesus not only showed his authority
in interpreting the Mosaic Law but also demonstrated his faith and confidence in the life-
giving power of God whom he proclaimed. Jesus’ God was the God who gave and sustained
life. Jesus’ resurrection itself was an act of God, a unique manifestation of the power of God,
during the course of history. Firstly, we need to distinguish between Resurrection and
resuscitation. The former involves a total transformation of personality and the latter involves
reviving a dead person, who is resuscitated back to life only to die again. This distinction is
very much pointed out by Jesus himself in Lk 20:36. In the resurrection human relationships
are raised to a totally new level, since resurrection belongs to another realm, where there is no
death, but a transformation of life. Thus Jesus shows the scriptural foundation for faith that
“the dead are raised” and they are alive to God (Lk 20:37-38).

When we try to understand and grasp God as a limited person like us, forgetting that we are
merely His creatures, we limit our faith in our boundless Creator. Today, we are called not to
question our faith but to deepen it. There is a resurrection, because God is God of the living.

Can we understand exactly how it will be in the life of the resurrection? Certainly not, for we
would then be talking about "what no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the human heart
conceived, what God has prepared for those who love him" (1Corinthians 2:9). We are called
to express our gratitude for God’s gift to us, which is the mystery of the resurrection. It is this
gift that truly manifests and reveals God’s love for each one of us.

NOVEMBER 2010 8
08 MON

THE POWER OF FAITH

Sr. Shubha, FCC

Tit 1:1-9
Lk 17:1-6

If you had faith the size of a mustard seed......would obey you

In the epistle Paul speaks about the requirements of a leader. Every one must feel welcomed
and at home, in the house of a leader. The Church is a communion more than an organization,
where many gather in unity and communion. The life of ruler must be rooted in deep faith.
Faith in Jesus leads one to commit and care for the little ones; specially the weak and the
helpless.

The Gospel text focuses focuses on the responsibility of the leaders within the community.
The little ones referred to are the members of community, who are marginalized and
exploited. The leader has to take care of them and lead them to God. An able leader rebukes
the transgressors and forgives unceasingly those who truly repent. We know “to err is human
and to forgive is divine”. Forgiveness itself is a humble act, and this humility is derived from
our faith in the Divine. Let our forgiveness not be limited but be unconditional, and through
which we can receive God’s blessings of mercy and love in abundance. As disciples we need
to deepen our faith, trust in God who saves us from destructive forces and opens to us the way
of light, enlightening us to live a grace filled life.

Faith in our lives works wonders. To be an ideal follower of Christ, we need to be persons of
strong faith. It is this little faith that will sustain us in our life journey, though we may have a
lot of unanswered questions. Filled with faith, God will help us to discern the best way for us,
because we are His loving children. A grace, we can pray for today, is that our faith may not
be baseless or peripheral but be a deeper and dynamic one.

NOVEMBER 2010 9
09 TUE
(Dedication of Lateran Basilica)

GOD DWELLS…
S. Leo, SJ

Ez 47:1-2, 8-9, 12
1Cor 3:9b-11, 16-17
Jn 2:13-22

For God’s temple is holy, and you are that temple

India is a multi-religious country. Places of worship play a very vital role in our belief
systems. We flock to shrines, temples, mosques and pilgrim centres to thank God, to worship
Him to get favours from Him and to purify ourselves. As Jesus says in the gospel, we strongly
believe that God dwells in the places of worship and He listens to our prayers .

In our Christian context, every church consecrated to God and dedicated to the divine worship
is a house of God and a gate of heaven. We meet Him and converse with Him. We celebrate
the Eucharist, receive the sacraments and adore the presence of Jesus Christ in the tabernacle.
For us, Christians, God cannot be confined as a prisoner in the man-made structure of wood
and stone. He also dwells in everyone who loves him, worships him, obeys him and prays to
him in total faith and confidence. In other words, the faithful are considered to be the
sanctuary of the divine. “Do you not know that you are God’s temple and that God’s spirit
dwells in you? If anyone destroys God’s temple, God will destroy that person”, says St Paul.

The Basilica of St. John Lateran, is the cathedral of the diocese of Rome. It was built by the
Emperor Constantine in the fourth century. It is considered to be the model for all the
churches throughout the world through its missionary commitment. It represents the people of
God. Therefore, as Christians, today we are called to reflect upon our faith and commitment
to God, realizing that we too are the tabernacles of God.

NOVEMBER 2010 10
10 WED
(St. Leo the Great)

GRATITUDE FOR AN IDENTITY RECEIVED

Arul Doss, SJ

Tit 3: 1-7
Lk 17: 11-19

Were they not healed to return and give praise to God!

Ten lepers were cured, but only one responded with a grateful heart, while the others were
concerned about fulfilling the legal requirements. The Samaritan was grateful to Jesus for, not
only was he cleansed of leprosy, but also he had restored his identity in his community.

To stop on our journey and to acknowledge the transformations, newness and beauty that God
brings in our lives is of utmost importance. There are various people who come into our lives,
meet our needs, and help us in moments of difficulties, only because they care for us. Quite
often the services of people, be it for our dear ones or our for workers, they are taken for
granted. We fail to respond to the noble deeds of others for our sake, which enable us to have
a smooth sail in the journey of life. By the good will of others, our identity is maintained and
we feel fulfilled. One aspect of our Christian vocation is gratitude, through which we are able
to acknowledge the good deeds we experience. This is our identity. It is in keeping with this
God-given identity that we feel a sense of security and love in the Lord and in the presence of
our community. We enjoy what God has done for us, when we acknowledge it and express our
gratitude to God; it pleases him simultaneously increasing our joy too. What God looks at, is
the attitude of our heart. This was Paul’s life goal: “More than anything else, however, we
want to please him, whether in our home here or there” (2Cor 5:9).

God continuously bestows his abundant graces and blessings upon us. But rarely do we stop
to acknowledge this and thank God for all that he is doing in our lives. Today’s gospel invites
us to stop and do just that.

NOVEMBER 2010 11
11 THU
(St. Martin of Tours)

LET YOUR ACTS FLOW FROM LOVE

Assis Rodrigues, SJ

Phlm 7:20
Lk 17:20-25

Yet, I would rather appeal to you on the basis of love

The background of today’s first reading is quite revealing. Philemon was a wealthy man who
owned slaves, a common occurrence in St. Paul’s times. He and his slaves were converted to
Christ by St. Paul. A young slave of Philemon, by the name of Onesimus escaped and fled to
St. Paul for refuge. Philemon had no idea of where he was. It would have been very easy for
Paul to hide him, but he did not do so. He returned the slave to his owner.

Paul did not want to force Philemon to give up his slave. He rather wanted him to release the
slave freely out of Christian love. Therefore, St. Paul sent a letter with Onesimus, for his
master Philemon. That letter is the text of our reading today. The whole spirit of the letter is
summed up in one sentence: “Although I feel that I have every right to command you to do
what ought to be done, I prefer to appeal in the name of love.” Here, Paul shows a great
maturity and trusts in Philemon’s faith in Christ and freedom that springs from it. So, he asks
Philemon not to consider Onesimus, a slave any more, but accept him as his beloved brother.
This way, Paul highlights the fact that in Christ there can be neither masters nor slaves. Paul
seeks to liberate Philemon from the slavery of dependence and the slave from the fear of his
master.

God never forces us to do things but whatever we do in love is acceptable to God. By

appealing to love rather than to force, Paul was acting toward Philemon in the same way in
which God acts toward us.

NOVEMBER 2010 12
12 FRI
(St. Josaphat)

WALK IN TRUTH AND LOVE

Sr. D. Angel, FSAG

2 John 4-9
Luke 17: 26-37

Every one who does not abide in the teaching of Christ ... does not have God

We have heard people saying, “Truth is God” or “Love is God.” Both truth and love are the
attributes of God. If we say that we are the children of God, then we should learn to walk in
truth and love in the various circumstances of our lives. That is precisely what St. John is
telling us in his second letter. For him, truth means knowing Christ as the Son of the living
God which is true knowledge. By knowing Christ and following his teaching, we will become
truly God’s children.

In the Gospel, we hear Jesus talking about his second coming. In order to teach us its nature,
he quotes a familiar proverb, “where the body is, there the eagles (or vultures) will be
gathered together.” The return of the Lord is certain, but the time is unknown to us. Therefore,
we have to prepare ourselves in a worthy manner for the coming of the Lord’s judgment. We
should not be like the people in the time of Noah and Lot, who ignored the coming of the
Lord's judgment.

If we have followed the Good News faithfully, then we shall find favour with God at the time
of final judgment. For us, Jesus is the Good News, who revealed the truth and love of God the
Father. He is the source of all truth, beauty, goodness, love and everlasting life. So, let us
prepare ourselves earnestly and honestly for the coming of the Lord by walking in love and in
truth. This is definitely very challenging, because we live in a world where falsehood,
dishonesty and hatred for the other have become the norm of the day. But by the power and
grace of God, all things are possible.

NOVEMBER 2010 13
13 SAT
(St. Stanislaus, SJ)

PRAY WITHOUT CEASING

Balaraju, A.

3 Jn 5-8
Lk 18:1-8

Will not God grant justice to his chosen ones who cry to him day and night?

Mobiles are in abundant use today. Just the pressing of a button can enable the connection
between two people. If connection fails in one attempt, it keeps on redialling, till it gets
connected. Similarly un-ceasing prayer is that which connects humans to God. We are called
to pray unceasingly, not because God does not listen to our prayer in one attempt. Sometimes,
we may be asking for things that we really don’t need. So, God gives us time to realise what
we are asking for. Therefore, being attuned to God becomes the engine of continuous prayer.

In the gospel parable of today, a widow becomes the subject of exploitation because of
powerlessness in a patriarchal society. She feels handicapped and seeks justice without losing
heart. In the same way, many of us could feel handicapped and helpless in the world because
of the accusations and troublesome challenges that surround us. If the persistent pleading of
the helpless widow triumphs over an unjust judge, how much more will the persistent praying
of Christian disciples achieve from a just judge and gracious God?

This parable of Jesus teaches us the importance of persistence. The parable also emphasizes
the need for steadfast prayer which is ultimately based on fidelity to God. We are human
beings and have the tendency to give up when things are not in our favour. But the parable
helps us realize, that be it prayer or any other issue, we must not give up when things seem
against us. So today let us pray for the grace to remain steadfast in our commitment to God in
whatever task we have to engage in.

NOVEMBER 2010 14
14 SUN
(XXXIII SUN of the Year)
(CHILDREN’S DAY)

AN EVERLASTING TEMPLE
A. Britto, SJ

Mal 3: 19- 20a

2 Th 3:7-12
Lk 21: 5-19

By your endurance you will gain your souls

In the gospel reading, Jesus utters a prophecy of destruction. He meant that the secure temple
and the ideology it represented would not last forever. So then, is there another temple, the
one that will remain forever? The answer is ‘Yes.’ Jesus declared while he was in Jerusalem,
“Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it again” (Jn 12:19). He did not mean the
building, but his own body. Accordingly, his body was destroyed in death, yet raised to
unconquerable life. That body still abides. It includes his people. This is the new temple, the
everlasting one, raised not by human construction, but by the mercy and victory of God. In
today’s gospel we learn that nothing in this world is eternal. Beauty comes and goes. What is
strong today will turn weak tomorrow. Only the prayers we make, the pledges we fulfil, the
talents we use, the time we dedicate will lead us to the everlasting temple – Jesus Christ.

Today we are celebrating children’s day. Children are loved by all. They win our hearts with
the in angelic eyes and innocent smiles. It makes us realize that it may be the way that God
wants us to be. It is a day when children all over the country are pampered with goodies. But
how many children are privileged to enjoy this? There are many children who do not know
what children’s day means to them, especially the orphans, street and platform children, child
labourers, etc. Children are precious in the eyes of God in whatever condition they are. Today
we dedicate all the underprivileged children in the hands of God. These too are ‘living
temples of God’, and they need our gentle care and concern.

NOVEMBER 2010 15
15 MON
(St. Albert the Great)

BE A COMPASSIONATE HEALER
A. Charles, SG

Rv 1:1-4; 2:1-5a
Lk 18:35-43

Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!

The core of our Christian life is basically faith in the mercy of God. Here is an earnest blind
man who seeks to be healed by Jesus and he cries out “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on
me.” His encounter with Jesus transformed him and gave him sight again. This very act shows
the tender heart of Jesus that listens to the cry of the poor and needy in the society.

We all wish to have good health, we all like to live happily, free from sickness and ills of old
age. We often have the fear of losing what we have, above all, our good health. The very sight
of a sick and old person reminds us of our own helplessness. The blind man in today’s Gospel
knew that by himself he was helpless. But he hears of Jesus and expresses his faith in Jesus
and his faith impels Jesus to work wonder. He frees the blind man from the world of darkness
to the light of God’s kingdom. The healed person, in turn follows Jesus giving glory to God
all along the way.

In our daily life we hear a number of “calls” namely, calls for help, for consolation and for
light in life etc. How often do we turn a deaf ear as if we have not heard anything? How often
do we try to block such calls from reaching us? How often have we said: “have courage, get
up?” Today Jesus wants each one of us to lend a listening ear and extend our heart to the call
of the needy. Let us pray for the grace to always use the various opportunities that come our
way, for the praise and service of God.

NOVEMBER 2010 16
16 TUE
(St. Margaret of Scotland)

CALL TO DISCIPLESHIP
Sr. Darshana., CMC

Rv 3:1-6, 14-22
Lk 19:1-10

For the son of man came to seek out and save the lost

In several regions of the world the major cause of poverty, disease, hunger and all that
accompanies these maladies is the insatiable desire of the powerful people to accumulate
wealth at all costs. In today’s gospel passage too there is a villain who attempts the same
policy of the politicians, but who takes a ‘U’ turn at the prime of his luxury.

The story of Zacchaeus tells us that he wants to see Jesus than maintain his riches and
comforts. Jesus reads the heart of Zacchaeus and draws him to himself. The initiative of the
salvation of the lost sheep comes from God through Jesus. He welcomes the sinners and tax
collectors, dines with them and makes them his disciples. In the presence of such a
transforming personality even the notorious criminals turn into repentance. So, Zacchaeus’
interest is focused on this Jesus who can offer salvation to him. The invitation to repentance
comes from Jesus, and this leads to a major transformation within the person and his family.

Christian life and vocation is a call to discipleship, to enjoy conversion, to give ourselves
always to the One who poured Himself out for us and being transformed in the process. In
surrendering our whole lives over to the Lord we become partners in His mission. In fact,
Christian life is really more about God’s action and our response to what He is already doing.
Jesus reminds us, “You did not choose me but I chose you” (Jn15:16). Jesus comes to each of
our lives, searching for us, because He still comes to seek and save what is lost.

NOVEMBER 2010 17
17 WED
(St. Elizabeth of Hungary)

A CHAMPION OF GENEROSITY
Amalan D.

Rev 4:1-11
Luke 19: 11-28

To all those who have, more will be given

Today we rejoice because we have a saint through whom the poor were fed not only in her life
on earth but also through her intercession from heaven.

The first and the second readings talk about the ‘crown’ and the ‘pounds’ respectively. When
we focus on the life of this great woman saint, Elizabeth of Hungary, we cannot but
acknowledge the generosity of her life. She was a woman who had the wisdom to attribute all
goodness to the creator and the sufferings of the poor to the agony of Jesus. Her heart was for
Jesus who personified himself in the poor. She totally relied on Jesus so that she lived for the
sake of his Reign. Her service in the hospital for the lepers called for renunciation and self-
sacrifice. It was a ‘joyful thing’ to share everything of what she had.

Today, in this consumerist world, greed and pride seem to dominate. There is a tendency to
become more and more selfish, and in the bargain give nothing or little to the God who
provides us so much. Some take pleasure in their individual efforts to have grown rich and
popular, and forget the role God has played in helping them achieve this. This great saint has
proved to our developed and developing world that crown on earth and in heaven is made
possible through a generous giving. In the words of Saint Elizabeth herself, “The only
condition is we ought to give everything we can with joy and good grace.” She directs a
question for all us: “How generous are we with the sharing of our talents, wealth, personal
skills especially towards the needy church and humanity?”

NOVEMBER 2010 18
18 THU
(Dedication of Basilica of Sts Peter and Paul)

FAITH
Darshan Benin, IMS

Act 28:11-16, 30-31

Mt 14:22-33

Lord if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.”

Sts. Peter and Paul are the two pillars of Christian faith in the first century. The church owes
much to these two great people for the foundation and propagation of Christian faith. Peter
had been with the Lord, seen and experienced the power of the Lord in and through his words,
miracles, healings and his dealings with the people. Paul too had a unique experience of Jesus,
on the way to Damascus.

In today’s gospel we read that Jesus came walking to the aid of the disciples. Jesus assured the
disciples that it is he himself. At this Peter said “Lord if it is you, command me to come to
you on the water.” One way to interpret the “if” would be that Peter is doubting the presence
of the Lord. Another way would be to see that Peter takes heart and responds to the situation
and though things are difficult around, he wants to walk in faith. I find the second
interpretation more positive and worthy of a leader who dared to walk on the water even if he
failed. We see in the next line that indeed he failed but he knew that he was walking on water
because of the Lord and even if he failed it is the Lord who would save him. Rightly so Peter
pleads with him, “Lord save me”. In Peter I find a great expression of faith, who is ready to
walk on water and has the mature faith to call to the Lord in difficult times.

If I were Peter, I would have said “Lord you have every right to rebuke me and you know that
my faith is weak yet with your help I can walk even on the water”

NOVEMBER 2010 19
19 FRI

BE PROPHETIC
Sr. Abhaya, SCJM

Rev 10:8-11
Lk 19:45-48

My house shall be a house of prayer.

Today’s readings invite us to be prophetic. In the book of Revelation, John is commanded to

eat the scroll which symbolizes his complete assimilation of the contents of the little scroll.
His being cautioned that it will be bitter for the stomach and sweet like honey in the mouth
reflects the double aspects of the scroll’s contents. It announces the glorious victory of the
faithful, but it also points out that this triumph is to be preceded by a painful struggle.

In the gospel passage, we see Jesus entering into the temple and driving out those who were
selling things. This reminds us of Jer 7:3 “Amend your ways and your doings and let me
dwell with you in this place”. By doing this Jesus gave a warning to the religious leaders who
converted the temple into a market and a place of personal profit. Jesus challenged their
actions like the prophets in the Old Testament. But the actions of Jesus, which was aimed at
changing the attitude of priests and religious teachers and the other leaders, only generated
more anger in them. So, they became more aggressive and made efforts to find some reason to
kill him. Death on the cross was the price Jesus had to finally pay, for the commitment to his
prophetic ministry.

As the followers of Jesus, are we ready to challenge the existing structures of our society in
order to be prophetic and to live a better and peaceful life? Being prophetic has its trials and
challenges. A grace we can pray for today is to be firm in our prophetic mission, no matter
what challenges or problems come our way.

NOVEMBER 2010 20
20 SAT

LIFE AFTER DEATH

Felix D’Silva, SJ

Rev 11:4-12
Lk 20:27-40

He is God not of the dead, but of the living.

The running theme of today’s readings is ‘the life after death’. John speaks about his dream in
which he sees two witnesses sent out to prophesy are killed. But God breathes life into them
and takes them to heaven. Luke too brings out the same theme when the Sadducees questions
Jesus about resurrection.

Both readings remind us of our task of witnessing. Humanity has to be given the opportunity
to listen to and see things differently, even if at the same time there is despair of humanity's
response to the prophets by killing them. Indeed, in the midst of the crisis provoked by the
proclamation of an eternal gospel, the prophets need to interpret the disease and disorder of
the world. In the midst of superhuman forces we are called to be prophets rather than merely
be passive spectators. Prophecy is no longer, merely an uttering of oracles, but involves the
whole of life. The message must be internalized and should form part of the very being of the
prophet. The prophetic role encompasses every aspect of life and death, something
experienced by all true prophets of God.

Jesus’ words on life after death are captivating. God, who created human life, has also
provided for a life after death for those who have cultivated the capacity to respond to God’s
love. Life comes from God and there is nothing ‘in’ or ‘of’ the human being that is naturally
or inherently immortal. If there is life beyond death, it is God’s gift to those who have
accepted God’s love and entered into relationship with God in this life: they “are children of
God, being children of the resurrection” (20:36).

NOVEMBER 2010 21
21 SUN
(XXXIV SUN of the Year,
The feast Christ the King)

KING OF KINGS
Anand Kumar, SJ

2 Sm 5: 1-13
Col 1: 12-20
Lk 23: 35-43

Jesus, remember me when you come into your Kingdom.

When Princess Elizabeth and the Duke of Edinburgh were married in 1947, King Faisal II
(12) of Iraq wore no token of his position and was more interested in the beautiful horses in
the procession than in the lovely princess. When he pushed his way through the line of
policemen to get a better view of the prancing steeds, he was handled roughly by an officer.
The next day, the newspapers apologized, “King Faisal, we didn’t know who you were!”

When Jesus was born into the world, few people knew that he was the King of Kings. Some
shepherds visited Him in a dirty stable, but the important people of his day were unaware of
his birth. Most of his life was spent in obscurity in Nazareth. Then for three years he engaged
in active ministry with 12 apostles selected from among the lower classes. He was betrayed
by one of these men; falsely accused by the religious leaders; and crucified as a criminal.
After Jesus rose from the dead and ascended into heaven, the apostle Peter told the people
(Acts 3/17) who had called for Christ’s death, “Brethren, I know that through ignorance ye
did it, as did also your rulers.” Let us who know him personally make sure that he reigns in
our hearts. (Aloysius Benny, I Am My Neighbour’s Bible).

In the gospel we read that the leaders scoffed at Jesus, the soldiers mocked at Him and one of
the criminals kept deriding him. They did it out of ignorance. But we, the followers of Jesus,
know well that he is the Lord of Lords and the King of Kings. We therefore, are called, to
allow him to reign over our hearts and minds and thus, proclaim his Reign?

NOVEMBER 2010 22
22 MON
(St. Cecilia)

OFFERING TO GOD
Hennrick Immanuel, SJ

Rev 14: 1-3, 4b-5

Lk 21: 1- 4

Truly I tell you this poor widow has put in more than all of them

The first reading is taken from the book of Revelation indicating the eschatological times are
near when God will rule the world. The gospel reading is placed just before the eschatological
discourse, namely the destruction of the temple, and just after denouncing the scribes, in Mark
chp 12 and in Luke chp 21. On the one hand Jesus criticises the hypocrisy of the scribes while
on the other hand Jesus foretells the destruction of the most holy temple because it has failed
in its duty to serve as meeting point between human and the divine.

In the pericope proper, Jesus praises the widow who offered just two small copper coins. The
Lord has regard for a person who offers with sincere heart like Abel (Gen 4:4). In the book of
prophets we see the Lord is fed up with externalism and s/he desires a contrite heart and
justice to be done. In the gospels Jesus says ‘I desire mercy not sacrifice’ (Mt 9:13)

In this context, when we see the widow offering two copper coins, which is all that she had to
live on, do not our hearts melt at the unjust oppressive system which squeezes out the last
penny out of a poor widow? Is this the offering that God desires? Is this the world where
every tear will be wiped away? Yet the world is saved and made humane through the
generosity of such poor widows, child labours and poor people who do all the dirty work of
humanity. Finally, Jesus himself was an offering of a widow who offered everything that she
had to live on and through her generosity we live.

NOVEMBER 2010 23
23 TUE
(St. Clement)

The Destruction of the Temple Foretold

John Britto, IMS

Rev 14:14-19
LK 21:5-11

What kind of house will you build for me, says the Lord

The first reading is about the eschatological times when God will gather the harvest from all
over the earth. Earlier in the gospel Jesus proclaims the dawn of end times when he says “the
harvest is plenty but the labourers are few”(Lk 10:2) and calls his disciples for this purpose.
The end times is often depicted as severe and destructive. This in fact is a symbolic language
to show that the power of the Lord is so great that even the temple, which stands for holiness,
will not be able to stand firm. The end times will not be so much destructive as restorative.
Thus we understand Jesus’ action of healing, curing and forgiving people as the end time
signs which bring good news to the poor.

The Jerusalem temple had a great history and it was the mark of Jewish pride and religiosity.
David who wanted to build the temple was not allowed and rebuked by the Lord. In reversal,
the Lord promised an ever lasting house for David. (1Sam 7:4-16). Yet the lord “does not live
in shrines made by human hands” (Acts 17:24). “For heaven is my throne and the earth is my
footstool. What kind of house will you build for me, says the Lord, or what is the place of my
rest?” (Acts 7:49)

The new temple which Jesus is referring to is his own body. “destroy this temple and in three
days I will raise it up.” This is the new and perfect temple not built by hands. A temple where
the Word of God dwells among the people and through the Eucharistic celebration makes its
presence everywhere. Thus the destruction of the temple is actually the construction of a new
temple.

NOVEMBER 2010 24
24 WED
(Sts. Andrew Dung-Lac & Comp)

WITNESS TO FAITH
Sr. Ann Joans, CSSA

Rev.15:1-4,
Lk.21:12-19.

“Not a hair of your head will perish.”

Jesus’ mission on earth was to restore us to God. Those who choose to follow him will have to
face many challenges and blocks. We are assured of Jesus’ grace and protection and therefore,
we are called to stand firm in our faith. It is through these opportunities that we can testify to
our faith, which will further lead to us being granted final victory through the enduring trust
we place in God. St. Paul exhorts us to rejoice in our hope, be patient in tribulation and
constant in prayer (Rom.12:12). The need to defend oneself for the coming trials and severity
of persecutions is balanced by the certainty of God’s protection in a paradoxical fashion.
“They will put some of you to death (v.16), but not a hair of your head will perish” (v.18)

The death of martyrs confirms the wickedness of those who oppose them but God’s
faithfulness and steadfast love remains with them. Nevertheless, the dangers, hardships for the
faithful are real indeed is the emphasis of today’s Gospel. Jesus’ grace is always there for
those who choose to follow him, and it is this assurance that enables them to bear witness to
him, even in the midst of trials and tribulations.

How ready am I to accept the challenge of Discipleship? Jesus has shown us the way and
many have borne witness to him. Let us pray toady, for the grace of courage and strength to
be committed to living a life, worthy of our Christian vocation.

NOVEMBER 2010 25
25 THU
(St. Catherine of Alexandria)

He comes, comes, ever comes.

Vijay Gonsalves, SJ

Rev. 18:1-2, 21-23; 19: 1-3, 9a;

Lk. 21: 20-28

“Stand up and raise your head, because your redemption is drawing near”.

Nakamura, a girl from Hiroshima was shattered in her body. She bore her brokenness and was
waiting to receive the body of Christ. The Lord came through the hands of Fr. Pedro Arrupe
and she was consoled and had a peaceful death. In the readings of today we see the
destruction of Babylon and then in the Gospel the destruction of Jerusalem. In this shattered
situation caused through the human instrumentality, as in the bombing of Hiroshima, the Lord
triumphs and brings salvation, redemption and comes in glory to lift up his people once again
and restore them to new life. When the life on this earth is shattered by the evil forces, the
Lord invites you to take a stand, and raise your head against it and then you will see your
redemption. You will see the Son of Man coming in power and glory.

Today, apart from social, political, economic, cultural and religious problems, we are facing
the ecological crisis, where the sun, the moon, the stars, the earth, the roaring of the seas and
the waves, the distress among the nations, the nuclear war, climatic changes, mining,
deforestation, and pollution and so on give witness to the shattered life of the universe. How
am I going to perceive God’s presence and working in this world? How am I going to take up
the stand and raise my head to work with God, so that this universe will experience the
redemption of the Lord?

We are called to respond with a radical and genuine heart. Let us be faithful stewards of God’s
creation in all that we do.

NOVEMBER 2010 26
26 FRI
(St. John Berchmans, SJ)

ONE DAY WE WILL...

Sr. Jissa,SRA

Rev 20: 1-4, 11 -21:2

Lk 21: 29-33

An English proverb reads, “If it were not for hope, the heart would break”. Our human lives
are built on hope, a dream that one day we will... Our faith teaches us to be people of hope, of
a new world. It is a call to live as people of God’s dream to create a new humanity fully alive
with the life in the Spirit.

Jesus in today’s gospel uses the image of a fig tree to teach us an important lesson about
reading the “signs of the times”. It was a belief among the Jews that the Messiah would usher
in the Kingdom at the Passover time. But they did not recognize the Messiah among them
who proclaimed the Kingdom of God, and who ushered in the end times through his passion,
death and resurrection. They failed to read the sign of God, Jesus the Messiah. It could happen
to us too. It is for us to read the signs of the times and to realize his presence and his coming
among us. The readings of today point to the fact of the Son of Man’s coming in glory and
honour. When is this second coming? Will there be any signs of his second coming? It is for
the Lord to reveal to us his plan and purpose. The church is called to live in hope, which
concerns life, here and after, enveloping all the concerns of humanity to realize God’s dream
so that he may be in all.

Let our faith give us a perspective; let our hope find new horizon; let our love embrace God’s
dream of a new heaven and a new earth.

NOVEMBER 2010 27
27 SAT

PERSEVERANCE IN PRAYER.
Sr. Lourdes Braganza, MSI

Rev 22:1-7
LK 21: 34-36

“Be alert at all times”

Conflicts are bound to take place in our lives. Human relationships, besides having positive
elements of love, compassion, joy etc. also have a negative side too, like hatred, envy,
indifference and so forth. We are called to face such negativities with a Christian
understanding. And the best way to deal such things is with the strength of prayer.

In the gospel reading we see Jesus preparing his disciples to get ready to face persecutions.
Critical circumstances can make a person tensed and anxious. Jesus warns against such
worries and cares of life, as such instances prevent us from obeying the Word. It is through
constant prayer, that we are strengthened to encounter any form of persecution for the Lord’s
sake or for His people. In being with the Lord, there’s no fear but only freedom which
prepares us for the difficult moments of life. Dependence on God’s word will fill us with
strength to meet life’s challenges.

Prayer alerts, cautions and directs us. When we are limited in our discerning capacity,
communicating with God helps. Constant alertness, like the wise virgins of the gospel, will
keep us on our guard, and help us to be watchful of every negative force, and every evil that
can engulf us and render us incapable of receiving God’s grace. To be persons of light we
need to walk the path of truth. Fighting for truth requires that we arm ourselves with the
gospel values. To be on the side of the weak and voiceless will entail trouble and disturbances.
Yet we don’t fear for we work for people whose side God takes.

NOVEMBER 2010 28
ADVENT 2010
ENOUGH ROOM FOR CHRIST?
C. Pragasan, SJ

‘Prepare the way for the Lord’ is the voice of John the Baptist heard loud as we begin our
Advent journey. How do we prepare the way? We could decorate our houses, make beautiful
cribs, or buy gifts for our loved ones. But is that the advent call? The call of John the Baptist
is somewhat different – a call for change, metanoia. We would wonder whether it is an advent
call or a Lenten call. Incidentally the journey that begins in advent culminates in Calvary and
in Easter. How do we then prepare the way for the Lord?

Years ago C.S. Lewis wrote an ironic essay called ‘Exmas and Crissmas: A Lost Chapter from
Herodotus.’ In it he compares two sects of people, one who celebrate Exmas and the others
who celebrate Crissmas. Each sect prepares for some fifty days to celebrate the feast. The
ones who celebrate Exmas prepare themselves in a shallow manner and celebrate the great
feast tired and intoxicated whereas the ones who celebrate Crissmas prepare themselves with
real zeal and with shining faces they celebrate the feast. The irony in the message is very
clear. What do we want to celebrate this time – Exmas or Crissmas?

There was once a small cartoon in a magazine. The pastor complains to the painter, “I can’t
believe you put ‘X-mas’ on our church sign instead of ‘Christmas’”. The man responds by
saying that he did not have enough room for ‘Christ’. “A lot of people have that problem this
time of the year” concludes the pastor. Do we have enough room this Christmas for Christ?
Let this advent season help us to prepare ourselves for the great sacrifice where “The Son of
God became a man to enable men to become the sons of God.” (C.S. Lewis)

NOVEMBER 2010 29
28 SUN
(First Sun of Advent)

ALERT AND AWAKE

Sr. Antonetta Pereira, FMM

Is 2:1-5
Rom 13:11-14,
Mt 24:37-44.

“Stay awake, then, for you do not know on what day your Lord will come”.

The visit of important personalities is always preceded by a great deal of extravagant, external
preparations. But our Lord comes in gentle unassuming ways; enters humanity through a
manger, enters Jerusalem on a colt with no extravagance or fanfare. This Christmas too he
comes calling us to be vigilant so that we can recognize him and welcome him. Advent begins
on the note of these two themes, Knowing and Vigilance. Ignorance seems to be the reason
for vigilance being demanded in today's Gospel. We need to be vigilant because of our
ignorance of the exact hour of the Lord's coming, and also because the suddenness of his visit
can catch us off guard.

Today vices such as competition for excellence, rat race for maximum profit, success at any
cost are creeping in to family and religious life. Relationships and self-sacrifice have been
replaced by 'works of darkness' like individualism and self indulgence. If we are too busy to
stop and take time for the Lord and His works, we will not be able to recognize him when he
comes, and will definitely not be able to welcome him into our lives.

There is a strong need to develop our ability to become aware of Jesus’ silent entry into our
lives. Eucharist, prayer, the bible reading are some of the important means through which we
can understand how he comes. So today let us pray for the grace to be vigilant so that, we
will not only be aware of his coming, but will also be able to welcome him with open hearts.

NOVEMBER 2010 30
29 Mon

SELF GIVING LOVE AND FAITH IN GOD

A. Michael Xavier Raj, SJ

Is 4:2-6
Mt 8:5-11

“I will come and cure him”

The first reading during advent is mostly from prophet Isaiah who is the very embodiment of
OT prophecy. His message is in a sense a collection of the prophets’ teaching, which included
God’s transcendent majesty as ‘the Holy One of Israel’, the unworthiness of a chosen people
unfaithful to God’s covenant with them, his warnings unheeded and the healing punishments
that will follow. But, finally God’s steadfast love and His powerful restoration saves the
Israelites from evil. Thus the people of Israel are purified, not uprooted like trees. A branch
sprouts, flourishes and bears fruit. Likewise the Israelites are the fruits of the land of Israel.

In the Gospel we have the account of the cure of the Centurion’s servant. Centurion who came
to Jesus at Capernaum was a special person for he loved the Jews. In the Roman Empire
slaves were not considered human persons, but things. It was a matter of no importance to any
master how his slave lived, whether he was suffering much or not, whether he lived or died.
But the Centurion of today’s Gospel was sorry that his slave was suffering and was
determined to do all that he could to save him. He comes to Jesus and pleads with him for the
cure of his servant.

We encounter many people in our lives, such as our dependents, our servants, our workers,
our domestics, the poor and the needy? Do we exercise and strengthen our faith by the
practice of Love Commandment? Charity is at the heart of Christian life. It is the greatest
social commandment. It respects others and their rights. It requires the practice of justice and
it alone makes us capable of it. Charity inspires a life of self-giving. Let us look at ourselves
and examine our life.

NOVEMBER 2010 31
30 TUE
(The feast of St. Andrew)

A CALL AND A RESPONSE

Sr. Manju, CJ

Rom 10:9-18
Mt 4:18-22

I will make you the fishers for men.

Today the Church celebrates the feast of Saint Andrew, the apostle and brother of Saint Peter.
The Gospel reading reflects two themes; Call and Response. The Gospel explains the call of
the four disciples, which includes Saint Andrew. The initiative comes from Jesus. We also
see that the call of Jesus has a mission and purpose. In this case, he was calling them, to
enable them to become fishers of men. This same aspect of the call can be applied to our
lives as well. Jesus called the disciples because he had a plan for them. So also Jesus calls us,
because he has a mission for each one of us too. What we need to reflect on are the ways in
which Jesus calls us, and the mission he has for each one of us.

The other theme is that of a Response. In the call of Saints Peter and Andrew, the response is
theirs. Jesus never forces a response. But when a response is given, he expects it to be
whole-hearted. The four fishermen left everything and followed Jesus. This is the response
that is expected of us too, especially when we consider ourselves as the followers of Christ.

In the first reading we see Saint Paul stressing the importance of believing and being attuned
to Christ. Unless we believe, we will not be able to experience the numerous wonders Jesus
works in our lives. In order to radically follow Jesus, we have to first believe in him, and the
message he has for each one of us. Today, let us pray for the grace that we too, like Saint
Andrew, may believe and respond whole heartedly to the call of Jesus and the mission he has
for each one of us.

NOVEMBER 2010 32