Breaking the Word

12^th Week in Ord. Time, Friday – 30^th June 2023 — Gospel: Mt 8,1-4

Gifts of Imperfection

Leprosy’s contagion and its revolving visible impact have expelled the lepers from their own society. This shameful disease brings out a realization that one is unfit or imperfect. However, putting up with shame and imperfection and having a singular motive of attaining holistic wholeness, this leper knelt before Jesus, breaking his barriers. If we share our shame with the wrong person, they can easily add one more feather to the fairy tales. Instead we need someone who is deeply rooted, able to bend, doesn’t put us to shame, and most of all, we need someone who embraces us for our struggles. The leper having found Jesus to be one such person plucked up courage to go beyond his limits. Courage leads to compassion, which on the part Jesus bestows a form of blessing. When we’re looking for compassion, it’s about connecting with the right person at the right time about the right issue. Although the leper felt totally exposed to shame, yet completely loved and accepted by Jesus. Finally, Jesus’ exhortation to follow the Torah reestablishes his connection with the society. Leper’s willingness to let go of his shame and his desire to strengthen his relationship with Jesus makes him perfect. That’s exactly why courage, compassion and connection are the gifts of imperfection. When we’re willing to be imperfect and real, these gifts just keep giving life.

Sol. of Sts.Peter & Paul, Thursday – 29^th June 2023 — Gospel: Mt 16,13-19

Strengthened by the Divine Revelation

The readings of today emphasize the presence of God in the work of His Church. Two different characters were chosen by Jesus in a very special way for the building of the Church, the mystical body of Christ. St. Peter’s faith and acknowledgement of Jesus as the Christ, the Son of God receives praise from Jesus. His acknowledgement doesn’t come ‘through flesh and blood’ (Mt 16,17) but through a particular revelation from God the Father. Finally, he receives the mandate to take care of His flock and goes to proclaim the Gospel to the whole world, particularly to the Jews. This responsibility is carried out by Peter and his successors down the centuries and the work goes on even now. St. Paul becomes part of the mission of Jesus after his conversion, with a complete change of heart and mind. He received direct revelation from God on his way to Damascus. This turning point directed him to proclaim the Gospel to the Gentiles. In his journey he placed complete trust in the Lord and said, “the Lord stood by me and gave me strength … the Lord will rescue me from every evil threat” (2 Tim 4,17-18). In fact, he experienced the Lord standing by him in all his journeys that he was able to say boldly that he fought a good fight and held his faith unwavering until the end.