Breaking the Word

GOSPEL READING: MATTHEW 9:14-15

Fasting was one of the pious practices of the Jews. Pharisees were very strict in observing this. They also expected everyone do likewise. Anyone who was not observing this was considered by them as a sinful person. Any religious leader was also encouraging his followers to observe this practice.

The Pharisees expected Jesus and his new group of followers to be faithful to this practice. They even challenged him for not doing so. Jesus response to him was quite interesting. Presence of God among people always called for celebration and not for fasting. When one has God with him, even if he fasts (without food), it is a celebration. Presence of God (Jesus) is the criterion.

நோன்பு இருத்தல் இஸ்ராயேல் மக்களிடையே இருந்த பக்திமுயற்சிகளில் ஒன்று. பக்திமுயற்சிகள் அனைத்தும் இறைவனைச் சென்றடைய. இறைவன் உடனிருக்கும்போது பக்திமுயற்சிகளின் தேவை கேள்விக்கு உட்ப்பட்டது.

GOSPEL READING: LUKE 9:22-25

Jesus reveals the end of his life. He tells the listeners the way he was going to meet his end. People who have seen him doing miracles and have heard him preach in the synagogue and in other places would naturally expect him to be a man of honour and respect and glory. But Jesus is going to face just the opposite of the expectations of the people.

He also reveals to the listeners the way of life of those who wish to be his disciples. His followers should also be ready to deny themselves and follow him carrying the cross. Jesus proposes that the greatest freedom is freedom from the self (ego). It is the inborn tendency to love oneself and the things that belong to him (all the gains of this world). The great victory is the victory from the self and the material things.

ஒவ்வொரு மனிதனுக்கும் கிடைக்கவேண்டிய வெற்றி என்னவென்றால் தன்னையே வெற்றிகொள்ளுதல்தான். இயேசுவுக்கு வாழ்வு என்பது ஒருவன் தன்னையே வெற்றி கொள்ளுதலும் உலக பொருள்கள் மேல் வெற்றிகொள்ளுதலுமே ஆகும். இந்த வெற்றி தன்னையும் பொருள்களையும் இழத்தல் வழியாகத்தான் கிடைக்கும்.