Breaking the Word

Ash Wednesday – 2^nd March 2022 — Gospel: Mt 6,1-6.16-18

Motivating Inner Spirit

We begin the season of Lent with Ash Wednesday, with the symbolic imposition of ashes on the foreheads of the faithful. This sign serves as a reminder and an invitation to repentance and to believe in the good news.  It recalls the forty days of desert experience that Jesus had before taking up the mission he received from his Father at his baptism. The three common practices that were among the Pharisees, namely: almsgiving, prayer and fasting, were truly expressions of the closeness to God. Jesus cautions the listeners about these dangers and at the same time offers its challenges. They are all internal activities that will lead the way to God rather than focusing on one’s ulterior selfish motives. During this season, say for example, instead of gorging ourselves with food and having a fun time, we are asked to recall the forgiveness which Jesus has earned for us through his death and resurrection.  We need to reflect on where we have reached in our spiritual journey/growth and what we must do to better ourselves for the rest of the journey to reach God’s eternal kingdom.

Almsgiving should be more than just giving money as a charity. It should be giving of our time, talent, and treasure to spread the Good News of Christ. The maximum that we can give of ourselves is just like Jesus, who gave himself during his earthly existence until on the cross. It needs to be done in a cheerful and joyful manner (2 Cor 9,7).  Prayer is the way we relate to God. We must do the prayers of Adoration, Contrition, Thanksgiving, and Supplication (ACTS). In Adoration, we acknowledge God’s omni-potence.  In Contrition, we recognize our sinful nature in God’s sight. In Thanksgiving, we proclaim our gratefulness to God for his over-whelming and unconditional love. And in Supplication, we seek God’s help for ourselves and for others. Prayer is not just mere words we utter, but it is our attitude about God and our meaningful relationship with him.  Fasting is emptying of ourselves in order to focus on God. We do without, so that we can be filled with God and his grace. In fasting, we realize those elements (possessions, food, habits) that prevent us from being in touch with God. It also implies that we empty ourselves of those possessions, attitudes, and values that we cling on. In this emptying, we let God fill us to be his faithful disciples.

8^th Week in Ord. Time, Tuesday – 1^st March 2022 — Gospel: Mark 10,28-31

Never Count the Cost

While Peter was a travelling companion and disciple of Jesus, he often missed the point of what Jesus’ mission was all about. Even though he had given up lot – the family business of fishing boats and nets, his family – yet, he wanted to know what he and the other disciples were going to gain from following Jesus. Peter’s relationship with Jesus still needs a clarity of development. He is still in the self-interest stage. He is still thinking of himself and what he will receive from his current behaviour. It is true that he left his family and fishing trade. At this point of time, he was mesmerized by the itinerant preacher, Jesus and questions whether it had been really worth following him at all.

Jesus promises to Peter and the other disciples that those who have given up personal relationships and possessions will be replaced by the new bond that they will share with each other both in this life and in the life to come.  Yet, Jesus remarks that if we are focusing on either the hardships we must endure or the rewards we will attain, we have missed the point. What is important is our attitude of acting as the least among others – the servant attitude. As servants, we should never count the personal cost or rewards of labour. We are asked to look at the needs of others and work towards spreading the Good News of God’s love generously.