THE LEPER THAT I AM

6th SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME (B)

FEBRUARY 12, 2012

Leviticus 13: 1-2, 44-46; Psalm 32; I Corinthians 10: 31-11:1; Mark 1: 40-45

I recall an incident that happened when I was a student of theology, during my seminary days. Our theologate was at Rishikesh, the sacred place of Hindu tradition and spirituality. One fine evening, I sat along the bank of river Ganges, observing the gentle flow of the river and watching the rituals Hindu devotees perform in the river. After a while, I noticed a man who sat across me, intently looking at me. He appeared to be an aristocratic, a man in his forties, and was well dressed. When I smiled at him, he approached me and greeted me, inquired my name and profession. When I said, I am a Catholic undergoing training to be a priest; he sat beside me and asked if he can talk with me for a while. Then he took off his shoes. I was surprised and shocked. Suddenly, I sensed the stench of rotting flesh, and I could not stand there any more. His feet were mutilated, toes missing, soles oozing puss… Oh! My God, I can still feel the overpowering stench filling my nostrils and gushing to the lungs! This man was suffering from leprosy. The reason he approached me was to see if I can help him find an institution that cares for people afflicted with leprosy. He particularly inquired I would recommend him to the Mother Teresa Sisters’ community. He had been wandering around with the hope of finding a place of care and acceptance.

In the Gospel for our reflection today Jesus encounters a leper who puts His hope and trust in Him. He believes that “if Jesus wants to, He can make him clean”. From the first reading we heard the grim situation of anyone afflicted with leprosy, that he/she should be reported to the priests who would pronounce him/her to be unclean. Then the afflicted person is forced to live in seclusion, isolated from his family and friends. A very grim situation, indeed!

Yet, you may be in shock, to realize that all of us might already be afflicted with the “dreaded” decease of leprosy. I, for one, find within myself, some telling signs of leprosy. The medical dictionary defines leprosy as an infectious disease characterized by disfiguring skin sores, nerve damage, and progressive debilitation. All forms of the disease eventually cause peripheral neurological damage (nerve damage in the arms and legs) which causes sensory loss in the skin and muscle weakness. Yes, lack of sensation or insensitivity and mutilation within me, as well as isolation/seclusion from the community, and uncleanliness are the visible signs of leprosy that I find within myself.

Sensory Loss: A person afflicted with leprosy experiences the loss of sensory perceptions. He is incapable of experiencing pain, heat, cold and so on. People with long-term leprosy may lose the use of their hands or feet due to repeated injury resulting from lack of sensation. There are so many of us who are incapable of knowing the pains, sufferings, tears and sorrows of our brothers and sisters. All around us we find people who are hungry, sick, in misery and agony. But the more I am exposed to such realities, I tend to take them for granted, as normal realities that ought be. Thus, I do not even notice, much less do I respond to the cries and tears, needs and deprivations of my brothers and sisters. Do I lack compassion? This is sign of leprosy!

Mutilation: Deformity and mutilations are the most visible signs of leprosy. Physically, I may be fit and perfect, handsome/beautiful and healthy. Yet, I may be living with deformed views, mutilated ideologies, short tempers, wounded feelings, fractured mindset, deformed attitudes and broken relationships. It could be that I do not even realize that I have such deformities and imperfections. But every time I open my mouth, people might get hurt. As I move about doing my business, people might sense the stench of arrogance and pride. How wonderfully I might manage to smile, I might still remain un approachable. How great I might think of me, my attitudes might be too mean and construed. Do I hurt people often? Do I humiliate and disrespect others? Do I have lost the original grace that I received in baptism? Have I deformed the image of God in me? If so, I admit, I’m afflicted with leprosy.

Isolation: As we heard from the first reading, a person afflicted with leprosy is kept secluded from the rest of the society. Do I discriminate against some of my brothers and sisters? Are there people in my family or community with whom I find it hard to live and work with? Do I keep off from someone? Do I feel uncomfortable in the presence of anyone? Are there people in my family who keep off from the Church? Do I ever feel that I am not wanted, I am not being respected, I am not being cared for in my family or community? Do I feel the pain of loneliness? Am I carrying the burden of isolation any time of my life? Do I lack self-esteem? Do I consider that I am good for nothing, that I have nothing to do with the family concerns or the community activities? If so, I need to be treated for spiritual leprosy.

Unclean!: In the Biblical times a leper was considered unclean. The priest declares him unclean. Whenever he comes across people in the society, the leper was to cry out “unclean, unclean!”. This was not simply because of the unhygienic situation that the leper was in, but more so because of the belief that leprosy is a punishment from God, and as a result, it is a manifestation that the person is a sinner. Jesus has made it clear that sin defiles a person. It is not the external beauty and physical hygiene that makes a person clean, but the divine virtues and spiritual worth. Yes, every sin I commit, I become unclean… Do I live in sinful situations? Do I harbor evil thoughts and make evil designs? Are my words and dealings clean? Are my attitudes straight and aspirations transparent? Do I engage in corrupt practices and deceit? Is my conscience as clean as my hands?

If I exhibit the signs and effects of leprosy, what shall I do? We heard from the first reading, let the person report it to the priest. Yes, let us report it to the High-priest Jesus Christ. Let us report to Him the symptoms of growing insensitivity to the needs and pains of others, the mutilation and deformity of my character, the pain of isolation and loneliness and my unclean conscience and life-style. Unlike the priests of the Old-testament who declared them unclean and forced them to seclusion, Jesus our high priest now will declare us to be clean and re-integrate us into the community of God and His people. Jesus effects this healing by reaching out and touching my deformed-decayed life. Wonderful indeed, He dares to touch me. He wills to heal me. If only I come to Him and declare myself unclean! Today in the sacraments of reconciliation and the Holy Eucharist Jesus does just that. He washes me in Divine grace and makes me whole.

CHILD: THE ROLE MODEL

FEAST OF SANTO-NINO (THE CHILD JESUS)

Isaiah 9:1-6; Ephesians 1:3-6, 15-18; Mark 10:13-16

Child is the role model for Jesus’ followers. Jesus loved children. Children loved it to be with Jesus. Children had free access in His presence, any time, anywhere! He embraced them, blessed them and made them stand before the elders as an imitable model. The heart of the child, Jesus found, is closer to tHis own Heart. This is why He claimed that the way to the Kingdom of God is the way of the children. Jesus challenged His disciples with the imperative of becoming like a child: “Unless you become like a child you shall not enter the Kingdom of God”.

What did Jesus find in a child so fascinating, admirable and so unique to be elevated as the yardstick of His discipleship? A deeper examination of the word child would give us the clue.

The word “c-h-i-l-d” encompasses the chief qualities of an ideal disciple:

C- represents Care
H- stands for Humility
I- signifies Innocence
L- indicates Learning, and
D- suggests Dependence

Do Care, and Be Careful

Children remind us of the need to give and take care. Children are the most vulnerable in the human family. They need the care of their parents, elders, relatives, friends and the society as a whole. The child reminds us of becoming a caring family. When God the Father placed Jesus, His Son in the hands of Mary and Joseph, He was in fact showing us what care is all about. He was also proving us how much He cares for us. The next time you are bothered by the feeling that no body cares for you, look at the child Jesus, and remember that you are always placed in the caring hands of God. He has carved you in the hollow of His palm. There is something in the whole of creation that our heart is tuned to be caring for the little ones.

I remember it well. My parents used to remind me several times a day, to be careful. When I cross the street, when meet strangers, when I play with children, when I am out in the rain or shine... I used to hear them say, “be careful”. Even today, my well wishers and friends, in the parish remind me, “Father, be careful when you are alone, travelling on a jeep or visiting strange places and people...” It is natural for children to take this advice to their heart. As elders, we still need to be careful. Be careful with the kind of relationships we build, with the barkadas we move around with. I need to be careful with the attitudes I have, with the words I speak and the emotional outbursts I have. Yes, I need to be careful with the ways I walk, the places I step in, the examples I give to the people, the way I spend my time and talents. There are so many things I need to be careful about in my daily life. But as an adult, I often feel that I am strong enough, and nobody needs to remind me of being careful. How many times have I regretted the fact that “if only I had followed the advice and directions of my parents, and elders”! Let me be a child that I may care for others and be more careful about myself.

Humility: the hallmark of a child

There is this saying: “as humble as a child”. A child is humble because it knows it is small, weak, tender, vulnerable and dependent. When a child begins to act like an adult, we call them “proud”. Humility restores the rightful place of our life on earth. Children have the ability to grow because they are humble. Children get-over their hurts easily because they are naturally humble. Humility allows them to be respectful and obedient of their parents, teachers and elders. Children teach us that humility is not weakness but strength. Because they are small and vulnerable, children are the most powerful persons in the family. They make mistakes but easily say sorry. The matter is settled. They forget the hurts of others. It is easy for them to get along with others than it is for the elders.

Children consider others as bigger and greater than themselves. Their view of the world is one of wonder and praise. It takes humility to recognize the greatness of others. Humility is the melody of the heart that sings the notes of praise. Humility is the eye of the soul that can see unfolding miracles of life. Wonder, owe, praise, appreciation... these are signs of humility. Lord, help me be humble like a child that I may know my littleness and see the greatness of your love and the wonder of your creation.

Innocence: The synonym of an infant 

If you do not know what innocence is, just behold the face of a child. Children are naturally innocent because they come fresh from the heart of God. They reflect perfectly well the “image” and “likeness” of God. Children do not lie. They do not keep grudges in their heart. There is no malice in what children do and say. They behave as naturally as they are. They say what they mean and mean what they say. They do what they feel and find joy in little things. There is no duplicity in the heart of children. They do not discriminate. They do not put barriers and conditions on relationships. And so children enjoy tremendous freedom. The entire world is their home and play ground. Everyone on earth is their family member. They are at peace with anyone, anywhere. Have you seen how children sleep, and have you wondered if you were able to sleep like children—stress free, worry free, anywhere, any time? Be innocent as a child.

As we advance in years, we learn the ways of the world. The elders are our models. As elders we teach our children to tell lies, to be angry, to discriminate against people, to be selfish, not to be open. We teach them the ways of corruption and duplicity. Children challenge us to return to the original innocence with which we entered into the human family. No wonder, Jesus was categorical in telling us that we cannot enter the Kingdom of God unless we become innocent like children.

Learning: The sign of growing-up

Everyone who comes across a baby would be pleased to see that the baby learns something from him. Children are expected to learn. We take special care to teach our children. Parents take pride to see their children excel in learning. Children learn. They learn fast. They learn from their mistakes. It is ok for children to make mistakes. But they grow by learning lessons from them. It is easier to teach a child than an adult.

Children learn fast because they are open to the world that unfolds before them. They know pretty well that they do not know anything. Children are seekers. They want to grow up fast. So they are happy to grasp anything that comes along their way. They are uncritical. They do not engage in negative criticism. They look at others as genuine masters. Their eyes and ears are open to the words and directions, signs and symbols, laws and rules of the world. This makes their life exciting each moment.

For an adult it is hard to learn. This is because they become more critical, more self centred and close-minded. I often feel I know better. I feel that I know the fullness of truth. I feel you do not know anything. This is why if ever someone points to my mistakes I feel deeply hurt. This is why I often mutter, “How dare you teach me?” It is much difficult for me to admit that I make mistakes. It is much more difficult for me to learn from my mistakes.

Dependence: The key of security and happiness

A child is the most vulnerable creature on earth. Before birth it needs nine months in the protective atmosphere of the womb. After birth, it takes two years for a child to stand on its legs. It needs to be fed, bathed, carried around... yes the child depends on its parents and elders for everything. This dependence on others helps the child to grow in intimacy, love and affection. The child would naturally cling to its mother and the father. When they are around, the child feels secure and safe.

As I grow mature, I tend to be independent. I want to go my own way. The safety of the home and the instructions of the elders become barriers and fetters for me. I feel I am man enough. I do not like anyone guiding me. I do not want to depend on anyone. I feel ashamed to ask for help. Dependence is seen as weakness. Happiness is now found in my ability to be on my own.

Jesus’ ideal of a child challenges me to learn the value of inter-dependence. No matter how I advance in age, I am still a child of God, totally dependent on Him for my life and sustenance. I’m what I am because of the human family. I depend on the society for my daily needs. My joy is complete only when I find myself in others and share my joy with others. There is no single moment in life that I can live without God and others.

Lord, help me be a child, caring and careful, humble, innocent, learning, and dependent.

GIVE. FORGIVE.

September 11, 2011

Sunday of the Twenty-Fourth Week in the Ordinary Time
Ecclesiasticus 27:30-28:7; Romans 14:7-9; Matthew 18:21-35


I wrote on the door of my heart: "please do not enter." Love came smiling and said: "sorry, I am illiterate"

It is said: God has a Son. His name is LOVE. Love has a wife. Her name is FORGIVENESS.
From the union of Love and forgiveness come all the virtues in the world.
The devil has a son. His name is Hatred. He has a wife. Her name is Anger.
From the union of hatred and anger emerge all the evil in the world.
Love and Forgiveness are soul-mates. Wherever there is love, there is forgiveness.
Wherever forgiveness goes love follows her.
Love without forgiveness and forgiveness without love are incomplete.
Anger and hatred are soul-mates, too.
Wherever there is hatred, there is anger. Hatred follows anger wherever she goes.

Whose child are you: of God, or of the devil?
What is in your heart: Love and forgiveness, or hatred and anger?

Jesus declares us to be true children of God: born in love, redeemed in forgiveness and sanctified in grace! We are sons and daughters in the SON!

The central message of the scripture passage for our reflection today is FORGIVENESS. We are commanded to forgive…forgive... and forgive. Never count how many times; and never ask how long. The commandment to forgive is an extension of the commandment to love. If love is the mark of a true disciple of Christ, forgiveness is the way to grace.

Jesus offers us two reasons why we should be forgiving unconditionally and unlimited: 1. We are forgiven by God, and 2. We ourselves need forgiveness.

I am forgiven:
God’s eternal love is revealed in forgiveness. He has forgiven me first. He keeps forgiving me. His patience endures forever. This has been the experience of people throughout human history that have a God who forgives us unconditionally and unlimited. The psalmist verbalized it: “The Lord is kind and merciful, slow to anger and rich in compassion” (Ps 103). Indeed, if I survive today, it is because of the mercy of God. I was born in sin, I inherited a sinful world, and I wallow in sinful ways each day of my life. I owe God for all that I have and all that I am. I can never ever re-pay him enough in this life or in a thousand lives. Each day I break my covenant with Him and bring disgrace to His name. Yet, God keeps patiently waiting for me, loving me more each time I sin, and justifying me with His grace. If only I turn my steps towards Him or raise my eyes to His heart, He grants me forgiveness: no questions asked; no penalties imposed.

It is this ineffable forgiving love of God that impels me to be forgiving. This is why Jesus speaks of forgiveness in the same breath as He speaks of love. Forgiveness is the true expression of love.

Forgiveness is a conditional grace. The very word for-giving implies the centrality of “giving”. We receive forgiveness in as much as we give it. Jesus never got tired of talking about the “conditional grace of forgiveness”. He inserted it in the beatitudes, in the Lord ’s Prayer, in the parables and instructions, and demonstrated it in His prayer on the Cross. It is forgiveness that makes the Cross worth embracing.

I need forgiveness:
Forgiveness, like love, is necessary for a healthy, happy and long life. More than a burden, forgiveness is the path of grace. Do you want long life? Forgive! Do you want peace and joy? Forgive! Do you want healthy, fulfilling relationships? Forgive!

Unforgiveness is a poison that will kill you. Hatred and anger in your heart will see you through a miserable life and a gradual painful death. I may not be able to kill my enemies with my unforgiveness. Yet, I will kill myself if I refuse to forgive. The one who suffers more because of my refusal to forgive is not my enemy, but myself. The more I harbor anger and vengeance in my heart and the longer I live with those feelings the more my life gets rotten.

Anger, bitterness, hatred and unforgiveness are more toxic than all the most dangerous elements in the world. You need to clean regularly the sanctuary of your heart from the “emotional trash” and the “toxic feelings”. If you keep trash in your house, and pile them up each day, what happens? They begin to rot, stink, and spread deadly germs. You become sick. Jesus offers to clean the trash from your heart. He offers His services for free. Consider turning your steps toward the confessional. You will feel clean, healthy and good.

Consider each time you forgive as the first time. Never say enough. We never forgive enough. For, you never say enough in love. Nobody gets offended in forgiveness. If your brother or sister loses his/her temple, hold yours in tact. Do not make yourself a victim of your enemy. When you refuse to forgive, you make yourself his/her slave. Forgiveness restores true freedom. Is it not funny that we give the control of our life to our enemies when we fail to forgive them. You cannot step out of your house and walk freely for the fear that you might stumble upon your enemy! Forgive, and you will know what freedom and peace is!

The rule of love is also the rule of forgiveness. “Love your God with all your heart, with all your mind and with all your strength.” Forgive your offender with all your heart, with all your will and with all your strength. Many a time forgiveness fail, because I have not been able to apply “all my heart, all my mind and all my strength” in forgiving.

Thought Capsule: "Don't be afraid to forgive. It is a sign of strength. Forgiveness may not make the other person right, it makes you free. "

SERVANT CULTURE

October 20, 2010
Wednesday of the Twenty-Ninth Week in Ordinary Time
Luke 12:39-48

Expect the unexpected:

Human life is marked with a sense of uncertainty. With all the scientific progress we have made, we cannot yet predict with certainty what lies ahead of us. When I can get sick, when fortunes in my life can change, when relationships can grow soar, when and what manner I am to bid farewell to this world—these are mysteries that humanity has come to live with from its very inception. However, we know for certain that as I entered the world, so will I pass away, not into uncertainties but into the certainty of faith in the hands of a loving and caring God. So, I need not worry as to how and when I may die, rather I need to be concerned with how I make my life so as to be “always ready and vigilant” for encountering my creator face to face. There are three things I need to keep in my mind in this journey of my life: my identity as a servant, prudence and, faithfulness.

Identity as Servant:

The perennial question “who am I” has been answered by Jesus in two complementing directions, as a “child of God”, and a “servant”. Jesus was aware of His being the Son of God yet He also knew that He is a servant of God and His people. He was more comfortable to be called a servant than a master. Indeed, He taught His disciples that one cannot claim the “sonship/daughtership” of God unless one first becomes a servant of all. He claimed of Himself as “the son of man who came not to be served but to serve and give His life as ransom for many.

We live in a time when “service” has acquired myriads of implicit meanings. The service sector of our society is going through a crisis of credibility and survival. It is not only the rampant corruption that has ravaged the service sector. Much more, it is a change of ideology, a shift of paradigm, and an alteration of culture. In the political and commercial, cultural realms, nay, even in the religious sphere, service has become a springboard of power, profit and privileges. “Service” means more of self-service than of public welfare. “Servant” assumes the position of the master. Against such a culture, Jesus cries out to follow Him, the “suffering servant”, the “servant of all” who spends His all for the sake of His people. In Jesus’ vision “servanthood” is about humility, obedience, faithfulness, loyalty, self-sacrifice and diligence. Such a servant has nothing to fear, nothing to hide, for he/she always lives a life of transparency, busying him/herself in doing the will of his/her master. The “master’s” will and happiness keeps him/her in great anticipation, readiness and alertness all the time of his/her life.

Prudence:

A true servant cannot be timid. Prudence is that quality by which a servant becomes aware of the options before him and is able to discern and decide on the right thing, in the right manner at the right time. Prudence is always shown in action. Prudence dictates to me that my true identity is that of a servant, and as a servant, I am supposed to serve, vigilant and active, carrying out the plan and projects of my master. There is no greater value for me than the “mind”, “will” and “orders” of my master. Seeking the will of God in all things in all times is the mark of a Christian. I am called to serve God and His people. I’m concerned only with one thing: how can I be of help to you. When I say I am a servant, I am declaring that you are my master. Being my master, I consider you as greater than I am. This makes me humble. The test of service is humility and obedience. If I feel it natural and easy for me to work under anyone, to take orders, and not to impose my will and mind on others, then I know I am growing in ‘servanthood’.

Faithfulness:

As a servant, I am expected of faithfulness in life, relationships and duty. The master has the right to expect that I am faithful to Him and His work. Faithfulness is manifested in my commitment to the master and to the task. Diligence, fairness and cheerful countenance are the marks of a faithful servant.

CRITIC WITH A HEART

October 15, 2010
Friday, 28th Week in Ordinary Time
Luke 12:1-7

Critic with a Heart:

Criticism is an art, virtue and business. In literature criticism is an art. In religion it is a virtue. In media it is a business. We cannot live without criticism. In journalistic approach fairness and objectivity arise only in a critical view of reality. In a culture of liberty and integrity critics abound. However, criticism can do more harm than good if it is not done in proper manner and disposition. Liberty and freedom of expression does not mean that one has the absolute right of criticizing another to the point of destroying him/her. Indeed, not everyone has the right to criticize. As Abraham Lincoln has once said, “he has the right to criticize who has a heart to help”. Criticism therefore should be practiced only with a view to help and not to destroy.

Jesus was a critic. He was a critic with a heart. He criticized not individuals rather the rotting system of the Pharisees and the scribes which ran on the fuel of hypocrisy. Jesus challenged them to self-critic. The chief purpose of God becoming man was to invite us to be critics not of others but of ourselves. In His preaching, healing, performing miracles, companionship with the sinners and outcasts, sufferings, death and resurrection Jesus called for conversion. Conversion begins with an examination of conscience, a criticism of the heart. Jesus model is a critic with a heart. The intention of the critic be pure, without blemish and holy. It is totally opposite of the kind of journalistic criticism as proposed by Kushwant Sing in his adage, “with malice towards all”. Jesus’ model rather is one born in love, as a mother who would critic her baby, a lover who would critic his/her partner. In this form of criticism, the critic owns responsibility for the situation and places him/herself in the position of the criticized, and then proposes the ways to change. Correction is a noble ministry, a divine responsibility God has put in the hearts every lover. It is not a weapon placed in the hands of an enemy. Indeed, I have no right to criticize my enemies. I can only criticize my friends. If I do not criticize my friends, then I am not a true friend.

Fear the Right Thing:

Fear is a common experience I have learned to live with. What are my fears? Do I fear the right things? I may fear cockroaches, rats, insects, lizards, snakes, ghosts, and other elements in nature. I might have phobias that frozen my thoughts, feelings and numb my movements. It is funny, however, that I fear such insignificant things as the insects and un harmful things as spirits or imagined things as ghosts, yet I do not fear the real things I should. In Jesus’ words, there is only one thing I need to fear: God! If I have fear of God then I fear nothing else. If I am not God-fearing then I fear everything else. Fear of God, however is not the fear I have of things, elements, situations, and people. It is a reverential fear. It is the “owe and wonder” I experience when I realize the might, power and glory of God. As I stand before the “tremendous, fascinating mystery” that is God, I realize how little I am, yet how exalted I am because of His grace! This realization at once elevates me to the height of His grace and to the depths of my creatureliness. I fall on my knees before Him in adoration and praise!

Thought Capsule
God has been very good to me, for I never dwell upon anything wrong which a person has done, so as to remember it afterwards. If I do remember it, I always see some other virtue in that person. (Saint Teresa of Avila)

BE CLEAN

October 12, 2010
Tuesday of the Twenty-Eighth Week in Ordinary Time
Luke 11: 37-41

The Culture of cleanliness:

The modern society attaches premium to the virtue of cleanliness. The saying “cleanliness is next to godliness” is adopted as the gospel principle of the modern commercial enterprises and market economy. No wonder, we live in an era of cosmetic and sanitary revolution. The markets are flooded with cosmetic and sanitary products, 60 percent of the media advertisements and commercials are on cosmetic and sanitary products. The image-conscious culture of ours has a web of unwritten laws, traditions and practices regarding beautification, maintenance, sanitization and purification. The Biblical times, especially the Jewish culture was not less concerned about physical cleanliness. Jesus is confronted with such an issue, his ritual and physical impurity at the table. The irony of the episode is that the Lord who is the source of sanctifying grace is now accused of impurity by those whose hearts were shown to be unclean!

Purity—the sign of a Christian

Jesus turned the tables at an “image conscious” society by inviting them to check “what is within” even as they present a seemingly clean external. Jesus exposes the paradox of “clean periphery” and the “unclean center”. In the final analysis it becomes clear that this high culture of purity is in fact floats on the low culture of impurities. Further more, Jesus inverts the measure of purity—purity does not consists in the cleanliness of the externals, rather in the purity of the inner chamber of the heart. To be a Christian, then is to be a clean person, pure in thoughts, intentions and dealings. No wonder, Jesus has made it imperative for His disciples to wash themselves in the waters of baptism and cleansed in the sanctifying grace of the Holy Spirit. This purity is achieved, aside from the power of the Word of God, on the strength of the rituals (sacraments) and charity.

Sacraments: the source of sanctifying grace

Rituals are part of any culture. Christian culture is rooted on sacramental rituals. The seven sacraments of the Church impart to the believer grace necessary for his/her life. The grace of sanctification is basic among the graces. In baptism the one is washed clean of all his/her sins and impurities accumulated in his life and shared from the original sin. This ritual of purity is represented by water and a white piece of cloth. It is a sacrament of re-birth, being born again as a child of God who is pure, holy and immaculate. The sacrament of reconciliation ritually sanctifies the sinner of all the impurities of his action and omission. Repentance is a necessary condition for the sanctifying grace. The Holy Eucharist allows the Christian to enter into the sacrificial grace of Christ, to wash His impurities in the blood of the Divine savior. In the Eucharist, what is impure is made pure and filled with the strength of grace that no more one may live in guilt, sin and impurity. The other sacraments (confirmation, marriage, holy orders, and the anointing of the sick) also impart to the recipient sanctifying grace along with the specific grace necessary for the state of life he/she enters.

Love: the source of sanctifying grace

Now, rituals, devoid of the spirit can remain just that—rituals. The sanctifying grace of the rituals are to be lived and practiced in the virtue of charity—selfless love. Love has the power to heal and cleanse. Any ritual without love is ineffective. Love impels one to put into act what he/she celebrates in the sacraments. Love teaches us that clean hands and clever minds are not substitute for a clean conscience. A clean conscience is the manifestation of a loving heart. The nursery rhyme “Clean little hands are nice to see” teaches the children of the beauty of cleanliness, but the “commandment of love” teaches us of the beauty of a life well founded purified in the sacrifice of love.

Purity lies in the middle. We need to avoid the extremities of ritualism and self-validation. Love and rituals are not contradictory. They compliment my life of purity.

How clean am I? Do I pay attention to the purity of my thoughts, words, intentions and dealings as much as I care for the cleanliness and grooming of my body? How often do I notice impurities in my thoughts, words, dealings and intentions? What steps do I take to cleanse my conscience and sanctify my life?

GRATEFUL LIKE A DOG

October 10, 2010
Twenty-Eighth Sunday of the Year
2 Kings 5:14-17; 2 Timothy 2:8-13; Luke 17:11-19

There was a saintly man who spent most part of His days in prayer and meditation. One day, in an ecstatic vision he was taken up into heaven and stood before the majesty of God. God the Father welcomed him into the heavenly glory and asked, “what grace shall I give you today?”. The saintly man, in humility and love asked, if it will be pleasing to God to reveal to Him how the “mechanism of prayer” works in heaven. The Heavenly Father was delighted with such a request, and offered to tour him around the heavenly chambers of the department of prayer. God held his hand and there opened a door towards a large room where in so many saints and angels were engaged in hectic activity. The Holy Spirit was moving them inwardly all around. After a few moments another door was opened and the saintly man was led to a large room, much larger than the first. The room was filled with even more saints and angels all in hectic activity under the promptings of the Holy Trinity. The number of angels and saints who filled the room and the volume of tasks they were accomplishing were so immense that not even all the super computers in the world put together were able to compute them. As the saintly man was engrossed in wonder and owe, he was taken to another room, this time a much smaller one, as small as a cellar. In contrast to the first two rooms, this was very quiet and bereft of activities. There were only a dozen or so angels and saints who sat in office in this room, and they seemed to be moving slow. The saintly man then asked the Heavenly Father, why this contrast, and what these chambers represent? Then God the Father looked at the saintly man with gentleness and compassion, and said, this is the mechanism of the chambers of prayer. The first chamber is the chamber of “petition”. People on earth sent me their petitions every moment of their lives. They constantly ask me for so many things, of every need they have. They ask for healing, miracles, visions, strength, food, money, success, and what not. The chamber of petitions is where I sort these petitions in order and priority. The angels and saints are always active in this chamber, for, my children always cry out to me for help. The second chamber is that of “dispatching and delivery”. This is where I answer the cries of my children. All the prayers I receive in the “chamber of petitions” are instantly answered here. Furthermore, I answer not only what my children ask for, I grant them the grace and blessings which they cannot even identify, foresee, and name. I, being their Father knows what is best for them, and I give more than what people ask. This is why this chamber is full of activities. Now the third chamber is “the chamber of acknowledgment”. In this chamber we process all the “acknowledgment” of blessings and graces delivered. As you have noticed, this chamber is much smaller in size and is with little activity because we receive very few responses acknowledging a blessing. Oh, my children take my favors and blessings for granted, they keep on asking and demanding for more; and very few of them, very seldom acknowledge thank me for what I am and what I do for them.

The Highest form of Prayer:
Today Jesus reminds us to be grateful. The basic attitude of a Christian must be one of gratitude. Every moment of my life, every fiber of my being needs to be singing a constant hymn of gratitude because I live constantly in the immense mercy and kindness of God.

When my prayer is dominated by petitions, and I approach God only in moments of need, I assign God the role of a slot-machine who dispenses blessings and kindness. What drives me to God? What makes me to pray? What impels me to have faith? Am I driven by an urge to “receive and get”, feeling weak and helpless on my part? Or do I feel drawn to God because of His love for me, and because of my election as His child?

Gratitude is the highest form of prayer. The Eucharist, the supreme sacrament of prayer, is a sacrifice of gratitude. The very word Eucharistia in Greek means “thanksgiving” indicating an offering of gratitude for an ineffable benefit received, which can never be repaid. Such was the attitude of the Samaritan leper who, when realized that he was healed, returned to thank the Lord, fell at His feat, praised Him profusely and followed Him on His way. Similarly, Naaman, the Syrian, who was healed by Elisha also exhibits his faith in gratitude as he returned to thank the prophet. When Naaman wanted to offer a token of gratitude to prophet Elisha for the blessing he received, Elisha refused accept anything in return, for he realized that the healing grace imparted, and the gratitude therein belongs to God, and not to him. Naaman, then made a covenant with Yahweh that he will offer his life as a sacrifice of thanksgiving. How wonderful a gift the lepers received, and how wonderfully the gifts changed them that they have now become models of gratuitous faith!

Remembering:
Gratitude begins with remembrance. When I remember the blessings I have received, the grace I live with, the gifts I am endowed with and the benefits I constantly receive, I cannot but keep singing a litany of gratitude. One exercise worth doing and repeating is that of counting my blessings. I will never be able to count all the blessings that characterize my life for each moment in my life I keep receiving favors in ways and people I may never know. Greater are the invisible graces of my life, much more than the obvious and glaring gifts I enjoy. How can I be grateful enough for the gift of life, my physical, mental and spiritual attributes, health, family and relationships? Will I ever be able to compute and count the blessings I have cherished from the moment of my inception until this day, as to the people and resources spent in caring for me? Will this life be ever enough to repay the debt of gratitude I owe to God, to my parents, relatives, to the Church and to the society at large in contributing to what I am and what I have? Counting the blessings will help me to be on the track of a grateful life.

Recognizing:
Counting and remembering the blessings is not all. Christian gratitude is more than remembering. Remembrance should lead me to recognizing the source of the blessings. I need to grow from seeing the gifts to seeing the giver of the gifts. The ten lepers in the gospel were all blessed with healing. They were all happy for the gifts they received. They counted the blessings. They realized how immense a gift they have received was. A new found life, they could not wait any longer, they were eager to relish and live the gift given to them. When nine of them were totally focused on the “worth of the gift”, one of them realized the “worth of the giver”. He realized that this gift was not about him, but about Jesus. This made him retrace his steps, sing His praise, fall at His feet and surrender his life to Him. He not only said “thank you” Lord, but made his life a “thanksgiving” to the Lord.

A Formula for Happiness:

Here is the formula for a happy and contented life: Be grateful. Have an attitude of gratitude and you will be happy. When I am grateful for everything in my life, the only sentiment that fills my heart is that of praise admiration, admiration, wonder and amazement. This will lead me to see the brighter side of life, to be hopeful and trusting. A grateful person is able to accept pain and gain with a composed heart for he knows everything life offers him comes from the heart of a God who loves him immensely. If God gifts me something, it can only be the best. So if in spite of all my efforts what I am given is pain and suffering, this is the best God can offer me at the moment. The acceptance of the gift and the recognition of the giver leads me to a greater appreciation of my life experiences. I have no reason to complain and to grumble. The more I grow in gratitude, the more I grow in happiness.

The Attitude of Gratitude:

It is the attitude that defines a person. It is said that there are two basic attitudes that dominates our lives—the attitude of a dog and the attitude of a cat.

Cat and dog are both domesticated animals. We love them and care for them. Yet, they look at the love and care they receive differently. This is why they respond to our love in different manners. The cat would love to sit on your sofa and the best of the chairs, it would sit on your lap and eat from your table. The dog, on the other hand would be happy to sit at your feet, eat from the scrap that falls from your table and behold your face as you are seated on the chair. If the cat would prefer to sleep with you on your bed, the dog would be happy if you allow it to sleep under your bed. Take a cat for walk—it will walk before you and find its way where it likes to go. Take a dog for walk, it will follow you… even if you wouldn’t like it to follow you, it would love to walk behind you. The cat does not care when you return home, you call its name, it might just show its face and run away. But the dog will welcome you at the door, will show its excitement when you return home, and in all its strength and ability let you feel how much it missed you when you were away. The dog feels happy all the time it sees you. Now, this different behavior of the dog and cat are based on the way they think about you and what you do to them. The dog thinks, “my master loves me so much, and show so much care for me. Truly he must be God”. The cat on the other hand thinks, “They love me and care for me. Indeed, I must be really God!”

How about me? Am I more of a cat or of a dog? What attitude is dominant in me?
Am I a complaining and grumbling person or am I a praising and grateful person? Do I feel that I deserve the best, and I am not given enough? Do I complain that my parents, children, partner in life, boss, co-workers and subordinates do not give me what I truly deserve—love, care, respect and consideration? Do I feel the world owes me so much? Do I keep nagging about people and situations? Do I feel that I am treated unfairly and I give more than what is required of me? Have I ever felt that “I have a right on them, and they should be giving me from what they have because they have more”? If I feel yes, my attitude is that of the cat. The cat is never happy, never satisfied with what it has. It is never grateful.

If I feel that “I have not done anything extra-ordinary… I am an unprofitable servant” (Luke 17:10), I have an attitude like the dog. Do I feel happy whenever I receive a gift or favor? Do I feel that I owe them much for I have received much more? Do I easily remember what I borrow from people and forget what they owe me? Do I feel that others deserve better and more of blessings than I really have? Do I feel happy about the growth and achievements of my brothers and sisters? Do I take care to acknowledge the favors and help I receive from others?


The Leprosy of Ingratitude:

The Gospel story of the healing of the ten lepers reminds me also about the healing of leprosy I am afflicted with today—that of ingratitude. Ingratitude, like a leprosy, distorts me, impairs my vision, insensitizes my relationships and rottens my attitude. Ingratitude hurts. It hurts to be ignored of your love and sacrifices. Each of us has our own hurting stories of ingratitude. This day I bring before the Lord the pain of ingratitude I have experienced along with the pain I have inflicted upon others due to my apathy, indifference and ingratitude. May I take time to find words and ways to express my gratitude to everyone to whom I owe my life and happiness, beginning with my God, my family members and those whose love make me complete. May dare to open up the sores and scars of ingratitude and cry out, “Lord, have pity on me”. Even as I cry out for help, may I also remember His mercy and recognize His love. May I offer myself, all that I am and all that I have as a living sacrifice of gratitude to the Lord my God.