Reflections

Jesus speaks in a very challenging manner when he states not to worry about life. There is that constant danger of becoming immersed in the affairs of the world. There is the risk we take when we spend too much time in the pursuit of worldly goods. The problem facing us is that the world we live in encourages us to set our hearts on acquiring more and more and to seek security in possessions. It so easily becomes a vicious circle because the more we have the more we want. A time will come when everything we own and cherish dearly will have to be left behind. Hence, we worry about life.

The crowd came a long way to hear Jesus and now find themselves in a deserted area without food. Jesus in his compassion inquires about the food supply on hand and finds all that is available is five barley loaves and two fishes in the possession of a boy. The boy must be shocked when asked to give up all that he has and part with his only food. However, his sacrifice is well rewarded when he sees Jesus feed the multitude with the food he provided. What is given to Jesus as a sacrifice is given back by him totally transformed. The crowd is fed, symbolising that Jesus has come to give life to all people.

Lockdown 5.0. We're already used to this word and know what to do. It has become a part of our lives now, our new normal. Interestingly the gospel speaks of the importance of finding a quiet spot in our lives where we can be alone with Christ in prayer. Like Christ we need to take a moment to get away at times from constant calls upon us and from the pressures that bear down on us to listen to the healing voice of God and refresh ourselves spiritually. God's voice is heard best in moments of stillness.

As we Victorians endure another lockdown, let us take this opportunity to pause and reflect on the feast of Corpus Christi as instituted to focus special attention on the real presence of Christ in the Eucharist. It is a celebration of the generosity of the Lord to us, in offering himself as food to satisfy our spiritual and material hunger as we journey through life. Let us consider the great miracle of God's presence among us. All of us are people on a journey facing the trials and sufferings of everyday happenings. What better companion can we have for support than the presence of Jesus?

Mary is at the centre of this Sunday's gospel, Luke 1:26-38, which gives us a simple but moving account of the greatest message that was ever delivered. In it we are told simply and plainly that there was a young maiden, who knelt down at the angel Gabriel's mysterious message and in the freedom of her heart, gave the total gift of herself to God saying 'be it done unto me according to thy Word.' Mary was needed by God so that He might carry out this plan for the world and send His Son among us. She was asked to cooperate with God and be the mother of Christ. The moment she said yes to the angel, salvation began and she brought that salvation to birth at Bethlehem on the first Christmas day.

The joy of advent comes with an inspiring message, John 1:6-8, 19-28 of hope and encouragement urging us to rejoice and be happy because the Lord is near. More so, it tells us that joy is basic to being Christian and our vocation is to radiate this joy. Experience tells us that rejoicing is not always the hallmark of a Christian. It has been associated with sadness. Many of us are more familiar with the gospel message of carrying the cross than of its characteristic of joy. While there is hardship and suffering in the life of Jesus, there is joy which is compatible with pain. We were created for happiness. It is the purpose of our whole being and we spend our lives searching and striving to attain it.

Advent is an invitation to conversion and John the Baptist gives us some down to earth advice on how to change our lives for the better. He talks, Mark 1:1-8, about filling in valleys of prejudice, levelling down mountains of pride and straightening out the crooked paths of injustice. We ask ourselves what in our lives needs a complete turning around to allow God to come close to us. There are areas and dark corners of ourselves which we do not want disturbed. This advent time of prayer and penance brings home to us the need to make a fresh start. Welcoming God involves removing all blockages and obstacles which prevent Him from coming close. Preparing a way for the Lord may mean walking a new path. Christ cannot save us without our cooperation. He does not force an entry into our lives but waits to be invited.

There is a note of high hope about this Advent season, Mark 13:31-37,. It proclaims the message that God has not abandoned His people. And we are to wait in joyful hope for our Lord and Saviour to be revealed. Echoed and re-echoed throughout the readings is the warning 'Be on guard, stay awake because you never know when the time will come'. To be found wanting and unworthy of the kingdom on that occasion will be painfully frustrating. The real challenge of Advent is to prepare ourselves in body and soul for that great moment, by letting God's presence and power get to work in our lives.

The feast of Christ the King brings the church's year to a close and with it comes a reminder that the cycle of our own lives here on earth will also reach its completion. The end of the year is review time and gives us opportunity to reflect on our behaviour as members of God's household. The gospel, Matthew 25:31-46, points out very strongly that admission into our eternal home depends on the effort we make to aid and comfort the needy. We will be assured of a place in Christ's kingdom only if we treat others as Christ would treat them.

There is a side to us which identifies with the insecurity of the man who is severely punished for his laziness in not using God's gifts. He was so wrapped up in himself and his personal concerns that he failed to face up to his responsibilities. At the end of his day he had nothing to show for his years on earth because he did not avail of the opportunities that came his way. His life was not a success story as he was mean in the service of God and showed little or no enthusiasm for Christian living.