25-Jul-2017 Dear Friend, If we were given by God a once-in-a-lifetime-opportunity to ask for anything that we want or desire, what would we ask for? Good health? Wealth? Success? Power? Unlimited possessions? Or a combination of all these? It sure is a difficult choice to make! Our choices would reveal what we value and cherish most in life. Perhaps we don’t even know what is good for us and we would hesitate to make a choice. Have a wise discerning weekend! –Fr. Jude. Sunday Ref.: Seventeenth Sunday “Seek first to understand God’s Kingdom and promises! 30-Jul-2017Readings: Kings 3: 5, 7-12; Rom 8: 28-30; Matt. 13: 44-52;
Today’s first reading from the Book of Wisdom reports God’s apparition to King Solomon in a dream at night while the newly appointed King had come to the sanctuary in Gibeon to offer sacrifices. The Lord starts a dialogue with a wide-open proposal to the king: “Ask what I should give you.” What an unique opportunity to get whatever he wants! Solomon does not miss his chance. But his prayer and request is surprising. Solomon starts by praising God for his great love for his father David; he then confesses his unworthiness and inadequacy in governing his people and finally asks for the gift of an understanding heart to discern what is right and wrong. God heard his prayer and granted him his request. Understanding the otherOn their golden anniversary, a couple were kept busy all day with the celebrations and the crowds of relatives and friends who dropped in to congratulate them. So they were grateful when, towards evening, they were able to be alone on the porch, watching the sunset and relaxing after a tiring day. The old man fondly gazed at his wife and said, “Agatha, I am proud of you.” “What was that you said? asked the old lady. “You know I am hard of hearing. Say it louder.” The man repeated, “Agatha,” I said, “I am proud of you.” “That is alright,” she replied with a dismissive gesture, “I am tired of you too.” Alas, we don’t hear, or try to understand what the other is saying. –What would happen today if the leaders of the world had a divinely inspired wise and understanding heart? Wouldn’t it be nice if we were to pray for wisdom and insight to understand the true meaning of our relationships?John Pichappilly in ‘The Table of the Word’ In the Sunday Gospel Jesus gives us a wonderful example of God’s generosity. Human beings are always in search of some or the other treasure in life. For some it is wealth, for others it is a good name, and for still others it is a life-giving relationship. All this is done with a view of experiencing a deep sense of fulfillment and satisfaction. Today’s reading proposes three things which one should yearn and long for in life. Matthew compares God’s kingdom to which we are all invited, to a treasure hidden in a field. Someone finds this treasure and sells his possessions in order to acquire that treasure. God’s kingdom is also like a merchant who comes across a pearl of great value and sells everything in order to buy the pearl. Jesus gives a third example: God’s kingdom is like a net cast into the sea, catching fish of every kind. Some are good others are not. Only at end-time will they be separated. Perhaps we could ask, have we found anything that we treasure in our life? Is there something that we value in our faith? Is my faith valuable? Would losing my faith make a difference? We all have experienced days when we are upset and distraught because we have lost something. We cannot function because something is missing in our lives. A wise and discerning person will make wise choices in life so that later on we have no regrets. Like Solomon we need to ask God for the gift of wisdom to help us make life’s choices. The Cost of DiscipleshipDietrich Bonhoeffer was a young Protestant professor who resisted Hitler and his Nazi movement. His book, ‘The cost of Discipleship’ speaks of living for and witnessing to Christ in a difficult political situation. The Nazis executed Bonhoeffer for his faith. Truly his discipleship cost him his life. Since we are talking about gold, the Hindu of June 29 2005, carried the story of a goldsmith’s son, 22 year-old Deeraj Gurunath Revinkar from Belgaum, who left his home on May 24th by cycle and arrived in Srinagar on June 28th. He covered 3,350 kms on cycle to spread the message, “Polio Free, Pollution Free India” What a golden venture! Christianity, as well as other religions, are proud of many missionaries and martyrs who have given their all to go after that pearl of great price or that treasure in the field. After an astounding solo performance capped by a standing ovation, world famous violinist, Fritz Kreisler, was approached by an admirer who said, “I’d sacrifice my whole lifetime to play as beautifully as you do!” Kreisler replied, “I’ve already done that!” Would you give anything less than that?Francis Gonsalves in ‘Sunday Seeds for Daily Deeds’ In his book ‘Life after Death’ Raymond Moody says that when ‘the Being of light’ (God) interviews you after your death, He will ask you two questions. The first, what wisdom have you gained from this life? The second, how have you expanded your capacity to love? Hey! There is a final exam! There are only two questions, and it is a take home test! In the education field there is nobody teaching for this real test! There are very few classes in any school or university called extracting wisdom from your experience or learning how to love unconditionally. Remember we inflict pain on ourselves and also on others when we withhold our love and acceptance. Strive to let people be who they are, believe what they believe, and pursue happiness in their own unique ways. This will remove a lot of stress for yourself, your family and friends. Keep going back to those questions very often: how can I be more loving in this situation? And what wisdom can I learn from this experience?” Your answer to these questions will change your life more than you ever imagined. One of the best things I ever heard about understanding was this: Seek first to understand then to be understood. You know the opposite of understanding is misunderstanding or failure to understand correctly. Failure to understand correctly can ruin our lives.John Pichappilly in ‘The Table of the Word’ May we seek above all the gift of wisdom and understanding in all things! Fr. Jude Botelho [email protected] PS. The stories, incidents and anecdotes used in the reflections have been collected over the years from books as well as from sources over the net and from e-mails received. Every effort is made to acknowledge authors whenever possible. If you send in stories or illustrations I would be grateful if you could quote the source as well so that they can be acknowledged if used in these reflections. These reflections are also available on my Web site www.NetForLife.net Thank you.
