It is 17th June 2020.
The readings are from 2 Kings 2:1, 6-14; and the Gospel from Matthew 6:1-6, 16-18.
Every good person life comes to an end one day. We reflect the death of Elijah and God filled the place with Elisha in the first reading.
God finds people and places to communicate always. God is not tired of talking to us. We all listen when we are open, loyal and in an intimate relationship.
God speaks to us through the Church, the family of God. God is not looking for a mighty instrument rather a person with love, compassion and sensitivity towards the pain of the other. God is looking for someone to communicate God’s love to the humanity around. Will we be the channels of love of God?
The responsorial Psalm acclaims, “Let your hearts take comfort, all who hope in the Lord. (Ps.31:25)
Jesus teaches us something we all struggle with daily. Jesus said, “Beware of practicing your piety before others in order to be seen by them; for then you have no reward from your Father in heaven.” (Mt.6:1). It is spiritually mean to trumpet around our good works done to those in need. Our accountability and transparency in doing charitable works need not be the pretext to display our personal name, fame and sacrifices.
Anyone can practice almsgiving, prayer and penance but Jesus teaches us to do them with love and without being noticed by people around.
If our good works do not attract God, we need to check the intention and goal of our doing.
As we are all still in different stages of lockdown and social distancing, it is the right time to connect with God with our personal prayer, penance and almsgiving. These religious practices we engage need to relieve the pain and hunger in someone around. Many are losing jobs, the poor are being swept away by the cruel wind of pandemic, families are under unimaginable stress, the youth and children are caught in anxiety and boredom, the understanding and perspective on our religious practices are evolving, we all are to engage in activities that attract God and connects with the most vulnerable persons in our communities. “Your Father-God who sees in secret will reward you.” (Mt.6:4).
Love cannot be purchased and mortgaged in the market economy. Only a human heart is capable of sensing and sharing love in self and others when swamped in the love of God.
Without putting on the coat of humility, we cannot communicate with the humiliated in our community.
May we ask the Lord to help us to deal with our hypocrisy in displaying our righteous deed to the people in need. May you have a good day. God bless you.