It is 10th November 2016. We celebrate the memorial of Pope St Leo the Great, the Pope and the Doctor of the Church, who stood firmly against the doctrinal controversy regarding the person of Jesus Christ. He affirmed and taught that the human and divine natures of Christ are both present and inseparable. The readings are from the letter of St. Paul to Philemon 7-20; and the Gospel from Luke 17:20-25. In the first reading, St. Paul invites Philemon to receive Onesimus back not as a slave but as a brother. He encourages Onesimus to live up to his name. Onesimus means useful. As a believer, we need to imbibe the spirit of St. Paul to put people together not to divide. Even if someone has done something wrong, still we need to go out of our ways to bring the person in unity, peace, and reconciliation. Let us breathe the spirit of peace in others not spitting hatred and vengeance. The responsorial Psalm praises, “Blessed is the person who is helped by Jacob’s God.” (Ps.145:5). The Gospel reprimands us that not to go behind outward and pompous revelations of the so called divine. There are many in the world pointing fingers to the directions where they wish the Son of Man is appearing here, there, above and below. We need to believe that Jesus is right within there in our hearts, our communities and our Church. We must stop being distracted and dissipated by these diverting and entertaining group of people. Many would claim to be the Messiah and to have seen the person of Jesus. Jesus warns us never to take these groups seriously no matter convincingly they would present it in media and using all sophisticated technologies. Through the glorious incarnation, Jesus has come into the world and through his resplendent glory in the resurrection and ascension, Jesus promised to be with us until the end of times. Christ is among us and the presence of Christ in each one of us need not have an outer sign. “They will say to you, “look there.” Or “Look here.” Make no move.” (Lk.17:23). The presence of God has to be experienced in our hearts and expressed in our charitable and merciful actions. God will not alert anyone before God enters in our lives. We must make every effort to recognise God in one another and in the Church. May you have a good day.

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