Twenty-third Sunday in Ordinary Time (A) 10th September 2023

A Reflection by: Fr Anil K. Pasala, SSP, Society of St Paul, Mumbai, India. ----------------------------------- Hearty welcome dear friends There is a heartwarming story of Pratheesh, a 48-year-old man, who was diagnosed with liver cancer. Pratheesh's wife and children were ruled out as donors due to various constraints. In this desperate situation, Devananda, his daughter, came forward as a potential donor, despite her young age. However, existing laws prohibited minors from donating organs. Hence, she approached the Kerala High Court for permission. Despite the initial refusal, the court granted her the permission. Later on she came to know that she had fatty liver, she put up a rigours fitness and diet and got the liver fit. Finally, keeping both the lives at risk, the surgery took place and it was successful. Neither the legal battle, nor the fitness battle would stop Devanada’s love for her dad. Dear Friends, The focus of the liturgical readings remind us that we are children of God, bound together in love. And so we are mutually responsible for the good of each other. Where do we get this source from? 1 John 4:19 ‘we love because He first loved us.’ Hence, how do we care for one another? I would like to share with you just three points: 1. Be the Watchman: In the First Reading, we hear of how God made Prophet Ezekiel watchman over Israel, to warn His people about dangerous conduct. This responsibility is serious in nature because any irresponsibility would require an account from the person. Therefore, in the quest to help one another in growing in constant relationship with God, we need to be serious. 2. Be the Model: In the second reading, St Paul asserts that Love does no Wrong. I am reminded of a man once met St Francis of Assisi and said to him: “Brother Francis, I am confused. The Gospel of Mathew, in Chapter 18, says that we should rebuke sinners. But people around are sinning all the time. I am confused. Am I expected to go round the world, correcting all those who break the laws of God?” St Francis replied, “What you must do is to live your Christian life so well that it will serve as a silent yet a salutary correction to sinners around you and lead them to repentance.” 3. Be the Reconciler: This is the most difficult part: When in conflict with one another, the most difficult part to deal is ‘who is right’ and who is wrong.’ It is very difficult to reconcile because my ego does not want to submit to another. But the Lord, tells us, let the measuring tool be Love. Hence, he proposes to resolve between two members. If they fail, the second step: take to two or three witnesses. Ever if that fails, the third step: take that person to the Church. In all these steps, the prime motive is to save the person because we love one another. Let’s be reminded of the danger that Pope Francis says, ‘we are in a throw away culture’. As we use things, we learned to use people as well. Instead, let the story of Devananda serve as an inspiration, reminding us that the power of love and determination can conquer even the most formidable odds and reclaim our dear ones from falling apart. God Bless