New Teaching with authority

New Teaching with authority in Today's Gospel Mk 1:21-28;  

Today's Church needs a new way of evangelization according to the needs of the modern and present church. The Popes of different times published different texts according to the issues and problems of their time. The Jubilee year asks for a new way of teaching. 

Teaching with learning; sharing thoughts, teaching without speaking, teaching through actions, testimonies, the limit of giving a sermon in 7-10 minutes, 

Teaching puts attention on the word of God, not our own way of exhibiting ourselves, scribes teaching focused on their respect, Jesus’ name of Jesus, glorify, when i was in USA, when i was in francis, when i met Pope, 

Teaching keeps the sin away: the common enemy is the sin not individuals, 

Feast to Francis Xavier

Today, we in India celebrate the solemnity of Saint Francis Xavier, patron of missionaries, who brought the light of Christ to our forefathers. This year is very particular because his body is kept out for public veneration, it was done during a decennial exposition in Goa, India in 1964. 

In the Office of the Day, the second reading presents a letter written by Saint Francis Xavier to Saint Ignatius, his Superior General. Through this letter, we glimpse the context of our country during his time of deep poverty, illiteracy, and the many challenges the Saint faced in his mission; 

The world in which Saint Francis Xavier lived was very different from ours. At that time, the Church taught that salvation was possible only within its fold, making evangelization its primary mission. The focus was that through teaching the basics of faith: the Creed, Our Father, and the Hail Mary. Today, the Church has a broader understanding, recognizing God’s presence and revelation in different ways and faith traditions. Evangelization now emphasizes living as witnesses to Christ, reflecting the teaching that “time is greater than space” (cf. Evangelii Gaudium).

The coastal areas were full of Parava communities where the community of fishermen who had suffered persecution and were eager for the protection of Portughese. He faced a language barrier, and lack of formal church structures. He wanted to gather the children first, ringing a small handbell to attract attention. the sound drew children and villagers out of their homes about man of God. 

Religious fundamentalism and Hinduism was very strong in those places. In Saint Francis Xavier’s time, the mission was about baptizing thousands. Today, such methods are neither feasible nor appropriate. Religious fundamentalism dominates many spheres, making public proclamation of Jesus difficult, even dangerous. Anti-conversion bills are passed, you will be arrested if you proclaim the religion publicly.

Francis desired to go to India when no missionaries knew well of all the commodities and challenges. His passion to live the Gospel in the midst of inconveniences. 

So, we cannot simply conclude that we must be missionaries like Saint Francis Xavier. Times have changed. Today, Christianity faces challenges of relevance and survival. Through initiatives like the Synod and the call to journey together as brothers and sisters, the Church seeks new ways to engage with the world and remain faithful to the Gospel.

As we honour Saint Francis Xavier and flock to see his sacred relics, let us seek his intercession. May his example inspire us to live as joyful witnesses of Christ in our own time.

Dishonest servant (Luke 16:1-13)

Luke 16:1-13 the parable of the unjust/dishonest steward, It has been considered the most controversial and confusing teaching in the NT. It is a challenging parable to understand the right explanation of the author. The parable is about a rich man who calls his dishonest steward to remove him from his job for his dishonesty, but he reduces the debts of the master’s servants and he is praised by the master for his prudence and wisdom. What is the teaching of Jesus here? How can we understand the intention of the author through this parable? 

a. To be wise and prudent to do good, not only honest and truthful: in the parable, the master hears about the stewards’ dishonesty, he did not catch him while he stole the money, he did not investigate also, he hears about dishonesty from someone. but most of the time, the gossip travels faster, rather, the steward acknowledges and continues to forgive the debts of the debtors using the wealth of the master.

b. Using the means to achieve the end, Prioritizing eternal values: We need to differentiate means from ends and this requires discernment. We have so many means in our life; Resources, property, responsibilities, knowledge-studies, and relationships are not end in themselves but are means to reach a greater purpose—such as the Kingdom of God, heaven, or God Himself. Here, forgiveness is the goal, using the money of the master, he achieves a good name, and he wants to be generous by applying the wealth of the master. 

c. In all the parables of Luke, the rich people are condemned, they cannot enter the kingdom of God, because the Poor in Luke are not only in spirit but also poor in economic condition. We listen to some politicians, abusing state resources. The parable is not about abusing the resources, or some people ‘manipulating’ the resources for our self-interest and growth.