TODAY'S WORD

By


Fr. Aloysius Santiago sdb
Rector and Parish Priest
Don Bosco Shrine
Lingarajapuram, Bangalore

“The least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he” (Mt 11:11)

Today's Reflection


Think of the shame and trauma the Israelites had while they were being led to exile. They suffered humiliation and were helpless in the face of opposition. To worsen the case, they were helplessly turned to slaves in exile. 

So Isaiah in the first reading  restores their confidence once more. This restoration would come from an understanding that God never changes. The same God who helped Israel of old to fight their battle is still very much there to help them. 

The same message is being extended to us. When the enemy suggests to you that there can be other ways of getting out of your problems outside of God, tell the enemy that you serve a living God who changes not and who is bigger than your problems. And it shall be well with you.

Gospel reading Jesus tells that John the Baptist was more than a prophet. He accomplished the plan God outlined for him with determination and fearlessness. 

His hallmark was extreme humility. However, he lacked full knowledge of the love of God. He had not witnessed the cross as “the least” of Christians now knows. Yet, he was on fire for the Lord.

Jesus testified to the truth about John. The moment Jesus made his debut, John stepped aside, mission accomplished. As precursor of Jesus, he paved the way and called on all to repent. From his prison, he received news of Jesus’ mission.

As we go on life’s journey, each of us is obsessed with our own image, trying to project our own worth. We spare no effort towards this end. Here, we need to pause and consider: Is this the plan God has outlined for me? 

We are placed in this world for a purpose. Discovering this purpose should be our main aim in life. Once we realise it, and pursue it, we will find fulfilment.

Today is the feast of *Our Lady of Loreto.* In Mary, we see the epitome of humility, the same virtue that characterised John the Baptist. It is only fitting that we ask her to help us acquire it.

May God bless you to hope in him with humility, following the example set out by St. John the Baptist, the model of the day