And near Him I always will be, For nothing can keep me away…He is my destiny! 
I will follow Him…

Ever since He touched my heart, I knew 
There isn’t an ocean too deep, A mountain so high it can keep 

Keep me away, away from His love 

–  Lyrics from the song, “I will follow Him” from the movie “Sister-Act”
Love is a powerful force.

>> Love is stronger even than death! 
The Lord is the greatest lover of our hearts…and He seeks to be loved by us too….

>>He has touched our hearts in some way…and He longs for our response of love!
Today we celebrate the Feast of one such person who deeply loved the Lord – St Mary Magdalene. 

Mary Magdalene is probably most well-known for false details and unproven facts in her life. 
She is also often identified and confused with the other Marys in the Bible…

…. in being a former prostitute

… in being the sinful woman who wiped the feet of Jesus etc

We shall drop short of discussing these scholarly stuff…

>> Instead, let us simply reflect with St Mary Magdalene and seek to grow in Love of the Lover of our Hearts!

One of the unanimous aspects that all agree is the fact that the Bible presents St Mary Magdalene as a woman who loved Jesus intensely and passionately.
She teaches us remarkable things for each one of us to Love the Lord deeper:
1. St Mary Magdalene Followed Him

Luke 8:2 presents Mary Magdalene as having been cured of seven demons. 
Her experience of the Healing of the Lord, made her to Follow Jesus, in His ministry of preaching and healing. 
Am I following the Lord? 
I have experienced the power of the Lord…on many occasions, especially through the Sacraments in the Church 

>> But do I truly follow the Lord?

2. St Mary Magdalene was Persistent to seek Him

The Death of her Lord had rocked Mary Magdalene…

… and she persistently sought, in the tomb where Jesus was laid.
Even though she witnessed an empty tomb, her heart longed to see the Saviour…”so she stayed outside the tomb weeping”(Jn 20:11). 
Am I persistent to seek the Lord? 
I may often have setbacks in my prayer life, work situations & aspirations. 

>> But do I still persist in seeking the Lord? 

3. St Mary Magdalene was Single-hearted in her search for Him

In her search for Jesus, whom she misunderstood as a gardener, Mary Magdalene expresses her sincerity and frankness and single-mindedness :

“Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have put him, and I will get him.” (Jn 20:15)

 

She seeks no empty phrases or consolations…but the Lord alone!  

>> Nothing and none else could suffice her… but the Lord alone!
Am I single-hearted in my search for the Lord? 

I am sometimes content with fleeting pleasures, transitory consolation and momentary comforts in my spiritual life. 

>> Do I rather be single-hearted in my longing for the Lord?

4. St Mary Magdalene was enthusiastic about Him

Once she recognized the ordinary gardener as her Precious Master, Mary Magdalene is enthusiastic and fervent about Him. 

>> Nothing can stop her from proclaiming Him.
In words of St Bernard, “she became an apostle to the Apostles”. 
Am I enthusiastic in my life? 

As a Christian, I have in me the influencing, the powerful and the salvific good news of the Lord. 

>> Am I enthusiastic in sharing about the Lord to others? 

St Mary Magdalene has much to teach us…

… in loving the Lord more honestly and giving ourselves to Him more faithfully!
Let us learn from…

… her committed following of Jesus,

… her persistence in waiting for Jesus

… her single-heartedness in searching for Jesus

… and her enthusiasm in telling others about Jesus. 
St. Mary Magdalene holds a unique place in the history of Jesus. 
The One who rose from the grave of death, appeared first to her…

…  who herself had experienced a rising from the grave of sin!
She was the first to see him alive and the first to hear his voice. 

>> She became the first evangelist in Christian history.
She is the Mourner who turned into a Missionary! 

Let us passionately love the Lord, like St Mary Magdalene… 

… ‘cos there isn’t an ocean too deep, a mountain so high it can keep 

keep us away, away from His love!

Happy Feast of Tender Love and Mercy to all! 

God Bless! Live Jesus!

– Fr Jijo Manjackal MSFS

  Bengaluru, India

Let’s begin our reflection today with one verse prior…
Jesus in Mt 13:9 says: “He who has ears, let him hear!”

>> Two ones are two… Two twos are four… Two threes are six… Two fours are eight… two fives are ten…. 
Remember having learnt the multiplication table by constant, loud repeating until you knew them by heart? 
>> When we hear what we say, it gets into our heart

.. It’s vital to hear well, so that it  gets drilled into our heart! 
It is interesting to notice how the Bible often uses some part of the human body to make an important spiritual observation or illustrate an principal Biblical truth – “He who has ears, let him hear!”
“God has given us two ears and one mouth so that we can listen twice as much as we talk.” 

The Bible talks in many places about this very practical and crucial habit of listening. 
Jesus, the teacher-par-excellence, reminds His listeners to become aware of the Importance of hearing…and hearing it fully and well!

Jesus lived in times when technological advancements were still a distant reality. 

>> Memory Chips, Recording Devices, Video Capturing Units were nowhere in use. 
To Communicate a message and instill it in the memory of the people was not an easy task…. 

>> But Jesus is the great illustrator..the Master Story Teller!

He loved to use common and practical examples to get His point through…

>> He would see the field…

… and proclaim the Parable of the Sower and related parables…. 
>> He would see the sheep…

… and enlighten with the Parable of the Good Shepherd…
>> He would see the vineyard…

… and impart the Parable of the Vineyard…
>> He would see the many day-to-day items…

… and convey the Parables of the Mustard Seed, the Salt, the Light, the Leaven, the Hidden Treasure, the Lost Coin….etc….

 

Jesus painted pictures in the minds of His listeners…….A classical artist indeed!
But why Parables? 
Jesus says, “Because knowledge of the mysteries of the Kingdom of Heaven has been granted to you, but not to them!” and quotes Isaiah, “they look but they do not see and hear but do not listen or understand!”

Is Jesus wanting to keep the people away from believing?

>> Certainly No! 

Let us look to Prophet Isaiah to get clarity on this verse… 
Prophet Isaiah was ridiculed and mocked by his listeners for being too plain and simple in his message!

His critics in fact, even accuse him of talking childish language:

“Who is it he is trying to teach?

To whom is he explaining his message? 

To children weaned from their milk, to those just taken from the breast??” ( Is 28:9)
And despite this simple and plain talk, his listeners failed to listen…they became hard-hearted!
This was the kind of reaction that the Pharisees and Scribes also gave to Jesus and His Teachings.
It is in answer to their cold response, that Jesus quotes prophet Isaiah: “You shall indeed hear but not understand.. you shall indeed look, but never see!”
>> What a pity….when we hear…

… and yet pretend not to have heard! 
>> What a tragedy…when we see…

… and act as if we are blind!
It happens all too often in our lives too.

>> We know….

• Smoking is dangerous to health . .  .but people still puff up their lives in smoke!

• Drinking is harmful to good living… but people drink away their lives down the drain!

• Seat belts and helmets save lives… but people don’t use and risk their lives in accidents!
>> We know, yet we fail to act… 

>> We hear, yet we are deaf…

>> We see, yet we are blind…

Our Conscience acts similar…. 

 The first time we do something we know is wrong, we feel a stab, warning us… 

 The next time we do the same wrong thing, the stab becomes a little less intense…. 

 But if we continue in this way, our conscience becomes deadened and we no longer feel any guilt at all… 
As Jesus spoke Parables to unbelievers, they resisted His message and their hearts became more hardened!

  
>> To those who are open to the truth…to those who are spiritually eager…

… the Parables are a great teaching. 
>> But to those closed in their minds…to those inflated in pride… 

.. the Parables are mere kids stories to be discarded!

Jesus wants us to hear…and know..and discover Him! 
>> Are I really hearing? 

>> Am I really seeing? 

>> Am I really open to discover the Divine Truths?

God Bless! Live Jesus!

– Fr Jijo Manjackal MSFS

  Bengaluru, India

If variety is the spice of life…

… simplicity is the essence of life. 
If humour is the flavour of life…

… simplicity is the base of life.
If cheerfulness is the seasoning in life…

… simplicity is the spirit of life!
Simple things, always go a long way in life…, isn’t it?
Our God is the God of Simplicity.

>> He is the God of small things! 

The Lord of Simplicity and Smallness loves to expound His beautiful and profound teaching of the Kingdom of God through the simple and small objects of life…..

In today’s Gospel, a Mighty Teaching is delivered through the medium of..

… the Tiny seed

… the insignificant soil

…  and the unnoticed Sower!

Certain simple things of life remain in the background, until a strong gaze is fixed on them…

….to realize its worth and importance. 
Is this not true even in our day to day lives?

>> The simple acts of sacrifice and love done by the members of the family

>> The unseen efforts of a number of workers ensuring cleanliness and safety in society

>> The quiet acts of service rendered by those working in our institutions and places of work

… all these simple aspects of life often remain forgotten and unrecognized, unless we consciously make an effort to remember and thank them!

And so today’s Gospel begins with the verse…” A Sower went out to sow and as he sowed….”

… Full Stop! 
We don’t hear of this Sower anymore in the Parable.

>> There is much written on the type of soil…

>> There in enough written on seeds that are broadcasted…

>> There is a fair mention also of the produce… 

… But what about the  Sower? 
So, today, let’s focus the camera of our reflection today….on the generally unnoticed Sower…

 

This Sower has a stand out quality:

He is…

… lavish in His generosity

… extravagant in His big-heartedness 

… and sumptuous in His Kindness! 
Though seasoned in His profession of sowing the Seeds, the Sower, bountifully, broadcasts the Seeds on all sorts of soil… 
Look closer…. 

>> He doesn’t make an account of the number of seeds lost…

>> He doesn’t tally the wastage that will be incurred…

>> He doesn’t bill the produce that will result… 
He just does one thing… HE SOWS! 
Is HE mad??
Seems so!
A Mad Sower….!

… A Sower Who is mad in being extremely generous, lavish and extravagant!
Who is this Sower?

>> God
The Sower is God, Who is Mad …

… Mad for His children, by sowing the seeds of Mercy and Love, generously!

… Mad for His people, by sowing the seeds of Forgiveness and Acceptance, lavishly!

… Mad for His loved ones, by sowing the seeds of His Grace and His Spirit, extravagantly!

Now, how many of us can be like that? 
>> Do we sow…

… when a loss is bound to happen as per human calculations?
>> Do we sow honesty and truthfulness…

… even if birds of injustice devour all our good intentions? 
>> Do we sow good initiatives…

… even if there is no reward and all our endeavours are being choked? 
>> Do we sow a kind word…

…  even if we know that bad words will scorch our pure purpose?
>> Do we sow a loving action…

…  even though the reaction is always tepid and cold and even adverse?
>> Do we sow help and co-operation…

…  in spite of the fact that no one will appreciate our good works? 
>> Do we sow a forgiving smile & a reconciling gesture…

… though we are deeply hurt & even wounded?
>> Do we sow an attitude of deep trust & confidence…

… although things are totally topsy-turvy in life? 

The Sower, in the Parable, however, continued to Sow…..

>> He knows… “As the rains and the snow come down from the heavens and do not return, till they have watered the earth………the Seed will not return idle, but will accomplish the purpose for which it has been sown!” (Cf. Is 55:10-11)
Truly…

… Sowing is not a very easy task

…Sowing is not a rewarding enterprise!
But today, the Divine Sower, who is madly generous, dares us to join Him in Sowing!

Yes, it’s a Simple Spirituality… 

>>  Simply Sow, so as to Serve the Society, with Satisfaction and Serenity!

Are we willing to Simply Sow, with the Divine Sower, in his Mad Generosity? 
God Bless! Live Jesus! 
– Fr Jijo Manjackal MSFS

  Bengaluru, India

A lady once remarked to her spiritual guide, ” I am very afraid to pray, ‘Thy Will be done'”
“And why is that so?”, asked the guide.

 

“I am afraid…”, continued the lady, “… that God will bring some calamity to my only child or send me a heavy trial in life”
The spiritual guide, having patiently listened to her, replied: 

“Suppose if your beloved child comes to you and says, ‘Mummy, here after, I want to always do whatever you say and live as you will…’
Would you say to yourself…

 ‘Ah! Here is my chance!

>> I will make my child to do all the harsh things.

>> I will make use of his willingness to obey me, by cutting off all his pleasures

>> I will make sure he has a tough time because anyway he will do whatever I say”
“Oh no!” answered back the mother, ” I will give him the best possible things that I can. I will make sure that he is protected from every danger. 

>> I will do anything to ensure him true happiness!”
” And do you think…,” continued the spiritual guide, “Do you think that God is less loving than you?”

The will of every human parent is to ensure the best for their children, isn’t it?
>> How much more loving and caring is the Will of the Father!

“God’s Will” is best understood in the set-up of a family…
Even in a human family…

… Every member wishes that the other is taken care

… Every member seeks for the good of the other
How much more is the love and concern in the Family of God…

… to all those who seek to do the Will of the Father?!

 

Jesus, in today’s Gospel invites each of us to be part of the Family of God…

… by doing the Will of the Father.
Our Blessed Lord says, “For whoever does the Will of My Heavenly Father, is My brother and sister and mother” (Mt 12: 50)

The passage begins with the family of Jesus waiting to see Him…

“While Jesus was still speaking, behold, His Mother and His brothers stood outside, asking to speak to Him” ( Mt 12: 46) 
This is a passage that is often used to attack the position of the Catholic Church on Mary.
>> Many misinterpret this passage to mean that Mary was out of the Family of God

>> Many wrongly consider this passage to mean that Mary had other sons, referred to as ‘brothers’

We take a short apologetic approach to our Bible passage today….
1. Who are the brothers mentioned here?

There are about ten instances in the New Testament where “brothers” and “sisters” of the Lord are mentioned 
The term used for ‘brother’ in Greek is “adelphos”
“Adelphos”  can mean…

… a biological brother

… an extended relative

… or even a spiritual brother
The languages – Hebrew and Aramaic (the language spoken by Jesus) –  did not have a special word for “cousin”

>> The writers of the New Testament used the Aramaic equivalent of “brothers” to mean both cousins and sons of the same father—plus other relatives and even non-relatives. 
When the Old Testament was translated into Greek and the New Testament written in Greek, the word “Adelphos” was used to capture all of these meanings.

Further,  the Gospels are  clear that Mary was a virgin at the time she conceived Jesus through the power of the Holy Spirit  (cf. Mt 1:18-25, Lk 1:26-38). 
After the birth of Jesus, no mention is made of Mary and Joseph ever having other children.

>>  Never does the Gospels refer to the “sons of Mary” or “a son of Mary,” but only “The Son of Mary.”
We also see that at the Crucifixion, Jesus entrusts His Blessed Mother to John, who was not his blood-brother  (Jn 19: 25-27)

>> According to Jewish law, the oldest son had the responsibility of caring for the widowed mother, and that responsibility would pass to the next oldest if anything happened to the first-born son

>> Since Jesus, “the first-born”, had no “blood brother,” He entrusted His Mother to the care of St John, His Beloved Disciple. 

 

Thus, the Catechism of the Catholic Church clarifies ” the brothers of Jesus”….

” The Church has always understood these passages as not referring to other children of the Virgin Mary.

In fact James and Joseph, “brothers of Jesus”, are the sons of another Mary, a disciple of Christ, whom St. Matthew significantly calls “the other Mary”.

>> They are close relations of Jesus, according to an Old Testament expression.” ( CCC #500)
2. Was Mary only the ‘biological’ Mother of Jesus?

Jesus said, “Whoever does the Will of My Father in Heaven, is my…. Mother!” (Mt 12: 50)

>> Did Mary fulfil this call of Jesus? 
When we scan through the pages of the New Testament, we find, that perhaps no other person fulfilled the Will of the Father as perfectly as Mary
Mary was Blessed indeed…

>> Not just because she gave a physical birth to Jesus…

… but also because She listened and lived the Will of the Father!
She is blessed…

… because She listened to God’s Word and accepted it wholeheartedly.

… because She chose to put Her faith in God, though the path ahead was dim 

… because She was obedient to God’s Will, though She did not understand many things”
>> As St. Irenaeus says:

 “Being obedient, She became the cause of salvation for Herself and for the whole human race.”

The knot of Eve’s disobedience was untied by Mary’s obedience

>> What Eve bound through her disbelief, Mary loosened by Her faith”
Mother Mary is the first Evangelizer and the first Disciple of Her own Son and Lord, Jesus the Christ!
Mother Mary is thus, not just the biological Mother of Jesus…

… by doing the Will of the Father perfectly, She is also His Spiritual Mother!

As St Maximilian Kolbe says, “If anyone does not wish to have Mary Immaculate for his Mother, he will not have Christ for his Brother!”

Yes, doing the Will of the Father…

… is the DNA that joins all the members of the Family of God

… is the sole and mandatory criteria to be part of the Family of God

We may have our fears in doing His Will….

 

But let us realise, that the Will of Father is wrapped with much love and affection…

… there is a tenderness in His Will, that ensures each of us, His children are protected!

… there is a warmth in His Will, that makes sure that we, His children are always given the best!
Jesus is our Supreme Model and Leader in listening and living the Will of the Father

>> Mother Mary is our Beloved Mother and Perfect Disciple, Who followed Her Son wholly, in obedience to the Will of the Father!

>> Many saints and holy people also show us, by their sanctified lives that it is worth, meaningful and salvific to do the Will of the Father!
All of them beckon us: 

“Come be part of the Family of God…

>> Listen always to what God wants of you in your life

>> Ask Him, at all times, what you should be doing in life

>> Put your trust in His Power and Providence, when you do His Will!”

Are we willing to be members of this Family of God?

… Then we need to be ready to do the Will of the Father!
God Bless! Live Jesus!

– Fr Jijo Manjackal MSFS

  Bengaluru, India

Thriller movies have a great audience…

>> Reality Shows have a wide range of popularity. 

>> Programmes with sensational appeal have a massive demand. 
Our generation loves to be tingled with breathtaking visuals and magnificent signs. 
Check out the number of videos and movies and songs we have on our gadgets… 

>> Look at the wide range of photos that we shoot and the selfies we click… 

 (most of them, which perhaps never we may see again!) 
The demand of our external senses is very high in our generation…
A fallout of this excess is also reflected in our Spirituality and our Religious Outlook: 

“We seek for greater external signs and wondrous miracles, even to believe in God!”

And the Lord thunders in today’s Gospel Reading, “An evil and adulterous generation seeks a sign…” (Mt 12: 39a)

Signs are not bad. 

>> Symbols are not without meaning. 

>> External expressions are not unwarranted. 
They certainly do have their proper place and a meaningful nature. 
In fact, the Bible is not alien to signs and wonders… 

 Moses’ rod became a serpent; 

 The Red Sea parted so that God’s people could cross. 

 Water flowed from a rock when Moses struck it. 

 Manna fell from the sky to feed God’s people. 

 Baalam’s ass spoke. 

 Aaron ‘s rod blossomed. 

 The sun stood still at Joshua’s command. 

 Gideon’s fleece became wet and dry according to his request to the Lord. 

 Elijah pronounced a drought upon the land… And he prayed again, and the heaven gave rain … ” 
The examples are plenty more…….. 

 

But…

>> When outward signs fail to generate any positive emotions…

… they divorce from their intention
>> When signs stop being an aid to increase in faith…

… they lose their meaning 
>> When symbols cease to be a passage for inner understanding…

… they fail in their purpose

This is the reason that Jesus condemns the Pharisaic mentality of ‘Seeking for a Sign’!

 

>> They sought a sign … in order to test…

… but not to believe!
>> They asked a sign… in order to satisfy curiosity…

… but not to trust!
They demanded a sign… in order to scheme evil talks…

… but not to have faith!
Signs become mere external fancies. 

>> Miracles become mere magic shows

The Gospels are not alien to such false and untrue demands either… 

• At the Birth of Jesus, King Herod sought to see Baby Jesus…not to worship…but to kill Him! 

• At the Temptation, Satan tempted to change stones to bread….not to believe…but to lure Him! 

• At the Trial, King Herod Antipas hoped Him to perform a sign…not to save Him..but to mock Him!
Jesus condemns all such unnecessary demands for a sign and external phenomenon. 

“…but no sign will be given it, except the sign of Jonah the Prophet!” (Mt 12: 39b)

>> The Prophets of Old, performed many miracles. 

… Jesus also did. 
>> The Prophets of Old, even performed the great miracles of raising the Dead.

… Jesus also did. 
>> The Prophets of Old, were never able to raise themselves from the dead. 

… But Jesus rose!

Jonah was three days and nights in the belly of the fish…

… so was Jesus in the belly of the earth! 

>> But Jesus rose…

… and that has become indeed, the Greatest Sign of all times!

The Pharisees demanded a sign…

….Jesus answered with a sign

>> The greatest of them all: His Resurrection!

And yet……yet, DID THEY BELIEVE? 

>> The answers can be speculated. 

But the question is: Am  I believing?

>> Am  I believing and living, the Power of the Resurrection in my life? 

Have I reduced the reality of Jesus being Alive, to a mere expression of the lips? 

>> Do I also display this Sign in my life, my activities, my words etc –  that Jesus is Risen?!

Let us not be carried away by mere External Glitz and Glamour… 

>> Let us open our eyes to see the many wonders and miracles the Lord has worked in our lives! 

>> Let us become aware to see that He is Risen, and Alive and Working…

… in amazing ways in our Life!

God Bless! Live Jesus!
– Fr Jijo Manjackal MSFS

  Bengaluru, India

Nine year old Bobby arrived late for the football match.

>> The game had already started. 
The coach, obviously upset as Bobby was a key player, shouted at him: “Why are you so late?”
“I had to decide”, replied Bobby, ” Today is a Sunday. And I had to decide between going to Church and going for this football game”
“Then what did you do” asked the coach curiously

> > “I tossed a coin to decide” said Bobby.
“Tossed a coin?” asked the surprised coach, “But that shouldn’t have taken too long.”
“Hmmm…” continued Bobby, “Well… I had to toss the coin 35 times!”
(Little Bobby kept on tossing the coin…till he got what he wanted – i.e. to go for the football match!!)

How often are we too like Li’l Bobby, when it comes to making choices and priorities, especially in our spiritual life…
We get confused in choosing the correct choices

>> We get puzzled in preferring the proper priorities
We sometimes even seek to justify our choices and argue to validate our priorities

>> We insist on having our way… mould situations to suit our needs!

>> As a result, we often end up….

… in complaining and cribbing

… in back biting and bickering

… in criticism and calumny

 

The Gospel of the Day is a lesson in making the proper priorities and the correct choices in life.
We have the familiar incident of Jesus as a guest in the house of Martha and Mary. 
Jesus came to a village and was welcomed in the house of Martha and Mary (Lk 10:38)
Martha demonstrated great hospitality by welcoming Jesus into the home (Lk 10: 40)

>> She got busy with the tasks of serving their honoured Guest.

Mary, on the other side, displayed great devotion and love, by sitting at the feet of Jesus (Lk 10: 39) 

>> She got immersed in spending time, with the revered Rabbi.
The character of Martha is vividly seen in this incident
Here is a lady…

… hospitable and welcoming

… engaging in works to make the stay of her Guest comfortable

… ready to struggle and do whatever she can, to bring happiness to the Other
Many of us could probably identify ourselves with Martha.
>> We are willing to let go of our self so that others may enjoy and feel contented

>> We engage ourselves into works so that the life of our loved ones are taken care

>> We are ready to struggle and do whatever we can, to bring joy and comfort to others
But despite doing all these hard works, like Martha, we often end up on the wrong side
When Martha complained to Jesus, ” Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me by myself to do the serving?” (Lk 10: 40)

… she was expressing her feelings of being over burdened

… she was giving vent to her emotions of not being acknowledged 
But Jesus calms her, and chides her mildly, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and anxious about many things…” (Lk 10: 41)

Something interesting is to be noted here…. “Martha, Martha!”

>> A double calling of the name!
The Scripture records only very few instances when such an occurrence took place – the name being called twice…

>>Abraham: (Gen 22:11): “But the angel of the Lord called to him out of heaven: ‘Abraham, Abraham.’ He answered, ‘Here I am.'”

>> Jacob (Gen 46:2): “In a vision at night God called to Israel, ‘Jacob, Jacob.’ He answered, ‘Here I am.'” 

>> Moses (Ex 3:4): “When the Lord saw that he had gone over to see, God called him from the middle of the bush, ‘Moses, Moses.’ He answered, ‘Here I am.'”

>> Samuel (1 Sam 3:10): “The Lord came and stood and spoke as at the other times: ‘Samuel, Samuel.’ and Samuel said, ‘Speak, your servant is listening.'”

 

>> Simon Peter (Lk 22:31) “Simon, Simon! Behold, Satan has demanded to sift all of you like wheat, but I have prayed that your own faith may not fail.

>> Saul (Acts 9:4) “Falling to the ground he heard a voice saying to him, “Saul, Saul, why do you persecute Me?”
We also find another important instance: Jesus calling on God (Mt 27:46): “Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani  – My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?”
What does the twice calling of the name in the Bible refer to?

1. Repeating a person’s name was a Hebrew expression of intimacy

2. In all the instances of the name being called twice, a major event/occasion/teaching was being referred to

Taking a cue from this…

…When Jesus calls “Martha, Martha” – the name being called twice:

>> Jesus is expressing a filial tenderness and love for Martha

>> Jesus is also referring to an important teaching:  “Giving importance to Jesus above all”

To each of us then, who find ourselves, struggling and complaining like Martha…

>> The Lord calls our name – “probably twice ” – and tells us:

“With much tenderness and love, I invite you my child, to give heed to an important teaching:

… Give priority to ME above all!”

Like Martha, maybe we are often distracted
Perhaps…

>>> We tell the Lord that we wish to follow Him wholeheartedly…

… but are sometimes unwilling to let go of our sinful behaviours
>> We promise God that we would spend more time in prayer…

… but often excuses like lack of time prevent us from fulfilling our promises
>> We resolve that we will let go our sinful habits and tendencies…

… but often we cling on to those pleasures and fail to be more determined in rooting them out

Today, let us give heed to this invitation of the Lord: “To give priority to HIM above all!”
Surely, all of us do have…

… our own works and responsibilities

… our own cares and concerns of life

… our own distractions and troubles
But in the midst of all this…. beyond all these aspects: Let us give priority to the Lord!

>> Let His presence reign…in our work and responsibilities

>> Let His Providence be trusted… in our cares and concerns of life

>> Let His Power prevail… in our distractions and troubles
Let the incident of Martha and Mary inspire us, to make personal resolutions…

… of daily spending time with the Lord in personal prayer

… of daily reading the Word of God and listening to His Voice

… of daily making an examination of conscience and amending our lives
The Lord loves us much…. 

… let us love Him too

… let Him reign over our homes and our lives

… let us give Him full attention as The Guest of our hearts

 
Situations in life will often put to us dilemma in making a choice…in picking out our priorities

 >> “Let us always give priority to the Lord”!

Are we going to toss a coin for this?

God Bless! Live Jesus!
– Fr Jijo Manjackal MSFS

  Bengaluru, India

The Bible is the Real Word of God… 

… describing Real Situations of Human Beings and the World. 
>> The Bible does not shy away from presenting the weaknesses & vulnerability of people. 
In fact, the Bible has a special concern and a likeness for persons who are…

… feeble & fragile

… weak & worn-out

… helpless and hopeless

… unprotected & unarmed

… demoralized & defenseless

The Bible presents an “Anawim God”! 
The term “Anawim” in Hebrew means “The Poor who seek the Lord for deliverance.” 
Literally, “Anawim” means “those who are bowed down”

>> They are the  “poor ones” who remained faithful to God in times of difficulty.

>> They are a “faithful remnant ” even in times of struggles and hardships
God has always taken the ones in the position of powerlessness…

… and placed them in the position of strength. 
The idea of God’s people being poor and delivered by Him is found throughout the Scripture.

Jesus is the Face of this Anawim God. 

>> Though He was God, He emptied Himself and became..

… poor & powerless, frail &feeble

…. like any of us!

Today’s Gospel presents two images quoting Isaiah, on how this “Anawim” Jesus cares for His people: “The bruised reed He will not crush…nor snuff out the smouldering wick”! (Mt 12:20)

What are Bruised Reeds and Smouldering Wicks?
1. The Bruised Reed 

A reed was a tall hollow blade of grass along the river bank. 

>> But sometimes, a strong wind would blow, or people would stamp them down and they would become bowed and bent over…
Battered and shattered lives of people are Bruised Reeds…

… But Jesus does not crush them!

Is my Life like a Bruised Reed?
>> Suppressed by lack of spiritual solace…

>> Devastated by human calamites… 

>> Crushed by a financial crisis… 

>> Disappointed by a death…

>> Hurt by a harsh word…

>> Struck by an illness… 

 

The world may want to cast these bruised reeds aside. 

>> But Jesus reaches out in love and mercy! 
The world did not see their pain and misery. 

>> But Jesus gets in touch to comfort and relieve!

There are lot of Bruised Reeds in the Bible:

>> Martha… 

>> Zacchaeus…

>> The Samaritan woman… 

>> The woman caught in adultery… 

>> The man with a withered hand… 

>> The widow who offered a mite etc…
Is my Life like a Bruised Reed?

2. The Smouldering Wick: 

Jesus’ image here was based on wicks used in oil lamps. 
When the oil supply became less, the flame begins to flicker.
As the wick burned out, smoke was emitted that smelled bad…

… the normal tendency is the put off this smouldering wick…

>> But Jesus does not snuff them out!

Is my life like a Smouldering Wick? 
>> Saddened by trials and troubles, our flame of life flickers… 

>> Encountered by constant failures, our light of faith dies out… 

>> Blown by winds of catastrophes, our glow of hope fades away… 

>> Stumbled upon darkness of consolations, our flare of charity wanes away…
The world wants to snuff out these wicks. 

>> But Jesus intervenes to renew the fire and the blaze! 
The world feels it’s the end. 

>> But Jesus jumpstarts and rejuvenates our lives!
There are a lot of Smouldering Wicks in the Bible…

>> Peter…

>> Mathew… 

>> Bartimaeus… 

>> Mary Magdalene… 

>> The Crook on the Cross etc…
Is my life like a Smouldering Wick? 

Am I an Anawim…a NObody?…. 

>> God wants to make me a SOMEbody!

The Bible tells stories after stories about nobodies; about those who never do well! 

>> But God chose them.

God’s eyes search throughout the world, looking for ones whose stories ended before it began.

>> He looks for those who have no hope in this world…

…The Anawims

… The ones who are “bowed down”

…  The Bruised Reeds and the Smouldering Wicks

 
Let’s be prepared to Rise Up in Hope and to Burn On in Love! 

>> The Anawim are God’s Beloved!

Today is the Feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel.
Let us seek the intercession of our Blessed Mother in our struggles and hardships of life. 
She is the model Anawim – She “bowed Her Head” in total submission to the Lord

>> She depended totally on the Will of God and faith

>> She was faithful to doing what God wanted in Her life

Mamma Mary, the bearer of the Divine Child… 

…is the Model of Total Trust in God 

…is the Emblem of Immense Enthusiasm in life 

…is the Image of Tenderness and Affection!
Let us hold Her Hands, as she inspires, helps, challenges and intercedes for us!

Happy Feast of our Blessed Mamma of Carmel!
God Bless! Live Jesus!
– Fr Jijo Manjackal MSFS

  Bengaluru, India

Most of us, at some point or the other, have given gifts to our loved ones, our friends or our relations. 
Imagine, if the one who received the Gift, were to neatly…unwrap the Gift Wrapper…

>> And to your horror….throws the Gift inside the Dustbin, and keeps to oneself, only the Gift Wrapper? 
That would too be sad and painful …right? 

Well, something similar is the case, when we look into the Salvation History.

God Yahweh had presented a Gift to the People of Israelites: The Gift of the Law…

… so that He could be their Only God and they could always be His People ( Jer 7:23)
But as time passed, this Gift of the Law was interpreted into several external practices…

>> So much so that the purpose of the law was forgotten…

… and only the external regulations were prevailing. 

The Gospel of the Day is an exposition of how the Gift that God had given was being squandered…

… and just the externals – the wrapper of the gift – was being glorified…

>> and how, Jesus the Source of the Law seeks to restore the original spirit of the Law!
 

The Gospel passage begins with the Pharisees accusing the disciples of having transgressed the Sabbath Laws by plucking and eating on the Sabbath Day (Cf. Matthew 12:2). 
>> The External actions were accorded primacy…

.. the actual Law was slowly discarded!
>> The Body of the Commandment was insisted…

.. the Spirit of the Law was diluted!

The Gift wrapper gained more importance than the Gift Itself!

>> The Law of Moses was glorified, but there was a failure to see the Glorious God of the Law!!

And so today, the Majestic Lord of the Sabbath seeks to capture our attention to see the Most Important Aspect of Law: Inner Disposition rather than External Practices!
True Righteousness and Holiness stems from the with’in’…

… and not from the with’outs’!!

The word Sabbath comes from the Hebrew word sabat..which means repose or rest. 

Just a few verses before this Reading… Jesus invited us  “to take REST in Him” (Mt 11:28) 

>> The Real Rest is in Him! 

>> The Real Sabbath is in Him! 

 

  
And Jesus, the True Rest and the Lord of the Sabbath is also a Might Defender of His Chosen Ones…
The Lord refutes the charges of the Pharisees, on three levels:
a. As a King

Jesus quotes the example of how King David had consumed holy bread, which was reserved only for the priests. 

>> And yet, King David is never condemned and neither is his action worthy of being guilty
b. As a Priest

Jesus quotes the temple priests who perform work on a Sabbath.

>> And yet, it is not considered a religious violation, but is acceptable as a Sacred Duty. 
c. As a Prophet

Jesus quotes Prophet Hosea and spells out God’s mind of Mercy being of greater value and importance than sacrifice! 

Yes, Jesus, the True King, the Holy Priest and the Mighty Prophet…

… quotes the example of a King, a Priest & a Prophet to Defend His Chosen Ones & to declare that 
He is the Lord of the Sabbath!

>>  Jesus Himself is the Real Rest and the Real Sabbath!

We need to examine…

>> Do I tend to become more legalistic in my mentality and fail to see the Spirit of the Law? 

>> Do I become rigid in my external practices and rituals, but fail to relish the Heart of Worship? 

The Lord has gifted us His Commandments and Laws… 

…so that HE can be our Only God and we can always be His Beloved People. 
Do I cherish the inner dimensions of the Law and treasure this Gift? 

>> Or am I giving more importance only to external factors, like the Gift Wrapper?

Let us scrape off the rust of legalism and ritualism… 

>> Let us, instead, polish our lives with the virtues of mercy, empathy and compassion!

God Bless! Live Jesus!
– Fr Jijo Manjackal MSFS

  Bengaluru, India

 

A story is told of a shabby old man who would go to the Church at noon every day.

>> He would just be inside the Church for a few minutes.

 

The sacristan of the Church was disturbed with this man’s daily presence..

… “What could he be doing?”

… “Why is the motive of this shabby man?”

>> After all, the Church also contained valuable furnishings.

 

“I go to pray,” the old man said in reply to the sacristan’s questioning.

 

“Oh, come on! Don’t lie”, the sacristan refuted, “you are never long enough in the church to pray.”

 

“Well, you see,’ the old man went on…

“I cannot make a long prayer.

But every day at twelve o’clock I just come and say, “Jesus, it’s Jim.”

I wait for a minute and then come away.

>> It’s just a little prayer, but I guess He hears me.”

 

Some months back, Jim was injured and was taken to the hospital.

 

He had a wonderful influence in the hospital ward

>> Grumbling patients became cheerful and often the ward would ring with laughter.

 

“Well, Jim,” said the nurse to him one day, “It’s so wonderful to see you happy always!”

 

“Hmm.. yes, Sister, I can’t help being happy.

You see, it’s my Visitor. Every day He makes me happy!”

 

“Your visitor?” asked the puzzled sister, for he was a lonely old man, with no relations, “Your visitor? But when does he come?’

 

 

“Every day,” Jim replied, with the twinkle in his eyes growing brighter.

“Every day at twelve o’clock He comes and stands at the foot of my bed.

 I see Him and He smiles and says, “Jim, it’s Jesus!”

 

When we lean on to the Lord, He gives us His rest and consolation

>> When we are faithful to our relationship with Him, He strengthens us and comforts us!

 

 

The Gospel of the Day is the beautiful invitation by the Lord…

…. to come to His Presence

… and to rest in His Heart!

 

Jesus says, “Come to me all you who labour and are burdened, and I will give you rest” (Mt 11: 28)

 

Our lives are characterised by innumerable occasions when we feel tired and exhausted and just to give up….

… Those doing their studies often feel the burden of their academics and say, “Oh, I am fed up of this!”

… Those doing household chores at times feel unrewarded and unrecognised and say, “Oh, it’s a daily burden!”

… Those into works of livelihood sometimes struggle with pressures and deadlines and say, “Oh, I am really tired of all this!”

… Those in positions of caretaking others, often strain against temperaments and characters and say, “Oh, I feel so tired”

… Those who are surrounded by evil tendencies, bad habits and sinful cravings say, “Oh, I am I feel so weary!”

 

Each of us, at some time or the other…in some situation or the other…

… do feel the burden of being tired, weary and exhausted.

 

 

Perhaps….

>> You feel life sometimes is a great struggle, isn’t it?

>> You often have thoughts like, “Why is my life so pitiable,” isn’t it?

>> You tend to think that “I wish all this was not there in my life,” isn’t it?

>> You have feelings that you are unlucky in life and “I have nothing to look forward,” isn’t it?

 

To each of us then, Our Gentle Lord invites: “Come my Child…. and I will give you rest” (Mt 11:28)

 

Jesus says: “Take My yoke upon you…” (Mt 10: 29)

 

The instant reaction to this sentence, to us who are already overburdened, might be…

… “Oh No! Why another yoke?”

… “I already have a yoke; why should I carry the Lord’s yoke?”

 

We need to understand the concept of a “yoke”, especially from the Jewish society.

 

 ‘Yoke’ is a bar of wood, so made as to unite two animals (usually oxen)…

… enabling them to work in the fields, drawing heavy loads and pulling instruments used for farming.

 

 

 

Farmers would ‘yoke’ the young ox with the old experienced ox to train them.

>>  The old ox would take the major load and the young one would be walking along and learning.

… The burden of the young one is reduced and the older one takes over the weight of the work!

 

The Yoke, helps the young one…

… to reduce its burden

… to feel that it is in perfect control of the elder one

… to feel urged to do more, as its efforts are doubled by the elder one

 

 

This is the picture of the ‘yoke’ that Jesus presents…

… Yoke as a symbol of partnership

… Yoke as a symbol of control

… Yoke as a symbol of relief

… Yoke as a symbol of hope

 

When we take the “yoke” of Christ…

… He Strengthens us

… Our burdens are no longer ours; He takes over

… We find a meaning for  our lives and we feel refreshed

… We feel urged to do more in life as the Lord blesses our efforts

 

Are we ready to take the “Yoke” of Christ?

 

It means that we ought to build a relationship with the Lord…

>> It means that as disciples, we are willing to accept the “yoke” of our Rabbi and Master Jesus

Life might be harsh on us….

But the Lord invites us, “Come to me, and I will give you rest… Take my yoke”

 

We need to be in the presence of the Lord – growing more in prayer and trust in Him.

 

 

Often we run to other sources for comfort and pleasure, to relieve ourselves from our burdens…

… sinful addictions

… unpleasant habits

… unholy sources of pleasure

 

But the Lord says, to instead present ourselves to Him, at every moment…

>> Especially in our moments of burden and hardships

… and receive strength and rest from Him!

 

When we lean on to the Lord, He gives us His rest and consolation

>> When we are faithful to our relationship with Him, He strengthens us and comforts us!

 

 

 

>> Let us read the Word of God daily to find strength

>> Let us spend time with the Lord in prayer everyday without fail

>> Let us worthily receive the Sacraments to experience His Living Presence

 

 

Yes, Life may be playing a “joke” on us by straining us with burdens and hardships…

>> But let the “Yoke” of Christ give us rest, hope, strength and joy

… and let us hear the Good Shepherd telling us in our moments of struggle, “My Child, it’s Jesus!”

 

 

God Bless! Live Jesus!
–  Fr Jijo Manjackal MSFS

  Bengaluru, India

Eight-year-old Charles was affected with brain cancer. 
As part of his treatment, following a surgery, he underwent chemotherapy. 
(Chemotherapy affects all cells – healthy as well as cancer cells.

>> As a result, hair fall is one of the commonly affecting side-effects) 
When Charles’ hair began to fall out in large clumps, it was decided to shave his head completely. 
A few days later, Charles went to school. 
The class teacher explained to her little students about the situation of Charles and why his hairs had to be shaved off.
The following day, the teacher was in for a surprise…
>> She saw all the 38 boys of her class with bald heads!
 On enquiring, the leader of the class stood up and said:

“We shaved off our heads, so that Charles doesn’t feel lonely!

This is our way to support and encourage him – being bald, so that he can be bold!”
The teacher had tears in her eyes…

… and with a great sense of honour for her kids, she wrote on the blackboard:

“Bald heads and Bold Hearts!”

Children have wonderful characteristics, isn’t it?

>> They sympathize and share

>> They are loving and loyal

>> They accept and admire

>> They forgive and forget

>>They try and trust
Is it any surprise that Jesus used children as an example to be imitated?
>> What is it that prevents us becoming child-like?

The Gospel of the Day presents Jesus thanking the Father for His gracious wisdom…

… and for His revelations to Little Children (to babes)! (Mt 10:25)

BIG things often come in small packages! 

>> BIG innovations are made by those who lower themselves, to seek higher!! 

>> BIG mysteries are experienced by those who make themselves little, to be in awe of them!!!
“It is only by being little that we ever discover anything big”!

The Lord today His raises heart to the Father in praise:

“I give praise to You, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, for although you have hidden these things from the wise and the learned, you have revealed them to the childlike” (Mt 11:25)

 

It is an unfortunate truth that those who THINK THEY KNOW, often FAIL TO LEARN 

… those who assume to be Learned, often fall short of being taught 

… those who presuppose to be Wise, mostly are unsuccessful in discovering newer truths.
Many of the Pharisees and the Scribes, during Jesus’ time, belonged to this category. 

Jesus, the teacher-par-excellence came explaining the Truth and the Mystery of the Law.. 

The Wise and Learned of the Society failed to assimilate Him. 

>> The simple and the open-hearted…the disciples and others…were able to accept Him!
“It is only by being little that we ever discover anything big”!
For our Spiritual Life…

… Kids can teach us much

…. Little children can educate us to a great extent
1. A Sense of Total Dependence

>>  Little children depend on the elders for their sustenance. 
We need to Depend on God, who is our Father and who loves to lavish His goodness on us. 
This does not, of course mean, a lazy attitude to life…rather, a Holy Disposition, of realizing, that “Whatever Happens in my Life, I know, God will take care of Me!” 
>> Have I lost my Sense of Total Dependence on God? 
It is only by being little that we ever discover anything big! 
2. An attitude of Immense Enthusiasm

>>  Little children are full of life, vigour and enthusiasm. 
The story of many of our lives could be sadly declared as, “Died at 30, buried at 70″! 
The modern day tension and worries of life take away the zing and  dynamism from our lives…

>>  We tend to become…

… “a people of routine”

… “an individual of listlessness”

…. “a society of apathy” 

… and “an order of sluggishness”! 
Life becomes boring

>>  Life turns out to be lacklustre. 

>> Have I lost an attitude of Immense Enthusiasm? 
“It is only by being little that we ever discover anything big”!
3. A Touch of Tenderness

>> Little children symbolize tenderness and warmth. 
Our hustle-bustle lives, often, tend to be wrapped with…

… rude words

… tough looks

… angry gestures

… and impolite manners. 
Our hearts lose tenderness. 

>> Our eyes remain shut in callousness. 
>> Have I lost a touch of Tenderness?  

 
“It is only by being little that we ever discover anything big”! 

  
> Do we want to climb the ladder of sanctity?

>> Do we want to possess God? 

>>> Do we want to penetrate into the deeper mysteries of the kingdom of God? 
There is one sure way: By being a Child in our heavenly Father’s arms. 

… The more little we become, the more elevated we will be!

>> “The attitude of our life determines our altitude in life”!

Let us seek the intercession and be inspired by St Henry, whose feast we celebrate today.

>> He was one of the best rulers of the Roman Empire of the 10th century.

>> He showed his love for Jesus and the Church with sincerity and love and was a man of prayer 

>> He promoted Church reforms, encouraged growth of new monasteries, built beautiful churches 
St Henry is the patron saint of the childless, the handicapped and those rejected by religious orders. 

Jesus invites and challenges us to be child-like: with BALD HEADS (shaven of our pride!) and BOLD HEARTS (total dependence on the Father!)
>> Are we ready… to have Bald Heads and Bold Hearts?

God Bless! Live Jesus!
– Fr Jijo Manjackal MSFS

  Bengaluru, India