(Statutory Warning: The dangerous Jesus is on the prowl…..Beware as you read….)
Many of us have heard of the tagline of a company which announces: 

“We are better than the best…” 
Lovely phrase, right?
The Gospel of the Day, however presents shocking and saddening words from the Mouth of the Most Prolific and Influential Prophet ever….Jesus…

….  with an even stronger tagline: “They are worse than worst!”
 

“Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you Bethsaida!” (Mt 11:21)

The Context of this Deadly utterance by the Lord is when he reproaches the towns of Chorazin, Bethsaida and Capernaum, where mighty deeds and miracles had been done, but they had still not repented. 
These three towns of Chorazin, Bethsaida and Capernaum were called as the “Orthodox Triangle” 

>> Close to the Galilee Lake, these towns were filled with devout Jews, who took the Law of Moses very seriously. 
Adding to this traditional Jewish Faith, these towns also had the great privilege of being witnesses to many miracles, events, preaching and deeds of the Lord Jesus. 
The Gospel says, ” If the MIRACLES performed in you…..”

Note the word, “miracles”… Plural !! 

>> Not just a single miracle…..but many miracles.
>> Perhaps not just a single word…

… but many words and sermons and preaching! 

>> Perhaps not just a single healing…

… but many healings and cures and restorations! 
>> Perhaps not just a single warning…

… but many warnings and exhortations and appeals to repentance! 
And Yet… yet, they DID NOT REPENT! 
They KNEW TOO MUCH…but BELIEVED TOO LITTLE!

And Jesus condemns these towns…. “They are worse than the Worst!”
Lets consider the state of these “Worst” Towns…to which the Lord compares this “Orthodox Triangle”? 

>> Tyre and Sidon….Sodom
1. Tyre and Sidon

These were condemned cities (Cf. Ezek 26 – 28) and were embodiments of the Pagan Canaanite Culture, Pride and an Evil Arrogance 

 
2. Sodom: This was a damned city (Cf. Gen 18:16-33) and was an epitome of gross immorality, sexual perversion, widespread corruption and a complete rejection of God.
But Jesus says.. the Orthodox Triangle – Chorazin, Bethsaida and Capernaum….”are worse than these worst”!
These people had plenty of knowledge… 

>> They went to the synagogue faithfully… 

>> They knew the Torah of God…
But when Jesus came to them, they wouldn’t repent. 

>> When Jesus worked miracles, they wouldn’t believe him.
Miracles only amazed them…startled them…shocked them…..but they did not lead them to God!
Hold on!!
Is there any resemblance between My Life and these cities of the Orthodox Triangle?

>> Do I boast of my knowledge of God? 

>> Do I be satisfied with a mere Church-going Spirituality? 

>> Do I remain an ineffective witness to the many miracles worked and the blessings showered in my life?

  

Lets stop taking blessings for granted! 

>> Lets stop thinking mere external rituals are a guarantee for salvation!
>> It’s Better not to have a miracle…

… than to have a miracle and not repent. 
>> It’s Better to be sick and not cured… 

… than to be cured and not give the glory to God. 
>> It’s Better not to experience God… 

… than to experience God and stay the same as you were.
Let’s stop fooling ourselves, saying: “Things are fine and All is well”!
Our conscience needs a real-time check… 

>> Our hearts deserve an honest examination…

>> Our lives warrant a thorough review!
There is sure Hope…in the Lord. 

>> But only if we are repentant 
There is sure mercy…in the Lord. 

>> But only if we are willing to change 
There is sure Blessing…in the Lord. 

>> But only if we are penitent

The Orthodox Triangle is a stark reminder to us: Never to bypass opportunities & graces that come our way!
Let the cry of the Lord, “You are worse than the Worst”….never ever be addressed to us…
We Pray

>> We make Efforts. 

>> We seek for Grace!

God Bless! Live Jesus!
– Fr Jijo Manjackal MSFS

  Bengaluru, India

Every society or organization or a way of life draws up rules and regulations…

… to which its members have to promise obedience.
A faithful commitment to these guidelines will help for the true growth of the society and help the members to genuinely enjoy all the rights and privileges. 
 

Christianity as a Life Style, also has its Rules and Regulations and it demands Commitment!

>> The Cross forms part of this Basic Rule of Christianity.
 

The ‘modern’ Christian however, is often afraid and oppose this dimension of Christianity: The Cross!
 

Bishop Fulton Sheen presents before us this mentality which is fast catching up in our world…
>> It is termed as Staurophobia… The Fear of the Cross!

The Gospel of the Day is  a presentation of the Message of the Cross…

… an invitation to follow the Crucified Christ
… a challenge to faithfully carry the crosses of our life.
 

Jesus says, “He who does not take his cross and follow me, is not worthy of Me” (Mt 10: 38)

Our Blessed Lord constantly jolts static minds and the inert mentalities..
>> He doesn’t promise cushy comforts…

… He demands Commitment to the Cross!

Those who choose Christianity as a Life Style, ought to be…

>> Losers of oneself

>> Be carriers of the Cross

>> And then Follow Him!

Christianity, as a Life Style, has the Cross as its Basic Rule and it demands Commitment!

But the very mention of the word “Cross”, sometimes puts people off…

>> “Not again the Cross”
>> “Enough of pain and suffering”
>> “We go to Church to relax and be comforted; not simply to hear of the Passion &Anguish of the Suffering Jesus on the Cross; we only prefer the Glorious & Victorious Christ”
>> “Stop being pessimistic with Sin & Repentance…. Just be optimistic with Joy & Salvation!”

 

These are often, the “happening” buzz phrases and popular opinions…even in our religious environs.
 

Staurophobia – the Fear of the Cross …is creeping stealthily but mightily in our lives…
>> We like to be Saved…

… but we Fear the Cross of repentance of our Sins
>> We like to receive Blessings…

… but we Fear the Cross of living an honest life
>> We like to live a peaceful life…

… but we Fear the Cross of trusting in God’s Providence
We like to be prosperous…

… but we Fear the Cross of being generous and compassionate
>> We like to be called good..

… but we Fear the Cross of being Faithful to the teachings of Christ
>> We like to have joy…

… but we Fear the Cross of giving up attachments & belong totally to God

Yes, We often, Fear the Cross…
But Christ – Crucified on the Cross – promises His Choicest Rewards to the ones, who dare to take up the Cross…

>> They will find Life…

>> They will be rewarded…

>> They will find true joy and peace…

 …says the Lord.
 

Have we really accepted Christianity as our Life Style?

>> Then Let us Embrace the Cross..

>> Let us drive away the Fear of the Cross
 

Let Staurophobia ( Fear of the Cross) be willfully banished

>> Let Staurophilia (Love of the Cross) be willingly accepted!
 

St Camillus says, “Commitment is doing what you said you would do, after the feeling you said it in, has passed”.

 
Let us remain committed to the Cross of Christ and celebrate Christianity with conviction!

God Bless! Live Jesus!
– Fr Jijo Manjackal MSFS

  Bengaluru, India

The Mirror is one of the most used objects in our day-to-day life. 
We use the mirror to adorn and beautify ourselves and to make ourselves presentable in the society. 

>> The Mirror reflects the features and descriptions of the person. 
We also make use of chances to look at a mirror occasionally to make sure that we look okay or our hairstyle is fine or our faces or dressing styles are all well. 

The Gospel of the day presents before us a person comes with a query on how to obtain eternal life…

… and to make sure that he is fine and ok in his life…

>> But ends up with an exhortation to look into himself and make alterations that will make his life look better! 
Jesus becomes the Mirror of his life…

…. by which he is made to look into himself and obtain a clearer and a cleaner image of his interior life!

  

The person who came to ask Jesus, “Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?” (Lk 10:25), is not merely “a common man” or a “passerby on the street” or just “a curios seeker”. 
He is a Scholar of the Law…

… a learned person. 

… one who knows the books. 

>> But life and religion and spirituality for him, was perhaps reduced to mere papers and theories. 
He knew the Law to love God with one’s heart…

>> But he perhaps fell short in expressing tenderness and affections to God with his whole heart! 
He knew the law to love God with one’s being… 

>> But he perhaps fell short in committing his works and deeds to God with his whole being! 

 
He knew the law to love God with one’s strength… 

>> But he perhaps fell short in dedicating his talents and abilities to God with his whole strength!
He knew the law to love God with one’s mind… 

>> But he perhaps fell short in offering his knowledge and wisdom to God with his whole mind! 
He also knew the law to love his neighbour as himself… 

>> But he perhaps fell short in rendering service and giving help to the people who were in need! 
He failed to translate his knowledge and his awareness into actual practices of life! 
Does this not happen to us also…?

… we know many things “about” God, but often don’t “know” Him!

… we theoretically say that we have faith, but in actual life situations often fail to trust!

Jesus, the Mirror therefore prompts the Scholar of the Law (and us also) to introspect and examine life further, with a Parable: The Parable of the Good Samaritan. 

The Parable of the Good Samaritan describes the man who was travelling from Jordan to Jericho and attacked by a set of robbers and discarded on the wayside (Lk 10:30)
Possible helps came in the form of the Priest and the Levite…

… but none was actually obtained. 

>> They saw, but did not see!

>> They felt, but did not act!
“Seeing, feeling and acting” are the three essential and mandatory aspects of giving mercy.
And then, an unexpected help was offered in the person of the Good Samaritan. 
Jesus, the Mirror was slowly making that scholar of the Law to look and probe deeper into himself. 
As he heard this Parable of the Good Samaritan, and as he looked into himself through the Mirror in Jesus..

… .the scholar of the Law perhaps identified himself with the Man abandoned on the wayside. 

>> (Is my life also identifiable with the man who was abandoned on the wayside?) 
Just as the man was making a difficult journey, the scholar of the Law was also making a journey…

… Life was hard and arduous for them! 

>> (Am I also not making a difficult journey through the rocks and valleys of life…?) 

 
Just as the man was beaten up by some , the scholar of the Law had perhaps been affected by many situations and problems of life…

… Life was harsh and  unfair to them! 

>> (Am I also not beaten up and bruised by many unknown crisis and uncertainties of life?) 
Just as the man failed to receive any help from the religious leaders of his time, the scholar of the Law perhaps had failed to obtain consolation and strength by knowledge of the law and his erudition of religion….

… Life was intensifying and aggravating their pain! 

>> (Am I also not a victim of not receiving help and encouragements from the ones whom I expect and instead encounter more often scandals and pains and discouragements?) 
Just as the man finally received attention and care from an unexpected quarter, the scholar of the Law perhaps also was finding true salvation and the genuine source of life from an unexpected quarter in Jesus…

… Life finds hope and real freedom only in God 

>> (Am I also not experiencing true help and salvation very often from people unexpected, from people who we least expect and from people who perhaps never appear in our list of “helping-people”?) 

The Scholar of the Law was probably able to identify himself as the one who fell in the hands of oppression…

… and was able to recognize Jesus as the Good Samaritan. 
The Good Samaritan, Jesus…

… wants to help & save & give life…

…. to each one of us too, who are bruised & broken in the journey of life!
Like the Scholar of the Law who looked into Jesus, the Mirror and was able to see himself clearer…

… We too are invited today, to look into Jesus, the Mirror, and evaluate our interior lives. 
>> I may be making a hard journey. 

>> I may be beaten up on the way. 

>> I may be oppressed by the unknown. 

>> I may be denied justice from the authorities. 

>> I may be rejected help from the expected. 

… But the Good Samaritan, Jesus is there to strengthen and soothe us! 
This Jubilee Year of Mercy especially calls us to experience Jesus, the Good Samaritan, in the Sacrament of Reconciliation!

Let us examine…

… When was the last time I made my confession? 

>> The Good Samaritan is ready to help and heal us!
… Do I prepare well, make a sincere repentance and live the resolutions of my confession?

>> The Good Samaritan consoles us and helps us to complete our journey of life
… Do I make a daily examination of my conscience?

>> The Good Samaritan cares for us in the Inn – The Church – and the many  inspirations in His Holy Word
This Jubilee Year of Mercy is also a call to understand and live the virtue of Mercy 

>> The Good Samaritan challenges us to understand the true meaning of Mercy and practise all its three dimensions:

1. Seeing

2. Feeling

3. Doing
Yes, let us not be afraid to look into Jesus, the Mirror and obtain healing & consolation from Jesus, the Good Samaritan. 

>> And in turn, let us become a Good Samaritan to the other!

God Bless! Live Jesus!
– Fr Jijo Manjackal MSFS

  Bengaluru, India

Teilhard de Chardin, a French Priest, Theologian and Philosopher describes three categories of people who climb a difficult mountain peak…. 

1. The Pessimists – (the ones who give up easily):

>> They regret having ventured to undertake the arduous task of climbing the huge mountain.
2. The Hedonists – (the ones who remain passive and just enjoy) 

>> They are satisfied with just some scenic views on the way and cease the journey, with simple trifles, unwilling to take the risk to go ahead…
3. The Enthusiasts – (the ones who seek to conquer the mountains)

>> They are the real mountaineers, who keep their eyes fixed on the peaks and never give up, till they reach their goal!
The road to being a Disciple of Christ, is indeed climbing a Mountain peak….

The Gospel of the Day is a presentation of the challenges that are to be encountered by every follower of Christ…

… the one who wishes to walk with Jesus on the way of the Cross

… the one who wishes to scale the mountain of holiness and sanctity

When we read through the Gospels, we observe that our Lord Jesus and His teachings remained unfazed, in the midst of glamour and sensations…

>> They are simple and yet deeply challenging and radical!
The Lord does not offer a Comfortable Carpet of Roses to stroll….

>> He presents a  Challenging Pathway of Thorns to tread!
“Everyone will hate you, because of ME!” (Mt 10:22a)

>> These are the fierce & fervent words of the Lord.
Yes, the Master, Himself was persecuted and hated!
He was the Epitome of Love…

… and yet He was badly hated, persecuted and tortured…

What had He ever done to be hated? 

>> Being Meek and Humble of Heart…

…  touching lives with Healing and Forgiveness…? 
>> Being a Gospel of Love to all…

… even to the Enemies…? 
>> Being a Symbol of Pardon and Forgiveness…

… even to those who persecuted and killed Him…? 
>> Being an Emblem of Truth…

… in the midst of diluted ideologies & hypocritical ritualism…? 

 
>> Being an Ornament of Joy and Hope…

… to the broken-hearted, the sinful and the rejected…?

Did he deserve to be hated??? 
Yet, He was!

>> He was hated… mocked at… rejected… finally even arrested, scourged and killed!
And this our Blessed Master says…Even You too!

>> Even you too, My Followers, will be hated and will be persecuted!

The path ahead sounds dangerous, right?

>> The mountain climbing seems to be not as easy as thought, right?
But relax…!

>> The road does not end with persecutions… 
The verse of Jesus does not end in calamity…

>>  He goes on to say: “… but whoever endures to the end will be saved!” (Mt 10: 22b)
Yeah.. That’s great good news! 
The Way of Jesus is surely laden with persecutions…

….but it is also filled with much joy, satisfaction, true peace

…and finally rewarded with Eternal Life! 
We only need to persevere……till the end!
The Mountain Peak of Salvation is High…. 

>> But the Lord beckons to each one of us!
He also reminds us through Prophet Hosea, “Return to Your God Yahweh, O Israel!” (Hos 14:2)

Which category of mountain climbers are we going to be? 
1. The Pessimists (the ones who give up easily)? 

>> Regretting to being a Christian and thus living a life of sin and indifference
2. The Hedonists (the ones who remain passive and just enjoy)?

>> Resigning to the fact that somehow I need to be a Christian, due to societal pressures, and thus live in casualness, negligence and lethargy.
 Or…

3. The Enthusiasts (the ones who seek to conquer the mountains)? 

>> Real Christians who keep their eyes fixed on the Crucified Saviour and never give up, marching forward towards the goal of salvation! 

Let us give heed to the words of St Benedict:

“Prefer nothing whatever to Christ….and he will bring us all together to everlasting life!”

May we bold in facing humiliations, in suffering persecutions, in undergoing pain…

… all for the Sake of Christ, who showed us the Way to Glory through the Path of Persecution!
Let’s keep on moving… let’s keep climbing… let’s keep the Faith!
 

God Bless! Live Jesus!

– Fr Jijo Manjackal MSFS

  Bengaluru, India

 A little boy was walking towards the Church for the Sunday Mass.
His mother had given him two coins: 

>> A 5-rupee coin to be dropped in the offering box in Church

>> The other to buy a sweet for himself
On the way, however, the boy was careless and playful.
Accidently, one of the coins fell from his hand…

… down went one of the 5-rupee coins into the open drain!

Seeing the coin sliding down the drain, the boy muttered to himself: 

“Oh! There goes the Lord’s coin!”

… and kept clinging stronger to his own coin!

What the little boy uttered regarding the loss of the coin…

… is perhaps a reflection of the mind of many grown-ups:

>> It is always the Lord’s money that is lost; while ours is always treasured and kept safe!

This is also a pointer to an important & noteworthy inclination in our modern generation..

…the Tendency to grab & hold on everything to oneself but avoid giving to others, especially to God! 

We are sadly…

>> Lavish in Receiving & Accepting…

… but Stingy in Giving & Offering!! 

The Gospel of the Day is a fresh challenge to this contemporary trend, when Jesus reminds:

“You have received without pay…give without pay!”… (Matthew 10:8) 

The context of the Gospel is the sending out of the Twelve Apostles to the missions. 

>> To be an Apostle and to be Sent on a Mission… is a pure Gift!

Every gift is a reminder, that we need to be Grateful to the One Who has given us! 

>> And the Lord, the Great Gift-Giver, invites the Apostles, to give freely of what they have received! 

In this process of giving, the Lord also assures that they will be provided what they need! 

So here we see a “double-edge” effect when we receive a gift from the Lord:

1. We need to, in turn, become Gift-Givers 

2. We need to Depend on the Lord, that He will provide for us! 

 

Are we ready to embrace this “Double-Edge Effect” in our lives, when we seek for blessings and gifts from the Lord? 

Every Gift from God is a Responsibility to Give…

… and a Challenge to Depend on Him!

The Book of Hosea presents God as a Loving Father, who cares for His people with much tenderness and love. 

>> The Heart of God melts with deep love and affection for His people… 
We, His Children, are just too precious to God, who is our Father…. 

>> And this Father, will surely provide for us… 
Yes, He is Jehovah Jairah – the Lord, our Provider! 

The Lord invites us, to become His Missionaries, like the Twelve Apostles…

>> Let us become gift-givers…Let us become dependants on God, our Provider!

We sometimes have reduced to becoming a generation, who give gifts, only on some special occasions like birthdays, anniversaries, feast days, etc … 

>> Can we revitalize ourselves so that we can become Gift-Givers, each day of our lives…

There are many waiting for our gifts…. 

>> A sad soul, a rejected person, a broken family …

>> A sick patient, a helpless child, a frustrated office-goer…

>> A poor individual, unwanted elderly couples, confused young people…

>> An exasperated religious folk, a corrupt society, a suffering humanity …etc… 

The list is endless….

Can we become a Gift-Giving Generation? 
Let us give heed to the words of St Gregory Nazianzen: 

“Give something, however small, to the one in need. 

For its not small to one who has nothing. 

Neither is it small to God, if we have given what we could.”  

As Christians, let us be a “people of contradiction” against the trends of the modern society…

…the Tendency to grab & hold on everything to oneself but avoid giving to others, especially to God! 

>> And instead, let us be a “people of conviction”, showing the right attitude to the society…

… Having an attitude to give & share to all and depending on the Providence and Care of God!

God Bless! Live Jesus!
– Fr Jijo Manjackal MSFS

  Bengaluru, India

Jesus is strange! 

>> And he loves to do strange things!
“Dare to be different” is a call which echoes very much through the corporate sector today, and also in many areas of our life! 

>> And Jesus, certainly, is a model and an example for each one of us, in this ‘Daring to be Different’!
And this strange and daring Jesus – Who loves to do things differently – 

…throws up a classic example for this, in today’s Gospel Reading, by choosing The Twelve…

>>Twelve strange persons to be His Daring disciples. 

We could have a short litany of adjectives to describe or portray these Twelve… 

Let’s get set with a mini-dictionary:

>> Ordinary, Mundane, Shy, Absent-minded, Introvert, Prejudiced, Inhibited…

>> Hated by society, Craver of power, Zealous in quick actions, Betraying Characters…

>> Sceptics, Unsteady Temperaments, Cynical….

The list is long, right? 
Maybe, some of us, also very much possess these characters and traits!

>>  Is it True? 

But, with all these varied personalities and natures, Jesus, the Daring Master, chose His twelve, having these characters…! 

The Lord loves to transform and change… 

>> He changed the water into wine… 

>> He transformed a few loaves of bread and fish as food for thousands… 

>> He changed the raging sea to calmness and serenity… 

>> He transformed sicknesses in people to good health and new vigour… 

>> He changed the static and inhuman view of the Law to a dynamic and loving perception…
Yes, the Lord loves to transform and change…

>> And this Lord, who loves to transform and change, also worked wonders with the Twelve!

These Twelve, with their varied personalities and characters, were handed on the Charge to continue the Gigantic Task of their Daring Master: “To be the Ambassadors of the Kingdom of God”

>> To be with Him and to be sent out

>> To have authority over unclean spirits and drive them out

>> To cure every disease and illness and to preach!
These chosen lights were to cast their rays over the rest of humanity, in all nations.

Are we also hearing the Call of the Lord, to be the Ambassadors of His Kingdom, in the place where we are, in the state of life, that we are in? 

Let us not be worried about our nature or temperament or character or weaknesses.
Yes, the Lord is strange…

… and He loves to do strange things

>> He is CRAZY over us! 

 

The Lord also loves…

… to transform and to change

>> He is Willing to TRANSFORM us! 
The only thing that He needs from us.. is Our Consent.. Our Willingness…our Openness!

>> Let no negative feelings come in the way of this Deep Desire of the Lord… 
Like the Israelites in Hosea 10:1…

…. Let us not boast on our prosperity or our richness

….Let our hearts not remain divided in our loyalty

>>  Let us instead plough a new ground…seeking the Lord…
>> The Kingdom of God is a vineyard…

… it needs labourers!
>> The Kingdom of God is a net…

… it needs fishermen!
>> The Kingdom of God is a field…

… it needs sowers and reapers!

 

>> The Kingdom of God is a flock…

… it needs shepherds! 

Yes, the Lord is calling.. the Lord is desiring.. the Lord is wanting…

>> Are we hearing? 
Let this not remain a Missed Call! 

>> Let’s pick up, and answer…

… and Co-operate with the Strange Master, Who calls us to “Dare to be Different”!

God Bless! Live Jesus!
– Fr Jijo Manjackal MSFS

  Bengaluru, India

A commonly heard story goes thus….

A small town had been “dry” for years.

>> i.e. ‘without any bars or consumption of alcohol’.
But some of the business people, decided to build a bar in that town.
The local Christian group were however alarmed and concerned at this latest development

>> They decided that they would have an all-night prayer to ask God to intervene.
Work on the construction of the bar, progressed right up till the week before opening…

…. when lightning struck the bar and it burned to the ground!

The owners of the bar, enraged, filed a case against the prayer group – to sue them in court.

>> They claimed that the prayers of the group was responsible for the destruction of their bar!

>> They claimed that the people in the church were ultimately responsible for the ruin of the building – either through direct or indirect actions or means. 
The prayer group members however appointed a lawyer to defend themselves

>> They vehemently denied all responsibility or any connection to the building’s devastation in its reply to the court. 
The judge after the initial examination of the case stated thus:

“I do not know how I am going to decide.

But no matter how this case ends, one thing is clear: 

>> It appears that we have some bar owners who believe in the power of prayer…

…but an entire praying congregation that does not!”

How true is not this the case, even in our lives?

>> People who are expected to be having more faith…

… often are seen to live a life of unbelief and distrust in God
>> People who are “inside” the praying circle and the group of faith…

… often have difficulties to simply trust in the power and workings of God

The Gospel of the Day presents before us an incident where this contrast is brought forth…

>> A group of people – the Pharisees – who were intellectually deeper in the scriptures and were expected to know more about the Messiah…

…. failed to recognise and acknowledge the Messianic Power of Jesus 

 
>> The other group of people – simple and ordinary crowds – who followed Jesus and were effortlessly attracted to Him…

… publicly acclaimed and appreciated the mighty deeds of Jesus

The Gospel passage begins with the incident of a man  – dumb and demoniac – who was brought to Jesus (Mt 9: 32)

>> When the demon had been cast out, the dumb man spoke ( Mt 9:  33a)
There were two reactions to this same incident: One was of marvel; the other was of contempt!
>> The crowds – simple and ordinary – who were attracted to Jesus “marvelled and said: ‘Never was anything like this seen in Israel'” (Mt 9:33b)

>> The Pharisees – knowledgeable and intellectual – who often looked to find loopholes in the ministry of Jesus and trap Him, said: “He casts out demons by the prince of demons” (Mt 9: 34)
The same incident – Jesus healing the dumb and demoniac man – was observed and experienced by two different groups…

…. but they generated contrasting reactions and divergent responses!

>> One of them marvelled; the other mocked!

>> One of them had found a reason to praise God; the other found a reason to deride Jesus!

Is this not the case, often , even in our lives too?

>> Very often is this not the phenomena seen with respect to prayer…?
>> People who go to Church seem to be believing less in the power and providence of God…

… people who stay away from pious devotions, often acknowledge the influence of the Divine!
>> People who go regularly to Holy Mass and the Sacraments, often live superficial lives…

… people who stay away, seek to live better and more honestly.
What does this mean?
>> Not that we should stay away from our pious actions, devotions and our activities of faith

>> Not that people who don’t display faith have more reasons to live a good life
But these are reminders and alarms from the Lord…

… to examine our life and activities of faith!

… to check whether my prayer life is actually translated to a living trust in God!

Do the prayers that I make and the devotions that I engage in:

>> Cause me to believe and trust in the providential power of the Lord, knowing that He works out all things for our good…

… or do they just remain mere lip-services and an exercise and custom that I go through, without having any effect on me?
Do the Sacraments that I participate in – especially the Holy Mass and Sacrament of Reconciliation: 

>> Cause me to have a life-transformational experience, every time, and become moments to encounter the Living Lord and His mighty love in my life…

.. or do they become routine rituals and casual ceremonies that I go through, without allowing the Lord to cause any effect or change in me?

 
Do the sermons that I hear, the reflections that I read and the Bible and other books that I meditate…

>> Cause me to reflect on my life, examine my conscience and let go a life of sin…

… or do they merely become aids to help me give pointers for ‘powerful’ sermons and feel a sense of external satisfaction, without taking decisions to also live a life of holiness and sanctity?
 As Christians…

>> It is our duty to know more about the Lord and learn deeper about the elements of our faith…

… but we also need to grow in our life of holiness and live the faith in our practical lives
>> It is our duty to understand Scripture more and know learn about the Church and her teachings…

… but we also need to allow the Scripture ‘to read our lives’ and to help to  love, spread and defend the Church and her teachings to others. 

Which group of people are we in…

>> “Knowing theoretically much about the power of God and scriptures” but failing to recognise and acknowledge His power…?

>> Or simple and ordinary in our faith and belief – seeking to know more about God and scripture- but above all, recognising, acknowledging and thanking the Power of God in life?
Let us seek the intercession of St Antony Mary Zaccaria – a priest and an early leader of counter reformation – whose feast we celebrate today…

… that we may be Christians with faith and belief who can marvel at the works of the Lord.
Let us give heed to his words: 

“That which God commands seems difficult and a burden.

 The way is rough; you draw back; you have no desire to follow it. 

>>Yet do so and you will attain glory.

“Unfurl your flags, for Jesus Crucified will send you…

… to proclaim everywhere the vital energy of the Spirit.”

May we be Christians and “people of prayer and faith” who not just profess and pray with our lips…

… but believe and trust wholeheartedly, with our hearts as well!
God Bless! Live Jesus!
– Fr Jijo Manjackal MSFS

  Bengaluru, India

A little boy had to walk around 2 kms to his school, through the congested and bustling city.
His mother had arranged a servant to accompany the child – while going and coming back from school – to ensure the child’s safety.

>> For this the servant was paid 30 rupees a day.
But when the child reached Third Standard (Grade 3) of school, he rebelled and told his mother:

” I’ll walk myself to school!

And if you give me 10 rupees a day, I will be extra careful. The rest of the money we can save and we all will be better off!”
After sometime of pleading and begging, the little boy finally got his way. 

>> For the next three years, he walked himself – back and forth from school. 

Years later, at a family party, the boy bragged about his independence and boasted to his family about how he had taken care of himself as a little boy, travelling alone to school. 
His mother, on hearing the story, laughed and said:

“Did you really think you were alone?

>> “Every morning when you left for school, I left with you. I walked behind you all the way. 

>> Every evening when you got out of school, I was there. I set my eyes on you and protected you.
I always kept myself hidden; but I was there and I followed you all the way home. 

>> I was always there for you, especially when you needed me!”

Similar is the case of God as well, in our spiritual walk…

…. We are never left alone

… We are always followed by the Lord!
>> There are moments when we think we can manage alone

>> There are other times when we feel there is none with me, in our journey
But the Lord always walks with us…!
He is the “God who accompanies us, in our journey of life!”

The Gospel of the Day is the beautiful incident of God walking with His people, especially in their moments of pain, loneliness and helplessness…
>> A God who accompanies…

… the official whose daughter had died: by bringing life and smile to his family (Mt 9: 18-19, 23-26)

… the woman with haemorrhage: by cleansing and restoring her to health (Mt 9: 20-22)

The Gospel focuses our attention on the “walk” of two persons:

1. The official whose daughter had died: 

“An official CAME FORWARD, knelt down before Jesus…” (Mt 9: 18)
2. The woman with haemorrhage:

“A woman suffering haemorrhages CAME UP BEHIND Jesus….” (Mt 9: 20)

 

The official came walking ‘forward’

>> The woman came walking ‘from behind’
Both were persons in distress and despair

>> Both were suffering physical agony and mental anguish

Human life is characterised in these two persons…

>> The way “forward” is often an uncertain and blurred path, filled with distress and despair

>> The way “from behind” had often been an experience of physical agony and mental anguish
Loneliness plagues us in this walk of life… Hopelessness often overtakes our walk of life!
This arduous walk of life, sometimes causes…

… some of us to give up and call it quits

… some of us to drown ourselves into addictions and unhealthy habits
Some even wish to make it “all alone” in life, thinking I can manage everything by myself

… abandoning even God!

But the official and the woman in the Gospel today show us the way:

>> When the path of life becomes tough with distress and despair…

>> When the journey of life is filled with physical agony and mental anguish…

… “walk forward” towards Jesus – surrendering the future – and plead for help and mercy: like the official!

… “walk from behind” towards Jesus – leaving the past – and touch Him: like the woman!
It is then that we experience and feel the power of the “God who accompanies us, in our journey of life!”

>> The “forward step” of the official towards Jesus, surrendering his future…

… helped him to experience the mighty touch of the Lord in the life of his daughter (Mt 9:25)

… Life was restored; smiles were brought back; good news was spread all over!
>> The “behind” approach of the woman towards Jesus, letting go her past…

… helped her to experience the healing and sanctifying touch of the Lord (Mt 9: 22) 

… Bleeding was ceased; courage was praised; faith was blessed!

The incidents in today’s Gospel passage, invite us…

… to surrender our future to the Lord: knowing that He will render all things for our good, if we trust and co-operate with Him

… to let go of our past to the Lord: knowing that He will touch and heal us, of all our former wounds, if we seek Him with deep desire and longing

Yes, in our walk of life, the Lord tells us:

“Do you really think you are alone?

>> “Every morning when you rise, I am with you. I walk behind you all the way. 

>> Every evening when you rest, I am there. I set my eyes on you and protect you
I sometimes seem hidden; but I am there and I follow you all the way. 

>> I am always there for you, especially when you need me!”
Let us grow in our trust and faith in the Lord and “walk” with Him!

God Bless! Live Jesus!
– Fr Jijo Manjackal MSFS

  Bengaluru, India

>> It takes years to build a character…

…. but a moment to lose it! 
>> It takes hundreds of efforts to build a relationship…

… but a moment to lose it!
>> It takes manifold of words to be known as a good speaker…

… but a couple of words to doom that title!
People cash on one bad remark…

… but thousands of consoling and good words are forgotten!
People talk bad on one negative incident…

… but forget many good deeds and honourable moments!

This is our experience of life, isn’t it?
 

Something similar was and is experienced by an Apostle too…St Thomas.

St Thomas made one remark of doubt…

… and ever since, has been branded, “The Doubting Thomas!”
Often when some raise doubts or make queries, they are remarked, “Don’t be a Thomas!”

>> Am I too judgmental and critical of people?

This is more often the Human Way.

>> But God’s ways are spectacular!
 

Humans remain judgmental, knowing just external factors!
>> God remains merciful even after being fully aware of internal factors!!

But if St Thomas doubted, he has also gifted the Church, with one of the Most Explicit Statements of Faith…

… and has given us all a Simple yet powerful Prayer: “My Lord and My God!” (John 20:28).

On this Feast of St Thomas, the Apostle, let us reflect deeper on his life, and draw inspirations for our personal spiritual life.

When we see the Life of St Thomas, he also had his share of weaknesses, just like all the other apostles!
>> But let’s not exaggerate the weakness of a person…

 … rather, let us focus on Christ and His Mercy and Power.

“Christ chose the foolish of the world to shame the wise, and God chose the weak of the world, to shame the Strong!”(1 Cor 1:27-28)

Human weakness becomes the channel for God’s Grace and Holiness to flow!
>> Holiness is not a human effort…but is God’s grace…
>> Holiness is a gift!

A Gift is given, not earned…

… but once received, one must live a life worthy of that Gift!

It is God who gradually transforms the weak and lowly, into His Image and Likeness, more and more, when we co-operate with His Grace!

St Thomas surely doubted…!
But more than the Resurrection of His Lord…

… he probably doubted the words of his companions.
 

He knew them well.
>> He knew how most of them were shallow in their faith
>> He knew how easily they would get excited at some flashy events!
 

And therefore, St Thomas doubts…

>> He doubts the words of his companions…
>> He chooses to trust none, but the Lord Himself!

And the Lord, who sees the hearts of all, is Himself eager to clarify Thomas’s doubt, perhaps more than the Apostle himself!

As he greets the group of Apostles, Jesus addresses Thomas:

“Put your finger here and see my hands….do not be unbelieving, but believe!” (Jn 20:27)

What would have been going on, through the mind of Jesus, at that point?
 

Probably, the Lord was having a naughty smile & was only glad to oblige Thomas’s stubborn request!
… like a child who throws tantrums to get something, Thomas received the favour of the Lord
… like a child who gets upset on missing something, Thomas is given a special token by the Lord

>> Doubtless, Jesus was not offended by the Thomas’ suspicion, but only wanted to get back his faith in Him!

Did Thomas touch the Lord?
The Gospels do not testify to this touching…(though many of the popular pictures of the Saint do so!)..
>> But the Lord surely did touch Thomas!
Thomas was deeply touched by the Lord’s gesture!
>> Thomas was humbled by the Lord’s humility
>> Thomas was overwhelmed by the Lord’s magnanimous presence and sparkling gaze!
The Shadows of Doubts were cast away….the Glorious Light of Faith and Belief was shining bright!

>> And in faith and marvel, Thomas exclaimed: “My Lord and My God!!“ (Jn 20: 28)

Doubt is not the opposite of Faith…

… it is an element of Faith!

 

We are not alone in my doubts and fears…

>>  There are Apostles and Saints and Great Holy People, who have gone through this crisis.
Let, “Lord, I do believe…help my unbelief”, be our genuine prayer!

May we always pray…

… that we grow in our faith

…. to live & even to Die for the Faith
>> Just like St Thomas, the Great Apostle of Faith proclaimed not just with his lips but also with his life & death: “My Lord and My God!”

Happy Feast of Faith and Belief, Boldness and Courage to all!

God bless! Live Jesus! 
– Fr Jijo Manjackal MSFS

  Bengaluru, India