Month: August 2016

Aug 22 (Feast of the Queenship of Mary)

Fr Jijo Manjackal MSFS3 Comments

“Saare jahaan mein acha!” (“Better than all in the entire world!”)

This was the chorus we sang in unison and love….The Holy Trinity, the Holy Angels and all people of faith on the earth…..just seven days back…

… on the 15th of August – the Feast of the Assumption of our Blessed Mother Mary!

Today we are back to chanting the same chorus and the same refrain with a deeper enthusiasm and stronger gusto…

… as we celebrate with heaven, the Coronation of our Blessed Mamma as the Queen of Heaven and Earth!

This Feast of the Queenship of Mary was instituted by Pope Pius XII at the conclusion of the Marian Year in 1954.

It was not…

… a new doctrine.

… or a new teaching

… or a new policy

.. or even a new understanding!

This declaration was merely an affirmation of the age old faith that has been celebrated down through the ages!

St. Ephrem referred to Mother Mary as the “Majestic and Heavenly Maid, Lady, Queen.”

>> St. Gregory Nazianzen called her, “the Mother of the King of the Universe.”

On this Feast Day of the Queenship of Mary…

… we are presented with the Reading on the Annunciation.

Let us travel with Mary, our Mamma and Queen….through this Life Transforming Event of Her life….

This incident will highlight the journey of Grace and Mercy that God worked, to raise Her to a Glorious State!

  1. The Simple Mary

Mary was a simple and unnoticed girl of the unpopular town of Nazareth.

>> She was an ordinary person betrothed to a man named Joseph.

She had…

… her dreams

… her wishes for a family life

… her desires for a peaceful life!

>> But God had bigger dreams for Her…

… a dream which would make Her the Blessed among all…

>> God had higher wishes for Her…

… a wish which would make the Nazareth Family a model for all…

>> God had bigger desires for Her…

… a desire which would fill her with Peace amidst every pain…

 

  1. The Troubled Mary

Mary was deeply troubled when she encountered Angel Gabriel.

>> The greeting of the Divine Being made Her simple heart to be filled with feelings of concern and disturbance.

She had…

… her concerns

… her share of uneasy feelings

… her moments of worry!

>> But God had greater cares for Her…

… a care which would make her a Mother to all those who have concerns…

>> God had finer feelings for Her…

… a feeling which would help her to Feel for those who go through life’s pains…

>> God had greater comforts for Her…

… a comfort which will lead Her to be a Comforter to the Uncomforted…

  1. The confused Mary

It was a moment of great confusion and perhaps even total puzzlement as to how could the words of Angel Gabriel be believed.

>> There was great uncertainty as to how could a conception of this sort take place and what made Heaven to grant Her this choice of being the Mother of the Son of God!

She had…

… Her confusions

… Her perplexity

… Her moments of Inner Turmoil.

>> But God had a deeper solution to Her confusions…

… He assured Her of the Presence of His Mighty Spirit…

>> God had an enhanced way out of Her perplexity…

… He calmed Her by opening Her eyes to His great works…

>> God had a deeper answer to Her turmoil…

… He relieved Her by reminding Her that all things are possible for Him…

  1. The willing Mary

The Fiat Moment – the time when Mary said the Big Yes to God’s Plan of Salvation!

>> It was a sacred time when Mary consented and became willing to allow God’s Script to work in Her unadorned Life!

She had…

… Her mysterious moments

… Her ‘what-next’ moments

… Her moments of indefiniteness!

>> But God had His superior light beyond all mysteries…

… She was to be the Woman of the Mystery of God’s Salvation …

>> God had His clear plan beyond all doubts…

… She was to be the Perfect Executor of Heaven’s Plans for humanity…

>> God had his superior design across all indefiniteness…

… She was to be the Refuge of all in Uncertainty…

Today, Is My Life…

… just too simple and ordinary?

… just too troubled?

… just too confused?

Then Mother Mary is a model to us…

… a perfect example

… a shining witness

… a great challenge to us!

In all our ordinariness, troubles and confusions. let us trust and have faith in God…

… just like Mother Mary

>> And seek to always say to God, ” Fiat – Yes, Be it done to me according to Your Will!”

Let us raise an Anthem of Thanksgiving, Love and Affection…

… to our Beloved Mamma, the Queen of the Heavens and the Earth… and of our hearts…

>> And in harmony & accord, with deep joy, acclaim Her to be –

“Saare jahaan mein acha!” (“Better than all in the entire world!”)

Happy Feast of the Beloved Queen Mamma united with Her son, King Jesus, to all of us, Her little princes! 

God Bless! Live Jesus!

Aug 21 (Lk 13: 22-30)

Fr Jijo Manjackal MSFS3 Comments

It is said that Hercules, the Greek mythological figure constructed two pillars near the Straits of Gibraltar…
… to mark the edge of the then known world.

These pillars had a warning on them: “Ne plus ultra – No More Beyond”.

This was a warning to sailors and navigators to go no farther!

Till the 1400?s, this belief was so strong…
… that “Ne Plus ultra” was written on the edge of the maps
… that Spain even adopted that phrase as their national motto.

But in 1492, Christopher Columbus set sail into the unfamiliar areas of the world…
>> Unknown waters were explored
>> New lands were discovered

After his death in 1506 in Valladolid, Spain, a memorial was built in honour of Columbus.

A peculiar yet very interesting feature of this memorial is the statue of a lion, destroying one of those Latin words?
>> The word being torn away by the lion is “ne”

Thus, the motto is made to read: “Plus Ultra – More Beyond!”
And this indeed is the truth of human life: There certainly is “More Beyond”
>> “More Beyond” this present materialistic life
>> “More Beyond” the transitory nature of this earthly life
Human beings, by nature, are inquisitive and curious.
>> There is a tendency to seek to know many things.

One of the prime aspects among all such seeking are the questions concerning the life after this life.

>> What will happen after I die?
>> Where will I go after my death?
>> Is there such thing called as a heaven or hell?
>> Will God really punish or will He lavish the license of heaven to all?

Such eschatological questions often disturb our minds & we become a bit perplexed over an uncertain future.
The Gospel of the Day presents such an eschatological question being posed to Jesus:
“Lord, will only a few be saved?” (Lk 13:23)
Jesus, has a very unique way of dealing with questions and doubts.
When we scan through some of such incidents, wherein Jesus has been asked a question or a doubt, we often find that He either doesn’t give a straight answer or sometimes even doesn’t give any answer…

>> A lawyer comes to Jesus and asks, “Who is my neighbour?” (Lk 10:29)
… Jesus doesn’t give a direct answer; instead responds with the Parable of the Good Samaritan.

>> Some people tell Jesus about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mingled with the sacrifices, and expected Jesus to make some comments (Lk 13:1)
… Jesus doesn’t explicit a clear teaching; instead responds with the Parable of the Barren Fig Tree.
In today’s Gospel incident too, Jesus is asked about how many will be saved.

But Jesus chooses to respond with the Illustration of the Narrow Door.

Why does Jesus do so?
>> Why does He not respond directly to such questions, and instead answer in some other form?
One of the tendencies among many believers, including perhaps some of us, is that…
…we tend to miss the actual point, in the process of discussion.
…we fail to grasp the actual thing needed, in the course of many doubts.
We wonder about who all will be saved…
>> We wonder when this world will come to an end.
>> We wonder how many people will make to heaven
>> We wonder how many will get cast into hell.

These simple questions lead to complicated ones…
>> What about people who have never heard about God?
>> What about those souls in distant lands who never had a chance to know what is God?

These complicated questions further leads to some drastic  conclusions (sadly!)…
>> What kind of God sends people to hell?!
>> If the God of the Bible is so cruel, then I don’t want to believe in Him!
>> I would better not believe in any God and rather live my life the way I want!

Well… this is the sad part!
It’s not that questionings or doubts are bad…or not that they are not encouraged…
>> But sometimes, such interrogations make us to miss the main point.

We get so entangled with doubts of the future, that we fail to prepare for the future.
>> We get so busy asking about eternal life, that we fail to live a life worthy of it!

But Jesus brings home to point…

>> What is needed utmost is an upright life…
… in faith and in repentance.

>> What is most needed is to live a life pleasing to God…
… and in seeking to do His Will.

This is the narrow way.

To live a life of faith, in the midst of challenges and crises, is hard!
>> To live in total repentance and brushing aside sin at every point of life, is hard!
>> To live a life seeking to live in tune with God’s Will, even if it is demanding, is hard!

This is the narrow way, to which the Lord invites us.
Let us not get too much webbed in the questions and doubts, and lose focus of what’s most needed…
… Faith, Repentance and Doing His Will.
Yes, we don’t live in a world which has a motto “Ne plus ultra – No More Beyond!”

Instead, Jesus, the Lion of Judah destroys that word “ne”…
>> And invites us to experience life with Him, in eternity, saying: “Plus Ultra – More Beyond”
God Bless! Live Jesus

Aug 20 (Mt 23: 1-12)

Fr Jijo Manjackal MSFS1 Comment

There is an interesting story that appears in the 12th Chapter of the 2nd Book of Kings.

Joash was the King of Judah.

He observed that Temple of the Lord was in need of repair.

So he raised a fund-raising program…
>> ” Jehoiada, the priest took a chest and bored a hole in its lid and put it beside the altar, on the right side as one comes into the house of the LORD” (2 Kings 12:10)

The amount thus realised, was given to the master workmen of the Temple.

>> These master workmen in turn…
… gave it to the carpenters and builders
… to the lumbermen and stone cutters
… and for the purchase of wood and hewn stone used for repairing
There is a fascinating verse that then appears…
… It says, “They did not require an accounting from the men, into whose hand they gave the money to pay to those who did the work, for they dealt FAITHFULLY.” (2 Kgs 12: 16)

Other translations read…
… they worked with INTEGRITY
… they acted with complete HONESTY
Faithfulness, integrity and honesty are qualities that are expected of everyone…
… who engage themselves in the works of the Lord
>> And naturally so, for all of us as Christians – the followers of Jesus, the Faithful, the Integral and the Honest One!
Do I live my Christian life in Faithfulness, Integrity and Honesty?
The Gospel of the Day presents a Challenging Jesus..
… who seeks to expose the duplicity in the life of the Teachers of the Law
… and exhorts, instead, to lead An Authentic way of Life!
Chapter 23 of the Gospel of Matthew is an extremely emotion filled and volatile passage.

The Great Master Jesus, is in a confronting mode and minces no words in exposing the duplicity of the Teachers of the Law.

Chapter 23 almost speaks of Jesus reaching a sort of boiling point…

Let’s think of a pan of water on the stove…
You turn the burner on high and slowly the water becomes warmer and warmer …
>> And then, there are a few bubbles in that water and those few bubbles come to the fore…
>>> And pretty soon the water in the pan is furious with bubbles because the water has come to its boiling point…!

The words of Jesus in Chapter 23 come to a boiling point!
>> (23: 1-12): Denunciation of the attitude of the Scribes and Pharisees
>> (23: 13-36): Pronouncement of 7 woes on the Scribes and Pharisees
>> (23: 37-39): Lamentation over the city of Jerusalem

Today’s Gospel Passage deals with some of the crucial areas of the Teachers of the Law…
… which very often have a similarity in our lives too

1: They preach, but do not practice! (Mt 23:3)

>> How often are we in the habit of telling virtues to others…
… but fail to practise them ourselves?

>> How often do we love to advise goodness to others…
… but fall short of trying to be good ourselves?

>> How often do we want the whole world to be changed…
… but reach nowhere in trying to improve our own selves?

2: They lay burdens on others..but lift not a finger to help (Mt 23: 4)

>> How often do we expect others to achieve perfection…
… but fail to do our own activities with zeal and passion?

>> How often do we want others to fulfil their duties well…
… but miserably unaware of our own obligations and tasks?

>> How often do we impose others to be good and holy..
… but indulge our selves in deeds of corruption and sin?

3: They Practice deeds of Religiosity to be seen by others (Mt 23: 5)

>> How often do we parade our acts of charity before others…
… in order to boost our index of popularity?

>> How often do we want our deeds of assistance be noticed by others…
… in order to win admiration and acclaim?

>> How often do we go vocal in boasting of our own achievements…
… in order to become great and famous?

4: They love places and titles of honour and respect (Mt 23: 6-7)

>> How often do we seek the best places in society and the Church…
… and try to make a peripheral show of our status?

>> How often do we grow attached to places and titles of glory…
… and develop an unconscious love for vain glory?

>> How often do we get disturbed and even troubled easily…
… when others fail to acknowledge our positions and repute?

 

The list of questions is too long…. the record of queries is too extensive…
>> But we need to make this check.. a reality check of our own lives!

It is not very difficult to live under the garb of a well-polished and neat looking title of a “Christian”.
>> It is not very hard to move forward with our Christian lives being peripherally good and “appearing” pious.

But we need to realise…
… In our life here, some day or the other, our hollowness will get exposed if were are not true to our inner selves.
>> A false life does not befit a person who seeks to follow the Authentic Christ.
Yes, on Judgment Day, none of our ‘external packing and wrapping’ will come to our rescue!
To live an authentic and true life is certainly hard…
… and is a treading through paths of difficulties.

But…
… in difficulties, grace abounds
… in hardships, blessings increase
… in adversities, mercy flourishes
Let us give heed to the words of St Bernard of Clairvaux (Doctor of the Church and promoter of the Marian Devotion especially through the prayer, “Memorare”), who says:
“>> There are those who seek knowledge for the sake of knowledge: that is curiosity
>> There are those who seek knowledge to be known by others: that is vanity
>> There are those who seek knowledge in order to serve: that is love!”
May we seek knowledge in order to serve, by growing in the virtues of faithfulness, integrity and honesty…
… and thus be true followers of Jesus, the Faithful, the Integral and the Honest One!
God Bless! Live Jesus!

Aug 19 (Mt 22: 34-40)

Fr Jijo Manjackal MSFS1 Comment
Among the twelve Apostles of Jesus, St John is known as the Apostle of Love.

His writings focus primarily on the theme of Love.

 

There is a legend handed down from the early church about this Apostle of Love.
 
Of the twelve original apostles, only St John is said to have lived to a ripe old age.
>> In his later years, not only his body but also his eyesight and his mind began to fail him.

St John’s mind had deteriorated to the point that he could only speak five words…
… one sentence which he would repeat over and over.
 
The legend says that every Sunday, St John would be carried into the midst of the congregation that had assembled for worship in the church at Ephesus, where he spent the last years of his life.

Total silence would fall over the congregation, even though they already knew what St John was going to say. 
 
Then the old man would speak the five words…
… “My children, love one another”

Over & over, he would repeat them until he grew tired from talking!
>> None yawned or gazed off absentmindedly. 

The Apostle of Love, fed & filled by a deep love of God preached his five-word sermon, over & over…
… “My children, love one another”

Love is the starting point, the end and the essence of a Christian Life!

The Gospel of the Day emphasizes and affirms this aspect of Love: Love of God and Love of neighbour.

The Pharisees come together to trap Jesus with a question from the Law:
“Teacher, which is the most important commandment of the Law?” (Mt 22: 36)

 
The Lord of Love is sought to be trapped in a web of malice!
>> This was a complicated question that was put forward to Jesus.

The Jewish Law of the Torah comprised 613 precepts.
>> It was certainly a challenge to condense these codes into a single commandment.

Probably Jesus would’ve looked into the eyes of the one who asked this question and thought, “Why do You seek to put me to the test??
 
There was malice and a corrupt intention in the one who questioned.
>> But the greatness of the Lord overwhelms the evil designs of humans.

Jesus answers the question which had an evil bent, with an answer filled with goodness…
… “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul and with all your mind….. Love your neighbour as yourself”! (Mt 22: 37,39)

Bingo..! Two birds with one shot!

 
>> He not just answered His interrogators…
…  but He also proclaimed the summary of the Gospel.

>> He not just silenced His critics…
… but He also won many followers for the Good News.

 
The Pharisee came asking which is “the” greatest commandment.
>> He expected just one commandment. 

But Jesus answers with two…
… and showed that those two commandments are nothing but one!
 

The Love of God and the Love of Neighbour…are two dimensions of the same Love.
>> And this One Love, with two facets, formed the basis of all the other commandments of the Law!

However, the tragedy of our world and our spirituality very often, is the separation of these two dimensions…
>> One loves God…
… but fails to love one’s neighbour!
>> Another loves the neighbour…
… but fails to love God!
 
>> One loves to read and hear and understand God’s Word…
… but fails to apply it in real life.
>> Another loves to have a lot of social relations…
… but fails to build a strong spiritual basis.
 
>> One loves to preach powerfully about virtues of the Gospel…
… but fails to live them in actuality.
>> Another loves to be in friendship with all…
… but fails in closeness with God, the source of Love.
 
>> One loves the Church and her teachings…
… but falls short to serve the society and its peoples. 
>> Another serves people…
… but vehemently hates the Church, the ark of the Sacraments of love!

Christian love is not just…
…. about emotions

>> Christian love…
… is making a decision to serve, even if one does not feel so.

>> Christian love, is being faithful…
… even if one is rejected or even shown indifference.

>> Christian love, is being committed…
… even if one feels an aversion towards the other.

Easier said, than done….right?
 

This is where, we need to depend on God, the Source of Love itself!
>> This is where, we need to draw strength from the Sacraments that the Church offers!
>> This is where, we need to be filled with a Passionate love of God to share it with others!
 
 
>> Unless we are in Communion with the Lord…
… all this reading of these reflections remains merely a theory.

>> Unless we are joined to God, the Source of Love..
… all our meditations remain superficial.
 
We need to pray as the Psalmist: “I love you, Lord, my strength” (Ps 18: 2).

He is the strength for us to love our neighbour. 
>> He is the source for us to share our lives with our neighbour.
>> He is the supplier of hope for us to sustain in our difficulties to love. 

The world is thirsting for Love…
>> Each one of us is called to radiate this Love: Love of God and Love of Neighbour.

Yes, let us become an Apostle and Agent and Ambassador of Love!

God Bless! Live Jesus!

Aug 18 (Mt 22:1-14)

Fr Jijo Manjackal MSFS1 Comment

We live in an environment where there is a long queue of Invitations….

>> The world of entertainment constantly invites…
… to immerse and take pleasure in its glamour and allurements.

>> The world of sports repeatedly invites…
… to enjoy the thrills and excitement of various sports and games.

>> The world of corruption often invites..
… to be attracted in its trap of being dishonest and deceitful.

>> The world of sin often invites…
… us to be enticed to its power and lose control over ourselves.

Invitations are constantly abuzz in the air….

The Gospel of the Day also speaks of An Invitation: The Invitation to the Wedding Feast by a King (Mt 22:1-14)

Today we shall take another approach to this Theme in the Gospel & focus on another Invitation…
… which all of us constantly receive in our lives
>> And let us analyze, how do we respond to this Invitation of the Lord…

The Invitation is:  An Invitation to the Holy Eucharist, the Greatest Banquet of all!

When we read the sequence of today’s Gospel Passage… we can mark out a few aspects:

1. Firstly there is An Invitation…
… laced with a lot of expectations and hope…

2. Secondly, there is a Rejection…
… filled with many excuses and defenses…

3. Thirdly, there is another Invitation…
… open to all those who were not considered in the first place…

4. Fourthly, there is a Condemnation…
… of a person who fails to come in with the proper requirements…

In our reflection on the Invitation to the Holy Eucharist…
… we shall highlight only on the First Two Aspects
>> And consider also the Feelings and Emotions of the King, Who Invited…
… but who got Rejected!

Firstly,  The King extends a great Invitation to the Feast: 
>> The Holy Eucharist is the Greatest Feast that takes place in this world.

Every Holy Eucharist is a Great Moment when Heaven and Earth unite in a Divine Exchange!

When Jesus joined His Disciples in celebrating the Last Supper, he spoke these words:
“Do this in memory of me”…
>> It was a great Invitation by the Lord to each one of us, to partake of Him, while here on earth!

In the Gospel Passage, the King was greatly enthusiastic in calling the Invitees…
>> It’s a moment of great joy and happiness for Him, to invite people for the Wedding of His Son…

There is excitement in Him.
>> There is joy in Him.
>> There is deep hope in Him.
>> There is much exhilaration in Him!

God is greatly thrilled about each and every Holy Eucharist…
>> He is excited…
… that all those who partake in the Eucharist can enjoy deep love and peace and serenity!

>> He is joyful…
… because all those who participate in the Eucharist can seek for greater Holiness and Sanctity!

>> He is hopeful…
… since all those who take part in the Eucharist can look for a deeper union and oneness with Him!

>> He is exhilarated…
… since all who share in the Eucharist can rejoice in being stronger against the evils in the world!

Do we strive to share in this happiness of the King, who invites us to partake in the Great Feast of the Eucharist?

Secondly, there is a Rejection on the part of the ones who are invited for the Feast…

In the Gospel passage, the ones who are invited make many excuses to avoid going for the Feast…

Some ignored.
>> Some got busy with works and businesses.
>> Some terminated the messengers of the Invite.

God is often badly rejected and discarded when He invites for the Holy Eucharist…
There is sadness in God.
>> There is brokenness in God.
>> There is pain for God.
>> There are many tears for God.

>> He is sad…
… because many ignore and turn a cold shoulder to the Miracle of the Eucharist!

>> He is broken…
… because many get busy with works and find no time nor need for the Bread of Life!

>> He is pained…
… because many get occupied with their worldly business and scorn the Treasure of Love!

>> He is in tears…
… because many terminate the innate desire for the Eternal and slay the yearn for the Eucharist!

Do I ignore or get busy or be occupied in different businesses or  even terminate the Precious Invite of the Lord to be active sharers in the Most Holy Eucharist?

The world engages in Inviting us to many things…
… entertainment, sports, corruption, sin etc

Some of them are for pure time-pass…
>> Some of them are ways to destruction and devastation and death…

But, God invites us to the Greatest Banquet on the Earth….the Supreme Treat in this Universe…
>> Saying Yes to this invite…
… will lead us to Blessings and Grace and Holiness and Eternal Life!

The invite to the Great Banquet of the Holy Eucharist is at our doorstep…

Are we going to Ignore?
>> Or get Busy?
>> Or get Engaged in some business?
>> OR??

The answer is left to us……..

God Bless! Live Jesus!

Aug 17 (Mt 20: 1-16)

Fr Jijo Manjackal MSFS1 Comment

Grrrrr…….

Does that expression sound familiar?!!

>> Children create facial expressions and imitate some wild animals…
… and make that noise….grrrrr…!

>> Our tummies growl when we are starving and when we are hungry…
… and makes that noise…grrrrr…!
But in our day to day experience, has Grrrrr…. also become part of our frequent vocabulary?

>> Do we grrrrr…
… when we get irritated seeing our plans not fulfilled the way we expect?

>> Do we grrrrr…
… when we get upset observing other people thriving in life at our own expense?

>> Do we grrrrr…
… when we get mad in not receiving and acquiring benefits as per the big efforts we put into?

>> Do we grrrr…
… when we get disturbed in being unable to accept some surprising aspects of life, which hurt us?
Grrrr…refers to the aspect of Grumbling…
… of being Irritated…of being Complaining!

Am I a person tending towards Frequent Grumbling?
>> Am I person leaning towards Easy Irritation?
>> Am I person who easily gets grumpy with events in life and fail to view life from a Higher Perspective?
The Gospel of the Day presents to us the Parable of the Workers in the Vineyard (Mt 20:1-16)

And we come across a group of people…
… who are in a grumbling mode!
The word “grumble” can be described as…
…”to make complaining remarks or noises under one?s breath”
… or “to murmur or mutter in discontent”
… or ” to show one?s unhappiness or critical attitude”.
The Bible is very familiar with persons who have been logged into a grumbling mode…
>> Adam got into being grrrr…
… when he blamed Eve for disobedience, in eating the forbidden fruit! (Gen 3:12)

>> Israelites got into being grrrr…
… when they accused Moses, in making them to starve in the desert (Num 14:2)

>> Job’s wife got into being grrrr…
… when she enticed Job, to curse God for his misfortunes and calamities (Job 2:9)

>> Elijah got into being grrrr…
… when he felt hurt in being persecuted despite his deep zeal for the Lord (1Kg 19:10)

>> Disciples got into being grrrr…
… when Jesus invited them to provide food for the massive hungry crowd (Mk 6:37)
In the Parable of the Workers…the workers who came first, got into being grrrr…
… in dissatisfaction! (Mt 20: 11)
The Parable proceeds progressively…
… with a landowner who seeks to hire labourers… (Mt 20: 1)
and finds different groups of working people at different hours of the day… (Mt 20: 2-7)
To the first group, he struck a deal…
… they agreed for a denarius – the daily wage – which is fair enough! (Mt 20: 2)
>> Their dealings with the Master was on a Contract-level!

To the Second, Third and Fourth Group…
… he promised to pay what was just – they agreed for a reasonable wage – which is fair enough! (Mt 20: 3-5)
>> Their dealings with the Master was on a Justice-level!

To the fifth group, he spoke of no payment…
… they probably agreed for a fair-wage – which is fair enough! (Mt 20: 6)
>> Their dealings with the Master was on a Faith-level!
But when it is payment time, there are surprises galore…

The ones who came last, got paid a denarius – the whole day’s wage!
>> Amazing pay for just an hour’s work!

He perhaps, pays the last group first, in order to reveal the hidden motives of those hired earlier in the day!
Those who came in the 1st hour, probably, got their calculators to work…
>> 1 hr work = 1 denarius; 12 hrs work = 12 denarii!!

But then comes the “GRRRR moment”…
… a moment of grumbling & complaint
>> And they felt rightly so to do it!

The ones who worked the most also are paid the same – just 1 denarius!

The crux of the matter was simple: “You have made them equal to us!” (Mt 20:12)
But the Lord raises our heart to see the root cause behind this grumbling and complaint:
>> We often overestimate our own importance…
… and we often underestimate the Grace of God!

>> We seek for the best in our lives…
… but fail to digest the Providence of God’s Goodness in other’s lives!

>> We expect great things for ourselves…
… but fail to understand the Benevolence of God’s Mercy for others!

We want the choicest things for us…
… but fail to accept the Intervention of God’s Power in the life of the other!
How do we go beyond this Grumbling Mode?
Let us take to heart three aspects which can help us to overcome the Grumbling Mode:
1. Thanking God for His Immense Blessings:
>> Lets open our eyes to see them..and thank the Lord in Gratitude!

2. Avoid judging God’s working in others:
>> Let’s open our minds to accept..and praise God in Goodness!

3. Seeking for faithfulness than success:
>> Let’s open our hearts to be faithful….and love God in Graciousness!

God’s ways of looking at us is different..
>> He looks at we being faithful and committed….not productive!

Yes….God is so just..that no one will be underpaid!
>> God is so generous..that everyone will be surprised!

Let us switch our mode: From a “Grrrr” mode to a “Hmmm” mode…
>> From a Grumbling Mode to a Appreciative mode!
>> From a Irritable Attitude to a Grateful Attitude!
>> From a Prickly Approach to an Admiring Approach!
God Bless! Live Jesus!

Aug 16 ( Mt 19: 23-30)

Fr Jijo Manjackal MSFSLeave a comment

A distinguished man was lying on his death-bed.

As he lay, some of his precious ornaments, priceless stones and his fine collection of exquisite watches were brought to him.

Turning a cold glance on the treasure, which he would once have clutched with an eager grasp…
… he said with a sigh:
“Alas! this is a very fine thing in this country…
… but I am going to a country where it will be of no use to me!”

The man, at his death-bed realised the worthlessness of clinging on to riches and wealth!
If only, he had realised it, when he had years to live…
… life would have been much peaceful and contented
… life would have been better utilised to prepare for eternal life
Well…
… all of us, do have time to realise – the worthlessness of clinging on to riches and wealthy..
>> Do we seek to make Christ as the greatest possession and treasure of our lives?
>> Do we mend our lives accordingly, and live in pursuit of heaven?
Jesus, in the Gospel of the Day gives a triple perspective on the aspect of riches?
1. The difficulties that attachments to riches pose, in entering the Kingdom of God
2. The power of God that alone can assist and help one to attain eternity
3. The promise of reward to those who live a life of detachment
1. The difficulties that attachments to riches pose in entering the Kingdom of God
Jesus says, “Amen, I say to you, it will be hard for one who is rich to enter the Kingdom of heaven” (Mt 19: 23)

The reason why riches are given such a strong reprimand by the Lord is because:
>> Attachment to riches can easily take away one’s heart from the Lord…
… The Lord, Who stripped Himself of all glory and became poor is often given less priority!

>> Being obsessed with riches leaves us with little time and thought for things of eternity
… Our plannings, aspirations and projects often end up being only earthly in nature!

>> Having too many riches can pose a danger to feel proud and independent
… A sense of “I can manage all by myself” creeps in; in the process, keeping aside God from our lives!
Venerable Bishop Fulton Sheen says:
“It is ever true that the richer the soul is on the inside, the less need it has of luxuries on the outside;
Excessive adornments and an inordinate love of comforts are proof of our inner nakedness!”

2. The power of God that alone can assist and help one to attain eternity
On hearing of the difficulty of the rich to enter the Kingdom of God, the disciples asked Jesus, “Who then can be saved?” (Mt 19:25)
>> Jesus replied, “For human beings, this is impossible; but for God all things are possible” (Mt 19: 26)

The demands of Christianity to live a life of detachment from riches, can sometimes cause undue anxieties..
>> And we begin to ask?
… Is it really possible for us to live as Jesus expected of us?
… Is it not beyond my capabilities to achieve what the Lord wishes of us?

Such kind of anxieties and worries, can often cause weariness our soul!
>> St Francis de Sales says:
“Anxiety is the greatest evil that can befall a soul, except sin!
Have patience with all things, but first of all with yourself!”
The Lord tells us that even in our efforts to be detached…
… we need to depend on Him
… we need to know that His Grace will take us through

Therefore, to have detachment…
… we ought to come to the Lord in prayer, surrendering our lives
… we need to thank the Lord continually for all His blessings, acknowledging Him as the source
… we need to reach out to the Lord in the poor, the weak and the needy (Mt 25:40)
3. The promise of reward to those who live a life of detachment
Jesus says: “Everyone who has given up”..will receive a hundred times more and will inherit eternal life” (Mt 19:29)

A question of despair or hopelessness sometimes nags a Christian…
… What is the use of living an honest and virtuous life?
… Why is my life unrewarded, whereas many others thrive even by unjust means?

The Lord however, gives an answer…
… that none of such sacrifices will go unrewarded

He does promise His rewards – temporal as well as spiritual…
… but these are to be received in accordance to the Will of God.

Many times, the Will of God, is not taken into consideration…
… when we look for rewards in having made a sacrifice.
… when we seek for answers to our prayers
… when we expect fruits for our efforts

The Lord therefore invites and challenges us…
… to purify our motives when we make sacrifices
… to align our interests to God’s Will when we work for Him

That’s why Jesus would say: “Seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness…and all other things shall be added unto you” (Mt 6:33)
The words of Mother Angelica, the founder of EWTN (Eternal Word Television Network) are a reminder to us:
“Have we lost sight of this world being a pilgrimage?
>> It’s a journey! You?re not home yet!
A Christian must never lose sight of this passing reality of life”
Yes, let us come to this realisation about attachments to riches:
“Alas! this is a very fine thing in this country?
… but I am going to a country where it will be of no use to me!”
God bless! Live Jesus!

Aug 15 ( Solemnity of the Assumption of Blessed Mother Mary & Independence Day of India

Fr Jijo Manjackal MSFS1 Comment

“Saare jahaan se acha!” (“Better than the entire world!”)

High up in the outer space, with a jubilant face and an excited voice, exclaimed Rakesh Sharma, these words.

>> The first man to go up to space from India, was replying to the query by Indira Gandhi, the Prime Minister of India, as to ‘how the nation looked from the outer space’.

“Saare jahaan mein acha!” (“Better than all in the entire world!”)

Transcending the entire universe, with a radiant face and a splendid voice, looking at Blessed Mother Mary, exclaims God, these words.

>> These triumphant words are proclaimed and repeated by the entire Church in unison and acclamation!

Rakesh Sharma stated India to be the Better than the Entire world!
>> God declared Blessed Mother Mary to be better than all in the Entire World!

Sentiments of Patriotism and Sentiments of God’s Abundant Grace and Mercy join hands on this day
…the 15th of August… the Independence Day of India… & the Assumption of our Blessed Mother Mary!

This day has much to teach us..much to thank the Lord…and much to exhort us!
>> This day has much to be nostalgic…much to be joyful….and much to be hopeful of!

The Feast of the Assumption is one of the most important feasts of our Lady.

The Dogma of the Assumption declares that when her earthly life was finished, Mary was taken up, body and soul, into heavenly glory, where the Lord exalted her as Queen of Heaven.

The Assumption was the reward God granted to our Blessed Mother for the Right use of Her Freedom!

Freedom plays a vital role in the destiny…
… of a person
…of a family
…of a society
…of a nation
… of the world!

>> Mamma was invited to be the Mother of God by Angel Gabriel…
…  in true freedom, She said Yes!

>> Mamma felt the need to be a Helper of  the Needy by her cousin Elizabeth …
… in true freedom, She said Yes!

>> Mamma was to be a model of Patience in difficulties at the birth of Jesus …
… in true freedom, She said Yes!

>> Mamma was requested to be a Silent Contemplative during His boyhood …
…  in true freedom, She said Yes!

Mamma sensed an urgency to be an Intercessor before God at Cana …
… in true freedom, She said Yes!

>> Mamma was called to be a Serene Bearer during the Passion of the Lord…
… in true freedom, She said Yes!

>> Mamma was called to be a Model of Prayer at the Upper Room…
… in true freedom, She said Yes!

A responsible use of freedom is a sign of true and authentic spirituality and is a pathway to greater glory!

>> Freedom is not simply doing what we want…
… Freedom is assuming responsibility for ours and others’ lives!

>> Freedom is not simply getting our pleasures fulfilled…
… Freedom is fulfilling our tasks in the best way possible!

The Assumption of Blessed Mother Mary is an invitation and a challenge for each one of us….
… To focus our attention on things of heaven & transcendence and not get fixated with cares of this world!
… To live a life of holiness and purity and seeking to do God’s will at all times and in every situation!
…To share with the pain and passion of the Lord and become partakers in the salvation of the world!
…To realize that to be Holy & a Saint is a call of every Christian & we need to prioritize our life on them!

Today is a BIG Day..

… a Day to thank the Lord for Mamma’s Holiness and Her exemplary Life of Responsible Freedom …
…a Day to thank the Lord for our nation’s freedom and her valiant freedom fighters!

Let us become mindful of our Loyalty & Obligation to our Nation…
… safeguard the Precious Gift of Freedom!

Let us become conscious of our Responsibility & Duty to the Lord…
… grow in the Prized Treasure of Holiness!

May Blessed Mamma intercede for our Beloved Nation India…
>> And may we hold Her loving hands…
… as we seek to grow in Holiness and making the best use of our freedom as Children of God!

>> A very Happy Time to Blessed Mamma reigning with Her Divine Princely Child…
…and a Happy Feast to all of us, Her little ones on the earth!

>> A Very Precious Future to Mother India, on her Independence Day…
…and a Precious Day to all of us, her beloved citizens!

God Bless! Jai Hind! Live Jesus!

Aug 14 (Lk 12: 49-53)

Fr Jijo Manjackal MSFS1 Comment

St Ignatius of Loyola is the founder of the Society of Jesus (Jesuits)

There is an interesting incident narrated about a couple of tourists who visited the Jesuit headquarters in Rome.

There is a large statue of the St Ignatius majestically displayed in this house.
>> Underneath are also inscribed the words of the Saint to his friend St. Francis Xavier, when the latter was commissioned to spread the Gospel across the globe:
“Ite, Inflammate Omnia!”

When translated, the motto reads: “Go and set the world on fire!”

As, the two tourist friends admired at the words of the wonderful saint and were speaking about the greatness of the saint…
… One of them noticed a fire-extinguisher that was placed on the adjacent wall

(The red-coloured fire-extinguisher was of course, placed, in case of any emergency)

But seeing the motto of the Saint and this fire-extinguisher from the same view, the tourist made an interesting comment:
“Well! The Saint asked us to go and set the world on fire…
… but we Christians, probably seem more to be going around with a fire-extinguisher and putting it off!”

 

Every Christian is expected to set the world on fire!

But are we people “on fire”?
>> Or is the “fire” dying out and failing to have its intended effects?

Our Blessed Lord was greatly filled with zeal to “set the earth on fire”…
… and desires all His followers to share in this passion for the Kingdom of God.
The Gospel of the Day begins with Jesus exclaiming:
“I have come to set the earth on fire, and how I wish it were already blazing” (Lk 12: 49)

“Fire” in the Bible is an imagery of many aspects…
>> God’s judgment (Jdt 16:17; Is 66:16; Am 7:4; 2 Pt 3:7)
>> God’s protective presence (Ex 13: 21, 2 Kgs 6:17)
>> Purification (Nm 31:23; Ez 22:19-22, Zec 13: 9),
>> The Holy Spirit (Mt 3:11, Acts 2:3).
>> God’s Holiness (Dt 4:24)
>> God’s glory (Ez 1:4, 13)

Fire also has many characteristics:
>> It warms… refines… transforms… burns!

The Lord who was greatly zealous to “set the earth on fire”, invites us to examine:
>> Am I filled with zeal, to blaze the world “on fire”…
… the fire of God’s love?
… the fire of God’s purging mercy?
… the fire of God’s judgement with respect to sin and evil?

The following two verses of today?s Gospel passage comes in as a shock…
>> “Do you think that I have come to establish peace on the earth? No, I tell you, division!” (Lk 12:51)

The Gospel of St. Mathew’s version of the same verse reads:
“Do not think I have come to bring peace. I have to come not to bring peace, but a sword?. (Mt 10: 34)

These verses become more surprising in the context of…
… The Sermon of the Mount where in Mt 5:9, it says, “Blessed are the peacemakers”
… The description of the Messiah where in Is 9: 6 it says, “He (Messiah) will be called… Prince of Peace”

 

Why does St Mathew use the words “peace and sword”?
>> Why does St Luke use the words “peace and division”?

This could be a technique called “Juxtaposing”.

Juxtaposing simply means to place two things side-by-side or next to each other…
… especially to compare or to emphasize on the contrast.
This technique is used extensively in the Bible…

>> “Unless a grain of wheat dies, it will not give life” (Jn 12: 24)
>> “Light shines in the darkness” ( Jn 1:5)
>> “A good tree cannot bear bad fruit” (Mt 7:18)

Thus we see…
… life and death
… light and darkness
… good and bad

This “juxtaposition” we also observe in our daily life.

>> Any artist or a person with some aesthetic sense will vouch for the fact that, in order a highlight some light-coloured flowers in a bouquet…
… a darker background is preferred.

>> Even in our style of dressing, we prefer to wear dark-coloured trousers…
… along with light-coloured shirts.

The logic is simple: Juxtaposing two contrasting stuff emphasizes the meaning.

Peace, is generally defined as a situation where there is no violence or war.
>> Sword, on the other hand, signifies conflict, struggle and death.

Peace, is normally understood as a situation of calm and absence of conflicts
>> Division, on the other hand, points to disturbances, instability and turmoil.
What is the meaning of this usage of “juxtaposition” in today’s Gospel passage?

The Kingdom of God is righteousness, peace and joy (Rom 14: 17)

To establish this peace or this Kingdom of God…
… sword is an inevitable reality!
… division is an inescapable consequence!
>> Disturbances, instability , turmoil, conflict, struggle and even death is a real possibility!

That’s why Jesus would go on to say:
“From now on a household of five will be divided? three against two and two against three..” (Lk 12: 52)

>> These verses are an import from Mic 7:6 which speaks of “division in the household”.

In the Jewish Society…
… the household was one of the strongest units of loyalty and binding.

However, Jesus shatters all these pre-conceived notions and demands:
“Loyalty of a disciple to Jesus is to be much higher than even to his own household!”

All intimate relations, even that within the family, are to be given subordinate status in our Love for
Jesus.

It is also interesting to note the order of people mentioned in Lk 12: 53:
>> Father vs Son, Daughter vs Mother, Daughter-in- law vs Mother in Law.

It is always the young vs the old.

What could be the meaning?

The Kingdom of God will cause a sword of division…
>> It will be a division of the Young vs Old!

Young and Old are not to be considered in the physical sense… but in the spiritual sense!

Young as being people who are “new”… those by giving up a life of sin, choosing to be part of the Kingdom of God.
>> Old as being those people who are “unrepentant”… those who cling on to sinful ways and oppose the Kingdom.

The Kingdom of God is always characterized by people who are willing to be “new” in the Spirit…
… young at heart and mind, full of dynamism and full of enthusiasm.
What are the implications of all what we have said today?
1. The establishment of peace in the Kingdom of God is always accompanied by the sword of division
>> Are we ready to face the struggles and difficulties that surely will come on our way, as we work for the Kingdom?

2. In this our mission of establishing the Kingdom, we are demanded to have a loyalty to Jesus that is higher than all other relationships.
>> Are we ready to sacrifice? Perhaps our relationships or our way of thinking or even our lifestyle? all for the sake of loyalty to Christ?

3. The Kingdom of God demands that we always be young – dynamic, enthusiastic, cheerful and energetic.
>> Are we ready to always remain Young at heart and in mind, for the sake of the Kingdom of God?

Jesus, Who was greatly filled with zeal to “set the earth on fire”…
… desires all His followers to also share in this passion for the Kingdom of God.

Yes, let us become Christians “who set the world on fire”!”
God Bless! Live Jesus!

Aug 13 (Mt 19:13-15)

Fr Jijo Manjackal MSFSLeave a comment

“ The right temperature at home is more surely maintained…
… by the warm hearts and cool heads of those who live there…
… than by electric thermostats”

This quote very rightly corresponds to the other popular quote:
“ A house is built with bricks and beams…
… A home is built with love and dreams!”

.
Family Life is an important component of every society.

The Gospel of the Day presents to us an occasion to dwell on a reflection on our families…
… and some of the basic essentials that needs to be part of every family (community included as well!)

The Gospel of St. Matthew, Chapter 19, has an interesting structure or a progression with respect to the topics discussed and the persons involved.

The chapter begins with a discussion on the institution of ‘Marriage’. (Mt 19: 2-10)
>> Jesus explains the importance of this sacred bond and a strong exhortation is given on the need to do away with divorce.

The chapter proceeds, as we see in today’s reading, with a discussion on ‘little children’. (Mt 19: 13-15)

This discussion is followed by an incident in which a ‘young man’ encounters Jesus ( Mt 19: 16-22)

The Chapter will finally end with an exhortation by Jesus to have maturity as an ‘adult’ is making choices for the Kingdom of God! ( Mt 19: 23-30)

>> Thus, the Chapter 19 of Matthew is a travel through a FAMILY context…
… starting from MARRIAGE…and the need to avoid DIVORCE…
… to little CHILDREN
… to the problems of a YOUTH
… and finally ending with the choices as an ADULT.

In today’s Gospel, we have the discussion on Little Children. (Mt 19: 13-15)

Though its a short passage, the Gospel gives us enough food for thought…
… especially in the context of a family or a community life.

We see four different groups or sets of people in today’s Gospel Passage, and we can learn some aspects from each of those sets…
>> Three of them give us a positive quality which is to be inculcated
>> One gives a negative quality which is to be avoided in life.

1. Firstly, the Gospel begins with the statement, ” Little children were brought to Jesus…” (Mt 19: 13a)

Probably the parents, the elder brothers/sisters or the guardians of the children would have brought them to Jesus.
>> So we see here, the First set of people… Parents, Guardians, Elders etc…. and they teach us the First Positive Quality – the Spirit of Responsibility!

They were Responsible in caring for the good and future of the children.

It was an ancient practice that children would be brought to Rabbis to be blessed and prayed over.
>> This first set of people teach us to be responsible for the growth of others in our family and in our communities.

2. The Second set of people are obviously the Little Children.
These little ones teach us the Second Positive Quality, needed in a family or a community – the Spirit of Receptivity!

Children display a great sense of receptivity and openness.
>> They are able to accept the affection, the care, the love and the blessings that are given to them.
>> They do not close themselves to the good things in life.

We too need to cultivate this Spirit of Receptivity, to be open to the actions, thoughts, views and feelings of others in our family and our community.

3. The Third Set of people display a negative attitude which we need to avoid.
>> When the children were brought to Jesus, the Disciples refuse to accept them and want to keep them away (Mt 19: 13b)

They show a Spirit of Rejection!

They perhaps felt that these children would be a nuisance to Jesus and His ministry.
>> They felt it as a waste of time and energy to entertain the children.

Little things in life were considered to be a useless and futile activity.

We need to avoid this Spirit of Rejection…
>> In our families or communities, we can have this attitude towards those who don’t do any work or fail to contribute anything.

We often fail to understand the importance…
… of little tokens of love
… tiny expressions of care by our family and community members
>> And we, instead, tend to reject and avoid them.

4. The fourth Set is represented by Jesus Himself…
… and he presents the Spirit of Restoration and Redemption.

He does not reject…
… rather, He accepts and seeks to redeem the little children.

He seeks to restore the little ones who are rejected…
… who are avoided and who are not given the due importance.

In our lives, we too need to be having a Spirit of Redemption and Restoration…
>> To redeem the ones who are at the periphery and who fail to get any attention
>> To Restore the ones who are broken and abused and are shunned!

Thus, the this powerful Gospel passage teaches us…
>> To avoid the Negative Quality of the Spirit of Rejection…

Rather…
>> To adopt the positive qualities of…
… The Spirit of Responsibility,
… The Spirit of Receptivity
… The Spirit of Redemption and Restoration!

Let us seek the Intercession of our Blessed Mother that we may avoid the tendency to Reject People…
>> And instead, we may be…
… Responsible towards others
… Receptive to others
… and Redeem and Restore the lives of others!
>> And thus build happy and loving homes!

Yes, let us always remember:
“It takes hands to build a house…
… But it takes hearts to build a home!”

God Bless! Live Jesus!