A genealogist is a person who records/tables the descent of a person, family, or group from an ancestor or ancestors.

>> He/She draws the family tree. 
Once a person asked a genealogist: 

“Why do you think that your duty is very great?”
The genealogist, with a gentle smile replied: 

“Remember that when a family member passes away, they take a library of memories with them. >> It’s a genealogist’s duty to record them all, for the good of the future generations!”

True indeed! 

>> A genealogy gives a memorable library of memories…

… and helps us to be moved by the Magnificent Miracles wrought by our Marvellous God!

The Gospel of the Day presents the marvellous work of St Mathew, the genealogist…

…the Genealogy of Jesus Christ, the Son of God!

This passage of the Gospel is something that we hear and read very rarely…

… and much less meditated upon.

What are the different aspects that the Genealogy of Christ makes us to reflect on?
1. The Genealogy of Jesus is one of the finest treasures of God’s Grace and Providence

St Matthew (1: 1-17) and St Luke (3: 23-38) present the Genealogy of Jesus Christ.

>> They could be called as the “forgotten passages of the Christmas Story”.

The names in it sound too obscure, their pronunciation beyond comprehension, their purpose highly hazy.

>> Perhaps, these are some of the common excuses we find, in avoiding to read or reflect on the accounts of the Genealogy.

But we must realise that in the account of the Genealogy, is buried the marvellous working of God’s Grace and His Amazing Providence – the manner in which the “streams of God’s Grace flows through the ordinary and the great, the mighty and simple people”

>> The Genealogy teaches us open our eyes to see the ways of God working in our lives- hidden yet awesome; silent yet splendid
2. The two accounts of Genealogy are not contradictory; rather they are two perspectives to show Jesus as the Son of David

>> There are two accounts of Genealogy in the Gospels: St Matthew, which starts with Abraham; St Luke, which starts with Adam
Apparently, the two accounts look to be contradicting each other
But on closer look, we find…

… St Matthew traced the family line through Joseph, whereas St Luke traced it through Mary. 
This was because Gospel of Matthew, being written to the Jews, had a legal requirement to show Jesus descending from the father, who belonged to the line of King David. 

>> This account also made sure it kept the prophecy in Jer 22:24-30 (“For none of his sons will succeed in occupying the throne of David or ever succeed in ruling over Judah.?)

 

St Luke’s version also shows Jesus as the Son of David, coming through his son Nathan. 

>> Thus, both the accounts show that Jesus, as the Son of David, had the right to the throne of Israel

3. The Genealogy mentions some notorious people – yet the Messiah was born in this family!

>> The Genealogy mentions 5 women

a. Tamar: Disguised herself as a prostitute and seduced her father-in-law Judah (Gen 38)

b. Rahab: A Gentile, prostitute; she helped the Jewish spies to hide and to escape from the enemies ( Josh 2)

c. Ruth: A Gentile, with the background of a family who offered themselves to pagan gods

d. The wife of Uriah: The Gospel doesn’t even mention her name; suffered abuse by David, the great King of Israel. 

e. Mary: A simple woman from Nazareth, who was found to be with child, before the marriage.
All these five women were considered dis”graced” – some gentiles, some involved in sexual immorality, some finding themselves in situations of family disgrace.

>> Yet the Messiah is born in this family – to show that God’s “Grace” can wash away every dis”grace”!
 It shows that God can write straight, with crooked lines! 
4. The Genealogy is also a lesson to the self-righteous people

Besides the mention of the apparently “not-pleasant women’, the list also mentions of kings, many of whom were unfaithful, of idolaters, of people without morals etc. 
The Family Tree of Jesus is really not a pretty picture; it looks to be “very unclean”

>> Yet, St Matthew’s Gospel, written to the Jews, gives a message that it is not self-righteousness that wins salvation (as thought by many Pharisees, Scribes and Jewish leaders); it is God’s grace and mercy, along with our co-operation to His Will.
5. The Genealogy gives us the great message of hope 

We may have…

… a past that is hurting us – either due to our biological family or due to our own experiences of life 

… a past that is sinful and we wish to forget

… a past that is painful or abused

… a past that has experienced humiliations and rejection
>> Yet, the Genealogy teaches us the big lesson that all our past can be cleansed and healed, by the mighty presence of Jesus. 

As Cardinal Van Thuan says in his book ‘The Testimony of Hope’:

“The river of history, full of sinners and criminals, becomes a source of pure water, as we approach the fullness of time. With Mary, the Mother and Jesus, the Messiah, all generations will be renewed again”

The Genealogy of our Blessed Lord teaches that Jesus was very much historical…

… and shared our world.

>> In Jesus, we have a God, who is not distant or away from us – but Someone, Who is deeply intimate with us, involved in our lives and sharing our joys and pains of life. 
May a deeper meditation on the Genealogy of Jesus enable us us to explore the memorable library of memories…

… and helps us to be moved by the Magnificent Miracles wrought by our Marvellous God!
God Bless! Live Jesus!

In a motivational session, the speaker put forth this seemingly easy task to his audience: 

“How many of you can take a lighted candle to a dark room?”
In an instant, all the hands in the session hall went up.
The speaker once again put forth the question:

“I repeat… How many of you can take a ‘lighted’ candle to a ‘dark’ room?”
The number of hands was still pretty much the same, since they all felt it as a simple task, without necessitating any complications! 

The speaker then challenged a volunteer from the audience to demonstrate and prove the same. 
A young gentleman came up.

>> Taking the lighted candle, he was to go to the adjacent room which was without lights.
But as he reached the entrance of the dark room with the lighted candle…

… he realized, the room would no longer be “dark”!
The moment he would step in the “dark” room with the “lighted” candle…

… the room would cease to be “dark”!
Simple though, it took a while for all the audience to acknowledge this fact…

… and soon enough, there was a round of applause for the speaker!

Did this task set our minds also rolling to think?

(Perhaps, some of us are still shaking our heads, and saying, “How’s that possible?!)
Well… this is the fact, isn’t it?

>> When there is light, darkness can no longer exist!
If we carry a “lighted” candle…

… we will realize that it will be impossible to get trapped in a “dark” room!

And so it is said, “With one candle you can bring light to a dark room, but you can never bring darkness in a well lit room.”

As Christians, are we ready to shine as lights of goodness, so as to dispel every darkness of evil?

The Gospel of the Day presents a reflective discourse by Jesus, on the aspect of light, with respect to two persons…

… John as bringing the light of Christ to the world

… Jesus as bringing the light of the Father to the world
>> Speaking of John the Baptist, Jesus says: 

“John was a lamp that burned and gave light…” (Jn 5: 35)
>> Speaking of Himself, Jesus says: 

 “… the very works that I am doing, testify that the Father has sent me” (Jn 5: 36b)

John the Baptist and Jesus shone as lamps, casting off the darkness…

… the works of John the Baptist, reflecting Jesus, the Messiah!

… the works of Jesus, reflecting God, the Father!

The works of John reflected the light of Christ, and would invite the people…

… to open their hearts, by calling them to repentance

… to live a life warranted by God, by challenging them to get out of their comfort mode

… to realize that no sin is accepted, by clinging on to the Kingdom Principles even at the cost of one’s life
The works of Jesus reflected the light of the Father, and would invite the people…

… to offer their lives to the Father, by showing them His Love and Mercy

… to live a life doing the Will of the Father, by being firm on the path of truth

… to remain in the Providence of the Father, by depending on Him at all times

As Christians, each of us are invited and exhorted to live a “life of light”…

… just as John the Baptist!

… just as Jesus!

We are just a few days away from the celebration of the Great Feast of Christmas…

… the Feast when we celebrate the Birth of the ‘Light of the World’ 

What efforts are we making, so that we become better “reflectors” of this Light of the World?
The celebration of Christmas is preceded by the Season of Advent – a Season that the Church, in Her wisdom, has given us…

… to make an honest examination of our lives and check the weak areas in which we sin

… to take practical steps in order to keep away from sin and do His Will always

… to rejoice, knowing that the Lord is with me to help at my every effort

Let us make use of each day of this Season of Advent….

… To recognize the areas of sin in our life

… To root out these sinful tendencies

Let us know for sure that when the Light of Christ comes into our lives…

… no trace of darkness of sin, will be able to stand in His Presence!
Yes, when there is light, darkness can no longer exist!

Let us carry the Lighted Candle and burn with God’s Love…

… and then we will realize that it will be impossible to get trapped in the “dark” room of sin!

God Bless! Live Jesus!

A preacher was invited for a Missions Preaching, in a particular kingdom. 

>> The King of this land was known to be an extremely notorious and corrupt ruler.
So, naturally it was a great challenge to preach the Word of God. 

As the preacher stood up to break the Word of God, he heard a voice within him:

“O preacher, be wary of what you speak, the King of the Land is here.” 
This filled him with fear! 

But as his lips trembled to speak, he heard another voice:

“O preacher, do not be wary! The King of kings is with you!” 

The assurance that God, the King of kings was with him, made him powerful and bold to preach the Word…

… without any fear or worry.

Do we stand firm in our Christian faith, knowing that the Lord is always with us…

… or do we wilt under pressure, and compromise for the ways of the world? 

The Gospel of the Day presents Jesus exemplifying the character of John the Baptist. 
Jesus says, “What did you go out in the wilderness to behold? A reed shaken by the wind?” (Lk 7:25). 

Jesus puts forth before the people a rhetorical question. 
This is not a question to elicit a direct answer.

 >> Instead is meant…

… to be reflective

… to be causing to generate greater thinking

… to be tuned to enter into a ruminative mode.
By this clever technique, Jesus draws the attention of the people to a deeper respect of the personality of John the Baptist. 

One element that Jesus highlights in John the Baptist is his firmness in proclaiming the Kingdom of God. 

>> Donning an ascetic attire, John the Baptist perfectly carried out the task entrusted to Him – of being the forerunner of Christ. 

He would…

… Be bold to invite the people to repent of their sinful ways 

… Be firm in pointing the corrupt practices of even the authorities

… Be unassuming in lowering himself and leading the people to the Lamb of God

… Be uncompromising in countering the evil King Herod, even to the point of losing his head!

What is our conviction in being a witness of Christ?
The challenges to live as a Christian is undoubtedly difficult in today’s secularized, materialistic and individualistic world.
>> Many times, we are tempted to dilute our Christian Faith…

… and just go along with the ways of the world – which seem to be much easier and comfortable. 

But this is where the Lord presents to us to example of John the Baptist…

… and be “a reed that is not shaken by the wind.”

Sure… 

… we will have our fears to stand against the principles of the world

… we will have our apprehensions in holding on to the virtues of the Gospel

But Jesus, the King of kings, whispers in the depths of our beings:

“O Christian, Be not wary! The King of kings is with you!” 

Let us fearlessly hold on to the Lord and His ways and thus live as Joyful Witnesses.

God bless! Live Jesus!

There is an interesting cartoon, that appeared in the newspapers…

This cartoon shows a fourth-class boy, looking intently to his class teacher.

>> Behind them, stares a blackboard – covered with mathematics problems, which the boy has not finished.

(The teacher is apparently very upset that the boy has not completed solving the problems)

With a rare insight, the boys says:

“Well, I’m not an underachiever.

You are an over-expecter!”

The cartoon throws light on an interesting human dimension: many times, we have high levels of expectations but what we achieve in life often falls short of our expectation.

>> We expect many things from our relationships…

… but when what we actually achieve becomes low, we get disappointed.

>> We expect life to bless us with many good things…

… but when what we actually achieve is less, we feel sad.

The Gospel of the Day presents this dimension that was experienced by Jesus – being considered an under-achiever, since He did not fulfil the “required and likely expectations”

 

The Gospel begins with the verse, “And John (the Baptist), calling to him two of his disciples, sent them to the Lord saying, ‘ Are you He Who is to come, or shall we look for another?” (Lk 7:19)

John the Baptist had come preaching with much zeal and fervour.

>> There was fire in him…

>> There was blaze in his spirit…

 

His words testify to this aspect:

>> “Therefore, every tree that does not bear good fruit, will be cut down and thrown into the fire” (Mt 3:10)

>> “You brood of vipers! Who asked you to flee from the coming wrath?” (Lk 3:7)

He had received a mandate to “be the voice of the one crying in the wilderness” (Jn 1: 23)…

… to prepare the way for the Messiah, by making the paths straight

… to prepare the people with the strong message of repentance and warning of the judgment to come

He expected Jesus – the Messiah…

… to set afire the world with the might of judgement

… to come with fury and force and establish the Kingdom of God (Mt 3: 12)

But as the ministry of Jesus progressed…

>> John’s expectations were not being fulfilled, in the way he thought.

Jesus epitomized love…

… though judgement was surely warned, with respect to sin

Jesus embodied compassion…

… though fury was seen with respect to obstinacy in sin

The style of the ministry of Jesus was contrary to what John expected!

And so word was sent to ask Jesus, “Are you the One Who is to come, or should we look for another?” (Lk7: 20)

Many times, in our lives, we too experience such unfulfilled expectations.

This is true not only in our relationships with one another or with the blessings of life, but even with God!

>> We have sometimes a set pattern of the way God should work…

>> We have sometimes a rigid understanding of the Providence of God…

>> A sickness or an illness strikes our family…

>> A disaster or a calamity hits our life…

>> A painful tragedy or an unexpected mishap happens…

>> A prayer remains unanswered for ages or a sin remains stuck for years…

 

And…

… we begin to lose hope

… we have our minds filled with doubts

… we begin to question the Power of God

 

As humans, all these things are understandable and even quite natural.

But the call of the Gospel, is to “open our eyes and see the wonders that the Lord does, every moment of our lives”

“… the blindness of our sin being restored, with the sight of forgiveness

 …. the lame excuses of our laziness being challenged, to walk with enthusiasm

 … the leprosy of our indifference being touched, to allow us to extend generosity

 … the deafness of our insensitivity being opened, to hear the cries of the needy

 … the dead hopes of our lives being given a fresh lease of life to spur us towards eternity

 … the poverty of our hearts being filled with the richness of God’s glorious blessings and grace”

 (Cf Lk 7:22)

Yes…

When we open our eyes, with the power of the Holy Spirit, we realise the wonders that God keeps doing in our lives… Every moment… at every step of our life!

Perhaps, sometimes we are “over-expecters”?

>> Expecting God to work

… in the way we want

… in the time that we want

But the Lord looks at us and is perhaps telling us:

” I am no under-achiever!

>> Tune your hearts to My Will…

>> Alter your minds to My Thoughts…

>> Regulate your lives to My Commands…

… and you will see…

Life is a beautiful miracle… at all times.. at all moments!”

Let us seek the intercession of St John of the Cross, whose feast we celebrate today.

To his words, let us give heed:

>> “A soul enkindled with love is a gentle, meek, humble, and patient soul

>> “We must dig deeply in Christ.

He is like a rich mine with many pockets containing treasures: however deep we dig we will never find their end or their limit.

Indeed, in every pocket new seams of fresh riches are discovered on all sides.”

God Bless! Live Jesus!

Two twins who looked very similar in appearance, lived in a village…  They grew up & took one’s choice of profession:

> One a preacher of the Word, the other a Medical practitioner.

Years later, they both came to their village on holidays.

On seeing one of them, a neighbour asked, “Are you the one who preaches?”

Coolly, the person replied:

“Nope! I’m not the one who preaches!

I am the one who practices!!?

>> Life judges us, on the basis of how well does our preaching and practising co-ordinate & complement each other.

>> Life presents different moments when there seems to be a dichotomy between one’s words and deeds…

>> Life challenges us to bridge the gap between the two essentials of life – one’s talking and one’s walking the talk!

 

The Gospel of the Day presents to us an interesting parable of two Sons who are asked to work by their Father.

One SAYS YES…but DOES NOT!

>> The other SAYS NO…BUT DOES!

One preaches…but does not practise!

>> The other does not preach…but practises!

One consents initially…but refuses finally!

>> The other refuses initially…but consents finally!

How often does this situation arise in our own lives and situations too…

 

We pledge ourselves at trendy events, for the cause of the poor…but we fail to help…

>> Many others remain quite unnoticed…but become forerunners for the cause of the poor!

We make a big show and be popular as a helpful person…but we fail in some genuine needs..

>> Many others remain quite unnoticed…but are present with their full force to render help!

We make many resolutions on new year days or birthdays..but fail to materialize them…

>> Many others remain quite unnoticed…but are able to make many amendments and changes!

We make many promises to the Lord during feast days or novena times…but fail to live up…

>> Many others remain quite unnoticed..but render much love to the Lord through the year!

We all experience this “I will do”… but “I did not do” experiences in life.

On the personal Faith Level, this trend is seen more distinctly and vividly…

>> People claim themselves to be Catholics…but appear in church only on grand feast days!

>> People appreciate the Catholic teaching…but support moral laws which go directly against!

>> People assert having dedicated their lives to God…but fail to find time for God and prayer!

>> People declare loving God above all…but fail to reject pleasures which hurts and pains Him!

>> People profess and make vows to God…but neglect to even try to keep up those promises!

Like the second son, who said Yes…very often, we too become people who nod our heads in consent for anything and everything…but fail to live up to that YES!

The Lord says in Mt 7:21, “Not all who say Lord, Lord, will enter the Kingdom of Heaven, but he does the will of my Father”

 

Therefore, the proposition is clear:

>> It is not pompous words that will grant life, but carrying out the Will of the Father!

>> It is not fancy talk that will confer true happiness, but practising the Will of the Father!

>> It is not flowery language that will accord blessings, but fulfilling the Will of the Father!

How are we to observe the Will of the Father?

St. Paul in the second reading explains how we should set about trying to do the Father?s will:

“Let the same mind be in you that was in Christ Jesus.” (Phil 2:5)

 

> Like Christ, when we dare to be merciful and compassionate, we can do the Father’s Will

> Like Christ, when we prioritize other’s interests over selfish ones, we can do the Father’s Will

> Like Christ, when we empty ourselves and became obedient, we can do the Father’s Will

It is not only good news “proclaimed” but good news “practised”…

… that will win others to the glorious freedom of forgiveness of sins!

Let us examine…and if needed, amend our lives….

>> Are we the one who only preaches?….or…Can we become the one who also practises?

God Bless! Live Jesus!

  Once, a preacher was speaking the Word of God to a great crowd.

 

As was his practice, he was concentrating more on the content of his message and of its effect upon the hearts of people, for transformation, rather than the precise literary form of it.

 

Among his audience, was seated a certain fussy gentleman.

>> He had been known for making extremely critical remarks and comments.

 

At the end of the prayer service, this person went up to the preacher and said:

 “By the way, I noticed that you made eleven mistakes of grammar in your sermon.”

 

“Very likely,” replied the preacher, very coolly, “I don’t doubt it for a minute.

My early education was faulty. I often wished that I had received more schooling.

>> But I am using all the grammar I know in the service of Christ.

 

How is it with you?”

 

Well, we don’t know how did the fussy gentleman react to this bold and true reply of the preacher.

(Hopefully, he went home and read a chapter of the Bible and prayed for a humbler heart rather than just revising his skills of grammar!)

 

When the heart is closed to God’s spirit, the focus dwells only external and peripheral factors…

>> The heart gets closed to spiritual appreciation…

>> The mind remains curious only for rhetorical arguments!

 

 

The Gospel of the Day presents such a critically harsh and uncharitably closed attitude of the chief priests and scribes and elders towards the person and ministry of Jesus.

 

 

This is expressed in their volatile question to Jesus:

“By what authority are you doing these things and who gave you this authority?” (Mt 21: 23)

 

The context of today’s Gospel is the presence of Jesus in the city of Jerusalem.

 

Chapter 21 of St Mathew’s Gospel has a progressive sequence…

1. The entry into Jerusalem (Mt 21: 1-11)

2. The ‘re-storation’ in the Temple at Jerusalem and indignant behaviour of authorities(Mt 21:12-16)

3. The entry to Bethany and cursing of the fig tree (Mt 21: 17-22)

4. The ‘re-entry’ to the Temple at Jerusalem and questioning of Jesus by the authorities (Mt 21: 23-27)

 

>> The popularity of Jesus was on the rise…

… He had a rousing welcome to the city of Jerusalem

 

>> The impact of Jesus was also on the rise…

… He had performed a daring cleansing of the Jerusalem Temple

 

These factors had greatly disturbed the religious leaders.

 

>> In Jesus, they perceived a threat.

… a threat to their attitude of subjugating people to their yoke than to service of God

 

>> In Jesus, they sensed a danger.

… a danger to their personal wishes and agenda of having a monopoly over religion

 

>> In Jesus, they identified a menace.

… a menace to their comfort-rendering style of spirituality and way of life.

 

And so, they – the chief priests and scribes and the elders – sought to put Jesus to the task and questioned His authority on doing such deeds and performing such actions.

 

 

>> Their eyes were closed to see the goodness of the Lord

>> Their hearts had become clogged to examine their own maligned conscience

>> Their lives were rendered blocked to be willing to make necessary changes for the good.

 

Instead…

… they only found fault with the Lord

… they only become critical of the ways of the Lord

 

 

When the heart is closed to God’s spirit, the focus dwells only external and peripheral factors…

>> The heart gets closed to spiritual appreciation…

>> The mind remains curious only for rhetorical arguments!

 

Is such an attitude prevalent among us also?

>> A mentality of harshly criticising…

>> A tendency to inhumanly condemn…

… without any consideration to humanness or acceptance or self-examination etc.

 

May we be able to root out all such pessimistic mind-sets and focus instead of self-growth in holiness and humility.

God Bless! Live Jesus!

In a particular village, a river was going to be used to generate electricity and to supply water for the people and their crops.  

But near the source of the river, was a place called “Valley of the Blind”.

The people who lived in and around this Valley, had trouble with their eyes…

… most of them were either blind or had some eye-defect.

>> This trouble was caused by a particular species of fly, which lived in the shrubs along the river-source.

.. When this fly bit someone, it would inject a certain parasite into the blood, which would render the eyesight of the person to be severely affected.

On hearing, that the people of the village had decided to tap the river for several uses including electricity and supply of water…

>> An elderly village man – who had lived his entire life in this village – …

… called together the concerned authorities and developers.

He told them:

” I am happy to hear that you are wanting to make progress by using effectively the river.

But my children, remember…

… before you undertake any works of development, please make sure that you do something to get rid of the fly in the ‘Valley of the Blind’!

>> If not, your minor oversight, may cause a major disaster!”

The wisdom of the old man reminded the people: Minor oversights can cause major disasters!

The Gospel of the Day is a bold reminder to make a thorough examination of our conscience…

… and check, if I am allowing “minor oversights” to cause “major disasters” in our lives!

We are on the third Sunday of the Season of Advent.

>> This is called the “Gaudete Sunday” – the Sunday of Joy.

 

We are nearly half way through the season in preparation for Christ.

Sometimes, like runners, in a marathon…

… we may feel tired of this preparation

… or we may think, when is the destination going to reach?

And so we may get wearied…tired… or feel exhausted.

But the Church – our caring Mother – knows Her children… and tells us….

” Just a few more days… and it will be Christmas!

Do not give up hope…

>> But instead, continue to prepare…

In joy… in happiness.. in expectancy…”

Thus, this Third Sunday of Advent, we celebrate as Gaudete (= Joyful, in Greek) Sunday.

The Gospel reading on this “Gaudete Sunday” begins with John the Baptist – who is in prison –

…sending his disciples to Jesus and asking: “Are you He who is to come, or shall we look for another?”

Last Sunday, we saw John the Baptist, “in a preaching mode” – in the wilderness

>> Today, he is in the “prison zone” – in captivity!

Here is an important lesson that John the Baptist teaches us:

… There will be times when you are in the highlight – preaching powerfully and being acknowledged with great power and might

… But there would also come times, when you are banished to isolation – with only the four walls of loneliness for company!

>> In all such moments – in the ‘glory of the wilderness’ and the ‘isolation of the prison’…

… Can we still remain faithful and loyal to the Will of the Lord?

… Can we still trust that God is pleased with my fidelity more than my performances?

… Can we still be zealous for the Ways of God, knowing that He will turn everything for our good?

At the same time, the Gospel reading (Mt 11: 2-11) powerfully reminds us…

… Do we have an “oversight” of the ways of God; and instead remain stuck in our own attitudes and thought-patterns.

>> Speaking of Himself, Jesus says:

“Go and tell John, what you hear and see; the blind receive their sight and the lame walk….” ( Mt 11:4-5)

>> Speaking of John the Baptist, Jesus says:

“What did you go out to the desert to see? A reed swayed by the wind? Then what did you go out to see?….” (Mt 11: 7-10)

Here were two cases of “oversights”

1. John the Baptist had the understanding…

… that Jesus would be coming with fiery judgements and would be a Messiah Who would deal with the people, with blazing power and scorching verdicts

>> But this turned out to be an “oversight” as Jesus showed Himself as a Messiah Who would heal, teach and bring the Mercy of God!

 

2. The people had the understanding…

… that John the Baptist would be a finely dressed and a people-friendly prophet – one who would be willing to “adjust” the norms of God for their lifestyle

>> But this turned out to be an “oversight” as John the Baptist turned out to be a prophet “who disturbed the comfortable and comforted the disturbed.”

In both cases, there was an “oversight”…

Jesus was unwilling to let John the Baptist and the people to remain under the cloud of these “oversights”…

>> And so He presents the facts before them…

… in order to avoid any future “major disasters!”

The same examination is put forth before us, by the Lord: To check minor oversights.

 Do we allow…

… “minor sins” – in the form of evil tendencies- to grow in us?

… “minor negligences” to develop into habitual practices?

… “minor indifferences” to take root in our relationships?

This “Gaudete Sunday” is an invitation to help us experience the joy of the Lord, by making us realise…

>> If these “minor oversights” are not corrected…

…. then they would soon turn into “major disasters!”

>> And we would get afflicted by the “Valley of the Blind”!

May we give heed to the strong reminder given by the Gospel, and amend our “minor oversights”…

… so that we can tap the “river of graces” in this Season of Advent, and prepare our hearts – meaningfully – to celebrate the “major blessings” of Christmas!

God Bless! Live Jesus!

A legendary description of a Cathedral goes thus… 

This Cathedral, having triple doorways have inscriptions on the magnificent arches.

>> Above the first one is carved a wreath of roses, with the words: “All that pleases is but for a moment.”

>> Over the second is a cross, with the words, “All that troubles is but for a moment.”

>> But, under the main entrance are written the words: “That only is important, which is eternal.”

Do we realise this great aspect…

… that the most important things in life are those that lead us to eternal life!

Is our mind focussed towards preparing our hearts for eternal life…

… or do we have our minds scattered by other concerns, and thus lose track of our eternal priorities?

Very often in our life…

We fail to give attention to the most important things of life

>> Instead, we get carried away by some other less priorities of life!

This is so true, especially with respect to the Word of God!

>> The Lord promises so many wonderful things in His Holy Word..

… but often, we fail to realise “That only is important, which is eternal”

Something similar had happened to the people of Israel as well:

>> They had their minds scattered…

… and thus had lost track of their eternal priorities.

They failed to recognise the Important Personalities, God had sent…

… to prepare them for eternal life!

 

>> God had promised them of the coming of the Messiah…

… but they failed to recognise the Saviour, when He came!

God had promised that Prophet Elijah of old would return…

… but they failed to recognize the Prophet when he came!

This is what Jesus points out to His disciples in today’s Gospel, when He says:

“I tell you, Elijah has already come and they did not recognise him; but did to him, whatever they pleased” (Mt 17: 12)

John the Baptist, the forerunner of Christ, had come, preaching the message of repentance and conversion of heart (Mt 3:1)

The Gospel says that John the Baptist…

… wore a clothing made of camel’s hair

… had a leather belt around his waist

… had food of locusts and wild honey (Mt 4: 4)

This appearance was very similar to that of Elijah, the Prophet (2 Kings 1:8)

 

But in their encounter with John the Baptist, the people failed to recognise him as the “Elijah who was to come”

And thus John the Baptist came to be …

… rejected

… derided

… finally killed!

Many times in our life, we too fail to realise “That only is important, which is eternal”, in our encounter with the Lord…

>> He gives His Beautiful Word to us…

… but we fail to be encouraged by It and live by It

>> He makes many wonderful promises of assurance and guidance…

… but we fail to live a life of trust and confidence

>> He offers Himself wonderfully in the Sacraments, especially Confession and Holy Eucharist…

… but we fail to derive the necessary fruits from Them

Today, the Gospel invites us, to look at God’s Promises, God’s Word’s and God’s Will…

… and discover the true purpose of it in our lives.

May we prepare our hearts to receive His Word as He wishes, in our life…

… and seek to live, in total accord with Him!

Yes, let us realise and remind ourselves…

>> When our life is decorated the “wreath of roses” of worldly joy and happiness: “All that pleases is but for a moment.”

>> When our life is burdened with the “cross” of hardships: “All that troubles is but for a moment.”

>> When we pass through the “main entrance of God’s Will”: “That only is important, which is eternal.”

God Bless! Live Jesus!

Children are an interesting lot! 

They love to play, to quarrel, to engage in arguments, to tease, to show love and affection etc…

Children indeed amaze us…with their simplicity, innocence, curiosity and their power of wonder.

Jesus in the Gospels time and again invites us to grow in our spirit and spirituality of being like a Child!

The famous artist, Picasso, once said:

 “All children are artists.

The problem is how to remain an artist once he grows up..”

>> Many of us, as we age in years, tend to lose many of the good qualities and merits of a child.

>> Many of us, as we mature, tend to fritter away the precious pearls of simplicity and openness of a child

>> Many of us, as we advance in life, tend to paint our inner innocence with many external shades of duplicity.

But the Gospel of the Day shows us another dimension or rather, warns of a distortion in this striving to be a child…

Our Blessed Lord says:

“To what shall I compare this generation? It is like children…” (Mt 11:16)

One can easily stray away from the path of being child-like and transgress into the danger of being Childish!

Child-likeness is a beautiful virtue which is to be cultivated and nurtured to grow in our love of God!

>> Childishness is an ugly vice which is to be weeded and cast away to grow in our relationship with God!

What is child-likeness?

>> To be like a child is to possess a kitty of trust, faith, innocence and straightforwardness.

>> To be like a child is living in the present moment with a deep sense of wonder and admiration over life.

>> To be like a child is to have a faith which is matchless and a great amount of dependence on the One who cares!

But what is childishness?

 

>> Childishness is a child-like behaviour which has grown sore and strays away from honest qualities of life.

 

>> Childishness is having selfishness at its core: a vice that wants the world around to always dance to its tune!

>> Childishness is sticking on to ignorance and unwillingness to learn from people and situations!

>> Childishness is being glued to being stubborn and adamant at all aspects to suit one’s desires and comforts!

>> Childishness is being unmindful of the value and preciousness of people, things, feelings and situations.

This danger of Childishness can sometimes creep into our spiritual life and can hamper and cause havoc in many areas of our Christian life.

How can childishness in spirituality become a dangerous ploy?

Childishness in spirituality…

… can make people to suit teachings for one’s own desire, at the cost of the Truth.

… can prevent people from being open to receive new insights from the Divine.

… can cause people to remain obstinate and block the moving of the Spirit.

… can prohibit people from recognizing the providential care of God.

And this is what we come across in today’s Gospel Passage: the exposition of the Childishness of the people!

Two persons Who had committed themselves totally to the cause of the Kingdom are under the scanner today – John the Baptist and Jesus.

>> John the Baptist lived in the wilderness and in preparation for the arrival of the Messiah.

>> John did not drink wine, and he and his followers fasted regularly. He baptized people in the Jordan River.

But John also preached repentance and gave a clarion call to turn away from one sins!

> And this irked the people…

The elders of the Jewish community dreaded him because he recognized the corruption of the priests, and publicly called them to repent and be baptized.

 

They refused, because they wanted to keep their power, their wealth, their full stomachs and their fine clothing!

 

>> Jesus went around the cities and towns healing the sick and curing the lepers and doing many mighty works.

>> Jesus shared in the table-fellowship of many people regularly. Jesus preached the Kingdom of God.

But Jesus also challenged people to let go off their sinful and corrupt lives and turn to God in penitence!

> And this annoyed the leaders…

The Pharisees hated him because he preached with much authority and his new understanding of the law was highly challenging!

They rejected Him, because they wanted to stick to their traditions, empty hearts and their inhuman practices!

Jesus and John both would have hit high on the popularity charts if they had “lightened up” or “played nice” or “would have allowed things to be little more easy”!

But both of Them did not budge…

This is what Jesus says:

“We played the flute for you, you did not dance;

We mourned to you, you did not weep.” (Mt 11: 17)

This reaction by the people to Them was a song of derision… a tune of mockery…a melody of ridicule!

>> John the Baptist and Jesus, both, failed to let this Spiritual Childishness to overpower Them and to give in to silly demands!

We all can fall victims to spiritual childishness or we ourselves can fall into the trap of being spiritually childish!

Let us beware of the dangers of this ‘subtle and sly’ vice – CHILDISHNESS …

… and seek the grace of God to make efforts to rather be CHILD-LIKE in the Presence of God!

God Bless! Live Jesus!

A legend goes thus… 

There was once a great debate in heaven as to who was the Greatest Monument of the Grace of God.

Each of the redeemed, began to speak of their experience with the Grace of God.

Each one told of their story of life…

>> how they were so steeped in sin

>> how they had immersed themselves in wickedness

… and how the Grace of God had rescued and redeemed them!

Many of them also spoke of how, at their deathbed, a conversion had happened and it was purely the bountiful Grace of God that had saved them.

But just before voting was conducted, another of the redeemed stepped forward to tell of his story

He had come to know of the love of Christ as a child

… He had followed it all the days of his life

… By His grace, He had also sought to keep away from sins and transgressions.

 

Then the vote was taken.

The result declared that it was not the thief or the cheater or the blasphemer or the murderer…

… but the man who had followed Christ, all his days.

The one who had sought to remain faithful to God all his life, was considered as the Greatest Monument of the Grace of God.

Well, this is just an imaginary legend.

But it also tells an important message:

Being Faithful to the Mercy of God, all the days of one’s life, is to be considered as belonging to a high degree of holiness and grace.

And Who else but the Mother of God – Mamma Mary – deserves this title of being “the Greatest Monument of the Grace of God?!”

Today, we celebrate the Solemn Feast of the beginning of the faithful life of the Most Beautiful and Loved Creation of God: The Feast of the Immaculate Conception of our Blessed Mother.

 

 

Sin is part of every human life.

St Paul testifies to this fact when he says, “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Rom 3:23)

By themselves, human beings are incapable of freeing themselves from sin.

Therefore…

… Everyone needs a Saviour

… Everyone needs a Redeemer

But God, in His infinite wisdom had thought of the most excellent way of redeeming humanity.

>> Salvation was to be accomplished not through any magical power

>> Salvation was to be brought about not through some superhuman force

 

Rather, the salvation of humanity was to be won by a Human Himself – the most perfect Human.

>> This perfect Human deserved and required the most sinless of all wombs for being born

>> This perfect Human demanded and necessitated the most immaculate of all lives to be nurtured

Thus, God in His perfect wisdom, applied the Grace of Redemption and Salvation to the One He had chosen – Mary of Nazareth.

Therefore…

>> Mary is the first recipient of the Redemption of Christ!

>> Mary is the first fruit of the Salvation, won by Christ!

This is the story of the Immaculate Conception of Mother Mary.

The Holy Scripture testifies to this Immaculate nature of our Blessed Mother through the words of Angel Gabriel to Her, “Hail, FULL of Grace!” (Lk 1:28)

Thus, the Immaculate Conception of our Blessed Mother points to Her sinlessness, Her being full of Grace, Her perfection in holiness and Her absolute adherence to the Will of God.

But, hey.. wait a moment?.!

>> Are not all these things pointing to Mary simply being somebody “too-special” and almost like she being “supernatural”?

>> Are not all these things telling us that Mary was simply just “not like us” and we can never ever achieve or even aspire to be what She was?

Well…

Undoubtedly, Mary lived a life that was “too-special” and a life that was “supernatural” in holiness.

But we need to bring to our mind a very vital aspect…

 

Though the birth of being sinless, was a gift granted to Her…

… the fact of remaining sinless all through Her life, was Her choice!

Though the birth of being full of grace, was a gift bestowed on Her…

.. the fact of remaining always in the Grace of God, was Her choice!

Though the birth of being perfect in holiness, was a gift endowed on Her…

… the fact of remaining holy, was Her choice!

Though the birth of being absolutely adherent to the Will of God, was a gift approved to Her…

… the fact of remaining obedient to His Will, was Her choice!

Like any other human person, She too…

… went through the crises of life

… faced humiliation and rejection in life

… had to face the rock of uncertainty and doubts of life

But, it was Her radical choice for God and Her absolute preference to the Will of God, that made Her to remain Immaculate all through Her Life.

 

“Yes, Lord… Thy Will be done” (Lk 1:38) was a chorus that She sang in all the moments of life!

Today, on this Feast day, this our Blessed Mother invites and exhorts us, also…

… to make a choice for God, always, and lead a sinless life

… to always opt for God alone, at all times, and being immaculate in life

… to unswervingly be faithful to God’s Will, and thus seek to be perfect in life

The challenge is great… the efforts required are radical.

But we are not left alone in this “pursuit of holiness” (1 Cor 9:24)

Our Blessed Mamma – the Beautiful Lady in blue and white – grace in holiness and immaculate in love – holds our hands and tells us:

“My Little Child, I am with you!

I love you, and together, we shall walk in this exciting path of Holiness…

… towards My Son and Your Brother…

… towards Our Saviour Jesus!”

Yes, may we give heed to the loving call of our Blessed Mother – the Greatest Monument of the Grace of God – and be fervent and zealous to lead a holier life, pleasing to God!

Happy Feast of our Immaculate Mamma!

God Bless! Live Jesus!