The Hebrew alphabet contains twenty-two letters.

>> Every letter in the Hebrew alphabet caries many special meanings.

 

The Tenth Letter of the Hebrew Alphabet is called as “Yod”.

>> It is represented as ‘

>> It has the sound of “Y” as in “Yes”.

 

There is an interesting Jewish legend about this letter “yod”.

 

In the book of Genesis 17:15, we read that God changed the name of Sarai to Sarah.

>> In Hebrew language, this was done by removing the ‘ (yod) from the end of her name.

 

However, the letter “Yod”, created a stir in heaven for having been dropped from Sarai’s name

>> It was continually fluttering around the throne of God, in restlessness!

 

So God decided to calm the letter “yod” by putting it at the beginning of Hoshea’s name.

>> This changed Hoshea to Joshua as we read in the book of Numbers 13:16.

 

(Interestingly, Joshua is the also the root word of Jehoshoa, from where the name “Jesus” comes)

 

 

But why are we discussing so much about this letter “Yod” in today’s reflection?

 

Jesus mentions about it, in today’s Gospel…

Jesus says, ” Amen, I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not the SMALLEST LETTER or the SMALLEST PART OF THE LETTER will pass from the Law, until all things have taken place. ” (Mt 5: 18)

 

The SMALLEST LETTER refers to Hebrew letter “Yod”

>> It is the smallest letter of the Hebrew Alphabet.

 

The SMALLEST PART OF THE LETTER refers to the “thorn of the Yod”

>> It is just a small curve at the top of the letter, a light decoration on the letter “Yod”

 

 

Why was Jesus being so specific and particular in speaking about the Law?

>> What was Jesus meaning, by referring to the “tiniest” elements of the alphabet?

 

 

Jesus refers to the prime sanctity of God’s Word to His People.

>> This Word had now taken flesh (Jn 1: 14)

>> Jesus, the Word Incarnate, came to bring the Law to its fulfilment…not to undermine them.

>> Jesus, the Law personified, came to bring it to its perfection…not to do away with it.

 

While the Old Law could only show the mistake of the person…

…Jesus, the New Law would grant forgiveness and grace to the one who atones!

 

While the Old Law could only make the person to realise one’s faults…

…Jesus, the New Law would confer life and salvation to the one who repents!

 

 

When we consider the Gospel of St Matthew, we can consider the shift in emphasis:

Stage 1: In the initial part of the Gospel

>> Jesus says, “UNTIL HEAVEN AND EARTH PASS AWAY, not the smallest letter or the smallest part of the letter will pass from the LAW, until all things have taken place” (Mt 5: 18)

 

Stage 2: At the end of the Gospel

>> Jesus says, ” HEAVEN AND EARTH WILL PASS AWAY, but MY WORDS will not pass away” (Mt 24: 35)

 

There is a progressive shift in emphasis…

… from the LAW to the WORDS OF JESUS.

>> He is the perfection and the fulfilment of the Law!

 

This is the Divine Process of the unfolding of the plan of God’s Salvation for the world…

… finding its fulfilment and perfection in Jesus!

 

 

But this was not at the expense of the Old Law!

>> The Old Law is to be read, understood and practised, in the light of the New!

>> The New Law casts its illumining light on the Old, revealing life-giving messages!

 

As the classical saying goes:

” The New Testament is in the Old, concealed; the Old Testament is in the New, revealed”

 

 

What is the message for us, in this reflection?

>> The Great Power in the Promises of God in our life!

 

The Lord assures us, that none of His Promises will go unfulfilled in our life!

>> He guarantees that, He will bring His Word of Salvation to fulfilment in our life!

 

What is needed however…

… Our openness to trust and believe in His Word!

… Our willingness to make necessary changes, in the light of His Word!

… Our zeal and passion to make others to come to life, by sharing His Word!

 

The Lord assures us, with much emphasis:

“… GIVE HEED to the statutes and ordinances which I teach you, and do them; that YOU MAY LIVE…

KEEP THEM and DO THEM; for that will be YOUR WISDOM and YOUR UNDERSTANDING” ( Dt 4: 1, 6)

 

May we not be afraid to seek perfection in obeying the Law of the Lord and keeping His commandments…

 

>> Let us take courage to the fact that the Lord is with us, as a Loving Parent, gently encouraging us and patiently cheering us…

… to listen and obey, to even the “smallest” and the “tiniest” commands of His Holy Will!

 

God Bless! Live Jesus!

The March 9, 2015 issue of the New York Magazine reports an interesting article on “Forgiveness”.

 

According to this article, the animal kingdom has been the subject of studying the patterns of forgiveness and reconciliation for many scientists.

 

 

Much of the research has involved gorillas and chimps.

 

 

It is found that they often enter into fights with each other…

… only later to embrace and continue their companionship.

 

Similar traits of behaviour has also been noticed among goats and hyenas.

 

 

However, the researchers have found that one species of animal doesn’t seem to forgive (atleast externally)

 

 

They are domestic cats.

 

 

(Well, there might be many of us, who will out rightly reject this theory, especially those who really like cats.

 

But let’s just take this as a ‘research finding’ and not the ultimate truth.

 

>> Researches findings, of course, are subject to exceptions and limited by conditions and interpretations!)

 

 

Human beings too have our moments of grappling with the aspect of ‘forgiveness’.

 

>> For some people, it’s easy to forgive…

 

>> But some others struggle hard in serving out pardon…

 

 

The Gospel of the Day is a teaching by Jesus on this necessary virtue of “forgiveness”.

 

 

To the query of Peter:

“Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him” ( Mt 18: 21), Jesus illustrates His reply with the Parable of the Unforgiving Servant.

 

 

One of the principles in this virtue of forgiveness is the avoiding of a “mathematical accounting policy” in granting pardon.

 

 

As human beings, there is sometimes an avoidable tendency in us to “keep counts” in our relationships…

 

We make a count or keep a rough numerical impression…

… of how many times a person has done good to me

… of when was the last time a person behaved badly with me

… of how many times a person has hurt or caused harm to me

… of how often has a person offended me or spoken ill about me

 

 

Relationships…

… sometimes get reduced to mere mathematical entities

… sometimes find themselves entangled in the web of calculative units

 

 

It’s in such situations that “forgiving” the one who has erred against us becomes a ‘calculative’ affair.

 

 

Thus, we find that Peter in the Gospel asks Jesus, “How often must I forgive the brother who has sinned against me?”

 

 

We maintain, sometimes, a sort of an imaginary “fault-account” book.

 

And our thought-process takes the following pattern:

 

>> “This person, on so and so date, committed this mistake

And on so and so date, I had forgiven him”

 

>> “This person, on this particular day, had behaved in a very indifferent manner to me

And a particular number of days later, I had extended my pardon”

 

 

But Jesus today warns us to stop looking at life and relationships from a “mathematical” or “calculative” perspective.

 

 

What is the basis for Jesus to say this?

 

It is simply the fact that all of us – without any exception – are the beneficiaries of the mercy and forgiveness of God.

 

� God abandons all mathematical calculations in extending His forgiveness to us

 

� God lets go of every measure of computation in allowing us to receive His mercy

 

 

 

Rom 3:23 says that “all have sinned and are deprived of the glory of God. They are justified freely by His grace thorough the redemption in Jesus Christ”

 

 

>> Each of us finds ourselves sinking in the “boats of sinfulness and guilt”

But it is the Mercy of God that still keeps us ashore.

 

>> Each of us pass through the “deserts of shame and culpability”

But it is the Forgiveness of God that nourishes us with the oasis of blessings

 

 

This “free and underserved” reception of the Forgiveness of God places an undeniable responsibility on us to extend His pardon to all.

 

 

 

The prayer “Our Father” gets recited so often by us, during the day or in our prayers.

 

 

But do we realise that it contains a clause, whose condition, if not fulfilled, brings upon a self-inflicted consequence.

 

 

We pray, “Forgive us our sins.. as we forgive those who sin against us”

 

Even though the mercy of God is always made available for us, it can be truly received only if one is willing, generous and humble enough to “forgive” the faults of others.

 

 

 

Forgiveness is a powerful weapon that, of course won’t change the past, but will sure transform the future.

 

 

 

Even the animal kingdom in general, displays traits of forgiveness and reconciliation.

>> How much more are we, as human beings, who are created in the image and likeness of God, bound to forgive one another?

 

 

 

Perhaps, some of us have a feline flavour in us to “avoiding granting pardon” and “nurturing the grudge”

 

But can we let go of our “pride and arrogance” and “put on Christ” (Rom 13: 14) to become that “flower which perfumes the hand that crushes it”

 

 

May the Gospel of the Day strongly cause us to take realistic resolutions to cherish our relationships with the freedom it deserves and to generously sow the seeds of forgiveness and mercy in the hardened fields of broken and damaged!

 

 

God Bless! Live Jesus!

St Pope John XXIII is one of the most popular Pope of the 20th century. 

>> He was the one who convoked the historical Vatican Council II, which paved the way for “throwing open the windows of the church, to let the fresh air of the Spirit blow through.”

When he was chosen as pope, John XXIII announced that his motto would be “obedientia et pax,” which is Latin for “obedience and peace.”

>> This was because St Joseph was his favourite saint.
The new Pope sought to follow the path of St Joseph, a model of obedience, because he believed…

… that “obedience to God, to His commandments, His will, and His inspirations, is the highway to true interior peace.”

Today we celebrate the Feast of this Great Model of Obedience – St Joseph.
Traditionally, the feast is celebrated on March 19th.

>> But when it falls on a Sunday, the feast is either anticipated or postponed by one day

(It depends on each Regional Episcopal Conference)

What lessons does St Joseph, the Patron of the Universal Church teach us?

1. St Joseph was ever attentive and obedient to the voice of God

One of the standout qualities that we observe in St Joseph is his prompt obedience to the voice of God
He listened to the Angel…

… in moments of dilemma, and obediently took Mary as his wife (Mt 1:20-24)

… in moments of danger, and obediently took the Mother and Child to Egypt (Mt 1:13-15)

… in moments of doubt, and obediently settled the Holy Family in Nazareth (Mt 1: 20, 22b)
St Joseph was able to let go of his personal choices and his desired comforts and give top priority to do what God wanted him to do.

St Joseph teaches us that “holiness consists in doing what God wants – when and where He wants.”

2. St Joseph teaches us the love for Jesus and Mary

Ever since he recognised the plan of God in his life, St Joseph displayed unflinched commitment and love to Jesus and Mary
He had many occasions of choices to let go of them…

… to leave Mary when she was found with Child, even before the marriage

… to leave his pregnant Wife when they found no place in the inn

… to abandon the Child and Mother when a life-danger against them was sensed
But, nothing could deter St Joseph from leaving or abandoning them. He knew that in God’s plan, They belonged to him, and he would safeguard them – treasuring Them close to his heart.

>> Our faith has blessed us with love for Jesus and Mother Mary.
St Joseph invites us to also have “Jesus and Mary close to our hearts.”

3. Humility is a virtue radiated by St Joseph

St Joseph had to face many moments of humiliation, disappointment and uncertainty.

>> But in his humility, he remained true to God in all those moments
Life sometimes drags us into situations of sadness and even shame.

>> Many times we let go of God’s Hands, saying that “He is not fair” or “He doesn’t understand me”!
St Joseph teaches us that “there is much value in humbling oneself, before the mighty power of the Almighty.”

4. St Joseph was content to be the “silent worker” in the awesome work of Salvation

St Joseph, was honoured to be sharing the most intimate physical presence with the two holiest persons of this world – Jesus, the Son of God and Mary, the Immaculate Mother.

>> And yet, he contented himself to be the “silent hard-worker”.
He is a mighty challenge to our world, where seeking for honour, position, fame and reputation become cheap motives, in doing works of charity or even, sadly to say, in ministries of the Church.

 

St Joseph exhorts us to become “a yeast, that works silent wonders, in the history of salvation.”

5. St Joseph is the model of chastity

Mary is the New Ark of Covenant, bearing Divinity in Her.

>> St Jerome, says that St Joseph, the son of David, shared his royal ancestor’s fear of coming into overly close contact with the Tabernacle of the Lord: “Who am I,” asked King David, “that the Ark of the Lord should come to me?” (2 Sam. 6:9)
That is why, St Joseph is often depicted with a White Lily in his hand, to depict purity and holiness
Chastity is the virtue that moderates the desire for sexual pleasure according to the principles of faith and right reason.

>> In married people, chastity moderates the desire in conformity with their state of life

>> In unmarried people who wish to marry, the desire is moderated by abstention or unless they get married

>> In those who resolve not to marry, the desire is sacrificed entirely.
St Joseph teaches us to “preserve the purity of life, and thus be a witness of the Kingdom of God.”

6. St Joseph was prefigured in Joseph of the Old Testament

In the Old Testament, we read Joseph, the son of Jacob, had stored up, in Egypt, grain to provide bread for the preservation of the People of Israel (Gen 42)

>> In the New Testament, St Joseph, safeguarded, in Egypt, the Bread of Life, for the salvation of the People of God. (Mt 1: 14)
St Joseph shows us the way “to be a protector and safeguard to the needy and the distressed.”

7. St Joseph is a model leader

>> True to being a Father, St Joseph displayed many leadership qualities, which needs to be imitated by us, in our practical life

>> Defender of the community/team members: St Joseph preserved Mother Mary from idle talks of gossip and malicious speculation

>> Protection of those in care: St Joseph did not give up in the face of hostile situations, when it was time for the Birth of the Child

>> Needful and prompt action: St Joseph acted quickly and promptly, in response to situations of danger and of need.
St Joseph teaches us “to shoulder up responsibilities, depending solely on the Power and Grace of God”

The solemnity of St Joseph comes us a reminder to us to learn many things from the life of this Great Saint.

>> Let us constantly seek the help of St Joseph, and recognize his loving and fatherly protection in our lives. 

May St Joseph, the model of obedience, help us to choose “obedientia et pax – obedience and peace” as a motto for our lives, so that we may realise…

… … that “obedience to God, to His commandments, His will, and His inspirations, is the highway to true interior peace.”

Happy Feast of St Joseph!

God Bless! Live Jesus!

 One of the very simplest moral stories that all of us have heard is that of the thirsty crow.

 

One warm day, a thirsty crow flew all over, looking for water.

>> For a long time, he could not find any.

He felt weak, and lost all hope.

 
Suddenly, he saw a water jug below the tree. He flew straight down, and was delighted to see some water inside it!

 

Sadly, he found that the neck of the jug was too narrow and it was impossible for him to access the water.

>> He tried to push the jug to tilt, for the water to flow out but the jug was too heavy.

 

The crow thought hard for a while.

>> Then looking around it, he saw some pebbles and an idea struck him.

 

He started picking up the pebbles one by one, dropping each into the jug.

> As more and more pebbles filled the jug, the water level kept rising.

 

Soon it was high enough for the crow to drink.

>> His plan had worked.. His thirst had been quenched!  

      
The moral of this story is to “Think and work hard, you may find solution to any problem”.

 
But when we consider this story from another perspective, we notice that it also shows the deep craving inside every creature, to satisfy one’s thirst.

>> One is restless till this thirst is fulfilled…

>> One is impatient till this craving is satisfied…

 

This agitated thirst is also innate in every human being…

… a thirst for the Divine, for the Transcendental.

 

And this thirst, compels humans…

… to search… to seek…

… for the source of satisfaction

… for the fountain of fulfilment

 

But how wonderful it would be to be knowing and to be convinced that this “thirst” can find its fulfilment only in God.

>> And how wonderful it would be, if all human beings could be properly guided and correctly directed on this path of finding true contentment.

 
The Gospel of the Day presents the beautiful incident of a “thirsty” Jesus who quenches a “thirsty” woman

>> The “thirsty” woman – Samaritan woman – expresses her desire for water…

… “Sir, give me this water, so that I may not be thirsty or have to keep coming here to draw water” (Jn 4: 15)
>> The “thirsty” Jesus promises fulfilment and contentment to all those who come to Him and believe in Him – the source of Divine Waters of Life….

… “Whoever drinks the water I shall give, will never thirst; the water I shall give, will become in him, a spring of water welling up to eternal life (Jn 4:14)
 

The Samaritan Woman in her encounter with the Lord is led, from a lower level to the higher level…

1. Talks on material concerns

(>> “How can you, a Jew, ask a Samaritan woman for a drink?”)

(>> “Sir, you don’t even have a bucket…where then can you get this living water?”)

(>> “Sir, give me this water that I may not be thirsty or have to keep coming to draw water”)

2. Talks on spiritual matters

(>> “Our ancestors worshipped on this mountain, but you people say that the place to worship is Jerusalem”)
3. Talks that would lead to a complete life transformation.

(>> “Go call your husband and come back”)

(>> “I am He, the One Who is speaking to you”)
This is the story of our experience with religion and spirituality.

>> Many times, many of us perform religious practices…

… only for material concerns

>> Some of us, practise faith and spirituality…

… to merely engage in spiritual talks and reflections
But the higher level is the one…

… which leads to life transformation.

The Samaritan woman was led by Jesus, in having this life transformation…

… and she would go on to lead an entire town to believe in Jesus (Jn 4: 39-42)

 This entire incident is built around that simple premise: A desire

… a desire that is expressed in the form of “thirst”

The desire of the Samaritan woman – to receive water, so that one may not be thirsty again – is the innate desire and longing within each human being…

In the Old Testament, the people of Israel had murmured and complained against God, in the wilderness for the struggle in food and water…

… “Why did you bring us up out of Egypt, to kill us and our children, and our cattle with thirst?” (Ex 17:3)

>> They longed to have their thirst quenched and their desires fulfilled…
 

Each of us, deep within, are thirsty and hungry….wanting to drink water that will quench the longing, forever.

 

It is this search that makes people to go out and seek the various sources of satisfaction.

 
>> Some feel to have found this fulfilment…

… through worldly pleasures and bad habits like smoking, drinking, obsession with sex, drugs etc, which only lead to momentary external satisfaction and short-lived bursts of thrill.

 

>> Some claim to have found this fulfilment…

… in the various philosophies, new-age patterns of life and naturalistic means of spirituality etc, which may have traces of truth, but fail to provide authentic and fullness of life.

 

But Jesus, today, boldly and unambiguously declares that its only in HIM that true and complete fulfilment of life can be found: 

… “Whoever drinks the water I shall give, will never thirst; the water I shall give, will become in him, a spring of water welling up to eternal life (Jn 4:14)
Elsewhere Jesus will also tell…

… “He who comes to me shall not hunger and he who believes in me shall never thirst” (Jn 6: 35)

 

Are we convinced of this fact, that its only in Jesus, that I can achieve true and complete happiness…?

 
>> Like the Samaritan Woman (Jn 4: 16-18)…

 >> Like the Prodigal Son (Lk 15: 11-32)…

>> Like St Paul (Acts 8:3)…

… we may have strayed away from this path of truth, to seek our own means and ways to find happiness and satisfaction.

 
But the Lord, today, calls us back to Him..

… to His Heart

… to His Church

… to His Eucharist

>> To experience Him fully.

 

>> To those who have strayed…

… the call of the Gospel, is to come back to the paths of truth

>> To those who are holding on to Him…

… the call of the Gospel, is to deepen the conviction, that in Him alone, can the hunger of my soul and the thirst of my heart be fulfilled.

 

>> To those who have strayed…

… the Lord invites to build the virtues of humility, docility and openness to the Spirit.

>> To those who are holding on to Him…

… the Lord invites to build the virtues of patience, firm trust and a passionate longing.

 
May Jesus, the Source of Life-giving Waters, always be the source and summit of our Christian living.

 

God Bless! Live Jesus!

Six-year old Johny planned to secretly give a surprise to his father, on his birthday.

 

He decided that he would secretly bake a cake for his father and that would turn out to be a beautiful gift.

 

>> He was aware that that his father had told him not to put on the oven without his permission

>> He was also not really sure how a cake is to be baked

 
Yet, he decided to give it a try…

 

So on the previous night, after he made sure, his father had slept, Johny quietly crept into the kitchen.

>> He had a manual with him which would guide him to bake the cake.

 
He found a big bowl and spoon, pulled a chair to the counter, opened the cupboard and pulled out the heavy flour can, spilling it on the floor.
He scooped some of the flour into the bowl with his hands, mixed in most of a cup of milk and added some sugar, leaving a floury trail on the floor.

>> Meanwhile, his kitten, had joined him, and was busy enjoying the bits and pieces fallen on the ground.

 

Johny, was all covered with flour and he was also getting a bit frustrated as the mixing was taking much longer than expected.

 

But he wanted to do something for his Dad!

 

 

He didn’t know what to do next, whether to put it all into the oven or on the stove, (and he didn’t know how the oven worked)!

 

Suddenly he saw his kitten licking from the bowl of the cake dough.

>> He tried to push her away.

 

But in the frantic act, he knocked the egg-tray on to the floor.

 

In desperation, he tried to clean the floor..

… but unfortunately he slipped!

 
Just then, he raised his eyes and saw his gigantic Daddy standing before him.

 

He just remained on the floor….

…. All messed up and dirty…

 

Large tears swelled up in his little eyes!

 

The father kept watching him.

>> Johny was sure that he was going to receive a big spanking and a scolding was on the way.

 

But to his surprise, making his way through the mess, Daddy reached out to him.

>> He picked up his crying son hugged him…. And loved him!

 

In the process, Daddy also dirtied his clothes!

 
But here was a beautiful picture of a Father who displayed a tremendous love and acceptance…

.. even if it meant to dirty himself!

 

 

True love knows no bounds!

 

 

The Gospel of the Day – the Parable of the Prodigal Son – is the beautiful exposition of the Unconditionally True Love of the Heavenly Father to each of His beloved children!

 

 

The Parable of the Prodigal Son is surely one of the most popular, the most loved and the most touching parables of Jesus.

 

 

This parable has three main characters and we could view any of them as playing the main role in the story:

 

1. The Prodigal Son

>> He went away from the love of his father

 

Inheritance was given to children only after the death of the father

>> In asking the inheritance, therefore, alluded to the fact that the Prodigal son considered his father to be dead!

 

But having spent his life in useless living, he realised the emptiness and vacuum that filled his heart.

 

And so he decided to turn back.. and go to his father

 
2. The Elder Son

>> He remained the faithful “servant” of the house

 

But when he saw, that his brother – who had wasted away the inheritance, was received with so much warmth, his temper rose!

 

He couldn’t digest the fact that his brother who lived a “wasted life” was honoured….

… whereas he was never given the chance to “enjoy with his friends”

 

 

The context of the parable is Jesus speaking to the “Pharisees and scribes” who were “complaining that Jesus always accepted sinners” (Lk 15: 1-2)

 >> In this context, the character of the Elder Son portrayed the attitude of the Pharisees and Scribes.

 

 

But beyond these two characters towers high the Image of the Father – the Father who loved and accepted his lost son!

 

>> He suffered a deep pain when his younger son went away

>> He underwent immense pain waiting for the son to come back

>> He went through moments of dilemma when his elder son was opposing the welcome of the younger one

 
Yet through all this, the Character of the Father towers high!

>> He is the Father of Mercies – Who accepts all, just as they are

>> He is the Father of Love – Who loves everyone, unconditionally

>> He is the Father of Compassion – Who receives all to His loving embrace

 

 

In our life, often as children – like the Prodigal Son – we go away.

 

We try to do something good…

… but our life turns into a mess!

 

>> Our student life gets messed up with lack of commitment and failures

>> Our marriage hits the rocks with misunderstandings and lack of acceptance

>> Our family life gets into a crisis with lack of unity and peace of mind

 

We feel our life is all in a mess…

>> We find ourselves lost, frustrated and upset!

 

But in all such situations, we need to look up…

… and see how the Loving Father is waiting to embrace us…. And love us!

 

 

Yes, the Merciful Father is waiting for each one of us…

… Whatever be the mess, that my life may be in!

 

 

Let us run into His embrace of Love… with a sincere repentance and contrition of heart…

>> And pledge to live for Him, and with Him…

…forever!

 
God Bless! Live Jesus!

An enigma is a considered as a person or a thing that is mysterious or difficult to understand.

>> The word has its Greek and Latin roots, in words which mean “a riddle” or “a puzzle”.

 

An enigma…

… has the tremendous capacity to attract followers or to detract the critics.

… has the intriguing potential to captivate its fans or to puzzle its doubters.

 

 

When we analyse history and personalities down through the centuries, one can definitely come to a conclusion…

… that there has been no person who deserves a greater merit to being an “enigma” than Jesus Christ.

 

 

The life of Jesus, historically speaking, was a journey from being a semi-skilled Jewish carpenter in a tiny village in northern Palestine to an itinerant prophet, a wonder worker and a social revolutionary…

… One who confronted the religious and social institutions of his times so radically, that He was put to death for it.

 

 

 

The Gospel of the Day presents this “enigmatic” Jesus confronting closed minds and blocked hearts, in recognising Him as the Messiah and Saviour…

… with an invitation to each of us: To make a radical choice for Him!

 

 

Jesus puts forward the parable of the tenants.

 

 

The tenants were entrusted with the vineyard by the Master, and were expected to provide the produce in due time.

>> They were entrusted fully with the taking care of the vineyard.

 

 

The Master places a lot of trust in the servants.

 

He gives the freedom… a responsible freedom…

…which could be meaningfully used and nurtured

…or which could be woefully misused and manipulated.

 

However, the tenants, who were trusted immensely…probably lost their focus on the real trust and diminished in their commitment and responsibility to their Master as well as their duty.

 

>> Their personal interests gained greater prominence over their entrusted duties.

>> Their selfish agenda gained the upper hand over the faithfulness to the Master.

 

 

This led to them to a total denial of all the emissaries and servants of the Master, who were sent to collect the produce.

>> This denial was extended even to the Master’s own Son!

 

 

This denial of the Son led to the letting loose of the anger and fury of the Just Master!

>> A squandering away of the responsible freedom, led to the downfall of the tenants!

>> A failure to give heed to the emissaries and servants caused them to face the Master’s rage!

>> A denial and rejection of the Master’s own Son, with a cruel intent, caused their destruction!

 

 

Are we also, as Christians, as tenants of the Heavenly Master failing in our responsibilities and duties?

 

 

The Lord presents Himself as the cornerstone…

… “the stone which the builders rejected has become the cornerstone..” (Mt 21:42)

 

 

In ancient practices of building, the cornerstone was the principal stone.

>> It was placed at the corner of the edifice or the building.

 

 

The cornerstone was usually one of the largest, the most solid, and the most carefully constructed of any in the whole building structure.

>> A cornerstone gave direction to the rest of the foundation.

 

It also was the support on which the rest of the building relied for strength and stability. 

 

 

Jesus is the cornerstone…of Salvation.. of the Church.. of His People!

>> At the same time, Jesus can also be “a stumbling block”

 

 

As it is written in Romans 9:33:

“Behold, I lay in Zion a stumbling stone and rock of offense,

And whoever believes on Him will not be put to shame”

 

 

>> To those who believe…

… Jesus is the cornerstone of their faith and their life.

 

>> To those who do not believe…

… Jesus is the stumbling block in their faith!      

 

 

Who is Jesus in our life?

The cornerstone? Or a stumbling block?

 

 

The cornerstone to build a wonderful life in God and grow in holiness…

>> Or a stumbling block which causes us to be proud in our own merits and not depend on Him?

 

The cornerstone to stand firm and strong in faith to withstand every storm of life…

>> Or a stumbling block which makes us uncertain, hesitant and cause a collapse in life?

 

 

Jesus is indeed the greatest “enigma”

>> This “enigmatic” Jesus has the tremendous capacity to attract followers or to detract the critics.

>> This “enigmatic” Jesus has the intriguing potential to captivate its fans or to puzzle its doubters.

 

 

Jesus can remain the “enigma” who will be forever misunderstood or mysterious…

… Or He can be the “enigma” which becomes the guiding force for fullness in life!

 

 

Let us make Jesus the “cornerstone” of our life and faith!

 

 

 

Live Jesus! God Bless!

We live in a world of contrasts.

Contrasts are encountered at every sphere of our life.

 

>> Socially, we find contrasts among the various classes…. the rich and the poor, the haves and the have-nots, the caste distinctions, the racial and language divides…

 

>> Emotionally, we find contrasts in our experiences… joyful situations sandwiched between tragic moments, moods varying between situations and people, temperaments changing from person to person…
 

The Gospel of day presents some of these contrasts in a vivid manner…and could be termed as a “parable of contrasts” – the Parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus.

 
This parable is set out as a play… a two-act play.

 

The plays takes place on two stages…

… the stage of this world

… and the stage of the other-world.

 

The contrasts are plenty:

In the First Act….

>> A rich man – a poor man

>> The man is rich but unnamed – the man is poor but is named, Lazarus (meaning ‘God Helps’)

>> The rich man clothed in purple – Lazarus clothed fully with sores

>> The rich man caressed with fine linen – Lazarus licked by the dogs

>> The rich man feasted sumptuously – Lazarus desired to be fed by what fell from the table.

>> The rich man died and was buried – Lazarus died but was carried by the angels.

 

In the Second Act…

>> Lazarus is in Abraham’s bosom – the rich man is in Hades.

>> Lazarus receives good things – the rich man was in torment.

>> Lazarus was comforted – the rich man was in anguish

 
This “parable of contrasts” is also …

… a “parable of comfort and consolation”

… a “parable of challenge and confrontation”

 
1. It’s a “parable of comfort and consolation” because….

… Lazarus, who had undergone great misery and suffering was blessed with the presence of joy of the Lord.

 

It gives comfort and consolation to us, who need to be strengthened in our moments of trials and hardships, knowing that the Lord will surely look with mercy on His needy ones.

>> “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven” (Mt 5: 3)

 

2. It’s a “parable of challenge and confrontation” because…

… the rich man, who had a luxurious life, was condemned to torments, and had to endure the flames of suffering.

 

It’s a great challenge and a confrontation before us, who need to realise that indifference and an attitude of closing one’s eyes to the pain and misery of the other can be disastrous and punishable

>> “He who shuts his ears to the cries of the poor will be ignored in his own time of need.” (Prov. 21:13)

 
The world of contrasts needs a Gospel of Comfort and Consolation, and towards this, we are challenged and confronted…

>> Challenged to get rid of our attitudes of indifference and lethargy to help the needy ones.

>> Confronted to overcome our tendencies to remain satisfied in our comforts and close our eyes conveniently to the necessities of the other.

 
Let us make our life a Good News of Comfort and Consolation.

 
God bless! Live Jesus!

A rich businessman had grown greatly in his endevours. 

>> He became greatly possessed with acquiring more wealth and seeking for greater power.
His sole intention in life was to find ways and means to gain more wealth (by hook or crook; by honest or corrupt ways!) and capture more positions of power. 
Though a Christian…

… he cared hardly for his family

… he bothered least about his faith

One day, while sitting in his posh office, pondering on ways to augment his wealth and prestige in the society…

… his eyes went towards the Crucifix that was placed on his table.

Looking from the place where he was sitting, he could see…

… The Crucifix and a Chair that was placed opposite him.

And suddenly a thought came across his mind:

“What is more important for you in life?

>> Cross or Chair?”

This thought stuck him badly.

>> Being greatly disturbed… he sought to ward off that idea from his mind.
But it kept disturbing him…. “Cross or Chair… Cross or Chair!”

Well, it’s not known whether that incident changed his life.
But this question is placed before each of us:

“What is more important for you in life?

>> Cross or Chair?”

The Gospel of the Day is the incident of the mother of the sons of Zebedee aspiring to obtain a place of honour for her children..

… through which, Jesus poses this question of supreme importance to us as well: 

“What is more important for you in life? 

>> Cross or Chair?”

This incident is sandwiched between two important instructions by Jesus..

1. His master plan of establishing the Kingdom: His Passion, Death and Resurrection 

2. His master technique to allow access to the Kingdom: The way of Humility 

1. His master plan of establishing the Kingdom: His Passion, Death and Resurrection 

 Jesus predicts about His sufferings to His disciples (Mt 20: 17-19)

>> It was clearly His way of telling His chosen ones, that His Kingdom is not to be one that accords prime importance to power and position… 

… instead it was about obedience and self-giving. 
2. His master technique to allow access to the Kingdom: The way of Humility 
Jesus further teaches His disciples that the key to enter the Kingdom is the way of humility (Mt 20: 26-28)

>> It was clearly a reminder as well as a warning, that His Kingdom is not reserved for the powerful or the mighty…

… instead it is to be given to those of meek heart and lowly self.

It’s in between these two powerful “Kingdom” teachings, that we have the incident of the mother of the sons of Zebedee seeking for a place of honour for her children (Mt 20: 20-24)

The incident showed that they had quite badly misunderstood Jesus…

>> They mistook His master plan of establishing the Kingdom as being “through force and power and might!” 

>> They mistook His master technique to allow access to the Kingdom as being “the way of Supremacy!” 

But Jesus shatters this misconception by posing a master question: “Can you drink the cup that I am going to drink?” (Mt 20: 22)

>> “Drinking the Cup” for Jesus meant the Master Plan of His Passion, Death and Resurrection

>> “Drinking the Cup” for Jesus meant the Master Technique of the way of Humility

This incident is a reminder and warning for each of us as well:

1. Are we willing to be in accord with the Lord’s master plan of establishing the Kingdom: His Passion, Death and Resurrection? 

2. Are we ready to practise the Lord’s master technique to allow access to the Kingdom: The way of Humility ?

Jesus clearly poses this question of supreme importance: 

“What is more important for you in life? 

>> Cross or Chair?”

Very often we settle down to sit on the “Chair”…

… the ‘chair’ of comfort and relaxation

… the ‘chair’ of lethargy and indifference

… the ‘chair’ of materialism and individualism
But the Lord challenges us to carry the “Cross”…

… the ‘Cross’ of responsibility and commitment

… the ‘Cross’ of witnessing to the Lord and trusting in Him

… the ‘Cross’ of serving the deprived and being sensitive to the need of the other

The way of the Christian is none but the Way of the Cross.

>> The path of the Christian can be none but the Path of Humility.

Let us give heed to the words of St Louise de Marillac (the patronness of the parentless and of Social Workers):

“If humility, simplicity and charity which produce support, are well established in you…

… your community will be made up of as many saints as there are persons!”
Yes, let us dare to follow the Path of Humility…

… and seek to positively answer to the question that Jesus poses to each of us:

“What is more important for you in life? 

>> Cross or Chair?”

God Bless! Live Jesus!

Maundy Thursday is associated with a customary practice that is followed in many of the Churches all around the world…
It consists of choosing of twelve persons from the Church – based on various parameters or criteria.

>> These twelve are given the “privilege” to have the feet washed by the Main Celebrant (usually the parish priest) during the Holy Mass.
This is a symbolic remembrance of the “washing of the feet” that Jesus had undertaken on the evening of the Last Supper. 

Preaching on this custom, on a Holy Thursday, a priest once spoke the following in his sermon:
“There are twelve of us, who have been chosen from among us, whose feet will be washed this evening.
Perhaps, there were many others also who had a desire that their feet also be washed.

Probably, some of you, children, are dreaming of growing up faster in life, so that one day, you too may be chosen to have your feet washed.

But here is a point to be considered…

Most of us probably are thinking only about ‘having our feet washed’.
But I really do wonder, how many of us – be it those who have got a chance or those who have missed – think also of ‘being the one who washes the feet of others?’
We all probably are desiring and wishing only for the chair, to be seated, and have our feet washed.

But how many of us also wish and desire for the ‘towel’?”

It was his direct way of telling that there were very few who will to be the last, the least and the lowest in the Church, the Body of Christ. 

Am I a person who is willing to lower myself in humility?

Jesus says in today’s Gospel, “Whoever exalts himself will be humbled; but whoever humbles himself will be exalted” (Mt 23: 12)

The 23rd Chapter of the Gospel of St Matthew begins with Jesus turning the attention of His disciples and of the crowds, towards the Scribes and the Pharisees.
Focussing on the religious leaders and on their practices, Jesus launches a volley of critically true statements, a string of their hypocritical misconduct and a barrage of their wicked misdeeds!
The chapter ends with the “Painful Lament” by Jesus over Jerusalem – the city of the Lord!

One of the highlights in this highly volatile and strongly-worded Chapter is the number of times Jesus mentions the two groups of people – “Scribes and Pharisees”
There is, in total, 7 occurrences of the phrase, “Scribes and Pharisees” – a biblical number for totality!

This Chapter is a therefore, a full-blown critique and condemnation of the ways of the Scribes and Pharisees.

why is Jesus so outright in His condemnation, so merciless in His usage of words and so blatant in His attacks on the Scribes and Pharisees?

(Meanwhile, when we go through these critical attacks of our Blessed Lord on this group, one must always remember the words of Jesus Himself: “I have come not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance” (Lk 5:32)
>>> There was deep pain in the heart of the Lord, in seeing the way religion was being manhandled, misused and misinterpreted by the religios leaders of His time
>>> As the Son of His Beloved Father, it was hurting for the Son to see a section of people, trampling upon God’s precious and venerable truths, and twisting them for their own self-interests and self-agenda
>>> A strong form of condemnation was reserved only to those who were hardened in heart – as a means for them to repent and turn back their ways to the Lord. The method of ‘sharp condemnation’ was reserved only to the proud and the arrogant; never to the poor sinners!)

The reason for Jesus making a scathing attack on the religious authorities of His times, could be summarized into one crucial point: Glorification of one’s own self at the expense of the Glory of God and the Mercy deserving for His people!

Therefore, Jesus goes on to point out the many occasions and circumstances when the Self-Interest of the Pharisees and Scribes took extreme priority over God Himself!

It is this self-centred and self-glorifying act that makes Jesus to tell, “For they preach, but they do not practise!” (Mt 23: 3b)

How easily can this be our own state of affairs, in our life…!
We may be people…

… who “appear” to be very fine and kind – but perhaps, we are persons who find it too hard to let go of our pride, in reaching out to the needy, in humble service!

… who speak a lot on helping others and being generous – but perhaps, we go through grilling moments in lowering ourselves and adopting a lowly status to extend a helping hand!

… who desire happiness in communities and peace at homes – but perhaps, we discover ourselves to be persons who are unwilling to let go of my ego and allow a listening ear to the views and opinions of others!

The call, today, therefore is…

… ” to work for a cause – not applause

… to live life to express – and not simply to impress!”

Following the Great example of Jesus, may we dare to pick up the “towels” of service and kindness and live a life “clothed in humility!”

God Bless! Live Jesus!

Barter is a system of exchange by which goods or services are directly exchanged for other goods or services without using a medium of exchange, such as money.

This type of exchange was relied upon by early civilizations.
Goods were exchanged for food, tea, weapons, and spices.

>> The barter system requires the giving of a good (product), to receive an equivalent good.
>> It is a system which involves the dimension of providing and obtaining, offering and receiving.

The Gospel of the Day calls for a similar barter system…on a Divine realm though…
>> Giving to God and obtaining His graces and favours.
>> Offering to God and receiving His blessings and mercy.

The Lord, giving His teachings on a practical Christian life, exhorts,”…give and it will be given to you; good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap. For the measure you give, is the measure you get back” (Lk 6:38)

Jesus brings a very concrete example from the market scene, to drive home his point of generously giving.

The context of Jesus is the market in Israel, the middle-east part of the world.

As in many places today, this area witnessed markets that had buyers and sellers engaged in bargaining and negotiating over prices, quality and the amount of things and goods.

There would be many of the open-air markets, where the farmers would bring their grain—wheat, corn, barley—and spread it on a mat on the ground.
>> Potential customers would examine the grain, make an offer, and the bargaining would start….

When a price was finally set, the customer would offer his container—usually a large bowl or pot or an open vessel—and the seller would use a scoop (measuring spoon) to fill the container.

There would be some interesting steps in this process of measuring the grain for a customer and which Jesus quotes in His approach to giving:

1. First, the seller would fill the container to the top.
2. Secondly, he would press the grain down and fill some more.
3. Thirdly, he would shake the container so the grain would settle and then fill in some more.
4. Finally, he would fill the container until it overflowed!

The contents of this overflowing container would then be transferred to a pouch or a bag so that the buyer could bring home the contents from the market.

Well, this process could sound a bit strange and weird to us in the modern world.
>> We live in times, when contents are sold by the weight, and not the volume..
>> We live in times, when manipulations are done to give as less as possible…

But this is where, Jesus, bringing in the example of the market, invites generosity in giving…
>> Our giving ought to be measured not by weight, but by volume…and that refers to a far-greater amount of giving!
>> Our giving ought to, not be curtailed down by clever manipulations…rather is to be done very generously and lavishly!

St Paul in 2 Cor 9:6 would say, “Whoever sows sparingly, will also reap sparingly; whoever reaps bountifully will also reap bountifully”

Our giving ought not to be a calculated effort…rather should be a overflow from the heart!

When we engage is such a lavish and generous giving, God too will shower His abundance, in a similar and much better fashion!
“For the measure you give, will be the measure you get back” (Lk 6:38)

Of course, that is not to say that we are limiting God’s power of giving…
>> God’s surely showers His gifts lavishly!
>> God surely pours His blessings overwhelmingly!

But the Lord invites us to be involved in a Divine Barter System…
>> Give to God, who deserves all, so that we may be prepared to receive His blessings.
>> Give to God, who is worthy of all, so that we may be blessed to receive His graces.

In the Divine barter system, the advantage is that, we get much more than what we give… we obtain far greater than what we offer!

God’s giving is not to be seen just from material or physical aspects…
>> In fact, that would just be a very limited and low level of understanding.

God’s gifts are to be understood more from a spiritual perspective:
… Gift of His mercy to live a life in union with Him.
… Gift of His grace to be faithful and more committed.
… Gift of His love to be better human beings and be more charitable.
… Gift of His salvation to enjoy eternal bliss and happiness with Him .

All these gifts will be surely lavished  and given… “good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be poured out into our laps!”

The greatest exchange…the Divine barter system.. is seen and experienced in the Holy Eucharist.. at every Holy Mass.

Let us give ourselves entirely to the Lord… especially at Holy Mass and through the Mass, at all times of the day… to all persons in our life.

Then, in the words of Fulton Sheen, we will be graced to hear the words of the Divine Lord telling us…
•       You give me your humanity, and I will give you my Divinity!
•       You give me your time, and I will give you My eternity!
•       You give me your broken heart, and I will give you Love!
•       You give me your nothingness, and I will give you My all!

God bless! Live Jesus!