Sports coaches assist athletes in developing their full potential.

They are responsible for training athletes in a sport by analyzing their performances, instructing them in their skills and by providing encouragement.

Sportspersons would vouch the important role played by their coaches in their formation to be excelling in their field of sports.

It is the role of the coach to help the sportspersons…

… to fine tune some of their skills and abilities

… to observe their weak zones and suggest ways to strengthen those areas

… to motivate and encourage them in moments of failures or lethargy or disappointments

In the game of life, only One Coach matters the most… Jesus!

The Gospel of the day presents this is encouraging and comforting “coaching” dimension of Jesus and an invitation to always derive motivation and strength from Jesus, the ‘Coach’!

It is the context of the Last Supper discourses – when Jesus speaks of His going away from the world.

The disciples are a frightened lot – confused, worried and uncertain of the future.

• The Lord promises the gift of the Holy Spirit.
• He also warns of the many impending persecutions that will befall on them.
 

But in this context of fear, worry, doubts and anxieties, Jesus assures them, ” I have told you this, that you may not fall away” (Jn 16:1)

Jesus knows His disciples very well.

He has lived with them for nearly three years.

Like a very good “coach”, He is aware of who the disciples are…

• He knows many of their instincts and tendencies – to doubt, to not understand many things, to waver in their trust, to be unclear of their goals in life…
• He also is aware of their sincerity and simplicity, their openness and obedience and their preciousness in personality…
 

Therefore, Jesus assures them that He would strengthen them so that “they don’t fall away”

Later, Jesus would repeat similar words particularly to Peter, the leader of the Apostles, “Simon, Simon… I have prayed that your own faith may not fail..” (Lk 22: 32)

Jesus, the Coach wanted all His disciples to not “fall in life”; rather to be faithful and committed.

And He invites and exhorts each one of us as well, to train under the guidance of His coaching and be on the winning side of life!

Jesus, the Coach assures us…

… that He would accompany us, by the Holy Spirit, the Counsellor, who will help us to give testimony to Christ (Jn 15: 26)

… that He would remain with us, even when we have to face the hardships of being expelled as a result of the “improper and deformed” consciences of people (Jn 16: 2)

Each day makes us to play the game of life – filled with joys and thrills, and yet also of possibilities of disappointments, worries and disturbances.

Our best bet to come out with flying colours in this game of life is to take shelter with Jesus, the Coach.

He will help…

… to fine tune our skills and abilities with His grace, to be His zealous witnesses

… to observe our weak zones and help us purify those sinful and disturbing areas of life

… to motivate and encourage us in moments of sadness, discouragement and hopelessness

The Cross of Christ has opened the door to victory for us…

It is our turn to give our best in this game of life and share in the victory lap with the Lord.

Jesus, the Life Coach beckons us….

 
God Bless! Live Jesus!

A young man was to be sentenced to the prison for a serious offence.

The judge had known him from childhood, for he was well acquainted with his late father.

His father was a famous legal scholar and the author of an exhaustive study entitled, “The Law of Trusts.”

“Do you remember your father?” asked the magistrate.

“I remember him well, your honour,” came the reply.

Seeking to probe further, the judge said, “As you are about to be sentenced and as you think of your wonderful dad, what do you remember most clearly about him?”

There was a groaning pause.

Then the judge received an answer he had not expected.

“I remember when I went to him for advice.

He looked up at me from the book he was writing and said, ‘Run along, boy; I’m busy!’

>> When I went to him for companionship, he turned me away, saying “Run along, son; the writing of this book must be finished!’

Your honour, you remember him as a great lawyer.

>> But I remember him, only as a lost friend!”

The magistrate muttered to himself, “Alas! He finished the book, but lost the boy!”

The busyness of the father resulted in the boy failing to receive love, and thus ended up into bad ways of living.

· Every person longs for love…

· Every person longs to be cared for…

The father in this story, achieved great success in his worldly life, but failed miserably to love and care for his son.

However, in absolute contrast, we have our Heavenly Father, who is deeply in love with us, His children, and who never ceases to express His caring affection to us, at every moment.

>> Our Heavenly Father is also busy… but busy in loving His children, and expressing His constant care.

The Gospel of the Day is a testimony of Jesus affirming the assuring and loving presence of God, our Heavenly Father…

… Who would send the Holy Spirit amidst us, in order to always keep alive the presence of Jesus in our hearts.

Jesus assures: “And I will pray to the Father, and He will give you another Counsellor, to be with you, forever…” (Jn 14:16)

The context of this Gospel Passage is the talk with the disciples at The Last Supper.

>> This is the last discourse that the Lord has with His disciples, before His agonizing moments of the Passion.

He does not leave His chosen ones in desperation or dejection

>> Instead, He assures them…

… of His continual Presence

… of the Abiding Love of the Father

… of the Guiding assistance of the Holy Spirit

Later, in this discourse, the Lord will go on to declare: “… the Father Himself loves you…” (Jn 16: 27a)

>> These are beautiful words, which ought to be inscribed in golden shades, on the canvas of our hearts!

 This is indeed one of the mightiest and loftiest truth that we all need to know, experience, be convinced of, and live constantly in its assurance…

… the truth that “The Father Himself loves us!”

… the truth that the “Triune God is always with us!”

Every person longs for love and longs to be cared for…

Human love, however, sometimes fails to answer to this basic and essential need.

· Sometimes people around us get too busy, to even care for us…

· Sometimes, people from whom we expect love, fail to understand our need…

· Sometimes, people who ought to care for us, fall short of their responsibility….

 All this…

… could leave a feeling a hurt within us.

… could imprint a wound of sadness inside of us.

But in such moments of feeling lonely and desperation, Jesus assures and promises us that we are not abandoned or left lonely…

>> Instead Jesus emphatically proclaims that just as He was loved by His Father, we too are loved by our Heavenly Father – “He who loves me, will be loved by my Father, and I will love him and manifest Myself to him” (Jn 14:21)

It is confidence in this tremendous love of the Father…

… that will make us to be strong in weak moments, knowing that the Lord is always with us – “I will not leave you desolate” (Jn 14: 18)

· It is conviction in this unconditional love of the Father…

… that will make us to enjoy a deep sense of joy and bliss, knowing that in any situation of gloom or sadness or tension or worry, the Lord will take us through

Our Heavenly Father – our Abba – is in deep love with each one of us…

>> The Crucifix is the proof of this “mad love” of the Father.

May we, with His grace, deepen our love and conviction in the Amazing Love of the Father.

· He is busy.. but busy expressing His tender love to us.

· He is busy writing… writing His letters of His precious love to us.

May we be privileged to hear:

“Wow!! He finished his/her life, and gained eternal life!”

God Bless! Live Jesus!

The Boxer Rebellion  or the  Boxer Uprising was an anti-imperialist uprising which took place in China towards the end of the 20th century.

It was initiated by the Militia United in Righteousness (Yihetuan),known in English as the “Boxers,” and was motivated by proto-nationalist sentiments and opposition to foreign imperialism and associated Christian missionary activity.

The well-trained, athletic young men were referred to as “Boxers,” because of the martial arts and physical exercises that they practiced.

On one such occasion, during this Boxer Rebellion, some insurgents captured a Christian mission school and blocked all the gates but one.

In front of that one gate, was placed a Cross – flat on the ground.

Then the word was passed to those inside that any who trampled the cross underfoot would be permitted their freedom and life, but that any refusing would be shot.

Terribly frightened, the first seven students trampled the cross under their feet and were allowed to go free.

But the eighth student – a young girl – refused to commit the sacrilegious act.

Kneeling beside the cross in prayer for strength, she arose and moved carefully around the cross, and went out to face the firing squad.

Strengthened by her example, every one of the remaining ninety-two students followed her to the firing squad!

The example of the one brave and faithful child inspired others to also be bold in their defence of faith.

These children, strong and courageous, laid down their lives, to be obedient to their faith.

>> Fear of death could not strangle their faith!
>> Fear of persecution could not suppress their conviction!

The Gospel of the Day is a mighty invitation by Jesus to remain steadfast and bold even in the face of persecutions in defence for our faith in Him.

And this steadfastness is in imitation of Jesus, our Master, who Himself underwent a miserable series of pain, persecution , suffering and humiliation, and yet remain totally faithful to His Mission.

Jesus says, “If the world hates you, realise that it hated me first… If they persecuted me, they will persecute you” (Jn 15: 18, 20b)

The Lord is very clear in His teaching and preaching:
>> Friendship with Jesus would mean hostility from the world.
>> Non-compromise with Jesus’ teaching would result in antagonism from the world.

Our Lord Himself had to undergo this pain of rejection, persecution and opposition throughout His life…
>> At His birth, King Herod sought to terminate His life
>> After Baptism, Satan sought to tempt Him out of His mission.
>> During His ministry, the Pharisees and Scribes would misunderstand and misjudge Him

The Lord alerts His disciples that the same will be true in their lives too, if they too chose to remain faithful to their vocation.

As a follower of the Lord, we too need to be aware that sufferings and hardships on being Christian is sure to come our way.

What is our attitude and disposition to these trials that we face because of our faith in Christ?

Do we be bold and courageous…
… even when we are to face isolation or seclusion due to standing firm in our values and principles in the Lord?

Do we live our life in joy and calmness…
… even when we have to face misunderstandings and become an object of laughter, or called as “old-traditionalist” as a result of being staunch in following the Gospel values?

>> The world constantly ensnares us with temptations to abandon the Cross…
>> The evil one very often traps us with hardships to dilute our faith in the Lord…

Are we going to yield in to such temptations and enticements…
>> Or are we prepared to face any amount of difficulty, to uphold our Faith in the Lord?

Are we going to stamp the Cross of Christ and Faith in Him…
>> Or we bold and courageous to sustain our witnessing to Jesus in the world?

God Bless! Live Jesus!

One of the wonderful SMS’s that has been read and circulated by many of us, perhaps, goes thus….

“Life is like having a cup of coffee…

You sit by the window, lift the cup, take a careless sip…
… and find no sugar!

Too lazy to go for the sugar, you somehow manage with that sugarless cup.
>> On finishing, you find undissolved sugar crystals, settled at the bottom!

That is life!
>> We don’t make any effort to value what is around or within us.

So look around… Maybe, the sweetness you are looking is much closer than you think!”

How often is our spiritual life also lived similarly…

>> We go through the rigours of spiritual practices…
… but they sometimes become mere routines

>> We perform many chores of religious exercises…
… but they sometimes turn out to be ritualistic.

Spiritual life becomes tasteless…
>> Spiritual life loses its fascination…

But Jesus, in the Gospel of the Day invites us to have a deeper excitement and happiness in life, by abiding in His love.
>> He tells us, “These things I have spoken to you, that my joy maybe in you, and that your joy may be full” (Jn 15: 11)

The Lord wishes each of His follower to live a life of immense joy and happiness.

Jesus, Himself lived a very joyful life.

What was the recipe of His happiness?

>> A life, that was lived in perfect communion with His Heavenly Father…
… seeking union with the Father through moments of solitude in prayer
… raising His Heart to the Father in gratitude and thanksgiving at every situation of life.

>> A life, that was lived in absolute obedience to the Will of His Father…
… willing to shed any personal comforts or desires to be faithful to the mission entrusted
… readiness to undergo any amount of pain and suffering, even death, to be totally committed

Jesus hands over this same recipe to us, to discover true joy and happiness in life.

When we seek to live in Communion with the Heavenly Father…
       … in intense moments of prayer
       … with a heart of thanksgiving

And we seek to being obedient to God’s Will…
       … even at the cost of some personal comforts
       … ready to bear sufferings to be faithful to Him
It is then…
… that we will experience real joy and happiness
… that we will treasure heavenly experiences in our hearts

Life grinds us through many tasteless moments and situations…
> We get upset easily…
>> We tend to get defensive…
>> We get into a mode of being lethargic…

But the Lord says… “Stir up your lives!”

“Stir up your lives” to savour the sweetness of joy, peace and serenity…
… to taste the joy that is guaranteed by obeying God’s commandments
… to taste the peace that is assured by letting our lives be symphony of service to others
… to taste the serenity that is promised by always abiding in the loving presence of the Lord

God Bless! Live Jesus!

Sphygmometer is the device that is used to measure blood pressure.

Blood pressure is the strength of the blood pushing against the sides of the blood vessels.
>> A increase in BP puts extra strain on the arteries and this may lead to heart attacks or strokes.

The use of Sphygmometers, are on the rise these days…
… with an increased number of people affected with high blood pressure.

One big reason of an increased blood pressure is the rising tension levels and anxiety factors.
>> We engage in works which trigger greater emotions.
>> We let ourselves get affected with situations that cause great panic
>> We react quicker to situations and bring upon unnecessary worries and fears

Such uncontrolled and unrestrained increase in anxieties and troubles can cause a great deal of harm to our health.

The Gospel of the Day presents Jesus, the heart-expert, warning us of this danger of increased anxiety levels and troubled moments and instead invites to lead a life of peace.
>> Jesus says in Jn 14: 27, “Do not let your hearts be troubled or afraid”

The context of this statement of Jesus is the discourse at the Last Supper.

Jesus informs of his imminent going away from the disciples, which made them sad and anxious.
>> They had placed their hopes in Him.
>> They had offered their lives to Him.
But His announcement of departure caused worry and anxiety to the disciples.

But Jesus, who knows their hearts and gauges their emotions assures them, ” Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you. Not as the world gives, do I give it to you” (Jn 14:27)

The disciples entered into an anxiety-mode as their hearts got wearied with what was to come immediately.
>> But Jesus invites them to go beyond such peripheral worries, and be assured of a peace that comes as a result of trusting in Him, the Lord of all future!

>> When one is imprisoned in the immediate worries of life…
… one fails to enjoy the true freedom of peace and joy

>> When one is landlocked amidst the borders of impending fears and troubles of life…
… one is unable to move out to experience real inner tranquillity and serenity

Are we finding ourselves often in situations, when our “hearts are troubled” (Jn 14:27b) and as a result, our spiritual BP levels go high?

Then Jesus, the Master Doctor of hearts, needs to be immediately consulted…
>> He would give us the tablet of His peace which would subside our fears
>> He would give us the tonic of His soothing Word which would calm our troubles

Troubles will, without any doubt, always haunt us…
Problems will, for sure, often beset us…
>> But we need to grow in our understanding that in all this, Jesus, is in perfect control of our lives.
                        
The Sphygmometer levels may show a higher level of BP…
>> But can we allow our Trust levels in the Lord to have a greater increase?

The reading on the Sphygmometer may show a greater count of BP…
>> But can we let the reading on our Faith Meter to show a greater count?

To control our physical Blood Pressure, we usually recommend the following solutions…
… regular exercises
… intake of medicines
… nourishing and wholesome diet

We could take a cue from this, for regulating our Spiritual Life too…
… having regular and faithful exercises of prayer and pious devotions
… in-taking of the means of healing, offered in the Sacrament of Reconciliation
… nourishing ourselves in the Heavenly Food provided in His Holy Word and The Holy Eucharist

Let Jesus, the Doctor of hearts, take complete charge of our lives
>> In Him, we shall experience fervent joy.
>> In Him, we shall live with true peace.

God Bless! Live Jesus!

Illiteracy is a deep crisis that is affecting our global society.

Illiteracy has many undesirable consequences and results.

While the call and efforts to eradicate illiteracy, has gained momentum over the past few years, from the spiritual realm, we are faced with a similar crisis: Spiritual Illiteracy

Spiritual Illiteracy could be described as…

… the inability to know or understand the promptings and inspirations of the Holy Spirit

… the lack of keenness to know about the Lord, His Teachings and His Mission

… the failure to have any interest to know God and His infinite love and mercy

This spiritual illiteracy is on the increase, and as Christians, we need to trigger a revolution to eradicate this hollowness in experience and knowledge of the Lord.

The Gospel of the Day presents Jesus revealing the spiritual illiteracy of His apostles, “Have I been with you so long and yet you do not know me…?” (Jn 14:9)

The context of this statement is the Last Supper Discourse that Jesus gives to His chosen disciples.

The disciples had been, probably with Jesus for nearly three years…

>> They had seen Him performing a number of miracles

>> They had heard Him speak of the glorious Kingdom of God.

>> They had experienced Him endowed with the special favour of God

>> They had touched Him and received powers and graces for the mission.

Yet, when Jesus speaks to them about the Father, the disciples express their ignorance.

Jesus, therefore, puts forward the question: “Have I been with you so long and yet you do not know me…?” (Jn 14:9)

Our lives can also resemble that of these disciples in being ignorant and unaware about the Lord.

We may remain “illiterate” spiritually, even though we have been admitted for a long time in the school of Jesus.

We may be “illiterate” in knowing…

… the vision of Jesus in building His Kingdom on the earth

… the feelings of the Lord in being passionately zealous to save all people

… the value of the sacrifice that Jesus has offered for us by His passion and death

… the depth of glory that is promised to us as a fruit of the Resurrection, if we follow Him

This spiritual “illiteracy” causes us…

.. to remain unaware of the power and workings of the Holy Spirit in our lives

… to become lethargic and uninterested to know more about the Lord and His Word

… to be lukewarm and indifferent to explore the Lord deeper, especially in His Sacraments.

The call of the Gospel is to rekindle the fire to know the Lord more intimately and closely.

The book of Hosea (Hos 4:6) places a warning if we are to continue in this “illiteracy”:

“My people perish for want of knowledge!  

Since you have rejected knowledge, I will reject you from my priesthood!

Since you have ignored the law of your God, I will also ignore your sons”

A revolution is to be triggered so that “spiritual illiteracy” can be wiped away!

This is also a wonderful opportunity for us to examine the possible means of “knowing” the Lord and the many opportunities that we squander away in “knowing” Him deeper…

…Do I set apart, sometime atleast,  daily, reading the Bible – His Holy Word?

… Do I spend time, without any fail, in quiet prayerful moments with the Lord?

… Do I maximize my possibilities of meeting the Lord in the Blessed Sacrament?

… Do I pick up opportunities to listen to His Spirit in the various situations of my life?

… Do I ignite the sparks of desire to participate in the Sacraments, especially the Holy Eucharist and Confession?

Jesus desires that we know Him more…

… not just ‘about’  Him

… not just intellectual knowledge

… not just His teachings or wisdom

But Him!

He wants all to have an “experiential” and a “living” experience of Him!

Let us “learn Jesus” more and more, faithfully attending His School of Love and doing away with the “spiritual illiteracy” in our lives!

LEARN JESUS to LIVE JESUS to GIVE JESUS!

God Bless! Live Jesus!

Most of us would have experienced the “falling asleep” or “numbness” of arms, legs and feet, especially while sitting cross-legged (usually while sitting on the floor).

Right?

Technically known as “peripheral neuropathy” or “paresthesia”, this syndrome is caused by the compression of specific nerves.

When one sits cross-legged, sleep with arm above the head, or position any limb in such a way to put excess pressure on a nerve, that nerve will stop sending impulses normally.

If the pressure is great, or the duration long, the nerve will eventually stop sending impulses altogether. 

>> That particular area will  essentially then “fall asleep” or feel “numb“.

Once the pressure is relieved, the nerve starts functioning normally again and one is able to  move the limb.

>> It may, however, take some time to work properly and one may feel some tingling, “pins and needles”, during the process.

Spiritually speaking, it is very much possible that one experiences such “falling asleep” or a “numbness” in one’s conscience.

>> This is Spiritual Paresthesia!

This “lack of sensation” can cause one to be “life-less” and “feeling-less” to…

… constant occurrences of sin and evil doings

… frequent aberrations in moral and ethical life

… even constant spiritual reminders that the Lord gives us

The Gospel of the Day presents a case of “Spiritual Parasthesia”, which could perhaps, be a reality in our lives as well…

Jesus, in the Gospel of the day, declares Himself as “The Way, The Truth and The Life” (Jn 14:6)

>> This reply of the Lord came in response to the query of Thomas, the Apostle who asked Jesus, “Lord, we do not know, where you are going; how can we know the way?” (Jn 14:5)

Thomas, along with the other disciples, had by now, spent quite a lot of time with Jesus, their Master….

>> They had encountered Jesus as The Way….

… the Way Forward: when sicknesses and problems of life had crippled the lives of many

>> They had encountered Jesus as The Truth….

… the Truth Uncompromised:  when lies and malicious forces sought to thwart the plans of the Kingdom of God

>> They had encountered Jesus as the Life….

… the Life in Abundance: when hopelessness and sin would cause people to give up any aspirations for life

Yet, the disciples failed to recognise these Aspects in Jesus.

They were perhaps, in a state of “spiritual parasthesia”…

… being numb to understanding Jesus

… unable to sense the words and depths of the Words of Jesus.

And so when Thomas put forward the doubt: “Lord, we do not know, where you are going; how can we know the way?” (Jn 14:5)…

… Jesus emphatically declared, ” I am THE WAY, THE TRUTH and THE LIFE!” (Jn 14: 6)

The Lord wanted the disciples to overcome their “spiritual parasthesia”…

…and come to be aware of the Reality and Greatness of His Presence in their life!

Perhaps, we too often find ourselves in a state of “spiritual parasthesia” or “spiritual numbness”!

One of the main factors, which can cause this state of “spiritual numbness”, is the reality of sin in our lives…

… which many times, we either deny or fail to acknowledge.

In the teachings of Jesus, one of the stand-out factor was His uncompromising attitude with respect to sin.

And perhaps, this is where Jesus as a Holy Person stands out incomparable with all other great spiritual or philosophical leaders of the world.

>> This is also where Christianity as a religion stands out unmatched with any other belief system or practice of spirituality.

For Jesus and in Christianity…

… there is an uncompromising teaching on the need to root out sin and evil offences

… there is an absolutely unparalleled insistence on removal of sin for spiritual progress

… there is an unsurpassed assertion on being holy and pure to be in communion with Him

We need to make an honest examination of our conscience…

Is our life suffering from a “spiritual Parasthesia” or “numbness to what is holy” or a “lack of sensation to sin”…

… Do I continue to pursue, persevere or promote deeds of sin, even though I am aware of it, or has been brought to my notice?

… Do I fail to be sensitive to issues of immense sin and evil happening in and around me, in people and situations, and instead become indifferent and uninterested?

A persistence in this spiritual “Parasthesia” or numbness can very dangerously sever our relation with the Lord.

The Lord proclaims that “In My Father’s house, there are many rooms…” (Jn 14: 2)

He wishes and desires, that all of us….

… should dwell with Him!

… should enjoy eternal life in Him!

.. should reach the heights of holiness!

But this also requires our genuine co-operation to the Grace of the Lord…

… by seeking to get over our spiritual Parasthesia or numbness…

This process of getting out of this spiritual “Parasthesia” will involve feeling some “tingling pins and needles” of reparation, penance and atonement.

Let us be willing to…

… let go a life of sin

… embrace the words of the Lord

… and live it joyfully and fervently in our life!

 God Bless! Live Jesus!

An ambassador is an official envoy, especially a high ranking diplomat who represents a state.

>> He/she is usually accredited to another sovereign state, or to an international organization as the resident representative of their own government or sovereign.

The ambassadors have some general functions…

>> Diplomatic :

 Conducting negotiations with the host government, representing their state in meetings and delivering messages on behalf of their own government, receiving messages the host government for relay back to their own; being the spokesperson for their government etc.

>> Ceremonial: 

Representing their government at public events in that host country and being the most visible symbol of their own country

>> Administrative: 

Overseeing the operations at the embassy and of other diplomats and staff.

This word “ambassador” is also often used more liberally for persons who are known, without national appointment, to represent certain professions, activities and fields of endeavour.

The Gospel of the Day presents Jesus, the “Ambassador” of His Heavenly Father, and who in turn, invites each of us to be His Ambassador and of His Kingdom in our world.

Jesus says: “Amen, amen, I say to you, whoever receives the one I send, receives Me, and whoever receives Me, receives the One who sent Me” (Jn 13:20)

Jesus came into this world to reveal the love and mercy of God.

>> He is the Love made flesh and the Mercy incarnate.

While on earth, Jesus sought to be the perfect Representative of God, His Almighty and Beloved Father.

Finding deep communion in long hours of prayer, Jesus would emphatically give witness to His Father, by His mighty deeds of power, spectacular wonders of healing and His heart-touching words of eternal life.

This mission of being the Ambassador of the Father, was however, not without its shares of pain for Jesus…

… He had the face the pain of being rejected by His own people

… He had to bear the agony of being betrayed by His own chosen one

… He had to face the humiliation of the worst form of execution known those days

Yet, none of this could deter the Lord from choosing to be the “Ambassador” for the Kingdom of Heaven.

He today invites each one of us to be an “Ambassador” for Him and His Kingdom.

Like an ambassador of the state or a country, perhaps we too have certain functions and roles as being the privileged “Ambassador for Christ”…

>> Diplomatic:

In the sense of not being compromising, but a function that makes us to be convinced and passionate in preaching the message of the Lord and His Kingdom to others.

Nothing should bring us low or falter us from standing firm in proclaiming His Word and standing for His Gospel virtues.

>> Ceremonial:

In the sense of not being show-off or parading mere externally, rather a duty that requires of us to make our very lives and every action a witness of the Love and Mercy of God.

~~ Our very words should reflect the goodness of the Lord

~~ Our very actions should radiate the gentleness and holiness of the Lord

~~ Our very life should mirror the self-sacrificing and altruistic nature of the Lord.

Administrative

In the sense of not being power-hungry or position-seekers, rather,with a servant-like attitude, seeking the good and upliftment of others.

As a representative of Christ, we must also feel the obligation within us to bring others to the faith in Jesus and make His message of love and holiness to spread to all.

The spiritual growth of the other ought to become a genuine concern for me!

St Paul in his Second Letter to the Corinthians echoes this call and invite of the Lord, to be His Ambassadors…

“We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making His appeal through us” (2 Cor 5:18-20).

May we be firm and joyful in being an “Ambassador for Christ and His Kingdom”!

God bless! Live Jesus!

In many parts of the world, it is now summer!

The effects of global warming are being clearly experienced in many of the countries..
…with increased temperatures
… unusual climatic changes

But it’s pretty interesting to note, that even though externally, the climate is warm…
.. there could be many areas in our life… which remain cold!

Isn’t it?

Perhaps….
… we are experiencing a “coldness” in many of our relationships
… there is a sense of a “cold wave” in our work-places, studies or in our undertakings and activities

We need the “tender touch” of our Blessed Lord to “warm” our “cold hearts” and in order to come to experience “abundance of life” in Him!

The Gospel of the Day presents the dimension of “coldness” that was experienced by the people, who encountered Jesus, in accepting Him as the Lord of Life.

The Gospel passage the Day begins with St John giving a dual-context in the encounter between Jesus and the people…
1. The religious atmosphere of the time: “The Feast of the Dedication was then taking place in Jerusalem” (Jn 10: 22a)
2. The physical atmosphere of the time: “It was winter” (Jn 10:22b)

The Feast of Dedication was also called as Hanukkah.

This feast celebrated the liberation of the city of Jerusalem from Antiochus, the Syrian King.
>> This King had desecrated the Jerusalem Temple by building an altar to Zeus and sacrificing pigs on the Temple Altar.

The Feast of Dedication celebrates the day that Israel regained control of the temple and re-consecrated it to the one true God!

However, it is to be noted that though year after year, they gathered to celebrate the re-dedication of the Temple…
… their hearts were, perhaps, still far from God Yahweh!
.. their lives were, perhaps, still, yet to be in accordance with the Will of God!

This is what St John, the Evangelist, points to, when he speaks of the physical atmosphere of the time: “It was winter” (Jn 10:22b)

This statement was not just about the weather or the season of the year
>> He was describing “a season of life… a season of faith”!

It was his style of diagnosing the interior condition of the “Faith of the People” who had come for the Feast of the Dedication!

Many of the people of Israel, were in a season of “winter”…
…”cold” in their hearts: to accept the person of Jesus – the One Who had inaugurated the Kingdom of God, going about doing a lot of works of salvation and healing!
… “cold” in their minds: to accept the teachings of Jesus – the One Who was exhorting them to live God’s commandments not just externally, but with the sincerity of the heart!
… “cold” in their lives: to accept the challenge of Jesus – the One Who was convicting them of their sinfulness and inviting them to a life of repentance and holiness!

It was this  being in a “season of winter” that prompted them to ask Jesus with a sense of apathy and irritation:
“How long are you going to keep us in suspense?
If you are the Messiah, tell us plainly” (Jn 10: 24)

“Tell us plainly” was the utterance of a frozen people…
…who had “winter” in their hearts and their minds
… who were “cold” and had begun to take their faith for granted
… who were “frozen” and were merely satisfied with external dedication of the Temple, without an inner renewal of the heart!
                                                                     

We need to examine our lives and check….
…. Am I also a “frozen person?”

>> Am I also, in a “season of Winter”?
… Is my relationship with the Lord, a mere utterance of the lips and fails to affect my daily living?
… Is my practice of devotion and my participation in the liturgy and sacraments, a plain ritualistic and a routine custom, without making me to truly enter into intimacy with the Lord?
… Is my life of faith, just an ordinary and lethargic one, taking the grace and blessing of the Lord for granted, and not wanting to make efforts to grow in love of the Lord and neighbour?

The Lord gives us the one straight answer: “My sheep hear my voice; I know them and they follow Me” (Jn 10: 27)

>> Let us seek to dedicate not just our externalities to the Lord; but much more our internalities – our hearts, minds and lives to His Providence

>> Let us seek to come of the “Season of Winter”….
… be warm in the love of the Lord
… be enthusiastic, receiving the touch of the Divine
… be ardent, to seek, hear and follow the voice of the Good Shepherd!

God Bless! Live Jesus!