“And near Him I always will be, For nothing can keep me away…

… He is my destiny!
I will follow Him

Ever since He touched my heart, I knew
There isn’t an ocean too deep, A mountain so high it can keep

Keep me away, away from His love”
  – Lyrics from the song, ” I will follow Him” from the movie ‘Sister-Act’

Love is a powerful force. 

>> Love is stronger even than death!
The Lord is the greatest lover of our hearts…and He seeks to be loved by us too….

>> He has touched our hearts in some way…and He longs for our response of love!

Today we celebrate the Feast of one such person who deeply loved the Lord – St Mary Magdalene.

St Mary Magdalene is probably most well-known for false details and unproven claims of her life.
Keeping aside all such controversial and unfounded talks, on this Feast Day, we shall reflect with St Mary Magdalene and seek to grow in Love of the Lover of our Hearts!

The Bible presents St Mary Magdalene as a woman who loved Jesus intensely and passionately.
She teaches us remarkable things for each one of us to Love the Lord deeper:
1. She Followed Him

Luke 8:2 presents Mary Magdalene as having been cured of seven demons. 
Her experience of the Healing of the Lord, made her to Follow Jesus, in His ministry of preaching and healing.
>> Am I following the Lord? 
All have us have, in our life, have experienced the power of the Lord. 

>> But do I truly follow the Lord?

2. She was Persistent to seek Him

The Death of her Lord had rocked Mary Magdalene…

… and she seeks persistently, in the tomb where Jesus was laid. 
Even though she witnessed an empty tomb, her heart longed to see the Saviour….” so she stayed outside the tomb weeping”(Jn 20:11). 

>> Am I persistent to seek the Lord? 
I have often had setbacks in my prayer life, work situations & aspirations. 

>> But do I still persevere in looking for the Lord?

3. She was Single-hearted in her search for Him

In her search for Jesus, whom she misunderstood as a gardener, Mary Magdalene expresses her sincerity and frankness and single-mindedness – “Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have put him, and I will get him.” 
>> She sought no empty phrases or consolations…but the Lord alone!  

>> Nothing and none else could suffice her..but the Lord alone! 
>> Am I single-hearted in my search for the Lord?

I am sometimes content with fleeting pleasures, transitory consolation and momentary comforts in my spiritual life. 

>> Do I rather be single-hearted in my longing for the Lord?

4. She was enthusiastic about Him

Once she recognized the ordinary gardener as her Precious Master, Mary Magdalene is enthusiastic and fervent about Him. 
Nothing could stop her from proclaiming Him. 
In the words of St Bernard, “she became an apostle to the Apostles”.

>> Am I enthusiastic in my life? 

As a Christian, I have in me the influencing, the powerful and the salvific good news of the Lord. >> Am I enthusiastic in sharing about the Lord to others?

Let us learn from St Mary Magdalene…

… her commitment in following of Jesus

… her persistence in waiting for Jesus, her single-heartedness in searching for Jesus, and her enthusiasm in telling others about Jesus. 

St Mary Magdalene…

… is a beautiful model of being a Disciple

… is a wonderful example of being a Divine-Seeker

… is a classic illustration of being a Dispenser of the Good News

St. Mary Magdalene holds a unique place in the history of Jesus. 

>> The One who rose from the grave of death, appeared first to her, who herself experienced a rising from the grave of sin!
>> She was the first (as per the Gospel accounts) to see Him alive and the first to hear His voice.

>> She became the first evangelist in Christian history.
She is the Mourner who turned into a Missionary!

Let us passionately love the Lord, like St Mary Magdalene, 

… ‘cos there isn’t an ocean too deep, a mountain so high it can keep

keep us away, away from His love!

Happy Feast of St Mary Magdalene – the Disciple, the Divine-Seeker, the Dispenser of the Good News!

>> Happy Feast of Tender Love and Mercy to all! 
God Bless! Live Jesus!

The dial of a clock is a beautiful illustration of the way God deals with human life.
The hands on the dial of the clock are God’s Hands – passing over and over again…

• the short hand, being the Hand of God’s Discipline

• the long hand, being the Hand of God’s Mercy
• The short hand – the hand of Discipline…

…. passes slowly, but surely

… strikes at each hour too
• But the long hand – the hand of Mercy…

… passes much faster and surely too

… showers down sixtyfold of blessing for each strike of discipline
And another interesting aspect….?
Both the hands are fastened to one firm and secure point – the Beautiful Heart of the God of Love!
God’s discipline in the form of trials is a surety in life…

• But much more abundant in life, are His mercies that are scattered regularly all through…

And both these dimensions – Discipline & Mercies – stem forth from the Immense Love of God!
The Gospel of the Day is a beautiful presentation of Jesus as the God of Love who, though is a Disciplining God, displays His Heart of abundant mercy and invites His followers to become People of Merciful Love!
The Gospel passage begins the incident of the Disciples being caught by the Pharisees plucking the heads of grain and eating them, on the Sabbath Day.
The Pharisees who were the strict proponents and protectors of the Law, found it a great offence when they found the disciples were doing an “illegal and unlawful” act, as per their Sabbath prescriptions.
Therefore they accuse, “Look, Your disciples are doing what is not lawful to do on the Sabbath” (Mt 12:2)
But Jesus is quick to point out the folly that the Pharisees were falling into…

>> The folly of being crime-finders than being mercy-givers!

>> The folly of becoming petty-accusers than being generous-forgivers!
Jesus brings out two practical examples to show the “duplicity” and the “unkind” attitude of the Pharisees:
1. David’s ‘grave’ violation of the Sabbath was acceptable whereas the Disciples ‘minor’ act was condemned!
>> David unlawfully ate of the tabernacle showbread which was reserved only for the priests.

But this “not lawful” act of David was not condemned
>> The Disciples on the other, actually did not break the Law…

The Hebrew law had made provision for those in need to eat when they passed through a field of grain (Dt. 23:25; cf. Ruth 2:2-3)
But over the years, the tradition had evolved a series of ‘violations’ that were considered violations of the Sabbath Law.
One of these ‘violations’ was ‘ plucking and eating’ the grain – that the disciples did.

However, this act was most certainly not for commercial gain, as envisaged by the Law
Therefore, in reality, the Disciples had not really done anything “unlawful”

Yet, they were condemned!
2. The daily duty of the priests on the Sabbath was considered as being “normal” whereas the ‘exceptional’ act of the disciples to satisfy the basic human need of hunger was considered ‘aberrant’!
The work done by the Priests who served on the Sabbath Day, was acceptable.

However, the action done by the Disciples was considered violation of the Law!
Jesus makes another statement here, “I tell you, something greater than the Temple is here” (Mt 12: 6)
What was Jesus, in fact, also saying?
“You permit the priests of human-made temples to work, but you do not allow the Disciples of the Living Temple to work?
Is that not showing your duplicity on one side, and your lack of knowledge of the Messiah on the other?!”
And therefore, Jesus makes that bold and firm statement, echoing the prophet Hosea (6:6):

“I desire mercy, not sacrifice!” (Mt 12: 7)
Jesus passed through a field where condemnation was scattered; but He sows the seeds of mercy all around!
Today, you and me, are invited to do the same…

To become people who show mercy and compassion, rather than being “judgmental” and “overly-critical” people!
We are invited to be like the Lord, as illustrated in the ‘dial of a clock’:

>> Having a hand of discipline that passes only slowly…

>> But also having a hand of Mercy that traverses more often…

But both, being fastened tightly to a Heart, full of compassion and love!
We may live, passing through the fields of unjust condemnation and outright critics.

But like the Lord, may we become persons, who sow the seeds of Mercy and Compassion!

God Bless! Live Jesus!

Many of us would have come across the acronym “RSVP” in Invitations for marriage, baptism, birthdays, wedding anniversaries or some other social events.
>> RSVP stands for Repondez S’il Vous Plait ( in French) which is translated as

Reply, If you please!

The purpose of this RSVP is that the person sending the invitation, would like you to tell him or her, whether you accept or decline the invitation.

Today, Jesus, the King of all Hearts, presents a thrilling and a pleasant invitation…”Come to me all you who are weary and heavy laden…”(Mt 11:28)

Every invitation is to contain “By Whom”, “To Whom”, “What” and a “When”!

Lets analyze these aspects in the Invitation of the Lord
1. BY WHOM is the invitation:

 Jesus came into the world, primarily as a Saviour! 

 
>> He’s in deep love with us! 

“…You are precious in my eyes and I love You!” (Is 43:4). 
As a Beloved Lover, it is He who tugs at the strings of our hearts & beckons us to Himself.

2. TO WHOM is the invitation: 

 He extends His cordial and warmest invitation to each one of us who is weary and heavy-burdened….personally!
The Greek word for Weary is “Kopiao”…which means to toil & become weary to the point of exhaustion! .
>> Weary could refer to the internal exhaustion caused by seeking Divine Truth through mere Human Wisdom. 

>> Heavy Laden could be the external burdens caused by futile peripheral efforts & works to seek the Divinity.  
Many of us certainly, reach the point of exhaustion and fatigue in our everyday works and life and in our search for salvation.
Yes, You and I, each one of us, is today, an honoured and a privileged Invitee!

“Behold, I stand at the door and Knock!” (Rev 3:20).

3. WHAT is the invitation: 

To rest in His Sacred Heart & to Learn from Him Gentleness and Humility.
A haughty heart robs the person of spiritual insights…

Pride renders a person to look only to oneself; the gaze on the Lord is considered meaningless.
This is where the Pharisaic Mentality went wrong. They saw legalism as the vehicle to heaven. They lost sight of God’s desire for the heart.
>>They glorified the Law of Moses, but failed to see the Glorious God of the Law!
The Kingdom belongs to the Gentle and Humble…and that’s what Jesus invites us to learn!

4. WHEN is the invitation: 
“Why delay good things in life?”

 The Yoke of the Lord is easy.. because it is HE who takes up the burden…

… we are only sharers in His Divine Yoke!
He gives us a yoke which is made to fit our needs and abilities perfectly well!
And the Time is NOW!

The Invitation is already posted and the Master is waiting!
What is our Response….

>> RSVP…. Repondez S’il Vous Plait?

God Bless! Live Jesus!

A little girl child was to undergo a risky surgery.
She was placed upon the table and the surgeon was about to render her a dose of anaesthesia.
“Before we can make you well, dear, we must put you to sleep”, said the surgeon to the li’l girl.
With a cute smile, she said sweetly, “Oh, if you are going to put me to sleep, I must say my prayers first.”
So she got on her knees and said the child’s prayer.
“Now I can go to sleep”, said the sweet child.

The surgeon, later, testified that this action of the child moved his heart greatly…

… and he himself, prayed, that night, for the first time, in thirty years!

The power of the little child to influence was amazing…

… even on a person who was much older to her!
>> There is great sincerity and openness in the actions of little children.

>> There is immense authenticity and truthfulness in the deeds of little ones.
 

It is this childlike faith and simplicity that finds an expression of appreciation from our Blessed Lord in today’s Gospel.
 

Jesus says, ” I thank thee, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that thou hast hidden these things from the wise and understanding and revealed them to babes” (Mt 11:25)
 

When we go back to the first book of the Bible –  Genesis – and to the Garden of Eden, we encounter the first temptation scene – between the serpent and Eve.
 

It is interesting to note the words, when the serpent tempts Eve to eat of the forbidden fruit, and Eve puts forth the reason for not eating:

•          The serpent says, “… God knows well that the moment you eat of it, your eyes will be opened and you will be like gods who know what is good and what is bad” (Gen 3:6)

•          The woman saw that the tree was good for food, pleasing to the eyes and desirable for “gaining wisdom” (Gen 3:7)

This then was the first temptation: To Know – seeking for wisdom; seeking for knowledge.
 

However the Lord says that wisdom is hidden from the wise and the understanding, and instead revealed to the babes, to those childlike.
 

What makes the Divine Wisdom to hide from the wise and reveal to the childlike instead?

We could consider a couple of reasons….

1. The wise depend on their own strength; the childlike have a sense of dependency
One of the qualities or rather a condition of little children is their “helplessness”!
 

Little children are helpless…

… to be taking care of even their basic needs

… to be able to meet their basic emotions
They therefore have a sense of dependency!

2. The wise have over-confidence in themselves; the childlike trust on others

Another of the quality of children is their basic sense of “trust”
They tend to easily trust the others…

… in meeting their needs and in having what they desire

… in being protected and being taken care safely

These two great qualities of the childlike are what helps the Divine wisdom to be revealed to them:

•          A sense of dependency: Depending on God, the Father in every moment of life

•          A sense of trust: Trusting in the Lord for every need and believing in His providence
 

The Gospel of the Day makes us to examine our own lives and check the level of childlike qualities that we possess…

>> Do I possess a sense of Dependency on the Lord…

… or is my reliance only on my own self-worth and abilities?
>>  Do I possess a sense of Trust in the Lord…

… or do I fall into constant anxieties and apprehensions?
 

May we seek to depend and trust more in the Lord, with a childlike faith, so that the Lord may rejoice in us and He – the Wisdom – may reveal Himself more and more to us!
 

God Bless! Live Jesus!

(Statutory Warning: The dangerous Jesus is on the prowl…..Beware as you read….)

Many of us have heard of the tagline of a company which announces… “We are better than the best…”

>> Lovely phrase, ah?

The Gospel of the Day, however presents shocking and saddening words from the Mouth of the Most Prolific and Influential Prophet ever….Jesus… with an even stronger tagline…”They are worse than worst!”

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

The context of this deadly utterance by the Lord is when he reproaches the towns of Chorazin, Bethsaida and Capernaum, where mighty deeds and miracles had been done, but they had still not repented.

These three towns of Chorazin, Bethsaida and Capernaum were called as the “Orthodox Triangle” –

Close to the Galilee Lake, these towns were filled with devout Jews, who took the Law of Moses very seriously.

>> Adding to this traditional Jewish Faith, these towns also had the great privilege of being witnesses to many miracles, events, preaching and deeds of the Lord Jesus.

The Gospel says, ” If the MIRACLES performed in you…..”
Note the word, “miracles”…Plural !!

>> Not just a single miracle…..but many miracles.

>> Perhaps not just a single word…

… but many words and sermons and preaching!
>> Perhaps not just a single healing…

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

… but many warnings and exhortations and appeals to repentance!
And Yet… yet, they DID NOT REPENT!

>> They KNEW TOO MUCH…but BELIEVED TOO LITTLE!
And Jesus condemns these towns…. “They are worse than the Worst!”

Let’s consider the state of these “Worst” Towns…to which the Lord compares this “Orthodox Triangle”?
Tyre and Sidon….Sodom

>> Tyre and Sidon: These were condemned cities (Cf. Ezek 26 – 28) and were embodiments of the Pagan Canaanite Culture, Pride and an Evil Arrogance
>> Sodom: This was a damned city (Cf. Gen 18:16-33) and was an epitome of gross immorality, sexual perversion, widespread corruption and a complete rejection of God.

But Jesus says… the Orthodox Triangle – Chorazin, Bethsaida and Capernaum….are worse than these worst! 

>> Dirtier than the Dirtiest! 

>> Unholier than the Unholiest! 

>> Ungodlier than the ungodliest!

These people had plenty of knowledge… 

They went to the synagogue faithfully….

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

>> When Jesus worked miracles, they wouldn’t believe him.

Miracles only amazed them…startled them…shocked them…..but they did not lead them to God!
Hold on!!!
Is there any resemblance between My Life and these cities of the Orthodox Triangle?
Do I boast of my knowledge of God? Do I be satisfied with a mere Church-going Spirituality?

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

Let’s stop taking blessings for granted! 

>> Let’s stop thinking mere external rituals are a guarantee for salvation!

>> It’s better not to have a miracle…

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

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

… than to experience God and stay the same as you were.

Let’s stop fooling ourselves…saying things are fine and All is well!
>> Our conscience needs a real-time check… 

>> Our hearts deserve an honest examination…

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

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

There is sure Blessing…in the Lord. But only if we are penitent

The Orthodox Triangle is a stark reminder to us… 

>> Lets never bypass opportunities & graces that come our way!

Let the cry of the Lord, “You are worse than the Worst”….never ever be addressed to us…
We Pray.

>> We make Efforts. 

>>We seek for Grace!

God Bless! Live Jesus!

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

… to which its members have to promise obedience.

 

A faithful commitment to these guidelines will help for the true growth of the society and help the members to genuinely enjoy all the rights and privileges. 

 

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

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

 

 

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

 

Bishop Fulton Sheen presents before us this mentality which is fast catching up in our world…

>> It is termed as Staurophobia… The Fear of the Cross!

 

 

 

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

… an invitation to follow the Crucified Christ

… a challenge to faithfully carry the crosses of our life.

 

 

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

 

 

Our Blessed Lord loves to jolt static minds and the inert understandings..

>> He doesn’t promise cushy comforts…

… He demands Commitment to the Cross!

 

 

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

>> Losers of oneself

>> Be carriers of the Cross

>> And then Follow Him!

 

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

 

 

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

>> “Not again the Cross”

>> “Enough of pain and suffering”

>> “We go to Church to relax and be comforted; not simply to hear of the Passion &Anguish of the Suffering Jesus on the Cross; we only prefer the Glorious & Victorious Christ”

>> “Stop being pessimistic with Sin & Repentance…. Just be optimistic with Joy & Salvation!”

 

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

 

Staurophobia – the Fear of the Cross …is creeping stealthily but mightily in our lives…

>> We like to be Saved…

… but we Fear the Cross of repentance of our Sins

 

>> We like to receive Blessings…

… but we Fear the Cross of living an honest life

 

>> We like to live a peaceful life…

… but we Fear the Cross of trusting in God’s Providence

 

We like to be prosperous…

… but we Fear the Cross of being generous and compassionate

 

>> We like to be called good..

… but we Fear the Cross of being Faithful to the teachings of Christ

 

>> We like to have joy…

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

 

Yes, We often, Fear the Cross…

 

 

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

>> They will find Life…

>> They will be rewarded…

>> They will find true joy and peace…

 …says the Lord.

 

 

Have we really accepted Christianity as our Life Style?

>> Then Let us Embrace the Cross..

>> Let us drive away the Fear of the Cross

 

Let Staurophobia ( Fear of the Cross) be willfully banished

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

 

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

 

 

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

 

God Bless! Live Jesus!

A devout woman, once bought a Bible in her native language.

 

She was very much afraid of her husband who was deadly against God and sent forth atheistic vibrations.

 

>> In fear, she would read the Bible in his absence, and would stealthily hide it away from his presence and sight.

 

 

One day, however, by mistake, she failed to hide the Holy Book, and her husband saw it on the table.

 

 

Without saying anything, the husband opened the pages of the Bible, scanned through some and read a few lines.

 

As the wife stood, a little away – stunned and trembling- not knowing what he would tell her, the husband said, “Hmmm.. This seems to be a good book!”

 

 

And it so happened, that every night, the man demanded for That Book when he returned back from office.

 

 

A few weeks later, the man suggested his wife that he wished to meet her parents, as for nearly 3 years, he had stayed away from them.

 

 

 

 A tremendous and miraculous wonder had taken place.

 

> A woman’s persistent faith had been rewarded…

> A man’s heart had been finely melted …

> A relationship had been restored…

 

 

That’s the power of the Word!

 

>> The Word can work in unexpected ways…

>> The Word can transform in unknown places…

>> The Word can bear fruits in unexplored areas…

 

 

Are we ready to Sow the Word, everywhere, any time?

>> Are we open to allow the Word to work, anywhere, any time?

 

 

The Gospel of the Day is the classic presentation of the power of the Word through the Parable of the Sower and its explanation.

 

 

This is a parable that, probably we have read, reflected and meditated several times.

 

 

One of the striking messages of this Popular Parable is the “unknown, unexpected and unexplored” manner in which the Word is Sown.

 

 

 Going through the various places in which the Seed was sown would probably make one to say…

… “why was it that so much Seed was simply wasted – on the wayside, on the rock, among the thorns – places where there was hardly any possibility of growth?”

 

… “Why was it that the Sower was so unscientific, so lacking in common sense and so careless in simply broadcasting the precious seeds haphazardly?”

 

 

 

Probably, a logical answer and a reasonable explanation to these questions is to be found in the fact that the Seed has a tremendous power and potential.

 

>> And therefore, the Sower ‘takes the risk’ of broadcasting the Seed everywhere.

 

 

 

This then is the challenge that is thrown open to us also…

 

>> Can I be a person who is willing to “broadcast” the seed of God’s Word even in the most unfavourable or the most unexpected areas – to people who are hostile, arrogant or even closed ?

 

>> Can I be a person who does not count the fruits in advance or get discouraged and disappointed at the possible failures in the future; instead boldly sow the Seeds of goodness, kindness and service?

 

 

The Sower in the parable has a stand out quality…

… He is lavish in His generosity

… extravagant in His big-heartedness

… and sumptuous in His Kindness!

 

 

Though seasoned in His profession of sowing the Seeds, the Sower, bountifully, broadcasts the Seeds on all sorts of soil…

 

Look closer….

>> He doesn’t make an account of the number of seeds lost…

>> He doesn’t tally the wastage that will be incurred…

>> He doesn’t bill the produce that will result…

 

He just does one thing… HE SOWS!

 

 

How many of us can be like that?

 

>> Do we sow good deeds…

… when a loss is bound to happen as per human calculations?

 

>> Do we sow honesty and truthfulness…

… even if birds of injustice devour all our good intentions?

 

>> Do we sow good initiatives…

… even if there is no reward and all our endeavours are being choked?

 

>> Do we sow a kind word…

… even if we know that bad words will scorch our pure purpose?

 

>> Do we sow a loving action…

… even though the reaction is always tepid and cold and even adverse?

 

>> Do we sow help and co-operation…

… in spite of the fact that no one will appreciate our good works?

 

>> Do we sow a forgiving smile & a reconciling gesture…

… though we’re deeply hurt & even wounded?

 

>> Do we sow an attitude of deep trust & confidence…

… although things are totally topsy-turvy in life?

 

 

 

The Sower, in the Parable, however, continues to Sow…..

 

 

The Book of Isaiah 55: 11 says, “… My Word that goes out from My Mouth: It will not return to Me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.”

 

 

We need to submit ourselves to this mysterious power and strength of God’s Power…

…and be willing to “sow them” generously…

… to all

… at all times!

 

 

May we grow in the experience of the Power of the Word…

… to work in unexpected ways

… to transform in unknown places

… and to bear fruits in unexplored areas

 

 

God Bless! Live Jesus!

A sunny day…
As the sun was casting its bright rays on the earth, a loud voice thundered – with might and power:

“Who gives a man speech and makes another deaf and dumb?

Or who gives sight to one and makes another blind?
Is it not, I….?

 
Go, then….

It is I who will assist you in speaking and will teach you what you are to say…”

 

 

Another sunny day…
As the sun was shining bright, the same loud voice thundered – yet again, with might and power:

“Say not, “I am too young…

To whomever I send, you shall go…

Whatever I command, you shall speak!

 

Have no fear… because I am with you, to deliver you!”

 

 

These two dialogues record two instances of “Great Assurances” that were offered to two Great People – Moses and Jeremiah – as seen in Ex 4: 11-12 and Jer 1: 7-8 – by the Great Yahweh!

 
These two persons – Moses and Jeremiah – one, the law-giver and the other a prophet – had some similarities…

..They were entrusted with great tasks…

… They both expressed their inability in speech…

… They both were, however, given assurances of strength and courage!

 
A task that is entrusted by the Lord is always blessed by Him, with His assurance of courage and strength!

>> The larger the responsibility… the greater would be the grace

>> The tougher the task.. the bigger would be the blessing
 

 

The Gospel of the Day is a beautiful expression of this same assurance that Jesus offered to His Apostles and to each one of us, who are called to be a Missionaries and Proclaimers of the Kingdom of God.

 

The Lord sends His Apostles on the mission journey and gives them various instructions in this participation of the Divine Activity.

 

 

Jesus was a very practical and realistic person.

 

When He sends the Apostles on the mission journey…

… He doesn’t promise a comfortable and cosy time

… He doesn’t make fanciful securities and spectacular guarantees.

 

Instead…

… He presents the ground reality and the actual facts of the task.

 
He says that, “Behold I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves” (Mt 10:16)

 

 

This imagery of the “sheep and the wolves” that the Lord used for the Apostles would have probably filled them with panic and fright.

 

They were well aware what was the condition of the sheep, when they encountered the wolves…

 

The wolf – the predator is an expert in stealth and is rarely noticed by the sheep.

 

As the sheep graze, predator’s strategy is simple -it attacks the young or weak that are on the outer-edge of the flock.

>> This causes a sudden panic in the whole flock!

 

The sheep would cry… but their cry would hardly be heard!

 

Their voices after a loud shriek, would begin to choke!

 

 
The Apostles, who were well-familiar and had witnessed the sheep-grazing patterns in their land, were aware of this aspect, when the Lord said, “I send you as sheep among wolves…”

 

And perhaps, a jolt of fear would have run down their spine….

 

• Just like Moses had felt a sense of difficulty in taking up the task that Yahweh had entrusted…
• Just like Jeremiah had experienced a wave of fear when Yahweh appointed him as a prophet…
So the disciples could have also felt a sense of worry or even apprehension…

 

 

But just like Yahweh had assured them of His strength and grace, the Lord also assures His apostles in this state of fear: 

” When they hand you over, do not worry about how you are to speak or what you are to say. For it will not be you who speak, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you” (Mt 10: 19-20)

 

 

How often do we also find ourselves in situations of hardships and difficulties, in our task of being a True Christian…

• We feel fearful to open our mouths when we witness incidents of corruption..

• We fear to let ourselves be heard when values of Christ are compromised…

• We find ourselves shut to speak when we encounter acts of injustice…
 

But in all such situations, the Lord assures us that we need to bank on His strength and grace for courage!

 
What is needed from our part…

… is a total dependence and trust in His power

… is a communion with His Spirit and faith in His Father

… is a willingness to act according the Plans and Will of the Lord

 

The world today is growing to be menacingly fierce…

And as Christians, we are sometimes like “sheep among the wolves”

 
May we learn to be, with the grace of the Lord, “to be shrewd as serpents and simple as doves” (Mt 10:16)

 
May we grow in our understanding that a task that is entrusted by the Lord is always blessed by Him, with His assurance of courage and strength!

>> The larger the responsibility… the greater would be the grace!

>> The tougher the task.. the bigger would be the blessing!
 

God Bless! Live Jesus!

A story is told of a blind boy who was flying a kite.

 

He enjoyed this pastime along with others of his own age.

 

A passer-by, knowing him and wanting to mildly tease the blind-fellow, said:

‘Hey, boy! Do you know where is your kite?

You don’t know whether it is on the ground or up in the sky, do you?’

 

‘Oh yes,’ said the blind lad, ‘I do know! It is now quite a fair height up in the air.’

 

How do you know that?’ asked the passer-by, ‘you surely can’t see it.’

 

The boy replied, ‘I can’t see it, it is true, but I can feel the tug of the string!’

 

 

The ‘tug’ of the string help the boy to realize the presence of the kite and to sense its height in the air!

 

 

The awareness of the presence of the Divine power in our lives, is such…

… one may not be able to always see the presence of the Divine, but the believer can surely experience its power and strength!

 
This experience of “the Divine tug of the string” keeps the life of the believer moving forward and helps to depend on the Divine Presence for strength in life.

 

 

The Gospel of the Day is an invitation by Jesus to grow deeper in this “awareness and dependence” on Jesus in our life as a missionary of the Kingdom of God.

 

 

After having summoned, authorized and named His Twelve Apostles, Jesus sends them ahead of Him, to the places of mission.

 

 

The Gospel of the day begins with the phrase, “Preach, as you go…” ( Mt 10:7)

>> Some other translations would read as “As you go, make a proclamation…”

 

 

This is such wonderfully practical, and yet at the same time, a phrase that is often overlooked: “Preach, as you go….” / “As you go… make a proclamation”

 

 

Preaching or Proclamation in our times, is often picturised with a limited understanding…

 

Preaching or proclamation that takes place…

… only from the pulpit or during a service in Church

… only in the form of speaking and explaining the Word of God

 

 

But the words of the Lord are worth noting:

“Preach, as you go….” / “As you go… make a proclamation”

 

• Preach, as you go about doing your daily duties and activities

>> As you go about your responsibilities and works, make a proclamation

 

• Preach as you go around meeting different people by sharing His love and joy to all

>> As you go about engaging in numerous actions, make a proclamation by sharing His presence

 
The act of preaching and proclamation of the Kingdom of God is to be reflected in our every action and movement…

• Whatever we do, may it become an act of proclaiming God’s abundant blessings!

• Whatever work we take up, may it become a moment of preaching God’s amazing providence!

 

 

Such an act of Preaching and Proclamation makes it mandatory that one grows deeper in the “awareness and dependence” on Jesus in the life as a missionary of the Kingdom of God.

 

>> The act of proclamation needs the “awareness” that I am continuing the Great Mission work that has Jesus as the “Initiator”, the “Sustainer” and the “Finale”!

>> The act of preaching needs the “dependency” on the Lord to realise that the Lord alone can provide all the graces, strength and courage for the mission!

 

 

One needs to feel the “tug and the pull of the Divine Lord”…when one goes through

… hardships and difficulties in being a missionary of the Kingdom, in hostile situations

… problems and challenges as we seek to live a true Christian life in the modern world

… meaninglessness or emptiness as we go through the ‘deserts’ and ‘darkness’ in life

 

 

Yes, it is an experience of “the Divine tug of the string” that keeps the life of the believer moving forward and to depend on the Divine Presence for strength in life!

 
God Bless! Live Jesus!

Check out my latest video
Preparation for the Holy Mass – Part II

The Liturgy of the Word and Offertory

https://youtu.be/BXmYz3vpQMA