The month of July in India began with the introduction of a new tax reform policy, called as the G.S.T. – Goods and Services Tax.
Time alone will tell the effects of G.S.T. on the Indian markets.

But when it comes to our Faith, we can be assured of the power of G.S.T. …

>> G.S.T. …

… God Surely Transforms!

The Gospel of the Day presents the wonderful process of transformation that is initiated by Jesus, in the calling of The Twelve Apostles…

>> The Twelve, who were simple and ordinary…

… would eventually become special and outstanding in spreading the Kingdom of God
Jesus is strange!

>> And he loves to do strange things!

 

“Dare to be different” is a call which echoes very much through the corporate sector today, and also in many areas of our life!

>> And Jesus, certainly, is a model and an example for each one of us, in this ‘Daring to be Different’!

 

And this strange and daring Jesus – Who loves to do things differently –

…throws up a classic example for this, by choosing The Twelve…

>>Twelve strange persons to be His Daring disciples.

 

 

We could have a short litany of adjectives to describe or portray these Twelve…
Let’s get set with a mini-dictionary:

>> Ordinary, Mundane, Shy, Absent-minded, Introvert, Prejudiced, Inhibited…

>> Hated by society, Craver of power, Zealous in quick actions, Betraying Characters…

>> Sceptics, Unsteady Temperaments, Cynical….

The list is long, right?

 

Maybe, some of us, also very much possess these characters and traits!

>> Is it True?

 

 

But, with all these varied personalities and natures, Jesus, the Daring Master, chose His twelve, having these characters…!

 

 

The Lord loves to transform and change…

>> He changed the water into wine…

>> He transformed a few loaves of bread and fish as food for thousands…

>> He changed the raging sea to calmness and serenity…

>> He transformed sicknesses in people to good health and new vigour…

>> He changed the static and inhuman view of the Law to a dynamic and loving perception…

 

Yes, the Lord loves to transform and change…

>> And this Lord, who loves to transform and change, also worked wonders with the Twelve!

 

 

These Twelve, with their varied personalities and characters, were handed on the Charge to continue the Gigantic Task of their Daring Master: “To be the Ambassadors of the Kingdom of God”

>> To be with Him and to be sent out

>> To have authority over unclean spirits and drive them out

>> To cure every disease and illness and to preach!

 

These chosen lights were to cast their rays over the rest of humanity, in all nations.

 

 

Are we also hearing the Call of the Lord, to be the Ambassadors of His Kingdom, in the place where we are, in the state of life, that we are in?

 

 

Let us not be worried about our nature or temperament or character or weaknesses.

 

Yes, the Lord is strange…

… and He loves to do strange things

>> He is CRAZY over us!

 

The Lord also loves…

… to transform and to change

>> He is Willing to TRANSFORM us!

 

The only thing that He needs from us.. is Our Consent.. Our Willingness…our Openness!

>> Let no negative feelings come in the way of this Deep Desire of the Lord…

 
>> The Kingdom of God is a vineyard…

… it needs labourers!

 

>> The Kingdom of God is a net…

… it needs fishermen!

 

>> The Kingdom of God is a field…

… it needs sowers and reapers!

 

>> The Kingdom of God is a flock…

… it needs shepherds!

 

 

The Lord is calling… desiring… and wanting…

>> Are we hearing?

 

Let this Call, not remain a ‘Missed Call’!

>> Let’s pick up, and answer…

… and Co-operate with the Strange Master, Who calls us to “Dare to be Different”!

 
 Yes, G.S.T. in Faith is a mighty reality….

… God Surely Transforms! 

God Bless! Live Jesus!

Avid book-readers will testify to the fact that when some books are read – especially interesting novels or epic stories or even some real-life or dramatic stories – there is a tendency to identify oneself with one of the characters in the book.

 

• Such character-identification can help one to examine one’s own personal life.

• Such character-identification can help one to chalk out strategies to live life better.
 

 The Bible is a brilliant book which offers many characters to help us to examine and evaluate our own lives.

 

 

Today’s Gospel offers us various groups of people and characters with whom we might have some identification.

 

 

We shall analyze and reflect on our lives in the light of these various characters and groups of people….

 

1. The demon-possessed mute man

This person is a demoniac who was unable to speak

 

His condition has been miserable

… kept away from the society and his family

… unable to have a normal social or emotional or spiritual life

 

His own family would have missed him so much… so would his relatives and friends.

 

How often is my condition similar?

>> Evil forces keep me away from having a healthy social, emotional or a spiritual life…

>> Rejected, depressed in life and finding no meaning to live…
 2. The people who brought this mute man to the Lord

 We have no idea what was the intention of the people who brought the person to Jesus.

 

Maybe, they were people…

… who were genuinely concerned for the well-being of the person

… who were fed up and disturbed by his threatening presence

 

But in either case.., they bring the person to the Lord: either in faith or in desperation.

 

Problems beset many people…

• Sometimes we feel compassion for them

• Sometimes we feel sorry for them

• Sometimes they become a disturbance for us

 

In either case, can we become an instrument of bringing the people – sick, suffering and in distress – to the Lord’s healing presence?

 

 

3. The Pharisees

The healing action of Jesus becomes another occasion for them to criticize Jesus and to speak ill of Him.

>> They said, “He drives out demons by the prince of demons” (Mt 9:34)

 

It was as if complain and criticism had almost been firmly casted into their character!

 

Am I also like these Pharisees…

>> Unable to appreciate and encourage the good that is done to people?

>> Constantly looking for faults and failures of people and harping on those negative to others?
4. The crowds

The crowds follow Jesus with a great desire and longing…

 

• Some to meet the Lord, to hear His teaching and experience His love

• Some to receive a cure and healing from the Lord

• Some just out of curiosity or because others are following Him
>> What is my motive and intention in following the Lord?

>> Is my Christian Life, just remaining part of the crowd, or do I also seek and make efforts to move closer to Him?
 5. The Disciples

They stand witness to the misery of the people, on the one side, and the power of the Lord, on the other.

 

They are now entrusted with a task and duty to “ask the Master of the harvest to send out labourers for His harvest” and also to imitate the Good Shepherd in caring for the lost sheep.

 

>> Do I hear the call of the Lord to be a labourer for the Kingdom of God and to imitate the Master Shepherd in bringing back lost sheep to His fold?
>> Am I willing to take up the challenge that the Lord places before us to be a ‘consolation for the miserable’, ‘food for the hungry’, ‘joy to those in sadness’ and ‘hope for those sinful and lost’?
 

 6. Jesus

Jesus is the Epitome of Compassion.

 

He goes about His mission and duty, by bringing healing to those in misery and displaying His treasury of compassion and love to the needy.

 

>> Can I imitate our Blessed Lord in seeking to be sensitive to the needs of the people around me, and showing forth His compassion?
>> Do I remain unafraid of “demoniac” and “mute” and “criticized” situations of life, trusting in the Great Power of the Lord and being unfazed by any sort of oppositions or hardships in being the messenger of His Kingdom?
 

 May the reflection on the characters of the Gospel help us to evaluate our own lives and form ourselves to be more and more worthy of our life as a Christian!

 
God Bless! Live Jesus!

 Here is an excerpt from an autobiography…

 

 

“My world had come crashing down!

 

• The gush of tears would not stop despite the dams of consolation that were constructed for me…
• The flow of grief could not be stilled despite the walls of comfort that were built for me…
 

I lost the one whom I considered so precious in my life.

She was the treasure of my heart… She was the crown of my life!

 

>> Her tender laughter would fill my life with mirth
>> Her innocent talks would imbibe my heart with happiness
 

But life is sometimes so cruel… so unjust… so nasty even!

 

It snatched away from my hands my beloved princess

 
She was only twelve… small and tender.

>> She was just about to begin her life.

 
But why did she have to die so soon?

• Was it my mistake?
>> Did I care less for her?
>> Did I not provide the best facilities for her?
 
>> I look at life now… with my dead girl on the bed….and say:
‘I remained faithful in my duties and works, and this is the cruel way you are treating me!”

 

>> I look at the Divine now… with my sweet little child lifeless… and say:
‘I have sought to be honest, and this is the dreadful manner You deal with me!”

 

 
But then I heard of a person named Jesus, Who was near the town.

 

>> I have heard of He being a mighty prophet… a powerful healer!

 

I did not believe in His God…

…but I have heard, ‘His God is the God of all nations, of all peoples!’

 

 

And so I ran to Him and beseeched Him: 

‘My daughter has just died. But come, lay Your Hand on her, and she will live’.

 

 

I did not know how did I get the courage to say those bold words.

>> But I believe, it was the charisma of that Person, which made me to say those words of immense faith.

 

I believe there was already a miracle happening in me, by the fact, that I could have that much boldness to say that “God could infuse life to a dead and lifeless situation’!

 
Indeed, possessing faith and having trust in God is itself a precious miracle of the Lord!

 

 
As that Divine Person was on His way to my home, I encountered another miracle…

 

A woman who had been suffering from haemorrhage for twelve years was healed of her sickness by just touching the tassel of His cloak!

 

The words of the Master to that suffering woman was amazing, ‘Courage daughter, Your faith has saved you!’

 

This incident was another miracle for me.

 

I felt….

• If this woman who was suffering for twelve years could be healed, why not my daughter also who was twelve years…!
• If this woman could be cured by just touching the fringe of his garment, why not my daughter too, if this Great Man lays His hand on her…!
• If this woman could receive new life by placing her trust in Him, why not my daughter too, since I have also come with faith and hope in Him…!
 

 

Life, I found is sometimes too cruel… 

… But the more I was trusting this Man – Who now for me was showing the Compassionate Face of God – the greater I was feeling strengthened.

 
I was reminded of what some people had told me, about what this Man had once declared, ‘Come to Me, all you who labour and are overburdened; and I will give you rest!’

 
I was now giving my burdens to Him… I was now giving my labours to Him…

>> And I was being more and more convinced, that He would take up my burden on Himself and make me light!

 

 
We proceeded on our way…. after that shower of consolation that I received on this path of suffering!

 
As we reached our house, my relatives and well-wishers raised up a mighty tumult….

Wailing for my daughter…. Crying and sharing in our deep grief.

 
But will I be a bit stupid if I say, that in those moments, though externally I was totally broken and shattered…

… within me, I could experience already, a certain sense of hope, that this Man – whose Charism was so much Godly and Divine – would bring my daughter back to life.

 
>> I was sad outside… but His Presence made me hopeful inside
>> I was crying externally…. but His Charm made me encouraged within
 

And my thoughts got a deeper confirming sign, when I heard Him say to all those were weeping and bitterly crying, “Go away! The girl is not dead but is sleeping!”

 
 

We stepped in the room…

 

The sight of my dead princess was too overwhelming for me!

• My grief once again overpowered me!
• My tears of sadness once again began to drown me!
 

But I again realized that I had to fix my gaze on that Divine Man in that moment of pain, to find courage and consolation.

 

• When I took of my eyes from Him, and stared at my situation of grief, I was shattered!
• But when I took off my eyes from the problem, and fixed my eyes on Him, I was consoled!
 

 

And then came that moment of absolute wonder and ecstasy…

The best moment of my life!

 

This Divine Man placed His hand on my precious daughter….

And up she arose!!

 
>> Life was restored to a dead situation!
>> Happiness was reinstated in a grieving circumstance!

My daughter was alive… once again!

 

• How great is the joy of those who place their trust entirely in this Divine Master!
• How immense is the blessing experienced by those who have faith in this Charismatic Man!
 
I wish and hope that all peoples of the world may come to experience the great healing presence of this Man…

 

>> I also wish and hope that all those who have encountered His Living and Miraculous Touch may become passionate proponents of this Man who alone can restore life in dead situations!”

 

 

…. This excerpt is taken from an imaginary autobiography titled, “He restores our life!” of the Official, seen in the Gospel of Mt 9: 18-26, whose girl was dead at the age of twelve and was restored back to life.

 

God Bless! Live Jesus!

A story is told of a shabby old man who would go to the Church at noon every day.

>> He would just be inside the Church for a few minutes.

 
The sacristan of the Church was disturbed with this man’s daily presence..

… “What could he be doing?”

… “Why is the motive of this shabby man?”

>> After all, the Church also contained valuable furnishings.

 

“I go to pray,” the old man said in reply to the sacristan’s questioning.

 

“Oh, come on! Don’t lie”, the sacristan refuted, “you are never long enough in the church to pray.”

 

“Well, you see,’ the old man went on…

“I cannot make a long prayer.

But every day at twelve o’clock I just come and say, “Jesus, it’s Jim.”

I wait for a minute and then come away.

>> It’s just a little prayer, but I guess He hears me.”

 
Some months back, Jim was injured and was taken to the hospital.

 

He had a wonderful influence in the hospital ward

>> Grumbling patients became cheerful and often the ward would ring with laughter.

 
“Well, Jim,” said the nurse to him one day, “It’s so wonderful to see you happy always!”

 

“Hmm… yes, Sister, I can’t help being happy.

You see, it’s my Visitor. Every day He makes me happy!”

 

“Your visitor?” asked the puzzled sister, for he was a lonely old man, with no relations, “Your visitor? But when does he come?’

 

“Every day,” Jim replied, with the twinkle in his eyes growing brighter.
“Every day at twelve o’clock He comes and stands at the foot of my bed.

 I see Him and He smiles and says, “Jim, it’s Jesus!”

 

When we lean on to the Lord, He gives us His rest and consolation

>> When we are faithful to our relationship with Him, He strengthens us and comforts us!

 

 

The Gospel of the Day is the beautiful invitation by the Lord…

…. to come to His Presence

… and to rest in His Heart!

 

Jesus says, “Come to me all you who labour and are burdened, and I will give you rest” (Mt 11: 28)

 
Our lives are characterised by innumerable occasions when we feel tired and exhausted and just to give up….

… Those doing their studies often feel the burden of their academics and say, “Oh, I am fed up of this!”

… Those doing household chores at times feel unrewarded and unrecognised and say, “Oh, it’s a daily burden!”

… Those into works of livelihood sometimes struggle with pressures and deadlines and say, “Oh, I am really tired of all this!”

… Those in positions of caretaking others, often strain against temperaments and characters and say, “Oh, I feel so tired”

… Those who are surrounded by evil tendencies, bad habits and sinful cravings say, “Oh, I am I feel so weary!”

 
Each of us, at some time or the other…in some situation or the other…

… do feel the burden of being tired, weary and exhausted.

 
Perhaps….

>> You feel life sometimes is a great struggle, isn’t it?

>> You often have thoughts like, “Why is my life so pitiable,” isn’t it?

>> You tend to think that “I wish all this was not there in my life,” isn’t it?

>> You have feelings that you are unlucky in life and “I have nothing to look forward,” isn’t it?

 
To each of us then, Our Gentle Lord invites: “Come my Child…. and I will give you rest” (Mt 11:28)

 

Jesus says: “Take My yoke upon you…” (Mt 10: 29)

 
The instant reaction to this sentence, to us who are already overburdened, might be…

… “Oh No! Why another yoke?”

… “I already have a yoke; why should I carry the Lord’s yoke?”

 
We need to understand the concept of a “yoke”, especially from the Jewish society.

 
 ‘Yoke’ is a bar of wood, so made as to unite two animals (usually oxen)…

… enabling them to work in the fields, drawing heavy loads and pulling instruments used for farming.

 

Farmers would ‘yoke’ the young ox with the old experienced ox to train them.

>> The old ox would take the major load and the young one would be walking along and learning.

… The burden of the young one is reduced and the older one takes over the weight of the work!

 
The Yoke, helps the young one…

… to reduce its burden

… to feel that it is in perfect control of the elder one

… to feel urged to do more, as its efforts are doubled by the elder one

 

 

This is the picture of the ‘yoke’ that Jesus presents…

… Yoke as a symbol of partnership

… Yoke as a symbol of control

… Yoke as a symbol of relief

… Yoke as a symbol of hope

 
When we take the “yoke” of Christ…

… He Strengthens us

… Our burdens are no longer ours; He takes over

… We find a meaning for our lives and we feel refreshed

… We feel urged to do more in life as the Lord blesses our efforts

 
Are we ready to take the “Yoke” of Christ?

 
It means that we ought to build a relationship with the Lord…

>> It means that as disciples, we are willing to accept the “yoke” of our Rabbi and Master Jesus

Life might be harsh on us….

But the Lord invites us, “Come to me, and I will give you rest… Take my yoke”

 
We need to be in the presence of the Lord – growing more in prayer and trust in Him.

 

 

Often we run to other sources for comfort and pleasure, to relieve ourselves from our burdens…

… sinful addictions

… unpleasant habits

… unholy sources of pleasure

 
But the Lord says, to instead present ourselves to Him, at every moment…

>> Especially in our moments of burden and hardships

… and receive strength and rest from Him!

 
When we lean on to the Lord, He gives us His rest and consolation

>> When we are faithful to our relationship with Him, He strengthens us and comforts us!

 

 

>> Let us read the Word of God daily to find strength

>> Let us spend time with the Lord in prayer everyday without fail

>> Let us worthily receive the Sacraments to experience His Living Presence

 

 

Yes, Life may be playing a “joke” on us by straining us with burdens and hardships…

>> But let the “Yoke” of Christ give us rest, hope, strength and joy

… and let us hear the Good Shepherd telling us in our moments of struggle, “My Child, it’s Jesus!”

 

God Bless! Live Jesus!

 A little boy once came to his mother, saying, “Mummy, I am as tall as Goliath! I am nine feet high!”

 

“How do you say that?” asked his surprised mother.

 

“Well, I made a little ruler of my own and measured myself with it and I am just nine feet tall.”

 

 

The little fellow considered himself to be huge and tall…but by having a measuring scale that he himself had devised!

 

 

How often is our own styles of assessment and measure the same!

>> We make “our own” yardsticks to measure others actions, and to find a way of criticising others!

>> We make “our own” measuring tapes to determine the deeds of other people, and thus find ways to put down other people!

 
The Gospel of the day is an invitation to examine this our tendency of assessing others’ manners and conduct based on “standards and measurements” that are set by we ourselves.

• Do I evaluate the action of another person based on my own “prejudiced” mindset… or do I measure it with the yardstick that God uses?

• Do I critically analyze other people’s attitudes from my own “biased” perspective… or do I gauge it with the benchmark that God proposes?
 
In the Gospel, we see the disciples of John who come to Jesus with a critical query:

“Why do we and the Pharisees fast, but your disciples do not fast?” (Mt 9:14)

 

It is interesting the reason that the disciples of John use here, in order to ask put forward their question…

 

It would be something like this…

“We, the disciples of John… we follow our Master in leading an ascetic and hard life.

We fast often times during the week… we live a hard life.

 

Look at the Pharisees too… they fast twice a week, which is more than the stipulated requirement of the Law.

 

We engage ourselves in so much of fasting.

 

But look at your disciples…

They are only found to be enjoying life!

 

Who don’t they fast… like we do… ??”

 
>> They had perhaps made “their own” yardsticks to measure the actions of the disciples and found a way of criticizing them!

>> They had perhaps made “their own” measuring tapes to determine the deeds of the disciples, and thus found ways to put them down!

 

But the Lord asks them to change this their “yardstick” and “measuring scale” of judging other people.

 

 

Jesus gives an example of the bridegroom and the context of a marriage.

 

Marriage is the time of joy and celebration… not of mourning or being sad.

>> It is a time of feasting… and not fasting!

… a time of feasting on God’s tremendous Providence and Grace!

… a time of feasting on the Love and Compassion shown by the Lord!

 

The Lord makes a challenge….

… consider and evaluate situations from the “eyes of God” – in the way that God sees.

… assess and measure people in the “manner of God” – with the approach that God takes.

 
It is said that when God measures a person, “He puts the tape around the heart, and not the head!”

 
May we also grow in our following of God… looking at people and situations in His style:

… a style that integrates compassion with sincerity

… a style that incorporates love with genuineness

 
God Bless! Live Jesus!

One of the easiest traps in our life, today, is to acquire Cheap Popularity!
‘Popularism’ is a bane which affects many areas of our life. 
People choose…

… to undermine values

… forsake principles

… abandon relations

… disown doctrine

… and even dilute ideologies

>> Just to gain some cheap and shoddy popularity!

But Jesus…came to the world, not seeking Cheap Popularity…

… rather, in quest of Precious Sinners!
He came not rendering Instant Glory…

… rather, in granting Everlasting Peace!
He came not to Please People…

… rather, to Honour God!
And Jesus is clear in His Mission: To seek the wayward, to find the lost, to grant peace to sinners!

This Mission of the Lord would make Him lose His popularity ratings & reputed recognitions…

>> But Jesus dared…

… to prioritize Principles over Popularity

… Choosing Reconciliation over Reputation!

The Gospel of the Day begins with the verse, “…Jesus saw a man named Matthew sitting at the customs post. He said to him, “Follow me!” (Mt 9:9)

For the religious elite of the Society, this calling of Matthew, the Tax Collector was a shocking experience! 
Tax Collectors were among the most hated people in the Jewish Society. 

>> They were generally despised and tainted and stained on three different aspects:
a. National Traitors: A tax collector, “sold himself”, to the foreign Roman government, and was a betrayer of the Nation…one of the top-most nation-betrayers!
b. Morally Corrupt: Each tax collector had the right from the Roman government to gather taxes; and the more he gathered, the more he could keep….one of the top-most dishonest people!
c. Religiously Unclean: Their constant contacts with the Gentiles made them religiously suspicious….one of the top-most impure class!
And it is this Matthew, that Jesus invites to “Follow Him”! 

>> An unpopular approach indeed!
But the Lord is least bothered of human appreciation and public popularity!

>> He came to Seek the Lost….and gather the scattered ones!
And this offer of the Lord, was gladly welcomed by Matthew – opening himself to the Love of the Lord….

1. He opened His heart: Matthew became a new person. 

>> Accepting Jesus, meant turning away from his old-ways, rejecting some of his corrupt business people, forsaking a good deal of income…
2. He Opened His Home: Matthew was excited to share his New Found Love, with others too… >> The transformation in one person, became an opportunity, for many others, to experience God’s enterprising love and be challenged to undergo a change! 
3. He opened his hands: Matthew also opened his hands & worked for the Lord. 

>> “It could be (wittily) said, that when Jesus called Matthew, he left his job to follow Christ, but he took along with him, his pen!” 

>> And this would later help him to pen the Gospel…the Gospel according to St Matthew!!

The call of Matthew, was Jesus’ way of telling that things happen in the Kingdom of God, not for the Sake of Popularity…

… rather, The Kingdom is an Invitation and a Home to all who find themselves lost, least, broken, rejected, seeking, disturbed!

We all are in one way or the other, facing some of these problems or difficulties in life… 

Let these not discourage us…!

As the saying goes:

Never say, “GOD, I have a big problem!” 

>> Instead say, “Hey Problem, I have a big GOD”

The Lord is ever-ready to welcome us. 

>> He is least bothered of what others think or criticize!!

>> He values our lives much more than losing popularity! 
Yes, We are more precious to Him, than popularity! 

>> He Values Us! 

>> He Trusts us! 

>> He Loves us! 

All of us, can be assured of experiencing….

… Rest in His Heart

… Welcome in His Home

… Strength in His Hands!
Let us Follow Him, and like Mathew, let us…

… give our hearts, our homes and our hands to Him!
Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI says:

“If you follow the will of God, in spite of all the terrible things that happen to you, you will never lose a final refuge…

… Go on, trusting, in the One Who loves you.” 

God Bless! Live Jesus!

There is a funeral custom of a particular Austrian Royal Family.

>> This is in a church in which the Hapsburgs, the former ruling family of Austria are buried.

                         

It is called the “Knocking Ceremony”

>> The custom takes place at the burial of every member of the Imperial Family before the entrance of the Capuchin cloister church.

 

 

When the coffin arrives at the entrance, the Grand Chamberlain knocks three times with a silver cane on the door of the Church which contains the Imperial crypt.

 

The guard inside asks: “Who is there?”

 

The Grand Chamberlain proclaims the name and titles of the deceased Hapsburg Emperor: “I am (Name) … Emperor of Austria, Apostolic King of Hungary, King of Bohemia, Dalmatia, Croatia, Slavonia, Galicia…..etc….”

 

Upon hearing this, the porter refuses to open the door and says: “I do not know you.”

 

The Grand Chamberlain knocks on the door again and in answer to the porter’s question “Who is there?” gives, this time, just the name of the deceased Emperor: “I am (Name) … His Majesty, the Emperor and the King ”

 

The guard inside, again refuses admission: “I do not know you.”

 

For a third time, the Grand Chamberlain knocks on the door and the guard asks: “Who is there?”

 

This time, the Grand Chamberlain simply says: “I am (Name)… a poor mortal and a sinner.”

 

To this, comes the response: “Come in.”

 

The progression in the questions and answers shows a progression towards humility.

>> It is only the humble who can be admitted to the Presence of the Lord!

 

Where there is humility, there is forgiveness of sin and celebration of mercy

>> Where there is only pride, there is criticism of sinners and condemnation of generosity!

 

 

The Gospel of the Day is a beautiful incident of a contrast of experiences:

>> The humble being received into the forgiving love of God

>> The pride being reprimanded to acknowledge the mercy of God!

 

 

The Gospel is the forgiveness and healing of the paralytic, when Jesus comes to His own city (Mt 9:1)

 

Seeing the paralytic being brought on the stretcher, and admiring their faith, Jesus had said:

“Courage child, your sins are forgiven” (Mt 9: 2)

 

 

However, some of the scribes got annoyed and commented: “This man is blaspheming” (Mt 9:3)

 

But Jesus, who reads the hearts of all people said:

“But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins, He then said to the paralytic ,’Rise, pick up your stretcher and go home” (Mt 9:6)

 

 

Jesus was seeking to establish an important aspect…

>> Every sin has its evil consequences on a person

 

It is not that every sickness/evil/ill-happening is a result of sin…

…but the reverse is always true: That Sin always has a negative influence on a person!

 

 

The paralytic man was brought on a stretcher by the people (Mt 9:2) for a physical healing

 

But Jesus demonstrates to the man, his friends as well as to all around…

… that more than physical healing, one needs a spiritual cleansing

… that it is only a spiritual empowerment that can lead to integral material health

 

This spiritual empowerment…. This spiritual cleansing…

… needs the element of Humility!

 

Humility is expressed in this incident by the man who “was brought on the stretcher”

 

>> The paralytic lay in utter helplessness and misery

>> The paralytic was totally vulnerable and powerless

 

These elements constitute humility…

… acknowledging one’s helplessness and depending totally on the power of God

… accepting that one is vulnerable and weak and needs God’s strength to be empowered

 

The scribes who were criticizing Jesus failed to have these elements…

>> They instead swelled up in pride and false knowledge

 

 

Only where there is humility, can there be forgiveness of sin and a celebration of mercy

>> Where there is only pride, there is criticism of sinners and condemnation of generosity!

 

Are we sick and paralysed today?

>> Maybe our family and community lives are paralysed by attitudes of indifference, uncaring attitude, arguments and financial difficulties

>> Maybe our personal lives are paralysed by uncertainties, lack of hope and shortage of inspiration and motivation

>> Maybe our societal lives are paralysed by rejection from others, misunderstandings and unhealthy experiences of corruption and injustice.

 

We need the healing touch of the Lord… We need an empowerment

>> This healing has to primarily begin from the spiritual dimension

>> This empowerment needs to start first from the spiritual perspective

 

When we go to the Lord in humility, we will be touched from within

… a spiritual cleansing happens and a spiritual empowerment is kindled!

 

The Lord came into the world, primarily as a Saviour…

… to save us!

>> And He intends that all of us seek Him with this prime motive above all…

… spiritual graces above material blessings

… growth in holiness over prosperity of earthly riches

 

One of the most important means that the Lord provides this opportunity to receive His Mercy and Healing is the Sacrament of Reconciliation (Confession)

 

Just as Jesus forgave the sins of the paralytic and restored him to bodily health…

… so too Jesus wants the Church, through the Holy Spirit, to continue his work of healing and salvation especially through the Sacrament of Reconciliation

>> The Sacrament of Reconciliation is a Sacrament of Healing!

 

We need to examine ourselves…

>> Has examination of conscience become part of our daily Christian lifestyle?

>> Do I frequent the Sacrament of Reconciliation more often and thus receive forgiveness of sins and strength for our spiritual life?

>> Do I make sufficient preparation for the Sacrament, and also seek to hold on to the promises and resolutions made at the Confessional?

 

Every Confession is to become a life-changing experience!

>> Confession is not a license to do more sins

>> Confession is not a permit to living in sin, thinking that “God will anyway forgive!”

 

The Sacrament of Reconciliation is a great privilege…

… It is also a Sacred Duty and places a moral obligation to seek to grow in holiness!

 
Yes, let us realize…

… that it is only the humble who can be admitted to the Presence of the Lord!

 

May we knock at the “Door of the Lord’s presence”, acknowledging in humility, that “we are mortals and sinners”…

… seeking to be healed of all the “paralysis” in our life…

 

>> And thus, hear the Saviour Lord telling us:

“Take heart, my child, your sins are forgiven!

Rise, take up your stretcher and go home!”

 

 

God Bless! Live Jesus!

Four boys were on an expedition – through the rivers and valleys and the mountain ranges.

 

At the end of the day, they camped – with supper by a campfire – in a lonely ravine.

 

However, at midnight a terrific thunderstorm encountered them.

 

The boys were forced to take refuge from the storm in the barn of a farmer.

 

They felt safe from the stormy rain and lay on the hay…

… when suddenly they heard loud noises…

 

This time not that of nature.. but of a human voice – loud and wild.

>> All through the night they heard that terrible shouting.

 
Somehow, in fear and trembling, they managed to through the night.

 

When dawn appeared, they come down from the barn, and realised the reason for the noise…

>> The farmer’s father was insane, a maniac…locked up in one of the rooms of the house!

 

 

The expedition of the boys ended up with a dual-storm-experience!

… the storm of nature’s fury – in the thunderstorm and heavy rainfall

… the storm of human anger – unleashed by that poor man who was insane

 

The Gospel of the Day along with yesterday’s Gospel passage, present two storms that are encountered by Jesus and His Disciples…

… the storm of nature’s fury – as They got caught in the heavy tempest while in the boat (Mt 8: 23-27)

… the storm of human anger – as They met the two demoniacs coming out of the tombs (Mt 8: 28-34)

 
In both the “stormy” and “turbulent” encounters, Jesus calms the “violence” and displays His supremacy as the Lord of all storms and turbulence.

 
The Gospel of the Day is the incident of the healing of the two demoniacs.

 

The word “demons” might immediately put off many a people…including perhaps some of us…

 

“Modern and learned” sceptics of the Bible dismiss demon-possession as rubbish!

• Some might say that it was just a primitive manner that people had, to describe psychic or social disorders.
• Some might say that it was just a superstitious belief and practice.
 

But when we consider the Bible in its totality and especially the ministry of Jesus, it is very evidently seen that there is not much accommodation to superstitious beliefs or practices.

 

Any false or fanciful superstitious stuff was in fact, corrected or rectified!

 

The Church teaches that the Devil is real, and not just a mythical personification of evil.

 

The Catechism of the Catholic Church states that Satan “acts in the world out of hatred for God and his kingdom in Christ Jesus, and … his action causes grave injuries” (CCC #395).

 
Pope Francis, in his first homily quoted: ‘He who does not pray to the Lord, prays to the Devil.’ 

 

This then is an important aspect that we see in today’s Gospel… Jesus performing this miracle of exorcism, showing His supreme power and authority over the satanic forces.

 

 

What is my understanding of Satan and the evil forces?

 

I need to realize that this real force opposes anything that is spiritual and holy.

>> This also means that wherever there is a spiritual action taking place, there is an opposition by the Devil and his evil power.

 

• Do I arm myself with deeper faith, courage and conviction in God’s power?

• Do I equip myself with greater holiness and sanctity to withstand evil influences?

 

The “Our Father” is a powerful prayer which invokes the power of God against the evil: “… and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from Evil”

 
Another important and interesting dimension that we see in today’s Gospel passage is the repulsion and disgust for Jesus…

 

This repulsion is displayed by two groups:

1. The two demoniacs

2. The people of the town

 

And this repulsion is characterised by a singular word – “begging”

>> The demoniacs BEGGED Him, “If you drive us out, send us into the herd of swine” (Mt 8: 31)

>> Thereupon the whole town came to meet Jesus, and when they say Him, they BEGGED Him to leave their district” (Mt 8: 34)

 

• The demoniacs couldn’t stand the Holiness and Power of the Lord and so they “begged” Him to cast them into the swine
• The people of the town – we are not very sure, what exactly were their reasons – too had a repulsion to the Lord and “begged” Him to leave their district.
 

In both the cases, one thing is clear:

>> Holiness was opposed and was found repulsive by evil forces!

 

Where there is Holiness, evil cannot stand!

>> Where there is Sanctity, satan finds it unbearable!
 

This then, makes it imperative on our parts, as Christians, to embrace ourselves closer into holiness and immerse ourselves deeper into the power of God!

 

Evil is a reality…

>> But the power of God, is a much stronger force!
Jesus says, “Fear not, I have conquered the world”

 

May we grow deeper in our relation with the Lord, and with Him, be strong and bold against the “storms” of the evil one!
 

God Bless! Live Jesus!

We live in a world of wonders…

 

 For example…

 

Salt is a wonder.

• It is composed of two dangerous substances – Sodium which is explosive when exposed to moisture and Chlorine which is poisonous.
But salt is so very stable!

 

Alnico magnets are a wonder.

• It is composed of three non-magnetic substances: aluminium, nickel and cobalt.
But it is the strongest magnet in the world!

 

Water is a wonder.

• Its chemical formula is H2O – Oxygen is flammable and hydrogen readily burns.
But unite them, to get water and we put out fires with it!

 

 
But above all these things of nature and the natural phenomena, we have the greatest wonder in the Lord and Creator of every “object and situation” of wonder, Himself – God!

 

>> How often do we realize the wonder of His Being?

>> How often do we be thankful for the wonders He does in our lives?
 

The Gospel of the Day is a reminder and an eye-opener for us to realize the “wonderful” Person that we have in the “boat” of our lives – Jesus – and to be grateful for Him for His “wondrous” presence!

 
We are with the familiar passage of the calming of the storms.

 

The Gospel of Matthew reports the fact that when Jesus and His disciples got into the boat, there was sudden violent “storm”… (Mt 8:23)

 

The Greek word that is used for “storm” is “seismos”…

>> Seismos means a “shaking” or a “commotion” or a “tempest” or an “earthquake”

      

(It is from this word “seismos” that we get the word “seismic” which refers to earthquakes)

 

The disciples were right in the midst of something like a “sea-earthquake”

>> And it came on “suddenly”!

 

How often is our life too so similar…

 

We sail across calmly, enjoying the peace and serenity of life…

… when suddenly…… we are hit by a deadly storm…in the form of….

• a major crisis in the family or the community

• an unexpected sickness to us or to our loved one

• some unimaginable disaster arising in our work-place

• an inexpressible pain or an absolutely unforeseen problem

 

We find ourselves totally despairing in the thick of that “seismos”, that “storm”.

 

The waves hit the boat of our lives so badly and violently…

… that for a moment, our heart skips a beat and we think, “is it all going to be over?”

… that for a split-second, we let go of every hope and we feel, “is it really the end?”

 

But the Lord who was always with us, in our boat, relaxed and calm, “gets up, rebukes the winds and the sea, and there is great calm” (Mt 8: 26)

 

>> It is as if the whole world is His classroom, and the Master Teacher gets up and demonstrates His power to His students!

>> It is as if the waves and the winds are getting “too naughty” and Jesus, the Lord, gets up and “rebukes and chides” them!

 

And suddenly the disciples realised something spectacular…

>> All this while, in the midst of the storm, they were shocked and appalled at the “wonder” of the mighty wind and the raging tempest.

 

But now… right before them and with them… was a Person who was the Source, Creator and the Perfection of all Wonders – “Jesus”!

 

• The “wonder” of the Lord’s presence far outmatched those of the deadly side of nature!

• The “wonder” of the Mighty Creator greatly surpassed that of the crisis they faced!

 

The Gospel says that the disciples were “‘amazed’ and said “What sort of a man is this, whom even the winds and the seas obey?” (Mt 8:27)

 

>> How often do we realize the wonder of His Being?

>> How often do we be thankful for the wonders He does in our lives?
May we also, like the Disciples, learn to experience deeper and mingle with the “wonder” of the Lord – especially in the Most Holy Eucharist, where He is truly and really present…

… so that we can sail through the storms of our life, in faith and hope!

 
God Bless! Live Jesus!

  A young man joined the military service as a soldier.

 

One morning, he was ordered by the sergeant to report for duty at the canteen.

>> He, however refused.

 

The sergeant threatened to report him to the officer that day.

 

“All right,” said the young man, “go ahead. I did not enlist to be a bartender but a soldier, and I will not report at the canteen!”

 

His action of refusal was duly reported to the major who sent for him.

>> His companions taunted him as being “adamant” and “snobbish”

 

 

The young man went to the Major – with trembling knees but a steady heart – for he knew he was right.

 

The officer asked him, ‘Are you the young man who disobeyed orders this morning?’

>> “Yes, sir, I am.”

 

“Why did you do it?”

 

“Simply because I do not believe it is right to do what I was asked to do.

I enlisted to be a soldier and not a bartender.’

 

The officer arose quickly from his chair.

A trickle of fear went down the spine of the young man!

 

However, the officer extending his hand, said: “Young man, you are the kind of man we want.

 

I am glad to see a fellow who has the courage of his convictions.

You are not obliged to report at the canteen.

I am proud of your convictions!”

 

The young man was supposedly considered by others as being “adamant” and “proud”…

>> But the officer realized the worth of this young man – as having a courageous character of convictions!

 

 

True commitment and steadfast faithfulness in life requires the power of convictions and certainty!

 
Today we celebrate the Feast of St Thomas – who is popularly (or rather infamously) called as the “Doubting Apostle”.

 
He was probably considered by others as being “adamant” and “proud”…

 • It was his search for convictions in life that made him seek for a proof for the Lord’s appearance

• It was his desire for certainty in life that caused him to doubt at the words of his companions over the Lord’s Resurrection.

 

The Lord realized the worth of this young man- as having a courageous character of convictions!

 

 

When we go through the life of St Thomas as seen in the Gospels, we encounter a person constantly displaying courage, expressing commitment and seeking for convictions.

 

St Thomas indeed stands out among the other apostles…

 

1. It was probably St Thomas who first expressed his desire to give up his life for the Lord and His Kingdom…

“Let us also go, that we may die with Him” (Jn 11: 16)

 

>> St Thomas becomes a motivation for all those who follow Christ, to be bold and brave and even to give up one’s life for the Lord and His Kingdom

 

 

2. It was St Thomas who had the simplicity and the openness to ask Jesus when the Lord had declared that “Where I am going you know the way..” and the Lord had responded “I am the Way, the Truth and the Life”…

 

“Master, we do not know where you are going, how can we know the way?” (Jn 14:5)

 

>> St Thomas becomes a consolation to all those who face genuine uncertainties in spiritual life and encourages to remain like a child – in openness, simplicity and frankness.
 

3. It was St Thomas who refused the trust the words of his companions on the issue of the Jesus’ Resurrection. 

>> He knew that many of his companions had impulsive reactions and therefore, could not be believed for their words. Therefore, he insisted that his belief in Christ’s Resurrection would depend only on His personal experience with the Lord

 

“Unless I see the mark of the nails in His Hands and put my finger into His side, I will not believe” (Jn 20:25)

 

>> St Thomas becomes a refuge for all those who grapple with spiritual anxieties – lack of consolation in prayer life, deep longing to experience God and many confusions regarding spiritual teachings and faith experiences

 

 

In St Thomas we have a saint who is very human and with whom we – who are often prone to mistakes and frail in weaknesses – can easily connect.

• He was brave, but also had his moments of feeling lost

• He was courageous, but also had his moments of seeking answers for doubts

• He was enthusiastic, but also had his moments of staying away from the faith-community

 

 

St Thomas is a shining beacon of courage.

• He had his doubts.

>> But once cleared, he became a person of immense conviction.

 

This conviction made him to travel across many lands to give witness to Jesus, His Lord and Master… and even to give up His life, in martyrdom!

 

Yes, True commitment and Steadfast faithfulness in life requires the power of convictions and certainty!

 

May St Thomas help us, with his intercession and inspiration, to become Christians of Conviction and Certainty and to firmly cry out, in joyful acclamation, “My Lord and My God”

 

 

Happy Feast of St Thomas, the Convinced Disciple of Christ!

Happy Feast of Faith and Belief, Boldness and Courage to all!

 

God Bless! Live Jesus!