Raphael is the famous Italian painter – the architect of the High Renaissance.

 

Together with Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo, he forms the traditional trinity of great masters of that period.

 

There is a famous painting of the Transfiguration of our Blessed Lord by Raphael.

>> This painting was done in Rome in 1520.

 

Raphael had his health deteriorating at this time, as soon he was to die at the age of 37.

>> With the life-energy draining out of him, he chose to apply his mastery strokes on the painting of the Transfiguration.

 

 

 

In the upper centre part of the painting is seen a flat, rock mountain top.

>> The three disciples – Peter, James and John – are shielding their eyes from the glory.

>> Just above them, in the air, are Elijah and Moses and Jesus.

>> Jesus is glisteningly white, as scripture says, “no fuller on earth could bleach”

 

At the bottom of the mountain, is the crowd of the other disciples.

>> They are being unable to heal a boy, who is possessed by a demon.

>> The boy, an epileptic is seen in a fit of seizure, and flanked by his helpless father

 

 

These two contrasting images in the same picture are drawn from the 17th Chapter of the Gospel of St Matthew.

· The Transfiguration of the Lord (Mt 17: 1- 13)

· The inability of the disciples to heal the epileptic boy (Mt 17: 14ff)

 

The Gospel of the day is the second incident: of how the disciples fail to heal the boy and how Jesus intervenes to cure and teaches the importance of possessing strong faith.

 

These two incidents that are depicted in the Painting of the Transfiguration by Raphael, shows contrasting dimensions…

>> On one side, immense glory being revealed and the Divine splendour being manifested

>> On the other, lack of faith being exposed and the failure in the Kingdom ministry

 

>> On one side, the three disciples basking in the light of heightened faith and devotion

>> On the other, the other disciples being lost in the darkness of inability to put the faith to effectiveness

.

 

And how often is this the painting of our own lives too…

 

· There are some moments when we experience the loftiness of God’s glory and power

· There are other moments when we fail miserably to evoke His presence and are unable to feel His

 

· There are some times when faith makes us to feel that everything is so glorious and wonderful

· There are other times when our faith hits rock-bottom and our spiritual life loses its sheen and all seems so miserable

 

 

This is the reality of our lives – contrasting experiences of glorious faith at some instants and miserable lack of trust at other

 

But the Gospel of the day ends with an encouraging exhortation by Jesus to have a strong and sturdy faith – the faith the size of a mustard seed

 

“If you have faith the size of a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you” (Mt 17:20)

 

 

When the disciples were unable to bring about a healing to the epileptic boy, the Lord sure did rebuke them for their “lack of faith”.

 

But after having healed the child, He does not linger with the reproaching or admonishing attitude… instead as a loving friend and a caring master, gently but firmly encourages them to be stronger in their faith.

 

This is the approach that He has towards us too…

>> He knows that we have our weak moments and situations of disbelief and doubts

>> He knows that there are periods when our faith is merely on the lips and not really from the depths of our hearts

>> He knows that there are times when annoying circumstances encroach our faith-life and all our efforts in devotion meet with bitter conclusions

 

Yet, with firmness and fondness, Jesus invites us to keep seeking to grow in our trust in Him and have faith of the size of the mustard seed.

 

 

God Bless! Live Jesus!

Dayton Ohio in America has an elevated railway.

 

One of the stations of this railway was near a great Roman Catholic burial ground named Calvary Cemetery.

>> The name of this station was Calvary Station.
 

The unique aspect of this station was that the trains did not stop at this station, except on request.

 

The reason?

For several years, in that part of the town, there were many more dead than living people.

 

Therefore, just after leaving the nearest station, the train guard would open the door and shout:

“Next station is Calvary! Train stops on request only…

Anybody for Calvary?”

 

 

Perhaps this a parable of life’s train!

 

At all other stations, life’s train stops – market-street station, school-street station, church-street station, home-avenue station etc…

 

But only at one station, there is a stop only when someone chooses to: the Station of Calvary!

 

 

The Gospel of the Day has Jesus, the Guard of our Life’s Train echoing the invitatory words, “Anybody for Calvary?”

 

Jesus tells His disciples, “Whoever wishes to come after Me, must deny Himself, take up His cross and follow Me” (Mt 16:24)

 

 

One of the finest aspects about Jesus, as a Person and as a Teacher, is the clarity and precision that He maintained in all His words and deeds.

>> He was clear and precise of what was His Mission on the earth

>> He is clear and precise also, of what is expected of His followers.

 

• There is no pretence or deception in His talks.

• There are no loopholes or strings attached in His demands

 

He makes it precisely clear that the one who follows Him must fulfil the three basic conditions:

1. Denying Oneself

2. Taking up the Cross

3. Following Him

 

 

• Denying Oneself – demands that one is willing to entrust the reins of one’s life totally to the Master.

 

>> It means a priority of the highest order that is reserved for the Lord and His Kingdom

>> It means a constant rejection of desires that cause the self to be greater than the Lord

 

 

• Taking Up the Cross – demands that one is wholeheartedly and readily willing to do one’s duty as a Christian, joyfully and steadily

 

>> It means an availability to be at the service of the Lord and His Kingdom at all times

>> It means a seeking and an acceptance of the Will of God at every moment of life

 

 

• Following Him – demands that one keeps a steadfast focus on the Lord alone and keeping away anything that would cause a distraction

 

>> It means a faithful and an unflinched commitment to walk only on the path that the Lord demands

>> It means a radical letting go of anything that can be contrary to the Gospel ways and the Kingdom values.

 

 

But very often we find that these things are easier said, than done…

 

• We wish to deny ourselves.

But too often….

>> Our selfish desires dominate over us and we get disillusioned

>> We give in to making excuses or dilute the seriousness of our call

 

 

• We wish to take up our cross

But too often…

>> We feel ourselves overburdened with responsibilities

>> We fear the hardships of disciplining ourselves and shy away from it

 

• We wish to follow Him

But too often…

>> Worldly distractions and human affairs preoccupy us and our hearts get divided in our loyalty to the Lord

>> Our enthusiastic hearts get weighed down by scandals or lack of motivations or even opposing forces

 

 

But the Lord, through today’s Gospel gives a call once again – to embrace a life of the Cross!

 

The way of the Cross is the only true path for a Christian.

• That was the way of the Lord.

• That is to be the way of each follower too.

 

As Dietrich Bonhoeffer, a German theologian says, “To endure the cross is not tragedy; it is the suffering which is the fruit of an exclusive allegiance to Jesus Christ”.

 

A life embracing the cross is the hallmark of a Christian – in self-denial, in total commitment and with complete sincerity.

 

 

As our life-train chugs on, Jesus, the Guard echoes the call, “Anybody for Calvary?”

 

Calvary is “the offence of the cross”

>> None stops there except the one who chooses to

>> It’s a stumbling block for the Jews and foolishness to the Greeks ( 1 Cor 1:23)

>> But to those who believe, it is the power and wisdom of God ( 1 Cor 1: 24)

 

Are we willing to request for a stop at Calvary – to embrace the Cross of Christ?

 

God Bless! Live Jesus!

 The year 258 AD saw a massive killing campaign unleashed against the Christians by the Roman Emperor Valerian.

 

Popular lore has it that a young Deacon had been placed in charge of the Church’s riches.

>> These treasures included the Holy Grail which was supposed to be the cup used by Christ at the Last Supper.
 

 

Emperor Valerian, who had just killed the Pope had set his eyes also on finishing off this young Deacon.

 

Having a good knowledge of the Church’s riches, the cruel Emperor commanded the Deacon to hand over all the “treasures of the Church” to him or that he too would suffer a dreadful death.

 

The deacon requested for a few days to collect together the vast amount of wealth.

 

Three days later, the Deacon, mustering immense courage, threw open the palace doors to deliver the “treasures”.

 

His hands were all empty – no silver nor gold nor any other precious ornaments.

>> Instead, flaunting behind him were the poor, the blind and the crippled of the town.
 

When he reached the throne, the Deacon daringly announced, “These are the true treasures of the Church”!

 

 

The Emperor was mightily enraged.

He sentenced the young fellow to a death by torturous grilling!

 

Literally, the executioners followed the command – barbecuing the Deacon to death on a gridiron.

 

However, the valour and the dare displayed by the faithful soldier of Christ was so great that, after a few minutes of being roasted, he said to his executioners, “This side is done… Turn me over on the other side!!”

 

 

That could be the height of boldness and courage, right?

 

 

And what’s more.. call it Divine humour, the Church has named this Deacon as the Patron Saint of comedians, butchers, chefs and roasters!

 

Classic one, isn’t it?

 

 

The name of the Deacon is St Lawrence, whose feast we celebrate today.

 

 

His daring life goes on to prove…

… that a passionate love for Christ can overcome any pain and persecution – including death!

… that the worth of being a true disciple is total fidelity to the person of Christ and to His Kingdom, even if it means bearing hardships and difficulties

 

 

We are invited, as the Gospel of the day says, “to be the grain of wheat that falls into the earth and dies” ( Jn 12: 24-26)

 

 

Our Blessed Lord expounds one of the most basic principles in nature:

>> New life emerges only when there is a sacrifice

>> Transformation in life happens only when a sacrifice is involved.

 

 

The vegetables, before being served at table…

… needs to be pulled up from the heart of the earth

… and passed through the torment of fire in being cooked

 

The meat, that comes with its tasty appeal, at the food table..

… needs to be first submitted to the slaying by the knife

… and passed through the flaming ordeal, in being rendered edible

 

 

Sacrifice, therefore, is nature’s way of passage to experience new life!

 

The Lord takes an appeal to this basic principle in saying that “unless a grain of wheat dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit” (Jn 12: 24)

 

 

At the time of Jesus, farmers would drop one grain of wheat at a time, in its cultivation

• The soil would be ploughed and shallow trenches dug out to create the bed for the seeds.

• The wheat grains, one at a time, were dropped into the trench and covered with loosened soil

 

A little sneak into the wheat yielding statistics (roughly – since it varies from place to place, depending on the soil, seed variety and other factors) reveals the point that Jesus explicated about “a grain of wheat which dies, yields much fruit”

 

 

If we consider an acre of land…

>> Two bushels of grain would yield around 40 bushels of wheat

>> That translates to, around 150 kg of grain yielding around 3000 kg of wheat!

 

• Simplifying it, gives an equation (very roughly): 1 kg of grain sown would yield around 20 kg of wheat!

 

That’s enormous, isn’t it?

 

 

This is the power of sacrifice, that Jesus alludes to, with an example from nature.

 

As Christians, we are challenged to live a life of Sacrifice, in order to yield the harvest of God’s Kingdom.

 

 

Greater our sacrifice, greater would be the fruits that are yielded for the glory of God and His Kingdom!

 

The Gospel passage refers to two ways of making this sacrifice…

1. Dying to the world

“He who hates his love in this world, will keep it for eternal life” (Jn 12: 25)

 

2. Serving the Lord wholeheartedly by following Him

 “If anyone serves me, the Father will honour me” (Jn 12: 26)

 

 

Can we personalise these two dimensions of sacrifice….?

 

• Dying to the worldly values which glorify the self – power, positions and honour- and instead seek to live in humility, self-discipline and selflessness!

• Constantly making efforts to serve the Lord in every aspect of our life – words, deeds, thoughts – and leading a life that brings glory to God and serving His people in every little way possible

 

 

• Giving up sins – both personal and social – and constantly rejecting alluring temptations to remain fixated by worldly standards; instead focussing on the transcendental dimensions of life

• Prioritising the Lord and His Kingdom in every aspect of our life and remaining focussed on Him alone – even amidst persecutions or hardships to give up the Gospel Lifestyle

 

 

The courageous and bold Deacon, St Lawrence is a powerful model for us to lead a life of Christian Sacrifice.

 

May our Crucified Lord, who is the greatest embodiment of Sacrifice, fill us with the grace and courage to live a committed Christian life!

 

 

God Bless! Live Jesus!

 Years back, in the late 1900’s, engineers were asked to give their opinions on a possible railroad through the Andes Mountains

 

(Andes is the longest continental mountain range in the world; it passes through seven South American countries: Venezuela, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, Chile, and Argentina)

 

They concluded that the job would be an impossible one.

 

However, as a last resort, an engineer from Poland named Ernest Malinowski was called in.

 

Malinowski’s reputation as an engineer was famous, but he was in the aging sixtieth year of his life at that time.

The authorities feared to impose such a rigorous task on the old man.

 

 

Malinowski, however, assured the representatives that the job could be done.

 

 

The railway began to worm its way across the Andes from Peru with sixty-two tunnels and thirty bridges along its way.

• One tunnel ran up to 4,000 feet in length, 15,000 feet above the level of the sea.

• On two occasions, revolutions in some of the countries through which the railroad passed, held up construction.

• Once Malinowski had to even flee to Peru and remain in exile for a time

 

But nothing could prevent the old man in completing the engineering feat.

 

By 1880, work was completed on what, till recent times (2006), was the highest railroad in the world.

 

Malinowski had many barriers towards the achievement of this grand feat…

… The problems arising out of old age

… The challenging mountainous terrains

… The impossibility expressed by many other engineers

 

However, nothing of it could deter his determination in achieving what he wanted!

 

 

Life rewards abundantly, those who are willing to challenge the barriers and be persistent in overcoming them!

 

 

The Gospel of the Day presents the beautiful story of a mother who dared to “break through” the mountainous terrains of religious prejudices, social ignominy and personal misery to bridge blessings from God for her precious daughter.

 

 

Jesus had withdrawn to the district of Tyre and Sidon (Mt 15:21)

 

 

In the Old Testament times, this region was better known as the area of the tribes of the Canaanites.

• Over the years, the land had grown in paganism as well as corruption.

 

Their presence was a strong threat to the purity of Israel’s religion and morality.

 

Therefore, there was a long history of spiritual and military clashes between the Israelites and Canaanites.

 

It was in this place that Jesus meets one of them – a woman, whose daughter had been “severely possessed by a demon” (Mt 15:22b)

 

 

The presence of “that” woman, however, made the disciples of Jesus, to complain to their Master, “Send her away, for she keeps calling out after us” (Mt 15: 23b)

 

 

At this juncture, we hear two cries…

ü One – the cry of the woman

ü The other – the cry of the disciples

 

>> The woman cried out of helplessness and out of deep misery – for the “unclean” demon to be cast away from her daughter
>> The disciples cried out in wretchedness and disgust – for the “unclean” woman to be cast away from their presence

 
It’s interesting to note the wordplay in Greek, in the words of the disciples and those of the woman…

 

>> The disciples uttered, “APOLYSON – send her away”

>> The woman cried, “KYRIE ELEISON – have mercy, Lord”

 
These two similar-sounding yet contradicting choruses were ringing in the air – “Apolyson – Kyrie Eleison… Apolyson – Kyrie Eleison”

 

 

The Master then stepped in to say, “I was sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel… It is not right to take the food of the children and throw it to the dogs” (Mt 15: 24, 26)

 

 

Perhaps the addressing of Jesus as a “dog” would have come as no surprise to the Canaanite woman.

 

It was a reminder of the sharp distinction that existed, historically, between the Blessed Israelites and the Cursed Canaanites.

>> The Jews “were” considered as the “children” and the Canaanites (Gentiles) “were” considered as “dogs”

 

And in every house, the children get fed first… not the dogs!

 
But the figurative tone set forth by Jesus, found its amazing reply in the words of the Canaanite woman, “Yes, Lord, for even the dogs eat the scraps that fall from the table of their masters” (Mt 15: 27)

 

Here was a glorious acknowledgement by the woman…

“Yes, I am a Canaanite, and considered to be a dog.

I do acknowledge that Israelites have a special privilege in the order of God’s grace.

 

But we too, deserve the Grace of God that is due to all people, in general!”

 

I demand not the privileged bread that is reserved to the mighty….

But, just the crumbs of Your grace will suffice in healing my ailing daughter!”

 

That was an amazing reply of persistent faith!

 

 

The mountainous terrains had been broken!

>> No religious prejudices, no social ignominy or no personal misery could prevent the bold faith of the woman to bridge the blessings of God’s healing!

 

 

Yes, life rewards abundantly, those who are willing to challenge the barriers and be persistent in overcoming them!

 

With immense pride, the Lord proclaimed, “O Woman, great is your faith” (Mt 15: 28)

 

 

Do we also seek to possess such kind of a tremendous faith and unperturbed persistence?

• Sometimes we hear – like the cries of the disciples – discouraging voices and refraining chants…

• Sometimes we have to encounter the agonizingly painful and silent response of the Lord…

• Sometimes we have to bear humiliating challenges to our prayers and even disturbing answers from the Divine..

 
Yet, like this wonderful mother, who was determined to break down every “mountain” of barrier, for the sake of a miracle for her daughter…

… do we remain courageous, firm and bold in our faith and trust in the Lord?

 

 

St Francis de Sales says, “when you encounter difficulties and contradictions, do not try to break them; try to bend them with gentleness and time.”
Let us today seek the intercession of St Teresa Benedicta of the Cross also known as Edith Stein.

>> She was a German Jewish philosopher who converted to Catholicism and became a Carmelite nun, finally becoming a martyr in the Nazi concentration camp.
Let her words inspire us: 

” And when night comes, and you look back over the day and see how fragmentary everything has been, and how much you planned that has gone undone…

… and all the reasons you have to be embarrassed and ashamed: 

>> Just take everything exactly as it is, put it in God’s hands and leave it with Him.”

May Our Blessed Lord – the God of all peoples – bless us with a firmness in our faith, perseverance in our piety and courage in our convictions!
 

God Bless! Live Jesus!

Let’s embark with St Peter today on a boat journey…. 

“Life is fun”… 

… I hope you agree with me! 
And my life certainly is filled with much excitement, twists and turns. 
As a fisherman… 

… I had my fun going for fishing with my companions 

… I would have days when our nets would have a great catch 

… I would also have those dry days when fishing was not possible or nothing was caught 

… I also had my adventurous days, when the storms would beat wild, and waves would toss 

Days were really simple and perhaps even, a little monotonous when I was a mere fisherman… 

… till I met… 

…. the Great Fisherman of Galilee! 

The charm of His looks and the depth of His voice had enamoured me! 
I have been with Him through many interesting segments of life. 

>> It’s a wonder to be captivated by His deep talks.. 

>> It’s an honour to witness His awesome wonders. 

>> It’s a privilege to be part of His Soul-saving deeds. 
He’s a Rock! 

>> He’s a Beauty! 

>> He’s a superstar! 

I have just been part of one of the most amazing of His deeds, which my friend Matthew describes in his Gospel (Mt 14: 13-21): 
>> Feeding dozens and dozens and dozens of men… 

… and women and children with mere five loaves and two fish… 

>> And leaving a dozen of baskets of leftover! 

This Man makes me challenge my set-pattern of thinking! 

>> This Man forces me to look at life larger! 

>> This Man entices me to trust in God much more deeply! 
I love this Man! 

And after this wonderful miracle of food and faith, He has retired to Rest and Relax with the Person He loves the Most – His Father in Heaven! 
But we are in here… 

The dozen of us…..in this rickety boat 

…struggling against the waves and storms! 

How much these storms and waves resemble the occasional difficulties and hazards of our lives! 
And as we are struggling…we are awestruck by a figure moving over the waters… 
Our natural instincts make us fearful… 

>> We can’t see any figure beyond a ghost in it… 

But then, my ears hear the same impactful voice… 

… of the Man I love: “Courage! Do not Fear! It is I!” 

His voice is magical 

>> His voice is assuring! 

And I am drawn to Him…..more and more… 

… every time! 

I bid Him to help me to walk with Him on the water! 
My companions mock me… 

… Perhaps generations after me, will also fool me… 
But I don’t care… 

I love this Man… 

>> I love to walk with Him… 

And I don’t mind even if it is on the waters!
And yeah… I take my first steps…

>> Walking towards Him…

… towards the Man I love…!
Wow!
Am walking on water! 

>> Can you believe it? 

Its amazing…but in a few moments… 

… I too find it hard to believe it! 

And I lose my gaze…..
>> I lose the gaze on the Man whom I love…

… and the waves of worldly fears rock my body…. 
I lose heart… 

I lose balance… 

>> “HELP ME LORD!” 

And there comes His saving Hand… 

… and His gentle chide: “Man, Why do you doubt!” 
Oh, once again, the same deep voice… 

… Which saves!

… Which rescues! 
The Son of God….and I love this Man! 
>> Life in Him is about walking… 

… looking at Him 
>> Life in Him is about taking the risks… 

… looking at Him 
>> Life in Him is about growing constantly in our faith and trust… 

…looking at Him! 
>> Life in Him is about knowing that He is with us in the storms of life… 

… and yet remain constantly, looking at Him 
Yeah, “Life is fun” 

… I hope you agree with me!” 

God Bless! Live Jesus!

FAILURE is a seven letter word… 

… that has crippled many lives 

… severed many families and communities 

… and broken many generations! 

Failure is something which we surely encounter very often in our lives! 

>> We fail to stand up to ours and others expectations in our personal lives… 

>> We fail to answer to the needs and demands of our family or community lives… 

>> We fail to respond to the challenges and duties of our responsibilities in our societal lives… 
Failure creates clouds of hopelessness. 

>> Failure develops into pangs of anxieties! 

But every Failure, can also be the Gateway to Venture into a Fresh Framework of Opportunities… 

The background of today’s Gospel is a very disturbing one: the beheading of John the Baptist! 
>> The Voice which heralded the Coming of the Saviour… 

>> The Voice which had provided hope… 

… had been brutally silenced! 

Jesus, on hearing this news, withdrew to a lonely place. 
The inhuman murder… 

>> Of His Cousin 

>> Of His companion in the Works of the Kingdom… 

… was a Moment of Great Pain to the Lord 

… perhaps, even a Great Setback to Him! 

Disappointment was apparently looming large… 

>> The Mission hereafter was not going to be easy… 
Failure was knocking at the doors… 
But every Failure, can also be the Gateway to Venture into a Fresh Framework of Opportunities… 
Though filled with pain and sorrow and grief… 

… Jesus continues His ministry of preaching the Kingdom of God. 
And thus we see our Blessed Lord multiplying the loaves and feeding the crowds (Mt 14: 15-21) 

The Evil King Herod, had feasted on the vices of self-pleasure and debauchery 

>> The Good King Jesus, would make a feast on the virtues of compassion and self-giving! 
The Evil King Herod spread a party of lewdness, trudging on the death of an innocent man 

>> The Good King Jesus would host a party of God’s Mercy and Tenderness, inviting to eternal life! 
Jesus failed to get bogged down by failures… 

>> He failed to be immersed in a sea of letdowns and disappointments. 
He instead, made His Compassionate and God-trusting Heart to shine through the clouds of darkness! 

Jesus also taught His Disciples to not get disappointed or disheartened by “apparent” signs of failures or lack or success. 
When Jesus asked His disciples to provide food for the hungry crowd, the disciples said: 

“Five loaves and two fish are all we have here” (Mt 14:17) 
The disciples were expressing their possibility of ‘facing a failure’… 

… “We have no resources, Lord!” 

… “All what we have is just not good enough to be successful!” 

But the Lord – Who had refused to be bogged down by failure – now teaches the Disciples to also imitate Him… 

>> Not being disappointed with possibilities of failures… 

… instead, entrusting whatever we are and however we are, to the Bountiful Care of the Father 
>> Not getting discouraged by situations of lack of success… 

… instead, giving praise to the Lord at all times, knowing that He works wonders and miracles – in His Time, In His Way! 

The same resources which signified nothingness – five loaves and two fish: 

… were now transformed by the Lord as food for thousands! 

… were now symbols of God’s power and providence! 

You and I… 

… Are we facing failures at this moment? 

… Is our spiritual life going downhill? 

… Are we lost in the society- facing rejections and encountering disappointments in all areas of our life? 
Do we feel that FAILURE become part and parcel of our existence? 
Fear not… ! 

>> Give up not hope…! 

Let us hold on to the Lord… 

… the same Lord who was “face-to-face with failure” after the brutal murder of His Cousin 

… the same Lord who worked a miracle for his disciples who were “face-to-face with failure” in ministry 

Our modern world, makes it easy, for us, to “Feel” that we are a failure! 

>> But Jesus shows that there can be a HIGHER way of understanding “Success” 

Success is… 

… being faithful, to do God’s works: However little they be – in the time & place, God wishes! 
Success is… 

… persevering, to hold on to God’s Will: However painful they be – in the manner, God wishes! 
Success is… 

… resolute to being truthful to God’s Ways: However hard they be – in the way, God wishes! 

Am I today being surrounded by a hazy atmosphere of failures and disappointments? 

>> Look up to the Lord for inspiration… 

… The Lord Who remained ever faithful to the Will of God and the Lord Who had to suffer on the Cross by virtue of His obedience and fidelity ! 
He shows what is true success. 

>> He shows what is real achievement. 

Yes, Faithfulness is more vital than success. 

>> Authenticity is more needed than victory 

God Bless! Live Jesus!

A five year old boy was playing in the front yard of his house, by throwing a ball up in the air.

 

An elderly priest, who was passing that way, asked the boy what he was doing.

 

 

The little boy, with innocence answered:

“I am playing a game of ‘catching the ball’ with God!

>> I throw the ball up in the air…

… and He throws it back to me!”

 

 

The senior priest was pretty amused at the simple answer.

 

And as he moved ahead, he thought in his mind…

” Although, the boy in his innocence just said his experience of a law of nature…

… in that simple statement, he also expressed a religious reality:

 

>> Divine experience is this: Throwing of ourselves into the Hands of God…

… and receiving what He gives to us”

 

 

 

That’s very true isn’t it?

>> Divine experience is ” throwing of ourselves into the Hands of God…

… and receiving what He gives to us”

 

 

When we throw ourselves into the Hands of God, and receive what He gives us…

… that is the experience of Transfiguration!

The Gospel of the Day presents before us the Lord undergoing the Transfiguration. 

>> The Disciples shared in this joy.
You and me are invited today!

The Scene of the Transfiguration is one of the most captivating and thrilling scenes of the Gospels.

>> We shall look into this account of the Transfiguration through the eyes of St Matthew’s Gospel.

It’s interesting to see that this scene takes place on a high mountain.
Mountains play a key role in the Gospel of St Matthew. 
Mountains of course, dot the landscape of the Biblical regions. 

>> They are a great part of the physical reality of the Biblical world.

>> They are a symbolic of “being closer to God”.

St Matthew’s Gospel has a particular love for this “lofty symbol of God’s presence”

  

>> Jesus underwent a temptation by Satan on the Mount…

… the Mount of Temptations (Mt 4:8)
>> Jesus delivers His Sermon and Teachings on a Mount…

… the Mount of the Sermon (Mt 5:1)
>> Jesus performs many deeds of healings on a Mount…

… the Mount by the Sea of Galilee (Mt 15:29)
>> Jesus is transfigured on a Mount…

… the Mount of Transfiguration (Mt 17:1)
>> Jesus gives His final teaching and discourse on a Mount…

… the Mount of Olives (Mt 24:3)
>> Jesus gives up His life on a Mount…

… the Mount of Calvary (Mt 27:33)
>> Jesus delivers His Final Mission mandate on a Mount …

… the Mount of Galilee (Mt 28:16) 
So in this Lofty and High Place of the Presence of God – a Mountain – Jesus undergoes His Transfiguration…

… and is joined by the presence of two other “Mountain” Figures – Moses and Elijah!

>> Moses is the Man of the Mount of Sinai and Mount Nebo – representing the Law of God!

>> Elijah is the Man of the Mount of Carmel – representing the Prophets of God!
Jesus is the God and Man of all the Mountains – the Fulfillment of all the Laws and the Prophets!

What is the purpose of the “many mountain settings” of the Transfiguration Scene?

>> To look further….to imagine deeper…to hear beyond. 

>> To see the way God sees us. 

>> To imagine the way God perceives us. 

>> To hear the way God wants of us. 

We all need a Transfiguration Moment in our lives… 

… a Transfiguration Experience in our lives!

>> Vision that needs to be transfigured…

… into God’s representation!
>> Imagination that needs to be transfigured…

… into God’s resemblance!
>> Hearing that needs to be transfigured…

… into God’s resonance! 
Let us take courage….and accompany the Lord…. 

>> Beyond the peripheral problems of life…away from the hardships and difficulties of our 

physical, mental, spiritual, emotional worries…

…to climb the Mountain of Spiritual Closeness and Presence of the Lord, and share in the joy of the Transfiguration!

Life has much more to offer. 

>> Life has much more to be expected. 

>> Life has much more to hope for….

Let us “throw” our lives into the Hands of God…

… and receive what He gives to us

 >> And thus… Be transfigured! Be transformed! Be transcending!

Happy Feast of the Transfiguration! 

God Bless! Live Jesus!

The Mammoth Cave National Park, in central Kentucky, is a U.S. National Park.

>> It encompasses portions of the Mammoth Cave, the longest cave system known in the world.

 
In these caves, one can see enormous pillars which have been formed by the steady dropping of water from the roof of the cavern.

 

This masonry – formed of solid rock – made by the slow and silent process of nature, is a true marvel…

• A single drop of water, finds its way from the surface down through the roof of the cave, and deposits its sediment

• Another follows it and still another… each adding its imperceptible contribution, until the icicle of stone begins to grow, ultimately reaching the pillar which likewise has been forming on the bottom of the cave.

 

These become a massive pillar – brilliant and classic.

 

 

This process is so similar that which occurs in our hearts…

 

>> Each thought, that awakens for a moment, sinks into the soul – just as each little drop of water, with its limestone deposit, makes its contribution to the pillar in the cave.

 

>> Other thoughts follow and yet others…erecting within our hearts, pillars of purpose that form our character.

 

Think nobler, and our character will mould into being noble…

>> Think wicked, and our character will decay into being evil…
What is the thought-pattern that we nurture in our lives?

 
 

The Gospel of the Day makes a dramatic presentation of two opposing characters – one of them holy and the other evil – John the Baptist and Herod the Tetrarch…

… which were formed as a result of the accumulation of contrasting deposits of thoughts and feelings.

 

 

The Gospel passage is a sort of a “flashback” passage which recounts the visually-disturbing incident of the ‘beheading of John the Baptist’.

 

 

The increasing popularity of Jesus caused Herod the Tetrarch, the ruler of the land, to come face-to-face with his guilty conscience.

 

 

Truth is always very powerful!

 

It can, silently, yet very authoritatively …

… challenge faulty lives

… prick guilty consciences

… confront culpable actions

 

 

Herod bore the guilt of having killed John the Baptist, who was the voice of the Truth.

>> He knew that he had done something extremely wicked and merciless

>> He knew that he had acted in opposition to truth, to honesty and to sincerity.

 

Therefore, the rising fame of the Lord – whom he misunderstood as John the Baptist – drove him to despair over that brutal act of the killing of the Baptist.

 

• The constant exposition to wicked thoughts and evil inclinations had caused his life to become a pillar of guilt-filled feelings!

 

>> Think wicked, and our character will decay into being evil…

 

 

On the other hand, was the righteous life of John the Baptist.

 

He was born with a sense of purpose – of being a voice to the Truth.

 

He maintained this goal by always living in sincerity – fearless and courageous.

>> To this end, he even valiantly shed his blood!

 

 

• The constant nurturing of holy purposes and sacred acts had caused his life to become a pillar of a purpose-filled existence!

 

>> Think nobler, and our character will mould into being noble…

 

 

What is the thought-pattern that we nurture in our lives?

 

• Is my life a Pillar…

… of guilt-filled feelings – formed by deposits of wickedness, evil and sin?

 

OR

 

• Is my life a Pillar…

… of a purpose-filled existence – formed by deposits of holy determination and sanctified lives?

 

 

Today, which is also the First Saturday of the Month – when we specially honour and venerate the Immaculate Heart of our Blessed Mother Mary…

… we celebrate the Feast of the Dedication of the Mary Major Basilica.
>> St. Mary Major is one of the four Roman basilicas known as patriarchal cathedrals in memory of the first centers of the Church (The other three being St. Peter’s Basilica, St. John Lateran Basilica, and St. Paul’s Basilica, outside the Walls.)

Every Church building is an important symbol of Christianity…

>> from the grandest of basilicas, to the tiniest of chapels…

… they reflect the “Throne of God”, from which God administers his Love, Mercy, Compassion, Forgiveness, Healing and Blessings upon his Beloved People.

>> It also signifies the Unity of the People of God, as One Church.
St. Mary Major Basilica is also the First Marian shrine for pilgrims…

… which set a pattern for countless shrines where pilgrims gather to honor our Blessed Mother throughout the world.

Let us today specially seek the intercession of our Blessed Mother, and consecrate ourselves to Her Immaculate Heart, as we pray…

… that we may be inspired and impelled to live a holy life – and thus our lives may become a “marvel edifice” and an “enormous pillar” of God’s graces.

 
 God Bless! Live Jesus!

St John Maria Vianney is the patron saint of priests.
As a model priest, he made it a point to help all the needy in his parish or in the region around him. 

Once, word was sent to him that a very sick man of his parish was seeking to make confession.

>> However, this man was pretty far off from the place where the church was. 
It was a time when vehicles were too sparse.

>> The climate was bitter cold and the rain storm was blowing in. 
But the zeal in the heart of the saintly priest was still greater. 

So, he picked up his cloak and started his walk to the sick man’s house.

>> The freezing cold pierced through his frail bones

>> The lashing winds wrenched his body in frosty pain
Yet, St John Vianney trekked on!

Finally he reached the house of the sick man. 
By the time he arrived, St Vianney himself was shivering and wobbly with high fever. 

>> He fell so ill, that he had to hear the confession, lying down, beside the sick man’s bed. 
Many in fact, even thought, that the priest was more sick than the penitent ill-man!

The determination and the willingness of the Saintly Priest made sure that the sick man would experience God’s immense mercy and forgiving love.
Rejection and dejection, are sure companions in the life of a Christian, who is uncompromising and unwavering in one’s faith.

>> Despite these aspects, are we ready to hold on to Doing the Will of God, and be His Faithful Followers?

Our Blessed Lord Himself underwent rejection and dejection in life.

>> Yet He would cling on to Doing the Will of God!
The Gospel of the Day narrates this painful incident of “rejection and dejection” that our Blessed Lord encountered in His life, at the hands of His own country people (Mt 13: 54-58)

It is interesting to note, how the people of the hometown seek to justify their rejection of Jesus, by rationalizing their attitude…

>> Using 6 questions ( 6= A Biblical symbolic number which often stands for imperfection!)…

… the people of the hometown, reveal their blocked minds and closed hearts.

When one’s heart is rooted in unbelief and is closed to the truth…

… things of the Divine appear to be hostile!
And so the Lord would declare: “A prophet is not without honour, except in his own country or his own house!” (Mt 13: 57)

Thus, Jesus becomes the “Sign of Contradiction!”

… the Prince of Peace, begins to be seen as a cause of division and despise

… the Healer of Souls, begins to be seen as a cause of disagreement and discord!

… the Comforter of Hearts, begins to be seen as a cause of disturbance and distress

Anyone who seeks to follow Jesus – the “Sign of Contradiction” – the Epitome of Truth and Honesty…

… is sure to face the same experience!

Every true Christian, because of one’s convictions in the Eternal Values of Uncompromising Truth and Desire to do the Will of God, is sure to face…

… rejection from the people, because one’s ways challenge the lethargic lifestyle of others!

… dejection from the society, because one’s way of living poses a threat the corruption around!
But despite this “rejection and dejection”, can we still continue to hold on the Lord, the “Sign of Contradiction!” ?

Today we celebrate the Feast of St John Maria Vianney, the patron saint of all the priests!

>> As a young son, he had to face “rejection and dejection” from his father, who was opposed to his being a priest, due to financial difficulties as well as the strained political climate of his time

>> As a young seminarian, he had to face “rejection and dejection” from the seminary, due to his difficulties in struggle

>> As a young priest, he e had to face “rejection and dejection” from the parish at Ars, where he was first appointed, due to the indifference and the secular lifestyle of the people in the village.

He experienced the great reality: “When one’s heart is rooted in unbelief and is closed to the truth…

… things of the Divine appear to be hostile!”
But despite this harsh experience of “rejection and dejection”…

… he held on to “Doing the Will of God, and be His Faithful Follower!”

St John Maria Vianney placed His entire trust in the Power of God

>> This would turn his “rejection and dejection” into a “celebration and jubilation!”

Today let us seek the Intercession of St John Maria Vianney…

… to remain “faithful and firm”, in moments of “dejection and rejection”

>> And thus, seek to imitate our Blessed Lord.

May his words inspire us: 

>> “You cannot please both God and the world at the same time, They are utterly opposed to each other in their thoughts, their desires, and their actions.”

>> “I tell you that you have less to suffer in following the cross than in serving the world and its pleasures.”

Let us also pray specially for Priests all over the world, that their Patron Saint – St John Maria Vianney – may intercede, to help all priests…

… to be more holy and faithful to their Noble Vocation

… to be more zealous in administering the Sacraments and giving His Word

… to be more passionate in Loving the Lord and bringing many more to His Love

Happy Feast to all the Priests!
God Bless! Live Jesus!

It was a physics class.
The professor noticed that one of the class students was not paying attention to the class.
So he suddenly asked this question, “Andy, will you tell me what is electricity?”
The boy, realized that he was caught unawares. 

>> In fact, he had not even heard the question properly!
But he tried to be appear to have understood.
And so he said: 

“Oh.. Sir.. Hmmm… Well, I am sorry.

>> I actually had it on the tip of my tongue, just a moment ago!
But it just escaped me right now!”

The whole class broke into laughter and the professor with a grin said: 

” Oh, what a pity!
Here is the only boy in the history of the world who has ever know what electricity is and had it even on the tip of his tongue.
But sadly, he’s forgotten already!!” 

Well… such is the case with many of us as well, probably.
>> There are many things we do not understand…

… but pretend that everything is known to us
>> There are many things not going on fine with us..

… but we still behave as if we are aware of everything.

We sometimes are people who affirm and consent… 

… without really understanding or grasping the whole reality
>> Its a “lip” yes…

… but not a consent with the mind.
>> Its an external nodding…

… without a true affirmation from the heart.  

The Gospel of the Day presents such a classic case in the context of the disciples of Jesus saying a “Yes” to having understood the teachings of Jesus…

… To examine our lives and check whether….

>> We say only a “lip” yes without the consonance of the mind!

>> We give an external nodding without the affirmation of the heart!

The first 50 verses of the 13th Chapter from St Matthew is a quick montage of several parables… 

… Seven in all…
1. Parable of the Sower (vv. 1-9)
2. Parable of the Weeds among wheat (vv. 24-30)
3. Parable of the Mustard Seed (vv. 31-32)
4. Parable of the Yeast (v. 33)
5. Parable of the man finding the treasure (v. 44)
6. Parable of the Pearl of Great Price (v. 45)
7. Parable of the Net thrown in the sea (vv. 47-50)

These 7 parables teach several great truths and virtues….
1. Preparing our hearts to receive the Generous Word of God….
2. Accepting the reality of evil in the world and being firm to be good…
3. Realizing the Divine Grace that blossoms our littleness into a shelter for many…
4. Recognizing the transforming effect of a committed faith…
5. Experiencing the joy of discovering the Lord as the Treasure of our lives….
6. The Willingness to give up everything to prioritize the Lord as the Pearl of Great Prize….
7. Living a life with the awareness of the judgment of good and evil at the end of our lives!

At the end of this quick, power-packed narration of the 7 parables, Jesus puts forward a question to His Disciples: 

“Do you understand all these things?”(Mt 13:51)
The Lord wished to know if His disciples were grasping these great truths of Christian Life… 

>> He wanted to know from His chosen ones, the level of their understanding.
The Gospel says the Disciples “answered, ‘Yes'”(Mt 13:51b).
Well, we are not fully sure whether the Disciples really understood and grasped everything…. 

>> We really cant say for certain whether their “Yes”,…

… was only a “lip” yes or one with the consonance of the mind

… was an external nodding or one with the affirmation of the heart
These are many occasions in the Gospels…

… when we see the Disciples “said something” but did not actually follow it or live it

… Or they really did not fully understand and grasp the person of Jesus and His teachings
>> At the Transfiguration, when Peter said, “Let us make three tents”, the Gospel says, “he did not know what he was saying!”(Lk 9:33b)
>> After the multiplication of the loaves, the Gospel says “they had not understood the incident of the loaves”(Mk 6:52)
>> After the calming of the storm at the sea, they said to one another “Who then is this Whom even wind and sea obey?”(Mk 4:41)
>> They failed to recognise and see the Father in Jesus and so Jesus chided them, saying, “Do you not believe that I am in the Father and the Father in Me?” (Jn 14:10)

We therefore do not really know the depth of the “Yes”of the Disciples… 

… Was it only an instinctual reply? 

… Was it just a spontaneous answer?
We cannot fully trace the intention of the Disciples.

But this incident is certainly a reminder and an invitation for us to examine…

… Do we seek to understand the Lord and His Teachings?

… Are we aware of the greatness and the worth of the many devout practices of our faith?
Let us examine…

>> Do we realise the Power of the Most Holy Mass and prepare ourselves accordingly for a worthy celebration…

… or has it become a regular routine of life, without the due preparation and a sense of reverence?
>> Do we read the Living Word of God daily, and seek to live in accordance with His Teachings… 

… or has the Bible merely become another “object” of the house, only to be kept in a place of seclusion, with an occasional glance?
>> Do our prayers and the reception of the other Sacraments become a God-experience and have a life-touching effect…

… or have they been rendered as casual or even compelled actions, with little effect on one’s life and activities? 

Yes, as Christians, we are sometimes people who affirm and consent…

… without really understanding or grasping the whole reality.

Let us instead, give heed to the Lord, who invited His followers to be like the ” instructed scribe, who is like the house holder who brings from his storeroom, both the new and the old.” ( Mt 13:52)

God bless! Live Jesus