In a certain village, a parishioner – a Catholic for many years – was having a conversation with his parish priest.
He said: “Father, if I had fifty acres of land, I would have gladly donated half of it – twenty-five acres – to the Lord and His church”

>> The priest replied: “Ah! That’s so nice and generous of you. And what if you had only 20 acres?”
The man replied: “Oh! Yes, I would have given 10 of it!”

“And”, continued the priest, “what if you had only 10 acres?” Will you spare five for the Lord?”

>> “Sure, I would”, said the man.
 

Finally, the priest said, “And what if you had only two acres? Would you give one to the Lord?”

“Oh!”, snapped the man, “Now don’t ask me that!

>> You know, that I have only two acres!”
 
Well…

… that’s how it is often in our lives as well, isn’t it?
We promise many big things to the Lord…

… but when it comes to “actually doing something for the Lord”, we tend to back out!

Are we just preachers?

… or can we also be people who practise?

Life judges us, on the basis of how well does our preaching and practising co-ordinate & complement each other.

>> Life presents different moments when there seems to be a dichotomy between one’s words and deeds…

>> Life challenges us to bridge the gap between the two essentials of life – one’s talking and one’s walking the talk!
 

The Gospel of the Day presents to us an interesting parable of two Sons who are asked to work by their Father.

Last Sunday, we reflected on the Parable of the Workers in the Vineyard (Mt 20: 1-16).

>> We discovered how the landowner – God, proved Himself to be a Mighty Volcano of Generosity and Kindness.
 

This Sunday, we are back to the vineyard…and the Father invites two of his sons to work in the vineyard.
 

One SAYS YES…but DOES NOT! 

>> The other SAYS NO…BUT DOES!
One preaches…but does not practise!

>> The other does not preach…but practises!
One consents initially…but refuses finally!

>> The other refuses initially…but consents finally!
 

How often does this situation arise in our own lives and situations too…
We pledge ourselves at trendy events, for the cause of the poor…but we fail to help…

>> Many others remain quite unnoticed…but become forerunners for the cause of the poor!
We make a big show and be popular as a helpful person…but we fail in some genuine needs..

>> Many others remain quite unnoticed…but are present with their full force to render help!
We make many resolutions on new year days or birthdays..but fail to materialize them…

>> Many others remain quite unnoticed…but are able to make many amendments and changes!
 We make many promises to the Lord during feast days or novena times…but fail to live up…

>> Many others remain quite unnoticed..but render much love to the Lord through the year!

We all experience this “I will do”

… but “I did not do” experiences in life.

On the personal Faith Level, this trend is seen more distinctly and vividly…
>> People claim themselves to be Catholics…

… but appear in church only on grand feast days!
>> People appreciate the Catholic teaching…

… but support moral laws and practise morality which go directly against!
>> People assert having dedicated their lives to God…

… but fail to find time for God and prayer!
>> People declare loving God above all…

… but fail to reject pleasures which hurts and pains Him!
>> People profess and make vows to God…

… but neglect to even try to keep up those promises!
 

Like the second son, who said Yes…

… very often, we too become people who nod our heads in consent for anything and everything…but fail to live up to that YES!

The Lord says in Mt 7:21, “Not all who say Lord, Lord, will enter the Kingdom of Heaven, but he does the Will of My Father”
Therefore, the proposition is clear:

>> It is not pompous words that will grant life, but carrying out the Will of the Father!

>> It is not fancy talk that will confer true happiness, but practising the Will of the Father!

>> It is not flowery language that will accord blessings, but fulfilling the Will of the Father!

How are we to observe the Will of the Father?
St. Paul (in the second reading of today’s Liturgy) explains how we should set about trying to do the Father’s will:

“Let the same mind be in you that was in Christ Jesus.” (Phil 2:5)

>> Like Christ, when we dare to be merciful and compassionate…

>> Like Christ, when we prioritize other’s interests over selfish ones…

>> Like Christ, when we empty ourselves and became obedient…

… we can do the Father’s Will!
 

It is not only good news “proclaimed” but good news “practised“…

… that will win others  to the glorious freedom of forgiveness of sins! 

As we thank the Lord for the gift of all the blessings in the month of September, let us offer the new month of October into His Safe and Caring Hands…

… especially seeking the help of our Blessed Mother Mary by praying the Rosary daily, in this Month of the Rosary – October!
Today we also tenderly beseech the help of the Little Flower – St Therese of Child Jesus – on her feast day and give heed to her words:

“Holiness consists simply in doing God’s will, and being just what God wants us to be.”
 

Yes, let us examine…and if needed, amend our lives:

>> Are we the one who only preaches?

… or can we also be the one who practises?
 

God Bless! Live Jesus!

“Julius Caesar” is a tragedy written by William Shakespeare.

>> It is one of several plays written by Shakespeare based on true events from Roman history.

The life of Julius Caesar engrossingly proceeds with placing a great trust in his best friend Brutus.

Brutus, though his closest and most trusted friend, was albeit a misled man.

>> Therefore, among the conspirators who finally assassinated the Roman leader on March 15, 44 was Brutus as well.
Caesar had not only trusted him, but also favoured Brutus as his own son.

 

The Roman history tells that Caesar had first resisted the onslaught of his assassins.

>> But when he saw his beloved Brutus among them, with his dagger draw, the Roman Emperor ceased to struggle and withdraw every attempt of resistance.
He pulled the top part of his robe over the face and asked the infamous question, “Et tu, Brute?”

>> “You too, Brutus?”
 

… A question which cuts across the marrows of the bones and the pierces the depths of the heart, to express disgust and contempt of the deadly human vice of betrayal!

… A question which cuts across civilizations and generations, to show forth the abhorrence and the detestation of the wicked trait of disloyalty!
 

The Gospel of the Day presents a mighty warning by Jesus on the danger of we becoming betrayers to Him and His Love!
 

Jesus tells His disciples, “Let these words sink into your ears: The Son of Man is going to be betrayed into human hands!” (Lk 9: 44)
Jesus gives a forewarning to His disciples on the sword of betrayal that would be his painful lot.
This betrayal had to be faced on different levels..

… an act of betrayal through a kiss by Judas Iscariot

… acts of denial by Peter, His close disciple

… acts of abandonment by His other disciples

… acts of rejection by the chief priests and elders

… acts of passivity by the people for whom He had served

Today our Lord poses the same question…. Am I betraying Him in my acts and deeds?

>> Is the Lord, calling us by name, asking us, ” Et tu, ……..?”… “You too, ……..?”
 

>> Do I betray the Lord by failing to avoid occasions of sin and constantly moving away from doing His Will?
>> Do I betray the Lord with my words of unpleasantness, judgmental nature and destructively critical?
>> Do I betray the Lord by being unkind, unforgiving and harbouring grudge by my actions?
>> Do I betray the Lord by causing harm to others and being insincere in my works?
 

May we ask the grace to remain ever faithful to the Lord and be loyal to His Love and His Kingdom.
Like St Philip Neri, may we too pray:

“Watch me, O Lord, this day; for, abandoned to myself, I shall surely betray thee.”
 

God Bless! Live Jesus!

An elderly parish priest was walking in the portico of the Church, when he came across a couple of young boys.
 

They were standing in front of the mighty statue of St Michael.
 

As they stood admiring the majestic figure, the younger one said to his elder brother, “Hey look, what a might sword!

>> This is the sword, which Mummy told, with which this great saint would thrust into the devil isn’t it?”
The elder one nodded and exclaimed, “Yeah! And see how triumphantly he crushes the head of Satan! Wow!”
Seeing their excitement, the priest approached them and commended, “How wonderful to see these little boys who are well taught in the teachings of the Church! Blessed is this family!”

The story goes on to say that the priest took them in the Church and taught them the beautiful prayer to St Michael (which he asked them to recite after the Holy Mass):

“St. Michael the Archangel

Defend us in this day of battle!

Be our safeguard against the wickedness and snares of the devil.
May God rebuke him we humbly pray,

And do Thou, O Prince of the Heavenly Host,

By the Power of God,

Cast into hell, Satan and all the evil spirits

Who prowl about the world seeking the ruin of souls, Amen!”
 
Today, the Feast of the Archangels – St Michael, St Gabriel, St Raphael- is a reminder by the Church to learn more about our Catholic Faith and to grow in celebrating and living this faith, in our daily living.

Archangels are one of the nine choirs of angels. (cf. Eph 1:21, Col 1:16)
In ascending order, the choirs or classes are 1) Angels, 2) Archangels, 3) Principalities, 4) Powers, 5) Virtues, 6) Dominations, 7) Thrones, 8) Cherubim, and 9) Seraphim.

The Feast of the Three Archangels  – St Michael, St Gabriel and St Raphael is an opportunity to learn more about them and to grow in deeper devotion and fondness for them.
1. St. Michael
The name of the archangel Michael means, in Hebrew, “Who is like unto God?”
St Michael is known as “the prince of the heavenly host.”

>> He is usually pictured as a strong warrior, dressed in armour, crushing the head of Satan.

>> He is also known as the “Patron Saint of the Sacrament of the Holy Eucharist”
 

St Michael makes an appearance in the Bible on four occasions:

> In Dan 10:13 and in Dan 12:1, he appears as the special guardian of the people of Israel.

> In Jude 9, he appears in a dispute with the Devil.

> In Rev 12:7-9, he fights against Satan and his evil forces.
What does St Michael teach us?
 St Michael teaches us to depend on the power of God in our battle against the forces of Satan

… St Michael teaches us to guard ourselves against the disguises and snares of evil forces.
… St Michael teaches us to become a guard and protector of our fellow brothers and sisters.
 

2. St Gabriel
The name of the archangel Gabriel means, in Hebrew, “God is my strength”
St Gabriel is known as a “messenger of God”

>> He is usually pictured announcing something and sometimes with a lily or a sceptre.

>> He is also known as the “Patron Saint of the Sacrament of Baptism”
St Gabriel makes an appearance three times in the Bible:

> In Dan 8:15–26 and  9:21–27, he appears to Daniel to explain his visions

> In Lk 1:11-38, he appears to Zechariah and Mary to deliver the good news from God

What does St Gabriel teach us?

… St Gabriel invites us to listen to God’s voice and inspirations through various sources.
… St Gabriel invites us to find courage in situations of fear, by trusting in God’s Providence.
… St Gabriel invites us to be open to surprises and wonders the Lord works in our lives.
                                                                                                 3. St Raphael
The name of the archangel Raphael means, in Hebrew, “God has healed?”
St Raphael is known as “a wonderful helper and fellow traveller”

>> He is usually pictured walking with a young boy, sometimes carrying a staff.

>> He is also known as the “Patron Saint of the Sacrament of Reconciliation”
 

St Raphael makes many appearance in the Book of Tobit in the Bible:

> St Raphael appears disguised in human form as the travelling companion of Tobias, the son of Tobit.
What does St Raphael teach us?

… St Raphael inspires us to discover God as the healing balm in our afflictions and hardships.
… St Raphael inspires us to walk boldly with God in all the terrains and valleys and paths of life.
… St Raphael inspires us to trust in God in seemingly hopeless and impossible hurdles of life.
 
Modern trends often seek to downplay some of the traditional Catholic beliefs…

… the belief in the Angels, being one of them, perhaps!
But, this Feast is a great reminder for us to be reminded that the Catholic Teachings (like the teaching on Angels) are…

… Scripturally rooted

… Traditionally verified

… Logically reasonable

… and spiritually nourishing!
 

May this Feast of the three Archangels – St Michael, St Gabriel and St Raphael –  help us to…

…  grow in our love for our heavenly friends…

>> And orient our lives more towards heaven!
 

Happy Feast of the Heavenly Protectors!
God Bless! Live Jesus!

An incident is narrated of a man who brought a package of supplies from a trading shop.
On reaching home, to his surprise, he found a silver coin inside the package.

>>Something troubled him.
He came back the next morning to the trader and handed him back the silver coin.

>> The trader was amused and surprised and asked him: “That’s interesting to see that you have returned back the silver coin!”

The customer replied: “Well, I got a good man and a bad man in my heart!
The good man said, `It is not yours’; the bad man said, ‘Nobody will know’.
The good man said, ‘Take it back’; the bad man said, `Never mind’.”
And so thinking, I went to bed…

… but the good man and the bad man talked the whole night and troubled me.”

The conscience of the man caused him disturbance because of the fault that he was supposedly in…

… and made him to yield to its goodness!
 

Each of us, at every moment, have our conscience speaking to us…

>> Do we listen and give heed?

>> Or do we silence the voice of the conscience and allow our guilt to rotten up our minds and dirty our actions?
 

The Gospel of the Day presents the intense ordeal faced by King Herod who failed to give consideration to the voice of conscience…

>> And instead had his mind corrupted and his actions dirtied…

… by falling into the trap of guilt and shame.
 
King Herod had exercised his authority and sinfulness by beheading John the Baptist. (Mt 14:1-12; Mk 6:14-27).

>> The demon of guilt and shame of that inhuman murder  kept bothering him.
In this scattered state of mind, King Herod hears about the deeds and wonders of another man, Jesus.

>> His guilt-filled and confused mind is unable to grasp the identity of this new man who works marvels and so he asks: “I had John beheaded; WHO IS THIS MAN about whom I hear such wonders?”(Lk 9:9)
The king harassed by sin and shame failed to grapple the mystery of the Son of God, the King of kings!
Herod’s question is perhaps, one the most important question ever asked or answered: “WHO IS THIS MAN?”

Being confused about who Jesus is, was not new trend, especially in the Gospel of St Luke.
>> In Lk 5:21, at the healing of the paralytic, the Scribes and Pharisees begin to ask, “WHO IS THIS who speaks blasphemy?”
>> In Lk 7:19, the disciples of John the Baptist question Him, “ARE YOU THE ONE WHO IS TO COME, or should we look for another?”
>> In Lk 7:49, after the pardon of the sinful woman who washed His feet, the others, who were invited for the meal commented, “WHO IS THIS who even forgives sins?”
>> In Lk 8:25, after witnessed the calming of the sea and the storms, the disciples inquire, “WHO then IS THIS, who commands even the winds and the sea, and they obey Him?“
>> In Lk 9:20, Jesus Himself asks His disciples, “WHO do you say AM I?“
 

>> In Lk 20:2, the chief priests and scribes question Jesus, “By what AUTHORITY ARE YOU doing these things? Or who is the one WHO GAVE YOU AUTHORITY?“
>> In Lk 22:70, the council of elders and the chief priests and the scribes question Jesus, “ARE YOU then THE SON OF GOD?“
 

The persona of Jesus surpasses great minds and cannot be arrested by hardened hearts!

>> The character of Jesus baffles proud mentalities and cannot be captured by cynical spirits!
King Herod was greatly disturbed with a guilty conscience and a sinful heart.

>> He felt greatly challenged and threatened by Jesus, Who was being considered as a King.
 

The sinful and corrupt Kingdom of Herod was faced with an opposition from…

… the pure and holy Kingdom of God!
We need to examine our lives and conscience and check…

>> Am I, like King Herod, filled with fear and doubts because of my sinful conscience and guilty mind?

>> Am I eager, like King Herod to see some miracles of Jesus, just to satisfy my curiosity, but not for repentance?

>> Am I hesitant to encounter the Lord, because that could mean having a transformation and renewal of my life?

Yes, each of us, at every moment, have our conscience speaking to us…

>> Do we listen and give heed?

>> Or do we silence the voice of the conscience and allow our guilt to rotten up our minds and dirty our actions?
 

Purified by the Sacraments…

>> Strengthened by God’s Word…

>> Empowered in prayer…

… may we become persons who have our conscience always pure and always give heed to the voice of the Lord, “Be Holy, as I am Holy!”

God Bless! Live Jesus!

A young man worked in an umbrella factory.

>> It was one of the largest umbrella factories in that area.
 

One day, with a discouraged heart, he went to his Parish Priest and expressed, “Father, I will have to hunt another job”
The priest was surprised, as he knew that the boy was good at his work.
He enquired, “What is the matter? Do you have some issues with the company’s management?”

>> “No, it’s not that” came the reply.
“Does not your factory have enough orders to keep going all the time?” was the next query.

>> “No, it’s not that, Father” said the boy, “The factory actually has more orders than they can fill”

“Then what is the matter, my Son”, enquired the concerned priest.
 

“Well, they haven’t enough electricity to keep all the machines going at once.

>> And my machine has to remain idle for a greater part of the day, and I lose so much of time and pay.
The actual trouble with the factory is that, they have more machinery than power!”
 

>> The necessary equipments were available for production, but the required electricity was unavailable!

>> The needed machinery was at hand for manufacturing, but the mandatory power was unobtainable!

Does this sort of a tragedy hit our Christian lives as well?
 

… Am I possessing all the required resources to proclaim the Gospel message, but unfortunately failing to have the most essential aspect of God’s Power within me?
… Am I having all the necessary entities to give witness to Christ’s Teachings, but sadly, unable to be endowed with the most important element of God’s Spirit in me?
 

Is my Christian life being reduced to a state of “having more machinery, but less Power?”
 

The Gospel of Day is an exhortation by the Lord on the need to “be endowed with His authority and be filled with His power” in order to have a faithful and committed life as His disciple and His Missionary.
 

Jesus sends the Twelve on a Mission.
 

The Gospel of Luke narrates this procedure beautifully with a 2-step strategy..

1. He empowers them from within:  “He summoned the Twelve and gave them power and authority…” (Lk 9:1)
2. He exhorts them to be free from outside: He said to them, “Take nothing for your journey…” (Lk 9: 3)
 

Jesus wishes and makes sure that His disciples are “empowered from within”

>> This is an authority that makes them to be true ambassadors of the Kingdom of God

>> This is a power that causes them to be filled with the divine gifts to conquer evil forces

Jesus also wants and strongly exhorts that His disciples are “to be from from outside”

>> This is a detachment from worldly things and in turn, causes them to be truly dependant of God, the Highest Power

>> This is a freedom from possessions, attachments and links that makes one to be wearied, slackened in spirit and weighed down with anxieties

Each one of us, as Christians, are to be a disciple of the Lord and a Missionary of the Kingdom.
 

Can I also give heed to the words and message of the Lord…

… to be “empowered from within”

… “to be free from outside”
 

>> I can be “empowered from within”…

… by spending quality time with the Lord-  in prayer – regularly, and renewing my zeal and commitment to Him

… by seeking to listen to His voice addressed to us in various situations and people and following His Will … by being obedient to His teachings and following the commandments and requirements of the Commandment of Love
 

>> I can be “free from outside”…

… by letting go – gradually and radically – my self-centered interests and selfish desires

… by realizing my limits and growing in awareness of the majestic power of the Lord in my life

… by constantly reviewing my life to check whether I get entangled in worldly ways and unbecoming lifestyles

Let us seek the intercession of St Vincent de Paul, the Patron Saint of Catholic charities, whose feast we celebrate today…

…giving heed to his words: “If Christ is the centre of your lives, no words are necessary. Your mere presence will touch hearts!”
 

May we constantly be on the watch to avoid our Christian lives being reduced to a state of “having more machinery, but less Power!”

God Bless! Live Jesus!

There was a wealthy old man, who on one of his birthdays invited his servants to his house, to receive gifts.
“Which will you have” he asked, addressing the security guard, “the Bible or the two thousand-rupee note?”

>> “I would have taken the Bible, but I cannot read, so I think the money will do me more good” came the reply.
 “And you?”, he asked the gardener.

>> “My poor wife is so ill that I sadly need the money,” responded the gardener.
“You can surely read”, said the old man to the cook, “Will you have the Bible?”

>> “I can read, Sir” she replied, “but I never get the time. Moreover, the money will fetch me a fine dress”

Finally to the table-boy, the master said, “My boy, will you take this money and replace your old clothes with a new pair of fine dress?”

>> “Thank you Sir” said the young boy, “but my mother used to read to me the Bible when I was small, at home. I still have good memories of that, and therefore would like to have that Good Book, please.. ”
“God bless you, my boy!” said the old man, “and may your wise choice bring you more riches and blessings”
 

As the boy received the Bible, and unclasped its covers, a bright gold piece rolled to the floor.
Quickly turning its pages, he found them thickly interleaved with bank notes!

The other servants, discovering the mistake of their worldly desires, hastily departed, in sadness!
 

The one who makes a choice to live by the Word of God, receives blessings galore – spiritual and material.

… Spiritually, with gifts and graces to love the Lord more and live a life in deeper union with Him

… Materially, with a grace to be satisfied with the needs of life and trusting on the Providence of God
 

The Gospel of the Day presents Jesus exhorting to make a choice for God’s Word in one’s life…

… and to tune one’s conduct in accord with the Will of God, in order to be graced and blessed by Him.

One of the primary focus of Jesus, in His teachings as well in His life, was to shift the focus from the mere peripherals of life…
Often times, we are deeply prejudiced, limited, caught-up, with the external factors of life.

>> We are unable to transcend just material dimensions…

This applies to any of the aspects in life…

>> We get stuck with our own customs, cultures, languages, races, castes etc, and fail to move beyond them…

… and see the possibilities of cherishing and nurturing these differences
>> We remain fixated in our own mentalities, conditioned set-ups and set patterns of lifestyles…

… and fail to recognize that life can be greatly celebrated by valuing others opinions and adopting a lifestyle in tune with God’s Will

This principle Jesus also applies to his own material and physical relationships.

>> He defines a new understanding of familial relationship and bonding: A relationship based on those who “hear God’s Word and do It” (Lk 8: 21)

What a wonderful invitation this is, isn’t it?
Jesus says, that we can be part of His family.. be His own…

This is a lovely invitation extended to each of us…

>> Shall we not welcome this invitation with glad hearts and follow the exhortation of the Lord – to Hear His Word and to Live It?”
 

May we be graced to move beyond the peripherals of life and focus our attention and live our lives towards the higher and important  demands of life.

>> The Lord’s assurance is with us, “Seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness and all other things shall be added unto you” (Mt 6: 33)
 

May we make a choice, not simply for worldly desires…

… instead choose the “Good Book” of God’s Word and live it in our lives.
 

God Bless! Live Jesus!

Some scientific experiments are fairly simple and practical, yet quite interesting and exciting too.
One such experiment, which some of us would have tried or seen others doing…

… is producing fire with the help of a magnifying glass.
 

The magnifying glass is kept in front of a piece of paper with the sunlight falling on the magnifying glass, in such a way that a small bright dot appears on the paper.

>> In sometime, with a strong sunlight, one is able to observe that the paper has caught fire!
 

The magnifying glass acts as a medium, to let the sunlight pass through and converge, in order to generate fire!

>> The magnifying glass plays a significant role in transferring the heat of the sun to objects which are focused!
 

Our Life as a Christian ought to be similar…

In the Gospel of the Day, Jesus tells to His disciples, “No one, after lighting a lamp, covers it with a bowl or puts it under the bed; rather he puts it on a lamp stand, so that people coming in may see the light…”  (Lk 8:16)
 

This passage in the Gospel of St. Luke is just preceded by the Parable of the Sower (Lk 8: 4-15).

>> The parable of the Sower beautifully illustrates the various modes of reception of the Word of God.

When the Word of God is welcomed and received with a open heart, one is able to bear fruit…fruit in abundance.

>> A person, who receives God’ Word with an open heart and a receptive mind is able to reflect it in one’s life.

And this is where, a Christian Life resembles a Magnifying Glass which allows God’s Word to pass through and kindles others with the fire of His love!
 

We need to be an open and active medium allowing God to permeate through us, in order to let others experience His Love!
Do I…

… allow God’s word to work in me, so that the depressed may experience God’s light of joy and happiness?

… sanction God’s power to direct me, so that the suffering humanity may experience God’s light of healing?

… permit the seed of God’s word to take root in me, so that the sinful may experience God’s light of mercy?

… agree to the authority of God to control me, so that the weak may experience God’s light of strength?

… let God’s commandments to guide me, so that the wayward may experience God’s light of acceptance?
 

Jesus says, ” No one, after lighting a lamp, covers it with a bowl or puts it under the bed…”
Times have changed drastically however…
 

Earlier times, one used to be proud to call oneself as a Christian and witness boldly to be known as one.

>> Today, perhaps, many of us feel a tweak and go a bit uncomfortable when called publicly as a Christian!
What was a matter a pride some years has today possibly become a matter of awkwardness and uneasiness.

How well do I witness the Light of Christian Faith to the world outside?

There are many tiny yet significant gestures and practical actions by which we may be hiding the Christian Light in us, with a bowl, and not allowing it to shine forth…

>> Feeling ashamed to bow publicly before the Blessed Sacrament or as we enter a Church…
>> Feeling uneasy to make a sign of the cross or say prayers before meals when many are there…
>> Feeling embarrassed to be called a Christian or a Consecrated person in a secular surrounding…
>> Feeling disinterested to carry a Bible or wear a crucifix around the neck or hold on to a rosary etc…
>> Feeling strange to either wear or avoid certain dresses or habits, especially thinking what will others feel…
>> Feeling awkward to say about Jesus or the Gospel virtues to our friends, thinking that our thoughts are naive…
>> Feeling bored to participate in the Sacraments and show no interest in making extra efforts to prepare for them…
 

There are many more occasions wherein we may be losing out a chance to witness Christ and His Love!

The nature of the sun, is to shine upon and enliven the whole earth.

>> But if one puts a magnifying glass in the rays of the sun over a paper, this light  of the sun will turn into fire.
The nature of God’s love is to shine upon and enliven the whole universe.

>> But if we act as a magnifying glass, united with Jesus, our Lord, this light of God’s Love will turn to fire!
 

Let us let the light of love to burn and blaze like a radiating fire through our lives!

>> Shine, Jesus, Shine!
 

God Bless! Live Jesus

One of the most powerful, spectacular and amazing natural wonder of the world is a Volcano!

>> The image of a Volcano brings to our mind a massive mountain, erupting fumes of smoke and lava.
 

A volcano represents mighty force.

>> A volcano stands for…

… immense heat

… great strength

 
The Gospel of the Day lets out a life-challenging message, delivered with much power and force…like a volcano!
 

We have the familiar parable of the Landowner and the workers from Mt 20:1-16 for our Gospel Passage today.
 

This landowner is quite unique and amazing in his approach.
He hired labourers for his vineyard first at 6 am…

>> Then periodically throughout the day…

>> Finally, he hired some at 5 p.m. to work only one hour.
The labourers in those days, like often in our society too…

…  had no secure work and no consistent income.

They were given hired on a day to day basis.

>> Those hired late, were not sure of what wages they would be paid…

>> They had to, therefore, solely depend on the kindness of the one who had hired them!
 

The landowner in the Gospel, pays the labourers, not as per their work…

… but as per his kindness!
>> He pays the labourers, not just based on their hard efforts…

… but based on His big-heartedness!

The Landowner is like a Volcano… mighty and immense and great…in his generosity!
He is a Volcano of Generosity!

>> Like a volcano, he is mighty…

…  in standing up to his principles and in being firm to render benevolence.
>> Like a volcano, he is immense…

… in lavishing unexpected favours and rendering surprising packages
 >> Like a volcano, he is great…

… in being fair in his dealings and yet going beyond justice to the needy.

This landowner is Jesus!

>> He is the volcano of generosity.
>> Jesus has given us life and many essentials and comforts of life…

… in His generosity.
>> Jesus has strengthened us with His transformative words in the Bible…

… in His generosity.
>> Jesus has provided us with grace and mercy when we have been lost in sin…

… in His generosity.
>> Jesus has blessed us with His Body and Blood in the Holy Eucharist to nourish us…

… in His generosity.
>> Jesus has showered us with love and affection when we have been broken and shattered…

… in His generosity.
 

All this He has done when we least deserved it.

>> Like the late-employed workers we did not deserve this great bounty.

Perhaps, some of us might identify ourselves with the workers who were employed at the start of the day…and we feel ourselves been cheated and treated unfairly.

>> We feel that since we have been more faithful and committed, we ought to deserve more!

But the words of the Lord, need to sink deep into our hearts, “My friend, I am not cheating you….Am I not free to do as I wish, with my own money?” (Mt 20: 13, 15)

Let’s accept it: We have been treated justly….we have been given our just wages…we have been paid rightly.

>> But we lose our temper, because we compare ourselves with others and feel, ” I deserved more”!
>> We cry foul, because we judge other people and their efforts and say, “That fellow was not so much worthy “!
>> We shout unfair, because we look over on the other side of the fence and exclaim, ” I did better than that one!”
>> We go blind that we have been treated justly and instead crib that others have been prized with great generosity.

This is the Volcano of Generosity – Jesus.

>> His generosity goes beyond our wildest imaginations.

>> His generosity crosses all human boundaries of expectations.

>> His generosity traverses way ahead of what we can think or conceive!

The Lord clearly states in Is 55: 6 – “For My Thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My Ways, says the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My Ways higher than your ways and My thoughts thank your thoughts”

And this Volcano of Generosity invites us to be similar in our attitude and life…

>> Be a volcano of generosity…

… with encouragement, for those who fail in life, despite trying hard!

… with love, for those who lose heart and struggle with problems of life!

… with patience, for those who get irritated and annoyed with situations!

… with kindness, for those who constantly find faults and are pessimistic!

… with hope, for those who find no meaning in life and remain depressed!

The Volcano is one of the most powerful, spectacular and amazing wonder in the world.

>> If we can shape our lives, into a Volcano of Generosity, we too can be a powerful, spectacular and amazing witness to the Lord in this world!

Are we ready to let go of ourselves…

… and get transformed to be a Volcano of Generosity?
 

God Bless! Live Jesus!

“Hello.. are you there?”

Most of us use mobiles…

One of the most common troubles that many of us face in the usage of mobiles is the problem of Range.

 
There are many a times, especially, when one happens to frequent rural areas, that a message pops up on the mobile screen…
…Network not found!
… Out of Range!

We feel ourselves so much lost and becoming impatient when such situations arise.
>> This level of anxiety increases all the more when we have an urgent call to be made or in an emergency! 

Sometimes, one person keeps muttering and talking…
… but the other one, having lost range, fails to hear anything!

All that remains perhaps is… “Hello.. are you there?”

Well… there is so much of tension and  stress suffered when we miss our range or our network…
>> Isn’t it?

 
But have we ever given a thought to what will happen if God goes out of range, in dealing with us?
>> Perhaps many of us, might not even become aware that sometimes we are in a “no-network” zone with God!

Through the Gospel of the Day, the Lord invite us to examine the level of life that I am, in my spiritual life.

 
The Parable of the Sower broadcasting an uncounted number of seeds is very much familiar to us.
>> A great number of seeds are sown…
… and they fall on varieties of soil
… and the reactions of each one is varied too.

A great number of words are spoken by God…
… and they fall on varieties of ears…and the response of each one is varied too..

1.Seeds falling on the way – an Attitude of “Paying no mind” to God’s words.

The seeds that fell on the way were trampled upon…
… and the birds of the sky ate it up.

>> God’s words are often not given due consideration…
… we remain unaffected and unmoved by it.
… we take for granted as being too common and familiar.
…we fail to esteem the seriousness and gravity of the Word of God!

2. Seeds falling on the rocks – an Attitude of “Passing”

The seed that fell on the rocks, when it grew, withered for lack of moisture.

>> The Word of God sometimes makes us very thrilled…
… but we soon become slack and sagging and lethargic.

>> The Word of God sometimes finds quick response…
… but we soon die out in the commitment and dedication.

>> The Word of God sometimes makes us take radical decisions…
… but we soon fade in our enthusiasm and passion!

 
3. Seed falling among the thorns – an Attitude of “Preoccupation”

The seeds that fell among the thorns got choked by the thorns.

>> God’s words often gets strangled…
… in the midst of immoral living and corrupt practices.
… in the presence of many diluting and misleading spiritualities.
… with too many materialistic and worldly concerns and affairs.

4. Seed falling on the good soil – an Attitude of “Perception”

The seed that fell on the good soil gave fruits of various measures.

>> The Word of God when received properly…
… brings true joy and happiness to life.
… helps us to share the love and joy of the Lord. 
… makes our life a source of blessings for others

 
God goes on speaking… He goes on sharing His Word…
>> Am I paying no attention to Him?
>> Am I taking His words just for passing?
>> Am I being too much preoccupied with many things and fail to listen to Him? Or…
>> Am I perceiving and understanding His word clearly and able to produce fruits for the Kingdom of God?

 
Let us make sure that we are in the range and network of God..
>> He constantly keeps calling us and sends many SMS’s.

Are we listening to Him?

 
We celebrate today the Feast of a modern saint…an exemplary and prayerful priest: St Padre Pio of Pietrelcina.
>> He inspires us today to closely follow to Lord… through the paths of prayer!

He would say:
>> “Prayer is the best weapon we possess. It is the key that opens the heart of God.”

>> “Even if the world were to capsize…
… if everything were to become dark, hazy, tumultuous…
…God would still be with us!”

 
Yes, We need to…
….Listen… Trust… Walk!

“Hello.. are you there?”

 

God bless! Live Jesus!

One of the most powerful, spectacular and amazing natural wonder of the world is a Volcano!
>> The image of a Volcano brings to our mind a massive mountain, erupting fumes of smoke and lava.

 
A volcano represents mighty force.
>> A volcano stands for…
… immense heat
… great strength
 

The Gospel of the Day lets out a life-challenging message, delivered with much power and force…like a volcano!

 
We have the familiar parable of the Landowner and the workers from Mt 20:1-16 for our Gospel Passage today.

 
This landowner is quite unique and amazing in his approach.

He hired labourers for his vineyard first at 6 am…
>> Then periodically throughout the day…
>> Finally, he hired some at 5 p.m. to work only one hour.

The labourers in those days, like often in our society too…
…  had no secure work and no consistent income.

They were given hired on a day to day basis.
>> Those hired late, were not sure of what wages they would be paid…
>> They had to, therefore, solely depend on the kindness of the one who had hired them!

 
The landowner in the Gospel, pays the labourers, not as per their work…
… but as per his kindness!

>> He pays the labourers, not just based on their hard efforts…
… but based on His big-heartedness!

The Landowner is like a Volcano… mighty and immense and great…in his generosity!

He is a Volcano of Generosity!
>> Like a volcano, he is mighty…
…  in standing up to his principles and in being firm to render benevolence.

>> Like a volcano, he is immense…
… in lavishing unexpected favours and rendering surprising packages

 >> Like a volcano, he is great…
… in being fair in his dealings and yet going beyond justice to the needy.

This landowner is Jesus!
>> He is the volcano of generosity.

>> Jesus has given us life and many essentials and comforts of life…
… in His generosity.

>> Jesus has strengthened us with His transformative words in the Bible…
… in His generosity.

>> Jesus has provided us with grace and mercy when we have been lost in sin…
… in His generosity.

>> Jesus has blessed us with His Body and Blood in the Holy Eucharist to nourish us…
… in His generosity.

>> Jesus has showered us with love and affection when we have been broken and shattered…
… in His generosity.

 
All this He has done when we least deserved it.
>> Like the late-employed workers we did not deserve this great bounty.

Perhaps, some of us might identify ourselves with the workers who were employed at the start of the day…and we feel ourselves been cheated and treated unfairly.
>> We feel that since we have been more faithful and committed, we ought to deserve more!

But the words of the Lord, need to sink deep into our hearts, “My friend, I am not cheating you….Am I not free to do as I wish, with my own money?” (Mt 20: 13, 15)

Let’s accept it: We have been treated justly….we have been given our just wages…we have been paid rightly.
>> But we lose our temper, because we compare ourselves with others and feel, ” I deserved more”!

>> We cry foul, because we judge other people and their efforts and say, “That fellow was not so much worthy “!

>> We shout unfair, because we look over on the other side of the fence and exclaim, ” I did better than that one!”

>> We go blind that we have been treated justly and instead crib that others have been prized with great generosity.

This is the Volcano of Generosity – Jesus.
>> His generosity goes beyond our wildest imaginations.
>> His generosity crosses all human boundaries of expectations.
>> His generosity traverses way ahead of what we can think or conceive!

The Lord clearly states in Is 55: 6 – “For My Thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My Ways, says the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My Ways higher than your ways and My thoughts thank your thoughts”

And this Volcano of Generosity invites us to be similar in our attitude and life…
>> Be a volcano of generosity…
… with encouragement, for those who fail in life, despite trying hard!
… with love, for those who lose heart and struggle with problems of life!
… with patience, for those who get irritated and annoyed with situations!
… with kindness, for those who constantly find faults and are pessimistic!
… with hope, for those who find no meaning in life and remain depressed!

The Volcano is one of the most powerful, spectacular and amazing wonder in the world.
>> If we can shape our lives, into a Volcano of Generosity, we too can be a powerful, spectacular and amazing witness to the Lord in this world!

Are we ready to let go of ourselves…
… and get transformed to be a Volcano of Generosity?

 
God Bless! Live Jesus!