There is a particular type of a caterpillar called as “Pine Processional Caterpillars”.

>> These “Processional Caterpillars” walks in long lines, each one following closely the next in front.

A noted French naturalist named Jean Henri Fabre, once conducted an experiment on them.
 He took a flowerpot and placed of a number of these “Processional Caterpillars” in a single-file around the circumference of the rim of a flower-pot.

>> Each caterpillar’s head touched the one in front of it.
He then placed the caterpillar’s favourite food in the middle of the pot.

He was surprised to observe that each of the caterpillar followed the one ahead, thinking it was heading for the food.

>> Round and round went these insects – for several days!
Finally, after many days of this absurd activity, the caterpillars started to drop dead – because of exhaustion and starvation!

All that they had to avoid the snare of death was to stop the senseless rounding around the pot…

…. and go, instead, directly to the food, that was placed less than six-inches away from them!

However, these “Processional Caterpillars” were trapped in a lifestyle which made them to only follow the one ahead, and were unable to “disentangle” themselves from the habit of ‘blindly’ following others!

 

Am I turning out to be a “Processional Christian”?

> claiming to follow Christ, just because others are doing the same or I have got into the “rut” of a system?

> aimlessly following Christ, without any conviction or sometimes even awareness of why I am doing so?

The Gospel of the Day presents to us  a beautiful set of “Followers of Christ” who pursued Him in faith, in conviction and with a sense of clear purpose.

The Gospel of St Luke gives an interesting list of people (of course, there would also have been others), who followed Jesus closely and were part of His Kingdom Ministry (Lk 8: 1-3).

1. The Twelve Apostles

2. Mary Magdalene

3. Joanna, the wife of Chuza, Herod’s steward

4. Susanna and many others
Its edifying to learn some aspects from each of these sets of people…
1. The Twelve Apostles

>> They were people of opposing temperaments, differing characters, conflicting backgrounds and divergent personalities.
Yet, the “glue” of ‘belonging to Christ’ kept them together
 

Can I learn the aspect of..

… going beyond my personal differences and accidental characteristics, to forge together beautiful and faithful relationships, in my family, my workplaces, my communities etc, in order to follow Christ closer?

2. Mary Magdalene

>> She had personally experienced the power of Christ’s healing
This made her to keep her focus on the Lord, her God and to be intimately following Him for the rest of her life
 

Can I learn the aspect of…

… recognising, cherishing and sustaining the many ‘miraculous and wonderful’ encounters of the Lord’s healing and care, that I experience on a daily basis, and thus to passionately follow the Lord?
 
3. Joanna, the wife of Chuza, Herod’s steward

>> She was the wife of Chuza, who was the steward of King Herod Antipas.
To follow Jesus involved a high level of risk for her, as there was a danger from King Herod, who was wicked and had expressed his displeasure by the murder of John the Baptist.

Can I learn the aspect of…

…. being daring and courageous in following the Lord, even at the risk of my life, the risk of being exposed to humiliation and the risk of bearing discouragements, persecutions and indifference from others?
 

4. Susanna and many others

>> There is not much information on their identity but they were part of a section of the society i.e. women who were terribly maltreated and were given an unfair, unequal and unrecognizable positions in the Jewish religious hierarchy.
 

Can I learn the aspect of…

… being ready to break the mental barriers and the paralysing thought-patterns in the society which cripple one’s freedom, in order to become an authentic follower of the Lord?

These followers of Christ teach us vital lessons…

>> of making radical transformations

>> of valuing God’s wonderful workings in life

>> of being courageously bold

>> of overcoming challenges and barriers

… in order to Follow Christ – with conviction, with commitment and with certainty!
 

We cannot simply remain as “Processional Christians” –  being trapped in a lifestyle which makes us to “claim to follow Christ”…

… and being unable to “disentangle” ourselves from the habit of ‘blindly’ following others!
 

We instead need to become…

> “Practical Christians” – who put into practice the preachings of Christ!

> “Praiseworthy Christians” – who live our lives seeking to please the Lord in every act and deed!

> “Precious Christians” – who live with a deep conviction of belonging to the Lord and making efforts to share His love to all!

God Bless! Live Jesus!

The General Electric Company is a multinational conglomerate company, which caters to the needs of home appliances, financial services, medical devices, life sciences, pharmaceutical etc.
 

Every year, this company uses more than one and a half million sapphires (= transparent precious stone, usually blue in colour) for bearings in meters and other delicate apparatus.

However, it is highly necessary that there should be a detection to separate the synthetic gems from the natural ones.

 
Towards this end, a cathode ray tube has been developed by a team of researchers.

>> If, in a dark room, the rays from this tube are thrown for a few seconds on a tray of stones, they all glow.
 >> However, when the rays are turned off, the artificial sapphires continue to glow and may be picked out of the tray, while the natural sapphires cannot be seen.
 

This is an easy way of picking up the artificial ones from those which are natural.

Is not something similar that happens to our Christian lives?

The authenticity of our life is exposed and revealed when the rays of Christ’s Teachings are made to fall on us!

> Some of us may be seen shining brightly and appearing to have dazzling lustre

> Some of us may be seen to be apparently very good and being seen to be externally righteous.
 

But when the rays of Christ’s teaching fall on us, will our hypocrisy and duplicity get exposed… ?

… or do I have the credibility and integrity, in my life, to be recognized as an authentic follower of God and an ardent missionary of the Kingdom?
 

The Gospel of the Day is an exposition on the attitudes of duplicity and being double-standard that can cram our Christian lives.

Jesus gives an illustration…  of “children sitting in the market place and calling to one another, ‘We piped to you and you did not dance; we wailed and you did not weep'” (Lk 7: 32) 
 

It was a tragedy of that generation…

… that two of the great leaders – John and Jesus – though came with apparent contrast – found themselves rejected!

… that these two great messengers of the Kingdom, met with a tragic end – one beheaded, the other crucified!
 

>> And it shows an important philosophy that underlies many lives: an attitude of indifference to the truth and an attitude of rejection of those who challenge our lives!

This tragedy affects our generation too…

>> We often wrap ourselves often in the garment of hard-heartedness and arrogance…

… and fail to allow the message of the Truth to bring a transformation in our lives
>> We neatly hide ourselves in the dark shadows of indifference and apathy…

… and remain unconcerned with the workings of God’s power and grace in our hearts

But the Lord today renders a wake-up call to shake off the dusts of apathy, hypocrisy and indifference from our lives.
 

In the power of the rays of Christ’s teaching,  our hypocrisy and duplicity will get exposed…

… But can I seek to mould my life to possess  credibility and integrity, in order to be recognized as an authentic follower of God and an ardent missionary of the Kingdom?
 
God Bless! Live Jesus!

“Abide with me fast falls the eventide; the darkness deepens, Lord, with me, abide

>> When other helpers fail and comforts flee; Help of the helpless, O abide with me!”
Hold thou Thy cross before my closing eyes; shine through the gloom, and point me to the skies;

>> Heaven’s morning breaks, and earth’s vain shadows flee; in life, in death, O Lord, abide with me.”

This hymn “Abide with me”, (found in ‘Night Prayers in The Divine Office’) is one of the very heart-touching hymns…

…sung especially in times of funerals.
 

They stir up feelings of mourning and the pain of loss…

…they also stir up a sense of hope and trust in the Lord, the God of Life and Resurrection.

The Gospel of the Day presents before us…

… a funeral scene

… feelings of mourning and a pain of loss

… and the instilling of hope and trust by the Lord, the God of Life and Resurrection!
 

The Gospel reading mentions that as Jesus was journeying to a city called Nain, “a man who had died was being carried out, the only son of his mother, and she was a widow.” (Lk 7: 11-12).
 

Life can sometimes be filled with extremely cruel feelings and blunt experiences, isn’t it?
This incident is a clear example of that…

>> A funeral in itself is an extremely sorrowful occurance
 

>> Add to it, it is that of the only son of a woman

(‘Only son’ meant…

… ceasing of the family generation

… termination of the family’s hopes and aspirations of the future)
>> To top it all, the woman is a widow

(‘Widow’ meant…

… there would be none to support her or to provide for her sustenance

… it was a double heart-break for a woman who had already suffered death once!)
 

This was a harshly unique situation:

>> As per the custom of the time, the bereaved mother walks in front of the bier
>> The dead son was being carried to the grave

…and the “dead” widow was walking towards her grave of utter hopelessness and inconsolable grief

The mother had to literally see her child from the “womb to the tomb!”

It was in this painful situation, that Jesus encountered the funeral procession!
The Lord, Who knows everything…

… seeing that tragic procession would have probably had a flash of what would be soon a reality in the future:

>> He Himself would be the “dead” Child…

… and His Beloved Mother, Mary would be the “dead” Widow!
 

This funeral procession of the “only son” of the “widow”, was a reflection of the scene on Calvary…

…. of Jesus, the “Only Son” of Mary, the “Widow”!

It is also heartening to note that this funeral procession took place in a city named “Nain” (or “Naim”)
This Hebrew name “Nain” has meanings such as…

… sweet, good, lovely, pleasant and delightful!
“Nain” is the word used to describe…

… the quality of Israelities as being the “favoured ones” (2 Sam 23: 1)

… the beauty of music especially the “sweet” sounding harp (Ps 81:2)

… the “pleasant” taste of bread (Prov 9:17)

… the “beauty” of the land (Gen 49:15)
 

The Psalmist also uses this word “Nain” and its derivatives, to describe…

… the beauty of the Lord (Ps 27:4)

… the favour of the Lord (Ps 90:17)

… the graciousness in worshipping the Lord (Ps 135:3)
 

It appeared to be a total contradiction that a city with such beautiful expressions and meanings…

… was facing the tragic situation of immense pain and loss and mourning
 

>> Sweetness and goodness seemed to have been replaced with pain and mourning!

>> Loveliness and pleasantness seemed to have been overtaken by misery and lament!
 

But Jesus, the Lord of Life and Resurrection…

… transforms the feelings of sadness and helplessness into sentiments of relief and hope!

The Gospel says that:

Jesus “was moved with pity for the woman and said to her, ‘Do not weep’…

… and touching the coffin, He said, “Young Man, I tell you, arise!” (Lk 7: 13-14)
 

>> Tears were halted…and life was restored!

>> Mourning was terminated…and life was celebrated!

Do we not face situations…

>> When life seems to be filled with extremely cruel feelings and blunt experiences…?

… death and separations in the family and relations

… loss of hope at workplaces and areas of labour

… feelings to ‘quit and give up’ as life loses meaning

In all such “dead” situations, the Lord encounters us in our journey of life, and…

>> Comforts  us: “Do not weep!”

>> Restores us: “I tell you, arise!”

We need to trust in Him

>> We need to be willing to encounter Him

>> We need to hold on to Him in our journey of life!

Our God is indeed the God of Life and Resurrection…

… and He seeks to instill hope and trust in Him!

May we always pray, “Lord, abide with me”…
And thus with hope and trust, even in the ‘dead’ situations of our life, cry out:

” Swift to its close ebbs out life’s little day; earth’s joys grow dim, its glories pass away!

>> Change and decay in all around I see; O Thou who changest not, abide with me!”

God Bless! Live Jesus!

A standing ovation is a form of applause where members of a seated audience stand up while applauding after extraordinary performances of particularly high acclaim.

 

Ovation comes from the Latin word “ovo”,  which means “I rejoice”.

 

When a certain accomplishment causes great rejoicing and happiness, it is often, responded with an ovation..

>> Sportstars receive this ovation after a stupendous performance of sporting skills…

>> Musicians are accorded this ovation after a special rendition of their musical piece…

>> Orators and speakers are given this ovation after a marvellous speech or a talk…

 

 

The Gospel of the Day is a similar account of Jesus expressing His ovation for a person who showed tremendous faith.

 

When the faith and trust becomes so intense, even Jesus gives a special sign of appreciation!

 

 

We have today the incident of the healing of the Centurion’s servant.

 

Jesus lavishes His appreciations and admirations for a wonderful display of faith.

 

 

Here is the story an unusual faith found in an unusual man who displayed his faith in an unusual way.

 

1. The Centurion was an unusual person…

As the name suggests, a Centurion was a person with a hundred soldiers.

>> They worked for the Roman Empire and were Gentiles.

 

This Centurion however, was unusual, because of the fact, that he was very much concerned of his slave.

>> This was rare indeed!

 

In the Roman Empire, slaves had no rights.

>> They could be mistreated and even put to death.

 

It was said that “when your animals are old, you throw them out to die. You do the same with your slaves.”

 

So this is the unusual thing about this unusual Centurion – He cared very much about his slave!

 

 

2. The centurion showed an unusual faith…

The Centurion came to Jesus asking and pleading for help.

 

But when Jesus said that He would come to his house and heal him, the centurion was quick to answer him, ” I am not worthy to have you under my roof” ( Mt 8:8)

 

The spirit of a military man is clearly exhibited by the centurion..

 

A soldier’s way of thinking is extremely logical and to the point: When an order is given, instant obedience is expected.

>> “My commanding power goes beyond the realms of space

My presence or absence is no excuse for my soldiers to disobey”

 

The Centurion fully believed that Jesus was a mighty commander with all powers subjected to Him.

>> And so a word was enough for the healing to take place…

 

An expression of approval was good enough for the miracle to happen…

 

3. The Centurion received an unusual response

This tremendous expression of faith was enough for Jesus to admire and appreciate Him.

 

Jesus was astonished by this wonderful demonstration of confidence and belief: ” Amen, I say to you, in no one in Israel, have I found such faith” (Mt 8: 10)

 

We have seen many instances of people praising and appreciating the works and wonders of Jesus.

>> But, it’s one of those rare occasions, when Jesus publicly acknowledges and asserts the glorious faith of the one seeking for help.

 

 

The Lord gives a wonderful ovation and applause for this wonderful presentation of faith.

 

 

This Gospel is a wonderful challenge for each of us to examine our life of faith…

 

In a situation when we are surrounded by sicknesses of negativity and discouragement,

>> Can we also boldly say, ” Only say a word, Lord…and I will be healed!”

 

In a situation when life-threatening moments of crushing-failures and despair encircle us,

>> Can we also boldly say, ” Only say a word, Lord…and I will be healed!”

 

In a situation when we get depressed by the various day to day problems of life,

>> Can we also boldly say, ” Only say a word, Lord…and I will be healed!”

 

 

As a famous saying goes, “It is easy to praise the Lord… But it really is a challenge to receive praises from the Lord!”

 

>> When we stand firm in our faith in God, we receive ovations and appreciations from Him

>> When we have confidence in our love for God, we receive ovations and admiration from Him

>> When we remain strong in our Hope in God, we receive ovations and approval from Him.

 

 

In the Acts of the Apostles, we read, that when St Stephen was at the verge of death, after his powerful witness, he saw, “Jesus standing at the right hand of God” (Acts 7:56)

>> The Courageous Faith of St Stephen was rewarded with a standing ovation by the Son of God!

 

The Trusting Confidence of the Centurion was blessed with a verbal ovation by the Saviour of the World!

 

 

Shall we also make our faith and our Christian, worthy of an ovation from the King of kings?

 

 

God Bless! Live Jesus!

An incident is said of a worker named Richard Weaver (He would later on become a popular preacher of the Word) who was working in a mine.
 

During the course of the work, unintentionally, he hit a fellow-miner.
The fellow-miner, however lost his cool and retorted: “I feel like giving you a hard smack on your face!”
“Very well”, said Weaver, “If that will do any good, you may do it.”
The man struck him.
Weaver turned to him the other cheek.

>> The man struck again.
This was repeated five times; and when Weaver presented his cheek for the sixth time, the man turned away, cursing.
Weaver cried after him: “The Lord forgive you, for I do; and the Lord save you!”

The following morning, as work started, this man was the first person that Richard Weaver met.
As Weaver approached him, he burst into tears.

>> “Oh Richard” he cried as he knelt before him, “do you really forgive me?”
Richard Weaver helped him get up…

>> As he rose… a changed and transformed man!

That’s the Power of Forgiveness!

The Gospel of the Day presents this Mighty and Power Message of Forgiveness…

… Forgiveness that goes beyond the rules of mathematics!

A common observation that is noticed among many children, is the fear and apprehensions of some subjects in the school or college.

>> Among these subjects, one which would top the list of subjects which causes tension and undue worry, is certainly, Mathematics!
 

·       Many have a fear of this subject which deals with figures and numbers.

·       Many have an aversion to this subject which deals with digits and numerals.
 

Well, it’s not known or certain whether Our Lord had any such aversion or fear or apprehension or even dislike for this subject, Mathematics!
But one thing is for certain…

… that the Lord sure loved to keep out Mathematics when dealing with important spiritual dimensions.

… that the Lord indeed would transgress the norms of Mathematics when engaged in vital spiritual aspects.
 

The Gospel is an exhibition of this aspect of the Lord going beyond mathematical boundaries in dealing with the beautiful virtue of forgiveness.

The passage begins with the Lord’s chief and one-of-the-first apostles Peter, raising a query to his Master, ” Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? As many as seven times? ” ( Mt 18: 21)
 

It was probably a genuine doubt of Peter, which arose from his own personal experiences.
He must have had some difficulties in forgiving, out of his wavering temperament, perhaps!
But he now puts forward to Jesus a doubt as to what should be the limit of one’s forgiveness.
·       Peter sought to know what are the exact boundaries that one must limit oneself, while forgiving.

·       He wanted clear-cut rules to define the maximum threshold and frontiers of generosity in pardoning.
 

But the Lord replies firmly, “I say to you, not seven times, but seventy seven times” (Mt 18:22)
 

·       The Lord does away with the mathematical rules in forgiveness!

·       The Lord does not confine to the mathematical stipulations in forgiveness!
 

“Seventy seven  times” would refer a number, unlimited and uncountable!

>> The frontiers for how many times to forgive are done away with…

>> The boundaries for how many times to forgive do not hold good…
 

As the Lord spoke these words to Peter, the apostle would himself have recalled…

“Once beside the sea of Galilee, when I encountered the Holy Master, I realized that I was drowning in the waters of sin… and I had asked pardon from the Lord.
Depart from me, Lord, for I am a sinful man (Lk 5:8)”
 

These words of the Lord would have again echoed in the ears of Peter, later on, after the resurrection of Jesus….

>> Once again, beside a Sea… this time, the Sea of Tiberius, Peter experienced the forgiving power of the Lord in accepting back, though he had betrayed Him three times (Jn 21: 15-18)
 

Many times he had sinned against the Lord…

>> Many times he had caused pain and ache to the Lord…

>> Many times he had abandoned and betrayed the Lord…
But every time, the Lord forgave, wholeheartedly!
 

The Lord was truly the Master, “who practised what He preached”

>> The Lord was truly the Master, “who forgave unconditionally and without any limits”
 

This Lord, today seeks to impress on us too, this same attitude of forgiveness.
 

The teaching on forgiveness, is most certainly easy said than done!

>> To forgive….especially to forgive repeatedly, is certainly no easy task…
But it would require a deeper experience of the Unconditional Love of the Lord and our own determination, along with His grace, to reach out in forgiveness and pardon to our constantly erring brothers and sisters!
 

·       Are we ready to cast away mathematical limitations in forgiving, and extend the mercy of the Lord to others?
·       Are we ready to do away with mathematical countings in pardoning others, knowing that we ourselves have received this favour from the Lord?
 

God Bless! Live Jesus!

In 1174, an Italian architect Bonnano Pisano began work on a bell tower for the Cathedral of the city of Pisa.

>> The tower was to be around 185 feet tall.

There was just one “little” problem:

The builders quickly discovered that the soil was much softer than they had anticipated…

>> And soon the whole structure had begun to tilt … and it continued to tilt … until finally the realized that nothing could be done to make the Leaning Tower of Pisa straight again!

 

The tower has stood for over 800 years but there are still problems!

What was the problem?

>> Was it bad design? Poor workmanship? An inferior grade of materials? No!!
The problem was what was underneath.

>> The sandy soil on which the city of Pisa was built was must not stable enough to support a monument of this size.

The problems all stem from a faulty foundation.

>> And the same holds good for our lives too…
 

Many problems in life emerge because of a very poor and shaky foundation…

>> One fails to do well in academic studies if one has a poor foundation in the fundamentals of the subject.

>> One fails to be emotionally stable if one has a poor foundation of not having received affection in the early years.

>> One fails to achieve expertise in a skill or an art if one has a poor foundation in the essentials and the basics.

The loftier the building, the deeper must the foundation be laid!
This is a message and an exhortation that is delivered by Jesus in today’s Gospel reading.
Jesus speaks of the Parable of the Two Foundations: One on sand; the other on the rock.

>> The one who has built one’s life on a sandy foundation fails to stand firm in the storms of life

>> The one who has built one’s life on a rock foundation remains strong and stable in the storms of life.
 

The laying of every foundation requires a process of Excavation….a Digging!
Do we want to build a strong foundation?

>> Then we need to undergo the Procedure of Digging…
Can we dig deeper…

…  into our lives and see what are the areas in which I need a healing and a touch of the Lord?

… into our minds and see what really are my motivations in life and what I really want in life?

… into our hearts and examine what are my desires and to what things I get attracted?

… into our relationships and check whether there is authenticity or are they just hollow?

… into our faith-lives and inspect whether my faith is based on a real experience or is it merely a peripheral occurrence?

This process of digging into the various areas of our life can be an experience of varied sorts…

>> We could have pain to dig out some of our evil tendencies and abandon them.

>> We could have uneasiness to dig out some of our luxurious likings and let go off them.

>> We could have agitation to dig out some of our unhealthy tendencies and discard them.

>> We could have discomfort to dig out some of our lazy inclinations in spiritual life and dispose them.
 

Perhaps some of us may we feel that we have already built up fine structures and can be proud to have a good career, a stable family life, a flourishing bank balance, an enjoyable lifestyle etc…

>> But the Lord invites us to check the Strength of each of these structures…
Is my Family Life able to withstand the storms of misunderstandings, constant quarrels and breakdowns?

>> Is my Spiritual Life able to withstand the storms of doubts, fears, discouragements and persecutions?

>> Is my Professional Life able to withstand the storms of failures, disappointments and collapses?

>> Is my Social Life able to withstand the storms of rejection, humiliation and indifferences?

We need the Lord Himself as the Firm Foundation of all the structures in our life!

>> With Him, all storms can be withstood and all winds and gales can be endured!
Let Jesus alone be the Firm Rock of our lives! 

>> Let Jesus alone be the Mighty Stronghold of our lives!
Let Jesus alone be the Supreme Basis of our lives!

>> Let Jesus alone be the Prized Asset of our lives!
 

Let Jesus alone be the Grand Forte of our lives!
 

The Tower of Pisa continues to lean due to a faulty foundation!

 

Let our lives not “lean” like this tower with a “Faulty Foundation”…

>> Rather, let it be secure and stable with “Jesus, the Firm Foundation”!
 

God Bless! Live Jesus!

A prayer meeting was on.
The participants were reciting the Rosary of the Seven Dolours (the seven sorrows of our Blessed Mother Mary).

It came to the fifth sorrow, which is “Jesus dies on the Cross”.

However, the one who was leading the prayer, by mistake said, “Mary dies on the Cross”.

A few participants, who heard this mistake, burst out into laughter.

But in hindsight, if we consider that statement, there is so much of truth and meaning in it – “Mary dies on the Cross!”

While on earth, there was no one who was closer to our Blessed Lord than His Own Beloved Mother.

> He received His body from Her.

> He received His training from Her
With Him, she rejoiced… With Him, she suffered.
And finally, in those deepest agonizing moments on the Cross, there was none who suffered more than Her!

Every pain of Her Little Child, was experienced by the Blessed Mother
> Mary was the Woman Who was most happy at the birth of the Lord

> Mary was also the Woman Who was most sorrowful at the death of the Lord! 

Today, Holy Mother the Church keeps the memorial of Mary, the Sorrowful Mother of Jesus. 

This feast is dedicated to the spiritual martyrdom of our Blessed Mother.
The title “Our Lady of Sorrows” focuses on Mother Mary’s intense suffering during the Passion and Death of Jesus.

The Gospel of day also presents the intense pain and heart-brokenness of a mother…. a widow….for her only son ( Lk 7: 11-17)
Jesus encounters the Widow of Nain who had lost her only son to harsh reality of death.

The Gospel says, “When the Lord saw her, he had compassion on her and said to her, ‘Do not weep” (Lk 7: 13)

The woman was a widow… 

She had lost her only son.
Being a widow meant being subjected to a life of extreme insult, torture and hardships.

>> Now the loss of her only son, meant being subjected to further disgrace, humiliations and rejections!

When our Blessed Lord saw this painful scene, probably, His thoughts would have fast-forwarded to a similar scene that would occur in a short time… On Mount Calvary
The only Son of a Widow would be dead

….and the Widow would be rendered helpless!

> The widow of Nain would have her son restored back to life, by the power of Jesus.
> The widow of Nazareth also will have Her Son back to life…by the power of the Heavenly Father…

… and it would be a inauguration of a promise of a glorious life to all who place their trust in Him!

 

Suffering is an immense and an intense reality of our lives.
 Many times, sufferings hit our lives when…

… we least expect it

… we are least prepared for it 

Such moments of pain and agony…when encountered without any faith….

… can cause us to lose any meaning in life and renders our life to be shorn of hope

… can cause us to question God and His goodness and strips our faith of its strength

… can cause us to have recourse to “unbecoming” means to relieve ourselves from pain

 

However, such moments of suffering and difficulties…. when faced with deep faith and trust…

… will become occasions of God’s overflowing grace filling our lives and making us stronger 

… will become occasions for us to depend deeper on our Creator and to feel His power more strongly

… will become occasions for us to realise the value of life and become more compassionate towards others

This is what we learn from the life of our Blessed Mother Mary – the Mother of Sorrows and the Mother of Compassion.

She had every reason to complain and fight against God…

She had every reason to protest and abandon God and His Will…

She had every reason to murmur and let go of the plan of God for Her…
But, the “Yes” that she pronounced at the Annunciation was echoed all through her life.. at every step

.. be it in times of joy and calmness

.. be it in times of sadness and calamity
The “Yes” she said was the Final Profession she made…

… just as the Religious make on the Day of their Profession 

… just as the Priests make on the Day of their Ordination

… just as the Married make to each other, on their Day of Wedding
It was binding for life.. It was committed to, with conviction… It was lived in sincerity, with dedication.

The Feast of the Mother of Sorrows is a beautiful reminder and reflection on “Two Hearts that were united to each other, burning with love” – the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of Blessed Mother Mary!

 

These two hearts have undergone immense pain and suffering… and still rejoiced in Love!
We are invited to live a life…

> free from sin

> filled with love

> firm in conviction

> fashioned in grace

… like our Beloved and Blessed Mother Mary!

May we be filled with a courage and grace to truly make it our prayer:

“Holy Mother, pierce me through

In my heart, each wound renew

Of my Saviour Crucified!”

Wish you a Happy Feast of our Compassionate Mother, who is ever with us in our every sorrow…

…. and helps us, to follow Her Crucified Son and Our Strengthening Saviour, Jesus!

God Bless! Live Jesus!

The first quarter of the year 1984 saw a lot of political unrest in Poland…

… with the government banning the display of crucifixes (= a Cross with the figure of Christ on it)  from factories, hospitals, schools and other public institutions.
No heed was paid to the strong waves of anger and resentment, all across the nation!

In a certain town in Eastern Poland – Garwolin –  a very zealous Communist administrator, one evening…

… removed seven large crucifixes from the classrooms of a school
 A few days later, some parents entered the school and hung more crosses

 >> But even those were taken down!

The following day, nearly 2/3rds of the school’s six hundred students staged a protest.

>> When heavily arm-laden police arrived, these students were forced into the streets.
Then they marched to a nearby Church…

… with crucifixes held high!
They were joined by 2,500 other students from nearby schools…

… for a prayer meet, in support of the protest.
 

Soldiers surrounded the Church..

… but the students remained undeterred, inside, and held on to the proclamation of the faith.

The following day, the world had taken notice of this bold protest…

… with many newspapers flashing the following headline:

“Clutching Crucifixes, students proclaim – There is no Poland without a Cross!”
 

Yes, this, indeed, is the truth of Christian life…

“Clutching Crucifixes, we need to proclaim – There is no Christianity without the Cross!”
 

This is the message being proclaimed by the Church – loud and clear and without any compromise – today, on this Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross.

Every religion and every ideology has its own symbol.

>> Buddhism has the wheel.

>> Judaism has the Star of David.

>> Islam has the crescent.

>> Hinduism has the Om.

>> Communists have the hammer and the sickle.

>> Nazis have the reverse swastika.
But what makes the symbol of Christianity – the Cross – so unique is that…

… Its founder transformed this instrument of shame into the sign of salvation!

… Its founder not just preached about the symbol, but even embraced it , in obedience and love!
 

The Cross had cast its shadow on the life of Christ all through…
Wood (symbolic of the ‘Wood of the Cross’) was part of the life of Christ all through…

… the Babe Jesus was laid on the ‘wood of the manger’ by his beloved Parents

… the Boy Jesus worked with ‘wood in the workshop’ of His carpenter father, Joseph

… the Brave Jesus would use the ‘wood of the boat’, as His Pulpit to preach the Word of God

>> The Beloved Jesus would finally be laid on the “wood of the Cross” in total obedience to His Father!

This is what the Lord foretold Nicodemus…

… as we see in today’s Gospel Passage: ” And just as Moses lifted up the serpent in the desert, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, so that everyone who believes in him may have eternal life.” (Jn 3: 14)

Jesus makes a reference to the Old Testament incident as found in the Book of Numbers (Num 21: 4b-9)…

>> The people grew disinterested and dissipated by their journey and began to grumble

>> Their sin of disobedience and lack of trust in God’s Will  caused them to be punished
However, God in His mercy, offered a bronze serpent, mounted on a pole…

… for deliverance from the punishments of their sin

This bronze serpent would be a typography of the Cross of Christ!
Just as the bronze serpent came to the rescue of the people of Israel, the Cross of Christ comes to our rescue…

… but with a much greater reward – of salvation!

… with a much greater consolation – of the peace of Christ!

We too, often grow disinterested and dissipated in our journey of life and begin to grumble

>> Our sin of disobedience and lack of trust in God’s Will,  brings us punishments of various kinds
However, God in His mercy, offers us Christ Crucified, mounted on the Cross…

… for deliverance from the punishments of our sin!
All those who looked at the bronze serpent had lived…

>> All of us, who will look at Christ Crucified on the Cross, will live forever!
Our modernistic world has notoriously and pragmatically misuses the Cross:

>> Fashionists have the symbol of Christianity stylishly displayed all over themselves..

… as jewellery hanging round their necks, ears, wrists etc

… as tattoos imprinted on the various body parts

… as drawings on various objects of worldly use
 

The Cross is often found to be degraded and despised as merely…

… an ornament of show

… a pattern of beautification

… a statement of raging and crazy style
 

But the Cross of Christ transcends all these…

>> And, we Christians, today, need to be zealous, to restore the Cross, the Symbol of Christianity to its original sense…

… The Symbol of Hope and Salvation

… The Symbol of Unconditional Love

… The Symbol of Unfathomable Mercy
 

Yes, may this Feast Day of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross…

… remind and revive in us, its message: “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him, should not perish, but have Eternal Life!” (Jn 3:16)
 

>> And may we hold firm to the truth of Christian life…

“Clutching Crucifixes, we need to proclaim – There is no Christianity without the Cross!”
 

Happy Feast of the Holy Cross of Christ!

God Bless! Live Jesus!

Dieticians and Nutritionists offer various advices and tips on how to have a healthy lifestyle
For eg…they point out diverse foods that can be either beneficial or be harmful for good health

• Too much of caffeine affects the body.

• Certain foods leads to cholesterol and may cause heart diseases.

• Fruits and vegetables with vitamins and other nutrients, anti-oxidants etc supply greater energy and vitality.

Many follow this routine and practice in their lifestyle…

> Some to reduce; some to maintain!

>> Some to stay fit; some forced due to their ill-health!

Whatever be the motive…there seems to be a principle behind this: “Your health is what you eat”
A similar principle can also be perhaps applied to the spiritual realm: “Your spiritual health is what you seek and feed your soul”
 

The Gospel of the Day says in Luke 6:21, “Blessed are you who are hungry now, for you will be filled”
We are given a challenge to inspect and  examine:

How is my Spiritual Appetite?

>> What is the craving that I have for God and His Kingdom?
Am I really hungering for what matters most in my life and what should take highest precedence in my life?

Perhaps, some of us have not known real hunger…

… or we have got quite used to getting our food…
>> Hunger to us may mean…

… waiting for an extra ten-fifteen minutes for food to be served

… not getting the food that I like or not being served the taste that I wish

… missing the food-time and then gulping down a meal from a roadside hotel etc..

>> And because we don’t realize much the importance of the word HUNGER, we perhaps fail to grasp the urgency and the importance when Jesus says, ” Blessed are you who are hungry now, for you will be filled”!
 

We tend to satisfy our hunger…

… through the food of amassing enormous wealth and money

… through the food of acquiring many titles and positions and power

… through the food of many unhealthy practices and habits and addictions
But the Lord says, ” Blessed are you who are hungry now, for you will be filled”
Filled with what?

>> Food?  Money? Long life? Promotions? A perfect family? A trouble-free life?
….No, no. no…!
 

Mt 11:28 says, “Come to me…”!

>> It’s in Jesus alone – GOD ALONE – that all our hunger can be satisfied and all our cravings be fulfilled!
 

>> If we are hungry, let us go and eat of the Bread of Life!

>> If we are thirsty, let us go and drink of the Water of Life!

>> If we are weary or heavy laden, let us go to His Heart and find rest!

>> If we are guilty, let us go to Him, the Saviour and be forgiven!

>> If we are far from God, let us go to Him and be reconciled in His arms!
 

Yes… in the Kingdom of God, everything begins with a hunger.. a craving.. a search..a seeking..!

>> This is what St Augustine said, “O God, you have made us for yourself, and our hearts are restless until they find rest in you!”

Perhaps we need to reverse and turn upside the way we have been thinking and perceiving..
Maybe we have been thinking that riches and material prosperity is that which really matters in life…

>> But Jesus says, ” Blessed are the poor…the Kingdom of God is yours”
Have we discovered and experienced Him as the only One who is the True Richness and the Authentic Treasure of our lives?
 

Maybe we have been thinking that we are totally satisfied with great food and our every taste is fulfilled..

>> But Jesus says, “Blessed are you who are hungry…you will be filled”
Have we discovered and experienced Him as the only One who can truly satisfy the hunger and thirst of our lives?

Maybe we have been thinking that we are quite happy in life and all our leisure and entertainments give us so much joy

>> But Jesus says, “Blessed are you who weep…you will laugh”
Have we discovered and experienced Him as the only One who can bless us with true joy and genuine happiness in our lives?
 

Maybe we have been thinking that we are quite safe when all people praise and flatter us in life, especially when we gain popularity at the cost of some Gospel values or virtues of life

>> But Jesus says,” Blessed are you when people hate you because of Me…a great reward is kept for you”
Have we discovered and experienced Him as the only One who is worth facing all difficulties and problems in order to be standing up for our Christian values and principles?
 

Our spiritual health depends very much on what we really seek for and what we feed our souls.

>> Jesus, the Dietician and the Nutritionist of our Lives, today, wants to make us fit and fine and agile in our spiritual life.
 

Come, let us make the necessary changes in our life so that we may enjoy better health and life…in the Lord!

God Bless! Live Jesus!

There is “trial by jury” in  the British legal system.
The jury consists of 12 individuals chosen at random from an appropriate panel.

>> Anyone who is on the electoral register aged between 18 and 70, and who has been ordinarily resident in the UK for five years since the age of 13, is qualified to serve on the jury.
 

In his essay “The Twelve Men”, dealing with this British jury system, G. K. Chesterton wrote:

“Whenever our civilization wants a library to be catalogued, or a solar system discovered, or any other trifle of this kind, it uses up its specialists.
But when it wishes anything done which is really serious, it collects twelve of the ordinary men standing around…

>> The same thing was done, if I remember right, by the Founder of Christianity.”
 

And it’s true, right?
>> Jesus did choose twelve people of ordinary standing and average repute as His Chosen Apostles.
 

The Gospel of the Day presents this account of this choosing of the Twelve by Jesus, the Master.

>> Twelve persons of varied character…

… invited to be part of the ‘One Kingdom Mission’.
>> Twelve persons of different backgrounds…

… invited to be part of the ‘One Jesus Culture’.
>> Twelve persons of dissimilar emotions…

… invited to be part of the ‘One Love Civilization’.
 

Let these twelve persons today teach us something simple yet profound for our Spiritual Lives:
1. Simon, called as Peter: The one known for his wavering temperaments yet faithful and simple in his attitude.

>> Assets that can be learnt: To be humble enough to accept our mistakes and correct them
 

2. Andrew: The one who left fishing and at the multiplication of loaves, brought the five loaves and two fish to Jesus

>> Assets that can be learnt: To bring simple things before God who can work great wonders
 

3. James: The one who was zealous and who accompanied the Lord at many crucial events of His life

>> Assets that can be learnt: To be zealous for the Kingdom of God and be ready to be in close company with Jesus
 4. John: The one who was loyal and displayed tremendous love and faithfulness to His Master

>> Assets that can be learnt: To be faithful and loyal to the Crucified One even in the midst of all uncertainties.
5. Philip: The one, with a Greek name,  who told another disciple about Jesus & also helped the Greeks to come to Jesus

>> Assets that can be learnt: To be a person who brings other people to the saving presence of Jesus
6. Bartholomew: The one who was shocked that Jesus was from the lowly Nazareth but was quick to trounce this feeling

>> Assets that can be learnt: To let go of prejudices and preconception about persons and situations
7. Matthew: The one who was given an opportunity to reform his way of life and was generous to let go of his possessions

>> Assets that can be learnt: To be free from material attachments in order to follow Christ freely and fully
8. Thomas: The one who was highly daring and also frank and straightforward in his Faith and his attitude

>> Assets that can be learnt: To be bold about one’s faith even if it means to seek a clarification from God
9. James, son of Alpheus: The one who gets hardly any mention except being called by Jesus and being with the others in the Upper Room after the Ascension of Jesus

>> Assets that can be learnt: To remain in the backdrop, in serving the Lord and being unfazed even if not popular
10. Simon, the Zealot: The one who is also hardly mentioned but is identified with having a great religious zeal

>> Assets that can be learnt: To curb one’s personal instincts and likings in order to suit the style and spirit of Jesus
11. Judas Thaddeus: The one who wrote the Beautiful letter of Jude and exhorts to be faithful to Christ even in hardships

>> Assets that can be learnt: To learn to be faithful and strong even when persecuted for being a Christian
12. Judas Iscariot: The one who gave up his love of Jesus for the sake of the love of money

>> Assets that can be learnt: To avoid the subtle trap of materialism and rather remain focused on Jesus always
 

>> Twelve persons of simple nature…

… teach us many secrets and virtues to be powerful witnesses of the Kingdom
>> Twelve persons of ordinary calibre…

… teach us to become the extension of the love and mission of Christ Jesus

The Jury or the Panel of Twelve Ordinary Persons, chosen by Jesus, have contributed their mite in spreading the Gospel and making this world to experience and recognize God’s tremendous love!

>> The Master now seeks the same of us too..
 

Though ordinary or simple or little or weak we be…

… He still invites and calls…
 

Shall we say, Yes?
 
God Bless! Live Jesus!