A story is said of a man who lived a very fine life.

>> Being a carpenter, he had helped in the construction works of the church.

>> He was also very benevolent in helping people who needed his counselling and guiding skills

However, at a particular phase in his life, many things went wrong…

>> His wife had a sudden death and the man found himself at a deep loss

>> There was also a financial crisis that he faced, with a few people exploiting his simple innocence

These and many other experiences left him quite broken, dejected and defeated.

It was at this time, that attending a Sunday Mass, he heard the priest preaching on the Love and Providence of God.

>> The sermon touched him much… the Word of God moved him greatly.

After the Mass, he approached the priest to have a talk with him

>> The priest welcomed him cordially, and the two spoke for a long time.

After his sharing, the man felt extremely relieved and coming back home, he told his neighbour:

“What a man he is…!

“When I went into his office, all the stars had fallen out of my skies -but one by one he put them back again…

I feel so much stronger and hopeful, now…!

Experiences in life are often such…

… unfair and unjust

… partial and discriminatory

We therefore are in need of encouragements in life…

… to lift our sagging spirits

… to raise our deadened hopes

… to boost our depressed minds

In situations where “the stars fall out of our skies”…

… we need encouragements and support to have them ” one by one, be put back again!”

Today, Holy Mother the Church celebrates the Feast of St Barnabas – who was an immense source of encouragement…

… and invites us to also become persons of encouragement to others.

In the Bible, there are many characters and personalities, who assume great importance and are in the highlight, by virtue of their words and deeds.

>> But there are also a few, who remain in the background, and yet are strong and powerful characters…

… St Barnabas, whose feast we celebrate today, is one such personality.

The word “Barnabas” in Greek means… “the Son of Encouragement”.

>> And true to his name, St Barnabas lived a life, “encouraging” the Christian Faith.

It’s amazing to see the very many practical ways in which St Barnabas can be a model and example for our Christian lives

>> Let’s pick up a few areas in which St Barnabas was a source of encouragement…for our practical Christian life.

1. Religiously:

Barnabas was of the tribe of Levi (Acts 4:36)

>> The tribe of Levi served particular religious duties for the Israelites and had political responsibilities as well.

The spirit of a strict Jewish System was much strong in Levites.

Yet, Barnabas breaks away from that strict religious system, to embrace Christianity – all for the Love of Jesus and His Church.

>> Am I willing to let go of my many faith-prejudices and false religious-notions and embrace Christ and His Church, for the love of Jesus and His Kingdom?

2. Cultural

Barnabas was from Cyprus, in Turkey (Acts 4:36)

… and yet, he becomes a missionary to work in Jerusalem and other far-away places.

He transcends cultures and places, and moves beyond his own cultural, linguistic and ethnic boundaries – all for the Love of Jesus and His Church.

>> Am I willing to let go beyond my cultural, linguistic and ethnic barriers, for the love of Jesus and His Kingdom?

3. Financially

When the Early Church was in need, Barnabas sold his field, and gave the money to the Apostles (Acts 4:37)

He was sensitive to the needs of the Church and was willing to be self-giving – all for the love of Jesus and His Church.

>> Am I willing to let go of my richness, possessions and attachments, for the Love of Jesus and His Kingdom?

4. Psychologically

St Paul, after his dramatic conversion, was not easily accepted by the Early Church because of his ignominious past (Acts 9:26).

But Barnabas took the lead in helping Paul to be part of the preaching ministry, as Scripture testifies:

“But Barnabas took him (Paul) and brought him to the Apostles. He told them how Saul on his journey had seen the Lord and that the Lord had spoken to him, and how in Damascus he had preached fearlessly in the name of Jesus” (Acts 9:27)

It was St Barnabas who supported and encouraged St Paul, in his initial days of struggle – all for the Love of Jesus and His Church.

>> Am I willing to accept and encourage people who are misunderstood and are mistreated, for the love of Jesus and His Kingdom?

e. Spiritually

St Barnabas was a person mightily filled with the Holy Spirit (Acts 11:24)

>> Yet, he was happy and content to ‘play second fiddle’ – playing the minor and supportive role to St Paul, in his missionary endeavours.

He was willing to remain humble and meek – all for the Love of Jesus and His Church.

>> Am I willing to let go of my tendencies of spiritual pride, and instead remain humble and meek, for the love of Jesus and His Kingdom?

St Barnabas, remains a humble yet powerful challenge to our Christian lives.

>> He is one of the many unsung heroes of Christianity.

In life, we come across many who are broken and dejected, sad and hopeless…

>> We find many who “have the stars fallen out of their skies”

Can we become persons who encourage, console and strengthen them, “by one by one, putting back the stars” in their life?

St Barnabas invites and exhorts us…

… Are we willing to be a “Child of Encouragement?”

Happy Feast of the “Apostle of Encouragement”!

God Bless! Live Jesus!

A little boy came to his father with a great sense of earnestness and asked:

“Father, is Satan bigger than I am?”

“Yes, my boy,” said the father.

“Is he bigger than you are, Father?”

“Yes, my boy, he is bigger than your father”

The boy looked surprised but thought again, and asked, “Is he bigger than Jesus?”

“No, my boy,” answered the father. “Jesus is bigger than he is.”

The little fellow, as he turned away, said with a smile, “Then I’m not afraid of him.”

Our Christian life is a constant warfare between the forces of Satan and our choices for God’s Kingdom.

If we trust in the Lord, then at all moments, we will dare to do God’s Will

>> But, if we are divided in our commitment to the Lord, then we keep ourselves out of the circle of God’s Will…

… and thus always live in fear and division!

Do we realize that our God is much bigger than the evil…

… and thus, we can always trust in Him

>> And hence, we can always do His Will?

The Gospel of the Day presents Jesus unleashing His convictions on how He has complete power and control over the Devil…

… and thus invites and challenges all His followers, to constantly remain in the “family circle” of doing God’s Will.

The Gospel begins with the statement that…

… “the scribes who had come down from Jerusalem said, ‘He is possessed by Beelzebul and by the prince of demons , He casts out the demons” (Mk 3:22)

One of the reasons why the Scribes were irked by the personality of Jesus was because of the tremendous authority that was displayed by Jesus!

Yes, the amazing factor in the ministry of Jesus was His tremendous authority!

>> The wondrous aspect in the ministry of Jesus was His awesome integrity!

Elsewhere, in the Gospel of St Mark, we read…

>> The people “were astonished at his teaching, for He taught as one who had authority…” (Mk 1:22)

>> “… they were all amazed so that they questioned among themselves…. ‘…with authority He commands even the unclean spirits, and they obey Him” ( Mk 1: 27)

This authority and integrity came…

… through His deep union with His Heavenly Father.

… through His faithfulness to the commands of His heavenly Father

… through His undivided devotion to His Heavenly Father

How authoritative, credible and integral are we in our life…

… as a Christian?

… in the family?

… as a consecrated person?

Authoritative does not mean arrogance…

>> Credibility does not mean over-confidence…

>>> Integrity does not mean super-importance…

Authority, credibility and integrity in the Lord means…

… filled with the power and strength of God’s Spirit

… imbued with a deep passion for the Lord and His Church

… living an honest lifestyle in accordance to God’s Will and teachings

The Gospel of the Day calls us to check and examine…

… is my prayer life and devotion truly authentic and credible?

… is my preaching and spreading of God’s Word filled with His Holy Spirit?

… is my reception of the Sacraments helping me to make an honest effort to be a true Christian?

Jesus constantly invites us to be “part of His Family”…

… the Family of those who Seek and Do His Will!

In the Old Testament – the book of Genesis – we read that when Adam and Eve sinned, they chose to “remain hiding” – away from the Presence of God

>> “… I heard the sound of Thee….and I hid myself” (Gen 3:10)

When Adam and Eve failed in their commitment to Seek and Do God’s Will…

… fear engulfed them

… they sought to stay away from the “Familial Presence of God”

Do I “hide from God’s Presence”

… or do I “seek God’s Presence?”

When we realize that God is much powerful than the evil …

… then we can always trust in Him

>> And hence, we can always do His Will!

May Jesus be our model and example to be true and honest in life!

>> May He be our ideal and standard to be faithful and committed to our mission!

God Bless! Live Jesus!

There is a well-known incident in the life of St Francis de Sales…

During the period from December 1586 to January 1587, St Francis underwent a terrible crisis, a temptation, a trial.

There were several causes:

• His natural tendency to anxiety

• The problem of predestination (a Calvinist position which says that God has determined the eternal destiny of every human being. He has chosen some to eternal life and foreordained others to everlasting punishment) keenly discussed in theological circles in those days.

• A mystical dimension to the trial: an unselfish, pure love of God and total surrender to Him, in which lay the answer to his problems as he was being tempted to despair of his salvation.

One day in January 1587, St Francis went into the church of St. Etienne des Grès.

He went to the chapel of our Lady and knelt down in front of the statue.

He was inspired to make an unconditional surrender of his salvation to God, using the words: “O God, Just Judge and Merciful Father, at least in this life will I love You, if it is not given to me to love You in life everlasting”.

Then he saw there a card with the prayer – The Memorare: “Remember, O Most Gracious Virgin Mary …”

>> He took it and earnestly prayed it.

He was instantly healed.

>> The temptation vanished.

Strength and confidence returned to him.

He consecrated himself to the Blessed Virgin Mary, and decided to dedicate his life to God with a vow of chastity.

The Gentleman Saint, St Francis de Sales found consolation and encouragement by dwelling on the Immaculate Heart of our Blessed Mother Mary, and consecrated himself to Her maternal care.

Today, on the Feast Day of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, we too are invited to admire and venerate the deep love and affection of our Blessed Mother and to seek Her help and intercession to lead a life in closer union with the Lord.

The Feast of the Immaculate Heart of Blessed Mary is celebrated on the following day of the Feast of the Sacred Heart of the Lord.

Both these devotions are intricately linked.

The Catechism of the Church says, :

“Mary’s role in the Church is inseparable from her union with Christ and flows directly from it.” (CCC # 964)

“This union of the mother with the Son in the work of salvation is made manifest from the time of Christ’s virginal conception up to his death”. (CCC #1172)

It was in 1942, in the context of the devastating Second World War, that Pope Pius XII consecrated the world to the Immaculate Heart of Mary.

The Gospel of the Day gives a glimpse into this Blessed Heart of our Mother.

St Luke testifies that “… Jesus’ Mother kept all these things in Her Heart” (Lk 2: 51b)

What does the Immaculate Heart of our Blessed Mother teach us?

• The Immaculate Heart of Mary teaches us that “everything in life is not understood”.

Mother Mary had to face a lot of things in life, which went beyond the grasp of Her reason and understanding.

Right from the moment of the Annunciation

… to the misunderstandings in her marital life

… the hardships of giving birth to Her Child

…the grievances of post-birth and care

… the loss of Her Spouse, Joseph

… the misunderstandings Her Little Child had to face in His ministry

… the cruel death meted out to Her Beloved Child

None of these would have been understood by Mary.

Yet, even when life handed on situations that was not understood, She remained trustful and obedient.

• The Immaculate Heart of Mary teaches us that “sorrow and pain are an integral part of everyone’s life”

The Heart of our Blessed Mother faced a lot of pain and agonies…

… sacrificing of a promising life ahead, for the sake of giving birth to God’s Child

… facing crisis in the family and possibilities of misunderstanding with her to-be-husband Joseph

… uncertainty during and after the birth of the Child

… living life as a widow and alone with Her Son away in a risky mission

… undergoing the deepest pain of seeing One’s Own Child facing a harrowing death

• The Immaculate Heart of Mary teaches us that ” being focused on doing God’s Will brings the greatest joy and happiness”

The Heart of our Blessed Mother was ever focused on doing God’s Will.

Just as Her Son would tell later on in life, “My food is to do the Will of the One who sent me” (Jn 4:34), Mary also would sustain Her life on doing the Will of the Father at all times.

This would therefore turn out to be the source of strength and joy, even in the midst of the deep pain that Her Heart underwent.

The Immaculate Heart of our Blessed Mother is a model and example and inspiration for all of us too….

• Do I realise that “not everything in life can be understood”; yet life is still worth living and making it beautiful for others and for God?

• Do I accept that “pains and problems” are part and parcel of life; yet, holding on to the Father’s Hands will assure us of a spiritual joy and heavenly peace?

• Do I seek to constantly seek and do God’s Will in my life, and be committed and faithful to the tasks that are entrusted to me, as part of my vocation?

Today as we honour the Immaculate Heart of our Blessed Mamma, let us also seek the intercession of the great St Antony of Padua, whose feast also we celebrate.

He was full of veneration to our Blessed Mother, and speaks of the glories that God worked through Her: “She possessed within Her the compactness of love—for nine months She carried Love Incarnate in Her womb.”

May we consecrate our lives to the Maternal Care of our Blessed Mother Mary and find consolation and comfort in Her Immaculate Heart!

Immaculate Heart of Mary, may we rest in You!

Happy Feast of our Immaculate Mamma!

God Bless! Live Jesus!

A young couple were travelling on the bike…a jolly ride.

Fast they went…thru the narrow streets, wide highways, lush-green meadows and fruit-laden fields.

As they moved across a rather long highway, at a high speed…

… the rider – the young husband – realized that the brakes of the bike had failed.

But he didn’t allow his wife to know the impending danger.

Instead as they were conversing,  he asked her, “Do you really love and trust me?”

>> The wife answered, “Of course I do! And am so happy to love and be loved by you!”

Then the husband said, as he was riding, “Then take off my helmet and put it on for yourself! Let’s see whether you trust in my riding skills!”

The girl- innocent and unsuspecting –  felt it as a challenge, and went on the take the helmet and put it for herself.

In a few moments, the bike, whose brakes had failed, would soon crash onto a tree…!

The young husband suffered from serious head injuries…

… but the girl, with the helmet on her head, remained safe…

All because, the boy, in his deep love for her, had sacrificed his life, for the safety of his love!

True love, by its nature, moves out of oneself…

… and gives in total self-giving to the other… to the one who is loved!

Today we celebrate the Solemnity of the Sacred Heart of Jesus – in Which is displayed the greatest expression of Love…

… a God who madly loves humanity and gave Himself up, in entirety for us, Whom He loves!

In the year 1673, Our Blessed Lord appeared to St. Margaret Mary and made her to rest her head upon His Heart; and during which He revealed to her the wonders of His love.

He revealed to her, His Sacred Heart and requested her to establish the Feast of the Sacred Heart, the Friday after the Corpus Christi, the feast of the Body and Blood of Christ, in order to make reparation for sins which offend His Sacred Heart.

In her vision, she saw His wounded heart, on fire with love, saying, “Behold this Heart which has loved men so much and has received such little love in return.”

It was on June 11, 1899 Pope Leo XIII solemnly consecrated the whole mankind to the Sacred Heart of Jesus.

The Gospel of the day presents the account of how the Heart of our Blessed Lord was pierced with a lance, on Mount Calvary.

“But one soldier thrust his lance into His side, and immediately blood and water flowed out” (Jn 19: 34)

The Catholic tradition identifies the water as the symbol of Baptism and the Blood as the symbol of the Holy Eucharist.

·      The Water symbolizes purification.

·      The Blood symbolizes atonement.

The Sacred Heart of Jesus is today one of the most recognizable symbols of the Christian faith.

·      The picture consists of the Heart, with the wound of the lance in its side, a crown of thorns about it, a cross above it and flames surrounding it.

This Sacred Heart of Jesus represents not simply His physical heart but His love for all humankind.

This Solemnity of the Sacred Heart of the Lord teaches us many things…

1. It teaches us the immense love that the Lord possesses for each one of us, personally.

>> Have I experienced the tremendous love that the Lord has for me?

I may feel myself low.

>> I may consider myself to be not very good.

>> I may think that my life is just not worth living.

>> I may deem that my past has ruined my life very badly.

>> I may judge that situations around me can never be changed.

Even with all these things, am I convinced that “Jesus loves me”, still…

… and that He will take me through, by the power of His love?

2. It teaches us the pain and the agony that the Lord still undergoes as a result of our sin and the sins of the world

Do I realize that a sinful life brings tears to the Lord and causes more wounds to the Precious Heart of the Lord?

There is nothing which pains the Lord more than sin.

>> It was for our salvation that He shed even the last drop of His blood.

>> He not just wants but insists and demands and commands us to live in holiness.

Do I give heed to this “passionate and sincere” call of the Lord to live our lives in sanctity and in accordance to God’s Will in my life?

3. It teaches us the need to be part of the process of redemption that Christ has won for us and to be shareholders in His mission of bringing God’s love to all

Do I become aware that Christ is calling me to be part of His redemptive work of salvation?

>> Christ still suffers and undergoes pains.

>> From the Cross, He cried, “I thirst” (Jn 19: 28)

>> He desires that people who have known and experienced His love become effective agents of bringing His love to others.

By a life of sacrifices (tiny or great…little or huge), by simple acts of love, compassion and mercy and by greater participation in the Sacramental Life of the Church, the love of the Sacred Heart can be brought to many more people.

Am I willing to take up this responsibility that the Lord is handing on to us?

We live in times when heart diseases and ailments are on the rise…

>> Physically: Heart Attacks, Hole in the heart, Congestive Heart failures, Narrowing of the arteries…

>> Emotionally: A Broken Heart,  A Fearful Heart, An Anxious Heart, A Discouraged Heart, A Lonely Heart, A Rejected Heart…

>> Spiritually: An Angry Heart, A Sinful Heart, An Unrepentant Heart, A Lukewarm Heart, A Lustful Heart, An Unfaithful Heart…

We all, possess one or more aspects of these hearts….

Perhaps, , we need a Spiritual Heart Surgery…

… a change of heart…to be more like the Heart of Jesus!

>> In Ezekiel 36:26, the Lord says, “I will give you a New Heart….”

The Sacred Heart is burning with love for each of us!

>> “The Love of Jesus ever gives, forgives, outlives;

And ever stands with open hands;

And while it lives, it gives,

For this is love’s prerogative

To give, and give, and give!”

Let us be united with the Sacred Heart of the Lord…

… renew our consecration this day to Him…

… and pray and persevere, to Live Love, in its purity, in its faithfulness and in its truth!

LET’S LIVE LOVE, TO GIVE LOVE

>> LET’S LIVE JESUS, TO GIVE JESUS!

Happy Feast to Jesus, our Beloved…and Happy Feast to all of us, His Lovers!

God Bless! Live Jesus!

Sports lovers enjoy hat-tricks!

A hat-trick in sports is the achieving of a positive feat three times in a row during a game, or other achievements based on ‘threes’ in some sports.

This term ‘hat-trick’, it seems, first appeared in 1858 in cricket, to describe a bowler HH Stephenson, taking three wickets with three consecutive deliveries.

>> The fans held a collection for Stephenson, and presented him with a ‘hat’ bought with the proceeds.

The term was eventually adopted by many other sports including hockey, association football, water polo, team handball etc.

Hat-trick requires an exceptional performance and therefore is quite rare.

Well, how about a double hat-trick?

A double hat-trick would be too exceptional, isn’t it?

And would be much rarer…right?

Well, the Gospel of the Day presents Jesus, the Champion Player, in the field of wits and wisdom, after having earned an exceptional double hat-trick!

What is the double hat-trick in the case of Jesus, the Champion Player?

It is the dismissal and silencing of six groups of people… in their human cunningness…and letting the light of God’s Wisdom to emerge triumphant!

The three passages that precede the Gospel passage of the Day present 6 groups of people…

1. The Chief Priests 2. The Scribes    3. The Elders

“As Jesus was walking in the temple area, the chief priests, the scribes and the elders approached Him, and said….” (Mk 11:27)

4. The Pharisees       5. The Herodians

“They sent some Pharisees and Herodians to Jesus to ensnare him in his speech” (Mk 12:13)

6. The Sadducees

“Some Sadducees who say there is no resurrection, came to Jesus….” (Mk 12: 18)

Jesus, as the Champion Player…

… dismisses all the 6 of them, in their wicked plans to humiliate Him

… silences all the 6 of them, in their dishonest tactics to put Truth to the test

All the 6 groups go back… in defeat… faced with a challenge to examine themselves and their thought-patterns!

A double hat-trick has been achieved by the Champion Lord!

The Gospel of the Day presents Jesus putting forward the formula for success in the game of spiritual life – LOVE!

The passage begins with a member of the scribe, after having seen the stupendous performance of the Lord, approaching Him with a question, “Which is the greatest of all commandments?”

To this question the Lord answers the formula for success in the game of spiritual life:

“The Lord our God, is Lord alone. Love the Lord your God, with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind and with all your strength” (Mk 12:29- 30) and

“Love your neighbour as yourself” (Mk 12: 31)

·      When one’s life is truly centred on love for God, one also begins to express this love to one’s neighbours in sure and certain acts of love

·      When one’s life is drawn into real service for humankind, one slowly but surely has to realise that the source of these charitable deeds is God and thereby one is to draw closer to the Lord.

Our life needs to be constantly checked to see if we are living under the banner of these two fundamental commands of Christian life – Love of God and Love of neighbour!

·      Does my whole being realise the need to fully love its Creator and constantly nurture relationship with Him?

·      Does my whole being realise that the other is also a person, created in the image and likeness of God, and therefore deserving of my care, attention and appreciation?

·      Is my life reflecting the Divine or do I cast a shadow on God’s graces by a life of sin or persistent evil inclinations or possessive bad habits?

·      Is my life mirroring a love for the other or do I strain relationships by my selfish desires, egoistic attitudes and uncharitable actions?

The 6 groups of people that had approached the Lord to test, to interrogate and to trap had failed to display this fundamental formula of life – Love!

·      They displayed arrogance…

·      They showed jealousy…

·      They characterised hatred…

But none of it, could stand before Jesus, the Lord of Love!

Jesus, the Champion Lord today invites and exhorts each of us to be more and more energized with the power of Love, so as to emerge victoriously in this game of life!

God Bless! Live Jesus!

There is an incident in the life of St Augustine.

 

He tells of a certain heathen, who showed him his idol gods and said, “Here is my god: where is thine?”

 

Then, pointing up at the sun, the heathen said, “Lo! here is my god: where is thine?”

 

Then showing him many diverse creatures, still upbraiding  him said, “Here are my gods: where are thine?”

 

“But,” said St. Augustine, “I showed him not my God;

Not because I had not One to show him, but because he had not eyes to see Him.”

 

 

Truth is received and understood only by the one who is open and willing to accept it!

• Truth can never be forced upon..
• Truth can never be thrust on anyone…

Rather, Truth with the freedom it allows, is taken in only by the one docile to it!

 

 

The Gospel of the Day presents another group of  opponents – characterised by rigidity to accept the truth and blocked in mentality to be docile –  who try to put down and prod our Blessed Lord in His teachings. 

 

Yet, Jesus, who is source and perfection of all wisdom, fails to get bogged down – instead traps them in their own arguments and leaves them faced with a mighty challenge to change!

 

 

The Sadducees came to Jesus to put forward a hypothetical riddle regarding the question of the Resurrection.

 

The Sadducees were the top people in the nation, the elite group of aristocrats who owned a lot of land, wealth and rank.

 

They were the power brokers in Israel’s supreme court, the Sanhedrin.

Even the high priests came from the families of the Sadducees.

 

They were selective in what they accepted from the Scriptures.

• They rejected all the historical books.
• They also rejected all the psalms and the other ‘writings’ like Job and Ecclesiastes.
• Not one of the books of the prophets would they accept.

They were left with just the first five books of Moses.

 

 

Moses was their person of authority.

That is why when they come to Jesus, they characteristically begin, “Teacher, Moses wrote for us…” ( Mk 12:19)

 

They also rejected the resurrection of the dead.

• “Men stay dead,” they said; human beings only have this life here and now.

That is what they believed; no judgment; with death, the soul perishes with the body.

 

 

 

We live in a world where we also encounter many of the “modern” Sadducees.

• People who live as though there is no Resurrection..
• People who deny giving any significance for life after this life
• People who fail to uphold any teachings or thoughts that support a life after death

 

For such “modern” Sadducees,

… Life consists in basically enjoying the pleasures of this present life to the maximum!

… Life is not to be drowned in “boring” piety and “dull” devotions with a hope for the future!

 

Perhaps, some of us, may also share such thought-patterns  of the Sadducees.

 

Yet, the Lord addresses us, just as He did to the Sadducees, “Are you not misled because you do not know the Scriptures or the power of God?” (Mk 12: 24)

 

• The Scriptures clearly testify to the various references that are made to the fact of the “dead” not really being dead… rather, alive in the Lord
• The power of God clearly testifies that God as the one who created creation out of nothing, also has the power to grant new life to those who are dead

 

 

The Gospel passage ends with the statement by Jesus, “You are greatly misled” (Mk 12: 27b).

Another translation would read, “You are quite wrong”

 

The Lord was not afraid to clearly and bluntly tell the Sadducees that they were wrong and misled in their understandings.

 

And perhaps, if we are in the category of being a “modern” Sadducee, the Lord uncompromisingly tells us also, “You are greatly misled”

 

We need to be open to the voice of the Lord, calling us to trust deeper, in the presence of a life after this life.

 

Truth is received and understood only by the one who is open and willing to accept it!

 

May we grow to be more docile to the voice of the Lord, so that we may mould our present lives in perfect tune to God’s Will, and thus be able to enjoy a life of Resurrection – true happiness in eternity!

 

 

 

God Bless! Live Jesus!

A commonly known story is told of a Mathematics Professor.

He was to give to a test to the class on Trigonometry

(Trigonometry is the branch of mathematics dealing with the relations of the sides and angles of triangles and with the relevant functions of any angles.)

Before commencing the class, the Professor announced:

“Dear Students, Today I am giving you two tests.

One is a Test on Trigonometry, the other is a Test on Honesty!

One will test your obligation to your professor…

… the other will test your obligation to God.

I hope you will pass them both

>> But if you must fail one, let it be trigonometry

For there are many good people in this world today who cannot pass an examination in trigonometry…

… but there are no good people in the world who cannot pass an examination in honesty.”

How about us?

Life is an examination, that is posed to us.

>> Do we seek to write it “honestly, and in tune with the Gospel”?

Are we ready to take up the Christian mission of “constantly seeking to fulfil all our obligations to God – in love and with joy – and in selfless service to one another?”

The Gospel of the Day is a challenging passage to always become aware of our duties in life…

… and especially to give the first and prime importance to the obligations due to God…

… to God, our life giver

… to God, our sustainer

… to God, our meaning and purpose of life!

We have today with the incident of people seeking to trap the Lord with a query on whether or not to pay taxes to Caesar.

The query on “should taxes be paid to Caesar or not” was asked by two groups: the Pharisees and the Herodians.

It is interesting to note that forces with evil and crooked intentions often work in tandem.

>> These two groups, normally opposed to each other, join hands, to oppose Christ.

Here is a fulfillment of the quote: “The enemy’s enemy is my friend!”

The Pharisees resented and opposed the payment of tax to Caesar…

…because they considered Israel as a sovereign state under God’s rule and therefore should not pay taxes to another king.

The Herodians, on the other hand, accepted and supported the payment of tax to Caesar…

…because they belonged to the political party of Herod, the king of Galilee, who owed his power to the Romans.

Saying a NO would bring Christ before the Roman government for treason.

>> Saying a YES would bring Christ before the Jewish authorities for blasphemy.

The forces of evil had posed a severe danger to the Mission of Christ.

>> The answer by Christ would be very vital and important to the continuity of His Mission.

But the Missionary Jesus…who was convinced of His purpose and aim in life, had the best answer…

“Render to Caesar what belongs to Caesar, and to God what belongs to God!” (Mt 22:21)

He did not deny paying to Caesar.

>> He rather, raised the level to one’s relationship with God, who is the sole authority of life & the giver of all things and goods.

The answer baffled and amazed the ones who had come to interrogate Him.

>> The Mission had not only been saved…the Mission received a greater boost.

The Lord was convinced of His Mission in life…

… the Mission of ‘always being faithful to the Will of His Father’!

He was convinced that He belonged to His Father and that all authority comes from Him.

>> He was totally sure that His purpose and aim in life was not earthly, but of the divine realm.

>> He was fully certain of His mission in life, to live a life dedicated to His Heavenly Father.

We too, in our Christian lives, often face such situations of dilemma and trouble…

… in a world getting addicted to consumerism, materialism, relativism and sensationalism, the challenge to live “honestly and in tune with the Gospel” is especially great indeed.

Situations may force us to give in to abandon ‘faith’, and follow only what ‘reason’ teaches…

>> Situations may make us to give up our ‘values’ and follow the ‘vain standards’ of the world…

>> Situations may cause us to dilute the Church teachings to accommodate our wants and pleasures…

>> Situations may incite us to loosen our hold on true traditions to pave way for a “modernistic” lifestyle…

The challenges to our Mission as a Christian and as a Catholic are much.

>> But like our Lord Jesus – the First Missionary and our Leader in Missions – we ought to stay convinced and remain enthusiastic to spread the Mission of the Lord.

Each of us, in any way of life, is a Missionary…

>> We have a Mission to belong to the Lord and to Him completely.

>> We have a Mission to spread the Love of the Lord to the whole humanity.

>> We have a Mission to bring peace and harmony and wholeness for the entire humanity.

>> We have a Mission to orient our lives to the values of the Gospel and to travel heavenward.

Let’s rekindle the fire and zeal of the Missionary Jesus, our King and Leader…

… and constantly write the Examination of Life, “honestly and in tune with the Gospel”

God Bless! Live Jesus!

A catechism teacher was explain the story of David and Goliath to the children.

And the end of the teaching, a boy stood up to ask a doubt.

“Why did David,” asked the boy, “take five smooth stones with him? Could he not have taken only one small pebble?

>> Did he have doubt in the Power of God?”

The teacher, impressed with the student’s doubt… after some thoughtful moments replied:

“Firstly your doubt about the 5 stones…

If you read 2 Sam 21:15-22, you can find that there were at least 4 giants that are mentioned – similar to Goliath!

>> Perhaps, David thought that if Goliath is attacked, these 4 other giants could also come forth.

And so he probably prepared himself to fight against them as well!

And with respect to the “smooth” stones…

Well…

>> You can shoot much more accurately with the proper ammunition.

He had faith, but he also used sanctified common sense. He didn’t simply say, “The Lord is going to do it anyway, so I’ll just pick up any old jagged rocks.”

>> No, he recognized human responsibility as well as Divine providence and selected shiny, round stones that would speed straight to the mark!”

Well…

… it’s not known, how many of us would accept this explanation of the Catechism teacher.

But one thing is for sure: David not only depended on God’s Power…

… he also made sure, he executed his human responsibilities, by making use of his God-given talents, potentials and wisdom.

It is always “freedom with responsibility” that ensures true success and proper satisfaction.

Human tendency, however, it is, to often want…

… to enjoy, without having worked

… to reap fruits, without having harvested

… to take credit for oneself, even for things/people not belonging to oneself.

The Gospel of the Day is a powerful reminder by Jesus, through the Parable of the Tenants…

… that we are only stewards in this beautiful world of ours, which is owned by God

… that we are to be caretakers of the many duties entrusted to us, by the Almighty

Jesus puts forward the Parable of the Tenants.

The tenants were entrusted with the vineyard by the Master, and were expected to provide the produce in due time.

>> They were entrusted fully with the taking care of the vineyard.

The Master placed a lot of trust in the servants.

He gave the freedom… a responsible freedom…

…which could be meaningfully used and nurtured

…or which could be woefully misused and manipulated.

However, the tenants, who were trusted immensely…probably lost their focus on the real trust and diminished in their commitment and responsibility to their Master as well as their duty.

>> Their personal interests gained greater prominence over their entrusted duties.

>> Their selfish agenda gained the upper hand over the faithfulness to the Master.

This led to them to a total denial of all the emissaries and servants of the Master, who were sent to collect the produce.

>> This denial was extended even to the Master’s own Son!

This denial of the Son led to the letting loose of the anger and fury of the Just Master!

>> A squandering away of the responsible freedom, led to the downfall of the tenants!

>> A failure to give heed to the emissaries and servants caused them to face the Master’s rage!

>> A denial and rejection of the Master’s own Son, with a cruel intent, caused their destruction!

Are we also, as Christians, as tenants of the Heavenly Master failing in our responsibilities and duties?

The Lord has entrusted us with many responsibilities…

>> To promote and grow in our faith…

… by a faithful prayer-life, co-operation with the graces of God, keeping away from a life of sin etc.

>> To be faithful to the vocation and works we are called to do…

… by constantly renewing our resolve in the works we do, remaining focused on our calling etc.

>> To encourage others to increase in faith and in love of life…

… by being interested In their well-being, supporting them, teaching them etc.

The Lord presents Himself as the cornerstone…

… “the stone which the builders rejected has become the cornerstone..” (Mk 12: 10)

Jesus is the cornerstone…of Salvation.. of the Church.. of His People!

>> We need to find strength and support in this Cornerstone…

… the cornerstone to build a wonderful life in God and grow in holiness

… the cornerstone to stand firm and strong in faith to withstand every storm of life

Let us come to understand that in all our works and activities, we not only depend on God’s Power…

… but also execute our human responsibilities, by making use of his God-given talents, potentials and wisdom.

Yes, it is always “freedom with responsibility” that ensures true success and proper satisfaction.

God Bless! Live Jesus!

An incident is told of a seminarian who was guiding a group of tourists in St Peter’s Basilica, Vatican.

These tourists were quite clueless about the Catholic Faith…

… and so paid great interest to what was being told by the seminarian-guide.

The seminarian had explained with great care about the masterpieces of art, sculpture and architecture in this magnificent basilica.

Finally, he concluded the tour of the Basilica at the Chapel of the Blessed Sacrament in the Basilica…

…. and tried to quickly explain What It was.

One of the elderly persons in the group who had paid a special attention to all the details, said:

“Pardon me! Would you please explain What is This ‘Blessed Sacrament’?”

The seminarian did.

At the end of it, the man, falling on his knees, exclaimed: “Ah! If this is so, then this Chapel where God Truly Lives, is the greater work than any other art in this entire Basilica!”

Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament is indeed the Most Important Treasure on this world.

> Have we discovered this Spectacular Truth?

>> Are we passionate about this Awesome Gift?

Today we solemnly celebrate the Great Feast of the Corpus Christi – the Body and Blood of Jesus.

The Catechism of the Church teaches, “In the Most Blessed Sacrament of the Eucharist, the body and blood, together with the soul and divinity, of our Lord Jesus Christ and, therefore, the whole Christ is truly, really, and substantially contained” (#1374).

On the night of the Last Supper, Jesus with His chosen disciples, celebrated the Passover Meal, taking the bread and wine, solemnly declaring, “This is my Body” (Mk 14: 22) and “This is my Blood” (Mk 14: 24)

The following day, Jesus would carry out this sacrifice of offering Himself for the expiation of the sins of the world, on Mount Calvary.

The Holy Sacrifice of the Eucharist is the perpetual continuation and adoration of the sacrifice of Calvary.

• The Holy Mass is not another sacrifice.

• The Holy Mass is not a repetition of the sacrifice of Calvary.

• The Priest at the Holy Mass is not offering a different sacrifice.

Instead,

• The Holy Mass is the same sacrifice of Jesus.

• The Holy Mass is the perpetual continuation and adoration of the sacrifice of Calvary.

• The Priest at the Holy Mass is Jesus Himself, the High Priest and Victim of the Sacrifice.

What is our understanding, love and commitment to the Holy Mass?

In the Holy Eucharist, we have the promise of the Emmanuel God, “I am with you always, till the end of the age” (Mt 28: 20) being fulfilled.

We live in times when…

… there is a lot of indifference growing

… there are several newer problems and crisis cropping up

We live in a situation of faith where…

… there is a tendency to dilute many of the spiritual values

… there is a strong opposition to living holy and sanctified lives

In all such struggling moments and trying situations, we have an answer and solution in the Holy Eucharist.

The Eucharist is the story of a God who longs to dwell with us and in us.

>> The Eucharist is the saga of a God who is madly and passionately in love with us.

From the Cross, our Blessed Lord cried, “I thirst” (Jn 19: 28b)

>> Shall we not respond, with a positive affirmation, to this cry of the Lord?

It’s also good to quickly go through some “unnoticed” parts of the Holy Mass – and realize its significance, in order to understand and love the Holy Mass, more deeply and devoutly.

THE INTRODUCTORY RITE:

The Opening Prayer:

>> Called as the ‘Collect’, this prayer, gathers together all the intentions, and unites with the prayer of the High Priest, Jesus Himself.

An action to do: Use the moment of silent, to bring before the Lord all intentions and prayers

LITURGY OF THE WORD:

Signing ourselves on the forehead, lips and the chest

>> We seek His Help to cleanse our minds, lips & hearts, that we may worthily receive Jesus, the Word into our lives!

An Action to do: Use the moment, to truly have clean thoughts (mind), sincere words (lips) and honest feelings and deeds (heart)

THE OFFERTORY

a. The Offering of Bread and Wine

>> The Gifts, represent fruits of our labour. As the gifts, we pray, that we too be changed into His Body and Blood.

An Action to do: Use to moment, to offer our entire life to the Lord – just as we are – with all our situations, struggles, aspirations and hopes.

b. The mingling of a drop of water in the wine by the Priest

>> The water represents, our littleness, which is totally mingled with the wine, signifying, our intention to be one with the Divine Lord

An Action to do: Use the moment, to sincerely wanting to be united with the Lord and becoming more and more like Him!

c. The washing of the hands

>> The Priest – the representative of the People of God, cleanses himself and prepares, for the Most Holy Sacrifice of Calvary.

An Action to do: Use the moment, to repent of our sins and praying earnestly, never to fall into sin again!

THE PREFACE

a. Lift up your hearts

Our minds and hearts need to transcend our human worries, concerns and troubles, and be raised in heavenly contemplation

An Action to do: Use the moment, to ascend to the heights of glory, in order to recognise and be united to the Will of God in our lives.

b. Prayer:

The Church enlists (as per the Liturgical Season or the theme) the various ways in which the Lord has worked in human history. We (the Church Militant), seeking intercession for the Faithful Departed (the Church Suffering) join the beautiful choir of the saints and angels (the Church Triumphant) and angels, singing Holy Holy, Holy to the Most High God!

An Action to do: Use this moment of intense praise and Divine worship, to be longing to possess Heaven and to be filled with the radiance of this joy in this world.

THE COMMUNION RITE

Epiclesis

>> The portion where the power of the Holy Spirit is invoked, so that the gifts of bread and wine, may be transformed into Divine Species.

An Action to do: Use this moment, to pray for the infilling of the Holy Spirit, that His Power may overshadow us

THE CONSECRATION

A small piece of the host is mingled with the Sacred Wine

>> Signifying the unity of the Body and Blood of the Lord pointing symbolising Resurrection, and also the Unity of the Body of Christ, the Church.

An Action to do: Use this moment, to pray for the grace to share in His Resurrection and to love the Church and be thankful for our Catholic Faith

THE HOLY COMMUNION

A moment when heaven touches the earth…when the Divine lowers itself to embrace the fallen Humanity, to raise it up to Divine status…

An Action to do: Use this moment, to be totally absorbed in the mighty ocean of God’s Mercy and experiencing the consummation of His Divine Love!

THE RITE OF THE DISMISSAL

We are asked to be the Eucharist to one another – breaking ourselves, in service!

An Action to do: Use this moment to pledge to be a True Missionary, giving His Love to all – in the little way, that we can!

There is nothing more beautiful on this earth, than the Celebration of the Holy Eucharist – the Holy Mass!

>> As Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI says: “The Eucharist is our most precious treasure… it contains all the mystery of our Salvation!”

Let us truly “Experience and Enjoy the Eucharist!”

May we grow in the love of the Holy Eucharist, for, as Bishop Fulton Sheen says, “The greatest love story of all time is contained in a tiny white Host”!

Wish you a very Happy Feast of the Holy Eucharist!

>> May our Blessed Mamma of the Holy Eucharist, help & intercede for us, to love the Lord more!

God Bless! Live Jesus!

Once, a preacher was speaking the Word of God to a great crowd.

As was his practice, he was concentrating more on the content of his message and of its effect upon the hearts of people, for transformation, rather than the precise literary form of it.

Among his audience, was seated a certain fussy gentleman.

He had been known for making extremely critical remarks and comments.

At the end of the prayer service, this person went up to the preacher and said, “By the way, I noticed that you made eleven mistakes of grammar in your sermon.”

“Very likely,” replied the preacher, very coolly, “I don’t doubt it for a minute.

My early education was faulty. I often wished that I had received more schooling.

But I am using all the grammar I know in the service of Christ.

>> How is it with you?”

Well, we don’t know how did the fussy gentleman react to this bold and true reply of the preacher.

(Hopefully, he went home and read a chapter of the Bible and prayed for a humbler heart rather than just revising his skills of grammar!)

When the heart is closed to God’s spirit, the focus dwells only external and peripheral factors…

>> The heart gets closed to spiritual appreciation…

>> The mind remains curious only for rhetorical arguments!

The Gospel of the Day presents such a critically harsh and uncharitably closed attitude of the chief priests and scribes and elders towards the person and ministry of Jesus.

This is expressed in their volatile question to Jesus, “By what authority are you doing these things? Or who gave you this authority to do them?” (Mk 11: 28)

The context of today’s Gospel is the presence of Jesus in the city of Jerusalem.

Chapter 11 of St Mark’s Gospel has a progressive sequence…

1. The entry into Jerusalem (Mk 11: 1-10)

2. The entry to Bethany and cursing of the fig tree (Mk 11: 11-14)

3. The re-entry to Jerusalem and cleansing of the Temple (Mk 11: 15-18)

4. The re-entry to Bethany, observation of withered tree and teaching on faith (Mk 11: 19-26)

5. The third entry into Jerusalem and questioning of Jesus’ authority (Mk 11: 27-33)

>> The popularity of Jesus was on the rise…

… He had a rousing welcome to the city of Jerusalem

>> The impact of Jesus was also on the rise…

… He had performed a daring cleansing of the Jerusalem Temple

These factors had greatly disturbed the religious leaders.

>> In Jesus, they perceived a threat.

… a threat to their attitude of subjugating people to their yoke, than to service of God

>> In Jesus, they sensed a danger.

… a danger to their personal wishes and agenda of having a monopoly over religion

>> In Jesus, they identified a menace.

… a menace to their comfort-rendering style of spirituality and way of life.

And so, they – the chief priests and scribes and the elders – sought to put Jesus to the task and questioned His authority on doing such deeds and performing such actions.

Their eyes were closed to see the goodness of the Lord

> Their hearts become clogged to examine their own maligned conscience

>> Their lives were rendered blocked to be willing to make necessary changes for the good.

Instead…

… they only found fault with the Lord

… they only become critical of the ways of the Lord

When the heart is closed to God’s spirit, the focus dwells only external and peripheral factors…

>> The heart gets closed to spiritual appreciation…

>> The mind remains curious only for rhetorical arguments!

Is such an attitude prevalent among us also…

> A mentality of harshly criticising…?

>> A tendency to inhumanly condemn…?

… without any consideration to humanness or acceptance or self-examination etc.

May we be able to root out all such pessimistic mind-sets and focus instead of self-growth in holiness and humility.

God Bless! Live Jesus