One night, a little girl knelt for her bed-time prayer.

She was a good girl, who would do a lot of good deeds – helping her Mom in her works, keeping the newspapers tidy for her Dad, sharing her chocolates with her younger brother etc…

The mother went close to the child and suggested things to be thankful for.

The Mother also added, “Won’t you ask the Lord to help you love Him more?”

The child lifted up her large button-shaped eyes with a puzzled look.

“What is it, dear?” asked the mother.

“Did you tell me to ask Him to help me love Him more, Mamma?” said the little girl, innocently.

“Yes, my little dear”

“But how can I love Him more, Mamma?” replied the little child, ” I am just crazy about Him now!”

The little child had, very early on in life, grasped the meaning of “falling in love” with God!

Have I “fallen in love” with the Lord and remain faithful to the love-life in the Lord?

The Gospel of the Day presents a wonderful expression of love towards Jesus and the subsequent acknowledgement of this gesture of love, by the Lord of Love!

The incident of sinner woman, washing the feet of Jesus in the house of Simon the Pharisee, ends with a statement, “Who is this, who even forgives sins?” (Lk 7: 49)

The answer of this statement is probably what is expressed by the woman in her gesture of love.

Jesus was a guest in the house of Simon, the Pharisee.

It was probably one of those meals whereby a respected and wise host would invite several of the socially elite to dine with an important guest.

>> At this meal, they would recline along the table, laying down on their sides, to eat.

The meal would also involve a series of debates and discussions, over many crucial issues, centred around the special guest.

However, suddenly, out of nowhere, a lady enters in the scene.

It was one of those highly embarrassing and highly disgusting moments for the Host!

The lady was a known sinner…

… In the society, she had earned a notorious reputation

> Her very presence was causing terrible insult.

Her ensuing action..

> wiping the feet with the ointment from the alabaster jar

> wiping them with her hairs

> kissing them with tenderness

… caused still further damage to the reputation and honour of the host and his Guest!

However, what followed later, was like adding salt to the wounds of the host…

Jesus publicly recognizes, acknowledges and appreciates the action of the sinful woman.

He says, in solemn tones of approval of the action of the woman, “… She has shown great love! The one to whom little is forgiven, loves little” (Lk 7: 48)

Jesus had openly and publicly acknowledged the tremendous and daring love of the woman for Him!

And in doing so, she had given an answer to the question that would be put forth later, “Who is this, who even forgives sins?”

Her actions of love gave an answer…

… that He was the One worthy of receiving the highest and deepest love – one that counts no humiliation or hardships!

… that He was the One deserving the sweetest and the most priceless affections of our hearts – one that is limitless!

… that He was the One meritorious of every expression of endearment and fondness – one that is passionate and pure!

What is my level of love for the Lord?

>> Am I courageous to express my love for Him in actions that trespass humiliations or shame or guilt?

>> Am I bold to show that I truly love Him by living a life in accordance with the virtues of the Gospel?

>> Am I credible enough to say that I really love Him by extending His care to all those who are in need?

May we be inspired by the words of St Robert Bellarmine:

“The school of Christ is the school of love.

>> In the last day, when the general examination takes place…

… Love will be the whole syllabus”

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

A 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!

Fr Jijo Manjackal MSFS

Bengaluru, India

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!

Most of us have been to hotels or cafeterias.

Hotels or cafeterias provide a menu book or a menu card, which allows customers to select and choose their choice of food or drink.

>> This choice of food depends on various factors : The availability of food, the company of friends we have, the mood and feelings of our mind, the time and occasion of the meal etc…

The choice of food varies based on several changing factors!

This cafeteria mentality works out very well for our food taste and our appetite.

But sometimes, we adopt a similar attitude, even in our Christian Lives!

>> We like to pick and choose aspects and portions of Christ and Christianity to fit into our choice…

>> We like to prefer and select parts and segments of Christ and Christianity which are more comfortable…

We follow a “Cafeteria Spirituality” in Christianity!

The Gospel of the Day warns and cautions against choosing this attitude of a Cafeteria Spirituality in following Christ and instead demands a total commitment – “If anyone would follow after me, let him deny himself, take up his cross and follow Me” (Mk 8: 34)

Today’s Gospel is the familiar passage of Jesus enquiring His disciples with the dual-query, “Who do people say that I am?” and “Who do you say that I am?” (Mk 7: 27b, 29)

The world may have innumerable answers when the question “Who do people say that I am?” is posed.

>> Many saw Jesus preaching zealously on repentance…and considered Him as John the Baptist

>> Many saw Jesus being mighty in deeds and wondrous acts…and considered Him as Elijah

>> Many saw Jesus powerfully authoritative in his words…and considered Him a Prophet

But most of them failed to see Jesus truly as the One He really was! The SON OF GOD!

This can easily happen to any one of us too.

> We may find Jesus as a source of many powers and many blessings and with many qualities.

… And we may tap this source for our various needs and wants.

> We may be deeply impressed with Jesus and His huge treasury of teachings

… And we may admire and appreciate Him as a Great Moral Teacher

> We may look at Jesus as being a wonderful person, like many other great people in the world

.. And we may engage ourselves in studying about Him, collecting quotes on Him and reading various books on Him

But with all these “varied” qualities and dimensions, sometimes, we tend to forget the fact that our Blessed Lord…

… came not merely to be a storehouse of blessings and favours to be delivered

… came not simply to give some teachings and bring some societal transforms with some philosophies

… came not simply to be called as a “great man” and become a subject of many books, articles, talks etc

He primarily came to be Our Saviour!

> He came to help us gain eternal life

> He came to save us from our sins

> He came to win us back to God

But sometimes, we adopt a “Cafeteria Spirituality” in our understanding and following of the Lord.

We choose the qualities we like but in the process, we might sometimes lose the very person Himself!

The Cafeteria Spirituality in our Spiritual Life may cater to many of our wants.

>> But it might be found short of answering our basic need of redemption and salvation!

Jesus is primarily our Messiah…

… the Anointed one

… the Saviour of the World!

This is what Peter boldly expressed, “You are the Messiah of God”! (Mk 8:29b)

This understanding of the Real Jesus can be experienced only through our complete commitment to the cause of Christ and a faithful following by taking up our crosses.

The Lord encounters each one of us today personally and puts forward the same question,

>>> Who do YOU say that I am?

Am I going to adopt the “Cafeteria Spirituality” and answer vaguely, imprecisely and abstractedly…

… depending on my moods and likings and situations?

Or I am ready to give a bold and convinced answer to the Lord, from the depth of our hearts:

“Lord, you are truly the Messiah of God…

… You truly are my Saviour and Lord!”

God Bless! Live Jesus!

The Church abounds in celebration of many feasts.

>> All of them focuses our attention on the joyful and happy aspects of life.

But we know, that…

…. Life is not always a superhighway

>> Life is more a kuccha (temporary) road with many pits and rough areas!

The Church today celebrates one such feast of our Blessed Mother, which is a celebration for sure…

… but focuses our attention more on the darker realities of life – pain, suffering, tears and struggles: The Feast of the Mother of Compassion.

This feast is characterized by the commemoration of the Seven Sorrows of our Blessed Mother…

… seven major events, evoking compassion, in the life of “Mater Dolorosa” (Mother of Sorrows)

Let us journey with our Blessed Mamma through the Seven Mysteries of the Sorrows:

1. The First Sorrow: The Prophecy of Simeon

The time was festive and the mood was joyous when Jesus was being presented in the Temple.

>> It’s in this special time that Simeon comes forward to bless the Child Jesus.

But it comes with a catch: Mother Mary was to be pierced by a sword – a sword of sorrow!

>> The celebratory atmosphere suddenly turns a bit gloomy and overcast!

Many are the times when we enjoy joyful moments, when a sudden crisis hits our life.

>> The Compassionate Mother Mary becomes the Model for us : To be Patient and Trustful!

2. The Second Sorrow: The flight into Egypt

Mother Mary and Joseph took up the great duty in the safeguarding of their Little One, Jesus!

They listened to God’s voice…

…. to come together as the parents of God’s Child

… to share the difficulties during the Birth of the Child.

>> And now, they listen to God’s voice to flee to Egypt and save the Saviour of the World!

To listen to the voice of the Lord, was a remarkable aspect of the success of their life as a couple!

To listen to God’s voice through the Bible, through our authorities or through our life situations sometimes becomes difficult for us.

>> The Compassionate Mother Mary becomes a model for us: To be attentive and Obedient to God’s voice.

3. Third Sorrow: The Loss of Jesus in the Temple

The picture of the Holy Family had also some shadowy spots.

They were not free…

… from troubles

… from doubts

… from conflicting situations

The Holy Family was very much a human family.

But what made them Holy and a Model for families?

>> It was their willingness to let go of their personal mindsets and seek how God wanted them to live.

Often, we find our families or communities broken and unable to gel with each together.

>> The Compassionate Mother Mary, as the Mother of the Family, becomes a model for us: To adapt to God’s Will.

4. The Fourth Sorrow: Mary meets Jesus on the Way to Calvary

The sight of the Mother and Child meeting on the Via Dolorous was a picture of total sadness!

Tears filled both their eyes…

… the Divine Child and the Sorrowful Mother!

One with a Cross over the shoulders…

… the other a cross in Her heart!

>> Both their lips, however, sang the same chorus – Fiat, Thy Will be done Lord!

Life often puts us to situations of total hopelessness and darkness…

… the way ahead seems closed!

>> The Compassionate Mother Mary becomes a model for us: To remain faithful and loyal.

5. The Fifth Sorrow: Jesus dies on the Cross

>> At the Annunciation, when asked to give birth to a child, Mary had asked the Angel: “But how can this be since I am a virgin”.

>> At Calvary, when seeing the death of the child, perhaps, Mary was asking the Lord, “But how can this be since I am a mother”

They were questions which expressed human limitations and the demand to let everything be resigned into the hands of God!

We ourselves have had many such mini-experiences of Dying – of loved ones, of relationships, of great dreams..

>> The Compassionate Mother Mary, becomes a model for us: To accept our human boundaries and give ourselves into God’s hand.

6. The Sixth Sorrow: Mary receives the Dead Body of Jesus in Her arms

“My God, My God, why have you forsaken me”, was the cry of the Lord from the Cross.

With Her Dead Child in Her arms, perhaps, the Mother of God would have also echoed the same question!

>> No answer given.

Yet, the tears that dropped from her lovely eyes, to the cheeks of her tender baby, carried the power of Hope and Trust and Faith!

We too sometimes encounter situations and times, when life crushes us

>> The Compassionate Mother Mary becomes a Model for us: To remain resigned to God’s Providence and be hopeful in faith!

7. The Seventh Sorrow: The Body of Jesus is placed in the Tomb

As the body of Jesus was placed inside the tomb, it seemed to be the end of the world for Mother Mary.

The life of the Old Testament Isaac was spared and Abraham had to joy of being reunited with his Son.

>> The life of the New Testament Isaac was however not spared!

Was it the end of her life too?

Circumstances often drags us to give up in life…and to abandon our call to be soldiers of God’s Kingdom!

>> The Compassionate Mother Mary becomes the model for us: To reply to life’s harsh challenges with an even bolder face of courage!

Let the Commemoration of this Feast of the Mother of Sorrows…

… spur us to live our Real Lives of Struggle and Hardships with Immense Faith, Hope and Love!

May Her Compassionate Love help us to imitate our Blessed Lord who was “meek and humble of heart”…

… and thus “be Merciful, like the Heavenly Father is merciful” (Lk 6:36)

Happy Feast of the Mother of Compassion!

God Bless! Live Jesus!

Two thieves on either sides, died with Christ on the Cross

>> One mocked Jesus…

… the other sought Jesus

>> One took pride in himself…

… the other humbled himself

>> One continued to remain condemned…

… the other moved on to receive salvation

>> One lost a golden opportunity…

… the other, won the Prized Paradise!

The Cross – with Jesus hanging – beckons to each one of one of us today

We have a choice…

… like both the thieves

What choice are we going to make?

>> Are we going to lose a golden opportunity…

… or are we going to seek the Prized Paradise?

Today we celebrate the Feast of the instrument that was employed by Divinity in buying our souls to Himself – the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross.

In the Gospel (Jn 3: 13-17), Jesus tells to Nicodemus, “… as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, that whoever believes in Him may have eternal life” (Jn 3: 14)

Centuries before Jesus was crucified, Divinity in its Immense Wisdom was already preparing for the plan of salvation!

Having been powerfully freed from the slavery in Egypt, the people of Israel were travelling to the Promised Land through the wilderness.

>> However, this difficult journey caused the people to lose their patience, and they murmured against God and His servant, Moses on the lack of comforts!

The result of this sin was the plague of poisonous serpents, that caused suffering and death to them. (Num 21: 4-9)

However at the intercession of Moses, God had him lift up a bronze serpent on a pole, so that all who looked it would be healed!

This was the foreshadowing of the Cross of Christ!

(This method of Interpreting the Bible is also called “Biblical Typology”

>> “Biblical Typology” refers to a person, place or event in the Old Testament, that has its own proper significance…

… but also prefigures a person, place or event, later in the New Testament

In the words of St Augustine: “The New Testament is hidden in the Old, and the Old Testament is made manifest in the New!”)

Like the people of Israel, our life is often a journey through the wilderness.

> Sometimes there is a lack of comfort.

> Sometimes there is an inflation of hardships

> Sometimes there is an increase in uncertainty.

… And we begin to complain, grumble… falling into many sinful ways and habits!

But Divine Love, wanting to have us back to Him, provides us the means to be rescued from the deadly effects of such sins…

… The Holy Cross is the Symbol of this redemption and salvation that is won for us, by Christ!

Are we ready to take refuge in the shadows of this Holy Cross, and affirming our sincere acceptance of Christ in our lives, do we live a holy life, worthy of our salvation?

St John of the Cross would say, “The road is narrow. He who wishes to travel it more easily, must cast off all things and use the Cross as his cane.

>> In other words, he must be truly resolved to suffer willingly for the love of God in all things.”

Usually the heart is considered to be the symbol of Love..

>> But, from a Christian perspective, probably, the Holy Cross is the most beautiful and apt symbol of the Immense love of God for each one of us.

> The Cross demands sacrifice…

> The Cross demands an self-emptying nature…

> The Cross demands a complete commitment…

.. And this is indeed the true nature of love – sacrificial, self-emptying and committed! (Phil 2: 6-11)

As we honour and venerate the Holy Cross, may we hear the words of our Crucified Lord, tenderly whispering to us, with deep love and affection:

“You are mine, forever…

… and you belong to Me and to Me alone!

>> Hold on to My Cross, always!”

The Cross – with Jesus hanging – beckons to each one of one of us today

We have a choice…

>> ESCAPE FROM THE CROSS…

… OR EMBRACE THE CROSS!!

>> EXIT THE CROSS…

… OR EXALT THE CROSS!!

What choice are we going to make?

Wish you a very Happy Feast of the Holy Cross!

God Bless! Live Jesus!

A nine year old girl was walking through the fields, a little away from her home, when two persons, appearing to befriend her, asked her to help collect fruits from the forest.

Brought up with the good habit of showing courtesy to elders, the girl hurried to obey.

>> But soon she realised that it was a trick to kidnap her!

“I saw two persons behind me,” she would recall later…

… “One of them briskly grabbed me with one hand, while the other one pulled out a knife and held it to my side.

He told me, ‘If you cry, you’ll die! Follow us!?’”

After a forced march, the girl was sold as a slave.

>> The captors gave her a name, in Arabic, which meant (ironically) “The Lucky One!”

Though this title was intended to be a sarcastic one, it came about to express the girl’s approach towards life.

In the coming years, she gladly accepted the name.

After her release, she amazingly, even thanked God for the good that had come, from her suffering.

“If I were to meet those who kidnapped me, and even those who tortured me,” she wrote, “I would kneel and kiss their hands.

>> For if these things had not happened, I would not have been a Christian and a religious today!”

The name of the girl is St Bakhita – a Saint for those who are “prisoners of the past”!

>> She was able to heroically display the Christian virtue of forgiveness…

… especially to enemies – those who had persecuted her and had cause irreparable damages to her life!

In life, so often we get “imprisoned by our past”!

This is true especially from the perspective of relationships…

>> There are many who cause hurts and pains to us

>> There are many against whom we have causes to hold grudge in the heart

>> There are many with whom we find it difficult to relate and extremely hard to forgive

The past clings to us in a mighty way…

“Enemies” are, undoubtedly, a reality in most of our lives!

What is our attitude and approach to these “enemies” in our life?

The Gospel of the Day is a bold challenge by Jesus to “love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you!” (Lk 6:27)

One of the sayings goes thus, “Divinity cannot be confined to one’s pockets or be contained in one’s purse!”

So vivid is this saying in the life of Jesus, the Fullness of Divinity.

> Jesus does not allow to be confined to the tiny pockets of our mindsets

> Jesus does not permit to be limited to the finite purses of our expectations

He goes much beyond…. His teachings reach a new level…

This is what we come across when we challenge ourselves with the words of the Lord:

“Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you!” (Lk 6: 27)

There are four explicit commands that are given:

1. Love

2. Do Good

3. Bless

4. Pray

All these four exhortations are very often in direct contrast to what we expect or what we wish

1. Love your enemies

> Our natural tendency towards our “enemies” is that of animosity or grudge or at the best, indifference

But Jesus says to go beyond… Love them!

>>> Love them… in a way, that they are able to experience the Mighty Love that God has for each one of us!

>>> Love them… in a way, that no hateful feelings get sown or nurtured in our hearts and we be free in our minds!

2. Do good to those who hate

> Our common inclination to those who hate is to say, “Why should I have anything to do with someone who is least interested in me and only keeps hurting me?”

But Jesus says to go beyond – Do good to them!

>>> Do good to them… in a way, that our good actions – little or big, seen or unseen – become actions that evoke repentance and contrition!

>>> Do good to them… in a way, that gestures of charity is a way to crush our own ego and pride feelings and makes us to be humbler, in imitation of Christ who totally humbled Himself!

3. Bless those who curse you

> Our first instinct to those who curse us to “give back still strongly” in return and wish the worst for the concerned person.

But Jesus says to go beyond – Bless them!

>>> Bless them… in a way, that our holy wishes may move the heart of the one who offends us and we become a channel and active instrument to allow God’s forgiveness to flow

>>> Bless them… in a way, that our words of grace may heal the vibrations of negativity and hatred and evokes the mighty power of God against the dark forces of Satan

4. Pray for those who abuse you

> Our immediate reaction to those who abuse is to abuse in return or to let out a volley of unfit phrases or violent actions and gestures

But Jesus says to go beyond – Pray for them!

>>> Pray for them… in a way, that the grace of God’s mercy and compassion may descend into the relationship

>>> Pray for them… in a way, that the the words of abuse may fizzle out in the blazing power of prayer and holiness

Life constantly seeks to “imprison us in our past”

>>But God’s Grace coupled with our willingness to co-operate with His grace, will allow us to “live in love and holiness”

God Bless! Live Jesus!

A highly rich and influential person was privileged to be one of the special guests to undertake a 21-day cruise on a Majestic Battleship.

This ship belonged to the former Emperor of the land, and had been modernized with immense facilities and luxurious features.

The man was highly impressed with the comforts that were provided on board.

Among the many things that made a pleasant impact on him was also the Sunday Morning Mass that was attended by all the sailors and attendants, who were not on duty.

It was more so, since the man himself was not so particular about the practise of faith.

At the conclusion of the celebration of the Mass, the man asked one of the sailors:

“Are you obliged to attend these Sunday Morning services?”

“It’s not exactly about obligation, Sir!” replied the sailor, “but our journey is assured to be in safe hands, by this our offering to the Lord”!

Those sailors and attendants had made a conscious and deliberate choice to practise their faith and to surrender themselves to the Higher Power for safety and protection.

Our lives are also similar to such cruises…

… sometimes going through calm and quiet waters

… sometimes struggling in disturbed and turbulent waters

… sometimes encountering dangerous storms and violent gales

Do we make a constant choice for the Lord and live ourselves in surrender to Him?

The Gospel of the Day is the beautiful teaching of the Beatitudes in the Gospel of Luke.

>> The beatitudes are assurances of blessing and joy to all those who make a conscious choice for the Lord and His Kingdom!

Jesus says, “Blessed are you poor, for yours is the Kingdom of God” (Lk 6: 20)

One of the great messages in this verse is the Message of Hope!

The Greek word used for “poor” is “ptochos”

Ptochos means…

>> reduced to beggary or asking for alms

>> destitute of wealth, influence, position, honour

>> helpless, powerless to accomplish an end

It’s interesting to note that this word “Ptochos” has its origin in the word “ptosso” which means “to crouch”

Therefore, the “poor” literally means, “one who is crouching” – a position where the knees are bent and the upper body is brought forward and down

>> It’s a position that is very often defied and despised, in the worldly standards, which emphasizes on being proud and haughty!

>> It’s a position that is very often made fun of and fooled, in the eyes of the world, which glorifies pomp and external show!

Thus, when the Lord says, “Blessed are the poor”, it is a tremendous message of Hope…

… To those who find themselves at the peripheries of life

… To those lost in the miseries of life and find no hope – materially, spiritually, mentally, socially

Of course, the word “poor” does not mean…

.. that one simply becomes timid and passive or be simply submissive to any social evils without any resistance

… that one adopts an attitude of being “always hands folded” in surrender or “faces cast down” in defeat

“Poor” instead refers to the fact that one has God has one’s greatest strength and treasure

>> Being “poor in the Lord”, contradictory as it may sound, is the greatest richness that one can have.

>> Being “poor in the Lord” gives the greatest confidence to a person, who realises that being in God, one can never fail!

How true is the saying, “One who kneels before God, can stand before anyone!”

>> One who is dependant on God and His Grace…

>> One who is willing to challenge the societies unjust norms with the mighty trust in God…

>> One who is aware of one’s strengths and weaknesses and yet offers oneself entirely to the power of God…

Such a one, in the eyes of the world may be “poor”… but is “Blessed” in the sight of God!

> It takes courage to be a Christian who is committed!

> It requires a conviction to be a follower of Christ who is passionate!

God Bless! Live Jesus!

There is “trial by jury” in the British legal system.

A 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!