King Louis IV was, from 1643-1715, the King of France – 72 years – which is the longest in modern European history.

>> He boasted himself as “The Great” and even took great pride in calling himself “I am the state”.

The “Great” King had even planned his own funeral to be just as spectacular.

He had instructed Bishop Massillon that upon his death…

>> He was to be laid in a golden coffin at the Notre Dame cathedral in Paris.

>> At his funeral service the entire cathedral was to be completely dark…

… lit dimly by only one candle positioned above the coffin.

This was to be done so that all would be awed by the “Great” king’s presence, even in death.

When he died, Bishop Massillon did exactly as the King had instructed.

At the funeral, thousands of people gazed at the exquisite casket that had the mortal remains of their monarch…

… illuminated by a single flickering candle.

However, as the funeral service began, the Bishop slowly bent down…

>> And to the surprise of all…

… he blew out the candle which represented the late king’s greatness!

Then in the darkness, the Bishop proclaimed to all: ” “Dieu seul est grand – Only God is Great!”

>> It was a rebellious cry to both – the late king and to those who were attending the funeral who had called him “Louis XIV the Great!”

The world very often considers richness in terms of wealth, power and position, isn’t it?

> But not God!

The world very often greatness in terms of worldly success and accomplishments., isn’t it?

> But not God!

How about us?

>> Are we rich and great only in the eyes of the world..?

… or can we instead aspire and seek to be rich and great in the eyes of God?

The Gospel of the Day is a powerful reminder from the Lord on the need to understand the real meaning of “being rich”…

… and an invitation to be constantly on the guard against greed and avarice.

Chapter 12 of St Luke begins with the statement: “Meanwhile, so many people were crowding together that they were trampling one another underfoot” (Lk 12: 1)

Jesus had become a Phenomenon!

>> There were hundreds and thousands of people who were following Him

It’s from among these thousands (the Greek word used is “myriads”) of people, that the voice of one person catches the attention of Jesus.

>> And so we read, “Someone in the crowd said to Jesus, ‘Teacher, tell my brother to share the inheritance with me'” (Lk 12: 13)

We could imagine this situation…

>> Thousands of people crowding…

>> One man manages to shout above others… probably pushing others and comes in front… and puts forward a petition…

It is before the whole crowd (and probably before his brother), that this man wants Jesus to pronounce a favour for him…

… a favour for getting the inheritance and help to get riches

How often is our prayer to Jesus also similar to this man’s request…!

>> We want Jesus to answer our petitions in the way “we want” – to have favours granted in the manner and time that “we want”

The Will of God is often not consulted

And when such “prayers of demand” and “claims of requirements” are not fulfilled or delayed…

… we get into despair and depression

… we accuse that none of our prayers are heard

… we blame that probably God is deaf to us and that our devotions are worthless

The man who made his “prayer of demand” and “claim of requirement” was probably…

… influenced by a greed to be rich and wealthy

… disposed by the vices of avarice and greed

>> He was wanting to have God’s approval for the same!

But Jesus refuses to be dragged into such a controversy…

Centuries back, Moses had been embroiled in an argument and was questioned back:

“Who has appointed you ruler and judge over us?” (Ex 2:14a)

Jesus, aware of this, quoted in a similar fashion, ” Friend, who appointed Me as your judge and arbitrator?” (Lk 12:14)

Jesus had guessed the intentions of this man who put forward the petition…

>> And so He uses the occasion to teach him…and His disciples…

… and to each one of us: On the dangers of holding on to riches – things which are temporary and transient.

Jesus gives the Parable of the Rich Fool, and teaches us…

… It is not bad to work hard and to put in efforts to produce bountiful harvests

… it is not wrong to make use of God-given talents and reap richer produces

However, it is also very essential to examine our attitudes towards prosperity and our attachments towards riches!

It is wrong…

… when we amass earthly wealth and riches without any care for heavenly treasures and spiritual gifts

… when we get pre-occupied only with material matters and neglect the requirements of our spiritual life

… when the pleasures of the body are given higher priority over the demands of the Kingdom of God

The parable teaches us on the dangers of being attached to wealth and riches

>> And challenges us to “Hold lightly, to what God has given us!”

In the light of this parable, we need to check…

… In my personal life

>> Does God have the first place in my life or are there other attachments that are given higher priority, attention and time?

… In our family life

>> Do we thank God for all our blessings and continually depend on Him by cultivating a spiritual culture or are other modern gadgets and social amusements that are given greater precedence?

… in our parish, community and religious life

>> Do we orient all our activities and ministries, solely for the glory of God and the service of the needy, and seek His intervention at every decision or do we play around with Christian values and even dilute or compromise them?

The Scripture constantly calls us to become aware of the worthlessness of earthly riches and calls to aspire for things which are higher in nature:

>> “Vanity of vanities… All is vanity!” (Eccl 1: 2)

>> “Set your minds on things that are above, and not on things that are on earth” (Col 3:2)

God considers richness in terms of doing His Will and following His commandments

> But not the world!

God equates greatness in terms of giving up our attachments for His sake and taking up our Cross daily

> But not the world!

We are faced with this choice, at every moment….

>> Are we rich and great only in the eyes of the world..?

… or can we instead aspire and seek to be rich and great in the Eyes of God?

Let us always remember: “Only God is great!”

… and that all our works and activities ought to be always oriented solely towards the Glory of His Greatness!

We seek today the intercession of Pope St John Paul II, arguably the most-popular and loved Pope of our times.

>> His convincing life, uncompromising teaching and courageous words are a challenge and inspiration to all of us…

… “What really matters in life is that we are loved by Christ and that we love Him in return. In comparison to the love of Jesus, everything else is secondary. And, without the love of Jesus, everything is useless.”

… “It is Jesus that you seek when you dream of happiness; He is waiting for you when nothing else you find satisfies you; He is the beauty to which you are so attracted; it is He who provoked you with that thirst for fullness that will not let you settle for compromise; it is He who urges you to shed the masks of a false life; it is He who reads in your hearts your most genuine choices, the choices that others try to stifle.”

God Bless! Live Jesus!

“Follow the Leader” is a game that is often played as part of group games or group activities among children, youngsters and even adults.

The game consists of a person who acts as a leader, and rest of the members, “Following the Leader” in the actions

>> When the leader claps hands… the members are also to clap hands

>> When leader lift his hands and wave… the members are to also follow.

In life, we often play this “Follow the Leader” game.

>> Children imitate what their parents do – the walking style of the father or the hair style of the mother is often “followed” by the kids

>> The teaching style or method of the teacher is followed by the students

>> Fans imitate the style and fashion of their favourite heroes/heroines

Our Spiritual Life necessities that we “Follow our Leader” – Jesus – in thought, word and deed!

Do we have clarity and proper understanding on what kind of a Leader is Jesus and what are His Actions?

>> What is the “Image of Jesus” that we are nurturing in ourselves?

The Gospel of the Day presents two of the members of the Group of Jesus, who, having a lower understanding of the Person of Christ, fail to “Follow the Leader”…

… and are exhorted by the Lord to refine their thought-pattern and encouraged to “Follow Him” with enriched clarity and deeper passion.

The passage begins with James and John, the sons of Zebedee – two among the twelve chosen ones – placing this request to Jesus: “Teacher, we want you to do for us, whatever we ask” (Mk 10: 35)

This question gives us a glimpse of what was the Image of Jesus that was being perceived by the Disciples.

… Seeing the many miracles and wonders being performed by the Lord made them feel that Jesus, being a powerful person, could grant any of their heart’s desire

… Seeing the bold and uncompromising preaching and attitude of the Lord made them feel that Jesus, was to be a great Political Messiah

… seeing the challenging and clear-cut understanding of the Lord with respect to the Law and practices of the religion, made them feel that Jesus was a Great Religious Leader.

This was the case not only with James and John, but also the other disciples.

That is the reason, after this incident, though the other ten felt indignant at the two (Mk 10:41), Jesus would address this issue commonly to all

>> Even other times, the disciples themselves had been involved in talks of discussing about “who is the greatest among them” (Lk 22:24, Lk 9:46)

Jesus, however, makes it very clear to them, that they had still not been clear in their understanding of Who He was…

… Jesus said to them: “You do not know what you are asking!” (Mk 10:38a)

The Lord drives home the point directly:

If you are looking at me as Someone Who only fulfills your material and earthly desires…

… then you need to elevate your thought pattern

>> “Seek first the Kingdom of God, and His righteousness, and everything else will be given unto you!” (Mt 6:33)

If you are expecting me as Someone Who wants to establish a political kingdom and bringing only social changes…

…then you need to realize that My Mission is greater

>> “The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me because He has anointed Me to bring glad tidings to the poor…” (Lk 4:18)

If you are feeling that I am Someone Who only wants to clear up the religious clogs that have been burdening the people…

… then you need to understand that I have a Bigger Duty

>> “I have come down from Heaven, not to do My Own Will, but the Will of the One Who sent Me…

… For this is the Will of Father that everyone who sees the Son and believes in Him, may have Eternal Life” (Jn 6:38, 40)

Jesus makes His Image very clear to the disciples: “The Son of Man did not come to be served, but to Serve and to give His Life as a Ransom for many” (Mk 10:45)

This ‘key-verse’, presents the Four Dominant Images of Jesus in the Gospel of St Mark:

… Son of Man (Jesus – the SON)

… but to Serve (Jesus – the SERVANT)

… give His Live (Jesus – the SACRIFICE)

… as a Ransom for many (Jesus – the SAVIOUR)

Prophet Isaiah prophesied this Image of Christ in his writings:

“He grew up like a sapling before Him (SON)… through His Suffering (SACRIFICE), my servant shall justify many (SERVANT), and their guilt He shall bear (SAVIOUR)” (Is 53: 2,11b)

What about us?

What is our Image of Jesus…

… and what are the requests with which we approach Jesus?

>> Are they merely materialistic and earthly desires?

Many times, like the Disciples…

… we tend to be self-seeking and world-bound in our desires

… we look for gains and prominence, as a reward for being a Christian

If so, then the Lord says, we need to…

… elevate our thought patterns

… realize that His Mission in us, is greater

… and understand that He has a Bigger Duty in our life.

He knows that we are sometimes selfish… jealous… power-seekers

>> But let’s realize and take hope in the fact, that it’s for all of us, who are with these weaknesses, that Jesus primarily came to the world:

“ I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners!” (Mk 2:17)

The disciples asked for position and power…

… Jesus said: “I will give you much higher – MY SERVICE”

The disciples asked for prominence and greatness …

… Jesus said: “I will give you much bigger – MY LIFE”

This is the action of Jesus – our Leader

… Responding to desires of selfishness, with ACTS OF SELF-GIVING

… Responding to tones of jealousy, with ACTS OF SACRIFICE AND LOVE

… Responding to queries of earthly desires, with ACTS OF HEAVENLY DELIGHTS

The game is on… “Follow the Leader”

>> Shall we imitate these Actions of Jesus, our Leader?

Get… set… go…!

God Bless! Live Jesus!

A little girl told an older friend that she was going to give her Father, a pair of slippers for his birthday.

“But where will you get your money?” asked the friend with concern.

The little girl opened her cute eyes wide and said:

“Why, Father will give me the money!”

For a moment the friend was silent as she thought that the father would have rather bought his own birthday present.

But then she realized, that the Father would love and appreciate the gift, given by his little daughter…

… even though he paid for it himself!

How many of us realize that “by ourselves we are nothing” and that everything is given by God – as a gift?

>>> How many of us, instead, get “attached” to material things as our own possession – and drown ourselves into the sea of sadness and gloom, when we are made to part with it?

The Gospel of the Day presents a teaching by Jesus on having proper disposition towards wealth and riches…

… with an exhortation to live a life of detachment, for the sake of the Kingdom of God.

We have the familiar passage of a young man, who approaches Jesus with a query, “… what must I do to inherit eternal life?” (Mk 10:17)

Here is a man who had wonderful qualities, but probably had got some of his basics wrong…

He was a person interested in seeking the higher things of life…

… therefore he enquires about eternal life

>> But perhaps, he had a “calculative” notion of salvation – like a “check-list” which had things to be marked off – which assured and guaranteed him of salvation.

… The aspect of God’s Mercy and His Will was, probably, forgotten!

He was a person, who paid attention and gave much value to the commandments of God, in his life

>> But perhaps, he had got into a ‘legalistic mode’ which made him to assiduously follow the letters of the Law

… The aspect of translating the laws into practical acts of setting one’s heart on the Lawgiver was, probably, forgotten!

He was a person, who was persistent in seeking an answer from the Lord and had a great deal of confidence in his personal convictions and beliefs

>> But perhaps, he had donned a “materialistic garb”, which caused him to find it difficult to part with his material possessions

… The aspect of giving the priority to the richness of the Kingdom of God was, probably, forgotten!

It’s interesting to note the observation made by St Mark, when the man sought to justify his life of righteousness…

St Mark says, “Jesus looking at him, loved him and said to him….” (Mk 10: 21a)

It was a look of immense love and compassion…

… The Creator looking on the marvel of His creation

… The Law Giver looking on the one who sought to follow the law closely

… The Father looking on the child who is deeply loved and cared for

With this deep look of love, Jesus makes another powerful statement to the one whom he loved, “You are lacking one thing. Go, sell, what you have, and give to the poor and you will have treasure in heaven” (Mk 10: 21b)

True love makes a demand…

>> True love demands perfection…

>>> True love perfects the one who is loved…

Jesus, who loved the man much, wants him to be the best and perfect – in his love for God and in following Him.

But the young man had his countenance fallen…

… and he went away sorrowful (Mk 10: 22)

How often, we struggle when our Loving God demands perfection from us…

… by asking to “let go” of certain aspects in life, in order to have His Will fulfilled

… by demanding of us to be detached from material possessions, in order to let Him be the treasure of our lives

Our lives are nothing, but a gift from the Lord.

The wealth we enjoy…

The comforts we take pleasure in…

The talents with which we engage in many activities…

… are all a gift from God… to be utilized, nurtured and cherished, for the glory of God!

> None of us have any right to be possessed by it…

> None of us will find true joy in being obsessed with it…

As the Psalmist says, “I said to the LORD, ‘You are my Master! Every good thing I have, comes from you.’ (Ps 16:2)

Let the verses of the First Reading of the Day be our constant disposition:

“I prayed and understanding was given to me.

>> I called upon God and the Spirit of Wisdom came to me.

I preferred her to scepters and thrones…

… and I accounted wealth as nothing in comparison with her!” (Wis 7:7-8)

May we realize that “by ourselves we are nothing” and that everything is given by God – as a gift!

>>> May we earnestly seek and make efforts to get “detached” from material things – and enjoy the bliss and peace that comes from having the Lord alone, as our greatest treasure!

God Bless! Live Jesus!

A highly skilled engineer had been confined to his bed due to a paralysis of the lower limbs.

So great was his reputation, that once, he was asked to draw the blueprints for a great suspension bridge.

With much determination, the engineer completed the blueprints and handed it over to those who were to carry out the work.

Months passed by…

… and the work of the bridge was completed.

Four men came to the engineer’s room and carried him, on the cot, to the place…

… from where he could see the bridge, suspending over a wide river

Tears filled his eyes as he gazed at the engineering marvel…

… and with the blueprints in his hands, he cried out:

“It’s just like the plan! It’s just like the plan!”

God, the Great Engineer, has his blueprints for each one of us, in our lives…

… His Holy Will!

Do we build our lives as per this blueprint?

The Gospel of the Day invites us to have our wills in harmony with this blueprint…

… the Will of God!

In today’s Gospel, a woman from the crowd calls out to Jesus, “Blessed is the one who bore you and nursed you” (Lk 11:27)

This woman had probably been following Jesus for sometime or had observed some of His works or had heard about Him.

>> This greatness of the Man was attributed to His Mother.

The woman had probably a driving principle behind this thought, “Behind every successful man, there is a strong woman…constantly supporting and nourishing”.

>> Mother Mary was recognized and understood as this Woman behind the success of Jesus!

Let’s just visualize how Jesus would have felt when He heard these words…

>> Every child is proud and to hear good of one’s parent…

… especially about the mother.

Jesus too, would have been very proud and happy of His Mother.

He would have thought of the moments that His Mother…

… would have taught Him various prayers

… would have taught Him the scriptures.

… would have taught Him to love God

Jesus surely had many things to thank and praise His Mother.

>> But the Lord doesn’t remain fixated on the level of mere human praise and efforts…

The Lord loves things of the High….and His concerns are of the High!

>> And so, he invites and challenges the woman to look higher…

“Surely blessed are those who hear the Word of God and keep it as well” (Lk 11:28)

The Lord was probably telling the woman…

“Yes, surely my Mother is truly great for Her tender care of me.

She is indeed wonderful for Her amazing upbringing of me.

>> But My Mother is great, not just because of these earthly factors…

There is much more…

>> There are many more reasons which makes Her truly great.

She is blessed because…

… She listened to God’s Word and accepted it wholeheartedly.

… She was obedient to God though she did not understand many things

… She chose to put Her faith in God, though the path ahead was dim

… She lived and shared the love that she received from God.”

The Lord made the woman to not just be satisfied with transient, material aspect, but to have a higher perspective in life.

The same message is reached out to each one of us today….

>> Am I a person who is simply satisfied with only the concerns of the material world?

>> Am I a person who remains stunted on just listening to God’s word, but not practising it?

>> Am I a person who fails to fly higher, to also be concerned with the aspects of the Divine?

>> Am I a person who is excited to hear and listen to the Bible, but afraid to live it in my life?

God has his blueprints for each one of us, in our lives…

… His Holy Will!

Do we obediently carry out our works, as per His plan?

May this Great Engineer, seeing our lives…

… and with the blueprints in His hands, exclaim:

“It’s just like the plan! It’s just like the plan!”

God bless! Live Jesus!

A Christian preacher was once invited to preach in the court of a notorious and malicious King.

As he stood up to preach, he heard a voice – his mind telling him:

“Be careful, of what you speak. The King of the Land is here!”

In a few seconds, he heard another voice – of his conscience:

?Be careful of what you do not speak. Your conscience demands of you!”

In a confused state, he heard yet another voice – in the depth of his heart:

?Be not afraid of what you speak!

The King of kings is with you!”

Preaching the Gospel is a bold and a courageous task… and unless one is really passionate and fervent about it, one cannot do justice to the message and the person of the Gospel!

The Gospel of the Day gives a subtle yet strong message on the need to stand firm in being a Messenger of the Gospel…even if one faces criticism or mockery or rejection or indifference.

Our Master, Jesus Himself had to undergo this negative reaction.

The Gospel presents how some people, on seeing Jesus cast out demons, accused him falsely and sought to test him by asking for a sign from heaven.

In the Gospel of Luke 4: 18, in the Nazareth manifesto, Jesus declared that “He has come to bring glad tidings to the poor, to proclaim liberty to the captives…”

In fulfilment of this program, Jesus went about bringing the message of joy and hope to the ones lost and the wretched.

>> He also went about casting many evil spirits and freeing many possessed people from the shackles of the evil.

> When goodness spreads, the power of evil also raises its ugly head more…

> When righteousness is proclaimed, the claims of the evil also keep increasing…

> When the Kingdom of God is announced, the realm of the devil gets more agitated…

Though the people saw the immense goodness and love being extended by Jesus, some of them purposely sought to find fault with the Lord.

Yet, Jesus remains…

… the reed unshaken.

… the power unconquered.

… the conviction unquaked.

> He was sure of His mission.

> He was convinced of His goals in life.

> He was certain of the purpose of His ministry.

Though His ministry and His works were badly attacked, Jesus does not get bogged down..

… Rather, He finds the way out through the maze of tricky situations, unappealing factors and even discouraging circumstances.

The Lord today teaches us a very powerful lesson for our Christian Life in this world and for all our works and ministries that we engage in…

There will be times when many people accuse and insult us…

>> Can I remain firm and strong in my convictions and principles?

There will be times when, though we do much good, people fail to understand us…

>> Can I still be strong enough to render the good in the places it is required?

There will be times when we are totally misunderstood and blamed, though we are innocent…

>> Can I find the strength and the courage to not get disappointed or crumbled in sadness?

There will be times when we feel like discontinuing everything due to pressures and loads…

>> Can I push myself above all these situations which paralyze and cripple us?

The Lord today teaches us by His life and example and words that…

…Life has much to offer when we are strong.

…Life has much to be strong about.

…Life has much to rejoice in.

The Lord declares, “Whoever is not with me is against me, and whoever does not gather with me, scatters” (Lk 11:23)

As Christians, we have a duty and a responsibility to stand firm in our beliefs and faith in the Lord, despite any storms that crash against the boats of our life!

When we are truly filled with the power of the Spirit, like Jesus, we too are able to stand firm against the forces of discouragement and disappointments!

Let us grow deeper in the Lord… Let us be filled more with the Holy Spirit…

Life will throw bricks at us…but it depends on us…

… whether we choose to get bruised and wounded and crumble under it

… or whether we build a castle out of those same bricks!

Let us not be afraid… The King of kings is with us!

God Bless! Live Jesus!

Postal stamps seems to be slowly on the verge of extinction.

>> Some decades back, however, they formed an integral part of the world of communication.

These postage stamps hold an important attribute that we could emulate: they stick to one thing until they get there!

>> They remain persistent until, they reach their destination!

This is an important key in our spiritual life as well: Remaining persistent, till we reach our destination!

The Gospel of the Day presents before us the theme of Prayer with a special emphasis on perseverance and determination in prayer life.

This aspect of persistence in prayer through a parable:

>> A parable of a friend who knocked at the door of his friend at an odd midnight hour…seeking for some help.

Prayer invariably points to the notion of Necessity and Dependence in our lives: A necessity for various things…and a Dependence on God

>> A necessity of realizing our limitations…

… and a Dependence on the power of God

>> A necessity of moving out of our capabilities..

… and a Dependence on the strength of God

>> A necessity of knowing all things not possible for me…

… and a Dependence on the grace of God

For a moment, let us get into the shoes of this friend who faced this need of an unexpected traveler in his house…and thus forced to seek for help…

This man received an unexpected guest…

Probably, it was the end of all the chores of his day…and as he was retiring to bed, this traveler came to his house.

His condition was so pitiable that he did not even some morsels of food to be given.

>> He had the good will…

… but did not have the resources to help.

>> He had the good intentions…

… but did not have the supplies to assist.

Very often, we ourselves land up into such situations…

Perhaps someone drops in for a coffee…and lays bare their problems…

>> But we feel totally helpless how to help…

Perhaps we get a letter or a message…informing of some serious crisis…

>> But we feel totally helpless how to help…

Perhaps our close ones undergo some pain…and life becomes hard…

>> But we feel totally helpless how to help…

Perhaps we see many in absolute suffering…and our heart reaches out to them..

>> But we feel totally helpless how to help…

We ask ourselves: “What can I do?”

>> There is a strange, sinking sensation… a sense of pressure, almost terror: “What shall I say?“

The best you can do is just hope for a quiet moment when you can rush to God, our Great Neighbour and cry out to him, “A friend has come, and I have nothing to set before him.“

This happens often, doesn’t it?

It is out of such moments of deep necessity that true prayer is born.

>> It is out of such moments of genuine dependence that true prayer is born.

But that does not mean, that God, our Great neighbour has to be awakened from his slumber or who has to forced to render us help.

The point of the parable is that as a Person who is in necessity and who is dependent, ought to have a great level of patience & perseverance & determination.

In prayer, it often happens that we determine…

… the way

… the time

… the mode

… in which God should answer our requests!

But we often forget, that, the Great Neighbour, God…

… is also our loving Father.

… is also the One who cares deeply for us.

… is also Someone who wishes the best for us.

In Lk 11: 9, Jesus gives us the exciting verse, “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.”

ASK…SEEK…KNOCK…all these three verbs indicate a continual process and a constant action.

“Keep on asking…keep on seeking…keep on knocking”.

The Lord is a Loving Father…

>> He does not demand perseverance because of some hard-heartedness..

Rather, He expects consistence and perseverance because of His deep and tender Love for us and wanting us to not get bogged down by mere material concerns…rather to SEEK HIM above all in prayer and to make HIM the greatest need of our lives!

St. Teresa of Avila says:

“Provided that we don’t give up, the Lord will guide everything for our benefit…!

There is no other remedy for this evil of giving up prayer than to begin again!”

Like postal stamps which have this key attribute: Remain persistent until, they reach their destination…

… may we grow in our perseverance and determination in prayer.

Today we seek the intercession of Pope St John XXIII – one of the most popular Popes of the 20th century – on this feast day.

>> He was the one who convoked the historical ‘Vatican Council II’, which paved the way for “throwing open the windows of the church, to let the fresh air of the Spirit blow through.”

Let us give heed to his words: “Prayer is the raising of the mind to God.

>> We must always remember this. The actual words matter less.”

God Bless! Live Jesus!

A certain person who was known to be a “person in hurry always”, was part of a prayer meeting.
One day, he was asked to make the prayer before the meeting.

Being known for being a “person in hurry always”, he made a short prayer – classic in brevity and beautiful in preciseness:

“Dear God, Let Your Will be done…
Nothing more, nothing less, nothing else.
Amen!”

Seeking to do the Will of God, at always times…
… and living according to It, is the key to our faithful Christian living.

The Gospel of the Day is an exhortation towards this aspect through the prayer – The Our Father…
… with the key dimension of “forgiveness and pardon”.

The Eleventh Chapter of St Luke opens with a teaching on prayer.

This teaching begins with Jesus presenting the blueprint in praying- the beautiful prayer “The Our Father”.

The Lukan version of the Our Father has five petitions:
1. Hallowed be thy name
2. Thy Kingdom come
3. Give us today our daily bread
4. Forgive us our sins
5. Do not subject us to the final test

The fourth petition – for forgiveness – is also accompanied with a clause – “…as we forgive”..
“…and forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors” (Lk 11: 4)
… forgive us our sins, as we forgive those who sin against us!
… forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us!

Well, does this mean God’s forgiveness is conditional?

It needs to be understood, that God , in His infinite mercy and goodness, has always the store of forgiveness, unconditionally opened for us!

But..
>> To receive this treasure of forgiveness, we need to first forgive others!
>> To receive this grace of pardon, we need to first pardon others!

It means that…
>> If we harbour a wrong against other…
>> If we continue to nurture hatred against other…
>> If we wilfully fail to extend absolution to the other…
>> If we adamantly keep having repulsion against the other…
… then we are telling God to not forgive me either!
…then we are telling God to not shower His blessing on me!
…then we are telling God to withhold His unconditional mercy on me!
….then we are telling God to stop extending His unconditional compassion!

It is this aspect of “forgiveness” that becomes highly essential and conditional…
… in our desire to do the Will of the Father, at all times, and living a faithful Christian life.

The prayer – “Our Father” is indeed one of the most easily learnt and widely used prayers.
>> But this clause of the prayer, which is often overlooked, also makes this prayer dangerous!
>> This clause of the prayer, which is often not thought of, also makes this prayer challenging!

Let the prayer ‘Our Father’…
… help us to make inroads into forgiving others!
… make us to march forward into extending pardon to others!

With forgiveness and mercy in our hearts, may we seek to echo, at all times…
“Dear God, Let Your Will be done…
Nothing more, nothing less, nothing else.
Amen!”

God Bless! Live Jesus!

Nine year old Bobby arrived late for the football match.

>> The game had already started.

The coach, obviously upset as Bobby was a key player, shouted at him: “Why are you so late?”

“I had to decide”, replied Bobby, ” Today is a Sunday. And I had to decide between going to Church and going for this football game”

“Then what did you do” asked the coach curiously

> > “I tossed a coin to decide” said Bobby.

“Tossed a coin?” asked the surprised coach, “But that shouldn’t have taken too long.”

“Hmmm…” continued Bobby, “Well… I had to toss the coin 35 times!”

(Little Bobby kept on tossing the coin…till he got what he wanted – i.e. to go for the football match!!)

How often are we too like Li’l Bobby, when it comes to making choices and priorities, especially in our spiritual life…

We get confused in choosing the correct choices

>> We get puzzled in preferring the proper priorities

We sometimes even seek to justify our choices and argue to validate our priorities

>> We insist on having our way… mould situations to suit our needs!

>> As a result, we often end up….

… in complaining and cribbing

… in back biting and bickering

… in criticism and calumny

The Gospel of the Day is a lesson in making the proper priorities and the correct choices in life.

We have the familiar incident of Jesus as a guest in the house of Martha and Mary.

Jesus came to a village and was welcomed in the house of Martha and Mary (Lk 10:38)

Martha demonstrated great hospitality by welcoming Jesus into the home (Lk 10: 40)

>> She got busy with the tasks of serving their honoured Guest.

Mary, on the other side, displayed great devotion and love, by sitting at the feet of Jesus (Lk 10: 39)

>> She got immersed in spending time, with the revered Rabbi.

The character of Martha is vividly seen in this incident

Here is a lady…

… hospitable and welcoming

… engaging in works to make the stay of her Guest comfortable

… ready to struggle and do whatever she can, to bring happiness to the Other

Many of us could probably identify ourselves with Martha.

>> We are willing to let go of our self so that others may enjoy and feel contented

>> We engage ourselves into works so that the life of our loved ones are taken care

>> We are ready to struggle and do whatever we can, to bring joy and comfort to others

But despite doing all these hard works, like Martha, we often end up on the wrong side

When Martha complained to Jesus, ” Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me by myself to do the serving?” (Lk 10: 40)

… she was expressing her feelings of being over burdened

… she was giving vent to her emotions of not being acknowledged

But Jesus calms her, and chides her mildly, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and anxious about many things…” (Lk 10: 41)

Something interesting is to be noted here…. “Martha, Martha!”

>> A double calling of the name!

The Scripture records only very few instances when such an occurrence took place – the name being called twice…

>>Abraham: (Gen 22:11): “But the angel of the Lord called to him out of heaven: ‘Abraham, Abraham.’ He answered, ‘Here I am.'”

>> Jacob (Gen 46:2): “In a vision at night God called to Israel, ‘Jacob, Jacob.’ He answered, ‘Here I am.'”

>> Moses (Ex 3:4): “When the Lord saw that he had gone over to see, God called him from the middle of the bush, ‘Moses, Moses.’ He answered, ‘Here I am.'”

>> Samuel (1 Sam 3:10): “The Lord came and stood and spoke as at the other times: ‘Samuel, Samuel.’ and Samuel said, ‘Speak, your servant is listening.'”

>> Simon Peter (Lk 22:31) “Simon, Simon! Behold, Satan has demanded to sift all of you like wheat, but I have prayed that your own faith may not fail.

>> Saul (Acts 9:4) “Falling to the ground he heard a voice saying to him, “Saul, Saul, why do you persecute Me?”

We also find another important instance: Jesus calling on God (Mt 27:46): “Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani – My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?”

What does the twice calling of the name in the Bible refer to?

1. Repeating a person’s name was a Hebrew expression of intimacy

2. In all the instances of the name being called twice, a major event/occasion/teaching was being referred to

Taking a cue from this…

…When Jesus calls “Martha, Martha” – the name being called twice:

>> Jesus is expressing a filial tenderness and love for Martha

>> Jesus is also referring to an important teaching: “Giving importance to Jesus above all”

To each of us then, who find ourselves, struggling and complaining like Martha…

>> The Lord calls our name – “probably twice ” – and tells us:

“With much tenderness and love, I invite you my child, to give heed to an important teaching:

… Give priority to ME above all!”

Like Martha, maybe we are often distracted

Perhaps…

>>> We tell the Lord that we wish to follow Him wholeheartedly…

… but are sometimes unwilling to let go of our sinful behaviours

>> We promise God that we would spend more time in prayer…

… but often excuses like lack of time prevent us from fulfilling our promises

>> We resolve that we will let go our sinful habits and tendencies…

… but often we cling on to those pleasures and fail to be more determined in rooting them out

Today, let us give heed to this invitation of the Lord: “To give priority to HIM above all!”

Surely, all of us do have…

… our own works and responsibilities

… our own cares and concerns of life

… our own distractions and troubles

But in the midst of all this…. beyond all these aspects: Let us give priority to the Lord!

>> Let His presence reign…in our work and responsibilities

>> Let His Providence be trusted… in our cares and concerns of life

>> Let His Power prevail… in our distractions and troubles

Let the incident of Martha and Mary inspire us, to make personal resolutions…

… of daily spending time with the Lord in personal prayer

… of daily reading the Word of God and listening to His Voice

… of daily making an examination of conscience and amending our lives

The Lord loves us much….

… let us love Him too

… let Him reign over our homes and our lives

… let us give Him full attention as The Guest of our hearts

Situations in life will often put to us dilemma in making a choice…in picking out our priorities

>> “Let us always give priority to the Lord”!

Are we going to toss a coin for this?

God Bless! Live Jesus!

The Mirror is one of the most used objects in our day-to-day life.

We use the mirror to adorn and beautify ourselves and to make ourselves presentable in the society.

>> The Mirror reflects the features and descriptions of the person.

We also make use of chances to look at a mirror occasionally to make sure that we look okay or our hairstyle is fine or our faces or dressing styles are all well.

The Gospel of the day presents before us a person comes with a query on how to obtain eternal life…

… and to make sure that he is fine and ok in his life…

>> But ends up with an exhortation to look into himself and make alterations that will make his life look better!

Jesus becomes the Mirror of his life…

…. by which he is made to look into himself and obtain a clearer and a cleaner image of his interior life!

The person who came to ask Jesus, “Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?” (Lk 10:25), is not merely “a common man” or a “passerby on the street” or just “a curious seeker”.

He is a Scholar of the Law…

… a learned person.

… one who knows the books.

>> But life and religion and spirituality for him, was perhaps reduced to mere papers and theories.

He knew the Law to love God with one’s heart…

>> But he perhaps fell short in expressing tenderness and affections to God with his whole heart!

He knew the law to love God with one’s being…

>> But he perhaps fell short in committing his works and deeds to God with his whole being!

He knew the law to love God with one’s strength…

>> But he perhaps fell short in dedicating his talents and abilities to God with his whole strength!

He knew the law to love God with one’s mind…

>> But he perhaps fell short in offering his knowledge and wisdom to God with his whole mind!

He also knew the law to love his neighbour as himself…

>> But he perhaps fell short in rendering service and giving help to the people who were in need!

He failed to translate his knowledge and his awareness into actual practices of life!

Does this not happen to us also…?

… we know many things “about” God, but often don’t “know” Him!

… we theoretically say that we have faith, but in actual life situations often fail to trust!

Jesus, the Mirror therefore prompts the Scholar of the Law (and us also) to introspect and examine life further, with a Parable: The Parable of the Good Samaritan.

The Parable of the Good Samaritan describes the man who was travelling from Jordan to Jericho and attacked by a set of robbers and discarded on the wayside (Lk 10:30)

Possible helps came in the form of the Priest and the Levite…

… but none was actually obtained.

>> They saw, but did not see!

>> They felt, but did not act!

“Seeing, feeling and acting” are the three essential and mandatory aspects of giving mercy.

And then, an unexpected help was offered in the person of the Good Samaritan.

Jesus, the Mirror was slowly making that scholar of the Law to look and probe deeper into himself.

As he heard this Parable of the Good Samaritan, and as he looked into himself through the Mirror in Jesus..

… the scholar of the Law perhaps identified himself with the Man abandoned on the wayside.

>> (Is my life also identifiable with the man who was abandoned on the wayside?)

Just as the man was making a difficult journey, the scholar of the Law was also making a journey…

… Life was hard and arduous for them!

>> (Am I also not making a difficult journey through the rocks and valleys of life…?)

Just as the man was beaten up by some , the scholar of the Law had perhaps been affected by many situations and problems of life…

… Life was harsh and unfair to them!

>> (Am I also not beaten up and bruised by many unknown crisis and uncertainties of life?)

Just as the man failed to receive any help from the religious leaders of his time, the scholar of the Law perhaps had failed to obtain consolation and strength by knowledge of the law and his erudition of religion….

… Life was intensifying and aggravating their pain!

>> (Am I also not a victim of not receiving help and encouragements from the ones whom I expect and instead encounter more often scandals and pains and discouragements?)

Just as the man finally received attention and care from an unexpected quarter, the scholar of the Law perhaps also was finding true salvation and the genuine source of life from an unexpected quarter in Jesus…

… Life finds hope and real freedom only in God!

>> (Am I also not experiencing true help and salvation very often from people unexpected, from people who we least expect and from people who perhaps never appear in our list of “helping-people”?)

The Scholar of the Law was probably able to identify himself as the one who fell in the hands of oppression…

… and was able to recognize Jesus as the Good Samaritan.

The Good Samaritan, Jesus wants to help & save & give life…

…. to each one of us too, who are bruised & broken in the journey of life!

Like the Scholar of the Law who looked into Jesus, the Mirror and was able to see himself clearer…

… We too are invited today, to look into Jesus, the Mirror, and evaluate our interior lives.

>> I may be making a hard journey.

>> I may be beaten up on the way.

>> I may be oppressed by the unknown.

>> I may be denied justice from the authorities.

>> I may be rejected help from the expected.

… But the Good Samaritan, Jesus is there to strengthen and soothe us!

We are specially invited to experience Jesus, the Good Samaritan, in the Sacrament of Reconciliation!

Let us examine…

… When was the last time I made my confession?

>> The Good Samaritan is ready to help and heal us!

… Do I prepare well, make a sincere repentance and live the resolutions of my confession?

>> The Good Samaritan consoles us and helps us to complete our journey of life

… Do I make a daily examination of my conscience?

>> The Good Samaritan cares for us in the Inn – The Church – and the many inspirations in His Holy Word

The Good Samaritan challenges us to understand the true meaning of Mercy and practise all its three dimensions:

1. Seeing

2. Feeling

3. Doing

Yes, let us not be afraid to look into Jesus, the Mirror and obtain healing & consolation from Jesus, the Good Samaritan.

>> And in turn, let us become a Good Samaritan to the other!

God Bless! Live Jesus!

Mr George Crane was a popular newspaper columnist, psychologist and physician in the United States.

He speaks of an experience of a wife who came into his office, full of hatred toward her husband.

Seeking a divorce, she blurted out, “I do not only want to get rid of him, I want to get even. Before I divorce him, I want to hurt him as much as he has caused pain to me.”

Dr. Crane suggested an clever plan:

“Go home and do this…

>> Act as if you really love your husband.

Pretend and tell him how much he means to you.

Go out of your way to be as kind, considerate, and generous as possible.

Spare no efforts to please him, to enjoy him. Make him believe you love him!

And, after you’ve convinced him of your undying love and that you cannot live without him, then drop the bombshell!

Tell him that you are getting a divorce.

That will really hurt him!

Hurt him to the core!”

With revenge in her eyes, she smiled and exclaimed, “Wonderful indeed! That is a superb way of settling scores with the one who hurt me the most!”

So off she went, doing what was told, with enthusiasm, acting “as if”

She showed love, kindness, listening, giving, reinforcing, sharing…

After two months, when she didn’t return, Dr Crane called. “So, are you ready now to go through with the divorce?”

“Divorce?” she exclaimed. “Never! I discovered I really do love him.”

>> Her actions had changed her feelings.

>> Her “affectionate” motions done with revenge, resulted in “loving” emotions with sincerity!

>> Her “acting” in actuality helped her to rediscover her lost love.

That’s the power of love!

Love is the best medicine for any sickness which cripples human life!

And the reason for this amazing power of love is simple:

>> True Love flows from the heart of the One who is Love… God!

>> Genuine Love gushes forth from the fount of the One who is Love Incarnate… Jesus!

The Gospel of the Day is a wonderful exposition of Jesus emphasizing on the importance of unity and faithfulness in the relationship of marriage.

The Church defines marriage as:

“The matrimonial covenant, by which a man and a woman establish between themselves a partnership of the whole of life, is by its nature ordered toward the good of the spouses and the procreation and education of offspring;

this covenant between baptized persons has been raised by Christ the Lord to the dignity of a sacrament.”

Marital love is patterned on the love that Christ has for each one of us….and the love with which we are to love the Lord.

We could understand this love, from three dimensions…

1. A Love that is obedient

Jesus says, “If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love” (Jn 15: 10)

Jesus remained in the love of the Father, by doing His commandments.

>> And he enjoins the same principle of Obedient Love to His disciples too.

The one who loves, also obeys…

>> The one who loves, also follows the commands…

Do I have a love that is obedient…?

… happy to undertake the various duties and responsibilities entrusted to me and fulfilling them to the best of my capabilities.

… willing to listen to each other’s needs and be sensitive to the concerns and wishes of the other

2. A Love that is sacrificial

Jesus says, “No one has greater love than this, to lay down one’s life for one’s friends” (Jn 15: 13)

Jesus showed the depth of His love by undertaking the highest sacrifice of His own life.

>> And he enjoins the same principle of Sacrificial Love to His disciples too.

The one who loves, also offers to forego some luxuries and securities…

>> The one who loves, also gives up many of the comforts and personal desires…

Do I have a love that is sacrificial?

… willing to lay down one’s bias and prejudices, dying to one’s evil inclinations, putting to sword one’s bad habits that takes away from God and making adjustments of one’s self-desires to make way for God’s plans in life.

… allowing my ego or selfish desires to take a back seat and bring into focus what is true, right and just?

3. A Love that is fruitful

Jesus says, “.. I chose and appointed you to go and bear fruit that will remain… ” (Jn 15: 16)

Jesus showed the quality of His love by displaying the fruits of compassion, tender mercy, an accommodating heart, gentleness and generosity.

>> And he enjoins the same principle of Fruitful Love to His disciples too.

The one who loves, also bears fruits of patience, kindness, self-control and faithfulness…

>> The one who loves, also lives a life that radiates the fruits of joy, generosity and peace…

Do I have a love that is fruitful?

… bearing fruits that witness God’s love by promoting unity and harmony and attracting many to the tender mercy of the Lord by a life of passion and zeal.

… showering forth fruits that sweeten the hearts of our loved ones and causes greater affections of commitment and faithfulness.

The Lord has loved us tremendously… with a love that is obedient, sacrificial and fruitful.

>> Each of us is to possess this same treasure of love.

Love binds every brokenness..

>> Love joins every divorced situation…

>> Love unites every ruptured circumstance…

May the Lord enable us to be filled from His fountain of love and share His joy and peace to a world that is broken and seeks for consolation, comfort and calm!

May the Lord fill us with an awareness of the sanctity and supremacy of Marriage and help us to persevere in, to preserve, and to promote this Sacred Sacrament.

God Bless! Live Jesus!