Life sometimes is quite strange!

>> Often, when things go all well and it seems that everything is fine…disasters strike in life.

This is an experience of many of us in our lives.

Think of a man who is in his early thirties…

He has a wonderful wife, with two lovely children.

>> It’s a home with lot of joy and happiness…

One day, the man comes back home after work – he is a mason.

On coming back, he informs his wife of a tiny sore that has been nagging him for sometime

>> This sore had turned a bit reddish after the heavy days of work.

With much insistence and persuasion by the wife, the man agrees to show it to a doctor.

After the initial check up, the doctor tells them:

“Well, the sore certainly has grown a bit. I have some of my initial observations, but I need to work on them still.

>> Why don’t you stay up here in the hospital for a few days, so that I can further examine?”

And so they agree.

As days pass, the sore gets more infectious.

The doctor, now is ready with his well-studied and examined decision…” I am sorry to inform you…

… but you are infected with… Leprosy!!”

Hearing this, the man is terrified.

Leprosy, he knew, was not just an ordinary sickness.

>> It was a slow death sentence – distanced from family, distanced from society, distanced from self!

Imagine that situation of the happy living family!

The man is now to leave his wife and children; his land and work;

… He is to go and live with people who were afflicted with a similar disease.

>> This was the law of the land.

>> This was the regulation practised in this area.

The Law required the lepers to keep as far away from all healthy people as possible.

>> Whenever someone drew near who did not have leprosy, the leper was supposed to shout, “Unclean! Unclean!”

So, with a heavy heart and a crushed spirit, the man leaves his loving wife and two children.

>> He goes off alone… to rot!

>> He goes off alone… to die!

He couldn’t even have an animal for a companion.

>> If he touched even a dog, the dog had to be killed so that it did not carry the disease back into the city.

Life as a leper was just too horrible and miserable!

>> Life sometimes is indeed quite strange!

The Gospel of the Day presents one such leper…

… A man who was “full of leprosy” ( Lk 5:12)

One fine day, however, this leper looks up and sees a small group of people following a Man.

That man, the leader, he comes to know.. is Jesus.

The leper has heard about Jesus.

>> He would wish to hear Him.

But the Law did not permit to go close!

As the group passes their way, this leper man remembers what the Law taught Him..

>> And he begins to shout, “Unclean! Unclean! I have leprosy! Stay away from me! Unclean!”

But then a strange thing happens!!

Jesus keeps coming closer to him.

His shouts increases… louder goes his cries…”Unclean, Unclean!”

>> But Jesus keeps coming closer and closer… till He has reached the leper man!

The leper man has now been afflicted for many years.

He misses his family very deeply.

>> He knows he is at the edge of life… undergoing a slow death!

But…

… Before him, now stands, Someone, who he has heard, has tremendous power!

… Before him, now stands, Someone, who he has heard, can unshackle any bondage!

And so, with tears filling his eyes and dread filling his shocked face, he asks, ” Lord, if you wish, you can make me clean!” (Lk 5:12)

>> It was a cry of agony.

>> It was a wail of immense anguish.

He had suffered much.

>> He had been separated from loved ones for long.

Now he wanted a deliverance.

>> He wanted freedom from the captivity.

>>> He wanted a wholesome life in his loathsome existence!

And then comes the spectacular words of Jesus: “I do Will. Be clean!” (Lk 5:13)

The Lord touches him!

>> His body was touched!

>> His heart was healed!

>> His soul was cleansed!

Life was restored! Happiness was returned!

Do you and me also feel sometimes like a leper?

>> Situations of happiness being snatched away?

>> Moments of love and affection being afflicted?

>> Times of joy, serenity and calmness being affected?

Unloved? Rejected? Despised? Abused? Helpless? Hopeless? Dying?

We may be going through hard times…

>> We may feel that life is unfair to us…

>> We may feel that existence is meaningless…

But…

… The Lord wants to restore us!

… He wants to make us whole again!

>> Life is strange…

… but the Power of the Lord is more strong!

>> Life is complicated…

… but the Grace of the Lord is more compelling!

The Lord is here to touch us!

>> Lets stretch out to Him…

… our hands!

… our hearts!

… our lives!

God Bless! Live Jesus!

——————————–

Quotable-quote-a-day-with-St Francis de Sales (SFS) – “During the night we must wait for the light.”

——————————–

A carpenter is a person who works with wood.

The carpenter uses various tools and implements in order to cut, shape, chisel, carve and cut into the pieces of wood.

>> Gives new shapes… repairs the broken ones…polishes the rough edges etc…

The Gospel of the Day is an encounter with such a Carpenter.

Well… he is no ordinary one….

>> He is the Great Carpenter of Nazareth.. JESUS!

Jesus is in His hometown of Nazareth.

>> He walks into the synagogue, as was His custom.

>> He is handed over the book of prophet Isaiah and reads a prophetic passage.

All were amazed at His gracious words and they began to ask each other, ” Isn’t this the Son of Joseph” (Lk 4:22)

Yeah, Jesus was the Son of Joseph, the carpenter!

>> And this Child of Joseph, was Himself also a carpenter!

>> The people would have murmured this statement to belittle Jesus.

>> The people would have referred Him so, because of their bias and prejudice.

>> The people perhaps called Him that way to show that He was just ordinary – one of them.

But what the people murmured or muttered or grumbled was indeed true…

>> Even later on, the people would refer, “Is He not the carpenter, the son of Mary…” (Mk 6:3)

Truly, Jesus is the Carpenter…

>> Not just an ordinary one, but the Great Carpenter of Nazareth!

The Jewish people were in great expectation of a Messiah.

>>Their concept of a Messiah would have been one who is very powerful, kingly, majestic etc.

But Jesus, the Messiah doesn’t ornament Himself with all such expected grandeur.

>> He doesn’t robe Himself with a showy magnificence or armour Himself with majestic works.

He takes the role of a Carpenter.

>> He identified Himself with the common people…

>> He became one with humanity with hard labour and gritty toil.

On one of the tombstones, in Great Britain, there is an epitaph written for a man named Thomas Cobb.

>> It says, “Here lies Thomas Cobb, who mended shoes to the glory of God, for 40 years.”

Yes, glory and honour can be rendered to God in any activity- small or great, menial or expert!

What is my understanding about the duties and responsibilities entrusted to me?

>> Am I aware that in all works – small and great, I can be giving glory to God?

>> Do I perform all my tasks, with a Sacred Sense that it’s an extension of God’s creative works?

A carpenter’s work is to fashion new things from ordinary wood and also to repair things that have been damaged.

The Great Carpenter of Nazareth is wanting to do the same in our lives…

>> He wants to create us anew and refashion our lives.

>> He wants to give new shape and utility to our brokenness and damaged parts of life.

Are we ready to let the Great Carpenter of Nazareth to work in our lives?

>> Hammer in some of the nails of discipline and virtues?

>> Chisel away sin and other unwanted portions of our life?

>> Polish some places of life that have lost its sheen and shine?

>> Drill in some screws to tighten the lethargic and sluggish areas of life?

>> Level some habits in us that can hamper the balance of our spirituality?

>> Measure some of our activities to determine how much exactly is needed?

In Mt 12:20 we read, “… a bruised reed, He will not break..”

We all of us have our brokenness in life… damages in relations… bruises in thoughts..

>> But the Great Carpenter assures that He will not let our bruised reeds be broken!

> He wants to mend us..

>> He wants to repair us…

>>> He wants to fashion us anew!

As a stanza in one of the lesser-known carol titled, “Behold a little Child” goes…

“Christ, Master Carpenter,

We come rough-hewn to Thee;

At last, through wood and nails,

Thou mad’st us whole and free;

In this thy world remake us, planned,

To truer beauty of Thine Hand.”

Yes, the Spirit of the Lord is upon this Great Carpenter of Galilee, “…to bring glad tidings to the poor;

Liberty to the captives; Recovery of sight to the blind;

Let the oppressed go free;

To proclaim a year acceptable to the Lord” (Lk 4: 18-19)”

Knock…Knock… The Carpenter is already here…

>> Let’s open the door to Him…

… no matter, even if the door is also damaged!!

Let us entrust our lives into the care of the Great Carpenter of Nazareth….!

God bless! Live Jesus!

——————————–

Quotable-quote-a-day-with-St Francis de Sales (SFS) – “Be patient with all, but especially with yourself. Do not trouble yourself about your imperfections.

>> Always have the courage to pick yourself back up and begin again every day…

… for there is no better path to success in the spiritual life than always to begin again and never to think that you have done enough.”

——————————–

Played with li’l children?

When elders play some game with little children, we usually change some rules of the game.

>> It could be a game of cricket, or football or just passing the ball etc…

We relax some of the rules to make it easy for the child to enjoy the game a little more.

>> Sometimes for fun, we even, play badly, so that the child may win…

>> Sometimes, we even make some adjustments and act as if we don’t know how to play well..

>> Sometimes, we even play, as if we are losing very badly so that the child may enjoy more…

We do a bit of “acting” and do some pretense, in order to see the reaction of the children.

Well…

.. for the Lord, we too are li’l Children…

>> And no doubt, He too loves to play some tricks with us, His kids!

The Gospel of the Day is an example of how the Lord loves having “some fun” with us, His little KIDS…

The Lord has performed a stupendous multiplication of the five loaves and two fish among the five thousand men. (Mk 6: 34-44)

He then makes His disciples to get onto a boat, while He retires to enjoy His precious moments with His Abba Father on the mountains, to pray. (Mk 6: 45-46)

>> It’s at that time, the disciples, who are out in the sea, travelling on the boat, face a great storm.

As the disciples are struggling against the waves that hit them and the gushes of wind lashing against their boat, Jesus comes walking on the sea, towards them.

St Mark’s Gospel is very particular in mentioning a strangely overlooked statement: “He meant to pass them by” (Mk 6: 48b)

>> Another translation of this sentence would read, “He intended to pass them by”!

Now, that’s strange, right?

The disciples are struggling for life and are in deep danger…

… And does the Lord wish to just pass them by?

The boat is to capsize and it’s a terrible resistance against the forces of nature…

… And does the Lord just want to pass them by?

Did He not see them?

>> Or does He not care?

Well…

… this is where we introduce the aspect of the Lord having some “fun” with His children!

On another occasion also, Jesus would do something similar…

On the road to Emmaus, with the two disciples, when they reach close to their destination, Jesus does a similar “prank”

>> “As they approached the village to which they were going, Jesus gave the impression that he was going on further” (Lk 24:28)

Yet, on both occasions…

… when Jesus is called up, He responds positively.

In the boat, when the disciples saw the Jesus intended to pass them by, they cried out in fear.

>> And this prayer… of fear and worry… was heard by the Lord, and He responds!

On the way to Emmaus, when the two saw that Jesus was going away, they requested his presence.

>> And this prayer… of earnestness and desire…was heard by the Lord, and He responds!

Similar situations here…

>> The Lord in a sort of a “prank”… intends to pass by.

It seems that He is apparently not so interested in their concerns…

>> Yet, when they call out to Him…

… He responds!

Just like elders while playing with children, who “act” for some time….

… Jesus’ “acting” of being disinterested or “not knowing what to do” pays off…

>> The disciples reach out to Him in earnest prayer…and a miracle is performed!

> The Lord seems to pass by, not because He is not interested in us.

> The Lord acts as if He is passing by, not because He does not care for us.

It is rather just His way of making us to also reach out to Him in prayer

>> Divine disposition does not do away with human actions….

>> Divine help does not rule out human initiatives.

We are not to sit back and wait in passivity for God’s help…

>> We are to call out on Him, in prayer, in faith, in love!

Our lives sometimes have to face the consequence of this “prank” or “acting” of the Lord.

>> We struggle in the boats of our life, against dreadful storms of problems…

>> We row hard with all our might, and sometimes feel that it’s going to be the end of our life…

>> We get frightened and are afraid that somehow the waves will have the better of ourselves…

And the Lord, just “seems” to pass by

>> But when we cry out in deep anguish and fear…

… the Lord hears!

Our anxiety and fears itself becomes a prayer in the Presence of the Lord!

Is our life passing through deadly storms of faithlessness and isolation?

>> Are the dreadful waves of hardships and miseries assaulting us?

Does it seem that the Lord is “just passing by”?

Lift up the sagging and weary spirits…

… The Lord is very much with us!

Let’s open our hearts and lives to Him…

… and hear Him say: “Take courage, it is I… Do not be afraid!” (Mk 6:50)

God Bless! Live Jesus!

——————————–

Quotable-quote-a-day-with-St Francis de Sales (SFS) – “The same everlasting Father who cares for you today will care for you tomorrow and every day.

>> Either he will shield you from suffering or give you unfailing strength to bear it.

Be at peace then and put aside all anxious thoughts and imaginings.”

——————————–

One of the easiest doubts that crops up in our day to day experience is the “doubt in our abilities”.

>> How can I do the job?

>> How can I be expected to study so much?

>> How can I ever be able to succeed in such a situation? Etc… etc…

Such a doubting of our abilities can leave many of our plans and aspirations to be at a standstill…

The Gospel of the Day brings us face-to-face with such kind of a situation – a situation of “doubts in abilities”

It was a late evening…

The Lord had finished preaching the Word of God to a large crowd of people.

>> The disciples sensed that it had got too late and requested the Lord to send the people away, so that they could fetch some food for themselves.

“This is a deserted place and it is already very late. Dismiss them so that they can go to the surrounding farms and villages and buy themselves something to eat” (Mk 6: 36)

But the Lord had different plans… as always!

>> The Lord loves to challenge us in our comforts…

>> The Lord loves to let loose our lethargic leanings…

>> The Lord loves to instigate our insipid inhibitions…

He tells the disciples, “Give them some food yourselves” (Mk 6: 37)

This statement came as a shocker for the disciples….

” Are we to buy two hundred days’ wages worth of food and give it to them to eat?” (Mk 6:37)

>> The disciples were not prepared to accept the challenge of the Lord…

They perhaps thought from a financial point of view… It would be too expensive to feed so many!

… And doubting their ability, they thought – “How can it be possible?”

They perhaps thought from a sociological point of view… It would be too impractical to handle so many!

… And doubting their ability, they thought – “How can it be possible?”

They perhaps thought from a comfort point of view… It would be a botheration for us to look after so many!

… And doubting their ability, they thought – “How can it be possible?”

>> Logic sometimes tells us that some things are too hard.

>> Reason sometimes prompts us that some situations are too bad.

>> Brain sometimes puts forward that some circumstances are beyond our control.

But the Lord invites them to look at the strength of their ability… which is He Himself!

>> When problems come, we often “doubt out abilities” because we look only into ourselves…

We fail to look to the Lord, who is the solution to our problems.

>> When difficulties encompass us, we often “doubt out abilities” because we think that we are the master of everything…

We fall short of recognizing the power of God, which is, in fact, our true strength

>> When crisis befalls us, we often “doubt out abilities”, because we get totally tensed and worried within ourselves…

We do not look up and see the hand of God, waiting to lead and guide us

The Disciples, who were “doubting their abilities”, finally let themselves into the ways of the Lord…

>> And then the miracle happened!!

>> When we entrust everything into God’s hands, miracles occur…

>> When we have faith in the mighty Providence of the Lord, wonders take place…

> Before the Lord… logic can dissolve!

> Before the Lord… reason can be floored!

> Before the Lord… brains can be put to shame!

Yes…

… Life will continue to challenge us with problems, wherein we “doubt our abilities”

… Life will always ambush us with painful difficulties, wherein we “doubt our abilities”

Let all those moments…

… be a chance for us to allow the Lord to multiply His blessings in us.

… be an opportunity for us to let the Lord to increase His grace in us.

As St Paul of the Cross tells us, ” Let us throw ourselves into the ocean of His goodness, where every failing will be cancelled and every anxiety turned into love.”

Let us throw ourselves entirely into the care of our Divine Compassionate Shepherd!

God Bless! Live Jesus!

——————————–

Quotable-quote-a-day-with-St Francis de Sales (SFS) – “Anxiety is the greatest evil that can befall a soul, except sin. God commands you to pray, but He forbids you to worry.”

——————————–

 

One of the subtle, taken-for-granted, yet successful techniques in life, is “withdrawal”.

(This “withdrawal” is NOT in the psychological sense of alienating oneself or going into an isolated state of mind)

This technique of “withdrawal” is seen in many areas of life….

While playing chess, as part of a clever strategy, one “withdraws” some of the pieces, in order to have a better control over the game.

>> This withdrawal is in order to alter the line of attack…

>> This withdrawal is to plan a new approach to win the game…

While driving a bike through heavy traffic (especially through the Indian roads), one “withdraws” one’s vehicle for some time, by slowing down…

>> This withdrawal is to allow a little more space ahead, so that we can overtake faster…

>> This withdrawal, by slowing down for few seconds, helps to find more empty spaces to go ahead faster…

Withdrawal, as a technique, is not a sign of weakness or surrender…

>> Rather, it’s a tactic to plan better and enhance organizing.

Withdrawal, as a technique, is not an indication of admitting defeat or submissiveness…

>> Rather, it’s a method to make more progress and find better ways out.

The Gospel of the Day begins with a mention of ‘withdrawal’ by Jesus…

“When He heard that John had been arrested, Jesus withdrew to Galilee” (Mt 4:12)

John the Baptist, the forerunner of Jesus had already begun preaching about the message of repentance.

King Herod, in Jerusalem, had to also face the “naked truths” of the preaching of John.

>> Living in immorality, King Herod had been strongly condemned for his actions, by John

>> Practising adultery, King Herod had been angered greatly by the bold exhortation of John

And so, King Herod had John the Baptist arrested.

>> The “Voice” had been stifled!

>> The “Voice” was suppressed!

St Matthew, however, says, that on hearing of John’s arrest, “Jesus withdrew”.

>> Was it a withdrawal out of fear?

>> Was it a withdrawal because Jesus got intimidated by King Herod?

Surely No!!

Why was it not an action of fear?

Because….

… Galilee, the place where Jesus withdrew, was equally a dangerous place since it was also under King Herod?s rule

… Jesus would display a far greater exhibition of courage, bravery and boldness than even John, by His ministry of Authentic Preaching and Awe-inspiring wondrous deeds.

… God in His Divine plan wanted Jesus to perform much of His ministry in the Gentile region of Galilee.

>> Galilee was certainly not the most obvious place for the Messiah to begin His ministry.

>> Galilee was part of the Northern Kingdom of the nation, which was ruled by ungodly kings…

 

The population was mixed in race and looked down upon by the Jews of Judah & Jerusalem.

> The people of Galilee were considered to be somewhat pagan in their spiritual life.

Yet, as part of His Divine strategy, Jesus “withdraws” to this most improbable place of Galilee to launch His ministry of Spiritual Revolution of the world.

Life sometimes makes us to “withdraw”…

>> In a situation of trouble and crisis, we need to sometimes “withdraw” into our selves and find time with the Lord, in order to assess and evaluate our circumstances.

>> In our dealings with others, we need to sometimes “withdraw” some of our words, expressions and feelings, in order to preserve and strengthen our relationships.

>> In our careers or future planning, we need to sometimes “withdraw” so that we can give sometime for ourselves and thus be able to perform better.

Life is not always rosy and life is not always a cakewalk.

>> Difficulties and struggles are ready to very often pounce on us.

>> Crisis and situations of terror are waiting to grab us by the neck.

Just like our Dear Lord, who is the perfect strategist and the ideal planner, we too need to take control of our lives, by giving time for “ourselves” even if needed to “withdraw” at certain times.

>> This withdrawal is not a retreat into depression…

…  rather a time of preparation with the Lord.

>> This withdrawal is not falling into anxieties…

… rather a time of charging with the power of God

Let us become a powerful witness to Jesus, the Light of the Nations!

God Bless! Live Jesus!

Fr Jijo Jose Manjackal MSFS

Bengaluru, India

——————————–

Quotable-quote-a-day-with-St Francis de Sales (SFS) “ Bloom where you are planted!”

A well-known story goes of a holy monk, who was once visited by a young man.

The young person asked him, ” I want you to tell me how to find God”

>> The monk was a muscular person.

He told the man, “Do you really want to find God?”

The man said, “Oh Yes, I want to!”

So the monk took the man to the river.

When they reached the place, the monk grabbed the young man by the neck, and held his head down water.

At first the man thought, that this was a special ritual.

But even after a few minutes, the monk did not let go.

The young man began to struggle

>> But the monk would not leave him.

The young man try to fight harder to be released!

> But the monk would not release.

The young man struggled to breathe in some air…

… but the monk kept him in.

Finally, after a long time of struggle, the monk pulled out the young man from the waters and told him:

“When you desire God as much as you longed for the air, then you will have the Epiphany of God!”

The Lord makes Himself known to the one who desires and longs, sincerely, honestly and faithfully!

It is this deep desire and the wonderful manifestation of the Lord that we celebrate today, in the Feast of the Epiphany of the Lord.

The word “Epiphany”, means…

… appearance or manifestation or showing forth.

It refers to the first appearance of Jesus to the Gentiles.

This Feast of the Epiphany drives home a powerful message…

… and gives pointers to experience true joy and happiness in life.

The Magi teach us some vital clues towards finding the “Joy in Life”…

1. WHAT do we seek?

The Magi from the East had just one purpose in their long journey: to meet the New Born King and pay Him homage and worship. (Mt 2:2)

This single focus and dedication…

… Impelled them to move forward with determination

… Inspired them to overcome all hurdles

… Infused them with a hope that would taken them through their deep desire.

What do we seek in life?

Is it for the Lord and His glory… ?

… Or do we engage ourselves in activities for one’s self glory and pride?

Is the Lord the end and purpose of all our actions… ?

… Or do worldly desires dilute our works and actions?

2. WHERE do we seek?

The purposeful determination of the Magi made them to be focussed on the Star – a sign to lead them to their destination ( Mt 2:2b)

>> As long as they followed the Star, they remained on the right track.

Of course, for a moment, seeing King Herod’s palace, they got a bit deviated as they reasoned out that the New Born King would be born in a palace!

>> But Divine Providence soon brought them back on track.

The star once again led them and they reached the Great King enthroned on the Wooden Throne of the Manger!

>> (pre-figuring the enthronement of the Lord, later, on the Wooden Throne of the Cross!)

Where do I seek the Lord?

>> Do I faithfully follow the Star of inspiration, that the Lord constantly sends…

… Through His Commandments, Teachings of the Church, many people in our life and the situations of life

>> Do I seek His Love in the wonderful sacraments that the Church offers, encounter Him in the poor and the needy and experience His Providence in the situations of our life?

… Or do I get lost, in our search for the Divine, in the pleasures of this world, engage too much only in our works and material engagements or dip ourselves into the murky waters of sinful addictions, sly attachments and silly attractions.

3. WHAT GIFTS do we offer Him?

The Gospel says that the Magi offered Baby Jesus, their choicest gifts – fit and appropriate.. ( Mt 2:11b)

> Gold for Jesus, the King

> Frankincense for Jesus, the Priest

> Myrrh for Jesus, the Prophet.

These gifts would have cost them a fortune…

… They also bore the marks of their sacrifice and pain

>> But they were gifts that were worthy and befitting the King!

What gifts do we offer to the Lord?

In the Holy Mass…

>> Do we really offer Him our pains, struggles, our little sacrifices, our honest longings?

… or, is the Holy Mass become just a customary ritual, without we offering anything to Him and thus failing to derive any joy or consolation for this Precious Sacrament?

In our life…

>> Do we try to make some personal sacrifices…?

>> Take some radical decisions to live worthier Christian life, and be more dedicated to pursue a life of holiness and sanctity…?

The Lord wishes, desires and deserves the best gifts from us.

>> He tells us to, above all, “offer our lives as a living sacrifice” ( Rom sinful, broken, wounded – just as we are…

.. So that He can transform us, and make us a new creation (“Behold I make all things new – Rev 21:5)

The Feast of the Epiphany is a powerful invitation for us to…

… Examine, purify and strengthen…

… the focusses and priorities of our life.

Yes, like the Magi…

>> Let us seek the Lord deeper

>> Let us long for the Lord intensely in the right place

>> Let us desire for the Lord passionately, offering Him the best gifts of our life

May we deeply desire for the Lord, and thus be worthy to enjoy the ecstasy of the Epiphany of God!

Happy Feast of the Epiphany!

God bless! Live Jesus!

——————————–

Quotable-quote-a-day-with-St Francis de Sales (SFS) – There are many who want me to tell them of secret ways of becoming perfect and I can only tell them that the sole secret is a hearty love of God, and the only way of attaining that love is by loving.

>> You learn to speak by speaking, to study by studying, to run by running, to work by working; and just so you learn to love God and man by loving!”

An incident is told about a famous agnostic ( = a person who believes that nothing is known/can be known of the existence or nature of God)…

… who was staying as a guest in the house of a Catholic Family.

When Sunday came around, all the members of the family got ready to go to Church.

But this agnostic was not willing to.

>> In fact, he approached the owner of the house and asked him to stay back, without going to Church.

“Why not avoid going to Church today,” he told the owner, “and instead stay back and tell me what does your Catholic Faith mean to you!”

The owner- a devout and staunch, yet simple Catholic – got perplexed: “You have the capability to destroy any argument and any opponent.

>> I am just an simple Catholic. I am not clever enough to argue with you.”

But the agnostic continued gently: “I don’t want to argue with you. I just want you

to tell me simply what this Christ means to you.”

The man stayed at home and simply told him of his faith.

The incident goes on to say that, when he had finished…

… there were tears in the agnostic’s eyes.

Yes, it was not clever argument that touched the agnostic’s heart…

… but the simple story of a man’s faith!

>> Where arguments, prejudices and rhetoric fail…

… there faith and love always win!

>> Where bombastic words and complicated talks fail to touch…

… an experience of God’s Power and Grace can work wonders!

The Gospel of the Day presents such a beautiful experience…

… of a person who was made to go beyond the “influence of prejudice and rhetoric” and thus could “experience God’s Power and Grace”!

The Gospel narrates the incident of Philip, who has already had a “Come and See” Experience (Jn 1: 39).

After “experiencing” the Lord, Philip goes to his town Bethsaida, where he meets Nathanael. (Jn 1: 44-45)

Nathanael – a name which means, “God has given” is an interesting character.

When Philip who had met Jesus, went and told Nathaneal that “We have found Him of whom Moses in the law and also the prophets wrote, Jesus of Nazareth…” (Jn 1: 45)…

… Nathanael put forward a blunt question, “Can anything good come out of Nazareth?” (Jn 1: 46)

Nathanael showed forth a cynical and doubtful mind…

… probably due to his prejudice and bias.

But…

>> Where arguments, prejudices and rhetoric fail…

… there faith and love always win!

>> Where bombastic words and complicated talks fail to touch…

… an experience of God’s Power and Grace can work wonders!

And so, Philip invites Nathanael to have a first-hand experience of the Lord, by telling Him, “Come and See” (Jn 1: 46b)

Nathanael was relying more on the “the power of rhetoric” and the “strength of logical argument”

>> He depended more on his past experience and his ability to “put forth ideas”

But Philip is willing to show how the power of rhetoric” and the “strength of logical argument” can be easily won over by the Experience of God’s Love and Faith in Him!

Philip himself was told by Jesus, “Come and See” (Jn 1: 39)

>> He went and saw… and with an experience, had his life transformed!

He now invites Nathanael to do the same: “Come and See” (Jn 1: 46b)

>> So that he too can go and see… and have an experience, to have his life transformed!

Here’s a big lesson to all of us:

>> Unless we have a first-hand experience of God’s Love and Providence…

… we will only remain in the level of “rhetoric and argument”

>> Unless we thirst to be filled with God’s Presence and Comfort…

… we will only be stuck with our “past experiences and prejudices”

Nathanael would “dare” to have the “Come and See” Experience…

… and that would result in his public confession: “Rabbi, You are the Son of God! You are the King of Israel” (Jn 1: 49)

Are we willing to have the “Come and See” experience…

… like Philip?

… like Nathanael?

Let us realize that it is not arguments or rhetoric that would help us to grow in our faith…

… rather an “experience” of the Lord and His Love!

Many of us perhaps “know a lot about God”

>> But how many of us “know God a lot?”?

Many of us perhaps can regularly give “talks on God”

>> But how many of us, regularly, “talk to God?”

Let the “Come and See” Experience of Nathanael be an inspiration for all of us…

… to grow in our thirst for the Lord

Through…

… Regular prayer

… Reception of the Sacraments

… Reading of the Bible

… Recognizing the guidance of God in all what we do

… Recounting the many blessings of God

>> May we constantly grow in this “Come and See” Experience of the Lord!

God Bless! Live Jesus!

——————————–

Quotable-quote-a-day-with-St Francis de Sales (SFS) – “Do not become upset when difficulty comes your way. Laugh in its face and know that you are in the hands of God.”

——————————–

There was a field covered with freshly fallen snow.

>> A father and a son entered that field.

As they walk across the field, the father just went, as normally, walking…

… without paying any particular attention to where he was going.

But his son, on the other hand, followed his father directly behind…

… making a special effort to step in his father’s footprints.

After the two had crossed the field, the son looked behind and tugged his father to look behind.

“Look there Father”, said the boy, “there is only one set of tracks visible in the field, although both of us had walked across it!”

The father – who was known to be a very honest and gentle person – smiled and said:

“That’s so beautiful, my Child!

You have taken all the efforts to walk on my footprints!”

I wish and pray, that you also do that same, in life!”

The Father was inviting his son, to Walk his path of Honesty and Gentleness…

… in his footprints!

This is the Christian way, also, isn’t it?

>> Walking the path of Christ..

… In His Footprints!

The Gospel of the Day presents the familiar yet fascinating incident of the First Disciples of Jesus following Him…

>> And how this First Following would lead them to “Walk the Path of Christ”…

… in His Footprints!

The passage begins by stating that “John (the Baptist) was standing with two of his disciples.

>> And as he watched Jesus walk by, he said, ‘Behold, the Lamb of God.’

The two disciples heard what he said and followed Jesus.” (Jn 1: 35-37)

One of the very beautiful aspects that we find in this “call narrative”…

… is the fact of how the two disciples give heed to the word of John the Baptist.

And to further that call, they would give heed to the invitation of Jesus as well: “Come, and you will see.” (Jn 1: 39)…

… and they went and stayed with Him.

These two acts of obedience to the voice of John the Baptist and Jesus…

… would re-define their lives!

… would transform their future!

This act of obedience was a radical choice they made

>> Walking the path of Christ..

… In His Footprints!

They were probably not very sure what was coming ahead

>> They were mostly uncertain, of what would be the implications of “following Christ closely”

But they made a choice

>> And that choice would change their lives for ever!

As Christians, we are also constantly given this invitation

>>To walk in the path of Christ..

… In His Footprints!

This requires trust in Him

>> This demands obedience to His Voice

Very often, the voice of the world makes us to stray our paths

>> But Jesus says: “Follow my footprints” and remain firm in Him!

Very often, the comforts offered by the world, makes us lose our values

>> But Jesus says: “Follow my footprints” and be faithful to be my witness!

Very often, the hardships of life, makes us to be discouraged

>> But Jesus says: “Follow my footprints” and being focused on me, always be encouraged and hopeful!

Life often takes us through the “fields of snow”…

… the snow of sufferings

… the snow of uncertainty

… the snow of discouragement

… the snow of painful experiences

But let’s take conscious and special efforts “to step in Christ’s Footprints”…

So that after crossing “such fields of snow” we can say: “Look Lord, there is only one set of tracks visible in the field, although both of us had walked across it!”

>> And we hearing the Lord, with much love, telling us: “That’s so beautiful, my Child!

God Bless! Live Jesus!

——————————–

Quotable-quote-a-day-with-St Francis de Sales (SFS) – ” Begin each day with “the direction of intentions”: My God, I give you this day. I offer You, now all the good that I shall do and promise to accept, for love of You, all the difficulties that I shall meet. Help me to conduct myself this day in a manner pleasing to You!”

——————————–

The five fingers of the hand have their own functions and roles.

However, one among these five, is often engaged in a pretty notorious activity…

That Finger is …

… the Forefinger or the Index Finger.

>> And the activity that it is often used for, is… Blaming!

The Index finger or also called as the Pointer Finger is often used…

…to point to others and accuse them

.. to point towards others and blame them

…to point towards others and lay a charge on them

This action is also called as Finger-Pointing – the act of casting the blame or assigning the blame for something, to someone else.

We have somehow, consciously or unconsciously, got into a habit of using our Index or the Forefinger to always blame and accuse others…

… and pass on the fault to other people.

The Gospel of the Day, is however, a welcome change to this “sickening” trend of finger-pointing!

We have St John the Baptist who utilizes this action of pointing, not for blaming or accusing…

… rather to point out the Saviour of the World!

He points out, in a majestic style, to Jesus… and declares emphatically, ” Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!” (Jn 1: 29)

He points towards Jesus…

… to make known the One who is the long-awaited Messiah!

… and reveals to the world, the One who is to redeem humanity!

… to proclaim the One, who by His greatness, would grant salvation!

John the Baptist, becomes a witness and a testimony to the world, to reveal Jesus as the Redeemer!

This pointing to the Saviour reveals many inner qualities of St John the Baptist…

He displays great humility in acknowledging the greatness of Jesus!

He shows forth immense goodness in choosing to play the secondary role!

He exhibits nobility by gently shifting the focus and limelight to Jesus, the Saviour!

He demonstrates faithfulness to his mission of being the forerunner to the True Messiah!

Our life is sometimes plagued by the “bad tendency” to point to others, only in a negative sense…

We point to others…

… to pass on judgement and condemnation

… to cast feelings of guilt and culpability

… to make public the faults of other people

It’s not that we should refrain from constructive criticism…

… or correcting others gently

… or making the other person aware of their shortcomings.

But can we learn from St John the Baptist, the attitude to point out to others, in order to….

… Instill a sense of encouragement and affirmation

… Acknowledge their valuable and precious presence

… Allow people to notice the good and noble deeds of others

Pointing to others, ought not to be a tool of painful criticism and discouragement…

… rather it must be an action of encouragement and acknowledgement.

Pointing to others, ought not to be a medium of accusationand denunciation…

… rather it must be a means of appreciation and admiration.

We celebrate today the Feast of St Chavara Elias Kuriakose, a popular Saint from India.

He became a symbol of great encouragement, acknowledgement & appreciation of others…

… Especially through the ministry of pastoral care and Catholic education and learning

In his own words, “Make it clear that your home is not a place for indulging in profane conversation or for speaking ill of others or slandering”

May we tread the path and example shown by St John the Baptist and St Chavara Kuriokose.

>> Let us become a people of true acknowledgement…

… and not wasteful blaming.

>> Let us become a people of honest encouragement…

… and not critical judgment.

>> Let us become a people of credible appreciation…

… and not distasteful denouncing.

God Bless! Live Jesus!

——————————–

Quotable-quote-a-day-with-St Francis de Sales (SFS) – “The business of finding fault is very easy;

the business of doing better, very difficult!”

——————————–

One of the most common & natural styles of engaging in a conversation with a stranger, is getting to “know more” about the person.

This process to “getting to know more” about the person includes:

…getting to know His/Her name…

…getting to know His/Her occupations…

…getting to know His/Her interests and likings…

The Gospel of the Day is an introduction to the person of John the Baptist.

An attempt is made to ” know more” about John?

>> His name… His occupations… His interests and liking.

We are on the second day of the New Year.

The last one week has been a time of hectic activities and festive spirit…

>> We were treated to many sermons, reflections and thoughts on the Word of God.

>> We were feasting on a variety of good food, tasty delicacies and classic sweets.

>> We were enjoying many moments of fun, frolic, laughter and happiness.

But today onwards, things tend to “appear” to be ordinary and “normal”.

The time, after a grand celebration or a festive mood, can be always dangerous and dodgy…

… it can lead to extended period of laxity or slackness.

… it can remove the zing of enthusiasm and energy.

… it can cause one to creep into a mode of taking things for granted.

And so, the Gospel of the Day presents to us the message of not slipping into negligence or casualness….

… Rather, seeks to keep up our spirits high, and to be on the vigilance always.

>> People with great enthusiasm always tend to brush the energy onto others.

>> People with a passionate zeal always make a positive impact on the other.

>> People with a fighting spirit always rub on the vigour into other people.

And such a person… is John the Baptist.

The Fourth Gospel introduces the person of St John the Baptist to us.

He is a person of great enthusiasm, of a passionate zeal and of a fighting spirit.

Some Priests and Levites came to him to ask, “Who are you” (Jn 1: 19)

John the Baptist was quite clear and convinced of the answer to this question.

>> He admitted that he was not the Messiah. (Jn 1: 20)

>> He admitted that he was not Elijah. (Jn 1: 21)

>> He admitted that he was not the Prophet. (Jn 1: 21)

>>> He testified that he was the voice crying in the desert. (Jn 1: 23)

>>> He testified that he was the one exhorting to ‘make straight the way of the Lord’. (Jn 1:23)

>>> He testified that he was the witness to the Light that was coming to enlighten the world. (Jn1: 8)

>> He testified that the One coming after him was ranking ahead of him (Jn 1: 15)

>> A deep conviction of “who he was” guided all the actions of John the Baptist.

>> A powerful knowledge of “his role in life” was the strength of mission for John the Baptist.

>> A clear cut awareness of “what was his mission” was the secret of success for John the Baptist.

Do I possess such kind of a deep and “anchored” conviction in my Christian Life?

John the Baptist was questioned, “Who are you” by many people.

He had an answer for it… and that made Him not to waver or get bogged down by situations.

Life often throws this question to us – “Who are you?”

>> When we face emotional crisis in our relationships and social interactions, we are encountered with this question, deep within us…

… “Who are you?”

>> When things in life do not go the way we wished or expected and somehow the future appears bleak, we are encountered with this question, deep within us…

… “Who are you?”

>> When in the castle of interiority, we experience a barrenness and a feeling of isolation from the Lord, we are encountered with this question, deep within us …

… “Who are you?”

Failing to find an answer to this question, can sometimes….

… plunge us into a deep struggle

… make us to fear life and people

…. crush our hopes and aspirations.

We may tend to think…

… “What really is the purpose of my life??

… “Why should I continue to life in this manner?”

… “I wish I could just be free from all this web of pain and tensions!”

Yes, life will at many times, throw this question at us – “Who are you?”

Today, St John the Baptist, exhorts & challenges us, to not get too disturbed when we are faced with this provoking question in life.

>> Our faith and strength, like St John the Baptist, ought to be Jesus, the Light.

>> Our hope and courage, like St John the Baptist, ought to be Jesus, the Messiah.

>> I am God’s Child….

… in this is my true identity.

>> I am the witness to the True Light…

… in this is my true role in life.

>> I am a Voice in the wilderness…

… in this is my Christian duty and obligation.

>> I am dependant on the Grace and Mercy of the Lord…

… in this is my authentic hope and faith.

May St John the Baptist, whom we have come to “know more” today, become an inspiration and a challenge, as we march forward…

… with faith and love

… through the valleys and mountains

… and wilderness and oasis

.. of the Year 2019!

God Bless! Live Jesus!

——————————–

Quotable-quote-a-day-with-St Francis de Sales (SFS) – “Be what you are and be at its best!”

——————————–