A Dutch diamond collector was seeking for a very rare diamond.

A diamond dealer in New York heard of this inquiry and contacted him…

… letting him know that he believed he possessed the diamond he was looking for.

The diamond collector arrived…

… and the dealer had his salesman present the diamond.

The salesman described all the technical aspects of the diamond.

>> However within minutes, the diamond collector rose his hand and said: “I am sorry! This is not the diamond I am looking for”…

… and began to walk away.

Watching from a distance, the diamond dealer hurriedly intercepted him…

… and he asked him if he could present the diamond again.

Since he had travelled a long distance, the collector agreed to listen once again.

The dealer pulled out the same diamond and started describing his admiration for this particular diamond.

Within minutes they were signing papers, and the diamond was purchased.

As the gentleman was walking out, he asked, what just happened?

>> Why was it so easy for me to say no to your salesman a little while ago, while with you I purchased the diamond?

The dealer replied: “That salesman is the best in the business.

>> He knows more about diamonds than anyone, including myself, and I pay him a large salary for his knowledge and expertise.

But I would gladly pay him twice as much if I could put into him something I have which he lacks.

You see, he knows diamonds…

… but I love them!”

Love transforms everything!

>> Love adds passion in any activity we do.

Today we celebrate the Feast of one such person who deeply loved the Lord – St Mary Magdalene.

The Bible presents St Mary Magdalene as a woman who loved Jesus intensely and passionately.

She teaches us remarkable things for each one of us to Love the Lord deeper:

1. She Followed Him

Luke 8:2 presents Mary Magdalene as having been cured of seven demons.

Her experience of the Healing of the Lord, made her to Follow Jesus, in His ministry of preaching and healing.

>> Am I following the Lord?

All have us have, in our life, have experienced the power of the Lord.

>> But do I truly follow the Lord?

2. She was Persistent to seek Him

The Death of her Lord had rocked Mary Magdalene…

… and she seeks persistently, in the tomb where Jesus was laid.

Even though she witnessed an empty tomb, her heart longed to see the Saviour….” so she stayed outside the tomb weeping”(Jn 20:11).

>> Am I persistent to seek the Lord?

I have often had setbacks in my prayer life, work situations & aspirations.

>> But do I still persevere in looking for the Lord?

3. She was Single-hearted in her search for Him

In her search for Jesus, whom she misunderstood as a gardener, Mary Magdalene expresses her sincerity and frankness and single-mindedness – “Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have put him, and I will get him.”

>> She sought no empty phrases or consolations…but the Lord alone!

>> Nothing and none else could suffice her..but the Lord alone!

>> Am I single-hearted in my search for the Lord?

I am sometimes content with fleeting pleasures, transitory consolation and momentary comforts in my spiritual life.

>> Do I rather be single-hearted in my longing for the Lord?

4. She was enthusiastic about Him

Once she recognized the ordinary gardener as her Precious Master, Mary Magdalene is enthusiastic and fervent about Him.

Nothing could stop her from proclaiming Him.

In the words of St Bernard, “she became an apostle to the Apostles”.

>> Am I enthusiastic in my life?

As a Christian, I have in me the influencing, the powerful and the salvific good news of the Lord. >> Am I enthusiastic in sharing about the Lord to others?

Let us learn from St Mary Magdalene…

… her commitment in following of Jesus

… her persistence in waiting for Jesus, her single-heartedness in searching for Jesus, and her enthusiasm in telling others about Jesus.

St Mary Magdalene…

… is a beautiful model of being a Disciple

… is a wonderful example of being a Divine-Seeker

… is a classic illustration of being a Dispenser of the Good News

St. Mary Magdalene holds a unique place in the history of Jesus.

>> The One who rose from the grave of death, appeared first to her, who herself experienced a rising from the grave of sin!

>> She was the first (as per the Gospel accounts) to see Him alive and the first to hear His voice.

>> She became the first evangelist in Christian history.

She is the Mourner who turned into a Missionary!

Let us passionately love the Lord, like St Mary Magdalene,

… “’cos there isn’t an ocean too deep, a mountain so high it can keep…

… keep us away, away from His love!”

As Christians it is not enough that we “know about Christ”…

… it is more important “to know Christ” and to love Him!

May St Mary Magdalene help us to understand that “Love transforms everything!”

>> Love adds passion to any activity we do.

Happy Feast of St Mary Magdalene – the Disciple, the Divine-Seeker, the Dispenser of the Good News!

>> Happy Feast of Tender Love and Mercy to all!

God Bless! Live Jesus!

——————————–

Quotable-quote-a-day-with-St Francis de Sales (SFS) – “Today I want to wish you one of the blessings accorded to Saint Mary Magdalene.

>> Not her ecstasies or extraordinary gifts…

… but imitating her by sitting at the feet of Jesus all the days of our life.

Above all, I hope you have the courage to overcome the difficulties that impede you from God.

Therefore, continually seek the Lord and do not give up until you have found Him.

>> Seek Him out during this mortal life, not risen and glorious, but crucified and dead.

Prepare your shoulders to carry the cross of the Crucified with love, and if the burden is heavy, console yourself…

… because courage and love will give you the strength!”

——————————–

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!

——————————–

Quotable-quote-a-day-with-St Francis de Sales (SFS) – “Have Jesus always for your patron, His Cross for a mast on which you must spread your resolutions as a sail.

>> Your anchor shall be a profound confidence in Him…

… and you shall sail prosperously!”

——————————–

The Bible is the Real Word of God…

… describing Real Situations of Human Beings and the World.

>> The Bible does not shy away from presenting the weaknesses & the vulnerability of people.

In fact, the Bible has a special concern and a likeness for persons who are…

… feeble & fragile

… weak & worn-out

… helpless and hopeless

… unprotected & unarmed

… demoralized & defenseless

The Bible presents an “Anawim God”!

>> The term “Anawim” in Hebrew means “The Poor who seek the Lord for deliverance.”

God has always taken the ones in the position of powerlessness…

… and placed them in the position of strength.

The idea of God’s people being poor and delivered by Him is found throughout the Scripture.

Jesus is the Face of this Anawim God.

>> Though He was God, He emptied Himself and became..

… poor & powerless, frail &feeble

…. like any of us!

Today’s Gospel presents two images quoting Isaiah, on how this Anawim Jesus cares for His people: “The bruised reed He will not crush…nor snuff out the smouldering wick”!

What are Bruised Reeds and Smouldering Wicks?

1. The Bruised Reed

A reed was a tall hollow blade of grass along the river bank.

>> But sometimes, a strong wind would blow, or people would stamp them down and they would become bowed and bent over…

Battered and shattered lives of people are Bruised Reeds…

… But Jesus does not crush them!

Is my Life like a Bruised Reed?

>> Crushed by a financial crisis…

>> Devastated by human calamites…

>> Suppressed by lack of spiritual solace…

>> Struck by an illness…

>> Hurt by a harsh word…

>> Disappointed by a death…

The world may want to cast these bruised reeds aside.

>> But Jesus reaches out in love and mercy!

The world did not see their pain and misery.

>> But Jesus gets in touch to comfort and relieve!

There are lot of Bruised Reeds in the Bible:

>> Zacchaeus…

>> Martha…

>> The Woman caught in adultery…

>> The Samaritan Woman…

>> The Man with a withered hand…

>> The widow who offered a mite etc…

Is my Life like a Bruised Reed?

2. The Smouldering Wick:

Jesus’ image here was based on wicks used in oil lamps.

When the oil supply became less, the flame begins to flicker.

As the wick burned out, smoke was emitted that smelled bad…

… the normal tendency is the put off this smouldering wick…

>> But Jesus does not snuff them out!

Is my life like a Smouldering Wick?

>> Saddened by trials and troubles, our flame of life often flickers…

>> Encountered by constant failures, our light of faith dies out…

>> Blown by winds of catastrophes, our glow of hope fades away…

>> Stumbled upon darkness of consolations, our flare of charity wanes away…

The world wants to snuff out these wicks.

>> But Jesus intervenes to renew the fire and the blaze!

The world feels it’s the end.

>> But Jesus jumpstarts and rejuvenates our lives!

There are a lot of Smouldering Wicks in the Bible…

>> Peter…

>> Mathew…

>> Bartimaeus…

>> Mary Magdalene…

>> The Crook on the Cross etc…

Is my life like a Smouldering Wick?

Am I an Anawim…a NObody?….

>> God wants to make me a SOMEbody!

The Bible tells stories after stories about nobodies; about those who never do well!

>> But God chose them.

God’s eyes search throughout the world, looking for ones whose stories ended before it began.

>> He looks for those who have no hope in this world – The Bruised Reeds and the Smouldering Wicks

Let’s be prepared to Rise Up in Hope and to Burn On in Love!

>> The Anawim are God’s Beloved!

God Bless! Live Jesus!

——————————–

Quotable-quote-a-day-with-St Francis de Sales (SFS) – “The many troubles in your household will tend to your edification…

… if you strive to bear them all in gentleness, patience, and kindness.

>> Keep this ever before you, and remember constantly that God’s loving eyes are upon you amid all these little worries and vexations…

… watching whether you take them as He would desire

——————————–

The dial of a clock is a beautiful illustration of the way God deals with human life.

The hands on the dial of the clock are God’s Hands – passing over and over again…

… the short hand, being the Hand of God’s Discipline

… the long hand, being the Hand of God’s Mercy

• The short hand – the hand of Discipline…

… passes slowly, but surely

… strikes at each hour too

• But the long hand – the hand of Mercy…

… passes much faster and surely too

… showers down sixtyfold of blessing for each strike of discipline

And another interesting aspect….?

Both the hands are fastened to one firm and secure point – the Beautiful Heart of the God of Love!

God’s discipline in the form of trials is a surety in life…

• But much more abundant in life, are His mercies that are scattered regularly all through…

>> And both these dimensions – Discipline & Mercies – stem forth from the Immense Love of God!

The Gospel of the Day is a beautiful presentation of Jesus as the God of Love Who, though is a Disciplining God…

… displays His Heart of abundant mercy and invites His followers to become People of Merciful Love!

The Gospel passage begins the incident of the disciples being caught by the Pharisees plucking the heads of grain and eating them, on the Sabbath Day.

The Pharisees who were the strict proponents and protectors of the Law, found it a great offence when they found the disciples were doing an “illegal and unlawful” act, as per their Sabbath prescriptions.

Therefore they accuse, “Look, Your disciples are doing what is not lawful to do on the Sabbath” (Mt 12:2)

But Jesus is quick to point out the folly that the Pharisees were falling into…

>> The folly of being crime-finders than being mercy-givers!

>> The folly of becoming petty-accusers than being generous-forgivers!

Jesus brings out two practical examples to show the “duplicity” and the “unkind” attitude of the Pharisees:

1. David’s ‘grave’ violation of the Sabbath was acceptable whereas the Disciples ‘minor’ act was condemned!

>> David unlawfully ate of the tabernacle showbread which was reserved only for the priests.

But this “not lawful” act of David was not condemned

>> The Disciples on the other, actually did not break the Law…

The Hebrew law had made provision for those in need to eat when they passed through a field of grain (Dt. 23:25; cf. Ruth 2:2-3)

But over the years, the tradition had evolved a series of ‘violations’ that were considered violations of the Sabbath Law.

One of these ‘violations’ was ‘ plucking and eating’ the grain – that the disciples did.

However, this act was most certainly not for commercial gain, as envisaged by the Law

Therefore, in reality, the Disciples had not really done anything “unlawful”

Yet, they were condemned!

2. The daily duty of the priests on the Sabbath was considered as being “normal” whereas the ‘exceptional’ act of the disciples to satisfy the basic human need of hunger was considered ‘aberrant’!

The work done by the Priests who served on the Sabbath Day, was acceptable.

However, the action done by the Disciples was considered violation of the Law!

Jesus makes another statement here, “I tell you, something greater than the Temple is here” (Mt 12: 6)

What was Jesus, in fact, also saying?

>> “You permit the priests of human-made temples to work, but you do not allow the Disciples of the Living Temple to work?

Is that not showing your duplicity on one side, and your lack of knowledge of the Messiah on the other?!”

And therefore, Jesus makes that bold and firm statement, echoing the prophet Hosea (6:6):

“I desire mercy, not sacrifice!” (Mt 12: 7)

Jesus passed through a field where condemnation was scattered; but He sows the seeds of mercy all around!

Today, you and me, are invited to do the same…

… to become people who show mercy and compassion, rather than being “judgmental” and “overly-critical” people!

We are invited to be like the Lord, as illustrated in the ‘dial of a clock’:

>> Having a hand of discipline that passes only slowly…

>> But also having a hand of Mercy that traverses more often…

But both, being fastened tightly to a Heart, full of compassion and love!

We may live, passing through the fields of unjust condemnation and outright critics.

>> But like the Lord, may we become persons, who sow the seeds of Mercy and Compassion!

God Bless! Live Jesus!

——————————–

Quotable-quote-a-day-with-St Francis de Sales (SFS) – “Our misery is the throne of God’s mercy!”

——————————–

A story is told of a shabby old man who would go to the Church at noon every day.

>> He would just be inside the Church for a few minutes.

The sacristan of the Church was disturbed with this man’s daily presence…

… “What could he be doing?”

… “Why is the motive of this shabby man?”

>> After all, the Church also contained valuable furnishings.

“I go to pray,” the old man said in reply to the sacristan’s questioning.

“Oh, come on! Don’t lie”, the sacristan refuted, “you are never long enough in the church to pray.”

“Well, you see,’ the old man went on…

“I cannot make a long prayer.

But every day at twelve o’clock I just come and say, “Jesus, it’s Jim.”

I wait for a minute and then come away.

>> It’s just a little prayer, but I guess He hears me.”

Some months back, Jim was injured and was taken to the hospital.

He had a wonderful influence in the hospital ward

>> Grumbling patients became cheerful and often the ward would ring with laughter.

“Well, Jim,” said the nurse to him one day, “It’s so wonderful to see you happy always!”

“Hmm… yes, Sister, I can’t help being happy.

You see, it’s my Visitor. Every day He makes me happy!”

“Your visitor?” asked the puzzled sister, for he was a lonely old man, with no relations, “Your visitor? But when does he come?’

“Every day,” Jim replied, with the twinkle in his eyes growing brighter.

“Every day at twelve o’clock He comes and stands at the foot of my bed.

I see Him and He smiles and says, “Jim, it’s Jesus!”

When we lean on to the Lord, He gives us His rest and consolation

>> When we are faithful to our relationship with Him, He strengthens us and comforts us!

The Gospel of the Day is the beautiful invitation by the Lord…

…. to come to His Presence

… and to rest in His Heart!

Jesus says, “Come to me all you who labour and are burdened, and I will give you rest” (Mt 11: 28)

Our lives are characterised by innumerable occasions when we feel tired and exhausted and just to give up….

… Those doing their studies often feel the burden of their academics and say, “Oh, I am fed up of this!”

… Those doing household chores at times feel unrewarded and unrecognised and say, “Oh, it’s a daily burden!”

… Those into works of livelihood sometimes struggle with pressures and deadlines and say, “Oh, I am really tired of all this!”

… Those in positions of caretaking others, often strain against temperaments and characters and say, “Oh, I feel so tired”

… Those who are surrounded by evil tendencies, bad habits and sinful cravings say, “Oh, I am I feel so weary!”

Each of us, at some time or the other…in some situation or the other…

… do feel the burden of being tired, weary and exhausted.

Perhaps….

>> You feel life sometimes is a great struggle, isn’t it?

>> You often have thoughts like, “Why is my life so pitiable,” isn’t it?

>> You tend to think that “I wish all this was not there in my life,” isn’t it?

>> You have feelings that you are unlucky in life and “I have nothing to look forward,” isn’t it?

To each of us then, Our Gentle Lord invites: “Come my Child…. and I will give you rest” (Mt 11:28)

Jesus says: “Take My yoke upon you…” (Mt 10: 29)

The instant reaction to this sentence, to us who are already overburdened, might be…

… “Oh No! Why another yoke?”

… “I already have a yoke; why should I carry the Lord’s yoke?”

We need to understand the concept of a “yoke”, especially from the Jewish society.

‘Yoke’ is a bar of wood, so made as to unite two animals (usually oxen)…

… enabling them to work in the fields, drawing heavy loads and pulling instruments used for farming.

Farmers would ‘yoke’ the young ox with the old experienced ox to train them.

>> The old ox would take the major load and the young one would be walking along and learning.

… The burden of the young one is reduced and the older one takes over the weight of the work!

The Yoke, helps the young one…

… to reduce its burden

… to feel that it is in perfect control of the elder one

… to feel urged to do more, as its efforts are doubled by the elder one

This is the picture of the ‘yoke’ that Jesus presents…

… Yoke as a symbol of partnership

… Yoke as a symbol of control

… Yoke as a symbol of relief

… Yoke as a symbol of hope

When we take the “yoke” of Christ…

… He strengthens us

… Our burdens are no longer ours; He takes over

… We find a meaning for our lives and we feel refreshed

… We feel urged to do more in life as the Lord blesses our efforts

Are we ready to take the “Yoke” of Christ?

It means that we ought to build a relationship with the Lord…

>> It means that as disciples, we are willing to accept the “yoke” of our Rabbi and Master Jesus

Life might be harsh on us….

But the Lord invites us, “Come to me, and I will give you rest… Take my yoke”

We need to be in the presence of the Lord – growing more in prayer and trust in Him.

Often we run to other sources for comfort and pleasure, to relieve ourselves from our burdens…

… sinful addictions

… unpleasant habits

… unholy sources of pleasure

But the Lord says, to instead present ourselves to Him, at every moment…

>> Especially in our moments of burden and hardships

… and receive strength and rest from Him!

When we lean on to the Lord, He gives us His rest and consolation

>> When we are faithful to our relationship with Him, He strengthens us and comforts us!

>> Let us read the Word of God daily to find strength

>> Let us spend time with the Lord in prayer every day without fail

>> Let us worthily receive the Sacraments to experience His Living Presence

Yes, Life may be playing a “joke” on us by straining us with burdens and hardships…

>> But let the “Yoke” of Christ give us rest, hope, strength and joy

… and let us hear the Good Shepherd telling us in our moments of struggle, “My Child, it’s Jesus!”

God Bless! Live Jesus!

——————————–

Quotable-quote-a-day-with-St Francis de Sales (SFS) – “You are submerged by a flood of troubles that the size of your household places on your shoulders.

>> You must, then, call upon our Lord all the more and beg for his holy help…

… so that the work you must do will be agreeable to him and so that you will embrace it for his honor and glory!”

——————————–

BIG things often come in small packages!

>> BIG innovations are made by those who lower themselves, to seek higher!!

>> BIG mysteries are experienced by those who make themselves little, to be in awe of them!!!

It is only by being little that we ever discover anything big!

The Lord today His raises heart to the Father in praise, “I give praise to You, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, for although you have hidden these things from the wise and the learned, you have revealed them to the childlike” (Mt11:25)

It is an unfortunate truth that those who think they KNOW, often fail to LEARN

…those who assume to be learned, often fall short of being taught

…those who presuppose to be Wise, mostly are unsuccessful in discovering newer truths.

Many of the Pharisees and the Scribes, during Jesus’ time, belonged to this category.

Jesus, the teacher-par-excellence came explaining the Truth and the Mystery of the Law..

>> The Wise and Learned of the Society failed to assimilate Him.

>> The simple and the open-hearted…the disciples and others…were able to accept Him!

It is only by being little that we ever discover anything big!

For our Spiritual Life, Kids can teach us much.

>> Little children can educate us to a great extent…

1. A Sense of Total Dependence:

Little children depend on the elders for their sustenance.

We need to depend on God, who is our Father and who loves to lavish His goodness on us.

This does not, of course mean, a lazy attitude to life…rather, a Holy Disposition, of realizing, that “Whatever Happens in my Life, I know, God will take care of Me!”

Do I nurture a sense of Total Dependence on God?

It is only by being little that we ever discover anything big!

2. An attitude of Immense Enthusiasm:

Little children are full of life, vigour and enthusiasm.

The story of many of our lives could be sadly declared as, “Died at 30, buried at 70″!

The modern day tension and worries of life take away the zing and dynamism from our lives…

>> We tend to become…

… “a people of routine”

… “an individual of listlessness”

… “a society of apathy”

… and “an order of sluggishness”!

Life seems boring

>> Life turns out to be lacklustre.

Have I lost an attitude of Immense Enthusiasm?

It is only by being little that we ever discover anything big!

3. A Touch of Tenderness:

Little children symbolize tenderness and warmth.

Our hustle-bustle lives, however, tend to be more showered with rude words, tough looks, angry gestures and impolite manners.

>> Our hearts lose tenderness.

>> Our eyes remain shut in callousness.

Have I lost a touch of Tenderness?

It is only by being little that we ever discover anything big!

Let us seek to nurture and preserve the “childlikeness” in us!

May the following simple prayer of a child, be a similar prayer that we too raise to God, our Father:

“Hi, it’s me, just come to pray

And thank you for a fun-filled day!

You’ve been with me, so I know You’ve seen

All the great exciting things.

But also when I’m sad or cross

I know you love me, no matter what!

So help me rest and go to sleep

And feel the peace of your love for me.”

——————————–

Quotable-quote-a-day-with-St Francis de Sales (SFS) – “And when children begin to use their reason, fathers and mothers should take great pains to fill their hearts with the fear of God.

This the good Queen Blanche did most earnestly by St. Louis, her son.

>> Witness her oft-repeated words, “My son, I would sooner see you die than guilty of a mortal sin;”

… words which sank so deeply into the saintly monarch’s heart, that he himself said there was no day on which they did not recur to his mind, and strengthen him in treading God’s ways.

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There is an incident in the life of Queen Victoria.

As a queen, she enjoyed many luxuries and comforts.

>> She too, however, had to go through many family problems, especially, concerns as a grandmother.

One of her grandsons was highly reckless in the usage and spending of money.

Once, as his birthday was approaching, the grandson wrote to his grandmother, Queen Victoria, reminding her of his approaching birthday.

>> He cleverly suggested that “money would be the best and the most acceptable birthday gift”.

In reply, the Queen Grandmother wrote back a “letter of advice”- in her own hand – sternly reproving the young boy for his life of extravagance and urging him on the practice of economy.

However, the young boy’s reply to this letter, staggered her:

“Dear Grandma,” said the letter, “thank you for your kind letter of advice.

>> I have just sold the same letter for five pounds!”

The young grandson spared no efforts to even “auction and sell” the prized ‘letter of advice’ of the Queen, and got for himself some extra money!!

The young fellow wasted away every chance that was offered to him, to live a good life.

>> Instead, the privileges that were offered to him were converted to opportunities for indulging in more and more occasions of sin!

The Gospel of the day presents Jesus condemning such an “unrepentant” and “arrogant” attitude of some cities, in amending their ways and in turning back to the Lord.

Jesus raises a cry of sigh, “Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! For if the mighty works done to you, had been in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long back” (Mt 11:21)

“And you, Capernaum! Will you be exalted to heaven? You shall be brought down to Hades” (Mt 11: 23)

These three towns – Chorazin, Bethsaida and Capernaum – had a unique common feature.

>> These three were called as the “Orthodox Triangle”.

These towns consisted of “traditional” Jews – Jews who took the Law of Moses very seriously!

• They had a benefit of a “faith that was traditional and deep-rooted”

These towns also consisted of “privileged” people – people who had the great privilege of being witnesses to many miracles, events, preaching and deeds of the Lord Jesus.

• They had the privilege of a “faith that was encouraged and boosted by the wonderful deeds of Jesus”

In spite of these great opportunities and advantages that were offered to them, the people in these towns “failed” to live a life of repentance!

>> And this is what the Lord condemns them for…

They had the benefit of a traditional faith…

… but it did not move their lives to be lived in holiness!

They had the privilege of a faith that was nourished and encouraged…

… but it did not make them to purge their lives of sin and seek to live worthily in the presence of God!

The people of these towns wasted away every chance that was offered to them, to live a good life.

>> Instead, the privileges that were offered to them were converted to occasions for indulging in more and more opportunities for sin!

Is my life also resembling these three towns?

>> I may be a “traditional” Christian…

… having ‘inherited’ my faith in the Lord from my family and my background

… having heard and even practising many acts of faith and devotion

>> I may also be an “encouraged” Christian…

… having got many opportunities to hear and witness the powerful works of the Lord through many talks, retreats, miracles, sacraments etc

… having the privilege of constantly encountering the living presence of the Lord in the lives of many people.

But do these factors get “personalized” and make me “to live a life of holiness and repentance”?

• I may boast that I am a Christian by birth

• I may claim that I am doing many great works in the ministry of the Lord

• I may assert that I have experienced many miraculous Divine interventions in life

>> But do all these make me to “repent” of my sins and help me seek to “live a life of sanctity”?

The message of the Gospel is clear: “Repent, and believe, in the Lord!”

The faith-inputs that I receive, ought to, first and foremost, cause a transformation in my life – seeking God’s Will at all times and remaining firm to avoid any occasions of sin.

The Lord through today’s Gospel is a writing a “letter of advice to us” – to examine our lives and to make the necessary changes, in order to live a holier life.

>> Are we going to take serious heed to this “letter of advice” and make suitable changes?

… or are we going to “auction and sell off” this “letter of advice” and nullify the loving message of the Gospel?

Today is the Feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel.

The feast was assigned to 16 July, because on that date in 1251, according to Carmelite traditions, the scapular was given by the Blessed Virgin to St. Simon Stock.

The Scapular (from Latin scapulae, “shoulders”) – is both a sign of our belonging to Mary and pledge of her maternal protection in this life and the next.

It is also a sign of couple of elements:

1. A consecration to and trust in Mary

2. A declaration to imitate Our Lady’s virtues, especially Her humility, chastity, and prayerfulness.

The scapular is not…

… a magical charm to protect someone.

… an automatic guarantee of salvation.

… an excuse for not living up to the demands of the Christian life

It is instead, a sign…

… to follow Jesus like Mary

… to be open to God and to His Will.

… to be guided by Faith, Hope and Love.

… to pray at all times

… to discover and be aware of the Presence of God in all that happens around us.

As St. John of the Cross says:

“He who loves, is not ashamed before men of what he does for God…

… neither does he hide it through shame, though the whole world should condemn it.”

Let us seek the intercession of our Blessed Mother of Mt Carmel, in our struggles and hardships of life…

… and may the Sacramental of the Scapular be a sign for us to publicly declare our Love for Christ and our Readiness to “take up the Cross!”

May we hold Mamma’s Hands…

… as She Inspires, Helps, Challenges and Intercedes for us!

Happy Feast of our Blessed Mother of Carmel!

God Bless! Live Jesus!

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Quotable-quote-a-day-with-St Francis de Sales (SFS) – “Our Lord established three unions in the sacred Virgin Our Lady…

>> The first is that of the Divine Nature with the human nature in her sacred womb, which is so elevated a mystery.

>> The second union which He effected in Our Lady was that of maternity with virginity, a union which is absolutely outside the course of nature, for it unites two things which it is impossible to find together in nature.

>> The third union is that of a very exalted charity and a very profound humility.

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A commonly known story (found in different versions) is told of a king who once asked his daughter how dear he was to her.

“As dear, as dear – as salt!” said the daughter, in all her innocence.

The king thought that this was very little and a “cheap” way of expressing her love to him.

>> And so, being unhappy, remained extremely disappointed with his daughter.

A few months, later, the King sponsored a great feast for the people of his land.

The daughter, made sure, that every dish that was brought to the King, remained unsalted

>> And thus nothing tasted good to the King.

It was then that the King realized his mistake!

The absence of the salt – which rendered the food tasteless – made him realize the value of salt…

… and the intelligence, in the answer of his daughter!

And thus, the King loved his daughter recognizing the importance of salt – and happy to being loved “As dear, as dear – as salt!”

The Gospel of the Day is the beautiful reminder by the Lord, to recognize the importance of “being  the salt of the earth,”  and to be on the guard, that our Christian lives don’t become tasteless or bland..

… by “not losing the saltiness!”

As Jesus proceeds with the Sermon on the Mount, He declares…

… “You are the salt of the earth” (Mt 5: 13)

It is fascinating to recognize the greatness of this statement of Jesus, in our present day context…

Imagine this…

>> There are over six billion people in the world…

… spread over seven continents and around 195 countries…

>> There are people belonging to thousands of tribes, ethnicity, languages etc…

… and again hundreds of temperaments, personalities, outlooks and characters.

Among all these various people, the Lord – the Creator of the whole universe – declares to each one of us…

… YOU…

… Yes, YOU, His beloved creation, and the one whom He loves deeply:

>> “You are the salt of the earth”

Perhaps, this statement of the Lord may cause us surprise and trigger us to ask Him:

” You must be kidding, Lord!

>> I mean…. Look at the vast expanse of the world – millions of people in here, variety of languages, behaviors, temperaments, personalities…

… and amidst, all this, You expect, Me…

>> Me? To be the Salt of the Earth?!

We might even pose a question:

“Do you expect Me, a puny little thing, to really be the Salt to the Earth?

>> I am just a Nobody!”

But the Lord – who knows us through and through – would thunder back and tell us:

“Do not say, you are a nobody!

I am precise in calling You…!

>> You have been Baptized in Me, and you have My Spirit dwelling in You.

Long back, some of my servants also expressed their inability in a similar fashion…

… Abraham

… Jeremiah

… Peter

But they were raised… by My Grace and their co-operation.

You too, have a responsibility towards Me and My Kingdom…

… and You will do much in doing little, when and as I wish!”

Perhaps, these magnanimous words of the Lord would overwhelm us..

… but still, filled with unworthiness, we may cry out, expressing our helplessness:

“But Lord, the challenge is just too great!

I do have some talents and capabilities, that You have bestowed on me.

>> But will those be enough?

I just feel that I am too small and insignificant, to be making a real difference in the world!”

This is where the Lord will remind us…

“Of course, I don’t deny that it is going to be easy for you to be the Salt of the Earth!

You will struggle…

… You will have to walk the hard path, as did even my Beloved Son on His Way of the Cross.”

The Lord will also remind us that “the salt that He spoke of”…

…was not the pure, refined type that is available today.

The salt of the olden days, when exposed to moisture, could easily become insipid.

>> It could become tasteless and useless… good only to be thrown and trampled down!

In the same way, we, as the ‘Salt of the Earth’, need to be highly careful.

>> If we expose ourselves, too much to the worldly and material affairs, we will lose your saltiness!

>> If we pollute ourselves by the many vain pleasures in the world, we will end up being ineffective!

And then we will be useless…only to be trampled upon! (Mt 5:13b)

Our life is like… as St Paul writes in the Second Letter to the Corinthians is a… ‘Treasure in Clay’! (2 Cor 4:7)

When preserved and careful utilized, we will remain precious

>> If not handled carefully, we will end up spoiling a wonderful fortune!

We are to be the Salt of the Earth…

… in which ever state of life we are

… to which ever vocation we are called to

… in which ever works or activities we engage in

We are to be the salt…

… that gives taste, to those who have lost meaning and hope in life

… that preserves the virtues of the Gospel and teachings of the Church in a world of decay

… that symbolizes purity even though the world around you plunges into immorality and sin

… that makes you part of the Sacrifice that is offered to God as described in the Law (Lev 2:13)

Yes, we need to remember, that we have a great calling.. to be the Salt…

… to give taste to the world… to preserve the Gospel values..to be a symbol of purity…to offer your life as a sacrifice.

>> We are indeed Precious!

Let us never let ourselves be diluted with the waters of worldly pleasures and thus become insipid!

Perhaps, like the King in the story, we sometimes, don’t recognize the importance of salt…

… the importance and immense responsibility  in being “the salt of the earth”!

The Lord, today, reminds us:

“Your Christian vocation has to become dear to you….

… “As dear, as dear – as salt!”

Are we ready to be the ‘Salt of the Earth’…?”

God Bless! Live Jesus!

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Quotable-quote-a-day-with-St Francis de Sales (SFS) –. “Fits of anger, vexation,and bitterness against ourselves…

… tend to pride.

>> And they spring from no other source than self-love…

… which is disturbed and upset at seeing that it is imperfect!”

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Margaret Elizabeth Sangster, who was popular in the late 19th and early 20th century was an American author and poet.

She has written a beautiful poem, which goes thus:

“It isn’t the thing you do;

It’s the thing you leave undone, Which gives you a bit of heartache…

… at the setting of the sun.

>> The tender word forgotten, The letter you did not write,

>> The flower you might have sent,  are your haunting ghosts tonight.

>> The stone you might have lifted, Out of a brother’s way,

>> The bit of heartsome counsel, You were harried too much to say.

>> The little acts of kindness, So easily out of mind;

>> Those chances to be helpful, Which everyone may find.

No, it’s not the things you do,

>> It’s the thing you leave undone, Which gives you the bit of heartache…

… at the setting of the sun!”

Our daily life gives us ample opportunities to do good…

… and more than equal, are the number of opportunities that are often lost, in doing good.

The Gospel of the Day is a stark reminder for us, to consider our level of love for the Lord…

… especially through the perspective of the many chances we miss in doing good and serving Him!

A scholar of the law went up to Jesus with a motive to test Him. (Lk 10: 25)

Despite being given a clarification by the Lord, the Gospel says, that the scholar of the law went on to ask another question, “to justify himself” (Lk 10: 29).

This attitude to “justify oneself, even without any just cause”…

… is a tendency, whose presence we ought to examine in ourselves

>> And if present, need to root out…

“Justifying oneself, even without any just cause”, could be pointing to the fact…

… that we are too proud to accept the view of the other, even when we know the truth

… that we are unwilling to let go of our ego, with a  fear of being defeated

To this trap of the scholar of the Law, who sought to “justify oneself, even without any just cause”…

… Jesus replied with the Parable of the Good Samaritan.

One of the vivid observations that we can have from this parable is the “sin of omission” from the part of the first two possible helpers – the Priest and the Levite.

The man who was attacked, and lay in pain and anguish along the road from “Jerusalem to Jericho”…

… was in need of immediate attention

… was in need of aid and assistance

But the parable says that both – the Priest and Levite – responsible and supposedly God-serving people – refused to extend help.

There could be several reasons proposed as to why they did not stop by, to help the one in need.

Maybe…

… they risked ritual and social impurity  – since they were at the Temple of the Lord and touching the man had a risk of defilement.

… they were short of time – wanting to make sure they would reach in time for their Temple duties

… they were afraid of the robbers – since this 17 mile stretch from Jerusalem to Jericho was robber-infested

… they were indifferent to the cause of the needy – only being concerned with cultic service of the Lord and not translating them into acts of mercy

… they had a past experience of having faced danger – and were unwilling to put themselves into risk once again

… they were unable to set their priorities in order – unable to distinguish and discern that, not just Temple service, but even helping a needy person forms part of a true spirituality

The reasons….

… could be varied

… could be speculated

… could be argued upon

But one thing is certain: They failed to help a person in need…

… and thus had a missed a chances in doing good and serving Him!

>> This “missing the chance in doing good” constitutes the “sin of omission”

Yes, our daily life gives us ample opportunities to do good…

… and more than equal, are the number of opportunities that are often lost, in doing good.

Am in languishing with many “sins of omission”….?

>> Young persons who stray away from the honest and right paths of life – knowingly or unknowingly, willingly or purposely…

… demand our attention to pray for them and to find creative ways of bringing them back to the right path

>> Broken families which face crisis – either due to spousal misunderstandings or children’s worries or financial constraints or any other problems…

… cry out to us, to intervene in their lives by interceding for them and to become channels of peace, reconciliation and harmony.

>> Lethargic Christians and persons with lapsed faith – either due to ignorance or indifference or deception…

… plead to us, to bring their cause before the Throne of God’s Mercy and to be cheerful instruments who “fan their faith into flames”

In all such causes and similar cases, we are challenged to be the “Good Samaritan”…

… being humble enough to get down to our knees

… being daring and courageous to face humiliations in extending help

… being compassionate and caring to do follow-ups on our acts of mercy

It is only thus that we would be marching forward in our goodwill to firmly follow the commandments to inherit eternal life (Lk 10:25):

“You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your being, with all your strength and with all your mind…

… and your neighbour as yourself!” (Lk 10: 27)

May our daily examination of the conscience, always remind us of the fact, that…

“It isn’t the thing you do;

>> It’s the thing you leave undone, Which gives you a bit of heartache…

… at the setting of the sun.”

>> And thus spur us, to have compassionate hearts and be a true “Missionary of Mercy”!

God Bless! Live Jesus!

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Quotable-quote-a-day-with-St Francis de Sales (SFS) – ” Beware of unmeaning self-accusations, made out of a mere routine, such as…

… “I have not loved God as much as I ought;

… I have not prayed with as much devotion as I ought;

… I have not loved my neighbour as I ought;

… I have not received the Sacraments with sufficient reverence;” and the like.

>> But examine closely what special reason you have for accusing yourself thus.

For instance, when confessing that you have not loved your neighbour as you ought, it may be that what you mean is, that having seen some one in great want whom you could have succoured, you have failed to do so.

>> Well then, accuse yourself of that special omission: say, ‘Having come across a person in need, I did not help him as I might have done,’…

… either through negligence or hardness, or indifference…

… according as the case may be!”

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How BIG a God do we have?

It is said that…

You can tell the size of your God by looking at the size of your ‘List of Worries’.

>>  The longer your list, the smaller your God!

Every morning we are to rise up to a brand new day…

… with immense potentials, loads of blessings, bundles of hope and treasures of aspirations…

>> But somehow, many of us, fall into the trap of losing these precious possibilities…

… and allow our worries and tensions and troubles and difficulties and anxieties to overpower us…

St. Francis of Assisi says, “By the anxieties and worries of this life, Satan tries to dull man’s heart and make a dwelling for himself there”

The Lord today, through the Gospel, makes a fervent invitation: To Trust in His Divine Providence and His Ever-Beloved Goodness.

>> Jesus says: “As for you, every hair of your head has been counted. So do not be afraid…You are worth much more than many sparrows..” (Mt 10:30)

Can we hear those words of the Lord once again…?

He is not lying… He is not flattering..

>> He is not indulging in heaping empty phrases.

He means it…!

” You Are Worth Much More !!”

… Yes, “YOU ARE WORTH MUCH MORE !!”

>> The God of Glory, the Lord of Sabaoth (hosts/armies), the Light of the world…

>>The Creator of the Entire nature, The One who can destroy both body and soul…

… This Great One, today, looks into our eyes….

… and tells us with deep love: “YOU ARE WORTH MUCH MORE!”

Jesus seeks to cast off fear from His followers by showing them the preciousness and value of their lives… and how much of important they are to Him.

For this, He presents the example of a sparrow:

>> “Fear not, therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows” (Mt 10:30)

There is something interesting to be noted when Jesus speaks about sparrows…

• In Mt, Jesus says, ” Are not two sparrows sold for a cent?” (Mt 10: 29)

• In Lk, Jesus says, “Are not five sparrows sold for a two cents?” (Lk 12: 6)

If two sparrows could be purchased for a cent…

…. then a person should get only four sparrows for two cents, isn’t it?

>> Then why the ‘fifth’ sparrow?

Probably the fifth sparrow must have been an incentive offered by merchants to get people to buy more sparrows.

>> The fifth sparrow was given, just merely to sweeten the deal!

(Just as sometimes in our days, the shopkeeper/vendor gives an extra/free thing when we purchase something)

Our Blessed Lord used this practice of “buy-four-get-one-free” sparrows to illustrate how much God values life.

He emphasizes that said that not even one sparrow is forgotten before God.

>> Even a nearly worthless ‘free sparrow’ is not overlooked by God.

>> He takes immense interest even in an unappreciated bird!

Therefore, Jesus says, “Fear not, therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows” (Mt 10:30)

Yes, the Lord says : “YOU ARE WORTH MUCH MORE !!”

Can these words of our Beloved Lord, enter into the depths of our hearts?

>> Can we savour the sweetness & the greatness, the immensity and the grandeur of these words?

It’s easy of course, to write reflections, to preach sermons, to proclaim orations, to list out bombastic adjectives on this topic…

But at the end of the day.. it all boils down to simply this:

“Am I accepting myself as really the one who is much worthy and dear to the Lord”?

>> Do I Believe in the God, who believes in me?

Sure, we feel ourselves little before God…

>> We consider ourselves as unworthy of the Splendid Holiness and Awesome Majesty of God…

But, let us also see how God looks at each one of us….

>> Let us become aware on how valued and treasured we are to the Lord!

We need to give heed to the words of  Prophet Isaiah to, “allow the Lord to touch our lives…” (Isaiah 6:7)

Of course, at the end of this reflection, our list of Worries, still, remains the same…

>> But, let’s realize that we have a much much bigger God than our long list of worries…

>> A God, who silently thunders in the depths of our hearts…

… assuring His protection: “You are worth much more …”

Are we listening?

St Padre Pio says:

“Even if the world were to capsize…

… if everything were to become dark, hazy, tumultuous…

…God would still be with us!”

Yes, We need to…

….Listen… Trust… Walk!

God Bless! Live Jesus!

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Quotable-quote-a-day-with-St Francis de Sales (SFS) – “With the single exception of sin…

… anxiety is the greatest evil that can happen to a soul!”

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