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

A jury consists of 12 individuals chosen at random from an appropriate panel.

>> Anyone who is on the electoral register aged between 18 and 70, and who has been ordinarily resident in the UK for five years since the age of 13, is qualified to serve on the jury.

In his essay “The Twelve Men”, dealing with this British jury system, G. K. Chesterton wrote:

“Whenever our civilization wants a library to be catalogued, or a solar system discovered, or any other trifle of this kind, it uses up its specialists.

But when it wishes anything done which is really serious, it collects twelve of the ordinary men standing around…

>> The same thing was done, if I remember right, by the Founder of Christianity.”

And it’s true, right?

>> Jesus did choose twelve people of ordinary standing and average repute as His Chosen Apostles.

The Gospel of the Day presents this account of this choosing of the Twelve by Jesus, the Master.

>> Twelve persons of varied character…

… invited to be part of the ‘One Kingdom Mission’.

>> Twelve persons of different backgrounds…

… invited to be part of the ‘One Jesus Culture’.

>> Twelve persons of dissimilar emotions…

… invited to be part of the ‘One Love Civilization’.

Let these twelve persons today teach us something simple yet profound for our Spiritual Lives:

1. Simon, called as Peter: The one known for his wavering temperaments yet faithful and simple in his attitude.

>> Assets that can be learnt: To be humble enough to accept our mistakes and correct them

2. Andrew: The one who left fishing and at the multiplication of loaves, brought the five loaves and two fish to Jesus

>> Assets that can be learnt: To bring simple things before God who can work great wonders

3. James: The one who was zealous and who accompanied the Lord at many crucial events of His life

>> Assets that can be learnt: To be zealous for the Kingdom of God and be ready to be in close company with Jesus

4. John: The one who was loyal and displayed tremendous love and faithfulness to His Master

>> Assets that can be learnt: To be faithful and loyal to the Crucified One even in the midst of all uncertainties.

5. Philip: The one, with a Greek name,  who told another disciple about Jesus & also helped the Greeks to come to Jesus

>> Assets that can be learnt: To be a person who brings other people to the saving presence of Jesus

6. Bartholomew: The one who was shocked that Jesus was from the lowly Nazareth but was quick to trounce this feeling

>> Assets that can be learnt: To let go of prejudices and preconception about persons and situations

7. Matthew: The one who was given an opportunity to reform his way of life and was generous to let go of his possessions

>> Assets that can be learnt: To be free from material attachments in order to follow Christ freely and fully

8. Thomas: The one who was highly daring and also frank and straightforward in his Faith and his attitude

>> Assets that can be learnt: To be bold about one’s faith even if it means to seek a clarification from God

9. James, son of Alpheus: The one who gets hardly any mention except being called by Jesus and being with the others in the Upper Room after the Ascension of Jesus

>> Assets that can be learnt: To remain in the backdrop, in serving the Lord and being unfazed even if not popular

10. Simon, the Zealot: The one who is also hardly mentioned but is identified with having a great religious zeal

>> Assets that can be learnt: To curb one’s personal instincts and likings in order to suit the style and spirit of Jesus

11. Judas Thaddeus: The one who wrote the Beautiful letter of Jude and exhorts to be faithful to Christ even in hardships

>> Assets that can be learnt: To learn to be faithful and strong even when persecuted for being a Christian

12. Judas Iscariot: The one who gave up his love of Jesus for the sake of the love of money

>> Assets that can be learnt: To avoid the subtle trap of materialism and instead remain focused on Jesus always

>> Twelve persons of simple nature…

… teach us many secrets and virtues to be powerful witnesses of the Kingdom

>> Twelve persons of ordinary calibre…

… teach us to become the extension of the love and mission of Christ Jesus

The Jury or the Panel of Twelve Ordinary Persons, chosen by Jesus, have contributed their mite in spreading the Gospel and making this world to experience and recognize God’s tremendous love!

>> The Master now seeks the same of us too..

Though ordinary or simple or little or weak we be…

… He still invites and calls…

Shall we say, Yes?

God Bless! Live Jesus!

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Quotable-quote-a-day-with-St Francis de Sales (SFS) – “In so far as Divine Love beautifies our souls and makes us pleasing to His divine Majesty, it is called grace;

>> In so far as it gives us strength to do good, it is called charity;

But when it reaches such a degree of perfection, that it makes us not only do the good..

…. but do so carefully, frequently and readily, then it is called devotion!”

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A young priest was set for his first preaching.

>> He had chosen the theme, “Revival in Christian Life”.

Filled with enthusiasm and zeal, he began his sermon and breaking the Word of God.

>> Within a few moments, the young preacher was able to attract the appeal and attention of the audience.

The reason was not just his eloquence in preaching, his depth in reflection and his conviction in speaking…

… it was also a mispronouncing that was drawing the attention of the audience.

His theme was “Revival in Christian Life”.

> But due to his slight speech impediment, it was heard as “Rebible in Christian Life”!

The audience did not mind that, as that was also a tremendous message being put across!

Yes, Revival in Christian Life emanates from having a “Rebible in Christian Life – “Re-Bible!”

>> How strong is my Christian Life centred around the Bible- God’s Word and its proper interpretation?

>> How interested am I in having a deeper understanding of His Word and applying it my daily living?

… Or am I a person who gets stuck with my own interpretations and understanding of Scriptures, which fails to evoke any effects in my personal life?

The Gospel of the Day is an encounter with a group of people, who got stuck in their own “comfortable zones” of interpreting and understanding the Scriptures…

… failing to be open to the True Author of the Scriptures

>> And thus failing to tread the path of mercy, compassion and charity.

The Gospel passage is another Sabbath Day controversy.

Jesus is in the synagogue, teaching and proclaiming God’s Word.

>> His words would bring strength and courage to those in despair

>> His teaching would fill with hope those who were stranded on the peripheries of life

>> His preaching would invigorate those who were sapped of energy and felt themselves rejected.

Among those who heard Him in the synagogue, was a “a man whose right hand was withered” (Lk 6: 6)

It’s not mentioned how did he began to have a withered hand…

… maybe he was born so

… maybe he met with an accident

… maybe he had a sickness which made it so

But having a withered right hand had its own implications and difficulties to pose.

Right hand in the Bible, usually refers to..

… being the hand of blessing

… being the hand of strength

… being the hand of labour

So this man with the withered right hand is portrayed as being…

… disfigured in his purpose and goals of life

… pitiable in being rendered weak and sort of helpless

But more than this man with the physical disability, there were also some others, who had a “withered mentality” – the Pharisees

>> They had God, the source and origin of the Law, as their “right hand”

>> They had the privilege of learning and knowing the Scriptures, as their “right hand”

But, unfortunately, we find them with “withered”…

… Their focus on God, the purpose and goal of the Law was “withered”!

… Their opportunity to interpret and understand the Scriptures properly was “withered”!

To the man who had the physically withered right hand, Jesus said, “Stretch out your hand” (Lk 6:10)

Probably these words were also directed or perhaps intended more for the Pharisees who were “withered” in their understanding and mentality regarding the Law and the Author of the Law Himself!

Jesus was asking them to “stretch out their hands” which were withered…

… because they failed to understand the basic purpose of God’s Law which was aimed at reflecting on God’s Goodness and to reflect the same in their lives

… because they were stuck to their own rigid and arrogant interpretation of God’s Word and failed to put into practise the real meaning of God’s Word which is to do good, show mercy and extend charity

Are those words, “stretch out your hand” being directed to us also?

… Are we failing to centre our lives on the Precious Gift that God has blessed us with – His Holy Word in the Holy Bible – and failing to make efforts to read, learn more and understand God’s Word properly and effectively

… Do we consciously cultivate practices which help us to set apart time (on a daily, regular basis) to read the Bible and reflect and shape our lives, in the light of the Holy Word of God?

… Do we remain rigid, obstinate and closed to the voice of the Holy Spirit, who speaks to us, through different sermons, write-ups, talks etc. on the Word of God and allow transformations to happen in my life?

… Do we be zealous to learn God’s Word more deeply, to know Him more and to cultivate a personal taste to understand the Scriptures better with self-reflection?

Our Blessed Lord invites and exhorts us to have a “Revival in our Christian Lives”

>> And this experience of “Revival” should spring forth from a practice of “Re-Bible”!

May our Blessed Lord help us to have a “Re-Bible” in our Christian Lives and experience “the sweetness of honey” (Ps 119:103) in His Holy Word!

God Bless! Live Jesus!

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Quotable-quote-a-day-with-St Francis de Sales (SFS) – “The test of a preacher is that his congregation goes away saying, not, ‘What a lovely sermon’, but…

…I will do something!”

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One of the fast grown trends in many restaurants is the Buffet System.

A buffet is a system of serving meals in which food is placed in a common area where the diners generally serve themselves.

>> Buffet restaurants typically offer all-you-can-eat food for a set price.

Buffets make it possible to choose the item one likes, in the quantity one likes and to serve in the style or combination that one likes.

In our modern society, such a Buffet System, is however, extended beyond the taste buds..

>> The trend, today, is also to have a Buffet Style for our Souls…

Spirituality and religion is also, today, under the great influence of being enclosed in a buffet system!

Very often, religious aspects, spirituality, the Church and our Christian Faith are treated like a big buffet.

>> We take as much of what we like and want, but leave behind what we do not like.

>> We skip what’s too hard to swallow, what we disagree with, or what does not fit our personal opinions and beliefs.

The Gospel of the Day, however, warns against opting such a “Pick-n-Choose” Buffet System in our Spiritual Life.

The Passage begins with the verse, “Great crowds were travelling with Jesus and He turned and addressed them…” (Lk 15:25)

Crowds gather where there is something new and exciting happening…

The crowds looked at Jesus as a great wonder-worker.

>> Jesus was the new buffet for them…

>> Jesus had a great variety in His menu…

He offered healing for those in sicknesses and in distress…

>> He offered exorcisms for those in bondage and captivity…

>> He offered teaching to those lost in life and inspired a renewed zest for life…

He had bread for the hungry, wine for the saddened, freedom for the oppressed…

…new vision for the wayward, hope for the crushed ones and new energy for the lifeless!

Some followed Jesus for His mighty healing works…

>> Some for His power as a prophet and preacher…

>> Some for His bread-multiplying abilities and nature-arresting potentials…

>> Some for His power to arouse curiosity and generate excitement…

He had with Him, what they wanted.

>> And they gathered around, surrounded, and pressed on him.

But the Lord was clear in His intents…

>> He chose neither popularity nor quick fame nor cashed in on reputation and recognition…

He would not let the crowds to adopt a ‘Buffet Spirituality’ in following Him.

He would make sure that the crowds realized that such a spirituality would not win His approval.

And so, He clearly proclaims, “If anyone comes to me, without hating his father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters, and even his own life, he cannot be my disciple.

>> Whoever does not carry his own cross and come after me, cannot be my disciple” (Lk 14: 26-27)

Jesus wants a clear priority from the part of His followers.

>> He demands a radical choice for Him.

This choice would mean a love and a priority for Jesus, which goes beyond one’s blood kindred, one’s emotional relations,  one’s attachments to various entities and even one’s own very self!

We need to have a hard look into ourselves…

We sacrifice many years to study and gain education…

>> We sacrifice many sleeps and many weekends to have a successful career…

>> We sacrifice desserts and tempting food to have a healthy and wholesome lifestyle…

>> We sacrifice much time, money and energy to gain many skills and improve talents…

These are all are great and important aspects of our life.

But what costs are willing to pay, to follow Jesus wholly?

>> What sacrifices are we willing to make, as the disciples of Jesus?

Very often, we are content with a Buffet Style of Spirituality…

We serve ourselves…

… a little bit of the Gospel values and teachings…

… a handful of prayers and devout practices…

… a tiny measure of occasional petitions and time with God in our needs…

… a few morsels of forwarding some Bible verses and messages…

>> And we feel that our Life as a Christian is “pretty tasty” with this Buffet Serving.

The Lord, is perhaps telling us…”It is not enough!“

>> Unless you take a few more steps in self-renunciation…

… you can’t be My disciple.

>> Unless you seek to give the first priority to Me in all aspects…

…. you can’t be my disciple.

>> Unless you involve yourself more deeply into spiritual matters…

… you can’t be My disciple.

The Buffet Meal is more cheap…

… but a Buffet Spirituality will certainly deprive us in becoming His authentic disciples.

Let us cease the “pick-n-choose” method in our spirituality.

>> Let’s instead…

… prioritize Jesus in all the dimensions of our life.

Today we celebrate the Birthday of the Most Beloved, the Most Loving and the Most Lovable Mother of all – Blessed Mother Mary!

May the celebration of the Nativity of our Blessed Mother, help us to deepen our love towards Her..

… and may we, holding Her Hands, walk in the path of God, more faithfully and strongly committed!

As Fulton J Sheen says:

“The less we think of Him, the less we think of Her.

>> The more we adore His divinity, the more we venerate Her motherhood.

>> The less we acknowledge His divinity, the less we have respect for Her.”

A wonderful Birthday to our Blessed Mother!

>> We Love you, Dearest Mamma!

Happy Feast day to all Her children!

>> May we deepen our love for Her Beloved Son and our Saviour, Jesus!

God Bless! Live Jesus!

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Quotable-quote-a-day-with-St Francis de Sales (SFS) – “Let us run to Mary, and, as Her little children…

… cast ourselves into Her arms with a perfect confidence!”

——————————–

The story goes of a large castle which lay abandoned for a large number of years.

>> Being considered haunted or jinxed, it failed to have buyers.

But a young man, without giving heed to any of those fears, purchased it.

The castle had a large attic, with a huge number of things being dumped in it.

>> The man decided to take up the task of cleaning this attic.

While cleaning, the man found, in the corner of the attic, a very old vase, fully covered with dust!

>> Taking it in his hands, as he began to wipe it with a cloth, the man discovered that it was a priceless item that he was holding on!

It was a Diamond Vase!

Unnoticed, uncared  and undiscovered…

… the Diamond Vase, on being dusted, became a priceless “bonus” for that man.

How often in our lives, we too have many such “Diamond Vases” – unnoticed, uncared  and undiscovered.

>> It’s highly essential that time and again, we dust off the “unnoticed, uncared  and undiscovered” entities in life, to discover their preciousness!

One of such “Diamond Vases” are the precious and timeless truths that can be discovered from the Holy Bible.

Today we shall attempt to “wipe off” the dust from a precious teaching – the Sabbath  – to reveal its greater implications in our life and to discover its preciousness!

The Gospel of the day is another Sabbath controversy.

While going through the grain-fields, the disciples of Jesus plucked and ate some of the heads of grain (Lk 6: 1)

>> But this supposedly forbidden “act of work” was “caught” by the Law Policemen – the Pharisees.

Probably, the disciples had not thought of the fact that they were now enjoying the status of being “special celebrities” – since they were the close associates of the Rising mega-star – Jesus!

>> And mega-stars and special celebrities always get followed, isn’t it?

Each of their movement is followed… Each of their talk is taped!

Thus, Jesus and His disciples also found themselves being followed and observed, in all their actions and talks!

The point of contention was the Sabbath Rule – which as per the Pharisees…

… rendered the “work of the disciples” – plucking and eating the heads of grain – as being unlawful and therefore, culpable!

When we seek to trace the the original purpose of “Sabbath”, we could consider a couple of aspects:

1. The “Law” of Sabbath at Creation

If Sabbath can be considered as a “Law”, then it goes to say without doubt that the Law of Sabbath was a “principle of creation” itself.

Gen 2: 3: “So God blessed the seventh day and made it holy, because on it, He rested from all the work he had done in creation”

>> This “Law” of Sabbath therefore, even precedes the Mosaic Law!

It is very interesting to note the pattern of creation that is mentioned in the Book of Genesis.

The Creation is mentioned as happening on a 7-day format.

>> It can be observed that on all the 6 days, it is mentioned, “evening came and morning followed” (Gen 1:5b, 1: 8b, 1:13, 1: 19, 1: 23, 1: 21b)

>> The phrase or the usage, “Evening came and morning followed” refers to the completing of a day.

But the 7th day doesn’t have this mention!

What is this pointing towards…?

The 7th day is not complete… it is being continued.

>> It is unending… i.e. Everlasting!

Therefore, the 7th Day… the Day on which God “rested” is being continued…. into eternity!

>> So when God calls to “rest” on a Sabbath day, it could be a reference and a reminder to enter “a rest into eternity!”

That’s wonderful, isn’t it?

>> The Sabbath becomes a reminder that we are created to “enter into a rest with God” which is eternal and unending!

>> The Sabbath becomes a prefiguration of eternal life – the purpose of all our works and activities!

Can we cultivate this understanding so as to have a stricter observance of the Sabbath Rule?

Every time we faithfully keep the Sabbath Law….

… we express our willingness to God saying: ” Yes Lord, I am readying myself for the Eternal Rest that you are promising me”!

… we display our eagerness to God saying: “Yes Lord, I am constantly preparing myself to enjoy an Eternal bliss with You!”

2. The Law of Sabbath in the Mosaic Law

The Book of Deuteronomy explicates this Sabbath Law:

“Observe the Sabbath day, to keep it holy, as the Lord your God commanded you. Six days you shall labour and do all your work,  but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the Lord your God….

…You shall remember that you were a slave in the land of Egypt, and the Lord your God brought you out from there with a mighty hand and an outstretched arm.

Therefore the Lord your God commanded you to keep the Sabbath day.” (Dt 5: 12-15)

The Sabbath Law in the Mosaic Law was a reminder that God was their Rescuer from the land of slavery and therefore, He was their God and they, His people.

Can we also cultivate this understanding so as to have a stricter observance of the Sabbath Rule?

Every time we faithfully keep the Sabbath Law….

… we are reminded that we were also once, slaves – to sin.

>> But our Blessed Lord, has rescued us from slavery and wishes that we deepen our love, commitment and faithfulness to Him, Our Saviour!

… we are exhorted that it is very much possible that we can become slaves again – maybe to sinful tendencies, to money, to power, to position, to various vices etc.

>> But with constant examination of oneself and a renewing of one’s dedication and pledge to God, we can remain as His own people.

Knowingly or unknowingly, we have sometimes failed to keep the Sabbath Law or perhaps, failed to attach any special importance to it…

The Sabbath Day, sometimes, becomes…

… just another “ordinary” day for us

… a day to indulge in laziness and lethargy

… a day to complete pending works and even ending up doing extra works!

But can we grow beyond such practices and seek to restore the original intents of the Sabbath.

>>  A faithful and dutiful keeping of the Sabbath Law is a vital expression of we, as Christians, being a distinct people – chosen to lead all others towards the Love of God!

May we seek the Grace to uncover many more “Diamond Vases” contained in the Holy Scripture, by wiping off the dusts of ignorance and indifference!

God Bless! Live Jesus!

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Quotable-quote-a-day-with-St Francis de Sales (SFS) – “In spite of the all-powerful strength of God’s merciful hand, which touches, enfolds and bends the souls with so many inspirations, calls and attractions…

… the human will remains perfectly free, unfettered, and exempt from every form of constraint and necessity.

>> Grace has a holy violence, not to violate our liberty but to make it full of love…

… it presses us, but does not oppress our freedom!”

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One of the most popular words that is increasingly becoming trendy and fashionable and in vogue…is the word…

… CHANGE!

“Race for the Change”… “Be the Change”… “I am the Change”… “Change begins with oneself”…

>> These are some of the widespread slogans that are all over the place…

The Webster’s Dictionary defines “Change… as making something radically different or make a shift from one to another.”

Change involves becoming different…

>> Change involves a transformation!

>> Change involves making an alteration!

The Gospel of the Day too presents Jesus with this Crucial and Central theme: CHANGE!

The Lord is a constant challenge to His followers to adopt a changed lifestyle…

… a lifestyle which is more Divine, a way of life which is more human and a living which is more joyful.

But He is also very much aware of the basic human tendency…

… to neglect and avoid and overlook any change!

That is why He very clearly at the end of today’s Gospel says, “No one who has been drinking old wine desires new, for he says, ‘the old is good'” (Lk 5:39)

With age, wine increases its strength and flavour and the old is therefore preferable.

Take somebody who been drinking the same kind of wine for years and years and years and someone comes along and says, “Ah, I’ve got a brand new variety here for you.”

“Nah, no, I’ll stick with my old favourite.

>> It’s done me grand favours all through these years… I don’t want to…”

“Well the new one promises to be great…it’s got new aroma, a new flavour…a special zest”

“No, no, I’m happy with my old.”

We may either nod with this response…or look down with suspicion…or even just be least bothered…

But one thing is for sure…

>> Many of us, certainly do tend to answer in the same way, as this old-wine devotee was…

It’s really true, isn’t it?

We tend to mellow ourselves down to a comfortable and cozy way of life…

>> We cultivate a taste and a liking for our undisturbed mode of  timetable and schedules…

Like the old wine, many of our former ways and thoughts and style of living have become mellowed and settled by years of experience and have become so much a part of the fabric of our lives!

>> Don’t give me the new wine of change…

… I am happy with my old wine of comforts and calm

>> Don’t give me the new wine of spirituality…

… I am happy with my old wine of worldly existence

>> Don’t give me the new wine of holy things…

… I am happy with my old wine of living life in the way it pleases me

>> Don’t give me the new wine of the Church teachings…

… I am happy with my experimental philosophy and thoughts

But the Lord, the Best Wine Giver (Jn 2:10), is intent and keen and even is insistent that we abandon Our Old Wines and drink of Him, the New Wine!

You want the new wine of joy and happiness in your soul and consolation of mind and heart?

>> Then, you will have to abandon the Old Wine of Sin and impure life!

You want the new wine of Justice and Equality and Honesty and Truthfulness in society?

>> Then, you will have to abandon the Old Wine of corruption and discrimination and cheating!

You want the new wine of True Companionship and Faithful relationships and Genuine friendships?

>> Then, you will have to abandon the Old wine of company with Satan and give up envy and resentment and hatred!

Are we ready to abandon the Old Wine?

>> The best wine is being offered…

(P.S. – For all who are eager to be drunk more of this Best Wine… kindly prepare yourselves well and run to the nearest Church or Chapel… and participate in the Holy Mass.

>> The Master has prepared the best and most satisfying and sumptuous meal: His Body and Blood in the Most Holy Eucharist!)

God Bless! Live Jesus!

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Quotable-quote-a-day-with-St Francis de Sales (SFS) – “Faith is like a bright ray of sun light.

>> It enables us to see God in all things..

…as well as all things in God!”

——————————–

The following is a self-reflected story…

… An Autobiography…

This is written with the sole intention of giving Praise and Glory to God, the Creator…

“Only a life lived for others is a life worthwhile!

This is a basic philosophy and an attitude which I have cultivated all through my life…and which I appreciate very much in others!

Well, you can call it being part of my genes and instilled into my basic structure…

… but, yeah, I do seek to live for others!

And I am excited when I see others also living out this my philosophy!

Life springs surprise!

>> And I guess, the Creator has meant life to be thus!

This is a lesson I have learnt many times…

His surprising Hand is indeed amazing and remarkable…

>> In the midst of the storms of life…

… I have encountered how He can steer me through to safety!

>> In the thick of dark clouds of life…

… I have experienced how He can flash His brightness home!

>> In the horror of pealing thunder and lightning…

… I have enjoyed His calm presence and soothing aura!

The Creator is indeed a great, BIG, surprising person!

You must be wondering what would have been my most wonderful surprise in life?!

Any guesses?

What more than seeing the Philosophy of my Life being actualized and lived in the best way possible!!

                                                                                            

Yeah, I am excited when I am able to share my life for the sake of others and in service of others!

>> But I am most delighted and thrilled and thankful when I see others also seeking to make the world a better place!

And, this was an all too super experience of seeing such an amazingly charismatic Personality…

> He had a comforting charm…

>> He had a relaxing resonance…

>>> He had an attracting appearance!

I dint know His name…

… He was yet a stranger to me

But the air echoed and reverberated with His name…”Yeshua…”…”Messiah…”…..”JESUS!!

And then came THE moment…

>> Call it THE best moment of my life…

>> Call it THE most envied instant of my life…

>> Call it THE most blessed time of my life….

That Great Figure….Yeshua…Jesus…came to me!

>> And chose to spend time with me!

He spoke to the great crowds of people who had gathered to listen to Him…

… but all the while, being with me!

>> Amazing Words of Life…

>> Beautiful words of Love…

>> Special words of Healing…

>> Dramatic words of Transformation!

And then it was time for me to witness an unforgettable scene…

That Great Charismatic Leader…

… surprised my master with a life-changing miracle and phenomenon…

My master was a simple fisherman.

>> He was a bit impulsive, yet straightforward and humble…a hardworking fella.

But the experience that he had and which I had, was just out of the world…

“At your command, I will let down the nets” was the simple expression of my master to the Great Master!

>> I’ve heard it’s hard for people to let down their nets…

… .when encountered with strange troubles and to trust in Him!

>> I’ve heard it’s hard for people to let down their nets….

… when met with total hopelessness and when life kicks them on their faces!

>> I’ve heard it’s hard for people to let down their nets….

… when disappointments & depression have become identical with their lives!

But for my simple master, it was just easy to let go off himself, his capacities, his knowledge…

… and just trust and believe!

And he did let down his nets….and what followed was a classic picture!!

Fish was caught in plenty

>> Joy was writ all over the faces

>> Faith had increased bountifully!!

Trust and Faith is rewarded when acted with simplicity, humility and openness!

And surprises followed…

That classic Personality, who was also called the Great Fisherman of Galilee, prophesied on my master and gave him a new vocation:

“From now on…you will be catching men!’

>> The angels would have rejoiced…

>> The heavens would have consented…

… but there was a heart-break in my heart!

The new vocation of my master would mean, I would be left abandoned…

… I would no longer be utilized!

But then, suddenly my conscience pricked me and I was reminded of My Philosophy of life: to live for others!

And lo… I had to follow suit….

… to let down my nets!

… to let down the net of my desires…

… and let my master be engaged in the service and help of humanity!

My master had to embrace a new way of life:

To follow the Greatest Catcher of People, the Great Fisherman of Galilee –  Jesus!

I knew my master would also attain great heights of fame and name and holiness and greatness…

>> All because he had been willing to let go off his nets

>> All because he had been ready to listen to the Great Master’s Word!

>> All because he had been disposed to give highest priority to the work of the Great Master!

… And in the process, I too have been touched and blessed!

>> Generations will remember my master…

>> Generations will be blessed by the Great Master…

>> Generations may never preach or wish to see me…

But Generations will hopefully think of me…

….think of me… that once upon a time….. I was touched and blessed..to be a Pulpit for the Word!”

– This reflection is taken From an extract of an imaginary autobiography titled, “The story of a Dramatic Surprise”

>>> It is the AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF THE BOAT which was used by St Peter, the apostle who was called by the Great Master, Jesus!

September 5th is Teacher’s Day in India.

Teachers mould and shape a child to make him/her a beautiful person with a noble character!

>> Teachers inspire change.

>> Teachers motivate transformation.

>> Teachers stir up conversion!

Today the Greatest of all Teachers – Jesus – challenges and exhorts each one of us to adopt and adapt…

… a Transformed way of Living

… a Changed Lifestyle

… a Converted Life!

>> And allow Him to reign over every situation of our life!

Today is also the Feast day of Saint Mother Teresa of Kolkata.

>> Let us seek her intercession…

… and be inspired by her love and life, that we may truly see – and like her –  bring the Powerful Presence of God in every situation of our society.

God Bless! Live Jesus!

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Quotable-quote-a-day-with-St Francis de Sales (SFS) – “Holiness is found in a path opened to us in our daily lives…

… the duties of our daily lives are offered to us with unequal attractiveness!”

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Altruism is the principle or practice of concern for the welfare of others.

>> Altruism is selflessness – the opposite of selfishness.

It consists of sacrificing something for someone with no expectation of any compensation or benefits, either direct or indirect.

The Gospel of the Day presents the Altruistic Ideal – Jesus – engaged in number of works…

… of healing

… of rebuking the evil spirits

… of bringing consolation and joy to the people.            

In Luke 4:18, Jesus announced His Mission Programme of  “…bringing good news to the poor, liberty to the captives,  new sight to the blind, freedom to the oppressed…”

In accordance with this manifesto, Jesus sets forward to announce the Kingdom of God through His mighty deeds and works.

The Lord unveils the Compassionate Face of the Father and reveals His Benevolent Heart to the needy and the deprived.

He cures Simon’s mother-in-law of her fever and restores her to good health and wellbeing…(Lk 4:39)

>> Am I today in need of a touch of the Lord…

… which casts away forces that makes weak and fragile?

… which takes away the fever of tiredness and fatigue of spiritual life?

… which restores me back in serving and assisting others in my life?

At sunset, He laid His hands on many with sicknesses and diseases and cured them all… (Lk 4:40)

>> In the sunset of darkness and pain in my life…

…. Do I go to the Lord to receive the Light of Hope and Healing?

>> In the sunset of emptiness in my spiritual life…

… Do I go to the Lord to receive the Light of Faith and Revival?

>> In the sunset of frustrations and despair…

… Do I go to the Lord to receive the Light of Encouragement and Support?

>> In the sunset of sadness and lukewarmness…

… Do I go to the Lord to receive the Light of Joy and Revitalization?

He also rebuked many demons and commanded them to let go of many possessed people… (Lk 4: 41)

>> Am I tormented by the demons of evil forces and satanic powers….. ?

… The power of the Lord is here to deliver!

>> Am I tormented by the demons of bad, unhealthy addictions…?

… The power of the Lord is here to overcome

>> Am I tormented by the demons of filthy words and dirty thoughts…?

… The power of the Lord is here to liberate!

>> Am I tormented by the demons of peer pressure and societal strains…?

… The power of the Lord is here to set free!

The Lord at the end of today’s Gospel passage expresses His intentions of going to other towns to preach the good news of the Kingdom of God!

The zeal and enthusiasm of the Lord to reach out the Gospel to many others is really amazing….

Do I imitate the Lord…

…. in being zealous to reach out God’s goodness and kindness to many other people?

… in being fervent to let ignorant people to know the saving message of the Gospel?

The Gospel of the Day invites us to take note of the Altruistic Spirit of Jesus…

The Altruism of Jesus challenges us…

…. to reach out to many sick and suffering and troubled and weak-hearted and afflicted people with the Love and Compassion and Healing and Mercy of the Lord!

… to go beyond our zones of comfort and help the lonely and the depressed and the unwanted and the rejected and the discriminated with the Acceptance and Restoration of the Lord!

Jesus was possessed by a deep love of His Father…

>>  It made Him to be Altruistic in reaching out to others.

Jesus was filled with a deep fervour for the Kingdom…

>> It made Him to be Altruistic in saving and healing others.

Today, You and I, are invited and challenged to imitate and follow Jesus, the Ideal Altruist!

Let us show forth that we are Children of our Heavenly Father and soldiers of the Kingdom of God, not only through our words but much more by our Altruistic words and deeds and actions.

St Gregory the Great would say, “He is not wise to me who is wise in words only, but he who is wise in deeds.”

Let us grow in selfless deeds and noble tasks and self-sacrificing actions!

God Bless! Live Jesus!

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Quotable-quote-a-day-with-St Francis de Sales (SFS) – “Necessary employments, according to each one’s vocation, do not diminish devotion…

… but increase it!”

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Napoleon Bonaparte was a French military and political leader who rose into prominence during the French Revolution.

In a short span of time, he had gained prominent control of the Continental Europe.

Once, while discussing and planning his strategies, with his staff officers, he spread a large map of the world on the table before him.

Then he put his finger on a kingdom which was coloured red and told them, “If it were not for this red spot, I could conquer the whole world!”

That red spot was the British Isles.

(The British Isles were identified with the colour ‘red’ derived from its prominence in their flag.

> They were the only force, which Napolean felt, was preventing his plans to capture the entire world)

Probably, in the similar manner, Satan, while discussing and planning his strategies, would spread the large map of the universe.

Then, He would put his finger on a place which was coloured red and told them, “If it were not for this red spot, I could conquer the whole universe!”

That red spot is the Blood of our Blessed Saviour, shed on the Cross at Calvary!

Yes, Satan trembles at the glorious presence of our Blessed Lord.

>> Evil cannot stand Holiness!

>> Wickedness cannot tolerate Goodness!

The Gospel of the Day presents this expression and dread of the evil one, who is unable to bear the presence of the Divine Saviour.

The Gospel Passage is the incident of the curing of the demoniac (Lk 4: 31-37).

The preceding passage (Lk 4: 1-30) described the dramatic inauguration of the public ministry of Jesus in His home-town, Nazareth.

… Initially, there was a lot of amazement, wonder and awe that was expressed by the people

… But when the Lord, began to explicate His Mission, especially of being a Saviour of all the nations, there was a change in attitude of the people

… The shift from a “goody-goody” expectation of the Messiah to a “challenging” presence, caused them discomfort, and they began to express their anger and infuriation, by seeking to even kill the Lord

But the Spirit-filled Jesus had no stopping…

Nothing could stop Him from continuing His Mission and the Duty entrusted to Him

And so, the Gospel says, “He went down to Capernaum, a city of Galilee. And He was teaching on the Sabbath” (Lk 4: 31)

As the quote goes, “This is the kind of stuff, champions are made of!”

He was…

… determined in His dedication

… committed to His cause

… purposeful in His programme

Can we also imitate our Blessed Lord in this unswerving fidelity…

>> Oppositions may rock our life…

>> Crises may strangle our hopes…

But can I still continue to hold on to being Faithful to the Gospel and to the ways of the Lord?

This requires the tremendous infilling and a constant seeking and doing of God’s Will in our lives.

It was this purposiveness that enabled Jesus to be a person of authority and evoke astonishment and amazement from His hearers: “They were astonished at His teaching, for His Word was with authority” (Lk 31b-32)

Therefore, when the man who was possessed by the evil spirit, encountered Jesus, “he cried out with a loud voice, ‘Ah! What have you to do with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us?” (Lk 4: 34)

Yes, Satan trembles at the glorious presence of our Blessed Lord.

>> Evil cannot stand Holiness!

>> Wickedness cannot tolerate Goodness!

As followers of our Blessed Lord, we too are called upon to become “people of authority and holiness”

> Can I seek to grow deeper in my relationship with the Lord…

… so that my Spirit-filled presence will cause the demons of “filthiness, lust, corruption and injustice” to tremble and be cast away?

> Can I make efforts to co-operate still more with the Grace of the Lord…

… so that my life-in-Jesus, will cause the demons of “wickedness, indifference, hatred and pride” to shiver and be chased away?

There is a beautiful hymn, known to many of us, “Are you washed, in the blood of the Lamb?”

~~ When we are washed clean by the blood of the Lamb, we have the power to stand before the forces of evil

~~ When we are purified by the cleansing might of the blood of Christ, we have the grace to challenge the pressures of Satan

May our lives, washed in the Blood of our Blessed Lord, be a “red spot” which would distort every wicked plan of Satan to conquer this world…

… and may we shine forth, in brightness and holiness, radiating the Authoritative Presence of Christ to all!

God Bless! Live Jesus!

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Quotable-quote-a-day-with-St Francis de Sales (SFS) – “Be very quick to turn away from whatever leads or allurs to lewd conduct..

… for this evil, works without our knowing it and from small beginnings moves on to great difficulties.

>> Such things are always easier to avoid than to cure!”

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“Tear down this wall!”

– Words of Ronald Reagan, President of the USA at a challenging speech, for the reunification of East and West Germany.

November 1989.

>> A historic period in the Life of Germany.

For twenty-eight years, a wall had separated East and West Germany…

>> But finally on November 1989, the wall came down…THE BERLIN WALL!

It was a new beginning… a fresh start…a bright onset!

“Tear down the Walls”… is the cry that emerges from today’s Gospel as well!

>> A new beginning is sought… a fresh start is expected…a bright onset is welcomed!

The Liturgy of the Readings, from today, helps us to tread the path of Jesus with a new companion…

>> All these days, we were travelling the Way of Jesus, with St Matthew…

… today onwards, we travel with the Gospel of St Luke.

The Gospel of the Day from Luke 4:16-30 is a dramatic one….

>> With different actions and expressions of Jesus…

… and thus, some lessons, that we can take for our life.

1. The Entry of Jesus into the Synagogue.

Do I allow the Lord into my life and do I welcome Him?

2. The Rising of Jesus to read

Do I enthrone the Lord in my activities and allow Him to be in charge of my works and deeds?

3. The Unscrolling of the book

Do I open my heart to the Lord and be totally open to His Word in my life?

4. The Reading of the Passage

Do I listen to God’s words and be attentive to the various inspirations and insights He renders me?

5. The Rolling up of the Scroll

Do I preserve the Word of God deep in my heart and ponder over it, in the light of my life experiences?

6. The Announcement of Jesus

Do I let the Lord to govern in my life by the power of His revelation and give heed to His exhortations?

7. The Rejection of Jesus

Do I sometimes, fail to understand the Power of the Lord and instead reject and seek to eliminate Him from my life?

These dramatic and significant actions of the Lord left the people in the synagogue with a Great Challenge: “To tear down the walls!”

Tear down the walls…

… which failed to bring good news to the Poor and liberty to the captives!

… which were preventing to give freedom to the oppressed and sight to the blind!

… which blocked the passage to access to God’s Mercy and Redemption!

…which kept away the Gentiles from receiving the rights and privileges of the saved people!

The dramatic and significant actions of the Lord present before each one of us also with a Great Challenge: “To tear down the walls!”

Tear down the walls…

… of Sin: that divide the relationship between God and me!

… of Hatred: that divide the members of the society and of a community!

… of Unforgiveness: that divide the relationship between my fellow beings and me!

…of Discrimination: that divides human beings on the basis of colour, caste and race!

… of Immorality: that divides the interior being of a person and leaves one discontented!

… of Indifference: that divides the world with a sense of hopelessness and lack of emp… of Indifference: that divides the world with a sense of hopelessness and lack of empathy!

Building of walls is sometimes…

… a natural offshoot of our egoistic minds and sinful pride …

… a likely possibility of our individualistic tendencies…

>> But with the Grace of God combined with our efforts…

… we can pursue every attempt to “Tear down these Walls”!

We need a new beginning

… a fresh start

…a bright onset

Let us not Reject the Lord..

>> Rather let us permit Him to Enter… to Rise… to Unscroll… to Read… to Roll… and to Announce His Gospel in our Lives!

Let us allow the Lord to take possession of our lives…

… and in the process, “Tear Down many Walls”!

God Bless! Live Jesus!

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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.

>> Offer up all such occasions to Him, and if sometimes you are put out, and give way to impatience…

… do not be discouraged, but make haste to regain your lost composure!”

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