November 11, 2020 – 32nd Week in Ordinary Time

“Cultivating a thankful heart by making a conscious choice to not forget what God has done for us!”

(Based on Titus 3:1-7 and Lk 17:11-19 – Wednesday of the 32nd Week in Ordinary Time)

A catechism teacher conducted a small exercise in her 5th standard class on the Gospel Passage found in Lk 17:11-19 – the healing of the ten lepers.

She asked the students to imagine and tell what could be some of the reasons as to why the lepers did not return back to thank Jesus.

The following were some of the reasons that emerged:

One waited to see if the cure was real.
One waited to see if the healing would last.
One said that actually, I was already fairly okay and it was just a matter of few days, to be fine!
One said that he would see Jesus later as he wanted to meet his family first
One began to contend that he never really had leprosy and it was only a minor patch
One was so excited that he began to tell to everyone on the way of the miracle, but forgot Jesus

Well…
… we really do not know what were the actual reasons…

But the question is placed before all of us:
“Are we going to be like the nine who found some excuses and failed to thank the Lord?

Or can we be like the one who came back to thank the Lord?

The Gospel of the Day presents this interesting incident before us…
… reminding us to become persons of gratitude, to our Grateful and Generous God!

The story of the Healing of the Ten Lepers is a very familiar and popular incident.

In the Biblical days, leprosy, was one of the most dreaded diseases.

Leprosy finds its mention in the Bible in over 40 places.

One of the reason why leprosy is talked about so much in the Bible is that it is a graphic illustration of sin’s destructive power.

Incurable by man, many believed that God inflicted the curse of leprosy upon people for the sins they committed.

Leprosy became a disease that was so despised and loathed that those afflicted were not allowed to live in any community with their own people (Numbers 5:2).

A leper wasn’t allowed to come within six feet of any other human, including one’s own family.

The disease was considered so revolting that the leper wasn’t permitted to come within 150 feet of anyone when the wind was blowing.

Lepers lived in a community with other lepers until they either got better or died.

This was the only way the people knew to contain the spread of the contagious forms of this dreaded sickness.

When the Lord travelled through the region of Samaria and Galilee, He encountered the group of ten lepers.

In churches, we’ve seen lovely choirs of men & women, who raise their voices to the heavens, with their beautiful & melodious voices.

At Christmas, the splendid choir of angels, raised their voice to announce to the world, of the Birth of the Glorious Saviour of Humanity.

But here is another choir…A dreadful-appearing choir….Of Ten Lepers…
… singing their melodious chorus in loud exaltation, “Jesus, Master! Have pity on us!” (Lk 17:13)

The chorus reached the ears of the Divine Choir-Master, Jesus!

Their pitiful cry… their pleading voice, echoed in the ears of the Divine Healer!

“Go, show yourselves to the Priest” (Lk 17: 14) were the words of the Divine Lord.

Lev 14:1-9 states that the priest must authenticate any cure from leprosy.

This was to allow the afflicted person to re-enter the society.

But as the lepers were on their way to show to the priest, they were cured!

Miracles occur, when one chooses to put one’s trust in God!
Wonders happen, when one obeys the words of the Lord, in faith and hope!

But one of them realized that He had been healed.

And so he returned and glorified God in a loud voice and fell at the feet of Jesus and thanked Him (Lk 17: 15)

Here is a big lesson for us all…

All the ten lepers sought for a free blessing from the Lord.
All the ten lepers expected a free miracle from the Healer.

Jesus, in His graciousness, did bless all of them with a free miracle.

Jesus, in His compassion, did shower all of them with a free blessing.

But just one among them, acknowledged the worth and value of that free gift

The rest of the nine, probably completely forgot the source of that free blessing.

Let us be reminded of this great reality: Every free gift in the spiritual world, is a call to cultivate greater, the spirit of Thankfulness!

But perhaps, this is a reality that we very often forget in our lives.

We take for granted the many many free gifts and blessings that are showered upon us.

Like the free offers, available at shopping malls and super markets, we gladly receive God’s blessings…
… but unfortunately, often, fail to acknowledge them and be grateful for it.

St Paul reminds us that it is not our merit, but the gracious mercy that always rescues us:
“For we ourselves were once foolish, disobedient, led astray, slaves to various passions and pleasures, passing our days in malice and envy, hated by men and hating one another
… but when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Saviour appeared, He saved us
… not because of deeds done by us in righteousness, but in virtue of his own mercy…!” (Tit 3:3-5)

The one who returned back to thank the Lord, received not just physical healing, but also was doubly blessed with the gift of being saved!

The Lord showers His gifts on us…

Do I return back to thank God for His marvellous blessings?
Do I reduce my life to being a clatter of complaints or do I adorn my life with a litany of praises and thanksgiving?
Do I take all my blessings for granted and merely groan about my duties?

Ten people were healed that day, but only one came back to give thanks.

The one who returned to give thanks chose not to forget what Jesus had done for him.

Are we living as this grateful one or as the other nine?

Perhaps, we also end up giving a lot of excuses for not saying thanks…
… even to the extent of justifying our own selves and not acknowledging God’s Grace!

Many are the times, when our thanksgivings are like those of the nine …
… We receive, but fail to express thanks
… We are happy to get favours, but are miserly in saying thanks!

The secret of a thankful heart is a conscious choice not to forget what God has done for us.

Shall we also possess this Secret?
(Psst… once again… this too is a FREE offer…)

Let us today seek the intercession of St Martin of Tours – the patron saint of soldiers and beggars.

May his zeal expressed in his words: “Lord, if your people still need me, I do not refuse the work. Thy will be done”…
… inspire and motivate us!

God Bless! Live Jesus!


Quotable-quote-a-day-with-St Francis de Sales (SFS) – “If it be God’s Will that the remedies overcome the sickness, return to God thanks with humility;

If it be God’s will that the sickness overcome the remedies, bless God with patience!”

November 10, 2020 – 32nd Week in Ordinary Time

“Being willing to have our ‘faces to the coal’ in accomplishing the mission of the Kingdom of God!”

(Based on Titus 2:1-14 and Lk 17:7-10 – Tuesday of the 32nd Week in Ordinary Time)

It was the time of World War II.
There was an urgency for England to increase its coal production.

The Prime Minister, Winston Churchill exhorted the labour leaders to extend their support towards this requirement.

At the end of his exhortation, he asked them to visualize (picture in their mind)…
… a victory parade that would be held at the end of the war.

He said that, first in the parade would come…

The sailors… who had managed the tensions at sea, with great courage.
Next would come the soldiers… who had proven their mettle by their bravery.
Then would come the pilots… who had displayed immense aerial skills.

All of these would be welcomed and acknowledged with great cheer and applause.

Last of all, would come along, the long line of…
… sweat-soaked and soot-smeared men in their miner’s caps.

Seeing them, someone from the crowd would ask, “Hey! Where were all of you, during the tense days of our struggle?”

And from the hoarse ten thousands of throats would come the answer: “We were deep in the earth, with our faces to the coal!”

The sailors, the soldiers and the pilots had glamour and glory attached to their work…
… but the miners, working deep in the coal mines, were always hidden and away from the limelight.

But very often, it is the work of such people who have their “faces to the coal”…
… which become the foundation and support in accomplishments of mission!

As Christians, are we willing to be the people who have our “faces to the coal”…
… in accomplishing the mission of the Kingdom of God.

The Gospel of the day, is this invitation to have our “faces to the coal”…
… by becoming “servants” in the service of the Kingdom!

Servanthood is an important dimension in being a follower of Jesus Christ.

The Lord narrates the Parable of the Unprofitable Servant.

In this parable, Jesus tells about a servant who works all day long out in the field, or out taking care of the flock.

And after he works all day long, he comes into the house…

Is he expected to sit down and rest and eat his own meal? No

Rather, he is required to serve his master by providing him the meal first.

And after doing all that work – all day long – there’s no word of thanks, no gratitude.

Jesus closes out this parable by saying that the servant was unprofitable because he only did what he was told to do.

Is it something practical?

Is it something easy?

Our modern-day psychology would speak of the concept of a “positive stroke” that is to be given to those working or those who undertake some labour.
It’s important that…

employers in a company
servants in a house
workers in a firm or factory
… are given a “positive stroke”…
by appreciating their good works
by encouraging with good words and a cheerful countenance
by acknowledging their worth and constantly boosting their confidence level

But the Gospel of the Day seems to be demanding much more from a Servant…

A servant…
… who works whole day long ploughing in the field or tending the sheep…
… who delays his needs and instead prepares and serves meals for his master…
… who after all his works, doesn’t expect words of gratitude…

The Parable is surely a tough one!

But, the One who preached this Parable is not a mere preacher, but is a practiser!

Jesus, the one who preached this Parable, practised perfectly, this life of being a servant.

He is the Servant, Who works in the field ploughing…
…sowing the seed of the Word of God, ploughing the Gospel in the hearts of people and toiling in the hot sun of oppositions and mockery

He is the Servant, Who tends the sheep in the field…
…providing pasture for His people, protecting them from the wolves of the evil and going after any of the sheep which are lost in the wilderness

He is the Servant, Who prepares a meal and serves at table…
…nourishing those at table with His own body, strengthening them with His own blood and constantly reinforcing in the journey of life

How are we to be such a Servant of the Lord?

  1. Having a mind of being a Servant of God:
    The world of a servant centres not around himself, but around the Master.

Whatever pleases the Master, the servant does.

If we truly acknowledge God as our Master, then we too…
…will do the works which please Him
…will think and seek to do His Will
…will speak the words which are worthy of His grace

  1. Being Committed in this task of being His servant
    The world of a servant centres around total availability and openness to the needs of the Master.

Whatever is the Will of the Master, the servant is docile and alert.

If we truly accept God as our Master, then we too…
…will give ourselves to Him totally at all times
…will place His priorities over ours
…will avoid anything that blocks my complete service of Him

The Call is to be a Servant…who is dedicated and selfless.

Jesus is our model and example in being a Servant.

Let our lives, as St Paul exhorted in his letter to Titus, “lives adorn the doctrine of God our Saviour!” (Titus 2:10)

It’s a demand placed on us.

In working for the Kingdom of God, there are different roles which have glamour and glory attached to their work…
… but we always need to be willing to be like the ‘miners’ – working deep in the mines – hidden and away from the limelight.

It is the work of such people who have their “faces to the coal”…
… which become the foundation and support in accomplishments of mission!

As Christians, let us be willing to be the people who have our “faces to the coal”…
… in accomplishing the mission of the Kingdom of God.

May the life of Pope St Leo the Great – one of the greatest popes in the history of the Church – be an inspiration for us to live a life of faithfulness to Christ and His Church

He was known to be an “instrument of the call to holiness, well-versed in Scripture and ecclesiastical awareness!”

May his words encourage us:

“The cross of Christ is the true ground and chief cause of Christian hope”
“Those who are not good to others are bad to themselves!”

God Bless! Live Jesus!


Quotable-quote-a-day-with-St Francis de Sales (SFS) – “To be a good servant of God means…
… having patience with yourself in your daily failings

… and peacefully tolerating your neighbour with all his or her imperfections!”

November 9, 2020 – Feast of the Dedication of the Lateran Basilica

“With the Grace of God, seeking to renew our love for the Lord and growing in our duty, ‘to hold up the Church!’”

(Based on the Feast of the Dedication of the Lateran Basilica)

An interesting story is told by a tourist who was visiting the Basilica of St John Lateran in Rome, Italy.

Just across the street of the Basilica, at a square, is a statue of St Francis of Assisi…
… with his arms outstretched.

This statue commemorates an important moment in Church history:

It was at this place – the Lateran Basilica – that the Great Saint went to ask the Pope for permission to start a religious order.

This was in the light of the Great Inspiration that he had received, when he heard the words of the Lord: “Rebuild my Church!”

The tourist says that recollecting this incident, as he stepped back, to have a better look at the statue…
… from a particular angle, he could see the Lateran Basilica between St. Francis’s outstretched arms

St Francis appeared to be holding the Church with his hands!

The tourist says: “That’s a great image!

That’s a great lesson!
A church building is brick and mortar, wood and glass.
But – ultimately, it is supported by the arms and the labour of those who love it.
The Church is held up by the people who are in love with Christ!”

Yes, the Church is indeed “held up by the people who are in love with Christ!”

We, the children of the Church are today invited, to renew our love for the Lord and grow in our duty, “to hold up the Church”…
… on this Feast Day of the Dedication of the Lateran Basilica

The Gospel of the Day also vividly and dramatically displays the zeal and passion of the Lord, for the House of God through the incident of the Cleansing of the Jerusalem Temple.

Today, Holy Mother the Church celebrates the Feast of the Dedication of the Lateran Basilica

This Basilica is the oldest Christian church building in the world.
It is the first permanent, public place of worship for Christians in the world.

Christianity, in its infancy, suffered a great deal at the hands of her persecutors.

The Roman Empire sought to extend its domination over the entire world.

The power and might of the Roman Empire was determined to utterly destroy the Christian religion.

Christians, with a staunch belief in Jesus Christ, refused to worship the Roman pagan gods.
This led the Christians to be labelled as the enemies of the state and thus were sought to be eliminated.

Christians were arrested, imprisoned, tortured, and even cruelly executed!

This wave of violent persecution crashed against the Rock, the Church for three centuries!

It was only in 312, when the Emperor Constantine legalized Christianity that these persecutions ceased.

In gratitude to Christ, the new Emperor Constantine sponsored the construction of Christian churches, the first of which was the Church of the Most Holy Saviour, known today as the Basilica of St John Lateran…
… or simply called as the Lateran Basilica.

On this Feast day of the Dedication of the Lateran Basilica, the call of the Gospel is towards examining our relationship with God in the Church.

In the Old Testament, we read that the Lord had established a covenant with His people, Israel.
This covenant had its physical symbol in the Temple of Jerusalem.

The majestic and glorious Jerusalem Temple was an external symbol of God’s love-relationship with His people.

Jesus cleansing this Jerusalem Temple, was a strong message to the people, that He had come to revive and revamp the strained relationship between God and His people.

It was also symbolic of the need of the people to realize that the Jerusalem Temple which was to be destroyed in a few decades, was only a temporary symbol.

Jesus, Himself is the real and everlasting Temple…
… the permanent symbol of God’s eternal covenant with His people.

And so, He showcases tremendous zeal and passion, in cleansing the Temple, of all the corruption and filth and fraud!

The Commemoration of this Feast of the Dedication of the Lateran Basilica and the Cleansing of the Jerusalem Temple is a call for each of us, to examine our own lives…

Is my relationship with God corrupted by many evil tendencies and pleasurable sins?

My heart needs a cleansing drive by the Lord…

Is my relationship with the other, who is also a Temple of the Holy Spirit, badly tainted with anger, jealousy, calumnious thoughts etc…

My relationships needs a cleansing drive by the Lord…

Is my relationship with the Church, strained by negative feelings of her dogmas and teachings, and stained by angry-feelings due to many scandals by her responsible authorities?

My mentality towards the Church needs a cleansing drive by the Lord…

This Feast is a call to revive our zeal and passion for the Lord, His Mission and His Church.

The Lord’s ways are sometimes very hard to follow and difficult to tread in this highly materialistic and sensational world.

But the Lord promises to be with us, in all our trials and hardships.

The Mission of the Lord to spread His Kingdom is a very challenging one and at times, they seem too very impossible and our efforts meaningless.

But the Lord assures His ever-abiding presence and love to those committed and faithful.

The Church of the Lord is very often found to wrench in corrupt practices, discouraging scandals, heart-crushing and shameful incidents.

But the Lord assures that His might Spirit will guide the Church through any storms and “He will surely write straight… with crooked lines!”

The invitation is strong…

To be filled with a deeper love and zeal for the Lord, His Mission and His Church!

Undoubtedly, the challenges are deep…
… the trials seem too discouraging.

Yet, with the Grace of God, let us seek to renew our love for the Lord…
… and grow in our duty, “to hold up the Church!”

Happy Feast Day!

God Bless! Live Jesus!


Quotable-quote-a-day-with-St Francis de Sales (SFS) – “One ounce of patient suffering is worth more than a pound of action!”

November 8, 2020 – 32nd Sunday in Ordinary Time

“Ensuring that our lives, burning with the Lamp of Christ, becomes a constant melody that sings, ‘keep me burning till the end of day…’”

(Based on Wis 6:12-16, 1 Thess 4:13-18 and Mt 25:1-13 – 32nd Sunday in Ordinary Time)

One of the common songs that many of us know is…
“Give me oil in my lamp, keep me burning… Keep me burning till the end of day…”

Every Christian is called to become a beacon of light in the darkness…
…. and to be a shining star in the ambience of every night.

The Gospel of the Day too shares this aspect and reminds the aspect of being watchful for the Coming of the Lord.

The Lord presents the parable of the ten virgins…
… with five of them being wise in keeping the lamps ready, with sufficient oils
… and the other five being foolish, in failing to make any efforts to have the lamp lit `

The parable of the Ten Virgins has its setting in a Jewish Wedding.

In the time of our Blessed Lord, the wedding was probably one of the greatest events in a typical Palestinian village or an Israeli town.

This was a time of great social celebration!
All got together…
… friends, relatives, villagers..

It was a time of great festivity, abounding happiness and overflowing celebrations.

A Jewish marriage consisted of three parts or elements:

  1. Engagement

It was sort of an official contract between the two fathers, who would be giving their son and daughter to each other.

  1. Betrothal

This second element consisted of the friends and family members coming together and the couple making vows and promises that were binding.

This phase onwards, they would be officially considered as husband and wife.

  1. Marriage

The time after Betrothal lasted up to a year, which was for the bridegroom to prepare a place for his bride – either an addition to his father’s house or to have his own

It was to be his concrete expression of showing his love to her – preparing a home for her and preparing his heart and life for her!

At the end of the time that he needed to get it prepared, he would go to take her and bring her to his place – and they would thereafter, live together.

This third phase, therefore was the fulfilment of the eager longing of the bridegroom and bride, in being together for the rest of their life!

The Wedding set-up that is mentioned in today’s Gospel is this scene of the third phase of the wedding.

This is the climax of the wedding festivity where the bridegroom goes to get his bride.

This was done in a grand procession through the village, so that all in the village could be part of this festivity.

The Ten Virgins (or bridesmaids) who are mentioned in the Gospel Passage, had the role of performing one of the acts of entertainment.

They would have to perform a wedding dance – “torch dance” around the bride and the groom, holding torches.

It would symbolize the light of their love, wishing them a luminous future.

Then the wedding party would go into the house, and the celebration would last for seven long days!

In the parable, it is mentioned that “since the bridegroom was delayed, they all became drowsy and fell asleep” (Mt 25: 5)

It was only when the call that the Bridegroom had arrived was given, that Five of the Virgins realised, that “they brought no oil with them” (Mt 25: 3)

It’s so ironical that the wedding which was such a well-prepared and a long-awaited event, had these five virgins who were so unprepared and so unequipped for the grand moment!

The story of these five virgins who were unprepared (whom our Blessed Lord calls as ‘foolish”) could well be our own stories too…

In the Gospel of St Lk 12:35, we read: “Be ready, dressed for service, AND KEEP YOUR LAMPS LIT…”

To keep our lamps lit – is the reminder and challenge of the Gospel to all of us.

At our Baptism, we all have received the Light of Christ.

This light, is not just to be preserved, but is to be nurtured and fostered daily.

But we live in a world when there are many a winds seeking to put off this light in us.

We live in a world, where there is a strong engulfing of the darkness trying to drown the light in us.

Let’s examine our own lives…
Am I allowing the wind…
… of “losing the focus from God” to put off the light in us?
… of “being focused on one’s own selfish interests” to put off the light in us?
… of “false principles and ideologies” to put off the light in us?

As the saying goes, “We can’t prevent birds from flying over our heads, but we can certainly prevent them from laying a nest on our heads!”

We cannot prevent these winds to rage and hit our lives…
… but we can certainly prevent them from blowing off the Light of Christ in us!

This strength comes from our determination, perseverance & commitment…

But above all, being united with Jesus, the Source of Light…
…. in daily prayer
…. frequent sacraments,
… constant nourishment with the Word of God
… and faithfulness to our daily duties of our vocation and life!

The Book of Wisdom reminds us of the Beauty of Wisdom (= the Lord Himself!), and invites us to seek to possess Wisdom in life:
“Wisdom is radiant and unfading, and She is easily discerned by those who love Her, and is found by those who seek Her. She hastens to make herself known to those who desire Her.
He who rises early to seek Her will have no difficulty, for he will find Her sitting at his gates!” (Wis 6:12-14)

May our lives, burning with the lamp of Christ, become a constant melody of “keep me burning till the end of day…”

God Bless! Live Jesus!


Quotable-quote-a-day-with-St Francis de Sales (SFS) – “While being ready to fight courageously against great temptations when they come…

… we must defend ourselves well and diligently against these little and feeble assaults!”

November 7, 2020 – 31st Week in Ordinary Time

“Responding affirmatively to the call of the Lord to make a clear-cut and distinct choice for Him in life!”

(Based on Phil 4:10-19 and Lk 16:9-15 – Saturday of the 31st Week in Ordinary Time)

Its a blazing hot noon-time…

The sun is fiercely casting its rays upon the earth…

The situation appears to be very tense and the emotions are running high.

The people of Israel have greatly offended the Lord by erecting a golden calf as their god!

Moses is right at the gate of the camp, emotionally charged and full of zeal and rage!

In a loud voice, with passion engulfing his entire self and bubbling with deep righteous anger, Moses, the man of God roars, “Whoever is for the Lord, come to me!” (Ex 32: 26)

“Whoever is for the Lord, come to me….”

It is a time of making a decision.

The Israelites are to make a choice:

Choose to be with God or to follow other idols.
Choose to obey His laws and commandments or to stray away from His paths.

This choice will lead them to either life or death….

A similar question is presented before us too…

“Whoever is for the Lord, come to me!”

This choice will lead us to either life or death!

Choosing the Lord will always ensure an abundance of peace and joy as St Paul tells us: “… my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.!” (Phil 4:19)

The Gospel of the Day presents this Call of the Lord to make a clear-cut and distinct choice in life: Choose between God and Mammon!

“No servant can serve two masters. He will either hate one and love the other or, be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon” (Lk 16: 13)

More than any time before, the world faces this deep-rooted problem of a “divided heart”

We say we obey God…
… but we fail to abide by His commandments and teachings in the Church!

Am I serving both…?
… God in His Church and the ways of the world…

We say we love God…but we fail to express this love in a faithful lifestyle of prayers and devotions.

Am I serving both…?
… God in devotion and the pleasures of our interests…

We say we serve God…but we fail to extend His love and compassion to our people in need.

Am I serving both…?
… God in His people and the comforts of our own self…

We say we honour God…but we fail to witness to His Gospel values and dilute them to serve our petty interests.

Am I serving both…?
… God in His values and the welfare of our own selfishness…

Let’s not be afraid to look at the naked face of reality staring at us today…

Many people today serve something besides God.

Most people serve sin instead of God.

Many people serve music instead of God.
Many people serve sports instead of God.
Many people serve money instead of God
Many people serve themselves instead of God.
Many people serve power and positions instead of God
Many people serve the cravings of their bodies instead of God.

Am I also serving something else instead of God?

In the Old Testament, one of the greatest accusations made against the people of Israel was the
“Sin of Idolatry”…
… abandoning the Living and True God and rendering worship and honour to some non-living thing as a god.

Though, as Christians, we may not be explicitly worshipping some idol or running after some gods or crazy over some tantras-mantras, it is not a bad idea to examine our conscience and check whether we really have formed some gods in our lives and thus entering into “practical” idolatry….

Maybe I am too much attached to my electronic gadgets like the phones, TV, music players, cams…and use them way beyond my “need”!?

The idol of gadgets?

Maybe I am too much obsessed with my looks, my styles, my clothing and food habits, my make-up styles…and “over-conscious” than the minimal requirements!

The Idol of the Self?

Maybe I am crazy about gaining over-popularity through an “n” number of picture displays and posts on many social networking sites…and “get totally upset” when I fail to receive the expected appreciations and “likes”!

The Idol of Attention-seeking?

Maybe I am too much occupied with my work, business and other undertakings, that I fail to give attention to my family, my community, the needs of my own spiritual self etc…and lose out on the little joys and happiness of life!

The Idol of Money and Work?

There could be many more idols in our life…

The Idol of Laziness…
The Idol of Immoral Lifestyles…
The Idol of Bad Habits…
The Idol of losing a Sense of Sin…
The Idol of Power-obsession…
The Idol of Criticizing and Judging…etc…

The Gospel of the day places a great choice before us…

Choose to be with God or to follow other idols?
Choose to obey His laws and commandments or to stray away from His paths?
We cannot serve both God and other things…

One leads to life… the other to death.

Which side are we on?

God Bless! Live Jesus!


Quotable-quote-a-day-with-St Francis de Sales (SFS) – “One of the best marks of the goodness of all
Inspirations…

… and especially the extraordinary is peace and tranquillity of heart in those who receive them!”

November 6, 2020 – 31st Week in Ordinary Time

“Being ready to be Christians with an ‘excellent spine!’”

(Based on Phil 3:17-4:1 and Lk 16:1-8 – Friday of the 31st Week in Ordinary Time)

It was a Bible study class.

The group was doing a study on the Book of Prophet Daniel.

As was the custom, one of the members would start the Bible study by reading the passage of the day, to the group, aloud.

The selected passage for the day was Chapter 6 of the Book of Daniel.

An elderly person, stood up to read.

He, however had some struggle with his sight and was finding it a bit difficult to read.

When he came to verse 3… (which actually says: “… an excellent spirit was in Daniel”)…
… adjusting his thick glasses, the man read: “… an excellent spine was in Daniel!”

(The word ‘spirit’ was mistakenly read as ‘spine’!)

Well…that was bad reading…
… but nevertheless, it was wonderful theology, because Prophet Daniel was indeed a man of excellent spine – a backbone that made him strong and courageous!

Are we Christians with an “excellent spine?”

The Gospel of the Day, with a worldly example placed before us – the Parable of the Unjust Steward – is a mighty challenge to us to examine whether we as Christians, are people…
… who really are bold and courageous to stand for the Gospel principles
… who really are zealous and prudent to preserve our holiness and sanctity!

The story of the Unjust Parable is an interesting as well as an eye-opener for us, in our spiritual and Christian life

This is also a parable that could be classified under the “controversial” or “what-was-He-really-meaning” category!

The summary of the parable goes thus…

A steward has been reported to the Master for squandering the property (Lk 16:1)
Dismissal is on the cards for the steward (Lk 16:2)
Taking stock of the possibilities for the future, he decides and acts on the principle: Manipulation is the best policy for a safer future (Lk 16:3-7)
The Master commends this unjust, yet prudent and craft act of the steward! (Lk 16: 8a)

The parable could cause some strange questions to crop up…

Why is Jesus – the Honest-Man-par-excellence – presenting this strangely negative example to His followers?

Does Jesus mean that we should follow the bad ways of the world, in order to win our salvation?
“Hook or Crook” – is that the policy that Jesus says for us Christians, to live in this world?

Well…

Without going deep into the theological debates of such questions…
… we shall look into the answer that Jesus Himself proposed for saying this parable:
“For the children of the world are more prudent in dealing with their own generation, than are the children of light” (Lk 16: 8b)

The purpose of Jesus to say this parable is put forth:

Children of this world are often more shrewd to make sure a good future…
… whereas, the children of the light, tend to be extremely relaxed concerning their salvation!

People of this worldly kingdom are willing to go to any extend to secure themselves…
… whereas those who supposedly wish to belong to God’s Kingdom, leisure themselves in lethargy!

This is a technique of “comparative imperative” that is proposed by Jesus…
… by emphasizing on the opposite, a challenge is put forth!
… by highlighting a negative dimension, the positive aspect is enforced!

Such “comparative imperatives” can easily be observed in our lives…

We would make every effort to be in time to catch a bus/train/flight, so as not to miss it…
… but don’t mind, being late for our prayers or spiritual activities, including the Holy Mass!

We would ensure every day we have our food and get a good rest, so that our bodies don’t get weak…
… but give no regard to feed and give rest to our souls, by spending time with the Lord in personal prayer and growing in relationship with Him!

We would feel a dreadful sense of disgust if we do not have our daily bath (shower) and cleanse our bodies…
… but have sometimes no awareness to realise our souls are dirty and we need to cleanse them through a daily examination of conscience, and regularly through the Sacramental Confession.

We don’t mind wagging our tongues to say a bad word or a dirty joke or nasty words of criticism and condemnation..
… but think often, when we need to say something positive or appreciate someone or to say an occasional prayer to recall the presence of the Lord!

This “comparative imperative” proposed by the Lord in this parable makes us to reflect deeper:

Am I more enthusiastic about the affairs of this world, which gives only transient joy…
… at the cost of avoiding my spiritual life, which alone can ensure me eternal happiness?

Am I only concerned more about my materialistic concerns and my temporal duties…
… and end up neglecting the solemn duties of our Christian life and being more spiritually rooted?

Our Blessed Lord is extremely serious…
… that we take our Christian lives and faith, on a more serious note!

Salvation is at stake… Eternal Life is at question!

The Lord is perhaps addressing us, and telling:
“For those who are working…
… you would try to make any sincere efforts to make sure you get a better salary, isn’t it?

For those who are studying…
… you would try to put in extra hard work to ensure you get the extra marks, isn’t it?

For those who are at home…
… you would spare no efforts, to ensure peace and harmony and a happy time, isn’t it?

For those in institutes or companies or in-charge of some establishment…
… you would take the extra mile to be the best and co-ordinate to the maximum, to give better performances, isn’t it?

Then why…
… Why sometimes, lethargy only for spiritual life?
… Why sometimes, indifference, only with respect to a life of faith?”

Let the words of St Paul be a reminder to us: “But our commonwealth is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ…” (Phil 3:20)

On this First Friday of the month, let us renew our consecration and commitment to the Sacred Heart of our Blessed Lord…
… and basking in His Love, let us seek to live our Christian Faith with greater enthusiasm and gusto!

Are we ready to be Christians with an “excellent spine”?

God Bless! Live Jesus!


Quotable-quote-a-day-with-St Francis de Sales (SFS) – People can pass thirty nights in dancing and no one complains about it…
… but if they watch through a single Christmas night, they cough and claim their stomach is upset the next morning!

Does anyone fail to see that the world is an unjust judge – gracious and well-disposed to its own children…

… but harsh and rigorous towards the children of God?”

November 5, 2020 – 31st Week in Ordinary Time

“Experiencing the saving power and presence of the Lord, by realizing our state of being lost, and allowing the Lord, to find us!”

(Based on Phil 3:3-8 and Lk 15:1-10 – Thursday of the 31st Week in Ordinary Time)

Bursting of crackers is, in places and on many occasions, considered to signal an ambience of happiness and celebration.
[NB: this reflection is not to discuss the pros and cons of bursting of crackers! :-)]

Crackers signify a mood of celebration and joy.

They are symbolic of a spirit of festivity and merriment.

The bursting and the sound of crackers surely spark off a message that some celebration is on & there is a mood of rejoicing and good cheer.

Today, we are in for some bursting of crackers….

But, guess where?

Not anywhere on the earth…
… But in Heaven!

Yes, we have crackers being burst in heaven!

Why?

Because, there is much to celebrate and be glad!

The reason?
“There is much rejoicing in heaven over one repentant sinner than over ninety-nine who need no repentance” (Lk 15: 7)

The Gospel of the Day is an invitation to rejoice and celebrate the joy of discovering God’s love and a call to live a life in repentance.

Chapter 15 of St Luke is an amazing revelation of God’s tremendous love, mercy and longing for each one of us.

We have the Parables of the Lost Sheep, the Lost Coin and the Lost Son.

In all the three parables, lost ones are found
In all the three parables, there is great celebration at the end.
In all the three parables, an emphasis is laid on hope for the lost.

This chapter is a contradiction of many Human thought-patterns and an affirmation of many Divine thought-patterns…

There is a contradiction of the Human thought-pattern of thinking of things in terms of monetary rate and financial gain.

There is an affirmation of the Divine thought-pattern of acknowledging the deeper value and worth of objects and people!

There is a contradiction of the Human thought-pattern of giving up on things that are lost and not being bothered about it.

There is an affirmation of the Divine thought-pattern of desperately going after the lost and being in painful agony until found!

We are invited to shed the selfish Human thought-pattern and embrace the selfless Divine thought-pattern.

For our Gospel reflection, today, we shall consider the first two parables: The Parable of the Lost Sheep and the Parable of the Lost Coin.

A shepherd had a hundred sheep.

During the count as he gathers the sheep at day’s end, the shepherd notices that one is missing.

The sheep needs to be found; otherwise, it may be permanently lost or attacked by hungry predators.
The Shepherd takes the risk of leaving the rest behind, and goes out in search of the lost one.

The second parable parallels the first.

Here a silver coin has been lost.

It’s probably a drachma, which equals a denarius–a day’s wage for the average worker.
The coin needs to be found; else a day’s wage would be lost and would to the already existing financial burden.

The woman takes the hard trouble and effort, to sweep the house, in search of the lost coin.

In both the cases: The search yields successful results…
… the lost sheep and the lost coin is found.

In both the cases: The success leads to a great celebration…
… the shepherd and the woman rejoice and party

In both the cases: The cost of the celebration far exceeds the actual price of the thing lost!

Why such a sentimentality?

Why so much of economic waste?

The only logic behind it is: The Experience of Joy.

The Shepherd feels tremendously happy in getting back his lost sheep.
The woman feels tremendously happy in getting back her lost coin.
And this spurs them to forget all economics, and mathematics and tally and calculations…

Joy surpasses them all.

Joy overcomes them all.

Joy overtakes them all!

Jesus compares this same joy in heaven at the repentance of a sinner!

Am I similar to a Lost Sheep?

Lost in the thickets of materialistic living…?
Lost in the valleys of doubts and rejections and failures…?
Lost in the bushes of excessive pride, prestige and power….?
Lost in the wilderness of hopelessness and meaninglessness in life… ?

Am I similar to a Lost Coin?

Lost in the shadows of addictions and bad habits…?
Lost in the dust of corruption and malicious situations…?
Lost in the darkness of bad luck and unfair treatment by life…?
Lost in the corners of abuses and misunderstandings and false judgments…?

The Lord doesn’t abandon us.

The Lord comes in search of us.

We ought to hear His voice and respond.
We ought to allow ourselves to be found.

We ought to let Him take us on His shoulders.
We ought to permit Him to take us in His hands.

God comes looking for us.

We are the ones that God spends hours and hours, walking miles and probing all areas, in search.
We are the ones that God spends hours and hours on hands and knees, sweeping and searching for.

And when God finds us…
… He calls together all the saints in heaven, saying to them, “Rejoice with me, for I have found my beloved sheep, my precious coin that was once lost…!”

Let us embrace the Lord Who comes in search of us, and make Him the greatest treasure of our lives, so that we can also echo with St Paul, who said, “But whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ.

Indeed I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them as refuse, in order that I may gain Christ!” (Phil 3:7-8)

Are we – You & I – ready to give heaven a reason to celebrate, by repenting of our sins & living a life, in accord with God’s Holy Will?

Yes, the crackers in heaven are waiting to be burst…

Let us experience the saving power and presence of the Lord, by realizing our state of being lost…
… and allowing the Lord, to find us!

God Bless! Live Jesus!


Quotable-quote-a-day-with-St Francis de Sales (SFS) – “Do not lose courage in considering your own imperfections!”

November 4, 2020 – 31st Week in Ordinary Time

“Prioritizing Jesus in all the dimensions of our life!”

(Based on Phil 2:12-18 and Lk 14:25-33 – Wednesday of the 31st Week in Ordinary Time)

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 public 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 off 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
… healing 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 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.

Let the words of St Paul inspire us: “Do all things without grumbling or questioning, that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish…
… in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world!” (Phil 2:14-15)

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.

Let us give heed to the words of St Charles Borromeo, the Saint of the Day: “If a tiny spark of God’s love already burns within you, do not expose it to the wind, for it may get blown out…!”

God Bless! Live Jesus!


Quotable-quote-a-day-with-St Francis de Sales (SFS) – “When we become aware of the assault of some particular vice…

… let us practice as much as possible its contrary virtue and engage all the other virtues in this effort!”

November 3, 2020 – Phil 2:5-11 and Lk 14:15-24

“Using all the opportunities given by the Lord to grow in holiness and grace!”

(Based on Phil 2:5-11 and Lk 14:15-24)

Portraits, pictures or statues of people, in general, depict and reveal their character and personality.

Usually, if people are asked to have…
… a photograph taken
… or a picture drawn
… or a statue created

They would prefer posing with some expensive artefacts/costly goods.

What if there is a person in history who preferred instead to pose with a broom!

And has most of his images/statues holding a broom…
… along with also a cat and dog around him!

So much is his association with the “broom” that he is called as the “Saint of the broom!”

This person is St Martin de Porres.

Born in Lima, Peru, in the 16th century, this saint – being of a mixed race and cast lower as belonging to an inferior social caste – was able to raise his life with the Great Virtue of Humility!

So much was his zeal to dedicate his life for the Lord, that he would willingly accept to be a “donado” – a volunteer who performed menial tasks in the monastery – in return for the privilege of wearing the religious habit in the community.

He devoted his life to penance, charity and humility…
… spending nights in prayer and penitential practices
… dedicated days in nursing for the sick and caring for the poor – regardless of their colour, race, or status
… and reflecting extraordinary gifts: ecstasies that lifted him into the air, light filling the room where he prayed, bi-location, miraculous knowledge, instantaneous cures, and a remarkable rapport with animals!

This Saint – St Martin de Porres – whose feast we celebrate today, beautifully teaches us by his life example that “every opportunity in life provided by the Lord – small or big, great or insignificant – are to be accorded highest importance…
… and making excuses to avoid those opportunities can lead to disaster and calamity!”

We are strongly warned that “excuses are the nails that are used to build the house of failure!”

The Gospel of the Day brings our attention to this grave and urgent issue that we need to tackle: The Issue of making Excuses for Escapism…
… and asking us to reflect: “Are we becoming a Generation of Excuse-givers?”

We have the Parable of the Great Wedding Feast in today’s Gospel.
“A man once gave a great feast and invited many guests” (Lk 14:16)

Here was a big and great feast being organized and invitations were sent out to many guests.

This was no simple feast.
This was no ordinary event.

It’s similar to someone today, being invited to a lavish and a grand party by the President of the Nation or some highly dignified person.

It was kind of a once-in-a -lifetime opportunity.

The people waited with eagerness to get such a chance.

In those days, it was the custom to send two invitations.

The first invitation was to tell everyone that the event was being planned.

Those were the days when time was a lavish commodity. Clocks were scarce and time management techniques were still unheard of.

The actual day and the actual time of the event were left open.

It would depend a lot on the preparation time for the killing of animals, their cleaning and cooking…
… getting all the vegetables and everything needed to get the meal ready.

And so there was a need for a second invitation…
The second invitation was to tell everyone that everything was ready and about to begin.

This second reminder was for to those who had been given the first invitation and had indicated that they would attend.

But the Gospel says, that when the second invitation was sent to the pre-invited guests, they began to make excuses!

Making excuses is nothing new!

It has existed right from the first days…

Adam and Eve made excuses before God in trying to hide the sin of disobedience.
Cain made excuses before God in trying to hide the sin of killing his brother Abel.
Moses gave excuses before God in trying to escape from the task being entrusted to him.
Jeremiah gave excuses before God that he was only a small boy to take up the responsibility

Those who were able to overcome the excuses, found true meaning and joy.

But those who got stuck with their excuses, lost out on discovering greatness!

The guests who had been invited for the grand feast, gave silly excuses….
One said, “I have purchased a field and must go and examine it”

Silly excuse, isn’t it?

Does anyone enter into land dealings without having seen it in prior?

And even if one has not, was it so urgent, so as to miss the grand feast?

Another said, “I have purchased five oxen and am on my way to evaluate them”

Silly excuse, isn’t it?

Does anyone purchase land animals, without having examined them?

And even if one has not, was it so immediate a need, so as to skip the great feast?

Another said, “I have just married a woman, and I cannot come”

Silly excuse, isn’t it?

Couldn’t the husband take along his wife to the feast, to have a joyful time together?

Or was this couple so much exclusive, that they failed to have any social contacts, so as to avoid the fine feast?

Here was an invitation so grand.

Here was a generosity so lavish.

Here was a preparation so extensive.

But unfortunately, it was responded with excuses which were baseless, childish, illogical and quite ridiculous!

We might sometimes laugh at those excuses made by the people.

But perhaps, we are also no different…
… or if not, worse.

We are in a trend of being a Generation of Excuse-givers….

We make excuses of physical tiredness, to avoid saying our personal prayers, our family prayers and being faithful to our spiritual activities.

We make excuses of saying that “it’s impossible to live an honest life” and give into many corrupt malpractices, which go against the Gospel values.

We make excuses of being too busy to find time to participate in the Holy Eucharist with greater devotion and preparedness.

We make excuses to reach out to the needy ones in their necessities by citing our own hardships to get out of our comfort areas.

We have a strong exhortation from the Lord today, to get rid of our “Excuse-giving Tendency”.

It’s easy to escape from responsibilities by giving excuses.

But by doing so, we end up missing out on many graces from God…
… causing much pain to God who expects much from us…
… and also disturb the plan and purpose of God for our lives.

We have a duty to overcome this tendency of making Excuses for Escapism.

The Lord gives us many opportunities to grow in holiness and grace.

Let us not make silly and baseless excuses and throw them away.

Through the example of the Saint of the Day – St Martin de Porres – who chose to use every opportunity in life, let us also be inspired, and not miss out…
… opportunities for selfless service and altruistic assistance!
… opportunities to practise humility and lowering oneself in self-effacement!
… opportunities for of being ready to accept our weaknesses and depend totally on the Lord and His Power!

Let the exhorting words of the St Paul be deeply ingrained in us: “Have this mind among yourselves, which was in Christ Jesus…” (Phil 2:5)

May the life and example of St Martin de Porres be an inspiration to all of us…
… and may his words, spur us on

“Compassion is preferable to cleanliness: with a little bit of soap I can clean my bed…
… but think of the flood of tears I would require to clean from my soul the stain that harshness against this unfortunate would leave!”
“Everything – even sweeping, scraping vegetables, weeding a garden and waiting on the sick, could be a prayer – if it were offered to God!”

God Bless! Live Jesus!


Quotable-quote-a-day-with-St Francis de Sales (SFS) – “There are no galley-slaves in the royal vessel of Divine Love…

… every man works his oar voluntarily!”

November 2, 2020 – All Souls Day

“Eternal rest grant to them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them. May the souls of the faithful departed, through the Mercy of God, rest in Peace, Amen!”

(Based on All Soul’s Day)

A story is told of a King who had a lovely flower garden.

His gardener, who tended it, took great pains to make the garden an exotic paradise.

One morning the gardener went into the garden to visit his favourite flowers.

To his dismay he discovered that one of his choicest flowers had been cut from its stem.

Soon he saw that the most beautiful flower from each plot of the garden were missing.

Filled with anxiety and anger, he hurried to his fellow workers and demanded: “Who stole my priceless treasures?”

One of his helpers replied, “The King came into his garden this morning, picked those flowers himself, and took them into his house.

I guess he wanted to give the flowers the rightful place of beauty in his palace.”

The gardener, though sad, then realized that he had no reason to be concerned…
… because it was perfectly right for his master to pick some of his own prized blossoms.

Though he missed his lovely flowers…
… he also realized, he was only a caretaker

The flowers, in the true sense, belonged to the King, and to him alone!

Our lives are such…
In the garden of the world, as gardeners, we feel sad when we lose our loved ones – the prized blossoms of our life.

But when we realize, that it is the King Himself – God – Who has picked these blossoms…
… “to give the flowers the rightful place of beauty in His Palace.”

We are consoled and get a better realization that there is no reason to be concerned.
The flowers in the garden of our lives – our loved ones – in the true sense, belong to the King, and to Him alone!

Today is the All Souls Day – when we commemorate and pray for all the Faithful Departed…
… those flowers, who have gone away from the garden of our lives; yet whom we believe, are safe in the Mercy of God!

In the Apostles Creed, we recite, “I believe….in the Communion of Saints”.

The term “communion of saints” has two closely-linked meanings: communion in holy things and communion among holy persons.

The Communion of Saints is the three states of the Church: The Church Militant (the pilgrim Church on earth), The Church Suffering (the faithful departed), the Church Triumphant (the saints in glory)
“… at the present time, some of His disciples are pilgrims on earth. Others have died and are being purified, while still others are in glory, contemplating ‘in full light, God himself triune and one, exactly as He is'” (Catechism of the Catholic Church #954)

On this day, we (the Church Militant), in union with the prayers of the saints in glory (the Church Triumphant)…
… reach out our prayers, intercessions and love in a very special manner for our suffering brothers and sisters (the Church Suffering).

What makes us to pray for the dead… the faithful departed?

It is necessarily in the co-relationship that all human beings share with each other.

We do pray for the people who are in need, when they live on this earth.
We do seek intercessions on their behalf to God, when they are with us.

But when a person dies, his/her existence ceases only in our sight.

They still continue to live in God’s sight.

The dead are not dead for God.

This is what Jesus says in Luke 20:38, “…he is not God of the dead, but of the living, for to him, all are alive”

Therefore, it is logical and reasonable that we pray for the faithful departed.
“All who die in God’s grace and friendship, but still imperfectly purified, are indeed assured of their eternal salvation; but after death they undergo purification, so as to achieve the holiness necessary to enter the joy of heaven. (Catechism of the Catholic Church #1030)

Therefore, it is a duty on our part that we pray for the purification of these Faithful Departed.

This Commemoration of the All Souls Day, is also a reminder of our own Death and the death of our close ones.

True, that as frail humans, we may have a natural fear and even a sort of phobia of death.
… but our Christian Love, Faith and Hope must gain the upper-hand in us.

Death is frightening for the faithless…
… but for the faithful, it is the doorway to the Fountain of Faith!

Death is horrifying for the loveless…
… but for those who love, it is the passage to the Fullness of Love!

Death is devastating for the hopeless…
… but for those who hope, it is the entry to the Spring of Hope!

Death is a reality.

No amount of reflection or sermons can substitute the pain of this reality.

Sometimes, in such situations, silence is the only answer that we can provide.

But this silence ought to be a silence of hope, a silence of trust and a silence of faith.
When we love God deeper, the fear of death decreases.
When we have a stronger faith in God, the pain of death reduces.
When we have an unshakeable hope in God, the anguish of death subsides

Let us also keep in mind, that this day of the “All Souls Day” as well as the Month of November is a time to gain Indulgences, that the Church offers.

This year, with the situation of the pandemic, the Church has issued an Apostolic Penitentiary decree giving special guidelines.
(1) A plenary indulgence for the faithful departed in purgatory can be gained, each day between for the whole month of November, by visiting a cemetery, and praying for the departed – even if the prayer is only mental.
(2) A plenary indulgence is granted to the faithful who, on All Souls’ Day (or on any day in the month of November) devoutly visits a church and recites an Our Father and the Creed.
(3) A partial indulgence – applicable only to the Souls in Purgatory – can be obtained when the prayer:
“Eternal rest grant to them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them. May the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.”
…is recited

[For those who are sick, the elderly or those who are unable to visit a cemetery or church for any other serious reason – such as coronavirus restrictions – it is possible to obtain any of these plenary indulgences by doing the following.

Spiritually uniting themselves with the faithful and doing one of the following before an image of Jesus or the Blessed Virgin Mary:
a. Praying devout pious prayers for the deceased (e.g. Rosary, Office of the Dead, Divine Mercy Chaplet, etc.)
b. Reading and reflecting on the Gospel passages prescribed for Masses of the Dead
c. Performing a work of mercy by offering to God the sorrow and hardships of their own lives]

(Let’s also keep in mind the conditions to be fulfilled for the reception of the Plenary Indulgence:
a. Do the act of the Indulgence (prayer/act) while in a state of grace
b. Receive Sacramental confession within 20 days
c. Receive Holy Communion
d. Pray for the Pope’s intentions (Our Father and Hail Mary, and/or other appropriate prayer)
e. Have no attachment to sin (even venial) – the person needs to make ‘an act of the will’ to love God and despise sin.

Death is hard.

But, the Lord has conquered this death!

Let us look on to Him, on the Cross, and find greater meaning and hope in life.

In the Lord…
… the faithful departed are “faithful returned!”

In the Lord…
… our loved ones do not leave home, “they go Home!”

May our Blessed Mother Mary who bore the pain of the death of Her Beloved Child be our refuge and strength.

May the prayers and example of the Church Triumphant be our inspiration and courage.

Yes, let us pray:
“Eternal rest grant to them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them.

May the souls of the faithful departed, through the Mercy of God, rest in Peace…
… Amen.”

God Bless! Live Jesus!


Quotable-quote-a-day-with-St Francis de Sales (SFS) – “Let is walk, joyously, dear souls, among the difficulties of this passing life…

These pains will have an end when our life ends, after which there will be only joy, only contentment!”