Music has been a popular part of the celebration of our Lord’s birth for a long time!

The Bible records that many characters in the Christmas story almost instantly responded to the events surrounding the birth of our Saviour with songs.

In our own days, we take immense delight to sing Christmas carols.
>> We also get a special feeling in lifting our voices in joy and thrill…

Today we have on the stage of the Gospel a beautiful Hymn being sung.

The title of the hymn is “Benedictus” and it is sung by Zechariah, the father of John the Baptist!

The setting of this song is during a very gloomy period in the life of the nation of Israel.

Israel had been chosen by God from among all nations to be a priestly nation to the rest of the world.
>> But this nation that was to lead all other nations to God, was being led by a pagan empire.

Israel was under the domination of the Roman Empire.
>> The Roman Kingdom was the last in a long line of pagan nations that had ruled Israel.

The ruler in Zechariah’s day was King Herod.

Herod was not a man of God.
>> In fact he was just the opposite – a very degenerate man.
>> He had introduced Roman temples into the land and had built idols to the Roman gods.

Under his leadership Israel became a land filled with immorality.
>> The spiritual life of the Jews lost its vitality.

In the midst of these dark and cloudy moments, Zechariah sings the “Benedictus” – a Song of Blessing!

A child had been born…
… signaling the Coming of the Messiah.
>> John the Baptist ushered in a period of singing praises and glory to the Lord.
> Like a drop of fresh water in the deserted land…
> Like a gleam of light in the midst of thick darkness…
> Like a faint melodious tune in the thick of deep silence…

The life of Zechariah and Elizabeth was favoured with reasons to sing blessings to God!

It’s interesting to analyse the names of this simple yet wonderful family – Zechariah, Elizabeth and John.
>> Zechariah means ” God (Yahweh) remembers”
>> Elizabeth means “the promise of God”
>>>> John means ” God (Yahweh) is gracious”

The union of Zechariah (“God remembers”) and Elizabeth (“the promise of God”) gave birth to John (“God is gracious”)

Zechariah + Elizabeth = John
>> God remembers + the promise = God is gracious!

Yes, God remembers His promise, and thus shows that He is gracious!

Our lives may often be in darkness or undergoing a night of dryness…
> Our lives may seem to be devoid of true peace and happiness…
> Our lives may be rendered meaningless or hopeless…

Yet, Zechariah, Elizabeth and John invite us today, to sing a song of Blessing to God!
>> When we live in God’s love, we can sing the chorus of service!
>> When we trust in God’s providence, we can sing the chorus of joy!
>> When we hope in God’s mercies, we can sing the chorus of faithfulness!

With the armour of faith, the shield of hope and the sword of love, let us join Zechariah and Family to sing our Hymn of Blessing to God Yahweh!
>> Blessed be the Lord, for He is challenging in His gentle inspirations!
>> Blessed be the Lord, for He is merciful in His Divine Compassion!
>> Blessed be the Lord, for He is generous in the Blessed Eucharist!
>> Blessed be the Lord, for He is majestic in His Holy Sacraments!
>> Blessed be the Lord, for He is faithful in His gracious promises!
>> Blessed be the Lord, for He is vibrant in His Holy Church!

On this eve of Christmas, let us fervently prepare our hearts – in holiness and sanctity – to prepare a beautiful crib for our Blessed Lord, Who comes as a Babe…
… in our hearts
… in our lives
… and in our homes!


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 sunlight.
>> It enables us to see God in all things…
… as well as all things in God!”
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“Being patient in faith, hope and love in our MUTE moments, so that we may experience the gracious & gifted “HIS NAME IS JOHN” moments in our lives!

(Based on Mal 3:1-4, 4:5-6 and Lk 1:57-66 – Wednesday of the 4th Week in Advent, Year B)

We all are familiar with the ‘remote control’ of a television.

In the remote control, there is the button named “MUTE”.

It is used to put off the sound, momentarily.

Sometimes, in our spiritual lives, too, we undergo the experience of being in the “MUTE” mode with God.

There is a total silence, that pervades our relation with God.

Have we undergone this experience of the “silence” of God?

Do we sometimes feel why is God “absent” in my life?

The Couple of Day – Zechariah and Elizabeth – underwent, this “mute” experience with God.

Though advanced in age, living a life of prayer, service and faithfulness, they were not blessed with the Gift of a Child.

Barrenness, in the Jewish Society was one of the greatest misfortunes for a family.

Being barren was thus a harsh experience for this Devout Couple!

But then came the precious and joyous moment…

The “His Name is John” Moment!
…..when, new life and fresh joy radiated their lives!

The names of John, and his parents – Elizabeth and Zechariah are very significant.

Their names are very significant; it tells  that God’s delays are not His denials
… The name Zechariah means “The Lord remembers”
… The name Elizabeth means, “the oath of God”

Thus, the name of the couple stands for: The Lord remembers His oath!

However, the long years of barrenness would have seemed as a contradiction to them – it seemed God had totally forgotten about them.

But this is where we learn, that God’s delays are certainly not His denials!
He has a better plan (Jer 29:11) – always, without fail!

And they were indeed blessed with a Son – named “John” whose name means “God is Gracious!”

True to this name, after a prolonged period of silence and hush…
… Zechariah and Elizabeth experienced the “Graciousness of God”.

  The long agony had been finally rewarded….with the Graciousness of God – John

The “muteness” that this Couple experienced, also reflected the Silence that the people of Israel experienced…
… in their waiting of the Messiah!

But the Birth of John, was the breaking of this silence.

The World, which waited eagerly for the Messiah, had now heard a Voice!

It was time to put off the “Mute”…
… the Voice had been Born!

John 1:23, ” I am the Voice of one, crying out in the desert!”

John the Baptist, the Voice, had  been born, to announce the coming of Jesus, the Word!

We all undergo “Mute” moments in our lives!

They are painful and agonizing moments…
… when all seems dry, answerless, silent
… when there is only dreadful calm, a total brokenness, painful agonies and miseries
… when there is sometimes even no hope ahead!

Sometimes, in unbelief, we may begin to even question or interrogate God…
… like Zechariah questioned the Angel
… and may even get affected with some physical muteness of health or wealth or prestige or disbelief or  misunderstanding or persecution etc…!

But nothing of our Unbelief will spoil God’s plan for us…

God says in Jer 29:11, “I know well the plans I have in mind for you….plans for your welfare, not for woe; plans to give you a future, full of hope!”

Our “mute” moments will be transformed, into, “His name is John” moments…!
Our “unspoken miseries” will be transfigured into ” gracious and gifted” moments…!

Let’s strengthen our lives with the oft-heard truth about three ways of God answering our prayers…

YES…. I will fulfill your desire in the way you want
WAIT…. in my own time, I will grant your wishes
NO…I have something much better for you!!

Let us be patient in faith, hope and love in our MUTE moments…
… so that we may experience the gracious & gifted “HIS NAME IS JOHN” moments in our lives!

God Bless! Live Jesus!

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Quotable-quote-a-day-with-St Francis de Sales (SFS) – “Have patience with all things..

… But, first of all with yourself!”

“With Mother Mary, joyfully proclaiming the BIG GOD through the Magnificat – “My soul proclaims the glory of the Lord. My spirit rejoices in God my Saviour”

(Based on 1 Sam 1:24-28 and Lk 1:45-56 – Tuesday of the 4th Week in Advent, Year B)

One of the things that, some of us did as children, as we grew up, was to measure our height against a wall.

We know how this method works…

We stand next to a wall and make a pencil mark of our height.

A few weeks or months later, we come back to this place and measure how much we have grown.

Why did we do this?

In order to see how much we have grown…

In order to check how much more we would wish to grow…

In order to know, “How big have we become!”

Today, we need to make a similar “height check” with respect to our God.

“How big is God in my life?”

The way we answer this question will determine how we live as a Christian.

The Gospel of the Day is a great expression of how Mother Mary considered the “height” of God in Her life.

She realized the mighty presence of the Lord in Her lowly life.
She understood the huge favour of the Lord bestowed in Her humble nature.

And so, with much acclaim and exclamation, Mary cries out, “My soul proclaims the glory of the Lord. My spirit rejoices in God my Saviour” (Lk 1: 46-47)

The Angel Gabriel had announced to Mary that she been chosen to be the Mother of the Son of God.

The angel also declared that her cousin, Elizabeth had conceived in her old age.

In Her deep concern, humility and spirit of service, Mary makes a visit to Elizabeth.

Elizabeth called Mary as Blessed ‘for believing what was spoken to her by the Lord would be fulfilled’ (Lk 1: 45)

It’s in this context, that Mary exclaims the Magnificat.

The image of Mother Mary in this hymn of the Magnificat is that of a powerful and courageous lady.

And these are evident in Her words of the Magnificat…

He has shown the strength of His arm, He has scattered the proud in their conceit.
He has cast down the mighty from their thrones, and has lifted up the lowly.
He has filled the hungry with good things, and the rich He has sent away empty.
He has come to the help of his servant Israel, for He has remembered His promise of mercy (Lk 1: 48-54)

These are not words of mere pious sentimentality or tender words of affection…

These are words which express immense bravery and courage!

The mighty works and wonders of the Lord had made Mother Mary to declare…
… Courage in a God who overpowers the proud and the haughty
… Faith in a God who takes decisive action on behalf of God’s people.
… Hope in a God who vindicates the righteous and condemns the wicked.
… Love in a God who liberates the oppressed, the powerless, the poor and hungry.
… Trust in a God who casts away the self-asserting rich and accept the dependable poor.

Mother Mary declared Her strong assertion and powerful claim in a MIGHTY God!

How Big and Mighty and Strong is God in our life?

Do we believe in the mighty strength of God even in seemingly impossible situations of life?
Do we trust in the awesome majesty of God even when the boat of our lives hits rock bottom?
Do we rely in the colossal power of God even when earthquakes of life wreck havoc in life?

The way we live is a direct consequence of the size of God in our lives!

If we have a view of a Shrunken God…
… then we will live in constant anxiety of the world.

If we have a view of an Insignificant God…
… then we will live in immorality and casualness

If we have a view of a Tiny God…
…then we will live in lethargy, disinterest and indifference.

When we make God small in our lives…
… we offer prayers without faith, worship without awe, service without joy and undergo suffering without hope.

When we make God big in our lives…
… we live a life of daring faith, fearless obedience, zealous worship and passionate evangelization.

Let us measure the height and check the mark… “How Big is our God?”

With Mother Mary, let us also seek to joyfully proclaim the BIG GOD through the Magnificat – “My soul proclaims the glory of the Lord. My spirit rejoices in God my Saviour”

God Bless! Live Jesus!

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Quotable-quote-a-day-with-St Francis de Sales (SFS) – “Devotion is a certain intensity of charity which not only makes us prompt, active and diligent in observing God’s Commandments…

… but moves us beyond that to perform as many good deeds as possible, even those which are only counselled or inspired!”

“Deepening our resolve to live a ‘life of sharing’ so that all our actions may become an expression of the Divine Experience for the other!”

(Based on Song 2:8-14 and Lk 1:39-45– Monday of the 4th Week in Advent, Year B)

There was a little boy, who wanted to meet God.

He guessed that the trip would be very long, so he packed his bag with a lot of chocolates, cookies and his favourite mango juice as well.

He started his journey, and walked for a long time – even in the hot, blazing sun.

Finally, he got tired, and found a park to rest.

In the park, he met an old woman…
… sitting all by herself..
… just staring at some pigeons.

The boy, tired and famished, sat down next to her and opened his bag.

He was about to open his favourite drink, when he noticed that the old woman looked hungry.

So he offered her a cookie.

She gratefully accepted it, and smiled at him.

Her smile was so pretty, that the boy wanted to see it again.

So he offered her the mango juice as well.

Once again, she gratefully accepted it, and smiled at him.

The boy was delighted!

They sat there, the whole afternoon – eating and smiling – without saying a word.

Finally, as it grew dark, the boy realized he was too late, and had to rush back home.

As he got up to leave, and had taken a few steps, he turned…
…ran back and gave the woman a loving hug.

When the boy reached the house, his mother was surprised at the deep joy that the child radiated, and asked the reason for it.

The boy answered, “I had lunch with God!”

Before the mother could say anything, the boy added: “You know what?
She’s got the most beautiful smile I’ve ever seen!”

Meanwhile, the old woman also filled with happiness, reached her house, and was asked by her son, on the reason for it.
The old woman answered, “I had lunch with God”

Before the son could say anything, the woman added: “You know what?
He’s much younger that I expected!”

“Sharing” became the wonderful platform, for the two of them, to experience joy, with the essence of Divinity.

Yes, “sharing” is a quality, which is a reflection of the Divine – Who, in Jesus, empties Himself, in “self-giving” and “self-emptying”

The Gospel of the Day is a beautiful recounting of the “joy in sharing” – through the encounter of Mary and Elizabeth.

Mary, after having received the surprising and confounding message from Angel Gabriel, to be the Mother of the Son of God, doesn’t remain captivated or captured in heavenly bliss.
… Instead She sets out, “in haste” to the town of Judah? to the house of Her cousin, Elizabeth (Lk 1:39)

Heaven had revealed to Her the good news of Divine Favour…
… but, Mary doesn’t swell up in pride

Instead, She sets out, in service and humility

Divine Joy and Grace makes Mary to imitate the quality of the Child within Her: To share!
And this act of sharing by Mary, caused Elizabeth, Her cousin, to rejoice and the child, John, to “leap for joy”!

Elizabeth testifies to this fact when she exclaimed in a loud voice, “For at the moment the sound of
Your greeting reached my ears, the infant in my womb leaped for joy” (Lk 1: 44)

This is an essential dimension of Christian Life: Sharing.

Just as Christ shared…
… by emptying of His glory, and becoming one like us, in all things, except sin
… by being part of human experiences and being a model to live a perfect life
… by taking up pain and suffering to redeem humanity from the clutches of sin
… by giving Himself entirely, with love and deep affection, in the Holy Eucharist

Just as Mother Mary shared…
… by offering Herself in service to her cousin, Elizabeth in her need
… by becoming a model to us, by living a life in total obedience to God’s Will
… by offering Herself to God’s Providence and letting Herself be the Mother of all humanity

We too are invited, exhorted and challenged to live a “Life of Sharing”!

Our Christian lives must…
… cause us to share our resources and abilities in the service of the family and community we are in
… make us to share our time with those in need – especially of encouragement and consolation
… cause us to share our knowledge and experience to bring more people to faith in Christ
… make us to share our little acts of charity and sharing in the redeeming act of Christ

When we share our life with the ones in need…
… we experience joy and satisfaction

When we share of our self – time, love, material things or anything – to those in want…
… we experience happiness and contentment.

The world today is much thirsty to receive love and extremely hungry to receive care.

Each Christian is expected and invited to imitate Christ and help others to experience Divine Love.

Mother Mary is our model towards this.

She made choices to grow in imitation of Her Son and helped others to experience Divine Joy

As the words of St Teresa of Avila…
“Christ has no body but yours,

No hands, no feet on earth but yours,
Yours are the eyes with which he looks compassion on this world,
Yours are the feet with which he walks to do good,
Yours are the hands, with which he blesses all the world”

May we deepen our resolve to live a “life of sharing”…
… especially as we approach the Nativity of Christ

So that each of our action may become an expression of Divine Experience for the other!

God Bless! Live Jesus!

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Quotable-quote-a-day-with-St Francis de Sales (SFS) – “We shall never experience total joy so long as we are in this mortal life.
… this grace is reserved to the blessed Spirits in heaven

Nevertheless, try to attain it in the greatest possible degree!”

“Imitating Mother Mary in Her dare and courage for the sake of God’s Kingdom to ‘give up’ completely.”

(Based on 2 Sam 7:1-5, 8b-12, 14a, 16, Rom 16:25-27 and Lk 1:26-38 – 4th Sunday of Advent, Year B)

There goes a simple story of a father trying to explain the importance of the season of Advent to his ten-year-old son. He stresses on the need to prepare oneself well for Christmas.

The father said, “You ought to ‘give up’ something in Advent; something you will really miss, like for example, chocolates!”

The boy thought for a moment, then asked, “What are you giving up, Daddy?” “I’m giving up liquor,” the father replied.

“But before dinner you were drinking something” the boy protested. “Oh! That was only wine” said the father “I gave up hard liquor”

To which the boy replied, “Well then, I think even I’ll give up hard chocolates!!”

‘Giving up’ completely, in life, becomes a hard challenge and a difficult task.

But only in going through the tough way, can one obtain true success in life.

Only by giving up human interests in favor of God’s choices, can one find heavenly bliss!

The Gospel of the Day – the Annunciation of the Lord – is a witness to this great aspect of “Giving Up”.

“How can this be?” (Lk 1:34)…
This was the question that the innocent and surprised Mary asked the majestic Angel of God.

Mary had been betrothed to Joseph.
This meant she had formally agreed to marry him but the “wedding” had not yet taken place.

Between the “betrothal” and the “wedding feast” was a period usually lasting six months to a year.

During that period the couple was considered to be married and were called husband and wife but (a) they did not live together and (b) did not consummate their marriage physically.

In this context and background,
To be chosen to be visited by the splendour and power of God’s Messenger…

To be told that she was to be conceived and bearing a child…

To be declared that she was to be Mother of God’s Son…
…were highly disturbing, shocking and even fearful prospects!

It was pretty natural for Mary to pose this probing question: “How can this be?”

In her heart, it was slowly dawning that life was going to be highly different hereafter…

If we suppose that her wedding feast is still four or five months away, like teenagers everywhere, we can imagine that all her thoughts centred on things that prospective brides think about–the guest list, the decorations, the food, the music, what she will wear and where they will house the people coming in from out-of-town, her future life with her beloved husband…

Mary had never been happier.
This was to be the most exciting time of her life.

But the plan of God intervened at this joyful, undisturbed, serene phase of her life…

Often when life moves on an even path, we face the unexpected bumps of troubles.

Often when spiritually things seem to be fine, we encounter unforeseen nights of faith crisis.

Gone were the happy dreams of a grand wedding…

Gone were the hopes for “the most beautiful wedding to her most wonderful man”…
Gone were all her girlish hopes of a quiet life in the home she would personally decorate…
Gone, also, were the visions of a houseful of children conceived in love and filled with mirth…

Life was calling Mother Mary to make the choice of “giving up” completely.

“Giving up” her dreams and desires totally, to share in the magnificent plan of God’s Will.

“Giving up” her fears and apprehensions fully, to leap into a dimly-lit world of faith.

She will have a wedding feast, but not the way she planned.

She will be married, but not before rumours spread through the countryside.
She will have a home, but over her family will rest an uneasy cloud of dark suspicion.

It will all happen, but not the way She expected.

She had to “give up” all…
… Her desires
… Her will
… Her dreams
… Her expectations

The Bible is a mighty witness to those heroes & heroines of faith who “gave up”
Abraham…
Moses…
Ruth…
David…
Elijah…
Jeremiah…
Esther…
Job…

This “giving up” by Mary, was the key element in God’s plan of human salvation.

Today, each one of is being invited and challenged to “give up” things in life…

“Give up” our will in favour of God’s Will in our lives.

“Give up” our sinful tendencies to allow purity and holiness to overshadow us.
“Give up” our selfish desires and interests to make space for the needs of others.
“Give up” our personal time of comfort and luxury to give more time to the Lord.
“Give up” our judgmental attitudes and embrace the spirit of gentleness and forgiveness.
“Give up” our wrecking feelings of brokenness and let in God’s presence and grace to heal us.

No doubt that this “giving up” is a hard task and even might seem “impossible” to us.

But the Angel Gabriel assures and comforts us, “For with God, nothing is impossible” (Lk 1:37).

Got any rivers you think are unassailable?
Got any mountains you can’t tunnel through?

God specializes in things thought impossible.

He does the things others cannot do!

Mother Mary is the greatest human example of impossibilities being converted to realities through God’s Power!

In Her yes, humanity said Yes to God…

In Her “giving up”, humanity has “given up” the sinful nature.

She is our Model disciple to imitate.

She is our Mother beloved to hold fast to.
She is our Madonna Special to intercede to.

Let us imitate Mother Mary in Her dare and courage for the sake of God’s Kingdom to “give up” completely.

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!”

“Firmly holding high the banner – ‘Semper Fi – Forever Faithful!’ in our Christian lives and living in loyalty and allegiance to Christ, our Great Commander”

(Based on Judg 13:2-7, 24-25 and Lk 1:5-25 – Saturday of the 3rd Week in Advent, Year B)

Corporal Jeffrey Lee Nashton is a former Marine Corps sergeant in the US.

On Oct. 23, 1983, a suicide bomber drove a truck load of explosives into the Marine Camp at Beirut International Airport, Lebanon, killing 241 soldiers.

Nashton, a lance corporal, just 23 at that time, was among those severely injured in the attack.

Nashton had many tubes, running in and out of his body, with grave injuries all over.

A witness would say, that ‘he looked more like a machine than a man’.

Yet, he survived!

It is said, that two days after the bombing, while lying on the hospital bed in Weisbaden, Germany…
… in deep pain and agony, Nashton scribbled two words on a note and gave to his commander, Marine Commandant Paul X. Kelley.

The two words on the note read: “Semper Fi”

“Semper Fi” is the Latin motto of the Marines.
It means: “Forever Faithful!”

The pledge of “Semper Fi”…
… strengthened the injured man, in his moments of agony and struggle!
… became the reason for the wounded person, to remain steadfast in the face of anguish!

Every Christian ought to have this pledge to the Lord – “Semper Fi : Forever Faithful” – firmly adhered to Christ and faithfully lived in love.

The Gospel of the Day is the inspiring story of two exemplary persons- Elizabeth and Zechariah – who displayed the courage “to remain faithful” even while staring at hopelessness and despair.

St Luke begins his Gospel, after a brief introduction, with the amazing story of Elizabeth and Zechariah.

It’s interesting to note the meanings of their names…

“Zechariah” meant “The Lord remembers”
“Elizabeth” meant “the oath of God”

Combined, their names would mean, “The Lord remembers His Oath!”

However, life seemingly handed them something quite opposite…

Their childlessness caused to seem that the Lord had totally forgotten!
The barrenness of Elizabeth caused to seem that the Lord had His memories lost!

How true is this situation in our own lives too?

We bank on God’s promises that “He would provide” everything…
… but when some of our expectations fall short, we feel God is just not with us!

We feel joyful to know that God’s Providence will guide us through…
… yet, when some unforeseen and sudden mishaps happen, we feel God has forgotten us!

We feel assured to realise that God will always shelter us…
… however, when we find ourselves in the thickets of problems and crises, we feel God has left us!

This is where we need to look to Zechariah and Elizabeth and be inspired by their amazing faith.

Though life did not move the way they wished…
Though many of their honest longings were not fulfilled…
Though they had to go through occasions of shame and dishonour…
Though all possibilities of hope and expectation was “lost”, humanly speaking…
… they still kept the faith!
… they still remained true to the Lord!
… they still continued to be devout to God!

The Gospel says, “they were both righteous before God, walking in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord, blameless” (Lk 1: 6)

Yes, Zechariah and Elizabeth firmly held up the placard of “Semper Fi” – Forever Faithful – to God!
And this is what we too are called to do, in our Christian life of faith – to hold up the banner of “Semper Fi”…

Being “Forever Faithful”…
… even when our life ahead seems uncertain and the road ahead looks too dark

By firmly trusting Divine Providence and obeying His Will in our lives

Being “Forever Faithful”…
… even when undeserved sufferings crush our life and unfair behaviour is meted out to us

By strongly pursuing the paths of justice and holding firm to the values of the Gospel

Being “Forever Faithful”…
… even when sin traps us and we find it miserable to let go off our evil ways

By resolutely making efforts to do away with sinful tendencies and seeking to be holy

The “Forever Faithful” principle of Zechariah and Elizabeth was mercifully looked with favour by God…
… and thus the joyful words were addressed: “…your prayer has been heard! Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son” (Lk 1: 13)

Yes, “the Lord remembered His oath” and announced that He is indeed “The God Who is Gracious” by blessing them with John (= God is Gracious)

Our God is a God Who cares much for His people…
Our God is a God Who deeply loves His Own…

This deep care and love, however, deserves our steadfast faithfulness and uncompromising fidelity.

Yes, let our Christian Lives be a life of loyalty and allegiance to Christ, our Great Commander…
… and may we, firmly hold high the banner – “Semper Fi – Forever Faithful!”

God Bless! Live Jesus!

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Quotable-quote-a-day-with-St Francis de Sales (SFS) – “The Lord would never exhort the faithful to persevere…

… if He were not ready to give them the power to do so!”

“Being inspired by St Joseph to grow in obedience to the Will of God – with promptness and joy!”

(Based on Jer 23:5-8 and Mt 1:18-24 – Friday of the 3rd Week in Advent, Year B)

A child standing in front of the Christmas Crib was looking for quite sometime at the statue of St Joseph.

The mother, tapped his shoulder and asked: “Why is it that you looking so long at St Joseph?”

The boy with an innocent smile replied:
“Mamma…St Joseph was such a great person, isn’t it!

He had the honour to be so close with the two holiest persons of this world – Jesus, the Son of God and Mary, the Immaculate Mother!

I wish that we would talk and pray to St Joseph more..
… than just think of him, only during Christmas season!”

The boy was recounting the greatness of St Joseph…
…who often remains hidden in the backdrop, amid the great galaxy of Biblical Stars!

The Gospel of the day is a beautiful glimpse to understand the person of St Joseph.

Let’s learn a few of his important virtues.

1. St Joseph was ever attentive and obedient to the voice of God

One of the standout qualities that we observe in St Joseph is his prompt obedience to the voice of God

He listened to the Angel, in moments of dilemma, and obediently took Mary as his wife (Mt 1:20-24)

He listened to the Angel, in moments of danger, and obediently took the Mother and Child to Egypt (Mt 1:13-15)
He listened to the Angel, in moments of doubt, and obediently settled the Holy Family in Nazareth (Mt 1: 20, 22b)

St Joseph was able to let go of his personal choices and his desired comforts and give top priority to do what God wanted him to do.

Holiness consists in doing what God wants – when and where He wants

2. St Joseph teaches us the love for Jesus and Mary

Ever since he recognised the plan of God in his life, St Joseph displayed a tremendous commitment and love to Jesus and Mary
He had many occasions of choices to let go of them…
… to leave Mary when she was found with Child, even before the marriage
… to leave his pregnant Wife when they found no place in the inn
… to abandon the Child and Mother when a life-danger against them was sensed

But, nothing could deter St Joseph from leaving or abandoning them.

He knew that in God’s plan, They belonged to him, and he would safeguard Them – treasuring Them close to his heart.

Our faith has blessed us with love for Jesus and Mother Mary.

Can we also imitate St Joseph, in holding Them close to our hearts?

3. Humility is a virtue radiated by St Joseph
   St Joseph had to face many moments of humiliation, disappointment and uncertainty.

But in his humility, he remained true to God in all those moments

Life sometimes drags us into situations of sadness and even shame.

Many times we let go of God’s Hands, saying that “He is not fair” or “He doesn’t understand me”!

St Joseph teaches us that there is much value in humbling oneself, before the mighty power of the Almighty

4. St Joseph was content to be the “silent worker” in the awesome work of Salvation

St Joseph, was honoured to be sharing the most intimate physical presence with the two holiest persons of this world – Jesus, the Son of God and Mary, the Immaculate Mother.
And yet, he contented himself to be the “silent hard-worker”.

He is a mighty challenge to our world, where seeking for honour, position, fame and reputation become cheap motives, in doing works of charity or even, sadly to say, in ministries of the Church.

5. St Joseph is the model of chastity

Mary is the New Ark of Covenant, bearing Divinity in Her.

St Jerome, says that St Joseph, the son of David, shared his royal ancestor’s fear of coming into overly close contact with the Tabernacle of the Lord: “Who am I,” asked King David, “that the Ark of the Lord should come to me?” (2 Sam. 6:9)

Chastity is the virtue that moderates the desire for sexual pleasure according to the principles of faith and right reason.

In married people, chastity moderates the desire in conformity with their state of life
In unmarried people who wish to marry, the desire is moderated by abstention or unless they get married
In those who resolve not to marry, the desire is sacrificed entirely.

St Joseph is often depicted with a White Lily in his hand, to depict purity and holiness

6. St Joseph was prefigured in Joseph of the Old Testament

In the Old Testament, we read Joseph, the son of Jacob, had stored up, in Egypt, grain to provide bread for the preservation of the People of Israel (Gen 42)
In the New Testament, St Joseph, safeguarded, in Egypt, the Bread of Life, for the salvation of the People of God. (Mt 1: 14)

7. St Joseph is a model leader

True to being a Father, St Joseph displayed many leadership qualities, which needs to be imitated by us, in our practical life
Defender of the community/team members: St Joseph preserved Mother Mary from idle talks of gossip and malicious speculation
Protection of those in care: St Joseph did not give up in the face of hostile situations, when it was time for the Birth of the Child
Needful and prompt action: St Joseph acted quickly and promptly, in response to situations of danger and of need

This Year has been declared by Holy Father Pope Francis as the Year of St Joseph.

St Joseph invites us to grow in obedience to the Will of God – with promptness and joy

Let us pray that we will be able to nurture a deeper and tender affection for Jesus and Mother Mary and be close to Them, to lead a pure and holy life.

May the greatness of St Joseph inspire us

And may we talk and pray to St Joseph more..
… than just think of him, only during Christmas season!

God Bless! Live Jesus!

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Quotable-quote-a-day-with-St Francis de Sales (SFS) – “Glorious St Joseph, spouse of Mary, grant us thy paternal protection, we beseech thee by the Heart of Jesus Christ!

O thou, whose power extends to all our necessities and can render possible for us the most impossible things, open thy fatherly eyes to the needs of thy children!”

“Exploring the memorable library of memories through the Genealogy of Christ and being moved by the Magnificent Miracles wrought by our Marvellous God!

(Based on Gen 49:2, 8-12 and Mt 1:1-17 – Thursday of the 3rd Week in Advent, Year B)

A genealogist is a person who records/tables the descent of a person, family, or group from an ancestor or ancestors.

He/She draws the family tree.

Once a person asked a genealogist:
“Why do you think that your duty is very great?”

The genealogist, with a gentle smile replied:
“Remember that when a family member passes away, they take a library of memories with them.

It’s a genealogist’s duty to record them all, for the good of the future generations!”

True indeed!

A genealogy gives a memorable library of memories…
… and helps us to be moved by the Magnificent Miracles wrought by our Marvellous God!

The Gospel of the Day presents the marvellous work of St Mathew, the genealogist…
…the Genealogy of Jesus Christ, the Son of God!

This passage of the Gospel is something that we hear and read very rarely…
… and much less meditated upon.

What are the different aspects that the Genealogy of Christ makes us to reflect on?

1. The Genealogy of Jesus is one of the finest treasures of God’s Grace and Providence
   St Matthew (1: 1-17) and St Luke (3: 23-38) present the Genealogy of Jesus Christ.

They could be called as the “forgotten passages of the Christmas Story”.
The names in it sound too obscure, their pronunciation beyond comprehension, their purpose highly hazy.
Perhaps, these are some of the common excuses we find, in avoiding to read or reflect on the accounts of the Genealogy.

But we must realise that in the account of the Genealogy, is buried the marvellous working of God’s Grace and His Amazing Providence – the manner in which the “streams of God’s Grace flows through the ordinary and the great, the mighty and simple people”

The Genealogy teaches us open our eyes to see the ways of God working in our lives- hidden yet awesome; silent yet splendid

2. The two accounts of Genealogy are not contradictory; rather they are two perspectives to show Jesus as the Son of David

There are two accounts of Genealogy in the Gospels: St Matthew, which starts with Abraham; St Luke, which starts with Adam

Apparently, the two accounts look to be contradicting each other
But on closer look, we find…
… St Matthew traced the family line through Joseph, whereas St Luke traced it through Mary.

This was because Gospel of Matthew, being written to the Jews, had a legal requirement to show Jesus descending from the father, who belonged to the line of King David.

This account also made sure it kept the prophecy in Jer 22:24-30 (“For none of his sons will succeed in occupying the throne of David or ever succeed in ruling over Judah.?)

St Luke’s version also shows Jesus as the Son of David, coming through his son Nathan.

Thus, both the accounts show that Jesus, as the Son of David, had the right to the throne of Israel

3. The Genealogy mentions some notorious people – yet the Messiah was born in this family!

The Genealogy mentions 5 women
a. Tamar: Disguised herself as a prostitute and seduced her father-in-law Judah (Gen 38)
b. Rahab: A Gentile, prostitute; she helped the Jewish spies to hide and to escape from the enemies ( Josh 2)
c. Ruth: A Gentile, with the background of a family who offered themselves to pagan gods
d. The wife of Uriah: The Gospel doesn’t even mention her name; suffered abuse by David, the great King of Israel.
e. Mary: A simple woman from Nazareth, who was found to be with child, before the marriage.
All these five women were considered dis”graced” – some gentiles, some involved in sexual immorality, some finding themselves in situations of family disgrace.

Yet the Messiah is born in this family – to show that God’s “Grace” can wash away every dis”grace”!
It shows that God can write straight, with crooked lines!

4. The Genealogy is also a lesson to the self-righteous people
   Besides the mention of the apparently “not-pleasant women’, the list also mentions of kings, many of whom were unfaithful, of idolaters, of people without morals etc.
   The Family Tree of Jesus is really not a pretty picture; it looks to be “very unclean”

Yet, St Matthew’s Gospel, written to the Jews, gives a message that it is not self-righteousness that wins salvation (as thought by many Pharisees, Scribes and Jewish leaders); it is God’s grace and mercy, along with our co-operation to His Will.

5. The Genealogy gives us the great message of hope
   We may have…
   … a past that is hurting us – either due to our biological family or due to our own experiences of life
   … a past that is sinful and we wish to forget
   … a past that is painful or abused
   … a past that has experienced humiliations and rejection

Yet, the Genealogy teaches us the big lesson that all our past can be cleansed and healed, by the mighty presence of Jesus.

Cardinal Van Thuan says in his book ‘The Testimony of Hope’:
“The river of history, full of sinners and criminals, becomes a source of pure water, as we approach the fullness of time.

With Mary, the Mother and Jesus, the Messiah, all generations will be renewed again”

The Genealogy of our Blessed Lord teaches that Jesus was very much historical…
… and shared our world.

In Jesus, we have a God, who is not distant or away from us – but Someone, Who is deeply intimate with us, involved in our lives and sharing our joys and pains of life.

May a deeper meditation on the Genealogy of Jesus enable us to explore the memorable library of memories…
… and helps us to be moved by the Magnificent Miracles wrought by our Marvellous God!

God Bless! Live Jesus!

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Quotable-quote-a-day-with-St Francis de Sales (SFS) – “Don’t get upset with your imperfections.

Surrender to the power of God’s Love…

… which is greater than our weakness!”

“Regulating our lives to the Commands of the Lord to see that life is a beautiful miracle – at all times, at all moments!”

(Based on Is 45:6b-8,18,21b-25 and Lk 7:19-23 – Wednesday of the 3rd Week in Advent, Year B)

There is an interesting cartoon that appeared in the newspapers…

This cartoon shows a fourth-class boy, looking intently to his class teacher.

Behind them, stares a blackboard – covered with mathematics problems, which the boy has not finished.
(The teacher is apparently very upset that the boy has not completed solving the problems)

With a rare insight, the boys says: “Well, I’m not an underachiever.

You are an over-expecter!”

The cartoon throws light on an interesting human dimension: many times, we have high levels of expectations but what we achieve in life often falls short of our expectation.

We expect many things from our relationships…
… but when what we actually achieve becomes low, we get disappointed.

We expect life to bless us with many good things…
… but when what we actually achieve is less, we feel sad.

The Gospel of the Day presents this dimension that was experienced by Jesus – being considered an under-achiever, since He did not fulfil the “required and likely expectations”

The Gospel begins with the verse, “And John (the Baptist), calling to him two of his disciples, sent them to the Lord saying, ‘ Are you He Who is to come, or shall we look for another?” (Lk 7:19)

John the Baptist had come preaching with much zeal and fervour.

There was fire in him…
There was blaze in his spirit…

His words testify to this aspect:

“Therefore, every tree that does not bear good fruit, will be cut down and thrown into the fire” (Mt 3:10)
“You brood of vipers! Who asked you to flee from the coming wrath?” (Lk 3:7)

He had received a mandate to “be the voice of the one crying in the wilderness” (Jn 1: 23)…
… to prepare the way for the Messiah, by making the paths straight
… to prepare the people with the strong message of repentance and warning of the judgment to come

He expected Jesus – the Messiah…
… to set afire the world with the might of judgement
… to come with fury and force and establish the Kingdom of God (Mt 3: 12)

But as the ministry of Jesus progressed…

John’s expectations were not being fulfilled, in the way he thought.

Jesus epitomized love…
… though judgement was surely warned, with respect to sin

Jesus embodied compassion…
… though fury was seen with respect to obstinacy in sin

The style of the ministry of Jesus was contrary to what John expected!

And so word was sent to ask Jesus, “Are you the One Who is to come, or should we look for another?” (Lk7: 20)

Many times, in our lives, we too experience such unfulfilled expectations.

This is true not only in our relationships with one another or with the blessings of life, but even with God!

We have sometimes a set pattern of the way God should work…
We have sometimes a rigid understanding of the Providence of God…

A sickness or an illness strikes our family…
A disaster or a calamity hits our life…
A painful tragedy or an unexpected mishap happens…
A prayer remains unanswered for ages or a sin remains stuck for years…

And…
… we begin to lose hope
… we have our minds filled with doubts
… we begin to question the Power of God

As humans, all these things are understandable and even quite natural.

But the call of the Gospel is to “open our eyes and see the wonders that the Lord does, every moment of our lives”
“… the blindness of our sin being restored, with the sight of forgiveness
…. the lame excuses of our laziness being challenged, to walk with enthusiasm
… the leprosy of our indifference being touched, to allow us to extend generosity
… the deafness of our insensitivity being opened, to hear the cries of the needy
… the dead hopes of our lives being given a fresh lease of life to spur us towards eternity
… the poverty of our hearts being filled with the richness of God’s glorious blessings and grace”
(Cf Lk 7:22)

Yes…
When we open our eyes, with the power of the Holy Spirit, we realise the wonders that God keeps doing in our lives…
… Every moment… at every step of our life!

Prophet Isaiah very powerfully reminds us: “For thus says the Lord, who created the heavens (he is God!), who formed the earth and made it (he established it; he did not create it a chaos, he formed it to be inhabited!). I am the Lord, and there is no other.

Perhaps, sometimes we are “over-expecters”

Expecting God to work
… in the way we want
… in the time that we want

But the Lord looks at us and is perhaps telling us:
“I am no under-achiever!

Tune your hearts to My Will…
Alter your minds to My Thoughts…
Regulate your lives to My Commands…
… and you will see…
Life is a beautiful miracle… at all times… at all moments!”

God Bless! Live Jesus!

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Quotable-quote-a-day-with-St Francis de Sales (SFS) – “True progress quietly and persistently moves along without notice!”

“Bridging the gap between the two essentials of life – one’s talking and one’s walking the talk!”

(Based on Zeph 3:1-2, 9-13 and Mt 21:28-32 – Tuesday of the 3rd Week in Advent, Year B)

Two twins who looked very similar in appearance, lived in a village…
They grew up & took one’s choice of profession:

One a preacher of the Word, the other a Medical practitioner.

Years later, they both came to their village on holidays.

On seeing one of them, a neighbour asked, “Are you the one who preaches?”

Coolly, the person replied:
“Nope! I’m not the one who preaches!
I am the one who practices!”

Life judges us, on the basis of how well does our preaching and practising co-ordinate & complement each other.

Life presents different moments when there seems to be a dichotomy between one’s words and deeds…
Life challenges us to bridge the gap between the two essentials of life – one’s talking and one’s walking the talk!

The Gospel of the Day presents to us an interesting parable of two Sons who are asked to work by their Father.

One SAYS YES… but DOES NOT!

The other SAYS NO… BUT DOES!

One preaches… but does not practise!

The other does not preach… but practises!

One consents initially…but refuses finally!

The other refuses initially…but consents finally!

How often does this situation arise in our own lives and situations too…

We pledge ourselves at trendy events, for the cause of the poor…but we fail to help…

Many others remain quite unnoticed…but become forerunners for the cause of the poor!

We make a big show and be popular as a helpful person…but we fail in some genuine needs..

Many others remain quite unnoticed…but are present with their full force to render help!

We make many resolutions on new year days or birthdays.. but fail to materialize them…

Many others remain quite unnoticed… but are able to make many amendments and changes!

We make many promises to the Lord during feast days or novena times… but fail to live up…

Many others remain quite unnoticed… but render much love to the Lord through the year!

We all experience this “I will do”… but “I did not do” experiences in life.

On the personal Faith Level, this trend is seen more distinctly and vividly…

People claim themselves to be Catholics… but appear in church only on grand feast days!
People appreciate the Catholic teaching… but support moral laws which go directly against!
People assert having dedicated their lives to God… but fail to find time for God and prayer!
People declare loving God above all… but fail to reject pleasures which hurts and pains Him!
People profess and make vows to God… but neglect to even try to keep up those promises!

Like the second son, who said Yes…very often, we too become people who nod our heads in consent for anything and everything…but fail to live up to that YES!

The Lord says in Mt 7:21, “Not all who say Lord, Lord, will enter the Kingdom of Heaven, but he does the will of my Father”

Therefore, the proposition is clear:

It is not pompous words that will grant life, but carrying out the Will of the Father!
It is not fancy talk that will confer true happiness, but practising the Will of the Father!
It is not flowery language that will accord blessings, but fulfilling the Will of the Father!

How are we to observe the Will of the Father?

St. Paul explains how we should set about trying to do the Father’s will:
“Let the same mind be in you that was in Christ Jesus.” (Phil 2:5)

Like Christ, when we dare to be merciful and compassionate, we can do the Father’s Will
Like Christ, when we prioritize other’s interests over selfish ones, we can do the Father’s Will
Like Christ, when we empty ourselves and became obedient, we can do the Father’s Will

It is not only good news “proclaimed” but good news “practised”…
… that will win others to the glorious freedom of forgiveness of sins!

Let us examine… and if needed, amend our lives…

Are we the one who only preaches?
OR
… Can we become the one who also practises?

God Bless! Live Jesus!

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Quotable-quote-a-day-with-St Francis de Sales (SFS) – “Those who wish to straighten a young tree, not only to bring it to the direction in which they wish it to grow…

… but even bend it somewhat beyond, so that it will not return to its former direction!”