“With love in our hearts, let us cry out, ‘My Lord and my God’ and with hope in the Mercy of God, let us sing, ‘Jesus, I trust in You!’”

(Based on Acts 2:42-47, 1 Pet 1:3-9 and Jn 20:19-31)

It was the winter of 1931, in the land of Poland.

It was the Convent of the Sisters of Our Lady of Mercy.

Sister Faustina was having another apparition of Jesus

And this was to be a very special day.

She saw Jesus dressed in a white garment. He held one hand raised in blessing, and the other hand touched his garment at the heart-level.

From that point in his garment, two bright rays of light emanated – one red and the other pale.

Jesus then spoke to her, “The two rays denote Blood and Water.

The pale ray stands for the Water which makes souls righteous.
The red ray stands for the Blood which is the life of souls.
These two rays issued forth, from the very depths of My tender mercy, when My agonized Heart was opened by a lance on the Cross.”

He then said to her, “Paint an image according to the pattern you see, with the signature: Jesus, I trust in You. I desire that this image be venerated, first in your chapter and then throughout the world.

I promise that the soul that will venerate this image will not perish.
I also promise victory over enemies already here on earth, especially at the hour of death. I Myself will defend it as My own glory”

These private revelations to Saint Faustina led to the spreading of the devotion of the Divine Mercy of Jesus.

Today we celebrate the Feast of the Divine Mercy of Jesus – commemorating His deep love for us in His Passion, Death and Resurrection and celebrating His immense compassion and longing for each and every soul.

The Gospel of the Day is another Resurrection account of the Risen Lord to His Apostles.

Thomas was not with the group on the previous occasion that the Lord appeared to His chosen ones.

And so when the Lord makes His appearance, He especially calls out on Thomas, to experience and believe in His Risen Body: “Then He said to Thomas, ‘Put your finger here and see my hands, and bring your hand and put it into my side, and do not be unbelieving but believe” (Jn 20:27)

Jesus came to the world to “seek and save the lost” (Lk 19:10)

Thomas, the Apostle, was lost…
… was lost in doubts over the reports and talks about the Resurrection of the Lord
… was lost within himself on whether he could trust the words of his companions, who often had wavered, even in the past, over many matters
… was lost in missing out a chance to encounter His Master since he had stayed away from the community.

But the Good Shepherd now comes in search of this “lost” sheep. And this sheep submits to the mercy and compassion of the Shepherd…

“My Lord and my God!” (Jn 20:28) were the confessing words of Thomas to Jesus, His Master.

The Lord displays His incredible mercy to Thomas, the “lost” sheep, who was willing to be found.
The Lord manifests His compassionate mercy, to Thomas, His “chosen” one, who was ready to humble himself before the Lord.

This then is the great lesson that we can learn: The Lord is willing to be found, by those who seek Him

The Lord is waiting to be experienced, by those who want Him
The Lord is wanting to be encountered, by those who long for Him

The early Christian community found much strength in seeking the Lord in “the breaking of Bread” and in their joyful communion with another – and this united witness was a great way of drawing many people to the Love of the Lord

“Day by day, as they spent much time together in the temple, they broke bread at home and ate their food with glad and generous hearts, praising God and having the goodwill of all the people.
And day by day the Lord added to their number those who were being saved!” (Acts 2:46-47)

St Peter invites us to remain firm and faithful to the Lord – even in moments of trials and struggles – because the Lord’s Mercy always accompanies us:
“In this you rejoice, even if now for a little while you have had to suffer various trials, so that the genuineness of your faith – being more precious than gold that, though perishable, is tested by fire – may be found to result in praise and glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed.

Although you have not seen Him, you love Him; and even though you do not see Him now, you believe in Him and rejoice with an indescribable and glorious joy, for you are receiving the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls!” (1 Pet 1:6-9)

The Mercy Sunday is a wonderful invitation to plunge ourselves in the ocean of the Lord’s mercy and compassion.

Thomas sought to touch the Lord… but the Lord Himself touched his heart!

We seek the Lord…
… but the Lord seeks much more to come into our lives.

We long for the Lord…
… but the Lord longs much more strongly for our souls.

We search for the Lord…
… but the Lord searches much more to embrace us in love.

This Feast of the Mercy Sunday also is a beautiful reminder and invitation to experience the love and mercy of the Lord, in the two treasures that Holy Mother the Church constantly offers – the Sacrament of the Holy Eucharist and the Sacrament of Reconciliation.

The Image of the Divine Mercy points to these two Sacraments…

The pale ray stands for the Water which makes souls righteous – The Sacrament of Reconciliation (along with the Sacrament of Baptism)
The red ray stands for the Blood which is the life of souls – The Sacrament of the Holy Eucharist

In the Sacrament of the Holy Eucharist, the Mercy of the Lord waits on us…
… to receive Him more frequently
… to live Him more in our lives
… to honour Him more often

In the Sacrament of Reconciliation, the Mercy of the Lord longs for us…
… to accept His offer of life and blessings
… to receive us back, with all our sins washed away
… to go back to His embrace of sanctity by living a holy life

The priests of the Lord are reminded, on this day, of the powerful duty and task that they need to faithfully ensure towards the celebration of the Holy Mass and the Sacrament of Reconciliation.

These are the two powerful channels through which the mercy of the Lord flows, and the priests alone are chosen and entrusted to handle these Sacraments of grace and mercy!

It’s indeed the greatest privilege and the same time, the most sacred duty and function for a Priest.

Therefore…

Priests have a bounden responsibility, to be always ready for these sacraments
Priests have a bounden task, to be always willing to administer these sacraments
Priests have a bounden duty, to be always open to allow God’s mercy to flow through them

Divine Mercy Sunday 2020 however is different, as most of us – owing to the sickness around us – may be unable to go to the Church.

However, we can still very much receive the Graces and the Blessings of this Great Feast Day.

Let us seek to do three things on this Divine Mercy Sunday with the intention to turn away from our sins:

1. Make an Act of Contrition: Since we are unable to get to Confession, make an Act of Contrition, instead (in a family or a community, as far as possible, together – Make a Prayer of Reconciliation, Read a relevant Bible passage, Spend some time in Examining the Conscience and make the Prayer of Contrition)

As the Catechism of the Catholic Church states, “Among the penitent’s acts contrition occupies first place. Contrition is ‘sorrow of the soul and detestation for the sin committed, together with the resolution not to sin again'” (1451).
We will be completely forgiven of all sins, even “mortal sins, if it includes the firm resolution to have recourse to sacramental confession as soon as possible” (Catechism, 1452).

2. Make a Spiritual Communion: Ask the Lord to come into our hearts as if we received Him sacramentally — Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity.

We can pray: “My Jesus, I believe that You are present in the Blessed Sacrament. I love You above all things and I desire You in my soul. Since I cannot now receive You sacramentally, come at least spiritually into my heart. As though You were already there, I embrace You and unite myself to You; permit not that I should ever be separated from You, Amen!”

Again, do this act of trust with the intent to return to the Sacrament of Holy Communion as soon as possible.

3. Pray for the Reception of the Grace of this Feast Day and engage in an Act of Mercy: This act of Mercy should make us to Offer God’s Mercy to a person in need
   (eg: Reconciling with someone with whom you are not very okay, reaching out in help to a needy person, praying for any particular intention/people etc.)

Yes, let this Feast of the Mercy Sunday be a day to re-consecrate ourselves to the Mercy of the Lord.
… Let this Feast of the Mercy Sunday be a day to re-commit ourselves in showing mercy and compassion to all the people in our lives.

Passion for God and Compassion for His people!

With love in our hearts, let us cry out, “My Lord and my God” and with hope in the mercies of God, let us sing, “Jesus, I trust in You!”

Let us seek to live as Missionaries of Mercy!

May our Blessed Mamma, the Compassionate Mother of Mercy, always intercede for us!

Happy Feast of the Mercy of God!

God Bless! Live Jesus!

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

“Placing our hands in the Hands of the Lord, and taking up His task of being the Proclaimers and Witnesses of His Resurrection to the world with an assurance of the Lord: ‘…I will be with you
… and above all, I trust You!’”

(Based on Acts 4:13-21 and Mk 16: 9-15)

One of the familiar kids’ stories, known to many of us is that of Jesus, after His ascension, going back to the heavens. There was a lot of excitement in heaven, in having Jesus back to the heavenly realms.

The many little angels gathered around the Lord and asked His experience of being on the earth.

Then one of the angels put forward this question to Jesus, “Dear Lord, you have done such a lot of good on the earth. You have sown the seeds of your Kingdom in the hearts of so many people.

But I have a genuine doubt
… To continue this your excellent work, you have appointed only 12 persons.

And most of those 12 are not very skilled or very able-bodied.

How do you think, your mission will continue?
How do you think this minuscule number of personnel can to spread Your Word?”

The Lord looked at the angel, with a deep reflective look; then with a gentle and hopeful smile, He said, “Yes, I know that they are only a few. I know that they are not very talented or highly capable.

Yet, I will be with them…

And above all, I trust them!”

These words echoed in the heavens
… “I will be with them
… and above all, I trust them!

The Lord indeed trusts in His chosen ones to continue His mission on the earth.

The Gospel of the Day recounts the mandate given to the Apostles by Jesus, the Master, to spread His Gospel to the entire nations: “Go into all the world and preach the Gospel to the whole creation” (Mk 16:15)

We are on the last day of the Easter Octave – the eighth day.

Over the last seven days, we have meditated on the various Resurrection accounts from the various Gospel narratives.

The encounter by Mary Magdalene, being called by her name (Jn 20: 11-18)
The encounter by Mary Magdalene, being called by her name (Jn 20: 11-18)
The encounter by Mary of Magdalene calling her by name (Jn 20: 11-18)
The encounter of the two disciples with the Risen Lord at the breaking of bread (Lk 24: 13-
35)
The encounter of the Apostles with the Risen Lord in the closed room (Lk 24: 35-48)
The encounter of the Apostles with the Risen Lord by the Sea of Tiberias (Jn 21: 1-14)

Today, in the Gospel of St Mark, we have a sort of summary of the many Resurrection narratives, closing with the mission mandate of the Lord, to “go into all the world” and reach out the saving Word of the Lord.

In all these various Resurrection narratives that are mentioned in today’s Gospel…
… one common element is seen: A mention of unbelief or uncertainty of the disciples.

When Mary Magdalene saw the Lord and reported this to the disciples…
… “but when they heard that He was alive and had been seen by her, they would not believe it” (Mk 16:11)

When the two disciples on the way to Emmaus spoke of the Risen Lord’s appearance to them, “they did not believe them” either (Mk 16: 13)
… but later the Lord appeared to the disciples themselves and “rebuked them for their unbelief and hardness of heart because they had not believed…” (Mk 16: 14, NABRE)

The disciples found it hard to accept and believe in the Resurrection of the Lord.

They had been rebuked often by the Lord, during His earthly ministry.
Now they are again chided for their lack of faith, even after His Resurrection.

Despite this less intensity in their belief, the Risen Lord entrusts them with His mission of proclaiming the Good News of the Kingdom.

Despite this little strength in their faith, the Risen Lord, hands over to them His task of preaching the Word of God to all the nations.

That’s the trust of the Lord in His disciples.

That’s the faith of the Lord in His chosen ones

It’s His conviction that “I will be with them
… and above all, I trust them”!

Like the disciples, we too may and will have our moments of…
… variations in faith
… slackening in trust
… and slipping in hope

In all this, let us be assured that the Lord, Who has entrusted His task to us, will continue to trust in us, and assures His presence with us.

We are weak…
We are fragile…

The Lord knows these aspects in us, much better than we ourselves.

He knew all this, even of the Apostles.

Yet, He wholly trusted them.
And He wholly trusts us too….

The disciples would grow in the strength of this trust and would become courageous and powerful to give witness to the Risen Lord – even when put through trials and tribulations.

This bold witness even surprised many people, including the religious leaders:
“Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John and realized that they were uneducated and ordinary men, they were amazed and recognized them as companions of Jesus!” (Acts 4:13)

Their conviction would make them to profess the Lord in all what they did:
“But Peter and John answered them, “Whether it is right in God’s sight to listen to you rather than to God, you must judge…
… for we cannot keep from speaking about what we have seen and heard!” (Acts 4:19-20)

Let us place our hands in the hands of the Lord, and take up His task of being the Proclaimers and Witnesses of His Resurrection to the world…
… always being assured that the Lord’s promises, “I will be with you
… and above all, I trust You!”

Happy Easter to all of you!

God Bless! Live Jesus!

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Quotable-quote-a-day-with-St Francis de Sales (SFS) – “A courageous spirit relies on faith, grows in courage amid difficulties, and knows quite well…

… that God loves, supports and helps those in need, when they confide and hope in Him!”

“Being aware that one’s greatest strength can also be the reason for one’s greatest fall, let us put to effect all our abilities for His Kingdom by totally depending on Him and being focussed on our Crucified Risen Lord!”

(Based on Acts 4:1-12 and Jn 21:1-14)

Every person’s life consists of various strengths, talents, abilities and aptitudes.

These strengths and talents help a person to achieve triumphs in life.
These abilities and aptitudes push the person to climb up higher the ladder of success.

However, it is said that “one’s greatest strength can also be the reason for one’s greatest fall!”

Sometimes strengths and abilities themselves can become….
… the reason for great depressions in life
… the gateway to a person to being tempted into false ways
… the entrance for a person to abandon one’s true calling and vocation of life

The Gospel of the Day is a strong picturisation of this aspect with the person of Peter, the prime Apostle of Jesus, in focus.

We are in the last chapter of the Gospel of St John – Chapter Twenty-One.

The chapter describes another post-resurrection account of the appearance of Jesus.

The disciples have been greatly disturbed and devastated by the death of their Master, Jesus.

Perhaps, all their hopes were crashed
… all their aspirations had sunk.

Then, Peter, perhaps filled with greater sorrow than others, makes an important statement, “I am going fishing” (Jn 21:3)

He would have been more sorrowful because the Lord had always accorded special attention to him.
He would have been more tearful than others because he was the one who had primarily and publicly denied his Master.

And so he takes another lead
… this time, however, away from the Lord
… “to go fishing.”

In Mt 4:19, we read that Peter had received the glorious vocation of following the Lord
…”Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.”

This was the vocation of Peter
… This was his calling
… to follow Jesus closely and personally and intimately
… to be a fisher of people, for the Kingdom of God.

But when faced with the greatest crisis of his life, he sought comfort and refuge, in what was probably, humanly speaking, his greatest strength – fishing!

All through his life, Peter was probably living close to the sea.

He knew the depths and the breadth of the waters.
They gave him a great deal of energy.
They filled him with a fresh dose of enthusiasm.

Fishing was his great strength.

Fishing was his way of life.

Fishing was his big asset.

However, at the call of the Lord, Peter had given up this “earthly” asset and strength to embark through “newer” waters of life with the “Great Fisherman of Galilee.”

The Lord had given him a “higher” vocation
… to become fishers of people.

But now Peter, dejected and depressed, “leaves” this Divine vocation and goes back to his earthly strength and livelihood – fishing.

His strength and ability of fishing had become
… the reason for great depressions in his spiritual life
… the gateway to being tempted into false ways, leaving the way of the Lord
… the entrance for him, to abandon his true vocation of life of being fishers of people

“One’s greatest strength can also be the reason for one’s greatest fall”!

But once again, the Lord comes to the rescue
… He had called Peter, for the first time, by the Sea of Galilee by a miraculous catch of fish (Lk 5: 1-11)

He now again calls Peter, by the Sea of Galilee – by a miraculous catch of fish.
… calls him to renew his commitment and love for the Lord
… calls him to go back to his vocation and give up his life for him
… calls him to leave his “earthly strength” of fishing, and to depend totally on the Lord!

The danger that Peter faced in his life can be a danger for us too

Our greatest strength can also be the reason for our greatest fall!

What is the greatest strength of our lives?
Money? Prestige? Talents? Abilities? Self-Confidence?

Sometimes we find, that the very talents and abilities, by which we do the works, of the Lord, may themselves, become great snares of temptations

We, therefore, need to be on the watch always… be on guard at all times!

Sure, that it is the Lord Himself who has blessed us with various talents.

But all our capabilities need to find its source, strength and continuity, in and by the Lord.

St Peter discovered the beauty and power of putting His whole trust in the Lord…
… and so He becomes a courageous and bold witness of the Resurrection of the Lord, even in the face of tremendous persecution.

In the presence of the mighty and dominant Jewish leaders – Rulers, Elders, and Scribes assembled in Jerusalem, with Annas the high priest, Caiaphas, John, and Alexander, and all who were of the high-priestly family – Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit makes a valiant confession:
“Rulers of the people and elders, if we are questioned today because of a good deed done to someone who was sick and are asked how this man has been healed…
… let it be known to all of you, and to all the people of Israel, that this man is standing before you in good health by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead!

There is salvation in no one else, for there is no other Name under heaven given among mortals by which we must be saved!” (Acts 4: 8-10, 12)

Many of us can find similarity to the Life of St Peter.

Like him, we too may have our own moments of struggles, failures and weaknesses.
Yet – trusting in the Power of the Risen Lord – let us allow the Lord to fill our hearts with His
Love and may we wholly trust in him!

Let us put to effect all the abilities that the good Lord has blessed us with, for His Kingdom
… and may we always be focussed on our Crucified Lord and be single-minded in our love for the Lord.

Happy Easter to all of you!

God Bless! Live Jesus!

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Quotable-quote-a-day-with-St Francis de Sales (SFS) – “Let us be what God wishes, since we are entirely devoted to Him, and would not wish to be anything contrary to His will…

… for were we the most exalted creatures under the heaven, of what use would it be to us, if we were not in accord with the will of God?”

“Growing in love of the Mystery of the Risen Lord and seeking to live it, more fully and more meaningfully in our lives!”

(Based on Acts 3:11-26 and Lk 24:35-48)

It is said that an encounter with a mystery can cause one of the two reactions

1. An intense fear leading to veneration and devotion
2. A nauseating aversion leading to hatred and abhorrence.

The encounter with a mystery is always something overwhelming:

It causes either a transformation for the good or a change to run away from the truth.

Mysteries are indeed compelling and can be life-transforming!

The Gospel of the Day presents this powerful dimension of the Apostles encountering the Mystery of the Resurrection, in the person of Jesus Christ, the Lord, risen from the dead!

The Resurrection Day of the Lord was perhaps the most baffling, confusing and puzzling day in the lives of the Apostles

Just a few days back, they had witnessed the horrifying and painful death of their Beloved Master.

In their weakness and fear of life, they had abandoned their Master.

Yet, heart of heart, these disciples would have been tremendously affected, at the loss of the One who had brought new hopes and expectations to their lives.

But now, the strange and surprising reports of the tomb being empty and the Lord appearing to two on the way to Emmaus have confused the poor disciples.

It’s in this state of fear and confusion that Jesus comes in their midst and appears to them. “But they were startled and terrified and supposed that they saw a spirit” (Lk 24: 37)

The disciples were face to face with a Mystery – the mystery of Jesus Christ, Resurrected.

Every mystery can cause two reactions
… an intense fear leading to veneration and devotion
… or a nauseating aversion leading to hatred and abhorrence.

The disciples were initially filled with a lot of fear and were startled deeply.

But as they slowly were in the presence of the Great Mystery, their hearts began to be filled with joy and holiness

We are also witnesses to the Great Mystery of the Resurrection

What is our reaction?

Are we filled with fear, and fail to live a life of true witnessing?
… Or are we filled with the calm and serenity that the Risen Lord promises?

There is a need to make an honest examination of our lives

The Mystery of the Risen Lord is about joy and happiness
Do I radiate this joy to others…
… or do others come across angry faces, irritated behaviour and unpleasant conduct in me?

The Mystery of the Risen Lord is about trust and confidence
Do I display this faith and belief…
… especially when we face many problems and crisis in life, to stand firm in hope?

The Mystery of the Risen Lord is about the call to a new way of life
Am I courageous to embrace this new way of life in the Risen Lord…
… and be willing to do away with my sinful habits and tendencies to fall away from God’s presence?

In the book of the Act of the Apostles, St Peter displays tremendous courage and conviction in witnessing to the Mystery of the Lord’s Resurrection.

Acknowledging the mighty work of the Risen Lord, Peter boldly declares Jesus as the Lord and Messiah and invites people to experience life and healing in Him:
“You Israelites, why do you wonder at this, or why do you stare at us, as though by our own power or piety we had made him walk?

The God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, the God of our ancestors has glorified his servant[b] Jesus, whom you handed over and rejected in the presence of Pilate though he had decided to release him.
But you rejected the Holy and Righteous One and asked to have a murderer given to you, and you killed the Author of life, whom God raised from the dead.
To this we are witnesses. And by faith in his name, his name itself has made this man strong, whom you see and know; and the faith that is through Jesus has given him this perfect health in the presence of all of you!” (Acts 3:12-16)

The Risen Lord is in our midst, as He was with the Apostles…
… Especially in His Most Holy Eucharist
… Especially in His Holy Word of God.

Let us not be afraid of this Mystery…

Let us not have an aversion towards it…
… rather, let us grow in love of the Mystery of the Risen Lord and seek to live it, more fully and more meaningfully in our lives.

Happy Easter to all of you!

God Bless! Live Jesus!

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Quotable-quote-a-day-with-St Francis de Sales (SFS) – “We must fear God out of love…

… not love Him out of fear!”

“Overcoming our ‘lethargic and uninterested walk’ in spiritual life and instead, being filled with a robust enthusiasm to ‘run in His presence’ and announce the Good News of His Saving Love to the world!”

(Based on Acts 3:1-10 and Lk 24:13-35)

A common phrase that is often heard or read is…
“Most children walk to school…. but come back home running!”

Reasonably true, in most cases, right?

It takes a long walk to reach school
… as its often considered as “the not so interesting” part for a child
… to study, to be under various rules, to be restricted to a classroom etc

But it takes a very short run to reach back home
… as it is often considered as “the thrilling” part for a child – to play, to enjoy, to have fun etc.

Our interest influences our attitudes toward activities in life.

The greater the interest…
… the higher is the enthusiasm in an activity

The lower the interest…
… the lower will be the keenness for a particular work.

The Gospel of the Day presents two disciples who “walk away from home” in disinterest and dejection
… but later “who run towards home” with enthusiasm and passion!

The walk away…
… was a dull tale of being filled with disappointment and confusion
The walk towards…
… is an exciting story of being filled with immense joy and happiness

The encounter of Jesus to the two disciples on the way to Emmaus is one of the classic Resurrection encounters.

This incident appears only in the Gospel of St Luke.

The unnamed disciples have been shaken up very badly over the incidents over the last week in Jerusalem.

Like the Apostles, these disciples also would have been severely affected

Their Master, Jesus, in whom they had trusted, and they had followed, underwent a shameful death – that of a criminal.

It was humiliating…
… to be called as followers of a Criminal

It was abasing…
… to be called to as followers of a Blasphemer

Added to that, the accounts of some women who had seen the Empty Tomb of the Lord, added to greater confusion.

Life seemed to be dealing harshly with them

Gloom had descended into their hearts
Grim had taken over their lives.

And so they “walked” disappointed and dejected
… away from “home” – Jerusalem – to a village named Emmaus.

But this “walk” in sadness and gloom, was soon to become a life-transforming event!

Moments of hardships often become moments to encounter the deep love of the Lord!
Situations of dejections often become situations to experience the immense mercy of God!

Jesus met them, explained the Scriptures to them and finally in the house, broke the bread
… “and their eyes were opened!” (Lk 24: 30-31)

Their gloom was taken away

Their mourning was converted
Their sadness was chased away

This experience “had to be shared”
… This experience “had to be recounted”

And so these disciples, who had “encountered” the Lord
… now “ran”!

The walk away…
… was a dull tale of being filled with disappointment and confusion

The walk towards…
… is an exciting story of being filled with immense joy and happiness

How is our life?

Are we merely “walking” through activities and works in life, in dissipation
… or are we “running” through our duties and responsibilities filled with joy and hope?

Are we merely “walking” passively in our spiritual life and our Christian witnessing…
… or are we “running” boldly and enthusiastically, overflowing with happiness and love?

The Lord walks with us… on our every journey, in our every activity

But seldom do we see Him
… seldom do we “feel” His presence!

Those disciples realised this “feeling” of the Lord being with them at the Breaking of the Bread…

There lies the key
… there lies the open secret

The realization of the Presence of the Lord is guaranteed and facilitated by a meaningful participation in the Lord’s Body and Blood – at the Holy Eucharist!

The Lord in the Holy Eucharist, calls and invites us… to experience Him, to encounter Him
… to be transformed by Him!

In the Acts of the Apostles, the lame man at the gate of the Temple experienced this transforming touch of the Lord through Peter and John.

Peter and John offered the gift of healing that was promised by the Lord to everyone who sought Him: “I have no silver or gold, but what I have I give you; in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, stand up and walk.” (Acts 3:6)
The lame man would be touched by the Lord and with strength and power, “jumping up, he stood and began to walk, and he entered the temple with them, walking and leaping and praising God!” (Acts 3:8)

Yes, the Lord invites all of us…
… to experience Him, to encounter Him
… to be transformed by Him!

May the Lord help us to overcome our “lethargic and uninterested walking” in spiritual life…
… and instead, help us to be filled with a robust enthusiasm to “run” in His presence and announcing the Good News of His Saving Love to the world!

Happy Easter to all of you!

God Bless! Live Jesus!

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Quotable-quote-a-day-with-St Francis de Sales (SFS) – “Strive to see God in all things without exception, and consent to God’s Will with absolute submission!”

“Being steadfast and drawing closer to the Lord, despite our tears and pains and sadness…and experiencing the Caring and Intimate Love of the One Who is ‘always with us!’”

(Based on Acts 2:36-41 and Jn 20:11-18)

One of the very beautiful verses in the Bible – not too known though – is from the book of the
Psalms.

Psalm 56: 8, “Thou hast kept count of my tossings; put thou my tears in thy bottle! Are they not in thy book?”

Another translation would read, “…. You have collected my tears in a wineskin.”

This verse speaks volumes of a God who is so intimately related to a person and expresses a very personal and close association.

God is a God Who…
… is especially close to His people in their moments of pain and suffering
… is particularly near to His people in their times of affliction and tribulations.

The Gospel of the Day is a beautiful witness to this loving concern and tender affection of God, expressed by Jesus to Mary Magdalene.

We are still near the tomb of the Lord. Mary Magdalene, the soul who loved the Lord so profoundly, is still lingering around the tomb of the Lord.

She had experienced Divine Love in a significant manner.

Her heart could not fully accept that the Lord who had transformed her life was no more
Her mind could take in the fact that the One whom she loved so deeply had gone away.

And so she kept waiting.

True love always seeks…

True love always seeks to break boundaries, do away with hurdles and cast away any barriers

Finally, when she did encounter Him, her eyes were kept away from recognizing the Lord.

But the Lord did recognize her…
… not just her physical pains, rather also her mental agony and her spiritual longing!

And so He asks her, “Woman, why are you weeping?” (Jn 20:13)

Mary had been incessantly weeping over the loss of her Beloved
Mary had been continuously shedding tears for the Lover of her soul.

However, these tears were not in vain….
… these tears were not lost in futility.

Rather, the Lord was storing them up carefully in a vial… in a bottle… in a wineskin
“[O, Lord… You have] put my tears in your bottle” (Ps 56:8)

And these tears of affection, love and fondness was rewarded by the Lord, by calling her by name, “Mary!” (Jn 20:16)

The sweetness of that voice, calling out her name, wiped away every tear!

Her tears were turned to smiles
… her mourning to comfort
… her brokenness to immense joy!

Today, we are reminded the same…
We may be shedding many tears before the Lord

It could be due to many reasons…
… maybe some personal crisis in life
… maybe some brokenness in the family
… maybe some tragedy or calamity to our closed ones

All these may cause us to have tears – either externally or within the depth of our hearts

Some tears may be seen by others – most will go unnoticed, invisible

Yet, the One who loves us the most – the Lord – is storing up all our tears in His presence

Each one of our tears is precious to the Lord.

Just like Mary Magdalene, who continued to be faithful and longing for the Lord, let us also be steadfast to our God…
… despite our tears and pains and sadness.

This faithfulness to Him will surely win the reward for us
… the reward of our names being called out by the Lord!

St Peter, while addressing the people on Pentecost Day, invited them to experience the healing and merciful love of the Lord…
“Peter said to them, ‘Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ so that your sins may be forgiven; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.

For the promise is for you, for your children, and for all who are far away, everyone whom the Lord our God calls to Him.’” (Acts 2:38-39)

Let us draw closer to the Lord – in sincerity and repentance – and experience His Caring and Intimate Love of the Lord of Who is “always with us!”

Happy Easter to all of you!

God bless! Live Jesus!

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Quotable-quote-a-day-with-St Francis de Sales (SFS) – “He who can preserve gentleness amid pains, and peace amid worrying multitude of affairs…

… is almost perfect!”

“May the Risen Lord be the reason for us to rejoice, thanking Him for the greatest joke ever – the crushing of Satan by the power of the Holy Cross!”

(Based on Acts 2:14, 22-33 and Mt 28:8-15)

It seems that in the Greek Orthodox tradition, especially in the medieval ages, there was a very strange custom…
… The day after Easter was devoted to telling jokes!

Yeah, you read it right…
… There was a day set-apart especially, to revel in jokes!

What was the logic or purpose behind it?

It was felt that this custom was in imitation of the cosmic joke that God pulled on Satan in the Resurrection.

Satan considered that the death of Jesus signaled victory for him.

The Kingdom of darkness had conquered, so it was felt
The world of misery had overcome all goodness, so it was felt

But it was God who had the last laugh!

God raised Jesus from the dead, and life and salvation became the last words.

The Resurrection – Jesus’ rising from the dead – was the most spectacular joke that God had pulled on Satan.

And this was celebrated, symbolically, with the custom of telling jokes.

Strange it might sound, but there is something worthwhile to reflect on the purpose of this custom

It is a call to celebrate and enjoy God’s magnificent victory over Satan and the powers of darkness.

The Gospel of the Day is the account of the encounter of Jesus with the women, who had come to the tomb.

At the desert, Satan had sought to make Jesus a fool, by tempting and luring Him through many temptations. (Mt 4: 1-10)
During His life, the Lord encountered many occasions, when He was subject to being in humiliating, mocking and testing situations
In the Garden of Gethsemane, the Lord once again faced a trying time in battling to embrace God’s Will totally and completely (Lk 22: 41-44)
On the Cross, the soldiers and others who persecuted the Lord, mocked and challenged Him to come down from the Cross (Mk 15: 29-32)

At every stage of His Life, our Blessed Lord was put into situations of being the “butt of jokes” and the “laughingstock” and a target for many a trial, tribulations and mockeries.

The Crucifixion was meant to be the greatest of all such “agonizing” mockeries!

But… Divine Wisdom always finds a way out to triumph!
… Divine Providence always regains the way to victory!

This is the message of the Resurrection.

The women who saw the empty tomb and encountered the Lord were filled with holy fear, tremendous joy and a deep devotion (Mt 28: 8-9)

Divine Wisdom always has the final laugh in every trial and tribulation!

Are we ready to share in the happiness of this “joyful” act of the Lord?

Life may bite us sharply with ensnaring temptations and evil tendencies

Life may make a fool of us with mounting tensions and troubles
Life may put us down badly with uncertainties and doubts

We may often find ourselves mocked.

We may often, find ourselves ridiculed.

But in all such situations, let us dare to look to our Crucified Lord…
… who Himself underwent painful mocking and unfair scorning
… but had the final laugh, through the Resurrection from the dead!

St Peter expresses this joy and power that He received from the Risen Lord while addressing the people and speaking to them about Jesus, the Crucified Saviour:
“This Jesus God raised up, and of that all of us are witnesses. Being therefore exalted at the right hand of God, and having received from the Father the promise of the Holy Spirit, he has poured out this that you both see and hear!” (Acts 2:32-33)

Yes…
The Resurrection gives us every reason to rejoice, even amid deadly trials

The Resurrection gives us every cause to be joyful, even in heavy tribulations

May the Risen Lord be the reason for us to rejoice and be joyous, thanking Him for the greatest joke ever – the crushing of Satan by the power of the Holy Cross!

Happy Easter to all of you !

God Bless! Live Jesus!

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Quotable-quote-a-day-with-St Francis de Sales (SFS) – “The Cross has great power against the enemy for two reasons:

The one is that it represents the death of the Savior, who abased and subjugated him, which this proud being hates and fears in the extreme

The other is that the Cross is a brief and powerful invocation of the Redeemer that can be employed on every occasion suitable for prayer.”

“Offering our life to our Beloved Risen Lord and sharing in His Holiness – trusting with Faith – that beyond the tomb is life, beyond the cross is glory and beyond the suffering is redemption!”

(Based on Easter Sunday)

A young man – who was quite critical of the Christian faith – came up to his grandfather with a sense of smugness and told him: “You know Grandpa, I have a piece of shocking and disturbing news for you. Archaeologists have discovered the bones of Jesus.”

And with a sense of self-sufficiency, he continued: “So now, I suppose, you can abandon your Faith!”

The grandfather, who was busy reading something, didn’t seem much worried…
… and with a serene countenance replied: “Well, I can only say this: God placed some bones in a tomb, to check whether we believe the Word of God or the word of humans!”

How deep is our faith in the Risen Lord?

This is a day when we celebrate the most central component of our Faith: The Resurrection of Christ!

St Paul, very appropriately declares: “If Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile, and you are still in your sins. Then those also who have fallen asleep in Christ have perished. If for this life only we have hoped in Christ, we are of all men most to be pitied!” (1 Cor 15:17-19)

Three days back, at the table of the Last Supper, Jesus had preached His final discourse to His Beloved Apostles – the Sermon of Humility.

Day before yesterday, on Good Friday, from the Pulpit of the Cross, Jesus had preached His final discourse to the whole world – the Sermon of Absolute Love

He had bowed His head and died.

It seemed to be the end of everything…

The Romans, i.e. Gentiles, thought they had perfectly executed Jesus, their criminal.

The Jews thought they had perfectly brought an end to Jesus, the blasphemer and the destroyer of their Law.

Jesus was laid in the tomb
… a large stone was rolled at its entrance.

And there, the Bible will also tell one of the greatest jokes with respect to Management… “So they went and made the sepulchre secure by sealing the stone and setting a guard!” (Mt 27:66)

Soldiers were placed at the tomb, to watch over a dead man!”

But Divinity went beyond all such human conspiracy.

Divine Wisdom overthrew all such human evil plans.

And the empty tomb stands as the spectacular witness to this fact – that Jesus rose from the Dead!

He was Life
… and death had no power over Him!

He was Holiness
… and sin could have no control over Him!

Our life is so often similar to the tragedy that the Lord had undergone – the tragedy of death

Students sometimes toil hard in life but fail to get the desired results.

Husband and wife bring upon some misunderstanding in their intimacy, and there is a
dangerous crack in the relationship

Children fail to take responsibility in life and stray away from the paths of living a good life; and there is a hopeless situation created at home.

Religious communities have the members indulging in individualism; and the very basis of community life is endangered.

Even in the Church, we see many scandals and controversies emerging and widespread persecution and attacks happening on our faith; and it would seem, that the Church may collapse or disintegrate or be divided!

In all such situations, it seems that it is the end…

In all such moments, it seems that everything is going to be over

Like the big stone that was rolled across the tomb, where the body of Jesus was laid, a big stone is rolled over all our hopes and aspirations. Just as the women in the Gospel, we too ask: “Who will roll away the stone for us from the door of the tomb?” (Mk 16:3)

Human beings, from far, see the end of the road…and think that it’s all over

But God, from above, says that it is not an end – it is only a bend to a new beginning!

Jesus was dead, but He rose.
And He invites us to trust and believe that…
… Unless there is a Good Friday, there cannot be an Easter Sunday
… Unless there is a crown of thorns, there cannot be the halo of holiness
… Unless there are wounds of nails, there cannot blessings with raised hands!
… Unless there is a Cross, there cannot be an empty tomb

It’s interesting to also note the similarities at Jesus, in the Womb and Jesus, at the Tomb.

There was a Mary in both… There was a Joseph in both
Virgin Woman at the Annunciation… A Fallen Woman at the Resurrection

This simply goes on to say that nothing in the life of our Blessed Lord was an accident.

Everything was planned and executed as per in the Divine Mind of God.

We are invited, today, to take to heart this tremendously powerful message for Easter: Everything in life, happens for good!

Rom 8:28, “… everything God works for good, with those who love him, who are called
according to his purpose!”

And the reason is simple… the logic is clear: Everything in life, happens for good
…because God is in perfect charge of the world.

The question is: Am I willing to let the Lord take complete charge of me?

In my pains, my misunderstandings, my failures, my uncertainties, my hatred, my sins,

Am I ready to let the Lord take complete charge of me?

The Resurrected Jesus today invites, with His glorious body, with wounds in His Hands, His Legs and His Heart… to share in His Life and in His Holiness!

Are we willing to give our lives to this Beloved Risen Lord?

God weeps with us, so that one day we may smile with Him

God suffers with us, so that one day we may be comforted in Him

Let us remember, in the words of Fulton Sheen…
There can be only two philosophies to rule our lives:

That of the Cross, which starts with the fast and ends with the feast unto eternal life.
The other of Satan, which apparently starts with a feast and ends with fast… a fast unto eternal death.”

What is our Choice?

The Cross with the Resurrection
… or Satan with Death?

A Holy life with Eternal Salvation
… or a sinful life with Everlasting Damnation?

The Lord is waiting for an answer…

Happy Easter to all of you!

God Bless! Live Jesus!

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Quotable-quote-a-day-with-St Francis de Sales (SFS) – “Whatsoever happens, never let go; hold steadfastly to God, in peace, trusting His everlasting love for you!”

“Being ready to be Crucified with our Blessed Lord and planting the crosses of our difficulties on the inner hill of our hearts in order to find peace, consolation and strength!”

(Based on Good Friday)

In Lithuania, near the small industrial city called Siauliai (shoo-lay) with a fascinating hill.

This hill is known as the “Hill of Crosses”…
… because it is adorned with literally hundreds of thousands of crosses.

(Estimates put around 100,000 crosses in 2006)

This city of Siauliai was founded in 1236

But soon after came under the captivity of a military order called the Teutonic Knights.

This was the time when the tradition of putting crosses on the hill began

Each cross was a prayer to God for freedom!

Over the next many centuries, the city was occupied by many other invading nations…

But, during all those difficult decades, a constant flow of pilgrims made their way to the “Hill of Crosses”…
… to pray and to plant more crosses!

The “Hill of Cross” is the great symbol…
… of the willingness to accept trials and trust in God!
… of the hope and expectation that prayers are always answered!
… of the readiness to face any adversity, knowing that the Lord cares!

Pope St John Paul II in his visit to the Hill of the Cross in 1992, remarked: “… the Hill of Crosses
… testifies to the nations of Europe and the whole world the faith of the people of this land!”

Today, on Good Friday, our eyes are focused on Jesus on the Cross…
… the symbol of our Faith.

Jesus, our Crucified Lord reminds the inevitability of the Cross in the life of a Christian…
… and the need to be persons who are responsive to this “Crucifying Challenge of Christianity!”

The “Cross” as a symbol of Christianity emerged by the second century…
… and by the time of Emperor Constantine, was firmly established as The Sign of Christian Faith!

Christianity sometimes is really strange, when compared to other ways of life…

While other ways of life propose actualizing oneself and finding salvation through one’s
own abilities
… Christianity suggests discovering the mystery of God with His Grace and gaining salvation
through Him alone!

While other ways of life propose casting away all pains and difficulties and living a
prosperous life
… Christianity suggests accepting sufferings and trials and detaching oneself from vain riches!

While other ways of life propose liberality and openness in identifying with the moral
trends of the modern world
… Christianity suggests swimming against wrong trends and enjoying the true love of all
children of God!

While other ways of life propose more comfortable and appealing techniques and signs
which can attract masses of people;
… Christianity suggests having the tough and the not-so-alluring Cross as a symbol which may even repel people!

Yeah, Christianity is strange…
… simply because it’s Founder was strange!

Jesus never demanded popularity.

He never suggested easy paths or compromised His convictions!

And Jesus did die in a strange way…on a Cross!

The Cross was a hated symbol in the ancient world. Crucifixion must have been the most brutal means of execution ever devised.

Unlike modern methods of capital punishment that are designed to produce a quick death…
… Crucifixion was meant to ensure that the person on the cross would die a slow, agonizing death!

The Cross was supposed to make a perfect mockery of Jesus!

But Jesus on the Cross shames this notion of the world!

The world feels greatly arrogant in being Proud!

The world loves to show off its ability and to say that it is capable of being totally independent!

But Jesus on the Cross proves that human beings can never redeem themselves…
… they have to come to God!

Jesus on the Cross stands as a silent sentinel proclaiming that you have to come to God’s way…
… or you won’t come at all.

The Cross stands in judgment over the sinful pride of the human race.

The Cross – which was symbolic of oppression and misery…
… now with Jesus, symbolizes life and redemption to all!

Yes, the Cross is a symbol of shame to the world!

But for Christians, it is a symbol of salvation!

The Cross is a symbol of absolute stupidity and absurdness to the world!

But for Christians, it’s a symbol of the majestic wisdom of God!

St John of the Cross would say: “The road is narrow. He who wishes to travel it more easily
must cast off all things and use the Cross as his cane.

In other words, he must be truly resolved to suffer willingly for the love of God in all things.”

Two thieves on either sides died with Christ on the Cross:

One mocked Jesus; the other sought Jesus
One took pride in himself; the other humbled himself
One lost a golden opportunity; the other won the Prized Paradise!

The Cross with Jesus hanging beckons to each one of us now

We have a choice – like both the thieves…

Are we going to lose a golden opportunity…
… or are we going to seek the Prized Paradise?

The Choice is ours!

Escape from the Cross, or embrace the Cross!
Exit the Cross, or exalt the Cross!

In many of our Chapels or our homes, we have the Crucifix, placed at a certain height.

We all love to come before this Crucifix and express our words of devotion and endearment.

But perhaps, the Crucified Saviour, is today calling us, from the Cross and telling us: “My Child, Do not be far from me. Come closer to me and learn to embrace me from close.”

And when we go closer to the Crucifix, we also realise that if we turn the Crucifix, behind, there is an empty place.

Yes, there is a vacancy, a place for us to be crucified with our Suffering Lord.

Are we ready for this?

Are we ready to REALLY love the Lord?
Are we ready to embrace the Cross of Christ and be His genuine followers?

When we find ourselves struggling with the hardships and trials of life…
When we feel the intense emptiness of God’s presence in our lives…

We need to be like the pilgrims of the “Hill of Crosses”…
… planting the crosses of our difficulties on the inner hill of our hearts
And thus finding peace, consolation and strength!

God Bless! Live Jesus!

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Quotable-quote-a-day-with-St Francis de Sales (SFS) – “Mount Calvary is the Academy of Love!”

“Cultivating a Passionate Love for God and a Compassionate approach to His People; Adoring Jesus in the Most Holy Eucharist and in turn, being a Eucharist, in loving service, to one another!”

(Based on Maundy Thursday)

The initial years of the 20th Century saw communists seizing a Catholic parish and imprisoning the priest in his own rectory near the church. After being locked up in his own house, the priest looked out the window and was horrified to see the anti-Catholic militants enter the church.

Once inside, they went into the sanctuary, broke open the tabernacle and in an act of desecration, threw down the ciborium – scattering the Sacred Hosts on the floor.

The priest knew exactly how many Hosts had been in the ciborium: Thirty-two.

However, the communists either failed to notice, or did not pay any attention to a small girl who had been praying at the back of the Church.

She saw everything.

That night the girl returned, and slipping past the guard at the rectory, entered the Church where she made a Holy Hour.

After her Holy Hour, she went into the sanctuary, and kneeling down, bent over and received Jesus in the Holy Communion with her tongue (Since at that time, it was not permissible lay-people to touch the Sacred Host with their hands)

Each night, the girl returned to the church to make her Holy Hour and received Jesus in Holy Communion on her tongue, just as she did the first night.

On the thirty- second night, after having consumed the last Host, she accidentally made a noise that awoke the guard who was asleep at his post by the priest’s residence.

From his bedroom window, the priest could only watch in horror as the heartrending scene unfolded before his eyes:

The girl tried to run away…
…. But the guard chased her, grabbed her, and beat her to death with the butt of his rifle!

The little girl had a heroic martyrdom – all because of her tender and deep love for the Holy Eucharist!

It was this incident that would inspire Archbishop Fulton Sheen – one of the greatest 20th century proponents of the Catholic Church – to spend one hour each, daily, before the Holy Eucharist

The daring action of that little girl inspired the heart of another fervent soul, Fulton Sheen, who would go on to influence millions to love Jesus in the Holy Eucharist!

How is our love for the Holy Eucharist?

Twenty centuries ago, on this earth, Our Blessed Lord in the evening hours of the day, gathered around the table, with His disciples, His chosen ones.

Today, we too celebrate our God of Love.

This Year, we find ourselves in probably a “never before situation”

Unable to “physically attend” the Liturgical Services of the Holy Triduum.

Yet, we offer ourselves to the Providence of the Lord, and in union with the Church – the Communion of Saints – we reflect on certain important aspects of the Liturgy of this important day.

The Traditional Liturgy of the Day is divided into five parts – each of them highlighting a specific dimension of Love

1. Liturgy of the Word – Love speaks to us
2. Washing of the Feet – Love in action
3. Liturgy of the Eucharist – Love in total self-giving and communion
4. Procession to the Altar of Repose – Love accepting passion and suffering
5. Adoration of the Holy Eucharist – Love is adored, glorified and exalted!

This is a day of celebration – of the Lord’s immense love for us.

This is also a day of commemoration – of the Lord’s immense passion and agony.

On one side is the joy of He loving us so deeply…
… on the other is the pain that we share in the Lord’s passion.

It would be nice to ask ourselves, looking deep into our innermost beings:

Am I a person of Love?
Do I yearn and long for the God of Love, especially in the Most Holy Eucharist?

The Lord is Holy.

And He wants and demands a Holy heart from each of us.

For over 40 days of the Lent, we have been in this process.

Let us today, once again, remove any stain of sin from our hearts, and prepare ourselves to receive the God of Love into our hearts worthily.

The word “Maundy” comes from the Latin word “Maundatum” – which means ‘command.’

We recall three commands today:

1. The command of Love
2. The command of Commemorating the God of Love in the Holy Eucharist
3. The command of continuity of sharing of the Priesthood of Jesus, the Priest and Victim

Let this Day of the Celebration of Love help us to take a few practical, yet strong decisions

1. Washing the feet of the other

This points to the aspect of lowering oneself, humbling oneself
… forgiving someone we hate or dislike
… speaking good of someone whom we don’t like
… visiting a needy person and doing the needful for them
… listening to the pain and suffering of someone who is going through troubles in life.

2. Cultivating a deeper love for the Holy Eucharist

Spending every day before the Blessed Sacrament for at least 15-20 min.
For those who cannot do so daily….
… trying as often as possible, to come before the Blessed Sacrament
… Spending time in prayer with the Lord, daily, at home
… Meaningfully and regularly praying the Act of Spiritual Communion

3. Praying for priests…
   … to be more holy and committed.

Praying for vocations from our own families.

Archbishop Fulton Sheen says: “The Greatest Love Story of all time, is contained in a Tiny White Host!”

Let us cultivate a passionate love for Jesus in the Most Holy Eucharist…
… and reach out His Love in compassionate service to one another!

Wish you a Very Happy Feast Day!

Hearty Congratulations and God’s Abundant Blessings of Faithfulness and Zeal to all the Priests!

God Bless! Live Jesus!

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Quotable-quote-a-day-with-St Francis de Sales (SFS) – “When you have received Him [in the Eucharist], stir up your heart to do Him homage.

>> Speak to Him about your spiritual life, gazing upon Him in your soul where He is present for your happiness

>> Welcome Him as warmly as possible, and behave outwardly in such a way that your actions may give proof to all, of His Presence.”