“Becoming the light of the world and salt to the earth, by reaching out in service to humanity, with total reliance on the Power of the Lord!”

(Based on Is 58:7-10, 1 Cor 2:1-5 and Mt 5:13)

A story is told of a rich man who had three sons.

This man, in his old age wanted to divide his property. But he felt, he would hand over the entire inheritance to one of his sons, than to all, as this would ensure better

So in order to choose, the wisest among them, he conducted a simple test.

Calling the three of his sons, and handing them a hundred rupee note, the father said:

“You see our storehouse (godown) that is at the far end of our property.

>> I want each of you to take this money and buy whatever you want and fill the storehouse to the maximum.

>> The one who fills it, the most, would be the winner of this test and the worthy inheritor of my property.”

The first son went and purchased fire-wood for that amount, and tried to fill the storehouse. It reached to half the level.

The second son went and bought hay (dried grass) and tried to fill the storehouse. It reached to nearly 70 percent level.

The youngest son, however, went to the nearby shop… got a candle and a matchbox.

>> He then went to call his father and two brothers and went to the storehouse.

The storehouse was all dark and quiet.

The youngest son, stepped inside, and striking the match-stick, he lit the candle.

>> Soon enough, the entire storehouse was filled…. Filled with light!

(It’s needless to say, who was the winner of the test, isn’t it?)

Well, our Christian lives are also to be such…

… filling the dark and empty situations of life and of this world, with the Light of Christ!

This is the call of the Readings of the Day.

>> Jesus says in the Gospel, “You are the salt of the earth” (Mt 5: 13) and “You are the light of the world” (Mt 5: 14)

In ancient Greece, salt was considered so valuable it was called, “theon”, divine.

>> The Romans believed that nothing was of more value than salt except the Sun. Roman soldiers were even paid in salt (‘Salary’ comes from the Latin word ‘salarium’, and has the root ‘sal or salt.’

>> An ancient Near Eastern custom still practiced among some Arabs today is that a pact of friendship is sealed with a gift of salt.

This call of the Gospel has gained significant importance and urgency in our world today.

We live in times and generation when the need to be a “salt” and “light” has gained tremendous urgency…

The world is losing a taste for things of everlasting value and instead relishes more of transient materials.

>> Can I be a “salt” in such situations giving the taste of eternity and goodness, to revive lives and to orient them towards the real joys of life?

The world is fast degrading and losing values in various areas like moral life, social situations, cultural integrity and religious fervour.

>> Can I be a “light”, casting away the darkness of ignorance and shedding new illumination and radiance for the revival of sanctified lives?

The world today, and even the Church, sometimes, is sadly deeply getting corrupted and there are strong strands of infection and contamination affecting various core dimensions.

>> Can I be a “salt” which rubs in consciousness for transformation and change and be a healing agent to prick the conscience of people to lead an integral life?

The world and even the Church, sometimes, is easy on closing the eye to the evils that are constantly rising, and fails to be a powerful voice for justice and peace

>> Can I be a “light” which casts its powerful rays on the dark shades of wickedness and expose the inhuman elements of the society, helping towards a harmonious and pleasant world?

“Salt” and “light” are symbols of purity.

>> To be the “salt” and “light” in the world, demands a high level of perfection and holiness in our lives.

Prophet Isaiah clearly reminds us on how to let the Light of the Lord to shine forth in our lives:

“Is it not to share your bread with the hungry, and bring the homeless poor into your house; When you see the naked, to cover him, and not to hide yourself from your own flesh?

>> Then shall your light break forth like the dawn…” (Is 58:7-8).

This translation of the works of the Light into actuality, needs a total dependence on the Power of the Lord

>> Managing with only our human efforts will not suffice; relying on God’s Strength is an essentiality.

St Paul very clearly enunciates this reality when he testifies:

“When I came to you, brethren, I did not come proclaiming to you the testimony of God in lofty words or wisdom. For I decided to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ and Him, crucified…

… that your faith might not rest in the wisdom of men but in the Power of God!” (1 Cor 2:1-2, 5)

Yes, we become the light of the world and salt to the earth, when we reach out in service to the humanity…

… filled with a total reliance on the Power of the Lord!

May we be willing to rise up to the challenge of being the “salt of the earth” and “light to the world” so that our Christian values can be preserved and the love of God may shine forth to the world…

… and may we fill the dark areas of life with the Light of Christ, and thus be winners in the contest of life, and so please God, our Father!

God bless! Live Jesus!

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Quotable-quote-a-day-with-St Francis de Sales (SFS) – “Charity never enters a heart without bringing with it all the other virtues, empowering them and marshalling them as needed…

… just as a captain does his soldiers!”

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“Resting on the Heart of the Good Shepherd, Who satisfies every hunger, and praying to be filled with His Wisdom!”

(Based on 1 Kgs 3:4-13 and Mk 6:30-34)

The French have a proverb, which states: “A good meal ought to begin with hunger.”

It is usually pretty hard to to enjoy a meal when one is not yet hungry.

>> But, when one is hungry…

… anything tastes good.

This hunger is of course, not only about physical hunger.

There are many other areas of life where we experience hunger…

>> Hunger for love…

>> Hunger for being wanted…

>> Hunger on emotional counts…

>> Hunger of the spiritual order…

These aspects of hunger…

… may never have a scientific statistic

… may never have flowcharts and pie diagrams to measure them

>> But these areas of hunger are a great reality and challenge, especially in our world today!

The Gospel of the Day presents Jesus who addresses not just “statistical” hunger but also such hunger of human needs which “may never get numerically counted”…

… with an invitation to always “hunger for God and to serve His people!”

“When He disembarked and saw the vast crowd, His Heart was moved with pity for them, for they were like sheep without a shepherd; and He began to teach them many things” (Mk 6:34)

The Apostles, who were sent on the mission (Mk 6: 7-13) had returned back and reported all that they had done (Mk 6:30)

>> They had driven out many demons…

>> They had anointed many with oil who were sick and cured them… (Mk 6:13)

They would have rejoiced greatly, but they were also physically tired.

>> They would have been satisfied with their works, but they did not have even the time to eat (Mk 6:31)

The Apostles had done many works, but Jesus sensed that they were tired

>> The Apostles were happy with their ministry, but Jesus sensed that they were hungry.

And so the Good Shepherd invites them to come away to a deserted place and rest (Mk 6:31)

Like these Apostles, many times, this can be our case too…

>> We may be doing a lot of things…

… but are we still feeling spiritually tired?

>> We may be happy with what we are doing…

… but are we still hungry deep within?

The Good Shepherd invites us…

… to take some rest in Him

… to relax in His Holy Heart

As in the case of the Apostles, so is the case of the people…

The people had seen many miracles, but Jesus sensed that they were still not truly filled

The people had witnessed many wonders, but Jesus sensed that they were still lost and unguided.

>> And so the Good Shepherd, with a moved Heart, feels compassion on them (Mk 6:34)

Like these people, many times this can be our case too…

>> We may have witnessed God’s wonders…

… but are we still spiritually found wanting?

>> We may be glad to doing the minimum in our spiritual life…

… but are we still missing something?

The Good Shepherd encourages us…

… with His Divine Word

… by His Compassionate Love

There is a indeed a great hunger in the world.

Saint Mother Teresa said: “Being unwanted, unloved, uncared for, forgotten by everybody, I think that is a much greater hunger, a much greater poverty, than the person who has nothing to eat”

We may be people who hunger for love and acceptance…

>> Let us go to Jesus, the Supreme Lover of our lives

We may be people dejected and depressed in life…

>> Let us go to Jesus, the Ultimate Happiness of our lives

We may be people feeling unlucky and ill-fated in life…

>> Let us go to Jesus, the Absolute Destiny of our lives

In turn, we also meet people who go through such “hunger”…

…for love, for acceptance, for encouragement, for hope, for basics of life etc…

Do I recognise, in the first place, such requirements of needy people?

>> Does my heart move in loving compassion for them?

Can I be a Good Shepherd, like Jesus, to them?

Let’s pray like Solomon, who asked the Lord, not for “long life, or riches or the life of enemies” (Cf. 1 Kgs 3:11)…

… But for Wisdom

>> And thus, filled with His Wisdom, let us be a true shepherd according to the Heart of the Good Shepherd!

God Bless! Live Jesus!

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Quotable-quote-a-day-with-St Francis de Sales (SFS) – “Have patience to walk with short steps…

… until you have wings to fly!”

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“Purifying our lives by the power of His Love and preserving our conscience in His Sanctifying Presence!”

(Based on Sir 47:2-11 and Mk 6:14-29)

Today, we are going to meet an astonishing son of an astonishing father….

The astonishing father is King Herod the Great…

>> He has been described as “a madman who murdered his own family”

>> He has also killed great many rabbis

>> He was one “prepared to commit any crime in order to gratify his unbounded ambition”

King Herod the Great was also known as the “the greatest builder in Jewish history”.

>> In his days, he held at least three architectural world records: the largest palace (Lower Herodium), the largest plaza (Temple Mount) and the largest royal portico (Temple Mount).

His astonishing son is King Herod Antipas

He succeeded his father, and served as tetrarch (appointed by the emperor Augustus to rule over one quarter of his father’s kingdom) from 4 B.C. until 39 A.D., almost exactly the lifetime of Jesus.

>> Like his father, Antipas had great political wit, knowing how to work situations to his advantage.

These two Herods have been responsible for two astonishing events of murders recounted in the Gospels…

>> King Herod the Great ordered the slaying of the innocent children at the birth of Jesus, the King of the world!

>> King Herod Antipas ordered the beheading of the innocent John the Baptist, the precursor of Jesus, the Lamb of God!

The Gospel of the Day recounts this horrific incident of the murder of John the Baptist.

The popularity of Jesus was soaring high…

>> The people were excited with His preaching and healing ministry.

Some accepted Him.

>> Some rejected Him.

>> Some were skeptical about Him.

But in any case…

… He was being known everywhere.

When this news reached the ruler of the land, King Herod Antipas, he got terrified. (Mk 6:16)

His guilty conscience pricked him hard:

He knew that, unlike the common opinion of the public….

… this famous person was not Elijah

… this famous person was not any other prophet.

>> Instead, he assumed this famous person to be John, whom he had beheaded.

The weight of this sin was so heavy on him, that he failed to see any other possibility.

>> The stench of this sin was so strong, that he failed to sense the fragrance of Divinity.

We live in times when the world is progressively losing the “sense of sin”.

St John Paul II in His Apostolic Exhortation ‘Reconciliatio et Paenitentia,’ warns that “the loss of the sense of sin is a form or fruit of the negation of God: not only of the atheist, but also of the secularist”

The two King Herods in the Gospels – Herod the Great and Herod Antipas – represent people who have “lost this sense of sin”

Is my life trending towards this tendency…

…. a loss of the sense of sin?

>> Am I afraid to even encounter this word “sin” and use alternative words to speak about it?

>> Am I waning in consciousness of faults and failures that can cripple my spiritual life?

The book of Sirach speaks the praise of King David…

… And teaches how the Mercy of the Lord rescued him from sin!

>> God purges sin

>> God strengthens sinners to repent and become saints!

The Lord came to this world, primarily, as Saviour of the world…

A Saviour to give…

… salvation from sins

… healing for our wounds

… redemption from our transgressions

The Church has often been accused of being obsessed with matters of sin and transgressions..

>> In this process, many a times, Her teachings have been diluted, misinterpreted and misquoted.

The Church offers the wonderful sacrament of Reconciliation to gain back the innocence and grace of being God’s Holy Children.

Are we faithful in seeking His grace through this powerful sacrament?

… a sacrament of healing

… a sacrament of empowerment

Are we aware of the tremendous powers this sacrament carries…

… in making our life more happy?

… in ushering in, greater strength in us?

We are also invited to make “the examination of conscience” a part of our daily life and routine.

>> A regular and daily check up of the state of our life, our spiritual sphere can be a great strength and force to help us live a holy and sanctified life.

A sinful conscience can make us to commit astonishing and cruel deeds…

… like the King Herods

The Lord today invites us to purify ourselves, through the power of His love and redemption.

On this First Friday of the month, may we offer and surrender our lives to the One who can purge us away from sin and help us live a sanctified life!

God Bless! Live Jesus!

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Quotable-quote-a-day-with-St Francis de Sales (SFS) – “The devout person after the exercise of dismanting the heart – to review it well – must anoint it…

… with the Sacraments of Confession and Holy Eucharist!”

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“Offering all our flaws to the Lord, Who makes His Graces to flow through them, and blossoms the world around us!”

(Based on 1 Kgs 2:1-4, 10-12 and Mk 6:7-13)

A common story is told of a water bearer who had two large pots…

… each hung on each end of a pole which he carried across his neck.

One of the pots had a crack in it.

While the other pot was perfect and always delivered a full portion of water at the end of the long walk from the stream to the master’s house…

… the cracked pot arrived only half full.

For a full two years, this went on daily, with the bearer delivering only one and a half pots full of water in his master’s house.

Of course, the perfect pot was proud of its accomplishments

>> But the poor cracked pot was ashamed of its own imperfection and miserable that it was able to accomplish only half of what it had been made to do.

After two years of what it perceived to be a bitter failure, the cracked pot spoke to the water bearer:

>> “I am ashamed of myself, and I want to apologize to you”.

The bearer asked, “Why? What are you ashamed of?”

The pot replied: “For these past two years I am able to deliver only half of my load because this crack in my side causes water to leak out all the way back to your master’s house.

>> Because of my flaws, you don’t get full value for your efforts”.

The water bearer without being disturbed said plainly:

>> “Today as we return to the master’s house, I want you to notice the path along your side.”

As they went up the hill, the cracked pot took notice of the beautiful wild flowers on the side of the path.

At the end of the trail, the bearer said to the pot:

>> “Did you notice that there were flowers only on your side of your path, but not on the other pot’s side?

That’s because I have always known about your flaw, and I took advantage of it.

>> I planted flower seeds on your side of the path, and every day while we walk back from the stream, you’ve watered them.

For two years I have been able to pick these beautiful flowers to decorate my master’s table.

>> Without you being just the way you are, he would not have this beauty to grace his house!”

One’s flaws and weaknesses can be the greatest sources of Grace and Blessing…

… If we entrust ourselves, in faith, to the Lord!

Our flaws and failures are very important for the Lord!

As a Christian, each of us are expected to perform our role in mission

>> This requires that we be just the way we are…

… but totally offered to the Hands of the Master, knowing for sure that He will supplement all our flaws with His Grace!

The Gospel of the Day presents Jesus sending out the Twelve on a mission…

… with the tender invitation to depend on Him totally.

The ministry of Jesus had gained a lot of popularity.

>> There were crowds of people following Him…

>> There were multitudes of persons attracted to Him…

But of all these, Jesus had chosen the Twelve…

… who would be with Him and to be sent out (Mk 3:14)

The ministry of Jesus had also gained a lot of opposition.

>> Many of the religious leaders were greatly taken aback by the raw authoritative power of Jesus

>> Many of the Scribes and Pharisees were greatly offended by the blunt and open challenges by Jesus

>> Many of the local and family people were greatly scandalized by the boldness and courage of Jesus

But as the saying goes…

“Challenges are what makes life interesting…

… and overcoming them is what makes life meaningful!”

Though opposition and challenges were raging hard against the ministry of Jesus…

>> He remained courageous and determined.

>> He not only chooses the Twelve…

… but He also sends them on a mission

A mission…

… with an authority over unclean spirits

… to proclaim the Kingdom of God

… to preach repentance and peace

In this mission journey, the Lord gave a few instructions and principles…

“… to take nothing for the journey…

… whenever you enter a house, stay there until you leave the place…” ( Mk 6: 8-10)

The Twelve were to learn…

… to totally depend on the Lord

… to not get discouraged even in the face of apparent flaws and failures

Each of us, by virtue of our following Christ, is a missionary…

… we have a duty entrusted to us – a duty for the Kingdom of God

Do I totally depend on the Lord and have the Lord as my Courage and Strength…

…or do I tend to get self-reliant and too proud on my own talents and potentials, with no room for the Lord?

Do I tend to get easily discouraged and disheartened when things don’t go as I plan or when I feel that I am not being “successful” in what I am doing…

… or do I know for sure that even with all my flaws and weaknesses, the Lord will employ me for His Glory, if I trust in Him?

King David at the end of his life, hands over the charge of the land to his son Solomon, with an instruction to be faithful to walk in the path of the Lord…

…”Keep the charge of the Lord your God, walking in His ways and keeping His statutes, His commandments, His ordinances and His testimonies…” (1 Kgs 2:3)

The parting message of King David is an invitation to his son to be totally dependent on the Lord…

… And to allow the Lord to guide his life.

Christian missionary life is a journey

>> There may be times when we feel we are not doing enough

>> There will be situations when we feel that I am not living up to my expectations

But the Lord, Who is holding us, over His shoulders assures us:

“I have always known about your flaws…

… and I take advantage of that.

>> Just be the way you are – but offer yourself to me totally and trust in me – and you will participate in my plan of bringing Beauty to the House of God!”

Yes, the Lord plants flower seeds of joy, peace and love on the way

>> And if we surrender ourselves totally to Him…

… even our flaws, can become occasions to have these seeds to bloom and bless others!

One’s flaws and weaknesses can be the greatest sources of Grace and Blessing…

… If we entrust ourselves, in faith, to the Lord!

>> Our flaws and failures are very important for the Lord!

Shall we – in the words of St Francis de Sales – “Be what we are, and be at its best”…

… offering our lives to the Lord wholly?

God Bless! Live Jesus!

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Quotable-quote-a-day-with-St Francis de Sales (SFS) – “ It is love that gives value to all our works

>> It is not by the greatness or multiplicity of our works that we please God…

… but by the love with which we do them!”

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“Praising the Lord in every circumstance of our life by recognising and nurturing the preciousness of our relationship with Him!”

(Based on 2 Sam 24:2, 9-17 and Mk 6:1-6)

When the first missionaries went to Japan, a young Japanese boy wanted to learn English.

The missionaries handed him a copy of the Gospels and asked him to translate into his native language.

(The boy – an avid reader – had never heard about Jesus and considered the book as being just one of the “many books that he had read”)

After a few pages of translation, the boy became very agitated and restless.

Approaching the missionaries, he said to them: “Who is this Man about Whom I have been reading in this book? This Jesus!

>> You call Him a Man… but to me, he appears as a God!”

The boy was under the impression that he was reading a book about a famous Man…

… only to discover that he was actually encountering The Great God in the Book!

Yes, a genuine and honest encounter with the Word of God always causes a great impact on people…

>> Some either feel greatly drawn by the Divine…

>> Some however, also feel a great sense of denial and refusal of God’s Ways

The Gospel of the Day presents this dual-reaction to Jesus, the Word of God…

… an initial sense of rejoicing and enthrallment

… and later, a purposeful rejection of the Divine Ways and Will

The Lord arrives in His hometown.

>> On the Sabbath, He taught in the synagogue.

The Gospel mentions a juxtaposition of feelings of the listeners…

First, there is a great expression of marvel and wonder:

“Where did this Man get all this? What is this wisdom that has been given to Him? What deeds of power are being by Him?” (Mk 6:2)

But this feeling  quickly vanishes…

The feelings of wonder and amazement get distorted to feelings of contempt, condemnation and outright rejection:

“Is this not the carpenter, the Son of Mary and brother of James and Joses and Judas and Simon, and are not His sisters here with us?” (Mk 6:2)

What was the cause of this sudden and dramatic change of mood of the listeners?

·      It was simply because Jesus was “just one of them!”

·      It was simply because Jesus was “too acquainted  to them!”

Familiarity often breeds contempt!

·      When one is too close to the Divine, one has to be also aware that there are greater possibilities of losing the “sense of awe and wonder” and sink into the dangerous waters of “taking things for granted”

·      When one is constantly handling Divine objects, there is also the greater chance of losing the “awareness and thrill of the mystery” and get lost in the thickets of “being lethargic or unenthusiastic or even indifferent”

How many of us are prone to this danger….

Priests and the Religious constantly handle Divine objects and perform many spiritual exercises…

·      Daily Holy Mass… Frequent recital of the Psalms in the Divine Office Prayer… Regular Adorations and administering and receiving of the Sacraments… Recurrent handling of the Bible, liturgical articles, reading and hearing Church teachings and life of saints….

Do all these help one to deepen one’s relationship with the Lord…?

>> Or do these cause one to lose the “sense of awe and wonder” and sink into the dangerous waters of “taking things for granted”… ?

Many Christians are engaged in a number of spiritual activities on a regular basis…

·      Holy Eucharistic celebration… novenas… recital of the Rosary and other pious prayers of devotion… forwarding of devotional messages, pictures and videos through emails and WhatsApp and social networking tools…

Do all these help one to grow in spiritual life….?

>> Or do these make one to lose the “awareness and thrill of the mystery” and get lost in the thickets of “being lethargic or unenthusiastic or even indifferent” … ?

The people failed to recognize the worth and value of Jesus due to “too much familiarity”.

However this familiarity was only “external and peripheral”…

Such kind of a familiarity had, in fact, caused them to be ignorant, contemptuous and prejudiced..

>> Ignorant… of the fact that amidst them was the Promised Messiah who was to save the world!

>> Contemptuous… of the fact that “one of them” could actually possess so much of wisdom and power!

>> Prejudiced… of the fact that “this ordinary Son of a carpenter” could ever be the Son of God!

Yes, how often do we reject the precious and important people and aspects of life…

… due to our ignorance

… due to our contempt of things

… and due to our prejudiced mindsets!

We are invited today to “open our eyes” and to realize the worth and preciousness of God’s grace that we have been blessed with…

Each of us

… personally

… as a family

… as a community

… and as a Church, have been blessed and graced with immense favours and kindness from the Lord.

David faced a great deal of distress while exercising his power over the people of Israel as King (2 Sam 24:9-17).

>> However, recognising his weaknesses and accepting his frailty in humility, King David would submit himself to the Power and Mercy of God.

·      True that we have a lot of difficulties to face in our life…

·      True that we have much to complain in the maze of the many crisis we undergo..

Yet amidst all this…

Can we lift up our hearts in thanksgiving and gratitude for the Lord’s Guiding Presence with us, always

… and learn to grow deeper in our love for Him?

A genuine and honest encounter with the Word of God always causes a great impact on people…

>> Some either feel greatly drawn by the Divine…

>> Some however, also feel a great sense of denial and refusal of God’s Ways

What is our Reaction and Response to Jesus, the Word of God?

God Bless! Live Jesus!

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Quotable-quote-a-day-with-St Francis de Sales (SFS) – “He will unfailingly be pleased with our patience…

… and take note of our diligence and perseverance!”

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“Offering all our troubles to the Lord, Who holds – the whole world in His hands – and each of us, close to His Heart!”

(Based on 2 Sam 18:9-10, 14, 24-25, 30-19:3 and Mk 5: 21-43)

A person came to a spiritual counsellor to share his difficulties and problems of life.

During the break of the counselling session, as the two took a walk in the garden area, the person who was had come to share the difficulties, noticed a large statue of the Atlas.

(The Statue of Atlas is of a well-built man, who with all his muscles straining…

… is holding the world upon his shoulders)

Seeing that statue of Atlas who was struggling to hold the world, the man told the counsellor:

“Do you see that man struggling to hold the world on his shoulders?

>> That’s exactly how I feel in my life as well!

The burden of the whole world seems to be on my shoulders and I feel exasperated!”

The counsellor gave a gentle smile to the man and asked him to have his eyes on the other side of the street.

“Look at that statue,” said the counsellor.

The man noticed, at a distance, the statue of Infant Jesus…

… Who was holding the world(globe) in His Hands.

And the counsellor continued:

“We have a choice in life!

We can either follow Atlas and feel as if the entire world of burden is placed on my shoulders…

.. and thus feel exasperated and exhausted!

Or we can follow Jesus and offer our world of burdens to Him, Who will hold it in His Hands…

… and thus feel energetic and enthusiastic!

The Gospel of the Day recounts two people who had an encounter with Jesus, and offered their world of burdens to Him, …

… and thus felt energetic and enthusiastic!

Sicknesses and diseases are great interrupters in life…

.. they enter into the house of life, without knocking at the doors

… they disrupt many plans and aspirations

… they reduce the hope for the future

The Gospel is a narration of two persons who encountered this interruption in life…

1. Jairus’ daughter – on the death bed – would have dashed many hopes of their family

2. The long suffering of the woman – with hemorrhage – would have crushed her aspirations

Both these persons – Jairus and the woman with the hemorrhage underwent similar struggles….

>> One had tremendous mental agony as a result of worry for his beloved child…

>> The other had also tremendous physical agony along with her mental and social stigmas…

Both their sufferings had reached a saturation point of tolerance…

>> Both of them were struggling immensely to swim across the ocean of agony and pain…

But both these persons also displayed a similar sort of faith in the Lord….

” Seeing Jesus, Jairus fell at His feet and pleaded earnestly with Him…” ( Mk 5:22)

“…realizing what had happened to her, the woman approached Jesus in fear and trembling; fell down before Jesus and told Him the whole truth” (Mk5: 33)

They both “offered their world of burdens” to Jesus…

… in deep faith and trust…

… with much love and devotion

… with great expectations and hopes

The “offering of their burdens”  was a sign of total submission and surrender

>> Jairus offered himself to the power and mercy of the Lord…

>> The woman with haemorrhage offered herself to the compassion and love of the Lord…

This made them to experience the power of the Lord.

King David experienced tremendous anguish and grief at the death of his son, Absalom.

>> Even though his son had meant harm to him, during his lifetime, David’s fatherly heart reached out in pain, to his son…

… And probably, pleaded for God’s Mercy.

When we offer ourselves fully to the holy and precious Will of the Lord…

… we come in contact with His Divine Providence and Wonder

When we submit ourselves to the mighty power and providence of God…

…we experience His Divine Strength and Courage

When we surrender ourselves to the dominion and sovereignty of God…

… we encounter His marvelous presence and guidance

Our Christian Life – with all its challenges – places before us choices:

>> We can either feel that the entire world of burden is placed on our shoulders…

… and thus feel exasperated and exhausted!

Or we can offer our world of burdens to Jesus, telling Him, “’Here I am Lord; here’s my life. I give you my world, the whole world’…

… and thus feel energetic and enthusiastic!

God Bless! Live Jesus!

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Quotable-quote-a-day-with-St Francis de Sales (SFS)– “The many troubles in your household will tend to your edification, if you strive to bear them all in gentleness, patience, and kindness.

>> Keep this ever before you, and remember constantly that God’s loving eyes are upon you amid all these little worries and vexations, watching whether you take them as He would desire.

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

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

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“Remaining altruistic, by God’s Grace, even in the face of humiliations and hardships!”

(Based on 2 Sam 15:13-14, 30, 16:5-13 and Mk 5: 1-20)

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

>> Altruism is selflessness – the opposite of selfishness

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

The Gospel of the Day presents the Altruistic Ideal – Jesus – engaged in His great ministry of bringing the Kingdom of God to many…

… of healing

… of rebuking the evil spirits

… of bringing consolation and joy to the people.            

And today He enters a Gentile territory…

… They came to the other side of the sea to the territory of Gerasenes” (Mk 5: 1)

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

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

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

As He enters the territory of Gerasenes, Jesus encounters a man “who came from the tombs with an unclean spirit” (Mk 5:2)

St Mark would go on to describe the hard state that the man was in…

… dwelling among the tombs

… none could restrain him

…. bound in chains

Sometimes, in life, we too find ourselves in such a situation…

… though not physically, but mentally, socially and spiritually!

In all such “possessed” situations of life…

… are we ready to encounter the presence of the Lord?

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

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

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

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

>> In the sunset of frustrations and despair…

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

>> In the sunset of sadness and lukewarmness…

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

St Mark goes on to describe the state of the demoniac…

… how he would hurt himself with stones (Mk 5: 5)

… how he cried out loudly to the Lord (Mk 5:7)

… how he pleaded the Lord to not chase away from that comfort zone (Mk 5:10)

In the Old Testament, we read King David faced a situation of offensive words and cursing by a man named Shimei, the son of Gera (2 Sam 16: 5-13)

The man would publicly disgrace David and remind him of his sinful past.

Life can often take us through such tormenting and disgraceful situations.

We need to ask ourselves…

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

… The power of the Lord is here to deliver!

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

… The power of the Lord is here to overcome!

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

… The power of the Lord is here to liberate!

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

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

The Lord at the end of today’s Gospel passage declares His intentions of going to other towns (Mk 5:18) and also exhorts the demoniac who was healed to remain in his place, and to preach the good news of the Kingdom of God (Mk 5: 19-20).

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

>> And He also inspires and exhorts those who have been touched by Him, to become a witness to His Works and His Kingdom

Do I imitate the Lord…

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

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

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

This Altruism of Jesus challenges us…

… to  be willing to change our lives, go beyond our zones of comfort and help the needy with the Acceptance and Restoration of the Lord!

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

Jesus was possessed by a deep love of His Father…

… which made Him to be Altruistic in reaching out to others.

Jesus was filled with a deep fervour for the Kingdom…

… which made Him to be Altruistic in saving and healing others.

Yes, we are invited and challenged to imitate and follow Jesus, the Ideal Altruist!

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

Today we celebrate the Feast of St Blaise, a saint who is invoked for throat ailments.

In some churches, a blessing of the throats take place..

Two candles are blessed, held slightly open, and pressed against the throat as the blessing is said: “Through the intercession of St. Blaise, bishop and martyr, may God deliver you from ailments of the throat and from every other evil.

>> In the Name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit”

May we use our throats to proclaim the wonders and marvels of God in our lives…

… and remain altruistic – by the Grace of God – even in the face of hardships and humiliations!

God Bless! Live Jesus!

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Quotable-quote-a-day-with-St Francis de Sales (SFS)– “One single day of devotion is worth more than a thousand years of worldly life!”

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“Consecrating ourselves to the Lord, and remaining like a lotus – preserving and nurturing our holiness!”

One of the flowers which inherits and exhibits a lot of meaning and symbolism is the Lotus.

>> This flower has been one of the most ancient and deepest symbols.

The Lotus flower has a number of unique properties….

… It grows in muddy water and rises above the surface to bloom with remarkable beauty.

… At night, the flower closes and sinks underwater; while at dawn, it rises and opens again.

… It has a quality of self-cleaning and always remains free from dirty particles

… Its leaves are such that they remain always dry

Untouched by the impurity, the Lotus symbolizes purity of heart and mind.

>> The Lotus becomes a beautiful metaphor for a person Consecrated to the Lord.

Today is the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord…

>> On this day, we also celebrate the Consecrated Way of Life.

Consecration is giving oneself to the Lord wholly.

>> It is seeking to be pure, completely, in heart and mind.

The Gospel of the Day presents St Joseph and Mother Mary presenting Jesus in the Temple.

“When the days were completed for their purification, according to the Law of Moses, they took Him up to Jerusalem, to present Him to the Lord” (Lk 2:22)

We are on the 40th Day after Christmas, the Nativity of Jesus.

The Book of Exodus spoke of the need of this presentation and consecration of the first-born child…

“Consecrate to me every first-born that opens the womb…

>> If your son ask you later on, ‘What does this mean’, you shall tell him, ‘ With a strong hand, the Lord brought us out of Egypt, the land of slavery….’ ” ( Ex 12: 2, 14)

      

The act of presentation in the Temple…

… represented fulfilling of God’s command..

… recalled God’s deed of deliverance from slavery…

… reminded the deep love of God for His people…

The presentation of the Lord in the Temple, is also another reminder of the “ordinariness” of the Lord, in His incarnation…

>> Jesus was known as the child of “ordinary” human parents!

>> Jesus took birth and grew up in “ordinary” conditions and circumstances!

>> Jesus lived His life in an “ordinary” family situation!

At Baptism, all of us are also consecrated to the Lord

>> Some of us, have also made a deeper consecration by the Profession of Religious Vows

The meaning of this Consecration, also, derives from the Consecration of the Lord…

>> We are “ordinary” by our sinful nature…

… yet the Lord exalts us, to live a pure and holy life.

>> We are “ordinary” by our human nature…

… yet the Lord wishes to join us, with His Divine nature

>> We are “ordinary” in our deeds and works…

…. yet the Lord wants us,  to be His Kingdom partners

Our Consecration is….

… a deep call and invitation to live a Holy Life

… is a loving obligation and sacred duty to be fully committed to Him

… is a binding and necessity in belonging to the Lord wholly and totally

This is a day of the Consecrated Life…

… a day to renew our commitment and zeal for the Lord

… a day to rekindle the fire of our love and faith in the Lord

… a day to restore our initial enthusiasm and interest for the Lord

… a day to revitalize our knowledge and comprehension of the Lord

Each of us…whether single or in family life…whether a Priest or a Religious…

… belongs to the Lord and to Him alone!

>> We are all consecrated and offered to the Lord.

The Lotus represents beautifully this our consecration and offering to the Lord…

1. We may grow in the muddy waters of evil, scandals, violence, corruption etc…

>> Yet, can we rise above all this, and bloom in beauty, with God’s strength?

2. In the night of our life, we may sink and feel dejected, broken, sad, depressed, worried etc…

>> Yet, can we open up again, and blossom in loveliness, with God’s graces?

3. In our worldly interactions, we may get spoilt with dirty particles of sin, evil, bad habits etc…

>> Yet, can we free ourselves from all these, by the redeeming power of God’s love?

4. In our material affairs, we may get wet and drenched with desires for pleasures and luxury…

>> Yet, can we remain dry and unsullied, by the tremendous saving force of God’s holiness?

Let us hold the hands of St Joseph and Mamma Mary, and renew our consecration to the Lord.

Let us renew our Love for the Lord…

… and dedicate ourselves – wholly – to the Sacred Heart of Jesus as we pray: “O Lord, I belong to You, and to You alone! I love you, Lord, above all things and all people!”

In His Sacred Heart…

… we find strength for our Consecration

… we find joy for our Consecration

Yes, we belong to the Lord…

>> Let us live this Consecration!

>> Let us give witness to this Consecration!

Happy Feast of the Presentation of our Blessed Lord to all of us, His Consecrated People.

God Bless! Live Jesus!

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Quotable-quote-a-day-with-St Francis de Sales (SFS) – “One single day of devotion is worth more than a thousand years of worldly life!”

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“Journeying with the Lord, with a readiness and humility to learn, even through the storms and hardships of life!”

(Based on 2 Sam 12:1-7a, 10-17 and Mk 4:35-41)

The journey with the Lord is always an interesting one…

>> There are moments of tremendous joys and happiness…

>> There are times of fascinating delights and elations…

There are also however, moments of dryness and silence.

The Gospel of the Day is an account of the Disciples experiencing this dryness and silence, in their journey with the Lord.

It’s a very late evening…nearing midnight…

>> The disciples along with Jesus, who have embarked on a boat, are caught in the midst of a heavy storm.

“A violent squall came up and the waves were breaking over the boat…” (Mk 4: 36)

Some of the disciples were fishermen.

They had been many many years at the sea.

>> They had often suffered the fury and vehemence of nature

>> They had been greatly used to many storms and tempests at sea.

But this storm seemed to be too fierce and too ferocious.

>> The disciples feared greatly!

>> The disciples panicked very much!

With death bells ringing in their ears, and a dreadful end before their eyes…

… the disciples were shocked to see Jesus, unmoved and unperturbed.

“Jesus was in the stern, asleep on a cushion” (Mk 4:38)

In the moment of their deep anguish and helpless, the disciples cry out:

“Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?” (Mk 4:38)

>> The boat could capsize anytime and all of them could be drowned soon…

>> The storms could lash brutally and the waves could overturn them any moment…

Time was fast running…

But Jesus seemed totally unfazed!

>> Jesus seemed totally disinterested!

And they cry out to Jesus… Lord, do you not care??!!

How many times have we screamed similar words to God:

“Lord, do you not care?!”

>> Lord, do you not care… that my family member is so sick?

>> Lord, do you not care that I feel totally alone and miserable in my life?

>> Lord, do you not care that my marriage is failing and my family is breaking up?

>> Lord, do you not care that am without a job now and the future ahead is so bleak?

>> Lord, do you not care that my life seems so meaningless and without any purpose?

>> Lord, do you not care that I am plunged to loneliness and abandoned by all my friends?

>> Lord, do you not care that I encounter only failures, dejection and rejection in my endevours?

When we look into the Gospel, it is amazing to know whose plan it was, in the first place to make this boat journey…

When we re-read the Gospel passage, we find the answer…

Mk 4:35 says, “On that day, as evening drew near, Jesus said to them, ‘Let us cross over to the other side'”!

Ah…..

Shall we read that again?

… JESUS said to them, “Let us cross over to the other side”!

The idea to go in the boat was not that of the disciples…

>> The idea to go in the boat was that of JESUS!

The encounter with the storms was not some accident!

>> The stumbling into the violent waves was not some unlucky thing!

It had a purpose!

It had a meaning!

It had an intention!

For the disciples, it was a moment of terror…

… But the Lord used this terrorizing time to teach them to have faith in Him!

For the disciples, it was a time of immense crisis…

… But the Lord used this critical moment, to teach them to trust in Him!

For the disciples, it was a time of dreadful fear…

… But the Lord used this fearful circumstance, to teach them to believe in Him!

King David would be convicted of his mistake and be made to realize the seriousness of the crime that he had committed, when Prophet Nathan would acquit him of the sin of adultery against the wife of Uriah

>> This dreadful of sin and guilt would become a moment for King David to be lowered in humility, in abject dependence on the Lord and he would confess and repent: “I have sinned against the Lord.” (2 Sam 12:13)

David would realize his vulnerability and understand the need to always “pray for a pure heart!” (Cf Ps 51:10)

Our moments of struggle a time of testing…

>> Our moments of struggle can become a time of learning…

Testing of our genuine faith… learning of deeper trusting!

>> Testing of our real convictions…learning of profound dependence!

As we thank the Lord for the gift of the first month of 2020, let us enter into the new month of February with a willingness to grow deeper by trusting the Lord in crisis moments.

>> Then we too will be blessed to hear the Lord commanding the waves and storms of hardships of our lives: “Quiet! Be Still!” (Mk 4: 39)

God Bless! Live Jesus!

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Quotable-quote-a-day-with-St Francis de Sales (SFS) – “Although, dear Lord, I have no feeling of confidence in Thee, I know all the same that Thou art my God, that I am wholly Thine…

… and that I have no hope but in Thy Goodness.

>> Therefore I abandon myself entirely into Thy Hands!”

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“Being vigilant at all times, to prevent any relapse, and instead staying focused on working for the Kingdom of our Glorious God!”

(Based on 2 Sam 11:1-10, 13-17 and Mk 4: 26-34)

The Indian folklores of Akbar-Birbal are popular.

Here is one…

Once King Akbar asked his prime minister, Birbal, “Who is greater, me or God?”

This minister Birbal was very clever and prudent person.

>> Without hesitation, he answered, “You are, Your Majesty.”

Though the king was flattered, he asked, “How can that be?”

“Well, you see, Your Majesty “, replied the smart minister, “If you do not like someone, you can banish him from your kingdom very easily.

However, how can God banish anyone from His Kingdom?

>> Where can He send him?

The whole universe is God’s Kingdom!”

With one answer, the minister had achieved two goals:

·      Pleased his King – by affirming his greatness by telling of the ‘power’ to banish

·      Told the truth – by acknowledging God’s total sovereignty

This little incident speaks to us of the supreme Glory and Omnipotence of God and His Kingdom.

The Gospel of the Day presents Jesus teaching to us on the nature and characteristics of the Kingdom of Glorious and Omnipotent God, with the help of parables.

One aspect that we need to note here is the usage of parables in the teaching ministry of Jesus.

It could be said that if Jesus had a grammar teacher, then, probably the teacher would have been extremely proud of this Student!

Jesus used a lot of metaphors, similes, illustrations and parables in His teachings.

Therefore we need to be aware and careful when we read and understand this ‘technique’ of the Lord:

·      Such metaphors were presented by Jesus to emphasise on a particular aspect of a teaching   

·    Such illustrations were not meant to be closed-reflections; rather, they were to be means of allowing a person to explore and delve deeper into the mystery that was being explained.

The teachings connected to God and His Kingdom are mysteries…. divine and lofty.

·      Metaphors and parables are the meaningful expressions of these mysteries.

They are never complete by themselves

… Yet, they are rich and meaningful.

·      They induce emotions.

·      They help to situate culturally. 

·      They unite people together in a common search.

And this is the essence of true religiosity: fostering one’s search and longing for the Divine.

By presenting the parables, Jesus triggers our minds to open up to the vastness of the reality of God and to foster our desire to seek Him more, in our everyday living and circumstances.

·      For a true seeker of God, every situation of life becomes a parable from God, revealing His Supreme Providence.

·      For a genuine searcher of the Divine, every circumstance and person in life, becomes an illustration from the Lord, to know His Presence and Will

>> Do I consider my life as a “beautiful parable” from God, and seek to find the Divine elements in it?

>> Do I reflect on the circumstances of my life  – joyful, painful, sorrowful, sinful – as a “wonderful illustration” from the Lord, inviting me to see His Presence and fostering my own relationship with Him?

The two parables of the Day present to us, figuratively, some aspects of the Kingdom of God:

1. The Parable of the Kingdom of God as the seed that is sown, sprouted and giving a rich harvest, without being in the grasp of the awareness of the one who sows

What does this parable teach?

a. The duty of the one who sows, even if one is unaware how the growth-process happens

>> Am I active and energetic in being an agent of the Kingdom of God – by speaking of Christ, by living His Gospel values, by freeing our lives from sin –  even if I fail to understand ‘how’ would this help in the growth process of the Kingdom?

b. The glory of the growth of the seed, taking its own time and conveying the message of patience and persistence

>> Do I be patient when success doesn’t come to me immediately and do I continue to be persevering in my efforts – of prayer, of duty, of my responsibilities – even if  it takes a longer time than I expect?

c. The assurance that the growth of the seed, fostered by earthly elements, nevertheless, given by the power and grace of God.

>> Do I be faithful to the duties that I need to do and then totally depend on the mighty hand of God in order to experience success and see the fruits of my labour? As the Psalmist says, “Unless the Lord builds the house, they labour in vain, who build” (Ps 127: 1)

2. The Parable of the mustard Seed as the Seed that is the smallest when sown, yet grows on to be the greatest of all shrubs, and becomes a shelter for the birds of the air

What does this parable teach?

a. The little things of life also have the potency to develop to give the greatest results, since God is the Author of such successes and accomplishments

>> Am I convinced that even if my resources – be it talents or time or income or personnel or anything else – are too small or insignificant, they can still become powerful means for the growth of God’s Kingdom, if we are faithful and depend totally on His grace?

b. The external growth and triumphs that are achieved, in turn, ought to become a source of help and solace for the others (as the birds of the air take nest in the huge mustard shrubs)

>> Do the achievements of my life – small or big- help me to become a person who reaches out in support and solace, to the needy ones?

c. An element of surprise and wonder is present in every act of nature – the little mustard seed, which would otherwise have been trampled upon as something too ordinary, amazes by its extraordinary growth

>> Am I able to trust in the “surprising and astonishing” wonders that the Lord can perform in ‘any’ situation of my life ?

All of us are part of the Project ‘Kingdom of God’.

King David fell into the great temptation of sin by relaxing himself in the great task of Project ‘Kingdom of God.’ (2 Sam 11:1-10, 13-17)

>> This reminds us of the need to remain steadfast to the Lord at all times…

… And to become aware that, if we are not careful, watchful and vigilant, we are vulnerable to fall into the lures of sin.

May we nurture and grow in the task of the Kingdom that is entrusted to us, in the little or big way that God graces us…

… by totally depending on the Lord and not ‘relaxing’ in the comfort zones of our life

… and thus bring glory and honour to our Supremely Glorious and Omnipotent God!

Let us seek the intercession of St John Bosco, on this Feast Day, for this Grace of “recognizing the Presence of the Lord in our lives and avoiding any relapse”…

… and give heed to his words:

“Be brave and try to detach your heart from worldly things

>> Do your utmost to banish darkness from your mind and come to understand what true, selfless piety is.

>> Enliven your faith, which is essential to understand and achieve piety.”

God Bless! Live Jesus!

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

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

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