A little girl child was to undergo a risky surgery.
She was placed upon the table and the surgeon was about to render her a dose of anaesthesia.
“Before we can make you well, dear, we must put you to sleep”, said the surgeon to the li’l girl.
With a cute smile, she said sweetly, “Oh, if you are going to put me to sleep, I must say my prayers first.”
So she got on her knees and said the child’s prayer.
“Now I can go to sleep”, said the sweet child.

The surgeon, later, testified that this action of the child moved his heart greatly…

… and he himself, prayed, that night, for the first time, in thirty years!

The power of the little child to influence was amazing…

… even on a person who was much older to her!
>> There is great sincerity and openness in the actions of little children.

>> There is immense authenticity and truthfulness in the deeds of little ones.
 

It is this childlike faith and simplicity that finds an expression of appreciation from our Blessed Lord in today’s Gospel.
 

Jesus says, ” I thank thee, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that thou hast hidden these things from the wise and understanding and revealed them to babes” (Mt 11:25)
 

When we go back to the first book of the Bible –  Genesis – and to the Garden of Eden, we encounter the first temptation scene – between the serpent and Eve.
 

It is interesting to note the words, when the serpent tempts Eve to eat of the forbidden fruit, and Eve puts forth the reason for not eating:

•          The serpent says, “… God knows well that the moment you eat of it, your eyes will be opened and you will be like gods who know what is good and what is bad” (Gen 3:6)

•          The woman saw that the tree was good for food, pleasing to the eyes and desirable for “gaining wisdom” (Gen 3:7)

This then was the first temptation: To Know – seeking for wisdom; seeking for knowledge.
 

However the Lord says that wisdom is hidden from the wise and the understanding, and instead revealed to the babes, to those childlike.
 

What makes the Divine Wisdom to hide from the wise and reveal to the childlike instead?

We could consider a couple of reasons….

1. The wise depend on their own strength; the childlike have a sense of dependency
One of the qualities or rather a condition of little children is their “helplessness”!
 

Little children are helpless…

… to be taking care of even their basic needs

… to be able to meet their basic emotions
They therefore have a sense of dependency!

2. The wise have over-confidence in themselves; the childlike trust on others

Another of the quality of children is their basic sense of “trust”
They tend to easily trust the others…

… in meeting their needs and in having what they desire

… in being protected and being taken care safely

These two great qualities of the childlike are what helps the Divine wisdom to be revealed to them:

•          A sense of dependency: Depending on God, the Father in every moment of life

•          A sense of trust: Trusting in the Lord for every need and believing in His providence
 

The Gospel of the Day makes us to examine our own lives and check the level of childlike qualities that we possess…

>> Do I possess a sense of Dependency on the Lord…

… or is my reliance only on my own self-worth and abilities?
>>  Do I possess a sense of Trust in the Lord…

… or do I fall into constant anxieties and apprehensions?
 

May we seek to depend and trust more in the Lord, with a childlike faith, so that the Lord may rejoice in us and He – the Wisdom – may reveal Himself more and more to us!
 

God Bless! Live Jesus!

(Statutory Warning: The dangerous Jesus is on the prowl…..Beware as you read….)

Many of us have heard of the tagline of a company which announces… “We are better than the best…”

>> Lovely phrase, ah?

The Gospel of the Day, however presents shocking and saddening words from the Mouth of the Most Prolific and Influential Prophet ever….Jesus… with an even stronger tagline…”They are worse than worst!”

 
“Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you Bethsaida!” (Mt 11:21)

The context of this deadly utterance by the Lord is when he reproaches the towns of Chorazin, Bethsaida and Capernaum, where mighty deeds and miracles had been done, but they had still not repented.

These three towns of Chorazin, Bethsaida and Capernaum were called as the “Orthodox Triangle” –

Close to the Galilee Lake, these towns were filled with devout Jews, who took the Law of Moses very seriously.

>> Adding to this traditional Jewish Faith, these towns also had the great privilege of being witnesses to many miracles, events, preaching and deeds of the Lord Jesus.

The Gospel says, ” If the MIRACLES performed in you…..”
Note the word, “miracles”…Plural !!

>> Not just a single miracle…..but many miracles.

>> Perhaps not just a single word…

… but many words and sermons and preaching!
>> Perhaps not just a single healing…

… but many healings and cures and restorations!
>> Perhaps not just a single warning…

… but many warnings and exhortations and appeals to repentance!
And Yet… yet, they DID NOT REPENT!

>> They KNEW TOO MUCH…but BELIEVED TOO LITTLE!
And Jesus condemns these towns…. “They are worse than the Worst!”

Let’s consider the state of these “Worst” Towns…to which the Lord compares this “Orthodox Triangle”?
Tyre and Sidon….Sodom

>> Tyre and Sidon: These were condemned cities (Cf. Ezek 26 – 28) and were embodiments of the Pagan Canaanite Culture, Pride and an Evil Arrogance
>> Sodom: This was a damned city (Cf. Gen 18:16-33) and was an epitome of gross immorality, sexual perversion, widespread corruption and a complete rejection of God.

But Jesus says… the Orthodox Triangle – Chorazin, Bethsaida and Capernaum….are worse than these worst! 

>> Dirtier than the Dirtiest! 

>> Unholier than the Unholiest! 

>> Ungodlier than the ungodliest!

These people had plenty of knowledge… 

They went to the synagogue faithfully….

They knew the Torah of God…
But when Jesus came to them, they wouldn’t repent. 

>> When Jesus worked miracles, they wouldn’t believe him.

Miracles only amazed them…startled them…shocked them…..but they did not lead them to God!
Hold on!!!
Is there any resemblance between My Life and these cities of the Orthodox Triangle?
Do I boast of my knowledge of God? Do I be satisfied with a mere Church-going Spirituality?

>> Do I remain an ineffective witness to the many miracles worked and the blessings showered in my life?
 

Let’s stop taking blessings for granted! 

>> Let’s stop thinking mere external rituals are a guarantee for salvation!

>> It’s better not to have a miracle…

… than to have a miracle and not repent.
>> It’s better to be sick and not cured… 

… than to be cured and not give the glory to God.
>> It’s better not to experience God… 

… than to experience God and stay the same as you were.

Let’s stop fooling ourselves…saying things are fine and All is well!
>> Our conscience needs a real-time check… 

>> Our hearts deserve an honest examination…

There is sure Hope…in the Lord. But only if we are repentant

There is sure mercy…in the Lord. But only if we are amending

There is sure Blessing…in the Lord. But only if we are penitent

The Orthodox Triangle is a stark reminder to us… 

>> Lets never bypass opportunities & graces that come our way!

Let the cry of the Lord, “You are worse than the Worst”….never ever be addressed to us…
We Pray.

>> We make Efforts. 

>>We seek for Grace!

God Bless! Live Jesus!

Every society or organization or a way of life draws up rules and regulations…

… to which its members have to promise obedience.

 

A faithful commitment to these guidelines will help for the true growth of the society and help the members to genuinely enjoy all the rights and privileges. 

 

Christianity as a Life Style, also has its Rules and Regulations and it demands Commitment!

>> The Cross forms part of this Basic Rule of Christianity.

 

 

The ‘modern’ Christian however, is often afraid and oppose this dimension of Christianity: The Cross!

 

Bishop Fulton Sheen presents before us this mentality which is fast catching up in our world…

>> It is termed as Staurophobia… The Fear of the Cross!

 

 

 

The Gospel of the Day is a presentation of the Message of the Cross…

… an invitation to follow the Crucified Christ

… a challenge to faithfully carry the crosses of our life.

 

 

Jesus says, “He who does not take his cross and follow me, is not worthy of Me” (Mt 10: 38)

 

 

Our Blessed Lord loves to jolt static minds and the inert understandings..

>> He doesn’t promise cushy comforts…

… He demands Commitment to the Cross!

 

 

Those who choose Christianity as a Life Style, ought to be…

>> Losers of oneself

>> Be carriers of the Cross

>> And then Follow Him!

 

Christianity, as a Life Style, has the Cross as its Basic Rule and it demands Commitment!

 

 

But the very mention of the word “Cross”, sometimes puts people off…

>> “Not again the Cross”

>> “Enough of pain and suffering”

>> “We go to Church to relax and be comforted; not simply to hear of the Passion &Anguish of the Suffering Jesus on the Cross; we only prefer the Glorious & Victorious Christ”

>> “Stop being pessimistic with Sin & Repentance…. Just be optimistic with Joy & Salvation!”

 

These are often, the “happening” buzz phrases and popular opinions…even in our religious environs.

 

Staurophobia – the Fear of the Cross …is creeping stealthily but mightily in our lives…

>> We like to be Saved…

… but we Fear the Cross of repentance of our Sins

 

>> We like to receive Blessings…

… but we Fear the Cross of living an honest life

 

>> We like to live a peaceful life…

… but we Fear the Cross of trusting in God’s Providence

 

We like to be prosperous…

… but we Fear the Cross of being generous and compassionate

 

>> We like to be called good..

… but we Fear the Cross of being Faithful to the teachings of Christ

 

>> We like to have joy…

… but we Fear the Cross of giving up attachments & belong totally to God

 

Yes, We often, Fear the Cross…

 

 

But Christ – Crucified on the Cross – promises His Choicest Rewards to the ones, who dare to take up the Cross…

>> They will find Life…

>> They will be rewarded…

>> They will find true joy and peace…

 …says the Lord.

 

 

Have we really accepted Christianity as our Life Style?

>> Then Let us Embrace the Cross..

>> Let us drive away the Fear of the Cross

 

Let Staurophobia ( Fear of the Cross) be willfully banished

>> Let Staurophilia (Love of the Cross) be willingly accepted!

 

St Camillus says, “Commitment is doing what you said you would do, after the feeling you said it in, has passed”.

 

 

Let us remain committed to the Cross of Christ and celebrate Christianity with conviction!

 

God Bless! Live Jesus!

A devout woman, once bought a Bible in her native language.

 

She was very much afraid of her husband who was deadly against God and sent forth atheistic vibrations.

 

>> In fear, she would read the Bible in his absence, and would stealthily hide it away from his presence and sight.

 

 

One day, however, by mistake, she failed to hide the Holy Book, and her husband saw it on the table.

 

 

Without saying anything, the husband opened the pages of the Bible, scanned through some and read a few lines.

 

As the wife stood, a little away – stunned and trembling- not knowing what he would tell her, the husband said, “Hmmm.. This seems to be a good book!”

 

 

And it so happened, that every night, the man demanded for That Book when he returned back from office.

 

 

A few weeks later, the man suggested his wife that he wished to meet her parents, as for nearly 3 years, he had stayed away from them.

 

 

 

 A tremendous and miraculous wonder had taken place.

 

> A woman’s persistent faith had been rewarded…

> A man’s heart had been finely melted …

> A relationship had been restored…

 

 

That’s the power of the Word!

 

>> The Word can work in unexpected ways…

>> The Word can transform in unknown places…

>> The Word can bear fruits in unexplored areas…

 

 

Are we ready to Sow the Word, everywhere, any time?

>> Are we open to allow the Word to work, anywhere, any time?

 

 

The Gospel of the Day is the classic presentation of the power of the Word through the Parable of the Sower and its explanation.

 

 

This is a parable that, probably we have read, reflected and meditated several times.

 

 

One of the striking messages of this Popular Parable is the “unknown, unexpected and unexplored” manner in which the Word is Sown.

 

 

 Going through the various places in which the Seed was sown would probably make one to say…

… “why was it that so much Seed was simply wasted – on the wayside, on the rock, among the thorns – places where there was hardly any possibility of growth?”

 

… “Why was it that the Sower was so unscientific, so lacking in common sense and so careless in simply broadcasting the precious seeds haphazardly?”

 

 

 

Probably, a logical answer and a reasonable explanation to these questions is to be found in the fact that the Seed has a tremendous power and potential.

 

>> And therefore, the Sower ‘takes the risk’ of broadcasting the Seed everywhere.

 

 

 

This then is the challenge that is thrown open to us also…

 

>> Can I be a person who is willing to “broadcast” the seed of God’s Word even in the most unfavourable or the most unexpected areas – to people who are hostile, arrogant or even closed ?

 

>> Can I be a person who does not count the fruits in advance or get discouraged and disappointed at the possible failures in the future; instead boldly sow the Seeds of goodness, kindness and service?

 

 

The Sower in the parable has a stand out quality…

… He is lavish in His generosity

… extravagant in His big-heartedness

… and sumptuous in His Kindness!

 

 

Though seasoned in His profession of sowing the Seeds, the Sower, bountifully, broadcasts the Seeds on all sorts of soil…

 

Look closer….

>> He doesn’t make an account of the number of seeds lost…

>> He doesn’t tally the wastage that will be incurred…

>> He doesn’t bill the produce that will result…

 

He just does one thing… HE SOWS!

 

 

How many of us can be like that?

 

>> Do we sow good deeds…

… when a loss is bound to happen as per human calculations?

 

>> Do we sow honesty and truthfulness…

… even if birds of injustice devour all our good intentions?

 

>> Do we sow good initiatives…

… even if there is no reward and all our endeavours are being choked?

 

>> Do we sow a kind word…

… even if we know that bad words will scorch our pure purpose?

 

>> Do we sow a loving action…

… even though the reaction is always tepid and cold and even adverse?

 

>> Do we sow help and co-operation…

… in spite of the fact that no one will appreciate our good works?

 

>> Do we sow a forgiving smile & a reconciling gesture…

… though we’re deeply hurt & even wounded?

 

>> Do we sow an attitude of deep trust & confidence…

… although things are totally topsy-turvy in life?

 

 

 

The Sower, in the Parable, however, continues to Sow…..

 

 

The Book of Isaiah 55: 11 says, “… My Word that goes out from My Mouth: It will not return to Me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.”

 

 

We need to submit ourselves to this mysterious power and strength of God’s Power…

…and be willing to “sow them” generously…

… to all

… at all times!

 

 

May we grow in the experience of the Power of the Word…

… to work in unexpected ways

… to transform in unknown places

… and to bear fruits in unexplored areas

 

 

God Bless! Live Jesus!

A sunny day…
As the sun was casting its bright rays on the earth, a loud voice thundered – with might and power:

“Who gives a man speech and makes another deaf and dumb?

Or who gives sight to one and makes another blind?
Is it not, I….?

 
Go, then….

It is I who will assist you in speaking and will teach you what you are to say…”

 

 

Another sunny day…
As the sun was shining bright, the same loud voice thundered – yet again, with might and power:

“Say not, “I am too young…

To whomever I send, you shall go…

Whatever I command, you shall speak!

 

Have no fear… because I am with you, to deliver you!”

 

 

These two dialogues record two instances of “Great Assurances” that were offered to two Great People – Moses and Jeremiah – as seen in Ex 4: 11-12 and Jer 1: 7-8 – by the Great Yahweh!

 
These two persons – Moses and Jeremiah – one, the law-giver and the other a prophet – had some similarities…

..They were entrusted with great tasks…

… They both expressed their inability in speech…

… They both were, however, given assurances of strength and courage!

 
A task that is entrusted by the Lord is always blessed by Him, with His assurance of courage and strength!

>> The larger the responsibility… the greater would be the grace

>> The tougher the task.. the bigger would be the blessing
 

 

The Gospel of the Day is a beautiful expression of this same assurance that Jesus offered to His Apostles and to each one of us, who are called to be a Missionaries and Proclaimers of the Kingdom of God.

 

The Lord sends His Apostles on the mission journey and gives them various instructions in this participation of the Divine Activity.

 

 

Jesus was a very practical and realistic person.

 

When He sends the Apostles on the mission journey…

… He doesn’t promise a comfortable and cosy time

… He doesn’t make fanciful securities and spectacular guarantees.

 

Instead…

… He presents the ground reality and the actual facts of the task.

 
He says that, “Behold I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves” (Mt 10:16)

 

 

This imagery of the “sheep and the wolves” that the Lord used for the Apostles would have probably filled them with panic and fright.

 

They were well aware what was the condition of the sheep, when they encountered the wolves…

 

The wolf – the predator is an expert in stealth and is rarely noticed by the sheep.

 

As the sheep graze, predator’s strategy is simple -it attacks the young or weak that are on the outer-edge of the flock.

>> This causes a sudden panic in the whole flock!

 

The sheep would cry… but their cry would hardly be heard!

 

Their voices after a loud shriek, would begin to choke!

 

 
The Apostles, who were well-familiar and had witnessed the sheep-grazing patterns in their land, were aware of this aspect, when the Lord said, “I send you as sheep among wolves…”

 

And perhaps, a jolt of fear would have run down their spine….

 

• Just like Moses had felt a sense of difficulty in taking up the task that Yahweh had entrusted…
• Just like Jeremiah had experienced a wave of fear when Yahweh appointed him as a prophet…
So the disciples could have also felt a sense of worry or even apprehension…

 

 

But just like Yahweh had assured them of His strength and grace, the Lord also assures His apostles in this state of fear: 

” When they hand you over, do not worry about how you are to speak or what you are to say. For it will not be you who speak, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you” (Mt 10: 19-20)

 

 

How often do we also find ourselves in situations of hardships and difficulties, in our task of being a True Christian…

• We feel fearful to open our mouths when we witness incidents of corruption..

• We fear to let ourselves be heard when values of Christ are compromised…

• We find ourselves shut to speak when we encounter acts of injustice…
 

But in all such situations, the Lord assures us that we need to bank on His strength and grace for courage!

 
What is needed from our part…

… is a total dependence and trust in His power

… is a communion with His Spirit and faith in His Father

… is a willingness to act according the Plans and Will of the Lord

 

The world today is growing to be menacingly fierce…

And as Christians, we are sometimes like “sheep among the wolves”

 
May we learn to be, with the grace of the Lord, “to be shrewd as serpents and simple as doves” (Mt 10:16)

 
May we grow in our understanding that a task that is entrusted by the Lord is always blessed by Him, with His assurance of courage and strength!

>> The larger the responsibility… the greater would be the grace!

>> The tougher the task.. the bigger would be the blessing!
 

God Bless! Live Jesus!

A story is told of a blind boy who was flying a kite.

 

He enjoyed this pastime along with others of his own age.

 

A passer-by, knowing him and wanting to mildly tease the blind-fellow, said:

‘Hey, boy! Do you know where is your kite?

You don’t know whether it is on the ground or up in the sky, do you?’

 

‘Oh yes,’ said the blind lad, ‘I do know! It is now quite a fair height up in the air.’

 

How do you know that?’ asked the passer-by, ‘you surely can’t see it.’

 

The boy replied, ‘I can’t see it, it is true, but I can feel the tug of the string!’

 

 

The ‘tug’ of the string help the boy to realize the presence of the kite and to sense its height in the air!

 

 

The awareness of the presence of the Divine power in our lives, is such…

… one may not be able to always see the presence of the Divine, but the believer can surely experience its power and strength!

 
This experience of “the Divine tug of the string” keeps the life of the believer moving forward and helps to depend on the Divine Presence for strength in life.

 

 

The Gospel of the Day is an invitation by Jesus to grow deeper in this “awareness and dependence” on Jesus in our life as a missionary of the Kingdom of God.

 

 

After having summoned, authorized and named His Twelve Apostles, Jesus sends them ahead of Him, to the places of mission.

 

 

The Gospel of the day begins with the phrase, “Preach, as you go…” ( Mt 10:7)

>> Some other translations would read as “As you go, make a proclamation…”

 

 

This is such wonderfully practical, and yet at the same time, a phrase that is often overlooked: “Preach, as you go….” / “As you go… make a proclamation”

 

 

Preaching or Proclamation in our times, is often picturised with a limited understanding…

 

Preaching or proclamation that takes place…

… only from the pulpit or during a service in Church

… only in the form of speaking and explaining the Word of God

 

 

But the words of the Lord are worth noting:

“Preach, as you go….” / “As you go… make a proclamation”

 

• Preach, as you go about doing your daily duties and activities

>> As you go about your responsibilities and works, make a proclamation

 

• Preach as you go around meeting different people by sharing His love and joy to all

>> As you go about engaging in numerous actions, make a proclamation by sharing His presence

 
The act of preaching and proclamation of the Kingdom of God is to be reflected in our every action and movement…

• Whatever we do, may it become an act of proclaiming God’s abundant blessings!

• Whatever work we take up, may it become a moment of preaching God’s amazing providence!

 

 

Such an act of Preaching and Proclamation makes it mandatory that one grows deeper in the “awareness and dependence” on Jesus in the life as a missionary of the Kingdom of God.

 

>> The act of proclamation needs the “awareness” that I am continuing the Great Mission work that has Jesus as the “Initiator”, the “Sustainer” and the “Finale”!

>> The act of preaching needs the “dependency” on the Lord to realise that the Lord alone can provide all the graces, strength and courage for the mission!

 

 

One needs to feel the “tug and the pull of the Divine Lord”…when one goes through

… hardships and difficulties in being a missionary of the Kingdom, in hostile situations

… problems and challenges as we seek to live a true Christian life in the modern world

… meaninglessness or emptiness as we go through the ‘deserts’ and ‘darkness’ in life

 

 

Yes, it is an experience of “the Divine tug of the string” that keeps the life of the believer moving forward and to depend on the Divine Presence for strength in life!

 
God Bless! Live Jesus!

Check out my latest video
Preparation for the Holy Mass – Part II

The Liturgy of the Word and Offertory

https://youtu.be/BXmYz3vpQMA

The month of July in India began with the introduction of a new tax reform policy, called as the G.S.T. – Goods and Services Tax.
Time alone will tell the effects of G.S.T. on the Indian markets.

But when it comes to our Faith, we can be assured of the power of G.S.T. …

>> G.S.T. …

… God Surely Transforms!

The Gospel of the Day presents the wonderful process of transformation that is initiated by Jesus, in the calling of The Twelve Apostles…

>> The Twelve, who were simple and ordinary…

… would eventually become special and outstanding in spreading the Kingdom of God
Jesus is strange!

>> And he loves to do strange things!

 

“Dare to be different” is a call which echoes very much through the corporate sector today, and also in many areas of our life!

>> And Jesus, certainly, is a model and an example for each one of us, in this ‘Daring to be Different’!

 

And this strange and daring Jesus – Who loves to do things differently –

…throws up a classic example for this, by choosing The Twelve…

>>Twelve strange persons to be His Daring disciples.

 

 

We could have a short litany of adjectives to describe or portray these Twelve…
Let’s get set with a mini-dictionary:

>> Ordinary, Mundane, Shy, Absent-minded, Introvert, Prejudiced, Inhibited…

>> Hated by society, Craver of power, Zealous in quick actions, Betraying Characters…

>> Sceptics, Unsteady Temperaments, Cynical….

The list is long, right?

 

Maybe, some of us, also very much possess these characters and traits!

>> Is it True?

 

 

But, with all these varied personalities and natures, Jesus, the Daring Master, chose His twelve, having these characters…!

 

 

The Lord loves to transform and change…

>> He changed the water into wine…

>> He transformed a few loaves of bread and fish as food for thousands…

>> He changed the raging sea to calmness and serenity…

>> He transformed sicknesses in people to good health and new vigour…

>> He changed the static and inhuman view of the Law to a dynamic and loving perception…

 

Yes, the Lord loves to transform and change…

>> And this Lord, who loves to transform and change, also worked wonders with the Twelve!

 

 

These Twelve, with their varied personalities and characters, were handed on the Charge to continue the Gigantic Task of their Daring Master: “To be the Ambassadors of the Kingdom of God”

>> To be with Him and to be sent out

>> To have authority over unclean spirits and drive them out

>> To cure every disease and illness and to preach!

 

These chosen lights were to cast their rays over the rest of humanity, in all nations.

 

 

Are we also hearing the Call of the Lord, to be the Ambassadors of His Kingdom, in the place where we are, in the state of life, that we are in?

 

 

Let us not be worried about our nature or temperament or character or weaknesses.

 

Yes, the Lord is strange…

… and He loves to do strange things

>> He is CRAZY over us!

 

The Lord also loves…

… to transform and to change

>> He is Willing to TRANSFORM us!

 

The only thing that He needs from us.. is Our Consent.. Our Willingness…our Openness!

>> Let no negative feelings come in the way of this Deep Desire of the Lord…

 
>> The Kingdom of God is a vineyard…

… it needs labourers!

 

>> The Kingdom of God is a net…

… it needs fishermen!

 

>> The Kingdom of God is a field…

… it needs sowers and reapers!

 

>> The Kingdom of God is a flock…

… it needs shepherds!

 

 

The Lord is calling… desiring… and wanting…

>> Are we hearing?

 

Let this Call, not remain a ‘Missed Call’!

>> Let’s pick up, and answer…

… and Co-operate with the Strange Master, Who calls us to “Dare to be Different”!

 
 Yes, G.S.T. in Faith is a mighty reality….

… God Surely Transforms! 

God Bless! Live Jesus!

Avid book-readers will testify to the fact that when some books are read – especially interesting novels or epic stories or even some real-life or dramatic stories – there is a tendency to identify oneself with one of the characters in the book.

 

• Such character-identification can help one to examine one’s own personal life.

• Such character-identification can help one to chalk out strategies to live life better.
 

 The Bible is a brilliant book which offers many characters to help us to examine and evaluate our own lives.

 

 

Today’s Gospel offers us various groups of people and characters with whom we might have some identification.

 

 

We shall analyze and reflect on our lives in the light of these various characters and groups of people….

 

1. The demon-possessed mute man

This person is a demoniac who was unable to speak

 

His condition has been miserable

… kept away from the society and his family

… unable to have a normal social or emotional or spiritual life

 

His own family would have missed him so much… so would his relatives and friends.

 

How often is my condition similar?

>> Evil forces keep me away from having a healthy social, emotional or a spiritual life…

>> Rejected, depressed in life and finding no meaning to live…
 2. The people who brought this mute man to the Lord

 We have no idea what was the intention of the people who brought the person to Jesus.

 

Maybe, they were people…

… who were genuinely concerned for the well-being of the person

… who were fed up and disturbed by his threatening presence

 

But in either case.., they bring the person to the Lord: either in faith or in desperation.

 

Problems beset many people…

• Sometimes we feel compassion for them

• Sometimes we feel sorry for them

• Sometimes they become a disturbance for us

 

In either case, can we become an instrument of bringing the people – sick, suffering and in distress – to the Lord’s healing presence?

 

 

3. The Pharisees

The healing action of Jesus becomes another occasion for them to criticize Jesus and to speak ill of Him.

>> They said, “He drives out demons by the prince of demons” (Mt 9:34)

 

It was as if complain and criticism had almost been firmly casted into their character!

 

Am I also like these Pharisees…

>> Unable to appreciate and encourage the good that is done to people?

>> Constantly looking for faults and failures of people and harping on those negative to others?
4. The crowds

The crowds follow Jesus with a great desire and longing…

 

• Some to meet the Lord, to hear His teaching and experience His love

• Some to receive a cure and healing from the Lord

• Some just out of curiosity or because others are following Him
>> What is my motive and intention in following the Lord?

>> Is my Christian Life, just remaining part of the crowd, or do I also seek and make efforts to move closer to Him?
 5. The Disciples

They stand witness to the misery of the people, on the one side, and the power of the Lord, on the other.

 

They are now entrusted with a task and duty to “ask the Master of the harvest to send out labourers for His harvest” and also to imitate the Good Shepherd in caring for the lost sheep.

 

>> Do I hear the call of the Lord to be a labourer for the Kingdom of God and to imitate the Master Shepherd in bringing back lost sheep to His fold?
>> Am I willing to take up the challenge that the Lord places before us to be a ‘consolation for the miserable’, ‘food for the hungry’, ‘joy to those in sadness’ and ‘hope for those sinful and lost’?
 

 6. Jesus

Jesus is the Epitome of Compassion.

 

He goes about His mission and duty, by bringing healing to those in misery and displaying His treasury of compassion and love to the needy.

 

>> Can I imitate our Blessed Lord in seeking to be sensitive to the needs of the people around me, and showing forth His compassion?
>> Do I remain unafraid of “demoniac” and “mute” and “criticized” situations of life, trusting in the Great Power of the Lord and being unfazed by any sort of oppositions or hardships in being the messenger of His Kingdom?
 

 May the reflection on the characters of the Gospel help us to evaluate our own lives and form ourselves to be more and more worthy of our life as a Christian!

 
God Bless! Live Jesus!

 Here is an excerpt from an autobiography…

 

 

“My world had come crashing down!

 

• The gush of tears would not stop despite the dams of consolation that were constructed for me…
• The flow of grief could not be stilled despite the walls of comfort that were built for me…
 

I lost the one whom I considered so precious in my life.

She was the treasure of my heart… She was the crown of my life!

 

>> Her tender laughter would fill my life with mirth
>> Her innocent talks would imbibe my heart with happiness
 

But life is sometimes so cruel… so unjust… so nasty even!

 

It snatched away from my hands my beloved princess

 
She was only twelve… small and tender.

>> She was just about to begin her life.

 
But why did she have to die so soon?

• Was it my mistake?
>> Did I care less for her?
>> Did I not provide the best facilities for her?
 
>> I look at life now… with my dead girl on the bed….and say:
‘I remained faithful in my duties and works, and this is the cruel way you are treating me!”

 

>> I look at the Divine now… with my sweet little child lifeless… and say:
‘I have sought to be honest, and this is the dreadful manner You deal with me!”

 

 
But then I heard of a person named Jesus, Who was near the town.

 

>> I have heard of He being a mighty prophet… a powerful healer!

 

I did not believe in His God…

…but I have heard, ‘His God is the God of all nations, of all peoples!’

 

 

And so I ran to Him and beseeched Him: 

‘My daughter has just died. But come, lay Your Hand on her, and she will live’.

 

 

I did not know how did I get the courage to say those bold words.

>> But I believe, it was the charisma of that Person, which made me to say those words of immense faith.

 

I believe there was already a miracle happening in me, by the fact, that I could have that much boldness to say that “God could infuse life to a dead and lifeless situation’!

 
Indeed, possessing faith and having trust in God is itself a precious miracle of the Lord!

 

 
As that Divine Person was on His way to my home, I encountered another miracle…

 

A woman who had been suffering from haemorrhage for twelve years was healed of her sickness by just touching the tassel of His cloak!

 

The words of the Master to that suffering woman was amazing, ‘Courage daughter, Your faith has saved you!’

 

This incident was another miracle for me.

 

I felt….

• If this woman who was suffering for twelve years could be healed, why not my daughter also who was twelve years…!
• If this woman could be cured by just touching the fringe of his garment, why not my daughter too, if this Great Man lays His hand on her…!
• If this woman could receive new life by placing her trust in Him, why not my daughter too, since I have also come with faith and hope in Him…!
 

 

Life, I found is sometimes too cruel… 

… But the more I was trusting this Man – Who now for me was showing the Compassionate Face of God – the greater I was feeling strengthened.

 
I was reminded of what some people had told me, about what this Man had once declared, ‘Come to Me, all you who labour and are overburdened; and I will give you rest!’

 
I was now giving my burdens to Him… I was now giving my labours to Him…

>> And I was being more and more convinced, that He would take up my burden on Himself and make me light!

 

 
We proceeded on our way…. after that shower of consolation that I received on this path of suffering!

 
As we reached our house, my relatives and well-wishers raised up a mighty tumult….

Wailing for my daughter…. Crying and sharing in our deep grief.

 
But will I be a bit stupid if I say, that in those moments, though externally I was totally broken and shattered…

… within me, I could experience already, a certain sense of hope, that this Man – whose Charism was so much Godly and Divine – would bring my daughter back to life.

 
>> I was sad outside… but His Presence made me hopeful inside
>> I was crying externally…. but His Charm made me encouraged within
 

And my thoughts got a deeper confirming sign, when I heard Him say to all those were weeping and bitterly crying, “Go away! The girl is not dead but is sleeping!”

 
 

We stepped in the room…

 

The sight of my dead princess was too overwhelming for me!

• My grief once again overpowered me!
• My tears of sadness once again began to drown me!
 

But I again realized that I had to fix my gaze on that Divine Man in that moment of pain, to find courage and consolation.

 

• When I took of my eyes from Him, and stared at my situation of grief, I was shattered!
• But when I took off my eyes from the problem, and fixed my eyes on Him, I was consoled!
 

 

And then came that moment of absolute wonder and ecstasy…

The best moment of my life!

 

This Divine Man placed His hand on my precious daughter….

And up she arose!!

 
>> Life was restored to a dead situation!
>> Happiness was reinstated in a grieving circumstance!

My daughter was alive… once again!

 

• How great is the joy of those who place their trust entirely in this Divine Master!
• How immense is the blessing experienced by those who have faith in this Charismatic Man!
 
I wish and hope that all peoples of the world may come to experience the great healing presence of this Man…

 

>> I also wish and hope that all those who have encountered His Living and Miraculous Touch may become passionate proponents of this Man who alone can restore life in dead situations!”

 

 

…. This excerpt is taken from an imaginary autobiography titled, “He restores our life!” of the Official, seen in the Gospel of Mt 9: 18-26, whose girl was dead at the age of twelve and was restored back to life.

 

God Bless! Live Jesus!