Category: Feast Days

Dec 26 (Feast of St Stephen)

Fr Jijo Manjackal MSFS1 Comment
>> Stones were flying from different directions…
>> The atmosphere was very tense and highly apprehensive…
>> The people had become enraged and were very badly instigated…
 
 
St Stephen…. the man filled with the power and spirit of God, however, looked up intently to heaven and saw the glory of God. (Acts 7: 54-56)
 
 
And then a surprising thing happened….
>> He saw Jesus standing at the right hand of God!
 
 
Usually, we always read or say in our prayers that Jesus is sitting at God’s right hand…
>> But here, Jesus is seen standing!
 
 
Jesus is probably giving a standing ovation…. to St. Stephen, the one who became his brave witness.
>> The mighty display of faith by St Stephen was worthy of a standing ovation by the Son of God!
>> The Majestic King was tremendously proud of His Faithful and Committed Soldier!
 
 
We are on the first day after Christmas…
 
Yesterday, we celebrated child Jesus in the crib…we sung the “silent night” and “joy to the world”… we remembered the angels singing “Glory to God in the Highest and Peace to people of good will”….we exchanged a lot of smiles and shared much fun…
 
 
But suddenly today, there is a shift…
 
>> The atmosphere of fun and frolic has turned sombre and serious…
>> The carols of mirth and joy are substituted by cries for death and vengeance…
>> The shining gold vestments at Holy Mass are replaced with blood-red vestments…
 
The peace and joy of Bethlehem is contrasted by the tragedy and heartbreak at Jerusalem…
 
Yesterday we celebrated the birth of our eternal King.
>> Today we commemorate the triumphant suffering of His faithful soldier.
 
Yesterday our King left His place in the Virgin’s womb and was born in the world.
>> Today His soldier leaves the tabernacle of his body and goes triumphantly to heaven. 
 
Yesterday a group of enthused and excited people visited and paid homage to our King.
>> Today, a group of proud and ferociously evil mob execute His soldier!
 
 
 
Why does the Church celebrate this tradition of commemorating the gruesome stoning to death of St Stephen, soon after the celebration of the tender Babe?
 
 
The Church’s long tradition of celebrating the memorial of St. Stephen soon after the celebration of the Nativity of Christ, does not serve to demote Christmas, but to continue & manifest more clearly an important meaning of the Christmas celebration. 
 
Christmas essentially means becoming a true disciple of Christ…
 
And a true disciple ought to tread the way of the cross – “If any want to be my disciple, let him deny himself, take up his cross and follow me” (Lk 9: 23)
 
 
Christ the Master, Himself walked this path of trials and difficulties.
 
 
>> The signs of suffering and pain were foreshadowed very much already in the Crib of Christ…
>> The manger where the babe was laid, foreshadowed the Cross on which He was to be laid.
>> The swaddling clothes of the babe, foreshadowed the shroud which will cover Him in His tomb.
>> The lack of room in the inn, foreshadowed the lack of room for Him to be buried after His death.
  
Christmas is the celebration of Life that was pledged to be given up in death, in order to win back life – life in its fullness!
 
 
Christmas becomes a true reality when Jesus is born in our hearts…
 
When Jesus comes to dwell in our hearts, that heart cannot remain without effect.
 
>> There is a contagious enthusiasm.
>> There is a great transformation.
>> There is a tremendous zeal.
 
 
And this birth of Jesus took place in the heart of St Stephen.
 
>> He underwent a Real Christmas.
 
He experienced the joy of having Christ born in His life.
 
 
And this fact that Christ was born within, led Him to be a dynamic and bold soldier of His King!
>> Nothing could stop Him from being a witness…
 
>> The experience of Christmas in His life had made St Stephen to be a bold soldier.
>> The experience of Christmas in His life had made St Stephen to stand firm for the truth.
>> The experience of Christmas in His life had made St Stephen to bear the pain of stoning
>> The experience of Christmas in His life had made St Stephen to shed His blood for His Lord
 
 
>> Have we also experienced Christmas in a way that transforms and makes us authentic disciples?
>> Have we also celebrated Christmas which makes us to pledge every breath and cell of our life to the Lord?
>> Have we also enjoyed Christmas in order to find immense power and strength in being a true and authentic Christian?
 
 
 
The blood of St Stephen sings the beautiful carols of Jesus who was born in his life!
 >> Are we ready to discover still further, the true and genuine meaning of Christmas in our life?
 
 
Jesus, the King of kings and the Lord of lords gave a wonderful standing ovation seeing the spectacular display of faith and courage of His Beloved soldier, St Stephen.
 
 
Let us also be filled a deep passion and courage that comes from the New Born King and be His Dynamic and Enthusiastic Soldier for His Kingdom!
 
 
Happy Feast of St Stephen, the First Martyr of the New Born King of kings!
 
God Bless! Live Jesus!

8 Sep (Based on Feast of Nativity of Blessed Mother Mary)

Fr Jijo Manjackal MSFSLeave a comment

A teacher in her classroom of Second Standard students, once explained and gave a lesson on the ‘magnet’ and its functions and uses.

The next day, the teacher conducted a written test.

One of the questions in this test was:

“My full name has six letters.

My name begins with ‘M’

>> One of my functions is to pick up things.

>> Another function is to attract things towards me.

Who am I?”

When the test papers were turned in, the teacher was astonished to see the answer that was given to this question by over half the class.

Any guesses as to what answer did the children write?

Hmmm….

They wrote the word – “Mother”!

The little children, with their own personal experience had seen and witnessed a Mother being the person..

… who would pick up things ( and especially the children!)

… who would attract to herself (especially the children themselves!)

>> The name “mother” evokes a lot of feelings and emotions…

Love, affection, tenderness, self-giving, warmth, kind-heartedness etc…

>> The name “mother” also evokes a lot of characters and functions…

A life-giver, a care-giver, a consoler, a strength, a forgiver, a refuge…

>> The name “mother” also evokes a long list of works and tasks that she undertakes…(from a modern perspective!)

CEO of the Household, Chef, Cheerleader of a family, Housekeeper, Hair Stylist, Bed-wetting Patrol Squad, Keeper of Secrets, Food Tester, Family Therapist, Toddler Wrestling Coach, Laundry Machine, Teacher, Toy Repair Expert, Finance Manager, Art Director, Potty Trainer, Search and Rescue Manager, Champion Tickler,  Day-care Provider, Personal Assistant for the entire family, Wardrobe Stylist, Toothbrush Inspector, Birthday Events Director, Sleep Scientist, Dramatic Story Teller, Professional Singer, Kiss and Hugs Expert, Speech Specialist, Vacation Coordinator & Tour Guide, Mrs. Fix-It, Stain Removal Expert, Bodyguard, Pet Caretaker, Marketing Director….etc etc…..

Yes, the list is indeed long…very very long…and we can certainly think of many more perhaps!

A simple word – Mother – yet evokes so many powerful functions and feelings.

Today we celebrate the Birthday of the Most Beloved, the Most Loving and the Most Lovable Mother of all – Blessed Mother Mary!

Our world, in the modern trend, fluctuates between two contrasting approaches towards our Blessed Mother.

1. Minimal devotion to Mother Mary

On one side, there is a highly sad and deplorable ignoring of the honour and the status that is due to our Blessed Mother.

>> Many consider Her only as an “egg-shell”, whose role and relevance completely ceased, after having given birth to Jesus

>> Many consider Her as just any ordinary woman, who “happened” to be picked by God, so that He could “use” Her to fulfil His plan.

>> Many consider Her to be worthy of absolutely no extra honour and mock at Her only as causing a distraction, away from God

2. Exaggerated devotion to Mother Mary

On the other side, there is a “comfortable” and dangerous trend towards exalting Mother Mary to such an extent that She is sometimes accorded the worship of a Goddess or a Deity!

>> Many consider devotion to Her being much more important, much more satisfying and much more easier than to God Himself!

>> Many consider expressing their actions of piety and affection to such an extend that even God is sometimes neglected (especially God in the Blessed Sacrament or in the Holy Word)!

>> Many consider Her to be the source of every blessing, back-door to enter easily into heaven and catalyst to have our every prayer answered, in the way and in the time, I wish!

But both these extreme understandings and approaches towards Blessed Mother Mary need to have a refinement, a filtering and a restoration towards the right perspectives!

Towards this end, the name “Mary” could be expanded, in the following manner, to help in having a truer appreciation, a genuine devotion and a deeper love for Her: MARY  – a Model, an Apostle, a Revolutionary, a Yeast

1. Mary – is the Model for every Christian

Her life becomes a wonderful example to every person who wishes to follow our Blessed Lord.

>> She remains the perfect Model of being attentive to the voice of God, being actively response to His call and being faithfully committed to every task entrusted to Her

2. Mary is the Apostle-par-excellance

As an Apostle of Her Son and Saviour, She always remained in His presence – either physically or in Her thoughts or through Her constant longing for Him

>> She is the Beloved Apostle who had offered Her whole body, mind and soul to the glory of God and fulfilling His every plan

3. Mary is the Revolutionary who dared to do God’s Will

Her Yes to the Plan of God, at the Annunciation and Her continual Yes to His Will, even in the moments of the most extreme suffering had the tenacity and the passion of a True Revolutionary.

>> It is hard to follow God’s Will, especially in some moments of crisis; 

>> It requires extreme courage and unfailing commitment to be always walking in the path of God

She is the wonderful Revolutionary who dared to always seek and do God’s Will in Her life!

4. Mary is the Yeast who silently fulfilled Her role in the plan of salvation

In the Bible, the words of Mother Mary are fairly minimal; yet Her few words and above all, Her dedicated life speaks volumes of Her role in the Salvific Plan!

>> She is the unseen Yeast through whom the mighty Grace of God wonderfully worked to raise up the Author of Salvation!

Blessed Mother Mary is our wonderful and beautiful mother, who deserves our greatest affection and love, in a way that draws us more and more towards Her Son, Jesus.

May we be encouraged by the words of St Maximilian Kolbe: 

“Never be afraid of loving the Blessed Virgin too much. You can never love her more than Jesus did.”

May the celebration of the Nativity of our Blessed Mother, help us to deepen our love towards Her, and may we, holding Her Hands, walk in the path of God, more faithfully and strongly committed!

As Fulton J Sheen says:

“The less we think of Him, the less we think of Her. 

>> The more we adore His divinity, the more we venerate Her motherhood.

>> The less we acknowledge His divinity, the less we have respect for Her.”

A wonderful Birthday to our Blessed Mother!

We Love you, Dearest Mamma! 

Happy Feast day to all Her children!

May we deepen our love for Her Beloved Son and our Saviour, Jesus! 

God Bless! Live Jesus! 

24 Aug ( Based on the Feast of the Apostle St Bartholomew)

Fr Jijo Manjackal MSFS1 Comment

Human character and human behaviour is a complex entity.

It consists of various traits and characteristics – peculiar and unique to each human person.

These characteristics get associated with a person and becomes an integral part of one’s personality.

Today we celebrate the Feast of a Unique Apostle who stands out with some of his Unassuming yet Powerful character – St Bartholomew.

The Scriptures have very little to speak on St Bartholomew.

The three synoptic Gospels (Mathew, Mark and Luke) lists Bartholomew among the names of the Twelve Apostles.
In all these three, he is linked in the company of Apostle Philip.

However, St John’s Gospel doesn’t mention him.

However, by a reading of St John, it can deciphered that Nathaneal is the name that is associated with Bartholomew.

Therefore, Holy Mother the Church, on the Feast of St Bartholomew presents before us the Gospel Reading which speaks of the encounter of Nathaneal (Bartholomew) with Jesus.( Jn 1: 45-51)

This passage is one of the most interesting “encounter” passages of the Bible.

Philip who had met Jesus, went and told Nathaneal that “We have found Him of whom Moses in the law and also the prophets wrote, Jesus of Nazereth…” (Jn 1: 45)

However, Nathanael bluntly puts forward an obvious question, “Can anything good come out of Nazareth?” (Jn 1: 46)

Here is the first presentation of his character…

>>> A bluntness and boldness in speaking out what he felt.
>>> A prejudice and bias due to knowledge of some known fact

Here are some aspects of his character, with which many of us can also, perhaps associate…
… We too sometimes speak out blunty and openly, being straight-forward, without caring for people’s feelings or the circumstances
… We too sometimes tend to “have a bend” in our opinion and views regarding people or situations and they often create mental blocks in us

However, the meeting with Jesus brought about a massive transformation in Nathaneal.

It was the words of Jesus, “I saw you under the fig tree, before Philip called” (Jn 1: 48) that hit Nathaneal like a lightening!

Perhaps, many of us who have read this passage have also wondered whats so special about this “being under the fig tree”

What’s so unique about it, that on hearing it, Nathanael makes one of the most powerful faith statements in the Gospel of John – “Rabbi, You are the Son of God! You are the King of Israel” (Jn 1: 49)

What made Nathaneal to have this life-transforming and character-upgrading effect?

Perhaps, we need to shed some light on this aspect of “I saw you under the fig tree”

The fig tree had become a common place for prayer, especially for young students who were learning to be the Jewish Rabbis.

The book of Zechariah mentions: “In that day, each of you will invite his neighbor to sit under his vine and fig tree, declares the Lord Almighty.” (Zech 3:10)

The Prophet Micah also used the same image to “describe the state of man after the Kingdom has arrived” (Mic 4:5)

These imageries made many of the Faithful Israelites to sit under the fig tree, as a place of prayer, meditation and hope… hope for the Messiah!

So most probably Nathanel was also under the fig tree “praying”

But what was he probably praying?

A Jewish believer was taught that “he who, when he prays, does not pray for the coming of the Messiah, has not prayed at all!”

The coming of the Messiah was on the lips and minds of every Jew – a great hope of expectation!

Therefore, Nathanael under the fig tree was in all probablity, “praying for the coming of the Messiah!”

Hence, when Jesus says, “I saw you under the fig tree”, the words caused a deep stirring in the heart of Young Nathaneal!

He would have most probaby considered, “There could be only one person Who knew and could have heard His prayer – the Messiah Himself!

Therefore, with deep joy, contrition and a transformed mind, Nathaneal falls at the One for Whose coming He had been praying under the fig tree – the Messiah and declares, “Rabbi, You are the Son of God! You are the King of Israel” (Jn 1: 49)

The sceptic was given the illumination to become a saint!

And here is the second presentation of his character…
>> An openness and willingness to bring a change in mindset on realising the facts
>> A humility and generosity to surrender oneself to the power of truth

These then are some aspects of his character, with which many of us need to also, grow in to…
… Prejudices can sometimes plague our life and our activities; but can we dare to be open to the Spirit of God and allow the truth to take greater control of our lives?
… To grow towards changes for the good and to make transformations in life, can be a ego-crushing process; but can we do away with our pride and clothe ourselves in humility to also accept the many unknown realities and truths of life?

The character of St Bartholomew (Nathanael) is a powerful and unique one.

Each of us also have our own personal traits and characteristics.
But this saint of the Day, also makes an invitation and inspires us, to sometimes, allow for changes, be willing for transformations and let in newness to enter in, in areas which concern our Blessed Lord.

May we, challenge ourselves to bring about changes in life, so that the Mighty Power and Grace of the Lord many have complete dominion and control over us..
… and like St Bartholomew, we too may be touched and transformed to cry out, “Rabbi, You are the Son of God! You are the King of Israel, the King of the world and the King of my heart!”

Happy Feast of St Bartholomew!

God Bless! Live Jesus!

10 Aug (Based on Feast of St Lawrence)

Fr Jijo Manjackal MSFSLeave a comment

The year 258 AD saw a massive killing campaign unleashed against the Christians by the Roman Emperor Valerian.

Popular lore has it that a young Deacon had been placed in charge of the Church’s riches.
 These treasures included the Holy Grail which was supposed to be the cup used by Christ at the Last Supper.

Emperor Valerian, who had just killed the Pope had set his eyes also on finishing off this young Deacon.

Having a good knowledge of the Church’s riches, the cruel Emperor commanded the Deacon to hand over all the “treasures of the Church” to him or that he too would suffer a dreadful death.

The deacon requested for a few days to collect together the vast amount of wealth.

Three days later, the Deacon, mustering immense courage, threw open the palace doors to deliver the “treasures”.

His hands were all empty  – no silver nor gold nor any other precious ornaments.
 Instead, flaunting behind him were the poor, the blind and the crippled of the town.

When he reached the throne, the Deacon daringly announced, “These are the true treasures of the Church”!

The Emperor was mightily enraged.
He sentenced the young fellow to a death by torturous grilling!

Literally, the executioners followed the command – barbecuing the Deacon to death on a gridiron.

However, the valour and the dare displayed by the faithful soldier of Christ was so great that, after a few minutes of being roasted, he said to his executioners, “This side is done… Turn me over on the other side!!”

That could be the height of boldness and courage, right?

And what’s more.. call it Divine humour, the Church has named this Deacon as the Patron Saint of comedians, butchers, chefs and roasters!

Classic one, isn’t it?

The name of the Deacon is St Lawrence, whose feast we celebrate today.

His daring life goes on to prove…
… that a passionate love for Christ can overcome any pain and persecution – including death!
… that the worth of being a true disciple is total fidelity to the person of Christ and to His Kingdom, even if it means bearing hardships and difficulties

We are invited, as the Gospel of the day says, “to be the grain of wheat that falls into the earth and dies” ( Jn 12: 24-26)

Our Blessed Lord expounds one of the most basic principles in nature:
 New life emerges only when there is a sacrifice
 Transformation in life happens only when a sacrifice is involved.

The vegetables, before being served at table…
… needs to be pulled up from the heart of the earth
… and passed through the torment of fire in being cooked

The meat, that comes with its tasty appeal, at the  food table..
… needs to be first submitted to the slaying by the knife
… and passed through the flaming ordeal, in being rendered edible

Sacrifice, therefore, is nature’s way of passage to experience new life!

The Lord takes an appeal to this basic principle in saying that “unless a grain of wheat dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit” (Jn 12: 24)

At the time of Jesus, farmers would drop one grain of wheat at a time, in its cultivation
• The soil would be ploughed and shallow trenches dug out to create the bed for the seeds.
• The wheat grains, one at a time, were dropped into the trench and covered with loosened soil

A little sneak into the wheat yielding statistics (roughly – since it varies from place to place, depending on the soil, seed variety and other factors) reveals the point that Jesus explicated about “a grain of wheat which dies, yields much fruit”

If we consider an acre of land…
 Two bushels of grain would yield around 40 bushels of wheat
 That translates to, around 150 kg of grain yielding around 3000 kg of wheat!

• Simplifying it, gives an equation (very roughly): 1 kg of grain sown would yield around 20 kg of wheat!

That’s enormous, isn’t it?

This is the power of sacrifice, that Jesus alludes to, with an example from nature.

As Christians, we are challenged to live a life of Sacrifice, in order to yield the harvest of God’s Kingdom.

Greater our sacrifice, greater would be the fruits that are yielded for the glory of God and His Kingdom!

The Gospel passage refers to two ways of making this sacrifice…
1. Dying to the world
“He who hates his love in this world, will keep it for eternal life” (Jn 12: 25)

2. Serving the Lord wholeheartedly by following Him
“If anyone serves me, the Father will honour me” (Jn 12: 26)

Can we personalise these two dimensions of sacrifice….?

• Dying to the worldly values which glorify the self – power, positions and honour- and instead seek to live in humility, self-discipline and selflessness!
• Constantly making efforts to serve the Lord in every aspect of our life – words, deeds, thoughts – and leading a life that brings glory to God and serving His people in every little way possible

• Giving up sins – both personal and social – and constantly rejecting alluring temptations to remain fixated by worldly standards; instead focussing on the transcendental dimensions of life
• Prioritising the Lord and His Kingdom in every aspect of our life and remaining focussed on Him alone – even amidst persecutions or hardships to give up the Gospel Lifestyle

The courageous and bold Deacon, St Lawrence is a powerful model for us to lead a life of Christian Sacrifice.

May our Crucified Lord, who is the greatest embodiment of Sacrifice, fill us with the grace and courage to live a committed Christian life!

God Bless! Live Jesus!

6th Aug (Based on Feast of Transfiguration of our Lord)

Fr Jijo Manjackal MSFSLeave a comment

There is a little story told of a person who went to Paris on a trip.

Wishing to buy his wife a gift, he purchased a phosphorescent, ‘mother-of-pearl’ match-box container.

(‘Mother-of-pearl’ is the common name for sparkling nacre, a blend of minerals that are secreted by oysters and deposited inside their shells, coating and protecting them from foreign objects; these eventually become pearls)

The beauty of this gift was that in the dark it was said to radiate a wonderful light.

The man packed it in his trunk, took it home and after the family-dinner, asked for the lights to be put out.

In the dark, he took the match-box container from his pocket to present it to his wife.

But, when he looked at it, it was as black as the darkness around.

Frustrated, he said, “That is just the way foreigners are often treated! I have been cheated!”

Next day, however, his wife, a bit curious, discovered on the box, a few words in French.
She took it down to some friends who had a French maid and had it translated.

That night, in the darkness, that box was all aglow, for she had followed the instructions written on the box, which said:

‘If you keep me all day long in the sunlight,
I will shine for you all night long, in the darkness’

A glow in the dark is assured for that which has the capacity to infuse light within itself!
• The greater one is in the light, the greater would be one’s glow in the dark!

Light emerges from the depths of holiness.. to shine clearly even in the dark…
This is Transfiguration!

 Where woundedness can be refined into beauty, a beautiful transfiguration takes place.
 Where sufferings can be graced into meaningfulness, a wonderful transfiguration takes place

As Christians, we are invited to have this Transfiguration Experience, in imitation of our Blessed Lord.

One of the easy tendencies in life is to “get used to”…
• Get used to doing the same works
• Get used to dealing with the same people.
A tendency of “monotony” creeps in

The danger with “monotony” is that…
… it can drain away enthusiasm from the works one does
… it can curtail the motivation to engage in creative actions

Monotony can easily cause dissipation of ‘joy in service’ and dissolving of ‘fervour in life’!

This danger of “monotony” is a strong possibility even in our spiritual life.
• We begin to take our faith for granted
• We tend to view our devotions with casualness.

 Prayers get boring.
 The Holy Eucharist seems meaningless
 Pious practices fails to generate any passion

The same danger was true even in the case of the Disciples.

The disciples had been with Jesus for a while now…
• They had seen Him performing many wonders
• They had seen Him teaching and addressing the crowds
• They had seen Him being the subject of many oppositions too

But slowly, as human tendency is – a feel of monotony would have begun to creep into their lives.

It is at this stage, that our Blessed Lord chooses three of His “core” disciples – Peter, James and John, and in their presence gets Transfigured! (Mk 9: 2-10)

The Transfiguration experience was something very special and unique for these disciples…
 They saw our Blessed Lord glisteningly shining – His clothes being whiter “as no fuller on earth could bleach” (Mk 9:3)
 They witnessed Moses and Elijah (Mk 9:4) – the great Lawgiver and the mighty Prophet – along with Jesus, Who was the fulfilment of the Law and the Prophet!
 They heard the Divine Voice – “This is My Beloved Son; listen to Him” (Mk 9: 7b) – from the cloud; reminiscent of God Yahweh who would speak to His people of old, from the clouds

The three disciples were being introduced to a new perspective of their Master.
• They saw Jesus – not in the usual way – but arrayed in His Divine Glory and Honour!

Jesus had not become something that He was not…
 He was always God.
 He was always the Second Person of the Divine Trinity.
But all this while, the eyes of the disciples were kept away from seeing the fullness of glory – only sparks of Divinity was revealed to them

But now, here was a moment, though short – the Transfiguration – when the chosen disciples could come face-to-face with Divine Glory!

The moment of Transfiguration had made them see things in a new light…
 Jesus was still the same – but they now saw Him, for a short moment, with a Glorious Glow
 The mountain was still the same – but they now felt, for a short moment, a Compelling Comfort on it

That is the splendour and glory of the moment of Transfiguration…
… when woundedness is refined into beauty
… when sufferings are graced into meaningfulness

Have we had this Transfiguration Experience?

Surely, we have had…

But perhaps, many of us fail to recognise it.. or acknowledge it…
• A moment when our words have touched and sparkled a sad soul..
• A moment when we ourselves have been healed in our brokenness by some Divine intervention
• A moment when we experienced the light of God’s healing, restoration, forgiveness etc through the Sacraments of the Church
• A moment when a pulse of joy and satisfaction raced through our veins in having rendered, perhaps, a tiny but significant act of service and care to a needy person
• A moment when, in our brokenness or deep pain or lethargy, an encouraging word has revived our bent spirits

Many are such moments of Transfiguration in our life…
 Some maybe very short.
 Some may seem to be too common

But the more we look deeper, the more we find, that God has blessed us immensely with such “Transfiguration” experiences.

It is these “Transfiguration” moments that will take us through, strongly, in our moments of darkness.

The light of Transfiguration on Mount Tabor helped to shine through during the darkness of Crucifixion on Mount Calvary for Jesus!

The greater one is in the light of the Transfiguration, the greater would be one’s glow in the dark phases of life!

May the celebration of the Feast of the Transfiguration help us to be reminded of the promise of the Lord that:
“If you keep yourself, all day long in the sunlight of My Love,
I will shine for you all night long, in the darkness of your life”

Happy Feast of the Transfiguration of our Blessed Lord!
God Bless! Live Jesus!

25 Jul (Based on Feast of St James)

Fr Jijo Manjackal MSFS1 Comment

A man who had an experience of conversion and a new life in the Lord describes:

“I never professed to be a Christian or anything like that.

But one morning as I was going about my business, I heard my colleague, in office, reading aloud the passage where Jesus asked Peter, ‘Simon, son of John, do you love Me?’

Something within, made me to wish with all my heart that I could also answer them as Peter did.
But, I felt very sad that I could not!

Then this li’l thought came to me, `Well, if I cannot say so much as Peter, perhaps I could turn it around a little and find something easier.’

So I began to think there was one thing I could NOT say…

What was that?
I surely, could not say, ‘Lord, You know that I do NOT love you’!
And I found some comfort in that!

Strange, isn’t it?

At last I grew bold enough to look up and say:
‘Lord, You know all things. You know that I WANT to love you…’

That made me to think of His great love for me…
I thought of His life, of His words, of His Cross…

And almost before I knew what I was doing, I looked up and said:
‘Lord, you know all things, You know, that I DO love you'”

That was the blessed moment of conversion of the man…
.. the moment of consciousness of forgiveness
… the moment of a fresh lease of life that was injected into him

Do I really love the Lord?
This is a question that each one of us need to pose to ourselves and answer honestly.

As humans, surely…
… we have our moments of weaknesses and frailty
… we have our spots of selfishness and pride

But if we are willing to lower down our minds – the vessels of pride and greed – then the Lord promises to raise to our hearts, the cup of joy and glory.

Today we celebrate the Feast of one such Great Person – St James – who willingly lowered his mind – the vessel of pride and greed  – and enjoys today, as per the promises of the Lord, the cup of joy and glory raised to his heart

The Gospel of the Day is the incident of the Mother of James and John – the Sons of Zebedee – seeking for a place of honour for her children when the Lord comes in His glory (Mt 20: 20-28)

She said to Jesus, “Command that these two sons of mine, may sit, one at your right hand and one at your left, in your kingdom” (Mt 20: 21)

This passage might seem quite awkward to be read on the Feast day of St James.

Here is a passage…
… that brings to light the natural desire of many humans to possess honour and to enjoy constant glory
… that calls to our attention the fact that human limitations of greed and appetite for positions, can affect even the close followers of the Lord

In a way, this passage shows the weaker side and the frail dimension that can very much be found in the followers of the Lord.

Yet, the pertinent question of the Lord, “Can you drink the cup that I am going to drink?” (Mt 20: 22), would have probably sunk deep into the heart of St James, the Apostle.

He would realise the full meaning of that statement gradually…
… as He witnessed more and more the works of Jesus
… as He became a witness to the Passion, Death and Resurrection of the Lord
… as He himself, would, one day, give up his life, in martyrdom for His Beloved Master

This then is what we celebrate on this feast day:
As humans, we have our weakness.
Yet, if we be constantly with the Lord, we would slowly be purged of these frailties and grow more and more, in the Image of Christ.

The more we are in the perfumed presence of the Lord, the more His fragrance would envelop and enfold our lives.

Do we feel weak or full of vulnerability or consider that being a “true” follower of the Lord is just not my cup?

Then, let’s look to St James, the Apostle for greater inspiration and strength.

We all need to have our moments of conversion…
… moments of consciousness of forgiveness
… moments of a fresh lease of life that will be injected into us by the power of the Spirit

This alone can help us, to say, with sincerity and honesty – ‘Lord, you know all things, You know, that I DO love you'”

St James invites us: to lower down our minds – the vessels of pride and greed – and allow the Lord to fulfil His promise, of raising to our hearts, the cup of joy and glory!

God Bless! Live Jesus!

22 Jul (Based on Feast of St Mary Magdalene)

Fr Jijo Manjackal MSFSLeave a comment

Today, Holy Mother, the Church celebrates the beautiful life of a person – St Mary Magdalene.

• She had experienced the mighty overflowing of God’s Love
• She had encountered the gracious presence of the Risen Lord

And she, is a wonderful example of a Loving Missionary!

However…

 Perhaps, over the last few years, St Mary Magdalene has become of the most known characters of the Church. 

 Perhaps, she is also one of the most misunderstood and the most maligned figure in Christianity.

Sadly, but evidently seen, she is sometimes portrayed in a very negative light – in literature, in art, in fictitious stories…

However, the Biblical presentation of St Mary of Magdalene is far different from what has been depicted in popular and sometimes even ‘cheap publicity’ art!

St Mary Magdalene…
… is a beautiful model of being a Disciple
… is a wonderful example of being a Divine-Seeker
… is a classic illustration of being a Dispenser of the Good News

The Gospel of the Day is the beautiful account of the encounter of Mary Magdalene with the Risen Lord (Jn 20: 1-2, 11-18)

A closer look at this passage would bring to light a number of characteristics of Mary Magdalene, the Saintly Disciple of our Blessed Lord…

1. She is a Disciple who constantly seeks the Lord

The Lord had been dead for two days.
It was the first day of the week (Jn 20:1)

Mary Magdalene came to the tomb of the Lord, early, while it was still dark.

• The heart remains restless when the lover is away!
• The mind remains disturbed when the precious one is far from sight!

The disciple in Mary Magdalene, comes to the tomb, seeking for the Master.

Jesus died… but she too suffered a living death, by undergoing the pain of grief and mourning

Can I imitate St Mary Magdalene, in faithfully being a Disciple of the Lord…?
… especially in moments when everything seems absent
… especially even in times when the Lord’s presence ‘seems’ to have been taken away from us

2. She is a Divine-Seeker who was willing to make any efforts to find her God

When Mary Magdalene discovered that the body of Her Lord was missing from the tomb, she went into a state of immense perplexity.

Her encounter with the One whom she misunderstood as a gardener, reveals, that she was willing to take up any pains to get back the Lord. Therefore, she says, “Sir, if you have carried Him away, tell me where you have laid Him, and I will take Him away” (Jn 20: 15b)

• She is a Divine-seeker, being seriously disturbed when the Source of her spirituality was unfound!
• She had an ardent longing, that disturbed her inner-being so much, that she was willing to do anything to get back her joy!

Can I imitate St Mary Magdalene, in constantly seeking the Lord…?
… and make every effort to get back any lost ground in our spiritual life
… and be spirited in wanting to restore and be faithful to seeking the God of holiness

3. She is a courageous Dispenser of the Good News of the Lord and His Kingdom

When Mary Magdalene finally recognised, that Jesus, Her Lord was risen, her joy knew no bounds.

Being entrusted with the mission command, she translated her joy into courageous action by going and telling the good news to the other disciples – “I have seen Lord” (Jn 20: 18)

Can I imitate St Mary Magdalene, in being a bold dispenser of the Good News of God…?
… even when we are faced with disbelief or mockery by the people we minister to
… even when there is no other encouragement, except the Love for God and His Mission

History can distort the image and personality of people, down the ages…
 Perhaps, Mary Magdalene is one of them.

But in the eyes of the Lord, they remain precious, who have sought the Lord with purity and passion!
 St Mary Magdalene, is surely, one of them!

We have much to rejoice…. to learn…. and to imitate from this Beautiful Saint – St Mary Magdalene.
• Her Passionate Love for the Lord
• Her Constant Longing for the Divine Master

Do I really love the Lord?

May the life of St Mary Magdalene, be a challenge and an invitation for us, to grow in our love and longing for the Lord!

Happy Feast of St Mary Magdalene – the Disciple, the Divine-Seeker, the Dispenser of the Good News!

God Bless! Live Jesus!

3 Jul 2015 (Based on Feast of St Thomas)

Fr Jijo Manjackal MSFSLeave a comment

A young man joined the military service as a soldier.

One morning, he was ordered by the sergeant to report for duty at the canteen.

He, however refused.

The sergeant threatened to report him to the officer that day.

“All right,” said the young man, “go ahead. I did not enlist to be a bartender but a soldier, and I will not report at the canteen!”

His action of refusal was duly reported to the major who sent for him.

His companions taunted him as being “adamant” and “snobbish”

The young man went to the Major –  with trembling knees but a steady heart – for he knew he was right.

The officer asked him, ‘Are you the young man who disobeyed orders this morning?’
“Yes, sir, I am.”

” Why did you do it?”

“Simply because I do not believe it is right to do what I was asked to do.
I enlisted to be a soldier and not a bartender.’

The officer arose quickly from his chair.
A trickle of fear went down the spine of the young man!

However, the officer extending his hand, said: “Young man, you are the kind of man we want.

I am glad to see a fellow who has the courage of his convictions.
You are not obliged to report at the canteen.
I am proud of your convictions!”

The young man was supposedly considered by others as being “adamant” and “proud”…
But the officer realised the worth of this young man – as having a courageous character of convictions!

True commitment and Steadfast faithfulness in life requires the power of convictions and certainty!

Today we celebrate the Feast of St Thomas – who is popularly (or rather infamously) called as the “Doubting Apostle”.

He was probably considered by others as being “adamant” and “proud”…

• It was his search for convictions in life that made him seek for a proof for the Lord’s appearance
• It was his desire for certainty in life that caused him to doubt at the words of his companions over the Lord’s Resurrection.

The Lord realised the worth of this young man- as having a courageous character of convictions!

When we go through the life of St Thomas as seen in the Gospels, we encounter a person constantly displaying courage, expressing commitment and seeking for convictions.

St Thomas indeed stands out among the other apostles…

• It was probably St Thomas who first expressed his desire to give up his life for the Lord and His Kingdom…
“Let us also go, that we may die with Him” (Jn 11: 16)

 St Thomas becomes a motivation for all those who follow Christ, to be bold and brave and even to give up one’s life for the Lord and His Kingdom

• It was St Thomas who had the simplicity and the openness to ask Jesus when the Lord had declared that “Where I am going you know the way..” and the Lord had responded “I am the Way, the Truth and the Life”…

“Master, we do not know where you are going, how can we know the way?” (Jn 14:5)

 St Thomas becomes a consolation to all those who face genuine uncertainties in spiritual life and encourages to remain like a child – in openness, simplicity and frankness.

• It was St Thomas who refused the trust the words of his companions on the issue of the Jesus’ Resurrection. He knew that many of his companions had impulsive reactions and therefore, could not be believed for their words. Therefore, he insisted that his belief in Christ’s Resurrection would depend only on His personal experience with the Lord

“Unless I see the mark of the nails in His Hands and put my finger into His side, I will not believe” (Jn 20:25)

 St Thomas becomes a refuge for all those who grapple with spiritual anxieties – lack of consolation in prayer life, deep longing to experience God and many confusions regarding spiritual teachings and faith experiences

In St Thomas we have a saint who is very human and with whom we – who are often prone to mistakes and frail in weaknesses –  can easily connect.
• He was brave, but also had his moments of feeling lost
• He was courageous, but also had his moments of seeking answers for doubts
• He was enthusiastic, but also had his moments of staying away from the faith-community

St Thomas is a shining beacon of courage.
• He had his doubts.
But once cleared, he became a person of immense conviction.

This conviction made him to travel across many lands to give witness to Jesus, His Lord and Master… and even to give up His life, in martyrdom!

Yes, True commitment and Steadfast faithfulness in life requires the power of convictions and certainty!

May St Thomas help us, with his intercession and inspiration, to become Christians of Conviction and Certainty and to firmly cry out, in joyful acclamation, “My Lord and My God”

Happy Feast of St Thomas, the Convinced Disciple of Christ!

God Bless! Live Jesus!

29 Jun 2015 (Based on Solemnity of St Paul and St Peter)

Fr Jijo Manjackal MSFSLeave a comment

There were two brothers were convicted of stealing sheep in a particular place.

In accordance with the brutal punishment of that society, both were branded on their forehead with the letters S T, which stood for “Sheep Thief.”

One of the them, unable to bear the stigma, ran away to a foreign place.

But people would ask him about the letters on his brow, and what they meant.
Thus he wandered from land to land.

Finally, full of bitterness, he ended his life and was buried in a forgotten grave.

But the other brother, repented of his misdeed and did not go away from his home.

He said to himself: “I can’t escape from the fact that I stole sheep.
So I will remain here, until I win back the respect of my neighbours and myself.”

As the years passed by, he established a reputation for respectability and integrity.

One day a stranger in this town saw this man (by now, old) with the letters S T branded on his forehead.

He asked a native what they signified.

After a little thought, the villager said: “It all happened a great while ago, and I have forgotten the particulars; but I think the letters are an abbreviation of SAINT.”

The man whose forehead was branded with S T to signify SHEEP-THIEF, had repented and revived his life so much that other people experienced him as a SAINT

Yes…. The marvellous grace of God in the penitent and a believing heart is able to change and transform the ‘detestable scars and branding of sin’ into an ’emblem of honour and beauty’!

It is this transformative power and grace of the Lord that we thank and celebrate on this Feast of St Peter and St Paul.

One of the most beautiful aspects of the Love of God is that it brings people of contrasting characters and temperaments to come together in the Church.

• The love of God respects individuality, but forges together beautiful relationships.
• The love of God maintains personal traits, but mingles together wonderful team-efforts.

Such is the power and beauty of God’s Love!

St Peter and St Paul were certainly quite different – in their upbringing,  in their temperament and in their nature…

• St Peter probably just had what is called in our days ‘elementary education’.
• He was a fisherman, married with a family, and had the enormous privilege of having known and worked alongside Jesus during his ministry.
• He was chosen by Jesus as the leader of the apostles
• He was impulsive by nature and often said and did things without a prior second thought!

On the other hand…
• St Paul was a graduate from one of the prestigious universities of his day and had been tutored by the fa(perhaps, like the Oxford or Cambridge in our days) mous leader of the Hillel School of Rabbis called Gamaliel.
• He was very well-versed in the Scriptures and lived passionately by the Jewish Law
• He spent his early years persecuting Christians and seeking to end the movement called “Christianity”
• He was converted after the Resurrection and Ascension of Christ.

There is more…

 The real name of Peter was ‘Simon’, meaning: ‘he who hears’ (from Hebrew) or ‘flat-nosed’ (from Greek)
 His nickname was ‘Cephas’ in Aramaic or Petros in Greek, meaning ‘the rock’.

 The real name of Paul was ‘Saul’, meaning: ‘asked for’ or ‘prayed for’ (from Hebrew)
 His nickname was “Paul’, meaning ‘short in height’ or ‘small’

• St Peter denied Jesus three times before His Crucifixion; later, after the Resurrection, he would be asked to affirm three times to the question, “Simon, son of John, do you love Me?”

• St Paul persecuted the Church and affirmed the stoning of the first martyr, St Stephen; later, he would be asked the pertinent question on the road to Damascus, “Paul, Paul, why are you persecuting Me?”

Despite all these differences, the two apostles had an important aspect in common: They both took part in the mighty miracle of “repentance”

Ordinarily, both these persons would have perhaps drowned themselves in the sea of sorrow and misery, if they got stuck to their past life and depended only themselves…

Peter could have felt…
“I was given so many special privileges by the Lord.
I was to be a model for others to follow.
I had even boasted that I would give up my life for the Lord!

But now I have failed…
I can never ever be credible in life!

What would others think of me?
I would be branded forever by others… An imposter… A traitor… A boaster… A betrayer!
It’s the end of my life… It’s all over for me!”

Paul could have felt…
“I have been such a dreadful persecutor
My name and presence would cause such terror to the innocent followers of Christ

I have made my life an absolute wreck…
I can never be credible in life!

What would others think of me?
I would be branded forever by others… A persecutor… A tormentor.. A tyrant… A Cheater!
It’s the end of my life.. It’s all over for me!”

But they did not look into themselves.. rather looked onto to Christ!
And they found strength.. they found hope!
They found the Grace to Repent!

Yes…. The marvellous grace of God in the penitent and a believing heart is able to change and transform the ‘detestable scars and branding of sin’ into an ’emblem of honour and beauty’!

Today they are remembered with honour and admired with great respect…
St Peter and St Paul are the pillars of the Church!
Their names today stand for mighty courage, passionate love for the Lord and faithful submission to God’s Will

Is my life also being “branded” with guilt or shame or misery or unfaithfulness or sin?
• Let’s not get discouraged and drown ourselves into misery!
Instead, may we look to the Lord, who is ever merciful and compassionate, and receive the grace of repentance, which can help us to also become saints!

Happy Feast of St Peter and St Paul – the mighty and valiant warriors of our Faith!

God Bless! Live Jesus!

24 Jun 2015 ( Based on Feast of Nativity of St John the Baptist)

Fr Jijo Manjackal MSFSLeave a comment

There was a school system in a large city that had a program to help children keep up with their school work during the time when the children were admitted for sicknesses, in the city’s hospitals.

One day a teacher who was assigned to the program received a routine call asking her to visit a particular child.

She took the child’s name and room number and had a short talk with the child’s regular class teacher.

“We’re studying about words in his class now – nouns and adverbs,” the teacher said, “and I’d be grateful if you could help him understand them so he doesn’t fall too far behind.”

The hospital-program teacher went to see the boy that afternoon.

The boy had met with a bad accident, been badly burnt and was in great pain.

Upset at the sight of the boy, she stammered as she told him, “I’ve been sent by your school to help you with nouns and adverbs.”

When she left after teaching, she felt she hadn’t accomplished much.

But the next day, a nurse asked her, “What did you do to that boy?”

The teacher felt she must have done something wrong and began to apologize.

“No, no,” said the nurse. “You don’t know what I mean. We’ve been worried about that little boy, but ever since yesterday, his whole attitude has changed.

He’s fighting back, responding to treatment…
It’s as though he’s decided to live!”

Two weeks later, the boy explained that he had completely given up hope until the teacher arrived.

Everything changed when he came to a simple realization which he expressed it this way: “They wouldn’t send a teacher to teach about words and work on nouns and adverbs with a dying boy, would they?”

The gesture of teaching about “words” reinforced hope and courage to that dying boy!

Hope is important because it can make the present moment less difficult to bear.
If we believe that tomorrow will be better, we can bear a hardship today.

The Feast of the Nativity of St John the Baptist comes with this great message of “hope”!

The Gospel presents the beautiful incident of the birth and naming of St John the Baptist.

The birth of John the Baptist is the pivot around which the history of our faith turns.
He was the last prophet of the Old Covenant – and the first of the New Covenant.

One of the highlighting aspects of the birth of John the Baptist is the message that “hope is not to be lost, even in the midst of extreme barrenness!”

The Gospel of St Luke says that “Elizabeth and Zechariah, both were advanced in years”, but they had no child; Elizabeth was barren” (Lk 1: 7)

Elizabeth’s barrenness was also symbolic of the barrenness of the land, of the world and of the entire humanity…
• Wickedness had caused creation to be incapable of nurturing and sustaining life
• Sin had rendered human beings infertile, to bear God’s grace and live in holiness

But God is the God of hope, the God of fulfilling every promise and the God of surprises!
 From the barrenness of Elizabeth emerged the forerunner of the One who is Life!
 From the barrenness of the world, God gave rise to the Fountain of hope and trust!

The entire life of St John – through the key events -is a spectacular reminder of this great virtue of “hope”…
• The conception of John
Even when there is barrenness all around, we need to “hope” in God who is able to work miracles and give us life and joy!

• The naming of John
Even when there are many worldly voices that seek to distract us from the ways that God wishes for us, we need to “hope” in God and follow whatever He wills, so as to find glory and joy in Him!

• The life of John in the desert
Even when life takes us through the deserts of emptiness, dangers, hardships and misery, we need to “hope” in God who has a definite plan and purpose for our life!

• The beheading of John
Even when we become victims of cruelty, exploitation, wickedness and inhumanness, we need to “hope” in God by living a life of truth, courage, convictions and valour!

The Church celebrates the Nativity of only three persons, in her liturgical calendar…
 Jesus -“Hope” Himself
 Mother Mary – the Mother of “Hope”
 John the Baptist – the symbol of “Hope”

May our lives become truly rooted in “hope” and become beacons of spreading this “hope and trust” to others.
• There are many who are sick in our world.
• There are many who are burnt by the fires of afflictions and at the point of death
• There are many who have lost all faith in life and give themselves up to despair and dejection

Our gestures of teaching about “The Word – Jesus”  can reinforce hope and courage to those dying – in sin, in affliction, in depression, in loneliness.

Wish you a Happy Feast of the Nativity of the “symbol of Hope” – St John the Baptist.
May Jesus our “Hope” and Blessed Mamma, our “Mother of Hope” strengthen us!

God Bless! Live Jesus!