“Remaining ever-faithful to our Blessed Lord – the God of all peoples – with firmness in our faith, perseverance in our piety and courage in our convictions!

(Based on Jer 31:1-7 and Mt 15:21-28 – Wednesday of the 18th Week of Ordinary Time)

Years back, in the late 1900’s, engineers were asked to give their opinions on a possible railroad through the Andes Mountains

(Andes is the longest continental mountain range in the world; it passes through seven South American countries: Venezuela, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, Chile, and Argentina)

They concluded that the job would be an impossible one.

However, as a last resort, an engineer from Poland named Ernest Malinowski was called in.

Malinowski’s reputation as an engineer was famous, but he was in the aging sixtieth year of his life at that time.
The authorities feared to impose such a rigorous task on the old man.

Malinowski, however, assured the representatives that the job could be done.

The railway began to worm its way across the Andes from Peru with sixty-two tunnels and thirty bridges along its way.

One tunnel ran up to 4,000 feet in length, 15,000 feet above the level of the sea.
On two occasions, revolutions in some of the countries through which the railroad passed, held up construction.
Once Malinowski had to even flee to Peru and remain in exile for a time

But nothing could prevent the old man in completing the engineering feat.

By 1880, work was completed on what, till recent times (2006), was the highest railroad in the world.

Malinowski had many barriers towards the achievement of this grand feat…
… The problems arising out of old age
… The challenging mountainous terrains
… The impossibility expressed by many other engineers

However, nothing of it could deter his determination in achieving what he wanted!

Life rewards abundantly, those who are willing to challenge the barriers and be persistent in overcoming them!

The Gospel of the Day presents the beautiful story of a mother who dared to “break through” the mountainous terrains of religious prejudices, social ignominy and personal misery to bridge blessings from God for her precious daughter.

Jesus had withdrawn to the district of Tyre and Sidon (Mt 15:21)

In the Old Testament times, this region was better known as the area of the tribes of the Canaanites.

Over the years, the land had grown in paganism as well as corruption.

Their presence was a strong threat to the purity of Israel’s religion and morality.

Therefore, there was a long history of spiritual and military clashes between the Israelites and Canaanites.

It was in this place that Jesus meets one of them – a woman, whose daughter had been “severely possessed by a demon” (Mt 15:22b)

The presence of “that” woman, however, made the disciples of Jesus, to complain to their Master, “Send her away, for she keeps calling out after us” (Mt 15: 23b)

At this juncture, we hear two cries…

One – the cry of the woman
The other – the cry of the disciples

The woman cried out of helplessness and out of deep misery – for the “unclean” demon to be cast away from her daughter

The disciples cried out in wretchedness and disgust – for the “unclean” woman to be cast away from their presence

It’s interesting to note the wordplay in Greek, in the words of the disciples and those of the woman…

The disciples uttered, “APOLYSON – send her away”
The woman cried, “KYRIE ELEISON – have mercy, Lord”

These two similar-sounding yet contradicting choruses were ringing in the air – “Apolyson – Kyrie Eleison… Apolyson – Kyrie Eleison”

The Master then stepped in to say, “I was sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel… It is not right to take the food of the children and throw it to the dogs” (Mt 15: 24, 26)

Perhaps the addressing of Jesus as a “dog” would have come as no surprise to the Canaanite woman.

It was a reminder of the sharp distinction that existed, historically, between the Blessed Israelites and the Cursed Canaanites.

The Jews “were” considered as the “children” and the Canaanites (Gentiles) “were” considered as “dogs”

And in every house, the children get fed first… not the dogs!

But the figurative tone set forth by Jesus, found its amazing reply in the words of the Canaanite woman, “Yes, Lord, for even the dogs eat the scraps that fall from the table of their masters” (Mt 15: 27)

Here was a glorious acknowledgement by the woman…
“Yes, I am a Canaanite, and considered to be a dog.
I do acknowledge that Israelites have a special privilege in the order of God’s grace.

But we too, deserve the Grace of God that is due to all people, in general!”

I demand not the privileged bread that is reserved to the mighty….
But, just the crumbs of Your grace will suffice in healing my ailing daughter!”

That was an amazing reply of persistent faith!

The mountainous terrains had been broken!
No religious prejudices, no social ignominy or no personal misery could prevent the bold faith of the woman to bridge the blessings of God’s healing!

Yes, life rewards abundantly, those who are willing to challenge the barriers and be persistent in overcoming them!

With immense pride, the Lord proclaimed, “O Woman, great is your faith” (Mt 15: 28)

Do we also seek to possess such kind of a tremendous faith and unperturbed persistence?

Sometimes we hear – like the cries of the disciples – discouraging voices and refraining chants…
Sometimes we have to encounter the agonizingly painful and silent response of the Lord…
Sometimes we have to bear humiliating challenges to our prayers and even disturbing answers from the Divine..

Yet, like this wonderful mother, who was determined to break down every “mountain” of barrier, for the sake of a miracle for her daughter…
… do we remain courageous, firm and bold in our faith and trust in the Lord?

St Francis de Sales says, “when you encounter difficulties and contradictions, do not try to break them; try to bend them with gentleness and time.”

Today we also celebrate the Feast of the Dedication of the Mary Major Basilica.

St. Mary Major is one of the four Roman basilicas known as patriarchal cathedrals in memory of the first centers of the Church.
(The other three being St. Peter’s Basilica, St. John Lateran Basilica, and St. Paul’s Basilica, outside the Walls.)

Every Church building is an important symbol of Christianity…

from the grandest of basilicas, to the tiniest of chapels…
… they reflect the “Throne of God”, from which God administers his Love, Mercy, Compassion, Forgiveness, Healing and Blessings upon his Beloved People.

It also signifies the Unity of the People of God, as One Church.

St. Mary Major Basilica is also the First Marian shrine for pilgrims…
… which set a pattern for countless shrines where pilgrims gather to honour our Blessed Mother throughout the world.

Let us today specially seek the intercession of our Blessed Mother…
… to remain ever-faithful to our Blessed Lord – the God of all peoples – with firmness in our faith, perseverance in our piety and courage in our convictions!

God Bless! Live Jesus!

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Quotable-quote-a-day-with-St Francis de Sales (SFS) – “Always have the courage to pick yourself back up and begin again every day…

… for there is no better path to success in the spiritual life than always to begin again and never to think that you have done enough!”

“May, our Blessed Lord, help us in our efforts and desires… like St John Maria Vianney, “to beautify our life not just with an outer show, but with an inner glow!”

(Based on Jer 30:1-2, 12-15, 18-22 and Mt 15:1-2, 10-14 – Tuesday of the 18th Week of Ordinary Time)

Here is an incident (though perhaps a silly little one) from a short film, which captures a great essence of an aspect of our society…

A college girl is giving her Viva (oral) examinations. When the professor asks her a particular question, she goes into a deep thinking-recollecting mode. The professor gives one or two clues to help the girl to help her answer it.

But she still fails to get the answer.

Seeing her desperation, the professor, also noticing a tear or two in her eyes, out of compassion, says, “Do not be too worried! Please don’t cry!”

The girl, who had come to the exam with heavy make-up, quickly composed herself and said,
“No, Sir! Don’t worry; I will not cry!

After all, I can’t allow my tears to spoil this heavy make-up that I have applied, with much difficulty and care!”

Well, this incident might sound a bit funny or slightly bent towards exaggeration…
… but it still does capture an important trend that is continuously on the rise in our societies today: A Cosmetic-Culture!

This Cosmetic-Culture is not merely to be considered in connection to cosmetics or items of
make-up.

It is, in fact, an increasing trend that seeks to make inroads into every aspect of our life…
… social, political, economic, religious

Cosmetic-Culture could be described as a “tendency to project entities/things with external beauty and with a greater visual appeal, without necessarily ensuring the actual quality from within!”

The presence of Cosmetic-Culture can be seen in various strands of our living…
Socially (in communities, families, nations, etc.), there is a lot of discrimination based on colour, language, caste etc…
…but the “cosmetic-culture” presents the society in such a way, that everything seems to be fine and all are living in unity and happiness!

Politically, there is a great deal of hidden agenda, back-biting and differences in ideologies among the political parties or groups…
… but the “cosmetic-culture” covers-up the ‘evil intents’, causing many of such “opposing” parties to join hands and to be seen as being united, for their selfish interests!

Economically, there are enormous cases of poverty on the rise, in different parts of the world and people missing out on even the essentials etc…
… but the “cosmetic-culture” puts a mask on all such “stark realities” and gives an impression as if there is only growth, development and prosperity!

The Gospel of the Day presents Jesus sharply lashing out at the “Cosmetic-Culture” existing in our religious practices, with a clarion call to do away with such “hypocritical and Pharisaic” trends and tendencies!

Jesus emphasized all His Teachings on the Intention and Purposes of the Heart

The education of the heart, was indeed, the heart of His Education!

And thus He would emphatically declare today: “Hear and understand: not what goes into the mouth defiles a man, but what comes out of the mouth, this defiles a man.” (Mt 15:10-11)

The Lord wanted the people to become aware that the “hypocritical and Pharisaic” tendency of only externally observing the laws and rules were not pleasing in the eyes of God…
… a true and honest inner disposition was prime!

Jesus declared that if a person is “internally blind and in darkness,” one could never lead
another ignorant person

“Let them alone; they are blind guides. And if a blind man leads a blind man, both will fall into a pit.” (Mt 15:14)

The Pharisees had probably mastered the art of being “Cosmetically-Cultured” – projecting themselves with external beauty and with a greater visual appeal but without ensuring the actual quality from within!

This then is the danger to which we are exposed to…
… Is my spiritual and religious life also “Cosmetically-Cultured?”

I may be known to be exemplary in my prayers and a role-model in my strict following of
Christian practices…
… but is it just a “cosmetic” to hide my inner vices and to cover-up my sinful tendencies?

I may be appearing to be a very a charitable person in extending a lot of material help in many causes…
… but is it just a “cosmetic” to conceal my hidden agenda or a means to boost my ego and inflate my pride?

I may be considered as a very social person – always jovial, cracking “many” jokes and being a “happening” person…
… but is it just a “cosmetic” to mask my inner-wounds and pains, to veil my own complexes or to trigger opportunities to gratify some of my desires?

Our generation is gravely exposed to this “Cosmetic-Culture” and perhaps many of us, knowingly or unknowingly, become proponents of the same. A generation which focusses only on the peripherals of life and fails to consider the core and inner dimensions is bound to doom!

A quotation by a modern-day American politician goes thus:
“If you look at great human civilizations, from the Roman Empire to the Soviet Union…
… you will see that most do not fail simply due to external threats…
… but because of internal weakness, corruption, or a failure to manifest the values and ideals they espouse!”

It requires the power, grace and strength in the Lord to become counter-witnesses to this “Cosmetic-Culture.” As Christians, our beauty in life ought to spring forth from an integrated life of faith!

The deeper that one is united with Christ…
… the lesser will be the dependence on “external shows” and greater will be the harmony and attractiveness of one’s life!

The stronger that one is in the faith in the Lord…
… the lesser will be the wanting to be “flashy on the outside” and greater will be the level of true charm and pleasantness!

Today we celebrate the Feast of St John Maria Vianney, the patron saint of all the priests!

As a young son, he had to face resistence from his father, who was opposed to his being a priest, due to financial difficulties as well as the strained political climate of his time

As a young seminarian, he had to face hardships in the seminary, due to his difficulties in studies
As a young priest, he had to face isolation from the parish at Ars, where he was first appointed, due to the indifference and the secular lifestyle of the people in the village.

But despite this harsh experience of “indifference and hostility to the Truth”…
… he held on to “Doing the Will of God, and be His faithful follower!”

St John Maria Vianney placed His entire trust in the Power of God

Today let us seek the Intercession of St John Maria Vianney…
… to remain “faithful and firm”

May his words inspire us:

“You cannot please both God and the world at the same time; they are utterly opposed to each other in their thoughts, their desires, and their actions.”
“I tell you that you have less to suffer in following the cross than in serving the world and its pleasures.”
“Prayer is the inner bath of love, into which the soul plunges itself.”

Let us also pray especially for Priests all over the world, that their Patron Saint – St John Maria Vianney – may intercede, to help all priests…
… to be more holy and faithful to their Noble Vocation!
… to be more zealous in administering the Sacraments and giving His Word!
… to be more passionate in Loving the Lord and bringing many more to His Love!

May, our Blessed Lord, help us in our efforts and desires… like St John Maria Vianney…
… “to beautify our life not just with an outer show, but with an inner glow!”

Happy Feast to all the Priests!

God Bless! Live Jesus!

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Quotable-quote-a-day-with-St Francis de Sales (SFS) – “Never cast down your eyes without humbling your heart…

… and do not pretend to wish to be last and least, unless you really and sincerely mean it!”

“Being focused on the Lord at all moments of our life, and experiencing true joy in Him, to truly proclaim: ‘Yeah, Life is fun’”

(Based on Jer 28:1-17 and Mt 14:22-36 – Monday of the 18th Week of Ordinary Time)

Let’s embark with St Peter today on a boat journey…

Over to St Peter now… as he talks to us…

“Life is fun”…
… I hope you agree with me!

And my life certainly is filled with much excitement, twists and turns.

As a fisherman…
… I had my fun going for fishing with my companions
… I would have days when our nets would have a great catch
… I would also have those dry days when fishing was not possible or nothing was caught
… I also had my adventurous days, when the storms would beat wild, and waves would toss

Days were really simple and perhaps even, a little monotonous when I was a mere fisherman…
… till I met…
… the Great Fisherman of Galilee!

The charm of His looks and the depth of His voice had enamoured me!

I have been with Him through many interesting segments of life.

It’s a wonder to be captivated by His deep talks
It’s an honour to witness His awesome wonders
It’s a privilege to be part of His Soul-saving deeds

He’s a Rock!

He’s a Beauty!
He’s a superstar!

I have just been part of one of the most amazing of His deeds, which my friend Matthew describes in his Gospel (Mt 14: 13-21)

Feeding dozens and dozens and dozens of men…
… and women and children with mere five loaves and two fish…
And leaving a dozen of baskets of leftover!

This Man makes me challenge my set-pattern of thinking!

This Man forces me to look at life larger!
This Man entices me to trust in God much more deeply!

I love this Man!

And after this wonderful miracle of food and faith, He has retired to Rest and Relax with the Person He loves the Most – His Father in Heaven!

But we are in here…
The dozen of us, in this rickety boat
… struggling against the waves and storms!

How much these storms and waves resemble the occasional difficulties and hazards of our lives!

And as we are struggling…we are awestruck by a figure moving over the waters…

Our natural instincts make us fearful…

We can’t see any figure beyond a ghost in it…

But then, my ears hear the same impactful voice…
… of the Man I love: “Courage! Do not Fear! It is I!”

His voice is magical

His voice is assuring!

And I am drawn to Him…..more and more…
… every time!

I bid Him to help me to walk with Him on the water!

My companions mock me…
… Perhaps generations after me, will also fool me…

But I don’t care…
I love this Man…

I love to walk with Him…

And I don’t mind even if it is on the waters!
And yeah… I take my first steps…

Walking towards Him…
… towards the Man I love…!

Wow!
Am walking on water!

Can you believe it?

It’s amazing…but in a few moments…
… I too find it hard to believe it!

And I lose my gaze…..

I lose the gaze on the Man whom I love…
… and the waves of worldly fears rock my body….

I lose heart…
I lose balance…

“HELP ME LORD!”

And there comes His saving Hand…
… and His gentle chide: “Man, Why do you doubt!”

Oh, once again, the same deep voice…
… Which saves!
… Which rescues!

The Son of God….and I love this Man!

Life in Him is about walking…
… looking at Him

Life in Him is about taking the risks…
… looking at Him

Life in Him is about growing constantly in our faith and trust…
…looking at Him!

Life in Him is about knowing that He is with us in the storms of life…
… and yet remain constantly, looking at Him

Yeah, “Life is fun”
… I hope you agree with me!”

God Bless! Live Jesus!

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Quotable-quote-a-day-with-St Francis de Sales (SFS) – “In all your affairs, lean solely on God’s Providence, by means of which alone, your plans can succeed.

Meanwhile, on your part, work on in quiet co-operation with Him…
… and then rest satisfied that if you have trusted entirely to Him you will always obtain such a measure of success as is most profitable for you…
… whether it seems so or not to your own individual judgment!”

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“In our moments of failure and discouragement, let us place our hope in the Lord Who remained ever faithful to the Will of God and had to suffer on the Cross by virtue of His obedience and fidelity!”

(Based on Is 55: 1-3, Rom 8:35-39 and Mt 14:13-21 – 18th Sunday of Ordinary Time)

A brave missionary – known to have pioneered many missions – was sharing his experiences with a group of novices (group of brothers, before taking the evangelical vows, in a religious order/congregation)

In his interaction with the young and aspiring novices, he recounted the many moments of struggles and “apparent failures” that he had to face in the missions.

Yet with much joy in his heart and a special sparkle in the eyes, he exhorted: “My dear novices… the words of one of the beautiful hymns that we often sing, as part of our Night Prayer (Compline – Divine Office) gave me a lot of strength, at the end of every day.

‘Lead, Kindly Light, amid the encircling gloom,
Lead Thou me on!
The night is dark, and I am far from home,
Lead Thou me on!
Keep Thou my feet; I do not ask to see
The distant scene; one step enough for me.’”

The great missionary did encounter moments of failures in life…
… but what kept him going, was the Hope and Conviction to see the Hand of the Lord, leading and Guiding Him!

Yes, failure is something which we surely encounter very often in our lives!

We fail to stand up to ours and others’ expectations in our personal lives…
We fail to answer to the needs and demands of our family or community lives…
We fail to respond to the challenges and duties of our responsibilities in our societal lives…

Failure creates clouds of hopelessness.

Failure develops into pangs of anxieties!

But every Failure, can also be the Gateway to Venture into a Fresh Framework of Opportunities…

The background of today’s Gospel is a very disturbing one: the beheading of John the Baptist!

The Voice which heralded the Coming of the Saviour…
The Voice which had provided hope…
… had been brutally silenced!

Jesus, on hearing this news, withdrew to a lonely place.

The inhuman murder…

Of His Cousin
Of His companion in the Works of the Kingdom…
… was a Moment of Great Pain to the Lord
… perhaps, even a Great Setback to Him!

Disappointment was apparently looming large…

The Mission hereafter was not going to be easy…

Failure was knocking at the doors…

But every Failure, can also be the Gateway to Venture into a Fresh Framework of Opportunities…

Though filled with pain and sorrow and grief…
… Jesus continues His ministry of preaching the Kingdom of God.

And thus we see our Blessed Lord multiplying the loaves and feeding the crowds (Mt 14: 15-21)

The Evil King Herod, had feasted on the vices of self-pleasure and debauchery

The Good King Jesus, would make a feast on the virtues of compassion and self-giving!

The Evil King Herod spread a party of lewdness, trudging on the death of an innocent man

The Good King Jesus would host a party of God’s Mercy and Tenderness, inviting to eternal life!

Jesus failed to get bogged down by failures…

He failed to be immersed in a sea of let-downs and disappointments.

He instead, made His Compassionate and God-trusting Heart to shine through the clouds of darkness!

Jesus also taught His Disciples to not get disappointed or disheartened by “apparent” signs of failures or lack or success.

When Jesus asked His disciples to provide food for the hungry crowd, the disciples said:
“Five loaves and two fish are all we have here” (Mt 14:17)

The disciples were expressing their possibility of ‘facing a failure’…
… “We have no resources, Lord!”
… “All what we have is just not good enough to be successful!”

But the Lord – Who had refused to be bogged down by failure – now teaches the Disciples to also imitate Him…

Not being disappointed with possibilities of failures…
… instead, entrusting whatever we are and however we are, to the Bountiful Care of the Father

Not getting discouraged by situations of lack of success…
… instead, giving praise to the Lord at all times, knowing that He works wonders and miracles – in His Time, In His Way!

The same resources which signified nothingness – five loaves and two fish:
… were now transformed by the Lord as food for thousands!
… were now symbols of God’s power and providence!

You and I…
… Are we facing failures at this moment?
… Is our spiritual life going downhill?
… Are we lost in the society- facing rejections and encountering disappointments in all areas of our life?

Do we feel that FAILURE become part and parcel of our existence?

Fear not…!

Give up not hope…!

Let us hold on to the Lord…
… the same Lord who was “face-to-face with failure” after the brutal murder of His Cousin
… the same Lord who worked a miracle for his disciples who were “face-to-face with failure” in ministry

Through Prophet Isaiah, the Lord reminds us: “Why do you spend your money for that which is not bread, and your labour for that which does not satisfy?

Hearken diligently to me, and eat what is good, and delight yourselves in fatness.
Incline your ear, and come to me; hear, that your soul may live; and I will make with you an everlasting covenant, my steadfast, sure love for David.” (Is 55:2-3)

Our modern world, makes it easy, for us, to “feel” that we are a failure!

But Jesus shows that there can be a HIGHER way of understanding “Success”

Success is…
… being faithful, to do God’s works: however little they be – in the time & place, God wishes!

Success is…
… persevering, to hold on to God’s Will: however painful they be – in the manner, God wishes!

Success is…
… resolute to being truthful to God’s Ways: however hard they be – in the way, God wishes!

Am I today being surrounded by a hazy atmosphere of failures and disappointments?

Look up to the Lord for inspiration…
… The Lord Who remained ever faithful to the Will of God and the Lord Who had to suffer on the Cross by virtue of His obedience and fidelity!

He shows what is true success

He shows what is real achievement

Yes, Faithfulness is more vital than success.

Authenticity is more needed than victory

Let us be convinced, just as St Paul tells us: “Who shall separate us from the love of Christ?
… For I am sure that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, height, nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Rom 8:35, 38-39)

Let’s pray: “Lead kindly light…”

God Bless! Live Jesus!

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Quotable-quote-a-day-with-St Francis de Sales (SFS) – “Our Gracious God and our great enemy are in conflict.

For by means of these trials, God would bring us to great purity of heart
… to an entire renunciation of self-interest in all concerning His Service
… and a perfect casting aside of self-seeking
But the Evil One seeks to use our troubles to our discouragement
… so as to turn us back to sensual pleasures

… and to make us a weariness to ourselves and others, in order to injure true devotion.

“Think nobler, and our character will mould into being noble!”

(Based on Jer 26:11-16, 24 and Mt 14:1-12 – Feast of St Alphonsus Maria de Ligouri – Saturday of the 17th Week of Ordinary Time)

The Mammoth Cave National Park, in central Kentucky, is a U.S. National Park.
It encompasses portions of the Mammoth Cave, the longest cave system known in the world.

In these caves, one can see enormous pillars which have been formed by the steady dropping of water from the roof of the cavern.

This masonry – formed of solid rock – made by the slow and silent process of nature, is a true marvel…

A single drop of water, finds its way from the surface down through the roof of the cave, and deposits its sediment
Another follows it and still another… each adding its imperceptible contribution, until the icicle of stone begins to grow, ultimately reaching the pillar which likewise has been forming on the bottom of the cave.

These become a massive pillar – brilliant and classic.

This process is so similar that which occurs in our hearts…

Each thought, that awakens for a moment, sinks into the soul – just as each little drop of water, with its limestone deposit, makes its contribution to the pillar in the cave.

Other thoughts follow and yet others…erecting within our hearts, pillars of purpose that form our character.

Think nobler, and our character will mould into being noble…

Think wicked, and our character will decay into being evil…

What is the thought-pattern that we nurture in our lives?

The Gospel of the Day makes a dramatic presentation of two opposing characters – one of them holy and the other evil – John the Baptist and Herod the Tetrarch – which were formed as a result of the accumulation of contrasting deposits of thoughts and feelings.

The Gospel passage is a “flashback” passage which recounts the visually-disturbing incident of the ‘beheading of John the Baptist’.

The increasing popularity of Jesus caused Herod the Tetrarch, the ruler of the land, to come face-to-face with his guilty conscience.

Truth is always very powerful!

It can, silently, yet very authoritatively…
… challenge faulty lives
… prick guilty consciences
… confront culpable actions

Herod bore the guilt of having killed John the Baptist, who was the voice of the Truth.

He knew that he had done something extremely wicked and merciless
He knew that he had acted in opposition to truth, to honesty and to sincerity.

Therefore, the rising fame of the Lord – whom he misunderstood as John – drove him to despair over that brutal act of the killing of the Baptist.

The constant exposition to wicked thoughts and evil inclinations had caused his life to become a pillar of guilt-filled feelings!

Think wicked, and our character will decay into being evil…

On the other hand, was the righteous life of John the Baptist.

He was born with a sense of purpose – of being a voice to the Truth.

He maintained this goal by always living in sincerity – fearless and courageous.
To this end, he even valiantly shed his blood!

The constant nurturing of holy purposes and sacred acts had caused his life to become a pillar of a purpose-filled existence!

Think nobler, and our character will mould into being noble…

What is the thought-pattern that we nurture in our lives?

Is my life a Pillar…
… of guilt-filled feelings – formed by deposits of wickedness, evil and sin?

OR

Is my life a Pillar…
… of a purpose-filled existence – formed by deposits of holy determination and sanctified lives?

Today we celebrate the Feast of a Great Saintly Doctor of the Church – St Alphonsus Liguori, the Patron Saint of Theologians – the Founder of the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer (Redemptorists)

His life was lived in-purpose
His being was filled with determination.

Let us give heed to his words:
“The more a person loves God, the more reason he has to hope in Him.

This hope produces in the Saints an unutterable peace, which they preserve even in adversity, because as they love God…
… and know how beautiful He is to those who love Him, they place all their confidence and find all their repose in Him alone”

May the intercession of this great Moral Theologian Saint inspire and impel us to also live holy lives – and thus our lives may become a “marvel edifice” and an “enormous pillar” of God’s graces…
… as we offer and consecrate the new month of August to the Immaculate Heart of our Blessed Mother!

God Bless! Live Jesus!

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Quotable-quote-a-day-with-St Francis de Sales (SFS) – “And when children begin to use their reason, fathers and mothers should take great pains to fill their hearts with the fear of God.

This the good Queen Blanche did most earnestly by St. Louis, her son: witness her oft-repeated words, “My son, I would sooner see you die than guilty of a mortal sin;” words which sank so deeply into the saintly monarch’s heart…

… that he himself said there was no day on which they did not recur to his mind, and strengthen him in treading God’s ways!”

“Not being depressed and discouraged by the various situations of disappointments that we come across in life; instead, like St Ignatius of Loyola, being hopeful, and knowing that ‘every rejection is one more step closer to true success!’”

(Based on Jer 26:1-9 and Mt 13:54-58 – Feast of St Ignatius of Loyola – Friday of the 17th Week of Ordinary Time)

A young salesman became discouraged because he had been rejected by many of the customers that he approached.

He asked a more experienced salesman for some advice.

“Why is it that every time I make a call on someone I get rejected?”

“I just don’t understand that,” answered the older salesman…
… “I’ve been hit on the head, called dirty names, and thrown out the door, but I’ve never been rejected!
Remember, my son… Rejection isn’t what happens to us…
… but how we interpret what happens to us!”

How do we interpret the various situations of disappointments that we come across in life?

Do we get depressed and discouraged…
… or can we still be hopeful and know that “every rejection is one more step closer to true success!?”

Rejection and dejection, are sure companions in the life of a Christian, who is uncompromising and unwavering in one’s faith.

Despite these aspects, are we ready to hold on to doing the Will of God, and be His Faithful Followers?

Our Blessed Lord Himself underwent rejection and dejection in life.

Yet He would cling on to doing the Will of God!

The Gospel of the Day narrates this painful incident of “rejection and dejection” that our Blessed Lord encountered in His life, at the hands of His own country people (Mt 13: 54-58)

It is interesting to note, how the people of the hometown seek to justify their rejection of Jesus, by rationalizing their attitude…

Using 6 questions ( 6= A Biblical symbolic number which often stands for imperfection!)…
… the people of the hometown, reveal their blocked minds and closed hearts.

When one’s heart is rooted in unbelief and is closed to the truth…
… things of the Divine appear to be hostile!

And so the Lord would declare: “A prophet is not without honour, except in his own country or his own house!” (Mt 13: 57)

Thus, Jesus becomes the “Sign of Contradiction!”
… the Prince of Peace, begins to be seen as a cause of division and despise
… the Healer of Souls, begins to be seen as a cause of disagreement and discord!
… the Comforter of Hearts, begins to be seen as a cause of disturbance and distress

Anyone who seeks to follow Jesus – the “Sign of Contradiction” – the Epitome of Truth and Honesty…
… is sure to face the same experience!

Every true Christian, because of one’s convictions in the Eternal Values of Uncompromising Truth and Desire to do the Will of God, is sure to face…
… rejection from the people, because one’s ways challenge the lethargic lifestyle of others!
… dejection from the society, because one’s way of living poses a threat the corruption around!

But despite this “rejection and dejection,” can we still continue to hold on the Lord, the “Sign of Contradiction!”?

Life often hurls the “bricks of rejection” at us…

We can either be hurt by them…
… or be strengthened and buckle ourselves up with greater courage

We can either blame all those situations and curse life…
… or we can be thankful for those moments, which provides us a chance for “more blessings!”

Yes, we need to remember always:

Rejection isn’t what happens to us…
… but how we interpret what happens to us!”

Let us not get depressed and discouraged by the various situations of disappointments that we come across in life…
… instead let us be hopeful, and know that “every rejection is one more step closer to true success!”

Let us today seek the intercession of St Ignatius of Loyola, the Founder of the “Society of Jesus” (Jesuits), on his Feast Day.

He was a man with a lot of worldly ambitions and gripped with seeking vain glory.

But an incident, wherein, he was bed-ridden, as a result of a leg injury, brought a transformation in his life.

Not finding any other books to read, he was handed over the “Life of Saints”, which made him to prompt himself to ask a question: “Why am I using my life just for myself? These people did so much good during their time on earth. Why can’t I?”

St Ignatius was probably at a “dejected and disappointed” phase of his life…
… yet the Lord would use “that” situation, to bring a transformation in his life.

His motto: Ad maiorem Dei gloriam (“for the greater glory of God”) – is a great challenge and an inspiration for all of us.

May the prayer of this great Saint, echo in our hearts as well:
“O my God, teach me to be generous, teach me to serve you as I should…
… to give without counting the cost,
… to fight without fear of being wounded,
… to work without seeking rest,
… to labour without expecting any reward,
but the knowledge that I am doing your most holy will.”

God Bless! Live Jesus!

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Quotable-quote-a-day-with-St Francis de Sales (SFS) – “Do not look forward in fear to the changes in life…
… rather, look to them with full hope that as they arise.

God, whose very own you are, will lead you safely through all things!
Be at peace…

… and put aside all anxious thoughts and imaginations!”

“Offer ourselves in total affirmation, into the Providential Hands of our God!”

(Based on Jer 18:1-6 and Mt 13:47-53 – Thursday of the 17th Week of Ordinary Time)

One morning, the husband was at breakfast…
… his face hidden behind the morning paper.

The frightened maid tiptoed into the room and whispered something to the wife’s ears.

The wife – paled slightly – then squared her shoulders resolutely and said:
“Dear, for the last seventeen years, you have been eating oats porridge in the morning.
You will be very upset, isn’t it, if you don’t get it this morning?”

Expecting the worst reaction, the wife began to turn away.

The husband, hiding his naughty smile, however said: “Oh how sad!
Yes, I will miss my daily meal!
But hey! It’s also a nice chance to get something interesting to eat, without having to tell explicitly…
… how bored I am with my daily meal!”

The husband, without wanting to express that he wanted a change in his meal,
… hid behind a casual attitude of “saying yes” without really intending!

Well… such is the case with many of us as well, probably.

There are many things that we don’t really enjoy…
… yet, pretend that everything is fine.

There are many things not going on fine with us…
… but we still behave as if we are okay with everything.

We sometimes are people who affirm and consent…
… without really understanding or grasping the whole reality

There is a “lip” yes…
… but not a consent with the mind.

There is an external nodding…
… without a true affirmation from the heart.

The Gospel of the Day presents such a classic case in the context of the disciples of Jesus saying a “Yes” to having understood the teachings of Jesus…
… and invites us to examine our lives and check whether:

We say only a “lip” yes, without the consonance of the mind!
We give an external nodding, without the affirmation of the heart!

The first 50 verses of the 13th Chapter from St Matthew is a quick montage of several parables…
… Seven in all…

1. Parable of the Sower (vv. 1-9)
2. Parable of the Weeds among wheat (vv. 24-30)
3. Parable of the Mustard Seed (vv. 31-32)
4. Parable of the Yeast (v. 33)
5. Parable of the man finding the treasure (v. 44)
6. Parable of the Pearl of Great Price (v. 45)
7. Parable of the Net thrown in the sea (vv. 47-50)

These 7 parables teach several great truths and virtues….

1. Preparing our hearts to receive the Generous Word of God….
2. Accepting the reality of evil in the world and being firm to be good…
3. Realizing the Divine Grace that blossoms our littleness into a shelter for many…
4. Recognizing the transforming effect of a committed faith…
5. Experiencing the joy of discovering the Lord as the Treasure of our lives….
6. The Willingness to give up everything to prioritize the Lord as the Pearl of Great Prize….
7. Living a life with the awareness of the judgment of good and evil at the end of our lives!

At the end of this quick, power-packed narration of the 7 parables, Jesus puts forward a question to His Disciples:
“Do you understand all these things?”(Mt 13:51)

The Lord wished to know if His disciples were grasping these great truths of Christian Life…

He wanted to know from His chosen ones, the level of their understanding.

The Gospel says the Disciples “answered, ‘Yes'”(Mt 13:51b).
Well, we are not fully sure whether the Disciples really understood and grasped everything….

We really can’t say for certain whether their “Yes”…
… was only a “lip” yes or one with the consonance of the mind
… was an external nodding or one with the affirmation of the heart

There are many occasions in the Gospels…
… when we see the Disciples “said something” but did not actually follow it or live it
… Or they really did not fully understand and grasp the person of Jesus and His teachings

At the Transfiguration, when Peter said, “Let us make three tents”, the Gospel says, “he did not know what he was saying!”(Lk 9:33b)

After the multiplication of the loaves, the Gospel says “they had not understood the incident of the loaves”(Mk 6:52)

After the calming of the storm at the sea, they said to one another “Who then is this Whom even wind and sea obey?”(Mk 4:41)
They failed to recognize and see the Father in Jesus and so Jesus chided them, saying, “Do you not believe that I am in the Father and the Father in Me?” (Jn 14:10)
They asked Him Show us the Father.

We therefore do not really know the depth of the “Yes” of the Disciples…
… Was it only an instinctual reply?
… Was it just a spontaneous answer?

We cannot fully trace the intention of the Disciples.

But this incident is certainly a reminder and an invitation for us to examine…
… Do we seek to understand the Lord and His Teachings?
… Are we aware of the greatness and the worth of the many devout practices of our faith?

Let us examine…

Do we realize the Power of the Most Holy Mass and prepare ourselves accordingly for a worthy celebration…
… or has it become a regular routine of life, without the due preparation and a sense of reverence?

Do we read the Living Word of God daily, and seek to live in accordance with His Teachings…
… or has the Bible merely become another “object” of the house, only to be kept in a place of seclusion, with an occasional glance?

Do our prayers and the reception of the other Sacraments become a God-experience and have a life-touching effect…
… or have they been rendered as casual or even compelled actions, with little effect on one’s life and activities?

Yes, as Christians, we are sometimes people who affirm and consent…
… without really understanding or grasping the whole reality.

Let us offer ourselves into the Providential Hands of our God…
… by giving heed to the Lord, who invited His followers to be like the “instructed scribe, who is like the house holder who brings from his storeroom, both the new and the old.” (Mt 13:52).

Let us trust our Lord Who is the Potter of our lives…
… and like clay, allow ourselves to be moulded at His Mighty Hands! (Cf. Jer 18:1-6)

God bless! Live Jesus

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Quotable-quote-a-day-with-St Francis de Sales (SFS) – “There are many who say to the Lord, “I give myself wholly to Thee, without any reserve.

But there are few who embrace the practice of this abandonment, which consists in receiving with a certain indifference every sort of event, as it happens in conformity with Divine Providence…
… as well afflictions as consolations

… contempt and reproaches as honour and glory!”

“Being inspired by St Martha to be persons who are involved in work; yet, realising the need to find a home in the heart of the Lord!”

(Based on the Feast of St Martha)

Lord of all pots and pans and things, since I’ve no time to be
A saint by doing lovely things, or watching late with Thee,
Or dreaming in the dawnlight, or storming heaven’s gates,
Make me a saint by getting meals, and washing up the plates.

Although I must have Martha’s hands, I have a Mary mind;
And when I black the boots and shoes, Thy sandals, Lord, I find.
I think of how they trod the earth, what time I scrub the floor;
Accept this meditation, Lord, I haven’t time for more.

Warm all the kitchen with Thy love, and light it with Thy peace;
Forgive me all my worrying, and make my grumbling cease.
Thou Who didst love to give men food, in room, or by the sea,
Accept this service that I do —- I do it unto Thee.

This poem called as “Prayer Hymn” by Cecily R Hallack is found on the preface page of a book entitled “Devotions for Women at Home” by Martha Meister Kiely, 1959.
(This poem is also called as “Kitchen Prayer” attributed to Klara Carlotta Munkres)

The world is fast-paced.

Some of us are always on the move
Some of us are always on our feet

From very early dawn to very late dusk…
… we’re frenzied with activities & works & efforts & exertions.

Life gives us ample excuses to get busy, isn’t it?

Our cultures sometimes even measures our worth by how busy we are…
….determines our significance by how much we accomplish…
….assesses our importance by how well we meet the expectations of others!

We are often under the yoke of proving to be ‘Somebody’ by what “we do”…
…than by what “we are”!

In this busy dizzy frenzied life…
… the Church today celebrates the Feast of St Martha and teaches us beautiful life examples to grow in holiness.

The moment St Martha is mentioned, our minds immediately paint a picture of a working lady, in the kitchen…

Perhaps a little irritated and vexed, that she alone has to do the serving for Jesus, the Guest.

She is also considered, often, in low tones, in comparison to her sister, Mary.

But on this her feast, we shall try to look closer into the life of this Saint…
… who sadly often remains touted only as an irritated and perplexed kitchen-lady…

And instead learn some important lessons from this Lovely Saint, for our Spiritual Life:

1. The Hospitable Martha
   The first images of Martha is of one who loved to serve and attend to the needs of the Lord.

Jesus found a home and a resting place in this house of Bethany (Lk 10:38)

2. The Worried Martha
   This popular image of Martha is a reality in this down-to-earth Saint. She is naturally worried, that she is left alone in serving the Divine Lord.
   She even tends to demand the Lord to ask her sister, Mary to help her (Lk 10:40)
3. The Loved Martha
   The Apostle of Love, St John, describes Martha as “the one who was loved by the Lord” (Jn 11:5)
4. The Sorrowful Martha
   At the death of her brother Lazarus, Martha expresses deep sorrow and grief.

Her simple humanness comes to the light once again. (Jn 11:19)

5. The Trustful Martha
   Though her brother died, the coming of Jesus to her home, was a great occasion for Martha to express her trust and confidence that the Lord can work wonders and great signs. (Jn 11:22)
6. The Believing Martha
   Martha rose to the occasion when Jesus demands an expression of faith…

Parallel to Peter’s Faith Confession (Mt 16:16), Martha articulates her belief & conviction (Jn 11:27)

7. The Bold Martha
   An often overlooked fact is that Jesus was often under the ire of the Pharisees and the Elders of the Law – some of them even plotting to kill this “emerging Reformer and Restorer” of the Law.

Jesus was at a constant risk to His life.

And yet, the Bold Martha is courageous and daring to accept the Lord into her home and to render him a shelter and a safe haven.

St Martha serves an inspiration to us, involved in much work and yet seeking to find a home in the heart of the Lord…

St Martha becomes a model to us…

Having human frailties and weakness…
… and yet wanting to tread the path of Holiness.

St Martha proves to be an example to us who gets discouraged by worries and brokenness in life…
… and yet wanting to honour to the Lord with a life of faith and strong belief.

The key is … “To Pay Attention to the Lord”

St Martha perhaps..
… had one Missed Call from the Lord: “Martha Martha, you are anxious about many things” (Lk 10:41)….

But the next time onwards…she was ready to answer…!

As St Paul says, “Whatever you do, in word or in deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. (Colossians 3:17)…
… let us glorify the Lord by our lives!

Happy Feast of St Martha!

God Bless! Live Jesus!

• Fr Jijo Jose Manjackal MSFS
  Bengaluru, India

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Quotable-quote-a-day-with-St Francis de Sales (SFS)– “Those who are burdened with Martha’s busy
anxieties, would not fail to enjoy in the very midst of their hearts, the deep peace of Mary’s better part…

… provided they carry all their cares to God!”

“Being loyal to the Gospel by remaining firm in faith and hope – trusting in the Providence and Power of the Lord!”

(Based on Jer 14:17-22 and Mt 13:36-43 – Feast of St Alphonsa – Tuesday of the 17th Week of Ordinary Time)

One of the very famous hymns in Malayalam, composed by Sadhu Kochukunju Upadesi (1883 –1945 – preacher, poet and composer) goes thus:
“Dukhathinde paana paathram
Karthav yende kayyil thannaal…”

Translated as…

“If my Lord offers a chalice
Full of worries into my hands,
I will accept it with pleasure
And sing ‘Hallelujah’ with thanks.

My father will never offer
Anything that is harmful I’m sure.
He may give me moments of pain
Still He loves me beyond measure!”

The hymn pays glorious tribute to the Immense Love of the Lord…
… despite the seemingly tough and troublesome moments that we go through in life.

The spirit of this hymn was beautifully lived and celebrated by St Alphonsa, the first woman of Indian origin to be canonised…
… whose feast we celebrate today.

Life often takes us through…
… trials of struggle and pain
… situations of agony and abandonment
… occasions of evil encounters and malicious moments!

Yet, in all such moments, the call of the Gospel is to remain firm in faith and hope – trusting in the Providence and Power of the Lord.

The Gospel of the Day is an exposition by the Lord on this crucial Reality of our lives, by the explanation of the Parable of the Weeds.

It’s noteworthy to know some interesting facts about this parable…

1. Sowing weeds in someone else’s field, was a way take revenge on the other and to express one’s hatred and anger!

Something similar to today, people…
… breaking the glass of the houses of those whom they don’t like
… disfiguring the walls of the house of the people whom they hate

2. The weeds that Jesus speaks of in the parable, were highly similar to the wheat that was sown.

It was almost impossible to distinguish the two, in their initial stages.

3. Seeking to pull up the weeds would definitely destroy the wheat plant

This was because, their roots would get inter-twined.

Any attempt to pull up the weeds, would also cause harm to the good plant.

It is in the light of these points, that our “doubt and perplexity” about the Parable of the Wheat and Weeds grows:

“Why does evil exist in a world that was created good?”

This is where the Lord challenges every Christian to understand…
… that some mysteries in life cannot be fully understood…
… but are to be boldly lived!
… that some struggles in life cannot be totally eliminated…
… but are to be bravely challenged!
…. that some problems in life cannot be completely solved…
but are to be fearlessly encountered!

As we take time to digest this fact, let us also spare a thought for the seed of wheat that was sown by the Sower.

For the Sower, the Seed of Wheat was priceless… special…!

He had sown it with a lot of love, care and affection.

And so, He would do everything in His power, to make sure, that He loses nothing of it, in the attempt to get rid of the weeds.

The Sower is God.

And the Bible, throughout, speaks about how the seed that is sown – the wheat – is precious to God…
… the lost sheep is passionately sought until it is found (Lk 15: 1-7)
… the lost coin is ardently searched till it is found (Lk 15: 8-10)
… the leftover pieces of loaves are devoutly gathered up (Mt 14:20)
… the rejected short man, hiding on the tree, is assigned a new chapter in life (Lk 19: 1-10)
… the nearly-stoned woman, caught in the act of adultery, is given new life (Jn 8: 1-11)
… the impulsive fisherman, called as the rock, and who denied three times, is accepted back (Jn 21: 15-19)

We are the precious Wheat.

Jesus opens our hearts and minds to have a “realistic understanding” of life.

We need to be patient with ourselves and with others…
… in dealing with sin and with evil tendencies

Of course, as humans, we do many times…
… bite our teeth in anger, glaring at the inhumanness in our society and the world
… lose our cool, in finding ourselves to be imperfect and sinful even after years of trying
… go mad, in encountering silly disputes and indifferences in our families & communities
… have our blood boiling, seeing the various scandals and shameful incidents in the Church

But the Lord says… “Hold On”….

Surely, we have our emotions and feelings when we come across unjust situations..
But the Lord says:
“Do your best…and leave the rest to Me!

Aim for perfection… but give not into despair because of devastations!”

This certainly is no excuse for us to deny our duty and responsibility…
… and even the obligation to seek to avoid wickedness and dissuade evil practices.

But we may never find ourselves in PERFECT elimination of evil and sinful behaviours…
… either in our personal life, or societal life or even in the life of the church.

The Lord, the Final and the Supreme Judge, will make sure, that “Good finally triumphs over the evil!”

“The Son of Man will send His angels, and they will collect out of His Kingdom, all who cause others to sin and evildoers…
… the Righteous will shine like the sun in the Kingdom of Their Father!” (Mt 13: 41, 43).

As the national motto of India says: “Satyam eva jayate” (Truth alone triumphs!”)

Let us have recourse to the Awesome and Ultimate Power of God, and be strengthened in our lives…
… knowing and trusting that He will ultimately cause “Everything for our good” (Rom 8:28)

In all moments of trials and struggles, let us be loyal to the Gospel by remaining firm in faith and hope – trusting in the Providence and Power of the Lord.

We are given the example of St Alphonsa today

While declaring her as a Saint, Pope Benedict XVI said: “St Alphonsa suffered herself…
… to heal the suffering of others!”

Let us seek the intercession and be inspired by St Alphonsa, as we too sing: “Dukhathinde paana paathram, Karthav yende kayyil thannaal…”

“If my Lord offers a chalice, full of worries into my hands,
I will accept it with pleasure, and sing ‘Hallelujah’ with thanks.

My father will never offer, anything that is harmful I’m sure.
He may give me moments of pain, Still He loves me beyond measure!”

• Fr Jijo Jose Manjackal MSFS
  Bengaluru, India

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Quotable-quote-a-day-with-St Francis de Sales (SFS) – “Let us practice that holy resignation and pure love of our Lord that is never as perfect as it is amid suffering.

We must pray for that holy resignation so that God can shape our hearts…

… into a fitting place for him to dwell and reign in eternity!”

“Seeking the Grace to realize the power of ‘little things’ and ‘little efforts’ in building up the ‘Great Kingdom of God’ and to spread the ‘Immense Love of the Lord’ to all!”

(Based on Jer 13:1-11 and Mt 13:31-35 – Monday of the 17th Week of Ordinary Time)

Jesus in the Gospels loves to use simple, tiny and insignificant objects, to project His message of the Kingdom!

Today He uses the example of the Mustard Seed and the Leaven in describing the Might of the Kingdom!

The mustard seed & leaven would’ve hardly received any attention in the normal sense.

But Jesus, the Master Artist paints these li’l objects into the Mighty Canvas of the Kingdom & delivers a powerful message…

The Kingdom of God has its humble beginnings….but it develops into a Powerful Force!
The Kingdom of God often starts very insignificantly…but it expands into a Huge Reality!
The Kingdom of God initiates in an unnoticed manner….but it enlarges into an Influential Entity!

Little is much when GOD is in it!

The mustard seed develops into a Tree, which renders shelter to the birds of the air (Lk 13: 19)…..
• The sinners find a solace in this Tree….
• The sick encounter support in this Tree..
• The rejected have a remedy in this Tree…
• The cast-outs meet consolation in this Tree….
• The prostitutes experience peace in this Tree…

The leaven which is little, makes the whole mass of dough to rise (Lk 13: 21)…
• The rod in Moses’ hand…a shepherds’ ordinary crook…became a mighty symbol of God’s Power
• The jawbone with Samson…. a decaying useless bone…became an instrument of killings thousands of enemies!
• The stone in David’s hand….an unnoticed stone… became the means of conquering the gigantic Goliath!

Little is much when GOD is in it!

We live in times when many things are explained or rejected in terms of science, psychology, post-modern modern philosophies and assorted spiritualities
We live in times when material values and worldly attitudes are corroding our lives.
We live in times when ethical principles and traditional virtues often get kicked into the backyard!

Times are bad. Times are worsening. Times are sickening…
Times, are even, sometimes seen to be hopeless, scary and terrifying!

But we also ought to realize that…many things, which cannot be discovered and understood through the microscope of science and modern theories can be discovered by looking through the eyes of faith!

Yes, massive things can be seen and achieved by looking through the miniscule eye of Faith!

Our efforts and attempts to spread God’s Kingdom may be just minor and appearing to be insignificant…
… like the Mustard Seed and the Leaven.

But, little is much, when God is in it!!

The Lord reminds each of us of “His Immense Love” (and His deep pain, when we refuse to accept His Love!) through the example of the “loin cloth” in the Book of Prophet Jeremiah:

“This evil people, who refuse to hear my words, who stubbornly follow their own heart and have gone after other gods to serve them and worship them, shall be like this waistcloth, which is good for nothing.”
“For as the waistcloth clings to the loins of a man, so I made the whole house of Israel and the whole house of Judah cling to me, says the Lord, that they might be for me a people, a name, a praise, and a glory, but they would not listen!” (Jer 13:10-11)

May we seek the grace to realize the power of “little things” and “little efforts” in building up the “Great Kingdom of God” and to spread the “Immense Love of the Lord” to all!

God Bless! Live Jesus!

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Quotable-quote-a-day-with-St Francis de Sales (SFS) – “If you do all in God’s Name, all you do will be well done…
… whether you eat, drink or sleep…

So long as you do all wisely, you will gain greatly as in God’s sight, doing all because He would have you do it!”