A garden of flowers delights most people!

A garden consists of a variety of flowers, with varied colours, sizes, shapes.

Some flowers tend to capture our attention more…some escape the gaze of our eyes.

>> However, this in no way, reduces or increases their relevance and importance.

>>> Each flower has its own specialty.

>>> Each flower has its own attraction.

Jesus in His garden of ministry, chose twelve apostles.

>> Some apostles tend to capture our attention more…some escape the gaze of our eyes.

However, this in no way, reduces or increases their relevance and importance.

>> Each apostle has his own specialty

>> Each apostle has his own attraction.

Today Holy Mother the Church celebrates the feast of two apostles: St Jude and St Simon.

These are apostles, who in most probability escape the gaze of our eyes.

>> These two saints are usually known as the “unknown apostles”.

Yet, they have their own greatness before God and their own importance to inspire us in our lives!

The scarcity of their appearance in the New Testament is so vivid that except in the list of the names of the apostles…

… the name of Simon never appears elsewhere whereas the name of Jude makes only a single appearance in the discourse of Jesus after the last supper (Jn 14: 22).

In the Gospel of Matthew & Mark, the apostle Simon is given the title of a Canaanean, while Luke mentions him as “Zealot”.

This apostle Simon must have belonged to the Zealot Party.

>> The Zealot Party was a first-century political movement among Judean Jews who sought to overthrow the occupying Roman government.

According to the Jewish historian Josephus, four main Jewish groups existed at the time of Christ – the Pharisees, the Sadducees, the Essenes and the Zealots.

The Zealots were known for their aggression and violent behaviour.

>> They advocated that no one, but Yahweh alone should rule over Israel and hence, obedience to the Roman government should be refused.

The selection of Simon, the Zealot as an Apostle, is a great insight into the workings of Jesus, in His Kingdom Ministry…

The Lord accepts us with our hard instincts.

>> The Lord takes into account our various mentalities and mindsets.

In His Divine Love, He squashes all such factors and patterns us into people fit for His Kingdom.

>> He doesn’t reject us in our over-zeal.

>> He doesn’t cast us away because of our impulses.

All that He expects is an openness to follow Him fully and allow ourselves to be moulded!

The Apostle Jude is given another title by St Matthew and St Mark: Thaddeus.

>> Thaddeus means “the courageous heart”

St Jude is one of the most popular saints in our world today, considering the fact that he is often called as “The Miraculous Saint”.

>> St Jude is the one whose aid is often sought when all hope is lost, especially in grave illness & life-&-death situations.

There is a story that since his name is identical with Judas Iscariot, who had betrayed Jesus, St Jude would hardly be interceded too, except in the most desperate situations!

>> And hence, perhaps, he got identified as the ‘Patron in Helpless Causes!’

St Bridget of Sweden & St Bernard had visions from God asking each to accept St Jude as ‘Patron Saint of the Impossible’.

The Apostle Jude teaches us a few insights for our spiritual growth:

1. Like the name – Jude Thaddeus – we are invited too, to have a “heart full of courage”.

The Kingdom of God requires brave soldiers and people of immense valour.

The Lord needs followers who are imbued with the might of His Holy Spirit and who boldly proclaim the Gospel and witness its values by their lives.

No situation of discouragement or setbacks will hinder the march of a “Courageous Heart”!

2. St Jude, as the Patron of Desperate Cases, inspires us to have a deeper faith and trust in the Providence and Mercy of God.

The Lord is all-knowing.

> He wills what is best for us.

However, in our human frailty, we often tend to lose our hope and become highly desperate.

But this Saint teaches to grow deeper in our faith & know that “behind every dark cloud is a silver lining of the sun… (Son!)”!

3. St Jude also teaches the powerful role of Intercessory Prayer.

We are all created in the Image and Likeness of God, and each of us have a bounden duty to the other…

… to take care, to love each other and to pray for one another.

When we pray for others and bring others to the presence of God, we help them in their difficulties and join with them in solidarity and compassion.

There are many hidden flowers in a garden.

>> Yet, each one has its own beauty and fragrance and value.

These two apostles – St Simon and St Jude – are fairly hidden in the Gospels, and yet we can learn and be inspired much by them.

May the life and intercession of these two hidden, yet Great Apostles of the Lord…

… impel us further, to love God and His people…

… and spread the Gospel of God to many more!

Happy Feast of the Apostles St Jude and St Simon.

God Bless! Live Jesus!

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Quotable-quote-a-day-with-St Francis de Sales (SFS) – “Devotion is simply a spiritual activity and liveliness by means of which Divine Love works in us…

… and causes us to work briskly and lovingly.

>> And just as charity leads us to a general practice of all God’s Commandments…

… so devotion leads us to practise them readily and diligently!”

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A family had shifted to a new house, and the little girl of the house was given her own little room.

On her bedroom wall, just over the head of the bed on which she slept…

… was a picture of Jesus.

This picture was reflected in the large mirror of the dressing table…

… which was directly on the other side.

Thus, when the little girl woke up on the first morning in the new house…

… she could see the picture of Jesus (which was reflected on the mirror)

As she lay on bed, with her eyes opened, she exclaimed:

“Oh Mummy.. I can see Jesus through the mirror!”

To have a better look, the little girl, quickly kneeled up, to have a better look.

But in so doing, she brought her own body between the picture and the mirror!

>> As a result, instead of seeing Jesus, she now saw herself!

So she lay again, and saw the picture of Jesus once more.

She did this quite a few times over and over…

… seeing the image of Jesus as she lay down, and seeing her own image as she knelt up on bed!

Finally, she said:

” Mummy, when I can’t see myself, I can see Jesus!

>> But every time I see myself, I don’t see Him!”

How true it is this isn’t it…?

>> When our own self fills our vision, it clouds the view of Jesus!

Perhaps, very often, we are so full of ourselves, that we cannot see or recognise Christ!

The Gospel of the Day exhorts a strong message on this deadly vice of “being full of ourselves”

… in a single word – “Pride”.

Chapter 18 of the Gospel of St Luke begins with two parables, that teach on the aspect of Prayer.

·       The parable of the Widow who was persistent (Lk 18: 1-8)

·       The parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector (Lk 18: 9-14)

The Parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector have interesting comparisons with respect to the various gestures and actions that they take:

>> Both go up to the Temple area to pray…

·       The Pharisee took up his position… the tax collector stood off at a distance

·       The Pharisee spoke the prayer to himself… the tax collector would not even raise his eyes to heaven

·       The Pharisee spoke of his personal glories…the tax collector acknowledged being a sinner, in need of mercy.

Though the Gospel doesn’t speak of it, it seems that both, the Pharisee and the tax collector had taken a mirror with themselves, when they went to pray….

A mirror.. yeah!

But, the strange fact is that, both of them used the mirror in contrasting manners!

The Pharisee used the mirror and saw his many achievements and accomplishments…

… being unlike the rest of the sinful humanity like the greedy, dishonest or adulterous

… fasting twice a week

… pay tithes on his whole income

The tax collector, also used a mirror…but saw in it, his many failures and shortcomings…

… the moments when he had cheated others to have greater financial gains

… the times he had subjected himself to be a traitor by working against his own people

… the need to seek for God’s mercy acknowledging his sinfulness

Prayer is like a mirror…but it depends on one’s attitude and disposition what one sees…

·       If one is filled with pride and self-conceit, one sees only one’s accomplishments…

… and thus pushes out God and replaces oneself as the source of all good works!

·       If one is truly humble and modest, one sees one’s weaknesses and limitations…

… and thus acknowledge the dependence on God and on His grace in life!

>>  Prayer could be made into a time of reciting the litany of one’s great achievements…

…or prayer could be made into a moment of seeking God’s mercy and compassion.

>> Prayer could be made into an occasion to boast of oneself and put down others…

… or prayer could be made into a moment to see the glittering light of God guiding us.

What is our attitude and disposition?

·       Am I afflicted with the sickness of pride which makes me to flaunt only myself at the expense of the other?

·       Am I distressed with the disease of arrogance which makes me to see myself as the greatest person in the world, casting aside all people and even God?

There is something of “this” Pharisee, perhaps, in all of us which needs to be shun…

>> There is something of “this” tax collector, which needs to be cultivated…

This “this”…

… is the need to cast away pride and the need to embrace humility and dependence on God!

Let us “lay ourselves low” in humility…and not be “knelt up” in pride…

… and thus realise:

” When I can’t see myself, I can see Jesus!

>> But every time I see myself, I don’t see Him!”

God Bless! Live Jesus!

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Quotable-quote-a-day-with-St Francis de Sales (SFS) – “The highest point of humility consists in not merely acknowledging one’s abjection…

… but in taking pleasure therein.

>> Not from any want of breadth or courage, but to give the more glory to God’s Divine Majesty…

… and to esteem one’s neighbour more highly than one’s self.

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Humanity is a daily witness to calamities, catastrophes, adversities and disasters.

>> Tragedies occur in the life of every human being.

Every now and then, we hear of many reports of unpredictable or unimaginable misfortunes occurring in the lives of people….tsunamis, floods, earthquakes….or bomb blasts, mass killings etc…

>> In our own personal lives too, we experience a lot of painful moments…

…. very often, unexpectedly.

In the face of all these horrors… we are faced with many doubts and questions….

>> Why do these things happen to the innocent?

>> Why doesn’t the Good and Loving God do anything about all this?

>>> Sometimes, we even take on a critical and judgmental attitude and say, “Probably, God is punishing all these people for their sins or their misdeeds”

In today’s Gospel, Jesus also is presented with a couple of human tragedies and made to react on them.

>> The first tragedy is about the Galileans who suffered at the hands of Pilate (Lk 13: 1-3)

>> The second is about the people who dies when the tower of Siloam fell on them (Lk 13: 4)

>> The first one is about a disaster brought about because of the cruel deeds of human beings

>> The second because of the misfortunes in nature.

In both these cases, however, the people who died, were mere subjects to death…

>> They had an unfortunate death, without perhaps really being guilty.

And so the natural reaction of the people of the times was that, the people who died would have been greater sins, and they are being punished by God.”

“These people deserved death because of their sins” was the popular slogan of those times.

Perhaps, when faced with calamities, we too often take upon this judgmental attitude,

But here Jesus points out the great reality…

These calamities and disasters are not to be another occasion for us to pass judgments

>> Rather, they become golden opportunities for us to make a self-reflection on our lives.

Like the tree which is given one more year – to be dug around, to be given manure and to produce…these tragedies and events in life, present us with more time to examine, how do we live our lives.

Do we take our lives for granted?

Perhaps, we have a tendency to often think there is plenty of time in life.

>> And complacency creeps into our life.

But these tragedies point to us the fact, that after all human life is very short.

>> And in this short-lived life, we need to make the best use of God’s graces to repent and to lead a Holy life.

In Rev 22.7, Jesus says “Behold, I am coming soon” .

As Christians, we believe in the Coming of the Lord.

>> No one knows the hour

>> No one knows the day

But, being prepared, being vigilant always, is a must, is a necessity.

Human tragedies and personal misfortunes are to be understood as God’s manifestations of Love for us, to have our lives set clearly on our priorities for God and His Kingdom

They are not to evoke fear or elements of judging

>> Rather, should prompt us to take life more seriously, and to make Real Repentance and live a Holier Lives.

One of the practical tip that we could easily practice is our Daily Examination of Conscience.

When we daily examine our conscience, and make efforts to amend our lives with true repentance, we are able to live the graces that are showered on us.

Also, a meaningful Regular Confession helps us not only to be forgiven of our sins, but also gives grace to lead a more holy and unblemished life.

The Lord invites us today, to wake up from our slumber of taking life easy and cool

>> He disturbs us in our comfortable and cozy life…

… and challenges us to make real repentance and lead a genuinely holy life.

Disasters, tragedies and misfortunes will keep happening.

>> But they are also a reminder for us to be eternally vigilant and keep guard over the sanctity of our lives.

Let’s run in repentance to our Lord who seeks us…

…. and Be His forever!

God Bless! Live Jesus!

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Quotable-quote-a-day-with-St Francis de Sales (SFS) – “Amongst the tribulations and remorse of a lively repentance…

… God often puts in the bottom of our heart the Sacred Fire of his Love.

>> This Love is converted into the water of tears

>> They by a second change, into another and greater fire of Love!

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Our world is seeing immense technological advances.

Such developments have greatly helped humanity…

… to avoid many possible natural disasters

… to be forewarned against future calamities

… to minimize the damages caused by nature’s fury

Such amazing technological advances by human beings is an example of how we are learning to explore the deeper aspects of the mysteries in nature and the universe.

>> Human beings are truly marching miles in reading the signs in nature and the universe.

In the midst of all these great achievements, we are posed with some probing questions…

…are we falling short in reading the signs with respect to humanity’s moral degradation?

…are we failing to read the signs of the times with respect to humanity’s spiritual decline?

…are we missing out reading the signs regarding the reign of God in our lives?

The Gospel of the Day is a reminder and a wake-up call, by Jesus to this dimension of our lives. Jesus says:

“You superficial people! You understand the signs of the earth & sky, but you don’t understand the present times!” (Lk 12:56)

From ages past, human beings have been gaining expertise on interpreting the signs and indications given in nature…

>> Spotting of some dark clouds, to predict heavy rains…

>> A red sky at dusk, indicating a clearer sky the following day…

>> Strange movements of animals and birds, to predict earthquakes or other calamities…

Jesus uses this example in nature to expose the hollowness and duplicity of the people of His time.

Jesus came in the world to usher in the Kingdom of God.

>> He came to announce to the world that God is not some distant entity but rather is very seriously interested to be close to their lives.

To this end of announcing the Kingdom of God…Jesus performed a number of signs…

>> He taught the Scriptures and the Laws with a greater freshness and stronger authority.

>> He healed the blind, the deaf and the dumb to make them witness His power.

>> He raised up the dead and powerfully demonstrated the saving power of God.

>> He restored the crippled and cast out demons to show them God’s might.

>> He forgave sinners and accepted the outcast to display God’s deep mercy and compassion.

>> He searched for the lost and invited the oppressed to experience the depth of God’s love.

>> He performed many miracles in nature to show God’s supremacy over the whole creation.

But many of the people failed to see beyond these signs…

>> All these miracles & manifestations of the Lord were very often looked upon with much suspicion & sometimes, even contempt!

                                                                                     

Jesus pities such an attitude!

The people could interpret so easily the signs in nature…

… but they failed to interpret the signs of the Kingdom of God!

>> They failed to understand the call of God, in the wonders done by Him.

The people could easily predict certain things by seeing the climate…

… but they refused to hear God’s inviting voice, in the marvels performed by Him.

>> The remained stubborn to the invitation of the Lord towards change of sinful attitudes

The people could easily tell certain events of the future by observing their surroundings…

… but they adamantly declined to turn to Him in repentance, by seeing His deeds.

>> They purposely chose to be stuck to their “tunneled” minds and failing to accept God’s mercy

This is a danger that any one of us could also have in our own personal lives…

God sustains our daily life with much care…but we fail to give praise for His wonders.

>> We take for granted all these daily blessings.

God protects us from various calamities…but we fail to admit His providence.

>> We take for granted His shielding hand.

God infuses our lives with many inspirations…but we fail to give heed to His voice.

>> We take for granted all His tender invitations.

Ø   Personal sins are God’s ways of calling us to experience His Mercy and Justice.

Ø   Delays in prayers are God’s ways of asking us to Trust in Him more Deeply.

Ø   Accidents and calamities are God’s ways of calling us to trust in His Providence.

Ø  Unexpected failures and pains are God’s ways of making us to Share in His Sufferings.

Ø   Happy and a satisfied life is God’s ways of inviting us to Thank and Praise Him more.

Ø   Failure to overcome our bad tendencies is God’s ways of calling to us to a Life of Humility

Ø   Despair in life and hopelessness is God’s way of appealing us to Grow much more in Faith.

Signs from God, may sometimes be liked…sometimes be disliked.

>> St Augustine said, ‘If you believe what you like in the gospels but reject what you don’t like, it’s not the gospel you believe, but yourself’

In trust and faith, let us walk with the Lord, knowing that all things “work for good, for those who love Him” (Rom 8:28)

Human beings have come a long way in technological advancements & seeking to conquer the outer space & powers of nature…

>> But we still have a long way to understand the mighty works being performed by God in our personal & communitarian lives.

Let us see the signs!

Let us witness God’s Power!

Let us march joyfully in Him!

God Bless! Live Jesus!

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Quotable-quote-a-day-with-St Francis de Sales (SFS) – “Retire at various times into the solitude of your own heart…

… even while outwardly engaged in discussions or transactions with others, and talk to God!”

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An interesting incident is narrated of how some years ago, the prime minister of a certain country was speaking before several distinguished leaders as well statesman.

>> He was severely critical of his predecessor who was known to be a harsh dictator.

While he was speaking someone from the audience sent up a note:

“How about you? What were you doing when the dictator committed all these atrocities?”

At that, the Prime Minister – filled with fury and rage – shouted:

“Who sent up that note?”

Not a single person stirred.

“I’ll give him one minute to stand up!”

The seconds ticked off.

>> Still no one moved.

“All right, I’ll tell you what I was doing.

>> I was doing exactly what the writer of this note was doing – exactly nothing!

I was afraid to be counted!”

As a Christian, am I afraid to be counted…

… and thus fail to stand up for Christ and His Values?

Every Christian is expected to set the world on fire…

… by being passionate in their love for the Lord

… and being compassionate to the people of God!

Our Blessed Lord was greatly filled with zeal to “set the earth on fire”…

… and desires all His followers to share in this passion for the Kingdom of God.

The Gospel of the Day begins with Jesus exclaiming:

“I have come to set the earth on fire, and how I wish it were already blazing” (Lk 12: 49)

“Fire” in the Bible is an imagery of many aspects…

>> God’s judgment (Jdt 16:17; Is 66:16; Am 7:4; 2 Pt 3:7)

>> God’s protective presence (Ex 13: 21, 2 Kgs 6:17)

>> Purification (Nm 31:23; Ez 22:19-22, Zec 13: 9),

>> The Holy Spirit (Mt 3:11, Acts 2:3).

>> God’s Holiness (Dt 4:24)

>> God’s glory (Ez 1:4, 13)

Fire also has many characteristics:

>> It warms… refines… transforms… burns!

The Lord who was greatly zealous to “set the earth on fire”, invites us to examine:

>> Am I filled with zeal, to blaze the world “on fire”…

… the fire of God’s love?

… the fire of God’s purging mercy?

… the fire of God’s judgment with respect to sin and evil?

The following verse of the Gospel passage comes in as a shock…

>> “Do you think that I have come to establish peace on the earth? No, I tell you, division!” (Lk 12:51)

The Gospel of St. Mathew’s version of the same verse reads:

“Do not think I have come to bring peace. I have to come not to bring peace, but a sword… (Mt 10: 34)

These verses become more surprising in the context of…

>>The Sermon of the Mount where in Mt 5:9, it says, “Blessed are the peacemakers”

>> The description of the Messiah where in Is 9: 6 it says, “He (Messiah) will be called “Prince of Peace”

Why does St Mathew use the words “peace and sword”?

>> Why does St Luke use the words “peace and division”?

This could be a technique called “Juxtaposing”.

Juxtaposing simply means to place two things side-by-side or next to each other…

… especially to compare or to emphasize on the contrast.

This technique is used extensively in the Bible…

>> “Unless a grain of wheat dies, it will not give life” (Jn 12: 24)

>> “A good tree cannot bear bad fruit” (Mt 7:18)

>> “Light shines in the darkness” ( Jn 1:5)

Thus we see…

… life and death

… good and bad

… light and darkness

This “juxtaposition” we also observe in our daily life.

>> Any artist or a person with some aesthetic sense will vouch for the fact that, in order a highlight some light-coloured flowers in a bouquet…

… a darker background is preferred.

>> Even in our style of dressing, we prefer to wear dark-coloured trousers…

… along with light-coloured shirts.

The logic is simple: Juxtaposing two contrasting stuff emphasizes the meaning.

Peace, is generally defined as a situation where there is no violence or war.

>> Sword, on the other hand, signifies conflict, struggle and death.

Peace, is normally understood as a situation of calm and absence of conflicts

>> Division, on the other hand, points to disturbances, instability and turmoil.

What is the meaning of this usage of “juxtaposition” in today’s Gospel passage?

The Kingdom of God is righteousness, peace and joy (Rom 14: 17)

To establish this peace or this Kingdom of God…

… sword is an inevitable reality!

… division is an inescapable consequence!

>> Disturbances, instability , turmoil, conflict, struggle and even death is a real possibility!

That’s why Jesus would go on to say:

“From now on a household of five will be divided… three against two and two against three..” (Lk 12: 52)

>> These verses are an import from Mic 7:6 which speaks of “division in the household”.

In the Jewish Society…

… the household was one of the strongest units of loyalty and binding.

However, Jesus shatters all these pre-conceived notions and demands:

“Loyalty of a disciple to Jesus is to be much higher than even to his own household!”

All intimate relations, even that within the family, are to be given subordinate status in our Love for Jesus.

It is also interesting to note the order of people mentioned in Lk 12: 53:

… Father vs Son, Daughter vs Mother, Daughter-in- law vs Mother in Law.

It is always the young vs the old.

What could be the meaning?

The Kingdom of God will cause a sword of division…

… It will be a division of the Young vs Old!

Young and Old are not to be considered in the physical sense…

… but in the spiritual sense!

Young as being people who are “new”… those by giving up a life of sin, choosing to be part of the Kingdom of God.

>> Old as being those people who are “unrepentant”… those who cling on to sinful ways and oppose the Kingdom.

The Kingdom of God is always characterized by people who are willing to be “new” in the Spirit…

… young at heart and mind, full of dynamism and full of enthusiasm.

What are the implications of all what we have said today?

1. The establishment of peace in the Kingdom of God is always accompanied by the sword of division

>> Are we ready to face the struggles and difficulties that surely will come on our way, as we work for the Kingdom?

2. In this our mission of establishing the Kingdom, we are demanded to have a loyalty to Jesus that is higher than all other relationships.

>> Are we ready to sacrifice? Perhaps our relationships or our way of thinking or even our lifestyle? all for the sake of loyalty to Christ?

3. The Kingdom of God demands that we always be young – dynamic, enthusiastic, cheerful and energetic.

>> Are we ready to always remain Young at heart and in mind, for the sake of the Kingdom of God?

Jesus, Who was greatly filled with zeal to “set the earth on fire”…

… desires all His followers to also share in this passion for the Kingdom of God.

Yes, let us become Christians “who set the world on fire!”…

… and strive to be sincere followers of Christ who are ‘willing to be counted’ to stand up for the Kingdom Values!

Let us seek the intercession of St Antony Mary Claret, the founder of the Congregation of the Missionary Sons of the Immaculate Heart of Mary (known as the Claretians), on his feast day today…

… and let us be inspired by his life and words:

“The Christian who desires to follow Jesus carrying his cross, must bear in mind that the name ‘Christian’ means ‘learner or imitator of Christ’…

… and that if he wishes to bear that noble title worthily, he must above all do as Christ charges us in the Gospel:

>> We must oppose or deny ourselves, take up the cross, and follow Him!”

God Bless! Live Jesus!

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Quotable-quote-a-day-with-St Francis de Sales (SFS) – “If we walk steadily and faithfully…

… God will lift us up to greater things.”

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An incident is reported that took place a few years ago.

A former astronaut took over as head of a major airline company.

He was extremely ambitious to make his company as the best airline service provider.

Once, when this new president was making an inspection of a particular department, he came across an employee…

…resting his feet on the desk, while the telephone was ringing continuously.

“Are you not going to pick up the phone?” queried the boss, with a sense of displeasure.

“That’s not my department!”, answered the employee indifferently!

>> He had not recognised his new boss.

” I work in the maintenance section!”, he replied.

“Huh!” quipped the president, “Not anymore!”

The casual attitude and the laid-back and easy-going approach of the employee cost him his job.

The new boss would not tolerate any people, who failed to show a sense a responsibility and commitment…

… which are essential and undeniable qualities in the pursuit of perfection and excellence!

What about us?

Is our Christian life characterised by responsibility and commitment?

>> Or do we have a casual attitude and a laid-back and easy-going approach?

The Gospel of the Day presents to us a strong reminder by the Lord to take our Christian life seriously…

… with its undeniable duties and its unavoidable sense of responsibility.

Jesus speaks of the coming of the Son of Man at an unexpected time…

… just as the coming of a thief is unknown to the master of a house (Lk 12: 39-40)

What are some of the characteristics of the coming of a thief to the house?

1. It happens in the quiet of the night….

… so that no one becomes aware and the setting is perfectly safe

>> There is a sense of ‘anonymity’

2. It takes place when none of the people in the house are expecting it…

… thus leaving them completely startled and unprepared

>> There is the element of ‘total surprise’

3. It happens in areas where there is emptiness or lesser security measures

… thus creating greater potency to danger and sharper damage

>> There is a factor of ‘missed opportunity to take care’     

These then are the “loopholes” in our spiritual life, that can cause us to be off-guard…

… when the Lord appears in His Second Coming (just as the coming of the thief in the night)…

>> A sense of ‘anonymity’

>> An element of ‘total surprise’

>> A factor of ‘missed opportunity to take care’

Do we remain “anonymous” to the Lord…

… by remaining ignorant of His teachings and commandments – even though He addresses very often through the Bible and the Church?

… by failing to give heed to the repeated reminders by the Lord through various advices from our caring one, and the guidance we receive through sermons, reflections, messages and life-situations?

Do we get caught with “total surprise” at the Will of God in our lives…

… failing to see the providential hand of God in the struggles and hardships that we undergo?

… entering into a sense of despair and discouragement when things don’t happen the way we plan?

Do we become victims of “missing opportunities to take care”…

… by failing to do the many good works which we can perform, but fail, owing to our slackness?

… by taking the stance of being indifferent in situations of injustice and discriminations?

The Lord clearly warns even in the Book of Revelation…

… “If therefore you shall not watch, I will come to you as a thief, and you shall not know what hour I will come upon you.” (Rev 3:1-3)

Though this passage may cause a sense of fear and insecurity, we also need to consider, the converse…

… that if we are prepared and alert

… that if we are ready and vigilant

>> then the “coming of the Lord” becomes a joyful waiting and an expectant hope!

Nothing fears the one who is prepared, to meet the Lord!

St Paul encourages us through these words: ” But you brothers, are not in darkness, that the day should overtake you as a thief!” ( 1 Thess 5: 2-4)

When we are in the Light of Christ…

… by a constant life of vigilant prayer

… by a faithful life of sacraments

… by a committed life to the Church

>> No darkness can overpower us; No fear of thieves can cause panic!

As Christians, each one us is entrusted the duty of being faithful “employees” of the Kingdom of God!

>> Are we going to “rest our feet on the desk”…

… with a casual attitude and a laid-back and easy-going approach…?

Or shall we be “armed and ever-ready to serve”…

… with a sense a responsibility and commitment…?

Be ready…

>> Our Boss… The Lord… may come anytime….!

God Bless! Live Jesus!

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Quotable-quote-a-day-with-St Francis de Sales (SFS) – “God requires a faithful fulfillment of the merest trifle given us to do…

… rather than the most ardent aspiration to things to which we are not called!”

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Little Jane heard a sermon in church on “Let your light shine!”

She remembered the verse; however, did not understand the text much, until her mother explained: “It means, to be good, obedient and cheerful”

That evening, after coming back from playing with her friends – where she had been a little naughty and mischievous – Jane came back to her mother and said:

“Ma, sorry I have blown myself out!

>> Can you light me again?”

Every Christian is called to become a beacon of light in the darkness and to be a shining star in the ambience of every night.

Is the Light of Christ shining in me?

The Gospel of the Day too shares this aspect and reminds the aspect of being watchful for the Coming of the Lord, by keeping the Light of Christ alight!

>> Jesus said to His disciples, “Be ready, dressed for service, AND KEEP YOUR LAMPS LIT…” (Lk 12: 35)

To keep our lamps lit – is the reminder and challenge of the Gospel today.

At our Baptism, we all have received the Light of Christ.

>> This light, is not just to be preserved…

… but is to be nurtured and fostered daily.

But we live in a world when there are many a winds seeking to put off this light in us.

… we live in a world, where there is a strong engulfing of the darkness, trying to devour the light in us.

What are the different winds that are seeking to put off the Light of Christ in us?

A.  The wind of “losing the focus from God”

i. King David

King David was a shining light to the people of his kingdom, as long as he followed the teachings and had his focus on God.

But when he allowed his focus to shift from God, he sinned.

He allowed himself to focus on the object of his pleasure by sinning with the wife of Uriah.

The wind of “losing the focus from God” blew strong to put off the light in him….

ii. Samson

Samson was a shining light of power and might, as long as he was faithful to God and had his focus on God.

But when he allowed his focus to shift from God, he sinned.

He allowed himself to focus on the object of his delight by revealing the secret to Delilah

The wind of “losing the focus from God” blew strong to put off the light in him….

iii. Peter

Peter was a shining light to his disciples as a person of faith, as long as he followed the instructions of his Master to walk on the waters.

But when he allowed his focus to shift from the Lord, he began to sink.

He allowed himself to focus on the object of his fear and self-panic.

The wind of “losing the focus from God” blew strong to put off the light in him….

B.  The wind of “being focused on one’s own selfish interests”

i. Saul

Saul was adorned to be the first king of Israel; however, as his reign continued, his own selfish motives began to creep in his kingship.

When he “began to be more self-centered”, he began to lose the approval of God.

The wind of “being focused on one’s own selfish interests” blew strong to put off the light in him?

ii. The Pharisees and Scribes

The Pharisees and Scribes during the time of Jesus, insisted much on their selfish agenda in the imposition and following of the Laws.

When they “began to be more self-centered”, they began to lose the favour of God.

The wind of “being focused on one’s own selfish interests” blew strong to put off the light in them…

iii. Judas

Judas was chosen to be one of the Twelve in the mission of the Lord; but as time grew, he continued to feed his greed for money and wealth.

When he “began to be more self-centered”, he began to lose the esteem of God.

The wind of “being focused on one’s own selfish interests” blew strong to put off the light in him…

3.  The wind of “false principles and ideologies”

i. People of Israel

The people of Israel had been blessed with the commandments of God. They, however, were dismayed at the delay of Moses on Mt Sinai, and instead got enamoured and attracted to false gods and especially to the deity of mammon and wealth.

When they “began to abandon the True Teaching and attached themselves to false beliefs”, they angered God and brought upon themselves the wrath of the Lord.

The wind of “false principles and ideologies” blew strong to put off the light in them…

ii. People of Galatians 1:6

St Paul accuses the people of Galatia, that were abandoning the Gospel which they first heard, and instead were being attracted to the pleasurable and false teachings of the false prophets.

When they “began to abandon the True Teaching and attached themselves to false beliefs”, they strayed away from the path of salvation.

The wind of “false principles and ideologies” blew strong to put off the light in them…

Let’s examine our own lives…

>> Am I allowing the wind of “losing the focus from God”  to put off the light in us?

>> Am I allowing the wind of “being focused on one’s own selfish interests” to put off the light in us?

>> Am I allowing the wind of “false principles and ideologies” to put off the light in us?

As the saying goes, “We can’t prevent birds from flying over our heads, but we can certainly prevent them from laying a nest on our heads!”

We cannot prevent these winds to rage and hit our lives…

… but we can certainly prevent them from blowing off the Light of Christ in us!

This strength comes from our determination, perseverance & commitment…

And above all, being united with Jesus, the Source of Light…

…  in daily prayer

… frequent sacraments

… constant nourishment with the Word

… and faithfulness to our daily duties of our vocation and life!

In our moments of failure and weaknesses, let us also have the courage to approach the Throne of God’s Mercy saying:

“Lord, sorry I have blown myself out!

>> Can you light me again?”

We seek today the intercession of Pope St John Paul II, arguably the most-popular and loved Pope of our times, on his Feast Day.

>> His convincing life, uncompromising teaching and courageous words are a challenge and inspiration to all of us…

… “What really matters in life is that we are loved by Christ and that we love Him in return. In comparison to the love of Jesus, everything else is secondary. And, without the love of Jesus, everything is useless.”

God Bless! Live Jesus!

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Quotable-quote-a-day-with-St Francis de Sales (SFS) – “By turning your eyes on God in meditation…

… your whole soul will be filled with God.

>> Begin all your prayers in the presence of God!”

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“My illness helped me to see that what was missing in me….

I acquired more wealth, power, and prestige than most…

… But you can acquire all you want and still feel empty!

>> What power wouldn’t I trade for a li’l more time with my family?

>> What price wouldn’t I pay for being with friends?

It took a deadly illness to put me eye to eye with that truth, but it is a truth that the country, caught up in its ruthless ambitions and moral decay, can learn on my dime.

…the future leaders must speak to this spiritual vacuum at the heart of American society, this tumour of the soul”

These are the words taken from an article in the LIFE magazine….written by Lee Atwater, a former American Political Consultant.

(This person was mainly responsible for the election of George Bush as the American President. He was afflicted by a massive brain-tumour death at the age of 40!)

These words… of a man who acquired name & fame & wealth at a very young age..but suffered a tragic death, and came to a late realization…written back in the 90’s…

… is a greater and a naked reality in our 21st century!

There is a great spiritual vacuum at the heart of our society: a tumour of the soul!

The Gospel of the Day presents this message very powerfully through the Parable of the Rich Fool.

It is heartening to see the statement made by this rich man…

… Lk 12: 17 says: “He asked himself, “What shall I do, for I do not have space to store my harvest?”

This man had a bountiful harvest (Lk 12: 16)…

… but found himself wanting for space to store them up.

He looked into his life and felt…

… I have worked hard, but I am still not satisfied

… I have achieved the results I expected, but I am still not contented

This statement is a great pointer to the experience of many of us…

… a great spiritual vacuum at the heart of our society!

>> There are many who have plenty of wealth…

… but extremely poor in peace of mind!

>> There are many who have honour and fame…

… but strangely lost in loneliness and despair!

>> There are many who have cashed in popularity and glam and glitz…

… but  end up in depression and gloom!

>> There are many who have built bungalows and estates…

… but sadly abandoned in nursing animosity at home!

Our world is habitually sick…

>> Our society is often sad deep within…

>> Our families are frequently cracked & broken!

Very often, we have many things and many of the external requirements,

… yet there is a sense “lacking something”!

>> It’s like telling a Great Artist:”Your art is superb…but you still lack the quality in painting the nuances…”

>> It’s like telling a Great Speaker: “Your talks are classic…but you still lack the trait of modulation of tones…”

>> It’s like telling a Great singer: ” Your voice is amazing… but you still lack the punch in singing the high notes…”

>> It’s like telling a Great Writer: “Your writings are nice…but you still lack the feature of translating your thoughts…”

After doing and achieving many things, to sense that “We are lacking something” is hurting….

But that was the fact in the life of that rich man….

>> And that was the reason, for the Vacuum and the Void that was experienced!

The rich man thought he had gained everything…

>> He even boasted: “I shall say to myself: Now as for you, you have so many good things stored up for many years; rest, east, drink and be merry” (Lk 12: 19)

But he still “lacked something”…

He lacked…

… the grace to have heaven as his greatest treasure and fortune

… the control to let go off money and mammon as the controlling factor of his life

… the charity to share his resources and his possessions to the needy and the wanted

… the generosity to set free his mind from being dominated by the cares and burdens of this world…

The man had gained much in life… but he still lacked what was most important…

A great vacuum had engulfed his soul….a great void had overpowered his life!

Is my life in resemblance with this person…who ‘thought’ he had everything right…yet lacking the Basics?

The Lord invites us…

… to give up the feeling that money and worldly riches can rule your life; rather we need to acquire spiritual treasures”

… to give up the notion that worldly success can satisfy you; rather we need to feed our lives with divine riches”

Let us fill the vacuum within us…

… with the Power and Grace of the Lord

… with the Might of the Holy Spirit!

>> Our world needs it…

… our generation requires us

… our families and communities call for it!

God Bless! Live Jesus!

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Quotable-quote-a-day-with-St Francis de Sales (SFS) – “Our possessions are not ours.

>> God has given them to us to cultivate, that we may make them fruitful and profitable in His Service…

… and so doing we shall please Him!”

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One of the common technique of understanding and personalizing a Biblical text is by, what could be called as the ‘Method of Assuming a Character”.

One puts oneself in the shoes of one of the characters in the Biblical passage and draws reflections and thoughts for one’s spiritual growth.

In the Parable of the Prodigal Son…

>> One could assume the character of the Younger Son…and identify as one having gone away from God.

>> One could assume the character of the Father….and identify as one who longs for the return of those lost and those gone away from us.

>> One could assume the character of the Elder Son….and identify as one who gets irritated and even angry at the “apparently unjust” side of God’s love of being overly merciful!

In the Parable of the Good Samaritan…

>> One could assume the character of the injured man….and identify as one who is beaten up and lying helpless, seeking for assistance

>> One could assume the character of the thieves….and identify as one who sometimes engages in “not so good” activities and thus harming the lives of others

> One could assume the character of the Levite or the Priest….and identify as one who fails to set right the priorities in life.

>> One could assume the character of the Good Samaritan….and identify as one who reaches out to people in their dire need.

>> One could assume the character of the inn-keeper….and identify as one who remains generous in allowing the injured man in the inn, despite a possible loss of money.

The Gospel of the Day is the Parable of the Persistent Widow.

For our reflection, we shall use the similar Method of “Assuming a Character”.

The Parable speaks of a judge and a widow.

The judge is characterized by some features:

>> He did not fear God.

>> He did not fear humans.

He was initially adamant in his refusal.

The Widow is characterized by some features:

>> She had a genuine need.

>> She was denied justice.

She remained persistent till the end.

In our usual understanding, we assume the character of the Widow and God as the Judge and draw some of the following conclusions:

We are often in many and true needs.

>> But we often, find ourselves, a bit depressed at the delays in receiving the answers to our prayers.

The parable encourages and exhorts us to remain persistent in our prayer life and not to get discouraged by God’s delays, which apparently appears as God’s denials.

>> Yes, God’s delays are certainly not His denials!

… God’s pauses are certainly not His refuses!

But for a change, for our reflection, we shall try to reverse our roles…

Let US assume the role of the JUDGE…

… and GOD as the WIDOW!

Sounds strange?

>> Me as the Judge?

>> God as the Widow?

Widows in the first century found themselves at a very sad state.

They were quite literally unprotected.

>> Many became homeless and destitute after the death of their husbands.

Often they were at mercy of cunning men, including some religious leaders who would “devour widows’ houses” (Mark 12:40)

A widow couldn’t count on anyone to come to her aid.

>> She represents the hopeless….the unaided…the oppressed.

In Mt 25:35, Jesus identifies Himself with the one who was hungry, thirsty, naked, stranger and the imprisoned.

>> Jesus in the poor, the hungry, the thirsty, the naked, the stranger and the imprisoned…. is the hopeless one…the unaided one… the oppressed one.

Jesus, like the widow in the Parable…comes knocking at our door…

… “Behold I stand at the door, and knock… “(Rev 3:20)

As the oppressed and justice-deprived widow, Jesus, knocks at our door – we the Judges.

What is our reaction and response?

The cry of the one in pain and suffering reaches our hearts…

>> Do I reach out my heart to them and seek to ease their troubles and hardships?

The moaning of a broken family or a lost teenager or a spoilt child comes to us…

>> Do I pray for them and help them, in ways possible for me?

The sad tear of the abused or oppressed people with whom we work is seen by us…

>> Do I get out of my comfort-shell to make them feel comforted and consoled?

The disturbing reports of violence, corruption, injustice in the society falls on our senses…

>> Do I remain indifferent to them and become saturated with such atrocities?

Yes…the widow – the hopeless, the unaided and the oppressed one… keeps knocking at our doors…

>> As a Judge…do I keep refusing?…do I keep getting irritated?…do I feel life as a botheration?

The Parable of the Persistent Widow is certainly a big lesson to remain firm and perseverant in our prayer life.

>> But this parable, when looked from another perspective, is also a big challenge to become a people who reach out in justice and give comfort and consolation to the needy.

Knock….knock…

>> Do we hear the knock, seeking for help?

God Bless! Live Jesus!

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Quotable-quote-a-day-with-St Francis de Sales (SFS) – “Make yourself a seller when you are buying and a buyer when you are selling…

… and then you will sell and buy justly!”

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Please note that Reflection Capsules will not be sent this week (Oct 13th – Oct 18th, 2019) as I am making my Personal Retreat.

Let’s pray that we grow deeper in God’s Love and our hearts may seek to do God’s Will at all times!

I pray. Do pray for me too!

God Bless! Live Jesus!