A child standing in front of the Christmas Crib was looking for quite sometime at the statue of St Joseph.

The mother, tapped his shoulder and asked: “Why is it that you looking so long at St Joseph?”

The boy with an innocent smile replied:

“Mamma…St Joseph was such a great person, isn’t it!

>> He had the honour to be so close with the two holiest persons of this world – Jesus, the Son of God and Mary, the Immaculate Mother!

I  wish that we would talk and pray to St Joseph more..

… than just think of him, only during Christmas season!”

The boy was recounting the greatness of St Joseph…

…who often remains hidden in the backdrop, amid the great galaxy of Biblical Stars!

The Gospel of the day is a beautiful glimpse to understand the person of St Joseph.

Let’s learn a few of his important virtues.

1. St Joseph was ever attentive and obedient to the voice of God

>> One of the standout qualities that we observe in St Joseph is his prompt obedience to the voice of God

He listened to the Angel, in moments of dilemma, and obediently took Mary as his wife (Mt 1:20-24)

He listened to the Angel, in moments of danger, and obediently took the Mother and Child to Egypt (Mt 1:13-15)

He listened to the Angel, in moments of doubt, and obediently settled the Holy Family in Nazareth (Mt 1: 20, 22b)

>> St Joseph was able to let go of his personal choices and his desired comforts and give top priority to do what God wanted him to do.

Holiness consists in doing what God wants – when and where He wants

2. St Joseph teaches us the love for Jesus and Mary

>> Ever since he recognised the plan of God in his life, St Joseph displayed a tremendous commitment and love to Jesus and Mary

>>  He had many occasions of choices to let go of them…

… to leave Mary when she was found with Child, even before the marriage

… to leave his pregnant Wife when they found no place in the inn

… to abandon the Child and Mother when a life-danger against them was sensed

But, nothing could deter St Joseph from leaving or abandoning them.

>> He knew that in God’s plan, They belonged to him, and he would safeguard Them – treasuring Them close to his heart.

Our faith has blessed us with love for Jesus and Mother Mary.

>> Can we also imitate St Joseph, in holding Them close to our hearts?

3. Humility is a virtue radiated by St Joseph

St Joseph had to face many moments of humiliation, disappointment and uncertainty.

>> But in his humility, he remained true to God in all those moments

Life sometimes drags us into situations of sadness and even shame.

>> Many times we let go of God’s Hands, saying that “He is not fair” or “He doesn’t understand me”!

St Joseph teaches us that there is much value in humbling oneself, before the mighty power of the Almighty

4. St Joseph was content to be the “silent worker” in the awesome work of Salvation

>> St Joseph, was honoured to be sharing the most intimate physical presence with the two holiest persons of this world – Jesus, the Son of God and Mary, the Immaculate Mother.

>> And yet, he contented himself to be the “silent hard-worker”.

He is a mighty challenge to our world, where seeking for honour, position, fame and reputation become cheap motives, in doing works of charity or even, sadly to say, in ministries of the Church.

5. St Joseph is the model of chastity

>> Mary is the New Ark of Covenant, bearing Divinity in Her.

St Jerome, says that St Joseph, the son of David, shared his royal ancestor’s fear of coming into overly close contact with the Tabernacle of the Lord: “Who am I,” asked King David, “that the Ark of the Lord should come to me?” (2 Sam. 6:9)

Chastity is the virtue that moderates the desire for sexual pleasure according to the principles of faith and right reason.

>> In married people, chastity moderates the desire in conformity with their state of life

>> In unmarried people who wish to marry, the desire is moderated by abstention or unless they get married

>> In those who resolve not to marry, the desire is sacrificed entirely.

St Joseph is often depicted with a White Lily in his hand, to depict purity and holiness

6. St Joseph was prefigured in Joseph of the Old Testament

>> In the Old Testament, we read Joseph, the son of Jacob, had stored up, in Egypt, grain to provide bread for the preservation of the People of Israel (Gen 42)

In the New Testament, St Joseph, safeguarded, in Egypt, the Bread of Life, for the salvation of the People of God. (Mt 1: 14)

7. St Joseph is a model leader

>> True to being a Father, St Joseph displayed many leadership qualities, which needs to be imitated by us, in our practical life

>> Defender of the community/team members: St Joseph preserved Mother Mary from idle talks of gossip and malicious speculation

>> Protection of those in care: St Joseph did not give up in the face of hostile situations, when it was time for the Birth of the Child

>> Needful and prompt action: St Joseph acted quickly and promptly, in response to situations of danger and of need

St Joseph invites us to grow in obedience to the Will of God – with promptness and joy

>> Let us pray that we will be able to nurture a deeper and tender affection for Jesus and Mother Mary and be close to Them, to lead a pure and holy life.

May the greatness of St Joseph inspire us.

>> And may we talk and pray to St Joseph more..

… than just think of him, only during Christmas season!

——————————–

Quotable-quote-a-day-with-St Francis de Sales (SFS) – “Glorious St Joseph, spouse of Mary, grant us thy paternal protection, we beseech thee by the Heart of Jesus Christ!

>> O thou, whose power extends to all our necessities and can render possible for us the most impossible things, open thy fatherly eyes to the needs of thy children!”

——————————–

A story is said of a man in a mission land, who was extremely critical of religion and religious practices.

Once, this man went to a missionary who had been in the place for some years.

He told the missionary, “I want to hear about your religion”

The missionary was pleasantly surprised, and asked him:

“Oh that’s great!

But how is it that you would like to hear of my religion. I have heard of your dislike and aversion to religious practices”

To that, the man answered:

“Well, its very true, that I don’t cherish religion.

But ever since the day you came to our place, I have been observing you.

You are always cheerful and happy.

I have also heard a lot of laughter in your house and in the houses of my village people, who have embraced your faith”

The man continued, “And if you have anything that makes people so joyous, I too want it!”

Joy was the nectar that attracted the man to experience the sweetness of Christ and Christianity.

>> Am I a person who radiates happiness?

>> Am I a Christian whose life exudes with joy?

The Gospel of the Day is the delightful description of the joyful encounter between Elizabeth and Mother Mary and the “joyful leap” of John the Baptist, in his first meet with Jesus, the God of Joy!

The Gospel is the beautiful meeting of Two to-be-Mothers, with Two Special Children in their wombs…

… Elizabeth, with John who would be called as the Baptist

… Mary, with Jesus, who would be called as the Messiah

This wonderful encounter begins on a Divinely joyful note:

“when Elizabeth heard the greeting of Mary, the babe leaped in her womb” (Lk 1: 41)

This is an interesting word – “leaped”

The Greek word for “leaped” is “skirtao”

We find the usage of this word “skirtao” in different places in the Bible…

>> In Gen 25:22: Rebeccah’s twin children – Jacob and Esau – “struggled (skirtao)” within the her

>> In Ps 114: 4, 6: The mountains “skipped (skirtao)” like rams in the presence of the Lord

>> In Mal 3:20: Those who fear the Lord’s name will “skip (skirtao)” like calves.

>> In Lk 6:23: The chosen ones should rejoice and “leap (skirtao)” for joy

When the mother, Elizabeth, heard the greeting of the Messiah’s Mother, the babe John, “leaped for joy”

Later in his ministry, John would testify to this fact, when he would say: “… the best man, who stands and listens for Him, rejoices greatly at the Bridegroom’s Voice” (Jn 3:29b)

There is great rejoicing, in Divine Presence is a powerful message that we receive.

>> The presence of the Mother of Jesus, delighted Her cousin, Elizabeth

>> The presence of Jesus, delighted His cousin, John.

As we gear up ourselves for the Season of Christmas, this ought to be a reflective question that we need to ponder and make amends, if lacking…

… Is our Christian life, one that “leaps for joy”?

Things around us may seem confusing and uncertain…

… just as it was for Mary who conceived of the Holy Spirit and Elizabeth in her old age

>> Yet, they were able to rejoice..

… because, their trust was in the Power of the Lord Who had blessed them

People may sometimes reject us, misunderstand us or even humiliate or be indifferent to us…

… just as it was for Mary who would face misunderstandings and Elizabeth who had undergone a lot of shame.

>> Yet, they were able to rejoice…

… because, their strength was in the favourable Love of the Lord, Who, they knew, had accepted and chosen them, for His cause

Life may sometimes make a fool of us by taking us through roads which are illogical, unreasonable and irrational…

… just as it was for Mary who had to tread unknown paths and Elizabeth who had to take on new responsibilities as a mother at an odd age

Yet, they were able to rejoice…

… because, their hope was in the faithful grace of God, in which they trusted and to Whom they had pledged their life in fidelity and loyalty.

Joy is to be the hallmark of every Christian.

As St Francis de Sales says, “A sad saint is a sorry saint!”

>> Our lives ought to be a “Gospel of Joy”!

As we get closer to the celebration of the Birth of the “Cause of our Joy”, we need to look into this dimension of Christian holiness: the aspect of Joy.

It is not simply a joy that is manifested..

… by some “plastic smile”

… or with some artificial activism

… or with any created humorous traits

Christian Joy is…

… a result of trusting deeply in the Providence of God

… a felt experience that manifests, effortlessly, in every aspect of life

… an honest expression of the inner peace and serenity – a fruit of the Holy Spirit.

Yes, Joy is to be the nectar that attracts others to experience the sweetness of Christ and Christianity.

May we always “leap for joy” with the Power of the Holy Spirit…

… and may our joyful and happy lives, attract and enthuse many people to embrace Jesus, the Lord of all Joy!

God Bless! Live Jesus!

——————————–

Quotable-quote-a-day-with-St Francis de Sales (SFS) – “We shall never experience total joy so long as we are in this mortal life.

… this grace is reserved to the blessed Spirits in heaven

>> Nevertheless, try to attain it in the greatest possible degree!”

——————————–

A little six-year-old boy had often heard his Catholic companions reciting the prayer “Hail Mary.”

>> He liked it so much that he copied it, memorized it and would recite it every day.

“Look, Mommy, what a beautiful prayer,” he said to his mother one day.

“Never again say it,” answered the mother who was against Catholic practices. “It is a superstitious prayer of Catholics who think Mary as a goddess. After all, she is a woman like any other. ”

From that day on the little boy discontinued his daily “Hail Mary” and gave himself more time to reading the Bible instead.

One day, while reading the Gospel, he came across the passage about the Annunciation of the Angel to Our Lady.

Full of joy, the little boy ran to his mother and said: “Mommy, I have found the ‘Hail Mary’ in the Bible which says: ‘Hail full of grace, the Lord is with thee, blessed art thou amongst women.

‘ Why do you call it a superstitious prayer?”

On another occasion he found that beautiful Salutation of St. Elizabeth to the Virgin Mary which said, “Blessed are You among women and blessed is the Fruit of Your Womb”

This little boy, as he grew up…

…. made a serious study of both Protestantism and Catholicism.

>> He found the latter to be the only true religion and embraced it and became one of its most ardent apostles…

… going on to become a Priest!

Mother Mary is indeed the beautiful instrument chosen by God, to lead many more to His Love.

The Gospel of the Day presents the miraculous incident of the Annunciation of the Good News to Mother Mary.

Mother Mary, at the Annunciation teaches us many things…

1. Mother Mary teaches the supreme goodness of obedience

>> Heaven had chosen a simple girl, Mary to be the Mother of Jesus, the Saviour.

>> When Angel Gabriel was sent to seek Her consent, Mary, after the initial moments of fear, bowed Herself in obedience: “Behold, I am the Handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to Me, according to Your Word” (Lk 1: 38)

>> This obedience to God’s Will would turn out to be Her fortress and strength – in moments of uncertainty, loneliness, dread and agony.

2. “Faithfulness, thy true Daughter is Mary!”

>> One of the most outstanding qualities to be admired and imitated from our Blessed Mother is “to be faithful”

>> In Mother Mary, we have a person, who remained faithful at all times…

… even when there were dark clouds of unwarranted humiliation looming over her

… even when unforeseen difficulties encountered Her during the birth of Jesus

… even when she encountered many situations which were not understood by Her

… even when life surrounded her with agonising moments and heartbreaking instances

The “Fiat” at the Annunciation would be lived all through Her life

>> This act of being “faithful forever” was a result of the constant choices that She made to listen and obey to God’s Will always.

3. Mary was ready to be moulded and shaped by God

When Mary was entrusted with the greatness of the task, She gave Herself readily to the power of God

>> She didn’t hold back anything; She was complete in Her surrender

It is when we offer ourselves wholly and be ready to be moulded and shaped by the Lord, that He can perform wonders through us.

4. Mary held on to Jesus as the Greatest Treasure of Her life

The greatness and the eminence of Mother Mary came as result of Her single-minded focus and love: Everything for Jesus and in Jesus.

>> When in womb…

… Her sole attention was on Jesus

>> While in the manger…

… Her whole care was for Jesus

>> While in His ministry…

… Her thoughts were centred on Him

>> While on the Cross…

… Her entire self rested on Him 

It is when Jesus becomes the Treasure of our life, that our lives gets enshrined in Grace and Holiness

5. Mary is the New Ark of the Covenant, bearing Jesus.

The Scriptures easily point to the fact that Mother Mary is the New Ark of the Covenant

The ark in the OT travelled to the land of Judah and remained for 3 months (2 Sam: 6:1-11)

>> The Ark in the NT, Mary travels to Judah, to meet Her cousin Elizabeth and remained for 3 months (Lk 1:39, 56)

David danced and leaped, and shouted before the ark in the OT (2 Sam 6:14)

>> In the NT, John, the babe, leaped and Elizabeth exclaimed with a loud cry before Mary (Lk 1: 41, 43)

Inside the ark of the Old Covenant was the manna – the miraculous bread from heaven, the staff of Aaron, the Priest and the tablets of the covenant (Heb 9:4)

>> The NT Ark, Mother Mary had within Her Jesus, the Bread of Life, Jesus, the Eternal Priest and Jesus, the Law-giving Word!

As the New Ark of the Covenant, Mother Mary deserves our highest veneration and honour, which will lead us to a greater closeness and intimacy with the One…

… She derives all Her praise – Jesus, Her Son and our Brother!

May we embrace Mary, the beautiful instrument chosen by God…

…  and be led to love the Lord more!

God Bless! Live Jesus!

——————————–

Quotable-quote-a-day-with-St Francis de Sales (SFS) – “Let us run to Mary, and, as her little children…

… cast ourselves into her arms with a perfect confidence!”

——————————–

Corporal Jeffrey Lee Nashton is a former Marine Corps sergeant in the US.

On Oct. 23, 1983, a suicide bomber drove a truck load of explosives into the Marine Camp at Beirut International Airport, Lebanon, killing 241 soldiers.

>> Nashton, a lance corporal, just 23 at that time, was among those severely injured in the attack.

Nashton had many tubes, running in and out of his body, with grave injuries all over.

>> A witness would say, that ‘he looked more like a machine than a man’.

Yet, he survived!

It is said, that two days after the bombing, while lying on the hospital bed in Weisbaden, Germany…

… in deep pain and agony, Nashton scribbled two words on a note and gave to his commander, Marine Commandant Paul X. Kelley.

The two words on the note read: “Semper Fi”

“Semper Fi” is the Latin motto of the Marines.

It means: “Forever Faithful”!

The pledge of  “Semper Fi”…

… strengthened the injured man, in his moments of agony and struggle!

… became the reason for the wounded person, to remain steadfast in the face of anguish!

Every Christian ought to have this pledge to the Lord – “Semper Fi : Forever Faithful” – firmly adhered to Christ and faithfully lived in love.

The Gospel of the Day is the inspiring story of two exemplary persons- Elizabeth and Zechariah – who displayed the courage “to remain faithful” even while staring at hopelessness and despair.

St Luke begins his Gospel, after a brief introduction, with the amazing story of Elizabeth and Zechariah.

It’s interesting to note the meanings of their names…

>> “Zechariah” meant “The Lord remembers”

>> “Elizabeth” meant “the oath of God”

Combined, their names would mean, “The Lord remembers His Oath!”

However, life seemingly handed them something quite opposite…

>> Their childlessness caused to seem that the Lord had totally forgotten!

>> The barrenness of Elizabeth caused to seem that the Lord had His memories lost!

How true is this situation in our own lives too?

>> We bank on God’s promises that “He would provide” everything…

… but when some of our expectations fall short, we feel God is just not with us!

>> We feel joyful to know that God’s Providence will guide us through…

… yet, when some unforeseen and sudden mishaps happen, we feel God has forgotten us!

>> We feel assured to realise that God will always shelter us…

… however, when we  find ourselves in the thickets of problems and crises, we feel God has left us!

This is where we need to look to Zechariah and Elizabeth and be inspired by their amazing faith.

>> Though life did not move the way they wished…

>> Though many of their honest longings were not fulfilled…

>> Though they had to go through occasions of shame and dishonour…

>> Though all possibilities of hope and expectation was “lost”, humanly speaking…

… they still kept the faith!

… they still remained true to the Lord!

… they still continued to be devout to God!

The Gospel says, “they were both righteous before God, walking in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord, blameless” (Lk 1: 6)

Yes,  Zechariah and Elizabeth firmly held up the placard of “Semper Fi” –  Forever Faithful – to God!

And this is what we too are called to do, in our Christian life of faith – to hold up the banner of “Semper Fi”…

Being “Forever Faithful”…

… even when our life ahead seems uncertain and the road ahead looks too dark

>> By firmly trusting Divine Providence and obeying His Will in our lives

Being “Forever Faithful”…

… even when undeserved sufferings crush our life and unfair behaviour is meted out to us 

>> By strongly pursuing the paths of justice and holding firm to the values of the Gospel

Being “Forever Faithful”…

… even when sin traps us and we find it miserable to let go off our evil ways

>> By resolutely making efforts to do away with sinful tendencies and seeking to be holy

The “Forever Faithful” principle of Zechariah and Elizabeth was mercifully looked with favour by God…

… and thus the joyful words were addressed: “…your prayer has been heard! Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son” (Lk 1: 13)

Yes, “the Lord remembered His oath” and announced that He is indeed “The God Who is Gracious” by blessing them with John ( = God is Gracious)

>> Our God is a God Who cares much for His people…

>> Our God is a God Who deeply loves His Own…

This deep care and love, however, deserves our steadfast faithfulness and uncompromising fidelity.

Yes, let our Christian Lives be a life of loyalty and allegiance to Christ, our Great Commander…

… and may we, firmly hold high the banner – “Semper Fi – Forever Faithful!”

God Bless! Live Jesus!

——————————–

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

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

——————————–

The early American Indians had a unique ritual in their training of young boys to be brave and strong in their lives.

The evening of the boy’s thirteenth birthday, would consist of the final test, after having learnt hunting, exploration, fishing and other skills.

The boy was placed in a dense forest to spend the entire night all alone.

Until then, he had never been away from the security of the family and the tribe.

But on this night, he was blindfolded and taken several miles away.

>> When the blindfold was taken off, he would find himself in the midst of the thick woods…

… and he would be terrified!

.

Every time a branch snapped or something fell, he visualized a wild animal ready to pounce.

> His heart would pound with fear…

> He would seek for some consolation, but would find none..

> He would long to feel safe again, but the wait seemed to be an unending one…

After what seemed like an eternity, dawn broke and the first rays of sunlight entered the interior of the forest…

Looking around, the boy saw the wild flowers, lush trees, and the outline of the path.

Then, to his utter astonishment, he beheld the figure of a man standing just a few feet away, armed with a bow and arrow.

Guess who it was ?

It was his father!

He had been there all night long.

The boy had been unaware, but the father was always there, to make an intervention, in case of any eventuality of danger.

The protection of the father encircled the child, irrespective of whether the boy was aware or not.

Such is the tremendous protection and security of God, our Loving Father.

In the fullness of time, when God, the Father decided to send His Beloved Son to the earth, for the redemption of humankind, He had to entrust the care of His Precious Child to the protection and care of a human father…

>> And it was St Joseph who was chosen to be assigned this task and responsibility of being the caretaker and protector of Jesus, the Son of God!

The Gospel of the Day introduces and portrays the beautiful personality of St Joseph.

>> It is also an invitation to look to this Great Saint and draw inspiration from his life.

Just as God had entrusted Him to be the protector of the body of Jesus while on earth, St Joseph is also the protector and patron of His Body on the earth today, the Holy Church.

St Joseph in fulfilling his task of being the protector of Jesus, teaches us a few lessons…

1. He was ever prompt to the voice of the Lord

In his moments of confusion, he was still open to the promptings of the Spirit.

“When Joseph awoke, he did as the angel of the Lord had commanded him…” (Mt 1:24)

>> Am I docile to the inspirations of the Lord, so as to be in greater tune with the Will of God?

His love was attentive to the needs of the Divine Child and the Mother.

2. St Joseph was ready to make any sacrifice for the sake of protecting Jesus and Mary.

He was willing…

…to undergo societal humiliations

… to bear physical hardships of travelling, migration, lack of comforts etc

… to be prudent to the socio-political situations and make decisions in favour of the family

>> Does love prompt me to be attentive and sensitive to the needs of others, and cause me to make sacrifices towards the good of the other?

3. A willingness to be playing the “backdrop role” in the great drama of salvation.

St Joseph, was privileged to be sharing the most intimate physical presence with the two holiest persons of this world – Jesus, the Son of God and Mary, the Immaculate Mother.

Yet, it also meant that Joseph had to stay away from the limelight of glory and be the “silent yet impactful” figure of the salvation history.

> Do I have the courageous humility to take up any role that the Lord entrusts me, in His plan of salvation – be it shorn of fame, littleness in glamour or even subject to awkwardness and uncertainty

4. He was ready to give up his personal decisions and doubts in obedience to the voice of God.

St Joseph was not afraid to shed his own personal concerns, anxieties and even doubts, when asked to be part of the mysterious redemptive plan of God.

>> There were many things that were not understood by him…

>> There were a lot of factors that prompted him to question and confront..

Yet, He had the deep daring to keep them all aside – because he was convinced that God’s mighty hand was at work, in them all.

>> Am I willing to place my faith in God and follow my vocation faithfully, even though circumstances around me maybe uncertain, the future looks bleak and my own reasonable thinking may see situations and people as being illogical, unscientific and irrational?

As St. Alphonsus Liguori says:

“We should, indeed, honour St. Joseph, since the Son of God Himself was graciously pleased to honour him by calling him father.

If the King of kings was pleased to raise Joseph to so high a dignity, it is right and obligatory on our part to endeavour to honour him as much as we can!”

The Lord protects us, no matter how fearful the external situations are…

>> He is the loving Father, who is always with us – we realise or not!

St Joseph gave heed to the voice of the Lord…

…  and positively responded to the task that was entrusted to him by God, despite hardships and trials…

Shall we also not trust in Heavenly protection, and in turn, be a protector and defender to each other?

God Bless! Live Jesus!

——————————–

Quotable-quote-a-day-with-St Francis de Sales (SFS) – “O what a Saint is the glorious St Joseph!

Not only is he a patriarch, but he is the corypheus of all the patriarchs.

>> Not only is he a confessor, but he is more than a confessor, because in his confession is contrained…

… the dignity of bishop, the generosity of martyrs and of all other saints!”

——————————–

A genealogist is a person who records/tables the descent of a person, family, or group from an ancestor or ancestors.

>> He/She draws the family tree.

Once a person asked a genealogist:

“Why do you think that your duty is very great?”

The genealogist, with a gentle smile replied:

“Remember that when a family member passes away, they take a library of memories with them.

>> It’s a genealogist’s duty to record them all, for the good of the future generations!”

True indeed!

>> A genealogy gives a memorable library of memories…

… and helps us to be moved by the Magnificent Miracles wrought by our Marvellous God!

The Gospel of the Day presents the marvellous work of St Mathew, the genealogist…

…the Genealogy of Jesus Christ, the Son of God!

This passage of the Gospel is something that we hear and read very rarely…

… and much less meditated upon.

What are the different aspects that the Genealogy of Christ makes us to reflect on?

1. The Genealogy of Jesus is one of the finest treasures of God’s Grace and Providence

St Matthew (1: 1-17) and St Luke (3: 23-38) present the Genealogy of Jesus Christ.

>> They could be called as the “forgotten passages of the Christmas Story”.

The names in it sound too obscure, their pronunciation beyond comprehension, their purpose highly hazy.

>> Perhaps, these are some of the common excuses we find, in avoiding to read or reflect on the accounts of the Genealogy.

But we must realise that in the account of the Genealogy, is buried the marvellous working of God’s Grace and His Amazing Providence – the manner in which the “streams of God’s Grace flows through the ordinary and the great, the mighty and simple people”

>> The Genealogy teaches us open our eyes to see the ways of God working in our lives- hidden yet awesome; silent yet splendid

2. The two accounts of Genealogy are not contradictory; rather they are two perspectives to show Jesus as the Son of David

There are two accounts of Genealogy in the Gospels: St Matthew, which starts with Abraham; St Luke, which starts with Adam

Apparently, the two accounts look to be contradicting each other

But on closer look, we find…

… St Matthew traced the family line through Joseph, whereas St Luke traced it through Mary.

This was because Gospel of Matthew, being written to the Jews, had a legal requirement to show Jesus descending from the father, who belonged to the line of King David.

>> This account also made sure it kept the prophecy in Jer 22:24-30 (“For none of his sons will succeed in occupying the throne of David or ever succeed in ruling over Judah.?)

St Luke’s version also shows Jesus as the Son of David, coming through his son Nathan.

>> Thus, both the accounts show that Jesus, as the Son of David, had the right to the throne of Israel

3. The Genealogy mentions some notorious people – yet the Messiah was born in this family!

The Genealogy mentions 5 women

a. Tamar: Disguised herself as a prostitute and seduced her father-in-law Judah (Gen 38)

b. Rahab: A Gentile, prostitute; she helped the Jewish spies to hide and to escape from the enemies ( Josh 2)

c. Ruth: A Gentile, with the background of a family who offered themselves to pagan gods

d. The wife of Uriah: The Gospel doesn’t even mention her name; suffered abuse by David, the great King of Israel.

e. Mary: A simple woman from Nazareth, who was found to be with child, before the marriage.

All these five women were considered dis”graced” – some gentiles, some involved in sexual immorality, some finding themselves in situations of family disgrace.

>> Yet the Messiah is born in this family – to show that God’s “Grace” can wash away every dis”grace”!

It shows that God can write straight, with crooked lines!

4. The Genealogy is also a lesson to the self-righteous people

Besides the mention of the apparently “not-pleasant women’, the list also mentions of kings, many of whom were unfaithful, of idolaters, of people without morals etc.

The Family Tree of Jesus is really not a pretty picture; it looks to be “very unclean”

>> Yet, St Matthew’s Gospel, written to the Jews, gives a message that it is not self-righteousness that wins salvation (as thought by many Pharisees, Scribes and Jewish leaders); it is God’s grace and mercy, along with our co-operation to His Will.

5. The Genealogy gives us the great message of hope

We may have…

… a past that is hurting us – either due to our biological family or due to our own experiences of life

… a past that is sinful and we wish to forget

… a past that is painful or abused

… a past that has experienced humiliations and rejection

>> Yet, the Genealogy teaches us the big lesson that all our past can be cleansed and healed, by the mighty presence of Jesus.

Cardinal Van Thuan says in his book ‘The Testimony of Hope’:

“The river of history, full of sinners and criminals, becomes a source of pure water, as we approach the fullness of time.

>> With Mary, the Mother and Jesus, the Messiah, all generations will be renewed again”

The Genealogy of our Blessed Lord teaches that Jesus was very much historical…

… and shared our world.

>> In Jesus, we have a God, who is not distant or away from us – but Someone, Who is deeply intimate with us, involved in our lives and sharing our joys and pains of life.

May a deeper meditation on the Genealogy of Jesus enable us to explore the memorable library of memories…

… and helps us to be moved by the Magnificent Miracles wrought by our Marvellous God!

God Bless! Live Jesus!

——————————–

Quotable-quote-a-day-with-St Francis de Sales (SFS) – “Don’t get upset with your imperfections. >> Surrender to the power of God’s Love…

… which is greater than our weakness!”

——————————–

Once, a preacher was speaking the Word of God to a great crowd.

As was his practice, he was concentrating more on the content of his message and of its effect upon the hearts of people, for transformation…

… rather than the precise literary form of it.

Among his audience, was seated a certain fussy gentleman.

>> He had been known for making extremely critical remarks and comments.

At the end of the prayer service, this person went up to the preacher and said:

“By the way, I noticed that you made eleven mistakes of grammar in your sermon.”

“Very likely,” replied the preacher, very coolly, “I don’t doubt it for a minute.

My early education was faulty. I often wished that I had received more schooling.

>> But I am using all the grammar I know in the service of Christ.

How is it with you?”

Well, we don’t know how did the fussy gentleman react to this bold and true reply of the preacher.

(Hopefully, he went home and read a chapter of the Bible and prayed for a humbler heart…

… rather than just revising his skills of grammar!)

When the heart is closed to God’s spirit, the focus dwells only external and peripheral factors…

>> The heart gets closed to spiritual appreciation…

>> The mind remains curious only for rhetorical arguments!

The Gospel of the Day presents such a critically harsh and uncharitably closed attitude of the chief priests and scribes and elders towards the person and ministry of Jesus.

This is expressed in their volatile question to Jesus:

“By what authority are you doing these things and who gave you this authority?” (Mt 21: 23)

The context of today’s Gospel is the presence of Jesus in the city of Jerusalem.

Chapter 21 of St Mathew’s Gospel has a progressive sequence…

1. The entry into Jerusalem (Mt 21: 1-11)

2. The ‘re-storation’ in the Temple at Jerusalem and indignant behaviour of authorities(Mt 21:12-16)

3. The entry to Bethany and cursing of the fig tree (Mt 21: 17-22)

4. The ‘re-entry’ to the Temple at Jerusalem and questioning of Jesus by the authorities (Mt 21: 23-27)

>> The popularity of Jesus was on the rise…

… He had a rousing welcome to the city of Jerusalem

>>  The impact of Jesus was also on the rise…

… He had performed a daring cleansing of the Jerusalem Temple

These factors had greatly disturbed the religious leaders.

>> In Jesus, they perceived a threat.

… a threat to their attitude of subjugating people to their yoke than to service of God

>> In Jesus, they sensed a danger.

… a danger to their personal wishes and agenda of having a monopoly over religion

>> In Jesus, they identified a menace.

… a menace to their comfort-rendering style of spirituality and way of life.

And so, they – the chief priests and scribes and the elders – sought to put Jesus to the task and questioned His authority on doing such deeds and performing such actions.

>> Their eyes were closed to see the goodness of the Lord

>> Their hearts had become clogged to examine their own maligned conscience

>> Their lives were rendered blocked to be willing to make necessary changes for the good.

Instead…

… they only found fault with the Lord

… they only become critical of the ways of the Lord

When the heart is closed to God’s spirit, the focus dwells only external and peripheral factors…

>> The heart gets closed to spiritual appreciation…

>> The mind remains curious only for rhetorical arguments!

Is such an attitude prevalent among us also?

>> A mentality of harshly criticising…

>> A tendency to inhumanly  condemn…

… without any consideration to humanness or acceptance or self-examination etc.

May we be able to root out all such pessimistic mind-sets and focus instead of self-growth in holiness and humility.

God Bless! Live Jesus!

——————————–

Quotable-quote-a-day-with-St Francis de Sales (SFS) – “There are no galley-slaves in the royal vessel of divine love.

>> Every man works his oar voluntarily!”

——————————–

In a particular village, a river was going to be used to generate electricity and to supply water for the people and their crops.

But near the source of the river, was a place called “Valley of the Blind”.

The people who lived in and around this Valley, had trouble with their eyes…

… most of them were either blind or had some eye-defect.

>> This trouble was caused by a particular species of fly, which lived in the shrubs along the river-source.

.. When this fly bit someone, it would inject a certain parasite into the blood, which would render the eyesight of the person to be severely affected.

On hearing, that the people of the village had decided to tap the river for several uses including electricity and supply of water…

>> An elderly village man – who had lived his entire life in this village – …

… called together the concerned authorities and developers.

He told them:

” I am happy to hear that you are wanting to make progress by using effectively the river.

But my children, remember…

… before you undertake any works of development, please make sure that you do something to get rid of the fly in the ‘Valley of the Blind’!

>> If not, your minor oversight, may cause a major disaster!”

The wisdom of the old man reminded the people: Minor oversights can cause major disasters!

The Gospel of the Day is a bold reminder to make a thorough examination of our conscience…

… and check, if I am allowing “minor oversights” to cause “major disasters” in our lives!

We are on the third Sunday of the Season of Advent.

>> This is called the “Gaudete Sunday” – the Sunday of Joy.

We are nearly half way through the season in preparation for Christ.

Sometimes, like runners, in a marathon…

… we may feel tired of this preparation

… or we may think, when is the destination going to reach?

And so we may get wearied…tired… or feel exhausted.

But the Church – our caring Mother –  knows Her children… and tells us….

” Just a few more days… and it will be Christmas!

Do not give up hope…

>> But instead, continue to prepare…

In joy… in happiness.. in expectancy…”

Thus, this Third Sunday of Advent, we celebrate as Gaudete (= Joyful, in Greek) Sunday.

The Gospel reading on this “Gaudete Sunday” begins with John the Baptist – who is in prison –

…sending his disciples to Jesus and asking: “Are you He who is to come, or shall we look for another?”

Last Sunday, we saw John the Baptist, “in a preaching mode” – in the wilderness

>> Today, he  is in the “prison zone” – in captivity!

Here is an important lesson that John the Baptist teaches us:

… There will be times when you are in the highlight – preaching powerfully  and being acknowledged with great power and might

… But there would also come times, when you are banished to isolation – with only the four walls of loneliness for company!

>> In all such moments – in the ‘glory of the wilderness’ and the ‘isolation of the prison’…

… Can we still remain faithful and loyal to the Will of the Lord?

… Can we still trust that God is pleased with my fidelity more than my performances?

… Can we still be zealous for the Ways of God, knowing that He will turn everything for our good?

At the same time, the Gospel reading (Mt 11: 2-11) powerfully reminds us…

… Do we have an “oversight” of  the ways of God; and instead remain stuck in our own attitudes and thought-patterns.

>> Speaking of Himself, Jesus says:

“Go and tell John, what you hear and see; the blind receive their sight and the lame walk….” ( Mt 11:4-5)

>> Speaking of John the Baptist, Jesus says:

“What did you go out to the desert to see?  A reed swayed by the wind? Then what did you go out to see?….” (Mt 11: 7-10)

Here were two cases of “oversights”

1. John the Baptist had the understanding…

… that Jesus would be coming with fiery judgements and would be a Messiah Who would deal with the people, with blazing power and scorching verdicts

>> But this turned out to be an “oversight” as Jesus showed Himself as a Messiah Who would heal, teach and bring the Mercy of God!

2. The people had the understanding…

… that John the Baptist would be a finely dressed and a people-friendly prophet – one who would be willing to “adjust” the norms of God for their lifestyle

>> But this turned out to be an “oversight” as John the Baptist turned out to be a prophet “who disturbed the comfortable and comforted the disturbed.”

In both cases, there was an “oversight”…

Jesus was unwilling to let John the Baptist and the people to remain under the cloud of these “oversights”…

>> And so He presents the facts before them…

… in order to avoid any future “major disasters!”

The same examination is put forth before us, by the Lord: To check minor oversights.

Do we allow…

… “minor sins” – in the form of evil tendencies- to grow in us?

… “minor negligences” to develop into habitual practices?

… “minor indifferences” to take root in our relationships?

This “Gaudete Sunday” is an invitation to help us experience the joy of the Lord, by making us realise…

>> If these “minor oversights” are not corrected…

…. then they would soon turn into “major disasters!”

>> And we would get afflicted by the “Valley of the Blind”!

May we give heed to the strong reminder given by the Gospel, and amend our “minor oversights”…

… so that we can tap the “river of graces” in this Season of Advent, and prepare our hearts  – meaningfully – to celebrate the “major blessings” of Christmas!

God Bless! Live Jesus!

——————————–

Quotable-quote-a-day-with-St Francis de Sales (SFS) – “Do not lose your inner peace for anything whatsoever, not even if your whole world seems upset.

>> If you find that you have wandered away from the shelter of God, lead your heart back to Him – quietly and simply!”

——————————–

It was December in the year 1903.

After several attempts, the Wright brothers – achieved success in getting their “flying machine” off the land.

They were very much thrilled!

They telegraphed this message Katherine, their sister, informing her of the great invention:

“We have actually flown 120 feet! Will be home for Christmas”

The sister was also super-excited.

She rushed to the editor of the local newspaper, to share the great news and showed him the telegraph message.

The editor glanced at the message and said:

“How nice! So the boys will be home for Christmas!”

Oh! The Editor had completely missed the big news – that man had flown for the first time in history!!

How often is this our experience too in life – Missing the Important Points and settling for lower ones!

We fail to give attention to the most important things of life?

>> Instead, we get carried away by some other less priorities of life!

This is so true, especially with respect to the Word of God?

>> The Lord promises so many wonderful things in His Holy Word..

… but often, we miss the point.

Something similar had happened to the  people of Israel as well…

>> God had promised them of the coming of the Messiah…

… but they missed the point..

… and thus, failed to recognise the Saviour He came!

God had promised that Prophet Elijah of old would return…

… but they missed the point…

… and thus, failed to recognize the Prophet when he came!

This is what Jesus points out to His disciples in today’s Gospel, when He says:

“I tell you, Elijah has already come and they did not recognise him; but did to him, whatever they pleased” (Mt 17: 12)

John the Baptist, the forerunner of Christ, had come, preaching the message of repentance and conversion of heart (Mt 3:1)

The Gospel says that John the Baptist…

… wore a clothing made of camel’s hair

… had a leather belt around his waist

… had food of locusts and wild honey (Mt 4: 4)

This appearance was very similar to that of Elijah, the Prophet  (2 Kings 1:8)

But in their encounter with John the Baptist, the people failed to recognise him as the “Elijah who was to come”

And thus John the Baptist came to be …

… rejected

… derided

… finally killed!

Many times in our life, we too “miss the point” in our encounter with the Lord…

>> He gives His Beautiful Word to us…

… but we fail to be encouraged by It and live by It

>> He makes many wonderful promises of assurance and guidance…

…  but we fail to live a life of trust and confidence

>> He offers Himself wonderfully in the Sacraments, especially Confession and Holy Eucharist…

… but we fail to derive the necessary fruits from Them

Today, the Gospel invites us, to look at God’s Promises, God’s Word’s and God’s Will…

… and discover the true purpose of it in our lives.

This is more true as we prepare for Christmas…

Jesus is the BIG POINT of the Christmas

>> Let us dare not “miss Him”!

May we prepare our hearts to receive His Word as He wishes, in our life…

… and seek to live, in total accord with Him!

God Bless! Live Jesus!

——————————–

Quotable-quote-a-day-with-St Francis de Sales (SFS) – “Ought we not to love dearly the neighbour, who truly represents to us the Sacred Person of our Master?

>> And is this not one of the most powerful motives we could have for loving each other…

… with an ardently burning love?”

——————————–

Children are an interesting lot!

They love to play, to quarrel, to engage in arguments, to tease, to show love and affection etc…

Children indeed amaze us…with their simplicity, innocence, curiosity and their power of wonder.

Jesus in the Gospels time and again invites us to grow in our spirit and spirituality of being like a Child!

The famous artist, Picasso, once said:

“All children are artists.

The problem is how to remain an artist once he grows up..”

>> Many of us, as we age in years, tend to lose many of the good qualities and merits of a child.

>> Many of us, as we mature, tend to fritter away the precious pearls of simplicity and openness of a child

>> Many of us, as we advance in life, tend to paint our inner innocence with many external shades of duplicity.

But the Gospel of the Day shows us another dimension or rather, warns of a distortion in this striving to be a child…

One can easily stray away from the path of being child-like and transgress into the danger of being Childish!

Child-likeness is a beautiful virtue which is to be cultivated and nurtured to grow in our love of God!

>> Childishness is an ugly vice which is to be weeded and cast away to grow in our relationship with God!

What is child-likeness?

>> To be like a child is to possess a kitty of trust, faith, innocence and straightforwardness.

>> To be like a child is living in the present moment with a deep sense of wonder and admiration over life.

>> To be like a child is to have a faith which is matchless and a great amount of dependence on the One who cares!

But what is childishness?

>> Childishness is a child-like behaviour which has grown sore and strays away from honest qualities of life.

>> Childishness is having selfishness at its core: a vice that wants the world around to always dance to its tune!

>> Childishness is sticking on to ignorance and unwillingness to learn from people and situations!

>> Childishness is being glued to being stubborn and adamant at all aspects to suit one’s desires and comforts!

>> Childishness is being unmindful of the value and preciousness of people, things, feelings and situations.

This danger of Childishness can sometimes creep into our spiritual life and can hamper and cause havoc in many areas of our Christian life.

How can childishness in spirituality become a dangerous ploy?

Childishness in spirituality…

…  can make people to suit teachings for one’s own desire, at the cost of the Truth.

… can prevent people from being open to receive new insights from the Divine.

… can cause people to remain obstinate and block the moving of the Spirit.

… can prohibit people from recognizing the providential care of God. 

And this is what we come across in today’s Gospel Passage: the exposition of the Childishness of the people!

Our Blessed Lord says:

“To what shall I compare this generation? It is like children…” (Mt 11:16)

Two persons who had committed themselves totally to the cause of the Kingdom are under the scanner today – John the Baptist and Jesus.

>> John the Baptist lived in the wilderness and in preparation for the arrival of the Messiah.

>> John did not drink wine, and he and his followers fasted regularly.  He baptized people in the Jordan River.

But John also preached repentance and gave a clarion call to turn away from one sins!

> And this irked the people…

The elders of the Jewish community dreaded him because he recognized the corruption of the priests, and publicly called them to repent and be baptized.

They refused, because they wanted to keep their power, their wealth, their full stomachs and their fine clothing!

>> Jesus went around the cities and towns healing the sick and curing the lepers and doing many mighty works.

>> Jesus shared in the table-fellowship of many people regularly. Jesus preached the Kingdom of God.

But Jesus also challenged people to let go off their sinful and corrupt lives and turn to God in penitence!

> And this annoyed the leaders…

The Pharisees hated him because he preached with much authority and his new understanding of the law was highly challenging!

They rejected Him, because they wanted to stick to their traditions, empty hearts and their inhuman practices!

Jesus and John both would have hit high on the popularity charts if they had “lightened up” or “played nice” or “would have allowed things to be little more easy”!

But both of Them did not budge…

This is what Jesus says:

“We played the flute for you, you did not dance;

We mourned to you, you did not weep.” (Mt 11: 17)

This reaction by the people to Them was a song of derision… a tune of mockery…a melody of ridicule!

>> John the Baptist and Jesus, both, failed to let this Spiritual Childishness to overpower Them and to give in to silly demands!

We all can fall victims to spiritual childishness or we ourselves can fall into the trap of being spiritually childish!

Let us beware of the dangers of this ‘subtle and sly’ vice – CHILDISHNESS …

… and seek the grace of God to make efforts to rather be CHILD-LIKE in the Presence of God!

God Bless! Live Jesus!

——————————–

Quotable-quote-a-day-with-St Francis de Sales (SFS) – “We all colour devotion according to our own likings and dispositions.

One man sets great value on fasting, and believes himself to be leading a very devout life, so long as he fasts rigorously…

… although the while his heart is full of bitterness.

>> And while he will not moisten his lips with wine, perhaps not even with water, in his great abstinence…

… he does not scruple to steep them in his neighbour’s blood, through slander and detraction!”

——————————–